Sonali Joshi Pitale (MID-DAY; March 13, 2014)

Nitin Chandra, who is currently working on a film starring Manoj Bajpayee and Naseeruddin Shah, has filed a petition against a private radio channel based in Patna. It seems that the channel only plays Hindi film songs and has no room for Bhojpuri and Maithili songs. Nitin argues that most channels in West Bengal and in South India make it a point to play songs in their regional language. “I had requested this Patna-based channel to host a special programme where they could play Bhojpuri songs. However, they replied that the songs are a tad explicit and thus, can’t be played on the channel. This reply reeks of hypocrisy as they continue to play Hindi songs featuring sleazy lyrics. In fact, all neighbouring states play local songs except Bihar. Also, it is not correct to label all Bhojpuri songs vulgar,” he emphasises.

The producer has now visited the offices of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry in a bid to sort out the matter. “The I& B Ministry has taken up the matter with this radio channel. I have been told that as per government rules, it is mandatory for radio channels to encourage local artistes,” he says.

He adds that with radio channels not doing their bit to support regional music, it has become difficult for producers like to him to get distributors’ backing. “My film Desva has travelled to several film festivals, including the Goa Film Festival. I had also roped in the likes of Sonu Nigam, Sunidhi Chauhan and Swananad Kirkire to work on the film’s songs. But till date, I have not been able to release the film.
Now if these channels were to play my film’s songs, both the film and its music would get their due,” he points out.

Indu Mirani (BOMBAY TIMES; January 10, 2014)

Were you always a Bollywood buff? I have been dancing to songs of Madhuri and Sridevi in front of the mirror from childhood. I used to imitate them, and was always fascinated by them. Then, during my school days, I was into dramatics. Altogether, here I am now — in Bollywood.
 
Tell us about your first home production Desva… It’s a Bhojpuri film and has been entirely shot in Bihar. We made this film to change the face of the industry and for the love of the language — Bhojpuri is my mother tongue. Besides, when you think about Bhojpuri cinema, you think of soft porn. The imaging is really bad, and I really don’t connect with any of the Bhojpuri films. We have got Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghosal, Sunidhi Chauhan and Mika Singh to sing for the film, and have made a quality film. It has been screened at eight international film festivals. It was also the first Bhojpuri film that was screened at the Indian Panorama in five decades.
 
How do you deal with the link-up rumours? I do feel bad, as I don’t have thick skin. Luckily, I haven’t been linked too much. I had been in a relationship with a guy for five years, and have mostly been linked with him.
 
Is there a social cause that you feel passionately about? I have been associated with CPA (Cancer Patient Association) for about 7-8 years. I was also associated with UNICEF and for an organisation working for HIV patients. I do it not because they need me or my help, but because I feel good doing so.
 
For a girl from Bihar, isn’t staying in Mumbai a lonely affair? I stay with my family. But, initially when I came here and was looking for a PG accommodation, nobody was ready to give me their flat. Firstly, because I was a girl, and secondly because they thought that since I’m from Bihar, I must be carrying a katta (countrymade revolver) and will usurp their property. However, my family moved here soon.
 
How do you keep yourself busy — apart from doing theatre, movies, dancing, judo and so on… When I get some free time, I love to cook for my mother. Cooking is a great stress buster.
 
How do you stay fit? I drink a lot of fluids and work out everyday without fail. Besides, I don’t eat anything that’s fattening. One must remember that if you can’t respect your body, you can respect anything. You need to be consistent.

Who do you think has the hottest body in Bollywood? Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra and, of course, myself. I have a different body type though. Mine is unlike those kiddie bodies.

Give us your take on fashion… Wear what makes you comfortable and suits your body type. When it comes to fashion, I don’t follow trends, I set trends.

What message would you like to give to your follo-ers? One should keep oneself down to earth. One must work hard to achieve success, and be positive and give 100% to everything. I believe that 99% is equal to 0%.