DABANGG 3 just about managed to get 1 crore footfalls despite the failure of the film. This means that Salman Khan had just one miss in the gone decade where only one of his films failed to hit the 1 crore footfall mark, that is, VEER. One crore footfalls is basically a real 100 crore nett value at the box office be it 1970 or 2020. Obviously today 1 crore footfalls means much more than 100 crore nett at the box office and in a few years it will give even more as ticket rates go higher.

One crore footfalls also means reaching a sizeable audience although some films need to reach a bigger audience due to the size of the films and most Salman Khan films come into this category. The one miss was VEER (2010) which was his first release of the decade and became before DABANGG (2010) which established his image of a mass action superstar across India and then films like BODYGUARD, READY and EK THA TIGER rubber stamped this image. VEER actually scored in Rajasthan and Bihar but Salman Khan was not the same star at the time of this release as he was a year or two later.

Basically just one film under 1 crore footfalls through the whole decade means most of his films got an audience irrelevant of content. If we compare, then Aamir Khan had one film which fell under 1 crore footfalls in the 2000-2009 decade but there were just nine releases and Manoj Kumar had one miss in the 1970-1979 decade but only ten films. Limited films had a hand in not missing the 1 crore mark for Aamir Khan and Manoj Kumar.

The Salman Khan films of the last decade are also finding big audiences on television in the Coronavirus lockdown period especially the two TIGER films. As far as OTT goes its being said that these B and C grade web series which have foundations based on sex and profanities rather than story and screenplay are the rage in the lockdown period but just the price paid for Salman Khan starrers which is around 100 crore is enough to tell what has a bigger audience. TIGER ZINDA HAI, RACE 3, BHARAT and DABANGG 3 have all fetched this price or nearabouts it.

The footfalls of Salman Khan starrer in the last decade are as follows. There were sixteen releases in total.
1. Veer (2010) - 73,47,000
2. Dabangg (2010) - 2,50,86,000
3. Ready (2011) - 1,84,52,000
4. Bodyguard (2011) - 2,21,48,000
5. Ek Tha Tiger (2012) - 2,47,39,000
6. Dabangg 2 (2012) - 2,05,28,000
7. Jai Ho (2014) - 1,43,98,000
8. Kick (2015) - 2,41,92,000
9. Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015) - 3,54,17,000
10. Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (2015) - 2,22,76,000
11. Sultan (2016) - 3,20,85,000
12. Tubelight (2017) - 1,15,74,000
13. Tiger Zinda Hai (2017) - 3,08,89,000
14. Race 3 (2018) - 1,58,19,000
15. Bharat (2019) - 1,60,68,000
16. Dabangg 3 (2019) - 1,01,63,000

We track down the man of the moment, Ajay Jethi, who has got everyone talking about his hacker act in the latest season of Money Heist, to Spain
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; April 19, 2020)

Who would have thought that an Indian actor, playing a Pakistani hacker in a Spanish show, would grab eyeballs at a time when the world is under lockdown? Actor Ajay Jethi, who plays Shakir in the fourth season of the much loved Money Heist, is as surprised as he is elated to find the spotlight on him. We tracked down the man of the moment, Jethi—who has got everyone talking about his hacker act in Money Heist—in Spain, he throws a curveball as he candidly mentions, "I don't have a TV, so I haven't watched the show. But, a friend recently told me that I could watch it on my phone. So, I have downloaded Netflix and hope to catch it soon."

Essaying the role of a professional hacker who helps the Professor in his mission, the actor shot for the thriller late last year. "I thought it's a Spanish show; I had no idea it would be available in English subtitles and screened worldwide. On April 4 [when the latest season dropped online], I woke up to countless messages from Indians and Pakistanis all over the world. That's when I understood the wide reach of the series."

Ask him how he landed the role, and Jethi says he had previously collaborated with creator Alex Pina on a Warner Bros movie. "The production house and casting directors were familiar with my work. So, they didn't ask me to audition for the role. I shot for my portions alone, and didn't get a chance to meet the rest of the cast."

Now that viewers have taken notice, Jethi hopes his next casting call comes from Bollywood. Interestingly, he is a distributor of Hindi and Punjabi films in Spain and Portugal. "I distributed Kesari, Bharat, War and Dabangg 3. I have a long-standing association with Yash Raj Films and Zee Studios. I have done a few Punjabi movies, but now, I want to explore Hindi cinema. Apne mulk mein kaam karne ka waqt aa gaya hai."

Disha Patani says that she is a ‘selfish actor’, as she only does work that makes her truly happy
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 19, 2020)

With one big project after the other — Disha Patani is truly enjoying the current phase of her career. 2020 will see her starring with Salman Khan in Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai, and also headline Ktina, in a quirky avatar.

“I have done only a few films, it’s time to gear up and do more work,” quips the 27-year-old, whose latest release Malang opened to mixed reviews and has registered decent collections.

She is happy with whatever response it has got, and says, “Malang is doing great at the box office, and it definitely is a good feeling. I believe more than the figures, it is the overall appreciation and love, which makes me content. With Malang, I feel grateful that everyone is praising my role. That makes me happy.”

But with appreciation comes a bit of criticism as well. What’s been the best compliment Disha has received for her performance, and how does she react to the trolling and memes made on the film? “The best compliment I have received is that I look as hot as a live wire. That is something I had never heard and coming from the audience who have watched the film, makes me happy. We went to the theatres and looking at the reactions, I feel blessed for all the warmth and support that I have been receiving,” she adds.

Barely five years old in showbiz, Disha has done seven films till now, out of which Bharat (2019) and Baaghi 2 (2018) have been with stars such as Salman and Tiger Shroff. We ask whether going forward, her focus is solely going to be on working with big names, and she says, “It’s not about working with big stars. It’s always been about me. I am very selfish as an actor. I have always been loved, regardless of what I play in films, even if it’s a small role, be it in Bharat or M S Dhoni - The Untold Story (2016). I always made sure to love what I do.”

But the experience working with Salman for the second time is what she cherishes. “It’s been amazing,” Disha gushes, “Radhe... is in a different genre. I am also working with Prabhudheva sir, it’s great!”

It’s only now that Disha is getting a chance to explore her acting chops, apart from just being glamorous. Does she feel that she been typecast in this image? “It’s the other way round actually,” she says, “I have done de-glam roles, played a mother in Baaghi 2. Bharat, again, saw me get Indian with a little bit of song and stuff. Malang was the first time I got to be glamorous and look western.”

At this point in her life, she might be content with her professional achievements, but the one thing she rues is not getting enough space. “I guess the toughest part for me is not getting enough space. I love my space, follow a disciplined schedule,” she says. One might think then that the constant speculations over her relationship status would bother her, too. But she clarifies, “Honestly, it doesn’t really matter anymore. Everything depends on the film, and the box office report when it comes, if the film is a hit, or doesn’t work.”

The year 2019 turned out to be pretty decent with the top twenty five films collecting 3600 crore nett plus as compared to 3000 crore nett last year. But a lot is to do with lower GST in 2019 as the GROSS numbers are 4250 crore compared to 3850 crore in 2018. There is a 20% difference in NETT numbers which would be a good result if all things were equal but in actual terms the difference is 10% as in GROSS numbers, all is equal. The 10% growth is roughly how much ticket rates grew in 2019.

The biggest grosser of the year was WAR (Hindi) grossing 292 crore nett but the biggest HIT was KABIR SINGH. It was the universal blockbuster of the year which did equally well in all parts of India. It also had the highest footfalls of the year as it was released outside holiday periods on normal ticket rates. WAR and URI were also BLOCKBUSTERS but could have done better in the Central India markets where there performance was lower as compared to other areas. The other film to top 200 crore nett HOUSEFULL 4 could have done better in North.

No film got close to 3 crore footfalls which tells there was no really huge BLOCKBUSTER. In fact the last 3 crore footfall film was TIGER ZINDA HAI in 2017 though PADMAAVAT may have got there if it had released all over. Only two Hindi films - KABIR SINGH and WAR - managed to get more than 2 crore footfalls and the third film was AVENGERS: ENDGAME from Hollywood. SAAHO also manged it in all formats and if we take all formats into consideration then this film had the most footfalls of any film in India last year at 2.60 crore.

The ranking of the top films in terms of NETT collections are as follows and these twenty stand above the rest as the 26th film is under 50 crore nett. The GROSS collections may change the positions a little as there is state levy and higher service charges in some states and if films have a higher ratio coming from these areas then it changes the NETT to GROSS ratio.

1. War (Hindi) - 2,92,71,50,000
2 Kabir Singh - 2,76,34,00,000
3. Uri: The Surgical Strike - 2,44,00,50,000
4. Housefull 4 - 2,05,60,50,000
5 Bharat - 1,97,34,50,000
6. Good Newwz - 1,95,78,00,000 (35 days)
7. Mission Mangal - 1,92,67,00,000
8. Kesari - 1,51,87,50,000
9. Total Dhamaal - 1,50,07,50,000
10. Saaho (Hindi) - 1,48,84,00,000
11. Chhichhore - 1,47,32,50,000
12. Super 30 - 1,47,00,00,000
13. Dream Girl - 1,39,37,00,000
14. Dabangg 3 (Hindi) - 1,34,79,00,000
15. Gully Boy - 1,34,21,50,000
16, Bala -1,10,97,50,000
17. De De Pyaar De - 94,50,00,000
18. Manikarnika - The Queen Of Jhansi (Hindi) - 90,81,00,000
19. Luka Chuppi - 88,50,50,000
20. Badla - 87,56,00,000
21. Batla House - 84,99,50,000
22. Pati Patni Aur Woh - 80,41,00,000
23. Kalank - 80,03,50,000
24. Student Of The Year 2 - 65,70,50,000
25. Article 15 - 65,17,50,000

NOTE - Good Newwz is still running in week six but will not change the rankings as it has only 25-50 lakh more to come

Grace Cyril (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 29, 2020)

Best known for his onscreen characters — Gutthi, Dr Mashoor Gulati or Rinku Devi — actor-comedian Sunil Grover has made everyone roll with laughter. And he has no qualms admitting that he loves to be in disguise while performing. So much so, that he feels “comfortable” playing somebody else. “It’s more like hiding your identity. I’m not very comfortable with myself because I don’t think I’m an interesting person. I like disguises because then, I become someone else. I really love becoming a woman somehow. Just make me wear a saree and I’ll be happy. ”

Sunil’s approach towards his craft involves turning into a character and immediately getting into its skin. He says, “It’s easy and natural for me because I keep looking at people. They’re the best time pass for me. I notice their body language, how they behave and react. I’m interested in human behaviour and psychology. I look at people and then try to understand the state of mind they’re in. It’s like meditation for me. I start functioning in a different way and that’s why I’m an actor.”

Sunil, who was last seen in the Salman Khan-starrer Bharat (2019) is mostly spotted in comic roles, however, he clarifies that hasn’t been a conscious decision. “I don’t know how, but it just happened. Somehow people were connected to my funny bone and they always laughed at my jokes, and I also started enjoying that. I got popular for what I really like to do,” says the actor, who will next be seen in a yet-untitled web series alongside actor Saif Ali Khan. “I can’t talk much about it. I’m working on it right now but people have seen a glimpse of it in the trailer,” he says.

No conversation with Sunil is complete without mentioning his infamous tiff with fellow actor-comedian Kapil Sharma that happened three years ago and the two have not shared screen space together since. Asked if things have got better between them, he says, “If it has to happen, it will happen. There is no development as such.”

Sunil recently congratulated Kapil on Twitter on the birth of his daughter. “A daughter is a gift from God. And I think it is the most beautiful thing that has happened to him and his family. I would like to wish Kapil and his daughter especially, a happy, healthy and joyous life,” says the actor.

The actor is ‘extremely grateful’ and feels ‘blessed’ for the love she gets from audiences. Says her Bollywood journey, so far, has been incredible
Prashant Singh (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 8, 2020)

Back in 2005, when she tasted her first big commercial success [with Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya?], not many must have imagined that Katrina Kaif would go on to become a household name for the next 15 years (and counting). But she kept moving ahead rapidly while also proving her naysayers wrong. And now, as the actor readies for a busy new year — with Rohit Shetty’s Sooryavanshi co-starring Akshay Kumar lined up next — the actor is gung-ho. “This year is going to be an exciting one with a variety of films and genres that I would be dabbling in,” says Katrina. Excerpts from an interview:

You complete 15 years in Bollywood in 2020 since your breakthrough film, Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya. How does it feel to continue receiving so much love from the audience?
Acting in movies has given me an incredible amount of satisfaction. For me, the most wonderful place to be in is on a film set, and that’s primarily because I just love the process of exploring a character and being part of films which are going to be forever. Honestly, it’s something which is indescribable and an intrinsic part of me as well. One thing that I have continuously tried to do is to not have any set, rigid formula, and to respond instinctively to what I do.

So, despite all the success and fame, at the core, do you still remain instinctive?
See, vis-à-vis work, the simple idea is to try and not have any concrete plan as such. I think your choices have to be instinctive and ought to come from the heart. Especially, in the last few years, the joy that I have found in playing characters in films such as Zero (2018) or Bharat (2019) has given me an incredible sense of fulfilment. And I really enjoy that process of building a character.

Over the years, you have constantly — and successfully — redefined yourself with the changing times. What’s your mantra behind that?
For starters, I think it’s very important to not take yourself too seriously and to just enjoy every moment. You should relish the process of being on a film set, enjoy the work that you do as well as every moment, and just let the outcome follow. When I’ve to say yes [to a film] or when I am in the middle of it, the way I judge things is: ‘how has the process been for me?’, ‘have I felt connected on the set with the character, my director and co-stars?’, and ‘has the process been one where I felt we have all — creatively — put in our complete best.?’

Recently, Ormax Media announced you as the ‘most popular female star of the decade’, ahead of names such as Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Alia Bhatt. How does it feel?
It’s amazing. I feel extremely grateful and blessed to have had the audiences’ support as well as their love over all these years. They’ve backed me throughout my career, besides helping me grow as an actor. All of it brings a smile to my face as I know that the audience is with me, and is supporting me wholeheartedly. My journey, so far, has felt really incredible because of the sheer affection from the audience, as well as the industry and the media. I feel as if we have all — including the directors, producers and co-actors that I have worked with — been on this journey together.

As we step into the new decade, how do you look at the times ahead?
In terms of 2020, I am extremely excited about a few very interesting projects that I am currently in discussions for. I am making sure that I do things, or put myself in spaces where I feel challenged, inspired as well as excited. The idea is to maintain a mix and balance of different kinds of stories as well as genres that excite me. Through that, hopefully, I am able to continue presenting myself in a new way to the audiences and show different aspects of me [as an actor], and, most importantly, put myself in spaces where I can learn and grow as an artiste.

Shraddha Kapoor vouches for her new co-star, director Remo Dsouza says actress and Varun Dhawan begged to be in ‘Muqabala’
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 19, 2019)

For the trailer launch of their upcoming film, Street Dancer 3D, Varun Dhawan and Shraddha Kapoor arrived in an open-top bus with the film’s team. The duo greeted the media and fans with a flash mob on the recreated version of Prabhudheva’s “Muqabala” and “Suno Gaur Se”, even getting producer Bhushan Kumar to shake a leg.

After things settled down, Varun recalled the time the film wasn’t even happening. “The studio backed out and the script was stuck for almost three years. That’s when Bhushan sir came into our lives,” he said. Bhushan added that he had wanted to produce a dance franchise ever since ABCD released. “After ABCD, I told Remo (Dsouza, director) that he should make the next film in the franchise with a music company. When he didn’t offer me the second one, I made him promise to make the third with me,” he laughed, confiding that his dancing skills have improved now. Lizelle Dsouza, Remo’s wife, was described by Varun as “our other producer and Remo’s children producer”. The actor then joined Shraddha to welcome the new entrant in their team, Nora Fatehi, with the latter describing Nora as “one of the best dancers I’ve ever seen” and urged the audience to “keep their handkerchieves handy” as her hotness will make them sweat.

Referring to the film as “her childhood dream”, Nora revealed that she approached Remo for a part. “During the music video shoot of ‘Baby Marwake Maanegi’, which Remo sir was directing, I had decided that I’d ask him to cast me in his next dance film. I even practised in front of the mirror, but couldn’t gather courage. On the third day, I went up to him, blabbered to please cast me in his next and just ran away,” she confessed.

Meanwhile, Remo revealed why Katrina Kaif had to back out because of Bharat. “We all saw what happened with the casting of Bharat, so she had to go there. And Shraddha came in as our saviour,” he said. On the new version of “Muqabala”, Remo revealed, “Varun and Shraddha begged to be a part of it. We shot for one step with them, but even that didn’t make the final cut.”

Talking about the ongoing protests in the country over the Citizenship Amendment Act, Varun said that, as a public figure, it’s his responsibility to speak only after analysing the situation. “Even kids follow us, so I can’t just put out anything. And in today’s world, if you don’t tweet, you haven’t done anything,” he said, adding that it’s not because of anyone’s fear that he hasn’t responded yet. “I am not scared of anyone. I feel the safest here, surrounded by my countrymen.”

Salman Khan on plans to take the Dabangg franchise forward even after a prequel; bringing Chulbul, Radhe and Devil in a crossover film and being approached by Farhan Akhtar with a script
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 12, 2019)

He arrives like the star he is. And instantly, the slumbering parking lot of Mehboob Studio comes alive. Flashbulbs pop as Bhai strikes a pose. There are journalists waiting to meet Salman Khan and a Bangladeshi cricketer too. He obliges some of those waiting, before beckoning you to take two chairs, one stacked on top of the other so you are at his eye level. Excerpts:

This time, we believe you have been credited with the story, screenplay and dialogue. What makes Dabangg 3 different from the earlier two films?
When I heard the story of the first Dabangg, which Dilip Shukla had written, I liked the plot but thought the character wasn’t noble. There were no songs, he was grey, corrupt and ruthless. I changed him into the Chulbul Pandey you see, and it worked. There was a lot of angst. The mother passes away, after which he accepts his father and brother as family. That script was not mine; we retained the mota mota plot and made the scenes more massy and today, with a different kind of swagger. If you were to meet Chulbul on the road, toh aap usey maroge because he’ll appear arrogant and badtameez. But on screen, you like him. He does tedha things but for the right reasons. Like the zehreela sharab scene in Dabangg was negative but uska fayda was positive.

In Dabangg 2, they wanted just Chulbul, without the family. I argued that Chulbul worked because of his mother, father, Makkhan Chand Pandey, Bobby ji, Tiwari ji, Pichkari ji, Rajjo, everyone. How could I take them out? So, we retained them.

The third part is about how Chulbul became the man he is. We’ve dug up his past, there’s pain. It’s an emotional vendetta story.

At a time when filmmakers are struggling with sequels, you’re coming with a prequel…
We have Dabangg 4 written too.

Yeah you are going up to Dabangg 743 as you mentioned in our last interview. Seriously, how do these ideas happen?
(Laughs) They just come about. Sometimes, one film gives you an idea for the next. In Dabangg 3, we explore why Rajjo’s father was an alcoholic and how Chulbul met her. Aap jab picture dekhoge toh aapko samajh mein aayega kahan kahan se nikle hain hum.

After two films, today, the minute I walk into the Dabangg set, I stop being Salman Khan, the actor, and become Chulbul Pandey. Ditto, Sonakshi who transforms instantly into Rajjo. That’s how it is with the whole cast; we’ve become a real family.

Do you have a personal connection with Chulbul?
Well, I’m writing it, playing the character, so there has to be some thought behind it.

The director this time is Prabhudheva and he knows the pulse of the audience…
Yeah, that’s why he’s in the film. Arbaaz (Khan, brother and the director of Dabangg 2) would take time to understand, his BP would shoot up and down. So, this time, the first thing he said was that he wouldn’t direct the film and we should get someone else. I suggested Prabhu, and his reaction was, “Fantastic!” Prabhu is very receptive, he gets what I want to say in a second. Language is a problem with him, so I have to explain things to him, but once he gets it, he executes it beautifully... Larger-than-life, with humour and emotion. Bang on! With a film like Dabangg, we go from high point to high point. We’re not pakaoing anyone. The message comes through the scenes.

Even before Dabangg 3 was complete, you announced Radhe with Prabhu. Obviously, you have a lot of confidence in him and he reiterates you share a great equation, which is rare...
Yes, we have a good working relationship and I believe one shouldn’t spoil that. We were looking for a director for Radhe. My friend Prashant suggested Prabhu. I recalled he had told me that after Dabangg 3, he was going on a two-month holiday, but Prashant urged me to speak to him and Prabhu agreed. The script was halfway through. I was working on a film at the time... I don’t remember the name... and it was to come out on Eid, which didn’t happen…

Inshallah with Sanjay Leela Bhansali? Wasn’t that the film?
Inshallah… Inshallah… Radhe is happening Inshallah on Eid. We are working day in and day out to put it out on Eid.

You were saying Radhe’s script was ready…
With us, plots are always ready, then, they evolve. You write at home, in a hotel or an office. But then, when you come on the sets, the story changes with the setting.

Radhe is also your story?
No, but we have made a lot of changes.

Eid is your date…
No, it’s not, it’s nobody’s date, anyone is welcome to release a film on the day. It’s just that my films happen to come on Eid. Actually, my last film, Bharat, released during Ramadan, three days before Eid. And now, Dabangg 3 is arriving on Christmas. I’ve had releases during Diwali and Republic Day too. Any festive day is a good day.

Next Eid, Akshay Kumar’s Laxmmi Bomb is releasing with Radhe...
Yes, and there is scope for another two-three films to come on that day. Then, the audience decides which film to spend on. Agar picture achhi lagi, they will watch it. If they don’t, toh nahin dekhenge, festive date ho ya koi bhi date ho.

Bharat has made a lot of money at the box-office. But do you think the scale of the film magnified the expectations?
Not really. I just thought towards the end, the father should have come back. That was my problem with the film. But aaj kal ke yeh new people think that a reunion with the father is a cliché. Father ki age kya hogi? Uski story kya hogi? I don’t give a damn, he should have come back.

Yes, the film did phenomenal business, my sister (Alvira) is happy, we’re happy with the product. But if we had shown a 70-year-old man and a 90-year-old man having a conversation, it would have been a more emotionally satisfying film. Bharat’s whole journey was about him waiting for his father to come back to him. So, for me, the film looked incomplete.

Talking about fathers, Salim Khan saab recently said that Farhan Akhtar has come to you with a script and you have liked it. Is the film happening?
I don’t know. Farhan has come to me with a script and I like him. He is like a kid brother; he has grown up with us. That bond will always be there with Zoya (Akhtar) and him. They are like my younger siblings.

Rohit Shetty and you have been talking too. Will Chulbul Pandey join Rohit’s cop universe, with Singham and Simmba?
Chulbul is a universe within himself. So is Singham.

This is a separate film, then?
Nothing’s finalised. We’ve been talking about other things too.

But Kick 2 is definitely happening and we are told it could arrive in December 2021?
It could.

How does it feel to bring Devil back? He has his own fans...
Yeah, one thing I want to do later is bring Kick’s Devil, Dabangg’s Chulbul Pandey and Radhe together.

That’s a wonderful idea. If The Avengers can do it, why not Salman Khan. Are you joking or is it a possibility?
No, I have something in mind.

Kick is Sajid’s film. He is not just a producer but a good friend...
Yes, he’s like a brother to us.

And what is it like bringing him back as a director?
(Laughs) He didn’t even know he was directing Kick, he got to know on Twitter.

You have introduced several newcomers to Hindi cinema, not just technicians but actors, too. From Sonakshi Sinha to Saiee Manjrekar now...
Saiee is a sigh of relief for the industry. Watch out for her.

We have heard that she is playing a mute in the film, no dialogue, speechless… True?
Nooo, you guys will be speechless when you see her. I’d introduced Sonakshi at an award show and this time too, I took Saiee along. As soon as we faced the paparazzi, they started saying, we want solo pictures of her. So, I thought, ho gaya Saiee ka. Rocket Singh, straight out! Then, I heard this comment, “Saiee, tu sahi aahes.”

We thought you were introducing Saiee’s sister, Ashwami? Are you?
We don’t have anything right now, but she is very talented.

How does Bigg Boss feel after all these years? It’s become a part of you?
Yeah, a part of mine wants to cut that part and throw it out and the other part wants to keep it. And the latter is haavi on the part that wants to throw it out.

You don’t like the show?
I like it. It gets stressful, but I learn a lot. And I get to know where the country is going, what is happening to values, morals, scruples and principles. We see it right there, with celebrities. The beauty is once they are out of the house, they are not like that at all. It’s not as if they are giving performances, the house makes them like that.

Has being in a particular place changed your personality?
No.

What’s happening with Sohail Khan’s film Sher Khan?
That film requires a lot of visual effects. After it is shot, it will take six-eight months, almost a year, for it to be ready. After the next two-three films, Sher Khan goes on the floors. It’s beautiful.

I’m not going to ask you about marriage this time…
Okay.

…But whenever I see you with kids, I feel a child is missing out on a really good father.
Even I feel that way.

Are there plans of having a child through adoption, surrogacy, though that’s outlawed...
No, not yet.

So, no plans?
No, when it happens, it happens.

How will it happen?
(With a straight face) I can’t describe the whole process to you.

What I mean is that you don’t want to get married or adopt…
There are enough kids in the house. Another child will be born now, in December.

Would you like to raise your sister Arpita’s child?
No, Arpita does a fantastic job of raising her child, in fact, she is raising all of us correctly right now.

Your dad, even at 84, is all there…
Yeah, because there were five of us, and now many more, so he has to be all there.

It’s wonderful how he knows everything that is happening with all your projects.
I share things with him when he is sitting across the table, tell him the basic plot. He will say, “Yeh galat hai, isey nikalo.” When he sees the film, too, there are times he says, “Yahaan mazaa nahin aa raha hai, isey nikalo.” Some bits we do listen to.

Did he have any suggestions for Dabangg 3?
No.

Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 3, 2019)

After a fairly slow-paced 2019, Disha Patani is all geared up and looking forward to an eventful 2020. With big banner films such as Radhe, Malang and KTina in her kitty, the actor still believes that she hasn’t “arrived as yet”. Having spent four years in the industry with three ₹100 crore films — M S Dhoni - The Untold Story (2016), Baaghi 2 (2018) and this year’s Bharat — Disha feels that the industry has now become more accepting of her. Excerpts from an interview:

After Bharat, the audience will again get to see you opposite Salman Khan in Radhe. Do you feel like you’ve arrived?
I don’t feel like I’ve arrived as yet. For me, learning never stops and the hard work is always on. But I’m really grateful that I’m getting an opportunity to work with him again. I was content even with the small role I had in Bharat, and now doing a full film with him is like a dream come true. I’m focusing on giving my best for the film in terms of my performance and learn as much as possible.

There’s always this fear of getting overshadowed by an actor of Salman’s stature. Do such thoughts ever cross your mind?
No, I don’t think films are about being overshadowed by a superstar. In fact, I feel lucky, that I’ve got this opportunity to work with him. Being overshadowed by him is a thought far-fetched for me. For me, sharing screen space with Salman is a big opportunity itself.

You’ve often said how shooting for Malang has been a physically taxing experience for you. Can you tell us more about it?
Yes, we did a lot of underwater sports for this film. The activities were very different and challenging, more so because we had to learn everything in just a day or two, and normally people take years of experience to learn underwater sports. But, it was overall a lot of fun for me performing all those stunts because I really like sports. As long as it looks great on screen, every effort is worth it.

How much do you think things have changed for you in the last few years?
Getting films is easier now than what it was before when I had just started out. But it’s not just about getting films. It’s about the kind of films you choose to do and the roles you envision for yourself. That’s always a hard choice. There’s always a challenge one faces while choosing scripts, films and roles.

Having made a career out of (literally) taking the leap of faith, two stunt doubles tell Sonia Lulla how they can acquire any star's physique in a matter of days
Sonia Lulla (MID-DAY; November 20, 2019)

Mansoor Khan
Speciality: Body double
Doubled for: Hrithik Roshan for films like Agneepath, Bang Bang, Krrish, Mohenjo Daro and War, among others

With a head full of curls and a physicality that's instantly reminiscent of Hrithik Roshan, it was almost a given that stuntman Mansoor Khan would be attached with the actor for several years, following their first interaction in 2012. Almost eight years later, Khan finds it a seamless task to ape the actor's physical stature, film after film, regardless of the transformation each one requires. "Hrithik sir too says that my body is suited [to be a stunt double for him], but adds that I should ensure I do not acquire a paunch," says Khan, whose Instagram feed is brimming with images both, with the actor, and as him.

"Unless you know your job, how can you do it right?" he questions, matter-of-factly, when we ask him about the extent of gymnastics practice he must take to, to pull off the sequences in cinema that are attached to Roshan's name. "I run a lot, train in gymnastics and martial arts, and may also add in a session of gym training, in the evening. Lifting weights can affect stuntmen in that their flexibility can be compromised. So I must work on that as well. Also, there's something that we refer to as filmy fight, which is distinctly different from judo and karate, which are defence mechanisms. There is a specific training required to pull off fights where a stuntman is not meant to touch a co-artiste when throwing in a kick or punch, but must still look like they've beaten them with an impact. There's a lot of time invested in that too."

Given that the task of looking aesthetically magnificent lies on Roshan's shoulders, Khan acknowledges that it is still the actor, "with his team of trainers and nutritionists", who must still do the heavy lifting — literally. "For me, when I must look bigger, I up the intensity of my routine, executing basic movements that target primary muscles like the biceps, and chest muscles, apart from doing lunges and squats. Losing weight is simpler for me."

Toughest stunt
Those performed for Bang Bang; involved harnesses





Javed Gauri
Speciality: Vehicle-based stunts
Doubled for: Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Tiger Shroff, Prabhas, Sidharth Malhotra, Vidyut Jammwal, Kamal Haasan

Saharanpur-born Javed Gauri's first brush with fame happened as the finalist of stunt-based reality show, MTV Stuntmania, a decade ago. It brought him to Mumbai, and eventually, Bollywood. As someone who has been a stunt double for a number of Bollywood and South Indian film actors, Gauri has trained his body to be malleable to suit different physicalities. "We are usually given a 30-day intimation if we're appointed for a film, and must acquire the physique of the actor within that period. It's easy to bring about a basic transformation within 20 days, if one is dedicated. When I had to double for Salman for Bharat, I had to gain weight, and indulged in a high-fat diet. But when working for a film featuring a young actor like Sidharth for Marjaavaan, I had to increase my running and training component to shed weight, and also watch my diet."

Gauri commences each day with a six kilometre run, which, he says, is an essential to keep his body light and agile to pull off stunts on the bike, especially those that need him to lift it off the ground. Unless he is held up at a shooting schedule, he will complement his runs with a weight-lifting session. "When you have to gain weight for an actor, it becomes harder to pull off sequences. But, since we've been doing it for a while, we get accustomed. However, for sequences that are too dangerous, like those that need us to be submerged under water, we prefer wearing pads instead of gaining weight, so that we can execute it with ease."

Toughest stunt
One for a reality show. Gauri pulled it off after the stuntman who initially attempted it, died in the process

WAR is the top single screen grosser with almost 75 crore nett while SAAHO (Hindi) has the highest ratio of single screen business against the multiplex business and both have one thing in common and that is action. The big difference being that War had a star cast while SAAHO (Hindi) was a film from the South and worked for the action only.

The single screen has been coming down for years as they slowly shut down while others get converted into twin screens. But the single screens business is still a sign of stardom for the actors involved and also the reach of the film where the higher the business means the film has reached a larger audience. There are four films in the history of Hindi cinema that have crossed the 100 crore nett mark in single screens and they are BAJRANGI BHAIJAAN, SULTAN, BAAHUBALI 2: THE CONCLUSION and TIGER ZINDA HAI. BAAHUBALI 2: THE CONCLUSION a is among the greatest BLOCKBUSTERS ever and the other three are Salman Khan starrers and its this pull which makes him the top star at this time.

The top ten NETT grossers at single screens across India in 2019 are as follows.
1. War - 74,72,00,000 (28 days)
2. Kabir Singh - 54,82,00,000
3. Bharat - 53,29,00,000
4. Housefull 4 - 44,56,00,000 (17 days)
5. Saaho (Hindi) - 43,89,00,000
6.Total Dhamaal - 38,93,00,000
7. Mission Mangal - 33,15,00,000
8. Kesari - 29,05,00,000
9. Uri - The Surgical Strike - 27,94,00,000
10. Super 30 - 20,17,00,000

The business from multiplexes today forms majority of the business for Hindi films and there have been 3 films which have topped the 200 crore nett at multiplexes in 2019 and they are KABIR SINGH, WAR and URI.

The collections are from around almost 1100 cinemas which are multiplexes and twin screens so can be classified as multiplexes. KABIR SINGH, is not the top grosser of the year but its business at multiplexes is higher than WAR which is the top grosser of 2019. There are certain films that are called multiplex films but this is not because they have the best collections at multiplexes but more so because they hardly have any collections at single screens. The examples of these are URI, CHHICHHORE, SUPER 30, DREAM GIRL and GULLY BOY. These films also struggle post release on television as the wider audience is not there for these films.

The top ten NETT grossers at multiplexes across India in 2019 are as follows.
1. Kabir Singh - 2,21,52,00,000
2. War - 2,17,25,00,000 (28 days)
3. Uri - The Surgical Strike - 2,16,06,00,000
4. Mission Mangal - 1,59,52,00,000
5. Housefull 4 - 1,48,94,00,000 (17 days)
6. Bharat - 1,44,05,00,000
7. Chhichhore - 1,34,21,00,000
8. Super 30 - 1,26,83,00,000
9. Dream Girl - 1,25,53,00,000
10. Gully Boy - 1,22,70,00,000

Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; November 7, 2019)

Guess who’s the happiest person in Bollywood right now? Well, Disha Patani might probably top the list, considering that she has bagged her second film opposite Salman Khan, his upcoming Eid 2020 release, Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai! When we ask her about how it all happened and how she got to share screen space with him again so soon after Bharat, the 27-year-old actor gushes about Salman being one of the best people she has “ever come across”. Excerpts from a chat:

You have maintained that your Bharat co-star, Salman, is like Santa Claus. Now you’re set to share screen space with him again. How did it all happen?
I’m super excited to share screen space with Salman sir again, and that too in a different avatar. He’s like Santa Claus in so many ways; he brings joy and happiness to his fans all across the world, and not only that, this year he has the perfect Christmas gift. I was approached for the role in the production and I was both very happy and excited. I feel very fortunate to have got this opportunity.

What’s the best thing about working with the superstar?
There’s too much in there for me to choose one to be honest. Salman sir is one of the most humble and kind people I’ve ever come across. There’s this aura about him that makes you feel comfortable around him even though he’s one of the biggest superstars in India. Watching him work is nothing short of inspiring. So to sum up, I can’t decide on any one specific thing!

Till this point, you’ve done massy, masala films like M S Dhoni - The Untold Story (2016), Baaghi 2 (2018) and Bharat, but you’re balancing it with a content-driven, small-town located film like Ktina. Was it a conscious decision to shake up things?
Be it masala films or content-driven cinema, both have their unique benefits and I want to learn not one, but all aspects of it. So in a way, it has always been somewhere at the back of my mind that I don’t want to stick to one kind of films.

You’ve worked with both young stars like Tiger Shroff and veterans like Salman. Is there any difference you’ve noticed while working with the younger lot and the experienced ones?
An actor is an actor, irrespective of their age, and every one of them is unique. All of them have their own special skill sets.