He featured as Poplu as Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania and won everyone’s hearts. Now, Sahil Vaid is back, with the second part of the franchise, Badrinath Ki Dulhania. The talented actor opens up about his experience of working on this film and with Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt. He explains why he calls Alia ‘baby Naseeruddin Shah’ and also reveals about his stint as a voiceover artist. Over to Sahil…

How excited are you for Badrinath Ki Dulhania? You just tweeted wherein you wrote that ‘just 8 days to go for the greatest show on earth’!
Yes, I’ve been quite excited although I am trying my best to contain my happiness. Just 8 days are left and it’s really exciting. We shot for the film for around 10 months ago and though it was quite comfortable, it was very hectic too. I myself haven’t seen the film. I’ll finally watch it on Saturday.

You were quite entertaining as Poplu in Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania. What should we expect from you this time, apart from your new hairstyle?
To begin with, my speech. Our characters are based in Jhansi and obviously, we aren’t really speaking in authentic Jhansli waali Hindi since audiences wouldn’t have understood it fully. Also, I am 6 kgs lighter than Paplu! Moreover, this time, my character is not jobless. He runs a website. To know what exactly it is, you’ll have to see the film!



Since you are originally from the North, was it slightly easier for you than Varun to slip into your character?
Not just slightly, it was very easier than Varun. My naniji is from Agra and so, I have a knack of understanding Hindi spoken in these parts. But we had to be careful because Jhansi ki UP accent will be different from Agra ki UP accent or Kanpur and so on. It’s quite complicated actually especially in the border areas of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

In a recent interview, you called Alia Bhatt ‘Baby Naseeruddin Shah’. What made you say that?
I have worked with Naseeruddin Shah when I was doing theatre and the amount of dedication that Alia puts in reminds me of him. She’ll quietly do her homework and surprise everyone with her brilliant work. She’s highly disciplined.

Was it easier with Varun this time as the ice was already broken during Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania?
Yes and it was Shashank who helped broke the ice. He was kind enough to understand that we both don’t know each other and it will be awkward for both of us. Hence, he did the needful. Post Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania, me and Varun Dhawan kept in touch. It’s great fun to work with him. Varun ke saath kaam karke hamesha mazaa aata hai.



Tell us about your experience of falling from the jet ski. The making video was quite hilarious.
Well, the experience of falling in the water was more fun than dangerous, despite the presence of crocodiles. My first thought after falling in the water was that, ‘I told you, Varun’! Varun however was quite apologetic and helped me get back on the jet ski. After changing and getting back on the jet ski, I fell again in the water and this time Varun too fell. The entire unit was cracking up!

Your role in Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania was appreciated a lot along with the film as a whole. How did your life change?
Strangely, a lot of people felt that the success of the first part was a fluke and that we won’t be lucky the second time. We’ll be taken seriously only when Badrinath Ki Dulhania also emerges successful. Talking about my life, well, people started recognizing me a lot once the film was out. 4-5 months after the film, I thought I had arrived but later, I got a reality check. So it was quite a learning experience.

But at the same time, do you feel lucky that Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania was backed by Dharma Productions because of which the film reached to a lot of people?
Absolutely and I was quite lucky. There are lots of good actors around and I could have got lost in the midst. It’s thanks to Dharma that they marketed the film well. However, it’s all thanks really to Shashank (Shashank Khaitan, director). He was my senior and we have done theatre together. He helped me get the role though he did audition me left, right and center. Later, producer Karan Johar liked my audition and that’s how I bagged the part. Interestingly, I didn’t audition for Badrinath Ki Dulhania at all. Shashank called me and said that he has written a role especially for me! But the sad part was that my father passed away 2 days after I got this role.

Which are the other films in the pipeline?
I am a part of Y-Films’ Bank Chor. It should release this year. I have also done a cameo in Maniesh Paul-starrer Baa Baa Black Sheep.

You are also a voiceover artist and you recently dubbed for the upcoming Hollywood biggie Beauty And The Beast. Comment.
Oh yes and it was a great experience. Beauty And The Beast is a superbly made film. This was the biggest dubbing project that I have been a part of. At the same time, I have also dubbed for Kong: Skull Island which co-incidentally releases on March 10, the same day as Badrinath Ki Dulhania!

Advice on comedy aside, Riteish Deshmukh talks about family, friends and films...
Upala KBR (DNA; May 26, 2016)


So, who are you...
The day I know that I will let you know (smiles politely).

Ok, let me be more specific. Who do you play in Housefull 3?
It’s a film where Akshay, Abhishek and I are in it more for the love of money and less for the ladies in love. I play a blind man, who is not actually blind but we are all faking our conditions to stay in the house. We get caught and the situations keep building up till it just gets chaotic. The directors Sajid-Farhad have a very punchy sense of humour and that will keep the audience engaged.

Where does your sense of humour come from?
Humour lies in every situation… It’s just how you can bring it out. I have got it from my father (Vilasrao Deshmukh). I think it’s all about the context you are talking in and how quick you are. Sometimes, you surprise yourself at the way you find humour in a completely dull situation. But it should be natural and you shouldn’t be afraid of cracking lame jokes. Humour keeps your mind ticking. Abhishek and Akshay are very humorous, with both having a different sense of humour — enough to learn from.

Does your wife Genelia think you're a funny guy?
Yes, of course! I cracked a big joke when I proposed to her and she fell for it (we both laugh).

On a more serious note, which film is more challenging to do — the negative role in Ek Villain or Housefull 3?
While I enjoyed doing both, Ek Villain might have an edge because I don’t do those roles often. It was a one-off, so it comes as a surprise. So when people see me in slapstick comedies, they are like 'Wow! He can do this too'. I am glad that I get roles in both. But it’s important too that serious films should be successful. I was fortunate that some of my films like Rann, Lai Bhaari and Ek Villain did well at the box-office. Unfortunately, all serious films don’t work.

Please continue...
As far as challenging roles are concerned, it depends on the scenes. A scene in Ek Villain may drain me emotionally, but a comic scene in Housefull 3 may drain me out physically. People feel comedies are easy to do. They are, but when the jokes are well written. When the material is weak, one is trying so hard to be funny and trying to be heard. The audiences say that whatever you are showing us, do your homework well. It’s just the timing and one has to constantly upgrade oneself with the things, especially the humour around us. Everything around us is happening so fast.

So how do you keep up with what’s happening around you?
I read 12 papers every day. I got this habit from my father who used to read 20 papers every day. After he finished reading them, I would read them. I like to go through the headlines and then some of the articles. I figure out what’s happening and I read on every subject, not just politics. I read from pages 1 to 16 and the supplements, I may or may not read. It takes 45 minutes for me to go through all the papers. I have all papers at home and in my van, if I am shooting. If I don’t manage to read them at home in the morning, I catch up on the set. If I leave early morning for travel, I catch up on the news on Twitter and social media, which makes it easy. Reading papers is amazing. Newspapers are a must and can never be completely replaced by digital media.

On the work front, what’s next?
Great Grand Masti, Banjo and Bank Chor and then, my Marathi home production Mauli and the biopic on Chhatrapati Shivaji.

Apparently Nargis left you in the lurch with Banjo as there were some scenes still to be shot?
Nargis was never supposed to be here. And excuse me, she didn’t leave me or anybody or anything in the lurch. Her shoot is happening in New York where it was always supposed to. The Mumbai schedule with Nargis is complete. Now, the summer schedule is left which she will shoot in June in NY. It’s unfair of you to say that she’s left us in the lurch. Nargis has been a wonderful girl to work with, she is lovely with a great sense of humour.

Why is Bank Chor taking so much time to release?
Bank Chor should release in the third quarter of this year. As far as the delay is concerned, I think you should ask the production house (YRF) that as they have charted out how to go about its release. First Fan released and will be followed by Sultan on Eid.

Is the hairstyle you're sporting now for one of your Marathi films?
It’s not for any film. I call it my summer look. When I am not shooting I love experimenting with my hair. After I finished shooting Banjo, I don’t shoot till August. So one day, I just cut my hair with a razor and buzzed it off. And I am very happy with the look.

Speaking of Marathi cinema, what do you make of the success of Sairat?
The success of Sairat is of immense pride for everyone and all kinds of regional cinema. It marks the coming-of-age of Marathi cinema and if it sustains, remains as strong over the next three-four years and maintains the momentum for this kind of commercial ratio, then that day is not too far when we become as big as Tamil or Telugu cinema.

Have you thought of producing a film with Genelia and you?
I would love to do a Marathi film with Genelia. I have not produced a Bollywood one yet, as I am still understanding the production market. Genelia is choosy, too, while selecting her films. Fortunately, all the films we did were hits. But I would like to do one Marathi film with her. She has done films in five languages, including Tamil, Telugu and Kannada, but not a single Marathi film though she can speak the language fluently. All we need now is a good script.

Recently Kamaal R Khan did a poll on Twitter, on who is a bigger star today, where he said he was sad that Abhishek and you defeated him by a lesser percentage of votes. You told him that next time, you would be the first person voting for him. You were friends with KRK. What changed?
I think people are reading too much into it. KRK is a colleague and friend. He had an opinion to make, which is okay. I don’t understand why people get upset with trolls. It’s a social space and it’s perfectly okay for everyone to express their opinions. One needs to respect that and move on. I don’t react to trolls, though I might choose to react in a different way, with good humour. I just feel there is no point in reacting.

You will be becoming a father again…
It’s something I would rather not talk much about. Yes, it’s exciting. The first time around, there was a sense of completion.

You fought with your close friend and director Milap Zaveri during Mastizaade. Have you patched up with him?
(Cold silence) Patched up? (Pause) I don’t think anyone’s interested about whether we have patched up or not.

But still…
No comment.

Joginder Tuteja (DNA; May 12, 2016)


“This is pretty much a record for any leading actor as one can’t remember any other existing star managing such a feat,” says a trade expert, adding, “Riteish has Housefull 3 in June, Great Grand Masti in July and Banjo in August, arriving one after another. It is all going to get really hectic for Riteish as three films also means engaging in three sets of promotional activities.”

It wasn’t all planned this way though — Great Grand Masti got delayed due to Censor issues. “The Indra Kumar directed sequel could well have released last year, but films with sexual content, be it erotic or comic, have to be a lot more cautious in the current times. What was acceptable a couple of years ago may be considered offensive today. Great Grand Masti decided to wait and though the film has fortunately seen very few cuts, its arrival in July means that Riteish has a jam-packed film season ahead,” an insider adds.

The actor’s 2016 campaign starts with Housefull 3, the third in the series led by Akshay Kumar. While Riteish is expected to have indulged in some Grand Masti during the film’s making, things turn a lot dramatic and musical for Banjo, a film that brings him back with Ravi Jadhav, who had also directed his debut production Balak Palak.

“This may not be all for Riteish as he could well be looking at four films in a row, what with his Bank Chor looking at releasing in September,” the insider continues, “The Yash Raj film has been delayed for over a year-and-a-half now. While the exact release date has not been announced yet, there are indications that the film — which also stars Vivek Oberoi in the lead — would finally hit the screens this year.”

If it turns into four releases in four months, it might well be an unmatched feat for some time.

Asira Tarannum (MID-DAY; July 16, 2015)

The release of Yash Raj Films’ Bank Chor has been pushed ahead by two months due to date issues of lead actor Riteish Deshmukh.

Sources say the actor hasn’t been able to devote time to the shoot of two promotional songs for the upcoming comedy since he is caught up with other projects. Another reason is that the makers apparently did not get a solo release window in August as per plan.

A source says, “The film was scheduled for an August release as the shoot wrapped up in March. But it has been pushed to October now as Riteish won’t be available before next month and the promotional songs have to be finalised too. The makers also want to avoid a clash with other films and are looking at release dates in October.”

Riteish could not be reached for a comment while Ashish Patil of YRF says, “Yes, the Bank Chors are still planning their heist. So, we will respond at a later stage with an official announcement on the release date.”

Sonali Joshi Pitale (MID-DAY; February 4, 2015)

Mallika Sherawat’s upcoming film, Dirty Politics, which is apparently inspired by the Bhanwri Devi murder case, has been pushed ahead by three weeks. Reason? Film promotions. The film, which was supposed to release on February 13, will now release on March 6. Director K C Bokadia says, “We want to create a hype around the film. The crew unanimously decided that releasing the film in a jiffy without proper promotions is a bad idea. Moreover, we didn’t want to clash with Badlapur and Roy.” Sources reveal that Mallika too wanted a new release date and will now shoot another song for the film.

Bokadia says, “The film has a political backdrop and we plan to release it during the long Holi weekend. That way, we think that it will do better business in the North. It will take a few days for us to shoot the added song and then we will promote the project.” Ask him if he ready to clash with three films — NH10, Bank Chor and Tigers — and he says, “As of now there is no confirmation of the other films releasing on the same day. Also, now that we have chosen the date, we will stick to it no matter what.”

Asira Tarannum (MID-DAY; October 16, 2014)

If sources are to be believed, the unit of Yash Raj Films’ thriller comedy, Bank Chor, had been called in for an early shoot on election day — in a clear violation of the state government’s directive to suspend such activity in the city concerned till voting comes to an end. Voting usually takes place between 7am and 6pm.
Sources said the shoot was scheduled to take place at Mehboob Studio, apparently on the insistence of lead actor, Riteish Deshmukh, who is believed to have tried to strike an internal arrangement.

However, the studio authorities refused to entertain them and the morning shoot was called off barely eight to 10 hours in advance, said a source. “The production house was in talks with Mehboob Studio authorities, who turned down their request because if they allowed one shoot, they would have had to accommodate the requests of others, too. The Bank Chor unit was informed late on Tuesday night that the election day shoot had been cancelled,” the source added.

A huge bank set has been put up in Mehboob Studio for the comic caper, which features Riteish as a robber, while Vivek Oberoi will be seen as a CBI officer who cracks down on them. It also stars Rhea Chakraborty.
Around 60 per cent of the film will be shot in the studio.

YRF spokesperson rubbished the rumours of a clandestine shoot, saying: “Our schedule restarts tomorrow. We had always planned a break for election day and three days prior to that as Riteish was campaigning for his brother (Amit was contesting the poll from Latur). We have already shot for about six days and will dive back into a non-stop start to end the schedule in full force from October 16 as planned.”

Shristi Dixit (DNA; October 2, 2014)

Sonali Joshi Pitale (MID-DAY; September 24, 2014)

After Shahid Kapoor chopped off his hair and grew a beard for Vishal Bhardwaj’s film, Haider, looks like it is Vivek Oberoi’s turn to sport a beard and a crew cut. The actor is said to have a similar look in his film, Bank Chor. A source says, “Vivek will begin shooting for his first project with Yash Raj Films next month and he has started preparing for the role. Last week, he went to YRF studio for a look test and he has now chopped off his long hair. He will play a Central Board of Investigation (CBI) officer in the film and for this role, he will sport a crew cut. He will also grow a moustache and a long beard. It will be one of his looks in the film.” The actor has apparently been asked to stay away from social events in a bid to keep his look from getting revealed.

A unit member says, “The film’s production team is known for its strict rules. They have asked everyone involved with the project to not say anything about this film, including about Vivek’s role. Vivek is taking care to ensure that he doesn’t attend too many public events till he starts shooting for the film. If need arises, he will wear a bandana and step out.”

Vivek remained unavailable for comment.

Asira Tarannum (MID-DAY; September 22, 2014)

Rohan Sippy has postponed the release of his upcoming film, Sonali Cable that stars Ali Fazal and Rhea Chakraborty. The film was supposed to hit the big screen on October 10, but it’ll now release on October 17. This change of date means that Rohan wants his lead actress Rhea to promote the film for some more time, but turns out that Yash Raj Films, which manages Rhea’s work, has not allotted Rhea’s dates to the filmmaker.

A source close to the filmmaker says, “YRF was informed in advance about this possible change of date and in any case, small budget films need to be promoted. So we need Rhea’s dates but YRF has not given her dates for a week. It’s unfortunate that they are doing this with regards to their talent working for another producer.”

Rohan Sippy admits that they are facing problems with Rhea’s dates. “I don’t know if she can promote the film or not. But it’s strange that Rhea’s management is not reverting to us about her dates. Since she plays the title character, we can’t finalise the promotion schedule,” he says.

The filmmaker adds that at a time when even superstars don’t shy away from promoting their films, young actors should make themselves available for promotions. “This helps their producers create visibility for them. I don’t understand how YRF can have double standards. Recently, they pushed ahead Dawaat-e-Ishq’s release and I’m sure they expected Aditya and Parineeti to promote their film for some more time. It’s a given that a film has to be promoted closer to its release. Hopefully, we will get Rhea’s dates,” he says.

When contacted, Rhea’s spokesperson from YRF said, “While Sonali Cable is a big and important film for Rhea, she has several contractual commitments that were finalised months in advance. Bank Chor, where she plays the lead opposite Ritesh Deshmukh, is just one of them. She will do her best to promote the film and do all that is required of her.”

Asira Tarannum (MID-DAY; August 22, 2014)

After dropping Kapil Sharma from Bank Chor, Riteish Deshmukh and Vivek Oberoi have been roped in to star in this Yash Raj Films production.

Sources say that the two actors have been giving their inputs in the creative meetings for the film and that producer Aditya Chopra has now given instructions to the team that he doesn’t want them to attend these sessions.

A source close to the project says that the film’s team has already had too many meetings. “When Kapil Sharma was on board, there were many changes and a lot of discussions was happening. Now that the film is about to go on the floors, there have been some more meetings. But Aditya Chopra now wants very few people to attend these meetings; he doesn’t want every other person to be a part of the creative team’s meetings,” says the source.

The source also says that after Riteish Deshmukh and Vivek Oberoi were signed on for Bumpy’s upcoming film Bank Chor, they evinced a keen interest in attending these meetings. Also, since both of them have done comedy before, they were giving their inputs freely. But Aditya Chopra has apparently instructed the team to no longer involve the actors in these meetings,” adds the source.

Ashish Patil, CEO, Yfilms, and producer of Bank Chor, said, “Untrue! Filmmaking is a creative and collaborative process at YRF and inputs are always welcome. The final call on incorporating ideas rests with the director.”

Riteish and Vivek remained unavailable for comment, but director Bumpy said, “I think that all inputs should be heard. This brings objectivity to the table.”

Gaurav Dubey (MID-DAY; July 10, 2014)

With Riteish Deshmukh’s last cinematic outing in a negative role (read: Ek Villain) winning appreciation for the actor, it looks like he is now open to playing different characters.

It has now emerged that Riteish has replaced Kapil Sharma in the Yash Raj Film, Bank Chor. Says a source, “After Kapil was shown the door by YRF, the search for a new Bank chor was on in full swing and a lot of names were considered for the project. Now Riteish has been finalised as the lead in the film. The film is scheduled to go on the floors immediately as it is scheduled to release early next year.”

Ashish Patil, business and creative head, Y Films, says, “Riteish is one of the most exciting actors to work with today. From playing a villain to doing action in his upcoming film, Lai Bhaari, there’s nothing he can’t do. With Bank Chor, Riteish will be starring in a film that plays to his strength: comedy. He will bring to film a scale, madness and weight that it deserves.”

On his part, Riteish says that he loved the film’s script and that’s what prompted him to give a nod to the project. “I loved the script and the character. I’ve always liked to push the envelope with my choices,” he says.

The film is a comic-caper, that tells the story of three people trying to rob a bank when everything goes wrong and how they get caught in a labyrinth of cops, industrialists and corrupt politicians.

Asira Tarannum (MID-DAY; July 9, 2014)

With Yash Raj Films announcing that he is no longer a part of their film, Bank-Chor, Kapil Sharma may have lost out on a plum project, but the actor-comedian is apparently not shying away from being whimsical. It turns out that he was difficult to deal with at a recent ad shoot.

Says a source, “Kapil seemed irritated by something and he was just not in a mood to shoot when he reached the sets. The entire crew had to wait for him for nearly half a day because he had come in very late and to top it all, they had to put up with his tantrums.” It turns out that the call time for the commercial’s shoot was 12 noon but Kapil landed on the sets only around 5pm. This is not the first time he has acted difficult.

Sometime ago, Kapil, who shot to fame with his show, Comedy Nights with Kapil, was supposed to host the inaugural function of the Celebrity Cricket League, but he walked out at the last minute because he wanted a separate vanity van. This apart, he is known to have made several stars, including Kangna Ranaut, wait on the sets of his show.

He was unavailable for comment.

Subhash K Jha (DNA; July 7, 2014)


Tension between Kapil and the channel was already brewing over the issue of the late telecast of episodes (it’s usually slotted at 10 pm) by as much as 30-35 minutes to accommodate Jhalak Dikhlaa Jaa. Earlier Kapil’s show was being pushed forward to accommodate Fear Factor.

Adds the source, “Kapil was understandably peeved by the delay in telecast.When Kapil brought these delays to the channel’s notice, nothing was done to control the schedule issues. Matters worsened when the channel informed Kapil that they would introduce another comedy show on one week-night to supplement his show if he opted to make his show a weekly.”

The source continues, “Kapil is contemplating pulling out of the show completely if another comedy show is brought in.” Apparently, the channel’s CEO Raj Nayak had to intervene to sort out the differences between Kapil and the channel.

“It’s fine now. But Kapil cannot run off to do a film at the cost of his television show. He cannot cut down on the show’s frequency. And if he can’t take time off from Comedy Nights With Kapil, he can’t do his film right now,” maintains the source.

Kapil maintains his priority is Comedy Nights With Kapil. “And my mother. She is here with me in Mumbai because I couldn’t go to Punjab to be with her. I have to leave for London soon, so I am rushing through my episodes of Comedy Nights.”

Bharati Dubey (MID-DAY; July 4, 2014)

On Thursday evening, actor Kamaal R Khan approached Versova police to file a complaint against a certain Sahil Peerzada.

Khan confirms the news. He says, “I have filed a complaint against Sahil Peerzada who has been abusing and threatening me.” It may be pointed out that Khan and Kapil Sharma have been fighting it out on twitter over the past few days. The actor has now gone on to express his joy at Kapil Sharma being ousted from the YRF film.

But as far as his threats are concerned, Khan says, “Somebody threatened me, so a case has been filed at Versova police station. Now it’s the police’s duty to arrest the culprit and teach him a good lesson. I have nothing personal against Kapil Sharma or anybody else and I never abused him in front of Mika Singh."

Kapil was again unavailable for comment

Sonali Joshi Pitale (MID-DAY; July 4, 2014)

For quite some time now, Kapil Sharma, who shot to fame with his show, Comedy Nights with Kapil, has been in the news for all the wrong reasons; the latest incident being his spat with Kamaal R Khan. Now it has emerged that he will no longer be a part of Bank Chor, which is being produced by Yash Raj Films.

An official statement from the production house says that they have decided to part ways mutually. Ashish Patil, Business & Creative Head, Youth Films, Talent Management & Brand Partnerships at Yash Raj Films, says, “We look forward to working together in the future when the time is right.” Now that the film deal has fallen through, speculation is rife about what may have caused this.

A source says, “The film was slated to go on the floors in April, but Kapil kept delaying it as he wanted to build a bank of episodes of his show and get in shape for the film. Another reason was the fact that no cast had been finalised. Many actresses were apparently approached but things didn’t really work out.”

According to some reports, Nargis Fakhri was offered to play the lead in the film, but she apparently refused it citing date issues. Another source says that as soon as the official announcement about casting Kapil in Bank Chor was made, there was a sudden change in him. “He was quite excited about the project and had even suggested a few changes in the script. This could also be one of the reasons why the film deal hasn’t worked out. Moreover, the controversies surrounding Nargis and KRK brought in negative publicity for the film.”

When contacted, the spokesperson for the production house said, “Nothing went wrong between us; it was a mutual decision and the film is still on.” Kapil, who is said to be currently busy shooting for a commercial, remained unavailable for comment.

In a recent development, YRF & Kapil Sharma have decided to part ways mutually. Y Films’ “Bank Chor” will now go on floor without him.

Ashish Patil, Business & Creative Head, Youth Films, Talent Management & Brand Partnerships at Yash Raj Films, speaking on this development said, “We will look forward to working together in future when the time is right.”

“Bank-Chor” is a comic-caper, that tells the story of 3 morons trying to rob a bank who pick the worst day possible when everything that can go wrong, goes wrong and how they’re inadvertently caught in the crossfire of cops, industrialists and corrupt netas. “Bank-Chor” is directed by Bumpy and produced by Ashish Patil.

Watch this space to for more announcements on this front soon!

YASH RAJ FILMS

Subhash K Jha (DNA; June 20, 2014)

You tweeted about ending your show, Comedy Nights With Kapil, without consulting Colors?
(Sighs) I give my life and blood to the show. Even now as, I haven't slept for the last 36 hours. I'll never give up the show. I just wanted a break because I was exhausted.

The channel was taken aback by your tweet. What made you take that shocking decision?
Every show has it own profile and destiny. I did the Laughter Challenge, then Comedy Circus. They had their own unique format. The format on my Comedy Nights With Kapil required me to put together 26 episodes around the adventures of 6 family members. The 26 episodes stretched into 50 and then into a 100
episodes. I felt we needed to reinvent ourselves.

Why change something that is so successful?
It's not about the TRPs only. It's also about that creative satisfaction that every artiste craves for. Just being successful cannot be enough.

Did you quit because you felt the Channel was taking you for granted?
(Falls silent) I wouldn't like to comment about what goes on internally. This show means the world to me. I've been given up obscene amounts of money for other work to concentrate on this show…. Do you know, I gave up 6 film offers because I had no time for them Before I said yes to Yash Raj's Bank Chor I turned down some really good film offers including one by Sunil Manchanda, the producers of Tere Naam. I really loved the story. I also said no Farhan Akhtar's offer. I felt really awful saying no to that one. Sajid Khan also wants to sign me. The Yash Raj film I signed was supposed to go on the floors in March 2014. Now it's June. I am still not able to give them my dates. Actors crave to be in Yash Raj films. And here I am, delaying the shooting. I don't want them to think I am arrogant. But I consider Comedy Nights to be bigger than any film. The biggest of stars come on my show. Now I wonder when I do my first feature film I can't go on Comedy Nights With Kapil to promote. Where will I go?

Farhan Akhtar's film was a loss,?
I didn't see it that way.When Farhan made that offer I had just started doing Comedy Nights. I wanted to show to the world that I could run a successful show for a year. For me at that point of time getting the show on the right track was more important than anything in the world. For one whole year I've worked like a mad man. I don't even have time to meet my mother. For me no one is more important than my mother. Mere ko kisi channel ne nahin banaya hai. Mere ko meri Maa aur mere muqaddar ne banaya hai. Whatever I do, I do it for her. Ek saal se main show ke liye apni neend, chayan sab kuch kho rahaa hoon. I felt I needed a break.

The channel wants to build Comedy Nights as the Seinfeld of India and they have persuaded you to change your mind?
I don't know what Seinfeld, if they feel that way they should treat the show that way. The comedy shows in the West come in seasons. Let Comedy Nights also be seasonal. They should give me breaks. But breaks toh dur ki baat, they won't let me make the show weekly instead of by-weekly.

But the Channel can't afford to let you go because the ratings higher than all their other popular shows?
I know people wait for my show every week. I don't want to sound boastful but when I left Comedy Circus it lost its popularity. Comedy Nights and every member of my Comedy family have become popular. I want the show to grow. For this I need a break of a month at least. Main creative aadmi hoon. I have grown from regional to national channels. Today by God's grace my show is watched all over the world. But we can't spread ourself thinly. You can't apportion daal meant for 3 people to 9 people. True, no show in the history of Indian television has remained no.1 uninterrupted for a 100 episodes. But I don't want to compromise on quality.

Is it true that you were upset when the show was aired very late because of Fear Factor and Jhalak Dikhlaa Jaa?
The Kumar Sanu episode came on at 11.15 pm. People in smaller towns go at sleep at 10 pm. They stay awake for my show. I don't want my audience to suffer. When my audience is hurt I am hurt. Fans of Comedy Nights are like God to me. I can't have them insulted. During the IPL matches Comedy Nights was the only show to have got the TRPs.

Is this one of the reasons you had decided to leave?
I did 300 episodes of Comedy Circus. I am not the kind to abandon a show. Let me tell you, the offers that are coming my way are extremely tempting. I've no complaints against Colors. They've been wonderful to me.

From being blamed for Gutthi's exit to being accused of starry tantrums and holding the channel to ransom, Kapil Sharma has his plate full. The popular TV host, who is now all set to turn actor, clears the air
Vickey Lalwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 27, 2014)

ALLEGATION 1: It’s being said that you want Comedy Nights with Kapil to air only once a week so that you can focus on films and the channel is upset with your decision. 
That's true. The original plan was a 26-episode run without a break after which we would evaluate our next step. The response was so overwhelming that we continued to roll. But having a bi-weekly show is too much of pressure. Besides being the host, I am the show’s producer too and involved with every creative aspect and can’t let the quality fall.

Now that I have signed a film (Bank-Chor), it will be difficult to devote so much time to the show. I have communicated my decision to the channel. I hope they understand and take a call. 

ALLEGATION 2: Your differences with Sunil Grover, who played Gutthi on the show, eventually lead to his exit and you were left without one of your principal players. 
I don’t know who started this rumour that Sunil and I had problems. In fact, he called me on Monday after hearing that I am laid low with a back problem. We still talk, and very warmly too. What more do I need to say to put this controversy to rest once and for all? The reason he left my show was because he was getting many attractive offers and decided to move on.  

ALLEGATION 3: You aren’t too impressed with his new show, Mad in India 100% Desi Show.
It lacks charm. It was promoted as Gutthi’s show, but it has far more characters than I have in my show. Sunil had a better platform with me. There was something special when we worked together. I even had a chat with him on this before he left. 

ALLEGATION 4: You walked out of the inaugural event of the Cricket Celebrity League because you were not given a vanity van.
I have a back problem which tends to recur every six months. I had been shooting through the night and headed straight to the stadium. I needed a place to change. I was asking simply for the basic amenities. Then, my back pain aggravated and I was forced to leave. The next day the headlines were screaming, ‘Kapil ne liya Salman se panga.’ Baap re! 

ALLEGATION 5: Reportedly, you were rude to Kangana Ranaut when she came on your show as a guest.
I had a different perception of Kangana before I met her. But I found her to be really sweet. She was very sporting about the jokes too.

ALLEGATION 6: Seems you have grown too big for your boots and keep stars waiting on the sets of your show for hours.
If that is true the world would have ended by now. How can I make a star wait? If any delay happened, it must have because I was busy with my team or looking into some backstage details.

Asira Tarannum (MID-DAY; February 26, 2014)

With Kapil Sharma, the host and producer of Comedy Nights with Kapil, all set to embark on a movie career, this popular TV show may now revert to its one-episode-per-week format. It seems that Kapil, who will debut with the film Bank-Chor, will have less time at his disposal once shooting for this movie starts.
A source from the production house says that the show’s crew is currently working in double shifts as they are trying to create a content bank.

Preeti Simoes, director of the show, says, “We are creating a bank for the show, and we have already asked the channel to air just one episode a week. We haven’t heard from them yet, but the show might become a weekly. If this doesn’t happen, we will speak to YRF and rework his film schedule.”

Upasna Singh, who plays Pinky bua in the show, confirmed the story as well. “Yes, we are shooting more episodes now and creating a bank of content. Next month onwards, we will shoot some more,” she said.

A source close to the actor says, “Two episodes every week means that Kapil will have to shoot at least 70 minutes of content every week. It's not easy to think up funny gags every 10 seconds. We can't afford to let our audiences get bored for even a few moments. We are all supporting Kapil now that he has landed plum roles in films. However, the channel might not want to make it a weekly show.”

Kapil’s debut film will go on the floors in April.