Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 1, 2019)

Hollywood actor Will Smith, who has visited India every year since 2016, has become a regular fixture in the Mumbai social scene. Last October, he’d flown down to meet film industry folks, memorably soaking in the sights with a rickshaw ride (pictured), which inspired him to start a ‘Tuk Tuk’ company back home in Los Angeles. While many had pegged it as just a social visit, Mirror has learnt that Will was shooting an episode for his reality show, Bucket List. “It is a weekly series wherein he checks off things he wants to do in life. The India episode focusses on Will fulfilling his wish of experiencing a film shoot in Bollywood,” said a source.

During his visit, The Pursuit of Happyness star hobnobbed with the filmi A-list to get a better view of the industry’s workings. “He shot for the episode, which also features his interactions with Student Of The Year 2 (SOTY 2) actors Tiger Shroff, Tara Sutaria and Ananya Panday on their film’s set, at a Juhu pub with Ranveer Singh and Karan Johar. It will conclude with Will’s understanding of the industry based on his personal encounters,” the source informed.

The show will also offer nuggets from Will’s visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra and the holy cities of Rishikesh and Haridwar. Previous episodes of Will’s show have seen him swim cage-free with sharks, bungee-jump into the Grand Canyon, run a half marathon, try stand-up comedy and watch a Formula One race with his son, Jaden Smith. The show has also resulted in Will’s Bollywood debut, with a special turn in a song from SOTY 2.

Madhuri Dixit on women, ambition, marriage, and the untimely death of Sridevi
Suman Sharma (TIMES LIFE; July 29, 2018)

There’s something overpowering, overwhelming about Madhuri Dixit. She’s constantly on the bounce, willing to push her limits, willing to try something new. We last saw her on screen in 2014 in Dedh Ishqiya and Gulaab Gang. Currently all set to make her debut in the Marathi film industry with Bucket List.

‘BUCKET LIST KEEPS CHANGING’
You wonder whether she keeps a bucket list in real life too. She laughs at that and answers in the affirmative. “My bucket list keeps changing and as things get ticked off, I add new things to it. I love challenges and I try different things,” she says. The primary thing Madhuri has learnt over the years is to be her own person.

She reflects you must pursue your wishes, your desires and respond to your motivations. She says that women get so involved in bringing up children that they feel a sense of loss when the children grow up and don’t need them as much as they did earlier. One way to counter that emptiness is to tend to your own pursuits. “Women should pursue some hobbies, something that they do just for themselves. When you have an identity, then people respect you. Or else you could be taken for granted,” she reasons.

‘RAM IS SO SUPPORTIVE’
Marriage has worked well for her. She says she has discovered herself after marriage. She was only chasing the arclights before but life with Dr Sriram Nene has been an adventure. She loves Ram for being open minded and encouraging. “Ram is so supportive. If I say today I’m gonna be late, he will do everything for the kids. In him, I have a strong support system. That’s why I can do all these things. My mother-in-law, my father-in-law, my mother, they all help me,” she says. Her mother, Snehlata Dixit, has been her inspiration. She reminisces that when she did Abodh (1984), she was thin and would often get criticised for it. That would leave her upset. “But thanks to my mother’s advice, I learnt to turn a deaf ear to that and just be myself,” she smiles.

The industry has changed since her heyday. Prakash Jha’s Mrityudand (1997) was the first film where she came across a bound script. Till then she mostly worked in projects where the story was in the director’s mind and the scenes were written on the sets. These days the writing is better, the roles are better, the pay is better… and so are the expectations, she says.

‘JANHVI’S GESTURE WAS SWEET’
The talk veers to her other projects. She’s doing Kalank, a role offered to her after Sridevi’s untimely death. They were touted to be rivals during the ’90s but Madhuri says they were always cordial towards each other. “I won’t say Sridevi and I were the best of friends. But we held each other in respect. Her passing away is sad, very unfortunate...” she sighs. After a pause she adds, “Because she was so young. It was too early to go and so suddenly. I still cannot believe that this happened.”

When the makers approached her, she was a bit hesitant. “To step into her role was tough… sometimes the thought overwhelms me,” she confides. She was touched by Janhvi Kapoor’s warm gesture of tweeting about her doing the film. “Janhvi was sweet. She tweeted about it and she conveyed her best wishes,” she smiles.

Bucket List is the debut Marathi film of Madhuri Dixit and presented by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions. This is a feel-good film of a housewife trying to fulfill the wishes of her 20-year-old heart donor. The premise is very endearing and the film has some great, touching moments that will surely be loved. The predicament of the lead protagonist is very well portrayed as her quest of completing the bucket list makes her do things that are contrary to the expectations from her. This bit is nicely executed. However, the writing and direction is disjointed at places and not smooth. Few developments are conveniently skipped. Madhuri Dixit however is terrific and delivers a stupendous performance. Her act does remind one of Sridevi in English Vinglish but no complaints as Madhuri brings her own jalwa and that’s also quite likeable. Sumeet Raghavan makes his presence felt while Sumedh Mudgalkar is an actor to watch out. Renuka Shahane is delightful and one wishes she had more scenes with Madhuri. Shubha Khote brings the house down. All in all, it’s a one-time watch and a must for Madhuri Dixit fans!

My rating - *** out of 5!

Having kicked off Kalank shoot with Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan, Madhuri Dixit lauds current crop for their love of the craft
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; May 24, 2018)

Five years after having done a special number in Karan Johar's production, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013), Madhuri Dixit Nene has now collaborated with the filmmaker on his ambitious project, Kalank. While the actor is glad to be where she belongs — in front of the camera — Dixit says it is the experience of working with young blood, Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan, in the Abhishek Varman-directed film that she cherishes the most.

Having kick-started her shoot with Alia Bhatt earlier this month, Madhuri Dixit says the youngster has a knack for getting into the skin of her character. "She is such a versatile actor. When she plays a character, she owns it. I have noticed that between shots, Alia doesn't bother how her hair is looking or doesn't give in to such unnecessary distractions. It's fun to be around young actors like her and Varun Dhawan as they bring a lot of energy on the sets. I'm happy to learn from them."

That she is enthusiastic to learn new things is evident in her choice of films too — she will be seen making her debut in Marathi cinema with Bucket List. Pointing out that her learning curve extends to her real life as well, Dixit reveals that she learnt the "internet lingo" from her sons, Arin and Rayaan, as part of her prep for the Marathi film. "I am not really tech-savvy. One day, my elder son told me, 'Mom, you are on Twitter, why don't you join Snapchat?' I did and now, I am having a lot of fun on the platform."

Harshada Rege (DNA; May 19, 2018)

It’s another frenetic day in the life of Madhuri Dixit-Nene. The actress, who will be making her Marathi film debut with Bucket List, is busy with the film’s promotions. I wait patiently as she faces the camera for TV channels. There’s no doubting her star power as people on the sets watch her spellbound. She flashes her famous million-dollar smile as we sit down to talk about Bucket List, her long innings in Hindi cinema and working with the newer lot of actors...

Was doing a Marathi movie always at the back of your mind, or was this one of the ‘If it has to happen, it will happen’ situations?
Yes, it was more like, ‘When it has to happen, it will happen’. I believe that if something is in your destiny, you will do it. When I was offered the film, I loved the subject immediately. I was open to doing a Marathi film, but it wasn’t that I was consciously planning on doing one. I read the synopsis, asked the makers to develop it further and narrate the script to me. They took around six to seven weeks to do so, following which I asked them for a few tweaks.

You found your character — Madhura Sane — relatable?
Yes, I loved the script because it’s so relatable. Every woman goes through these things. She plays so many roles in her life that she forgets herself. She loses her individuality because of all the responsibilities. In the film, one incident changes everything. She finds herself again. And that changes the perception of the people around her. It’s a self-awakening kind of a movie, but the story is told in a simple manner. Bucket List is a happy film.

Marathi films tend to have a more intimate setting as the productions are smaller. So, how was that experience?
It’s comforting. Since I’ve grown up in a Maharashtrian family, it was a comfortable set-up. Everyone pampered me. They used to get me food all the time. Vandana tai (co-star Vandana Gupte), especially, would get me modaks and puran polis. She was feeding me continuously, so I had to go on a Keto diet after the shoot (laughs). But there was so much love and affection from everyone that it was wonderful.

Would you consider completing someone else’s bucket list in real life?
Yes, why not? If it’s something that I can manage to do, I will try my best. Aren’t we always completing our kids’ bucket lists (laughs). ‘Can we do this?’ “Can we go there?’… the list is endless.

You transitioned from being an actress to a wife and a mother. And now you are back as an actress pretty successfully. What’s your secret?
I think it’s just happiness. I do whatever makes me happy. I started doing films because it had singing, dancing, everything that I enjoyed. When I met the right person, I married him because it made me happy. Then I had kids, which was something I was looking forward to. I always wanted to have children, I wanted to have 12 actually, but when you are a professional you get into that zone late. When I wanted to come back, I did that, but I took enough time off to be with my sons. Even tomorrow, if I feel the need to take some time off, I will do it because that would give me satisfaction.

Success or talent, what matters more for longevity in the industry?
You need to have both — discipline and talent. You also have to be professional. You can’t disrespect other people’s time. That’s how I’ve always looked at it.

After Bucket List, you have Total Dhamaal and Kalank lined up. That’s three films back-to-back.  What’s this phase like for you?
It’s a busy, busy phase (laughs). I am doing the promotions for Bucket List, then I am shooting for Total Dhamaal and Kalaank. Right now, I’m super busy, but I’m happy (laughs).

Are you satisfied with the kind of scripts that are being offered to you?
Definitely. The kind of scripts that I have heard in the last six months have been amazing. But I can’t really complain because, in my career, I have got very good roles to play. From Tezaab to Dil, Beta, Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, to Raja or even Mrityudand. I was lucky that I got the right kind of roles and played these varied characters.

From the time you started off to now, there has been a rise in the ratio of women present on the sets.  Do you notice the difference?
Oh yes, absolutely. It’s so heartening to see that. There are women everywhere now. There’s a woman camera person on the sets of Total Dhamaal. I am so enthused by it. When I walk on the sets and see so many women around, I feel so proud.

You are working with the younger lot of actors now — Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt…
It’s wonderful working with them. I did one scene with Alia and one with Varun. It’s great to see their enthusiasm for their work. Alia is a wonderful actress. I really admire her work. It’ll be great working with all of them.

Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 15, 2018)

After tying the knot, you lived in Denver for 10 years before moving base to Mumbai in 2011. Do you miss your life there?
Mumbai is like my mayka while the US was my sasural. While in Denver, my focus was the family. My kids were the centre of my universe there, and will always be. I enjoyed my time in the US because raising a family was always a dream and while there I could live my life without interference or speculation. Now, I’m back in India and going with the flow. I have to add here that I love Mumbai. It’s my home, I’ve grown up here.

You’ve joined hands with Priyanka Chopra for a sitcom inspired by your life in the US for a leading international network. What’s the update on that?
TV is a funny medium, it takes time for things to happen. The script is being developed, the rest is work in progress. Let’s see where it goes.

Next year, on October 17, you and Dr Sriram Nene celebrate your 20th anniversary. How has the journey been?
(Laughs) It seems short, the years have gone like a breeze. There’s great love and respect, and we try to enjoy every moment of our life. As long as you understand each other, the journey is easy.

You made your Bollywood debut with Abodh in 1984. What made you choose to do a Marathi film after 30 years in the industry?
Language is not a barrier as long as the content is strong. When I was offered Bucket List, I loved the subject and I’ve really wanted to do a Marathi film for a while now. It’s a story of an aam woman, in fact, it could well be a man too, who’s always trying to be perfect. In the process she forgets to nurture her own self. So, she gets this bucket list and while trying to complete it, finds herself and her voice, in turn affecting those around her and their perspective towards her. It’s a very beautiful film, simply stated.

How would you reflect on your own journey today as a wife, mother and homemaker?
I’m also a daughter and a daughter-in-law, and all these different roles are basically about pleasing people and in the process you often forget to think about yourself. I really identified with the character, I am sure every woman will. But I have to confess that when it comes to my kids, I drop everything and will do whatever needs to be done. (Smiles) That’s what I have discovered about myself.

What are the top five things on your bucket list?
I always wanted to produce a movie, which I am doing now, it is a Marathi film called 15th August and should release in that month this year but it’s not about patriotism. It’s a family entertainer. Do you remember the surfing dude from an old commercial of a male grooming product? I also wanted to stand on that surfing board one day and see how it feels. I got the opportunity recently when we went to Kovalam and enrolled my sons in a surfing school. I was able to hold my balance for only a few seconds but that was enough to go “Yay!” My list just keeps growing because the minute I overcome a challenge I have to find another one.

Are Rayaan and Arin showing an interest in filmmaking or medicine?
I don’t know, kids today have so much exposure and options to pick from. My sons love music, they play piano and tabla. But I want them to choose their own path without pushing them in a particular direction. They should be passionate about what they are doing, only then will they excel at it.

You’re reuniting with Anil Kapoor for Total Dhamaal 18 years after Rajkumar Santoshi’s 2000 espionage drama Pukar. How has it been so far?
It’s terrific working with Anil after so long. He has the same energy and enthusiasm, and the Total Dhamaal set is a crazy one with Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Jaaved Jaaferi and Sanjay Mishra. It’s a laugh fest all the way as we reminisce about the good old days. I’m reuniting with Indra Kumar too with whom Anil and I did Beta, so there are a lot of memories that came back during the shoot.

Many yesteryear chartbusters, including your “Ek Do Teen” from Tezaab and Thanedaar’s “Tamma Tamma” were recreated for Baaghi 2 and Badrinath Ki Dulhania respectively. What do you think about these remixes?
It’s great, bringing the best of the past to the new generation. In fact, I am recreating a song myself, “Paisa Yeh Paisa” from Subhash Ji’s (Subhash Ghai) Karz for Total Dhamaal. The team has done a great job with it.

You bring in your 51st birthday today. What is the plan?
(Laughs) What do you think I’ll be doing? Promoting Bucket List, of course! I will be working on my birthday, let’s see if I can steal some time to go out for a dinner or we’ll celebrate on a day that I’m free.

Madhuri Dixit on how regional cinema functions differently from Bollywood
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; May 8, 2018)

Spending over three decades in the industry hasn't taken away from Madhuri Dixit-Nene's enthusiasm in trying her hand at something new. After 34 years of facing the arc lights, the actor is making her debut in Marathi cinema with Bucket List. "I received a few offers in my mother tongue earlier, but nothing excited me as much as Bucket List. I found my character extremely relatable," says Dixit, who plays a housewife who gets a new lease of life after a heart transplant.

Last seen on the big screen in Gulaab Gang (2014), Dixit is now raring to go — she has launched her production house RNM Moving Pictures. Enjoying her role as producer, she says, "There are such good subjects in Marathi cinema. Also, there are stars in Marathi films but they aren't as big as the ones in Hindi film industry. Content is always the star here."

The actor has begun shooting for Total Dhamaal opposite Anil Kapoor and Kalank with Sanjay Dutt. Talking about reuniting with her '90s co-stars, she says, "It's wonderful to be working with them again."

Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 6, 2018)

Madhuri Dixit is gearing up for her Marathi debut with director Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar’s Bucket List, a slice-of-life film that is a journey of self-discovery. The film is being presented by Karan Johar and Mirror has learnt that Ranbir Kapoor has been roped in for a special appearance.

Coincidentally, when Madhuri returned from the US, where she had been living after tying the knot with Dr Sriram Nene, in 2012, she staged another comeback (it followed the 2007 film Aaja Nachle) in the song “Ghagra”, one of the USPs of Ayan Mukerji’s 2013 romance-drama Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (YJHD). The song also featured Ranbir who played the lead opposite Deepika Padukone.

“Ranbir is a huge Madhuri fan and when he was approached for this film he readily agreed. It is only a special appearance and he shot for it a while ago. The makers are really happy with the result,” informs a source close to the development.

While speaking about the ‘Dhak Dhak’ girl a few years ago, Ranbir had been quoted as saying that his heart only beats for Madhuri Dixit and it had been a childhood dream to dance with her which was fulfilled when she agreed to do “Ghagra”. The actress has done three films with Ranbir’s father, Rishi Kapoor — Prem Granth, Yaraana and Sahibaan.

Bucket List also marks Madhuri’s reunion with her Hum Aapke Hain Koun...! co-star Renuka Shahane. While speaking to Mirror (January 25), Tejas had revealed that the film is the story of a housewife with a lot of responsibilities. “It’s a full time job and ours is an uncommon story of a common character,” Tejas asserted.

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; April 3, 2018)

Karan Johar took his first steps in the direction of regional cinema when he came on board SS Rajamouli’s Telugu-Tamil fantasy-drama Bãhubali: The Beginning (2015). He consolidated his position when he continued his association with the sequel, Bãhubali 2: The Conclusion (2017). Both parts went on to make box-office history. And, Karan’s banner, Dharma Productions, continued their foray into regional cinema. His production house is currently remaking the Marathi blockbuster Sairat in Hindi. The film titled Dhadak stars Shahid Kapoor’s brother Ishaan opposite Sridevi’s daughter Janhvi and is slated for a July 20 release. Now, we hear KJo will also be presenting a Marathi film...

KARAN BACKS MADHURI’S FILM
Madhuri Dixit-Nene is making her Marathi debut with Bucket List, and Karan is presenting it. A source reveals, “Karan and Madhuri share a warm equation. They are even doing a film together (Abhishek Varman’s next). When Karan saw the teaser of Bucket List, which was released a week ago, he loved it and spoke to the team. He came on board as a presenter and along with Madhuri, this will be his debut in the Marathi film space.” The movie also stars Renuka Shahane, Sumeet Raghavan and Shubha Khote.

KARAN SPEAKS
Confirming the development, Karan tells us, “I’ve been a staunch believer in regional cinema and since Bãhubali, I am confident that good cinema with a great platform breaks the barrier of language. Moreover, the opportunity to launch the superstar actor Madhuri Dixit-Nene in her mother tongue is going to be my absolute pleasure. Together, with the team of Bucket List and AA Films, we hope that this heartwarming film gets all the love it deserves.”

MADHURI SPEAKS
Talking about her debut in her mother tongue, Madhuri says, “I was longing to work in a Marathi film and with my debut through Bucket List, my wish is being fulfilled. Marathi films have been content-driven and evolving interest world over. There couldn’t be a better birthday-month gift for me than Karan presenting it this summer. Like my millions of fans, I am truly excited and looking forward to share my experience with you all.”

SPECIAL RELEASE DATE
It’s a story of every human being, who has unfulfilled dreams in life with Madhuri playing Madhura Sane, a housewife, who wants to do everything on her ‘bucket list’. The film will release on May 25. A source says, “It makes Karan’s association with Bucket List even more special since the film is scheduled to hit the screens on his birthday. The team is planning a huge promotional campaign for the film and Karan will be equally involved with the same.”

Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; February 15, 2018)

Having taken things slow on the professional front over the last decade, this year sees Madhuri Dixit-Nene moving ahead with gusto. Apart from having a show based on her time in Denver, the actor is making her debut in Marathi cinema with Bucket List and turning producer with another Marathi project. She is also reuniting with Anil Kapoor and her favourite director Indra Kumar for Total Dhamaal, which also stars Ajay Devgn.

Point out how she has her plate full and she says, “I didn’t take up too much work earlier because my kids were young. My priority was my family then. It still is, but since my kids have grown up now, I decided to do more work.”

The mother of two, who has become the brand ambassador of Mortein, says that even now, she designs her shoot schedules in a manner that allows her time with her kids. “I work my schedule around them. I always make sure that I am at home on time, so I can be with them,” she says before adding, “Also, I have always agreed to do something only when I feel strongly about the project. That was the case with Total Dhamaal and Bucket List, so I agreed to do them.”

As an artiste who would juggle two to three shifts a day in the ’90s, Dixit is glad that shoots have become more organised now. Talking about the positive changes in the industry, she says, “The best part is that everything is ready when you reach the sets. From the costumes to make-up, it’s all so well-managed. This makes our work so easier.”

However, she is quick to point out a change that she is yet to adapt to. “I find film promotions a little boring. In the past, we didn’t have to promote a movie so aggressively, but I guess it’s the need of the hour.”

Actress has been driving down new roads for her first Marathi film even as she laughs and cries with co-star Renuka Shahane
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 5, 2018)

After wrapping up three schedules in Mumbai, Alibaug and Langkawi, Madhuri Dixit's first Marathi film, Bucket List, is in its final leg in Pune. Last week, the 50-year-old actress drove up a hill on a motorbike for a sequence which portrays a phase of self-realisation in the life of the female protagonist. In a leather jacket and boots she looked every bit the biker girl.

Director Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar who has also written the film along with Devashree Shivadekar, explained that Madhuri's character — he fondly calls her MD — goes through different phases,each capturing a moment in the sliceof- life film. This particular "phase" was shot on an extremely hot day and even though everyone was tired after a while, the team aced the sequence.

"MD has been shooting 12 hours a day and never once made us feel we were working with a big star. She never carried any baggage to the sets and understands that regional films have their limitations. She's adjusted effortlessly," he raves.

The film also features veteran Marathi actors Vandana Gupte, Dilip Prabhavalkar, Resham Tipnis and Renuka Shahane whom Madhuri has reunited with 23 years after they played sisters in Sooraj Barjatya's family drama, Hum Aapke Hai Koun. "It was a 'homecoming' of sorts, we called it the 'Bharat milap' on set," Tejas laughs, informing that the duo filmed a song together in Alibaug during which they went back in time, sharing memories and dancing together.

"On another occasion they were laughing their guts out over something they had just remembered on a day when we were to shoot a really intense and emotional sequence. I was wondering what they would do in order to switch into the mood for the shot but as soon as I told them we were ready, they changed gears seamlessly and cried together. It was such a memorable sight to see these two great actresses in the same frame once agin," says Tejas.

Four years after Gulaab Gang, the actress is back at work with her first Marathi film which is currently being shot in Langkawi
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 25, 2018)

Madhuri Dixit, who had kicked off her first Marathi film, Bucket List, in December, took off to Malaysia earlier this week with co-star Sumeet Raghavan to shoot for a romantic number titled “Tu Pari”. It has been composed by composer-duo Rohan Gokhale and Rohan Pradhan, who has earlier worked on the Priyanka Chopra-produced Ventilator and Kaay Re Rascalaa.

“We will also shoot a sequence for the film that leads up to the song. It’s a beautiful number and is set against locations in Langkawi that haven’t been explored on screen before. The song serves as a catalyst to the story,” director Tejas Vijay Deoskar told Mirror from Malaysia, adding that viewers will identify with Madhuri’s character. “It’s the story of a housewife but we are striving to convey that there is more to her than that — she is also a daughter, a sister, a wife and a mother who has a lot of responsibilities. Being a housewife is a fulltime job and ours is an uncommon story of a common character.”

Tejas is also all praise for his leading lady. “Beyond her stardom and looks, she is amazing as an actor and is delivering much more than I expected of her,” he informs, adding that Madhuri is enjoying her first visit to Langkawi. “She loves the picturesque island. It’s the ultimate holiday destination even if we are working.” The team returns to the Bay this weekend.