Hiren Kotwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 31, 2019)

Last week, Karan Johar announced that he has acquired the remake rights of the Telugu film, Dear Comrade, featuring Arjun Reddy breakout star Vijay Deverakonda, even before it opened in cinemas on July 26. The actor had responded to the social media post, saying he was looking forward to working with the maker, sparking speculation that the remake could be Vijay’s Bollywood launch.

The film was a hotcake for B-Town producers after Bhushan Kumar and Murad Khetani’s last production, Kabir Singh, the Hindi version of Arjun Reddy, became the year’s big grosser. Buzz is, Bhushan and Murad, along with Sajid Nadiadwala and Vijay Galani, were also keen on a remake but KJo outbid the competition, acquiring the Hindi rights for a reported Rs 6 crore, presumably in anticipation that it will replicate the success of Arjun Reddy.

After watching the Telugu film, KJo had tweeted, “Stunning and powerful love story! With top notch performances and exceptional music... Announcing that @DharmaMovies to remake this beautiful film.” Deverakonda responded, “So proud to have this man, watch, love and be the one to remake our baby #DearComrade in Hindi... @karanjohar biggest hugs, love and respect for you. Can’t wait to do something mad with you...”

However, Sreedhar Pillai, a Chennai-based trade analyst, told Mirror, “The film opened well at the box-office, but hasn’t lived up to the expectations.” This has raised questions about the prospects of the Hindi remake. While Karan remained unavailable for comment, a source close to his production house maintained that the team is going ahead with the project. “Dear Comrade has fared as per the estimation of Karan’s company. They will surely be making the Hindi adaptation as planned,” the source informed.

Tara Sutaria and her twin sister Pia, who is a professional ballet dancer, on the performing arts, their differing interests and boy talk
Ankita Chaurasia (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 29, 2019)

The first thing that you notice about fraternal twins Tara and Pia Sutaria is that they are joined at the hip. We catch them mid laugh which gives way to conspiratorial whispers and then a warm welcoming smile. They don’t look exactly alike yet there is a similarity which is hard to miss. “People often point out that our smiles are identical and we also pose the same way,” admits Tara who recently made her Bollywood debut with Karan Johar’s Student Of The Year 2. While on the topic of the film, Pia waxes eloquent about how proud she is of her sister. “It didn’t sink in till I went for the trailer launch and saw her face plastered all over. We sat together, holding hands, watching the trailer of SOTY 2. It was surreal to see Tara on the big screen,” she gushes.

Prod Tara on why she thought a high school musical was the best launch and she quips, “The pros outweighed the cons, there are so few films in that space. It was great to kickstart my career with a film that made the most of my talents.” She is quick to point out that her second outing, Marjaavaan, is a complete departure from Mia Chawla. “It’s such an exciting time for women in entertainment, there’s so much I want to do.”

And any regrets about losing Kabir Singh to Kiara Advani given its box-office success? “It’s a remake of a hit film (Arjun Reddy) so it was bound to do well,” she reasons. Didn’t the misogynistic tone of the film rankle? “As a woman, a human being and an artiste, I know I have a certain social responsibility, but as artistes we also have a certain artistic freedom and the right to express as we please. It’s on the audience as to how they interpret that. Personally, I am a fan of both Arjun Reddy and Kabir Singh,” she avers.

While Tara is navigating her way through Bollywood now, Pia has been travelling around the world as a professional ballet dancer who also teaches kids. “That’s one thing I really hate, I don’t get to see her as much as I’d like to. Pia is always globetrotting,” she complains. Her twin is quick to point out that though she has been away from home since she was 18, they have always remained connected. “One day, in Poland, I woke up feeling something was amiss. I immediately called her in Mumbai and learnt that she had been upset all night. It’s creepy but it happens,” Pia laughs.

Is Bollywood on the cards for her too? Before Pia can reply, Tara does, “There are times when we are abroad and people walk up, rave about her exotic looks and offer her scripts instantly without even a look test while I am ignored. She should certainly give Bollywood a shot.”

Tara goes on to share that if she finds certain steps too hard, she turns to her sister for help. “We performed our first opera when we were six. All our weekends were at the NCPA. We’ve been performing on stage for so long, we can actually fall asleep there—that’s how comfortable we are on it,” Pia laughs.

But it’s not just their professions that connect them. They share secrets too and give each other relationship tips. “Tara is the responsible one and sets curfew timings for me. I am a free spirit while she is the voice of reason. She will stay up late, giving gyaan,” says Pia. Have they ever had a crush on the same guy? “Except for Richard Gere, we have completely different taste in men so thankfully it has never come to that,” Tara retorts with relief. And how does she deal with dating rumours now that she is a part of the industry? “It is amusing, and also a little flattering. In the beginning I used to wonder who this mystery guy is who they are talking about, now I can laugh it off,” she shrugs nonchalantly.

If there was a quality that they could have traded, what would it be, you wonder. Pia points out that Tara was always bullied and she would rush to her rescue. But after entering the industry, she has become more resilient, even though she remains a sensitive artiste. “I wish I could become just as strong,” she breathes in awe.

Her sister returns the favour, informing that Pia was a star student in school while she was always a little behind in academics as her focus was art and singing. “But now she is so worldly-wise, I’d like to be more like her,” she says appreciatively. Overriding her sister’s protests, Pia adds that she wants to learn how to faff like Tara. “She can spin five pages around a one-line while I can sum up five pages in a sentence. There are two types of Scorpios, we are the two ends of the spectrum,” Pia confides while her sister nods in agreement.

Seeing their camaraderie, one wonders if there’s any rivalry since they work so closely with each other. “We have never competed, rather we have been inspired by each other’s work and feed off the other’s energies. Our fields overlap all the time. Tara has to dance in her films while I sing sometimes. But there is no question of rivalry because we want the other to succeed,” asserts Pia. Finally, what’s the one thing that they hate about the other. “Both of us think that the other is messy and no one admits to it,” Tara signs off with a chuckle.

Unlike Arjun Reddy that had lovers being separated due to caste divide, makers drop angle from Kabir Singh
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; June 21, 2019)

As Shahid Kapoor's Kabir Singh hits screens today, comparisons with its original material — Arjun Reddy (2017) — are inevitable. However, unlike the Vijay Deverakonda-starrer that saw the leads being separated on grounds of caste difference, director Sandeep Reddy Vanga has apparently done away with the angle while adapting the love story for the Hindi audience.

A trade source reveals, "In Arjun Reddy, the girl's father opposed the match on the basis of caste with the leading lady hailing from a Tulu family and the protagonist shown as Telugu. This time around, when Sandeep adapted the script, he decided to drop the angle of caste divide altogether. The makers felt that it could not be an issue as the movie is about an educated, liberal family living in Mumbai."

Vanga has also tweaked a scene depicting substance abuse. The source adds, "In the original, the actor was seen snorting a line. Here, the scene has been reimagined — while you can see Kabir's friend laying out the cocaine on the table, the makers have chosen a side-angle to depict the snorting, thereby not making it explicit."

While the Telugu hit had got 19 cuts from the CBFC, the Kiara Advani-starrer has walked away with only three cuts. When mid-day reached out to producer Murad Khetani, he said, "A few scenes that were in Arjun Reddy are not there in Kabir Singh, and vice versa." Producer Ashwin Varde added, "The film's tone and emotion remain the same, but certain changes have been made in the new script."

Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; June 20, 2019)

Shahid Kapoor stars as the brooding Kabir Singh in director Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s upcoming Hindi remake of his Telugu hit, Arjun Reddy. While the original was widely appreciated, the central character drew varied opinions, owing to the unapologetic portrayal of his anger and self-destructive passion. In an elaborate chat with BT, Shahid explains his interpretation of the character, why he refused to judge him and why our flaws make us more real. Excerpts:

You started off as a hero with chocolate-boy looks and great dancing abilities, who could pass off as a guy-next-door. Have you consciously tried to break away from that image by opting for complex, edgy characters?
It was a big struggle for me to fight the things that people thought I should be doing. They can only analyse you based on what you have already done. You need to look for directors who will offer you something different. I am always searching for people who will bring something new to me, and something that I have never done before. I am an actor at heart. Yes, stardom is important to me. It’s important to be a star as it gives you the platform to be able to do different types of work. You need to reach out to a wider audience, but if that starts limiting you, then you feel caged. Such a scenario, makes me feel claustrophobic, and I don’t like it. Some years ago, I had a few reservations that as an actor yeh hona chahiye, woh nahi hona chahiye.

But today, I have zero reservations. I can go for anything. I believe I can do different things. I am not afraid. I have also been fortunate to work with some fantastic filmmakers like Vishal Bhardwaj. They helped me discover myself as an actor. I wouldn’t be who I am today, and my career wouldn’t be what it is today if it wasn’t for Vishal sir. He is special. I appreciate every filmmaker who offered me a role that I hadn’t done before.

When we see you and Vishal Bhardwaj collaborate, it often makes us wonder why other filmmakers couldn’t tap into your talent like he did…
He is number one on that list, but I have done Udta Punjab. Today, I am doing Kabir Singh. There will always be somebody who will discover you for the first time and see something in you that even you didn’t see. That’s Vishal sir’s biggest quality. He always goes against the tide. His vision helps him to shock the audience as you get to see an actor in a new avatar, and that adds value to the subject. He did that with me repeatedly, and because of that, other filmmakers come to me today and give me opportunities. Vishal sir helped me prove to the world that I can break away from the trappings of the boy-next-door, gooddancer image.

Alia (Bhatt) once jokingly told us that though she’s 25, she still looks 12. In your case, too, you look younger than your age. For an actor, that’s a great compliment, but at times is it a hindrance, too?
I don’t look 12 (laughs!). The key word for me is transformation. If you can transform on screen, you are an actor. If you can’t, you are just a star. I am a medical student and a debauched self-destructive surgeon in the same film (Kabir Singh). If I hadn’t pushed the envelope to try and achieve something beyond my visual appeal, I wouldn’t have gone beyond that. You have to break your own barriers and limitations and take risks.

Arjun Reddy evoked polarising views and is perhaps one of the most debatable screen characters in recent times. He’s a man of extremes. On the one hand, you empathize with him for being extremely passionate to the point of being self-destructive, and on the other, he bullies people and manipulates his girlfriend into doing what he wants. How did you perceive this troubled character, who follows the ‘my way or highway’ principle?
I loved him for the good and the bad in him. I felt it was cinematic and original. He has a lot of heart. The character is extremely powerful, effective and vulnerable at the same time. It’s that dichotomy that makes him so intriguing and exciting to portray. I never judged him. If we start judging characters, we can’t make movies that are real. Everyone is flawed. We all have some good and bad within us. Also, every human being goes through different phases in life, where we feel we are falling apart and we don’t know what to do with ourselves. I think that’s what’s most appealing about this character. Even though he is so flawed, he is vulnerable, attractive and there’s something about him. No matter what he does, he has a good heart. He is self-destructive, aggressive, angsty, but he loves purely. He wears his emotions on his sleeve. He is real. I could relate and connect to those things. We all have been through those phases. We all become self-destructive at some point in our life. Our weaknesses come to the fore when we go through that phase. It’s about learning to deal with that.

Do you think that the lead actor slapping his girlfriend because he loves her, subconsciously justifies a certain kind of violence that stems from anger?
Didn’t Vijay Raaz slap his wife in Gully Boy? But nobody asked him this question. Why does this only happen when a mainstream Hindi film actor plays a character with grey shades? Don’t people do things that aren’t justified? One man’s meat is another man’s poison. That’s how life is. Films have to be a reflection of life, and life is complex. There are no straight lines. Nothing is perfect. It’s like asking Al Pacino, why did he do Scarface or asking my father why did he do Maqbool or why did Kamal Haasan do Nayakan? These are some of the finest performances of their careers. Also, the audiences are adults who have the power of discretion. They have the intelligence to tell the difference between right and wrong. When I watched Arjun Reddy, there was a part of me that could relate to the misgivings and imperfections of the character, and I could see moments of my life when I have been there. It was cathartic for me to see that shown on screen. It helped me deal with my own issues, which might have been present at some level. That’s what films are all about. It helps you deal with things even when it happens to someone else. You have to represent everyone as long as you are not giving a wrong message in a film. Arjun is actually a nice guy. He doesn’t have control over his emotions, but he has a good heart.

Alia Bhatt’s character breaks a bottle on Kalki Koechlin’s head in Gully Boy because she loves Murad (Ranveer Singh). Her violent streak came as a surprise. So, It’s not really about the gender, but the justification of the behaviour or anger that could evoke a discussion...
So, should we now start making films that don’t showcase violence? When heroes are hitting 20 people in these masala films and they are bleeding through their noses, how come that isn’t questioned? Why does this question only come up for certain movies? I think we shouldn’t interpret a character unidimensionally. We can’t say that because so and so is a feminist, she should or shouldn’t do certain things. There could be a violent person, who happens to be a feminist, or a calm person, who happens to be very confident from within. There are all kinds of people in life. Our job is to go out there and play complex characters. It was the year of Game Of Thrones; I think we need to get over this.

Do you think your reclusiveness is often misconstrued as arrogance? One often hears things like… Shahid has an attitude problem...
I have worked on that. I think I have become a lot better. I have realised that being reclusive as an actor might not necessarily be the right thing. When you are a star, as it is, you are a bit inaccessible. On top of that, if you are reclusive, it becomes difficult for people to reach out to you or connect with you. It’s important to drop the barriers so that people know who you really are. I am making far more effort today to achieve that than I did earlier.

You are known to be someone who gets obsessive about getting every shot in front of the camera perfect. So, after the director says cut, do you leave your character behind and go home without any baggage whatsoever?
I am not obsessive. I am extremely passionate. I am all in or all out, and I don’t know any other way. I can’t be practical about anything. I don’t have a method. I have never been to any film schools like the NSD (National School of Drama) or the FTII (Film and Television Institute of India). I don’t have any formal training or education in the field of acting, so I am instinctive. The parts that I have played are complex, so people think there must be a method behind it. Let me confess, there is no method for me. It’s all experimentation. About taking my work home, I need to hold on to myself or else it wouldn’t be possible for me to be a father, husband and a crazy guy like Kabir Singh at the same time. When I go home, I need to be who I am with my wife and children. I can’t be affected by the work I do. It is challenging. For instance, when I did Udta Punjab, I was single, living alone, didn’t have any kids. So, it was relatively easier to surrender myself to a role, but when I did Kabir Singh, it was difficult. I had so much to come back to, so I had to be more responsible.

Has marriage and fatherhood changed your perspective on life and people?
I feel once you are married and have children, it changes you from within. That does reflect on your work as well. You become a new person. Your wild side gets domesticated. It’s good. I love having family around.

Arjun, aka Kabir, feels he is highly misunderstood as a person. Did you relate to that aspect of his character?
There are some who are a people’s person, and they know how to maintain that image. But I always liked people who could be rough around the edges but are real. You can take them at face value. I don’t look for perfect people. I look for real people. I am not like Kabir Singh at all in real life, but only in this sense, I guess I am like him.

Fake modesty or self-assured personality? What do you think is more admired or accepted in the film industry?
Being self-assured is never appreciated because it’s perceived as intimidation. I think people get intimidated with those who are not afraid of being different. It’s easier and better to be less strong. If you are fluid, then people find that more comforting. I am learning to be a good balance of everything, but I don’t want to be someone I am not. Deep down, I am a simple person. I think there are some who find simple people to be complex, as they feel it can’t be real. Those who are close to me understand that and those who aren’t, probably don’t get it.

Arjan Bajwa on playing elder brother to the actor in Sandeep Vanga’s Hindi directorial debut
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 19, 2019)

Arjan Bajwa, last seen as an antagonist in Akshay Kumar’s Rustom, is playing elder brother Karan to Shahid Kapoor’s titular Kabir Singh in Sandeep Vanga’s Hindi directorial debut, which is a remake of the director’s 2017 Telugu drama Arjun Reddy.

Arjan admits that he hadn’t seen the original till Sandeep approached him with a part in the Hindi remake. “Sandeep has known me from my Telugu work. He told me about a beautiful scene from Arjun Reddy, where the brothers are arguing about something. He insisted that I watch the scene. I fell in love with the film instantly,” he explains.

And what was it like working with his screen sibling? “We spoke about everything except movies. It’s healthy to discuss life and family. We hit it off from the first day, as I have also known him for years socially. Shahid and I had an easy camaraderie,” he informs.

Prod him on his three-year hiatus from Hindi films and he says it wasn’t intentional. “This is an answer all the producers and directors who almost cast me should give. It’s happened so many times—some thought I was too good looking for a part, others figured I wasn’t very road-side for another role. I was given vague reasons,” he shares.

Buzz is, he is playing a taxi-driver in his next. “That film is directed by Anuradha Tiwari and is still in the works. She is doing something in the international, out-of-the-box space in which I have transformed myself. She is upbeat about me playing something different. I hope other directors follow suit,” he says.
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Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; June 19, 2019)

Arjan Bajwa, who has acted in films like Fashion, Guru and Rustom, will be seen in a pivotal role in Kabir Singh. The actor will play Karan Singh, the younger brother of Kabir Singh (Shahid Kapoor). It’s interesting how director Sandeep Reddy Vanga finalised him for the role.

Arjan says, “I have been part of many Tollywood films, and that’s how Sandeep knows me. He was on the lookout for someone who could play Shahid’s brother, and was adamant that I should accept this role because I resembled him. However, before offering me the role, he wanted me to watch the original Telugu film (Arjun Reddy), which was also helmed by him. When I watched it, I was surprised to see that Karan Singh was mild and soft-mannered, unlike me. I was apprehensive initially, but I finally gave my nod to the film, as I felt that with a few inputs from my side, I would be able to pull off the role.”

So, how was it working with Shahid? Arjan replies, “I have known Shahid for many years, but this is the first time we are working together. Kabir Singh was a wonderful experience and somewhere, Sandeep’s conviction that we resemble each other, helped us bond better.”

Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; June 17, 2019)

So far, it has been a busy year for Kiara Advani. While she will soon start shooting for Shershaah, Laxmmi Bomb and Indoo Ki Jawani, she has two films lined up for release this year, starting with Kabir Singh with Shahid Kapoor, which will be followed by Good News with Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Diljit Dosanjh. The actress, who finds herself in a happy space now, says that she feels like a school student awaiting exam results. Over to Kiara, who talks about handling rejection, getting into the skin of different characters and finding a foothold in show business. Excerpts from the chat:

Though Arjun Reddy was a Telugu film, due to its intense content, it was also watched by film buffs across the country. Given that Kabir Singh is a remake of the film, what drew you to play a part whose graph is already known?
In recent times, we haven’t seen many pure, intense love stories. I am a sucker for romantic cinema. I’m glad that I’ve managed to be a part of one because I wanted this. I loved Arjun Reddy and the graph that Priti’s character has. While working with director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, I realised that he has a unique way of interpreting emotions. He was the biggest asset for this film. Only he could have told the story the way it is because it’s drawn out of his own experiences. There wasn’t a day on the set when he wasn’t meticulous. It’s also a relatable story, and one of the reasons it could be remade is that it has universal appeal.

Do you think that for a love story, which is as intense and passionate as this one, a lot depends on the chemistry and energy that co-stars share?
As an actor, I draw a lot from my costars. When you are performing a scene, you have to listen to what the other person is saying. Often, we’re so caught up with what we’re doing that we don’t pay attention to the other actor in the frame. It’s important to pay attention because it helps you to emote better. Co-stars give you so many cues, which can enhance your performance. Shahid is a terrific co-star, and it’s easy to bond with him. Besides, he’s the only other person I know who gets excited to have lauki ki sabzi in his dabba (laughs!). He’s a warm, lovely family man, who also has that ‘bro’ vibe. He can be parental at times. What amazes me is that he doesn’t smoke or drink, and yet, he plays these vice-laden characters so well. I think the beauty of cinema is that it allows you to bring out your alter ego or an extension of your personality without the fear of being judged. My character, Priti, is so unlike me. I’m expressive, and I talk more when I’m nervous, but she holds back. Her sense of normal is very different from mine. In a way, she’s like my alter ego. This film has brought me closer to my emotions. It has taught me to internalise emotions and get that thehrav and intrigue without using dialogues. While trying to play Priti, somewhere, I started merging Kiara with her. I even contemplated seeking counselling because the part was emotionally draining.

After Kabir Singh,there’s Good News this year, followed by three projects in the pipeline. There was a phase after your debut in 2014 when you didn’t have much on your plate. Have you tried introspecting what is working for you now?
Most people thought that M S Dhoni - The Untold Story was my first film. Not many people have seen Fugly, in fact, they mix it up with another movie. As an outsider in this industry, when you’re starting out, you tend to think that landing the first project will open the gates for you. I realised that for the gates to open, your first film has to do well and your performance has to be noticed. I had no idea that landing project number two, three and four will be tough because my first project didn’t work. That’s the time I sat down to introspect and figure out what was going on. People were not interested in meeting me. It broke my heart. I started thinking about where my career was headed and whether I should consider another line of work.

In that scenario, what kept you going?
The belief that I could act. I decided that I will not let anyone tell me that I can’t act. I decided to plunge into this with determination, even if it meant doing the gym class and ask-for-ameeting routine every day, till I don’t get what I want. Yes, it can be stressful, and those waiting in the wings will know what I am talking about. I kept reading scripts until I found something that I liked. I auditioned for M S Dhoni - The Untold Story, and it took a while before I got the call for it. People noticed me in that 30-minute role. It was a mini-high and it became my identity for a while. A week or two later, all the compliments dried up, life was back to normal and I was back to looking for something exciting. I had a list of directors who I wanted to work with, and Abbas-Mustan were on it. I was happy to work in Machine (directed by Abbas-Mustan). It didn’t do well, and I felt bad, but it made my resolve stronger. Also, I don’t regret doing the film because people in smaller towns still recall the Mast Mast music video that we did for it.

Is that the point when you decided to give South films a shot?
You never know who your audience is and where you might find them. I saw Baahubali, which made me realise that I could give Telugu films a shot. I bagged two big projects with Ram Charan and Mahesh Babu. I didn’t realise that working there will get me such a vast audience base. I got a dream launch and the response to it was fabulous. Now, I want to do one film a year down South, if I can, because the scripts there are quite interesting. Times are changing and it’s the content that decides everything. Language and platform are hardly a barrier anymore. I realised that sitting at home is not going to help me. The competition increases every day. We have five-six new faces in Bollywood every year, and many of them are star kids. When you don’t come from this industry, it takes you time to create a market for yourself. You can either get irritated with the competition, sit at home and wait for something to work out, or you can go out there and find a way through it. I took up Machine and my first Telugu film because of that. Finally, things are shaping up the way I want them to.

Looking back, was it difficult to handle rejection during the initial struggling phase?
It is tough to take that ‘No’ on your chin, but you can survive it if you believe in yourself. If you don’t believe that you can make the cut, who will? When you question your abilities, you also open the door for others to do that. During the toughest times, if I had questioned my ability to act, I wouldn’t have gone beyond one project. I am glad I didn’t give up. Constructive criticism is always welcome, but you should know who to take it from. You have to evolve as an artiste. Today, for me, every day is a work-in-progress. I’m no longer waiting for a destination; I’m just relishing the journey.

With several new faces, including industry kids, entering the business, what do you think works to your advantage?
I was excited to see what Janhvi (Kapoor) does in her first film because I am a huge Sridevi fan. In my heart, I know that we’re all vying for the same roles because there are only that many exciting movies being made. I made my debut a while ago, but I still have that fresh girl look, which works to my advantage. Also, I’ve not been stereotyped or bracketed. It’s inspiring to see peers doing great work because it helps cinema evolve, and in turn, every actor benefits from it.

With a busy date diary, do you think you have the time to be in a relationship, given that you’re a sucker for romance?
I don’t know! Look, I’m single right now. I just want to be with someone who can love me for who I am and vice versa. The relationship has to have a deep emotional connect for both of us. You can’t be in love with calculations attached to it. I’ve seen many people who have settled with their high-school sweethearts. They’re lucky because their relationships lasted, mine didn’t (smiles). I wish I had that high school sweetheart, too. Honestly, I want to see myself settled with someone who I am head over heels in love with. The search is on…

Shahid Kapoor on the challenge of winning loyalists of Arjun Reddy with his act and interpreting Kabir Singh differently from Vijay Deverakonda's treatment of the character while retaining the rendition of the original
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; June 16, 2019)

When we meet Shahid Kapoor, he is sitting on the floor of his suite in a five-star hotel, dressed casually in black pyjamas and a hoodie, finishing his lunch. Evidently relaxed, presumably from the good buzz around the film (Hindi remake of the Telugu blockbuster Arjun Reddy), he talks to us about why he agreed to do this remake, how he altered his process and his production plans.

I am an Arjun Reddy fan, and I am guessing you are too, which is why you agreed to do the film.
I am a big fan of the film. The script didn't come to me. I watched Arjun Reddy and loved it. It ticked most of the boxes for me as an actor. He is an emotionally distraught man. Vijay [Deverakonda] and I had our own take on being a self-destructive surgeon. Because it is a love story, the inherent emotion is very beautiful. It has its dark moments but overall the film gives a viewer a wholesome experience. I went back to playing a college guy after Ishq Vishk [my debut film]. I felt the film has pathos. The texture and the way the filmmaker made it, surprised me. South films have a different tonality usually — it's massy in energy, louder in pitch — which is often a disconnect from how films are made in Hindi. Sandeep [Vanga, director] made the film with great balance and gumption. It felt real and transports the audience to their world. I was sucked in by Arjun Reddy. When I met Sandeep, he was easy to have a conversation with and I knew, he is the only one who could make the transition from Telugu to Hindi effortlessly. Our film is considerably shorter.

Usually cinephiles say cult films shouldn't be touched. Isn't remaking a film like that scary?
Scary, no. But challenging, yes. When you recreate a film like this, the toughest to please are the ones who are loyal to the original film. I wanted Kabir Singh to have a wider reach than the Telugu film. I am privileged to be that actor who is taking the film a notch higher. And the character itself is a tough one to play because he is soaked in a multitude of emotions.

Isn't Kabir/Arjun similar in template and design to Tommy Singh of Udta Punjab?
Tommy and Kabir have a basic difference — the former is selfish and the latter is all heart. Fundamentally, Kabir has the ability to get destroyed in love, something Tommy can't imagine having. The arcs are different. Angst and destruction could be common. Tommy was an empty addict. Kabir is a lover, who has given his all and destroyed himself in the bargain. Kabir loves purely and takes to alcoholism, but Tommy has no clue about love till he meets Mary Jane [Alia Bhatt].

Why does Kabir Singh look like a replica of Arjun Reddy?
It was designed to be that. Re-rendition doesn't always mean the film will be different. Arjun Reddy is a different person culturally than Kabir. The biggest difference will be the performance — Vijay and I have different takes on the narrative and the character. We never wanted to change the film. Changing what's perfectly good is recipe for disaster. Rehashing classics are forbidden only because filmmakers have redone and rehashed them to recreate the impact. The toughest is to not fix something that ain't broke but to make it from scratch again. On paper, it's same, on set, it came alive for the first time again. I forgot Arjun to find Kabir. The interpretation of the story was so beautiful and that was my cue.

Since you were remaking the film, why didn't you work on the criticisms — the physical aggression primarily?
Right now, people are judging the film based on the promos. Don't assume till you watch the film. There is great pathos in the character and you can't depict that without showing the complete picture. His intent is not wrong and therefore, he is behaving the way he is. How it is represented is what should be questioned. He is an alpha male who brings on his own doom. You see his flaws take him down one by one. We could be criticised if we had seen an alpha male who had gotten away with his rage and aggression. He hits rock bottom and then some more.

Did you meet Vijay?
No, I haven't. But we want to show him the film. I loved him in the film.

When you were preparing for Tommy you would lock yourself up. Was it a similar process?
I can't do that anymore. I have two kids [Misha and Zain]. I grew up. I am no longer a boy. I can't say — I will do what I want and everyone has to figure it out around my schedule. I am responsible for them now, so I can't bring work home. I remember it had become incredibly dark and angsty when we started the film's shoot. I had grown out the beard, looked like an alcoholic and the mind space was such. But I categorically can't bring that energy home to the babies. It's tough to emotionally cut off when you are that invested but that's what being a parent entails. When I was doing this film, I realised I was taking myself too seriously before. It's possible to compartmentalise if you have the will for it.

You have the rights of Dingko Singh's life story for a biopic.
Raja [Krishna Menon] and I are in talks to make Dingko among others. It is being scripted, but it will happen next year. Production is on my mind.

Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 3, 2019)

After making his directorial debut in Telugu films with Arjun Reddy which turned Vijay Deverakonda into an overnight star, Sandeep Vanga is all set to kick off his Bollywood innings with the Hindi remake of the 2017 drama, titled Kabir Singh. The filmmaker admits that since the original was in his mother tongue, it was easier to write and connect with the character as compared to the Hindi version.

“The challenge this time was to create a Punjabi boy born and raised in Mumbai, who goes to Delhi to study medicine. It was important to get the colloquial accent and meter right. I like the way Arjun Reddy has metamorphosed into Kabir Singh,” he smiles.

Pointing to the parallels between the two, he observes that a Reddy from Telangana and a Punjabi Singh are quite similar in their eating and drinking habits. “Also, in South India, those from Telangana are a tad louder in their expression of emotions. Whenever something good happens, it’s time to party. Ditto, the Punjabis,” laughs Sandeep, who was born in Warangal and has invested a lot of himself in the character. “I also named my son Arjun Reddy because he was born while we were shooting the film, backed by my father Prabhakar and brother Pranay.” For the Hindi version, he always saw Shahid Kapoor in the titular role. “I love his work and collaborating with an actor of his calibre who I had only seen on screen before, was exciting. Shahid suits the part to the T,” he exults.

It has been reported that the producers had also approached Arjun Kapoor? “Yeah, but before that Shahid and I were already in talks, so I couldn’t just jump to another actor. It’s not about whose acting calibre is greater but about the commitment,” he points out, all raves for leading lady, Kiara Advani, saying she’s “extremely professional” and “understood the character well”. The response to the trailer has been positive and Sandeep is thrilled. “People are saying that it doesn’t feel like a remake, that’s a huge compliment,” he beams.

Buzz is, he’s partnering with Mahesh Babu in his next. “I’ve briefly narrated a story to him, let’s see,” shrugs the director who is in touch with his first hero Vijay too. “More than my writing ability or his acting prowess, it’s our actor-director sync that comes through on the screen. We haven’t discussed any other project yet as both of us have been busy with our respective commitments,” says Sandeep.

So, what’s next for the Hindi audience? “I’m scripting a crime drama but there’s no distinction between the Hindi and Telugu today. Bahubali, followed by KGF have erased that divide. So, mine will be a pan-India film,” he signs off.

Shahid Kapoor on playing a self-destructive leading man
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 11, 2019)

Shahid Kapoor has been immersed in Kabir Singh, the Hindi remake of the 2017 Telugu drama, Arjun Reddy, which chronicles the downfall and resurgence of its protagonist, a surgeon who hits the self-destruct button. Now, the actor discusses what made the process creatively exciting but emotionally draining. Excerpts:

How challenging was it to transform from an angry Kabir Singh to a happy family man?
It was almost schizophrenic because the two worlds are such contrasts. Had I been single, living alone, I might have immersed myself in this dark zone for six months, like I did during Udta Punjab. But this time I am married, a father, so I had to sanitize myself before returning home to protect my children from the negative energy. I couldn’t carry Kabir’s emotional baggage back so I had to flip roles after ‘pack-up’.

Difficult?
Yes, it took a lot out of me because not only does this character degenerate into a loner in a self-destructive mode, I had to also create three different silhouettes, one of which needed me to be out of shape. That upped the physical challenge but also needed mental conditioning because as actors we are used to showcasing ourselves in our best shape. Here, I wanted to look my worst for an honest portrayal.

How many kilos did you gain?
My normal weight is around 71-72 kg, I had to go up to 76-77 kg, a lot of it fat, and look destroyed. There are scenes when I’m alone in the house, drinking, in shorts or pajamas, bare-chested. It’s not a pleasant sight but the character demanded that I not be a star but step into actor mode. And since I’m an actor first, I was excited.

But you got to eat stuff which is usually taboo for an actor...
There was nothing enjoyable about it. My fitness trainer Samir Jaura who helped me acquire a Rajput warrior king’s body for Padmaavat was shocked when I told him now he had to help me look as out of shape as possible. It hurt to see all our hard work go waste after, and there was this niggling fear... what if I never looked that way again. But having seen the original, and Vijay’s performance, I knew we had to keep it real. I’d shaved off my hair before (for Haider), this time I grew it out and also my beard.

Yeah, you looked somewhat disheveled for a while…
That’s because at that point in his life, my character wouldn’t bother to look into the mirror. Usually doctors are very particular about hygiene, but this guy’s personal space was so messed up, it was eating into him and reflected in his work. I didn’t only have to look like an alcoholic, but an alcoholic doctor.

Not all through the film...
No, Kabir starts out as a 24-25-year-old medical student who’s about to graduate and start practicing. During that phase I had to look like a young boy. I either pulled out clothes from my wardrobe or pulled them off real students. And after going up to 76-77 kgs, I had to go lose weight till I was down to 65 kgs. I had to keep to strict timelines since I had just two-three months to prep.

This yo-yoing from lean to fat and back could go against you in the future.
(Sighs) As an actor, my job is to push myself, I can’t stay in one zone for too long. I’m aware there could be health implications. The only way out is to surround myself with the right people, give myself some downtime after I finish a film. Not be at it back-to-back and be brazen about it.

You don’t drink or smoke, are a strict vegetarian and disciplined in your lifestyle. So how is it playing characters like Tommy Singh in Udta Punjab and Kabir Singh whose lives spiral out of control?
I never judge a character I am playing, I become him. Tommy was a crazy guy, the drugs had messed him up, but Kabir loves intensely and passionately. People need to feel the beauty of his love story to understand his angst and pain when he loses this love and hits the self-destruct button. We all go through heartbreaks and can get self-destructive, but this is another level altogether.

Why is the film called Kabir Singh when the original was titled Arjun Reddy?
Singh because my character is a Punjabi here. The director, Sandeep Vanga, came up with the name Kabir Singh which we thought was apt for the new draft. This guy lives in Mumbai but goes to the capital city to study. Since I was born and lived in Delhi, I’ve seen such strong-minded Alpha males on the campus and could understand that aggressive vibe.

What drew you to the original?
I liked the character’s emotional graph. It’s cinematic, appealing and gives me scope to perform.

Aren’t you afraid of comparisons?
This film is primarily for a Hindi speaking audience across the country who wouldn’t have seen Arjun Reddy. But I know it’s a cult film down South and some of those who have seen it may come to see our film with high expectations and hopefully an open mind because this is not a copy paste job. Yes, the director is the same because no one understands its soul better. But our version is very different.

Marriage seems to have made you more of a risk-taking actor.
Marriage grounds you, gives you a sense of belonging. You want to do things that will make your family proud. As a father I have to be the best version of myself as my work is being documented. It will be there for my kids to see, give them an understanding of who their father was and what he did. You can’t tell children what to do today, you can just set a good example and let them take away from it what they want.

Talking of children, after being in dark spaces, what is it like to wake up to purity every day?
It comes with its own challenges. After long days or night shifts, I return home longing for sleep. But my daughter Misha will wake me up between 7.30-8 am every morning and drag me to the garden. I have to play with her, tell her stories. And it’s imperative that I give my children as much time as I give to my work. It’s tiring and a constant adjustment. My wife (Mira) is supportive but there are days when I wish for eight hours more. Your ‘me’ time is impacted but it’s gratifying to get a shot of positivity every morning. Misha is a little lady now, Zain is still a baby, but with a daughter and a son it feels like a perfect family.

Did you imagine marriage and fatherhood to be like this?
No, I never thought I deserved something so good. God has been kind.

You’re a biking enthusiast and now there’s an action-packed biking film. Also, a biopic on boxer Dingko Singh. It’s an interesting line-up.
I haven’t confirmed anything officially. Yes, I have the rights to Dingko Singh’s story, it is a work in progress. The biking film has been offered to me, and we are in talks. I’m not sure what I am doing next.

You were spotted with Ekta Kapoor recently, and also Abhishek Kapoor and his wife Pragya. Anything brewing?
Abhishek and Prayga are friends. His son and my daughter are in the same school and we meet socially. Ekta and I have worked together in Udta Punjab. We are always in talks, maybe something will come up again, but that is not to say that something is happening.

Shahid Kapoor on reinterpreting Vijay Deverakonda's alcoholic act for Kabir Singh, Hindi adaptation of Arjun Reddy
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; April 26, 2019)

Rejuvenated after his London holiday, Shahid Kapoor is ready to kick off promotions for Kabir Singh. He is aware of the expectations resting on his shoulders - Arjun Reddy (2017), the source material of his next, was not only a smashing success, but also catapulted leading man Vijay Deverakonda to stardom in the Telugu circuit.

"Vijay Deverakonda was spectacular in the film. If you ask me, Kabir Singh and Arjun Reddy are cousins; they are not the same person," analyses Kapoor. While he understands that comparisons are inevitable, the actor says that the makers have added their own touch to the story. "We have tried to do something different because it's important to rediscover the journey of the character. We shifted the milieu to Delhi and Mumbai; so, by extension, his family and upbringing has changed. But we have retained the fundamental energy of the character."

The drama, directed by Sandeep Vanga, sees Kapoor play a medical student who becomes an alcoholic after his lover marries someone else. While he has had to shed kilos for his college boy act, the actor says understanding the psyche of the protagonist proved to be a bigger challenge. "We are trying to make it raw. The role required latent rage as the protagonist is full of angst. It wasn't easy to internalise that rage."

Even before the film hits screens on June 21, his efforts have borne fruit. Baahubali star Prabhas congratulated him after the teaser dropped online. "We share a hairstylist, Aalim [Hakim]. They were talking about the teaser, and the next thing you know, he called to congratulate me. The 10-minute chat left me overwhelmed."

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; April 13, 2019)

Shahid Kapoor has been receiving a lot of praise for the first promo of his next outing, Kabir Singh, which released online a few days ago. But the greatest surprise yet for the Padmaavat actor was a call from Baahubali star, Prabhas, who congratulated him on the teaser. The two heroes were, in fact, connected by celebrity hairstylist Aalim Hakim, who tells us, “I was in Hyderabad shooting for Saaho with Prabhas, and the teaser of Kabir Singh had just launched online. Prabhas checked it out and loved it. Even his team members, who have enjoyed Arjun Reddy, felt that Shahid looked brilliant.”

Kabir Singh is the Hindi remake of the Telugu actioner in which Vijay Deverakonda played the titular role. Aalim continues, “Seeing Prabhas’ reaction to the promo, I called up Shahid and handed him the phone. The former praised him and said that Kabir Singh looks even better than the original. Both of them chatted for a good seven-odd minutes.”

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 26, 2018)

After shooting for Kabir Singh, the Hindi remake of Telugu hit Arjun Reddy, on the streets of Bandra, Shahid Kapoor headed to a park in Colaba. And while he had kicked off work on the film in mid-October with a thick beard (inset), Mirror spotted him in a clean-shaven look on Sunday as he rode a bike. The film’s team is shooting in a start-to-finish schedule and recently got started on the second half of the story that features the 37-year-old actor as a college student.

According to a source from the set, the film’s Mumbai schedule, which mostly comprises outdoor locations, draws to a close by December-end. “In January, Shahid will be heading to Delhi, where the film is set, with Kiara (Advani, co-star). After that the team heads to Mussoorie towards January-end to shoot a romantic number,” the source added.