Showing posts with label Annu Kapoor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Annu Kapoor. Show all posts
Some actors think commanding huge fees makes success their slave-Annu Kapoor
9:09 AM
Neha Maheshwri (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 23, 2026)
At a time when few veteran actors get the opportunity to headline feature films, Annu Kapoor leads Uttar Da Puttar. The film, directed by Ravinder Siwach and produced by Sandiip Kapoor, explores the conflict between science and blind faith through a physics professor whose obsession with the occult gradually consumes his life.
He says, “On one hand, my character believes in science, while on the other, he is deeply obsessed with occult practices. That contradiction is the very soul of the story. His belief gradually turns into an obsession, and eventually that obsession begins to destroy his life.”
Experience, Kapoor believes, doesn’t eliminate pre-release nerves. He says, “A certain amount of scepticism is always healthy. Overconfidence destroys people. An actor should always remain on guard, no matter how experienced they are. If you stop being alert, you lose the adrenaline that keeps you alive as a performer. We are nervous, we are hopeful, and we have our fingers crossed.”
When asked about competing with younger stars at the box office, he replies, “Physically, I can’t compete with the younger generation. Their youth and looks are unmatched. But if the competition is about acting, they’ll have to think ten times before standing opposite me.”
Kapoor believes the best collaborations are built on trust and dialogue rather than ego, which is why he finds it difficult to understand actors who try to overshadow directors or mistake stardom for ownership of a film.
He says, “That’s insecurity. Unko lagta hai ki hum crore rupaye lete hain toh success is their slave. But that’s a huge illusion. Every actor must respect the director. You should have conversations with your director and even debate your point of view if necessary, but never at the cost of the shooting schedule or the producer’s money.”
He adds, “In my case, if I feel I have a suggestion, I discuss it respectfully. I never want to become a troublemaker on set. Fortunately, most directors have trusted my experience because they know I speak for the benefit of the film, not just my own character.”
Annu Kapoor defends ‘dudhiya badan’ remark on Tamannaah Bhatia: "I appreciated her physique"
11:05 PM
HINDUSTAN TIMES (April 25, 2026)
Actor Annu Kapoor has finally addressed the controversy surrounding his ‘dudhiya badan’ remark about actor Tamannaah Bhatia last year that was widely perceived as distasteful.
The comment dates back to an interview in October, where he discussed Tamannaah’s performance in the song Aaj Ki Raat from Stree 2 (2024). At the time, he had said, “Mashallah, kya dudhiya badan hai!” adding, “Apne gaane se, aur apne badan se, aur apne dudhiya mukhde se humare bachchon ko sulati hain.”
Responding to the backlash in a recent interview with YouTuber Siddharth R Kanan, he said in Hindi, “If I had said ‘milky body’ in English, there wouldn’t have been an issue. But saying it in Hindi became a problem,” adding, “Even if I have noticed someone’s body, I appreciate the physique, but I do not desire her.”
He clarified, “If she asks me whether I said it, I will say yes, I did. If you felt bad, I will touch your feet. If a 71-year-old man touches her feet, what will she say? Nothing, because I am not doing it with any wrong intention.”
Priyadarshan to release his memoir with his 100th film, which reunites him with Mohanlal
3:15 PM
Currently writing his memoir, Priyadarshan plans to coincide its release with his 100th movie that will reunite him with his first hero, Mohanlal
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; January 24, 2026)
We suspect Priyadarshan has 30 hours in a day. In 2025, the filmmaker wrapped up two movies, Bhooth Bangla and Haiwaan. Now, he has revealed to mid-day that he also squeezed in the time to write his autobiography. The filmmaker plans to release his memoir in 2027, coinciding with a career landmark.
“I am writing, shooting, and writing again. I have completed my 97th movie, Haiwaan, starring Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar. The 98th will be with Pankaj Tripathi, Annu Kapoor, and Saurabh Shukla. I want to complete my memoir by 2027 as I should wrap up my 100th film by then,” he told us over a call.
The star of the yet-untitled autobiography will obviously be Priyadarshan and his rich career spanning over four decades. That said, another superstar, Mohanlal, will take pride of place in the book. After all, the Malayalam actor had fronted his directorial debut, Poochakkoru Mookkuthi (1984), and in a serendipitous turn of events, he will lead the director’s 100th outing too. The decades in between have seen the two friends collaborate multiple times.
Priyadarshan elaborated, “Mohanlal was the hero of my first film. I want to end my book with the last chapter on him. I think it’s the first time in the history of Indian cinema that an actor, who did a director’s first film, is also the hero of his 100th.”
Looking back at his life, the memoir will span his childhood, his entry into films as a screenwriter, and his rise as a director with three National Film Awards and multiple hits to credit. “I started my career at 19; I wrote my first Malayalam movie Kuyiline Thedi [1983]. Before that, I was a ghost writer for a couple of films,” he recalled.
“The book will also cover everyone I have worked with or met — from R D Burman to Rajesh Khanna, from Dev Anand to Akshay Kumar and Rajinikanth. I have met so many legends in the last 40 years.”
I don’t read newspapers. Mujhse jyaada murkh aadmi aap ko nahi milega-Annu Kapoor
7:57 AM
Soumitra Das (AHMEDABAD TIMES; December 9, 2024)
Annu Kapoor, who was in Vadodara recently ahead of an antakshari event that he is set to host in the city, got nostalgic while remembering his association with Gujarat. Kapoor, who hosted the popular show Antakshari on TV for over a decade and has done films like Vicky Donor and Jolly LLB 2, tells us, “I can never forget the date – January 28, 1994. Who would have thought that stage pe antakshari ka live show kar sakte hain? This was my first live show and I told the audience in Vadodara, ‘I don’t know what’s in store.”
Kapoor shares, “I told them, ‘Agar aap ke aur mere beech mein baat jam gayi, toh fir alag baat hai. But otherwise, this will be my first and last live stage show.’ There were 5,000 people and just 15 minutes into the show, the audience shouted, ‘Abhi bahut lamba chalna hai ji.’ At the interval, someone offered me a show in Ahmedabad and soon after that, I did a show in Dabhoi too. The audience in Vadodara has great knowledge of music.”
He adds, “It was in Vadodara that I met Ustad Mehdi Hassan for the first time. Also, Abhay, my first film as a director (it won the National Award for the best children’s film in 1994), was shot in Rajpipla. Gujarat has played aspecial role in my journey.”
‘THERE’S NOTHING WRONG IN WORKING FOR MONEY’
Kapoor, whose journey in showbiz started 43 years ago, says that “struggle is never-ending for everyone, including successful people. We tend to associate struggle with money, but life itself is a struggle.”
He adds, “I don’t watch films, TV and OTT shows or news channels. I don’t even read newspapers. Mujhse jyaada murkh aadmi aap ko nahi milega. However, I study a lot and I have a great collection of books, which includes banned books as well. Main paison ke liye kaam karta hoon. There’s nothing wrong with working for money; everyone does it, but very few admit it. If I am not stealing or cheating anyone, aur agar main apne desh ko nahi bech raha hoon, then why should I be apologetic about working for money?”
It will never be easy to trust someone again with our money-Annu Kapoor
8:50 AM
Several victims of Amber Dalal like Annu Kapoor have lost their life’s savings and were dependent on the monthly returns for their regular expenses, which has now stopped
Vinod Kumar Menon (MID-DAY; March 28, 2024)
“Someone we trusted betrayed us. It will never be easy to trust someone again with our money,” says Bollywood actor Annu Kapoor, who is among thousands of victims of Ritz Consultancy’s Amber Dalal, who went incommunicado on March 14.
Dalal and Kapoor are residents of different buildings in Oshiwara’s Windermere, a huge complex with multiple towers. Kapoor said he learned about Ritz via his sister and friends, who claimed they were getting two per cent returns per month. Lured by this, he started investing with Dalal in 2016 and started getting prompt monthly returns. This in turn convinced Kapoor’s entire family to invest in Ritz.
“My mother Anuradha Patel, and our sons Kavan and Maahir, and even I invested in Ritz till 2023. In all, our family invested over Rs 1 crore with Dalal,” said Kapoor’s wife Anupama. Despite such unusually high returns (24 per cent per annum), the family did not find Dalal suspicious.
Building trust
“Amber had impressive communication skills and had mastered the art of gaining people’s confidence through his actions,” said Kapoor. “He used to enter into a proper Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the investor on a 500-rupee stamp paper, saying the essential commodity investment is comparatively risk-free, and that he will hand over a signed cheque for the principal amount, which was sufficient for gaining trust of the investor,” he added.
Asked if the cheques were dated, Kapoor said the date field was left blank, “so that the validity of the cheque is maintained.” “Moreover, between the 10th and 12th of every month, the returns would be credited, so nobody doubted him,” said Kapoor.
Kapoor was one of the few investors who Dalal dealt with directly. His son Mithil managed most of the other investors and handled the back office. The magnitude of the scam may run into over Rs 1,000 crore, as Amber had offices in Dubai, US, etc for many non-resident Indian (NRI) investors, including professionals like chartered accountants, advocates, doctors and film industry folk.
Returns stopped
The Kapoors are also worried about many elderly retired people, including single mothers and widows, who had invested their life’s savings with Dalal and were managing their monthly expenses from the returns, which have stopped.
Unfortunately for the Kapoors, this is not the first time they have been duped. Last year, Anupama’s bag with foreign currency was snatched by bag-lifters near Paris. In 2022, a new recruit at Kapoor’s office vanished with the cash he was asked to withdraw from the bank. “I have personally met senior officials at Oshiwara police station and at the Economic Offences Wing (EOW), and I hope that they soon apprehend the accused, as with every passing day, the chance of Dalal misappropriating our funds gets higher,” said Kapoor.
‘Victims of greed’
Kapoor admitted they have become victims of their own greed and it would not be easy for the family to trust anyone with their money any more.
Another investor, requesting anonymity, said, “I know many who, with their families and distant relatives, invested from Rs. 1 crore to over Rs 50 crore. They are all maintaining silence. Most of them had put in their life’s savings and some depended on the monthly returns for everyday expenses. I have been pushed back by 20 years in my life. My family (father and sister) trusted my word and invested all their savings with Dalal. Somewhere deep inside me, I feel responsible for their losses.”
Many investors are now in the dark about the probe and are ignorant about the legal process, relying solely on updates on a WhatsApp group of victims.
“Most either live out of Mumbai or in foreign countries and are apprehensive about the case, as the EOW have frozen around 36 bank accounts of Dalal. It is hence imperative that Mumbai police give prompt updates on the investigation,” pointed out an investor.
For Dream Girl 3, I plan to take the comedy a notch higher than the first two parts-Raaj Shaandilyaa
4:06 PM
Director Raaj Shaandilyaa discusses the third instalment of the Ayushmann Khurrana-led Dream Girl and the issues he hopes to tackle with the comedy
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; September 10, 2023)
It’s all about the moolah, right? Although the Ayushmann Khurrana-starrer Dream Girl 2 opened to mixed reviews, it crossed Rs 95 crore at the box-office. Propelled by the box-office success of the film, director Raaj Shaandilyaa is not ready to part with the franchise.
“I knew that people would appreciate Dream Girl 2. [I believe] if the audience is laughing, your film is a success,” he says, adding that he plans to take the franchise forward.
Shaandilyaa hopes to keep mixing his movies with comedy and relevant messaging. “For Dream Girl 3, I plan to take [the comedy] a notch higher than the first two parts with a different message. It will revolve around patriotism, contemporary social issues, and personal relationships,” he explains.
He insists that Pooja (Khurrana’s cross-dressing character) will continue to be the hero of the film. “Without Pooja, I cannot make Dream Girl. She is the central [character], along with her father and Smiley [played by Annu Kapoor and Manjot Singh, respectively], who will remain the primary characters. How she gets trapped while solving the problem and how she comes out of it will form the crux of the story in Dream Girl 3.”
As the franchise continues, so will Khurrana’s involvement with the project. “Nobody else can be Dream Girl except Ayushmann,” he assures, adding that it will take another year to make the third instalment. He hopes to take a break before diving into it.
Currently, Shaandilyaa is busy making his next project with producers Ekta Kapoor and Bhushan Kumar. “It is too early to comment on my next directorial as it is still being finalized. Dream Girl 3 will happen, but after a couple of years, as I need to take a break from it,” he laughs.
We have the best exponents of the comedy genre in Dream Girl 2-Ayushmann Khurrana
9:00 AM
Ayushmann ecstatic to collaborate with some of the finest comic actors, including Annu Kapoor and Paresh Rawal, in Dream Girl 2
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; August 8, 2023)
Ayushmann Khurrana is almost synonymous with social comedies. But the Dream Girl franchise stands out in his filmography for being one of those few out-and-out laugh riots. A good comedy relies on sharp writing and stellar performances to make an impact. With the upcoming Dream Girl 2, which also stars Ananya Panday, Khurrana says he was aided by talented actors who are masters of the genre.
“I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to work with some of the comic geniuses of our country like Paresh Rawal sir, Asrani sir, Annu Kapoor sir, Rajpal Yadav-ji, Vijay Raaz-ji, Seema Pahwa-ji, Abhishek Banerjee and Manjot Singh. To me, we have the best exponents of the comedy genre in our film. This is one of the biggest USPs of Dream Girl 2,” shares the actor, who reprises the dual roles of Karam and Pooja in the movie.
Comedy is the toughest genre to crack, notes Khurrana. What made his job easier was director Raaj Shaandilyaa’s clear vision for his offering, and the able supporting cast.
The actor adds, “Raaj Shaandilyaa has managed to get this eclectic bunch of fantastic actors under one roof, and kudos to him for this casting coup! Our producer Ektaa Kapoor had the vision that she wanted to create a disruptive comedy. There was never a dull moment on set, and I think [the camaraderie] will translate on screen when people watch the film.”
Na main kisi ka chamcha hoon, aur naa hi gaali dene mein vishwaas rakhta hoon-Annu Kapoor
8:19 AM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 5, 2023)
Annu Kapoor, who debuted in Bollywood with the 1983 film Mandi, has spent four decades in the industry. The actor, filmmaker and RJ says his straightforward attitude has helped him survive in the industry for so long. He is currently writing a book, encapsulating his experiences in Bollywood.
Kapoor says, “Aap mujhse seedhe sawaal poochenge, seedha jawaab milega. Tedhe honge, toh tedha jawaab milega. I am not a sycophant. Na main kisi ka chamcha hoon, aur naa hi gaali dene mein vishwaas rakhta hoon. I will tell all my stories in the book.”
The 67-year-old is currently shooting for his upcoming projects, Dream Girl 2 and a biopic on late politician Deendayal Upadhyaya. Ask if doing a biopic is tougher than playing a fictional character and the actor replies, “Before this one, I played sant Kabir (in the TV show Kabir), Mahatma Gandhi (Sardar; 1993) and Veer Savarkar in the film Kaalapani (1996). Mushkil toh hota hai. Jab main Antakshari (TV show) host karta tha, woh bhi aasaan nahin tha. Aasaan dikhta tha, as that was my job as an actor [to work hard and make it look simple].”
Annu Kapoor breaks silence on his heart attack
8:28 AM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 19, 2023)
Annu Kapoor is back to work following a health scare last month. “It was a heart attack. I am getting better and I’m on the road to recovery,” the actor — who was recently in the Capital for the launch of his upcoming book’s cover — tells us.
Kapoor was admitted to a Delhi hospital on January 27 after he complained of chest pain. Less than a month later, he has resumed work. Ask what motivated him to resume so soon, and pat comes the reply: “A sense of responsibility.”
“Yes, health is important. But, I am one of those who has struggled to get ahead in life. Therefore, work is also essential. I have a weekly column that I write for a newspaper; I know that is my responsibility. The same goes for my other commitments as well. If every person in this country has that sense of responsibility, then no other country will be better than ours,” shares the 66-year-old, who will star in the biopic of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya next.
Does he find it challenging to portray a historical figure? “Meri liye kabhi koi cheez aasaan nahin rahi hai. Jab main Antakshari (game show) host karta tha, woh bhi aasaan nahin tha,” he says.
Meanwhile, Kapoor is also wrapping up the shoots of Dream Girl 2 and Nonstop Dhamaal, among other projects. “I’m happy and grateful for the support of my fans and the industry. Main bahut abhari hoon. I sincerely pay my gratitude to all the people who prayed, and didn’t pray, for me,” he concludes.
I’m back in Mumbai, been advised complete rest-Annu Kapoor
8:34 AM
Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; February 4, 2023)
Annu Kapoor had to be admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi on January 26. The actor had complained of discomfort in the chest and underwent treatment in the hospital for four days. He returned to Mumbai with his wife Anupama Patel three days ago.
When we reached out to Annu, he said, “The doctors have advised complete rest for 10 days.”
His wife Anupama shared how he is on the road to recovery now. She said, “Annu ji had to go to Delhi for an event. He felt some discomfort in the chest on January 24 and doctors asked him to get hospitalized, but he wanted to honour his work commitments. After the event got over, he experienced even more discomfort and was hospitalized on January 26. He underwent treatment for four days and was then discharged. I flew to Delhi to be with him.”
Anupama added, “He is recovering well and should be fine soon. I am glad that he is back home.”
Annu Kapoor duped by fraud bank call; loses Rs. 4 lakhs; swift cop action helps freeze Rs. 3 lakhs
8:24 AM
Nitasha Natu (THE TIMES OF INDIA; October 2, 2022)
Mumbai: Veteran actor Annu Kapoor became the latest target of cyber fraudsters after one of them convinced him to share his bank details on the pretext of calling for a KYC update. But Kapoor immediately approached the police who were able to get through to multiple banks and freeze over 70% of the amount transferred. In a post on Instagram, Kapoor thanked the police team for acting swiftly.
On September 29, the actor was preparing to head for a shoot when he got a call. The caller introduced himself as Krishnakumar Reddy and said he was calling from the head office of a private bank. Kapoor asked him to speak to his accountant, but Reddy insisted that he would have to speak to the account holder only as it concerned his KYC process.
When the actor inquired what he needed, Reddy said that his KYC was pending and unless the procedure was completed, the same day his bank account would be deactivated. “He rushed the 66-year-old actor and wouldn’t give in to his requests to speak to his accountant,” said an officer from Oshiwara police station. Kapoor shared his bank account number and one-time password. Reddy assured him that his KYC process was now complete.
About 10 minutes later, the actor received a call from his bank and was told that his account had been compromised. The fraudster had changed the phone number associated with the account. While the actor spoke to customer care, Rs 4.36 lakh was transferred out of his account in two instalments before account access could be blocked.
“Kapoor approached us shortly afterwards and we spoke to his bank. We found out that the money was transferred to accounts with two nationalized banks,” said sub-inspector Digambar Kurkute.
The police got through to these two banks and got them to freeze Rs 3. 08 lakh. The amount would subsequently be transferred back to the actor.
“At least one account where the money was transferred is being operated from Darbhanga, Bihar,” said another officer.
Kapoor said he would advise people to never share OTPs or any details with unknown persons. “Cross-check their credentials and report such callers to the cyber cell,” he said.
I am a struggler, and will remain one-Annu Kapoor
8:38 AM
Annu Kapoor, who plays a key role in Crash Course, says he has remained a struggler despite proving his talent over 40-year run
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; August 6, 2022)
'Crash Course', which dropped online yesterday, is centred on eight students who aspire to get into the country’s top engineering institute. Annu Kapoor plays a shrewd businessman wanting to gain complete control of the education business in Kota. “He is conniving and wants to run every institute. I would be mad to say no to such a good script,” says the actor of the Amazon Prime Video offering.
In his 40-plus-year career in Indian showbiz, the veteran actor, 66, has done it all — from television to movies, to OTT series. His resumé is dotted with memorable films like 'Tezaab' (1988), 'Darr' (1993) and 'Vicky Donor' (2012), as well as the ’90s game show, 'Antakshari'. However, looking back at his career, Kapoor believes he did not get his due in Hindi cinema.
“[Even] after 40 long years in the film industry, every role is a challenge for me. Unfortunately, I am not one of those privileged people who got success easily. I didn’t even get my share of success, neither did things come easily to me. I am thankful to those who appreciate my work. But I am a struggler, and will remain one.”
Going forward, the actor asserts that he will only give his nod to significant roles, like the one in his latest release. He is happy that strong parts are coming his way. “I have done enough insignificant roles, proving my [worth] again and again as I stood next to some ham actors. I have been surviving with grace and honour. But now, either you give me my due, or get lost.”
Reality shows unfortunately are fiction shows today, says Antakshari creator Gajendra Singh
8:17 AM
Akash Wadhwa (BOMBAY TIMES; July 13, 2022)
Gajendra Singh, creator of music reality shows like Antakshari, SaReGaMa, Music ka Maha Muqabala, Sur Kshetra and more, recently conceived and directed the show, Nam Reh Jayegaa, a musical tribute to the late Lata Mangeskhar.
Talking about taking the show to Lucknow, he said, “Lata Mangeshkar had a unique association with Lucknow. Several music directors from there helped her with her Hindi and Urdu diction. So Lucknow ka ek final celebration and tribute toh banta hai Lata ji ko.”
Ganjendra, who started the trend of reality shows in India, says he is not happy with the dramatisation of the concept for the sake of TRPs today. He says, “Back then, reality shows were all very real. There was no added drama in them. We did not add any artificial script to a reality show. The reason why makers are doing it today is because they lack content. Channels don’t want drama, they want numbers and this can be achieved without drama. Makers of reality shows need to work on their content more — they would not need the support of drama then. The side-effect of drama in reality shows, especially singing ones, is that people remember the stories of a contestant, but they don’t remember their voices, the way they remembered Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal, Shaan and Sunidhi Chauhan. All the reality show singers of the past are remembered for their voices, try recalling their drama and you will not have a single memory because tab drama tha hi nahi. Reality shows unfortunately are fiction shows today.”
Gajendra says that he is trying to bring back one of his most remembered shows, Antakshari. He says, “Yes, talks are on with the channel and of course, the host Annu Kapoor, to bring Antakshari back in the same format, but with a new flavour. I had ended Antakshari because I wanted to move on then. I wanted to sign off on a high note. If all goes well, the show will soon go on floors,” he said.
I felt so helpless, says Annu Kapoor on being robbed of cash and other valuables in France
8:22 AM
Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; June 24, 2022)
Actor and anchor Annu Kapoor and his wife Anupama Patel met with an unfortunate incident on their Europe holiday. The actor was robbed while he was boarding a train from Dijon-Ville station in France on June 18. They lost their expensive bag, credit cards, iPad, diary and money.
Speaking exclusively to BT from Switzerland, Annu Kapoor said, “My wife Anupama and I were waiting on platform H of Dijon-Ville railway station to board the 1:28 pm train to Paris Gare de Lyon. Most of the trains in France do not have space to put heavy bags, and sometimes you find people to help you with luggage. Two men suddenly came to us and offered to help with the two suitcases we had. While I tried to pick up one suitcase and he helped, they immediately grabbed my wife’s bag, got hold of my pouch, which had credit cards and cash, iPad and diary, and fled. Nobody tried to go after them and we stood there helpless. Thankfully, they did not take my passport, so my wife and I boarded the train, reached the Paris Gare de Lyon station and registered a complaint with the police.”
The actor, who will travel to London from Switzerland, is slated to return to Mumbai on June 29. He said, “This was a very unfortunate incident. I have been travelling to Europe for the last 26 years, but I guess this was destined to happen now. Thankfully, my friends in Paris and other locals who I know, came forward to help me. It was a long procedure to block my cards and I have lost around 10-15 lakh rupees. ”
He added, “My advice to all travellers is to always be alert. People who travel should always have their medical and theft insurance in place otherwise, their holiday can turn into a nightmare.”
10 years of Vicky Donor: Why Annu Kapoor felt let down by makers
8:24 AM
Juhi Chakraborty (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 20, 2022)
Vicky Donor (2012) was a path-breaking film by director Shoojit Sircar. The movie is not just remembered for its unconventional plot, but also for its unique characters, including that of Dr Baldev Chaddha, a fertility expert who runs a clinic and a sperm bank in Daryaganj, Delhi — played by actor Annu Kapoor.
On this day, 10 years ago, the film which dealt with the topic of sperm donation and infertility in a Punjabi-Bengali household was released and introduced us to Dr Chaddha. How does the actor look back at these years? “I have always given my best to every project I did. But certainly, Dr Baldev Chaddha will remain one of the best roles I could do, or rather, one of the best roles written for me, with equally superb direction,” Kapoor shares.
And while he recalls the journey with happiness, he does have one complaint. “It was all good during the making. But I felt let down by the producers for not giving me any space or promotion during the release. They just wanted to highlight and promote the hero (actor Ayushmann Khurrana), and not Annu Kapoor. I have always faced this kind of partiality, whether it is for a movie or a TV or radio show. Perhaps they don’t like ugly faces like Annu Kapoor,” the veteran actor laments.
Ask him whether he was ever apprehensive to take on the role, given that the subject was taboo, Kapoor explains, “Sex may be taboo for the majority, not only here in India, but also in the western world. But for me, not at all. I never had any apprehension.”
In fact, his character continues to be so popular that the dialogues remain etched in people’s minds. According to the 66-year-old, what worked in the film’s favour was the sincerity with which it approached the topic, without being “vulgar”.
I don’t want to play myself on screen anymore-Usha Uthup
8:22 AM
Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 9, 2022)
Singer Usha Uthup’s first brush with acting happened with Bombay To Goa (1973). She also did a cameo in Rock On 2 (2016). And last month, she made her digital acting debut with the Tamil dramedy Achcham Madam Naanam Payirppu, where she played a pivotal part.
For Uthup, doing a film is enough and whether it has a theatrical or digital release doesn’t bother her: “I was just happy that I got the offer. The idea was wonderful. I’m a grandmother in real life, too, and playing one who is her granddaughter’s confidante made me feel so good.”
And going forward, she plans on essaying different characters on screen. “I’ve played myself in films. Being Usha Uthup [on screen] is easy, but I don’t want to do that anymore. I’m happy being someone else. I don’t mind playing a small character as long as it adds meaning to the story,” she says.
In Uthup’s words, she’s a “director’s actor” and looks at every film as “a learning experience”. The singer-actor elaborates, “I do what they (the directors) tell me to do. Whenever they asked me to improvise or play a character my way, I did that in 7 Khoon Maaf (Hindi film; 2011) and Potham Vava (Malayalam movie; 2006). I have been acting ever since my school days. Over the years, I have worked with actors like Mammootty, Kamal Haasan, Naseeruddin Shah, Amitabh Bachchan and Annu Kapoor, and all the experiences were marvellous.”
So, how does she plan on balancing acting and music? “It’s my audience and their love and support that keep me inspired. I have always maintained that if I get a job that involves entertaining people, I’ll happily do it,” ends the 74-year-old.
Vinod Bhanushali & Raaj Shaandilyaa’s Janhit Mein Jaari goes on floors with Nushrratt Bharuccha
8:07 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (September 25, 2021)
Bhanushali Studios Limited has joined hands with writer-director Raaj Shaandilyaa for a multi-film deal. First to go on floors is an unusual but relevant film that’s full of laughter — Janhit Mein Jaari — starring Nushrratt Bharuccha, Annu Kapoor, Anud Singh Dhaka and Paritosh Tripathi. The shooting of the film, written by Raaj Shaandilyaa and directed by debutant Jai Basantu Singh, commenced in Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh, recently.
The film promises to break stereotypes with its subject that is apt for today’s time. It will see Nushrratt Bharuccha showing her acting skills in a role that she has never portrayed before. Dream Girl director-writer Raaj has shed light on a crucial issue faced in an unusual yet comical way.
Nushrratt, who is excited about her role and subject of the film, says, “Janhit Mein Jaari has an extremely interesting concept. From the moment I heard it, I knew that I had to be a part of it. Collaborating with Raaj once again after Dream Girl is an absolute delight. I am excited to be a part of this female franchise being backed by Bhanushali Studios Ltd.”
Vinod Bhanushali says, “I have always been an admirer of good storytelling that gets you thinking. Janhit Mein Jaari is exactly that. The story is engrossing, moving and sends a message in the trademark Raaj Shaandilyaa humour. Nushrratt is going to break new ground with her role.”
Raaj Shaandilyaa says, “The film not only addresses a couple of socially relevant issues, but also makes some valid points that we need to think about. Nushrratt is a wonderful actress, and after Dream Girl, I couldn't think of anyone else for this film. I’m excited about my collaboration with Vinod Bhanushali and hope to bring many more such interesting and new stories on screen.”
Presented by Raaj Shaandilyaa, a Bhanushali Studios Limited and Think Ink Picturez Ltd production in association with Shree Raghav Entertainment LLP, Janhit Mein Jaari is produced by Vinod Bhanushali, Kamlesh Bhanushali, Vishal Gurnani, Raaj Shaandilyaa, Vimal Lahoti, Shradha Chandavarkar, Bunty Raghav and Rajesh Raghav, and co-produced by Juhi Parekh Mehta.
When you think about transgenders in India, you have an image in your head. I wanted to break that image-Milind Soman
7:56 AM
Initially offered the king's role in Paurashpur, Milind Soman on why he chose to represent the third gender on screen
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; December 29, 2020)
Close on the heels of Sharad Kelkar's act in Laxmii, Milind Soman slips into the role of a transgender person for the period drama, Paurashpur. Turns out, the actor was initially offered the role of the king in the ALT Balaji and ZEE5 series, but he had his heart set on telling the story of Boris. "Though it's an interesting character and Annu [Kapoor] has done a fabulous job, I was not keen on the role and turned it down. Months later, they came to me with another character. That's when I told them that I want to play the role of the transgender," recounts the actor, who features in the Shachindra Vats-directed venture alongside Kapoor, Shilpa Shinde, Sahil Salathia, and Poulomi Das, among others.
Two weeks ago, Soman surprised his fans by sharing his look as Boris, complete with a nose pin, bindi and kohl, on Instagram. "A section of social media users wrote that they want to see the macho Milind, and that they like my masculine avatar. These were reactions from people who have obviously not seen my work before. I have worn kajal and walked the ramp as a model earlier. [These comments aside], people have responded well to the trailer," he says.
In a glaring example of the lack of inclusion, the third gender has hardly been represented in Hindi cinema and showbiz. Worse, the few instances when they have been portrayed on screen are riddled with stereotypes. Soman says it was not an easy journey to become one with the character. "When you think about transgenders in India, you have an image in your head. I wanted to break that image. We wanted to stay away from stereotyping the character. [We did not want to represent] the way they have been seen on Indian screens in terms of the expressions, behaviour and language. We wanted to focus on the character as a human being; that they belong to the third gender is incidental. We wanted to focus on Boris's fight against injustice and discrimination." He was mindful about not going overboard with the character. "We discussed how they would speak and their mannerisms. We kept it minimal because the character itself is so dramatic."
After the release of Akshay Kumar's Laxmii, a debate ensued over why the director had not cast a real-life transgender for Kelkar's role. Ask Soman why his show's team did not consider going down that road, and he tries to defend their choice, saying, "An actor can play any role. I understand that this particular subject is sensitive, and has sparked a conversation. I remember when Saand Ki Aankh released, people questioned why older women were not cast for the roles. But one needs to understand that when it's a movie, [the director] needs to be able to choose his tools to say exactly what he wants."
His attempts to push the envelope are not just restricted to the screen. Last month, the actor created a stir online when he posted a picture of him running naked on the beach, to mark his 55th birthday. The Goa police registered a case of obscenity against him. "To me, opinions can't dictate what we should do. We should have a sense of that," he says, adding that he does not get affected by the social media vitriol. "Social media comments show how the society is changing. So, I want to see all of it. I don't block or delete comments unless they are horrible."
History has proved that clones become clowns-Annu Kapoor
7:53 AM
Shreya Mukherjee (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 6, 2020)
Annu Kapoor recently took to social media to celebrate his “struggle of 38 years in Indian Cinema”. While most actors celebrate their journey, he thought of highlighting his struggles as he feels they’re more consistent than success.
“As they say, ‘Dukh baatne se dil thoda halka ho jaata hai, aur sach baatne se hausle badh jaate hai’, so I believe in that,” he says. But the 64-year-old adds he was never greedy for a role, or money, or fame. “I’ve run a tea stall and fried food stall, among other things. By the time I started working in the film industry, I knew what struggle means. No workspace has the guts to ignore talent. When they do, it’s their loss,” he asserts.
But Kapoor believes the struggle never ends. “I might have crossed the initial hurdles but I still consider myself a struggler. Remember everyone can’t be Muqaddar Ka Sikandar. Having option B helps,” he points out.
For those dreaming of making it big in the industry, Kapoor says one should not try to become a Shah Rukh Khan or Salman Khan or Hrithik Roshan. “History has proved that clones become clowns. Every individual is unique, so is their journey...even if you feel talented, it’ll never take you anywhere if the audience does not favour you,” he adds
Khuda Haafiz's first draft was developed from 15 newspaper articles-Faruk Kabir
8:28 AM
Khuda Haafiz director Faruk Kabir traces how he gave shape to the Vidyut Jammwal-led story, based on a 2008 case, over 12 years
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; August 4, 2020)
Director Faruk Kabir is busy giving finishing touches to Khuda Haafiz, headlined by Vidyut Jammwal. As we steal a few minutes from his jam-packed day for a chat, the filmmaker reveals that the story — which is inspired by a real-life incident in 2008 when a man set out to rescue his wife who was abducted and forced into human trafficking in the UAE — remained with him over the years.
"I had read a newspaper article about it in 2008, and it deeply moved me. I traced one of the journalists and did some research on my own. The first draft was developed from 15 newspaper articles and NGO research papers on human trafficking," recounts Kabir, who also tracked down the subject of the story. "I did not meet the lady, I don't know whether she is with her husband anymore. But I met the husband who became my muse. He felt he could trust me and opened up on a personal level."
Though the movie is inspired by real-life events, Kabir says he has fictionalised portions of the action drama. "Many characters, including those portrayed by Vidyut Jammwal, Shivaleeka [Oberoi] and Annu Kapoor, are real. The characters played by Aahana Kumra and Shiv Pandit are loosely based on the cops who [investigated] the case," states the director, who developed the screenplay in 2018.
It was delightful for Kabir to shoot in Uzbekistan, a land that harbours a passionate love for Bollywood. "They love our music, movies and the legendary Raj Kapoor. They don't make many films, but they have an active theatre scene that stages plays of Anton Chekhov. We shot in challenging scenarios, and the locals helped us graciously," says Kabir.
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