Bharati Dubey (MID-DAY; June 26, 2020)

A tête-à-tête where for the first time Prerna Arora declared that everything written about her during her absence was false where she declared every single allegation bogus, false and baseless, stating all of it was a lie. She said there was a conspiracy that was hatched against her and had no standing whatsoever anywhere.

She candidly spoke out because she was all set to restart her work and needed to clear things out. She set the record straight by saying that Kriarj had successfully produced and released the films Rustom, Toilet - Ek Prem Katha, Pad Man, Pari amongst others. Post August 2017, Pooja Films collaborated with Kriarj and took up the distribution of Pari along with a set of other films that followed. Below is a glimpse of what she said on the various facets questioned on.

What happened between Vashu Bhagnani and you?
What happened between Vashu ji and me was because of somebody else. This somebody conspired to ruin Vashu ji and my professional relationship to such a huge extent that our relationship became acidic. Kriarj has never done any wrong, wrong happened to Kriarj in that event. Vashu ji who was associated with Kriarj at that point also suffered the brunt of somebody else's wrong doings, some from outside the industry and some within. I deeply regret not listening to Vashu ji's advice on few things then, everything was in front of my eyes. I came across as an insensitive person in his eyes and lost his support but I was suppressed by immense fear and something very ugly which had happened. I kept quiet and that is something I regret, it became an act of selfishness and I became the bad person in front of Vashu ji. To top it, few of my rivals who hated me and conspired against me took full advantage of the situation. It ruined our professional relationship which could have been repaired, ruined it to such a huge extent that it created a black hole between us, there was a huge misunderstanding and the truth was hidden. Today I sincerely and deeply apologise to Vashu ji, it’s never too late to ask for an apology if you feel the need for it, I'm sure now he is also aware of the truth, he is a senior and respected producer of the industry. Jaane anjaane mein unki feelings ko hurt kiya hain and once again I want to deeply and sincerely apologize to him.

What do you mean when you say there is a lobby working against you?
From the day I arrived, there were a lot of people who wanted me to fall, but I have really worked hard to make some of the biggest hits and National Award films. I do agree that I faulted when I took up a lot of films and did a blanket deal and that is when things started going wrong for me. I was new to the film industry. I am bound to make mistakes, but there was no one to lend support or guide me or show kindness towards me. During my lean period, a lot of people took advantage and tried to break me, but I stood like a rock. I did not give in and announced a set of four films under the banner of Five Elements, which included Karim Lala, Radha Kyun Gori Main Kyun Kaala and Woh Kaun Thi. I was ready to roll all over again. I didn’t run away anywhere, so that means there has to be something I was doing right. I am passionate about movies, but I got backstabbed. The tragedy that happened with me made my partners in Five Elements and me suffer huge losses and all our hard work went down the drain. Right now, I can only say there is a political name involved in the problem I faced in the last one year. I am not going to name anyone here, because there is family pressure, but I will speak out at the right time and the right place. The whole episode that happened with me was life threatening, and if it were not for my family who supported me and kept me from doing anything wrong, I would not have had the strength to come back. They encouraged me to come back and fight it out and I am doing exactly that today.

You are making a comeback with the announcement of two films. What about the films that you had announced before problems came into your life?
Those projects are parked for now. I'm starting some new projects as a Creative Producer under the banner of Mandira Entertainment Pvt Ltd which is headed by Rishabh Saraf and my close people and close confidantes. The backbiting and lobbying against me will start all over again, but I am determined to restart work without any fear as I have done no wrong. Wrong was done to me. I will be fearless and without hesitating I will seek help and raise my voice as and when required. If anyone tries to demean me by talking about the past I will not hold back at all. I will openly show my bank statements which is my biggest weapon. They say na dhoodh ka dhoodh panni ka paani. My victory lies there. Till Pari, there was perfection. Post that I worked on trust and blind faith and paid a very heavy price and suffered immensely because of trusting people blindly.

Going forward if required I will opt for a media trial and reach out to everybody but not live in fear at all. What happened to me was never about money. Also there were loses that no one even counts. As a producer I have always given and if taken, taken what? Have I robbed anything of you? Kriarj did business of more than 400 crores. When you do such big numbers, having a debt of merely 15 crores is basic. There is a huge amount of money, in crores, still pending to be collected from individuals within the film industry. I have kept my dignity unlike others. We are announcing 2 films next week, both are in collaboration with 2 prominent actors as co-producers. One of them is a thriller and the other one is a psychological horror.

Keeping in mind the given Coronavirus pandemic we are making smart films. I want to keep quiet and do my work as they say "saanp ke kaate hue ko rassi se bhi darr lagta hain." I have a simple principal "Live and let live." I never enter someone else's comfort zone and this time I will not let anyone enter mine.

Did you go through a phase where you wanted to take your life?
Who wouldn’t think of it? A young girl, who had a great life and was doing extremely well in her career, maut ke mooh mein daala diya jaata hai... Mind you, I was dealing with such powerful people. I was a complete outsider who didn’t really network, I wasn't part of any party, dinner groups. My only focus was my work and making/producing/ presenting excellent cinema with no Godfather to watch over me.

My father who had just recovered from a kidney surgery and returned from the death bed which most of the industry is aware of, this ugly mishap that took place in my life changed my father as a person. He turned to alcohol in a state of complete shock/trauma and helplessness. Every time I thought of ending my life, I knew my family will also collapse the same day and only that thought kept me going. I knew I had to live for them. I held on to God. My family has suffered immensely and I had a lot of suppressed anger in me that turned into clinical depression. I have started praying a lot more now and with God on my side I believe I am the Prhalad of Lord Narsimha and if need be, Lord Narsimha will come down and tear apart all who intentionally wronged me.

Were you made to feel like an outsider all the time?
Being an outsider was always a challenge, but all my films became super hits and things changed for me, so it's success that matters here in this film industry. You have to go through the grind, where you'll find people who don’t want you to come up. They don’t want anybody to come up, for that matter. They may be sweet to you on your face, but will mock you behind your back. I got to see the amount of hatred people have during my lean period. People would say, yeh toh khatam ho jayegi before every film of mine and at any given point, there are at least 50 people wanting to see your film flop. Problems began when I took up a lot of films, but none of them have got shelved. I always kept my films before me. I went down, but didn’t let anyone down.

There are good and bad people everywhere. When I started my career with Akshay Kumar, I was safe. Anushka Sharma too was a thorough professional. I should’ve stopped at Pari and taken a break to understand the industry better, but I thought everybody is Akshay Kumar and that was my fault. I rubbed a couple of actors the wrong way, and that’s when the hate campaign began. All got together and attacked me, but I preferred to keep quiet and continue to work.

What is that one lesson you have learnt with your experience in the past?
Keep your mouth shut and work. Another important lesson was that I wanted to be a man in a man’s world, but now I want to be a woman and seek help when needed. I regret not reaching out to associations and bigwigs, including a superstar who was ready to intervene but refused for the fear of getting misinterpreted. I am a changed person today and have no hesitation to go out and ask for work. Besides producing a film, I would even ask to give me a chance to write and direct too, but please don’t try to strangle my talent. If I didn’t have talent, I would not have made so many good films, including a National Award winning film.

You have worked with Sushant Singh Rajput on Kedarnath. What was your reading of the actor?
I shared a good rapport with him and could relate with him. He was a small town boy with huge aspirations, like all of us, so we really had a lot of things in common. I was completely in awe of him as he was a superbly intelligent actor, who discussed astrophysics to quantum physics and was not at all filmi. He was a true artist and at the same time, a man who had so many dreams.

From whatever I saw of him in those two years, he definitely had leadership qualities, but a sensitive guy jo harr baat ko dil pe laga leta tha... The director of Chandamama Door Ke (Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan), Sushant and me were a trio and were very close to each other. At one point I was going to be associated with the film and so we had long chats and really gelled with each other. I feel a lot of pain for him and what happened to him has shaken me more to now speak and not to suppress my feelings. In my prayers, I ask God to give his father the strength as he is not from the industry. My dad isn't from the industry and knew nothing about my work. I wish I had told him everything.

Did you sense any kind of restlessness in him?
I knew that he was obsessed with the film Chandamama Door Ke, which had a subject close to his heart. As we all know, astronomy was his favourite subject and studied it for the film too. I don’t know if he was depressed, but he did seem hurt. I don’t know what or who hurt him.

Do you think that the outsider syndrome will continue to haunt the newcomers in the film industry? 
There is a mindset that only these four-five powerful banners can make your career or launch you, so new producers, directors and actors will always have a tough time. However, real talent cannot be throttled or stopped by the big ones and those encouraging nepotism, as it is the audience that makes you what you are because of the talent in you. Talent can never get wasted, and if you have your luck supporting you and the timing is right, there is no stopping you.

Having said that, I must add I had become arrogant and was not listening to my well-wishers. I had become over-confident and thought I had reached the pinnacle of my success and can do anything and everything myself. Mera dimaag kharab ho gaya tha. The biggest mistake I made was when I stopped listening to people, who were my well-wishers. I started believing that they were my enemies and those who were actually my enemies, I considered them my well-wishers.

I also remember Rishi Kapoor ji - I knew him before Rustom and thereafter - had always encouraged me and my work and was one of my biggest critics. He advised me to go slow, which I didn't pay heed to. He will remain most special and I still can’t believe he has left us, for me he is the biggest superstar and will live forever

When did you get a reality check that is where you have gone wrong?
During the lockdown period, when you are left in isolation and everything comes back to you, your past and present. You also start seeing the mask fall off of all those who didn't stand by you. We have seen family unko chhod ke bhaag gayee. It is during this period, you start looking at things beyond yourself. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been my inspiration and gave me the courage to stand up again.

Where is your partner Arjun N Kapoor ?
Lot of discussions and conversations are pending between him and me. I have parked it as I'm recovering mentally from a depression. Everything stands still for now. Will pursue it once I'm better about everything. Kriarj remains where it is and will start working on it soon.

What's next now that you are all set to take on the world?
I will stand up for myself and challenge people who try to trouble or question my statement. I pledge to pull them out by releasing the bank statement and it is going to be through a media trial. I am Prerna Arora and I would like to say that in the way, as Sir Shah Rukh Khan said in a film, 'My Name is Khan And I am not a Terrorist'. Last but not the least, if you try to push me to the wall I will take the help of the authorities, I strongly believe that my final destination is politics as I believe there is nothing better than serving the nation, serving the people of your country.

We are announcing 2 films next week, both are in collaboration with 2 prominent actors as co- producers. One of them is a thriller and the other one is a psychological horror.

Tracing Sushant Singh Rajput's four ambitious projects, including Chanda Mama Door Ke, that faced roadblocks in the past few months and their way forward
Uma Ramasubramanian, Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; June 17, 2020)

With Chhichhore setting the cash register ringing last year, one would have expected Sushant Singh Rajput to ride the wave of success. However, trade data shows that four of his projects, which were in the pipeline, hit hurdles.

The announcement of Rajput's Chandamama Door Ke had garnered much excitement, with the leading man even undergoing training at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in 2017. However, the Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan-directed film was in a limbo for three years due to its high cost. "The sci-fi film was to be mounted on a budget of over Rs 100 crore. Sushant, the director and producer Viki Rajani were seeking investors till late last year. But the movie was indefinitely pushed because of their inability to raise the required investment," says a source close to the project.

Rajput's hopes of collaborating with Shekhar Kapur were also dashed. Their labour of love, Paani, was shelved after three years of discussion and intense prep. Kapur recounted in a live chat on Monday, "When the film was shelved, he cried a lot. I cried too…The producers said, 'We will not make Paani with Sushant. Paani will not be made.' I should have tried to make another film with him, which I didn't. I left India as I was upset."

Rifleman was among the last movies the actor signed. Abundantia Entertainment's project was based on Mahavir Chakra awardee Jaswant Singh Rawat. The film ran into legal trouble last year when the makers of 72 Hours: Martyr Who Never Died claimed they had the original rights for the biopic.

A source close to the studio informs, "We were awaiting legal clearance. The film was merely postponed and would have resumed at some point."

Curious to explore different forms of storytelling, Rajput had also announced a 12-part series about Indian geniuses to be backed by Innsaei Ventures, a content-generating platform launched by the actor with business partner Varun Mathur. "The series was to study the Indian legends Chanakya and APJ Abdul Kalam, among others. Given its vast material, the project was in development over the past two years. However, rumours abound that the series now stands cancelled," says an insider.

As reported by mid-day earlier, Ship of Theseus director Anand Gandhi was in talks with Rajput for his next project, Emergency. The ambitious nature of the movie, which revolves around a pandemic, meant that the development of the script took longer than usual. "In Emergency, Sushant was to play an anthropologist, a human culture scientist. He was deeply engaged with the material since its inception. We had also discussed my web series, Saheli. He was to play a lawyer in the project," reveals Gandhi.

The filmmaker adds that besides the two projects that are currently in the scripting stage, documentary filmmaker Khushboo Ranka had developed a sci-fi film keeping Rajput in mind. "He was to play an astronaut in it. It's too early to discuss how we will take these projects ahead; Sushant was deeply connected with these scripts," adds Gandhi.


Sushant Singh Rajput at NASA in 2017

Quipping that he hopes to be selected for NASA's programme, Sushant Singh Rajput plans to complete instructor training at the premier space agency
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; September 23, 2019)

Two years ago, Sushant Singh Rajput had undergone training at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for his astronaut act in his then-upcoming sci-fi film, Chandamama Door Ke. While the project failed to go on floors, the month-long programme at the premier space institute only deepened the actor's love for astronomy. Now, Rajput — who is enjoying his moment in the sun thanks to the brilliant run of Chhichhore — intends to head back to Houston.

"I had done a workshop at NASA when I went there two years ago. Those who trained me had said that if I continued for a few more weeks, I would have received a certificate of instructor. So, now, I am planning to go to Houston to complete the training. It consists of everything that you need to know about going to space, including sitting in the centrifuge," rattles off Rajput, who is also the proud owner of Meade 14" LX600, one of the most advanced telescopes in the world.

So consumed is the actor with astronomy that he bought a piece of land — in the region of Mare Muscoviense, also called the Sea of Muscovy — on the moon last year. Knowing he is getting ahead of himself, Rajput quips that he wishes to visit the region some day. "NASA plans to send astronauts on the Moon by 2024. I am planning to prepare myself for it, in case I get lucky."

Hiren Kotwani and Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 14, 2019)

For over a year, we’ve been hearing about John Abraham stepping into Aamir Khan’s shoes for the sequel of Sarfarosh, under the aegis of director John Matthew Matthan. However, there’s been no word on the project, even as reports of the actor’s next lot of movies has been making news. When quizzed on the subject recently, the actor admitted, “I won’t comment more on it but it is not happening at this point of time.” The director reiterated this, “Yes, the film is not happening at this point of time.” But was quick to add, “I am working on the script and I plan to make it sometime.”

Diljit Dosanjh and Yami Gautam’s untitled comedy, directed by Haroon Mirza (son of veteran filmmaker Aziz Mirza), has apparently also been put on hold. Shooting was to start next month but according to a source, the Punjabi star is apprehensive about doing another laugh riot after his last outing, Arjun Patiala, failed to laugh its way to the bank. After his Bollywood debut, the multi-starrer Udta Punjab, even his sports drama, Soorma, didn’t get the numbers the makers had expected, even though it earned the actor praise for his portrayal of hockey player Sandeep Singh, while Welcome To New York received less than a warm welcome.

We tried contacting producer Ramesh Taurani, but he remained unavailable for comment. However, the source informed that the shoot has been cancelled.

Sushant Singh Rajput was so excited about telling the story of an Indian astronaut’s space mission that he went to NASA for a training session. However, the film, Chandamama Door Ke, seemed as unviable for investors as the mission to Mars seemed to the Indian government at one time. While Mars Orbiter Mission did become a reality, Sushant’s film, to be directed by Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan (the director of Lahore), didn’t take off.

The actor is still keen to go into space but until that dream materailizes, he is making do with looking beyond the earth’s stratosphere through a high-end telescope that he bought for the film.

When quizzed on the Chanda... odyssey a source informed Mirror, “We don’t know if the film will happen someday but right now, it is definitely on hold.” Meanwhile, Chandrayaan 2 was successfully launched last month.

Riding the remake wave, the Hindi adaptation of the Kannada hit, Kirik Party, was announced last year. The campus romcom had a fresh jodi, Kartik Aaryan and Jacqueline Fernandez. But buzz is, the Luka Chuppi actor wasn’t too excited by the way the Hindi version was scripted. After some back and forth, Kartik opted out of the project in March this year. There’s been no news of another actor signing up for it since. Even Jacqueline is said to have given up on this party that wrapped up even before it started.

Then, there’s a film that has come to a halt after a long-drawn out battle. Rajkumar Santoshi’s epic the Battle Of Saragarhi with Randeep Hooda spearheading it as Havildar Ishar Singh has run out of steam after two years. Some blame it on the National Award winning filmmaker’s obsession for shooting from every possible angle and asking for several retakes, which resulted in the budget escalating.

Meanwhile, a television serial, 21 Sarfarosh — Saragarhi 1897, and Akshay Kumar’s Kesari, on the same subject — the historic 1897 battle in which 21 Sikh soldiers fought 10,000 Afghan invaders — made it to the screen making Santoshi’s producers wary.

Producer Rahul Mittra says, “We pulled off an ambitious launch event with three of the then Cabinet ministers giving the clap, but eventually, creative differences came in the way and someone else made a film on the same story.”

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; February 16, 2019)

Around two years ago, it was announced that Sushant Singh Rajput would star in Chandamama Door Ke, a sci-fi space film. But the movie failed to take off and several reports claimed that an exorbitant budget was the reason. Although that project has been put on the backburner, Sushant had already taken a month-long training at NASA in the US to gear up for his role as an astronaut. Since then, space has become an important part of the actor’s life. In fact, he has an entire room dedicated to astronomy in his Khar apartment. Sushant says, “I have been intrigued by the idea of space, since I was a kid. At one point, I wanted to become an astronaut. I got the telescope and I travel with it wherever I go or shoot. I’m extremely interested in the solar system, the stars and the moon.”

SSR’s room has several spatial elements that cover it. There are facts and quotes, including his trainee certificate from NASA on the walls. Not just that, he also has an entire virtual reality set-up installed where he and his friends can travel to space. And now, he has taken his love for the subject to another level, as he has announced a project that he will finance himself. “I have lived with this dream for years. I am so passionate about this topic that I have decided to make a film on my own. We have made the announcement and we are currently working on it.”

Sushant adds, “When I say yes to a project, I see the script, the character and who I will be working with. If I have three movies that I can do in eight months and I have to pick two of them, money isn’t the bigger parameter or differentiator for me. I look at what my contribution to them would be. These skills happen to be my liking. I rig my life with films and vice versa whenever I can. Of course, if it’s astrophysics or cosmology, I’d definitely be interested in being part of a space film. I do it because I like it or I want to like it more.”

Director Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan admits back and forth on shooting dates is responsible for the leading man’s walkout
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 6, 2018)

Sushant Singh Rajput had kicked off prep to play an astronaut last year in director Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan’s Chandamama Door Ke, even travelling to the US to train at NASA in August. Producer Viki Rajani had posted a picture of the actor in a space suit and announced, “The first ever Bollywood film to visit NASA for training.” It has now emerged that the actor now walked out of the film. Sanjay revealed that constant delays in the shooting schedules led to his leading man disassociating himself. “Chandamama Door Ke is a mammoth project, something Bollywood has never witnessed on screen before. Sushant gave his sweat and soul to it but back and forth of dates was frustrating for him since his calendar is choc-o-bloc. He’s under tremendous pressure from producers to release his dates for forthcoming projects, which I completely understand,” the filmmaker told Mirror, quick to clarify that it was an amiable parting of ways and that he wishes Sushant luck for the film that he is self-admittedly looking to direct soon. “Sushant’s passion for space and quantum physics is second to none. He’s also a perfectionist. Whatever he does is with 100 percent of his being, be it acting or direction. I’m certain that he will be as amazing a director as he’s an actor.” However, Sanjay clams up when asked if he is looking for a replacement or the film has been shelved.

Chanda Mama Door Ke was also to feature R Madhavan as an astronaut. Buzz was, Shraddha Kapoor had been roped in as Sushant’s leading lady but the actress had denied it.

Mirror had earlier reported (May 4 2017) that Apollo 13’s special effects supervisor, John Palmer, had designed an 11-layer spacesuit for Sushant, wearing which he had started training at NASA. The actor had said, “I wanted to be an astronaut but since I couldn’t figure out how to pursue it, I decided I’d be an air force pilot instead. But my mother didn’t want me to pursue these professions, so I started studying engineering instead but even then, I was hooked to astrophysics. Now, I’m getting to live my dream with this film.”

DNA (April 14, 2018)

Last year, Sushant Singh Rajput had announced that he will be living his dream of playing an astronaut in Chandamama Door Ke. The actor had even visited NASA and started prep for the ambitious space flick. But soon after, the makers decided to put it on the back burner.

Reveals a source from the team, “Producer Viki Rajani was supposed to bankroll the project, but now, it’s stuck indefinitely. When the makers planned the movie with Sushant, they didn’t understand the landing cost. Once they drew up the budget, they were shocked.”

The source says that the amount is too high for a Sushant-starrer. “It would’ve cost the makers almost Rs 67 crore, without the additional promotional costs.  The recovery for such a film would be extremely difficult. But even then, Viki made efforts to get investors. Nobody wanted to finance it as it seemed like a loss-making project. Everything just wasn’t adding up,” adds the source. For those not in the know, even Sushant’s Kedarnath will reportedly cost its makers over Rs 60 crore. The final amount can only be tabulated, once it’s nearing completion.

Meanwhile, Sushant, who has even designed an entire room replete with a telescope, and taken a keen interest in becoming the astronaut he was supposed to play on screen, is still expecting the film to go on floors soon. “He has shuffled his dates because of this project. It was supposed to begin last year in between the Kedarnath schedule, but it never took off. Someone needs to make him understand that this movie isn’t happening for sure,” says the source.

Another source informs us, “The makers may revisit it, but definitely not with Sushant. If they make it, they plan to cast a big star in it — either one of the senior actors or someone from the younger generation who is a crowd-puller. Sushant is a terrific actor, but he’s yet to prove himself as a potential money-spinner at the box office.”

Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 21, 2017)

Earlier this year, Sushant Singh Rajput who had trained at NASA’s US Space & Rocket Center (USSRC) in Huntsville, Alabama, for National Award-winning filmmaker Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan’s upcoming space adventure, Chandamama Door Ke, wanted to give young children an opportunity to visit it under his education programme. He recently sponsored a trip to the US Space Camp Center for two children, Bhooshan Sawant and Selywn Makwana. Bhooshan, his 14-year-old find was adjudged “best trainee camper” from a group of 12 students, nine of whom were from Costa Rica and one from Spain.

The 31-year-old actor selected the kids through an interview conducted at a suburban five-star a few months ago. “We were all seated in a room and Sushant sir was speaking to each one individually. He asked some questions based on our favorite subjects, mine being mathematics, geography and science. I was questioned on Newton’s three laws of motion and on astronomy, planets and plants. I gave all the right answers and was very confident but I had no idea that if selected, I would get an opportunity to go to the US. I was thrilled when my principal told me that I was to go to NASA,” informs the ninth standard student of a Khar school.

Space Camp is a unique experience whereby children work as a team and confront mission scenarios that require dynamic problem solving and critical thinking skills. Through the week, camp trainees learn about space hardware, the history and future of space exploration. “We were at the camp for six days and had a day for sightseeing in Alabama. We studied about NASA’s many programmes and participated in rocket launching and space drawings.

There were many presentations on space camps and telescopes. It was a memorable experience and I made many friends there,” informs the budding astronaut who won top honours for his performance in all the classes and activities. He even bagged a medal and is delighted Sushant gave him the opportunity to live out his dream. “I want to thank him and tell him to continue this scholarship so other kids, not just in Mumbai but across India, can showcase their talent,” says Bhooshan.

After his space training would he want to feature alongside Sushant in his forthcoming space adventure? “I will be happy and excited to act with him. While my dream is to become an astronaut, I do participate in school plays and can do a bit of acting too,” he says proudly.

Subhash K Jha (DNA; October 26, 2017)

In 2017, Bollywood faces one of its worst economic crisis ever, what with films falling like ninepins. Facing recession, the makers of the lavish space drama Chandamama Door Ke have decided to move from the United States of America to the United Kingdom, a decision that almost brought the project to a screeching halt even before shooting started.

REACHING A COMPROMISE
Says a source, “Sushant Singh Rajput, who plays an astronaut, was keen to shoot the film at NASA and other parts of the US. In fact, director Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan had written the script keeping NASA in mind. Sushant went to NASA in October to train for his role at his own expense. After all this pre-shooting preparation when the makers indicated they might pull the plug, Sushant and Chauhan were livid. They wanted to close down the film rather than compromise on the location.” But now a compromise has apparently been worked out.

The film’s director and leading man have conceded to the relocation, apparently, on the condition that London/England be identified in the film as ‘America’. While pounds may be more expensive than dollars, the film costs will be controlled due to subsidies that are granted to film productions.

IT'S BEEN DONE BEFORE
Earlier too, Kabir Khan shot New York in Philadelphia, and Sanjay Leela Bhansali passed off Prague in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam as Italy. Coming back to the shift in location for Chandamama Door Ke, a source says, “Sushant and his director have accepted the relocation as a symptom of the current recession in Bollywood. With Sushant’s recent films not doing well, the producers had no choice but to scale down the budget. They could either shut down the project or move to a budget-friendly location.”

Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; August 22, 2017)

Space odyssey Chandamama Door Ke won't be an easy film to make, but the actors are up for the challenge. Soon after leading man Sushant Singh Rajput returned from the USA after his elaborate training at NASA, his co-actor R Madhavan has headed to the US Space & Rocket Centre in Alabama to do his share of homework.

"I felt like a kid in Disneyland," says Madhavan, with glee, about his experience at the centre. "Over the first few days, I was putting on different space suits and learning all about their functionality. I was shocked when I heard how much a space suit costs! They are my new toys."

The actor, who, much like Sushant Singh Rajput, plays an astronaut in the Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan-directed drama, is currently stationed for a week in Alabama. Keeping him company is John Palmer, the special effects director, who is helping the actor get into the skin of his character.

"John helped me understand the technical aspects of each suit. Since he has worked on a bunch of Hollywood films — Geostorm [2017], Apollo 18 [2011] and The Astronaut Farmer [2006] — he gives me a great reference point to work on. Be it taking me through the process of getting into the suits or explaining safety measures, or helping me train under water, John has done it all."

R Madhavan feels he has developed a keen eye for detail with this film. "That's what being with experts like John does to you."

Having returned from NASA, Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput gives lowdown of prep for his space odyssey 'Chandamama Door Ke'
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; August 14, 2017)

Sushant Singh Rajput's Chandamama Door Ke is India's first space odyssey, which traces the journey of a team of astronauts whose mission brings the country together.

The actor, who plays an astronaut in the Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan-directed drama, recently returned from the US after an intense training session at NASA's Space & Rocket Centre in Alabama.

"I'm an engineering student. So, I am finally getting the chance to put all my studies to practice in this film," says Sushant Singh Rajput. The actor reveals that his training included regimens such as flying a space shuttle simulator and a multi-axis trainer. He says he also experienced zero gravity as part of his training.

Rajput adds, "The training sessions were surreal. But I realise the training for this film is an ongoing process. Movies have, so far, given us a glamorous view of space, but our attempt will be to make it as authentic as possible."

So engrossed is he with the space drama that he has bought multiple books on the subject and even purchased a high-end telescope. "I have got a few more gadgets as well," he says, adding, "I have a dedicated room in my house, where I prepare for this film. It's my very own workstation which helps me sink into my character."

John Palmer of The Day After Tomorrow fame, who has been roped in to handle the special effects of the film, was present with Rajput during his training. Palmer says, "Sushant is the most physically dynamic actor I have worked with."

'Fearless' Sushant Singh Rajput takes rumours about his professional and personal life head-on
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 14, 2017)

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; August 14, 2017)

When Sushant Singh Rajput takes up a film, he does a lot of research to understand the nuances of his character. He lives and breathes the part till he’s done with the film. It is rare for him to work on two films simultaneously. However, his space adventure film Chandamama Door Ke and his romantic saga Kedarnath, will go on floors in quick succession. The actor has started his prep and workshops for both the films together.

Two different worlds
At Sushant’s Bandra house, the actor has created two different worlds. One room has a poster of Sushant wearing a spacesuit, pasted on the door, while the other has a huge poster of the Kedarnath temple on the door. The actor keeps shuttling between the two rooms, much like he will be doing on the sets of the two films in the coming months.

My work space
Talking about creating the two work spaces, Sushant says, “This was completely my idea. There’s a team helping me out with it. These kinds of set-ups help in the complete and continuous immersion into that world, which will allow you to believe that you are that character. This happened because I have never worked on two-three characters at the same time. With newer problems, you have to come up with new solutions. It’s helping till now, so let’s see!”

Balancing act!
The shoot of Kedarnath begins on August 25. Mid-way through the filming, Sushant begins work on Chandamama..., too. “We start shooting Kedarnath this month and then we take a break when I begin Chandamama. The schedules of both films will intertwine,” reveals Sushant. The process of his prep is very different from what other actors follow.

He says, “People only talk about how much weight an actor has gained or dropped, or how much hair he’s grown or shaved for a film. That’s how they gauge a great actor (laughs), but I think those are the simplest things that an actor does. There are other more intricate things like changing the way you think.”

Teerth yatra-ready
As I step into the Kedarnath room. I notice that this room has an austere decor. There is a charpai, some old wooden furniture, and a lot of other elements of a pilgrimage which is essentially the underlying theme of the film. Sushant continues, “If I have to read a script of Chandamama, I will sit in the other room. Even if I’m not looking at the script and I’m looking around, I will still be seeing the things that I am supposed to see. Probably something will catch my attention and I will Google it. Maybe, something like the lunar module which is right there (points to the module which is stuck on the wall). Or I might just watch all the animation videos of the lunar module that I have. It’s just like being in that space and thinking about it again and again. That’s the intent.”

Space travel
The other room has been designed with a lot of pictures of space and moon — all collected from NASA — carefully positioned on the walls. Along with that, there is a huge poster of Sushant in a spacesuit and a lot of other mementos and pictures that Sushant clicked during his recent trip to NASA. He shows me an ice-cream that astronauts have in space, and books that he’s reading to understand the modules and the logistics behind how a space aircraft works. But the best element in the room has to be the Virtual Reality system that he has installed. The room has a VR box that can transcend you to space in no time. “Once you wear these VR boxes, you can actually walk on the moon,” he says.

The actor, who loves long drives, is set to close a deal on a house three-four hours away from the city
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 8, 2017)

As he waits for the delivery of a high-end telescope that he had placed an order for recently, Sushant Singh Rajput admits that they are not usually interior designer-approved. “Mine is distractingly large,” he explains, quickly adding, “It’s one of the most-advanced telescopes in the world and I’m going to be able to see Saturn’s rings through it.” He points towards a sea-facing window in his Bandra apartment, where he plans to place his new prized possession.

However, Sushant’s telescope may not remain stationary for too long. The 30-year-old actor is in the final stages of locking a deal on a new house. “It’s two-three hours away from the city and I will go to live there along with my telescope. I love driving so the plan is to stay there and drive into the city. When something needs my immediate attention, I’ll take the chopper service,” he says matter-of-factly, adding tongue-in-cheek, “I love my ‘space’ so much that I’m doing a film about it.”

The actor recently returned from an extensive prep session at National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), where he trained for Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan’s upcoming space odyssey, Chandamama Door Ke. While Akshay Kumar and Shah Rukh Khan have shot at NASA earlier for Jaan-Emann and Swades respectively, Sushant is the first Indian actor to film inside NASA’s workshops in authentic space suits.

“It’s an incomparable experience. For 20 years, I’ve lived with formulae and theories in my head. During the training sessions, I could actually feel zero gravity; I sat in a centrifuge, experienced what it’s like to tumble in space. Everything I had read about became real. I was like a kid in a candy store. At times, I forgot that I was at NASA to shoot a film,” Sushant recalls who was studying to be an engineer, adding that he was keen on doing everything over and over again, like the astronauts. “The crew had to pull me out of there because they thought I’d never leave.”

Apart from the telescope, Sushant has also become the proud owner of a 125-book stash that includes a six-volume series on theoretical physics and a dozen books on the black hole and wormhole theories. The actor spent Monday numbering and sorting them for his already overcrowded bookshelf. “It’s not for the film,” he clarifies, “I didn’t enjoy reading certain subjects for a long time but now I’m in love with cognitive science, behavioural economics, evolutionary psychology. I jump from one genre to another and have acquired a taste for these subjects over the last two years. It’s what makes viewing (Christopher Nolan’s) Interstellar so much more interesting!” Sushant signs off excitedly.

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 5, 2017)

BOMBAY TIMES (August 2, 2017)

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; July 14, 2017)

Sushant Singh Rajput is gearing up for his space drama Chandamama Door Ke. The actor is planning a trip to NASA as part of his prep for the role. While he, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and R Madhavan have been finalised for the space adventure, they are still scouting for a leading lady. Says a source, “The makers have approached several young actresses but nobody has shown keen interest in the film as yet. They are still on the lookout for a familiar face but might have to settle for a newcomer.”

Among the actresses approached are Fatima Sana Shaikh and Nidhhi Agerwal. The khabri reveals, “Fatima was already on board for Thugs Of Hindostan. Plus, the role of the girl might be pivotal, but it’s a small role. So it didn’t interest her.”

As for Nidhhi, the source says, “The character has short hair, and the makers want the heroine to cut her hair short (like Fatima in Dangal). Nidhhi has signed a few brands and she can’t cut her hair because of her contract. So, she also opted out of the film.” Fatima, too, was reluctant to chop her hair. The source adds, “Fatima had short hair in Dangal. While she is wearing a wig for TOH, she is growing her hair now, and doesn’t want to crop it again.”

The hunt continues...

Apollo 13’s special effects supervisor, John Palmer, has designed an 11-layer spacesuit for the actor, wearing which he will start training at NASA for his next
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 4, 2017)

Mirror (April 22) had reported that Sushant Singh Rajput will head to National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) towards June-end as part of his prep for Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan’s spaceadventure, Chandamama Door Ke. We have now learnt that a spacesuit has been specially designed for the actor by special effects director John Palmer who has worked on films like Ron Howard’s Apollo 13, Mimi Leder’s Deep Impact, Michael Bay’s Armageddon and Ridley Scott’s The Martian, to name a few.

“Yes, John and Sanjay’ve been working on this beautiful suit and I can’t wait to get into it. John will fly down to India soon and also meet me at NASA while I’ll be there for the prep,” Sushant confirmed, adding that it has 11 layers and can be worn while under-water training in a 40-feet deep swimming pool.

John who has worked on space films for 45 years has been associated with Chandamama Door Ke for a few years and says it’s because it struck an instant chord. “I have designed the spacesuits for which I researched latest Russian and Chinese suit models, along with Indian designs from ISRO. I’ve gone through thousands of designs with Sanjay before selecting these which incorporate Indian elements that are not only aesthetically appealing but functional too. Going by Sushant’s fitness level and dedication, he’s definitely up for the difficult training,” says John, knowing how uncomfortable it is to shoot in a spacesuit.

However, Sanjay adds that their spacesuits are designed in a way that one can train in them for hours. “Sushant wants functionality over comfort. After special training from NASA and John’s team of experts, he will be ready to fly to the moon,” he smiles.

Sushant admits that the space has fascinated him since childhood. “I wanted to be an astronaut but since I couldn’t figure out how to pursue it, I decided I’d be an air force pilot instead. But my mother didn’t want me to pursue these professions so I started studying engineering instead but even then I was hooked on astrophysics. But now I’m getting to live my dream with this film,” he exults, adding that he has always idolised American astronaut Neil Armstrong who was the first person to walk on the moon.

Sushant will undergo training in wearing the spacesuit, the moonwalk and practicing flight simulations at NASA. “It’ll be my first trip there and I’m waiting to experience zero gravity and 1/6 gravity,” the actor says.

Meanwhile Aamir Khan will play Rakesh Sharma, the former Indian Air Force pilot who was the first Indian to travel to space and buzz is Priyanka Chopra will headline the Kalpana Chawla biopic. Prod Sushant on the sudden interest in the subject and he says, “I have been fascinated by the subject myself and really looking forward to the experience.”

Sushant Singh Rajput gets candid on his love life, his first franchise, an upcoming trip to NASA and a reincarnation drama
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 22, 2017)

After his preliminary prep for National Award-winning filmmaker Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan’s Chandamama Door Ke, Sushant Singh Rajput will head to National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) towards the end of May for training for his space adventure. “We’ve yet to zero in on dates but I’m definitely going. I’ve always wanted to visit NASA and am looking forward to the trip,” exults the 31-year-old actor.

Buzz is, the film has been delayed because of budget issues and also because Sushant himself has given priority to Robby Grewal’s Romeo Akbar Walter (RAW). He refutes this, saying he’ll start RAW only after he wraps up shooting for Chandamama Door Ke.

Meanwhile, he has almost finished Karan Johar’s Drive directed by Tarun Mansukhani. “It’s a what-will-happen kind of a film, very stylish, and the first of the franchise. It’ll keep the audience engaged,” he promises.

Before these films he has Raabta, Dinesh Vijan’s directorial debut, coming up on June 9. It’s a reincarnation drama and Sushant recalls how after Detective Byomkesh Bakshy! he had taken this script along with him to Goa. “The first time I read it over a pint of beer. I was wowed but thought it was the beer talking so I read it again and was again fascinated. The story is so believable that for those two hours even a cynic would be ready to suspend his disbelief,” he asserts.

Prod him about speculations that Homi Adajania has ghost-directed the film and he informs that when he first heard the script, it was actually Homi who was directing till he was informed that Dinesh had taken over the reins from him.

“For me the filmmaker is equally important because it is his interpretation of the script. So when I came back, I got a narration from Dino (Dinesh) and I saw my character, Shiv, through his eyes. It was always his language on celluloid so I can tell you that Homi hasn’t ghost-directed Raabta,” he reasons.

The rumour mills have been buzzing about him and his Raabta co-star and he fanned the flames by taking Kriti Sanon for a drive in the Maserati Quattroporte that he had gifted himself on his birthday in January. “It’s not like I bought the car and took Kriti for a ride,” he laughs. “I had taken the car out for a spin alone the day it was delivered. Nobody clicked any pictures then.”

He goes on to reveal his fascination for cars and bikes which started when he found a miniature Maserati in a pack of noodles. “I still have it and since then I’ve wanted to buy a blue Maserati. I had booked this one in January and had to wait for three months because I wanted one in blue,” he says.

He’s amused by all the stories about Kriti and him online which he discovered when he googled himself just to ascertain that he exists. “I read about this thing between us, then there were stories about a fight and a break-up and then suddenly, probably because of the Maserati we were back together,” he chuckles. “They are all very interesting but untrue. We are good friends. She’s an engineer and I was studying to be one too before I dropped out. We’re both from Delhi, big foodies and like spending time together. Period.”

Has he buried the hatchet with one-time mentor Ekta Kapoor, who was reportedly livid when he walked out of Mohit Suri’s Half Girlfriend citing date issues and soon after signed Raabta. He denies any fall-out with the TV czarina. “She gave me my first break and I started earning and for the first time I was acknowledged. I respect Ekta who’s creative, knows what works and has immense confidence in herself,” he gushes.

Can she convince him to return to TV or give his nod to a web series? “I just want to act in a project where everyone is serious about their work. If you give me something really good on TV, I’ll be back. I’m prepping up to develop a play in the next few months,” says Sushant.