Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 23, 2020)

What is the one fattening food item that you cannot resist?
I cannot resist chocolate in any form — be it chocolate waffles or chocolate pancakes, chocolate milkshakes, etc. I cannot resist my dessert cravings.

How do you get back in shape post a fattening indulgence?
I hit the gym, invariably. That’s most accessible to me, more than a swimming pool or anywhere else. I do yoga, once in a while, but that’s mostly for stretching. The gym is my go-to place.

Do you prefer mini meals? What do they normally contain?
I do not usually end up eating a lot of mini meals, but the only mini meals I like to have are these Japanese Bento boxes, which contains all kinds of nice, healthy sushi. That’s what I’d generally eat, if I had to eat a mini meal.

What is a diet plan that always works for you?
I do not generally have a diet plan. I’ve never actually been on one. I try and eat healthy, as much as possible. I don’t eat junk. I don’t even like eating junk, except my favourite pani puri, which I can’t resist. I generally eat ‘ghar ka khaana’ and I try to stick to that.

Do you work out at home? And what exercises do you do at home?
I have a staircase in my house. That’s how much exercise I like to do at home, just going up and down the staircase.

Do you prefer outdoor or indoor physical activity?
I definitely prefer outdoor activities to indoors, because I never realise the amount I have worked out being outdoors. It’s so much fun being out in the open. It’s much better than being indoors. I do gym, quite regularly, but I would always select an outdoor activity like trekking, swimming or running. Given a choice, I prefer outdoor activities more.

What are your favourite physical activities?
My favourite physical activities are swimming and trekking. If I can find a good partner, I would love to play table tennis too. These are my go-to physical activities, apart from the gym.

What is a healthy tip you rely on?
I rely on eating healthy and not indulging in chatar patar. Luckily, I’ve never found myself craving that. Eating ghar ka khaana, regularly working out and taking the stairs is what I like to do. I’d rather walk from point A to point B, provided it’s walking distance, instead of taking a car. These are the little things I incorporate into my daily life. I believe these little things amount to staying healthy and active.

Actor says that working as an assistant director helped her learn the nitty-gritty of acting and be ‘well-informed’
Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 7, 2020)

For Angira Dhar, who was last seen in Commando 3 (2019), acting in films happened as a natural progression. She started off her career as an assistant director in Hindi films. She says that her stint as an AD helped her learn the nitty-gritty of filmmaking and someday, she would want to don the hat of a director. “I, eventually, would want to direct my own film. I used to freelance as an AD. I started meeting a lot of people and I started working with different production houses. Every time I worked with a new filmmaker, I learnt something interesting and started looking at the process of filmmaking differently,” she says.

Ask Angira if working behind the camera helped her in her journey as an actor and she shares, “When you’re working on the production, in front and off camera, you learn a lot. That really helps you as an actor. For a director, you become a delight to work with. You become an actor who’s well-informed about what the production is going through. As an artiste, you can jam with the director on many levels, be it about the script or dialogues.”

She adds that it helped her form professional relationships within the industry which proved to be fruitful later on. “Being around people from the industry helped me make contacts. They got to know my skills, strengths and what I could do. I made a lot of friends along the way which I never thought I would be able to. They proved to be very useful to me later in life,” Angira signs off.

Actor Angira Dhar says that it does not matter who belongs to which family for as long as you toil hard, you’ll get what you deserve
Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 8, 2020)

Angira Dhar, who was last seen packing a punch in Commando 3 (2019), says that nepotism doesn’t bog her down and she has had a rather “happy and fruitful journey” in the Hindi film industry without anyone’s help. She says, “I did lose out films to star kids. As an actor, you’ve to be prepared for the extreme highs and lows. Both rejection and acceptance are a part and parcel of our lives. A businessman gives his business to his children, so that they can handle it once he grows up. That’s how it works in every field. I don’t really hold it against anybody.”

She shares that it is talent and intent that’ll drive an actor up the ladder of success and longevity. “If a person is part of a film family, that’s because they were destined to. They get the films that they get because of their lineage or maybe because they’re very talented. If you want to achieve something in life, you’ll have to ensure your intent is right and strong,” the actor explains.

She adds, “It doesn’t matter to me who belongs to which family. I keep my business to myself. I believe that as long as you toil hard, you’ll get what you deserve.”

Angira, who’ll next be seen in Anurag Kashyap’s German-Afghani film titled Talagh, says that she aspires to share screen space with her favourite actor, Shah Rukh Khan, in the future. “I would really love to work with Shah Rukh. I’ve loved him ever since I can remember. He’s the national crush,” she says with a smile. Shedding further light on her bucket list, she says, “I want to work with Ranbir Kapoor, too. Ranveer Singh is one of the finest actors that we have and so I would like to work with him, as well. I would also want to work with Vicky (Kaushal) again. We had a fantastic time working in Love Per Square Foot.”

Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; November 29, 2019)

In Commando 3, Angira Dhar has tried her hand at action for the first time. In a conversation with BT, the young actress spoke about being a part of the action franchise, bonding with her co-stars — Vidyut Jammwal and Adah Sharma — and more. Excerpts:

Your role in Commando 3 is in complete contrast to what you have done in your previous projects. Was it difficult to get into the skin of a character that’s extremely action-oriented?
In the film I play Mallika Sood, a cop who works for the British Intelligence. This role is absolutely different from the characters that I have essayed elsewhere. Unlike my previous outings, in this action flick, I have done a lot of stunts. Our director, Aditya Datt, was surprised to know that in real life, too, I am a tomboy. During the auditions, I felt very comfortable in my own skin and enjoyed performing the stunts when shot them.

Are you fond of the action genre? How did you prep up for your role?
I am a big fan of action as a genre as I like the pace of these films. As a kid, I remember watching Charlie’s Angels and practising kicks and punches the whole day. I even punched my brother twice and was scolded for it (laughs!). I haven’t formally learnt any form of martial arts, but I did train a lot for this film. I did physical training coupled with yoga and weight training. I was also learning stunts with the Commando 3 team. We went to the UK around 10 days before the shoot to learn the basics of action. The team was surprised that I was able to do the stunts with ease.

Your co-star Vidyut is a trained martial artist and Adah, too, is a martial arts enthusiast. They have also been associated with the franchise before. Did you feel any pressure to match up to them?
I didn’t work under any pressure. Instead, I put my energies into learning what they knew. Vidyut is mindblowing when it comes to action. He and Adah never made me feel that they knew more than I did. In fact, they helped me a lot. Vidyut would stay away from the set when I did my stunts to avoid making me conscious. Only when he felt that I was struggling with a particular stunt would he come to help me. I have many scenes with Adah. A lot of people might be surprised to know that two actresses bonded well (laughs!). We shared meals, walked around the streets while we shot in London and played off each other’s energies during the shoot.

You don’t have a background in films, so what prompted you to join Bollywood?
Though my family is from Kashmir, I was raised in Mumbai. I come from an academically-oriented family, so I was hesitant to tell my parents that I wanted to be an actress. In school, too, I never participated in any plays. I grew up with cousins who were studying to become engineers, doctors, etc. However, I always dreamt of seeing myself on the big screen. I fought with my parents and learnt filmmaking in Mumbai. I started working in a production house and was the producer of a non-fiction show on a music channel. Later, I assisted many ad film directors. As an assistant director, I have stepped in as an extra for ads shoots, and now, here I am. There are a few ads in which I can be seen standing in the crowd or an out-of-focus frame. The one ad that I remember being a part of was shot with Akshay Kumar in Bangkok. They wanted to show a group of Indians, but we were short of people, so they asked me to step in. I started getting offers to be the lead in ads, and later, film offers followed. I am happy that today my parents are proud of me and my decision.

Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; November 28, 2019)

During his long innings in Bollywood, filmmaker Vipul Amrutlal Shah has collaborated with established stars as well as newcomers. The filmmaker has not only helmed projects, but has also mentored first-time directors and new actors. In a conversation with BT, Shah spoke about upcoming film Commando 3, collaborating with Vidyut Jammwal and his plans to make Commando 4. Excerpts:

When you decided to make Commando in 2013, did you plan it as a franchise?
Commando has been one of the most difficult franchises because we wanted to start a unique action series in India with this. Action is a very expensive genre. We had a Vidyut Jammwal playing the lead, but to make it big, we needed resources. So, we decided to make at least three films under the franchise, and we planned to make every movie bigger than the other. The first film was based in a jungle, and it did well, so we shot the second in Bangkok on a bigger scale. This time around, we have shot Commando 3 in London. And looking at the results, I believe that probably Commando 4 is on the cards. Let’s see how big we can make that film.

You gave Vidyut a break in Bollywood with Force (2011) where he played the antagonist opposite John Abraham. Then, you signed him for the Commando franchise. Why did you think he was the right choice to shoulder a franchise so early in his career?
When I saw Vidyut’s audition for Force, I thought he was hero material, but, we filmmakers are greedy. We want what is best for the film. Force was my first collaboration with John, and a remake of a popular south film (Kaakha Kaakha). While I thought Vidyut deserved to be a hero, I launched him as a villain. During the course of the shoot, I was very clear that I will cast him as a hero and start an action franchise with him. The idea of Commando and how do we take it forward with Vidyut was playing on my mind constantly. Vidyut deserved to be the hero and that’s how Commando came into existence. It is a pleasure to work with someone who is gifted. Sometimes, when you work with newcomers, you feel responsible for their career. In fact, at some point in time, I would like to direct him. But, I want to find something unique for a collaboration in that space. Vidyut and I have exchanged a few ideas, but they didn’t materialise into a film. One of the ideas we discussed was to make a film without any action in it. There was not even a slap in the movie. However, I was not satisfied with the script, and so, we didn’t go ahead. I feel no actor should be limited to one genre. I think Vidyut deserves the opportunity to explore his talent in other genres as well.

When it comes to making the next film of an action franchise like Commando, do you feel the pressure to take it a notch higher every time?
No, it actually gives you more strength, because people already know the franchise, they are connected with it and want to see the next film. To try and better yourself is a process, which is constant. And that holds true for every project and not just a franchise. Sometimes you are successful, and sometimes you aren’t. No matter what the result is, you don’t stop that process.

In terms of the storyline, what can people expect this time around?
When we started making this film, the subject was such that people said, ‘You are a dreamer’. The film portrays that when the nation is under attack, Hindus and Muslims always unite and fight any challenge. This country is united because they live together in peace and harmony. A lot of people questioned my thinking. I am not a dreamer, but a realist. I think this is the best possible time to make a film like Commando 3. We talk about girls being at par with guys, and in this film, the audience will get to see the same. Adah Sharma and Angira Dhar will be matching up to an action star like Vidyut Jammwal. He is difficult to match up to, but both the actresses have done their stunts very well. I am also happy to introduce Gulshan Devaiah as the antagonist. The exchange of dialogues between Vidyut and Gulshan is one of the highlights of the film.

Though Vidyut has been a part of all the films made of the franchise, you have opted for a new director for each project. Why did you feel the need to do that?
I feel that every script requires a certain kind of treatment, and you have to select the right director for that particular story. For Commando 3, I felt that Aditya (Datt) was the best choice. If Deven (Bhojani, director of Commando 2), was directing Commando 3, he would probably see it as an extension of Commando 2. Aditya, as a new director, brings freshness to the table.

You have collaborated with actors like Akshay Kumar, John Abraham, and now, Vidyut Jammwal repeatedly, but that doesn’t seem to be the case with actresses…
I am working with Adah Sharma for the second time; she was a part of Commando 2, too. I have also worked with Katrina Kaif in Namastey London (2007) and Singh Is Kinng (2008). I had also met her for Namaste England (2018), but we felt that the role wouldn’t suit her, so we didn’t collaborate on that. I want to work with her again. In fact, I would also like to work with Aishwarya (Rai Bachchan), Priyanka (Chopra) and Sonakshi (Sinha) again. When I find the right script, I will reach out to them.

You have worked with established actors as well as fresh talent. How do you balance it out?
It is always great to work with people like Akshay Kumar and John Abraham. I have also worked with Salman Khan, Amit ji (Amitabh Bachchan) and Ajay Devgn. They are amazing and it is always a privilege to work with them. When it comes to newcomers or the young bunch, I like the kind of energy they bring with them. They want to go all out to prove themselves. Which is why I introduced Aditya Roy Kapur with London Dreams (2009) and I had cast Freddy Daruwala as the negative lead in Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty (2014). In Force 2 (2016), we had Tahir Raj Bhasin, and in Commando 3, we have Gulshan Devaiah, who has done an excellent job as the antagonist.

Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; November 23, 2019)

A trained martial artiste, it comes as no surprise that Adah Sharma loves performing stunts in her films. The actress will be seen doing some high-octane action sequences in her upcoming film, Commando 3. In a conversation with BT, she spoke about her bond with co-star and fellow martial arts enthusiast Vidyut Jammwal, how she used her martial arts training for self-defence and the kind of man she wants in her life. Excerpts:

In the trailer of Commando 3, we see you doing action, you also upload videos performing martial arts on social media. What is it about martial arts that’s most appealing to you?
Since childhood, I have been inclined towards dancing and physical training. I like anything that’s related to dance and gymnastics. I feel that dance and action are similar, as both involve choreography. It is also about timing, discipline, focus and pushing your limits. I am trained in Kathak, where you do your chakkars and come back to the same spot. In action, too, you do your kicks and return to the same spot. My inspiration has been my mother. Not only did she train me in Kathak, but also in Kalaripayattu and Mallakhamb.

Did you learn any new forms of martial arts for Commando 3?
For the film, I worked on my Kalaripayattu skills. I undertook training in Silambam, which is an art form from Tamil Nadu. I also learnt to use nunchucks. I polished my sharpshooting skills, too, which I had trained in during Commando 2. I play an encounter specialist, and so, I had to look like a pro. If you aren’t confident while holding a gun, it shows on the screen. I enjoy shooting as it feels like meditation. You take a deep breath, hold your breath and pull the trigger. You need to concentrate a lot during the process. In the film, I am also doing hand-to-hand combat.

Knowing martial arts also helps you with self-defence. Have you ever faced a situation where it has come to your rescue?
When I was in seventh grade, I was walking home after my tuitions. There were a few boys who were throwing stones at me. I turned back and asked them to stop doing that, but they didn’t listen. I told them once again, but this time, one guy came too close to me and asked, “Kya karogi?” At the time, I remember my uncle had taught me, Tai Chi. I used one of the moves and hit him on his face. The next thing I remember seeing was his hand on his face, and the palm soaked in blood. I freaked out and started walking briskly. I never turned back to look at him.

Your co-star, Vidyut Jammwal, is a trained martial artist, too. Did the two of you bond over this?
Vidyut is one of my closest friends today. We became friends on the sets of Commando 2. Yes, we did start talking to each other about our love for fitness and martial arts. However, it is his sense of humour that we bonded over a lot. In terms of fitness, I must say that his physical and mental strength inspires me. He does push-ups using glass bottles. With his physical strength, the bottles could get crushed, but he keeps his body light enough with his mental strength. I am always surprised with the way he breaks bricks with his bare hands.

Has your role as Inspector Bhavana Reddy evolved in the sequel?
In Commando 2, she was a corrupt cop. She was evil as she would even kill people for a branded, expensive bag. This time around, she is a serious cop. However, we have retained her funny antics. The character still has that sense of humour, as people had liked it. This time she is a lot stronger.

In Commando 2, you had Esha Gupta as your female co-star, this time around you are sharing screen space with Angira Dhar. Is it important for you to get along with your co-stars and have a friendly equation with them?
Yes, we did. I feel during any film project, you should get along with all your co-stars, especially female co-stars. If, as a woman, you don’t respect another woman, how can you expect men to respect women? So, I have great respect for all my female co-stars. Not only them. I also respect all the women who work behind-the-scenes, day and night to make us actresses look beautiful and make it possible for us to nail the characters we play on screen.

On the personal front, there was a buzz that you were dating a businessman.
(Looks surprised) Who is this businessman? I am very much single. I want to urge my fans to find the right guy for me. I need a man who can make perfectly round dosas and the best chutney. He should love animals, do backflips and should be a happy person.

Vipul Shah refutes rumours of a fallout; reveals he got a clean chit on #MeToo allegations and that message of his new film is communal amity
Hiren Kotwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 12, 2019)

One would expect a commando to tackle terror attacks from outside but going by the trailer of Commando 3, your protagonist is on a mission of uniting communities within the country. Is it a reflection of what’s happening for real?
India has 90 crore Hindus and around 22 crore Muslims living together, amicably. Yet, people talk about communal disharmony. If we have managed to coexist all these years, it’s because Muslims are as patriotic as Hindus and whenever there is an attack on our sovereignty from outside forces, they fight together. When 26/11 happened, people didn’t ask those they were helping which religion they belonged to. That’s the film’s core message, which goes beyond just the action and the thrills.

When such an issue is addressed, it could be an admission to a problem. Do we have to emphasize the fact that Muslims are as patriotic as Hindus?
For a long time, certain perceptions have been created, not by filmmakers but by groups with an agenda in mind. They need to be countered and I believe, the audience is smart enough to see through a script and figure for themselves if the maker’s intention is genuine or for shortterm gain. I feel we’ve conveyed our message with conviction and people will connect with the film.

Given that your lead actor comes up with innovative stunts, what’s the novelty factor this time around?
Commando 3 has some trademark Vidyut Jammwal stunts and some new action pieces. He trained with a team from Hollywood for two-three weeks prior to filming. Also, in Hindi films, we don’t usually see the leading ladies fighting, but both Adah Sharma and Angira Dhar will surprise with their skills. We set the first film in a small town in North India. We wanted to graduate to a city with the second outing and take the third abroad. But after the first did well, we went to Bangkok with Commando 2 and to London with Part 3. Making an action film is expensive but the series has turned out exactly as we planned. We hope to expand with the fourth instalment.

Where do you think you failed with your last directorial, Namaste England?
It’s difficult to analyse, but from what I have gathered, the second half didn’t work and when the screenplay fails, everything else starts falling apart. The story had happened to someone we know, so in a way it was inspired. But what Ritesh (Shah), Suresh (Nair) and I wrote, probably didn’t connect with viewers.

Akshay Kumar and you have given many hits together. Is he going to be your first choice for your next directorial?
I’d love to work with Akshay who is at his peak, not only in terms of performances and success, but also the kind of subjects he’s pulling off. I’ll reach out to him, it would be wonderful if he accepts.

Last year, you were accused of sexual harassment by Elnaaz Norouzi in the wake of the #MeToo Movement. What’s happening?
I didn’t give a statement when the controversy erupted but requested two committees to look into the allegations; one was IFTDA (Indian Film and Television Directors Association) and the other an independent external panel. I didn’t go to an internal complaints committee myself because I wanted the process to be fair and unbiased. I didn’t speak even after both the committees gave me a clean chit. The episode is behind me now. It’s time to move on.

As told to Ankita Chaurasia (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 16, 2019)

I was styling Angira Dhar who had featured opposite Vicky Kaushal in the 2018 romcom Love Per Square Foot and had met him a few times. Since he was looking for a new stylist and I was keen on increasing my clientele, I dressed him for the film’s premiere, giving him an ikat jacket in earthy tones because he always came across as down-to-earth and real. He liked the look and I jumped on board.

I like to play it elegant while still making a statement. For Vicky, too, fashion is more an extension of his personality. Since, he likes it subtle, I don’t go overboard on colours and overwhelm him. Instead I play with earthy tones like browns and yellows which resonate with his personality and add a personal touch with a little quirk. Like for Neha Dhupia’s chat show with Taapsee Pannu, I gave him a floral tee with a sporty jacket. The overall effect was playful.

Whenever I enter the menswear section, Vicky is on my mind because given his tall, toned frame, he can do justice to most clothes. It’s an altogether different issue that I have to sell them to him. Like recently I picked up these bracelets with chain detailing from an artisan bazaar and used them for a photoshoot. Since it was a more casual look, he didn’t mind and I notched up a small victory.

Vicky doesn’t like playing with colours. For an award ceremony, he’ll want a ‘nice black suit’ though I’ve already given him over 10. At the most, I’m allowed blue. Once I insisted on an all-green suit and he kept asking me if he was looking like a ‘pista’. When I give him yellow, he whines that he’s looking like a ‘Mango Duet’ and I have to constantly reassure him that he’s still Vicky. I’ve got him to wear a layer of pink and slept really well when he gave the nod to neon.

Our trial sessions are like battles. For every “no” I remind him that have a reputation to maintain. He’ll eventually growl, “Arre chal, give me a hoodie or something.” Aarrgghhh! But now we’ve reached a compromise. If I’m playing with colours, the silhouette will be classy and vice versa.

For Raazi, he wanted a little Indian, so I picked up some kurtas with draping that broke gender-specific silhouettes with asymmetrical cuts. He couldn’t stop laughing when he wore them. He is a manly man that way. We then went with a very basic shirt and trouser look, but we weren’t crazy about it. Finally, we chose some unconventional kurtas which weren’t wildly out of Vicky’s comfort zone.

For Manmarziyaan, he was more open, and we used a lot of hip-hop elements, long, over-sized tees, drop-crotch pants, hoodies and jackets with patchwork detailing. We also went with bold colours like red and green for the promotions.

The promotions of Uri: The Surgical Strike were a big win and right up Vicky’s alley. I used so much camouflage, I couldn’t stand the sight of it anymore, but he was completely at home.

Vidyut Jammwal on taking his action franchise into a socially relevant space and why London is ideal for action sequences
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 19, 2019)

Vidyut Jammwal recently wrapped up shooting for the third installment of the Commando franchise with a brief schedule in Mumbai. After the protagonist’s fight for love in part 1 and his quest to expose the black money racket in India in the sequel, the third film, directed by Aditya Datt, revolves around a national issue. “It is about getting the nation together, forgetting the differences that arise from caste, creed and religion. It is an engrossing story and Aditya has visualised great action for it, giving it a different spin,” Vidyut explains.

The action-thriller, which opens in September, was majorly shot in London. “It was a 60-day schedule and the first time that a Commando film was shot in Europe. The infrastructure in London is the best for action because the streets are apt for chase scenes while it’s easy to jump from one ancient building to another,” he reasons.

Producer Vipul Shah reveals that he had backed the first film in 2013 with the intention of spinning it into a trilogy. “The fact that we have been able to complete three films is satisfying. The franchise, in my mind, is set to become even bigger and I don’t think we will stop at three,” he says, adding, “We have already identified the story which we want to tell with Commando 4, but for that, this film needs to be a hit. We are confident that this one will give us the opportunity to do that.” According to the filmmaker, the franchise has progressed beautifully from an action entertainer to entering a socially relevant space. While Adah Sharma and Angira Dhar play cops, Gulshan Devaiah is the antagonist. “Commando 3 will raise the bar for action in India with as many as six high octane action scenes. People expect a certain kind of action from Vidyut, but you need to give them something new. Here, we have a bike chase scene on the streets of London, a gun fight and stunts in a rustic akhada. There’s a lot of novelty in the way it has been designed and executed,” he signs off. 

Filmmaker’s next, an international project featuring Angira Dhar and an Iranian actress, will be shot across Asia and Europe
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 22, 2018)

Even as Anurag Kashyap gears up for the release of the romantic drama, Manmarziyaan, featuring Abhishek Bachchan, Taapsee Pannu and Vicky Kaushal, Mirror has learnt that the filmmaker’s next will be an international film, Talagh, inspired by a true-life story. It is the emotional journey of two women from two different parts of the world. He has already signed Angira Dhar, earlier seen in Ronnie Screwvala’s Love Per Square Foot opposite Vicky, for one of the leading roles and they are scouting for an Iranian actress for the other one. The supporting cast will be German.

Confirming the news, Anurag informed that the film is in German, Dari and Pashto and should roll towards the end of 2019 or in early 2020. “It will be filmed in several countries, some impossible to shoot in, so we have to figure out how to pull it off,” says Anurag, who begins his recce after he’s done with his present commitments. “It’ll be done in gaps between things. There is a lot I have to make time for, including taking the same journey across Asia and Europe as these two women, both physically and emotionally, before it goes on the floors,” admits Anurag, adding that it is the story that pulled him in. “I chose it before it became a script.”

It is written by Khatera Khan and Kathrin Wilkes and will be produced by Nurhan Sekerci, who has co-produced the German film In The Fade, which won the Golden Globe Award for Best Film in the Foreign Language category this year, with Anurag’s friend Fatih Akin, who also directed the film. “Fatih and I have been talking about a collaboration for a long time. Meanwhile Khatera reached out to me with this script. I always wanted to do this one film, and have been part of its development,” he avers.

Prod him on his choice of Angira and he reasons that she fit the part perfectly and responded well to the script. “I guess the writers and producers also saw Love Per Square Foot, chose her and took on the responsibility to train her. She was their first choice and I totally agreed with them,” he says, pointing out that the actress also resembles the person she is playing. “She will live in Hamburg, work on the languages and meet the real people it’s based on.” Anurag was in the German city recently to visit a writing lab, get a feel of the place and its migrant communities. 

Anand Tiwari, now the first Indian director to find Netflix release, talks of shifting personalities around the camera
Kusumita Das (MID-DAY; December 3, 2017)

In a game-changing move for the Hindi film industry, Anand Tiwari has become the first Indian to make his directorial debut on Netflix. The film, a Mumbai rom-com titled Love Per Square Foot, will release on the global streaming platform early next year. For acclaimed actor Tiwari, who wore the director’s hat for several short films and the hit web series Bang Baajaa Baaraat, this film marks his entry into feature films as director.

The 34-year-old, who grew up in Matunga West, has incorporated 34 locations in Mumbai in a filming period of 50 days. “I am a Mumbai boy and for this film, we have shot in locations that have not been explored in films before. Like for instance, the railway colonies of Lower Parel and Dahisar. We have shot throughout the city. Our first day was at the Gateway of India while we wrapped up in Naigaon,” he says.

The story revolves around a couple that enters into a marriage of convenience in order to buy a house in Mumbai. “Their love becomes transactional. I believe that in the urban space, we deal with interesting and complex relationships that we like to call ‘love’. Therefore, the irony of the title, ‘Love Per Square Foot’. The story draws from many personal experiences, as well as the lives of those around me. Growing up, our ideas of romance was courtesy everything between classic novels to right up to Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge or Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. Love, nowadays, is anything but unconditional; there’s a lot of questioning that goes on and the conflicts are far more internal than external,” Tiwari says.

Even as the film tackles these thought-provoking subjects, he insists that it is a funny telling throughout. While Vicky Kaushal and Angira Dhar play the central couple, they are supported by a stellar cast comprising Raghubir Yadav, Ratna Pathak Shah and Supriya Pathak. Explaining how he is as a director, Tiwari says, “I am a very sweet actor; I cannot say the same about me as a director. I’m a complete Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. But, then, I am a Gemini — I am allowed to be two people.”

However, calling the shots while working with veterans may have felt strange at times. “Sometimes I would walk back to the monitor thinking, ‘Did I just ask Raghubir Yadav to redo a scene?’”

With Shah, the roles had reversed. “We have done theatre together, where I was the student and she, the teacher. For this film, the role reversal was as smooth as it gets. It’s a revelation how receptive veterans get with age. They are just like students. Vicky, Angira and I would just watch them in awe,” he adds.

Being an actor primarily, Tiwari feels he can understand his actors better when compared to pure directors, or people who come into direction from other professions. “I know what an actor is going through; if there’s a problem, I get to the reason faster. And most often, it has got nothing to do with filming. It could be a vanity van parked too far, or a fight at home.”

For Tiwari, heart scores over skill. “In cinema, the camera is so close to you, that if you’re not in the moment, it shows. No amount of skill can cover that. I never let my actors give me skill. I insist on heart. And, as an actor myself, I know when one’s heart is not in it.”

Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 26, 2016)