Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; March 19, 2018)

Even as she awaits the release of her upcoming black comedy, Blackmail, Kirti Kulhari is already gearing up for her web outing, 4 More Shorts Please. The Amazon Prime and Pritish Nandy Communications venture is being touted as one that’s about “four women, a bar, unrelenting chatter, lives falling apart, dreams coming together and lots of men”.

Terming this outing as one that’s “bold”, Kulhari tells mid-day, “It’s fresh and fun. But it is also wild and sassy. It’s about four girls, and touches upon the topics of love, life, sex and career. It will offer something new.”

At the first instance, the project appears to be along the lines of the coveted American series, Sex And The City, which chronicles the lives of four New York city-based women in the 30s and 40s. Kulhari doesn’t dismiss the suggestion when she says, “Unlike in the West, in India, we like to operate on references. So, yes, Sex And The City and Girls [American show] can be considered as reference points for our series. This show is about girls who are based in South Mumbai. It’s about how their lives fall apart, their dreams, and men.” The series also reportedly stars Sayani Gupta, Bani J, Milind Soman, Simone Singh, Maanvi Gagroo and Neil Bhoopalam.

Meanwhile, Blackmail sees Kulhari as a cheating wife to Irrfan Khan, who, she says, was intimidating to work with. “He is the king of comedy. I was attempting the space for the first time. So, initially, I doubted my ability and wondered if I could match up to him. But it all worked out well. He has this inherent quirkiness. Observing his process was a learning experience.”

Sonia Lulla (MID-DAY; March 18, 2018)

"I’m the boss here,” Rannvijay Singha smiles, moments after chiding a crew member for causing disturbance while revving up a bike metres away from us in the midst of this interview. We tell him the fact is evident, for, only an hour ago, he took us offguard by yelling at a crew member on being bothered by the disturbance in his earpiece while shooting for the Shillong leg of MTV Roadies Xtreme.

The calm and composed host — or “ring-master” as he is now called — of the long-running stunt-based reality show isn’t particularly known to lose his temper. “He needs a Xanax,” someone whispers in our ear, but before we could nod in agreement, a voice louder than his retorts, “Okay, enough! Get on with the shoot.”

The agitated director, running against the clock, yells at the bevy of celebrated names — apart from Singha, also including Neha Dhupia and Nikhil Chinapa — filming for the task. Popular though they all are, they merely quiet down and get on with the work.

Screaming, we learn, isn’t a parameter to judge tempers on this show, which banks heavily on the camaraderie that the crew members share. Attending the filming of a task in the cold climes (alternating between 11-12 degrees) of Shillong, Singha, we learn, enjoys the unwavering adulation of his co-hosts, gang leaders, as they’re called (Chinapa, Dhupia, rapper Raftaar and Prince Narula). There is a distinctiveness with which he addresses the gang leaders and participants; composed with the former, a sense of power evident with the latter. He confesses, it’s a front that he must put up to bring out the best in the contestants. “To put somebody under pressure, you have to press their buttons. To see your true character, I have to say something to you that will get you out of your comfort zone. I may be harsh because there’s a message I want to send out. But you [participant] don’t give up. You might not be as capable as the other person, but your intention behind doing it [the show] should be equally strong,” he says.

If Singha continues to test their grit, the gang leaders emerge as the mentors that the participants can turn to, for comfort. At odds with the brash dialogue that defined the show’s format under the watch of then hosts Raghu Ram and Rajiv Lakshman, the four are constantly involved in a friendly banter with the participants, whilst continuing to test their intention. Chinapa aptly emerges as the captain of his team in the Rang Dheela task, rendered “lame” by those witnessing it until he captures their attention with a crackling performance at the climax.

A 25-year-long career behind him, one which saw him juggling positions between host and performer, Chinapa establishes his place as a bankable gang leader owing to the mental and physical grit he puts into his act. It is due to the effort put in by those who are now the faces of the show that people appearing on it garner instant fame, Singha says

“Today, if a participant becomes famous because of his appearance on the show, it’s not because s/he has worked hard, it’s because of what we’ve built. We have worked hard, and they gain the fame,” he says, highlighting that the desire to instantly garner attention is now the ulterior motive of those turning up at audition. “When I started off, I didn’t know if Roadies was going to be a show, a five-minute shoot, a journey or an event. I just wanted the winning prize, which was a bike. But when it became big, and people saw the kind of fame that I, Ayushmann [Khurrana] and Bani J [previous participants] achieved, they wanted it too. So, the aspirants today come here for success, popularity and media attention, as opposed to simply being part of a journey.”

Quiz him on how this trend depletes the quality of a reality show, given that donning a front to acquire fame is hardly uncommon, and he says, “That too is interesting. It will be noteworthy to watch somebody pretend for 40 days. If s/he does it, it implies the win matters to him/her. If someone pretends to be aggressive, even though he isn’t, he is putting in the effort to portray that for 30 days. So, it works for us. If on the 29th day, he reveals his true nature, that’s also great.”

Anyone who grew up in the ’90s would agree that the series was among the most celebrated of the era, given that it appeared to urge the youth to find their identity. Yet, an array of other offerings, including The Big F and MTV Grind, featuring skimpily-clad dancers grooving to old ditties, were criticised for being cringe-worthy. But Singha argues that the “youth-based” channel did not struggle to establish an identity. “A lot of decisions are business-oriented, not emotional,” he says, adding, “But, you have to understand that today the reality of our young generation is at odds with what it was then. Kids in the ’90s didn’t struggle with the pressures of Instagram, and acquiring likes [on social media]. So they can’t relate to the youth today. But the channel has to stay current. It is current, [the kids of the ’90s] are not. Do I watch some of these shows? No. But they do well. So, there’s a certain group of youngsters that I can’t relate to.”

Poor quality of content, whether released online or on television, has been criticized, even upheld as the reason behind the follies in society. However, Singha argues that it is one’s upbringing, not the content on TV that alters mindsets. “If you say such shows ruin society, let me ask you, when was society great? Mob films were made even in the ’80s. Did people pick up guns and shoot each other? Entertainment can reflect the goings-on in society, not affect it. Society changes due to upbringing. People criticize content, but don’t question their own faulty actions. This is the kind of upbringing that changes society. Content makes you happy. It should be given credit. Also, content is given too much importance. We’re not in NASA, we’re not building bridges. It’s just content. Why take it so seriously?”

Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 10, 2017)

Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; March 31, 2017)

Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; January 31, 2017)

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 30, 2017)

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 28, 2017)

Salman Khan is gearing up for the grand finale of his reality TV show, Bigg Boss, with the final four contestants, Bani Judge, Manveer Gurjar, Lopamudra Raut and Manu Punjabi.

The show’s charismatic host will perform with all the evicted contestants of season 10, everyone except Swami Om and Priyanka Jagga who made an acrimonious and unceremonious exit from the house. The wild cards won’t be back either.

“He will shake a leg with Lokesh Kumari, Nithiba Kaul, Navin Prakash, Rohan Mehra, Gaurav Chopra, Akansha Sharma, Karan Mehra, Rahul Dev and Mona Lisa. Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan were to be the special guests but there’s been a change of plan and Hrithik Roshan has stepped in for Badrinath and his dulhania now,” informs a source.

Evicted Bigg Boss contestants comment on the shocking incident on the reality show
Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; January 6, 2017)

Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; January 3, 2017)

Gaurav Chopra, who was nominated along side VJ Bani and Monalisa for eviction this week is a “little lost and surprised” with his ouster. He says, “A part of me is still inside the house. There were no evictions last weekend because of New Year so we all assumed they would happen in the following week. Also, I wanted a week or two to do what I had started sometime ago, and that is unmasking certain people in the house.”

Ask him who they are and he takes Mona, Manveer and Manu’s names. “Those three are just pretending to be what they are. Nothing about them is instinctive, everything they do is part of a plan. They have a huge complex somewhere and are always plotting and planning. There is always some agenda with them. They are smart in raking up non-existent issues,” he says.

One of the highlights of his stay in the house was his friendship with Bani. While the popular VJ has a strong personality, Gaurav often didn’t take a stance and remained neutral in the house. Many viewed their friendship as that of pure convenience. However, Gaurav refutes that, “We are two very different people, but on a human level we connected in a strong way. I felt protective about her and also took things upon myself when she was going through a volatile, emotional phase. I had a strong concern for her and when you connect with someone in Bigg Boss house, you value that.”

Will the friendship last beyond the show? “Of course, not only with her, but also with Rohan (Mehra) and Rahul (Dev),” he says. So, who does he feel are the strong contenders to win the game? “I don’t want to name anyone because it’s the game that is the strongest and everyone else is a puppet. But yes, I am supporting Bani and Rohan.”

As for Om Swami, Gaurav feels he is not just manipulative, but has a criminal bent of mind. “I don’t know why he is inside the house, he is dangerous. He carries weapons with him, hides knives and spoons, and sharpens wood pieces. Sometimes in the middle of night I would get up to find him staring at me,” he says. And yet, he did not voice his opinion against Swami till Salman Khan called him out on that a few weeks ago. “That’s not true. From day one Swami is the only person against whom I lost my cool. He has been out of line with the women in the house and that is the biggest problem I have with him. But yes, in the last few weeks things got aggravated and I had also been voicing my opinions,” he says.

Tell him that overall he came across as an actor conscious of his image and not being himself and he denies it. “I did say that I have been invited to the show as an actor and that I am not in the show to be on TV. But what you saw was the real Gaurav,” he signs off.

Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; December 19, 2016)

Rahul Dev who was evicted from Bigg Boss 10 last week is a relieved man. He says he had enough of the house! “Lot of things have happened outside like demonetization. I have a company to run and several other responsibilities, that I will have to take care of now. I have a 80-year-old mother and 92-year-old father to take care of. Also, my son who is studying abroad is coming on the 19th so everything has fallen into place,” says Rahul. He, however, is glad that he who never could even boil water can now cook a good meal right from chopping vegetables to making a dish. “I cooked for 12 people for two-and-a-half days and also know to make coffee now,” he smiles.

The constant refrain about him in the house was he was lazy and could not take a stance. Even host Salman Khan called him out on that. Was he hurt by the comments? “No, because Salman always heard me out. I told him there and then, that I can’t plot and scheme, and can be entertaining to a certain extent.” However, in the next few week, Rahul perked up and even did an act spoofing Swami Om that got him a lot of applause. “Yes, but it was an act created out of a situation. And that’s what I do for a living,” he shrugs it off. As for Salman, Rahul says he has been extremely magnanimous. “He took me to his chalet and even promised me a job,” he grins.

About him being biased and supportive of Bani against Om Swami but not Lopa, he says, “Bani is clear that she does not like Om Swami, but Lopa herself is confused. On the one hand, she says he looks at her inappropriately and on the other he is the one oiling her hair and putting her to sleep!”

What prompted him to be a part of the show? “I had taken a three-and-a-half year break from films because I lost my wife Rina and had to take care of my son. I gave importance to parenting over everything else and went back to Delhi. Now, when I had to make a comeback, Bigg Boss was the best platform to give me that visibility.”

Rahul has found love again with Mugdha Godse and the two participated in Power Couple, too. Is he planning to take their relationship to the next level? “I can’t say about marriage right now, but Mugdha is extremely special. I am glad she is a part of my life,” he says.

High voltage drama (what else?) ensued when hitlist grilled seven Bigg Boss 10 inmates
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; December 9, 2016)

The makers of 'Bigg Boss 10' invited hitlist for a tete-a-tete with the seven nominated inmates yesterday, with captain Gaurav Chopra also in attendance. Pumped with ammunition, we got the green chit to grill the contestants on their actions and lack of it, albeit with a few restrictions — we weren't allowed to inform them about any occurrences outside the house, including the demonetization issue (although, they seemed to have a fair idea already).

Gaurav was questioned for not generating enough 'content' and being diplomatic. The actor said, "I am doing enough in the house, but since you get to see an edited version, may be you should ask the makers why more isn't being shown." The actor even retorted to claims that he has no identity without co-contestant Bani J, by stating that this was merely a perception.

Bani, who has been providing ample entertainment for the past 50 days in the house with her tears and screams, walked out during the press conference because Lopamudra Raut wouldn’t let her speak. The two have been at loggerheads for some time. It is believed that Lopamudra is the real reason for the conflict between Gaurav and Bani.

While no one accepted it, their demeanor spoke volumes about their dislike for each other. Lopa claims, “Bani doesn’t bother to talk or have a conversation. Yes I think she is a little insecure with me because I am strong. I wished her on her birthday and she didn’t even look at me or say thank you.”

Bani responds, “Lopa is like a child. She is immature person who lives in a bubble.” But even before Bani could complete, Lopa would interrupt and not let the VJ finish her statement. After a few repeated occurrences, Bani lost her cool, especially when she was interrupted while expressing her love for Gauahar Khan. Irate, Bani got up and strutted right out of the room. So much drama!

Priyanka Jagga, who seems to have lost her thunder after returning to the house, chuckled with joy each time a female contestant was put under the scanner. The only exception was Bani, whose opinions were constantly backed by Jagga.

Jagga kept harping on how Lopa is fake, made expression with every statement Rohan Mehra made and kept giggling every time Nitibha was grilled. Jagga claims, “This place cannot let you make relationships, here people can only play games.”

But her attitude towards Bani has definitely changed because she kept following Bani’s lead and supporting everything the celebrity said.

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 10, 2016)

The Bigg Boss house is all set to up the drama ante this weekend. After VJ Bani got into a fight with Swami Om, show host Salman Khan arrived on the scene to diffuse the tension.

A source from the sets reveals, “Bani and Swami Om who are two of the most popular contestants this season got into a fight after Swami started cursing Bani’s mother. When an infuriated Bani started throwing things around in the house and threatened to walk out of the show, Salman asked her to calm down and offered advise about how he used to have a similar temperament in his younger days but has changed for the better now.”

Turns out, Salman said that his behaviour has resulted in him losing some “important things” in life. “He went on to say that if he can overcome that particular phase of his life at 50, it won’t be too tough for Bani as she is still in her 20s. He also advised her to not abuse and snap at people all the time because it will not just affect her professional life but also her family,” the source adds.