From pursuing music and acting in plays in India, to doing small roles in South Korean television shows and films, actor Anupam Tripathi’s career graph has been interesting. However, 2021 changed everything for him. The world went crazy over Squid Game, and Anupam’s character of the Pakistani migrant worker Abdul Ali received a thumbsup from viewers. Still coming to terms with the popularity, Anupam says that the response was totally unexpected. “We knew we had created a good show. But the reception was phenomenal; totally overwhelming,” says the Delhi-lad, who is now looking forward to more roles that let him show his potential.

In his journey from Delhi to Seoul, Anupam went from harbouring dreams of joining the National School of Drama (NSD), to pursuing performing arts at the Korea National University of Arts. What has kept him going is his passion for acting. “I was originally interested in music and was learning classical music from Dr Sarita Pathak Yajurvedi. Later, I joined the Behroop theatre group and was mentored by the late Shahid Anwar before coming to Korea,” he says.

Anupam is among the actors who’ve made a mark in the audience’s minds due to shows or films on OTT platforms, and he agrees that these platforms have a big hand in taking projects to a global audience. He shares, “There’s no limit for creativity, thanks to OTT platforms. There are more opportunities for actors and creators, and projects have become multicultural. And this will only grow further. At the same time, the reach and opportunities also put an onus on artistes to constantly hone their craft and experiment with roles.”

Experimentation is something he, too, wishes to do now. So, is Bollywood on the cards anytime soon, we ask, and he replies, “If an interesting role comes my way, I will definitely take it up. That said, I speak three languages — Hindi, English and Korean — and I want to explore opportunities in each of these.”

The topic of Bollywood invariably brings us to the people he looks up to. On his list are — “Irrfan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Pankaj Tripathi, Raj Kapoor, Guru Dutt, Dilip Kumar. I also loved Ayushmann Khurrana’s work in Andhadhun. Internationally, I admire Marlon Brando and Charlie Chaplin’s work.” 

There’s another person he admires, someone he also shares his birthday with — Shah Rukh Khan. “Not just as an actor, but as a person who has built such a big name for himself through his work and dedication, I love and admire Shah Rukh Khan. He is someone who inspires millions of people every moment,” says Anupam.

While his near ones celebrate his success and popularity, Anupam has his eyes set on the things to come. In his words, “This is just the beginning of my story.”

It’s been an eventful year for Tamannaah Bhatia. She shot for four films and two web series, tested positive for Coronavirus, recovered and went back to sets. The severity of the second wave of the virus has shocked her and like everyone else, Tamannaah is now holed up in her apartment in Mumbai, waiting for the world to go back to norma. “It’s been overwhelming. Reading about stories of pain, suffering and loss as people combat this virus have been hard,” says the actress, as she joins us for a video call. “I feel grateful and blessed that my family and I are at home, safe and healthy,” she adds. In a freewheeling chat, Tamannaah opens up about shooting in the new normal, exploring the OTT platform and how she has coped mentally with the second wave of COVID-19. Excerpts:

It was extremely difficult not just for me, but for everyone to be back on sets. Despite the level of precautions we took, there was a sense of alarm and no one was in their normal element. Utmost care was taken on all the sets I worked on, but we kept hearing about people getting infected. I believe the on-set experience will never be the same and this will be the new normal till things change across the world. It’s not an ideal way to shoot, but I felt a sense of responsibility towards my work, so I rejoined sets soon after recovering from COVID.

None of us were prepared for another lockdown. The spike in COVID cases was unprecedented and alarming, and the lack of resources hit everybody. I feel maybe we were better contained last year, which is probably why the number of people infected were lower compared to the second wave. I must admit, there was zero preparation for the second wave and that was a lapse on our part. The daily-wage workers are the worst hit in every industry, yet again.

I think it’s important to remember that it’s okay to not be able to figure it all out. There’s such uncertainty that we’re all in the same boat. We must be easy on ourselves. If someone is unable to be productive, it’s okay. My heart goes out to everyone, who has lost a loved one to the virus. But I hope everyone finds the strength to deal with this. The only way we get out of this situation is by being collectively responsible and doing our bit.

Even before the pandemic when theatres were running, I wanted to explore the web space, because it’s a natural progression. I want to pave a way for others who want to do it. It’s a great time to be an actor and there’s a massive change in the kind of stories being explored apart from the medium they’re told on.

The way people now look at female actors has definitely changed. That said, I am neither a director nor a writer. In my capacity as an actor, my job is to do justice to whatever I take up, so I’ve given my best to all my roles till date. It’s not always about getting roles that show off your potential; sometimes it’s just about giving it your all is what I’ve learnt. I’m not worried about not getting my due as an actor.

I’m not insecure about that, because sometimes a Baahubali will come along to change your life. But that’s not the case with every film. There is no optimum opportunity; you just have to give it your all no matter what you do.

Yes, the kind of work I have now is a mixed bag. There’s no formula, because I’m consciously trying to break the mould at this point in my career. I want to do everything for different kinds of audience. The sets of F3 were a blast to be on and there’s such camaraderie among the cast and crew. When it comes to Maestro, the remake of Andhadhun, I’m a huge fan of Tabu’s versatility so I have some big shoes to fill. Gurthunda Seethakalam, the remake of Love Mocktail, will see me in an unexpected role. Seetimaarr is a sports drama that shows how difficult it is to pursue sports in our country, especially if you’re a woman. I’m being careful, sensitive and choosy about the roles I pick because I want my work to be relatable. I just hope the COVID situation is under control again, so the audience can see me in all these exciting new characters. 

Suhas Yellapantula (BOMBAY TIMES; September 13, 2020)

Speculation is rife that Shriya Saran has been roped in to reprise Tabu’s role in Andhadhun in the film’s Telugu remake. Confirming she has been approached for the role, Shriya says she’s yet to sign the dotted line. “Yes, I was approached, but nothing has been finalised yet. We don’t know when things will get back on track (amid the pandemic). Also, I live in Barcelona and I’ll need to fly down to India, so there are a lot of logistics yet to be worked out,” she says, adding, “However, if it does happen, it’ll be a privilege to step into Tabu’s character. I’ve watched all her films and I find her work inspiring. Having said that, I’ll try to bring my own flavour to the character rather than try and imitate her. If I do end up doing the film, I hope to do justice to the character.”

Meanwhile, it’s been over six months since Shriya entered a film set. The actress is itching to get back to work, but she’s also keen to see some of her films hit the screens once theatres reopen.

Just before the lockdown in March, Shriya had wrapped up shoot for S S Rajamouli’s upcoming film RRR, in which she plays a cameo. “Although it’s a cameo, it felt great to work with S S Rajamouli again after Chatrapathi (2005). He has a grand vision and he’s trying something very different. Just being on the sets of RRR made me feel like I was part of something very special. I hope this pandemic is over soon, so that they can wrap up the shoot and release the film,” says the actress.

Speaking about her cameo in the first-of-its-kind historical fiction, Shriya says, “It’s a small role and I’ll share the screen with Ajay Devgn. He’s a thorough professional and a great guy to be around. I had a great time working with him.”

Fan boy first, co-star later, Ayushmann Khurrana discusses working with Amitabh Bachchan in his latest release, Gulabo Sitabo
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; June 13, 2020)

For Ayushmann Khurrana, Gulabo Sitabo is the realisation of his long-standing dream of working with his favourite actor. With the Shoojit Sircar-directed venture bypassing a theatrical release for a world premiere on Amazon Prime Video, the dream may not have played out on a 70 mm screen. But that hardly diminishes its magic.

"After Dum Laga Ke Haisha [2015] released, Mr [Amitabh] Bachchan sent me a personalised note, appreciating the nuances of my performance. When I won the National Award for Andhadhun [2018], he sent a beautiful message," recounts Khurrana, believing that these moments were only leading up to Gulabo Sitabo, his first collaboration with the megastar. "It's hard to be a professional actor around your screen idol. I am glad he wasn't playing himself — the alpha male with a [deep] baritone. He was playing a character, wearing deceitful make-up. So, there wasn't a hint of the legend on set. But after pack-up every day, I would pinch myself to believe that I was, in fact, sharing screen space with him."

Written by Juhi Chaturvedi, the film thrives on the chemistry of its central characters — Bachchan as the cantankerous landlord Mirza, and Khurrana, his miserly tenant Baanke. "I had previously shot Bala in Lucknow. But on this set, I had to switch to a different accent, one that's typical of old Lucknow. My character in Bala had the Kanpuriya twang," he reflects.

The slice-of-life film marks Khurrana's reunion with Sircar, the director who started it all for him with Vicky Donor (2012). The actor is glad to shift gears from his previous offerings, under the guidance of his mentor. "I owe him my career. So, if he offers me a passing role in his film, I will do it. He is my guru. I have been doing message-oriented films over the years. But this movie doesn't offer social commentary. It's a pure form of cinema that doesn't commit to norms."

As she adds two new genres to resume with Panipat and Mimi, Kriti Sanon keen to explore grey roles
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; November 30, 2019)

A look at her slate of upcoming movies — that include a period drama in Panipat, a social comedy in Mimi and an action-drama in Bachchan Pandey — and it is evident that Kriti Sanon is keen to try her hand at every genre. While the actor is enjoying slipping in and out of characters that are far removed from one another, she says that her wish list now includes taking on a grey role. "I have the nice-girl-next-door look, and I have been told that a lot. So, if I get a great script with a not-so-nice character, I will grab it with both hands. I would love to play a character like [that of Rosamund Pike in] Gone Girl [2014] or say, Tabu's character in Andhadhun [2018]. I want to go into a zone that is not expected of me," shares Sanon.

Although she has enjoyed a hit in Housefull 4 recently, Sanon adds that the success of movies like Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017) and Luka Chuppi gives her the confidence to experiment with different roles. "These movies brought in big numbers at the box office and instilled confidence in me. Today, I don't want to be scared that I cannot [pull off a certain role]."

Tabu is glad that female actors are getting the fee they demand nowadays, but believes there is scope for improvement
Pooja Sharma (HINDUSTAN TIMES; November 8, 2019)

After three back-to-back hits, Tabu feels she is in the most gratifying phase of her career. The actor, who has delivered hits such as Andhadhun (2018) and De De Pyaar De, in the recent past, says, “I am happy about the growth that I have seen in movies, and myself. To get the opportunities, to grow with your work, and have your growth reflect in your work is an amazing thing.” Being in a fulfilling stage in her career, she is more open to push the creative envelope even further. Excerpts from an interview:

After playing intense roles in the past few years, were comedies such as Golmaal Again (2017) and De De Pyaar De a breather?
I did what was required of me as an actor. Having said that, aisi type ki filmein beech mein nahi ban rahi thi. My presence in the serious films worked well. But people have not forgotten my roles in Chachi 420 (1997), Biwi No 1 (1999), or Hera Pheri (2000). When people cast you, they want to give you roles which you are good at. But at that time, these films were being made and so everything worked out in tandem. But my approach for every film has been the same. Every project has a different requirement of course. So, you try to fit into that and do justice to what is required of you.

Now, do you want to charge double after the success of your last few films?
(Laughs) I really should charge double! I am sure the makers who come to me will have that respect for what I deserve and will give me my due.

Are female actors now getting the fee that they demand?
I think so. A lot of demands are being met. I am sure the makers are smart enough to understand that if an actress is bringing them that kind of revenue and is pulling the crowd, they will give her the due. Actors are also intelligent; they know their position and demand accordingly. Of course, it’s a business so everyone will try to get the best deal. But, it is better now.

Are you ever unnerved on the first day of any shoot?
There’s a lot of excitement but no apprehension. Since you have done it for long, so you know the pattern. But, when you go on sets, it takes a day or two to settle, unless you know the people or have worked with them earlier.

How important is it for you to take breaks between movies?
Long enough breaks toh nahi, thoda sa just to regroup, because the process of making a film tires you. I like to take some time off because I like to prep for the film. By prep I mean like costumes etc. I don’t like last minute things such as fittings theek nahi hai, etc., because it distracts you from the shooting process. There are last minute changes, but if we can keep things in order, it saves time.

Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; November 6, 2019)

Ayushmann Khurrana is making his on-screen appearance, with yet another distinct role, in Bala. The actor plays the role of man facing premature balding. While talking to BT he reasons why he always picks up such quirky characters. The actor also opens up about his brother Aparshakti, who too is set out on a journey in Bollywood, his wife Tahira’s battle with cancer, the work that’s keeping her busy and lot more...

Just a week ago, a film based on a similar subject hit the theatres. Bala, also went through its own ordeal, with the release date going back and forth to avoid the clash...
We were the first to release the teaser (of a film based on premature balding). We completed the shooting of the film before anybody else did. We were the first one to get that idea. Anyway, it’s okay that there are more films being made on the same subject. Eventually, the content will speak, and we are confident about our film.

We know you love your hair, so, when you saw yourself with the bald look in the mirror, what was your reaction?
The first time I saw myself like that, I thought I looked like my grandpa. He had less hair. It felt really different. For my research, I met a lot of my friends who had a receding hairline or were bald. I realised that there were two perspectives. One was, they were full of complexes, the other was that they had accepted themselves the way they were. They were confident about the other talents they had. They were also confident that women thought they were attractive. This is exactly the journey of my character in the film, from being a person with complexes to self-acceptance. Likewise, there is Bhumi’s (Pednekar) character who is dark-skinned and believes in self-love. On the other hand, is Yami’s character in the film is someone who is a fair-skinned model.

Coming back to my bald avatar, when I was shooting for Bala in Kanpur, I was surprised to see that nobody could recognise me. I used to cross the street, walk around the gallis and people wouldn’t even react. They knew that Ayushmann was in their town for the shoot, and they would ask, ‘Ayushmann kidhar hai?’, but wouldn’t spot me even when I would pass by them. I thought that I would get mobbed by people, instead main toh saamne se nikal jaata tha, aur logon ko pata bhi nahi chalta tha.

Have you faced hair loss in real life?
No. I am genetically blessed. My father turns 70 next year and he still has good hair. I know a lot of actors who wear wigs or have got transplants done to hide their baldness. However, I look up to someone like Rajinikanth. Onscreen he plays such varied, larger-than-life characters, but off-screen he is himself (doesn’t shy away from appearing bald in public).

From playing the role of a man facing erectile dysfunction (Shubh Mangal Saavdhan) to a man facing premature balding (Bala), to being part of the upcoming Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, which is based on homosexuality, how is it that you always pick up movies with distinct and taboo-breaking characters?
Well, that’s because this (taboo-breaking cinema) is my zone. This is my staple — taking up quirky, taboo-breaking, social, slice-of-life films. Well, there has to be an impetus for the audience to buy tickets and watch something different, right? Every actor has this zone. You can’t have a Tiger (Shroff) not do action in his films. Having said that, once in a while, I will venture out and do movies like Andhadhun and Article 15. These two films were not even made for me. I extracted these scripts out of directors Sriram Raghavan and Anubhav Sinha respectively. For Andhadhun, I went up to the director and asked him to take my screen test. He was looking for someone else. He said that a movie like this wasn’t my zone. Likewise, Anubhav had a quirky romcom for me, but I told him that he should do a film like Mulk with me. I asked him to share the subjects that he was working on with me. He told me about this film (Article 15), which was earlier titled Kanpur Dehat. I read the draft, I got excited and then we went ahead with it. Content is important for me. If I don’t get good films, then I will just do events, sing at weddings and college concerts for survival.

Your brother Aparshakti is now getting noticed in Bollywood. As a character actor, he is getting good roles too in content-driven films. Any chances of coming together for a film?
He is having a beautiful journey. I am proud of him. He is only shown his funny side till now, but I know he has got a lot in him and can pull off varied roles with finesse. He is extremely talented. While I take time over a script when it comes to picking the right one, he has a talent in sniffing the best one in a jiffy. I liked him in Dangal and Stree. We are looking forward to working together. I am waiting for a good script where we can play siblings on screen.

As an elder brother and an actor who has seen many years in this industry, does Aparshakti discuss the scripts that he is looking at?
Well, it is both ways. Whenever we are not sure about a project, we discuss it with each other. We speak about the pros and cons associated with the project. We have got a keen eye on good scripts.

Personally, what kind of bond do the two of you share?
Initially, it was very irreverent. Later, it grew to a typical elder-brother-younger-brother kind of a bond. Now we are more like friends. I remember we never cracked adult jokes in front of each other, but now we are more casual and do that.

Your wife Tahira went through a tough phase during her battle with cancer. Is she back to work now?
She is in Chandigarh, busy with the pre-production of a film. She is also working on a couple of short movies. I hope she writes something for me too. She is mostly obsessed with female protagonists. I don’t know if I will ever get a chance to act in a project helmed by her.
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On Monday evening, Ayushmann Khurrana was seen taking a walk along the Chet Singh Ghat in Varanasi. The actor was there to promote his upcoming film Bala. Apart from participating in the Ganga pujaand watching the aarti,he participated in a jam session with some city collegians at the Chet Singh Fort. Not just this, he also spent some time with fine arts students from the city, who sketched his look from his upcoming film.

After a short stroll, the actor boarded a beautifully decked bajra (boat) to take part in the Ganga aarti at the Dashashwamedh Ghat. “Though it has been nearly a month since I have been in Varanasi, this is my first boat ride and I must say it is beautiful,” shared Ayushmann,soaking in the beauty of the ghats.

While the actor took part in the Ganga puja, which took around 20 minutes, once the aarti began, he preferred the solace of the bajra to witness it. “It is so overwhelming to be a part of such a spiritual experience. I remember that before my film Dream Girl released, I was at Lalbaugcha Raja in Mumbai and now, as Bala is set to release, I am in Varanasi,” Ayushmann told us, adding, “While performing the Ganga puja, I just expressed my gratitude to the universe. I am blessed to work with great people and I have got the opportunity to prove my talent and showcase my capabilities when there is so much talent all around. I came to Mumbai chasing my dreams of making it big and now that this is happening, it is an overwhelming feeling.”

Ayushmann Khurrana says post-Vicky Donor, he was okay to take advice from people, but today, he wants to be the ‘quintessential rule-breaker’
Prashant Singh (HINDUSTAN TIMES; November 4, 2019)

He has single-handedly made out-of-the-box ideas cool as well as commercially-viable, again. Although Ayushmann Khurrana has been on a roll since Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017), the actor — after hitting an instant high with his debut film, Vicky Donor (2012) — also experienced a low right at the start [of his career] with films such as Hawaizaada (2015), before bouncing back with Dum Laga Ke Haisha (2015). “I look at it all as a great learning experience/lesson of life. Now, I know every Friday is different and that nothing is permanent. So, you can’t be overconfident about anything. I am also glad I got some great scripts and made the right choices as well,” says Ayushmann as he readies for the release of his next film, Bala. Excerpts from an interview:

Almost all your films are driven by unique, clutter-breaking concepts. Is it happening organically or are you looking for such content?
It’s both! I have always looked for unique, clutter-breaking ideas because more than anything, such concepts excite me. Even if I do a masala film or it falls in the generic category, there has to be something unique. Bala, too, has been special and is close to me as I’ve given my heart and soul to it.

But don’t such ‘unique’ ideas come with a risk as a Hindi film hero is supposed to be a ‘Mr Perfect’?
I feel, we need more such concepts in India as we’re all imperfect. You have to put the common man on a pedestal and give him the confidence that it’s okay to be imperfect. It’s too far-fetched when one guy beats up 10 people as that’s not the reality. When a regular guy — who has his complexes — is portrayed on screen and gets glorified realistically, it gives confidence to a ‘regular’ person. I feel an important movement is taking place in Indian cinema where a ‘common man’ is feeling good about himself with such films.

At the same time, you also pepper your filmography with movies like Article 15 and Andhadhun (2018). How do you bring that balance?
See, ‘quirky’ films such as Bala, Dream Girl and Dum Laga Ke... came to me on their own but I’ve had to extract movies such as Article 15 and Andhadhun out of the directors as I’m not the natural or first choice for those films. I approached Sriram Raghavan and Anubhav Sinha myself. That [such films] will happen in the future, too. After two-three projects, I’d love to do films that aren’t in my ‘zone’, to surprise and shock the audience.

Talking of Bala, what was the first thing that appealed to you?
The first thing was overcoming your complexes. India is a complex country and we have a lot of flaws. Also, I feel life itself is about imperfections, and complexes could be of any nature — skin colour, height, weight or hair loss. So, it’s about accepting all of that and overcoming those fears. Bala isn’t just about receding hairline but also self-love. When I hear a narration, I react, consume and enjoy the script like an audience member and not as a star. And I enjoyed Bala’s narration as I could visualise the storyline.

Since Bareilly Ki Barfi, things have been going great as compared to the period right before Dum Laga Ke... What changed?
I have realised that there is no dearth of talent. So, just the choices that you make, bring in all the difference. And I feel fortunate that I’ve made some great choices. I’ve also stopped taking people’s advises. Now, I go ahead with my gut and intuition. I used to take a lot of advice post Vicky Donor. I used to think since they’re from the industry, they must ‘know better’. But in reality, no one ‘knows’. The idea is to be the quintessential rule-breaker and not follow rules.