Hiren Kotwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 20, 2019)

After Veere Di Wedding (2018), Nikhil Dwivedi is all set for Dabangg 3, which opens today. He is producing the third instalment of the cop franchise with the Khan brothers, Salman and Arbaaz, and admits that movie-making has turned into a collaboration today. “As a producer, one wants to acquire good scripts and established franchises. Dabangg is one of the most successful franchises and it’s kind of Salman and Arbaaz to let me be a part of it. A producer can’t ask for a bigger set-up,” he avers.

Earlier this year, Nikhil was also bringing Salman and Shah Rukh Khan together for a film which Sanjay Leela Bhansali was to direct. Quiz him on the subject and he confirms the project, saying, “Yes, it almost happened. Both SRK and SK had agreed to come together, we were excited about it. But I believe Mr Bhansali wasn’t very happy with the second half of the script and wanted more time to work on it.” Since then, Salman and SLB have had a fallout, right before their 20-year reunion, Inshallah, was to go on the floors. Bhansali has since moved to Gangubai Kathiawadi with Alia Bhatt while Radhe will be Salman’s Eid 2020 release. Is the film likely to be revived in future? “I have my doubts,” he sighs.

Next up, he has an Anurag Kashyap-directed woman-centric revenge-drama, along with a superheroine franchise, Naagin, whch will be directed by Vishal Furia and an adapatation of the book, Battle For Bittora, with his Veere Di Wedding co-producer Rhea Kapoor. There’s also the Abhinav Bindra biopic, featuring Anil Kapoor and son Harsh Varrdhan. Point out that Harsh hasn’t had a good run at the box-office and Nikhil reasons, “He has done just two films and is passionate about his craft. He’ll make his way up soon.”

Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; September 17, 2019)

After the socially-relevant movie, Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga, in which she became the first mainstream actress to play a lesbian, Sonam Kapoor aka Sonam K Ahuja is ready to charm the audiences with her next, The Zoya Factor. Based on Anuja Chauhan’s book by the same name, it’s about a girl who is considered lucky for the Indian cricket team. The captain, however, rubbishes the theory. Sparks fly between the two, ending in a romance. “It’s a lighthearted film. There’s no special message and it’s not trying to say anything. After an intense film like Ek Ladki... I wanted to do a fun film,” Sonam smiles. While she reveals that she’s been lucky for her father Anil Kapoor, as after her birth, he got a spate of hits, she feels that hard-work goes hand-in-hand with luck and destiny. Excerpts from a freewheeling chat...

Had you read the book before doing the film? Whose idea was it to adapt it for screen?
I’ve read a lot of Anuja’s books. I already own the rights to her Battle For Bittora, and we’re trying to produce it. The script is ready and we may make it next year. I had read The Zoya Factor, which is a great book. I was offered the film when it was with other production houses like Saregama and Red Chillies. There was always talk about me doing the film, but it was never made. Then, Aarrti Shetty and Pooja Shetty acquired the book’s rights, and called me up. They felt only I, and nobody else, could play the role. I thought the same, and was glad they offered it to me. Also, after doing an intense film like Ek Ladki Ko, I thought in this day and age, especially because of all the horrible stuff that’s going on in the world, when you go to the theatre, you want to see a fun film and The Zoya Factor is that.

Was it fun shooting for the film, too?
Yes. The weird thing was this film is all about luck, but everything just kept going wrong every day. For example, I had to put on weight and perm my hair. In the book, the character is a little plump and has frizzy hair. Since I’m not chubby and have poker-straight hair, I decided to perm them because it would have been difficult to curl them to that extent every day. So, I went to one of the best salons in the city. They forgot to put a protector on my head so that my hair is not damaged by the perming product, and my hair got burnt. Nobody knows about this, but that’s what happened. I also gained 10 kilos for the role, and it was hard to lose the weight. I’ve had mean things said to me, like ‘you’re looking so fat’. Some people asked if I was pregnant! Thankfully, I’ve lost that weight. I love doing comedy and I was working with my chacha (Sanjay Kapoor) and Dulquer Salmaan for the first time. It was a lot of fun.

Your uncle Sanjay Kapoor plays your father in the film. How was it working with him?
I worked with my dad in Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga and now my chacha plays my father in The Zoya Factor. Our family is entrenched in films. We eat, breathe and live movies. It was great to work with my uncle because I realised he has absolutely no ego. You’re working with your niece, who’s the lead of the film, but you have no qualms about it, and you’re happy to be a part of it. I’ve always been respectful of my chacha. Actually, I don’t even think of him as my uncle, he’s like a friend since he’s the youngest (brother) in the family and I’m close to Maheep (Sanjay’s wife).

How much do you believe in luck and destiny?
I believe a lot in destiny and that luck has to be on your side. But I also believe it has to be a combination with hard work. Just because everything is written, you can’t just sit on your bum and expect it to happen. Whatever I’ve learnt about work is from my dad and I haven’t seen a more hard-working man than him. He’s extremely talented and possibly the best actor in India; at the same time, he’s been in the right place at the right time.

To what extent has your career been about luck and how much has destiny played a part in it?
I’m born into a certain family, right? That’s destiny. I come from a film family and I decided to assist Sanjay Leela Bhansali on a movie. Ranbir (Kapoor) was already on it and I knew him since I was a child. When I applied for the job, SLB didn’t know I was Anil Kapoor’s daughter because nobody had ever seen me at events, as I hadn’t been photographed before. Ranbir told him, ‘My friend is coming for the job of an intern’. He was making Bajirao Mastani with Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan then, not Black. When I met SLB, he said, ‘I want to cast you in my film’. That, I guess, is destiny because without even knowing I’m Anil Kapoor’s daughter, he told me that. Of course, I had to audition after that.

Please continue...
At that time, Shraddha (Kapoor), Katrina (Kaif), Deepika (Padukone) — we were all auditioning together. Even for Delhi-6, I had to audition first. So, I think it was a combination of luck, destiny and hard work. Because I’m sure there are lots of girls who are prettier, more talented or more hardworking than me but it’s always about being in the right place at the right time. At the same time, if you don’t work hard, and if you don’t have talent, you cannot survive.

Was it Neerja that changed your career’s trajectory and the kind of roles you wanted to do?
I would say that it was after Raanjhanaa. Out of the 18 films that I have done, three have been unsuccessful. If I had to look back at my career, I would say Delhi-6 and Saawariya were great for me. Aisha was also amazing and so was I Hate Luv Stories. Then I did three films — Mausam, Thank You and Players — which didn’t work. Straight after that, I did Raanjahnaa, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Khoobsurat and Neerja. There was a period of two years when my films didn’t work. After that, I haven’t had films that did not work. When I did Raanjhanaa, I was 26, now I am 34 — so in eight years, I have done pretty much okay.  I don’t think I’m doing that badly.

Do you choose your scripts by gut feeling?
I don’t believe in gut feeling. I believe in doing stories that I feel attached to. Also, I like to work with good people. It has to be a combination of the two. I’ve been offered big films by some directors with whom I didn’t want to work either because I didn’t like them as people, the way they spoke to me or how they portrayed women. But I’ve worked with filmmakers like Ram Madhvani (Neerja director) who had helmed only one film Let’s Talk, 10 years before that. I have worked with a Shelly Chopra Dhar in Ek Ladki, Shashanka Ghosh in Khoobsurat — he had done just one film Quick Gun Murugun. I’ve worked with filmmakers like Rajkumar Hirani, R Balki,  Sanjay Leela Bhansali, and Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra. I believe in collaborating with people who are like-minded, progressive, and who want to make good cinema. It doesn’t matter what the length of the role is, as long as my character is of importance.

From doing a cameo to being a part of an ensemble cast and playing lead roles, you have done everything in your recent releases...
Yes, even Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (BMB), I did because I was working with Rakeysh and his team after Delhi-6. Also, I thought if I have to do two songs and four scenes, I would rather do that in a film like BMB than any other typical commercial film. In a movie like Pad Man, I am there throughout the second half and it’s a film that says something amazing. In Neerja and Khoobsurat, I am there from the beginning till the end. I know that I have to be a part of scripts that mean something, that challenge me; stories that are entertaining, or have a message.

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; September 19, 2018)

Sonam Kapoor aka Sonam K Ahuja is a voracious reader. While working, she finishes ‘one book a week’ and when on a holiday, she doubles up her speed, the actress laughingly tells us as when we meet her for a chat during the Jio MAMI Word to Screen Initiative this year. The effervescent stylista says, “It was a conscious call to join this event because I wanted to be part of a movement that promotes reading and authors, in association with films. After all, these are the two things that I love the most — books and movies.” In a brief chat, she talks about her favourite paperbacks and discusses why she encourages the idea of novels being adapted for the big screen...

‘NOBODY READS MUCH TODAY’
Sonam rues, “Today’s generation doesn’t read much. It’s important to enjoy a book every week as it improves one’s vocabulary and writing skills.”

‘STORIES NEED TO REACH PEOPLE WHO DON’T READ BOOKS’
Calling writers the ‘backbone of every film’, the Neerja actress adds, “I love books because I have an overactive imagination and I like to be in another world. I do feel people today don’t have too much of an imagination, so the stories need to reach out to audiences who aren’t avid readers. I read The Handmaid’s Tale many years ago in high school and today, it’s a successful TV show.”

BOOKS TO FILMS
The style maven recently asked her industry friends to name the tomes that they feel deserved a screen adaptation. But there’s an ongoing debate about how films adapted from books, don’t retain the same values. Sonam tells us, “The reason you decide to adapt a novel onto screen is because you want the story’s basic essence to be translated on celluloid. So, it shouldn’t be much different, but carry its soul and spirit forward in an authentic way.”

Ask her which are her favourite adaptations and she smiles, “I like Sense And Sensibility and The Help. Among Indian works, I love Saraswatichandra and Devdas. Recently, I watched Sacred Games, which was terrific. Aisha was our film and I liked the way it was made. Even Lootera was beautiful and based on a short story. Sometimes, the movies are better than the books.”

CREATIVE INVOLVEMENT?
Apart from Aisha that was based on Jane Austen’s Emma, the Veere Di Wedding actress is currently working on two movies, which have been adapted from two bestsellers. She’s already kick-started shooting for The Zoya Factor while Battle For Bittora is in the pipeline. Is she creatively involved with the scripting of these films? Sonam avers, “It’s just been a few days since we started shooting for The Zoya Factor. The film was in planning for two years. As for Battle For Bittora, it’s happening next year.”

WEB SERIES OR A MOVIE?
Last year, the leggy actress had told us that she’s acquired the rights to Krishna Udayasankar’s Govinda. On prodding her about the status of that, she reveals, “We are definitely making Govinda. But currently, I’m trying to figure out whether it’s suitable for TV, the digital platform or cinema. Today, Baahubali and Padmaavat are doing well, so I’m hoping people will enjoy this one, too. However, it will take at least one or two years.”

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; December 19, 2017)

Apart from old classics, Bollywood is also famous for on-screen adaptations of several novels. There have been quite a few books being translated on the silver screen in the recent past and now, Sonam Kapoor has bought the rights to two bestsellers — Anuja Chauhan’s Battle For Bittora and Krishna Udayasankar’s Govinda.

Earlier, there were reports of Farhan Akhtar and Fawad Khan being cast opposite Sonam in the screen adaptation of Battle For Bittora. Though there has been no further development on this film, the actress is keen on making it soon. However, the news of her buying the rights of Govinda by Udayasankar, who lives in Singapore, has been kept under wraps until now. The Pad Man actress says, “Both (Battle For Bittora and Govinda) can be made into films, and I’m going to do it.”

Govinda is the first in a three-part series, written by Udayasankar, which is a modern retelling of Mahabharata. The three books (Govinda, Kaurava, and Kurukshetra) collectively is called The Aryavarta Chronicles. Sonam adds, “I don’t know which character I will essay, but it’s Indian mythology, which is spectacular and has a lot of potential.”

Apart from these two, the actress has also officially signed the on-screen adaptation of Anuja’s other novel, The Zoya Factor.

The rights have been acquired by Adlabs and Abhishek Sharma will direct the film. Sonam confirms the news but refuses to divulge more details. “Yes, there’s Zoya Factor, too, but I can’t talk about it,” she states.

MUMBAI MIRROR (March 8, 2016)

Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 3, 2015)

Sonam Kapoor looks elegant in a black anarkali as she checks out pictures on her cell phone from a Halloween party she attended recently. She had dressed as Wednesday from Charles Addams' comic strip The Addams Family.

Buzz is, she turned down a role in dad Anil Kapoor's Indian adaptation of the popular American sitcom, Modern Family. "No one has made me an offer yet so I couldn't have rejected it. If there is a suitable role for me, I'm game," she smiles.

For now, the actress has her hands full with three soon-to-roll productions. "I may act in one, even two of them," she says, but refutes the rumour that one of them is a chick flick with Katrina Kaif. "We are currently working on a film adaptation of the bestselling novel, Battle for Bittora, which will kickstart once the script is in place. Before that, Khoobsurat director Shashanka Ghosh will direct another film for us for which casting is on."

Hasn't Farhan Akhtar replaced Fawad Khan in Battle for Bittora? "He might still be doing it," asserts Sonam, adding that she hopes the Pakistani actor will be working with them a lot more. "But till the script is locked, I can't comment on the casting. All I know is that I am doing the film. Period." On November 9, Sonam completes eight years in Bollywood. Three days later, Sooraj Barjatya's family drama, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, opens in the theatres. "I've been a huge fan of Soorajji's films, they are so entertaining and his leading ladies have so much to do. My character, Maithili, knows exactly what she wants which is really cool. Plus, I get to play a princess," she beams. But isn't this sweeter-than-sugar rajkumari very different from the bold, outspoken Sonam? "That's good, na?" she quips. "It means that I can act. None of my characters have been close to the real me, whether it's the Delhi-6 girl, the South Delhi Aisha or even the Khoobsurat doctor. Maithili is a girl from modern times rooted in our Indian culture. In one of the key scenes in the film, she refuses to be pressurised into a marriage saying, 'I'd rather be happy and alone than be unhappy with somebody.' I too come from a traditional Indian family but at the end of the day, my parents also let me know that I'm a strong individual."

So who is her favourite Barjatya heroine, Bhagyashree from Maine Pyar Kiya or Madhuri Dixit from Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!? "Madhuri's Nisha, Bhaygyashree's Suman was too straightforward and none of my characters have followed that path, whether it's Sakina in Saawariya or Bittu in Delhi-6. They may not be lovable girls but for me they were exciting to play," she reasons.

Sonam got a chance to be serenaded by the original Prem, Salman Khan in the upcoming Diwali dhamaka. She admits that she was initially quite intimidated by her co-star. "Salman is such a superstar and incredibly charismatic. But Soorajji and he went out of their way to make me comfortable," she says, adding that the only blip was her coming down with swine flu while filming in Gujarat. "It was scary, I missed four-five days of work which I made up for later."

Sonam recently wrapped up the Neerja Bhanot biopic in which she plays the flight attendant who was killed while saving passengers from terrorists. "It was daunting to play someone so heroic because you don't want to let their memories down," she says. "I gave the film my 150 per cent, even overprepped for it. There was a lot of research involved. It is the scariest film I have done."

Anil Kapoor says that he has no qualms approaching a filmmaker for powerful parts
Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; October 26, 2015)


You’ve been saying that you want to make the second season of 24 bigger and better...
Yes, it’s not just a question of bigger and better. What we are trying to do is take feedback about the first season from people and the critics to incorporate it in the second one.

But it will remain a niche show, right?
Yes. Basically, it’s like what happened in films. I remember when Mr India happened, it was considered niche, especially since it released along with Nagina. People said Nagina would be more successful than Mr India. For that matter, even Parinda and Dil Chahta Hai were considered niche. But aaj hamari pehchan un filmon se hai. Earlier directors, who had a different vision and spoke English were forced to change their thinking and make the same kind of films that were being churned out and now, it’s the other way round. If directors are not willing to broaden their horizons (Hindi aati hai, English nahi) then, it won’t do. That will happen on TV, too. 24 is the just the beginning, but it is also a game-changer. I am not saying it is original (it’s obviously an adaptation and the credit goes to the creators), but the way we are making it, the production scale — that should be of international standard. In fact, I met the makers of the original show recently and they said they loved the way we had made it. The sad thing here is that most people, especially from the film fraternity look at TV to earn money than doing some good work. For me, it’s the other way round. I do films for money and TV to do something I am passionate about. We are trying to raise the bar. Yes, it is a multiplex show, but today a multiplex has more respect than a single theatre!

Is it true that Akshaye Khanna and Tabu will be part of the show?
I don’t want to talk about the cast right now because everything should be confirmed and contracts have to be signed. We have several choices for every role. Every actor has to understand the intent of the show. He/she should have passion and commitment for the show and not do it as a favour. Outsiders with a different intent and thinking will not be considered.

You have several actors in your family. Haven’t you considered casting your brother Sanjay for any role?
I did, but no role suits him. It is not about casting your brother, uncle or aunt, the role should be good. Jabardasti, you can’t cast anyone. Sometimes the role may be good, but he/she should suit the character.

You are also adapting Modern Family. Will you be playing the main role?
Right now, we are working on the script. When you adapt you have to crack the right way to do it keeping the purity and soul of the show intact. Getting the right people to play the characters is pivotal. Sonam has already rejected it, but I am ready to play any role. I am a beggar for good roles. I have no qualms approaching a filmmaker for a role, if it is powerful.

You played a father for the first time to Gen Next actors in Dil Dhadakne Do...
(Cuts in) They (Priyanka Chopra and Ranveer Singh) played my children. Instead of asking me the clichéd question of playing a father, I would rather you ask me what kind of research I did to play the character of Kamal Mehra. I have played a father and grandfather in Eeshwar. In 24, I play a father to a grown-up child. If the role is good, I will even play the grandfather. All international stars like Brad Pitt are doing such roles. I am not deluded — I have to play my age, so why not?

So, any film with Sonam in the pipeline?
Sonam ke saath, it depends. Some people are already scripting something, there’s a possibility. The only thing is we both have to be excited about the roles. If mine is good and not hers, she won’t do it and vice versa.

Is the hero of Battle For Bittora finalised?
Not yet.

There were reports of Fawad Khan being finalised and later he opting out.
They were all rumours. I don’t like these speculations because the project gets spoiled. We are still working on the film. Everything has to fall into the right place. Some people take the opportunity to announce it either for money or just for the heck of it and some people try to build their brand by talking about being approached and turning it down.

You have grown a beard for your character in the show. Will you be doing films simultaneously or after the show is over?
I am completely focussed on my show, so films will happen only after this. Also, though I have sported a beard in some of my films, this is the first time I have grown a real beard. It represents what the character is going through in his life. I haven’s signed any film as yet, but I am in talks for a couple of them.

The actor reveals why he chose to side with the producer of Welcome Back, rather than its director
Upala KBR (DNA; September 26, 2015)


Your last release faced financial problems and almost didn’t release on time.
Yes, There were several financial issues and complications. When I take up a film it’s important to me that it sees the light of the day, no matter what complications there are. I am an actor but also being a producer’s son, I feel for the producer. I remember Subhash Ghai telling me ‘Anil tu picture ka hero hai, producer nahi hai.’ I don’t want to go into details but too much of my time went into sorting this out. Initially, I went through a lot of dilemma whether I should get involved. The Dubai premiere didn’t happen as there were so many complications over there. In my experience when things are not planned well, it’s advisable not to travel internationally.

I was just stressed. There were so many issues. Then we all decided it’s better that the film releases at least. But because of the delays, it didn’t release in 300 screens, otherwise the first-day collections would’ve been even better.

These days, do you think from the producer’s view or an actor’s?
I have become less selfish. The change now is that initially, I would think more from my point-of-view. Everything was I, me and myself which is how every young person thinks and it is a very selfish way of thinking. But at the moment, I think more from others’ point-of-view and I have to be reminded constantly that I have to think from my point-of-view because I realised that I was going into every other POV except mine. There are people who protect me — like my managers and well-wishers who say that I can’t get carried away as people will take advantage of it. But I am an emotional person; I do tend to get carried away.

After three decades in the industry, do success and failure still matter to you?
Of course. It makes me happy when everybody recovers their money. There was a lot of speculation that I haven’t got money or somebody else wasn’t paid in WB, but I know Firoz is going to sort out everything. He has given me his word. Being part of the film industry, with my father (Surinder Kapoor) and brother (Boney Kapoor) also into production, I am more sympathetic towards the woes of the producer. It is a thankless job. Everybody feels that the producer is cheating and making a lot of money, but the actors don’t know what the truth is. I know my father and brother never made any money. I have not made money yet, as a producer! (laughs)

Why?
It is very tough for a producer to make money — the stars and their technicians charge too much, so I think there is no balance as such. There should be some trust between the actors and producers and the studios, where everything should be transparent, the way Aamir and Shah Rukh do and Akshay has done in a couple of films. Whatever their deals are, they are very transparent. I think everybody should do that. Where they don’t take their price, but become stakeholders. The film makes money and you make money. Slowly, that will be the future or it results in too much pressure on the producers.

There are reports that the third part of WB won’t have Anees Bazmee.
I am not aware about anything about the threequel. Of course, I’d love to be part of a successful franchise, the way that Majnu Bhai and Uday Bhai have been loved and appreciated, I am sure they’d love to see us again. But it’s not for me to announce Welcome Back 3. Nana and I love playing these characters and we joke and say that Majnu and Uday are not two but one character — one can’t do without the other.

Apparently, the leading actor Fawad Khan opted out of your next production Battle For Bittora as the script had steamy scenes?
There has been too much speculation over who the leading man is. I read somewhere that Fawad is there and then he was out. Then I read about Farhan Akhtar and Sidharth Malhotra being there... But to be honest, nothing has been locked as yet. I will be making the formal announcement in the next couple of months. No actor except Sonam has been finalised as yet. There were some changes that took place at the scripting level also... Hopefully, we will finalise the star cast soon. Now I am getting more involved in the production aspect than I have been in my earlier productions. There are three-four projects that are happening simultaneously. My first focus is, of course, 24 but I will give time to my film productions now.

Upala KBR (DNA; September 3, 2015)


Says Sonam, “I was a producer in Aisha (produced by dad Anil, sis Rhea and Sunil Manchanda), but a silent one. It was Rhea who convinced me to turn a proper producer now and have my name in the credit titles. She feels it’s high time. I will be involved in every department of production — from finances to research to costumes and casting. I will be producing Battle For Bittora along with another film.”

The second film she’s producing is an “emotional drama”, quite unlike BFB, but refuses to reveal more, saying “it’s too early to talk about it.”

WORK TIMELINE
* Sonam’s currently shooting for Sooraj Barjatya’s Prem Ratan Dhan Payo in Karjat with Salman Khan.
* She returns mid-September to dub for and complete the post-production for Neerja, the Neerja Bhanot biopic directed by Ram Madhvani.
* Post that, she starts shooting for Battle For Bittora, directed by Shashanka Ghosh.
* Her second home production rolls after that.

Sneha Mahadevan (DNA; June 25, 2015)

After Khoobsurat, Fawad Khan was to pair up again with Sonam Kapoor in Rhea Kapoor’s film adaptation of Anuja Chauhan’s Battle For Bittora. That seems set to change with Fawad dilly-dallying. “Right after he was signed for the film, Fawad had expressed his concerns to the makers. He was apparently uncomfortable with a few intimate scenes in the script. Both parties tried working it out, but now Fawad has decided that he doesn’t want to be a part of the project,” our source reveals.

After a few discussions, it has been decided that Farhan Akhtar who was paired with Sonam Kapoor in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag would be the perfect choice for the role. “People loved Farhan and Sonam’s as a pair in the biopic. They arrived at a joint decision that Farhan would be ideal for the role. Rhea was very happy with the choice and currently they are finalising the deal with him. Official announcements will soon be made,” our source says.

Anil Kapoor was a part of Excel Entertainment’s Dil Dhadakne Do and now seems like Farhan is returning the favour by agreeing to be a part of Rhea’s film. What’s interesting is that Fawad was recently signed on by Reema Kagti for Excel’s film Mr Chaalu and now, Farhan replaces the actor in Battle For Bittora.

Asira Tarannum (MID-DAY; June 24, 2015)

If industry sources are to be believed, Sohail Khan had recently approached Fawad Khan for one of the lead roles in his upcoming project. However, the Pakistani heartthrob is said to have politely turned down the offer.

A source close to the development says, “Fawad did not take it up as he did not like the script or the role offered to him. He has been approached by several Bollywood filmmakers, but wants to take it slow.” Sohail, however, refrained from sharing details of his apparent meeting with Fawad. “I am busy working on scripts, let’s see. I am clueless about this.”

The actor, who is currently shooting in Coonoor for Karan Johar’s Kapoor & Sons, is also said to have opted out of Anil Kapoor’s Battle For Bittora as it apparently involves certain intimate scenes. He had also refused to kiss Alia Bhatt in Kapoor & Sons. The actor was accompanied by his wife Sadaf when he was shooting in Coonoor for the film.

Says a source close to Fawad, “He is going through some scripts and will meet a few producers when he comes to Mumbai.”

Sonali Joshi Pitale (MID-DAY; May 11, 2015)

The industry grapevine has been buzzing with stories about how Saif Ali Khan was replaced in the cinematic adaptation of bestseller Battle of Bittora after Anil Kapoor's home production acquired the movie rights.

A source says, "When Anil contacted author Anuja Chauhan with the proposal to turn her book into a film, he was redirected to the production company which had bought the rights much earlier. Their original choice was Saif and the actor, too, was quite keen to do the film. He had liked the script a lot."

However, after a round of negotiations with the company, Anil apparently paid a whopping amount to buy the film rights. "Once he took over, it was announced that his daughter Sonam will play the lead. Later, he signed Fawad Khan instead of continuing with Saif who was already on board," adds the source. Anil and Saif were not available for comment.

Ankur Pathak (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 28, 2015)

In an interview to Mirror (January 21) Sonam Kapoor had acknowledged that her Khubsoorat co-star, Fawad Khan, was their first choice for the cinematic adaptation of Anuja Chauhan's bestseller, Battle For Bittora, but, she pointed out, "he's family but he has to like the role too".

Now, Mirror has learnt that the much in-demand Pakistani import has finally agreed to star in the film which has been pegged as a 'political drama with a romantic spin'. A source close to the development said, "Rumours are buzzing that the film has been shelved because Shashanka (writer director Shashanka Ghosh, who also directed Khoobsurat) couldn't crack the script. But that's far from the truth. The screenplay has been locked. It showcases an interesting conflict between two diametrically opposite characters."

The book on which the film is based, tells the story of a dapper royal who decides to enter politics. He is pitted against his childhood sweetheart who is forced by her ambitious grandmother to dump high-flying job and contest against him in the elections. The film explores the power dynamics between these two even as old passions reignite.The source added, "Sonam will be traditionally styled, seen in cotton sarees favoured by our politicians. Fawad's wardrobe will be similar to what he wore in Khoobsurat."

The film will commence in June after Sonam has wrapped up a schedule of Ram Madhwani's Neerja, in which she plays Neerja Bhanot, the air-hostess who was killed saving passengers from terrorists on the hijacked Pan-American flight on September 5, 1986.

Fawad will start shooting Shakun Batra's family drama, Kapoor & Sons, with Sidharth Malhotra, Alia Bhatt and Rishi Kapoor, in May before moving on to Bittora in June, confirmed the producer's spokesperson.

Sonam Kapoor dismisses much-talked about dig at Deepika Padukone
Roshmilla Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 21, 2015)

Sonam Kapoor is miffed that she has been drawn into another war of words with Deepika Padukone. "I didn't even mention her name but as usual my words were lost in translation," she says exasperatedly. The actress is reported to have said that she would never publicise her plans to do social service, soon after Deepika announced her plans to support the cause of mental health awareness.

Sonam insists that she only said that while charity needs a public platform, it should not be used for personal gain. "I don't even know what causes Deepika supports. I respect her, she's always gracious," she points out.

So why did Deepika give her the 'royal snub' at a recent award function, refusing to sit next to her? "I didn't even know she was at the same function," retorts Sonam. "Seriously, there's nothing wrong between us, it's the media which lacks news. Any kind of negativity makes for good copy."

She's adds that she's somebody who is always unapologetically herself which is why she connects with her character in Dolly Ki Doli, a conwoman who dupes men into marrying her, then robs them. "She's no Sati Savitri, she's quirky and fun," Sonam laughs. "Good, bad or ugly, a woman should always be someone rather than a decorative prop. All my screen avatars from Dolly to Zoya (Raanjhanaa) and Mili (Khubsoorat) have their own identity."

Buzz is, she's pairing up with her Khubsoorat co-star, Fawad Khan, againfor a film adaptation of the novel, Battle For Bittora. "Since I have bought the rights of the book, I'm definitely doing the film. Fawad is family and will always be our first choice. But he has to like the role too," she reasons.

So is Sonam, of late, her name has only been associated with Shah Rukh Khan and Raees and Ram Madhvani's film on Neerja Bhanot, the Pan Am air hostess who was shot dead in 1986 by terrorists on board the hijacked flight. "Neerja is close to my heart, she was a brave girl. But I can't speak about the film since the deal hasn't been sealed yet. As for Raees, that was just a rumour not started by me. It's the fastest way to hype a project," she says dismissively.

For Sonam, a self-proclaimed Salman Khan fan, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo is the "big deal". "It is the biggest film of my career so far," she asserts, recalling a call from Sooraj Barjatya in July 2013 after he'd seen Raanjhanaa.

"Six months later, when shooting in Rajasthan, I finally learnt that I'd been cast opposite Salman and started jumping. I play a traditional Indian girl with a modern upbringing. It's not a four song, three scene appearance. I'm on the sets everyday," she asserts.

Salman, along with Anupam Kher, has a double role, what about her? "No one has a double role but there are surprises in store," she promises.

Any advice for brother Harshvardhan who will debut in Mirziya? "I tell him to keep his head down and work hard because your work speaks for you, irrespective of who your father is. It was easier for me, I was just Anil Kapoor's daughter, but Harsh, being a boy, will be directly compared to dad.

Fortunately, he looks like both mom and dad and being a fourth generation Kapoor, he should be able to handle the pressures," she says. And when is Ms Kapoor's doli going to leave her home? "After six years I'm finally being taken seriously as an actress, so for the next couple of years the focus is on acting and filmmaking," she says. "My film has a line, 'Dolly ki Express shuru ho gayi hai, tez speed se jaa raha hai, usse rokhna nahin.' I'd say the same to you."

Ankur Pathak (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 26, 2014)

Fawad Khan, who wooed Indian audiences with his turn as a royal in Shashanka Ghosh's Sonam Kapoor-starrer Khoobsurat, will be playing a similar role in his next, an adaptation of Anuja Chauhan's book Battle For Bittora.

A source told Mirror, "The film was initially offered to Abhinay Deo, but it didn't work out with him. It's now fallen in Shashanka's lap and he is currently working on the script. He's writing it with Sonam and Fawad in mind. The team has also spoken to a studio and they intend to put the film on floors early next year."

The source added that Fawad will essay the role of Zain Altaf Khan, the scion of a North Indian royal family who mixes good-looks with idealism and ambition for a political career.

When contacted, Shashanka said, "We're currently working on the screenplay and should start the film next year." When we asked him how true the film will be to the book, he said, "The source material is pretty great in itself so we are retaining most portions of it. The film will be set in the Northern hinterland and will show an interesting conflict between two very different characters."

Although Shashanka refused to give any more details, our source said, "Fawad had a two-film contract with Rhea Kapoor. With Shashanka on board, it is the same Khoobsurat team all over again."

Priya Gupta (BOMBAY TIMES; October 6, 2014)