Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 27, 2020)

After an unforeseen halt following the Coronavirus outbreak, Colors’ game show, Khatron Ke Khiladi, Season 10, wrapped up last night with actress Karishma Tanna beating actor-choreographer Dharmesh Yelande and actor Karan Patel to bag the trophy. Hosted by filmmaker Rohit Shetty, this season was filmed in Bulgaria with the finale being shot at a Film City studio last week.

Karishma, who has taken part in several reality shows, is over the moon. “I have been in the film industry for a while now and the closest I ever came to winning is being adjudged first runners-up. Maybe God wanted me to win the ‘real’ reality show,” she exults, adding that being the first woman in five seasons to ace the competition adds to the glory.

The actress informs that when she returned home after the finale shoot, she was welcomed with her favourite flowers and candles. “Since I couldn’t call my friends to celebrate, my neighbours brought me cake and some amazing food,” she gushes.

The entire show, except the finale, was shot way before the telecast and Coronavirus added to the wait. How did she deal with that? “More than me, my mother was desperately waiting for the result, praying every day that I win. She was the one who pushed me, else I wouldn’t have done the show,” Karishma confides.

The actress finds it difficult to choose the most difficult stunt from the show. “When I thought some task was doable, I failed at that,” she chuckles, adding that she used to motivate herself after every task and didn’t take any contestant for granted. “Everyone had their good days, but overall Dharmesh, Tejasswi (Prakash) and to some extent Karan, were very consistent.”

Talking about Rohit, Karishma informs that he used to pull her leg all the time, but she was still his Student No 1. “He had decided that he would help me conquer all of my fears and by the end of the season, he succeeded. Now, I am no longer scared of snakes,” she confesses, adding that she deserved the ‘Student of the Year’ title because of all the shocks and creepy crawlies she endured.

Rohit Shetty’s stunt-based show will draw to a close this weekend; the final episodes were shot at Film City on Tuesday
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 23, 2020)

Six months after its launch, Khatron Ke Khiladi Season 10, is getting ready to bring the curtains down with its finale.

The Colors’ action reality show had come to an abrupt stop a month after going on air on February 22, following the Coronavirus-triggered lockdown. It resumed telecast from June 27 and instantly rocketed to the top of the charts. On Tuesday, Rohit Shetty and his daredevils reunited at a Film City studio to shoot the finale. Apart from the finalists—TV actors Karan Patel and Karishma Tanna and actor-choreographer Dharmesh Yelande—all the contestants eliminated earlier were also present.

After testing their grit, guts and never-say-die spirit through these last few months with death-defying stunts in Bulgaria, Rohit decided to assess the contestants’ lockdown skills and special tasks were designed for them to demonstrate their newfound prowess. Karan, who became a dad on December 14 last year, was given a test baby in co-contestant Shivin Narang and instructed to demonstrate his diaper changing skills.

Dharmesh, who claimed he had become a pro as a hairstylist while cooped up at home, was asked to showcase his just-discovered talent on Amruta Khanvilkar’s tresses. The actress was horrified when she learnt what kind of hair treatment she was to receive till it was revealed to be a prank.

The fearless brigade for this season also included actresses Rani Chatterjee, Tejasswi Prakash and Adaa Khan, actor-comedian Balraj Syal and RJ Malishka. To up the entertainment quotient, actor-friends Rithvik Dhanjani and Karan Wahi, who had featured in Season 8, returned for the award-presentation. Karan got an award for aborting stunts while Tejasswi was adjudged ‘Teja Ka Bheja Fry’ for attempting all the tasks with strength and determination. Karishma was declared the ‘Student of the Year’ and her season-long love story with a gorilla made for a nostalgic memory.

Khatron Ke Khiladi 10 finale will air this Saturday and Sunday. The winner of last season was actor-choreographer Punit Pathak, with singer-TV host Aditya Narayan and model-actress Ridhima Pandit as the runners-up.


Dharmesh Yelande: Hair, there, everywhere

Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; February 22, 2020)

His movies are known for power-packed action. And so, it’s not surprising that Rohit Shetty is hosting — for the fifth time — this season of the stunt-based reality show, Fear Factor — Khatron Ke Khiladi (KKK). The filmmaker tells BT how the 10th season of the show offers wholesome entertainment to family audiences. Excerpts:

If the promos are anything to go by, this season of KKK will showcase even more daring stunts. So, how different is the show going to be, this time around?
KKK is a family show and it’s especially popular among children and teenagers. They love watching reality shows and therefore, we have doubled the action this year. We have introduced a train sequence, included lions and there will also be more stunts involving choppers. This was our first visit to Bulgaria, so we had to work hard on deciding the kind of entertainment offered in each episode. The show might be based on action and adventure, but at the end of the day, it is not just about action, it also offers wholesome entertainment. Rohit Shetty alone cannot entertain, so it was also about the contestants and the humour they showcase. The show is not scripted, everything is spontaneous and that was challenging.

Like Salman Khan is the face of Bigg Boss, you have become the face of KKK, over the years. Do you still enjoy it as much as you did in the beginning?
My enjoyment depends on what new we are offering. When we are shooting films, there are many safety measures in place, apart from CGI and special effects. We have adhered to all safety norms in the show, too, but it is tougher. In movies, the animals shown are mostly not real and the stunts can also be done by body doubles, which is definitely not the case here. So, yes, I enjoy hosting the show because it is real. Also, the USP of the show lies in its contestants, and I enjoy helping them push the envelope.

In films, you have worked with Bollywood superstars like Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn. On the other hand, you are working with TV stars in KKK. The mediums are also different. How would you compare both the experiences?
At the end of the day, we are all technicians and artistes — be it films or TV shows. Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn are superstars because of their body of work. Similarly, the contestants on the show also have a body of work behind them, whether it is Dharmesh Yelande, Adaa Khan or Karan Patel. I don’t see or feel any difference.

Have you ever tried doing the stunts that the contestants perform on the show?
From childhood, stunts have been a part of my life. It is something very common for me now.

As a host, what’s the level of discipline that you expect from each contestant?
Contestants need to be disciplined because this is an action-based show. However, they can’t prep because everything on this show is spontaneous. If the contestants are told about the stunts in advance, the surprise element will be lost.

Catch all the action from Darr Ki University, starting tonight every Saturday and Sunday at 9 pm on Colors.

Filmmaker is gearing up for sixth turn as host of an adventure-based reality show, which is scheduled to go on air towards February-end
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 22, 2020)

Rohit Shetty is all set to follow up the extended 13th edition of Bigg Boss with the 10th season of Khatron Ke Khiladi (KKK). The action-based reality show, is set in Bulgaria this time and will see the filmmaker return as host for the fifth time. With the new theme, “Darr Ki University”, KKK will premiere a week after the BB13 finale in February-end with a new set of celebrity contestants.

The upcoming season’s line-up includes TV actors Karan Patel, Adaa Khan, Shivin Narang and Tejasswi Prakash, actress Amruta Khanvilkar (who will be seen next in Mohit Suri’s Malang) and dancer Dharmesh Yelande (who features in Remo D’souza’s Varun Dhawan, Shraddha Kapoor, Nora Fatehi-starrer Street Dancer 3D) among others. Naagin 3 actress Karishma Tanna, who is also one of the contestants in the upcoming season, says, “The makers had been approaching me since the last four years. This time I felt like I should give it a shot since they have been consistent throughout.”

She goes on to praise the host, saying, “Rohit was our teacher (during the shoot) and so considerate towards everyone. It took him just one episode to get familiar with us and we were like buddies after that. If not his favourite, I was at least one of his good students.”

While Karishma doesn’t have any phobias, she admits breathing underwater was challenging. “I was scared that I wouldn’t find the keys to the container and drown,” she reminisces, adding that while she enjoyed the stint, she won’t do any more shows which involved so much physical work.

BOMBAY TIMES (January 16, 2020)

Remo D’Souza’s film, Street Dancer 3D, is being promoted in style with the actors dancing on the streets and giving the audience a glimpse of what is in store for them. In the film, Varun Dhawan’s team Street Dancers is pitted against Shraddha Kapoor’s team Rule Breakers. Varun’s team has some of the country’s most talented dancers, who have become household names like Dharmesh Yelande, Raghav Juyal, Sushant Pujari, Pravin Bhosale, Prashant Shinde, Chandani and Punit J Pathak (who plays Varun’s brother in the movie). The film also stars Prabhudeva and Nora Fatehi.

Varun, who bonded very well with his team on and off screen, says, “My team is like a family to me now. We have bonded a lot as we have lived and practised together for almost 65 days. We had a lot of fun while filming the movie. I had worked with Dharmesh, Punit, Raghav, Sushant, Pravin and Prashant before, while Chandani became like a sister to us. When you see the film, the bonding on and off screen will be very apparent. During the shooting, too, we would be in the same room, listening to music, eating food, working out in the evening and training together before every shot.”

Talking about matching steps with the talented bunch, the actor says, “Initially, practising together was difficult, but because my team was so strong and they pushed me, I enjoyed it. Also, there are a lot of stunts in the film, so to do that, you have to trust your team and they always had my back.”

Street Dancer 3D, produced by T-Series’ Bhushan Kumar, Divya Khosla Kumar, Krishan Kumar, and Lizelle D’Souza, releases on January 24.

Varun Dhawan takes time off Street Dancer 3D's rehearsals to discuss the toil required for him to match professional dancers
Sonia Lulla (MID-DAY; January 8, 2020)

A ketogenic diet prevents one from consuming carbohydrate-rich foods — think about a meal plan that eliminates rice, wheat, breads, and sugar. Intermediate fasting is an eating pattern that requires one to avoid eating for 16 hours straight, permitting food consumption only in the remaining eight-hour window. Individually, both the dietary methods demand a fair amount of mental dedication from an individual willing to give them a try. Imagine our surprise then when Varun Dhawan tells us he's following both, simultaneously.

"But they eat everything, ya! Even rice," he complains childishly, referring to the 20-odd dancers — including Dharmesh Yelande and Salman Yusuff Khan — rehearsing for Street Dancer 3D in a studio, a few feet from us. We've pulled Dhawan out from his practice to ask him how he blends in with dancers who've been practising the art for years. "Since I am not a professional dancer, training with those who are is certainly difficult. While training for our last film, ABCD 2, Shraddha [Kapoor, co-star] and I were given a little extra hand-holding. But, for this film, from day one, we were not given [additional attention]. We were told to rehearse with the team, so that the speed at which we pick up steps improves. Given that we're doing street hip-hop, and new school, the movements are fast [paced]. So learning them fast is [crucial]."

During the shoot schedule that concluded weeks before this interaction, Dhawan says he would couple his dance training and shooting stints with a workout. "There's enough cardiovascular [work] happening through dance, so in the gym, I'd train with weights for 60 to 90 minutes. I've increased the amount of physical training I'm doing, and have specifically started targetting my quadriceps. People who dance need a lot of strength in the leg muscles, so doing that is important," says the actor, who features alongside revered dance groups from across the globe in the third edition of Remo D'Souza's franchise. "Rahul Shetty has choreographed the 10 songs in the film, and groups like [V] Unbeatable and Wild Ripperz [are being featured]. There are troupes from the UK, US, and Germany. I have to say, India's right there among the dancers. We are leading the revolution."

For several months leading up to this meeting in July 2019, Dhawan had been clocking in seven hours a day at dance rehearsals, waking up to messages in the dance troupe's WhatsApp group as they'd decide the day's schedule. "Living this active lifestyle, I feel like I've become five years younger. I'm 32, so doing this is not easy. But, I also have a lot of energy which finds an outlet through a film like this one."

As excited as he is for the new version of Bezubaan that will feature in this edition, Dhawan was also delighted to feature alongside Prabhudheva in Muqabla. So eager was he to share the space with him, that his energetic moves landed him with a tear in his hip flexor. While pulling off another high-octane stunt for the film in London, he also injured his hamstring. "I have to really push myself. Even with injuries, you still have to dance, and return to regular practice. These guys [other dancers] do it all the time. They're making me do a lot of stunts. They call me 'B-Boy Juhu'. I'm training with [calisthenics expert] Kuldeep Shashi [for it], and am doing things I'd never had thought I'd do. There's a stunt in which [I'm thrown] 20 feet in the air, and then they throw a [dancer] from down [towards me]. After Rahul made me do it, I learnt that the original stunt had been performed by a 10-year-old boy. I'm not. That makes a big difference. There's also a massive stunt coming up in the finale. Shraddha too has a lot of stunts."

Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 19, 2019)

Varun Dhawan, who wrapped up shooting for his dance-drama, Street Dancer 3D, on July 27, is now gearing up to provide a platform to street dancers from across India. The actor informs that director Remo D’souza enlisted real-life street dancers to feature in the film. Now, the duo, along with producers Bhushan Kumar and Remo’s wife Lizelle D’souza, are launching a nationwide campaign to motivate dancers from underprivileged backgrounds. “The idea of this film is to connect with street performers of the country and showcase their potential to the world. We start by sharing stories of the people who are a part of our film,” Varun explains, adding that the campaign will also showcase other aspiring dancers.

Describing working with street dancers in his upcoming film as an eye-opening experience, Varun says, “Dance and music go hand-in-hand and are one of my biggest passions. I was blown away by these dancers and I knew one film was never going to be enough to do justice to their talent. That’s why we have created this series.”

The film, which also features Shraddha Kapoor and Nora Fatehi, has dancers from Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra, to name a few. “I know these dancers. Now, I want the entire world to know them as well,” smiles the actor, quick to add that he would love to team up with the same set for future projects as well.

Street Dancer opens during the Republic Day weekend next year and Varun adds that apart from the campaign, other plans are in place too. “Bhushan ji and Remo sir have agreed to donate a percentage of the film’s profits to a welfare fund for the dancers. There are so many of them who don’t have a home, so the money would a big help. I will speak to my industry friends to help them out further,” he shares.

Dharmesh Yelande, Varun’s co-star in ABCD 2 and Street Dancer, rose to fame as one of the most talented contestants on the reality show Dance India Dance, which earned him a central role in Remo’s first dance film ABCD, will also be sharing his nothing-is-impossible story. in the series. The actor-dancer was reluctant initially, but Varun persuaded him to open up on camera. “There’s also a talented girl from Nalasopara, whose story is sure to motivate a lot of women,” the actor signs off.

What makes a star choreographer-filmmaker-reality show judge add 'h' to his resume? You got it right. Daddy issues
Anju Maskeri (MID-DAY; July 7, 2019)

Sitting inside a restaurant suffused with rich gold tones, art deco light fixtures and heavy chandeliers, choreographer Remo D'Souza and wife Lizelle are unmissable for their hipster coolth.

Twinning in tracksuit and sneakers—in fact so comfy was Lizelle that she refused to pull down the hoody even for the shoot—the couple has had a long day of shoot with actors Shraddha Kapoor and Varun Dhawan, and might have to return to the set of Street Dancer 3D soon after our chat. But, before that, they have a number of things to look into: get the graffiti on the wall finalised, replace the current design on the tables, check acoustics and put the champagne bottle display for celebrities to sign on. All this before its launch on July 17.

The hospitality hustle is all very new to them, considering they are now officially the first-generation restaurant owners in the Nair family—Remo was born Ramesh Gopi. So, if Ministry Of Dance is palpably plush, modern and mainstream in its decor and offering of global cuisine, they are the edgy, alternative force behind it.

And quite a force, at that. "We got the idea six months ago, and the space was done up less in than two months," says D'Souza, who chose Andheri's New Link Road as the location for the lounge bar, given its proximity to his residence. With a successful hyphenated career as a choreographer-director and reality show judge, the 45-year-old says he is excited about venturing into new territory. After all, it was his late father, Gopi Nair's long-nurtured dream to open a restaurant.



"But he fell ill and passed away in September 2014 before we could put the thought to action," says D'Souza. Senior Nair was a chef at Jamnagar's Air Force mess, and D'Souza would often make a dash for the mess after school. "I went there because I was always assured of a lot of food," he laughs. He recalls being transfixed by his father's theatrical flips while making rotis, which were prepared every day for no less than 500 people. "If I was lucky to reach the mess in time, I would get to taste the food before the officers." But the staple was dahi mixed with sugar and puris.

Interestingly, the original location for the restaurant was Gujarat, but they later chose to zero in on Mumbai because of logistics. "The backstory was really a serendipitous sequence of events. During a casual conversation with fellow dancer Krunal Shah, I bounced the idea of a restaurant. It turned out that he too wanted to open one," he says.

Shah, who runs his own dance school and has also mentored participants on dance reality shows, joined hands with D'Souza and got down to business. While D'Souza might be the face of the venture, he admits it's Lizelle and Shah who've done all the groundwork and execution. But he's quick to add that it's not a side hustle or a fallback career for him. "It is passion," he says.

Talking about passion, it's difficult to not discuss dance with the man, who started his career as a background dancer, went on to assist choreographer Ahmed Khan and later came out of the shadows to become what he is today. It's during his days as a struggler that his romance with Lizelle blossomed.

"Back then, I didn't know how to cook so he would whip up masala rice for me. Although, now, I'm the better cook between us," she says. Masala rice, however, continues to be the couple's comfort food. "In fact, the other day, after a long round of tastings, I saw one of the kitchen staff tucking into dal rice. I told the chef, I want that and both us ended up simple dal chawal with achaar," she laughs.

D'Souza's two cents are usually given when it comes to food, because a couple of the dishes are ones that have been dredged from his father's repository. For instance, the mutton curry. Siddharth Chogle, sous chef to renowned chef Rakesh Talwar, says dishes from memory are the hardest to recreate.

"We have tried to take signature Indian and European dishes and tried to give our own touch. For instance, the Roast Chicken Jus is finished in a tandoor." Some items, he tells us, have been named after dance moves such as the crumb-fried Hip Hop Chicken Wings, which is smokey, sweet and spicy.

"There's also a dish named after popular dancer duo, Dharmesh Yelande and Raghav Juyal." The dancers and actors became a household name after their performances in Dance India Dance season 2 and 3. "We tried to take the personalities of Dharmesh and Raghav and replicate it in a dish. So we have tomato and basil paneer tikka, both ingredients representing their characters. They are distinct flavours but also go well together which is symbolic of the duo," says Chogle.

At the restaurant, D'Souza has decided to convert one of the areas into a dedicated studio, where dance enthusiasts can come together to jam and showcase their talent. "I am not here to become a big restaurateur. I am happy being where I am, but if this labour of love becomes successful, I'll be a happier man."


The tomato and basil paneer tikka has been named after popular dancer duo, Dharmesh Yelande and Raghav Juyal, with the two ingredients representing their personalities


Mary Jo Footloose


Cosmopolitan


Coconut, lime and chilli soup


A traditional Caesar salad


Mexican Wave or chipotle grilled shrimp tomatillo and feta relish

The actress has teamed up with Badshah and Remo D’souza for a club track that was shot last week at a studio in Mumbai
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 3, 2018)

After roping in Varun Dhawan and Shraddha Kapoor for the recreated version of Guru Randhawa’s Punjabi hit, “High Rated Gabru”, makers of the Jayesh Pradhan-directed Nawabzaade have now shot for another song with Athiya Shetty. Composed, sung and written by Badshah, the track is titled “Tere Naal Nachna” and produced by Bhushan Kumar. It will see Athiya grooving with the rapper and the three leads of the film — Dharmesh Ingle, Punit J Pathak and Raghav Juyal.

Remo D’souza, who choreographed the Varun and Shraddha song has helmed this one too. “We needed a club number for the opening sequence. The boys are known for their dance skills and usually people get nervous around them but Athiya performed like a pro. She was rehearsing with them even when the cameras weren’t rolling,” informs Remo, adding that the song was shot last week at a suburban studio.

Athiya, who will be next seen in Manish Harishankar’s Hope Solo, added, “I am a huge fan of Badshah and was kicked to know that we’d be working together. It was great fun shooting for the song and I hope it reflects on the screen. Remo sir is one of the nicest people to work with; he brings such a positive energy to the sets.”

BOMBAY TIMES (March 19, 2018)

Varun Dhawan and Katrina Kaif are all set to put their best foot forward for what is touted to be India’s biggest dance film. The yet-untitled project will be helmed by Remo D’Souza, who has previously worked with Varun in ABCD 2. It will also feature Prabhudheva along with Dharmesh Yelande, Raghav Juyal and Punit Pathak in supporting roles. The movie, expected to go on floors later this year, is slated to release on November 8, 2019.

Producer Bhushan Kumar, Chairman and MD, T-Series, says, “Dance and music go hand-in-hand. As a brand synonymous with music, it seemed natural for us to produce India’s biggest dance film. Having a committed director like Remo, who is passionate about dance and has mastered several dance forms, is amazing. Varun is a born entertainer and the audience loves his dance moves. Katrina is talented and hard-working — she also has a mesmerising presence.”

Sharing his excitement, Remo adds, “It’s just appropriate that a film about music and dance is produced by the man heading one of the biggest music companies in Bollywood. With this movie, I will get to direct Varun, who is among the best dancers in the film industry today, and Katrina, who has proved her versatility as a dancer.”

Varun shares, “It’s a huge achievement to work with Remo on what’s going to be India’s biggest dance film. I performed once in New York with Katrina and it was electric. She’s going to bring her ‘A’ game, so I need to get back in shape as well. Bhushan is not only a strong producer, but also contributes creatively, especially in the music department.”

Katrina says, “I am excited to be joining Remo’s vision. Varun’s passion is wonderful; he works tirelessly to create magic on screen. And, Bhushan Kumar, with his understanding of market dynamics as a producer, will ensure this turns out to be the most talked-about film of 2019. I can’t wait to start this journey.”

Entire set gutted and the unit of ABCD sequel shaken as their grand finale meets with a fiery end
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 27, 2015)