Showing posts with label Archana Puran Singh. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Archana Puran Singh. Show all posts
Archana Puran Singh on Samay Raina’s family vlog jokes: "There was nothing humiliating about it"
9:30 AM
Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; September 10, 2026)
Archana Puran Singh has dismissed the social media trolling over her appearance on Samay Raina’s roast comedy show, India’s Got Latent, saying she was neither offended nor humiliated by the jokes. She also clarified that she was not paid to appear on the show, contrary to assumptions people are making on social media.
“It’s a non-issue for me. The definition of roast comedy is that he does roast comedy. What did I expect?” Archana said, adding that jokes about her husband, actor-director Parmeet Sethi, and sons Aryamann and Ayushmann being “nalla” or jobless are nothing new.
‘I went on Samay’s show willingly, and nothing is humiliating about it’
“Kapil (Sharma) has said it multiple times on his show, but nobody got upset then, neither did I. Suddenly, because they have a platform on social media, people who have got nothing better to do say, ‘Let’s comment and troll.’”
Archana said she appeared on Samay’s show willingly because she enjoys the format. “I went there willingly, and nothing is humiliating about it because it is only meant to be humorous, not insulting. So, people who don’t understand roast comedy are getting offended on my behalf.”
She also clarified that guests are not paid to appear on the show. “The show does not pay anyone to come on the show. People said, ‘That is why she went and got herself humiliated.’ Samay is the only one who makes money, none of us do.”
‘Men who don’t feel threatened by a woman’s success should be praised’
Addressing the repeated use of the word “nalla” by Samay, while referring to her husband (Parmeet) and sons (Aryamann and Ayushmann), Archana questioned the gendered nature of the criticism. “When men go out and work, and the woman is at home, no one tells them, “You are nalli’?” Men who don’t feel threatened by a woman’s success and stand by her should be praised,” she said.
Archana, who will be seen in the upcoming season of Adarsh Baal Vidyalaya and a reality show with Parmeet, also stressed that her family is far from jobless, pointing out that he (Parmeet) has worked extensively as an actor, director and writer, while their sons run successful YouTube channels.
“Parmeet and my sons are far from jobless. My younger son and my husband handle our family channel online. Plus, my older one handles his own channel. People don’t understand the economics of that business; hence, maybe they say “nalla”. We are laughing all the way to the bank.”
I am rediscovering more opportunities as an actress-Archana Puran Singh
3:52 PM
Hasti Doshi (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 27, 2026)
Archana Puran Singh says she is finally getting the time to return to acting projects after years of being tied up with television comedy shows. Known for films like Raja Hindustani, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Bol Bachchan, Archana admitted she had missed acting for quite a few decades.
“Earlier, when roles used to come to me, they’d say, ‘Ma’am, we have to shoot in Mauritius for 20 days, in Scotland for 25 days.’ I never could, because I was doing 104 episodes of The Kapil Sharma Show on TV,” she said.
With The Great Indian Kapil Show now following a seasonal OTT format, the actor says things have changed. “Fortunately for me, the show is now seasonal. So in between seasons, Kapil and I have time to explore other avenues. Now I am able to accept roles as an actor because we have seasons… There is more time for me to say yes.”
Archana also spoke about taking on new projects. “I just did Toaster with Rajkummar Rao. There’s a series with Kay Kay Menon called Aadarsh Baal Vidyalay. There’s another film I’m doing with Vikrant Massey. Now I’m kind of rediscovering more opportunities as an actress.”
You can’t please everybody, someone will always find something objectionable-Archana Puran Singh
10:40 AM
Hasti Doshi (BOMBAY TIMES; May 3, 2026)
On World Laughter Day, Archana Puran Singh reflects on the sound that has become synonymous with her — her unmistakable, full-bodied laugh. But even as audiences celebrate it, she’s careful to put it in perspective. Uninhibited laughter, she insists, isn’t as rare as it’s made out to be, it’s just that hers plays out on screen.
“I think a lot of people do laugh from their hearts. It’s only that I’m on camera, so you see my laughter more,” she says, pointing to the unfiltered joy she sees around her — at home with her sons, among friends and even in public figures.
“My sons laugh totally from the belly… I feel Sunita Ahuja has a bigger laugh than mine. And I love Kajol’s laugh — she laughs from the heart.”
Archana’s chat with us moves between humour and honesty — reminding you that behind the iconic laugh is a life lived fully, flaws, contradictions and all. Excerpts:
‘Almost everything has a funny side to it — I look at life through that lens’
Laughter has, however, sometimes coexisted with challenging moments in her life. Recalling her time on the show Comedy Circus, she shares, “I was on set when I got the news that my mother-in-law had passed away. We were just about to shoot, and I said I have to leave. But they asked me if I could give my reactions first. So, I had to sit there and do a small laugh, then a medium laugh, then a loud laugh. I remember thinking... How bizarre is this?”
The incident, she says, is a stark reminder of the industry’s demands. “It’s not a cliché - the show must go on.” She recalls another moment when her young son was unwell and pleaded with her not to leave. “He said, ‘Mamma, don’t go,’ but I had to go and shoot all day. Those moments stay with you forever… the guilt, the trauma.”
For Archana, humour isn’t an escape route. She shares, “Humour isn’t my escape, it is part of my life. I try not to take myself too seriously. Almost everything has a funny side to it — I look at life through that lens.” At home, laughter is a shared affair. “In the house, I make people laugh the most, sometimes it’s a competition between my older one, Aaryamann and me. I love to mimic people, and my son always tells me I make situations far funnier than they really are. But honestly, they are the ones who make me laugh,” she shares.
‘You can’t please everybody, someone will always find something objectionable’
On the evolving nature of comedy, the actress takes a wide, inclusive view. Shows like The Kapil Sharma Show continue to represent family-friendly humour, while newer voices such as Samay Raina explore edgier spaces. “There are takers for all kinds of comedy… and I find neither objectionable,” she says.
Ultimately, she believes humour is deeply subjective. “You cannot please everybody, someone or the other will always find something objectionable. So how do you eliminate everything? You have the remote — just don’t watch it,” she says, adding, “In a country as diverse as India, one kind of humour cannot appeal to all. Comedy is evolving, and when anything changes, there will always be a little discomfort. That is true art.”
‘Some people love my laugh, some don’t…it’s fine’
Archana points to a social conditioning that often restrains women from expressing joy freely. “A lot of women are taught not to laugh out loud because it’s considered unfeminine, and it doesn’t sound nice. It’s only because I’ve been on shows that my laughter has become more noticeable,” she explains.
Despite the popularity of her trademark laugh, she is quick to assert that it doesn’t define her entirely. “I’m much more than just a laughter queen. I’ve been an actor for 30-40 years now. To be known only for your laughter… I have no complaints, but I do feel that I’m much more than that. Some people love my laugh, some don’t — but as long as they’re talking about me, it’s fine,” says Archana.
I got emotional, says Archana Puran Singh on friends’ support after losing new YouTube channel
8:38 AM
Yashika Mathur (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 16, 2024)
On Friday, actor-anchor Archana Puran Singh launched her YouTube channel, but things took a shocking turn after the account was hacked and deleted within 14 hours. However, Singh remains optimistic about her chances of retrieving the channel. “YouTube and my team are working closely together and we have got great support. They have also sent an enquiry to the platform’s international office,” she tells us.
While upset about losing the account, Singh gets emotional about the support she received from friends and colleagues alike. “When I told them about losing the channel, they said, ‘We will repost stories again for you’. I didn’t tear up when I saw that my account was gone, but hearing them say this made me so emotional,” the 62-year-old says.
Ask her about the next steps forward and Singh explains, “My team has been told that we should hear something from the platform’s main office by today. But I am giving this a week’s time to be fully sorted.”
Parmeet Sethi jokes that he should get royalty for all the jokes Kapil Sharma has cracked on him-Archana Puran Singh
9:14 AM
Iti Shree Misra (BOMBAY TIMES; December 13, 2024)
Actress and comedian Archana Puran Singh, presently seen as part of Kapil Sharma’s show, in an exclusive chat with us shared how she doesn’t mind jokes on herself. The Kuch Kuch Hota Hai actress also shared about her acting offers, how comedy has evolved over the years and her sons. Read on...
There is a mutual respect and regard between Kapil and me and I don’t mind his jokes on me
While one may find the jibes and jokes cracked by Kapil Sharma on his show on Archana Puran Singh offensive, the show host and actress says she doesn’t mind the jokes he cracks at her expense. “About 17 years ago Kapil and I started our journey together when he was a contestant in a show that I was judging, called Comedy Circus. There is a mutual regard and respect we have for each other that nothing can shake or break. When he made fun of me and made wisecracks at me I used to find it highly amusing that he has the guts to do this to a ‘judge’ who he knows will eventually be awarding marks at the end of the act. His irreverent humour combined with his actual in-person respect is what made his wise cracks so endearing to me. He always apologized profusely to me, sometimes before the act or sometimes after the act... ki ‘ma’am aap itne sportingly le lete ho humaare punches aur hum aapko bahut pyar karte hain’.”
“It is the same equation we share that allows him to take pot shots at me even today on The Kapil Sharma Show (TKSS); he knows what creates humour on stage and I know that he means no personal disrespect for me when he is delivering punches aimed at me,” says Archana, adding, “How can I, who herself is known for her comedy, not understand that this is all in fun and not to be taken seriously at all? He is a huge star today but he still accords me the same respect of a junior towards a senior and we value that combination of love, respect, mutual admiration and love for irreverent humour that is the most tickling kind of humour personally for me. Now people love the fact that Kapil takes off on me and then I give it back to him and he calls me his 'saasu ma' or 'jethani' for making jibes at him... it has in fact become an organic part of the show and the audiences wait for our little 'nok-jhonk' in all episodes. I also hope through me a lot of people learn to take jokes in their stride and to not take offense when something is said merely to create humour.”
Archana says that even her family enjoys the jokes cracked by Kapil on her and her family. “In fact often Parmeet jokes himself and says he should get royalty payment for all the jokes Kapil has cracked on him,” she says.
TKSS left me with little time for films or OTT
Archana hasn’t been seen in too many films or web shows apart from TKSS in recent times. Ask her if offers have stopped coming her way or she is not accepting any and she says, “Films stopped coming to me since my dates schedule was fully taken up by The Kapil Show. But now, since the show has shifted to a web platform, we have an easier schedule and that allows us time in between. But initially TKSS left me with little time for films or OTT when it was on the GEC. I have refused many films at that time and as an actor, I had felt terrible that I had to make a choice between being an actor or being on the show. But I’m now happy to have a balance of both films as well as OTT,” she says.
It’s heartwarming to see that Miss Braganza is still such a loved character
The one character that everyone remembers of Archana is of Miss Braganza in the Shah Rukh Khan-Kajol and Rani Mukerji starrer Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. Mention that and the actress says she is so happy that a character she played has become almost iconic. “I never fully realized just how iconic the chatacter of Ms Braganza was till I realised that even the new generation is obsessed by it and is also able to recite my dialogues at the drop of a hat. It almost becomes embarrassing because I myself hardly recall what I said in the film. Nonetheless it is heartwarming to see how much people love the character and it stillis such a loved character. And I don’t want to spoil the fun but there maybe a surprise coming in the next few months; but ssshhhhhh, mums the word for now,” she says with a laugh.
Without a certain amount of freedom of speech humour gets curtailed
Archana, who has been part of quite a few comedy shows and also comic characters feels comedy and humour is not getting its due freedom of speech and is not evolving as it should. “There is a certain amount of self censorship that is expected of all comedies nowadays and to me that seems a little less freedom than what one had earlier. Today one has to be very politically correct because terms like ‘misogyny’ and ‘rascism’ are familiar ones and trolls on social media are quick to use them in attacking comic artistes. There is a newfound ‘wokeness’ that advocates sensitivity to topics that earlier used to be fodder for comedy. I’m not saying that one should be insensitive in comedy but at the same time if one cannot poke fun at society and certain taboo topics then it is difficult to create humour because showing irreverence for typically sacred subjects is at the core for a certain type of satire or humour. I feel without a certain amount of freedom of speech humour gets curtailed which further curtails its growth or evolution,” says Archana.
Parmeet and I leave our sons to find their own way in the industry
Mother to two sons, Archana hopes that her sons too see success as actors in the industry. Although the young men do seek advise from their parents, Archana says, she and her husband have let the boys carve their own destiny. “My sons Aaryamann and Ayushmaan are both keen in making a career as actors and they have both studied acting in New York. In fact Ayushmaan has even performed in Atul Mongia’s directorial short film titled Friends. Both Aary and Ayush are auditioning regularly for several casting agents in Mumbai and have been short listed for more than a few roles each. Let’s see which one bags a role first! Over time, I’ve seen them grow into young, confident and competent actors so it is only a matter of time before they are seen on a screen. Parmeet and I leave them to find their own way in the industry. There is huge competition now and they will have to struggle to find their own footing but that is a challenge which they will have to face and win on their own steam,” she says.
Nobody told me that what I had was called anxiety-Archana Puran Singh
8:16 AM
Sugandha Rawal Tagra (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 10, 2024)
In a recent social media post, Archana Puran Singh owned up to dealing with anxiety throughout her life. The actor says she only recently learnt that the unexpressed nervousness she felt “before an exam, an event, a date” and had to “soldier on” throughout it being “a constant state of being for long periods of time” — was, in fact, her struggling with a form of anxiety.
Opening up about the post, Singh, who appears on The Great Indian Kapil Show tells us that the realization came with increasing exposure to people talking about “panic attacks and anxiety attacks”. “I realized that we all have dealt with it at some point. It is just that we have given it a definition today. We all have gone through that feeling while growing up, be it before an exam, getting scolded by parents or anticipating a scolding. Nobody informed us that it is called anxiety,” she says.
For her generation, it was the same as feeling another emotion, like happiness or sadness, explains Singh. “It dawned upon me that what I have experienced has also been anxiety, even though it was at a very mild level,” she says, adding that she now deals with the feeling by “focussing on the good part of the day”.
Singh, however, is cautious not to “make light of those dealing with more extreme states of anxiety”. After having “suffered silently” throughout life, and help being largely unavailable, the 61-year-old knows how debilitating it could be for many. She urges people to not use the word casually. “What I call anxiety, is maybe nothing for someone who’s suffering from a crippling form of it. We need to be cautious while dealing with the word.”
In the post, she had stated, “Today they call it anxiety. Nobody asked us how we felt. We ourselves didn’t question the frequent knot in our stomachs!!” I define my life as a very happy one... even through the tough times. You’ll be fine too (sic).”
25 Years of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai: Parzaan Dastur, Himani Shivpuri, Sana Saeed, Archana Puran Singh share memories
8:22 AM
Raise your hand if Karan Johar’s directorial debut, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, is your guilty pleasure watch! As the film ticks the silver jubilee mark, Navya Kharbanda talks to some cast members, who get super nostalgic going down memory lane
Navya Kharbanda (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 16, 2023)
Parzaan Dastur as silent sardarji
It was a dream come true as a child, to work with superstars like Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol and as DDLJ was huge, I knew that they were a hit pair. Also, shooting for Kuch Kuch Hota Hai was like being in Disneyland for 20 days for all the kids. I was around six when I shot for the film, and it was during my summer vacations, so there were no issues of missing school. On days we didn’t shoot, we used to play games, puzzles and colouring books. I remember it used to be so much fun shooting the dance scenes. Choreographer Farah Khan and her dance troupe always made me do funny things. SRK was talking to all the kids, and he asked me about my birthday and realised that we share the same birth date (November 2). My parents often accompanied me on shoots, and my dad even played carom with SRK when he had the time.
Himani Shivpuri as Rifat Bi
All the young people that I meet today, still say the most famous dialogue from the film: ‘Rifat bi, mera pehla pyaar adhura reh gaya’. We thoroughly enjoyed the filming, but never expected that it was going to be so fresh even after 25 years. I remember the scene where Kajol is playing basketball and I accidentally got hit with the ball. Karan gave her such a dressing down ki, ‘How dare you do it? You must have done it deliberately’. She started clarifying and apologized to me. Kajol was a tomboy and Karan used to say, ‘Thank God she is a tomboy, it helps in the first half, but how am I going to handle her in the second half?’ Also, I can’t forget those beautiful Lucknowi suits that (designer) Manish Malhotra gave me. Karan literally wanted me to take them home, as they were made for me. Now I regret not listening to my director. I wish I had brought back at least one costume (laughs).
Sana Saeed as Anjali Khanna
I was just eight when Kuch Kuch Hota Hai was shot, and honestly, I had no idea what was happening. Even when I was a child, I used to say that my favourite actor is Shah Rukh Khan. I kind of had an idea that I really like this actor and I’m getting to work with him. And now when I look back, I’m like, ‘Oh my God, I played his daughter!’ The scene where SRK forgets to wear his pants, and is in his boxers, we were all laughing so much that we could barely say our lines. And when he says, ‘Driver pant nikaalo’ instead of ‘Gaadi nikaalo’, I don’t know if he did that on purpose, but I do think it was not a part of the script. I think it wasn’t his line, it just came out at the moment. It was so hilarious.
Archana Puran Singh as Ms Briganza
We were in Mauritius and I remember, Karan used to regale us with cheesy couplets like, ‘Aakash mein udd rahe hain kabootar, flutter flutter, flutter flutter’. Also, my older son, Aryaman, was just two at that time. One day, Kajol picked him up during breakfast, kissed and hugged him; he grinned and forced her to put him down. He wiped his face, and I was like, ‘It’s Kajol. One day you’re going to grow up and say wow’. Anupam also used to take him for walks in the garden. Location shoots were really intimate, and we all felt really sad when the schedule was over.
My trolls are the most vella, useless people on this planet-Archana Puran Singh
8:18 AM
Archana Puran Singh talks about why she schooled a troll recently and the importance of sending out a powerful message
Navya Kharbanda (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 28, 2023)
Archana Puran Singh, 60, refused to be silenced when a troll on Instagram attempted to ridicule her appearance recently. On Monday, Singh shared a photograph of herself with her husband, actor-director Parmeet Sethi, during their trip to Switzerland. While most of the comments poured in with love and positivity, one particular comment stood out, targeting Singh’s appearance.
The now-deleted comment read, “Woman kam, man zyada lag rahi ho. Kapil sahi kehta hai bohot time laga hoga aapko roop parivartan karne mein”. Refusing to let such negativity go unanswered, Singh responded to the troll, “Kitni ghatiya soch rakhti ho itni kam umar mein....”
“My trolls are the most vella (idle), useless people on this planet,” Singh tells us, while acknowledging that she doesn’t expect everyone on social media to like her: “But at least do not comment on somebody’s (appearance) and say that ‘you look like a man’. Saying (something like that) to degrade a human is appalling.”
While Singh “typically avoids engaging with trolls”, she explains why she felt compelled to respond in this particular instance.
“Sometimes, a reply from a celebrity helps to reinforce a good social message. Maybe a lot of people will read my reply and understand the point I am trying to make [and try to be careful about their words and actions going forward],” stresses Singh, who is known for her role of Miss Braganza in the 1998 film Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.
She adds, “I have moved on after my reply, but I am sure that girl got her two minutes of fame.”
‘Don’t look at a comedy show for a social message’
Ask her if she feels people might have felt comfortable making such comments given her association with The Kapil Sharma Show, where she is often subjected to tongue-in-cheek remarks, and Singh defends: “When Kapil (Sharma, host) says it, it is full of humour, love and naughtiness. Comedy is meant to be irreverent and it has to underline certain things for the purpose of humour. It is not meant to hurt anybody. Don’t look at a comedy show and think that he is giving a social message.”
If Kapil Sharma had not wanted me to shine, I would not have lasted on the show for four years-Krushna Abhishek
8:33 AM
The actor talks about rumours of him returning to Kapil Sharma’s show
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; April 18, 2023)
A midst speculations over his return to The Kapil Sharma Show (TKSS), we can now tell you that Krushna Abhishek, best known for his portrayal of Sapna on the show, will give the ongoing season a miss. Krushna, who has been a part of Kapil’s show for four years, opted out of the current season, owing to contractual issues. The makers approached him around 10 days ago to reconsider his decision, but the talks remained inconclusive.
In an exclusive chat with BT, Krushna says, “Yes, I received a call from the makers of TKSS recently. They wanted me back. However, we couldn’t reach a conclusion owing to monetary and contractual differences for the second time. Baat paise par hi aakar atki hai phir se.”
While he hopes to return to the show in the future, he rules out the possibility of joining the current season. He says, “It won’t happen this season. Hopefully, I will return in the next season. Kapil and Krushna together again will be a treat for the audience, won’t it?”
Meanwhile, there is buzz about the show ending in June, but the actor says he is not aware of any such possibility.
He adds, “I have no information on this. I love the show and am extremely fond of the makers. It’s always been a great association with them. I have missed being a part of TKSS. I am quite attached to Archana ji (Archana Puran Singh) and Kapil. I have had a 15-year-long association with Archana ji. I must admit that I wasn’t close to Kapil when I joined the show, but now that I worked and spent time with him, I have grown extremely fond of him.”
Every exit from The Kapil Sharma Show leads to several theories, including Kapil being insecure about his colleague’s growing popularity.
Shooting down these rumours outright, Krushna says, “Kapil is often subjected to baseless rumours. If he had not wanted me to shine, I would not have lasted on the show for four years. Many celebrities have complimented me on my act. He could have easily edited the portions if he had any issues with me. He doesn’t bother about these things and is an extremely secure artiste. He knows that when one performer shines, it benefits the entire show. Ultimately, it is teamwork. We have been extremely supportive and encouraging of each other’s talent and work. Kapil is a darling. I had a great time working with him on the show and he enjoyed it, too. He takes pride in my successes, just as I do when it comes to him. There is no room for negativity and our detractors should stop looking for it.”
It’s a huge compliment to be compared to Nawazuddin Siddiqui-Archana Puran Singh
8:14 AM
Etti Bali (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 25, 2022)
When actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui unveiled the first look of his upcoming, Haddi, this morning, little could anyone have anticipated the avalanche of reactions it would garner. Nawaz’s look is not only being appreciated for a gender-defying makoever, but also for its uncanny, and probably unintentional, resemblance to an everyday television personality synonymous with primetime comedy shows.
Neither by design nor by default, Archana Puran Singh found herself to be at the receiving end of comparisons to Nawaz’s look.
In the official trailer released on Nawazuddin’s Instagram, the actor can be seen sitting in a diva-esque pose in a shimmery low-cut dress as he bleeds from his right hand while resting his bejwelled left hand near his face. Kohl-lined eyes and a bold red lip finish his look. The side-parted hair and the posture led many to believe that it was Archana Puran Singh making another entry into films.
But being the sport that she is, Archana had only nice things to say about the comparisons. “It’s the hairstyle which has become synonymous with me that is causing all these comparisons. I’ve used this side-parted look during the early part of Kapil show (The Kapil Sharma Show),” she replied over a Whatsapp text.
When asked about how she feels about the comparisons, she says, “All I can say is its a huge compliment to be compared to Nawaz in ANY way possible.”
Well, now that’s called taking things in one’s stride.
Salman Khan, Ajay Devgn, Karan Johar, Shah Rukh Khan... we’ve all had our fights and made up, too-Farah Khan
8:35 AM
Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; July 4, 2022)
Even after being in the business for 30 long years, some things about Farah Khan remain unchanged — her sense of humour and the compelling need to entertain people. The director, now-occasional choreographer, TV show anchor-judge and mother of three is in no mood to slow down. In fact, she’s raring to go, and if all goes as planned, she will roll out her next directorial venture by the end of this year. In a chat with BT, she spoke about her kal, aaj aur kal with her trademark wit and candour. Excerpts:
You recently hit the 30-year milestone in your career. What does that feel like?
When I started, I would have been happy to get work for just three years. Who would have thought I would hit 30 years and keep working past it! We are grateful for what we have. We were poor; my father had died with Rs. 30 in his pocket. At the outset, my dream was to get Rs. 10,000 a song and in a month, make Rs. 30,000. We have so much more than what one dreamed of. And crossing the three-decade mark is not a sign of retirement. Picture abhi baaki hai! When I was starting out, I used to be the only female crew member other than the hairdressers. I have a picture from the sets of Jo Jeeta Wahi Sikander where there were 60 guys and me. Today, the ratio is nearly 50-50. That speaks a lot about the transition in the last three decades.
What else do you think has changed? And is there something, according to you, that still remains the same?
A lot! Every time a new actor or actress emerges on the scene, they think they are it! Peeche dekhte hi nahi hain, ki tumse pehle kitne aaye aur gaye. The truth is that they are not ‘it’, no one is! They are not the ones who invented cinema, though every new person who comes on the scene, says things about changing the course of cinema and reinventing it. Whenever they say something of that sort, I am like, ‘I have seen this cycle so many times...’ I’m fortunate that I continue to be relevant and have credible work even now. I am still here and hope to be here for the next 30 years, too.
Why did you stop directing films after Happy New Year (2014)?
I’m in a comfort zone today. I’ve not made a film in a few years, but I’ve been busy, either doing shows, acting in ads or directing ad films. I’ve found my own zone to work where I am at ease and still as busy as I want to be. I wanted to spend time with my kids. And yet, despite slowing down a bit, the only time we actually chilled together was during the lockdown. Immediately as it got over, I was back at work. It’s a strange cycle. You want to be happy and content, and when you are, you also feel guilty about not working. I don’t take up 75 per cent of the work offered to me. I take up something when it excites me. Today, and even when I was struggling, money was never the sole criteria to take up work. I was selective right from my early days about the songs and the people I’d work with. I remember one of the key reasons I worked on Jalwa (1987) is that we were being flown to Goa and till then, I had never travelled in an aircraft. I was dancing behind Archana Puran Singh and being paid Rs 300 a day at that time.
As a woman in the film business, turning down offers, especially in that era, must have been difficult, right?
I don’t think anyone considered me a woman in the industry (laughs!) I think everyone thought of me as one of the guys. On a serious note, sometimes, I do wonder ki kyun mana kiya maine. But I was also very possessive of the work I did. I worked with many good directors and that just improved my craft with every song. I’m also someone who has worked with 40-50 first-time directors right from Aditya Chopra, Karan Johar, Farhan Akhtar, Sajid Khan and Sanjay Gupta to Nikkhil Advani and Mukesh Chhabra. There are so many to name. My equation with everyone has remained unchanged. In fact, I’ve become a character for them. On the set, they wait for me to say something and expect me to get angry or bugged at some point. The thing is they love me and that is what I have earned in big proportions. I have earned their friendships. There’s a value to the work I do for any movie. My sense of humour is a trope. These days I create some really crazy reels because I’ve to entertain; it’s in the DNA. And I have to do it differently. As for my equation, it has been good even with those that I have fought with for various reasons. At a certain age, you’re brash and you take everything seriously. But there cannot be permanent animosities. You bump into someone, hug and get it over with. Salman Khan, Ajay Devgn, Karan Johar, Shah Rukh Khan... we’ve all had our fights and made up, too.
Maintaining personal relationships in this business can be an arduous task. How have you managed to maintain your equation with everyone?
We all grew up together and worked together. We will always have that shared experience and those common memories of going through so much in our lives. Besides, I am young at heart and I get along with most people. Today, I have a younger friend circle also, which includes Rajkummar Rao, Patralekhaa and Huma Qureshi.
You have had a long career, and when that happens a sense of complacency can set in. How have you steered clear of that?
I just shot a song in Croatia. I went there days before the shoot, completed the recce, created a shot breakdown and worked with the stylist and the director. In 30 years, this has not changed. If you get complacent about your quality of work, that’s the end of the road for you. Also, I hate asking for favours; it’s a childhood trait. A lot of people owe me money because of that. I have done so many songs for free. But yes, I also feel that it all comes back to me in the form of blessings. I’ve never worked for money. I’ve done some music videos when I needed to buy a house, but you can ask my producers. In some cases, I even signed my contracts after the movie was released. So, the motivation to work has to be something other than money. You will always find an avenue to earn, but that can’t be the sole reason to work. Money will make you do all sorts of things, some of which you’ll not like.
My thinking stems from the experiences my brother Sajid and I had as kids. We always had to ask for things. I’d seen my dad, he hated to ask for udhar. My mother has sold her jewellery to pay for our school fees. Farhan and Zoya Akhtar, Honey and Daisy aunty had kept us in their home for about four-five years, and they were very nice to us, but we had to ask them for things. We were literally those poor cousins. Today, I owe them a great deal. I know the journey I’ve had, and I value it. And yet, I don’t like asking for money. Pamper me, treat me well and I will always be on your team. Anyone can take me for a ride. I have to be careful (laughs!).
While you have hits like Main Hoon Na, Om Shanti Om and Happy New Year, there have been lows, too. How did that phase of your career play out and how do you think it impacted you?
I still recall how Tees Maar Khan was ripped apart and though people said a lot of things about it, the film made money. I’ve been a fighter and a survivor. After Tees Maar Khan, I didn’t want to step out, even though I was winning an award for the choreography of Sheila Ki Jawani. My mother-in-law encouraged me to go for it. So, through time and the ups and downs, I grew older and wiser, and had kids. Everything changed with time. Today, I’ve realised that whatever is yours will come to you. I’m not insecure anymore. I used to be that person, and I hate that feeling today. Of course, as human nature would have it, a lot of times, people get happy when someone’s film doesn’t do well; it’s an industry trait and uska kya kar sakte hain. Today, I know that my movie will be made whenever and with whoever it’s destined to.
What do your next many years in the business look like?
I’ll be making movies. I had the best job. I got paid well for it. I enjoyed entertaining people. I am sure there were more talented people than me, but I feel fortunate I had so many opportunities and I worked hard. I have learned never to regret anything and I will hold on to that. And also the wish that when I was young, slim and hot, I should’ve also tried being wilder...
You don’t need to use abusive words or derogatory language to make people laugh-Shekhar Suman
9:18 AM
Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; May 22, 2022)
he past year has been tough for Shekhar Suman, who lost his mother in June 2021. He went into a shell and it took a lot of effort to slowly return to normalcy. He says, “My mother relocated from Patna to live with me in Mumbai in 2015 because I insisted on it, as she wasn’t keeping well. The last few years with her were blissful. I used to cook food for her, and we would have great conversations. My life revolved around her. Last year, she passed away, and I was again struck with grief because I lost my father a few years back, and I have dealt with the loss of my son in the past, too. After my father and son, when my mother passed away, it was very difficult for me and for a long time, I did not work or meet anyone.”
Shekhar has now resumed work and will soon be seen in India's Laughter Champion as a judge along with Archana Puran Singh. He says, “Archana and I did three films together, and funnily, those films ran into some trouble when they were ready for release. Archana is a wonderful colleague and we gel well together. I am glad that finally, we are judging a show together.”
Ask Shekhar about comedy shows on TV, and he says, “I feel that comedy is not supposed to be loud. You don’t need to use abusive words or derogatory language to make people laugh. I enjoy clean humour and feel that it is possible to make people laugh in the simplest way. TV used to have good comedy shows, like Dekh Bhai Dekh, but we don’t have that kind of content anymore. I think it is time for humour to evolve and newer talent to take over and be part of comedy shows.”
Talking about the current phase where different mediums have opened up, he says, “Like everyone else, I feel that these are exciting times for those actors who did character-driven roles. I also feel that star power will diminish, and it will be more about actors, who will be remembered for their characters, whether it is films or OTT. In the past two years, the audience has woken up to the fact that they want to see newer content with actors who are focussed on good acting rather than just star power. Even in the past, among the huge number of starry films, when there would be a film featuring a Nawazuddin Siddiqui or Irrfan Khan, people would find it refreshing and loved watching it.”
Shekhar, who has also done a few web shows, does not feel that the digital medium will impact the power of the big screen. He says, “People will continue watching films in theatres and also watch shows on OTT. In this, maybe, TV might take a backseat because the content on TV needs to improve.”
Somehow when something happens to Navjot Singh Sidhu, memes are made on me-Archana Puran Singh
8:19 AM
Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; March 14, 2022)
Last week, after Navjot Singh Sidhu lost in the Punjab Assembly elections, actress Archana Puran Singh started trending on social media. There were innumerable memes doing the rounds suggesting that Sidhu might return to claim his spot in The Kapil Sharma Show. Archana had replaced Sidhu in the show back in 2017.
Talking about it, Archana told us, “I am not affected by these memes because it is not something new. What I am surprised about is how a person who has quit the show and joined politics, is still being connected with what I’m doing on the show. I have never been involved in politics. I have a particular role in the show, which I am doing diligently, but somehow when there is something new happening to Sidhu, memes are made on me. Isn’t that strange?”
She added, “People should understand that nothing is permanent in life. The chair that I occupy on Kapil’s show is not a permanent one and I will not play a judge forever. But people on social media behave like this is my only job and I have no other work in life. If Sidhu ever decides to come back or the channel or producer of the show wants him back, I am always willing to move on and find another project. I have said this many times before and this joke has been cracked so often on the show.”
If Navjot Singh Sidhu would seriously re-enter the show in my place, I will have many other things to do-Archana Puran Singh
8:04 AM
Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; October 1, 2021)
Around two years ago, actress Archana Puran Singh replaced Navjot Singh Sidhu on The Kapil Sharma Show. Since then, the comedians on the show have been cracking jokes on Archana, commenting on how Sidhu may return. Sidhu’s resignation as Punjab Congress Chief recently has given rise to a number of memes that show him returning to the show.
When we spoke to Archana about this, she said, “This is a joke that’s being cracked on me for many years now. I don’t care and I don’t take it seriously at all. And if Sidhu would seriously re-enter the show in my place, I will have many other things to do, which I have refused to do in the past few months.”
Archana added, “Since I am shooting two days in a week for the show, I can’t take up any assignment, which is out of Mumbai or India. In the past few months, I got several opportunities to shoot in London and other countries, but I had to say no because of my commitment to the show.”
Archana shared how Kapil Sharma, Kiku Sharda, Krushna Abhishek and others in the team are not only her teammates, but very respectful towards her. Talking about the joke that she has nothing to do in the show except laugh, she said, “Kapil’s show writers come up with all kinds of jokes and I can’t help, but laugh at them because they are funny. It is a task to come up with gags everyday and keep the show running for the last 10 years. But all those who feel I don’t have anything to do in the show should come on the sets to see how it is not easy to sit for six to seven hours in a particular position, facing the stage. I have to constantly sit at an angle for hours on that sofa and face the stage, listen to every joke that’s cracked and then react to it.”
She added, “Every time, we don’t take up an assignment to do something meaty and serious. Sometimes, an actor does want to have some fun and enjoy good humour and Kapil’s show gives me that. I enjoy reacting to their gags and at the same time laugh at myself, too.”
Archana Puran Singh turns 59; reveals about her hilarious experience with Amitabh Bachchan
8:08 AM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 26, 2021)
Archana Puran Singh doesn’t understand why people hide their age. More so, if they are in showbiz. The actor, who turns 59 today, shares that many people also hide their real birthday and celebrate being of the same age over and over again. “In the 40 years of my career, I have never had a secretary or agent. I just had one manager, Jeet, but for a brief period. When people used to ask my age, I’d say 20 or 21. She (manager) would stop me. I’d say, ‘It’s just 20, not 40’. She’d reply, ‘Nahin, aaj 20 bologe toh log hisaab lagayenge 10 saal baad 30 hai’. This was the general trend,” recounts Singh.
Today, when all the information is readily available on the internet, the actor feels that it will be a task to hide one’s real age. “You can just search everything. I don’t believe in hiding my age,” she shares and laughs, “What do they think, children are 25 and you’re still 16?(sic).”
Recalling the first birthday party she threw after becoming an actor, she says, “I was at a restaurant, adjusting my dress... the door opened, and someone entered with a huge bouquet. I couldn’t see and asked, ‘Kaun laya hai?’ and suddenly from behind came a voice, ‘Hum laaye hain’. It turned out to be Amit ji (Amitabh Bachchan). I was like, ‘Amit ji aap 7 baje aa gaye’, he said, ‘Aapne 7 baje bulaya toh hum 7 baje hi aayenge na!’(laughs)”.
Censors passed the kiss in Raja Hindustani with 'U' but I had to cut a few frames to reduce the film's duration-Dharmesh Darshan
8:19 AM
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 14, 2020)
Interestingly, Raja Hindustani had what was the longest kiss in Hindi films at the time, between Aamir Khan and Karisma Kapoor. Dharmesh reveals that he had kept it a little extra at the behest of the producers, who were expecting some editing from the censors. “But they passed it with a ‘U’ certificate and not a single cut. Eventually, I voluntarily cut a few frames from the kiss because the market wanted the three-hours-twenty-minutes film shortened by 20 minutes,” he says.
While he doesn’t mind shortening the kiss without it losing its impact or inviting catcalls, he was heartbroken to leave out a dramatic sequence when on learning that he’s a father, Raja comes to the city to meet Aarti and despite her being out with the baby, barges inside into her room where seeing the cot, toys and clothes, he breaks down. Sensing an opportunity to further drive a wedge between the couple, Aarti’s stepmother Shalu provokes Raja and when he hits out, has him beaten and thrown into a gutter, following which he kidnaps his child. “We’d shot the scene over five days and both Aamir and Archana (Puran Singh) as Shalu were terrific. When I went to Film City to tell Aamir I’d decided to leave it out, he started weeping. I told him that I should be crying too, since I’d written and directed it. But even without that scene, Aamir swept all the popular best actor awards. Maybe that might have won him a National Award,” Dharmesh chuckles wryly.
He also chopped out a silent, almost Chaplinesque sequence of Raja climbing into Aarti’s bedroom through the open window, after a bee, determined that it would not disturb her sleep. “Then, I replaced a song, ‘Tu Bhool Nahin Payegi Mujhko’, getting Kumar Sanu to sing another version of Udit Narayan, Sapna Awasthi and Alka Yagnik’s ‘Pardesi Pardesi Jaana Nahi’ instead. I recorded it with Sanu and Alka alone because Nadeem ji was travelling and Shravan ji was engaged,” Dharmesh reminisces. “Pardesi Pardesi” bagged Udit, Alka and Sameer the Filmfare Award for best playback singers and best lyricist respectively. Nadeem-Shravan were adjudged best music director and Sanu lists it among his best songs.
Karisma also took home the Filmfare Black Lady after being voted the year’s best actress. Dharmesh had planned the film with his Lootere heroine, Juhi Chawla. After she dropped out over some issues with the producers, he thought of his cousin, Pooja Bhatt, who had teamed up with Aamir in Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin, but the duo hadn’t done another film after that. “I had not written the second half then. When the script was ready, we took it to Aishwarya Rai who had caught the eye in an ad with Aamir. Raja Hindustani was to be her Bollywood debut, but then, as part of her Miss India contract, she went for the Miss World contest, won the crown, and was out of bounds for a year. Since we didn’t want to wait, Karisma entered the picture,” he recounts.
Like he had done with Juhi in Lootere, and later Shilpa Shetty in Dhadkan, Dharmesh transformed Karisma, getting the blue-eyed actress to use hazel lenses, sitting with her make-up man and hair stylist to give her a different skin tone and a different hair style. “I even went shopping with Karisma, insisting that, for the wedding, she go with copper tinted pastels instead of the traditional pinks and reds. Karisma and Babita ji were a little upset but the outfit soon became a rage with brides-to-be and the song ‘Aaye Ho Meri Zindagi Mein’ played at every wedding. I had studied Oscar-winning costume designer Bhanu Athaiya’s work and had Hollywood actresses like Jennifer Lopez in mind for the western clothes. And Karisma became a fashion icon 36 years after her aunt Sadhana, her chiffon saris, dresses and salwar suits setting new trends,” he exults.
One short of a silver jubilee, Raja Hindustani’s music still echoes in collective public memory thanks to its evergreen score. Sanu and Alka’s “Pucho Zara Pucho” played on the radio in a dhaba in Old Delhi in the Jane Campion-directed Holy Smoke, where Kate Winslet meets her mother who has come to India to convince her to return to Australia with her. And “Pardesi Pardesi” featured in Ethan Stoller’s BKAB (Speechful Mix), the 2.27-minute song which appears in the closing credits of the 2005 dystopian political action film, V For Vendetta, augmented by excerpts of speeches by Malcolm X and Gloria Steinem. The film features Hugo Weaving, the actor from The Matrix, The Lord Of The Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, and Oscar and Golden Globe winning actress Natalie Portman of Star Wars, Black Swan and Closer fame. Woah!
Chemistry over COVID? Reality show hosts and producers explain about safeguards on sets
8:16 AM
As physical distancing norms are flouted in front of camera on reality shows, mid-day speaks to hosts on how safety measures are rendered pointless by on-stage antics
Mohar Basu, Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; August 3, 2020)
From dance hunts to comedy sketches, reality shows have begun airing on television again. But where the artistes maintain social distancing and follow safety measures on the set, it is a different story on camera as the shows' writing demands physical proximity between actors. Do artistes feel safe shooting with no masks and zero distancing on stage at a time when the city is recording 1,000 cases in a day?In a recent episode of The Kapil Sharma Show, the host was seen backslapping actor-guest Sonu Sood, with the latter even dancing with comedian Krushna Abhishek in a segment. While Sharma and Sood remained unavailable for comment, Archana Puran Singh, who is part of the show, says that she battled her share of apprehension when she resumed work. "Even though the producers are following the SOPs [standard operating procedures], I have created a [glass] barrier between the stage and me. That way, if a guest gets carried away, there's little scope for him/her to reach me. Fortunately, I sit at a distance [from the stage]. So, I am isolated from the cast and crew," says Singh.
Even as she is aware that physical distancing is the need of the hour, Geeta Kapur — one of the judges on India's Best Dancer — notes that it has little place in dance, an art form that demands intimacy and chemistry. However, she emphasises that in the post-Coronavirus world, the producers have minimised the interaction between contestants and judges.
"The contestants don't sit with each other on set. They wear masks and gloves during rehearsals, and don't meet their gurus except on stage. Even when we step out for chai, there are designated spots to ensure that we stand six feet apart. We have doctors on standby, on set and during rehearsals," says Kapur.
In adherence with the regulations, the sets are sanitised and temperatures of every member on set monitored. "Everyone — from contestants to judges to guests — undergoes antigen test, pre- and post-shoot. There are counsellors to help people power through their mental fears."
But aren't these steps rendered pointless when the cameras roll and the judges join the contestants to dance together — as they did in a recent episode? Admitting that she is "constantly worried" about contracting the virus, Kapur says, "Till a vaccine comes, this is our new work life. I have an ailing mother at home. So, when I return from the shoot, I sanitise everything — from my tiffin box to my make-up. I stay away from everyone at home."
We will talk of Covid too, but on a lighter note-Kapil Sharma
8:02 AM
Encouraged by wife Ginni, Kapil Sharma resumed shoot after four months
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 1, 2020)
After 120 days, Kapil Sharma is back on the sets of Sony TV’s laughathon. After resuming work, the comedian-actor shot the first episode of The Kapil Sharma Show with Sonu Sood, who has emerged as a real-life hero during the Coronavirus pandemic, sending the migrant workers home and offering others jobs. “The episode with Sonu paaji was different from other shoots as it’s more like our tribute to him and with a dose of laughter. There is also an emotional live video chat with some of the migrants he helped,” informs Kapil, adding that Sonu was accompanied by his entire team working with him on-ground.He shares that the video chats will be a regular part of the show now, since they cannot have live audiences in the studio. They will be interacting with people from Gurgaon to Kolkata to the US in an attempt to bring a little bit of sunshine to people’s lives in these tough times. They have shot a special episode with the families of all the comic artistes on the show. “Films are not releasing theatrically right now, so actors won’t come often. But, we have done an episode with Archana ji’s (judge Puran Singh) husband, Parmeet Sethi, Kiku’s (Sharda) wife Priyanka and Krushna’s (Abhishek) wife, Kashmera. “It was a homely feeling,” he smiles, admitting his better half Ginny won’t be stepping out for the next six months, till their baby starts walking. “In fact, I’ve heard that parents get even busier when the child starts walking. But sometime in the future, we’d like to do an episode with Ginny too.”
Their daughter, Anayra, was born in December and Kapil sees the forced break as a blessing in disguise as he got to spend a lot of time with her. “I canned back-to-back episodes in December as a result of which I didn’t get much time with her. Anayra was three months old when the lockdown was imposed. One needs to find happiness in all situations,” he philosophises, admitting that while he was at peace with his family, he was disturbed by what was happening across the globe. “I was feeling a little low, which is why my wife insisted I get back to shooting to take my mind off all this.”
Kapil and his gang have shot multiple episodes so far and the host insists that discussing gags with his team can be an escape from reality. “We are on the set for eight to 10 hours a day, it feels good to be amongst friends. The producers have made good arrangements to ensure our safety,” he avers, promising they will try to give a comic touch to current affairs. “We will talk of Covid too, but on a lighter note. As an artiste, it’s my responsibility to spread positivity.”
The show will be aired every weekend from now. Will producer Salman Khan come as a guest on any episode? “Salman bhai has isolated himself at the farm and isn’t shooting for anything now. But Nadeem bhai from his team is always on the set,” he says.
Ask him about his journey from being a participant on the stand-up comedy show, The Great Indian Laughter Challenge, to having a show with his name and he says, “It’s the love of people that has got me so much work. Whenever you think, you have learnt it all, life teaches you something new. I am learning every day and this love gives me the energy to push the envelope.”
After Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon and Firangi, is there another film in the pipeline? “I am listening to a lot of scripts,” he shoots back.
The Kapil Sharma Show team to resume shoot mid-July; Sonu Sood could be one of the first guests
8:29 AM
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 6, 2020)
Even as re-runs of The Kapil Sharma Show continued to grab eyeballs on TV, the audience is beginning to miss their weekly dose of new celebs coming for a laughter ride. Now, Mirror has learnt that Sony TV’s weekend comedy show is all set to return to the sets while complying with the state government’s SOPs.“The team has already started prep to resume shooting by mid-July. The scripts and gags for multiple episodes have been locked and the entire team of artistes, including Kapil, Krushna Abhishek, Bharti Singh, Chandan Prabhakar and Kiku Sharda, has been rehearsing through virtual conferencing. While Archana Puran Singh will be back as the judge, the gags, like always, will be situational with the current scenario becoming an integral part of the humour,” revealed a source close to the development, adding that sanitisation of the set has already begun at Mumbai’s Film City and the celebrity management team is in talks with several actors to make an appearance.
Sonu Sood, who has been in the limelight since the lockdown started, sending thousands of migrant workers back to their home states, will be one of the first guests, as the team wants to acknowledge the wonderful work he has been doing. “Sonu loves Kapil and is keen to be on the show. Talks are also on with other A-list actors,” the source informed.
However, there will be some changes in the format of the show, which, before the pandemic, was shot with a live audience, who added to the ambience. Now, since it’s essential to maintain social distancing norms, question-and-answer rounds between the celebs and the audience on the set will not be part of the narrative. There will be no live audience. Instead, they are exploring a new segment.
The source goes on to share that the team will be working with a limited crew, who will meticulously follow the guidelines laid down, including thermal screening, social distancing, sanitisation and will also ensure a medical team on the set. “The team is all geared up to bring laughter back, but with utmost safety,” the source signs off.
Coronavirus impact: Daily wage actors worse off than daily wage workers
8:52 AM
Shabana Azmi, Farhan Akhtar, Archana Puran Singh, Arjun Bijlani
CINTAA says Shabana Azmi and Farhan Akhtar, among others, have come forward to help
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 8, 2020)
With India in a 21-day lockdown due to Coronavirus, shoots have come to a standstill, impacting the lives of daily wage film and TV artists. Now, the Cine and TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) has appealed to its A-list members for help with ration and funds. “CINTAA has a very limited corpus as we are not a cash-rich association. Our charitable sister trust, the Cine Artist Welfare Trust (CAWT), is also running dry,” informs actor Amit Behl, senior joint secretary and chairperson of the association’s Outreach Committee.
Amit goes on to inform that 70 per cent of the workforce in film, TV and digital shows are daily wage actors. “We have not appealed to anybody but our own fraternity to help,” he stated, adding that Shabana Azmi, Farhan Akhtar and Archana Puran Singh, among others, have came forward to help. Arjun Bijlani has also contributed packages of ration. “The condition of daily wage actors is far worse than that of daily wage workers in the film industry. We have approached Red Chillies (Shah Rukh Khan’s production house), Mr (Amitabh) Bachchan and Salman Khan’s foundation for help. One needs to clarify that their help to daily wage workers doesn’t reach daily wage actors,” he sighs.
Amit explains that CINTAA is not affiliated to FWICE (Federation of Western India Cine Employees), which is why contributions made by the latter don’t reach them. “I am getting calls from actors to help with basic necessities. From our limited corpus, we have transferred Rs 2000 each to the registered members,” he concludes.
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