Stree dialogue writer Sumit Arora tells us the importance of being connected to your roots
Aastha Atray Banan (MID-DAY; September 23, 2018)

All the while I was writing dialogues for Stree, I was trying not to cross into slapstick zone, and never be spoofy," says writer Sumit Arora, who has been raking in praise ever since the movie released. Stree, starring Rajkumar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor, is set in the small town of Chanderi where the residents believe in the myth of an angry woman ghost. The film, a satire by all means, where the men hide as they are afraid of a "witch" who is making men disappear, has some stellar slice-of-life one-liners by Arora.

"There isn't really a recipe for one-liners. You can't manufacture such things. But the movie had such potent situations, that the dialogues came naturally. It is a satire without being preachy, and I would be stupid not to exploit it for one liners. Not to be spoofy about it, not to be cross slapstick zone. But the characters, who are really simple people, are not really aware they are cracking a joke. This is their life, and it's just amusing to us. They are actually just reacting."

Arora's insight into the mind of the simple small-towner also comes from his upbringing, which was mostly in Meerut where his dad worked as an employee at Bata. He was a big fan of publications like Nandan and Champak, and satirical writers like Sharad Joshi, and was writing satires for Meerut newspapers by the age of 14. It was only in 2005 that he left the city at the age of 18 and arrived in Mumbai, to become a writer.

"How do you get a film in the beginning right? So I worked for TV, did many writing jobs, and wrote All Is Well as a collaboration with another writer in 2015. I got Stree after all this time," says the 30-year-old. He may be a Mumbaikar now, but to write the dialogues for the movie, he found inspiration from the time his dad was posted to a small village called Gadana, just outside Meerut. "I went to a tiny 10-room school with a ganne ka khet nearby. It was my time there and the people I met that were my primary source material for Stree. Everyone is so simple, and they just say these things that are not even funny, just really amusing to people like you and me. For example, the characters of Jana and Bittu who are the hero's friends in Stree, are inspired by people I met there."

When we ask him what his favourite movie for dialogues is, and pat comes the reply. "Andaz Apna Apna. If I can get close to that even a tiny bit, life would be great." And as he enjoys the applause, and works on two shows for Netflix and Amazon and is developing a movie for Dharma productions, he knows that to fuel his talent he needs to keep in touch with his roots. "When I was growing up, we were a gang of three friends. One of them is now an IAS officer, one is a journalist and there is me. We still talk and the essence of our chats are the same. Those conversations are my inspiration, and keep me connected to where I come from."

As two new radio stations dedicated to Bollywood music from the 90s sprout up, we look at how the music and the musical trends from that era are making a comeback
Soumya Vajpayee Tiwari (MID-DAY; August 21, 2016)

Till a couple of years ago, the singers and Bollywood songs from the ’90s seemed a thing of the past. But that’s not the case anymore. Music trends from the ’90s are making a comeback. Radio, which has essentially been the domain of popular music, seems to be changing too.

In fact, new radio stations have popped up which only play music from the ’90s. Filmmakers and music composers have started offering more playback opportunities to senior singers, who, were left feeling that the times have changed, and there’s no room for them in the industry anymore. Here’s breaking down the retro wave.

Some Indi-pop maybe?
One of the highlights of the music scene of the ’90s used to be the beaming state of independent music of the country. But from the early 2000s to a couple of years ago, there hasn’t been much movement. However, the stifled state of independent music in India got a new lease of life last year. Many musicians — from film as well as non-filmy backgrounds — came up with singles and albums.

While Sonu Nigam’s single ‘Aa bhi jaa tu kahin se’ was received well, Honey Singh’s ‘Dheere dheere se’ became a rage. Armaan Malik’s ‘Main rahoon ya na rahoon’, Akriti Kakar’s ‘Amma' and Arijit Singh’s ‘Chal wahan jaate hain’ were also lauded by music aficionados. This gave artistes and music companies the courage to cut albums.

Retro nights rule the city
Not just Bollywood, several city venues have been cashing in on the formula of playing music from that era. The retro nights at The Elbo Room (Khar), Villa 69 (Juhu) and The Pump Room (Andheri) are packed to the hilt. “We have retro nights every Sunday, and a lot of songs from the ’90s are played. The tracks of that era are so famous that people get on the tables and dance. A track that is really enjoyed is ‘Akele hain toh kya gham hai’,” says Robert Gomes, manager at The Elbo Room.


Remember Kumar Sanu and Alka Yagnik?
Celebrated singers Kumar Sanu, Alka Yagnik, Anuradha Paudwal and Sadhna Sargam, who ruled the roost in the ’90s, have returned to Bollywood’s playback scene again. While Sanu sang ‘Dard karaara’ and ‘Tu’ for Dum Laga Ke Haisha (2015), Alka Yagnik crooned ‘Agar tum saath ho’ in Tamasha (2015) and ‘Deep shiksha’ in Chalk n Duster (2016).

Sadhna Sargam, too, sang a track in Dum Laga Ke Haisha. Celebrated artiste from the ’90s, Altaf Raja sang ‘Dil lagaana’ in Hunterrr (2015). Paudwal is also set to make her comeback into film music after over a decade. She will reportedly sing a track alongside Sanu. Also, composer Anu Mallik, who was a celebrated composer in the ’90s, returned to Bollywood’s music scene with Dum Laga Ke Haisha and Welcome Back (2015). He is also working on the soundtrack of Hera Pheri 3.

Rehash that song
Over the past couple of years, remixed versions of multiple chartbusters from the ’90s have made inroads into Hindi films. Some of them include ‘Tumhe apna banane ki kasam’ (as ‘Tumhe apna banaane ka junoon’ for the movie Hate Story 3; see pic below) and ‘Ae mere humsafar’ (used in All Is Well; 2015), among others. Apart from Bollywood songs, a couple of independent tracks have also been revamped. Singer Ankit Tiwari stepped into the shoes of Sonu Nigam and came up with his version of ‘Is kadar pyaar hai’ from the celebrated singer’s album Deewana.

Singer Vikas Bhalla also came up with an unplugged version of his hit, ‘Dhuan’. “I was looking at doing this (releasing an unplugged version) a while ago. The music from the ’90s is making a comeback. I was waiting for the right time,” he says. Explaining why his company has backed the music from the ’90s, Ajay Kapoor, Director, T-Series says, “The songs from the ’90s have great recall value. They are fresh even today. They appeal to the youth and the elderly alike. When we thought of reviving old songs, we needed tracks that even the youngsters could connect with.”

ALL IS WELL had a poor start all over of around 15%. The film has little face value and though music is reasonable it held little appeal visually. Below are the opening day collections of Abhishek Bachchan solo films.
All Is Well (2015) - 2,35,00,000 apprx
Dum Maaro Dum (2011) - 5,12,00,000
Game (2011) - 1,85,00,000
Khelein Hum Jeen Jaan Sey (2010) - 95,00,000
Raavan (2010) - 5,81,00,000
Delhi 6 (2009)  - 4,77,00,000
Drona (2008) - 1,79,00,000
Guru (2007) - 3,37,00,000
Umrao Jaan (2006) - 1,52,00,000
Bluffmaster (2005) -  1,60,00,000
Naach (2004) - 42,00,000
Run (2004) - 76,00,000
Kuch Naa Kaho (2003) - 71,00,000
Mumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost (2003) - 52,00,000
Shararat (2002) - 11,00,000
Bas Itna Sa Khwab Hai (2001) - 42,00,000
Dhaai Akshar Prem Ke (2000) - 89,00,000
Tera Jadoo Chal Gaya (2000) - 95,00,000

The opening has been poor of practically all his solo releases with RAAVAN at 5.81 crore nett being the highest. In terms of numbers and in real terms DHAAI AKSHAR PREM KE and TERA JADOO CHAL GAYAA in 2000 remain the only two with somewhat decent initials. ALL IS WELL has coming after fours as solo starrer and the results and no better (probably worse) than his earlier releases. In between some multistarrers did do very well but were headed by much bigger names Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan and Ajay Devgn.

A complete list of opening days of films which featured Abhishek Bachchan looks better which is expected as some of the films do feature the big stars as main leads.

Director Umesh Shukla delivered one of the greatest films of all time – OMG Oh My God – three years ago. Hence, despite the not-so-great promos and songs, one can’t help but expect something from his upcoming venture, All Is Well. But alas, the film is indeed disappointing to an extent. But it has equal amount of plusses as well, making it an average flick.

The story of the movie: Inder Bhalla (Abhishek Bachchan) is a struggling musician in Bangkok. Circumstances compel him to come back to his hometown in Kasol in India and face his father, Bhajanlal Bhalla (Rishi Kapoor), with whom he hasn’t spoken or met since 10 years. Bhajanlal has taken a huge loan from a goon Cheema (Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub) and since Bhajanlal is not able to repay the due, Cheema compels the father and son to sell off their bakery. But that’s not just the only problem that Inder faces. His mother Pammi (Supriya Pathak) is suffering from Alzheimer’s and can’t recognize Inder anymore. And then there’s Nimmi (Asin) who’s madly in love with a commitment and marriage phobic Inder and refuses to leave his side.

All Is Well has a very unimpressive start with the song Tu Milade. However, things get a bit better with Nimmi’s entry and much better when Inder returns to India. A word of caution for those who venture for this film: Don’t look for logic at all. If one really wants their money’s worth, just sit back and enjoy the antics of Bhallas and the madness that they ensue without asking ‘how-when-why-what’. Because this is a film that would be enjoyed only with that kind of a mindset. And the film has its entertaining moments at places. The character of Cheema is damn interesting and whenever he gets into trouble or ends up harming or injuring himself, the film goes on a high. Again, things get a bit convenient at places but the fun remains and hence viewers won’t mind. The intermission point is funny. Post-intermission however, the film does drop again. In fact, in the first as well as second hour, the songs act as a roadblock. This is especially in the second half during the male version of Mere Humsafar. The climax has its emotional moments but could have been better directed.



Surprisingly, the one actor that rocks the most in the film is Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub. The actor is at his funniest best and takes the film to a great level. In fact, he rises above the script. All Is Well might be forgotten but this performance would be remembered especially when Mohd’s finest performances are being listed! Abhishek Bachchan is quite decent and neatly contributes to the fun and madness in the narrative. The actor has a distinct personality that makes him stand out from the rest of the actors. Rishi Kapoor dominates in almost all his scenes. He’s totally into his character – there are scenes where you’ll hate him and there are scenes where you’ll really sorry for his character. Asin is charming as always and leaves a mark. She nicely ensures that her character doesn’t get irritating at any point. Supriya Pathak gives her hundred per cent. However, she gets overshadowed by the towering presence of Abhishek and Rishi. Also, the way her Alzheimer’s progress is questionable. Sumeet Vyas (Inder’s friend in Bangkok) is okay. Others actors do well. Sonakshi Sinha looks glamorous in the Nachan Farrate song.

Music is nothing special and as said above, it acts as obstacles except those tracks that are relegated to the background. Sanjoy Chowdhury’s background music is quite good. Muneesh Sappel’s production design is a bit tacky in some scenes. Umesh Shukla’s story is promising. But screenplay (Umesh Shukla, Niren Bhatt) is faulty and this affects Umesh Shukla’s direction as well. He should have done away with the obstacle-causing songs. Also, the execution should have been engaging from start to finish which doesn’t quite happen. Some scenes are damn good (Inder trying to ‘arrange the marriage’ of his parents, for instance). But somewhere the impact is not made. However, good to see that he has still not got out of OMG oh My God mode and this is evident in the scene of the holy cows!

On the whole, All Is Well seems like a great film on paper but the direction, too many loopholes and too many songs spoil the show to an extent. Abhishek Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor are very good but it’s Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub who steals the show. At best, it’s an average flick and might be somewhat enjoyed if one goes for it without too many expectations and with a correct mindset.

My rating - ** ½ out of 5!

ALL IS WELL VS MANJHI – THE MOUNTAIN MAN!

Two moderately-budgeted films are all set to release tomorrow. Both films face challenges and it’ll be difficult to predict which film will perform better. My analysis:

ALL IS WELL: It is directed by Umesh Shukla, who made the much loved OMG Oh My God. It stars Abhishek Bachchan, Asin, Rishi Kapoor and Supriya Pathak in leading roles. It’s a fun family entertainer and also a road movie. It is produced by T-Series and they have gone all out in marketing the flick. The film was to be a quickie and the shoot was to be completed in 45 days. And initially Smriti Irani was in place of Supriya Pathak and she even shot for many days for the film. But after she became the minister in the Union government, she found it difficult to allot dates for the film. At the end, she bowed out of the film amicably and Supriya took over. All this delayed the film, naturally. Being a T-Series film, the songs were expected to be chartbusters but that hasn’t happened at all. Even the trailer got a mixed response. Hence, the excitement for the film is very limited and this will surely impact the film’s collections on Day 1. If the film is good, only then it can pick up. Otherwise, it can prove disastrous.

MANJHI – THE MOUNTAIN MAN: It is the biopic of Dashrath Manjhi, who spent 22 long years in breaking a mountain and shortened distance between two places from 55 kms to 15 kms. Manjhi is essayed by Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Radhika Apte plays the wife whose unfortunate demise motivates Manjhi to break the mountain. The film’s shoot began 2012 and it took a while for the film to release as there was a court case going on. The film is directed by Ketan Mehta. The subject is interesting but not very massy. But the trailer has been very impactful and has caught everyone’s eye. Nawazuddin looks outstanding and the dialogues of the film have already caught on. What goes against the film is whether it has a pan-India appeal. Also, shockingly 10 days before, the print of the film got leaked. A section of viewers hence have already seen the film. This can affect the collections. But in the past, a film like Slumdog Millionaire also worked despite it’s good quality print being available online since many months before the India release. Hence, Manjhi – The Mountain Man can still work. It looks like a sincere and genuine effort and here’s hoping it works, especially if it’s made well!

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE ALL IS WELL OR MANJHI – THE MOUNTAIN MAN AND WHY? DO LET ME KNOW!

Priya Gupta (BOMBAY TIMES; August 20, 2015)

Priya Gupta (BOMBAY TIMES; August 19, 2015)

Priya Gupta (BOMBAY TIMES; August 14, 2015)

Priya Gupta (BOMBAY TIMES; August 13, 2015)

Asin and Abhishek Bachchan had just finished doing Bol Bachchan together when they started shooting for Umesh Shukla's All Is Well. Since Asin played Abhishek's sister in Bol Bachchan, she addressed him as 'Bhaijaan' in the film. Even at times when the camera would not be on, Asin would continue addressing Abhishek as 'Bhaijaan', so she got used to calling him that. For the first few days of shooting All Is Well, Asin still continued calling him 'Bhaijaan' that obviously sounded strange to people on the set, as this time, Abhishek and Asin were playing lovers. Telling us about it, Asin said, "I remember Abhishek came to me and said, 'No Bhaijaan on this film.' I understood what he was trying to say. While we are professional actors who would remain true to our characters on screen irrespective of what we called each other off screen, it sounded strange to people around us on set. That's when I started calling him 'AB'.'' Asin now addresses him comfortably as only 'AB', which is what she has saved his name as on her mobile. 

Abhishek Bachchan on roasts, recent films, and the road ahead
Upala KBR (DNA; August 11, 2015)


Let’s talk about All Is Well.
All Is Well is the story between a father (Rishi Kapoor) and son (me) who don’t get along. My character fights with his father because he has certain aspirations for his son, who wants to do what he wants to and leaves home to try and make it on his own. In the film, I haven’t spoken to my father in 10 years, but circumstances are such I have to come back. He discovers his mother has Alzheimer’s and now the father and son have to try and get along when actually they don’t, because they have to pay off this loan and look after his mother. What’s nice is that the film is dealing with issues which are actually very important, the message is something which I believe in and the USP of the film is, Umesh’s style of narrative. If you see his last film, he says something very important but he dresses it in a garb of humour and I think that’s such a wonderful way to make a point.

Please continue...
It doesn’t feel preachy at all, but is entertaining and exciting to listen to. This is dealing with family dynamics. When I heard the film for the first time, I almost questioned myself — Am I a good son? I think I am. I do whatever I can for my family. But then the question was — can I be a better child?

In real life, has it ever happened that your father hasn’t approved of something that you did?
Nothing major. Petty discrepancies are always going to be there and that’s healthy for a relationship. My father has always encouraged my sister and me and everybody else in the family to discuss, air their views and opinions and make our own independent opinions. Both our parents brought me up to say that you must think for yourself, have your own opinion and always have the gumption to stand up for your own opinion. My father never interfered in my career choices in life. He’s always told me that it’s your life and career, you have to do what you want and you have to learn on your own.

Tell me about the time you told him you wanted to be an actor.
I always wanted to be an actor but the first time I officially told him was on the April 17 or 18 of April, 1994. It’s a big moment and that’s why I still remember it. I told my mom first. She gave me the strength to tell my dad. He was very happy. I was immensely nervous. When you are young, there is fear of approval and rejection, but he was very happy and supportive. In fact, both my parents have always been very supportive and never dictated what Shweta and I should do. They have always told us, do what your heart tells you. And if your heart isn’t in your job, there’s no point doing it. They never said go out and be an actor or take over the family business. My parents never put those pressures on my sister or me. They never told us that they wanted us to become a doctor, lawyer etc. If I had to answer that, I would say, if anything dad is happy that I am an actor.

Any do's and dont's given by your dad when you entered the film industry?
No. Dad always had the faith in me that I would do the right thing because that’s how we were brought up. Mom brought us up with the emphasis on being a correct and good human being. So I think my parents had that faith in me that I would do the right thing. Their parenting value was to give us the independence to make our own decisions and to know what is right and what is wrong. They are always there to guide us.

In the film, whom are you close to?
In All Is Well, I am closer to my mother (Supriya Pathak).

And in real life?
It is not easy to describe. She is Maa... You know what I am saying. I am very different where relationships with my parents are concerned. My dad is more of a friend than a father, and my bond with my mother is that which a mother and son share.

AIW is about a dysfunctional family whereas yours is one the most, stable and loving families.
Can I be cocky? I’d like to believe that I am a good actor (laughs)! I’m kidding. You can’t bring your personal life and baggage onto a film set. Rather, you shouldn’t. Also part of the quest is to do things that you might not have done or had experienced before. Like Nandu in Happy New Year, or Bol Bachchan and Yuva. I like to do work which might not have any semblance to my personal life.

Tell us about your off screen relationship with Rishi Kapoor.
It’s the complete opposite of what we share in the film. That’s what makes it so much fun. Dad and Chintu uncle have worked together in films and so he’s like family. There’s always a discussion about a scene and every actor has his own approach to it. There’s always a give and take between co-stars and that’s Chintu uncle’s biggest ability — of being a co-star. He doesn’t play the role of ‘I am the senior’ on the sets. Chintu uncle allows you the freedom to behave as an equal with him and that’s wonderful. It’s very normal on sets to give suggestions and he’s very open to them as well. That’s very refreshing because regardless of what your personal relationship, he’s still Mr Rishi Kapoor, a living legend and then to go on set and discover that he treats his scenes as just another hungry actor is amazing!

So you are good friends?
My personal relationship with him is one of great camaraderie. It’s wonderful — at times even when we were not shooting he would call me over for dinner and I would go. He keeps sending me dirty jokes, so it’s great fun! He came for my first kabaddi match this year. Chintu uncle was very keen to come as he said he had last played kabaddi in the song Pakdo-Pakdo from Naseeb. I asked him if he was serious and he said yes. I said it would be an honour if he was there. He came and had a whale of a time. Chintu uncle is a source of huge entertainment in my life as he’s very funny. It’s so refreshing to be so honest also and have conviction in your views.

And Ranbir?
Ranbir is younger to me and more like a baby brother. We play football together and we meet every week. The cool part is that my equation with Ranbir is pretty much the same as it is with Chintu uncle. I always treat them equally — it’s never like ‘Oh, that’s Ranbir’s dad’. Chintu uncle too treats me like one of his friends. That’s fantastic!

So when the shoot ended, it must have been an emotional parting for you both?
No! Earlier, the last day of shoot would have been a highly emotional parting as we knew we wouldn’t bump into each other again. But in today’s day and age, the next day you are busy promoting the film, so actually you are spending more time with the person. Until the film is not released, that moment doesn’t happen anymore.

Recently Akshay Kumar said that he censors his wife Twinkle on her column. Do you do the same for your sister Shweta?
No. I do get to read it before it’s published, on a Saturday, though as I do know the author, you see (smiles). Whatever subject my sister has, like once she wrote on how emojis are taking over everybody’s life, so I respond to her in the subject of the column. When she wrote Emojinal, my response to the email was about 20 emojis! I think she’s very talented. Her English is so good as she’s also an English Literature student.

Your father wasn’t invited by Deepika Padukone for the Piku party. Did that upset you?
I have nothing to say on that. I am too busy doing my own work to bother about other people’s work.

Would you be awkward if you bumped into her at a party?
If I bump into her at an event, I would like to believe that I am a well-mannered and well-brought up person and I won’t snub her or behave coldly. What has that got to with anything?

Earlier you had a very intense image but now you are doing more and more comedy films like Hera Pheri 3 and Housefull 3. Have you discovered a latent comic talent in you?
I think I just went through a phase where I went through a lot of serious work. I would like to believe that I have done some comedy throughout my career, some of them unintentionally (grins), but they turned out to be comic (roars with laughter)! I did Dostana, which was a romcom and after that I didn’t do anything in the comic zone. I came up with a spate of pretty intense films like Game, Dum Maro Dum, Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey, so when Bol Bachchan happened it was something completely different from what I had done before. I enjoy comedy and I want to do more of it. Maybe it’s just a state of mind, I don’t know... It’s very difficult to understand or explain at times, but I think actors choose films based on what frame of mind they are in. Now I am going through this happy, fun and frolic phase right now. After I complete these films I would have my fill of that and be done with comedy maybe. I will introspect and maybe do something which is a bit more intense and edgy. I am gearing towards that.

Ever thought of doing an intense love story?
Yes, I would love to do one! Doing an absolutely intense, tragic love story would be great fun. I do believe in eternal love, but who says just because your life ends, love has to end, too...? (smiles)

Are you acting in any AB Corp production after Paa?
No. Right now I am not producing anything that we are working on. I haven’t found a script that I would like to do. All the projects in the company right now is under the scripting stage, so I don’t think we will be producing something for some time.

Have you ever thought of directing a film?
No. I don’t know anything about direction. It’s a different craft altogether and something you will have to educate yourself in, before doing that. Maybe the performance part, I will get but the technical aspect of direction, I don’t know. Maybe down the line, there will be a day when I will say, hey I want to make a film, but then I must learn the art of direction.

Do you write?
I write down concepts but I have never written down entire stories. I am not a writer, but I do have ideas. Yes I do write them down somewhere — in a notebook for jotting down my thoughts, I just make notes. Every actor does that, make notes of the films or ideas they want to act in. It’s all part of the creation process. Maybe I should now get down to putting those ideas and do something.

Before Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor were asked to come on the AIB Roast, you had been approached and turned it down.
Yes. The AIB guys had approached me first. But I get roasted every Friday on the basis of my film’s release. Why do I need somebody else to do it for me? I think everybody has an opinion, it’s a democratic nation, and everybody has the right to express it. If you want to be a subject to that, power to you man, well done. If you don’t, then I think you should respect that. I work and live in a profession in which I am up for public speculation every second of the day, so I get my fair share of reality check.

You bonded with Shahid Kapoor last week on the sets of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa.
I am very fond of Shahid. I met him last week on the sets of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa for the first time after he got married. He was very sweet and had invited Aishwarya and me to his reception, but I was in Australia, so when I met him, I congratulated him. I wish him and his bride (Mira Rajput) all the best. God bless them.

You always have a warm relationship with fellow actors. No sense of competition and insecurity?
I have never felt insecure about anything. I understand why people would behave like that; I personally find it a bit shallow, but it’s not my place to comment on it. I am not like that. I enjoy bonding with other actors. This is my family, right? How terribly time-consuming would it be, if I had to continuously think who I want to talk to and who I don’t. Surely, it’s more beneficial to go out there, spread love and those energies in your work. Also, most of my colleagues today are people I have grown up with, so our relationships never depended on whether we were actors or not. Our relationships were forged much before, so it never comes in the way.

Mohar Basu (BOMBAY TIMES; August 11, 2015)

Asin is returning on screen after almost three years with her career's longest quickie; shrugs off speculations of tying the knot
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 6, 2015)


December 2012... That was the last time one saw Asin on screen, in the Akshay Kumar starrer, Khiladi 786. After that, she vanished into thin air, only to come out now and admit that apart from All Is Well, which she has been shooting intermittently over the last two-and-a-half years, she has no other film in hand. What's with this girl who, after three back-toback Rs 100 crore blockbusters— Ready, Housefull 2 and Bol Bachchan— suddenly, inexplicably, went on a break? "I'd always said that the moment my career ceased to excite me creatively, I'd pack my bags. That's exactly what I did though there was no official announcement," says the actress, who has been travelling, exploring new countries, sampling cuisines and getting her adrenaline rush from adventure sports.

It took Umesh Shukla to get her to face the camera again. She recalls that on their first meeting, they spent the first hour discussing his directorial debut, OMG — Oh My God!

"Then he narrated All Is Well and I thought it was a decent family film with which to bring in a silver jubilee. Yes, it's my 25th film. Abhishek Bachchan who played my brother in Bol Bachchan and Chintu uncle (Rishi Kapoor) who was my father in Housefull 2 are my co-stars. Bhushan Kumar had promised to wrap it up in 45 days, it's turned out to be the longest quickie of my career," she laughs, alluding to Smriti Irani's exit which delayed the film.

She admits reshooting portions was exasperating for the makers, for the actors it was all a day's work. "Everything happened for the best because we got a good actress in Supriya ma'am (Pathak). And I never missed the fun of being on a film set in these last two years," she smiles.

On August 31, she completes 14 years in an industry Asin entered when she was 14, and in the ninth standard. "Twenty-five films in 14 years isn't a lot but I was never fiercely competitive or desperate for work. There were no financial obligations or a burning ambition to be on top. I've many self-imposed limitations-like no bikinis or clothes I'm not comfortable in, no kissing or physical intimacy on screen- which didn't go down well in Bollywood. I was fortunate to get some good films but they were few and far between. Of late, I've been rejecting many offers and the word has got around. Till I get something I like, I'm okay doing nothing," she asserts.

Buzz is, she's set to tie the knot with business tycoon Rahul Sharma which is why her career has taken a backseat? "I've never commented on my personal life. All I'll say is that I'm not married yet. The day I decide, I'll make an announcement," she says.

Will it be another three years before she's back on screen? "I don't know. I'm not planning on signing any new movies as of now but never say never," she says. On October 26 Asin turns 30, and admits she'll bring in her birthday dhoom dhaam se, "with a big function, family and friends."

After punching and pummelling her way through the Mouna Guru remake, the actress is now combining forces with John Abraham
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 31, 2015)


When A R Murugadoss decided to remake Santha Kumar's 2011 Tamil action thriller, Mouna Guru, as Akira, with the leading lady of his film Holiday, Sonakshi Sinha, stepping into actor Arulnithi Tamilarasu's shoes, little did he know that he was moulding an action heroine for Hindi cinema.

The 28-year-old actress underwent months of training in mixed martial arts to enhance strength and flexibility. She also practised choreographed kicking and punching. "By switching the gender, Murugadoss sir has changed the film's perspective and makes the character even more relatable. Every young girl will be able to take something away from it. For me, Akira was exciting because I was getting to learn something new. The prep required plenty of discipline and hard work but I was happy to go through the grind because it helped me get into shape too," Sonakshi smiles.

She recalls a cable action scene in the film in which she had to kick off from the chest of one of the fighters, do a back flip in the air and land on her feet. "It was the most daunting and difficult stunt I've ever done but I pulled it off," she exults.

Sonakshi has now bagged the Force sequel opposite John Abraham which will also have lots of daredevil stunts but will not require any further homework. "The training I've undergone is perfect for Force 2 too though this time, the action will be more stylised as compared to the raw power of Akira," she points out.

John is still remembered for his bulging biceps and 12-pack from the original Force. Apprehensive? The query is answered with peals of laughter, "What's a 12-pack? Last I counted, it was six! And why would I be apprehensive? That was John's look for the film and I'm not exactly competing with his physique. I've worked with some of the best action heroes and learnt from watching them. It will be amazing to put all that learning to use and see it translate on screen."

The way she's going, will she soon give Bollywood's heroes a complex? "Why would I give them a complex? They've been at it for years; it will take me a while to be in their league, but I will keep trying," she promises.

Prod her on role models and Angelina Jolie is the obvious choice for her effortless action in films like Salt, Wanted, Mr. & Mrs. Smith and Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life. "I also loved Uma Thurman in the Kill Bill series and Rani Mukerji was awesome in Mardaani," she raves.

Given her new-found expertise in maar-dhaad, will Rajjo fight the baddies in Dabangg 3 with Chulbul Pandeyji? Sonakshi instantly clams up, saying it's too early to speak about Dabangg 3 which is still being scripted. "But I think they will leave the fighting to Pandeyji in this one as well," she smiles coyly.

Okay, so Salman's out, so which action hero would she like to match, kick for kick, someday? "Definitely Akshay Kumar," she quips. "He is so good in martial arts and parkour that it would be challenging to match him, kick for kick!"

Well, there's talk of a Rowdy Rathore sequel, she could give Akshay competition in that? "Why are you hell-bent on me giving my heroes competition?" she frowns. "We all work in harmony for the film. I don't know anything about a Rowdy Rathore sequel but if it happens, it would be awesome."

When Sonakshi is not fighting, she's dancing. Nachan Farrate, her special appearance song in All Is Well, is already top of the charts. "Ahmed Khan choreographed the song and he's really fast. We knocked this song off in two-and-a-half days and the energy level on the set was always high," she reminisces.

From dancing to singing. After watching her judge Indian Idol Junior, will we also hear her sing in Akira? "Vishal Dadlani and Shekhar Ravjiani are doing the music for Akira. And Vishal, who is my Idol co-judge thinks it would be great if I sang. Let's see, I just might because being on the show and watching all the talented kids inspires me everyday to brush up my vocal chords," she confides.

Will we see more of her on TV now? Sonakshi admits that it is a wonderful medium with a wide reach now. "It's no longer the small screen and I'd want to always be a part of Indian Idol Junior. If something else comes along once this season is over, and I like the concept, why not?" she retorts.

Meanwhile, there's a home production coming up with Sonakshi leading the cast. Will that be an action-oriented, heroine-centric film too? "I'm already doing an Akira along those lines. I would like to do something very different for the home production. We are close to locking a script. Wait and watch," she says evasively.

Lakshmi V (BOMBAY TIMES; July 29, 2015)

One of the cult romantic tracks of the 80s, Ae Mere Humsafar , that featured in the Aamir Khan-Juhi Chawla-starrer Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (QSQT), has been recreated for director Umesh Shukla's All Is Well. The new version will feature in a highlight scene in the family entertainer that has Abhishek Bachchan, Rishi Kapoor, Asin and Supriya Pathak in the principle cast.

A source reveals that Umesh wanted a travel song and used the QSQT track as reference. But it fit so well that he wanted to retain it. As producer Bhushan Kumar has the music rights of the original track, he decided to get a new version. Composer Mithoon and singer Tulsi Kumar, who have previously collaborated for Mujhe Ishq Se (Yaariyan) and Naam-E-Wafa (Creature 3D), were brought on board. The number has been added as a background score in a crucial part in the film. Amitabh Verma has penned the additional lyrics in such a way that they blend with the story.

Tulsi says, “Ae Mere Humsafar is one of my favourite songs from the 80s, and I was quite excited when I heard that it was being recreated for All Is Well. The original number has a happy, romantic vibe to it. I met Mithoon for this song's sitting, and he briefed me about the situation and the change in lyrics. While recording, I was told to keep a smooth texture and give a surreal feel to it as demanded by the film's situation. After I delivered the song, I received a text from Umesh Shukla sir, which read 'Very well sung, no words, God bless'. For me this was the icing on the cake.“

All Is Well, produced by T Series and Allchemy Film Productions, releases August 21.

Abhishek Bachchan on upcoming films, the possibility of working with wife Aishwarya again and his take on the trade
Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; July 27, 2015)


You own a kabaddi and a football team. Is there a bias towards a particular sport?
No, their schedules are completely different. We finish kabaddi in August and football starts in October. I’m equally passionate about both.

Do you think these leagues will help India prepare to be a top contender in the international arena as well?
Of course. How much did you know about kabaddi before the Pro Kabaddi League last year? Now you do. Whenever I travel abroad, the number of sportsmen that have spoken to me about the game is very heartening to hear. In case of football (starting the Indian Super League), part of the mission statement states that India, as a national squad, should be competing in the World Cup.

Do you think more films will be made on kabaddi as well?
What we don’t realise is that Indian cinema is not limited to Bollywood only. There were two films made last year which revolved around kabaddi and they weren’t just montage shots. They were actual films. Similarly, cricket and football are what Indians are crazy for. Hence, you see a lot of films being made on cricket and football. There was a Chak De India made on hockey. Soon, I am sure there will be mainstream films made with mainstream actors with kabaddi as the central theme.

Over the last few years, you have been part of ensemble casts. All is Well is a solo film after a long time. But it’s been delayed for some time now...
Well, we expect the best. Reality, usually, is completely different from what we hope. We have to make do with things. We have given it our best, it’s a very sweet film. It’s a film which is close to my heart because I love the message in it. When I heard the story, I knew I wanted to be a part of this film because that’s something I wanted to say at that point of time. It had its shares of hiccups. But these things happen so you just need to move on and try and put your best foot forward.

People have also started comparing it to Piku. Comment.
The only similarity between Piku and All is Well is that both the films are about a road trip. And that’s it. There’s no other similarity.

Aishwarya told us that the makers are planning to revisit Happy Anniversary. Have they approached you again?
No, they haven’t. At least not till now.

If they do, will you take it up?
Ash and I would love to work together. I always enjoy the space of making a film with her. But it has to be something both of us agree to, individually. As far as Ash’s requirements go, it ticks all the boxes. Similarly it needs to tick mine. I won’t disrespect her ever as an artiste. I won’t do a film for the heck of it. You have to look at such things individually. You can’t look at it collectively.

Did you watch the trailer of Jazbaa?
The one that they released in Cannes? I did. It was more of a show reel. It wasn’t really a promo. When you go to a festival like Cannes, you don’t take the promo. What you take instead is something you call the ‘sizzle reel’. It’s just glimpses of the film. So yes, that’s what I have seen. I loved Aishwarya in the film and I am sure people will love her too.

Given that there are many paradigm shifts in the industry today and you are a producer, what new thing would you like to try out?
Everybody’s up with their own stuff. What’s really nice is that, with the advent of multiplexes, it has become financially more viable to make a film, which is more niche in its appeal to the audiences intended for. I have produced Piku but I don’t know if 20-30 years ago, a film like that would have ever been made. People wouldn’t have made it because they wouldn’t be able to sell it as it might not appeal to as wide an audience to as say, a hardcore masala potboiler. It’s business at the end of the day. When you have those big single screens with 900-1000-seaters, a Piku is not going to be loved that much. But when a multiplex comes along, there are smaller screens which you can fill up and there’s an audience, it’s only possible to make such films. So the paradigm shift that has happened is not related to the subject matter. We have learnt how to exhibit our films now. So, the actual execution is happening at the distribution and execution. The creative field will always be that. People will be creative and they will do what they feel like doing. We talk about women centric films, they’ve always been made. We talk about family films, they’ve always been made. We talk about the big summer blockbusters. These films were always being made. We have cracked how to exhibit the films and reach the target audience.

Our films are doing extremely well in international markets too. Do you think the gap is being bridged now?
It’s a global market. Cinema’s becoming a global product now. I think it’s very encouraging that the films from the West are working here and our films are working there. Telugu cinema has been increasingly growing over the last 10 years. What Baahubali has done is astonishing and definitely worth it. And deservedly so. But what’s heartening to know is that our markets and our horizons are broadening. And they are also now looking at India as a very strong market. There have already been two-three films which have crossed Rs 100 crores here which is huge for them. So, it is becoming a global product and I think what will happen in the times to come is that we will start watching films which are going to have more of a global perspective and outlook.

You teamed up with Raghav and Nelly for a music video. Tell us something about it.
Raghav is a friend. I remember meeting him 10-11 years ago when he had first come to India. He’s been in touch ever since then. Last year, during Diwali, he came over to my house and said, ‘Look, I am working on this track. Would you like to be a part of it?’ He was keen and of course, I wanted to work with him. He then told me that Nelly was working on it as well. Nelly is one of my favourite hip-hop artistes, so it was a golden opportunity to collaborate with him. We recorded the track and it turned out really well.

Bluffmaster sequel on the cards?
Riteish (Deshmukh) and I have been hounding Rohan (Sippy) for the last 10 years. But Rohan’s not the kind of director who will just announce a film because it will go through the roof. We have to back it up with a script. I am not an actor who would make an announcement for sensationalism so we’ve been trying to crack something. I won’t lie but I would love to make a sequel to Bluffmaster. Or maybe a continuing segment from where we left. Rohan’s open to the idea and has not shut the door on it. But we have to develop the right script first.

Any old film you want to remake?
No, I would rather make films that people want to remake later.

You’ve always said you want to play Yuvraj Singh in a biopic. But if someone had to play you in a biopic, who other than you do you think will do justice to the role?
I don’t think anyone can pull it off. (Smiles) In all modesty, I say that. I don’t know but that’s a good question. I should think about that. There’s no one I can think of immediately.

After several comedic roles, Abhishek Bachchan changes course
Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; July 22, 2015)


Not afraid of stereotypes
While most of his contemporaries are trying out different genres, doesn’t Abhishek fear being stereotyped? “Not at all. I like to mix it up. I don’t think about stereotypes. In fact, most of my career has been invested in not trying to be stereotyped with a particular image. When I did Yuva and Dhoom, I was considered this intense, serious actor. Then I did a Bunty Aur Babli which was completely opposite. The audiences started loving my avatar in B&B when I did a Sarkar which was again a very serious character. I like breaking the mould. When they wanted to see me in action, I did a Guru. Straight after Guru, I did a Jhoom Barabar Jhoom,” AB Jr explains.

Satiated by comedy
Doesn’t he miss doing something like a Guru now? “I was in this frame of mind where I wanted to do comedy as I enjoyed the blaiseness of comedy. Hence I did a Happy New Year and All Is Well, Housefull 3, and Hera Pheri 3 back-to-back. I enjoyed that and wanted that. I have had my feel of it, I am happy with that. I am satiated with that fact. I have grown through that emotional gamut,” he says.

Let’s get aggressive
Now that he’s satiated, he tells us that he’s game for something different. “Now, I look forward to doing something more intense next. I want to do something which is more aggressive now. I think I am ready for that.”

Not just that, he reveals he’s already in talks with a filmmaker for the same. “Yes, of course, I have spoken to directors. I have also signed something. But I can’t really talk about that because I always like the producer to make these announcements.”

Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 22, 2015)

Last year, Umesh Shukla's team was panic-stricken when Rishi Kapoor went missing from the sets of All Is Well. "We were shooting an important sequence in Himachal Pradesh where Rishiji was a part of a funeral procession. We searched for him all day and eventually, a spot boy found him munching samosas and drinking chai with a local family in their home. Everyone was glued to the TV screen, watching Bol Bachchan," reminisces director Umesh Shukla. And that wasn't the only surprise sprung on the unsuspecting unit. Once, when they were filming in Mashobra, their car broke down. They were all scheduled to fly back to Mumbai the next day so they had to wrap up the shoot even though the weather was bad and the road was covered in snow.

In consultation with Umesh, cinematographer Sameer Arya got Abhishek and Rishi to get off and push the car with Asin and Supriya, sitting inside. "The camera was fixed on the car and captured the windmill fields in the background, while the two actors huffed and puffed their way through a great, improvised shot. The car breakdown was a blessing in disguise," Umesh smiles.

The road trip flick is about a family on the run from goons. For one such cat-and-mouse chase, Sameer shot the mini-train which runs from Shimla to Chandigarh from inside, above and outside it. "Umesh made me stand on top of the moving train. Even though it wasn't going too fast, it was a scary but thrilling ride," Sameer recalls.

There are constant disagreements between the flamboyant and quarrelsome father (played by Rishi) and his introverted son who wants to pursue a career in singing. The mother has Alzheimer's and the girlfriend is trying to glue the cracks. "I had warned Sameer about the power cuts in Himachal. Once when we were filming a romantic scene between Asin and Abhishek, the lights went off and the shoot came to an abrupt halt. We then shot in broad daylight and switched to night mode with visual effects during post-production," Umesh reveals.

Quiz him on the film's highlight and he quips, "Rishi Kapoor peeing. His constant need to relieve himself is just a gag. And we filmed him in the act near the picturesque Igatpuri lake. It was picture perfect," he laughs.