Showing posts with label Bigg Boss. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bigg Boss. Show all posts
Mallika Sherawat says she will never do Bigg Boss; confirms she is the highest paid in The Traitors 2
2:38 PM
Vinay MR Mishra (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 5, 2026)
Thirteen years after The Bachelorette India: Mere Khayalon Ki Mallika, Mallika Sherawat is returning to reality television with The Traitors. While she has consistently turned down several reality show offers over the years, the actor says the psychological format of the Karan Johar-hosted series finally convinced her to step back into the unscripted space.
'I don't feel passionate about Bigg Boss'
Mallika reveals that reality television was never on her radar after The Bachelorette. In fact, she says she has repeatedly declined offers from popular shows, including Bigg Boss and Khatron Ke Khiladi. "Initially, I was very apprehensive about Traitors. I didn't want to do any reality show. It didn't excite me as an actor. But then Ankita (Anthony, manager) really convinced me. She said, 'Just see it. After watching season one, if you don't like it, we'll decline. But don't say no without seeing it'. I watched it and I loved it."
Explaining what drew her to the format, she adds, "For me, Traitors was more like a psychological thriller. It wasn't about who's dancing better or who's the loudest voice. It was about instinct and strategy. I felt that in this show, it's not your voice that's your biggest weapon, it's your silence that's your biggest strength. Observing human nature, seeing people laugh with you over breakfast and then discovering by evening that they lied or backstabbed you—that whole psychological aspect excited me as an actor."
As for Bigg Boss, she remains firm about her decision. "The format doesn't appeal to me. I don't think that as an actor I can bring any value to it. Bigg Boss is something I don't feel passionate about. If there is something I don't want to do, then no. I have enough money. I've been very sensible with money and I'm well taken care of. I don't have to work to earn money. Money works for me now."
'I get manipulated easily'
Having spent over two decades in the entertainment industry, Sherawat says The Traitors fascinated her because it stripped away performance and exposed personalities. "I feel the game gives you a mask and all the players have to see the person behind the mask. Also, the format is such that it makes you do things you might not do in real life because you want to win and stay relevant. The game plays you."
While she enjoys observing people, Mallika laughs that manipulation isn't one of her strengths. "I get manipulated easily. I cannot manipulate people. I'm a Haryanvi Jat. I'm too straightforward. I'm very honest."
'I know my worth'
Reports suggest Mallika is the highest-paid contestant on The Traitors. While she stops short of confirming the exact figure, she doesn't shy away from acknowledging that the speculation isn't entirely off the mark.
"The speculation is right," she says with a laugh. "Why apologize for making money? People who say money is never the reason are lying. When you're independent, whether you're a man or a woman, money is always important because you have bills to pay and a lifestyle to maintain. Yes, I know my worth and I won't work for a fiddly amount. I won't even lift my finger out of bed for that. This is my message to every girl and every boy—know your worth. Don't settle for less. Trust me, if they want you, they will pay you."
Calling herself a self-made woman, she adds, "I like making money. I like working and I like buying my own diamonds."
No regrets about The Bachelorette
Looking back at The Bachelorette India, where she didn't find a life partner, Mallika says she has absolutely no regrets about taking up the show. "Why would I? I bought two houses from that show, and now I get the rent," she quips and concludes.
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"I've been in the industry for over 20 years and I'm still taking care of myself. I'm still evolving. I'm still learning acting. Over these years, what has really stood with me is authenticity, honesty and discipline."
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"People make assumptions. Since 20 years, people are making assumptions, but people who make assumptions are not paying attention. They meet my image before they meet me. Why Traitors is so special is because, for the first time, people are going to experience the real Mallika."
Reality shows like Bigg Boss, KBC, & Indian Idol become key for broadcasters, driving massive viewership, ad revenue
10:33 AM
Flagship shows like Bigg Boss, KBC bring in viewers, revenues and break the monotony of drama-heavy programmes
Javed Farooqui (THE ECONOMIC TIMES; February 19, 2025)
Flagship reality shows like Bigg Boss, Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), and Indian Idol are becoming increasingly crucial for broadcasters, driven by their massive viewership and strong revenue potential amid shifting audience preferences and fragmented media consumption, say industry experts.
By breaking the monotony of drama-heavy programming, appealing to diverse demographics, and integrating seamlessly across TV and digital platforms, they remain a strategic pillar in content strategy, experts add.
Deepak Dhar, group CEO of Banijay Asia, the producer of Bigg Boss-India's adaptation of the Dutch reality show Big Brother-highlighted the show's massive scale, with adaptations in seven Indian languages, including Hindi, and a popular OTT version.
"We produce roughly 800 days of Bigg Boss content annually across TV and OTT in multiple languages-the highest anywhere in the world," he said. "The scale of Bigg Boss Hindi alone is immense, with 1,200 to 1,300 people working on the show."
While reality shows cost more to produce compared to dramas, they also deliver cumulative audience reach in excess of 100 to 200 million cutting across demographics.
The cost per episode for a reality show ranges from Rs. 1 crore to Rs. 2 crores, while for dramas, it typically falls between Rs. 8 lakh and Rs. 10 lakh per episode, say industry executives.
The ad rates for reality shows rank second only to cricket, with broadcasters charging between Rs. 2 lakhs and Rs. 4 lakhs per spot.
A JioStar spokesperson, a major investor in reality TV across languages and formats including Bigg Boss, said reality shows have evolved from entertainment programmes into cultural phenomena.
A spokesperson for Sony Pictures Networks India, another key player in reality TV with shows like KBC, emphasized their ability to engage audiences across platforms, making them long-term assets.
Experts note that reality shows thrive on star power, with Amitabh Bachchan and Salman Khan driving the success of KBC and Bigg Boss, respectively. These formats use inspiring stories that connect with audiences by showing ordinary people accomplishing extraordinary things.
Fremantle India MD Aradhana Bhola highlighted the increasing shift towards multi-screen consumption of reality shows across TV and digital. This benefits her company as they retain the IP to major franchises like Indian Idol and India's Got Talent. It has started monetising some of the digital rights of its IPs.
Dhar also sees licensing and merchandising as an emerging revenue stream for IP owners.
Jai Lala, chief executive of media buying agency Zenith India, said reality shows provide a powerful blend of mass appeal and targeted engagement from a brand-building perspective.
"Their appointment-viewing nature ensures a committed audience, making them high-impact platforms for brands," he added.
Additionally, their interactive formats enable innovative branded content integrations, from product placements to brand-sponsored segments, Lala said, adding, the digital extensions of these shows via OTT, social media, and influencers further expand their reach beyond television, creating a multi-platform brand presence.
Your social media following gives you that extra edge for auditions-Sunny Leone
8:04 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; January 23, 2025)
Sunny Leone stormed into the Indian showbiz scene 14 years ago, and ever since, the actress has created a splash with her dance numbers, hosted reality shows and also featured in Bollywood and South films. In a chat with us, she recalls her early days here when she faced rejection, how she changed the narrative and navigated through the industry despite coming from an unconventional background. Excerpts:
‘When I first came here, I wondered if I had made the right choice’
Recounting the time when she decided to make her foray into the Indian entertainment business, Sunny says, “I was nervous because when I was contemplating participating in Bigg Boss, there were a lot of internal discussions. I was facing a lot of rejection and backlash. There were also various hate groups who were against me. I was scheduled to make my entry at the start of the show, but I came in as a wildcard entry because of the backlash. Witnessing all that, I wondered if I had made the right choice. But eventually, I got a lot of love from the audience and I wasn’t expecting that.”
‘There have been some scary moments, but amazing ones too’
The reality show was a launch pad for Sunny, who made her Bollywood debut with Jism 2 (2012) and followed it up with films like Ragini MMS 2 (2014), Ek Paheli Leela (2015) and Mastizaade (2016).
Talking about what she learned from her journey, Sunny says, “What I have learnt is to keep working and ignore the nonsense and noise around you. We have to be persistent no matter what. There have been some scary moments, but some amazing ones, too. I’m a lot more comfortable with myself now.”
‘The industry as we know is fraternal’
Elaborating on how her unorthodox beginnings made it harder for her to navigate through the industry, she explains, “The industry, as we know, is very fraternal. So, if you stick around long enough, work hard and keep reminding them about your existence, then you will continue to get work. I can’t help the background that I come from and the choices that I’ve made in my life. I do believe that if I’m cast in a project, I bring my own fan following and that does add value to it.”
‘Glad I got a chance to be part of songs that are still popular’
In recent times, Sunny has been playing prominent parts in films like Kennedy, Quotation Gang and Shiro, which is something she has always desired. However, she hasn’t been seen in any special songs in Bollywood movies lately.
Ask her if she misses performing to hit tracks, and she replies, “Of course, I do. When I danced to hit tracks in some of these movies, the songs really fuelled the film. The film was great, but then the song lifted it. I don’t think that happens as much anymore. Today, the music, sets and choreography are great, but I don’t feel the impact is the same. I’m just happy that I got a chance to be part of songs that are still so popular.”
‘Your social media following gives you that extra edge for auditions’
Highlighting the importance of social media in a celebrity’s life, she shares, “Building yourself on social media is extremely important. If you love to dance or show off your art and talent, just keep doing that because that gives you that extra edge when you walk into an audition. You can say, ‘I can add brand value to your project because I have a social media following.’ Every producer, director and even brands are going to see that. Today, social media is a part of every contract you sign as an artiste, so you can’t ignore it.”
Bigg Boss makers team up with SERA to create first-of-its-kind space travel reality show
8:32 AM
(From left) Sam Hutchison and Joshua Skurla of SERA with the Banijay Asia team
Bigg Boss makers team up with SERA to create first-of-its-kind space travel reality show; winner of nationwide hunt to go on an 11-minute flight
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; August 29, 2024)
Indian reality shows have run the gamut—from contestants performing stunts on Khatron Ke Khiladi, to people showcasing their new love on Splitsvilla, and voyeurism reaching its peak with Bigg Boss. Is there anything left to explore? Well, an ‘out-of-the-world’ idea. Two months after Space Exploration Research Agency (SERA) and rocket company Blue Origin announced India as a “partner nation” in its human flight programme for citizens, the makers of Bigg Boss have teamed up with them to create a reality show.
The idea is simple—run a nationwide hunt for a citizen who will journey into space on a future Blue Origin New Shepard mission. The format will capture the drama, disappointments, and joy as shortlisted individuals participate in various challenges that test their fitness and readiness for space travel, culminating with the winner’s selection.
Mrinalini Jain, Group Chief Development Officer, Banijay Asia & EndemolShine India, says the discussions with SERA started in April. “This is a talent-focussed show, where one common man can become like Rakesh Sharma,” she says.
Adaptations of the show will be run in other partner nations, including Nigeria and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), thus choosing five individuals for the 11-minute space flight. So, when will the Indian edition go on air?
Jain says, “We are yet to finalize the writers and the development team. We will lock the criteria, and create certain challenges. There are three elements to the show—the opportunity, the second aspect is nostalgia as we’ve all grown up on the Saare jahaan se achcha story. The third part is the mood of the nation post Chandrayaan.”
Joshua Skurla, co-founder, SERA, says that with the reality show, the idea is to highlight that space travel is accessible to all. “[People] need to believe this can happen to them in this lifetime. They just need to be human, eager, and over 18 years of age. The training is for two days. The [nomination] ticket is roughly three dollars. The physical requirements are basic; they should be able to climb stairs.”
Right now, there is a lot of conversation around Sunita Williams’ return to Earth. Isn’t now a tricky time for such a show? Skurla says, “There is a major difference. This flight will take one only 100 kilometres off Earth’s line. They have gone into orbit, which is over 140 kilometres. We have robust safety protocols in place.”
Revealed: What goes behind-the-scenes in the making of Bigg Boss
8:40 AM
Mid-day takes a look at the behind-the-scenes action to understand the making of the longest-running controversial reality show, Bigg Boss
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; July 9, 2024)
Pick up any season of Bigg Boss, and there is much happening on camera—from tasks to controversies, from flirtations to feuds. But things are equally dramatic off camera too. Do you know what happened after Bigg Boss season 2 contestants Rahul Mahajan and Raja Chaudhary breached the rules and jumped off the set’s outer wall? Or when Imam Siddiqui demanded to walk out of the sixth season? While we’ve seen the on-camera action for many years, this time, we zoom in on the people behind the camera who join forces every year to give us the reality show. From identifying interesting contestants to watching endless hours of footage, from running dummy episodes to setting up more than 100 cameras, they tell us what it takes to orchestrate one of the biggest reality shows.
Inception
Deepak Dhar, Founder and Group CEO, Banijay Asia & EndemolShine India, remembers that he watched the original Big Brother, a Dutch show, on DVD way back in 2005. The international team (of Banijay) had a simple ask—would it be possible to adapt the show in India?
“I was shocked when I watched it because a show like this is highly volatile and risqué. I couldn’t have watched the DVD with my family in the room. It was difficult to even fathom something like this could work in India, but I took it up as a challenge,” shares Dhar.
He pitched the adaptation to several broadcasters until Sony TV first picked it up. To date, Dhar remembers that the first contestant to enter the Bigg Boss house in 2006 was Salil Ankola, after which no one entered the house for over an hour due to a technical glitch. In the meantime, Ankola grew anxious, wondering if he was the only contestant on the show. Dhar laughs, “Salil thought it was a con job!”
Getting the right players
Early on, the makers figured out that the show was more about emotions than showcasing risqué things. “The minute we see a person with an agenda, we strike him off the list,” asserts Dhar, adding that the idea has always been to rope in people who have stories to tell.
“The fourth season was a standout, where we had Shweta Tiwari, Dolly Bindra, Khali, and Pamela Anderson. That was the turning point of Bigg Boss in the country. It was also the year we got Salman Khan as the host. We even cooperated with the authorities when they wanted to come and monitor if Monica Bedi dropped some evidence,” he shares.
The show’s detractors often speculate that Bigg Boss is scripted. But Tushar Joshi, Editor in Chief (Creative Director), rubbishes the speculation. He notes that often, the contestants provide the drama, while the creative improvises at times, but the makers have never intervened in the proceedings.
“We have never briefed any contestant, or gone in the house,” asserts Joshi, who has been associated with the show from the fifth season. He says the show relies largely on contestants’ personalities and their inter-dynamics.
“If a contestant is my biggest character, I can’t suddenly change my creative. For example, Ankita Lokhande was one of the most talked-about characters in the house. I couldn’t sideline her unless the house decided to sideline her. It’s a chess game between them and us. Whenever we make a move, they will also react.”
The makers also got a few seasons wrong in terms of casting. Abhishek Mukherjee, Head of Project, points to the ninth and 12th seasons. “In the ninth season, 10 out of 16 contestants were failures. So, we pumped up [the show] through various tasks and situations.”
Takes a village to make the show
The crew consists of over 700 people, who are then divided into weekday and weekend teams. “One is the reality team, which handles the episode from Monday to Friday, and the other is the weekend team. Despite being the weekend team, they are expected to watch the entire footage during the week. Then there is another team that takes care of my 24/7 live channel interactivity and the Unseen Undekha section,” explains Joshi.
Let’s make it happen
Which brings us to the most important part: the execution of Bigg Boss. It’s known that the show is shot 24x7 with over 100 cameras. While there are cameras stationed inside the house, there are also cameras placed near all the windows, with cameramen trying to capture the tiniest of actions and conversations. Did you know that when the contestants wash dishes at the sink, smoke in the smoking room, and sleep in the bedrooms, they have cameras directed at them from behind the tinted windows? If the cameraman takes a break, there is always someone to take their place.
Taking us around the set, Sarvesh Singh, Head of Production, says, “Everyone who enters the shooting alley around the house is expected to wear an all-black uniform to avoid reflections in the glass doors and windows. Every window is numbered. That way, when instructions are received from the control room, a cameraman can reach the right window to capture the required content. We have three rotational shifts for every crew member.”
Over 62,000 wires are laid down for every connection inside the house, which is later concealed to avoid monkeys disrupting the shoot. Mukherjee says that the pressure in the PCR (production control room) is tremendous. Ahead of a season, the crew has to undergo mandatory 15-day training, where they produce dummy episodes.
“In the first couple of days, my PCR team is taken through the old episodes, where we tell them how to divide streams, what to follow, and where the story lies,” explains Joshi.
“The next day, [a few crew members] go into the house, and start recording their own stories. In the next stage, we get dummy contestants and produce a few 12-hour episodes; we also do one 24-hour episode. It is not only for the crew, [but to ensure smooth functioning of everything]. Once the contestant enters, everything from plumbing to the smallest light needs to work for 105 days, or 45 days if it’s for the OTT. So, everything needs to be checked, including the pipes, flush, and gas. Sarvesh even instructs them to cook, just so that we can see if the stove is working.”
Everything a contestant carries inside the house is scrutinized by the team. Participants are not allowed to carry medications inside the house. If a person has a prescription for anti-anxiety, diabetes, or any other illness, it is delivered on a daily basis. “Senior journalist Deepak Chaurasia is in the house. He is diabetic and unable to walk, so we put inclines in the house for the wheelchair. Every day, his medicines and insulin shots are delivered,” explains Mukherjee.
Challenges
With a show of this magnitude, the challenges are bound to be tenfold. Singh remembers the behind-the-scenes drama that unfolded when Mahajan and Chaudhary, in the second season, breached the boundary walls, leading the creative team to consider having an early finale.
“They had made a sexist remark, stating that there were no women in the house to cook for them. Bigg Boss told them that they had to make their own food. Rahul removed the mic, and said, ‘I’m not doing anything. If you don’t provide us food, we will jump off the wall.’ We thought he was [bluffing], but they jumped off the wall and started walking towards the main gate. People started capturing them on phone cameras, so we grabbed them, put them in the car, and brought them back.”
Joshi recalls another instance when Siddiqui wanted to leave the show at 3 am. “He said he has a friend in Lonavala and he wants to go to her house. It turned out to be an old bungalow of Smita Patil, which was later bought by Imam’s friend,” shares Joshi.
Shifting from their Lonavala set after season 12 was another challenge. He highlights that despite having a medical team on standby 24x7, they have dealt with problems from “non-declared miscarriages. There were people taking 30 to 40 milligrams of anti-depressants in anger.”
The way ahead
With the world embracing AI, it’s only a matter of time before we have a Bigg-Boss-meets-AI version. Dhar says, “We have started moving in that direction; maybe by the end of the year or early next year, the process will be in place.”
Did you know?
- A season of the Chinese version of Big Brother was shot in India.
- India is the only market globally where Bigg Boss plays out across two platforms (TV and OTT) within the same year.
- The production relocated from Lonavala’s 17-acre set to three acres in Film City.
- Every year, the crucial members of the Bigg Boss team meet their international counterparts worldwide to discuss the previous season.
There is something magical about being in India & this industry, says Sunny Leone as she completes 10 years in the country
8:25 AM
Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; April 19, 2022)
A decade ago, she was introduced into the Bigg Boss house to add more glam and spike up the ratings. After that, the doors to Bollywood opened up for Sunny Leone and she quickly embraced the opportunities that came her way. In a chat with Bombay Times, she talks about the fast-growing entertainment space in India, how she fits into it all and how the next few years seem packed with the kind of work she always desired to do. Excerpts:
You’re completing a decade of living in India and being a part of the entertainment industry here. What do you think has worked for you and made you turn India into your home?
It has been so amazing. My husband Daniel (Weber) and I could erase some of the bad memories, but it has been a fulfilling decade which we have spent here. It’s been a dream — we’ve gotten into production, films, shows, television and entrepreneurship in different spaces. I love being here and I am very happy about it. A long time ago, Daniel and I were staying at a five-star hotel, our makeshift home. I was shooting for Jism 2 at that time and I met a woman who had told me that once you are here, India will get a hold of you and you will never want to move to another country. She was right! Like it happens to so many people who come here, it happened to me, too.
There is something magical about being in India and being in this industry. This country holds you back in a good way. I remember what that lady said as I complete each year here. I never want to leave and be anywhere else. This is my home. At work, I have tapped into so many different outlets of entertainment. India is one of the fastest emerging countries as far as creating content goes — we’re doing so much of it every single day. It’s unbelievable. If you are a professional and sincere, you will be very busy. If you just focus on work and go back home, and not steal someone else’s hard work, you’ll be home and at peace.
Your web show, Anamika on MX Player, drove home the point that there’s more to you than a glamourous image and fine dancing skills. What took you so long to pick an author-backed part like that?
I can only choose from what’s on the table. Certain projects that came to me, which sounded interesting, did not complete the circle to move forward. We were happy to even get a meeting with Vikram Bhatt. He was kind and generous. And I was floored because it doesn’t happen very often that someone sees me in a completely different light. I have worked with some amazing people in my career, but this was different. It was an immediate yes and I didn’t need more information than he already had. He makes you want to trust him; he is honest and hardworking. The story was compelling, it was outside my comfort zone and I hadn’t had the chance to try that before. Vikram nurtured me in every way possible and he always had so much to share, there is a reason people liked the show. The best part is that he saw me differently; he saw past the glamour and showed me in a unique way. We like actors and want to emulate them because they are glamorous and I don’t want to take away from that, but Vikram saw something. I am honoured that he did.
Your superhero film, Shero, is one of the four films you’ve worked on down South. We’ve seen a growing trend of Bollywood actors doing multilingual films. What attracts you to work across film industries?
I will have to go back to what I said about picking from what I’m offered. Shero is another space that people have not imagined me in. It’s a psychological thriller with action and crazy stuff thrown in. I have one film which allows me to play a glamorous part, and two others, one of which has some really big names in it. I’ve just finished shooting for one at Tirupati.
Did you plan for your career to move this way? Did you ever set a game plan for yourself?
I don’t think you can plan all this. I find it interesting when people say that they are waiting for the right project to come their way. How do we ever know what a right project is going to look like? I am language and industry agnostic. I am okay with work in any language as long as it’s good work. We are in a time where content is dubbed in languages that are common for various regions. People are past the idea of the language barrier because everyone wants good content and that is the name of the game. I have prided myself in the fact that Daniel and I are working parents, like a lot of other couples around us. It’s equally important to work and take care of our children. Who doesn’t like to work? I like to work. I want that job more than anyone else and for that, I am willing to go an extra mile and learn the language and prepare my scenes in advance. I just got back from Tirupati where we were shooting. I refused to shoot my portions in Hindi, though it was offered to me. It is important to learn the languages, and even though it takes time, when you go on set, you’re prepared and equipped. I’m an artiste who wants the work — I don’t believe that I need it and I don’t think I deserve it. I want it and I will work hard for it. I’ve learned every single thing I know by working with so many wonderful people. I came here with no formal training in what I am doing today. Not everything I did looked nice. Some of it looked horrible, too. You’re sitting in a room and wondering what you are doing, which is not looking great. It’s a matter of time and with the right guidance and meeting the right people, you grow out of that. We’re well past that point where you have to work with an A-list actor or director. COVID taught us to be humble. It is about finding the people who believe in you and have the patience to nurture you and guide when you falter.
Apart from acting, you have been pursuing different kinds of entrepreneurial interests along with your husband. What pushes you to take on so many ventures?
Daniel and I do 20 things at once. It is not just a movie or a show that I count on to make my life meaningful. I love it all, but that is not it. If something didn’t go well, it’s not in my hands to change that. Like I can’t say, ‘Okay, let’s pull it out, correct it and put it back there...’ for a show or a movie. It doesn’t work like that. You have to be a realist and understand what you are good at. My husband and I are good at multitasking and have our hands in as many avenues of entertainment and lifestyle as we can. Instead of focusing on only one thing. The next five years are going to be about work. We are looking forward to greenlighting more projects from what’s on the table and entrepreneurially, I want to grow. Something that I do today will always pay better tomorrow. I will continue to live with that thought.
Even Salman Khan asked me when would I be a part of Bigg Boss-Debina Bonnerjee
8:10 AM
Hasti Doshi (BOMBAY TIMES; January 19, 2022)
Debina Bonnerjee, best known for her portrayal as Sita in Ramayan, has not been seen in a fiction show for a long time. She last appeared in Chidiya Ghar seven years ago. The actress says she loves the medium, but has stayed away from daily soaps for a reason.
She says, “I have been offered shows, but I am keeping away by choice. Currently, I am looking for some interesting work in the web space. Some people feel TV content isn’t good, but I like it and I think the audience likes to watch it, too, and that’s what really matters. Right now, I am explore other mediums.”
Recently, Debina appeared on Bigg Boss 15 as a guest. Would she ever be a part of the show as a contestant? She says, “Even Salman Khan asked me this when I went on the show and I said, let’s see. I have been offered the show earlier and due to some or the other reason, I never took it up. Never say never because you don’t know when you may end up doing what you say no to.”
On the personal front, Debina has been married to actor Gurmeet Choudhary for the past 10 years. Talking about their bond, she says, “Gurmeet and I are both not very social people. There are times when we are invited for a party, but just a day prior, we find reasons for not going! We are happy spending time with each other.”
So, what’s the secret behind their togetherness? “We don’t have any planned way of keeping our romance alive. Our bond is strong which keeps us going. We have a sense of honesty and we don’t force each other to do things. These little things help us keep the love and respect intact. Gurmeet and I feel safest and comfortable with each other, which is why I share everything with him and only him.”
A few months ago, everyone thought that the couple renewed their wedding vows. But that wasn’t the case, clarifies Debina. “Gurmeet and I had shot for a short film two years ago which released, so I shared a small clip from that film. That was a wedding sequence and people thought it was in real life,” she says.
Bigg Boss narrator Vijay Vikram Singh tests positive for COVID-19
8:30 AM
Vijay Vikram Singh says he will continue to record for the show from home
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; January 13, 2022)
Vijay Vikram Singh — the narrator of Bigg Boss — has tested positive for Coronavirus. Vijay, who has been associated with Bigg Boss from 2010, confirms, “I tested positive recently, but I didn’t have any symptoms. I underwent a test because I was supposed to attend an award function.”
So, how has he been managing to record for Bigg Boss? He says, “I have been recording for Bigg Boss from home for the past two years, owing to the pandemic. Fortunately, I have a home studio and I manage to record all my voiceovers. Even after testing positive, work has continued as usual because I have no symptoms. I am taking precautions like steam inhalation, gargling, sipping warm water, etc., to make sure that the throat is not affected.”
A voiceover artiste, Vijay is also an actor, who has been a part of various web shows. By his own admission, both voiceover and acting happened to him accidentally. He shares, “I met a casting director on one of the reality shows, in which I was the voiceover artiste. He asked me if I could act and offered me a part in The Family Man.”
“The Family Man was followed by other web shows. I am completely into acting now and looking forward to portraying versatile characters,” says Vijay.
With his newfound love for acting, is there a possibility of him bidding adieu to Bigg Boss in the future? “I will continue to do Bigg Boss till they tell me to leave. Until then you will hear me say ‘aagey dekhiye’,” he replies.
I don’t think I will be good on a show like Bigg Boss-Bhumika Chawla
7:50 AM
Roshni Olivera (BOMBAY TIMES; November 12, 2021)
Bhumika Chawla made her Bollywood debut with Salman Khan in Tere Naam in 2003. The movie was a huge hit, but she did very few Hindi films after that. However, the actress has no regrets, she says, as she was busy doing Telugu and Tamil films. Now with different mediums opening up, the scope for actors has widened and Bhumika is looking forward to being a part of exciting projects. In a candid chat, she speaks about her career choices, why she has kept a low profile, her marriage to yoga guru Bharat Thakur and rumours of an offer to be a part of the reality show Bigg Boss. Excerpts...
In Bollywood, you were last seen in the biopic M S Dhoni - The Untold Story. Why did you choose to do a cameo?
I played Dhoni’s sister, who supports him. The role made a difference to the story, so I decided to do it. The length of the role is not always the criteria. My role should make a difference to the story or take the story forward. Another reason was that it was a biopic on a cricketer.
Where do you see yourself in the current Bollywood scenario?
I did a Hindi film a few months ago, but I can’t talk about it at the moment. Competition has always been there, and one needs to have good connections and keep in touch with people, production houses and casting directors. One has to be in the right place at the right time. I don’t know where I stand in the line, yet it doesn’t really worry me because I am constantly working in films... they may be in different languages, but God has been kind. Also, I try to find the right balance between my personal and professional life.
You always kept a low profile and were rarely seen on the party circuit ...
I was a quiet person trying to figure out how to go about things. I felt if I just worked, it would be fine. Though now, I am more open to connecting with people. We, as humans, go through different phases and thought processes in life as we keep going and growing. I have always been a private person. I never was part of any social circle or any camp; I did my work and went back home and that has continued till date. I don’t think one gets work by attending parties or socialising.
A lot has changed now and being married is no longer an impediment in an actress’ career. What do you have to say about that?
It’s great to see this change. Today, the audience is not affected by an actress’ personal life like earlier. They want good content and it doesn’t matter if an actress is married or not. Look at Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Vidya Balan, they are all doing so well. We, as an industry, have evolved in thought, perception and perspectives and so has the audience. With different mediums opening up, there is a lot of scope for actors; I hope to do some good work, too.
Your husband, Bharat Thakur, is a yoga guru. How much has that changed your life?
Yoga has changed a lot of things in my life. My husband and I understand each other and give each other space. I have always been a family-oriented person, but at the same time, we both balance our personal and professional lives. Yoga has made me a better person. It helps one mentally and spiritually, too. I feel it has added to my patience and mental peace.
There were rumours of you doing Bigg Boss. Would you want to be a part of the reality show?
I don’t think I will be good on a show like Bigg Boss. I am quite a private person. Having said that, life has its own ways. Therefore, never say never. Opportunities vary and so do actors’ decisions. You may skip an opportunity now, but accept it later.
If not an actor, what would you have been?
Maybe a sportsperson. Gymnastics always attracted me and I had thought of becoming a gymnast during my growing up years.
The people who were coming to me with roles at that time were morons-Rahul Roy
8:15 AM
Rahul Roy, who became an overnight sensation after his debut movie, vanished from the scene. Find out why
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 18, 2021)
The year was 1990 and the blockbuster was Aashiqui and lead actor Rahul Roy became a household name. But he failed to recreate that same magic after that one film, which ultimately led him to take a hiatus from Bollywood. “The people who were coming to me with roles at that time were morons because of the way they wanted to do everything. They were like ‘If you don’t do it, we will go to someone else’,” confesses Roy, who was in news last year, after he suffered a brain stroke while he was shooting for a web show in Kargil.
He continues, “And there was a phase in my career, where I was doing anything and everything. Soon, I realised that it is better to let go of the work, and let them (makers) work jiske saath unko karna hai. I will do what I want to do (not with any pressure), and I told them to move on. Also, I didn’t want to just take a project, and then later on crib about it yeh hona tha but woh ho gaya.”
After the initial success, Roy was seen in Junoon (1992), Dilwale Kabhi Na Hare (1992) and Gumrah (1993). He also won the first season of reality show, Bigg Boss, in 2007. Looking back at his career, the 53-year-old shares, “I won’t say that I was random in the way that I did my work. But I feel that there were some projects, which I shouldn’t have done.”
Roy moved to Australia with his now-estranged wife, Rajlaxmi Khanvilkar during his sabbatical in the early 2000s. It was only in 2005 when he started to reappear through special appearances. He says, “Every aspect of my journey has been good. I never had to beg for work in front of anyone, and that remains true even today.”
At the moment, Roy is staying in Mumbai with his daughter, sister and brother-in-law. And he credits them for putting him back on the road to a healthy life after his brain stroke.
Roy shares, “I don’t want to be in a race or any rush. Ab mere hisab se kaam hona chahiye, since I am a brain stroke patient. And this is what I have been telling to people who are approaching me for work. It is difficult to make them understand, but it is okay. People can’t just expect me to bounce back, so I will do work only at my own pace.”
Roy, who is planning to write a book on his life, in the end, says, “Life has got a new meaning. Aur bhi bahut cheezein karni hai mujhe.”
Salman Khan’s Bigg Boss goes digital; upcoming season to premiere on Voot as interactive series
8:31 AM
Among the most popular shows on TV, Salman Khan’s Bigg Boss goes digital; upcoming season to premiere on Voot as interactive series
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 9, 2021)
There has been a seismic shift in the entertainment industry over the past year as OTT platforms emerged as a worthy rival to television and theatres. The reach of digital entertainment is only strengthened further as the biggest reality show in the country goes online. Bigg Boss, which kicked off in 2006 and has been led by Salman Khan since 2010, will have its 15th season premiering on Voot Select.
Since 2008, the reality show has been airing on Colors TV, with the superstar host and the contestants’ headline-grabbing antics making it one of the most watched offerings. This time around, the top brass at Viacom 18 — the parent company of Colors TV and Voot — have decided to cash in on its popularity.
“The company has internally adopted the digital-first approach, so, Bigg Boss will be launched online. The television premiere will take place six weeks after the original airing,” says a source, adding that the move will bring two-fold benefits. “The platform will be able to increase its user base drastically. Secondly, the show will be far more interactive. The junta factor will give the common man the powers to hand-pick the contestants, and have a say in their tasks and exit from the show.”
The 15th season is slated to kick off in August, but the final date has yet to be locked. As is par for the course, rumours about the possible celebrity contestants in the upcoming edition abound.
Confirming its online premiere, Ferzad Palia, head, Voot Select, says, “Bigg Boss has grown to become India’s biggest entertainment property. The launch of Bigg Boss OTT on our platform is another step towards solidifying our ‘Digital First’ approach. We are confident that our subscribers will enjoy our 24-hour live feeds, interactivity and gaming.”
Eijaz Khan doesn’t want friends but chamchas in his life-Kavita Kaushik
8:11 AM
Neha Chaudhary (BOMBAY TIMES; November 7, 2020)
Kavita faced a lot of backlash when she mentioned in the show that she cooked for Eijaz during the lockdown and people said that the actress made it sound like a favour. She clarified, “In March, when the lockdown was announced, I called up all those whom I know who were single. So, I called Eijaz also to check on him and how he is managing everything alone. He told me that there is no cook and it’s getting difficult for him to cook food daily. Out of concern, I cooked something for him, which he can stock in his refrigerator for few days. I didn’t do him any favour, unlike the reports. And I wasn’t making a mockery of him. It was a gesture from my side. You see, it’s a 24-hour show and they show only 45 minutes of the entire day. So, my words were taken out of context.”
As far as posting a picture with Eijaz is concerned on her social media account, she said, “I have a picture with Shah Rukh Khan also, does that make him my friend? Inside the show, I got to know the real Eijaz and realised that he doesn’t want friends but chamchas in his life. And I don’t want to be his chamcha. When he mentioned to Salman Khan that I am his close friend, I could have cleared that thing right there, but out of respect for Eijaz, I didn’t disregard him and refute his claims, something which I should have. In fact, this went against me and Rubina Dilaik nominated me. And what close friend is he blabbering about? Inside the house, I invited him to sit with me while I was having food, but he simply ignored that. He doesn’t need love or friends; I told this to Pavitra Punia. But that time, she didn’t listen to me. And look at the situation now. I saw in the promos that instead of saving her, Eijaz saved Jasmin Bhasin, leaving Pavitra in tears.”
Kavita said that she has learnt a huge lesson during her stint in Bigg Boss. “The biggest lesson that I have learnt is that you have to stand up for yourself and you have to be conscious of who your friends are and who aren’t.”
When asked if she would like to go in as a wildcard contestant, Kavita said, “As of now, I am planning a trip to the hills. So, I really can’t say anything right now.”
I overcame my fear of water and performed only to win-Nia Sharma
8:29 AM
Nia Sharma, one of the first TV actors to resume shooting in the ongoing pandemic, triumphs in the special one-month edition of KKK
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 31, 2020)
In 2017, Nia Sharma participated in Rohit Shetty’s stunt-based reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi (KKK) Season 8 and finished fifth. This year, she returned to Khatron Ke Khiladi—Made In India, and took the trophy home. “Midway through season 8, it was only about winning. This time, it was 20 days of fun, filmi style,” she says, admitting that the last time, her fear of water ended her journey prematurely. “It has haunted me for the last three years. This time, I overcame my fear and performed only to win.”
The actress insists that the pandemic didn’t deter her from participating in the show. “I was one of the first from the TV industry to resume work and had been shooting for the last month-and-a-half for Naagin before KKK. I wasn’t afraid. Once you step out of your home you have to set your fears and inhibitions aside,” she reasons, calling Rohit, the “pillar of KKK”. “He is a mentally amazing person, who personally invests in the show. This time, he even brought his own stunt team and made us feel so comfortable.”
Nia shares that the semi-finale task was the biggest challenge. “There was a plank in mid air that I had to cross to enter the Top 3. It was raining and the plank was shaking so hard. Once I completed the task, I cried,” she says proudly.
A celebration is pending, given the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. “I would like to go to Lonavala with my friends and stay there for some days,” she says dreamily. “The Film City helipad, where I have shot most of my scenes in fiction shows, will now be my winning spot. Whenever I go back there, I will remember it as the place where I killed it in the finale task. For now, I’m tending to my injuries.”
Having been part of two of the biggest shows on Colors, Naagin and KKK, will she now complete the trifecta with Bigg Boss? Nia breaks into peals of laughter, “I do shows that I am convinced of. If you don’t see me in a certain show, it’s because I said no to it.”
Now, Salman Khan creates his own Bigg Boss; to turn his three-month lockdown at Panvel into series?
8:40 AM
Salman Khan in talks with Colors TV to turn his three-month lockdown at Panvel into series, featuring real footage, interviews
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; June 16, 2020)
Ever wondered what a day in Salman Khan's life looks like? If all goes well, his legion of fans might be privy to it. The superstar — who has been holed up at his Panvel farmhouse, Arpita Farms, since the Coronavirus lockdown was announced in March — is apparently in talks with a leading television channel to develop his stay as a series.
What was supposed to be a work trip with director Abhiraj Minawala and brother-in-law Aayush Sharma had quickly turned into a mini-lockdown when Jacqueline Fernandez, Waluscha DeSousa and Niketan Madhok, among others, joined them at the Panvel estate. While some of his friends returned to the city earlier this month, Fernandez, Iulia Vantur, DeSousa and her kids, and Khan's manager stayed put. Khan too returned to the Panvel farmhouse after visiting father Salim Khan in Mumbai.
A source reveals, "During their stay, Saajan Singh would often film their daily activities. Salman is planning to develop the material as a reality show for Colors TV, almost like the superstar's personal Bigg Boss house. The footage will show how the coterie spent their days, their weekly treks together and their candid interviews. It will also focus on how Salman and his friends made the three music videos."
Even as discussions with the top brass at Colors TV are underway, Khan has apparently requested his team at SK TV, the television arm of his studio, to begin editing the raw footage. "Bigg Boss could be delayed due to the current crisis. In such a case, this could be the perfect weekend watch," adds the source.
(From top) Iulia Vantur, Atul Agnihotri and Jacqueline Fernandez in Panvel
It’s really funny because I feel I have become more social these days-Elli AvRam
8:11 AM
Sonil Dedhia (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 6, 2020)
“I have never been so occupied on a daily basis,” says Elli AvRam, who has been doing many things since the Coronavirus lockdown began. “I feel the day just goes by. I love dance but because of my shooting schedule, I would hardly get time. But I have been dancing a lot now. I’ve taken to painting, and have even started writing. I also talk a lot to my friends. It’s really funny because I feel I have become more social these days. In fact, right now, work is the last thing on my mind as I just want things to get back to normal.”
Unlike many people, the actor says she hasn’t watched much television and has taken time to introspect, “I haven’t binge watched a single series as I have kept myself busy doing creative things. I love cooking, and I have been doing it a lot. There is a lot of me time available and I am enjoying it.”
Avram, who was a participant in Bigg Boss, says that the reality show somehow prepared her for the lockdown, “I think, subconsciously, living in the Bigg Boss house made me adjust staying in the same place. I’m not frustrated or anxious. In fact, inside the house, we had other people to interact with, right now I am on my own. But I have social media and my phone, so I can’t complain,” she signs off.
Kanika Kapoor, Ramayan top lockdown searches
8:33 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (April 26, 2020)
A month of Coronavirus lockdown has changed a lot for Indians. As per recent data, the online search trends during this month reflect this change.
KANIKA KAPOOR BECOMES THE MOST-SEARCHED INDIAN CELEB
Till the beginning of March, Kanika Kapoor was known as the Baby Doll singer. The playback singer was popular, but hardly the talk of the town. That, however, changed last month when she was tested positive for COVID-19, followed by a controversy on her social appearances in the week preceding her diagnosis. In fact, Kanika was so talked about in the last few weeks that she dethroned Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Rajinikanth to be the most-searched celebrity as per a release by Yahoo India.
According to a statement released by the search engine, “Kanika Kapoor wasn’t just the most-searched female celebrity, she was the most-searched celebrity among both male and female celebs, throughout the lockdown.”
RAMAYAN TOPS LOCKDOWN ENTERTAINMENT SEARCH
Last month, when Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar announced the return of Ramayan on small screen, it brought back childhood memories for many. And now, the show has topped the mostsearched entertainment source chart.
As per the search engine, “It was entertainment as usual pre-lockdown, with netizens in India searching for Bigg Boss, Drive, Tanhaji, Housefull 4 and Good Newwz as their top entertainment searches. After the lockdown, Ramayan broke through overnight to become the top entertainment search after it was rerun on Doordarshan.”
The lyrics of my song express exactly what I want to tell the world-Salman Khan
8:27 AM
Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; April 20, 2020)
The Coronavirus Crisis has shaken up the world around us. In a bid to inspire people, actor-producer Salman Khan will bring out Pyaar Karona, his first independent song, today. Using minimal resources, the song, which has been penned by the actor along with Hussain Dalal, has been composed by Sajid-Wajid. In a quick chat, exclusively with Bombay Times, Salman Khan tells us that the idea behind the song was to spread the message of love and hope during these challenging times. Read on…
You’ve been stationed at your farmhouse in Panvel all through these days of the lockdown, and it’s from there that you’ve curated Pyaar Karona. What was the thought behind it?
We came here for just two days, but when the lockdown was implemented, we had to stay back for longer. It’s been about a month now. This was the thing to do. In a situation like this, we can’t shoot a movie here, though we are so many of us together in the house. But we could definitely do a song using the equipment we have with us, like phone cameras. I sang the track and we edited the video here, but the music was composed in Mumbai. The lyrics express exactly what I want to tell the world — pyaar karona, madad karona, sabr rakho na.
You’ve been musically inclined and have also sung a few songs in the past, but this time, you have also written the lyrics for the track…
I had this tune in my mind for a song. The word karona fitted in really well. So, we decided to jam on it, and in about five minutes we had our lyrics in place. Lyrics that aptly fit in with the word karona sort of fell into place with what we were trying to say, while also underlining the situation as it stands today. It blended with the rap beautifully.
With uncertainty looming over us with the ongoing #CoronaCrisis, we’ve seen people from the movie business help those in need and spread cheer with their home-shot videos and songs. Was that the inspiration for you to bring out your track?
There is nothing better than music. Everyone is at home and most people who are at home have internet connections. People are consuming content, working and trying to do things to keep their mind active and distracted from their worries. Music is the best remedy in such times as it can help people de-stress.
You have quite a few of your friends, colleagues and even family members at your farmhouse. Who all participated in the making of this song?
Pretty much everyone who is with me here in the farmhouse has participated in this project. We have two more songs coming out soon. I have penned the lyrics for those songs, too.
As an actor who barely takes vacations and shoots pretty much throughout the year, how are you coping with the lockdown?
I am still working, my mind is working and as soon as this lockdown is over, I know exactly what I want to do and how. Right now, this place feels like the Bigg Boss house. It’s beautiful here with everyone around because no one is being eliminated, and so, no one is going after anyone. I am also making time to paint, and I am doing quite a bit of it. I might put it out at some point.
Travel is my passion and Bollywood is my profession. The two elements combine on the show-Zareen Khan
7:59 AM
Rueing that she has been restricted to glamorous roles in films, Zareen Khan hopes to change the image with a travel show
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; January 29, 2020)
How often is it that your passion and profession find meeting ground? An avid traveller, Zareen Khan is thrilled that her maiden television show, Bollywood Trails, takes her to different pockets of the country since she explores iconic locales that served as settings for Hindi films. The actor talks about taking on a new role for the AXN venture, and why she is more than just a pretty face.
Edited excerpts from the interview.
Did you have TV offers coming your way before you signed this show?
I got offers to be part of reality shows, Bigg Boss being one of them. But Bigg Boss is not my cup of tea. I am glad to debut on television with something that I enjoy doing. Travel is my passion and Bollywood is my profession. [The two elements] combine on this show, making it the perfect debut vehicle for me on TV. With this show, I got the opportunity to [travel to] some iconic locations that have been used in Bollywood films and heard so many behind-the-scenes stories from directors.
Was television part of your career plan?
I always dreamt of doing a travel show. I remember telling my sister about this during the shoot of 1921, in London, and now, it has come true. Imagine visiting some of the most gorgeous sites, relishing exquisite cuisines and being paid to do that! Another advantage of doing the show is that I will be able to reach a wider audience. People will get to see the real side to me.
Did you play a part in choosing the locations?
Unfortunately, I wasn’t part of the research. The team had already decided the locales they wanted to go to, the directors they wanted to interview and the films they wanted to discuss. One of the reasons they got me on board was because I am an avid traveller. Also, I like driving in difficult terrain.
Were you aware of the hotspots before you shot for the series?
There are so many things I wasn’t aware of. Through the series, I got to see the places in a new light. I know India more because of this [outing].
What is happening on the film front?
My upcoming release, Hum Bhi Akele, Tum Bhi Akele, was recently screened at the Rajasthan Film Festival and received great feedback. I will start shooting for a Punjabi film, and have signed another horror movie. Besides this, I am making my web debut with a woman-oriented [series].
Your movie career hasn’t panned out the way you would’ve liked it to. Why?
People in the industry have a different perception about me — they think I am an eye-candy and not capable of doing performance-oriented roles. I don’t blame them [for thinking so since I have done glamorous roles]. But I can choose only from the offers that come my way. After Hum Bhi Akele, Tum Bhi Akele, I hope people’s perception changes and they realise that I am more than a pretty face. I am making a conscious effort to pick content-driven projects.
I never thought I would become a fashion diva when I entered Bigg Boss house-Hina Khan
8:15 AM
Hina Khan, who broke out of traditional mould on reality TV, shot an Indo-Hollywood film in animal skins and is now making her Bollywood debut with a cyber crime thriller
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 21, 2020)
This year, Hina Khan joins the list of TV actresses who graduated to the big screen from television, with Vikram Bhatt’s cyber-crime thriller Hacked. She plays a woman targeted by an obsessive young hacker (played by Rohan Shah). “We see such cases all around the world. Also, you expect horror and thriller from Vikram, but here he is exploring a new space,” she says explaining her reasons for doing this film. She adds that she’s never been in a similar situation but often receives text messages with bogus One Time Password that are known to lead to cyber fraud. “Sharing stuff on your own is different from it being done without your consent.”
The actress was supposed to make her big film debut with Hussein Khan’s Lines, for which she had walked the Cannes red carpet last year. Its theatrical release in India is delayed as it’s still doing the rounds of the global festival circuit. “Before Hacked, I wrapped up Country Of Blind, in which I play a blind woman who wears animal skins with no makeup. It is an Indo-Hollywood project. I might walk the Cannes red carpet again for this film,” she informs.
Hina acknowledges that participating in Bigg Boss was a turning point in her career. “I never thought I would become a fashion diva when I entered the house. I just wanted to break out of that traditional look (from her TV debut, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai) that I did for eight long years. After coming out (of the BB house), I discovered how much people appreciated me,” she gushes, adding that she shares a special relationship with host Salman Khan. “He is fond of me. When I told him about Hacked, he wished me luck and appreciated Vikram’s direction.”
The journey from TV to films has been fruitful. “I played an iconic role in my first show itself and never thought Id be able to break that mould but luckily, people accepted me in a negative role (as Komolika in the Kasautii Zindagi Kay reboot). Taking the risk of moving to films was a conscious decision as I wanted to move ahead in life,” she says.
In Mumbai, there’s always someone famous walking around, so people are not as star struck-Sunny Leone
8:29 AM
Mirror reader Vikas Dave shares his experience of meeting his favourite celebrity Sunny Leone
As told to Kunal Guha (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 19, 2020)
I’ve been a major fan of Sunny Leone, ever since she made her foray into Bollywood. Having been a flight attendant until recently, I’ve often flown with her. But I’ve never bothered her during her travel, fearing it would be an encroachment of her privacy. So when I met her for this interaction, I had to tell her that she was among the top five most well-behaved celebrity travellers, according to an internal survey, that I have come across.
To this, Sunny smiled and thanked me, before sharing an alarming anecdote with me. “Once while travelling, a woman wanted to take a picture of me while I was fast asleep. She asked Daniel [her husband] for a photo, and he said, ‘she’s taken off her shoes, and is sleeping, may be later?’ This lady lost her mind. She shouted, ‘I’ve dealt with lots of celebrities and I’ve never met anyone as rude’. Arre yaar, maine kya kiya? We were dead tired and just wanted to sleep.”
When you’re Sunny Leone, even catching 40 winks on a flight is a privilege. Having seen her sneak into flights, wearing a baseball cap, I can imagine the tricks she’s pulled off over the years to evade the legions of fans.
“In Mumbai, there’s always someone famous walking around, so people are not as star struck,” Sunny Leone says, adding that she never misses an opportunity to meet a fan when time permits.
That her first break in India was on the reality show Bigg Boss, before she bagged her Hindi film debut, made me ask her if she managed to skip the grind that those with tinseltown ambitions have to endure? The 38-year-old actor assured me that her move to Mumbai was riddled with doubt.
Reflecting on the time, she remembers grappling with much uncertainty, unsure if she would be “accepted”. “I have an American accent, and to make that go away, and speaking Hindi was difficult. I grew up in a home where my parents spoke Punjabi, Hindi and Gujarati, but I was a rebel and spoke mostly in English.”
So, when she was cast for her first Hindi film, did she struggle with her lines? “It’s just memorising lines, like how you do it, ‘Welcome to the flight’ routine,” she says, adding that following her iconic turn in Ragini MMS 2, “things fell organically into place”.
“Initially, we didn’t know how long we’d stay in India. Then, we got an apartment in Mumbai, a car and even a house help — a service we could never afford in the US,” says Leone, who has since built an empire, comprising a cosmetics brand, fragrance label and new business, which she’s about to announce soon. “When you work in entertainment, you don’t know when things will end. It’s not like you spend a certain number of years, and then move to another branch of that company, like it is in other professions. So you have to wet your feet and try many things at once,” she says. “I just like to make money when I sleep,” she quips.
Now, as a mother of three, Leone shares that her children’s schedule barely gives her any time off, and her source of entertainment is largely confined to watching TV shows. Her latest binge watch, she says, is a documentary feature on a man accused of being a Nazi. “I watch so many shows that when I recently went to a movie hall, I could barely put up with the quality of content I saw,” she says.
Not a big fan of taking breaks, Leone shares that she spent her first ‘personal day’ after a year-and-a-half working, exploring her favourite city with her husband. “I walked for 12 km non-stop in Bangkok,” she says, adding that Thailand’s cuisine and culture is a big draw, and that she loves visiting temples and local markets. “We also got two massages in a day, so it was all good,” she smiles.
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