Blank marks the acting debut of Simple Kapadia’s son Karan and also the directorial debut of Behzad Khambata. Both have done their work quite well. Karan is still raw and needs to brush up his acting skills but he manages to sail through. Behzad Khambata is quite good and handles some scenes like a pro. Sadly, the script is very poor and heavily flawed. One might not realize that in the first half. Even the twist in the climax initially might impress viewers. But the moment one processes the sudden developments, one realizes that the writer has taken ridiculously too many cinematic liberties just to shock audiences in the finale. Talking of other performers, Sunny Deol seems to be in good form, and to see him in an action avatar after some not-so-great roles in Yamla Pagla Deewana Phir Se, Mohalla Assi and Bhaiaji Superhit is heartening. Ishita Dutta is decent while Karanvir Sharma has a fine screen presence. All in all, Blank is a disappointment!

My rating - ** out of 5!

Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; May 3, 2019)

Though Aftab Shivdasani and Shreyas Talpade have been a part of many comedies, their next outing, Setters, is based on the malpractices in the education system. While Shreyas plays a setter responsible for the criminal practices, Aftab essays the role of a cop who wants to bust the scam. In a candid chat with Bombay Times, the two spoke about being stereotyped as comic actors and dealing with social media. Excerpts:

Over the years, you both have been stereotyped as actors who are best suited for multi-starrer comedies. Setters being a crime thriller must have been refreshing.
Shreyas: People have almost forgotten that I started my career with films like Iqbal and Dor. They were serious films. Over a period of time, our association with comedies became really strong. After solely doing comedies for the past few years, I am glad I am doing something like this. I was pleasantly surprised when I was offered a subject and a role with grey shades. Every actor has an urge to do something else, reinvent himself and films like these give you that opportunity. People’s expectations from us are films like Masti, Grand Masti and Golmaal, so getting a serious film was refreshing. We have tried to play our parts with utmost sincerity and I hope that comes across.
Aftab: What Shreyas said is true for me as well. I started off with Mast and Kasoor and was appreciated for them. Then I did some love stories and comedies like Awara Paagal Deewana, Hungama and Masti, and people suddenly started identifying me with those genres. Yes, stereotyping happens to a certain extent. There is a perception that guys like Shreyas and I are more suitable for comedy films. Both of us were trying to find something that’s lucrative and substantial. You need a good script and a director to project you the right way. We hope we get accepted in a film like Setters, which will open the doors to more films like these. Also, it works both ways; a lot of actors, who are known for serious roles, don’t get offered comedies either.

What is Setters all about?
Shreyas: Setters is based on education and employment mafia. I think all of us have heard about this when we were in school or college…someone selling a question paper for a certain price. I had a perception that these leaks happen at a local level and maybe four-five people are involved in it. When I read the story, I told Ashwini (director Ashwini Chaudhary) that it’s quite an imagination and he corrected me by saying, this really happens. A massive mafia is involved in this. It’s structured and organised, comprising educated and tech-savvy people, who know how to crack the legal system. I am the ‘setter’ here, who’s a bad guy.
Aftab: I am the good guy, a cop, who is after this ‘setter’. It’s a cat-and-mouse game, more like catch-me-if-you-can. The story is about oneupmanship. We both have to be on top of our game to outdo each other. The kind of gadgets and technology the setters use are advanced, so, as someone in charge of security, we have to be one step ahead of them.
Shreyas: There’s no preaching here. It’s an entertainer based on a concept that’s real.

Aftab, after Great Grand Masti (2016), you disappeared from Bollywood in a way. Why did you go missing?
I did two South films and a British film after Great Grand Masti, which I didn’t really speak about because I wanted to test the waters. Even the English film is a content-driven, serious film, which will release sometime this year. I wanted to see what it’s like to work outside my comfort zone, which is Bollywood. Having said that, if I was offered interesting films here, I would have chosen them but I didn’t get any, so I waited for the right opportunity. When Setters came my way, I was excited to play a police officer, who wants to bust a racket and imprison the culprits.

Shreyas, people often look at you as a good fit for supporting cast. Do you think you have been slotted in this category?
That did happen to a certain extent with me. I am not from a film family or don’t have a film background, and when people like me are approached by seniors or friends in the industry, it isn’t easy for us to say no. They’ll say, yeh kar lena and you do it, even when you are not completely convinced about those films. You fear that agar woh bura maan gaye toh baat failegi ki yeh ladka akdu hai. You learn the hard way to be assertive. It’s your career after all. If you are not convinced about a film, what will you portray on screen? Certain films will work, certain won’t, but there came a point when I decided to take a break. I might as well tell stories that I am convinced about instead of acting in ones that I am not. So I got into production (Marathi) and then directed the Hindi remake of Poster Boys. I’d rather do what I want to do and, of course, you have to wait for a right script like Setters.

Aftab, you started off as a child actor with Mr India. Do you think the chances of burning out are a lot more when a person starts out that early?
Isn’t that an advantage? I don’t look at it as a burnout; you get a head start. You gather experience with time and there’ no substitute for that. If you love what you do, you will never burn out. If I wasn’t an actor, I wouldn’t know what to do with my life. I am an extremely passionate guy and I am happy that I got an opportunity to start off at an early age. I developed a liking for the camera from a young age and decided that I will be around it till the time I die.

Does being a part of a certain group in Bollywood help in terms of getting work?
Shreyas: Yes, to a certain extent. Those things (hanging out with certain people) can get you one film at the most, but eventually, you will have to survive on your talent. If you are good at your work, you don’t have to worry about kal kya hoga?
Aftab: Your talent speaks for itself. There are so many people who have had successful careers despite not being associated with groups. They made it on their own. Social circles don’t forward your professional career. You shouldn’t get into a group because you want work. People shouldn’t know you for the amount of drinks you had with them, but the kind of talent you have.

What are your thoughts on the changing phase of paparazzi and domination of social media in India?
Aftab: People with millions of followers are popular on a virtual platform, which is social media. Does that translate to box office collection? No. They might get money to endorse a brand as a post, but are they happy making that as a career? If yes, then that’s great. But I think real popularity is when people will pay to watch your film because they genuinely like you for what you do and what you are. That’s true appreciation. I heard this beautiful quote, ‘This social media freak had thousands of friends on Facebook. But when he died, no one showed up at his funeral.’ All you get is RIP. It’s good to be on social media — use it, be on it, but that’s not the world we should be living in! It’s virtual. Don’t get lost in it.
Shreyas: I make it a point to call people on their birthdays instead of posting a message on social media. I believe in meeting my friends and extended family. My sister was surprised that I wasn’t on Instagram. It felt like a crime. I am on the platform now. I agree with what Aftab says, online validation might not translate into professional success. As far as the paps are concerned, people who work with us now say things like, ‘Sir, airport ke liye kaunsa shirt pehnoge?’

Aftab, you must be relieved that your family can see Setters as it’s been passed with a ‘U’ certificate. It’s something that’s not common with your films.
My last ‘U’ certificate film was in 2011. I haven’t had a ‘U’ certificate film for eight years! Setters has been certified ‘U’, not even ‘U/A’, so I am throwing a party for it. I do regret that over the years my audience shifted from ‘U’ to ‘A’.

Setters, produced by Lovely Films Production and NH Studioz, releases today. 

TWO SMALL FILMS TO TRY THEIR LUCK TOMORROW!

Last week’s Hollywood biggie Avengers: Endgame, has as expected, broken all records. If all goes well, it will cross the Rs. 400 crore mark at the Indian box office which is simply phenomenal. And as it usually happens after the release of a biggie, no big Hindi film is releasing tomorrow since the Avengers wave is still strong. But two small films will hit screens and try their luck. My analysis:

BLANK: It marks the debut of Simple Kapadia’s son and Dimple Kapadia’s nephew, Karan Kapadia. It also stars Sunny Deol in a significant role along with Isihita Dutta and Jameel Khan. Directed by debutant Behzad Khambata, the premise is promising – a suicide bomber loses memory in an accident minutes before setting up the bomb and is nabbed by the cops. The film is also just 111 minutes long and promises to be a fast-paced actioner. Songs haven’t worked but a track featuring Akshay Kumar has got noticed. In fact, the film has been extensively promoted. Akshay’s wife and Dimple’s daughter Twinkle Khanna has also been promoting it on social media. All these tactics have made people aware of the film but not excited for it. The opening will be poor and might score a bit in small centres where action films work. The opening will be less than Rs. 1 crore, in the range of Rs. 60-70 lakhs range.

SETTERS: Just like Why Cheat India, Setters is also based on cheating in exams and the mafia’s association with it. Shreyas Talpade, Aftab Shivdasani, Sonnalli Seygall and also Blank’s heroine Ishita Dutta is a part of the film along with other talented performers like Vijay Raaz, Pavan Raj Malhotra, Jameel Khan and Neeraj Sood. The trailer is surprisingly quite good but there is no hype at all about the film. And there’s of course also Avengers: Endgame which will be super strong in Week 2 too. The opening will be disastrous, and will be around Rs. 30-35 lakhs. Surprisingly, even Why Cheat India had a very bad opening of Rs. 1.50 crore.

WHICH FILM WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE AND WHY? DO LET ME KNOW!

Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; May 2, 2019)

On screen, he is known for his hard-hitting dialogues that are as powerful as the punches of his dhai-kilo-hath. But off screen, Sunny Deol has always been perceived as someone who is soft-spoken and reticent. In this interview conducted before he announced his decision to join politics, the National Award-winning actor spoke about his upcoming film Blank, his shy demeanour, directing his son's debut film, the nepotism debate and more. Excerpts from the conversation:

Over the last three years, you have tried your hand at comedy, (Bhaiaji Superhit, Mohalla Assi, Yamla Pagla Deewana…Phir Se), and now, you are back with an action film, Blank. Do you feel that your fans prefer to see you in the action genre?
I agree that my fans want to see me more in action films. They prefer to watch me fight goons and do hardcore action. Having said that, it’s always the script that makes the difference, whether it is a comedy or an action film. It is not that I tried to do something different by being part of comedy films, because at the end of the day, it is the character or the subject that motivates me to take up a movie.

In Blank, I play an Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) chief, who tries to prevent a terrorist attack. A young guy (Karan Kapadia) has a bomb planted in his heart, but does not know about it. My character knows about it, and it becomes my responsibility to prevent it from exploding. I found the character intriguing.

Karan Kapadia, who makes his debut with Blank, is Simple Kapadia’s (Dimple Kapadia’s late sister) son. Did you agree to be a part of the film because you are close to his family?
When they narrated the script to me, they did not tell me that Karan is being launched in Blank. They just felt that the role was right for me. I, too, wanted to play an ATS officer, and so, I agreed.

I know that people will connect me with Karan because I have known his family since he was a child, but that is not the reason I am doing this film. I think we should focus on the fact that this film has a good script and one should not take away the dignity of the characters by digressing. Karan is a good actor; he is like clay, which can be moulded as per the need of the character.

Did you have any qualms about working with a debutant director (Behzad Khambata)?
We are all here to learn and make better films. The experience part comes later. When you work together with some people, you realise that you connect well with them. So, yes, it was great working with Behzad.

Over the past few years, we have seen many Bollywood films revolving around subjects like patriotism and terrorism. Do you think that it has become a trend?
I don’t feel the need to categorise any film. Why should a film be tagged as evoking love for the country? Don’t we all love our country? I don’t feel that a movie should be marketed or sold that way. I find it very sad. I have done many patriotic films, but they worked because of the character and its script, and not because it was following some trend.

Your dad, Dharmendra, launched you in Betaab. Now, you are doing the same for your son Karan. How do you view this considering the fact that the nepotism debate has been raging in Bollywood?
When I was launched in Betaab, nobody spoke of nepotism. There is something new that comes up every now and then. Today, we are talking about this, tomorrow something else will become the topic of discussion. People don’t tire here. But to answer your question, a person can succeed only if he has talent. In fact, I feel an individual without any filmi background has more chances of shining, at times. There are good and bad sides to everything.

Do you say so because your father didn’t have any connections in the industry when he entered films?
No, I don’t mean it that way, but nothing is easy here. People hate you, love you or mistreat you a lot. It is not that kids of stars don’t go through difficult times.

But you do enjoy a certain loyal fan following…
I had to prove myself for that! They show love for my work and not for any other reason. A person is judged only for his work. The talks revolving around nepotism are for the time being. Today, we start blaming the government or politicians for not doing a particular thing. But, don’t you feel the onus is on us, too? We need to get our act right rather than blame people for it. We complain that the system is corrupt, but what are we, as citizens, doing to resolve it? When such topics become so huge, I don’t feel like commenting on them because it is just a big noise out there. Jo sambhal chuke hain woh inn discussions mein shareek nahin hotey.

What are the changes you observe in the content and the way things function in the film industry today?
The world was much simpler earlier; the situation is different now. Today, our lives revolve around two-three mobile phones. It has become a way of life. When I was launched, I didn’t take the pressure. I just knew that people will love me for my work. I haven’t watched many films to comment on the content. But, somewhere I feel we don’t make the kind of meaningful content we used to. We are attempting too many remakes. People are doing things that are trendy and marketed well. Nobody has faith in themselves. They only want to do what works. Very few people attempt to make a film on a subject only because they are passionate about it. Everyone wants the security of a safe product. Gadar - Ek Prem Katha was a hit, but many people criticised it, too. Some didn’t like the music, while others felt it was more of a Punjabi film. I have done movies because doing those gave me a kick. When I was mouthing the dhai kilo haath or taareekh pe taarekh dialogue, I didn’t know it will be remembered. We did not know that it was a sure-shot formula for success, we just enjoyed our work.

We don’t see you attending parties or posting holiday pictures on social media...
There is nothing wrong with attending parties. I don’t drink, and I am happy with the way I exist around my family. I do post a few pictures on social media because I know I should be there, but I don’t know how to take it further.

In many of Dharam ji’s interviews, he has said that the Deols have not got the kind of roles they deserve. Do you agree?
We are in people’s hearts and they love us. Maybe that’s because we have been appreciated for our work and not because we have marketed ourselves well. My father is the only actor who has done a variety of roles that probably no other actor has attempted. I don’t know about me, but I do feel that about my father.

In your 36-year-long inning in films, you haven’t been part of any camp within the industry. Has that affected the way your career panned out?
Yes, there are camps in the film industry. One individual praises a person and then, everyone else praises him. The next day you praise someone else and it goes on. This requires so much energy. I don’t have that kind of energy. I believe in doing my work. If you like it then that’s great, and if you don’t, then I will work harder and do something else.

You debuted with Amrita Singh in Betaab. Is it true that you also wanted to cast Sara Ali Khan opposite your son in his debut movie?
Yes, that was at the back of my mind, but it didn’t happen. I have seen Sara and I feel she is full of life, like her mother (Amrita Singh).

We don’t see you posing with your wife (Pooja Deol) or expressing your views on love, relationships or marriage…
I don’t do that because it is something personal. When it comes to love, I am not different from anybody else in the world. I have similar feelings about love and family values. I live in a joint family, so we all rub off on each other. In fact, my son often surprises me when he observes things about me.

Are you aware of a video that featured Dimple Kapadia and you chatting at a bus stop in a foreign country, going viral, a year ago?
People have all the time in this world to discuss things. Like I said earlier, I am not bothered about which video comes out or who talks about it, as long as I know who I am and what I am responsible for. I am answerable to myself and not the world.

Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; April 30, 2019)

It took Behzad Khambata, who has assisted on films like Boss and OMG – Oh My God!, 14 years to bag his first directorial venture. His movie, Blank, which features Sunny Deol and newcomer Karan Kapadia in lead roles, revolves around a suicide bomber, who loses his memory and has a bomb attached to his heart. The anti-terrorist squad has to prevent the bomb from exploding. The director spoke to Bombay Times about working with Sunny Deol in his maiden project, and the pressure of making commercial films. Excerpts:

Why did you choose a topic like terrorism for your debut as a director?
Two years ago, when we thought of this subject, a film on Uri attacks had not been made. In the last few months, there have been many movies based on patriotism and dealing with the topic of terrorism. It does get unnerving because my film also has terrorism as its backdrop. I liked the subject and the uncertainty that surrounded a guy, who has a bomb in his heart. My film is commercial, but if you are waiting for someone to break into a song, that won’t happen. It has a runtime of 100 minutes, and it goes from one scene to another and keeps you on the edge of your seat. I learnt a lot while shooting with a senior actor like Sunny Deol because some people on my team, Karan Kapadia, my assistant director and writer, were all first-timers.

Considering the fact that this is your first film, was it intimidating to direct a senior actor like Sunny?
I had many inhibitions before I started working with him, but once the shoot began everything went smoothly. He insisted that I should correct him or let him know if something goes wrong so that we don’t repent while editing the film. The role of an antiterrorist squad chief suits him. I am thankful that he agreed to do it.

You have shot the film in Mumbai. What kind of an experience did you have?
I remember we had to shoot two scenes in Mira Road. It was a crowded area and was perfect for the shot. On one particular day, after I finished filming with Karan, it was time to shoot with Ishita (Dutta). At around 1.30 pm, when we went on the location, surprisingly, the streets were completely empty. Perhaps it was Eid that day, so people had closed their shops and gone home to celebrate. I was worried as I needed a crowd for my shot. There weren’t any junior artists either. So, we had to cheat and shoot with four-five people behind Ishita. You learn to handle such situations if you have worked as an assistant director. We also shot the movie in Vasai, Dongri and on the sets.

Your first film often paves the way for you in the industry. Are you feeling the pressure?
We have stayed true to the script and given it our best shot. Now, the audiences will give its verdict. It is very tough to make a film and even tougher to release it. With this movie, I have learnt many things about filmmaking, which will be useful when I direct my next project. This is not a big bonanza movie; it revolves around a great script and performances. I am happy that two years ago, when Karan heard the script, he agreed to do it as it is a rather unconventional choice.

Do you think that today it has become easier for new directors to get a break?
Yes, I think there is a huge influx of actors and directors in the industry, and everyone has work now. I had a difficult time finding projects as an AD, but when I call people now, they seem to get work relatively easily. This motivates me. I respect makers, who make a film with all the commercial trappings because the pressure to release such a movie is very high. They have more to lose as their money and reputation are at a higher risk. When a big producer fails, it becomes public news. If my movie does not work, I will be washed away because people are skeptical about working with someone whose film has not worked, even if it had good reviews. Luckily, I had Anthony D’souza (director) who guided me. I learnt a lot from him. At the end of the day, this was a great team to work with.

Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; April 28, 2019)

There’s something cool and pleasant about Karan Kapadia. He says that he’s a regular 25-year-old, who wanted to be an actor and it is was mere luck that he found an unconventional role to debut with. It took him eight years to become an actor after he decided to take the plunge. He’s been there, done that: learnt horse-riding, martial arts in Bangkok, riding a bike, acting workshops and assisted on film sets from the age of 15. “I wanted to be prepared to take on anything as part of my role,” says actress Dimple Kapadia’s nephew Karan, who will make his debut with Blank, where he plays a suicide bomber, who suffers a memory loss. Excerpts from a conversation with the debutant:

It’s somewhat strange that even though you are Dimple Kapadia’s nephew and Akshay Kumar’s brother-in-law, not everyone was aware of your acting aspirations…
Honestly, people still don’t know much about me (smiles). And that’s because I’ve led a very normal life, largely away from the spotlight. I did the Juhu routine – went to Jamnabai Narsee School and then to Mithibai College. My mother, Simple Kapadia (Dimple Kapadia’s sister), was a single parent, who raised me until I was about 11 with my grandmother. Eventually, when she fell sick, my aunt Dimple took over. The kids from film families usually have a circle of their own, but I led a life away from all of them. I didn’t have the chance to hang out with them, and I didn’t miss it either. In my friends’ circle, everyone is a professional like a chartered accountant, lawyer and doctor. The other fraternity kids have known each other for years, but all of this is new to me.

Given that my mother did some of her best work behind the scenes in the latter part of her career, I saw everything from a distance. I went to a few premieres but never tried too hard to socialise. I’ve led an aam zindagi so far. Maybe, with this film, things will change.

Your aunt Dimple, your brother-in-law, Akshay and your cousin Twinkle Khanna are all well connected. Wasn’t it hard to stay away from the limelight?
I have had a lot of anxiety issues while growing up. I wanted to act because it gives me a sense of accomplishment and I will stop acting the day I stop feeling it. I love being in front of the camera, but never in the spotlight. I was such an introvert that I couldn’t even tell my mother that I wanted to act while she was alive. I was never really tempted to break into the film circles until I felt I was ready to be an actor. Maybe, the fact that I had anxiety and suffered from lack of confidence never let me jump the gun. Today, I realise that acting is just 15 per cent of the job. There’s so much more that an actor has to do.

How involved has Akshay been with your professional decisions?
It was his idea that I should train in martial arts in Bangkok for six months. Akshay sir has never given me specific instructions, but he has his way of guiding me, and without that, I wouldn’t have been here. His advice has always been incredible. As a boy, being raised in a family full of women, he was the first male influence, which I value immensely. Even while growing up, I was a fan of his work. He doesn’t mollycoddle or hand-hold me, but I know that he has my best interest at heart. If he had to, he would have produced my first film or acted in it, or done both. He saw the rushes and decided to do a song for us, which speaks volumes. My family believes in supporting one another without spoon-feeding, because they have all led adventurous and struggle-laden lives, which taught them a great deal.

Is that why you chose an unconventional film like Blank to make your debut with?
This was the only thing offered to me, apart from another film, which I couldn’t do. I’m lucky that this movie has turned out fine. Apart from the fact that the film was intriguing, it was the lack of opportunities that made me take on this film. Honestly, I didn’t have the option of picking. This film came when I needed it. Jo mila, woh kiya. When this film came to me, I was in a phase where things were difficult, nothing was coming my way and the auditions were not working out. When Behzad Khambata (director) told me about this film, I was blown away.

Who was the first person to know you were doing this film?
My aunt! She was so excited. My aunt is my biggest fan; she just loves everything I do, including the most ridiculous short film that I have acted in. So, sometimes, I don’t trust her opinion, because I know that she will love everything. I can’t have been good at everything, right? (Laughs!) She and my sister (Twinkle) were particularly happy because they had seen my struggle, up, close and personal. My sister even asked me if I was sure about this film, as there were chances that it could become controversial. I told her, ‘Yeh nahi karun toh kya karun?’ Akshay sir had told me, ‘Kaam bada ho ya chota, you’re starting out, you should do it. Why are you even thinking? People will kill for this role.’ I just took the plunge.

Dimple Kapadia has a degree of irreverence, apart from being a supremely talented artiste. Have her personality traits rubbed off on you?
Yes, some of it has, because I was very young when I moved in with her. Initially, I was like my mother, who always called a spade a spade. But gradually, a lot of my aunt’s traits became my own. My mom was a lot like the way Twinkle is today. She was outspoken and a bit of a hot-head. My aunt is a lot calmer and it takes a lot to make her angry. Also, she is my best friend and I can talk to her about anything. She once jokingly told me that I should get laid if I wanted to get rid of the zits on my face. That’s the kind of equation we share. She and Twinkle have prepped me for my run in this film industry. Initially, when they told me that nothing will be easy and things will be hard to come by no matter who you are, I thought they didn’t support my idea of being an actor. Soon, I realised that they were right, and nothing ever comes by easily here.

Your co-star Sunny Deol and your aunt Dimple are close friends. Given their equation, was he paternal towards you? Also, your mother worked with him for a very long time…
I have been on his film set when I was a kid. My mother was his stylist. It was surreal to share screen space with him. He was the best thing that happened to Blank. His experience of 30 years has rubbed off on all of us. We’ve had to work very hard to match up to his standard. I don’t know if you can call it being paternal, but he was very caring and accommodating towards me. He’s not the laughing-joking type. As a newcomer, you need a seasoned actor who is patient with you when you ask for retakes. He was patient and didn’t get frazzled ever. On the contrary, he made sure that I was calm and I gave the shot just the way I should do it. He would have done this for anyone. Sunny sir is unlike his angry-man image. His advice to me was that I should not load my head with too many thoughts. I was very nervous shooting with him on the first day (which was an interrogation scene), in fact, I was more nervous than I was with Akshay sir. I had seen Sunny sir since my growing up years; the pressure was too much, coupled with nausea. Gradually, it became easier, but mere director ne pehle hi din, pehle scene mein rula diya.

You’re making your debut in a year which marks the entry of many promising new actors. What do you make of the competition?
It’s inevitable. The only way is to do my own thing, my way. There are such good films being made, but few promising actors. With more of us coming in, filmmakers will hopefully have more options. Healthy competition drives you and keeps you prepared. So, I welcome it. I’m not the plan A and plan B sort of a person. I only have Plan A. I don’t want to have a backup plan, which can make me complacent. Hereon, let’s see how things shape up for me.

Sunny Deol, Karan Kapadia and Karan Deol

Set to play to his physical strength in the actioner, Blank, Sunny Deol on returning to a genre he can never tire of
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; April 22, 2019)

Inarguably among the lot of stars who shaped the way the action genre was perceived in Bollywood, Sunny Deol says that three decades into his career, he can still give the younger lot of actors a run for their money when packing in a punch. "I am not tired of doing action," says Deol, 62, whose upcoming actioner Blank, sees him sprint, kick and punch with the same zest that he had years ago.

"I have never taken numbers seriously, be it my age, or box-office figures. Physically, I can do more than a youngster can. When people give me so much respect, I begin to question myself because I still have a lot to do. I love playing sports, which is similar to doing stunts. Action comes naturally to me. So, I don't think age will keep me from it."

Blank follows the story of a suicide bomber — played by Karan Kapadia — and sees him as an ATS chief roped in to prevent the bombing. Even though it was being helmed by Behzad Khambata, a debutant director, Deol says he knew the film held promise as soon as he read the script. "Having been in the industry for so many years, I can decipher if a script is good. When Behzad approached me, I was intrigued by the plot. I liked the way he discussed details of each character. He was nervous, initially, but I created an ambience that made all comfortable."

Even as he continues to pursue his acting ambitions, the father to Karan Deol had dedicatedly trained his focus on his son's debut vehicle, Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas, a while ago. Stepping in to direct the offering, the veteran actor says a romantic film was an ideal selection for Karan's first project since it captures the raw emotions of newbies. "There is a certain vulnerability in young kids, and capturing it in a romantic film is ideal since those emotions may be lost as they move on to doing other films. Also, there's more than romance that this film offers."

Hiren Kotwani (DNA; April 19, 2019)

Never mind what the world says about nepotism, kids with famous surnames will always be welcomed by the film industry. And even as we look for and point out their similarities with their star parents, we also expect them to be their own people and root for them. Come May 3, another industry kid will make his debut with an action thriller, Blank. Karan Kapadia, the nephew of yesteryear diva Dimple Kapadia and son of late actress Simple Kapadia (of Anurodh fame), is making his debut. Simple, also a famous dress-designer, was Sunny Deol’s costume designer for nearly two decades.

Given that every newcomer comes prepared, Karan is no different. He went through the drill of preparing to become an actor. He also assisted director Tony D’Souza on Boss (2013), starring Akshay Kumar and acted in a short film that went to Cannes.

Next, when his friend and co-AD from Boss, Behzad Khamnata, narrated the subject of Blank, Karan not only liked it, but also became a part of its journey from the onset. Excerpts from a chat with the 25-year old debutant...

When did you realise you wanted to be an actor?
When I was about 11-12 years old. Earlier, I had a lot of anxiety issues. I wanted to take part in plays, etc but I couldn’t muster up the courage to do it. I always regretted it. So, when I act or perform on stage, there’s a feeling of personal accomplishment for me that I was able to overcome this barrier. The feeling you get when you perform in front of people is what drove me. That’s why I started coming out of my shell a lot more. I don’t know what it was in particular, but I instinctively knew this is what I wanted to do.

Would you say Blank is an unconventional debut?
Most definitely. Not many people have come out with their first film, in which they have portrayed a character where there is no specification whether he is good or bad through the trailer. There are so many shades of grey. I personally love that, there’s intrigue about the character. It’s not about me or the family I come from, it’s become about the character,  the film and the intrigue behind it. People are really liking the concept and the story.

Speaking of which, those who’ve seen the rushes say that for a first-timer, you’re quite confident. Which is hard to believe seeing you talk about anxiety.
I think it’s a great compliment that people think it doesn’t look like my first film. But I know I can grow a lot more and have the potential to do so. When you watch your work, you think you could have done this better or that differently.

That’s different. That you’ll be doing even after 100 films.
That’s inevitable because hindsight is such a thing that you’ll always feel that. But, honestly, I take pride when people say that. Obviously, I won’t let that get to my head. Though I know I have a lot more work to do and do better in terms of performances, better than what I’ve done, in future.

Talking about family, you’ve been brought up by one of the most beautiful women in the film industry.
Yes, I’m extremely fortunate that I’ve been raised by women. I always say that I was very fortunate to have two mothers. My mom (Simple) was with me till  I was 15, then my aunt (Dimple) took over and how! She’s absolutely incredible and never made me feel that I missed out on anything growing up. Even my sisters, (Twinkle and Rinke) have always been protective of me. Because of the age gap between us, there are maternal vibes. There is an age gap of nearly 18-19 years between us, as my mom got married really late.

While growing up, as a kid, I was observing all this. They set the bar so high, especially at that time, because women were not taken as seriously as they are now. I’m talking about the 1980s. So, to do things like that at that time.. of course, they’re the most inspirational people I have in my life and I couldn’t have asked for better role models.

Were you ever able to tell your mom that you wanted to be an actor?
No. The other day I told my aunt that was my only regret that I couldn’t tell my mom (that I wanted to become an actor), so I can’t gauge what her reaction would be like. My aunt said that she would be proud, but I don’t know what my mom would have made out of it. She would have been scared for me because this is a scary industry, I feel. And she was Mr Sunny Deol’s costume designer, so then to see her son in the same frame with him would have been a big thing for her.

It would have been a little overwhelming for her.
Yeah, it sort of hit me when I was doing a scene with him. I hadn’t thought of it until then. So, yeah, not being able to tell her is one of the regrets I have.

Your mom was also known to call a spade a spade.
Yeah, I liked that. She was so spunky. She was the opposite of what I am. I think I’m more like my aunt. She is calmer and believes in just staying in her space. Maybe because I’ve lived with her for so long, it has rubbed off on me. I was a very naughty child; I was quite a pain. But I’d like to think that my aunt’s personality has influenced me in so many ways.

Do you feel fortunate as an actor that you got the support of Sunny Deol in the film. Also, there’s Akshay Kumar (cousin Twinkle’s husband).
Definitely, that’s a strong support system. I’m a first-time actor, working with a debutant director as well as the DOP. To have someone who is seasoned like Mr Deol — I think it’s his 99th or 100th film — and his experience on the set, obviously, you’re grateful for the position you’re in.

On the set, we were a bunch of newcomers so much in awe of everything going on around us. He just makes everyone better. When I have a scene, I see it as a chance to try to match his level of performance. He brings out the best in the cast, crew everyone on the team. As for Akshay sir, we didn’t know he was doing the song till about two weeks before we shot it.

They’ve always been encouraging. But I think when they saw some portion of the film, they were proud and confident that we did a good job. After that, maybe it was his way of saying good luck. I’m so grateful. None of us could see it coming. I told him, now, I can’t sleep. Then, there was so much anxiety. But we’re glad everything has worked out organically.

Dimple Kapadia’s debutant nephew Karan explains why he isn’t a product of nepotism, reveals he gangs up with brother-in-law Akshay Kumar to ‘roast’ cousin Twinkle, says it was surreal to work with Sunny Deol
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 19, 2019)

In hindsight, running into Dimple Kapadia before meeting her nephew, Karan, seems only fitting. The 25-year-old aspiring actor, who is making his debut with the action-thriller Blank, has been living with his aunt since the demise of his actress-mother, Simple Kapadia, 10 years ago.

Dressed in pastels, Dimple is fussing over a large canvas, a paintbrush in her hand, as she stands in a corner of her luxurious Juhu apartment. Karan arrives minutes later, in casuals, something “his stylist usually doesn’t approve of.” As if on cue, Dimple soon exits the room, while Karan settles down for a chat.

You were 14 when you confided in your aunt and cousin (Twinkle Khanna) about your acting aspirations. What triggered it?
I suffered from anxiety growing up. While in school, I never had the courage to participate in plays even though I wanted to. When I started doing short films, it gave me a sense of accomplishment, something I wanted to feel all the time. That’s why I chose to become an actor, besides being inspired by my family members.

Were you also inspired by your brother-in-law Akshay Kumar and his Khiladi image?
I have always loved his movies, the comedies more than the Khiladi turns as I was too young during that phase. It was since the Hera Pheri films, when I really started becoming a fan. He was a major inspiration. But I want to be like him in terms of discipline and fitness and not his screen persona. Everyone is different, and I can’t do what he does even if I tried. I must make my own path.

What are your earliest memories of him?
My sister (Twinkle) and he dated for a while before getting married, so I remember the first time he had come home, I was like ‘wow Akshay Kumar is here’. I was nine when they got married (2001). He’d always play with me.We have spent a lot of time together.

Over the years, our relationship has matured. Now, we joke around and pull my sister’s leg together. She is always roasting him, so I try to support him every now and then.

Why’d you choose to play a suicide bomber in your debut?
My director Behzad (Khambata), co-writer Pranav (Adarsh) and I had met on the sets of (Akshay-starrer) Boss. We remained in touch and a few years later, Behzad reached out with the script of Blank, which I loved. He had seen my short film (Crescendo) that had gone to the Cannes Film festival and thought that I could act. I was auditioning a lot when Blank came my way, so the timing was perfect. I took it up as I found it extremely intriguing. What you see in the trailer is just a part of it, I know what happens in the film and after watching it, you’ll know why I took it up.

Your co-star in the film, Sunny Deol, has featured in several films with your aunt and they are still close. What was it like working with him?
My mom was his costume designer for over 15 years. Even when she was sick, she worked on his production Chamku that had Bobby Deol and Priyanka Chopra, with her assistants’ help. Since she was a single parent, she’d sometimes take me along to film sets and that’s when I saw him. I have been to many of his sets, including Indian and Jaal: The Trap. Working with him 20 years later is surreal. Whenever I got flustered because I wasn’t getting a scene right, he would calm me down. I was scared during our first scene together. Fortunately, it was an interrogation scene, so the nervousness helped.

You lost your mother when you were 15.
It was one of the toughest times of my life. Which is also why I am so grateful for my family and for their support. I could have gone down the wrong way. I lost one mother but found another one in my aunt. I am lucky that way.

How would you describe your equation with her?
It’s the way it was with my mother, but my aunt is my friend too, since I am a grown-up now. I can talk to her about anything. Last year, I had a bad skin breakout and a lot of zits. One day, she randomly came up to me and said, ‘you have gone to these dermatologists and tried so many creams, how about you just get laid and see if that helps’. (laughs) That’s the kind of relationship we share. Our relationship is amazing, special and unique.

Why isn’t she taking up more work? The only film she will be seen in next is Ayan Mukerji’s Brahmastra.
I tell her to do more, but it’s her decision. She wants to do something she would really enjoy. She started working when she was 14. This year, she turns 62. After so many years, its understandable if someone gets tired. She loves to travel, going to Manali, painting, listening to music and hanging out with her friends.

Speaking of relationships, are you dating anyone?
I am not. I was dating someone for a long time, but it’s been about a year since we broke up.

While you have said earlier that you don’t consider yourself a star kid, you can’t be spared from the nepotism debate...
You know, I got my first film because of my equation with Behzad, but I wouldn’t deny that I wouldn’t have been on the sets of Boss if it wasn’t for my family. Nepotism means to use one’s power to help someone out and I don’t think that’s applicable to Blank. You don’t see any of my family members’ name in the credits. No one came to the trailer launch. I always say I am not getting launched, I got a break, so where is the nepotism?

But Akshay features in a special song from the film…
That happened after we wrapped up shooting. It was also after he saw most of the film, told me that he was was proud of me and that the song was his way of wishing me luck. And as far as the support goes, if someone opens a sweet shop, won’t their family help them publicise it?

Has your cousin Twinkle’s writing talent rubbed off on you?
I have been writing a sci-fi script with Behzad and Pranav for almost two years now. I never fancied myself a writer, but I thought this idea had potential and began developing it. It’s not about flying cars but it’s a humane story. We will pitch it to a digital platform as its very detailed and can’t fit in two and a half hours. I am excited about it.


Then and now: After meeting Sunny Deol on film sets as a kid, Karan shares screen space with the actor in his action-thriller

Actor shot for a special song with his brother-in-law for the latter’s launch vehicle at a suburban studio on Monday
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 9, 2019)

After assisting Tony D’souza on the 2013 actioner Boss, which was headlined by Akshay Kumar, the late actress Simple Kapadia’s son Karan is sharing screen space with the actor for a special number in his debut, Blank. The Behzad Khambata-directed action thriller revolves around the life of a suicide bomber, which is essayed by the debutant. In keeping with the film’s title, Karan was spotted arriving for its trailer launch last week with his face covered.

The duo who is related through Twinkle Khanna—Akshay’s actress-turned-author wife is Karan’s cousin—shot for the high-energy number, which is composed by Arko, on Monday at a suburban studio. Confirming the news, Akshay told Mirror, “Karan has chosen an unconventional route for his debut and I am extremely proud of him. Doing this song is my way of wishing him all the best.” B Praak, who has lent his voice to “Teri Mitti” from a recently released historical-drama featuring Akshay, has given playback for the new song.

Akshay goes on to add that he is impressed by the debutant, saying, “The boy has genuine acting skills. I first saw the spark in a short film that he did (Crescendo, 2014) which even went to the Cannes Film Festival. With Blank, Karan has gone several notches up in terms of acting and performance.”

In an earlier interview to Mirror (December 27, 2017), Karan had revealed that his actress-aunt Dimple Kapadia, with whom he lives, and Twinkle were initially surprised when he told them about his acting aspirations. “They eventually understood that having grown up around their film sets as a child, it was inevitable that I’d want to follow in their footsteps. They pointed out the risks involved and told me that I should be ready to work hard… they have been supportive and helped me get ready for the road ahead,” Karan had said.

After learning acting at the Jeff Goldberg Studio, he trained in horse-riding. A six-month course in martial arts followed in Bangkok. Blank, produced by Dr Shrikant Bhasi, Nishant Pitti, Tony D’souza and Vishal Rana, als o features Sunny Deol in a pivotal role. 

Karan Kapadia, nephew to Dimple Kapadia and Akshay Kumar's brother-in-law, on foraying into Bollywood on his own merit
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; April 5, 2019)

At a time when nepotism continues to be a subject of debate in the industry, another star kid, Karan Kapadia, makes his debut with the thriller, Blank. However, the newbie - nephew to Dimple Kapadia and Akshay Kumar's brother-in-law - asserts that he bagged his launch vehicle on his own merit.

"I've never used my extended family's surname to bag a meeting. I decided to sign this film and then, told my folks about it. I didn't specifically go to Akshay sir to seek his advice. My family was happy that the entire process happened organically," says the youngster.

Kapadia served as an assistant director on Kumar's film Boss (2013) to learn the nitty-gritty of the job. "It gave me the privilege to watch seasoned actors at their job, which helped a lot, since this craft is a lot about observation. I didn't ask him questions about the craft because his approach would be different from mine."

He considers himself fortunate to share screen space with Sunny Deol, a close friend of his mother Simple Kapadia. "My mother was his costume designer for over a decade, and as a kid, I would often visit his sets. So, I was nervous being in front of the camera with him. But after the first shot, I was at ease."

Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; October 17, 2018)

While Tanushree Dutta has been fighting a sexual harassment battle against Nana Patekar, spearheading the #MeToo Movement in India, her sister Ishita Dutta Sheth has strangely maintained a radio silence on the issue. Apart from one interview in which she reminisced the trauma they had gone through, the Drishyam actress hasn’t been forthcoming. After a lot of persuasion, Ishita agreed to speak to us. Excerpts:

While a lot of people have come out in support of Tanushree, you have chosen to stay away from it. Is it a deliberate call?
It’s not deliberate, but I have been with her all these years and seen whatever has happened in her life. It is a sensitive issue. When I saw the videos, again, and watched my father and sister, I relived the pain and trauma. I felt bad that they had to go through that. It angered me, too.

I was in college then, but I remember that day very clearly. It was traumatic for all of us in the family. We, of course, supported her, but it is something that scars you for life. She had spoken about it in 2008 also, and I am just happy that she finally got heard. The problem is that a lot of people ask ridiculous questions, which makes me angry and I don’t know how to react to it. That is one reason I stayed away. Moreover, I don’t need to show my support for her on social media. She is next to me, she is my sister, why should I put out a story on social media? I can tell her directly. Every day at home we are discussing things, what is happening, etc. My parents are there, my dad is doing all the legal paperwork and whatever else is required. Why do people expect us to show support on social media?

Tanushree has become the torchbearer for the #MeTooMovement in India. What do you feel about it?
It takes a lot for one person to stand up and speak and I am really proud of her. My sister kind of gave courage to a lot of other women who are speaking today. Hats off to her and all the women who are opening up (about sexual harassment) because it is not an easy fight. It is not just about talking, but what follows. People say a lot of bad as well as good things about you. For any person to talk about the traumatic incident and read nasty comments on social media is upsetting. I have been reading not just about my sister, but also others, where either they are disregarded or dubbed as untrue. I feel really sad, especially when I read comments implying that they are doing it for publicity. Some women who are on top of their game have come out in the open about sexual harassment, what publicity do they require? It is easy for people to sit behind their laptops and assassinate somebody’s character. Sadly, even women are doing it.

Despite what your sister went through, you entered the industry. Weren’t your parents apprehensive?
No, my parents allowed us to do what we wanted to and I appreciate them so much for it. I came into the industry much after my sister quit. Not once did she demotivate me. It is not just in this industry, it (sexual harassment) is happening in every field. Wherever there are men and women working, this dynamic is there. One can’t sit at home because of that. Fortunately for me, maybe I was extra careful or blessed, but I worked with good people. I have not faced something like this.

What are you shooting for currently?
I am doing this film called Setters, which is about agencies conducting examinations and papers getting leaked. It is about the racket that takes place. I can’t talk much about my role in it now.
After Drishyam, there were a lot of expectations from your next release Firangi with Kapil Sharma.

What went wrong?
I feel a lot of people were confused about the dates. At that time, if you remember there was some issue going on with the censorship of films and movies were not getting censored for some reason. Our film got pushed two-three times. After it was released, people were asking me when is it coming in the theatres! And, a lot was happening then with Kapil Sharma, too and the controversies did affect the movie. I feel bad because people didn’t give it a chance. Having said that, these things happen, it is not in our hands.

What’s next?
I will soon start shooting for Blank with Sunny sir (Deol). It launches Karan Kapadia and I am playing the female lead. We shot for it at the beginning of the year, but then it got delayed because of date issues. However, I got a call yesterday that we will be resuming the shoot in November and the film will release in January.

Recently, you did a mini-series Kaun with Vatsal Sheth...
Yes, the fact that it was a finite series appealed to me. And the fact that I was acting with Vatsal was exciting. We had met each other when we did a show long ago, but we never thought that after marriage we will get an opportunity to share screen space so soon. Also, the supernatural genre was something we hadn’t done before, so it all just fell into place.