Adipurush dialogue writer Manoj Muntashir Shukla believes it’s a case of just five lines. “I wrote more than 4,000 lines as dialogues in Adipurush, some sentiments got hurt on five of those lines,” he wrote on social media.

The jury is still out on whether it’s five lines or more, but the fact remains that the dialogues of Adipurush have sparked caustic reactions from audiences, politicians and film critics alike ever since its release last weekend.

The film has been widely panned for showing divine characters – especially Hanuman – speak lines that the film’s makers call colloquial, but many film-watchers have found to be crass. Bowing to the pressure, the film’s team announced on Sunday that the dialogues would be altered, “valuing the input of the public and the audience”. The makers said that they are “revisiting the said dialogues, and the same will reflect in the theatres in the next few days.”

However, such moves of altering scenes and dialogues post a movie’s release are not unprecedented. Over the years, filmmakers from Guru Dutt and Bimal Roy to Sooraj Barjatya have sought post-release changes in dialogues and songs for various reasons.

While there are no recent examples, films that saw post release changes include those that were banned in some states or where the makers have made fresh edits, voluntarily. For example, Prakash Jha agreed to some changes in his film Aarakshan on the eve of its release after Uttar Pradesh and Punjab banned it over controversial scenes and dialogues. Whenever a film makes any changes, it has to get the approval of the CBFC. Sometimes, these changes are also made for the film’s satellite or streaming rights.

The makers of Dabangg 3 announced after the release of the film that they voluntarily removed certain scenes from the film’s title track, Hud Hud Dabangg. The film was trimmed by nine minutes. As per reports, about eight minutes were edited from the first half, which included a song, Awara, featuring Salman Khan and Saiee Manjrekar. Another song Naina Lade was also shortened. The film faced controversy when several groups objected to a sequence in the title song that featured saffron-clad sadhus dancing with guitars.

Elaborating on the topic, a CBFC official says, “It is not uncommon for filmmakers – especially in the case of well-known directors and big-budget films – to revise dialogues and scenes. Many filmmakers voluntarily seek modifications after certification. On an average, we receive eight to ten requests from filmmakers across languages. While the film retains the original certificate in the cinemas, any updated modifications are endorsed on back of the certificate.”

The initial reaction to Hum Aapke Hai Koun! after the industry screening was not very positive. The film, which has a running time of 3hr 26 mins, was even longer. In a recent documentary, the film’s maker, Sooraj Barjatya, said, “For Hum Aapke Hain Koun!, we had a screening and that show was a disaster. However, Adi (Aditya Chopra) told me, ‘Dhai gaane katoge toh nikal jayegi’. And honestly, it was on my mind for the last five months. He pinpointed the exact two-and-a-half songs, which I removed the next day (sic).”

Film archivist and historian Shivendra Singh Dungarpur shares that it was quite common in the ’50s and ’70s for filmmakers like Guru Dutt and Bimal Roy to modify their films if they felt the audience was not connecting with the story. Dutt reportedly reshot scenes of Pyaasa after the release and also removed a song. When Dutt visited a cinema showing Sahib Biwi Aur Ghulam, he decided to reshoot the climax after seeing the disappointed audience but later changed his mind and didn’t change it. However, he did remove Meena Kumari’s song Sahil Ki Taraf and some dialogues. Similarly, Bimal Roy also changed some parts of Devdas post-release.

On Sunday, around 50 protesters barged on to the sets of MX Player series Aashram 3 in the Old Jail Premises located in Arera Hills, MP, where they smeared ink on director Prakash Jha, manhandled bouncers and pelted stones, damaging several vehicles, including lead actor Bobby Deol’s vanity van, state reports. The protesters – who were subsequently identified as members of the local Bajrang Dal – were allegedly heard yelling, ‘Bobby Deol murdabad’ and ‘Prakash Jha murdabad’, while demanding, ‘Bobby Deol kahan hai?’ and raising objections over the name of the series.

A source from the sets told us, “The shooting was on when suddenly hordes of people gatecrashed it with a flag and started shouting slogans. Prakash ji was busy with the shoot inside. When he heard the noise he rushed out, and met the people and listened to their issues and demands. He tried to pacify the protesters. Jab woh samjhauta kar rahe the, unpe ink phenka gaya aur maar peet karne ki bhi koshish ki gayi. Between all this, the police came in.”

The source adds that after all the ruckus on set, the shooting of the show has resumed. “Actors like Bobby Deol and Chandan Roy Sanyal were on set, too. Thankfully, they were not attacked. Everything on set returned to normalcy within an hour. We’re all back to the shoot. It is going on smoothly now.”

While the production team didn’t file a police complaint, Irshad Wali, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Bhopal, told TOI, “Police can take action in cognizable offences without waiting for a complaint. A case under IPC 151 (Whoever knowingly joins or continues in any assembly of five or more persons likely to cause a disturbance of the public peace) was registered at MP Nagar late at night. No such incident will take place in the city in the future. All the crew members are safe. We are taking proper measures to keep the city safe from those who are trying to defame it.”

We reached out to the show’s makers (MX Player and Jha) and Deol, but they did not comment on the matter till the time of going to press.

— TNN (With inputs from Onkar Kulkarni)

MP was awarded the National Film Award for being the ‘Most Film Friendly State’ in 2018. The recipient of the award is chosen on the criteria of ease of filming. The jury takes into consideration many aspects, including how the filmmakers are treated and how friendly people are. However this isn’t the first such incident in the state. In 2019, shoot of Salman Khan-starrer Dabangg 3 was halted after an outfit claimed that the song featured saints and priests dancing, which “hurt sentiments”. Jha himself has shot multiple films in MP including Raajneeti, Aarakshan, Chakravyuh, and Satyagraha in Bhopal. During a discussion in Delhi a few years back, he called the state his ‘karmbhoomi’.

The Film Facilitation Office’s (FFO) website prominently features Jha’s comments on film shooting in MP. It reads, “Bhopal is the best place in the country for shooting Hindi movies. The atmosphere and scenic beauty, blended with chummy Hindi-speaking people, makes it most suitable for filmmaking, I am so in love with Bhopal that I may become a native of the place. As far as shooting films is concerned, I will continue to shoot films here.”

Central Railway's Apta station is Bollywood's most preferred film shooting location after CSMT station
Rajendra B Aklekar (MID-DAY; July 30, 2020)

Central Railway's Apta Railway continues to be the most popular film shooting location after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus Railway (CSMT) Station.

In the financial year 2019-20, four films were shot at Apta Railway station, including Raat Akeli Hai, Mumbai Saga, and Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, and eight films were shot at CSMT, including popular films such as Panga, Choked and Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari.

Speaking to mid-day, Central Railway's chief public relations officer Shivaji Sutar said, "Apta station is encompassed in camera in numerous film, including the most popular films like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Rang De Basanti, Baaghi, Khakee, Shaadi No. 1, 36 China Town, and many other box-office hit films."

Sutar added, "Apta is known for his scenic location with hill on one side and a road nearby a river on the other side and easy road accessibility. Located on the Panvel-Roha route with curvy track and platforms, there is ample space for keeping equipments and parking vanity vans. Such a station with less crowd is a perfect location for film shooting."

Few trains are given a halt at the Apta Railway Station and it is a crossing station. It also has an additional track which makes doubly sweet for the movement of special trains booked for film shooting. Apta is just a 2 hours journey, about 75 km from the Film City, Mumbai. Thereby, Apta Railway Station has become the most preferred location for film shooting of web series, documentaries, and TV serials.

Central Railway has been gifted with many beautiful film shooting locations fulfilling the requirements of the filmmakers. From the most preferred film shooting location Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus to the popular stations like Apta, Panvel, Chouk, Lonavala, Khandala, Wathar, Satara and railway yards like Turbhe and Wadi bunder, they have it all.

The permission for the film shooting is granted by the public relations department of Central Railway. Recently to expedite the film shooting permission, a single-window system has been introduced. This simplification of the procedure will enable the filmmakers to obtain permission after submission of the necessary documents along with the script and application mentioning the requirements.

Central Railway earned Rs 1.33 crore from 21 film shootings in 2019-20. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus Station earned Rs 44.52 lakh with 8 film shootings including the film 'Panga', while Apta Railway Station earned Rs 22.61 lakh with 4 film shootings. The highest amount of Rs 22.10 lakh was earned from Rajnikant starrer 'Darbaar' shot at Panvel Station. The scenic location Wathar in Pune division earned Rs 37.22 lakh from shooting of three films, including Salman starrer 'Dabangg 3' from which they earned Rs 15.70 lakh, a shot of film 'Laal Singh Chaddha' between Pune to Mumbai and other film shooting locations like Turbhe and Wadi bunder yard.

Though the movement is restricted to contain the spread of COVID-19, Central Railway is hopeful that the beauty of Apta and other such locations will be seen in the movies soon.

About Apta railway station:
Apta railway station is located on the Panvel-Roha route of Central Railway and is situated in Raigad district of Maharashtra. The station is 83.24 km from CSMT via Diva junction. While the station code is APTA, it belongs to the Mumbai Railway division of Central Railway.

Saiee Manjrekar on life six months after Dabangg 3 and three months since the lockdown
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 6, 2020)

After launching Sonakshi Sinha as Rajjo in Dabangg 10 years ago, Salman Khan introduced another fresh face, Saiee Manjrekar, in the third instalment of his cop franchise last year, as his lost love, Khushi. It has been six months since the film’s release and the actress admits that life has changed completely. “I am more aware of how I look and I am careful about what I say and do,” she admits, adding that she loves being recognised and taking selfies with fans. “Once, before the lockdown, someone spotted me in my car and followed me all the way to a restaurant just to get a picture clicked with me. I felt so special.”

But despite her newfound stardom, Saiee remains grounded even though she’s only 18. “Dabangg 3 released six months ago in December, people have moved on. Now, only my work can ensure that I sustain, and that will be my true achievement,” she asserts, adding that she finds her inspiration in contemporaries like Ananya Panday, Sara Ali Khan and Janhvi Kapoor. “I watch not only their films but their interviews as well. They are all so relatable, so real. I would really like to imbibe the confidence they exude, but I know it takes a lot of inner work to make it possible.”

However, the actress believes her youth gives her an advantage in that she has the time to experience all the ups and downs in her profession. “Then, by the time I am more mature, I will know my strengths,” she reasons.

Having made her debut as the Dabangg girl, does she feel any pressure? “I am too young to feel any pressure,” she says airily. “This is my time to discover myself, make mistakes, fall and get back up. Right now, I am just looking to do something out of the box that challenges me and seems beyond my reach. With each day I am learning something new about myself and it is an amazing journey. People can expect a lot of surprises from me, as I am surprising even myself every day.”

And how does she plan to carry forward papa Mahesh Manjrekar’s legacy? Sounding very down-to-earth, the actress points out that he is an amazing actor and director and she would need a lot more experience to carry his legacy forward. “But I do plan on making him proud,” she asserts, pointing out that there are other aspiring actors in the family, including her sister Gauri, who has just done a Marathi film and her brother Satya, who has just wrapped up a web series. Her elder sister Ashwami is a chef and hasn’t given any thought to Bollywood yet.

Flashbacking to her debut, Saiee reveals that it was an overwhelming moment for her family to see her on screen. “For the first 10 minutes we were all silent because we were just crying. Getting to work with my parents in my first film was a blessing,” she says.

And what about her costar Salman? “He has always been my mentor; someone I can go to for even the smallest things. My parents and he are the first people I run to whenever I get any kind of work.” So, any new collaboration with Salman on the cards? “I speak to him often, but there hasn’t been any work-related discussion,” she informs, adding that she was gearing up to start her second film when the lockdown was announced. Prod her for details, and she stays mum.

Speaking of Coronavirus lockdown, Saiee reveals that it took some time to adjust, but now, she feels settled with a routine in place. “I’ve also become more aware of what I am putting into my mouth. The only downside is my inconsistent sleep timing. But irrespective of what time I wake up, I cycle around my building every day,” she asserts.

Saiee trained with the late Saroj Khan to brush up on her dancing skills before Dabangg 3. Mention the choreographer and she gets emotional. “I started training with Masterji in August 2019. We’d train rigorously for an hour every day and then have chai; that was our ritual. It was amazing working with her, but unfortunately, I couldn’t get her famous Rs 101 reward,” she rues, adding that she spoke to Sarojji when she was hospitalised and hopes that she’s in a better place now.

DABANGG 3 just about managed to get 1 crore footfalls despite the failure of the film. This means that Salman Khan had just one miss in the gone decade where only one of his films failed to hit the 1 crore footfall mark, that is, VEER. One crore footfalls is basically a real 100 crore nett value at the box office be it 1970 or 2020. Obviously today 1 crore footfalls means much more than 100 crore nett at the box office and in a few years it will give even more as ticket rates go higher.

One crore footfalls also means reaching a sizeable audience although some films need to reach a bigger audience due to the size of the films and most Salman Khan films come into this category. The one miss was VEER (2010) which was his first release of the decade and became before DABANGG (2010) which established his image of a mass action superstar across India and then films like BODYGUARD, READY and EK THA TIGER rubber stamped this image. VEER actually scored in Rajasthan and Bihar but Salman Khan was not the same star at the time of this release as he was a year or two later.

Basically just one film under 1 crore footfalls through the whole decade means most of his films got an audience irrelevant of content. If we compare, then Aamir Khan had one film which fell under 1 crore footfalls in the 2000-2009 decade but there were just nine releases and Manoj Kumar had one miss in the 1970-1979 decade but only ten films. Limited films had a hand in not missing the 1 crore mark for Aamir Khan and Manoj Kumar.

The Salman Khan films of the last decade are also finding big audiences on television in the Coronavirus lockdown period especially the two TIGER films. As far as OTT goes its being said that these B and C grade web series which have foundations based on sex and profanities rather than story and screenplay are the rage in the lockdown period but just the price paid for Salman Khan starrers which is around 100 crore is enough to tell what has a bigger audience. TIGER ZINDA HAI, RACE 3, BHARAT and DABANGG 3 have all fetched this price or nearabouts it.

The footfalls of Salman Khan starrer in the last decade are as follows. There were sixteen releases in total.
1. Veer (2010) - 73,47,000
2. Dabangg (2010) - 2,50,86,000
3. Ready (2011) - 1,84,52,000
4. Bodyguard (2011) - 2,21,48,000
5. Ek Tha Tiger (2012) - 2,47,39,000
6. Dabangg 2 (2012) - 2,05,28,000
7. Jai Ho (2014) - 1,43,98,000
8. Kick (2015) - 2,41,92,000
9. Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015) - 3,54,17,000
10. Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (2015) - 2,22,76,000
11. Sultan (2016) - 3,20,85,000
12. Tubelight (2017) - 1,15,74,000
13. Tiger Zinda Hai (2017) - 3,08,89,000
14. Race 3 (2018) - 1,58,19,000
15. Bharat (2019) - 1,60,68,000
16. Dabangg 3 (2019) - 1,01,63,000

As told to Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; June 2, 2020)

We knew that he was not well for the past few days, but the situation hadn't reached the stage for him to pass away. Yes, he was critical but still better. He had issues of diabetes and kidney malfunction. Fortunately, Sajid's wife Lubna donated a kidney to him seven months ago. He was on the road to recovery after that, but I believe post Dabangg 3, his health started deteriorating due to exertion. Once the complications began, it never left him. We were constantly in touch, but he would often say, 'Main theek hoon, koi problem nahin hai'.

I spoke to him over a month ago. He told me he was home, suffering from a kidney infection. He assured me it was under control. Post that, he got a throat infection, which started affecting his voice. He was on a ventilator for the last three days.

We were close as brothers, friends and we have also worked together for a film, Shararat (2002). I remember [the time] he had come to my studio to hear the song, Yeh honsla from Dor (2006). He had tears in his eyes as he hugged me, he was an emotional person.

We track down the man of the moment, Ajay Jethi, who has got everyone talking about his hacker act in the latest season of Money Heist, to Spain
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; April 19, 2020)

Who would have thought that an Indian actor, playing a Pakistani hacker in a Spanish show, would grab eyeballs at a time when the world is under lockdown? Actor Ajay Jethi, who plays Shakir in the fourth season of the much loved Money Heist, is as surprised as he is elated to find the spotlight on him. We tracked down the man of the moment, Jethi—who has got everyone talking about his hacker act in Money Heist—in Spain, he throws a curveball as he candidly mentions, "I don't have a TV, so I haven't watched the show. But, a friend recently told me that I could watch it on my phone. So, I have downloaded Netflix and hope to catch it soon."

Essaying the role of a professional hacker who helps the Professor in his mission, the actor shot for the thriller late last year. "I thought it's a Spanish show; I had no idea it would be available in English subtitles and screened worldwide. On April 4 [when the latest season dropped online], I woke up to countless messages from Indians and Pakistanis all over the world. That's when I understood the wide reach of the series."

Ask him how he landed the role, and Jethi says he had previously collaborated with creator Alex Pina on a Warner Bros movie. "The production house and casting directors were familiar with my work. So, they didn't ask me to audition for the role. I shot for my portions alone, and didn't get a chance to meet the rest of the cast."

Now that viewers have taken notice, Jethi hopes his next casting call comes from Bollywood. Interestingly, he is a distributor of Hindi and Punjabi films in Spain and Portugal. "I distributed Kesari, Bharat, War and Dabangg 3. I have a long-standing association with Yash Raj Films and Zee Studios. I have done a few Punjabi movies, but now, I want to explore Hindi cinema. Apne mulk mein kaam karne ka waqt aa gaya hai."

Sonakshi Sinha, who has been working non-stop for nine years, has now decided to do ‘one thing at a time’; says she’s excited about her digital debut
Kavita Awaasthi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 17, 2020)

After nine years as an actor in Bollywood, Sonakshi Sinha has changed a lot. Though she admits that she loves to “work non-stop” and is super dedicated to what she does. Sonakshi also insists that she doesn’t want to burn out. Therefore, the actor has decided that this year on, she will only work on one project at a time. In an interview, Sonakshi talks about her digital debut with a thriller, why she needs to not be “low-key” and why she prefers her work to speak for her. Excerpts:

What made you decide to do a web show?
After the stellar year I have had with four releases [Kalank, Khandaani Shafakhana, Mission Mangal, Dabangg 3] last year, I wanted to take up something only if it blew my mind, and this web show did that. It challenges me, and the story is thrilling. I didn’t have to think twice before taking it up. Plus, director Reema Kagti is so clear about her vision, and it’s a pleasure to be directed by her.

You recently learned to ride a bike for the same show. How has that experience been?
Wonderful. I have always wanted to learn how to ride, but with work being so hectic, and it being a little difficult to do so on the Mumbai streets, I never got a chance to ride a bike until now. My teachers, Sheetal and Shubhangi from a riding school are cool biker girls and taught me well. I have always liked bikes, but now that I know how to ride — I love them! Although, I am not a fan of speeding, just being on a bike is an exhilarating feeling.

What is that one thing that attracts mainstream actors like you to a digital show?
The content. I am hooked to watching shows on various OTT platforms, and I strongly believe their content is way better than most films today. And, as an actor, at the end of the day, I am only looking for things that will challenge me. I will always be an actor first — whether I choose to do films, digital shows, television or theatre. They are just mediums. I am not leaving cinema at all, just trying something new.

This year, you will complete 10 years in showbiz. How do you feel your career has panned out?
Recently, a survey revealed that I am the only actress who debuted in 2010s and has been a part of films that have collected ₹1,500 crores at the box office since then. It’s safe to say that my career panned out really well. I think I am a very hard working person. I have been super dedicated to my work and that has really paid off. I believe in keeping my head down and working hard. I have worked non-stop for the past nine years and this year, I have taken a step back and decided to do one thing at a time. It’s important not to burn out, I still think I have a long way to go. I’d rather let my work speak for myself, but having said that, I could work on my PR skills... I am too low-key for this business.

The year 2019 turned out to be pretty decent with the top twenty five films collecting 3600 crore nett plus as compared to 3000 crore nett last year. But a lot is to do with lower GST in 2019 as the GROSS numbers are 4250 crore compared to 3850 crore in 2018. There is a 20% difference in NETT numbers which would be a good result if all things were equal but in actual terms the difference is 10% as in GROSS numbers, all is equal. The 10% growth is roughly how much ticket rates grew in 2019.

The biggest grosser of the year was WAR (Hindi) grossing 292 crore nett but the biggest HIT was KABIR SINGH. It was the universal blockbuster of the year which did equally well in all parts of India. It also had the highest footfalls of the year as it was released outside holiday periods on normal ticket rates. WAR and URI were also BLOCKBUSTERS but could have done better in the Central India markets where there performance was lower as compared to other areas. The other film to top 200 crore nett HOUSEFULL 4 could have done better in North.

No film got close to 3 crore footfalls which tells there was no really huge BLOCKBUSTER. In fact the last 3 crore footfall film was TIGER ZINDA HAI in 2017 though PADMAAVAT may have got there if it had released all over. Only two Hindi films - KABIR SINGH and WAR - managed to get more than 2 crore footfalls and the third film was AVENGERS: ENDGAME from Hollywood. SAAHO also manged it in all formats and if we take all formats into consideration then this film had the most footfalls of any film in India last year at 2.60 crore.

The ranking of the top films in terms of NETT collections are as follows and these twenty stand above the rest as the 26th film is under 50 crore nett. The GROSS collections may change the positions a little as there is state levy and higher service charges in some states and if films have a higher ratio coming from these areas then it changes the NETT to GROSS ratio.

1. War (Hindi) - 2,92,71,50,000
2 Kabir Singh - 2,76,34,00,000
3. Uri: The Surgical Strike - 2,44,00,50,000
4. Housefull 4 - 2,05,60,50,000
5 Bharat - 1,97,34,50,000
6. Good Newwz - 1,95,78,00,000 (35 days)
7. Mission Mangal - 1,92,67,00,000
8. Kesari - 1,51,87,50,000
9. Total Dhamaal - 1,50,07,50,000
10. Saaho (Hindi) - 1,48,84,00,000
11. Chhichhore - 1,47,32,50,000
12. Super 30 - 1,47,00,00,000
13. Dream Girl - 1,39,37,00,000
14. Dabangg 3 (Hindi) - 1,34,79,00,000
15. Gully Boy - 1,34,21,50,000
16, Bala -1,10,97,50,000
17. De De Pyaar De - 94,50,00,000
18. Manikarnika - The Queen Of Jhansi (Hindi) - 90,81,00,000
19. Luka Chuppi - 88,50,50,000
20. Badla - 87,56,00,000
21. Batla House - 84,99,50,000
22. Pati Patni Aur Woh - 80,41,00,000
23. Kalank - 80,03,50,000
24. Student Of The Year 2 - 65,70,50,000
25. Article 15 - 65,17,50,000

NOTE - Good Newwz is still running in week six but will not change the rankings as it has only 25-50 lakh more to come

Kavya Christopher (BOMBAY TIMES; January 18, 2020)

After over two decades and an enviable repertoire of work behind him, Kannada actor Kichcha Sudeepa says that he is lucky to be in the space that he is in today. In a conversation with BT, the actor talks about his bond with Salman Khan, lessons he has hearnt in his long innings as an actor and more. Excerpts:

With Dabangg 3, and your other Kannada films, has the year gone by brought in a change in direction in your career?
I am lucky to have a career like this. I guess after this point, it’s about extensions, extra feathers, extra excitement that keeps coming your way. Sometimes that doesn’t happen and that’s what we need to worry about, because life becomes monotonous. There is no journey. There is one that took place, and once you reach the destination, you tend to just be there… stagnate. It has been a journey for me, but luckily mine has not stopped. There has been no strategy, I continue to go with the flow. Luckily for me, there has been some excitement every year. Dabangg 3 happened last year, but more than films, it excites me to work with new people, experience new places and things.

Being in a space that you never imagined you would ever be a part of, excites me. It is not about carrying baggage from your past and saying, ‘I want to do the things I have been doing back home, here as well’. It was a new experience, even though I played the antagonist. I did play a negative role in Eega, but then there was no hero to beat me up. This is about acceptance. You have accepted the role, and you need to do it whole-heartedly.

Your role was spoken about, even though it was a Salman Khan film.
The team gave me my space and didn’t edit or delete portions of my role, which goes to show that they respected my presence. That is probably why they wanted me to do the role. There are instances in the film for which Salman sir has written my lines. There is a scene in which I walk into a hospital and speak, and he just stands there and listens to me. This is rare, for a hero to not react to what is being thrown at him. If the character I played is etched in people’s minds today, I owe it to the team.

You share a close bond with Salman Khan...
Whenever you meet genuine people, and there is no agenda attached to how they are with you, bonds are bound to be created. Everybody has enough experience to understand whether, or not, there is an agenda to a connection. Maybe we do not speak about it openly, but we just know it. But when you just like the other person’s presence in your life, with zero expectations, then you start cherishing the time spent together. I have never asked him (Salman) to do anything for me. If he comes to meet me here, it has to happen organically, and not because I have called him. We text each other, and are in constant touch. It is nice when one gets a response from people who you least expect to even know. Salman too reacts to people. He has seen all kinds of people — the good and the bad. So, when he stays connected with people, then that means it is something nice.

You have announced a directorial, too.
Yes, I have. I have directed my films at regular intervals. This time around, there has been a long gap. Telling a story has always excited me more than just being a part of it. I plan to start this mid-year.

Over the last few years, you have had a series of injuries. How difficult has this phase been for you?
Physical injuries can be dealt with. There is always a cure, and you know that it is going to be fixed. Back-stabbing hurts more; there is no medicine or cure for it and you just need to accept it. It usually comes from very beautiful places and sources you least expect it from. Those injuries have been far more. It has only made me look at everything in a different way right now. Things don’t hurt me anymore. Anger is a very pure emotion, much stronger than love. Irrespective of whether you wake up thinking about your loved ones or not, you will surely wake up thinking about this person you are angry with. See, I am not here to prove a point to anyone. Life is treating me well. What more does one want? My competitiveness towards certain things won’t go away.

ON SKETCHING SALMAN

I used to paint, and I still do. More recently, I did a sketch of Salman. I wanted to give it to him on his birthday. I couldn’t because on that day there was too much crowd, but I will give it to him one of these days. There are certain people you really don’t know what to gift, and they don’t expect anything either. But at the same time, you can’t give them anything that they already have. I think it is the presence and the thought that really matters. So, what I could think of as a gift for Salman was this sketch.

WILL GOOD NEWWZ CROSS THE LIFETIME COLLECTIONS OF DABANGG 3?

The much awaited flick Dabangg 3 has performed below expectations. The hype was a bit less but what added to the woes were the protests happening across the country on account of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). As a result, many centres of Uttar Pradesh and other states, where massy films work big time, were shut and if they weren’t, then moviegoers didn’t venture out on account of the tensed situation. This impacted the collections. By the time protests got over, the word was out that the film isn’t up the mark. As of now, it has collected around Rs. 107 crore and the first week earnings would be below Rs. 115 crore. As of now, the lifetime collections would be less than Rs. 150 crore.

The underperformance of Dabangg 3 would in turn benefit Good Newwz, that releases tomorrow. It stars Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor, Diljit Dosanjh and Kiara Advani. Produced by Karan Johar, it is directed by first-timer Raj Mehta. The trailer is hilarious and the film looks like a complete entertainer. It’s subject is also novel – a mix-up that happens in an IVF clinic leading to madness. The characters seem well etched and the chemistry also looks strong. The songs aren’t chartbusters but have been noticed and appreciated. All these songs have significantly upped the hype.

Good Newwz has some challenges too. The content seems a bit urbane. Also, the characters are seen discussing about their sex life and a section of moviegoers might not be comfortable. As a result, it’s reach might be limited in smaller mass centres. In multiplexes and most major cities, it’ll surely take a great opening. The film is expected to open in the Rs. 18-22 crore range. Just like last week, this week also has one major holiday and one part holiday falling in the weekdays – January 1 and December 31 – respectively. Hence, if response is positive, the film can have a healthy weekend of around Rs. 70-75 crore. Then thanks to the two holidays in the weekdays, it can further earn considerably. The first week collections, in fact, can be anywhere between Rs. 110-120 crore. At this rate, it’ll surely surpass the lifetime earnings of Dabangg 3! If response to Good Newwz is not favourable or if it’s too niche, the collections won’t be huge. Yet, it won’t be very bad as hype is there along with the holiday season.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE GOOD NEWWZ AND WHY? DO LET ME KNOW!

Salman Khan completes 30 years in Bollywood this week. It's also his birthday. It's also Christmas. On his wish list is only one desire
Aastha Atray Banan (MID-DAY; December 22, 2019)

It's 5.30 pm on a Saturday. Salman Khan has arrived in a white Range Rover at Bandra's Mehboob Studios. A random mix of journalists, photographers, fans, and his entourage, watches his every move. He steps out of the car, and relaxes for a few minutes. The photographers nudge him for a picture. He poses, first, seriously, then laughing as he moves to Munna Badnaam. The song ends, and he walks towards a tent that has been set up for media interviews. On the way, he chats with director Farah Khan who has stopped by.

Incidentally, the director-producer was rumoured to replace Salman as host of Bigg Boss 13 in the last six weeks of this season. The move stands canned for now. Perhaps the makers realised there is no boss bigger than Salman. "I don't know what role I am playing this season," he says of the hit reality show. "They are bringing up stuff I did, or didn't do, 30 years ago. Basically, it's become a two-day programme on me!"

It's only fitting. He completes three decades in the Hindi film industry this week. And the "special" is going to have TRPs hit the roof. What started off as a career for a romantic hero, with mega hits Maine Pyaar Kiya, Saajan and Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya, took a detour when he successfully experimented with comedy in Andaz Andaz Apna, Biwi No 1, and No Entry. But it's the films he has chosen in the last decade—Dabangg, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Sultan, Bharat and Tiger Zinda Hai—that have turned him into the hero of heroes.

In his private life, he has faced the wrath of the universe, making the round of courts, and facing detractors calling him the brashest of stars who can't act. And then, there are an equal number of stories about his largesse, his unending need to help people. Khan doesn't seem to care about what people think. He wears his "good heart" on his sleeve. When we finally meet, a table divides us. He turns 53 on December 27, but he appears just as fit and handsome as he does on screen. He looks like he'd be happier not doing the interview. And we realise, he actually doesn't need to. But when we get down to talking, he is high on wit, cracking jokes, some at his own expense, and others, at this writer's.

Dabangg 3, which he has co-written, sees him return as happy-go-lucky UP cop Chulbul Pandey. He takes a moment to think about the character's evolution since he debuted in 2010. "Chulbul is now stronger, with [the support of] his family and beliefs, and in the way he conducts himself. He can see the larger picture now. And this time, you also discover that he has a past, which is now back and messing with the present." Salman seems to know why the franchise is working. It's a time when we need someone to assure us that things will be alright. "Everyone wants their local policeman to be like Chulbul. When you see uniformed persons on screen, and if the film is about fighting for the country or a cause, you look up to those characters. Such films always work."

And Salman enjoys playing these roles, including for a personal reason. He takes back bits and pieces of Chulbul with him each time a sequel releases. "I'd like to embrace at least 20 per cent of the traits of every noble character I play," he hopes. Salman began his career as a lover consumed by passion. About the 1989 super-hit Maine Pyar Kiya, Khan says, it was his father, famed scriptwriter Salim Khan, who suggested he adopt a romantic image. "That is my father's biggest contribution. He had asked me, can you play a cop? A lawyer? A don? The mohalla ka dada? I said, no. Then, he asked, what about the romantic hero? I said, perhaps. When I asked if he could recommend my name, he refused. So, I'm trying to play those characters which I didn't have conviction to play earlier, now. Thankfully, Maine Pyar Kiya was a hit. Right before that, another Bandra boy had made it big. It would have been embarrassing if I hadn't," he laughs about Aamir Khan's debut Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak.



Bhagyashree, his first co-star, remembers the set as being like a college campus, where she, Salman and director Sooraj Barjatya met for the first time and became friends. "He was extremely protective about me. Once, we had to be part of a shoot for a larger article on three couples who had made their debut back then, and the couple before had us posed intimately. I knew I would not be able to do the same. I heard later that Salman was told by the photographer that he knew I would act stuck up and shy, so Salman should kiss me anyway. I believe he yelled at the photographer. I have respect for him."

Later, when she married Himalaya Dasani, Salman was the first to come to the wedding and the last one to leave. "Since my own family hadn't come, he and Sooraj ji represented the bride's side." She thinks it's with the 2015 comedy drama Bajrangi Bhaijaan that Salman developed a real connect with the audience. "It's no longer about being mesmerized by his torso. Now, it's less showbazi, and more about connecting with the viewers."

Earlier, too, Salman has tried his hand at non-dramatic films, like Phir Milenge, where he played an HIV positive character in love with Shilpa Shetty. When we tell him roles like that are a favourite, he smiles. "I am not going to do movies for your kind for a long time."

He recalls going to a theatre when he was young, and leaving in awe of Bruce Lee. "When we'd go to the theatre, we'd take a look at the poster and decide if we were going to watch the film. If it had blood and guns, we wanted to see it. I know the trend is changing, but I don't want heroes to die. The day heroes die, the sort of movies I do, will also die. If you come out of the theatre, and want to be like the actor you left inside, the battle is won. That's all I want my movies to do."

Actor-director Revathi, who acted with Salman in Love in 1991 and directed him in Phir Milenge in 2004, says Salman came on board to do a role several actors had refused. "Chalo, karte hain," he had told her on the phone. "He did it for friendship, and he was the darling of the unit. It was so easy to work with him. He has a big heart, and rarely thinks with his head. I have called him a few times to talk, just talk about personal issues, and he talks as if we speak every day. Once you are his friend, you are his friend forever."



Khan may not be doing the subtle roles anymore, but he continues to do justice to whatever he picks. He laughs when we discuss prep for a role. He doesn't take on parts that require prep, but then shares a detail that could underline a method. "If you can walk the character, you can talk the character. Daisy aunty [Irani] had three students she taught acting to—Sajid Khan, Chunkey Pandey, and me. After us, she shut shop. She said, 'Keep going to places, keep on observing people. That's the only acting tip I will give you. Hear things, and remember them'. That's what I do. I observe."

Ali Abbas Zafar, who directed Salman in his last film, Bharat, says he likes that the actor wants to go to work every day. "His screen connect and charisma is hard to beat. He is also a team player. With Salman, what you see is what you get. There are no layers to him. He won't change for anyone, however long they have known him. The maturity that the audience sees in my work is thanks to his experience as an actor."

In the last few years, Salman has done more than act. He runs a fashion brand, and a sizeable chunk of its profits help run the Being Human Foundation, a non-profit that works in education and healthcare for the underprivileged. But Salman is also a successful producer, with some of Indian television's biggest shows backed by SK TV, including the weekly comedy sketch, The Kapil Sharma Show. But he brushes off any mention of business acumen. "I don't think about business, although I think about money all the time, and would want more of it. All the profits from the business go to charitable trusts. If that's business, then everyone should be a businessman."

It's getting dark outside. Salman is dreading the line of journalists waiting to interview him. Our last question is about whether he has ever wondered what he'll do when he is done with acting. What next? "I am thinking, what now! What will you ask next, and when we will get to your last question." We crack up. There is a epilogue question we have. "What have the last 30 years taught you?" "Only one thing. Every moment must be enjoyed and extended, even those that don't leave you happy. I remember wanting to be an actor just yesterday. That's how fast the last 30 years have gone by."

Dabangg 3 rests on a waferthin and clichéd plot. The various developments of the story can be predicted from a mile away as we have seen it countless number of times. The first half is when the story hardly moves and it’s only in second half when there’s some development. One mystery remains unanswered till the very end. On top of that, there are far too many songs in the film. There are two songs each with both the heroines and it just hampers the film’s pace. On the positive side, the film is well directed by Prabhudheva and keeps one engaged. There are moments where the makers have done something out of the ordinary and those sequences have worked very well. And of course, Salman Khan rocks big time! He seems to be in excellent form and one can see that he’s enjoying playing Chulbul Pandey. In some scenes, he entertains just through his mere expressions! Sonakshi Sinha is fine and is quite energetic in songs. Saiee M Manjrekar is a bit raw but puts her best foot. Arbaaz Khan has a crucial part in the second half and is decent. Pramod Khanna looks quite like late Vinod Khanna and slips into his part effortlessly. Dimple Kapadia raises laughs in an important scene in the first half. Kichcha Sudeepa oozes evil. If only his character had more depth, his act would have worked even better. All in all, Dabangg 3 is an average flick and works purely because of Salman Khan’s power. Watch it if you love masala entertainers and of course if you love Salman Khan!

My rating - ** ½ out of 5!