Showing posts with label Arvind Swami. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Arvind Swami. Show all posts
Dia Mirza on Nadaaniyan backlash: "I feel there’s a culture of ‘eat the privilege’, which is harsh"
8:21 AM
Roopa Radhakrishnan (BOMBAY TIMES; April 3, 2025)
While she started her film journey as a background dancer in the Tamil film En Swasa Kaatre (1999), Dia Mirza hasn’t acted in any Tamil film so far. “I have no idea why I haven’t done a Tamil film yet; I would love to work here,” states the Bollywood actress, who was recently in Chennai. She speaks to us about her wish to be part of Tamil films, making her debut in Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein (RHTDM) alongside Madhavan, the backlash against her recent film, Nadaaniyan, and more…
‘OPINIONS SHOULDN’T BE EXPRESSED AT THE COST OF SOMEBODY’S MENTAL HEALTH’
Addressing the backlash directed at Ibrahim Ali Khan and Khushi Kapoor for Nadaaniyan, Dia, who was also a part of the film, states, “I have never been in favour of personal attacks and find them extremely disrespectful. Everyone is free to have an opinion, but it shouldn’t be expressed at the cost of somebody’s mental health. I’ve been concerned, especially for the younger actors, about the harshness of what’s being said. I feel there’s a culture of ‘eat the privilege’, which is harsh, because people have their own stuff to deal with.”
‘MANI RATNAM SIR CHANGED MY PERCEPTION OF STORYTELLING’
Sharing about her recent interaction with director Mani Ratnam, Dia says, “Mani Ratnam sir is one of my all-time favourite directors. We were recently on a flight together, and I was awestruck by him. I went up to him and said, ‘I don’t want to lose this opportunity to tell you how much I admire you.’ It was interesting to see how awkward he is with praise. His cinema impacted my childhood and influenced my perception of storytelling.”
‘I HAVE A DEEP REGARD AND RESPECT FOR ARVIND SWAMI SIR; SIDDHARTH IS PHENOMENAL’
The actress was part of IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack that featured actor Arvind Swami. Speaking about him, she says, “I didn’t get to share a scene with Arvind (Swami) sir, but I have a deep regard and respect for him. He is a phenomenal artiste. Another artiste I admire from here is Siddharth, who is phenomenal. I watched Chithha, a film he produced and acted in, and what a powerful film it was! The entire cast was so compelling.”
‘NAGARJUNA SIR WAS WARM, KIND AND ACCESSIBLE’
Dia is also all praise for actor Nagarjuna, who acted opposite her in her Telugu debut, Wild Dog. “COVID-19 had just started when we did the film, and we were all terrified. But Nag sir made the experience very easy, which says a lot about him. It can be extremely intimidating when you are working with a superstar, but he was the most accessible co-actor. He was so warm and kind. I also spent a lot of time with Amala ma’am. I’ve always admired her and love the work that she’s done for animal care,” she shares.
‘MY IDEA OF SUCCESS WAS CONNECTED MORE TO BOX OFFICE’
Speaking about how her idea of success has changed over the years, Dia says, “When I started out, my idea of success was connected more to box office and material gains. Over the years, I’ve realized that success is about showing up every moment with preparedness and an understanding of the medium that you are a part of. It’s about being able to offer your best self to the opportunity.”
‘As a teenager, I had the biggest crush on Maddy’
Talking to us about her first film, a remake of the Tamil film Minnale, which starred Madhavan and was directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon, Dia shares, “Working with them was wonderful. I would attribute a big part of the love the film continues to receive to Harris Jayaraj’s music. Zara Zara (Vaseegara in Tamil) evokes an indescribable feeling. I’m still in touch with Maddy, but not with Gautham sir. As a teenager, I used to watch Maddy’s TV shows and had the biggest crush on him.”
Halfway into proposing the role, Naseeruddin Shah said yes-Anubhav Sinha
10:27 AM
Bringing together heavyweights in IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, director Anubhav recalls how roping in Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur and Vijay Varma was easier than he had thought
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; August 28, 2024)
Getting acting heavyweights like Pankaj Kapur, Naseeruddin Shah, Arvind Swami, Manoj Pahwa and Kumud Mishra in one room can be an uphill task. Anubhav Sinha is surprised that the stellar cast — which includes Vijay Varma, Dia Mirza and Patralekhaa — has come together for his maiden series, IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack. The upcoming thriller traces the 1999 hijacking of the Indian Airlines Flight 814, in which a group of militants hijacked the Delhi-bound aircraft carrying 173 passengers and flew to several locations before landing in Kandahar.
Sinha knew his working relationship with Kapur, developed on Dus (2005) and Bheed (2023), would give him an advantage. “Pankaj bhai said, ‘Main nahin karunga,’ but I knew he would,” says the filmmaker, who has co-created, co-written and directed the thriller. Despite his faith in the material, Sinha was skeptical about getting the nod from Shah and Swami. He was pleasantly surprised on both occasions.
“I had thought it would be difficult to cast Naseer bhai because he does less work and is more interested in doing theatre. I was halfway into proposing the role to him, and he said yes. As for Arvind, we got on a conference call, and he said, ‘Okay.’ But I was [still unsure] whether he was doing it. But how do you ask [again] if the person has said okay?” he laughs.
Varma, who plays the pilot flying the ill-fated aircraft, also said yes more easily than Sinha had assumed. The director recalls, “When he left [the meeting], I thought we’d send him the script, he would read it and tell us if he wanted to do it. But two hours later, they were already talking dates. I wasn’t on such terms with him that I could call and say, ‘Script toh bheji nahin maine!’”
When Netflix approached Sinha to retell the story of the Kandahar hijack, he realized he was unaware of many details of the chapter. That motivated the director to probe further.
“The plane landed in Kandahar on the morning of December 25, the Indian negotiation team reached on December 26. On a conversation level, you’d say, ‘Why did it take them [so long] to reach?’ But there was so much going on at home. [They] had to know what they could offer. There were moral, ethical and political questions that the government was dealing with.”
The series shows the attack could have been averted. So, have we learned from history? “The human mind doesn’t learn from history; we make it worse. Nine months after this, 9/11 happened. So, that was the time when militants were toying with the idea of using an aircraft as a weapon. So, one has to think ahead of them and make sure this doesn’t happen again. But [such events] are still happening.”
I was interested in direction since the ’90s-Arvind Swami
8:06 AM
Tamil actor Arvind Swami discusses turning filmmaker under Mani Ratnam’s guidance as his short film in Navarasa wins praise
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; August 9, 2021)
In the ever-evolving world of movies, a fresh voice is always welcome. Therein probably lies one of Navarasa’s wins — the Netflix anthology, a mixed bag of hits and misses, has introduced an able filmmaker in Arvind Swami with Roudhram. It was serendipitous that Mani Ratnam, who launched him as an actor in 1991, had a role to play in kicking off his directorial career as well.
“I have been interested in direction since the ’90s,” begins the actor-director, proud to have made a start, surrounded by some of the most acclaimed filmmakers in the South Indian film industry. “When Mani sir asked whether I would like to be a part of Navarasa, I asked him if I should come on board as a director or an actor. He left the choice to me.”
Having faced the camera for three decades, Swami says he had a fair understanding of direction. “I have worked with so many accomplished directors and technicians over the years. If you have an inclination towards the craft, you will observe, learn and wait for the opportunity to put the knowledge to test.”
The nine stories in the anthology — produced by Ratnam and Jayendra Panchapakesan — study varied human emotions. In telling the tale of a young boy who has been arrested for brutally killing a man, Swami has dissected the emotion of pent-up rage. “I chose anger because I wanted to put forward the emotion in an unconventional way. When the idea came to me, I thought I’ll make a film based on anger if the theme was available.”
Ilaiyaraaja, Birju Maharaj, Arvind Swami, Prem Chopra to be honoured at IFFI finale
2:19 PM
Hiren Kotwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 27, 2019)
The closing ceremony of the ongoing 50th edition of International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa tomorrow (November 28) will be a star-studded affair. Apart from Prakash Javadekar, Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Amit Khare, Secretary I & B, and several dignitaries will rub shoulders with filmmakers like Rohit Shetty, Madhur Bhandarkar and Aanand L Rai and actors like Akshaye Khanna, Rakul Preet Singh, Nithya Menen, Vijay Deverakonda, Rashmika Mandanna and Ravi Kishan.
Roja actor Arvind Swami, Bollywood baddie Prem Chopra, Kathak maestro Pandit Birju Maharaj, music maestro Ilaiyaraaja and Assamese filmmaker Manju Borah will be felicitated for their contributions to cinema with their body of work. Ilaiyaraaja will host a masterclass today. He will also be performing with his team.“The theme of the closing ceremony is ‘Ek Bharat, Shresth Bharat’. It will be a blend of music and dance,” says IFFI director Chaitanya Prasad. Hariharan will be performing, with some special compositions created specifically for the festival. He will also join Leslie Lewis to croon their Colonial Cousins’ hits. Tanushree Shankar, Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee, and her troupe will perform seveneight dance forms from different parts of India.
After the hour-and-half long musical extravaganza, awards for the Competition sections will be given in the presence of the international jury, comprising French filmmaker Robin Campillo, Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yang, Lynne Ramsay, one of the leading lights of young British cinema and veteran Bollywood filmmaker Ramesh Sippy.
I didn’t know I was a star when I was working in movies-Madhoo
7:50 AM
Kavita Awaasthi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 21, 2019)
She is the leading lady of Roja (1992), the film that went on to win three National awards. Whoever was associated with that film became a star. Yet, for a long time after, the female lead, actor Madhoo, didn’t register that she had become a name.
“I didn’t know I was a star when I was working in movies. It was only after I took a break that I realised how successful I was,” says Madhoo, who did films intermittently, as she got busy raising kids. She slowed down after 1998, did no films at all between 2001 to 2008, took up few projects afterwards. But she has had no film these past three years. Now she is reuniting with her Roja co-star Arvind Swamy.
Besides two Tamil films and a Hindi one, she has signed a bi-lingual film with Arvind. “Everything has its own time. I wasn’t actively working all these years. Now, that the word has spread that I am back, I’ve bagged these films. I was overjoyed to work with Arvind again. He is a friend and we’ve kept in touch over the years,” she says.
The Phool Aur Kaante (1991) actor adds, “I am an artiste, I realised that when I was on a break. In 2019, I’ve already paired up with actors I worked with in the past, including Prabhu Ganesan ji and Sarathkumar ji. My movies with them will release soon. I’d love to team up with new and young actors, and senior actors like Shah Rukh Khan and Rajinikanth sir, who are my favourites. But what excites me is that my former co-stars such as Arvind and Ajay Devgn are still working, teaming up with them will be fabulous.”
Recalling the success of Roja, Madhoo says, “When I was doing Roja, I never thought it would be an epic film or make my career or that it was an awesome role in a great film that would be remembered for years. I followed Mani (Ratnam; director) sir and he made a film that he did. I was childish, naïve and innocent back then. Only after I quit the industry is when I understood how huge the movie became. Even today, people call me the Roja girl. I am glad to have been part of a movie which will remembered in history,” she concludes.
Arvind Swami to play M G Ramachandran in Kangana Ranaut's Jayalalithaa biopic Thalaivi
7:55 AM
Mani Ratnam's Roja and Bombay star Arvind Swami to play Jayalalithaa's mentor MGR in Kangana Ranaut-led biopic, Thalaivi
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; October 4, 2019)
A retelling of J Jayalalithaa's life would be incomplete without a mention of the late actor-politician M G Ramachandran, or MGR, as he was popularly known. The former chief minister of Tamil Nadu had played an integral role in engineering Jayalalithaa's rise in politics. Now, it can be confirmed that the makers of Thalaivi — featuring Kangana Ranaut as the protagonist — have zeroed in on South actor Arvind Swami to step into the shoes of MGR. Last seen in Bollywood in Dear Dad (2016), Swami is best remembered for his roles in Mani Ratnam's Roja (1992) and Bombay (1995).Says a trade source, "MGR and Jayalalithaa starred in 28 box-office hits between 1965 and 1973. While the makers needed a worthy actor to do justice to his role, another criterion was that the artiste be fluent in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. Arvind satisfied both criteria. The unit will kick off Thalaivi's shoot with Kangana from the first week of November in Mysore, and Arvind will join her on November 15."
In charting Jayalalithaa's journey from her teenage years, the A L Vijay-directed and Shailesh R Singh-produced venture will shed light on how MGR became her mentor as she forayed into politics through his party, AIADMK. During her reign as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, she had famously said, "One-third of my life was dominated by my mother, the other by MGR."
Confirming the development, producer Vishnu Induri says, "We wanted someone who has a pan-India appeal, and resembles MGR. Arvind Swami perfectly suited the role. His and Kangana's on-screen pair will be fresh. He took lot of time to sign on the dotted line because he wanted to be sure that he could devote enough time to prep for the role. He is a perfectionist."
Anupam Kher resigns as FTII chairperson after a year
7:39 AM
Veteran actor to concentrate on US show that has secured an extension
MUMBAI MIRROR (November 1, 2018)
Anupam Kher has resigned as chairperson of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). In a letter to the Information & Broadcasting Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore on October 30, the 63-year-old actor informed that because of his commitment to the American show, New Amsterdam, he will be stationed in the US for “nearly nine months between 2018 and 2019 and then for a similar period for a minimum of three years more”.
As a result, he said, “It would not be fair to me, the students and management team, for me to hold a position of such responsibility and accountability, without being actively involved in the operations.” Anupam had replaced Gajendra Chauhan as head of the institute in October 2017. The I&B ministry has accepted his resignation.
Speaking to Mirror, Kher reiterated that the show had initially been green-lit for a 13-episode season. “But it’s gone on to be a big hit and got approval for 32 episodes. It will now go into at least three seasons which will mean frequent trips abroad,” he explained.
As FTII chairperson, Kher said he fulfilled key responsibilities such as constituting the Governing Council and the Academic Council during the first meeting of the new FTII Society on Tuesday in Mumbai. Actor-filmmaker Satish Kaushik was elected as vice president of the FTII Society. Filmmakers Rajkumar Hirani and Vidhu Vinod Chopra, actor-director Satish Kaushik, actress Divya Dutta, actor Arvind Swami, TV producer B P Singh as well as former FTII students, camera persons and staff members were among those made part of the Governing Council. Singh has also been named vice chairperson of the Governing Council and chairperson of the Academic Council. Central Board of Film Certification chief Prasoon Joshi also attended the meeting.
“It is only after the meeting that I have resigned because I thought it was important to have these people — very strong set of people who have a great vision — on board,” informed Kher, who left for the US on Wednesday night, adding that he is scheduled to be stationed there till April.
On the subject of his successor, he said that he has recommended two-three names but refused to reveal them. He is hoping a replacement will be found during his onemonth notice period. “I will be available, for any guidance or responsibility given to me as an individual,” he said in the letter.
When he was offered the post, he said he had informed then I&B minister Smriti Irani about the US series. If it gets approved, he would have to honour his commitment.
Kher said he was urged to take the position and he, too, thought it was an important assignment. Has his over year-long tenure brought qualitative changes at the FTII? “I’d like to believe that. I was in touch with the students, I tried to solve their problems...I’ve tried to help the organisation... rest it is for my work to speak.”
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Upala KBR (MID-DAY; November 1, 2018)
In a move that sent ripples across the industry, Anupam Kher stepped down from his post of chairman of Films & Television Institute of India (FTII) yesterday, owing to his commitment to international projects. In his resignation letter addressed to Information and Broadcasting Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Kher — who features in the NBC drama New Amsterdam — wrote that the show would require him to be stationed in the US for “nearly nine months between 2018 and 2019 ”, which would deter him from being actively involved in the operations of the FTII.
When mid-day reached out to Kher, the actor revealed that the governing council — which was formed by him in the course of the year and includes members like Kangana Ranaut, Divya Dutta and Satish Kaushik — was shocked by his sudden exit. “I had put together the governing council by roping in Rajkumar Hirani, Arvind Swami and Satish Kaushik, among others. I hadn’t told any of them about my resignation. [It’s only after I tweeted that] they started calling me to say that they joined because of me. I told them to continue their work for the FTII,” said Kher.
The veteran added that he wouldn’t be able to do justice to the job with the series demanding his attention. “It’s a great institution, but it needs somebody who can give it a little more time. I was doing that, but now I need to find new horizons. I am thrilled that the series is doing well. This is my way to represent India.”
Meanwhile, Kaushik was elected as the vice president of the FTII Society in a meeting held on Tuesday.
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Kher’s resignation draws polarising reactions
Chaitraly Deshmukh (MID-DAY; November 1, 2018)
Hours after Kher submitted his resignation, Bhupendra Kainthola, director, FTII, praised him for his initiatives. “Anupam Kher visited the campus several times and had an empathetic ear for the issues of the institute. On October 30, he presided over the first-ever meetings of FTII’s Standing Finance Committee, Society and Governing Council. He also approved the new Academic Council. With this the functional architecture of FTII, the country’s film education centre, is now in place. (sic)”
However, one of the students complained that Kher had dedicated little time to the institute during his tenure. “He visited the campus only twice. In the past, we had sent him number of letters, [asking him to address] our various issues; he promised to look into the matter, but never bothered to reply. We want a dedicated chairman who will focus on student orientation.”
Kangana Ranaut, Rajkumar Hirani, Vidhu Vinod Chopra in FTII society
8:02 AM
MUMBAI MIRROR (September 27, 2018)
After the appointment of Anupam Kher as the President of the Film and
Television Institute of India (FTII) Society and Chairman of its
Governing Council in October last year, Ministry of Information and
Broadcasting on Wednesday constituted the FTII Society. Under the
category of ‘Persons of Eminence’, actress Kangana Ranaut, Malayalam singer K J Yesudas, singer Anup Jalota, actors Arvind Swami, Divya Dutta and Satish Kaushik, filmmaker Brijendra Pal Singh and academician Archana Rakesh Singh have been nominated as Members of the FTII Society.
The release also revealed that nominations for two other categories have been done as well.
While filmmakers Rajkumar Hirani and Vidhu Vinod Chopra, veteran actor Danny Denzongpa and cinematographer Mahesh Aney figure under “FTII Alumni”, ‘Experts Representing the Activities of The Central Government’, features Dr N Sarvana, Joint Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Human Resources Development, Ravish Kumar, Joint secretary (XP), Ministry of External Affairs and Chaitanya Prasad, ADG, Directorate of Film Festivals have been nominated as Members of FTII Society.
The statement also added that the tenure of the non-official members of the institute, including the President, will be for the block of three years, beginning from March 4, 2017.
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