Showing posts with label Dhamaka. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dhamaka. Show all posts
Nawazuddin Siddiqui told me, ‘Tere Marathi mein kitna accha kaam ho raha hai, mujhe Marathi seekhni chahiye’-Amruta Subhash
4:16 PM
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; September 2, 2025)
Amruta Subhash believes in miracles. Why wouldn’t she, when the journey of her latest Marathi film, Jarann, is proof of one? The psychological horror thriller struggled to get screens when it opened in cinemas three months ago. However, strong word-of-mouth propelled it to box-office success. With its recent ZEE5 première, the acclaim continues to grow. For Subhash, it’s the best kind of validation for her work.
“It’s not less than a miracle! When the film came into theatres, there was no platform attached to it. [Since] it was my producer, Amol Bhagat’s first film, he faced difficulties in making and releasing it. I didn’t take my market price for the film as I thought that such content should reach the screen. When it came on OTT, people were saying, ‘Oh God!, Why didn’t we see it in the theatre?’ I was always proud of the choices I’ve made, but when they get backing from the market, it is a double dhamaka,” she laughs.
Jarann is special for the actor as it marked her return to Marathi cinema after five years. Her last Marathi outing was filmmaker Sumitra Bhave’s Dithee (2019). Subhash cites her packed schedule in the Hindi film industry for the gap. Her recent Hindi filmography boasts several popular films and series, including Gully Boy (2019), Ghost Stories (2020), Saas Bahu Achaar Pvt Ltd (2022), and Lust Stories (2023).
Subhash believes she has been lucky to be in the right place at the right time in both Marathi and Hindi cinema. “When I was working in Marathi, I was doing films like Killa [2015] and Valu [2008]. Times were fortunate for me that wherever I was working, in whichever language, it did well. I remember Nawazuddin [Siddiqui] telling me when I started working with him in Raman Raghav 2.0, ‘Yaar, tere Marathi mein kitna accha kaam ho raha hai, mujhe Marathi seekhni chahiye.’ So when I was working in Marathi films, the industry was going through its best phase. When I started working on OTT, some of the best work was happening there.”
Besides luck, the actor credits her success to her clarity on the kind of work she wants to be associated with. That clarity has led to long waiting periods, but she reminds herself that diversity is the only way to keep the actor in her alive
“After Gully Boy, I said no to a lot of work. [I wanted to] explore something else. But I waited a lot before I got Sacred Games S02. The only tension was that I had bills to pay but [I was] not earning money. So, I’ve kept my expenses in control.”
But she admits it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find fresh, unique work on OTT. Many artistes have complained that shows are becoming formulaic and offbeat content isn’t being encouraged.
“When I started working, most of the roles that I did were first written as men, be it Sacred Games 2 or Dhamaka (2021). So something was beginning to happen, where women were getting parts that they earlier wouldn’t. Women [were not] just playing a mother on screen. But I am curious how content creators are going to place us now. It’s too early to say that there’s saturation in imagining women in unconventional roles. Creating good content is very challenging. I am ready to wait and be hopeful. And my hope has paid me well.”
Kartik Aaryan a favourite among filmmakers and the name brands are looking to sign up
8:23 AM
Kartik Aaryan is leading the ‘next-gen Bollywood story’, making him a favourite among filmmakers and the name brands are looking to sign up
THE ECONOMIC TIMES (February 20, 2024)
Kartik Aaryan has emerged as the torchbearer for the next generation of Bollywood actors, not only because his films have been successful blockbusters but also because he’s a formidable name in the world of brand endorsements.
Aaryan, who debuted on the ‘Forbes India Celebrity 100 list’ in 2019, today boasts of an impressive portfolio of brand associations that transcend international boundaries.
Aaryan entered the industry as an outsider, but with his boyish charm, relatability and effervescent energy, has climbed up the pedestal to become a favourite among corporates.
One of the key factors contributing to Aaryan’s unparalleled success when it comes to signing up brands is his discerning choice of films and the diverse characters he brings to life on screen.
Neeraj Joshi, marketing head at Zee Studios, said, “Aaryan’s is a story that brands love. A boy-next-door from central India making it big with sheer determination, undeniable talent and ‘in-your-face’ attitude. His appeal cuts across age, gender and orientation, which is something most big stars still covet.”
Spate of successes
His recent successes, including Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, Satyaprem Ki Katha, Freddy and Dhamaka, have skyrocketed his brand value and demand. His upcoming roster includes the muchanticipated horror-comedy Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, the youth-centric Aashiqui 3, and Chandu Champion, a real-life-inspired tale targeted at audiences across demographics. He also has a collaboration with Dharma Productions coming up on an untitled war film, which further solidifies his status as a versatile actor.
“Aaryan is known for portraying characters that resonate with the youth. Gen Z appreciates humour that aligns with their sensibilities, and through his fashion choices, movie roles and social media visibility, Aaryan is massively popular among youngsters,” said Joy Chatterjee, AVP sales and marketing, Mankind Consumer Business Unit.
Even within these factors, his active social media persona stands out as a robust advantage. “For advertisers, social media presence can be a valuable asset. While collaborating with a celebrity or influencer, the first metric a brand looks at is the ‘reach’ they have and what kind of a target audience follows them,” Chatterjee added.
A diverse list of brands
Proof of Aaryan’s magnetism lies in the extensive list of brands he endorses, which spans diverse categories: From FMCG giants like McDonalds, Dabur Red and Cadbury Silk to technology and lifestyle brands like Superdry, Boat Speakers, GTPL and Armani Exchange watches, Kartik’s brand spectrum is as vast as it is impressive. In 2023, his campaigns including #ApnePartnerSePucho (Manforce Condoms), #TheKartikAaryanMeal (McDonald’s) and #YaaronWaaliBaat (McDowell) have been the talk of the brand world.
Today, Aaryan’s commercial value is such that he commands fees between Rs. 3 crore and Rs. 5 crore per brand. He also earns Rs. 40-50 crore per film. These figures are testament to his box office prowess and the immense draw he has for audiences and brands alike.
In Kroll’s Celebrity Brand Valuation Report 2022, Aaryan held the 17th position with a brand value of $36.5 million. This not only underscores his popularity but also highlights his ability to resonate with diverse audiences, often through the infusion of humour into his brand associations.
Renowned trade analyst Joginder Tuteja called Aaryan the new face in brand world. “He is a driving force in the world of endorsements. With more than two dozen brands in his kitty, he’s among the top three celebs in the country. It’s indeed a remarkable feat for a person who comes from the heartland, to not just make it big in the glamour world but also retain high levels of popularity among such a large chunk of the audiences. He is one of the leading faces in Bollywood and the brand world,” Tuteja said.
I’m living the dream that I never want to end-Kartik Aaryan
8:44 AM
Ahead of his closing performance at IFFI, today, Kartik Aaryan calls it a ‘great way’ to usher in his birthday
Monika Rawal Kukreja (HINDUSTAN TIMES; November 20, 2022)
Kartik Aaryan is in no mood to take a break or pause. He continues to enjoy a successful stint at the box office, is a favourite among brands, and now has added another feather to his hat: the actor is set to perform the grand closing act at the 53rd International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa today. In a candid chat, Aaryan tells us how he lets all this adulation sink in and never ever gets complacent.
Beginning the year with Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2’s unprecedented success and ending it with a performance at the IFFI opening ceremony. Does it all feel surreal?
Totally! I have a great sense of gratitude. Last year, I ventured into OTT and did something totally different in Dhamaka, which was appreciated. Then there’s the success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 post-pandemic, now I have Freddy around the corner, which is again a new genre for me. I feel blessed to be working with some fine directors and pushing my boundaries. This act at IFFI 2022 is a celebration of that.
Do you feel small milestones like performing at IFFI make a big difference in your journey?
I believe nothing is too small for an impact or to make the right noise. So, I approach everything with the same energy and enthusiasm and give my 100% dedication. It’s a huge honour to take the stage at such a prestigious and respected event.
When your fans call you unstoppable, how do you react to it?
I feel like I have miles to go and so much to do! The moment I feel content and complacent is when the growth stops. I am constantly wanting to learn, grow and experiment. I’m living the dream that I never want to end.
On November 22, you turn 32. Would you call it a perfect birthday week with your act at IFFI?
Performing at IFFI is a great way to usher in my birthday and is a matter of pride for me. It’s been a busy but phenomenal year. I feel extremely grateful for this birthday, and it’s only encouraged me to work harder.
I owe all my success and stardom to the audience-Kartik Aaryan
8:25 AM
Harshada Rege (BOMBAY TIMES; May 30, 2022)
After delivering a power-packed performance in Dhamaka, Kartik Aaryan is now flying high with the success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, which had the audience returning to the theatres in large numbers. In a conversation with Bombay Times, Kartik tells us how he is enjoying his success and popularity, and even with so much of it, he never takes it for granted. Excerpts:
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 has given not just you, but also Bollywood a reason to rejoice. The film has clocked in the biggest opening weekend for a Hindi film this year. Did you anticipate the film to be such a huge success, especially in these times?
Honestly, I had a great feeling about Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 right from the time I heard the script. When the teaser came out, the kind of response we got from the audience for the first asset itself was really exciting. The film was made for families and groups of friends to go out and enjoy together. So, we always hoped it would pull in the masses, but it totally exceeded our expectations with the massive reception it actually got...with the audience whistling and clapping and the film getting the biggest opening weekend for a Hindi film of the year, and crossing the Rs. 100-crore mark so quickly. I am really glad that the audience is loving Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 with all their heart and having so much fun watching it more than once in theatres.
To what do you attribute the success of this film?
In a post-pandemic time, to be able to deliver a film that reaches such an impressive number within its first 10 days alone is one of the most surreal feelings as an actor. I attribute the success, firstly, to the entire team who worked on it for three years, the makers who had this vision and made it come true so impeccably and most importantly, to the audience who have been showering it with so much love and have accepted us with open arms.
Horror comedy is a genre that hasn’t been explored as much in Bollywood. What pushed you to pick this role and now that the film is a success, do you feel vindicated?
I have always said this, I don’t want to restrict myself to any specific type of role. If I like a script, I will take it up irrespective of the genre the film belongs to. Even my other upcoming films are quite different from each other. Shehzada is a full-on entertainer, while Freddy is in a thriller space. Sajid Nadiadwala’s untitled film is a love story and Captain India is an inspiring film. Horror comedy is a comparatively lesser-explored genre, and it is a tricky space to ace, but Anees Bazmee sir has done such a phenomenal job there with Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, I’m glad I could be a part of this iconic world.
You didn’t have any connection in the industry or belong to any film family when you stepped into the industry. In fact, you didn’t have a grand launch and began your career with filmmakers who themselves were fairly new in the business. In that sense, your journey and your rise to stardom is quite an interesting story...
Yes, a movie can be made on my journey (laughs). Getting that first break as an outsider is such a huge task that it felt impossible at every stage. But giving up was never an option. It was definitely quite a struggle to get started and I had to go for a million auditions until Pyaar Ka Punchnama (PKP) finally happened. PKP did decent business for a small film, I was even recognized by the audience and critics as the monologue guy, but still, it took a long time for the journey to kickstart. I had to still audition. Being an outsider can be tough, but the trick is to keep trying and ensure that your heart is in the right place. My passion was always to act and entertain the audience, so keeping that as my goal, I kept trying until I made a mark. Even today, with 100-crore films to my credit, I don’t sit back and take it lightly. I know that I have to continue the hard work and double it because this job demands a lot and I am ready to give my 100 per cent. I owe all my success and stardom to the audience, I am where I am today because of their endless love and support.
You are often looked upon by filmmakers as a complete commercial package — someone who has struck a chord with the masses, has been successful in various genres and enjoys an immense following on social media, too. In your opinion, what is it about you that the audience connects with and relates to the most?
I am very grateful to hear that and glad that my passion is speaking for me today. I think the reason for the connect is that I myself have been that audience and I have come from amongst the crowd. So, when I see the love from my fans, I try my best to give back as much as I can. During Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 promotions, I visited various cities across different states. Each city welcomed me warmly and showered so much love that the feeling is unexplainable and that’s the feeling I live for. So it’s the audience and my mutual admiration for each other that I love. Also, I don’t see any reason for me to change. I was the same Kartik Aaryan before being an actor, I am the same right now. I am very connected to my roots and my family, too, supports me a lot and, at the same time, helps me stay grounded.
It’s obviously an exciting time for you. Are you in celebration mode, or are you back to work already?
I celebrated Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2’s success on its first weekend itself. I went to Gaiety cinema in Mumbai last weekend and made sure to celebrate the big success with the audience. For me, that was my celebration mode. I danced with them, I talked to them about the film and of course, seeing the ‘House Full’ board made me very happy. I have always said that I’m a fan-made star. So, my celebration would be incomplete without them.
This success has put you in the top league of actors in the industry. How do you feel about this shift?
All I can say is that I feel closer to my goal of wanting to be the No. 1 actor and the feeling is great (smiles).
I feel happy when television actresses reach out to me and look up to me-Mrunal Thakur
8:08 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; April 18, 2022)
Mrunal Thakur is thrilled that Jersey is all set to hit the theatres after a long wait. The film’s team faced many hurdles with its release due to the pandemic. In a chat with Bombay Times, she elaborates on her smooth transition from TV to films, how filmmakers are now offering her author-backed roles and who is her inspiration in cinema. Read on...
You waited for nearly two years for the film to release in theatres. It’s finally releasing this week. Are you relieved?
I am just overwhelmed. I have waited for this film to hit the big screen for so long. I have worked really hard on this project, and I am happy that people will finally get to see it. I play the role of a mother in this film, something I haven’t experienced in real life, and so I drew references from my mother for the part. That apart, I had two releases last year —Toofaan and Dhamaka. The former was meant for a big-screen experience. It was really disappointing that the audience could not get a theatrical experience as it was released on OTT. The film was designed for a theatrical release. So, I am finally happy that a film like Jersey, with which I have been associated for over two years, is finally releasing on the big screen.
The makers decided to stick with their decision to release the films in the theatres instead of heading for the OTT space. Why was it important for a movie like Jersey to stick to its theatrical release plans?
It’s a film that’s full of mixed emotions. The characters are so relatable that the film deserves to be watched uninterrupted in a cinema hall. Often, when you watch a film on OTT, you are subjected to distractions. This is that kind of a film which will give you joy... something that will make you want to celebrate and begin a conversation about. Also, the scenes are aesthetically shot for a big-screen experience. Like, all the cricket shots you see are not computer graphics. You can see depth in the scenes, like the movement of the ball when Shahid plays cricket or the expression of people sitting in the audience when they are watching the match. Also, I am sure that once people watch the film, they will go to their parents and thank them for whatever they did for them. I want to dedicate this film to my mom and dad. My dad retired last month, and so I am very emotional about it. I am grateful to him for all the things he did for me so that I could reach where I am today.
You have come a long way...from moving out of your hometown Dhule (Maharashtra), to starting your career in the TV industry, making Mumbai your home and finally, plunging into Bollywood. Who has been your role model?
My inspiration has been Smita Patil. Whenever I used to visit my dad’s native place in Shirpur (in Dhule), he would show me a house that belonged to Smita Patil. I think she was way ahead of time. It takes lots of guts to do the kind of films she did. While growing up, I saw her movies, and one of my favourites was Mandi. I wish I had an opportunity to act with her. She has been my idol, and just like her, I want to do something extraordinary in my career. I want people to know me for my films. I want to inspire them. Today, I feel proud that I inspire many television actors. I transitioned from TV to films, and I feel happy when television actresses reach out to me and look up to me.
Television actors have always struggled to break that image and make the transition. Even if they get a break, it gets tough for them to sustain and find acceptance in Bollywood. How has it been so far for you?
I broke the image right from my Hindi debut film, which was Love Sonia. Nobody expected a TV actor to take up an arty film, instead of a typical masala venture as their launchpad. It is because of Love Sonia that people have taken me seriously as an actor, leading to me bagging stronger roles. Even in my last films, Toofaan and Dhamaka, I was very happy with the parts I got. With my work, I want to break stereotypes and set an example. I just want to say that earlier I was surviving, but now, I am living my life as an actor. And I have earned it all on my own, and nobody can stop me from living my dream. I want to be a part of stories that resonate with people, and I am glad that filmmakers are showing faith and trust in me. I am getting to meet my dream directors. I am in a very good phase of my career right now.
While you have been playing strong characters, do you also wish to play the quintessential lead heroine in a movie?
I have realised that the term ‘lead’ is very misleading. I learned that right when I was doing my TV show Kumkum Bhagya. I was very adamant that I only wanted to play the lead. I was signed as the lead, too, but eventually, it went into the second lead space. I realised it didn’t matter because I still won immense popularity. What matters is what impact you leave on the audience. Lead koi bhi ho, lekin kabhi kabhi asli masala dussre characters mein hota hai. These characters constantly add to the story and the narrative. I am new to the industry, and I don’t want to rush. I want my first 10 movies to be my learning ground. And then you need to wait and watch for my 11th or 12th film. I want to improve and take risks, too.
The one fan who kept a fast for me was something that I never expected fans would do-Kartik Aaryan
8:22 AM
HINDUSTAN TIMES (December 30, 2021)
The biggest surprise or ‘dhamaka’ of 2021 has been Kartik Aaryan as Arjun Pathak. The actor wrapped up this year with a bang with Dhamaka, his superhit release. The movie has become a favourite among his fans and critics alike. And after having impressed the audience with this whole new genre, Aaryan promises to deliver even more varied and surprising roles in the coming year.
With your OTT blockbuster, Dhamaka, people saw your true potential as an actor in a new genre. How do you feel when you look back at 2021?
When Ram (Madhvani, director) sir put his faith in me and gave me this author-backed role of Arjun Pathak, I instantly knew I would put in my blood, sweat, tears and anything that the role demanded to make it happen. It was a conscious decision to step into a different arena, but also a risk that paid off. I was overwhelmed with the love the film received, be it from the audience or critics. The praise and love for my role gave me a huge sense of validation as an actor. Dhamaka’s success has also given me the confidence to explore things outside of my comfort zone and push the envelope. Also, it was my debut on OTT and it has been such a dhamakedaar one that it has made 2021 extra special.
How does it feel to be on most filmmakers’ wish lists and to have an incredible lineup set for release next year?
I feel blessed and my heart swells with gratitude that, as an outsider with no connections to the industry, I am now topping big filmmakers’ wish list. I’ve dreamt of being an actor for as long as I can remember, and now I’ve reached a position where I can actually choose the kind of films I’d like to do. And once an actor reaches that stage, one has to double up their hard work. So, today when I see my forthcoming films, be it Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, Shehzada, Freddy, Captain India or Sajid (Nadiadwala, filmmaker) sir’s love story, they all belong to different genres, and this makes my journey exciting.
As an incredible year for you comes to a close, what’s on your wish list this New Year?
The year 2021 has treated me well. I am safe, healthy and so are my family and loved ones. It has also been a great year professionally, one of risks and rewards. Dhamaka changed the perspective of filmmakers towards me. I hope 2022 is just as kind and rewarding. I can’t wait for audiences and my fans to see me take on different roles, and I hope to have their continued support and love.
With such a varied lineup spread across different genres, are you consciously choosing to do different kinds of films?
Yes, that is something I started thinking about more recently, once I had that opportunity to really choose my projects. I want to expand my boundaries as an actor. I want to play many characters and live different lives. That’s not to say I don’t enjoy the kind of roles I have already done, but even in those spaces, I would like to try and do things differently. I think it is very important to reinvent and move with the times. That, to me, is a mark of a great actor.
You have one of the widest and most ardent fan bases in the country today. Has any fan story, in particular, stood out for you this year?
I think the #KartikPurnima trend really surprised me — fans dedicating a day to you, expressing their love, sharing videos, performing rituals. Even the one fan who kept a fast for me was something that I never expected fans would do. I feel so eternally grateful. Another interesting incident was when a fan showed me a tattoo she got for me — a permanent inking of my name and birth date. Such small gestures by my fans really make me happy and make me think that all my hard work is worth it, as I receive so much love.
Unlike my other roles, I had no idea where my Dhamaka character came from. I didn’t know her at all-Amruta Subhash
8:17 AM
Actor Amruta Subhash is happy to not be slotted; wants to play a villain
Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 30, 2021)
Actor Amruta Subhash had an interesting 2021 with two releases. In the OTT show, Bombay Begums, she played a bar dancer, while the film Dhamaka, which released last month, saw her essaying the part of a no-nonsense news editor. “I am grateful. It has always been my dream to not be slotted into a particular kind of role. We keep saying that we want to do different kinds of roles but that depends on a lot of factors,” she says.
Dhamaka, particularly, was a tough act for Subhash, as it required her to tread into an unknown territory. She shares, “I credit my casting director Abhimanyu Ray for thinking out of the box and visualising me as Ankita (her character). I was excited because her mind, look and body language are completely different from mine. I was so tempted to play her. Unlike my other roles, I had no idea where this character came from. I didn’t know her at all.”
But the 42-year-old actor adds that she was “pleasantly surprised” during the look test after glamming up in the film for the first time. “I didn’t want to wear a saree, because I wore sarees in many films, but when I draped one, it added more weightage to my character,” she says, asserting that look tests are extremely important to her, as they help her “grasp the first note about a character” and that’s why she didn’t hesitate when asked to chop her hair short.
While many referred to her character in the film as a villain, Subhash reveals that she wishes to play an out-and-out antagonist someday. “Even when I’m playing a villain, I’ll keep her as human as possible. Every human being has reasons for the way they behave, but we tend to look at their actions and not journeys. Right and wrong is relative. I might not think like a character, but I won’t judge her by comparing her to my values,” she ends.
Being an actress, it is difficult to find a partner-Mrunal Thakur
8:20 AM
While her career is on an upswing with films like Jersey, Mrunal discusses how professional demands and insecurities take a toll on actors’ love lives
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; December 25, 2021)
Most actors will tell you that they chose a film because their character spoke to them. But Mrunal Thakur surprises us by saying that she initially didn’t identify with her role in Jersey. “The love story resonated with me, but [understanding] the ’90s portion was difficult,” she begins. The actor plays a pragmatic wife who has to run the house after her husband’s cricketing dreams are shattered.
“Initially, it was difficult to [identify] with her because she was born in the ’70s. I [questioned] her actions. But Shahid [Kapoor] made me understand that it [would be difficult] for a woman in the ’90s to have a husband who doesn’t earn. He is at home, eating the bread that his wife has earned; that would be humiliating in that era [when people believed in gender roles]. I did the film because I haven’t seen such an emotional story in a while.”
The remake of Gowtam Tinnanuri’s 2019 Telugu film of the same name sees Thakur share screen space with Kapoor, whom she considers a generous co-actor. “I don’t have anybody to guide me. Shahid saw the fire in me and realised that I don’t know how to channel it. He made sure I brought out the best in me.”
Jersey winds up 2021 for the actor, who was also seen in Toofaan and Dhamaka. While she bags prominent films, her detractors may argue that her characters are overshadowed by her male counterparts. “People keep asking me why I play safe, but I don’t think I do. I go with the flow and want to make the most of the opportunities. I hope after Jersey, filmmakers trust me enough to cast me in risky and challenging roles.”
Where it’s easy to see that her career is on an upswing, little is known about Thakur’s personal life. Quiz her on it, and she indicates that the demands of the profession take a toll on love. “I don’t know about other professions, but being an actress, it is difficult to find a partner. As humans, we get insecure. It’s better to let go of people who are insecure. I don’t want my partner to tell me, ‘You can’t do this film.’ The only lover I have is the camera. If anyone wants to be with me, that’s great, but it’ll be tough.”
I found a friend in Shahid Kapoor. I will never tire of praising him-Mrunal Thakur
6:48 PM
Mrunal, who plays strong-headed wife to Shahid’s character in Jersey, says she is sending out a clear message with her choice of roles
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; November 30, 2021)
The past few weeks have been busy for Mrunal Thakur. She was recently seen in Netflix’s Dhamaka, post which she released the poster of her next, Aankh Micholi. The high point of the month was launching the trailer of Jersey that sees her alongside Shahid Kapoor. “I am overwhelmed, but I am not feeling the pressure. The pandemic had slowed down my work. All the films I had shot for are now [releasing]. I live to entertain my audience, and no matter how bad my day is, I come to life when I face the camera,” begins Thakur, grateful for the promising line-up of projects.
Jersey, the official adaptation of the 2019 Telugu film of the same name, sees her play wife to Kapoor’s character — a former cricketer struggling to make peace with his fate. Their romance weathers a storm, altering their relationship in the Gowtam Tinnanuri directorial venture. For a story that hinged on the chemistry of the leads, Thakur says she found the perfect co-star in Kapoor. “I found a friend in Shahid. I will never tire of praising him. He is such a focused actor, and owns his character. I learnt the quality from him.”
A quick look at Thakur’s filmography makes one thing evident — regardless of the screen time, each of her movies has her playing a well fleshed-out and strong-headed character. The actor says it’s no coincidence. She is mindful of her characters’ arcs and the films’ messaging. “I have made sure the women I play are firm and have a voice of their own. I am happy that through films like Toofaan, Dhamaka and Batla House [2019], I am sending a message out. Enough being supportive, or playing the victim card in films. Women play an important role in men’s lives; it should be presented that way. They don’t have to be shown as bechari. Many women will relate to my part in Jersey. Women look forward to a secure future for themselves and their kids. My character is strong, speaks her mind and [does] what she wants.”
My dream is to be the number one actor in this industry-Kartik Aaryan
8:14 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; November 22, 2021)
From being an actor known for acing the rom-com genre, Kartik Aaryan has come a long way. His portrayal of Arjun Pathak in the recently released Dhamaka shows him in a different light as an actor and brings out a shade of his talent that we’ve never seen before. On his birthday today, Kartik talks about becoming wiser as an actor with every passing day. He calls himself a ‘fanmade actor’ and says that the appreciation from viewers for Dhamaka has boosted his confidence to take up more challenging roles in the future. Excerpts from the chat...
Your latest film Dhamaka is being touted as your career’s best performance so far. What is the feedback you’ve got from your fans and members of the film fraternity that has touched you the most?
For the longest time, I was looking to do something different from what I had done before. I am glad that everyone is so surprised and happy seeing my performance in Dhamaka. The one comment on social media that caught my attention is — ‘Where was this Kartik Aaryan, the actor?’ I am also excited with the way members of the film fraternity reacted to my performance after I met them at the film’s screening. They saw a different shade of me and were pleasantly surprised as it surpassed their imagination. All this while, I was seen as a commercial star, now they are happy to see me as a commercial-actor star.
With romance or comedy films, sometimes the audience misses taking notice of little nuances in a performance. Thankfully, with films of certain genres like Dhamaka, people take notice of these.
With this film you got to showcase your range as an actor. Do you think it will help you further cement your position in the industry?
My dream is to be the number one actor in this industry. This film gave me that opportunity. I can see that the fraternity has taken notice of me as an actor. I’m certain Dhamaka will give me an opportunity to work with filmmakers that I always aspired to team up with and a chance to showcase my talent. Steadily, the options are opening up.
When the film was being made did you anticipate that it would be received so well by the audience?
Yes, I was pretty sure. It was for the first time that I was collaborating with an ace filmmaker like Ram Madhvani sir. I have loved his work and craft. Well, the jodi worked! With this project, I knew what the content was and what we were getting into.
What also helped was the backing of maverick producers like Ronnie Screwvala and Amita Madhvani. I felt like I was in safe hands and confident about the final outcome. I was expecting a lot of love to come my way and that is what is happening right now. It is truly an edge-of-the-seat thriller, which I also felt while reading the script. The entire film unfolds in one room, yet, it has that scale and the commercial value. The characters are quite relatable and the climax of the film is beautiful. I went ahead with my gut feeling and I am happy to see the love that people are showering on the film. The only thing I was nervous about was the fact that I was shifting to another genre with this project. I was playing a very grey character. I was wondering how my fans would react, but today I am happy with the outcome.
On your birthday today, tell us about the most dhamakedaar birthday you’ve ever had...
It is definitely this birthday! I want to thank everyone for showing so much love to Dhamaka. This is really my biggest birthday present ever. I have always said that I am a fan-made hero. I took this leap of faith and did the film, and I am glad that my fans supported me. I am grateful to them. With this, I am confident to push my boundaries as an actor.
So, could we say this is Kartik Aaryan 2.0? What can we expect from your upcoming films?
Arjun Pathak was quite a challenging role and you will definitely see me taking on more such challenging roles in the future. With my forthcoming films, I will be venturing into playing characters that are very different and far from what I have done before. You will see me in different avatars in movies like Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, Freddy, Shehzada and Captain India. It was a conscious decision by me to line up films that will be different from each other. Having said that, I won’t let go of my territory, which is rom-com. I will, of course, continue doing that, too.
You’ve come a long way — today you have filmmakers approaching you with varied content, you are winning immense appreciation from critics and the audience, and fans are joining you in celebrating the success of your films. How does it all feel?
(Laughs!) I know right? My fans celebrated and remembered me on Kartik Purnima. It feels good when fans shower so much love on you. It has been a great journey. I am proud of my struggles and where I have come from. I am proud of my highs and lows, my success and failures. I have learnt a lot from it all and because of the failures I have seen, I value this position where I am today a lot more. I don’t want to lose it and so, I will keep on working hard. I will keep entertaining my audience and hopefully, I will keep doing more and more challenging films in the future.
With my first film Pyaar Ka Punchnama (2011), I got a loyal fan base, and from then to Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety (2018), it grew by many folds. When my chips were down, my fans believed in me and boosted my morale to go ahead and prove myself. Sometimes, I feel I am privileged to get so much love. There was a time where I was trying to get into the industry, then there was a time where I wanted to get my second or third film, and then there was a time when I wanted people to know my name... as they would refer to me as the monologue actor (from Pyaar Ka Punchnama). It was only after Sonu Ke... that people registered my name. I am finally in a space where I am getting the opportunities to explore myself as an actor and play challenging characters. It definitely feels that I have arrived now.
(Crisp) Movie Review: DHAMAKA by FENIL SETA
4:56 PM
Dhamaka is an edge-of-the-seat thriller from start to finish. The film is just 104 minutes long and the story is quite unique. The level of tension goes to another level in the first half and hence, one can’t help but look forward to what’ll happen next. Although the film remains captivating right till the end, the second half is underwhelming and also a bit illogical. The climax is shocking but difficult to digest. Speaking of performances, Kartik Aaryan is terrific and delivers one of his finest performances. It’s very different from what he has done in the past and proves that he’s a versatile actor. Mrunal Thakur is quite good in a small role. Amruta Subhash, as expected, rocks the show. Soham Majumdar is great while Vikas Kumar is too good as the no-nonsense officer. Vishwajeet Pradhan is apt for the part. All in all, had the second half been as rocking as the first, Dhamaka would have been an all-time classic. Nevertheless, it’s a nice one-time watch.
My rating - *** out of 5!
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 700
9:36 AM
~ 700TH BOLLYWOOD TALK POST ~
WILL BUNTY AUR BABLI 2 EMERGE AS THE 2ND BOX OFFICE SUCCESS OF THE SEASON?
The much awaited Diwali release Sooryavanshi has emerged as a big success. It has crossed the Rs. 150 crore mark in 10 days and now it seems that there’s a possibility that it’ll enter into the Rs. 200 crore club too. It has given a boost to the business and also hopes that the forthcoming films will also be able to find an audience. The first major film to release post Sooryavanshi is Bunty Aur Babli 2 and now trade and industry are looking forward as to how it fares at the box office.
Bunty Aur Babli 2 is the sequel to the very successful Bunty Aur Babli. The original starred Abhishek Bachchan and Rani Mukherji and the sequel takes the story forward. But instead of Abhishek, Saif Ali Khan is playing Bunty this time. Saif and Rani Mukerji are also joined by Siddhant Chaturvedi, of Gully Boy fame, and Sharvari Wagh, who was earlier seen in Kabir Khan’s web series, The Forgotten Army. Pankaj Tripathi also features in this con caper.
The trailer of Bunty Aur Babli 2 is entertaining and it promises to be a fun ride. While the soundtrack of the first part was super-hit and fondly remembered even today, the music of the sequel is a disappointment. Also, the trailer is not such that viewers would run to the cinemas. Nevertheless, it has a decent chance of having an opening of anywhere between Rs. 4 to 6 crore on day 1. Most of the business will come from urban multiplexes. If the word of mouth is encouraging, a weekend of around Rs. 20 crore is very much possible.
The other major release of the week is Dhamaka. It’s a Netflix film, starring Kartik Aaryan, Amruta Subhash and Mrunal Thakur. It is directed by Ram Madhvani, who impressed one and all with Neerja and the web series, Aarya. The film is majorly set in a news studio and believe it or not, the whole film was shot in just 10-12 days. The trailer is gripping and it should be something to watch out for.
By the eighth day of the shoot, I started deeply connecting with my Dhamaka character-Mrunal Thakur
9:11 AM
Joining Kartik Aaryan in Dhamaka, Mrunal Thakur on identifying with her journalist character who juggles her personal and professional life
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; November 18, 2021)
Though Dhamaka is centred on Kartik Aaryan’s news anchor, it is Mrunal Thakur’s character that propels the story forward. Writers Ram Madhvani and Puneet Sharma have etched out her part as a headstrong television journalist who finds her personal and professional lives intertwined.
“No matter what profession [we are in], we all have to go through emotional turmoil [in our personal lives] while dealing with deadlines and the boss’ demands. It’s not an easy situation for Soumya [her character],” says Thakur. She describes the role as “dear” to her. “By the eighth day of the shoot, I started deeply connecting with her. But by then, it was time to say goodbye to her.”
For the actor, the journalist’s ability to put on a brave face when her personal life is in shambles struck a chord with her. “The best thing that has happened to me is when a critic or the audience [rave about] a particular scene featuring me. This, despite the scene being shot when I was having a bad day. At such times, I feel good knowing that I was true to my profession, no matter what I was going through in my personal life. That’s the beauty of Ram’s characters as well.”
Thakur is thrilled to add a Madhvani directorial venture to her resumé, but the bigger high was to collaborate with Amruta Subhash on the Netflix project. She turns into a fan girl as she recounts, “When I met Amruta, I asked for a picture because I am a big fan of her work. Shwas [2004] is one of my favourite films. However, we don’t have any scenes together.”
Ram Madhvani ensured that actors were not allowed to meet each other before the shoot-Kartik Aaryan
8:19 AM
Stepping out of his comfort zone with Dhamaka, Kartik says director’s unusual style of working helped him become the morally corrupt character
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; November 16, 2021)
Frothy romantic comedies can wait. For now, Kartik Aaryan has taken a step back from the genre to try his hand at a hard-hitting thriller with Dhamaka. And one of the more able directors in Bollywood is guiding him through the unfamiliar path. “Becoming Arjun Pathak was quite difficult,” begins the actor, who essays the role of a news anchor chasing TRPs while the city of Mumbai is under attack, in the Netflix film.
The first step to embracing the part was to surrender to director Ram Madhvani’s unconventional style of working. “Ram likes to shoot in a certain way; he takes us in a zone [and then lets us explore it as characters]. Also, he does 20-minute takes. So, whenever we’d go back to watch our take, it used to be a long session. Ram had also ensured that the actors were not allowed to meet each other before the shoot.”
He says that the process, unsettling as it was initially, has enriched him as an artiste. “My talks with him helped me get into the mind of Arjun Pathak. It was a challenging role, but he walked me through it. It’s an experience I want to relive. It’s not easy to be that honest in front of the camera.”
For an actor who has had more than his share of smitten loverboy roles, the complexity of the won’t-stop-at-anything news anchor was an instant draw. “I enjoyed the fact that Arjun is not vanilla. He is an opportunist, and has shades of grey. His moral compass is [skewed]. It was emotionally draining as the character goes through many [trying] situations. That said, it was an opportunity to utilise all my energy and invest in that role.”
The film, also starring Amruta Subhash and Mrunal Thakur, is an adaptation of the South Korean film, The Terror Live (2013). At the centre of the remake, however, lies a crucial message.
Aaryan adds, “[While being a thriller], the film beautifully shows that your choices [determine] what you gain and lose.”
I am a fan-made hero, I try to push myself to do better for them-Kartik Aaryan
7:54 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (November 12, 2021)
Bollywood’s ‘Chocolate Boy’ Kartik Aaryan is all set to redefine his craft, and his latest outing, Dhamaka, is solid proof of that. Going by the trailer, it’s evident that he will raise the bar with his performance in it. Kartik seems to be on a mission to take his career graph to the next level. Excerpts from a chat with the actor:
Shooting for a film like Dhamaka must have been difficult amid the pandemic, let alone completing the entire shoot within 10 days. How did you manage to do that?
It was definitely a difficult task, but I feel extremely proud that the entire team managed to finish it in this record time because I don’t think that has happened before with any film. This was possible only because Ram sir (director Ram Madhvani) and everyone on set had prepared everything down to the last detail. I had started my prep months before the shoot began. By the time I was on set, I was living Arjun Pathak mentally. That is how we managed to complete the shoot smoothly and on time, which was quite cool.
Arjun Pathak, the character you play in Dhamaka, seems very serious and different from the kind of roles we have seen you play before. Did you go through a different process to prepare for this role?
Dhamaka is the most challenging film of my career so far, and Arjun Pathak is the most difficult character that I have played. In reality, I’m a very high-spirited person, so when I did a few of my previous films, which were in the rom-com space, I felt slightly more comfortable. However, Dhamaka pushed me to expand my boundaries as an actor. I play the role of a journalist, so my prep had definitely increased and was more detailed. I studied the lives of news reporters and watched various documentaries for a better understanding. It was also during the lockdown, so that gave me the time to get into this character deeply. Arjun’s character is layered and intense, so I really worked to live him in every way possible.
I studied the lives of news reporters and watched various documentaries for a better understanding. It was also during the lockdown, so that gave me that time to get into this character deeply. Arjun’s character is layered and intense, so I really worked to live him in every way possible.
Considering the fact that you were working with an acclaimed director like Ram Madhvani, especially playing the kind of role that you were exploring for the first time, did that add to the pressure?
Working with a director like Ram sir is a dream come true. It was definitely intimidating at first, but once you get on the set with him, he is just so phenomenal and inspiring that his presence alone makes you give your best. With Dhamaka, it was more about a chance to do something different as an actor, which made me push my limits. I am grateful for that pressure because it reminds you that there is someone counting on you, and you have the responsibility to deliver your best.
Dhamaka is releasing in a few days and those who have watched the film have been praising your performance. How nervous are you to see the audience’s reaction?
I am very happy about the response that we have received so far, but yes, there is slight nervousness too, because I have worked extremely hard for this role, and I hope the audiences enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed making it for them.
Theatres have recently re-opened, but Dhamaka will be releasing on an OTT platform. What are your thoughts on that?
I am aware of the importance of a theatrical release. But the scenario that we are in, the question shouldn’t be between theatre or OTT, it should be theatre and OTT. It is a great opportunity for us to put out our creativity across different platforms, catering to a wider global audience. So, Dhamaka releasing on OTT is quite cool. It is definitely one of those films that I think people would love to enjoy in a comfortable environment with their family. It is really exciting to know that your work is directly at the tip of the finger for people way beyond just one country. It helps put your work out on a global level, so I am definitely looking forward to that.
Your forthcoming films, Freddy, Dhamaka, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and Shehzada, belong to different genres and you have been shooting for them back-to-back. How challenging has this process been and do you manage to take time out for yourself between these films?
Honestly, at work is the best time I can give to myself. It is the time that I love the most, besides spending time with family and close friends. But I feel fortunate that I get to do what I love every day. It surely has been hectic, but I enjoy it to the fullest and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Transforming for each film gives me an inexpressible adrenaline rush.
Currently, you are one of the busiest actors of the industry with an impressive line-up of films, along with a huge fandom, especially among girls. Is that something that motivates you or is it a distraction?
No, why will it distract me (laughs!). In fact, it motivates me to do better. Not just female fan following, but male following too… I am a fan-made hero. It is for them that I always try something different and push myself to do better, so technically they are the reason for where I am today.
Kartik Aaryan surrendered to the way I work and the system that I work in-Ram Madhvani
8:26 AM
Keen to collaborate with Kartik Aaryan for the past three years, Dhamaka director Ram Madhvani credits actor for embracing his unconventional approach of shooting
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; October 24, 2021)
Ram Madhvani pulled off a feat almost unheard of in Bollywood when he shot Dhamaka in 10 days. That too, in December 2020, only months after the first wave of the pandemic had waned. But then, the filmmaker is known to have a unique style of working—he uses multiple cameras at a point in time, and employs the ‘360-degree system’, where an actor is not restricted by demarcations on the floor and is free to walk anywhere on the set while enacting a scene. While it is an unconventional method, Madhvani says that Kartik Aaryan, the leading man of Dhamaka, took to it seamlessly.
“Kartik surrendered to the way I work and the system that I work in. It usually takes a lot of time for people to understand [this method]. I work with a lot of cameras, and employ the 360-degree system. It sounds abstract, and some day, I will write a book about what the 360-degree system [entails]. I don’t mould any actor; they have to commit to the part,” says the director, who is the mind behind Neerja (2016) and Aarya (2020).
Keen to collaborate with Aaryan for the past three years, Madhvani found the Netflix thriller to be the perfect vehicle to realise his wish. He is touched by the actor’s commitment to his craft, as he explains, “On Day 5 of our shoot, I was unable to coordinate several cameras. So, I told my team that we’ll shoot it the traditional way with one camera. Thankfully, Kartik said, ‘No sir, let’s not go the traditional way.’ That was the kind of faith I saw in him.”
The thriller, which sees Aaryan as a news anchor chasing TRPs while Mumbai is under attack, is an adaptation of the Korean film, The Terror Plan (2013). While Korean films have caught global attention after Parasite (2019), the director says they have long been on his radar. “I have been following Korean cinema for the past 20-25 years. I watch their work just like I watch other international movies. I am always interested in good work, and that’s a country producing good content.”
Because of the pandemic, I got that risk taking ability-Kartik Aaryan
8:05 AM
Kartik says the lockdown changed his perspective on films, leading him to take a departure from rom-coms and front a thriller in Dhamaka
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; October 20, 2021)
Over the past decade, he has built his career around rom-coms and feel-good comedies. But does it imply that Kartik Aaryan would be out of his depth in other genres? Hardly so. If the trailer is any indication, Dhamaka — a departure from his previous offerings — might be the perfect vehicle to showcase his acting prowess.
The actor admits his choices have undergone a shift in the past year, and Ram Madhvani’s directorial venture reflects that. “The lockdown gave me perspective on a lot of things. Because of the pandemic, I got that risk-taking ability. [Now], I want to do different stories. Dhamaka was an opportunity to explore something different. That change and that ability to take risks has come from within. It’s not that I don’t want to do rom-coms. I will do those too, but these are the stories that I am getting attracted to,” says Aaryan, adding that the audience’s palate too has changed in the past one-and-a-half years.
The taut thriller sees Aaryan’s news anchor Arjun Pathak battle between career and conscience as Mumbai is under attack. The Netflix film was shot in a span of 10 to 12 days in late 2020. Aaryan credits Madhvani for pulling off a film in the middle of the pandemic. “Arjun is not a vanilla character. It’s one of my most challenging roles, but it was a cakewalk because of Ram sir. He is a maverick director. The film is also designed differently — it was set in a small room with cameras all around, and I just had to act.”
The Amruta Subhash and Mrunal Thakur-starrer is a remake of the South Korean film, The Terror Live (2013). Adapting a film in the OTT era may be considered a risky proposition — with the audience having access to the original movie, the remake may have little room for surprises or suspense. But Madhvani counters the idea. “How many times have you seen the Ramayana or [adaptations of] Shakespeare’s plays? Some stories are worth telling again. Adaptations also allow [the story] to reach a new generation. Of course, it also depends on whether the remake is good or bad.”
Actors demand pay hike; experts credit high content consumption
8:36 AM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 14, 2021)
The negative impact of the pandemic on the world of showbiz has been massive and much talked about — shoots stalled, theatres shut down and livelihoods affected. Now, as the industry gradually regains a semblance of normality, one may assume that actors will be asked to take a pay cut to cover losses. However, it’s quite the opposite. As OTT witnesses a soaring demand in content consumption, actors are demanding a salary hike.
Our source reveals, “About a year-and-a-half back, actor Gulshan Devaiah was demanding Rs. 40-50 lakhs. But now he is asking for Rs. 2 crores. The same goes for actors Harshvardhan Rane and Vikrant Massey. They were getting Rs. 75 lakhs to Rs. 1 crore and they have now started asking for Rs. 1.5 crores. That, too, comes with a clause in the contract: if their film goes for a direct-to-OTT release, they will get Rs. 1.5 crores extra.”
Massey’s co-star in his upcoming film, Forensic, Radhika Apte, too, is another example. “The fees she is now asking for is Rs. 2.5 crores, and the same clause (regarding OTT release) has been included in her contract,” our source adds. We are told that actor Kartik Aaryan was also paid an extra amount when Dhamaka’s makers decided to release the film directly on a web platform.
Trade expert Atul Mohan says, “As there is a lot of demand from OTT, actors are and will stay busy for the next couple of years. And when you are in demand, you will ask for more money.”
There is nothing wrong with actors demanding a raised fee, feels producer Anand Pandit, who has bankrolled films such as The Big Bull and Chehre. He opines, “It is about demand and supply. If I am an actor and my producer is giving me Rs. 10 because of whatever equation… suddenly if some OTT platform gives me Rs. 50, my demand goes up. I will ask for more money, as simple as that. I have not come across someone abruptly asking for more money. I don’t see anything wrong in this.”
How well an actor does commercially is what drives their market value, but producer and trade analyst Girish Johar asserts that this also depends from actor to actor: “If there’s viability, the producer will pay. We all know how revenue streams have been impacted, especially the theatrical ones. The critical one is the digital revenue, which has temporarily become the backbone.”
Meet Aditya Gupta, who is in charge of safety measures on Dhamaka, Ram Setu and Darlings set
7:59 AM
Aditya Gupta, in charge of safety measures on Dhamaka, Ram Setu and Darlings sets, discusses challenges of bio-bubble shoot, and executing ever-evolving sanitisation practices
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 4, 2021)
As shoots have resumed in bio-bubbles post the second lockdown, the primary concern on a film set has been safety. Many projects — including Dhamaka and Sherni — have relied on Aditya Gupta for their health and safety management. The former assistant director started a company called Life First, which takes care of sanitisation needs on set. “We do everything, from formulating SOPs to location analysis and pointing out venue loopholes in scripts. Besides sanitisation and testing, we handle PPE management, waste management, tie-ups with hospitals and creation of bio-bubbles,” he says.
Gupta was supervising the safety norms of Akshay Kumar’s Ram Setu, whose shoot came to a halt in Mumbai after the leading man and 45 people tested positive for Coronavirus in April. “There was such a hue and cry about Ram Setu. At the beginning of the second wave, a lot of crew members tested positive, but we had caught it ahead of time and the shoot was suspended immediately,” he defends.
Gupta has 15 projects on his plate, including Alia Bhatt’s 'Darlings' and Riteish Deshmukh’s 'Plan A/Plan B'. The safety norms laid down on these sets follow those adopted during the filming of Kartik Aaryan’s 'Dhamaka', which had zero cases. “We create people pods, where only certain sections are allowed to break social distancing rules. That way, if someone tests positive, we don’t have to quarantine the whole crew. For instance, we break the lighting team into zones so that if one zone has a case, the other can replace it and the work continues. Doing two RT-PCR tests is mandatory to ensure we don’t have a false negative.”
With crew strength exceeding 150, Gupta says movie sets require more vigilance because people can be negligent sometimes. “The issues arise when people in the bubble break the norms. They want to chill and have a drink together. To combat that, we deploy security on each floor of the hotel we are staying in. Another issue is daily-wage workers often pop a pill and show up for work [despite showing symptoms] because they haven’t earned enough in the past few months. We have had to ask producers to have a strong discussion that they can’t put others at risk, and assure them that they will be paid.”
Kartik Aaryan’s personal journey to become a star is inspiring-Amruta Subhash
8:20 AM
Amruta Subhash discusses dubbing from home for Kartik Aaryan starrer Dhamaka, directed by Ram Madhvani
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; May 23, 2021)
With a penchant for not doing run-of-the-mill roles, Amruta Subhash has managed to make her mark with projects like Shwaas, Astu, Gully Boy, Sacred Games 2, among others. After playing Lily in Bombay Begums, the actor is now gearing up for Ram Madhvani’s Dhamaka, which will stream on Netflix. “I was promoting for Bombay Begums when the teaser of Dhamaka released,” says the actor, who strongly asserts that both her characters are poles apart.
While the shooting was wrapped up before the second lockdown, Subhash still had to complete her dubbing. “[Major portion of the] dubbing was wrapped up before the lockdown. However, I had to do certain [voice recordings] from home. I used an app to align the tone,” says the actor, adding that “the pandemic has taught everyone to be independent and learn new things”.
Subhash, who plays boss-lady to Kartik Aaryan’s character, says she has slipped into the power role with much ease. “I have always wanted to work with Ram since Neerja [2016]. His working style is completely in sync with theatre actors like me,” says Subhash, who is glad that “filmmakers are noticing my work and not slotting me in specific roles”.
On teaming up with Aaryan, who has had his own struggles before shining in the limelight, she says that the Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 actor is an “instinctive actor”. “Kartik’s personal journey to become a star is inspiring. It was great to know him [off camera].”
While she waits for Dhamaka, Subhash is excited about her film with late filmmaker Sumitra Bhave, Dithee, which recently dropped on Sony LIV. They had previously worked together on the National Award-winning film Astu. “Dithee is an intense film that talks about coming to terms with the loss of a loved one. It deals with the complicated experience of grief. Ironically, I never thought this would be my last film with Sumitra Bhave.”
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