Using the lockdown period as an opportunity to create relevant content, Rohan Sippy on creating his divorce-based show, Wakaalat From Home
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; September 10, 2020)

Rohan Sippy's latest web series, Wakaalat From Home was conceptualised by his team and him, during the Coronavirus lockdown. "We would continuously chat on the phone, toss ideas, jot them down, and hope something would come out of it," says the producer-director, adding that this offering was the brainchild of comedian Anuvab Pal.

"He arrived at a story of a couple going through a divorce, over Zoom calls. There have been reports of a spike in the number of divorce cases during the quarantine. So, it stemmed from the situation people are actually in," says Sippy, adding that the title was derived from the phase that's currently enjoying its moment in the sun — Work from home.

The Amazon Prime series, which drops today, features the Permanent Roommates duo Sumeet Vyas and Nidhi Singh, along with Kubbra Sait, Gopal Datt, and Akarsh Khurana.

Heading to the virtual medium to direct the series, Sippy says a fair amount of unlearning went into understanding the task at hand. "One is used to being on set with a unit, camera and the hustle and bustle of the crew. Here, I was alone, staring at the laptop."

Initially, the Nautanki Saala (2013) and Dum Maro Dum (2011) director was uncertain about successfully pulling it off. "Usually, we are used to having meetings at every stage. Here, the casting, script-reading session, rehearsals, and costume-approvals were done over calls. So, it was a new experience. An actor had to be a cameraman and make-up artistes as well. We also had to ascertain when the Internet connectivity was appropriate for everyone."

As though the task of filming the project virtually wasn't challenging enough, Sippy had to ensure that the pace of the comedy was retained so that viewers' attention could be retained.

Sippy, had previously directed the web show, The Office (2019).

BOMBAY TIMES (April 11, 2019)

With a story revolving around conmen, superstitions and ghost hunting, Bhoot Police is touted to be India’s first horror-comedy franchise in 3D. The film, presented and produced by Fox Star Studios, will see Saif Ali Khan, Fatima Sana Shaikh and Ali Fazal teaming up for the first time on the big screen. It will be directed by Pavan Kirpalani, who has previously helmed thrillers like Phobia (2016) and Ragini MMS (2011).

The horror comedy, which will go on floors this August, has been written by Pavan, Anuvab Pal, Sumit Batheja and Pooja Ladha Surti. Pavan says, “This is a story I’ve been living with for a long time. I couldn’t have found better collaborators than Saif, Ali, Fatima and most importantly, Fox Star Studios, to bring this to life. This is going to be a fun, spooky ride.”

Rucha Pathak, Chief Creative Officer, Fox Star Studios, shares, “We are excited to delve into a new world of technology and storytelling with Bhoot Police. We are looking forward to this collaboration with Pavan and the brilliant star cast and having a great time ahead with this movie.”

DNA (June 18, 2017)

It’s Father’s Day and there’s no better time to honour the first male in your life. For children, especially daughters, a father is not just someone to look upto but also in many ways their hero. After Hrs asked various professionals what’s the one thing they’d want to steal from their pa.

Sunny Leone, actor
If my father was alive, I would steal his quirky style of cooking. He would always find the weirdest ingredients and somehow, they all tasted great together.

Taapsee Pannu, actor
I don’t think I will ever have to steal anything from him because all I have to do is ask for it and he will give it to me. But if there is one thing, it is his handwriting. He has beautiful handwriting, which I’ve always aspired to have.

Shenaz Treasurywala, actor
I would steal my dad’s aptitude for Math. He’s a genius when it comes to numbers multiplying and dividing in seconds. He’s a walking calculator — in fact he’s quicker!


Ashiesh Shah, architect
Patience is a virtue and cultivating it is a lifelong process, it needs a lot of time and practice to achieve — so if I could steal something from my father, it would definitely be his mastery of patience, it would certainly help me a lot of time!

Alesia Raut, model
The one quality I’d steal from my dad is to be calm when things are not going your way. It helps to be more productive.

Shaheen Abbas, jewellery designer
My father is very pious. And I’d love to steal his capacity of praying the way he does, so passionately. I believe it holds all of us in good stead. I admire the fact that he has this undying faith in his creator.

Payal Khandwala, designer
His vintage Omega watch. Not just because I like vintage watches but because he isn’t one to collect things, and he’s had this watch his whole life. To me it is synonymous with his wrist, so the nostalgia would make it a great memory!

Rajat K Tangri, designer
What I would want to steal from my father would be his management skills and his generosity! He has super powers when it comes to managing things and he has a huge heart of gold!

Amit Aggarwal, designer
I think it’s his composure. I’ve never seen him hassled despite the biggest turbulences in his life. I wish I could inherit that as his gift to me.

Anuvab Pal, comedian
I would steal his brain, because he’s very clever.

Vicky Ratnani, chef
I often reminisce my late father’s generosity and open mindedness. That is certainly ​a quality I would like to steal​ or acquire of him​. I would’ve also loved to steal his first sports car. Haha!

Shilpa Rao, singer
One quality I would like to steal from my dad would be, he’s always stress free. He takes things as they come and doesn’t let things affect him or get to him. That’s one thing I would love to steal or inherit from him.