The veteran actor paased away at his residence in Mumbai on Monday
Onkar Kulkarni and Ismat Tahseen (BOMBAY TIMES; October 1, 2019)

Veteran actor Viju Khote, who played Kaalia in the iconic Bollywood film Sholay (1975), is no more. The 77-year-old died at 6.55 am of multiple organ failure at his residence in Mumbai.

“He passed away in his sleep at the residence. He had been unwell for quite some time,” actress Bhavana Balsavar, his niece, said.

Famous for his roles in Sholay and the Aamir Khan-Salman Khan-starrer, Andaz Apna Apna (1994), late Viju Khote began his acting career as a theatre actor. He is veteran actor Shubha Khote’s brother and actress Bhavana Balsavar’s uncle. Late actress Durga Khote was his aunt.

The actor, who was most remembered for his role in the 1993-sitcom Zabaan Sambhalke, starred in Hindi and Marathi movies. He was seen in films like Garam Masala, Pukar, Mela, China Gate and Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak among others. His last notable work includes Marathi film Ventilator (2016), which was produced by Priyanka Chopra Jonas. He was last seen in the Bollywood movie, Jaane Kyun De Yaaron (2018), which also starred Kabir Bedi.

Talking about the deceased actor, theatre personality Bharat Dabholkar says, “Viju was an integral part of my plays — over 25 of them — and my life. He was an amazing actor who must have done over 300 films. His comic timing was impeccable. But somehow, the Kaalia tag got stuck to him. Whenever we travelled, he would get mobbed. He was also a fantastic dancer, which not many people know. Whenever he would dance in my plays, he would put even renowned dancers to shame, and get an ovation from the audience.”

He added, “Above everything, Viju was a caring and sensitive human being. He would get tears in his eyes at the drop of a hat, and was the most gracious host. I am just glad that he went without suffering.”

Ramesh Sippy, who directed the actor in Sholay, said, “Most of Gabbar Singh’s lines from Sholay became folklore. Viju was part of one of the exchanges of dialogues between him and Gabbar. He did his job really well. The last time I met him was a few years ago when my wife and I had gone to see a play. He was present for the show with his sister Shubha Khote.”

Actor Rishi Kapoor wrote a heartfelt note for his friend on Twitter. He wrote, “RIP. Viju Khote. Dear friend over the years. Though much elder, we used to bike together along with sister Shobha Khoteji, when I was young. Passionate and well informed about American films. We will miss you. Viju kutte aahe? (sic).”

Bharat Dabholkar pays a tribute to advertising guru and theatre doyen Alyque Padamsee, who passed away in Mumbai yesterday
Bharat Dabholkar (BOMBAY TIMES; November 18, 2018)

God — that’s what Alyque Padamsee was known as when he was heading Lintas. And I believe that he did deserve that title.

I never worked with him, but he was an icon for all of us youngsters then, who joined advertising. Though television hadn’t arrived in a big way, he was one of the few prominent faces in advertising who was seen in newspapers talking with conviction on topics concerning advertising and life in general. Later, on TV channels, one would frequently see him… this larger-than-life personality, talking in his famous nasal drawl.

And then one realised that he was the best known name in theatre, too. In fact, he dominated English theatre in India and some of the biggest productions were directed by him. Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Butterflies Are Free and Tarantula Tanzi are just some of them. I, of course, took a lot of liberties with him. On a TV debate, I once said that his theatre was only a xerox machine that reproduced foreign plays in India. He took that well, but gave me a short on-screen lecture. When he did Evita, I did a take-off on that in Bottoms Up and called it Savita. When he did Tarantula Tanzi in a boxing ring, I did Ayatollah Panzi in a wrestling ring. He came to watch all of this. I remember him sitting in the audience and making meticulous notes on a writing pad. He would give them to me at the end of my shows. His double life in advertising and theatre was truly fascinating and it inspired me to attempt a similar life. I never worked with him in advertising or in theatre (I didn’t have the right accent, not to mention the acting ability that he demanded). Recently I took him to Guwahati for a marketing seminar and that’s the first time I saw him addressing a large gathering of marketing professionals and youngsters and I was mesmerised. His energy and communication skills were truly fascinating. At the dinner after the seminar, he told me that he was writing another book, which was more personal. And in conversation, I mentioned that I was a lawyer and I had studied Mohammedan law, which had a provision for Mutah marriage (a legal marriage for a pre-stipulated period). He laughed and said, ‘Damn it, you idiot, why didn’t you tell me this years ago?’ He was like that. Full of life and full of innovative ideas. He will be missed. 

As told to Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 18, 2017)

I started working at 15 or 16 as I was eager to earn. My first job was in the developing department of a photo lab. I worked with chemicals to develop pictures from the rolls due to which the skin on my hands started to deteriorate so I left the job after a while.

I was back at work in a couple of months, this time selling cosmetics to five-stars and pharmacies for which I would get paid on consignment basis. In hindsight, I think that’s where I got my early lessons in acting as I would lie through my teeth to sell those products. That gig didn’t last too long either as it wasn’t my chosen career path.

Then, (DJ/choreographer) Akbar Sami saw me dancing in a nightclub with some friends and approached me, asking if I’d like to do shows with him. I had always enjoyed dancing but didn’t know I could get paid for it too so I wasn’t too keen on it initially as I was only interested in making money. Then, I watched the troupe perform and was a convert. When I got paid, I couldn’t believe that one could make money from something they enjoy (laughs). I stuck it out for a long time and eventually became a choreographer myself.

Once, Akbar was choreographing a play and when he was busy with something else, he asked me to take over. The director and producers were really pleased with my work as that was the first time we’d used recorded music, which was unusual then. I worked with slow tracks like Elvis Presley’s “Fever” at a time when makers used fast beats for impact. After that, I choreographed many musicals for Alyque Padamsee and Bharat Dabholkar among many others and even took part in the World Dance Championship in which I represented India.

I did a lot of odd jobs but dancing was where I actually got paid. For every show I would get between Rs 500- 600. I don’t remember what I did with my first salary, but I did buy my first car for Rs 75,000 from the money I had saved over the years. I had won a bike before that after winning the All India Dance Championship. That was my regular ride till I bought my car. Maria (Maria Goretti, wife) would sit behind me with bags of my costumes.

At one point I realised that there were many who wanted to learn dance so I started my own dance studio called ‘Awesome’. I would take classes from Monday to Thursday and focus on theatre on weekends. To earn more money, I also began choreographing ads and even assisted Mahesh Bhatt on films like Kaash and Thikana. Filmmaking was fascinating and I was impressed with Mr Bhatt. He was the kind of person I aspired to be like. But how long can you live on conveyance expense? I quickly went back to dancing and choreographing plays and commercials.

One fine day, God smiled at me and I got a movie offer. I used to host small Saturday night parties at my pad and Joy Augustine came to one with another friend. He was impressed with the way I was interacting and spoke to ABCL (Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Ltd.) about me. I was asked to send some pictures, I sent some really amateur ones as I was petrified of acting. But surprisingly, I still landed the lead in Tere Mere Sapne. I went to the set four days before I was asked to report and spent time watching Pran Saab in action. That was my crash course in acting. I took to the medium like fish to water.

I went on to script and produce a film, Hum Tum Aur Ghost, in 2010. Some day, I wish to direct one too. I’ve written a script and those who have heard it have liked it. I am hoping to get a good producer and an actor so I can now live out this dream.

Sonup Sahadevan (MID-DAY; May 7, 2015)

While Harish Salve, one of the country’s top legal eagles, may have secured interim relief for Salman Khan, the Damocles’ sword continues to hang over his head. hitlist takes a look at what all is at stake if the actor ends up in prison…

Brand value 
Salman is among the highest paid celebrities in India when it comes to endorsing brands. From soft drinks to vests, the actor reportedly endorses more than 10 different products. Experts, however, feel that the court judgment will have no adverse impact on his endorsement or brand value. Explains adman Bharat Dabholkar, “Advertising and endorsement deals are signed for a year or two. If the performance of the stars dips, you won’t be able to cancel it immediately because you have already paid them the entire amount. Also, with Salman, there is no great negative publicity like in Sanjay Dutt’s case where there was an anti-national wave. So sponsors and advertisers will not be jittery because he is not in news with the public opinion against him.”

Films on floor
Salman’s immediate worry would be to complete the films that are currently being shot — Prem Ratan Dhan Payo and Bajrangi Bhaijaan. An official of Rajshri Productions, which is producing the former, says, “We were expecting a lesser sentence for him. Our film as well as his other projects are yet to be completed. Nearly 75 per cent has been shot so far, but the major portions with Salman are pending. We hope that the higher court gives a favourable judgment.”

Now with his lawyers aiming to secure bail for him, Salman looks well on course to complete his pending assignments.

Says Amod Mehra, “Salman must have finished shooting a great deal for both these movies. Besides, courts do allow actors to complete their pending assignments so that their prolonged absence does not cause irreversible loss to the producers and crew.”

Future films
Salman has three mega projects in his kitty that are yet to go on floors, which includes Karan Johar’s Shuddhi, YRF’s Sultan and Boney Kapoor’s No Entry sequel. While Salman’s possible imprisonment would mean personal loss for him as he wouldn’t be able to star in any of these projects, there is no real loss on paper for the producers concerned as none of the films has gone on floors yet. However, filmmakers at this juncture are more concerned about Salman and his well- being. Says Boney Kapoor, “Our prayers are with him and I hope he finds all the strength to come out of this. Whether our film will happen or not is not something we are thinking about right now.”

Trade pundits, however, are adopting a wait-and-watch policy at the moment. Trade expert Komal Nahta states, “I don’t think anything would be affected if he gets bail. So he will be free to work and I believe the court will not put any restrictions on the same. It all depends on what the appellate court orders and how long the bail term would last.”

Mehra, too, believes that filmmakers would not be adventurous in signing Salman and prefer to act post High Court’s detailed judgment.

Ambarish Mishra (THE TIMES OF INDIA; March 29, 2015)

Hiren Kotwani (BOMBAY TIMES; May 15, 2014)

When Himesh Reshammiya approached Ananth Narayan Mahadevan to direct The Xposé, his prime condition was to stick to the budget. “Himesh told me that if I couldn't make this film in the stipulated budget, it wouldn't be made. At the same time, he didn't want to compromise on quality," says Ananth.

The two began their professional association over 20 years ago, on the small years ago, on the smallscreen. “I have acted in all television serials produced by Himesh. Later, after he started composing music for films and I entered direction, we worked together in Dil Maange More and Aksar," recalls the director.

So, when the composer-singer-actor approached him with The Xposé, it was like revisiting old days. “When he said it's a thriller set in the Bollywood of 1960s, I was fascinated. Though Himesh has written the story as well, he was open to how I visualised the movie," the director says.

Careful not to spoof on yesteryear actors who have inspired the characters, the cast was made to put in a lot of hard work. “Himesh had to lose 20 kilos. Rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh plays a music composer, so in a way , he was on home ground. Along with debutantes Zoya Afroz (Miss India 2013, Second Runner-Up) and Sonali Raut, workshops were held even for experienced actors like Irrfan and Adil Hussain," says Ananth.

The director is also acting in the film, produced by Vipin Reshammiya. “Initially , Himesh simply suggested that I play filmmaker Subba Prasad. I refused as I didn't want additional burden. But after much persuasion, I agreed," he signs off.

REAL VS REEL
In December 1970, it was rumored that to ensure a successful run for Johny Mera Naam, Gulshan Rai created illwill for Raj Kapoor's Mera Naam Joker. A similar clash will be seen in the film when Chandni's (Zoya) Reena Mera Naam and Zara's (Sonali) Ujjwal Nirmal Sheetal releases on the same day. The former's producer will use black marketeer Alec D'Costa (Irrfan) to sell the latter's tickets at a lesser price.

Apart from a scene inspired by Zeenat Aman in Satyam Shivam Sundaram, Sonali's biggest challenge was to shoot an intimate sequence with industrialist Ranjit Desai (Bharat Dabholkar). Only Ananth and cinematographer Maneesh Bhatt were in the room when the shot was canned. Afterwards, the actress was overheard telling someone, “That was for real. I actually felt him all over me."

Though his character Ravi Kumar is inspired by yesteryear actor Raaj Kumar, Himesh has copied Salman Khan in the way he holds his cigarette.

The film will also remind one of Kamal Amrohi's Pakeezah. The film, which didn't open well, picked up after the untimely demise of lead actress Meena Kumari. Reportedly, a voice message - recorded by Padma Khanna, but passed off as Meena Kumari's last message - also helped the film run to packed houses. A similar method is used by the producer of Zara's film after her death.

The scene of a radio presenter asking Zara about her affair with Kenny Damania aka KD (Honey) is rumoured to be based on Ameen Sayani asking Zeenat Aman about her relationship with Sanjay Khan.

The Xposé, produced by HR Musik, releases May 16.

Hiren Kotwani (BOMBAY TIMES; May 11, 2014)

Who murdered sex symbol Zara Fernandes (played by Sonali Raut)? That’s the mystery that plays out in the musical suspense thriller The Xposé. Set in Bollywood of the 60s, the film shows that everyone who crossed her path — 11 suspects in all — had motive to kill her.

Her bitter rivalry with Chandni (played by Zoya Afroz, Miss India 2013 second runner-up) is reason enough for the latter to be suspected. Eccentric superstar Ravi Kumar (Himesh Reshammiya) holds a grudge against Zara, even as he tries to solve the case. Kenny Damania aka KD (Yo Yo Honey Singh) becomes a prime suspect as his fling with her makes news. His wife Shabnam Rai (Jesse Randhawa), too, is under the radar as she’s aware of KD’s affair with Zara. Her reel director Subba Prasad (played by Xposé director Ananth Narayan Mahadevan) too has a reason to gain from her death. Another suspect is Subba’s rival Bobby Chadha (Ashwin Dhar), who plans to destroy him and Ravi. Caught between his co-star Zara and his ex-flame Chandni, Virman Shah (Nakul Vaid) also becomes a suspect for siding with the latter after the two women get into a catfight.

Underworld don Rajan Anna (Adil Hussain) is under suspicion as he was associated wth her rival Chandni’s film Reena Mera Naam. And blackmarketeer Alec D’Costa (Irrfan in a special appearance) for his association with Zara’s film. Inspector Grover’s (Rajesh Sharma) involvement is doubted after he arrests an innocent man for Zara’s murder. Also under the radar are actor Ronnie Mukherjee (Kunal Thakur), Zara’s matron and landlady Mrs D’Silva (Kanika Dang) and industrialist Desai (Bharat Dabholkar).

The Xposé, produced by HR Musik, releases May 16.