Showing posts with label Dimple Kapadia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dimple Kapadia. Show all posts
"Didn’t know they were big stars": Cafe manager on serving Matt Damon, Christopher Nolan, Tom Holland
9:20 AM
After Matt Damon, Christopher Nolan and Tom Holland’s chai and bun maska stop went viral, the manager of the Mumbai café they visited shares what it was like hosting the trio
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 13, 2026)
It’s not every day that you spot three Hollywood heavyweights — American actor-producer Matt Damon, British-American filmmaker Christopher Nolan and English actor Tom Holland — sipping chai and tucking into bun maska at a local eatery in India. But that’s exactly what happened on Saturday, when the trio visited the 108-year-old Olympia Coffee House in Mumbai amid promotions for their upcoming film, The Odyssey.
As photos and videos of their visit went viral, Olympia Coffee House manager Inayat Maredia shares what it was like to host the stars, and reveals that they didn’t even recognise them at first!
“Unn teenon ke guests jo the (their team), woh pehle 2:30 baje naashte ke liye aaye, uske baad se voh khade the cafe ke baahar hi. Humko toh pata bhi nahi tha ki jinki woh wait kar rahe hain, woh itne bade hain. Baad mein jab Google kiya toh maloom padha ki Tom Spider-Man wale actor hain,” he says.
It was only when Damon, Nolan and Holland walked into the cafe at 6 pm, suited up, and the crowd began to swell, that the staff realized they had some pretty famous people amidst them. “The three of them came. Chai peeya, bun maska khaaya, very light snacks. Zyaada der nahi ruke kyunki bheed bahot aa gayi thi. Bodyguards aaye the, police thi. 10-15 minutes se zyaada nahi ruke,” Inayat shares.
Bollywood turns up for The Odyssey's India premiere
Mumbai saw a star-studded premiere for The Odyssey on Saturday, with Christopher Nolan, Tom Holland and Matt Damon receiving a warm welcome from fans and members of the film fraternity. The event drew several Indian celebrities in attendance, including veteran actor Dimple Kapadia, who starred in Nolan’s 2020 espionage thriller Tenet, and her granddaughter Naomika Saran, actors Shruti Haasan, Boman Irani and Dino Morea, as well as digital creator Ashish Chanchlani. The premiere was preceded by a fan screening on Friday.
After Matt Damon, Christopher Nolan and Tom Holland’s chai and bun maska stop went viral, the manager of the Mumbai café they visited shares what it was like hosting the trio
A Matt Damon-Shekhar Kapur collab up next?
Natasha Coutinho (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 13, 2026)
At The Odyssey press conference on Saturday, Matt Damon revealed he still regrets missing the chance to work with filmmaker Shekhar Kapur after having to turn down his 2002 directorial The Four Feathers because he had already signed another film. “He’s has always been on my list and I would like to have another go,” Damon said.
Reacting to the actor’s remarks, Kapur tells us, “I hope the collaboration happens. It’s Time Matt, and I finally collaborate.”
Pragati Srivastava bags Naomika Saran’s debut film
9:50 AM
Sources reveal Pragati Srivastava bagged the parallel lead in Dimple Kapadia’s granddaughter Naomika Saran’s debut film, thanks to her work in Prakash Jha’s ‘Janaadesh’
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; June 9, 2026)
The industry is keenly watching every move as the launch vehicle of Naomika Saran, granddaughter of Dimple Kapadia and late Rajesh Khanna, is being readied. Maddock Films’ yet-untitled romantic drama stars Rinke Khanna’s daughter opposite Vedang Raina of Jigra (2024) fame, with Pragati Srivastava playing the parallel lead. Now, word is that Srivastava landed the project while preparing for Prakash Jha’s Janaadesh.
A source shared that she plays the female lead opposite Ishwak Singh and Rahul Bose in Jha’s political drama. “Pragati was deep into Janaadesh when conversations for this film began. The work she had put in for the political drama worked in her favour during the casting process,” said the source.
Saran’s maiden film, directed by Jagdeep Sidhu, is said to be a love triangle. An insider revealed, “Not many know that Pragati is also romantically paired opposite Vedang. The film revolves around these three central characters.”
I’m tired of being the 12th man-Samir Soni
8:25 AM
Samir Soni reflects on his film journey, calls for more layered roles
Tanvi J Trivedi (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 1, 2026)
After more than two decades in films, Samir Soni finds himself at a crossroads. In a recent post, he made it clear that he no longer wishes to remain on the sidelines. “I would rather quit acting than play a good brother, husband, father or any other supporting role. After waiting for over 25 years, it’s my time to play the lead now,” he wrote.
The candid admission reflects a long-building restlessness. Despite being part of notable films like the recent Khuli Kitaab and sharing screen space with some of the industry’s biggest names, Samir says his journey has often felt constrained. “How long will I continue to do supporting roles?” he asks — a question that, by his own account, has lingered for years.
One of his earliest setbacks came with his debut film, China Gate, where much of his role was cut during editing. “On the editing table, my whole role got chopped off,” he recalls. The experience, he says, set a pattern. “The worst part if anything happens on the editing table, the first thing that goes is the supporting character,” he says.
The actor remembers a formative piece of advice from the late Om Puri that shaped his understanding of the craft. “He said, ‘We are supporting actors. Our job is to support the main protagonist and antagonist, to prop up the main leads.’”
While he acknowledges this reality, he admits it can be frustrating. “There’s not that much importance given to the supporting cast. Their job is to make sure the main leads shine,” shares Samir.
Over the years, he has worked alongside stalwarts, holding his own in scenes. Yet, he feels that hasn’t translated into substantial roles. “If indeed I’m that good to stand my own against big actors, how come no one thinks of backing me with a decent character which has more depth?” he asks. Even when he delivers, he adds, the final cut often sidelines his contribution. “You’re just there to be the catalyst to move them forward.”
He sums up his career with a striking cricket analogy: “I’m like a 12th man who never gets to bat. I’ll be in every team but I never get to play a match.” Despite the frustration, Samir remains grateful for the opportunities he has had. “Not many people can boast of playing the son to Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini, and years later to Pankaj Kapur and Dimple Kapadia,” he says.
What he now seeks are layered, emotionally complex roles. “I like roles which have more angst, more layered, more complete,” he says, adding, “even non-lead parts can leave a lasting impact if written well.”
Dimple Kapadia said in her beautiful, sexy voice, ‘I’m doing Jab Khuli Kitaab, nobody else will do it’-Saurabh Shukla
4:36 PM
Director Saurabh Shukla, who felt Dimple Kapadia was too big a star to front ‘Jab Khuli Kitaab’, recalls being surprised when she said yes in three days
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; March 4, 2026)
Saurabh Shukla believed he would need Lady Luck to get his desired actors for his directorial venture, Jab Khuli Kitaab. Who knows whether it was good fortune or the power of a good script, but Pankaj Kapur and Dimple Kapadia agreed to front his family comedy in days.
Revealing that he went to Kapur’s Versova office to hand the script — that revolves around an aged couple whose marriage is shaken by the unravelling of a secret — to him, Shukla recalled, “Pankaj said, ‘I will read it and tell you.’ Within a week, he said yes.”
When Kapadia’s name was suggested for the female lead, the writer and director initially shot down the idea. He thought she would be too big to front his mid-size movie. “She is such a huge star! At that time, she had done [Christopher] Nolan’s film [Tenet] and would have had no shortage of films. I would give my right arm to get her! So, we sent her the script.”
Then came the twist in the tale. “On the third day, I got a call and she said in her beautiful, sexy voice, ‘Saurabh, I’m doing this film, nobody else will do it.’ I couldn’t believe it. Later, we had a chat where she discussed every nuance of the script. In her, I saw a woman who is not only talented, but has also lived a full life.”
Dimple Kapadia’s granddaughter Naomika Saran to debut with Vedang Raina; film to go on floors by mid-2026
9:53 AM
Dimple Kapadia with Naomika Saran; (right) late Rajesh Khanna
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; October 17, 2025)
In the past few months, Naomika Saran, granddaughter of Dimple Kapadia and late Rajesh Khanna, has been spotted out and about in the city, most frequently outside Maddock Films’ office. Those in the business know what that means — a Bollywood debut is around the corner for the star kid.
Sure enough, a bit of digging revealed that Saran, the daughter of ‘Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi’ (1998) actor Rinke Khanna, is set to foray into Hindi cinema with a Dinesh Vijan production.
Sources told mid-day that a breezy romantic comedy has been zeroed in on for her debut. The project is expected to go on floors by mid-2026. A source shared, “Naomika has been training over the past year, undergoing acting and dance workshops. Dinesh and his team were clear that they didn’t want to announce her debut until she was completely ready.”
Interestingly, the film’s male lead has undergone a change. We’ve heard that the role was originally written with Agastya Nanda in mind. However, after discussions and scheduling issues, the makers are now in advanced talks with Vedang Raina, who was seen in ‘Jigra’ (2024).
“Vedang and Naomika have great chemistry. When the team saw them together, it just clicked. Vedang is currently shooting for Imtiaz Ali’s film and will then move to this movie,” added the source.
The film will be helmed by a new director from the Maddock stable.
Muzaffar Ali’s unreleased film Zooni to be restored
10:23 AM
Niharika Lal (BOMBAY TIMES; January 11, 2024)
Muzaffar Ali’s unreleased film Zooni (1988), starring Dimple Kapadia and Vinod Khanna, which revolves around the 16th-century Kashmiri poet Habba Khatoon, is set to be restored by the Film Heritage Foundation. Due to financial constraints and various other reasons, the film was halted midway in 1988.
'Muzaffar Ali has entrusted the script, reels of the film to the FHF'
Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, director FHF says, "I received a call from Muzaffar Ali last year, and he mentioned that he has two reel cans of Zooni, which could assist us in saving and digitizing the film. These films are in a severely deteriorated condition. We also received photos and the script of the film."
Whenever Muzaffar Ali shoots, he always has a photographer who captures the people and environment so that he can integrate those shots in the film. These stills will help in restoration of the film. Due to financial constraints and various reasons the film was halted midway in 1988.
I hope the essence of the film will emerge from restoration: Muzaffar Ali
Muzaffar Ali says, "I have great hope and expectations for Zooni. It was lying in the lab, and the lab didn't know what to do with it. As they were closing the celluloid section, we took the negatives and gave them to Shivendra, who has been meticulously working on film restoration. I think it's a wonderful job that FHF is doing, and that alone gives us hope. I can only say - ummeed ki tooti hui deewar se lag kar sau baar jo socha tha wohi soch raha hoon."
He adds,"I am quite impressed and amazed at what they are doing. I hope something beautiful will emerge, maybe not the real film but the essence and passion behind the film."
With acting, I am saying lines that are given to me; here, I get to say what’s on my mind-Karan Kapadia
8:22 AM
Acting is in his genes. But, so is writing. Karan Kapadia is rapping lines he scribbles between shots and he is getting noticed
Jane Borges (MID-DAY; July 2, 2023)
This is not the first time that we’ve heard Karan Kapadia rap. A year ago, we chanced upon an Instagram Reel of the actor, who is the son of late actress Simple Kapadia and nephew to Dimple Kapadia. Our fleeting attention span must have led us to the next Reel, because, when we meet Karan at a Juhu studio to discuss his latest single Tere Bina, we have little memory of the song. Karan, who has turned up in a white tee paired with black track pants, admits that his music has been a silent work-in-progress.
So, he is a bit surprised too by how Tere Bina, which dropped online last week, has taken off. “We knew that it’s one of our best, but we didn’t anticipate this response,” he says. His new-found fan is his actress aunt, who otherwise listens to Sufi singer Abida Parveen.
A now viral video of Dimple, shared by daughter Twinkle Khanna, has her grooving to Karan’s song. “She just loves it, and has been playing it on loop. We were at the doctor’s the other day, and she even got him to hear it... I was so embarrassed,” he laughs.
One half of The Lotuseaters duo, the 29-year-old has been making music for the last two years with friend and former schoolmate, Adam Jai Malvi. The beginnings of the project were not incident-free. “I was supposed to begin work on a web series when I tore my ACL [anterior cruciate ligament] while playing football. I couldn’t shoot; I was bedridden,” shares Karan, who made his acting debut with Blank (2019) alongside Sunny Deol.
“It was around this time that I started writing and messing around with beats on YouTube. I felt I was getting better at it, but I didn’t know anyone in the music business who could help me.”
On a whim, he reached out to his music producer friend Adam. The two were classmates at Jamnabai Narsee School, where he says, they were quite a handful. “No, it was worse! We were delinquents,” clarifies Adam, who has joined us for the chat. Karan laughs at the inside joke: “Dude, what were we even thinking!”
Their teenage years, they say, were wasted on all things silly and random—and strangely, music never figured in it, says Karan. At some point, the friends got busy in their separate careers. “I knew Adam was doing a lot of house and electronic music. So, I wrote to him asking, ‘Bro, are you still making beats?’ Adam sent me a couple of beats, and there was a good vibe there... I actually managed to create something decent out of what he sent me.”
The idea for the band’s name, says Adam, came from the Greek legend of a mythical island inhabited by sailors and vagabonds who consumed the fruit of the lotus plant. “Those who ate the fruit forgot about returning home, and spent the rest of their days on the island... carefree,” says Adam.
When Karan tells us that he has begun to love rapping more than acting, and if given a chance he’d pursue music full-time, we think it’s perhaps befitting for him to have joined this “lotus-eater tribe”.
“I was always a huge fan of [American rapper] Eminem. I had a knack for remembering lyrics. But, I never imagined that I would write my own song or rap to it. That was a discovery that happened post the injury,” says Karan, who had his heart set on acting from a very young age. “If not acting, I thought I’d become a sports journalist.”
The duo created an original slate of 15 songs, but chose to release a few. “That’s because we are very critical of our work,” says Karan. Their first two singles, released last year, didn’t receive enough traction. Their third, Rastafarian, which came out in late April, set the ball rolling.
“My friends are not yes-men... they are my harshest critics, to the point that it sometimes hurts. It was them who gave me the confidence to continue,” says Karan. “But I think it’s with Tere Bina that the movement actually began,” feels Adam, adding, “I have seen a hell of a growth in Karan, and his drive and pro-activeness has made it fun.”
Karan’s rap comes from a personal space. “I write about relationships, whether it’s with the partners I have had, my friends, or the things that I went through with my mum [Simple died of cancer in 2009]. I don’t want to be a punch-line rapper. For me, it has to come from an authentic place.” Tere Bina, where the duo has collaborated with artiste Rimi Nique, is a love ballad.
“I am not a very expressive person in conversation... I find that writing is a helpful way of doing it.” He says this gift of writing perhaps comes from his mother, whose verse he found on her Facebook account, a few months after her death, and later had it tattooed on his torso.
Adam says it’s hard to describe their music in a single word. “It’s more like feel-good, yesteryear, fusion nostalgia,” he says, “And his rap lends to this naturally.”
Karan will be seen next in Dhanbad, a web series scheduled to release later this year, and also starring Makarand Deshpande, Imaad Shah and Ayesha Jhulka. “But I continue to write pretty much everywhere... between shots, in the bathroom, in the hotel room. When you love something, you find the time for it,” says Karan.
“For the longest time, I thought acting was my calling. Don’t get me wrong, I still love it... but with acting, I am saying lines that are given to me; here, I get to say what’s on my mind. I do feel more naked with my music... you can’t hide behind a character [like in films]. But it’s a cathartic and fulfilling process.”
My daughters pushed me to go out there and work-Dimple Kapadia
8:16 AM
Syeda Eba Fatima (HINDUSTAN TIMES; June 12, 2023)
Dimple Kapadia may come across as self-assured, but the actor says her mind is often clouded. “The fear factor and not being confident have played a significant role in my life,” says Kapadia, adding that her daughters, author Twinkle Khanna and former actor Rinke Khanna, have kept her motivated, professionally.
“I don’t think I’d be working at all [right now]. I’d just be sitting at home. But my kids have been instrumental in kicking and telling me that I have to go out there and work. That push has helped. Once, I told Twinkle, ‘I don’t want to work anymore. It’s too much and my health is suffering’. She just looked at me and said, ‘You need money?’ I said, ‘Yes’. So, she said, ‘Then keep your vanity at home and go work’. It was as blunt as that,” says the actor, who was seen in Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo recently.
Changing times
From Nandini Grewal in Pathaan to Savitri in Saas Bahu and Flamingo — the last one year has seen the 66-year-old portray a wide range of characters that were not available to her in the early stages of her career. Have filmmakers started seeing her in a different light? She disagrees: “It’s because cinema has changed over the years. Earlier, we had a set pattern with one villain, one vamp, one hero, one heroine... But then stories started evolving. Today, the subject is the king and good roles are written. That’s why all of us are benefitting.”
Game plan
While she received rave reviews for her performance in the web show Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo, Kapadia says she wanted to walk out of the project as she wasn’t sure about doing justice to the role. “It was offered to me and then I was told that somebody else was doing it. But I was very keen to do it despite all the fears. After I came on board, I tried hard to get out of it [due to my apprehensions]. Every trick I tried, failed, and I’m so glad that happened,” she says.
I was told that I’m beautiful, but I asked myself, can I act? That question often played on my mind-Dimple Kapadia
8:38 AM
Enjoying the current phase of her career at 65, Dimple Kapadia thrilled that audience’s appreciation has quelled her doubts
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; June 4, 2023)
Halfway into the year, Dimple Kapadia has already given us three projects. She kicked off 2023 with Pathaan, in which she played mentor to Shah Rukh Khan’s character, following it up with Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar, and the crime drama, Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo. At 65, Kapadia is busier than ever before. How does she view her career at this stage, having come from a generation where female actors had short shelf lives?
“I’ve been blessed. I have no reason to be where I am today. It has given me so much happiness that people have appreciated my work. I was always told that I’m beautiful, but I asked myself, can I act? That question often played on my mind. So, when I started my second innings [in the early ’80s], I wanted to do Sadma [1983], and not Sagar [1985]. But destiny had other things in store for me. Probably God knew that I was not ready to do a Sadma.”
In her latest Disney+ Hotstar series, Kapadia—as a matriarch who runs a drug cartel—strikes a balance between warmth and villainy. “There is a certain vulnerability to her that came through despite her craziness,” she reflects. It saw her reunite with director Homi Adajania, who believes that he can’t do any piece of work without her. Is she the Queen Bee on his set? “Whoever said that I’m a star on Homi’s set is talking rubbish,” she laughs.
“I am supposed to check what he wants to eat and get him his khana. I do all that because I love being with him and working with him. I love his madness, that’s what we bond over.”
In her five-decade career, Kapadia has given us memorable roles in Rudaali (1993), Dil Chahta Hai (2001) and Christopher Nolan’s Tenet (2020). The chase was always to do different kinds of cinema, she says.
“When I did Kaash [1987], I was told, ‘How can you play a mother of a seven-year-old? You should do glamorous roles. People will start typecasting you.’ But I never feared that I would be typecast. What mattered to me was that I tried to do my best in a given role.”
I think twice before extending myself physically but Rani Ba's adrenaline got to me-Dimple Kapadia
8:26 AM
Pulling off action at 65 in Homi Adajania’s Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo, Dimple Kapadia discusses being vigilant yet indulgent when selecting projects
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; May 20, 2023)
In Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo, a scene of two ill-informed men commenting on the fragility of their mother (played by Dimple Kapadia) is juxtaposed with clips of her beating to pulp the goons who had invaded her home. And while the action sequences do not see her kick and punch in the manner that the younger women who helm the series do, Kapadia packs sufficient meat into the scenes to come across as a menacing head that isn't to be messed with.
This Disney +Hotstar outing is a hardcore action thriller about the matriarch Savitri or Rani Ba (Dimple) who runs her drug cartel in the guise of a Corporative with the help of her daughter (Radhika), an adopted son (Udit Arora) and her daughters in laws Angira Dhar and Isha Talwar.
Kapadia has had a golden run this year, following up the mammoth success of Pathaan with this. Headlining her own series at 65 was a high Dimple couldn't refuse.
"At this stage in life, I do think twice before extending myself physically. But Rani Ba's adrenaline got to me," she says of her character in Homi Adajania's series.
Kapadia has had a golden run in 2023. Following her acclaimed act as Shah Rukh Khan's boss in Pathaan, she finds herself frontlining her own series at 65. "Shows like Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo are rare, the perfect chemistry of characters, narratives, and a mould-breaking vision. Homi has that knack to him where he can see stories in every little thing and cement its connection with society. So, whenever I get a whiff that Homi is working on a project, I know I have to be a part of it, no choice there. He conceptualized Savitri to be a woman pushed to her limits and eventually learning to become fearless. You see, her journey from Savitri to Rani Ba is what appealed to me and I think only Homi could've seen it that way."
The brutal action sequences made her push herself and challenge herself. Kapadia in her character of Rani Ba has cut tongues, shot off heads, thrown people off floors, and much more! The kind of physical and mental strength that goes behind doing these sequences surely takes a toll.
She adds, "When we dissected her character, he told me I have to be prepared for badass action sequences. I have done action scenes before but I was nervous as to how I was going to pull this off. At this stage in life, I do think twice before extending myself physically but Rani Ba's adrenaline got to me and we did it. We all have done our own stunts, while they were kept rooted and raw, we pushed our limits threefold to maintain that stance. Now that the show is out there receiving constant love and appreciation, it all seems worth a while.”
On a Homi Adajania set, Dimple Kapadia is the queen-Deepak Dobriyal
8:23 AM
Deepak, who shifts gears from character artiste to villain, on locking horns with Kapadia in Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; May 10, 2023)
For years, Deepak Dobriyal would be offered versions of the same role that he played in the Tanu Weds Manu franchise — an affable, bumbling man. The image became synonymous with him, he rues. “I had been offered close to 200 projects that had different versions of Pappi ji. The shift to something beyond was conscious and necessary,” begins Dobriyal.
If Bholaa was the first step towards changing his image, the recent Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo showed how the actor could easily send a chill down one’s spine in a villainous role. He plays the monstrous Monk in creator-director Homi Adajania’s crime thriller. Cracking the character’s psyche was a joy, says the actor.
“On set, we jammed a lot to understand his psyche. His personality reeks of arrogance. He wants revenge, and can’t stomach the fact that a woman can be a ganglord [Dimple Kapadia’s Rani Ba]. He is partly in awe of her, and partly working towards outsmarting her. Such a character [consumes you]. I was behaving like him, and my wife warned me to tone down the Monk energy at home.”
Even as he praises the cast that includes Radhika Madan, Isha Talwar and Angira Dhar, Dobriyal says he most enjoyed the on-screen dynamics between Kapadia and him. “It is a huge pressure to match the energy of an actor of Dimple Kapadia’s stature. On a Homi Adajania set, she is the queen. But Dimple is an actor who never leaves her character. She appreciates people who are as invested as her in world-building, and in fleshing out the story. We bonded over that.”
Dimple Kapadia didn’t leave me with a choice. I had to cast her out of fear-Homi Adajania
8:11 AM
Director Adajania asserts Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo isn’t about female empowerment even as it subverts saas-bahu dramas by depicting women running a drug cartel
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; May 1, 2023)
Homi Adajania jokes that his middle name should be eccentric. The director has a knack for building on wacky themes — be it his debut film Being Cyrus (2005) that revolved around a dysfunctional Parsi family, or his upcoming maiden web series, Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo that tells the story of a matriarch running a drug cartel. Adajania says the idea has been with him since 2014.
“I told Dino [Dinesh Vijan, producer] that I want to tell a story about women who are running a cartel, and the men in the family aren’t aware of it,” he laughs.
The Disney+ Hotstar offering stars Radhika Madan, Isha Talwar and Angira Dhar. Not to mention, Dimple Kapadia who leads the series from the front, and has become a staple in Adajania’s projects. Was it difficult to get the actor, known to be choosy, on board?
“She didn’t leave me with a choice. I had to cast her out of fear,” he jokes, before adding, “If I am making something, it has to have her. A film without her would be incomplete. So even if it’s a small role, she will abuse me for it, but she will do it.”
It’s easy to see why the lead cast said an instant yes to Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo. The crime thriller subverts the regressive saas-bahu dramas, depicting women who run a drug business that may stereotypically be seen as a male-dominated field. However, the director-writer emphasises that the story isn’t about female empowerment.
“It’s about empowered people, but it is not [about] women empowerment. We aren’t saying their actions are right or wrong. Stereotypically, such scenarios are male-dominated, and here, it’s flipped on the head. But that is not empowering. What’s empowering about these women is that they live by their own set of rules.”
Dimple Kapadia steps into the titular role of Twinkle Khanna’s Salaam Noni Appa adaptation
8:22 AM
Dimple Kapadia steps into the titular role of Twinkle’s Salaam Noni Appa adaptation; actor has been shooting for comedy over past week
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; April 28, 2022)
The week began with Twinkle Khanna’s announcement that her short story, Salaam Noni Appa, is being adapted into a feature film. The story was a part of Khanna’s The Legend Of Lakshmi Prasad, a collection of four tales on feminism. While ad man Sonal Dabral will make his directorial debut with the slice-of-life movie, producer Khanna didn’t have to look too far for the lead actor. Who better than her actor-mother Dimple Kapadia to bring alive the part of the worldly-wise protagonist!
mid-day has learnt that Kapadia, who made a splash not too long ago with Christopher Nolan’s Tenet (2020), began shooting for the project about 10 days ago. The unit’s first stop was the Jio Mall in Bandra. A source reveals, “The story revolves around two sisters, Noni and Binny, who have reunited in the autumn of their lives. With its breezy treatment and Twinkle’s signature witty material, the movie has the potential to be India’s Grace and Frankie. So far, Dimple’s solo scenes have been shot. Noni’s unexpected love story, which forms the crux of the movie, will be filmed in the second schedule.”
The ongoing stint is 25-day long with most scenes to be canned in and around Bandra.
While announcing Sameer Nair’s Applause Entertainment and Ellipsis Entertainment-backed project, Khanna revealed that the story is loosely based on the relationship between her grandmother and her sister. The film marks her return to production after Pad Man (2018).
The feeling of getting to work with Pankaj Kapur and Dimple Kapadia is surreal-Aparshakti Khurana
8:20 AM
Aparshakti on working with Pankaj Kapur and Dimple Kapadia in Jab Khuli Kitaab
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; January 30, 2022)
It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but for Aparshakti Khurana, comedy comes with ease. And that’s exactly how the actor approached his role in Applause Entertainment and Shoe Strap Films’ slice of life comedy, Jab Khuli Kitaab. “Getting into the skin was not difficult for me. It’s a comedy and I have done a few of them to approach them with ease,” said the actor, who plays a lawyer in the film.
Not many know that Khurana used to be a legal assistant to senior lawyers. “I am a lawyer in real life. I have [also] been meeting lawyers in lower courts to understand their body language. They [seem more] earthy and rooted than high court and Supreme Court lawyers.”
The film revolves around an older couple — played by Pankaj Kapur and Dimple Kapadia — seeking a divorce after being married for 50 years. Helmed by Saurabh Shukla, Jab Khuli Kitaab is a stage-to-screen adaptation of the director’s play of the same name.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to work with such experienced and talented actors like Pankaj Kapur ji and Dimple Kapadia ma’am, who have perfected the craft. I have grown up watching their movies. The feeling of getting to work with them is surreal. There is so much to learn. [The hope is for] many more projects like this one,” said Khurana.
I don’t think marriage rumours takes away the focus from my work-Shraddha Kapoor
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Shraddha Kapoor doesn't feel talk about her personal life takes focus away from her work
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 28, 2021)
While Shraddha Kapoor continues to be spotted by paparazzi occasionally, the actor hasn’t had a release this year, nor has she given an interview in some time or been out there too much. She laughs as she finally takes out time to talk with us. “I’m very much here. I’ve been filming for my movie with Luv (Ranjan; director) sir. I’m looking forward to it coming out next year,” shares Kapoor, who is shooting for the untitled project in Delhi.
Mention how her personal life keeps making a lot of buzz — talks about her marriage to rumoured boyfriend photographer Rohan Shrestha — and she asserts that she chooses to not comment on such topics. “I don’t think all this takes away the focus from my work as I’ve never really spoken much about my personal life anyway,” she says.
Talking about travelling amid the pandemic for work and shooting with the Covid-19 norms, the actor shares that the restrictions didn’t hamper much after a point. The happiness to be back on set eclipsed everything else as everyone got used to the new shooting environment.
“We were following all the protocols strictly, and within those, managing to shoot. It just feels so good to be back on set. I am living my dream of being an actor and doing what I love to do. To work with Luv sir, and Ranbir (Kapoor), who I adore as an actor, Dimple (Kapadia) ma’am, who I love as an actor and as a person… it has been a memorable experience,” exclaims the 34-year-old, who has the remake of Chaalbaaz (1989), Chaalbaaz in London, lined up next.
Looking forward to “things opening up again” as the pandemic gets under control, she’s thinking of “exploring new cities”. “Maybe I will plan something (a trip) for the New Year’s,” Kapoor ends.
Ashutosh Rana, who played senior RAW officer in Hrithik Roshan’s War, to reprise role in Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Pathan?
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Upala KBR (MID-DAY; August 4, 2021)
Siddharth Anand’s Pathan sees Shah Rukh Khan as a Research & Analysis Wing (RAW) officer, with Dimple Kapadia’s character heading India’s foreign intelligence agency. Now, a new recruit has been added to the RAW roster. Word is that Ashutosh Rana plays a senior officer in the espionage thriller that also stars Deepika Padukone and John Abraham.
His casting is yet another move by producer Aditya Chopra to further the idea of a crossover between the spy thrillers coming out of his stable. “Ashutosh played RAW joint secretary Colonel Sunil Luthra in Hrithik Roshan’s War [2019]. It was Adi and Siddharth’s idea to have the actor reprise his role in Pathan. The actor shot some important sequences with Shah Rukh and Dimple at Yash Raj Studios in Andheri, a few days ago. It is heard that Dimple and Ashutosh’s characters will mastermind the mission that will see the protagonist lock horns with John, who plays the baddie,” reveals a trade source.
With the big-ticket project, Chopra intends to position Kapadia and Rana’s characters as senior intelligence officers who will feature in his future productions in the espionage franchise. The troika will be complete when the producer finds a suitable actor to play the role of Salman Khan’s on-screen boss in Tiger 3, another spy drama from the Yash Raj Films banner. Late playwright-actor Girish Karnad had essayed the role of RAW chief, Dr Shenoy, in Ek Tha Tiger (2012) and Tiger Zinda Hai (2017).
I’m enjoying it, says Boney Kapoor on his debut acting stint
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Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 2, 2021)
Boney Kapoor, among the busiest filmmakers today, is set to appear as an actor in his first full-fledged role. The producer-actor recently came to Delhi to shoot for his upcoming film with director Luv Ranjan, which stars Ranbir Kapoor, Shraddha Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia. Asked about the experience of facing the camera, he tells us, “It’s good to know what happens on the other side of the camera (laughs). I’m enjoying it. It’s a happy atmosphere on set, and it’s with Dimple. I’ve known her for a long time... I’ve seen Ranbir grow. I didn’t interact with him much (when he was growing up). Same with Shraddha. Her father Shakti (Kapoor) has worked in my films.”
Talking of work amid the pandemic, the 65-year-old adds that one has to live with the situation. “There has been a first, then second wave, and the fear of the third wave. One has to get used to living with safety in mind,” opines Kapoor. He further says that precautions will be followed in the future, not just for Coronavirus.
That said, the filmmaker asserts that the economy has to be revitalised, too. As a producer, he has five films on floors right now, all on pause. “I just restarted a Tamil film, only 10 days of shoot is left. I have another Hindi film, with my daughter, Janhvi. Then another film with Ajith. Too many things are lined up, and they can’t be kept on pause for a long time. One has got to get used to this kind of life, keeping the safety factors in mind,” Kapoor concludes.
Ranbir Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor to head to Spain in September for Luv Ranjan's next
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Ranbir and Shraddha, who are currently filming Luv Ranjan’s next in Delhi, to head to Europe to shoot romantic numbers
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; July 16, 2021)
Work has beckoned Ranbir Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor, who flew out to Delhi earlier this week to resume work on Luv Ranjan’s yet-untitled rom-com. The second schedule of the family drama — which went on floors in Noida in January — was originally slated for June, but had to be postponed due to the second wave of the Coronavirus pandemic. Even as the lead actors begin the 20-day second stint today, the director has instructed a part of the team to begin chalking out the plan for their next destination, Spain.
A source from the creative team reveals that Ranjan intends to film romantic songs against the picturesque backdrop of Spanish locales. “If all goes well, the cast — including Dimple Kapadia and Boney Kapoor who play Ranbir’s parents in the movie — will head to Europe in September. Besides filming songs, Luv sir will can a few scenes with Ranbir and his on-screen parents. The director wants to wrap up all the portions on home turf first, and then head to Spain, depending on the situation,” says the source.
Given the constantly changing scenario, he has drawn up a contingency plan as well — the team will shoot the indoor portions at a Mumbai studio in September, and push the Europe schedule to a later date.
Pritam, who is composing the music for the venture, confirms that the team is currently stationed in the capital. “For the foreign leg, [we intend to film] two to three romantic songs. The tracks are a combination of dance and romance, along the lines of Badtameez Dil [Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, 2013].”
He hopes to recreate his magic with Ranbir. “Our chartbusters include Bheegi Si Bhaagi Si [Raajneeti, 2010], Balam Pichkari, and Channa Mereya [Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, 2016]. I am always excited to compose songs for his movies.”
Producers Ranjan and Ankur Garg remained unavailable for comment.
Ranbir Kapoor, Shraddha Kapoor all set to resume the shoot of their next movie in Delhi
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Niharika Lal (BOMBAY TIMES; July 15, 2021)
The film’s shoot had started in January at a private property in Noida, and it was expected to continue through March. However, it was rescheduled due to Coronavirus restrictions. A source informs, “The shoot of the film will resume this week and the cast will be in Delhi for around 15 days.”
Another source says, “This is the first major film project being shot in NCR after restrictions were lifted last month. Over 15 projects were filmed in NCR from Jan to March, but shoots were cancelled in April. In recent weeks, we have filmed a few advertisements in old Delhi, but no major projects have been shot here. Line producers say that as the number of cases goes down, shooting is expected to resume in full swing in NCR.”
“Currently, due to the decrease in the number of cases, permission is not a big issue, as long as the crew is limited to 20-30 people. Two other major projects are also scheduled this month,” adds an insider.
Aditya Chopra to rope in four action directors for Pathan
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Beginning with Mad Max stunt artiste who was flown down for shoot, Aditya Chopra to rope in four action directors to design stylised sequences for SRK’s Pathan
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; June 29, 2021)
Producer Aditya Chopra knows the high expectations that surround Pathan — after all, the movie will see Shah Rukh Khan in action after his self-imposed break since Zero (2018). Naturally then, the filmmaker is pulling out all stops for the Maneesh Sharma-directed actioner that sees Khan as a Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) agent. To ensure that Pathan translates into a hyper-stylised espionage thriller on the big screen, Chopra has decided to rope in four action directors who will design elaborate set-pieces.
While the director-producer duo have yet to finalise the remaining stunt co-ordinators, South African stunt artiste Craig MacRae has already reported to the film’s set in Mumbai. “Craig, who runs the stunt company, Titan Stunts with Katja Hopkins, and his four-member team landed in the city on June 8. After quarantining at a Juhu hotel, the team joined Shah Rukh and John Abraham this week. The actors kicked off the latest schedule with confrontation scenes, and will film major fight sequences early next month. Craig is a highly skilled martial artiste too, and has designed sequences for Mad Max: Fury Road (2015), Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), Bloodshot (2020) and War (2019),” reveals a trade source.
Deepika Padukone and Dimple Kapadia will join the cast later this week at Yash Raj Studios in Andheri. While the team focuses on the ongoing leg, Chopra will utilise the time to zero in on the remaining action directors, one of which may be a home-grown talent. “The idea behind having different experts is to have breathtaking stunts in the movie, ranging from martial arts to hand-to-hand combat and chase sequences. Adi and Maneesh intend to conduct a schedule in Europe sometime between July and August, but the plan depends on the travel restrictions in the countries at the time. So, they are torn between two possibilities — either fly down the chosen stunt coordinators to India and shoot the sequences, or have them join the cast abroad.”
The source adds that Salman Khan, who reprises his role of RAW agent Avinash Singh Rathore from the Tiger franchise, has shot for his special appearance in Pathan.
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