Showing posts with label Akarsh Khurana. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Akarsh Khurana. Show all posts
It was not till 2010, that we found a contemporary, urban language that defined us-Akarsh Khurana
2:41 PM
(From left) Akarsh, Dilshad, Akash, Meera, and Adhaar Khurana. Pic Courtesy/Akarsh Khurana
From studying mathematics, to stepping onto the stage, directing a film, and acting, Akarsh Khurana has been there and done that. In this edition of Arts Adda, the veteran is staying relevant in the game while borrowing from his 25-year-long journey
Shriram Iyengar (MID-DAY; June 21, 2026)
It is a busy afternoon while the cast and crew of Micro Theatre sets up their technical check on stage at antiSOCIAL in Lower Parel. Akarsh Khurana smiles, as he walks in; the tiredness of a battle-weary veteran of Mumbai traffic is hard to miss. “It feels like this city is at war with itself. I have grown up in Mumbai; a Bandra boy through and through, and yet, I find it tough to defend it these days,” he admits.
The conversation flows over cups of coffee, jokes, and insight into anecdotes and observations on everything from the stage to film.
Excerpts from the interview
Congratulations on 25 years. That’s quite an achievement...
It was in 2000 when we set up our production. Last year, we wanted to just celebrate. This year, it might be a reduced showcase.
Take us back to 2000, and your first production.
I was at St Xaviers’ College. Arghya [Lahiri] was a schoolmate, back from Arya Vidya Mandir in Bandra. One evening at Prithvi [Theatre], he suggested I submit a play to Thespo.
And, which play was this?
It was Brothers. I recall one of our lead actors contracted malaria two days before the opening, and I had to step in. Thankfully, we did well.
The perfect start for a 23-year-old on the stage…
Yes, but at a cost. The next season, I got more ambitious, and set up a production with 28 actors. We were literally booed off stage. I considered quitting theatre altogether.
So why didn’t you?
Back then, you had to apply in advance for dates at venues. Just then, the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) offered me two dates. Quasar Thakore [Padamsee], Arghya [Lahiri], myself, and a few others quickly put together a quartet of short plays which did spectacularly. That was a resurrection.
Going back to setting up Akvarious. What was the moment of epiphany?
It felt like a place I wanted to be in. The name, Akvarious, came from my father’s [Akash Khurana] writing company — a combination of his initials, and his star sign, Aquarius. But it was not till 2010, that we found a contemporary, urban language that defined us.
That language is not just in theatre. I remember it in Karwaan. How did you not get mobbed during the shoot?
We did. Do you remember that now famous scene of Dulquer Salmaan, Mithila [Palkar] and Irrfan [Khan] on the bridge? It is now called the DQ Bridge.
It had been built just a week before we arrived. Avinash [Arun, Director of Photography] and I picked it because it was an isolated place. Unfortunately, on the day of the shoot, there was a funeral in the village. Suddenly, hundreds of people were trying to catch sight of Dulquer [Salmaan]. Everyone else became almost irrelevant.
Two hilarious episodes occurred. Irrfan couldn’t reach his car, and just hopped on a passing local bike for a lift. The other incident was that Avinash and I were trying to set up a shot, and one over enthusiastic gentleman climbed up on my shoulder to take a picture of Dulquer (laughs). It was memorable.
Talk to us about the idea of curating theatre at a musical venue
They [antiSocial] approached us with the idea as they found that a few days in the week were slower at the venue. It sounded like a good alternative to experiment with subjects to suit the space. After a while of staging plays, we also stepped on board to help with the curation. The Micro Theatre itself is an interesting idea, and is mainly overseen by Jahaan Singh and Rayaan Khatib.
We want to build a community of theatre lovers, actors, and audiences. To do so in Lower Parel is an interesting project.
With your dad, and Adhaar, do you think of the legacy on stage?
I don’t think we consider legacy much. Even this community-building exercise is something we simply chose to do as an interesting experiment.
What is the ultimate objective?
The ultimate dream is to have my own venue. But it takes a lot. In this next five-year plan, it is something I would like to achieve.
When SlowCheeta proposed to Shweta Tripathi on stage
3:11 PM
Akash Bhatnagar (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 8, 2025)
Actor Shweta Tripathi and her husband, actor-rapper Chaitanya Sharma aka SlowCheeta, have been together for 12 years now, and theatre has played a huge role in their love story.
“We met during a theatrical play as two actors who were a part of the play were busy for a show date in Delhi, so director Akarsh Khurana asked Cheeta and I to fill in. As luck would have it, our seats were next to each other on the flight and we could not stop chatting. By the end of the flight, I knew that I wanted him to be a part of my life,” she shares.
Cheeta reveals how he went about the wedding proposal: “The first time we interacted properly was on stage. So, I thought proposal mein theatre toh banta hai. To give an ode to our relationship, we must do it on stage. That’s the most genuine I’d been on stage, and luckily, she said yes.”
Reminiscing her reaction to the proposal, Shweta adds: “What surprised me more was that he got a tattoo of my name. Ring to sabhi ko milti hai, mujhe tattoo mila.”
Talking about her most memorable date, Shweta adds: “I had once told Cheeta, ‘How crazy would it be if someone asked me out on a roller coaster’. So, he took me to an adventure park and did that.” He adds, “Who in their adulthood would want to go to an adventure park on a date? But, it turned out to be the best date I’ve had.”
The audience is bored of people talking at them; Mismatched speaks to them, not at them-Prajakta Koli
3:10 PM
Currently shooting for Mismatched 3, Prajakta Koli says she knows the character intimately as she has lived the part for five years
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; March 24, 2024)
We might know her from her YouTube sketches, web series and films. But Prajakta Koli steadily continues to use her voice as a young influencer to champion different causes. The actor-influencer, along with Freida Pinto, has lent her voice to She Creates Change, a live-action animation film that promotes gender equality and the importance of education in women’s lives through six stories of young girls around the world. The endeavour is backed by Room to Read, a global education non-profit tackling illiteracy and gender inequality, in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery.
In celebration of International Women’s Day, the short film series premièred on March 8, 15 and 22 in Asia. Now, as the project is set to screen at Tribeca Film Festival 2024, Koli says, “I was bowled over by the film. It is uncomplicated storytelling, but effective. When you work on something like this, you feel closer to the reality of people who live in this world. Films like this remind me of my social responsibility, something I want to prioritize at every step of my career.”
Koli is currently shooting for the third season of Mismatched. She believes that the Netflix series’ charm lies in how it is unabashedly romantic.
“The beauty of Mismatched is that it’s heartwarming and pure. Every day, we work towards holding on to the simplicity of it. Our director Akarsh Khurana and writer Gazal Dhaliwal intimately get what people expect from the show. They get the genre of young adult stories better than most people have in recent years. As a consumer of romance fiction, I haven’t had my fill of the story even so many years later. The audience is bored of people talking at them; Mismatched speaks to them, not at them.”
It has been two years since we last met her character Dimple Ahuja, a young ambitious, nerdy girl who finds herself torn between her heart and mind. How does she pick up her character after a long gap?
“Dimple is someone I carry in my heart. In this season, she is older, but not necessarily wiser. Of the past three seasons, this is the most I have related to her. The other day, an AD [assistant director] asked me how I prep for Dimple. I actually don’t. I have lived her for five years. The lines between where I end and she starts are blurry.”
I was perplexed about playing Rishi again, as I was no longer the person I was when I did Mismatched Season 1-Rohit Saraf
8:36 AM
Rohit Saraf and Prajakta Koli discuss the challenge of reprising their characters in Mismatched 2
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; November 8, 2022)
The idea that opposites attract is hardly novel, but it became endearing when we witnessed it in 2020, as Mismatched became a runaway hit. People loved the chemistry between Dimple and Rishi, played by Prajakta Koli and Rohit Saraf respectively. The second season saw the much-loved couple part ways, find new love interests, only to find their way back to each other. While the journey seemed effortless on screen, behind the camera, things were not that simple, at least for Saraf.
Koli says that despite the two-year gap between the two seasons, Dimple’s character never left her, owing to “the constant love that slipped into our social media”. “In the time that we spent apart, I watched Mismatched too many times. So, in a way she never left me,” says Koli, adding, “Dimple is personally dear to me because I relate to her, and I am always rooting for her irrespective of whether she is right or wrong.”
Of course, the attachment also scares the actor, but she wouldn’t have it any other way, especially since it was her acting debut. Saraf, who came back to the show after several projects in the interim, says he couldn’t relate to the 22-year-old protagonist anymore, especially more so post the Coronavirus pandemic.
“During a lunch meet organized for the cast and crew, we read a few lines. I was perplexed about playing Rishi again, because I was no longer the person I was when I did the first season. The pandemic had changed too much in my life — not just professionally, but personally too. We lost people and family dynamics had changed. I was suddenly an emotional wreck, which I didn’t think was possible,” reminisces Saraf, who finally found relief when he noticed that director Akarsh Khurana was in the same boat.
“I wasn’t the only one feeling like that. It did take hard work to come back to Rishi, which was exciting and challenging. After the pandemic, people came back with more sensitivity and actors brought in more depth to their characters,” he adds.
Since the second edition focused on their individual trajectories, did Saraf feel envious of the chemistry between Vihaan Samat, who played the character of Harsh, and Koli? “Initially, I did feel threatened as an actor when I saw Vihaan perform.” says Saraf, while reassuring himself that it is okay for the project to be bigger than himself.
“I feel if the show gets more attention because people like a certain track that doesn’t involve me, so be it. I remember being on set and watching a beautifully written scene between Vihaan and Prajakta. What he brought to the table that day was exceptional. I heard Akarsh, who is usually a man of few words, say, ‘Outstanding’. While I was proud that this scene was going to be part of our show and that Vihaan was getting the opportunity to do it, I wondered why I haven’t got it. It was challenging and that pushed me to work harder.”
I credit writers for not using pregnancy card in Rashmi Rocket-Taapsee Pannu
8:40 AM
As Rashmi Rocket puts the spotlight on gender testing in sports, Taapsee says writers were determined to not take easy way out in film’s resolution
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; October 21, 2021)
Rashmi Rocket has dared to do what other Indian sports dramas didn’t — examine the flaws of the system in the world of sports. In telling the story of the protagonist, essayed by Taapsee Pannu, the film highlights how some women athletes’ careers have been hampered by the age-old gender-testing practices. Akarsh Khurana’s directorial venture also depicts how an uninformed section of the population wrongly questions Rashmi’s gender due to her hyperandrogenism. While the protagonist is eventually shown pregnant, Pannu says it was a conscious call to not play the pregnancy card to win the gender-testing case in the film.
“It was a wow moment when I heard [the plot point]. I give the credit to writers Aniruddha [Guha] and Akarsh for the screenplay and the script; they made sure they didn’t use the pregnancy card [to determine her womanhood]. Why should you even have to prove [your womanhood?],” emphasises Pannu. The ZEE5 drama, conceived by Nandha Periyasamy, is co-written by Kanika Dhillon and Lisha Bajaj.
The film makes the case for pregnant athletes as well, showcasing how one can continue their sports career, should they choose to. Pannu admits sprinting with a prosthetic baby bump took a little getting used to. “It was scary initially. But I had seen many videos of pregnant women sprinting, and went through interviews of many athletes who ran, knowing they might not win. Just because they’ve conceived doesn’t mean they lack strength.”
As much as the film’s subject appealed to her, the actor says it was a single scene that sealed the deal. “I was sold on the pre-climax conversation [with her baby] in the locker room. That made me weep. It became my motivation to prep for the film and do those training sessions.”
Rashmi Rocket marks her third OTT release this year. While she loves the freedom that OTT platforms offer, Pannu brings in a new perspective. “OTT releases do take away a lot of pressure, but they also take away the validation of stardom. I’m not just an actor; I want to be a star who can act. I want to be able to shoulder the responsibility of a film. I can be the reason for people to come to theatres and watch a film. Box-office collection is the yardstick against which we can measure whether we’ve grown in terms of stardom.”
It was taken for granted that Anurag Kashyap and I will work together-Taapsee Pannu
8:31 AM
Ecstatic to reunite with Anurag on Dobaaraa after Manmarziyaan, Taapsee says filmmaker is among the few in Bollywood who can pull off sci-fi thrillers
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; October 14, 2021)
In many ways, Taapsee Pannu and Anurag Kashyap are alike — individualistic, spirited and driven by creativity. Their friendship then was inevitable. That it has also resulted in some clutter-breaking cinema is an added advantage. After the heartfelt romantic drama, Manmarziyaan (2018), the two have joined forces for Dobaaraa, a sci-fi thriller.
For Pannu, reuniting with her favourite filmmaker was only a matter of time. “Even after Manmarziyaan got over, we have consistently been in touch. He has been a friend. In fact, I admire him more as a person than the director he is. So, it was taken for granted that we will work together,” says the actor, adding that it is sheer joy to work with Kashyap, owing to his originality. “We will collaborate in the future again, [and I am certain] it will be something crazy. We have taken each other’s presence in our lives for granted, but when he is on the set as a director, I don’t take him for granted.”
The duo wrapped up the shoot of Dobaaraa in March, right before the second wave of the pandemic. The actor believes Kashyap is the best choice to bring to the audience a sci-fi thriller — a genre that has remained largely unexplored in Hindi cinema. “The story jumps different time zones that will connect [in the end]. Dobaaraa will be unique [in that regard]. When it comes to Anurag, people know the story will be presented in a [perfect] way.”
Pannu’s knack for fronting compelling stories has been evident in the past few years. Her next, Rashmi Rocket, will see her questioning the gender-testing practice in sports. “I want to bring something new [to the screen] because it motivates me to keep working. If I keep repeating a certain formula, thinking why fix it if it ain’t broke, then it will become like sleepwalking. I am scared of monotony, and directors [like Kashyap and Akarsh Khurana] take more than half the responsibility of making sure I am not being repetitive.”
U Special will be a party, and I know I will enjoy myself-Sumeet Vyas
8:08 AM
Sumeet Vyas reunites with Tripling co-writer Akarsh Khurana for campus drama, U Special
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; May 24, 2021)
In March, Lionsgate Play announced its second Indian original, U Special, featuring Arjun Mathur, Sumeet Vyas and Parambrata Chatterjee in the lead. Since then, Vyas is itching to face the camera for the campus drama that is set in Delhi. “Even before I heard the script, I agreed to this project. It captures college politics, and has a scam at its heart,” he says.
That the series reunites him with showrunner-director Akarsh Khurana is another incentive. The two worked closely in theatre together for 15 years before finding their feet in showbiz. “We co-wrote Tripling together. When you are with someone for so long, they know your strengths and weaknesses. Akarsh allows his actors to fly with the characters. That’s the kind of liberty every artiste yearns for. This project will be a party, and I know I will enjoy myself.”
But this party won’t be without prep. “I need to perfect the [North Indian] dialect. People in the team are helping me learn it,” adds Vyas.
I wasn’t sure how Tripling's storyline would be affected by the pandemic-Sumeet Vyas
8:05 AM
Writer-actor Sumeet Vyas on penning the third instalment of Tripling
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; April 18, 2021)
A road trip story when you are not allowed to travel is a hurdle Sumeet Vyas never thought he would have to jump through. While year 2020 has been a brain freeze for the writer-actor, he has been trying to weave a script for the third season of Tripling. “Would a story about a time when there were no masks on people’s faces make sense? I wasn’t sure how our storyline would be affected by the Coronavirus pandemic,” says Vyas.
Learning from the feedback of season two, the actor is hoping to pen down a story for Tripling in 2021 and kick it off by 2022. “We bounced several ideas between the team at TVF, Akarsh [Khurana] and me. We are also accounting for the fact that the second season of Tripling didn’t get as much love as the first one,” explains Vyas, adding that the second instalment was a travel journal through multiple cities, hence the “focus was on the city’s culture and flavour”. “Stitching that in the narrative ended up widening the story. Learnings from the previous season will be channelised in the writing this time.”
The series was developed by Sameer Saxena, who also served as a director on the show. Asked how he and Khurana planned to fill the void of their key collaborator and he said, “He was the showrunner for both seasons and my fallback guy. We don’t always have to work together, but he will be missed.”
Taapsee Pannu's Rashmi Rocket's final schedule to roll in Gujarat next week
8:19 AM
After holding off Kutch shoot due to delay in permission, Rashmi Rocket unit to film final leg next week
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; January 6, 2021)
The last two months have been taxing for Taapsee Pannu as she shot for Rashmi Rocket in Pune and Ranchi. With the lion's share of filming done, the unit of the sports drama has now set its sights on the final schedule in Gujarat. According to the original plan, director Akarsh Khurana was to kick off the project with a stint in Rann of Kutch in April 2020, but the pandemic played spoilsport.
"When the unit decided to begin filming in November, heading to Gujarat was out of the question as they had not procured the permission required to shoot in Rann of Kutch. So, Akarsh and the team reworked the schedules, and commenced the shoot in Pune. With the permission having finally come through, the team will head to the location next week for the 14-day schedule," reveals a source.
The movie, which also features Priyanshu Painyuli, sees Pannu as a Kutch-based sprinter. The actor underwent rigorous training from September 2020 in her bid to do justice to the races that were filmed in Ranchi last month.
On the sets of Mismatched, I picked up a new lingo from the youngsters-Akarsh Khurana
8:10 AM
'Twice the age' of his actors, Mismatched director Akarsh Khurana discusses how he bridged the age gap with youngsters Prajakta Koli, Rohit Saraf
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; November 19, 2020)
After the Irrfan-led road trip movie Karwaan (2018), Akarsh Khurana has wielded the directorial baton again for Mismatched. The coming-of-age series, which revolves around two students building an app while dealing with peers and professors, features Rannvijay Singha, YouTube sensation Prajakta Koli and Ludo actor Rohit Saraf.
"The show is about young adults, so almost the entire cast comprises kids. I realised I was twice the age of most actors on the set," laughs the director, admitting that one needs patience when dealing with youngsters. "Since I hail from a theatre background, I have a high threshold of tolerance. I realised they come from a different world. They can surprise and shock you at the same time. On the set, I picked up a new lingo from them."
As the captain of the ship, Khurana not only worked towards giving shape to the project, but also created a happy environment that encouraged creativity. "I always aim to create an atmosphere that is conducive to team work. When work starts feeling like a job, I run away. I have done so from several corporate jobs."
Written by Gazal Dhaliwal, the Netflix series is an adaptation of Sandhya Menon's 2017 book, When Dimple Met Rishi. While the book is set in the USA, the writer-director duo decided to reimagine their story in Rajasthan. "We wanted a setting where we could juxtapose the old school of thought with the new-age beliefs, which is the show's underlying theme. Since I had written the last two films I directed, I consciously wanted to work with someone else's story this time around," explains Khurana, who is currently shooting Rashmi Rocket.
We've all had a teacher like Sid in our lives-Rannvijay Singha
7:50 AM
Rannvijay Singha shares the first look as a hot professor in Netflix series Mismatched
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; November 2, 2020)
Rannvijay Singha, who was recently seen in ZEE5 anthology Forbidden Love, is back on the digital bandwagon with Mismatched. The upcoming Netflix series, which also features Internet sensation Prajakta Koli and Rohit Saraf, sees Singha play a hot new professor who students have a crush on.
The actor was director Akarsh Khurana's first choice for the role of Sid. "My character is cool and snarky on the outside, but a softie inside. Professor Sid believes in tough love when it comes to his students. He wants to push them out of their comfort zones so that they can reach their highest potential," says Singha, who is synonymous with the television show, Roadies.
Writer Gazal Dhaliwal has etched his character as an unorthodox teacher who encourages his teenage students to think out of the box, and helps them develop a novel app. The actor believes that viewers will find shades of their favourite professor in his character. "We've all had at least one teacher like that in our lives. So, Sid has been inspired by several of my tutors. He may come across as uncaring, brash and sarcastic, but his intentions are noble."
Co-directed by Nipun Dharmadhikari and produced by Ronnie Screwvala, the coming-of-age series revolves around two teenagers, who are building an app while navigating oddball friends, nasty class bullies and each other.
An External body cannot decide censorship-Shweta Tripathi
9:05 AM
Navneet Vyasan (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 13, 2020)
Actor Shweta Tripathi has always chosen to tread the path that many otherwise would not choose to venture into. Be it her breakout film Masaan in 2015 or the experimental film Haraamkhor in 2017, Tripathi’s choices have been lauded by the audiences and the critics. Moreover, the actor is an active participant in the city’s theatre circuit and her last production Timeloss, directed by Akarsh Khurana had a digital premier, too. “More than the medium, what is really important to me is the story — what we’re saying and who the character is,” she explains forms the crux of her choices.
The actor adds that thanks to her initial films, she understood the parameters based upon which one should choose his/her scripts. “In my opinion, ‘pushing the envelope’ means trying out something new. Showing the audience something they haven’t seen before. It doesn’t need to be complex, it could be anything from emotions to using environmentally friendly props and sets,” says the actor.
Moreover, Tripathi, who has dabbled with all three major formats of performing arts — films, OTT and theatre, says the varying censorship guidelines should make one understand the importance of responsibilities. “Art reflects society and vice versa. So, it is important to be responsible for the art you’re creating, and the things it’s saying but the story is most important,” she says.
The actor adds that censorship in any form is challenging. “I think censorship shouldn’t be decided by an external body but we, as artists, should take the responsibility on ourselves. The audience learns a lot from what they see in the entertainment world. The freedom to tell our stories is always great, but we should also understand the responsibility that comes with it,” she concludes.
For Wakaalat From Home, we would continuously chat on the phone, toss ideas-Rohan Sippy
8:19 AM
Using the lockdown period as an opportunity to create relevant content, Rohan Sippy on creating his divorce-based show, Wakaalat From Home
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; September 10, 2020)
Rohan Sippy's latest web series, Wakaalat From Home was conceptualised by his team and him, during the Coronavirus lockdown. "We would continuously chat on the phone, toss ideas, jot them down, and hope something would come out of it," says the producer-director, adding that this offering was the brainchild of comedian Anuvab Pal."He arrived at a story of a couple going through a divorce, over Zoom calls. There have been reports of a spike in the number of divorce cases during the quarantine. So, it stemmed from the situation people are actually in," says Sippy, adding that the title was derived from the phase that's currently enjoying its moment in the sun — Work from home.
The Amazon Prime series, which drops today, features the Permanent Roommates duo Sumeet Vyas and Nidhi Singh, along with Kubbra Sait, Gopal Datt, and Akarsh Khurana.
Heading to the virtual medium to direct the series, Sippy says a fair amount of unlearning went into understanding the task at hand. "One is used to being on set with a unit, camera and the hustle and bustle of the crew. Here, I was alone, staring at the laptop."
Initially, the Nautanki Saala (2013) and Dum Maro Dum (2011) director was uncertain about successfully pulling it off. "Usually, we are used to having meetings at every stage. Here, the casting, script-reading session, rehearsals, and costume-approvals were done over calls. So, it was a new experience. An actor had to be a cameraman and make-up artistes as well. We also had to ascertain when the Internet connectivity was appropriate for everyone."
As though the task of filming the project virtually wasn't challenging enough, Sippy had to ensure that the pace of the comedy was retained so that viewers' attention could be retained.
Sippy, had previously directed the web show, The Office (2019).
Taapsee Pannu to start shooting for Rashmi Rocket on March 26 in Mumbai
1:26 PM
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 6, 2020)
“The students were so inspired by Taapsee that the school named their gym after her. She trains for two hours every day for better stamina and the body language of an athlete,” informs director Akarsh Khurana, adding that a diction expert has also been appointed to teach the actress colloquial terms and phrases in Kutchi. The first half of the film is set in Kutch, where shooting begins on April 1. “We’ll be shooting in three chunks. After Kutch, we head to Delhi in May and Dehradun and Mussoorie in June. Rann of Kutch is also an important part of our schedule. In fact, the first schedule starts with a song, which is set in the Rann Utsav,” Akarsh reveals.
The film also features Aparshakti Khurana and Bhavesh Joshi Superhero actor Priyanshu Painyuli. The screenplay is written by Aniruddha Guha, while Kanika Dhillon has penned the dialogue. “Aniruddha did a lot of research, speaking to several athletes and people from the athletics federation. Amit (Trivedi), who is composing the music, is excited about exploring the local music of Kutch,” Akarsh adds.
The director goes on to clarify that the Ronnie Screwvala, Neha Anand and Pranjal Khandhdiya production is more of a drama than a sports story. “The sport forms the backdrop of the film, while the story narrates an athlete’s journey from anonymity to fame and how she gets caught up in the politics and corruption of the sports system along the way,” he reasons.
When asked about the inspiration behind his heroine, the director shares that the character is fictional, but the story was a culmination of several real-life incidents involving female athletes from India and abroad. Besides Rashmi Rocket, Taapsee also has Shabaash Mithu in the works, which is based on cricketer Mithali Raj.
The actress had first heard the basic story idea of Rashmi Rocket from her South filmmaker-friend Nanda Periyasamy. “And she approached me to direct it after watching my last film Karwaan (featuring Irrfan Khan and Dulquer Salmaan),” Akarsh signs off.
Taapsee Pannu to play an athlete in her next film titled Rashmi Rocket
7:28 AM
Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; August 30, 2019)
After essaying the role of a hockey player in Soorma (2018), and an octogenarian sharpshooter in the upcoming film, Saand Ki Aankh, Taapsee Pannu is all set to play an athlete in Rashmi Rocket. The film is about an incredibly fast runner, Rashmi, who hails from Kutch, and the villagers fondly call her Rocket. But when she gets a chance to showcase her talent professionally, she realises that the journey has many hurdles. Her quest turns into her personal battle for respect, honour, and her identity. Directed by Akarsh Khurana, this is a fictional narrative and not based on any real sports personality.
Says Taapsee, “This story instantly hit the right chord when I heard the idea. It’s one of those few films I was waiting to be developed into a script for me to do. Funnily, I have been made to run in almost every film I’ve done in every other genre. But this time, it’s going to be an out-and-out athlete’s tale. What excited me the most was the human drama that unfolds in her life, which makes it much more than a regular story of an athlete.” Akarsh reveals that the project was conceived in Florence, Italy. “Taapsee was there for a film festival with Manmarziyaan (2018) and Mulk (2018). I was at the same event with Karwaan (2018). We saw each other’s films, had some great food, and jammed over an idea that she had.”
The film is produced by Ronnie Screwvala, who shares that he couldn’t think of anyone better than the Pink actress to play this role. “Rashmi Rocket is the story of a girl who achieves and conquers in her field despite all the adversities that come her way. I cannot think of anyone better than Taapsee to play this character. This is a sportsperson’s story that needs to be told with a certain level of sensitivity and no one better than Akarsh to helm this.”
I like stories like Karwaan that are rooted in reality and are slice of life-Akarsh Khurana
7:50 AM
Rachit Gupta (BOMBAY TIMES; August 3, 2018)
Akarsh Khurana is having a busy 2018. His first feature film as director High Jack, with Sumeet Vyas, released a few months ago and his second film, Karwaan, featuring Irrfan, Dulquer Salmaan and Mithila Palkar releases today. He’s also a very popular face on the digital medium, where he writes, directs and acts with quite a lot of success. He’s written movies like Krrish (2006), U Me Aur Hum (2008), Kites (2010) and Krrish 3 (2013), while he’s also acted in Bejoy Nambiar’s David (2013) and Aditya Chopra’s Befikre (2016). Akarsh has also been heading a popular theatre company along with his family, for nearly two decades. With years of experience behind him, he’s now gearing up for a successful innings as a Bollywood filmmaker. Excerpts from a free-wheeling chat with the multi-faceted man.
You’ve had two back-to-back releases this year – High Jack (debut film) and now Karwaan. It looks like a busy year, especially for a first time filmmaker.
That was never the plan. I shot High Jack in May-June and Karwaan in September-October in 2017. Last year was a bit hectic. I’m just thankful that they haven’t released in the same month.
You must have been disheartened to see your debut film, High Jack not doing well at the box office.
It suffered from a very bad release. I don’t think a lot of people even knew that a film like that was playing in theatres. Bas woh aake nikal gayi, which is kind of sad because I still feel it’s a very enjoyable film and once it releases online, I’m sure it will find its audience.
Karwaan has an impressive ensemble cast. How did you manage to bring together stars from three different platforms – Irrfan (Bollywood), Dulquer Salmaan, (Malayalam star) and Mithila Palkar (internet sensation)?
Shubh Shivadasani, our associate producer suggested we take the film to Irrfan. Hum toh utna bada soch bhi nahi rahe the. Hamare liye toh Irrfan ke saath narration milna hi badi baat hai, unhone haan bol diya, woh toh sone pe suhaga tha. We met him when Hindi Medium was being shot. He was interested almost immediately. Once Irrfan said a ‘yes’, we went and locked Dulquer for the film. I’ve known Mithila before she became an internet sensation. I’ve known her for a long time, but I didn’t want to cast her just because I knew her. So we did an audition with her and then we did two months of auditions with other girls but Mithila’s audition was still the best one.
How did you zero in on Dulquer Salmaan?
Again, Shubh suggested Dulquer for the role. I had just seen one film of his – Charlie (2015). I couldn’t cast him on the basis of that one film, because his role in Charlie was very different from what I had imagined for the character in Karwaan. So I watched two more films and I realised he has an incredible range as an actor. When we met him for the first time we knew he was the perfect choice. Dulquer’s sensibilities as a person and as an artiste are special. He looks for these off-beat subjects and unique perspectives. His response to the project was, ‘If Irrfan is doing this film, then I am in safe hands.’
Sumeet Vyas, your lead in High Jack and Mithila Palkar, one of your leads in Karwaan, are both internet stars. You have been acting, writing and directing on the digital platform, too. Is there a pattern over there?
It’s a mere coincidence. When we were casting for the character of Tanya in Karwaan we looked at actresses from all walks of life and from all mediums. You know, that’s how the cookie crumbles. A new medium becomes popular and since we’ve all come up via the digital platform, our paths tend to intersect. I’m acting on the digital platform as well. Working with Sumeet and Mithila is like having a crossover; we’re all growing and exploring these opportunities together.
What was your reaction when you found out about Irrfan’s neuroendocrine tumour?
First, there were these rumours floating around and before that he’d seen the first cut of our film and he’d given his feedback and he was generally very happy about it. Then, once we got a confirmation of his illness, we were all just very shocked. Just a few months ago we were shooting with him. During the shoot he was perfect, he was travelling between to Chandigarh for some work. He was attending film screenings and everything was looking great. But once we got the details and the confirmation, it just jolted us. I mean, we spent 40-45 days working with him and that’s enough time on a film set to form an equation and an attachment with a person. I just hope he makes a full recovery soon and returns to the movies.
High Jack was a stoner comedy while Karwaan is a road movie. Do these offbeat subjects excite you as a storyteller?
I like real comedy and emotions. I like stories like Karwaan that are rooted in reality and a slice-of-life space. High Jack wasn’t too realistic, but it was still about people being in real world situations and things going wrong for them. Having worked on films like Krrish, Kites and Krrish 3, I have had a tryst with larger-than-life cinema, but it’s the small stories that resonate with me. Karwaan has a wonderful journey from Cochin to Bangalore and it puts these quirky characters in the most bizarre circumstances. They’re driving around with a dead body. That’s the sort of humour that works for me. That’s my voice as a filmmaker.
Not a day goes by without Dulquer Salmaan and I talking about Irrfan’s absence-Mithila Palkar
7:54 AM
Lasyapriya Sundaram (BOMBAY TIMES; August 2, 2018)
Mithila Palkar is India’s bona fide digital star and the actress will soon be seen in Karwaan alongside Irrfan and Dulquer Salmaan. In a chat with BT, Mithila talks about wanting to be an actor since she was 12, how she bagged Karwaan, and why she doesn’t want to be a star who is unapproachable.
Karwaan is your third film, but you have already featured in Katti Batti (2015) and the Marathi film Muramba (2017). Did you always want to become an actor?
I always knew that I wanted to be an actor. I made my debut on stage when I was 12 and I was sure that this is what made me happy. However, nobody takes a 12-year-old’s career choice seriously. Everybody laughed it off. I also ran away from it, but acting eventually found me.
Growing up in Mumbai, what were the influences that propelled you towards taking up acting as a career?
Theatre and cinema have been major influences in my life. Initially, I wanted to do Marathi theatre because Marathi is my mother tongue and there was a certain comfort level. I have grown up watching plays at Shivaji Mandir and used to participate in plays in school, too. Like a lot of people, I also grew up watching Bollywood films.
Traditionally, getting an opportunity to be a part of a film is considered a huge struggle. Were you ever plagued by such thoughts?
I knew I would turn to films at some point, but I didn’t approach the profession thinking that I want to play the lead in a film. I wanted to be an actor and I didn’t know how to go about making a career. I experimented with whatever opportunity came my way. When I got the chance to work in shows on the internet, I jumped right into it. I want to be part of good content and it doesn’t matter where it is being showcased.
How did you bag the role in Karwaan?
I was working with a theatre company that organises a youth theatre festival called Thespo. Both Akarsh (Khurana, director of Karwaan) and I are Thespo alumnis. He told me that he was making a film and that he was going to suggest my name to Nandini Shrikent, the casting director. After the audition and look test, I had to wait for a long time. I thought it wouldn’t work out. I was really looking forward to it because who wouldn’t want work with two of the finest actors in the country, Irrfan and Dulquer Salmaan. But thankfully, it worked out. They are effortless and spontaneous.
Does it feel strange that you are not promoting the film with Irrfan?
It feels incomplete. Not a day goes by without Dulquer and I talking about Irrfan’s absence during promotions. He brings a different kind of energy to the table and we miss that a lot.
Who do you turn to for advice when you are choosing films?
Quasar Padamsee and Toral Shah are my mentors and strongest pillars of support. I have been fortunate enough to meet a lot of people who have helped me. Akarsh, too, has been very supportive through the film because it is daunting to share screen space with Irrfan and Dulquer Salmaan.
In showbiz, celebrities are always expected to look good and are constantly papped. Are you prepared for such scrutiny?
I live in Dadar with my grandparents. I think they will keep me grounded. I will still be getting kadi patta for them from the market. Home gives me a reality check.
What do you think your fans like about you the most?
I think the game changes when the wall between you and the viewer breaks. For the viewers, I think I come across as relatable. I don’t want to be put up on a pedestal because stars are worshipped in our country. I definitely want to be successful. I always want to be approachable. But I also feel the internet has changed that. I like the fact that you can write to Shah Rukh Khan and he might just reply back to you.
Dulquer Salmaan’s birthday gift is a beat-up but much loved van of Karwaan
6:46 AM
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 13, 2018)
Malayalam star Dulquer Salmaan, who turns 32 on July 28, got a pre-birthday gift from the director of his first Hindi film, Karwaan. Akarsh Khurana is gifting his leading man the blue van that he travels in, with co-stars Irrfan Khan and Mithila Palkar on board, through the film.
“There are two reasons for gifting DQ this van. One, of course, is emotional. It was almost like an important character in the film and the two spent a lot of time together. Two, it’s been through a lot of wear and tear and is all beat up now. It needs an automobile fanatic like DQ to give it a new lease of life,” informs Akarsh, adding that the van travelled from Mumbai to Bangalore, Ooty, Kochi, in fact, all over Kerala, eventually finding its way back to Aram Nagar in Andheri.
Revealing why he chose this van in particular for the comedy-drama, Akarsh says it was for its shape and size. “It had to look like it could fit a dead body in the back. And it had to be practical to shoot in, with space for the camera and the team, along with being tough and comfy,” he says, adding with a laugh that he himself is a big guy.
The filmmaker recalls that once, while they were shooting, Dulquer braked suddenly and he sprawled on the focus puller who in turn fell on the camera. “Sneha Taurani, the associate director, couldn’t stop laughing,” he flashbacks with a smile.
On another occasion they were shooting within a campus in Ooty but since the roads were really steep, it was taking too long so they just drove out. “We knew production would panic because we were driving out with stars and without permission or security but we needed the shot. So, we switched off our phones and walkie talkies and just rolled. The production guys went crazy but we got some great shots and it was a nice drive,” he chuckles.
The birthday boy, he shares, is himself crazy about cars and bikes, owning an array of premium cars and motorcycles. “He has a BMW M3, a Polo GT and a modified Triumph Bonneville in his garage, along with a BMW R1200 GS adventure tourer, a Porsche Panamera Turbo sports sedan, a Mini Cooper and an E46, BMWi8. The van will be another addition to his collection,”Akarsh signs off with a smile.
Slow Cheeta raps for a song in Irrfan Khan, Dulquer Salmaan, Mithila Palkar-starrer Karwaan
8:11 AM
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 4, 2018)
Akarsh Khurana’s directorial debut Karwaan, with Irrfan Khan, Dulquer Salmaan and Mithila Palkar as leads, features a song in which the trio will be seen rapping to a Malayalam number — the film revolves around a road trip through Kochi and its neighbouring cities.
Also featuring a smattering of English and Hindi, the song is
written and composed by Slow Cheeta aka Chaitanya Sharma, who has also
rapped for it. Incidentally, it was while working on a play directed by
Akarsh a few years ago, when the musician met Masaan actress Shweta
Tripathi, who he married last week in Goa. “Akarsh approached me for a
fun rap song called ‘Dhai Kilo Bakwaas,’ it’s a play on the phrase ‘Dhai
Kilo Ka Haath’ and talks about people who chicken out of fights,” he
informed.
The song was filmed on the leads at a timber mill in Kochi. “We rounded up all the locals we could find in the crew and put them in a recording studio to get them to mouth Malayali slangs. So, we have Malayalam, a Hindi chorus, and rap bits in English, followed by Hindi rap, and back to Malayalam,” Chaitanya added.
Akarsh informs that the Malayalam bits in the song are sung by the film’s sound designer Anish John and executive producer Sanjeev Kumar Nair. “The rap is one of the most fun songs I’ve heard. I love some of Chaitanya’s singles and am trying to work with him wherever I can,” he said.
I wanted to explore death but in a playful way-Imaad Shah
7:19 AM
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 25, 2018)
Imaad Shah, who had made his Bollywood debut with his father Naseeruddin Shah’s 2006 directorial Yun Hota Toh Kya Hota, turned composer with Prawaal Raman’s 2011 psychological thriller 404: Error Not Found for which he had even sung. He then crooned “Calcutta Kiss” for Dibakar Banerjee’s mystery thriller Detective Byomkesh Bakshy in 2015. Now, three years later, Imaad has sung and composed a song titled “Bharde Hamara Glass” for Akarsh Khurana’s Karwaan, featuring Irrfan Khan, Malayalam star Dulquer Salmaan and internet sensation Mithila Palkar.
“The song is filmed on all the principal characters. I wanted an upbeat but philosophical song and Imaad has a nice new sound. More importantly, the script resonated with him, with his lyrics very apt for the situation. I think it will find its way to a lot of listening playlists,” says Akarsh.
The film produced by Ronnie Screwvala
and Priti Rathi Gupta, follows Dulquer’s character Avinash who is
forced to take a trip from Bangalore to Kochi. His friend, Shaukat,
played by Irrfan, accompanies him. While Avinash is reserved, Shaukat
has a funny take on life. En route, they pick up Mithila, a spunky
teenager, and the road trip becomes even more enlightening.
Imaad says when Akarsh, his old buddy, asked him to do this song, he was happy to come on board. “His script is really interesting and while he had a mood in mind, he gave me complete freedom to choose the musical direction I wanted,” he informs.
Imaad, who had started Madboy/Mink an Electro Cabaret-Disco-Funk duo, over five years ago with actress-singer Saba Azad, adds that working on the song had been effortless and an absolute joy.
“It’s a black comedy so I wanted to create a bittersweet song that explores the concept of death and mortality, but in a playful way. I like using opposing emotions in my music and Saba’s voice was a perfect fit for this kind of a song,” he points out.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)