Showing posts with label Elli AvrRam. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Elli AvrRam. Show all posts
I’m currently healing from a painful heartbreak-Elli AvrRam
10:37 AM
Jagruti Katkar (BOMBAY TIMES; October 6, 2026)
Elli AvrRam is at a stage in life where personal growth and emotional well-being are influencing the choices she makes, both on and off screen. As she navigates a difficult personal phase, the actress says she is learning to embrace what life brings while being mindful of the work she takes on. During a recent visit to Goa, she spoke to us about healing, finding calm here and choosing roles that feel right.
'Whether marriage is in my kismat or not, only time will tell'
Elli is currently healing from a painful heartbreak, an experience that she feels has also brought personal growth. “I’m currently healing from a painful heartbreak. I guess I prayed for growth, so God did what He had to do, because we always grow from what breaks us. At least, that has been my experience in life,” she says.
For her, moving forward means consciously choosing growth rather than remaining in a victim mindset. “It’s important that we choose to push through and aim for victory over a victim mindset. It’s a journey of one step at a time,” she adds.
Marriage, however, remains something she continues to believe in. “Marriage is definitely something I’ve always wanted and still believe in. Now, if it’s in my kismat or not, only time will tell,” she says.
However, she is clear that loneliness will not be a reason for her to settle. “I’ve always been clear that I will not compromise on it just because I’m lonely, because that would be like signing up for a funeral,” she says.
'Nature charges me up'
Elli’s favourite Goa memory dates back to 2020, when she spent Christmas and New Year’s Eve in the state. “It was so beautiful to experience the celebrations here. On January 1, I woke up and went to the church first thing in the morning and truly enjoyed the blissful moment,” she recalls.
She says Goa’s slower pace also helps her unwind. “I love the escape from hustle culture, and the locals are very kind. There’s also another kind of stillness in the air. Spending time in Goa helps me calm my nervous system, and nature charges me up,” she says.
Choosing roles that feel right
At this stage of her career, Elli says she is drawn to roles and scripts that align with where she is emotionally and personally.
“My role as Alicia in Chumbak came to me while I was going through a tough time personally, and it brought so much joy to me while reading about the character. It felt right to do it,” she shares.
The actress also stresses on the importance of looking after one’s mental and physical well-being while taking on demanding roles. “It can be extremely draining when you portray something serious on screen while you’re going through a lot of stress in your life off screen simultaneously. So, one has to take care of oneself and not get burned out physically and mentally,” she says.
I’ve always wanted a dog and virtual adoption felt like the perfect first step-Elli AvrRam
9:11 AM
Neha Maheshwri (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 23, 2026)
A pet parent to two cats, Charles and Edward, Elli AvrRam has now virtually adopted Toby, a five-year-old rescue dog in Gurugram. Unable to bring a dog home because of her work commitments and frequent travel, she has instead committed to financially supporting Toby’s care.
Speaking about what prompted the decision, Elli says, “I have been supporting Funandfur, an animal welfare NGO, for years. When its founder, Vaishali Sharma, reached out to me about Toby, I immediately knew I wanted to become his virtual parent. She had only asked me to share his story on social media, but I’m not in a position to adopt a dog right now. So, this felt like the perfect first step.”
She believes pet parenting is a lifelong commitment that demands time, care and consistency. She says, “Growing up in Sweden, I often looked after my neighbours’ dogs, taking them for walks and feeding them. I always dreamt of having a dog of my own, but it never happened. Having a dog is a huge responsibility. They depend on you completely, so you have to be able to give them your time and care. Travelling also becomes difficult unless you have someone trustworthy to look after them round the clock. It’s a commitment that deserves careful thought. In my case, virtual adoption has allowed me to support Toby financially and help give him a much better life than he would have had on the streets. At the same time, it feels incredibly personal because I’ll receive regular updates, be able to video call him and visit him whenever I can. This initiative helps more injured and abandoned dogs get rescued, treated and cared for.”
She plans to visit Toby in Gurgaon this August. She says, “We’ve already been video calling, and he’s so full of life. I can’t wait to finally meet him, spend time with him and give him lots of cuddles.”
This Christmas, I will make mulled wine, and have hot chocolate-Elli AvrRam
4:02 PM
Onkar Kulkarni (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 25, 2025)
For Elli AvrRam, Christmas has always been more than a festival — it is a feeling rooted in family, tradition and togetherness. Born and raised in Sweden, her childhood Christmases were spent amid snow, grandparents, cousins and cherished rituals. Though Mumbai is now home, the season still stirs a quiet longing for Sweden. This year, however, Elli has turned that nostalgia into celebration, hosting her most heartfelt Christmas yet in the city.
Recalling Christmas in Sweden, Elli shares, “Christmas meant the whole family coming together — decorating the house, putting up the tree, even changing curtains and cushions to Christmas ones. The days were filled with carols, singing and dancing, mulled wine, seasonal cookies and muffins, and the joy of exchanging gifts.”
Christmas Day followed traditions deeply etched in her memory. “We’d wake up to Christmas breakfast and lunch. At 3 pm, everyone watched special Christmas cartoons on TV. A public figure would light a candle and wish the nation a Merry Christmas — it’s a big tradition,” Elli shares.
The day continued with building snowmen, opening presents and ending with a cozy family dinner. In Mumbai, far from snow and gardens, Elli shared, “This is the first year I’ve bought a big Christmas tree and decorated my home. I’ve created my dream Christmas vibe and gone all out,” she says. She’s also making mulled wine on her own for the first time. “It was always something I did with my mom. Now I’ll be serving it to my friends.”
Elli added, “Since I’m not going home, I decided to celebrate here — with my friends and my two babies, Charles and Edward,” she adds, referring to her cats. The contrast with her early Christmases in Mumbai is stark. “The first Christmas I spent alone here was extremely depressing. I promised myself I’d never go through that again,” Elli admits. “I had a small tree back then — it wasn’t much fun. But I guess those moments teach you something too.”
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Akash Bhatnagar (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 25, 2025)
It’s Christmas today, and while actor Elli AvrRam usually spends the festival back home in Sweden with her family, this year, she is in Mumbai.
“I will be waking up with my two boys (her cats), Charles and Edward, and I’ve got them Christmas gifts too, which I’m going to try to make them open. They’re already sleeping under my Christmas tree, so cozy and cute. And it’s going to be a FaceTime celebration with my parents,” she says, adding, “This season means a lot to me and reminds me of Diwali.”
She shares, “When I moved to India and the way I saw Diwali being celebrated here, it has always given me the Christmas vibes. The way you just lit up your home, decorate it and make it warm and homely, that’s what Christmas is for me,” adding that decorating the Christmas tree is her favourite part of the festival.
The morning of Christmas brings back a rush of memories for Elli. “I always wanted to know what I was being gifted. So, I’d sneak in the middle of the night before Christmas to the tree where the gifts were put. I’d gently remove the wrap and see what was there, and then pack it again. Once, my parents caught me and asked why I would ruin the surprise. I replied to them, ‘But one can forget’, and since then, they have always used this line against me,” she laughs.
Elli’s family celebrates the festival with cosy meals, Christmas movies and cartoons, and a special evening treat. “My mom acted in the film Fanny And Alexander (1982), and it is shown every year on Christmas. Every time I see it, I get excited and have my fan moment. It’s a very nice ending to Christmas,” she shares.
The actor also remembers having a special gravy her mom makes during Xmas. “This year, I’m not going to get to eat that. But we are getting ginger cookies, I will make mulled wine, and have hot chocolate. There’s a saffron muffin that we only make in Sweden and eat on Christmas, and I’m making that too. It will give off a bit of a Christmas vibe.”
Hearing the crowd chant ‘Jai Shri Ram’ in Ayodhya was really cool to witness-Elli AvrRam
8:09 AM
Currently exploring India for her show, the actor discusses breaking stereotypes and embracing diverse roles and reflects on her visit to Ayodhya
Mimansa Shekhar (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 13, 2024)
Actor Elli AvrRam reveals that her significant challenge in the Indian film industry was breaking away from the perception that she could only excel in “glamorous roles and dance numbers”. According to her, “the scarcity of opportunities for more raw and unglamorous roles” contributed to this perception.
AvrRam, with Swedish-Greek roots, entered the showbiz scene in 2013 and has since been featured in films including Mickey Virus (2013), Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon (2015), Jabariya Jodi (2019), Malang (2020), Goodbye (2022) and Ganpath (2023). “I have completely embraced India as my home. I will fight with anyone who speaks ill of it,” asserts the 33-year-old.
Currently traversing India for the shooting of her show India With Elli AvrRam Season 2, AvrRam shares insights from her recent visit to Ayodhya, where she witnessed the inauguration of the Ram Mandir amid fervour.
Expressing her amazement, she says, “Lord Ram is beautiful; I just wanted to stand and watch him. Hearing the crowd chant ‘Jai Shri Ram’ was really cool to witness. Watching documentaries or films will only give you a little understanding. It’s very different when you are actually there physically, engaging all your senses. I’ve always had curiosity regarding Hinduism and ancient knowledge.”
For AvrRam, exploring small towns during her travels aids in connecting with people. She notes, “The way they look at life, their thoughts and beliefs. What I love the most is that the spirit I see in people is kindness and helpfulness.”
Her recent release, Conjuring Kannappan (2023), received positive reviews. While travel shows help her connect with fans in real life, AvrRam emphasizes that picking the right scripts is crucial for her. “I should be able to watch a film I’ve been part of and feel proud. Whether it becomes a hit or not at the box office can never be in my, or anyone’s control,” concludes AvrRam.
In these 10 years, the biggest challenge has been to live here without my family-Elli AvrRam
8:40 AM
Elli AvrRam looks back at the decade gone by, says she is grateful despite the ups and downs
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 3, 2023)
Actor Elli AvrRam entered showbiz a decade ago, a journey she now describes as a roller-coaster ride. She made her Hindi film debut in 2013 with Mickey Virus, following which she starred in projects such as Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon (2015), Jabariya Jodi (2019), Malang (2020) and the Tamil film Naane Varuvean (2022).
“My journey in Bollywood has been amazing. It has been a roller-coaster. But I find it all beautiful because of the acceptance that I have got from filmmakers who believed in me,” AvrRam, who hails from Sweden, tells us.
The 34-year-old continues, “I’m very grateful that I’m getting to do so many different roles. In my next film, I play the role of a ghost… I’m just so happy with the response that I have got on portraying different characters”.
But the biggest challenge that remains for the Ganapath actor is being away from her family in Sweden. “I want to buy a very big house in India and get my entire family to come here so that I can take care of them. In these 10 years, the biggest challenge has been to live here without my family. It is a different feeling to come back home and tell them about your day. Video calls are not the same. That has been the biggest struggle,” AvrRam ends.
Jacqueline Fernandez, Elli AvrRam roped in for Lakadbaggha sequel?
8:34 AM
Sources say Jacqueline, Elli roped in for Lakadbaggha sequel; to train in MMA, Krav Maga before film rolls in May
Hiren Kotwani (MID-DAY; January 17, 2023)
Lakadbaggha, starring Anshuman Jha, Milind Soman and Ridhi Dogra, opened in cinemas last week to an underwhelming response. But that hasn’t deterred the makers from beginning work on its sequel. We hear Jacqueline Fernandez and Elli AvrRam are being brought on board for the second instalment of the franchise that focuses on an animal-lover vigilante.
The two actors have been chosen for their martial arts background. A source reveals, “Jacqueline started learning Mixed Martial Arts for Race 3 [2018], and has been practicing it since then. Elli, too, has trained in the form. The sequel will have a heavy dose of action, especially hand-to-hand combat scenes.”
Before the project rolls in May, Fernandez and AvrRam will undergo a month-long training with action directors Vicky Arora and Kecha Khamphakdee. “Beginning in April, they will be trained in Krav Maga. Kecha is a National Award-winning action director with Baahubali 2: The Conclusion [2017], and Ponniyin Selvan: I [2022] to his credit. Vicky and he are planning to take the action a few notches higher from the first instalment,” adds the source.
The central characters from the first edition will be retained in the sequel that will be shot in Indonesia and other parts of south Asia.
If I had an Indian name, more opportunities would’ve come my way-Elli AvrRam
2:25 PM
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; December 16, 2022)
Having shared the screen space recently with accomplished actors like Amitabh Bachchan (Goodbye) and Dhanush (Tamil film Naane Varuven), Elli AvrRam’s decade-long stay in India seems to finally be paying off. “Things work when you are about to give up,” says the Swedish-Greek actress, who frequently breaks into fluent Hindi mid-conversation.
In a candid chat, Elli talks about how Aishwarya Rai Bachchan-starrer Devdas was a turning point in her life, the need for Bollywood to be more diverse and inclusive and her journey so far. Excerpts:
As someone who was raised in Sweden with no connect to India, what was it about Bollywood that fascinated you?
Right from my childhood, I have felt a deep connect with India. I was hooked to documentaries about India, and I was a fan of shows like The Kumars At No. 42. Everything about the culture and people fascinated me. The colours, laughter and noise… you don’t see that abroad. Bollywood only made that connect stronger. My grandmother would watch Hindi movies in Greece, and she was a huge fan of Nargis ji. Now, select Hindi films are shown in Swedish cinemas, but that wasn’t the case before. Not many Bollywood DVDs were available in Sweden when I was growing up, so I ended up watching a few big films, like Devdas, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Namastey London and Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, over and over again. I was blown away by Shah Rukh Kham’s Devdas and that film was the reason I wanted to come to India and pursue a career in Hindi movies. I wanted to play Paro. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan became my idol. I even had her posters in my room.
Did you have any preconceived notions about India?
The Bollywood movies I saw made me feel that everyone lives in these big bungalows here. I never thought Mumbai could be full of buildings. The people I was staying with in India said, ‘Amitabh Bachchan ka bungalow hai Mumbai mein and a few more people have bungalows, but a majority of Mumbaikars stay in buildings.’ That is something I had not anticipated.
What do you think of the diversity and inclusivity in Bollywood?
White girls have been stereotyped in Bollywood. You either got to play characters who speak with an American or British accent, an NRI or these exotic dance numbers. I am happy that it is changing. Now, you are cast if you suit the character or speak the language. Your background or nationality isn’t the criteria anymore. After my recent film Naane Varuven with Dhanush, many people called to say, ‘You look so Indian, Elli!’ when I came to India, the rickshawalas always asked me whether I was from Punjab or Kashmir. They could never guess that I was a foreigner. Strangely, when I would go for the auditions and say that I am Elli AvrRam from Sweden, their outlook towards me would change because of my name. Sometimes, I would introduce myself as Elli Sharma just to understand their perception and people would say, ‘Half Indian toh lagti hai.’ This was just to test them. If I had an Indian name, more opportunities would’ve come my way. Thankfully, performance-oriented roles are getting prominence and casting is getting more inclusive now. As an actor, you are a character; your real identity is secondary. The Indian audience has accepted me since Bigg Boss. I want the film industry to do that, too. I think filmmakers are seeing me as a versatile actress now.
I watched TV while my friend ate dinner, says Elli AvrRam on Swedish hospitality debate
7:48 AM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; June 2, 2022)
A debate around whether Swedish people serve food to their guests or not has become a hot topic on social media. It all started because of a screenshot from a Reddit (American social news aggregation portal) thread, where a user shared, “I remember going to my Swedish friend’s house. And while we were playing in his room, his mom yelled that dinner was ready. And check this. He told me to WAIT in his room while they ate (sic).” The comment was upvoted over 10,000 times on the social media website.
Ask actor Elli AvrRam, who is from Sweden, if she ever experienced anything like that, and she says, “I remember this happening while I was growing up.” She goes on to recall an incident. “I had gone to a friend’s house and her family was having dinner. I got to watch cartoons on TV while they ate,” she shares.
But, the Jabariya Jodi (2019) actor asserts that not all families do that. “It’s not in the culture [of the country]. But, it’s weird. It’s not about being rude or unwelcoming. It’s like you cook as much food as the number of members in your family. So if you are a family of four, food only enough for four people is cooked,” she explains.
The 31-year-old is glad that this never happened at her home. “We always had enough food for everyone. I had a Greek upbringing as well. This is not a part of the culture [of Sweden or Greece]. My mom would stuff my friends with food,” she ends.
Actors reveal who they would want as their Secret Santa and who they’d want to play Santa to this Christmas
8:12 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (December 24, 2021)
It’s that time of the year when giving and receiving gifts is on everyone’s mind. B-Town actors reveal who they would want as their Secret Santa and who they’d want to play Santa to this Christmas
SONAKSHI SINHA
I would like to be Sonu Sood’s Secret Santa. Through the pandemic, he rushed to the aid of the people. I feel Sonu is doing everything for everyone, but who is doing anything for him? So, I would definitely like to gift him something as his Secret Santa. I would like to gift him all the help that he needs to keep up with his social work. What a guy! He helped out so many people and continues to do so.
SANYA MALHOTRA
I would love to play Secret Santa to the newly-married couples — Vicky Kaushal-Katrina Kaif and Rajkummar Rao-Patralekhaa. They are starting this wonderful new phase of their life and I’d be happy to gift them something that will add to their married life.
PULKIT SAMRAT
I would like to be Taapsee Pannu’s Secret Santa. And I would like to gift her a cape, for not all heroes wear capes, but she definitely knows how to fly!
TANISHAA MUKERJI
I would love to be the Secret Santa for Tiger Shroff and gift him an opportunity to dance with none other than the global (dance) icon and eternal star, Michael Jackson. Both of them are so fluid. I have seen Tiger’s homage to MJ and I would love to see them perform together.
ABHIMANYU DASSANI
I would like to have Farhan Akhtar as my Secret Santa, and as a gift, cast me in his next directorial. I just like the way he makes movies and would like to be a part of them.
PARINEETI CHOPRA
I would like to have my sister Priyanka (Chopra Jonas) as my Secret Santa because she gives the most awesome gifts. Even for my birthday, she and Nick gave me an amazing gift. I can’t reveal what it was, but it was truly special and meaningful. As for the gift, I know she would pick something that would be best for me.
ESHA GUPTA
I think I would want either Suniel Shetty sir or Akshay Kumar sir as my Secret Santa. But the gift I want from them would be intangible. I would love to have their elixir of youth and discipline.
ELLI AvrRam
I want to be Shah Rukh Khan’s Secret Santa and gift him an evening where he could dine with his parents and his entire family. My family and I watch his interviews and the one thing that stands out is his love for his family and a sense of longing for his parents. He lost his parents early on in life and there cannot be a bigger gift for a child than to relive some precious moments with them.
Bollywood is huge and inclusivity has made it even bigger-Elli AvrRam
8:02 AM
Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 20, 2021)
Actor Elli AvrRam, who came to India from Sweden many years ago, believes that the Hindi film industry has now opened its arms to actors belonging to different ethnicities. She tells us, “I think it’s becoming like Hollywood. People from so many nationalities are working in our movies today. Bollywood is huge and inclusivity has made it even bigger.”
The actor, who is also open to international content, was recently seen in a Swedish short film, With You. This marked her return to a Swedish project after 13 years. So, what drove her towards it? “This opportunity came to me a couple of years ago when I felt I wanted to act in my mother tongue. I’ve always been a hardcore Bollywood fan, but I decided to do something different,” she says.
What makes this project special for the actor is the positive message it conveys on mental health: “I really wanted to be part of something that could help us spread light.”
AvrRam’s performance in the project won her the award for the best actress at the Stockholm City Film Festival 2021. “It left me shocked,” she says.
So how important are awards for her? “The one that I won for With You is, of course, special, as no one knows me in Sweden. I know that they have given me the award based on my performance,” shares the Mickey Virus (2013) actor, adding that it has motivated her to work in more Swedish projects in the coming days.
How Elli AvrRam played Cupid in Evelyn Sharma’s love story
8:11 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (June 13, 2021)
In late 2018, Tushaan completed his work assignments in Mumbai and was ready to relocate to Australia. That was when Elli insisted he go on a blind date with her best friend Evelyn, before he left India. “I never believed in love at first sight until I met Tushaan. We knew that night that we would want to spend our life together,” says Evelyn.
She made the decision to leave behind her original home in Germany and India at the start of the Coronavirus pandemic in March 2020 for life with Tushaan in Australia. “It’s been a big adjustment to move to a whole new country without being able to see your family and friends, but it is all worth it for a life with my soulmate,” Evelyn added.
Commenting on their secret wedding, Elli says, “Since I know both Evelyn and Tushaan, I just had this strong feeling that they would be perfect for each other, a complete power couple! Today, I’m so happy seeing these two beautiful souls being happily married. There’s no better feeling than this! I wish them forever greatness in their journey together.”
Tushaan shared that everyone should have a friend like Elli.
It’s quite confusing there. No one wears masks in Sweden but they do maintain social distancing-Elli AvrRam
8:02 AM
Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 24, 2021)
A few days back, Elli AvrRam came back to Mumbai from Sweden, where she spent the past month in the company of her loved ones. She reveals that while her family was worried about her travel back to India amid the second wave of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, she had to come back since she has to move to a new apartment in the city.
Currently quarantining in her pad, she shares, “I was supposed to be back much earlier but due to the rise in the cases in the city, I kept pushing my return flight. I had to come back now because I need to move out of my present apartment.”
The Inside Edge 2 actor adds, “It’s a scary situation, but I tried to not be scared while travelling. In fact, my parents and friends were more worried. I’m trying to not worry and I’m making sure to follow all home quarantine rules.”
She says that the Covid situation in Sweden is strange. “It’s quite confusing there. No one wears masks in Sweden but they do maintain social distancing and follow Covid-related rules at restaurants and stores. To be honest, everyone there is so chill about the virus. I didn’t meet most of my friends. I didn’t want to catch the virus and pass it on to my parents or my grandmother,” she narrates.
As AvrRam looks forward to resuming her shoots, she stresses on the need to not panic. “I’m eager to start shooting but I’ll make sure that things are taken care of properly. I believe that it’s important to not feed fear because fear has the power to destroy us,” she signs off.
Everyone who manage to sustain in Bollywood should get a separate award for it-Elli AvrRam
8:02 AM
Nishad Neelambaran (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 8, 2021)
Last year was not that great for anyone, but for Elli AvrRam, even though 2020 was a dull year, there were a few positives that helped her in life. “2019 was terrible [year for me] and extremely emotionally tough because my brother was diagnosed with brain tumour. My brother is everything for me. That’s when my deep journey started in terms of questioning life. By the beginning of 2020, we received good news and it lead to brighter days for us. So, my 2020 has been all about gratitude and enjoying every single moment in life,” she shares.
AvRam, 30, who was seen in Kis Kisko Pyar Karoon (2015), states that Bollywood is not an easy industry to sustain. “It’s extremely difficult. I feel, everyone who manage it should get a separate award for it. You have to be so strong mentally and physically to be able to carry on and not give up,” she says, adding, “Personally, there have been times where I’ve felt I can’t do it anymore, and that’s only because I don’t have my family here. When family is physically around, it’s easier to go through struggles, but alone it’s much harder.”
The Malang (2020) actor believes that OTT platforms has been a boon for actors. “For actors, I will say, yes, it has given many talented actors an opportunity to show what they truly are about. We are discovering some great performances by actors, who normally never got much of a chance,” she concludes.
Aamir Khan halts Laal Singh Chaddha schedule to shoot for dance number in Amin Hajee's directorial debut
8:22 AM
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; January 28, 2021)
Aamir Khan winged his way to Jaipur earlier this week. But you're mistaken if you think the on-screen adventures of Laal Singh Chaddha have taken him to the Pink City. The superstar, who has been relentlessly working on the Advait Chandan-directed venture, has taken a break from the current schedule to film a dance number for long-time friend Amin Hajee's directorial debut, Koi Jaane Na.
"When Amin told Aamir about turning to direction with the psychological thriller, the actor was thrilled. He agreed to make a special appearance in the project, in a heartbeat. Over the next five days, Aamir will be shooting for the song with Elli AvrRam at a Jaipur studio, where a huge set has been created. Composed by Tanishk Bagchi and written by Amitabh Bhattacharya, the number will be choreographed by Bosco and Caesar," reveals a source.
For the uninitiated, Khan and Hajee have been close friends over the past two decades — the latter had slipped into the role of the speech-impaired drummer, Bagha, in Lagaan (2001). Hajee also played Vir Singh in the superstar's 2005 period piece, Mangal Pandey: The Rising. His directorial debut features Kunal Kapoor and Amyra Dastur.
Elli AvrRam bags an author-backed role in the series 7th Sense; also stars R Madhavan and Prateik Babbar
8:11 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (August 8, 2020)
Elli AvrRam is extremely happy with the appreciation that she has received for her performance as Jessie in Mohit Suri’s Malang, which released in February this year. She feels that the film has given her a new lease of life at the movies and she’s now being considered for some very good projects.
The actress also thinks that the film has helped create a different perception of her in the movie business. Elli says, “I think it has definitely got me a lot of respect. I am being offered some terrific films, which wasn’t the case before. I am thrilled that the audience is recognising my work and talent.” She further adds, “Since the release of Malang on an OTT platform, I have been getting messages from people, who didn’t get to watch it in the theatres.”
After Malang, Elli will be seen in a powerful, author-backed role in the series, 7th Sense. Speaking about it, she shares, “I am very excited about this role. The audiences will get to see me playing a very different character in the series. Since it’s a murder mystery, I can’t reveal more than this, but it’s a meaty role and a super cool script.” The shooting of the thriller, which also features a talented cast including R Madhavan and Prateik Babbar, among others, begins this month.
Apart from 7th Sense, the actress has also signed other interesting projects. “I am looking forward to my next two movies — one is a family comedy, and the other is a sweet, but different love story. Along with these films, I am also in talks for another strong, female-oriented movie,” she signs off.
16 questions that Sushant Singh Rajput's death left behind
9:01 AM
It’s two weeks since actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s death and these issues refuse to die down. We get 16 celebs to answer questions that trigger a fresh debate everyday
Juhi Chakraborty, Shreya Mukherjee and Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; June 27, 2020)
CAN BOLLYWOOD BE CALLED ONE BIG FAMILY?
MANOJ BAJPAYEE: No, it is not a big family, I don’t get fooled. We are scattered, fragmented, there are different groups, I don’t belong to any of them. On the first day post Satya (1998), I had decided I will only focus on roles offered to me, work on my terms and conditions. But yes, eventually, the industry will have to come together, if not now, tomorrow. It will have to be democratic. Let’s see.
IS THIS A WAKE-UP CALL FOR OUT-OF-WORK ACTORS TO SEEK HELP?
SAYANI GUPTA: Yes. All actors, and in fact all of us, irrespective of our profession, should seek therapy because life today is much more stressful than it used to be for the previous generation. And the internet/ social media adds to it. We all go through ups and downs in this cut-throat world and speaking to a counsellor helps in getting a fresh perspective. Therapy should be a must, from school and through your work life.
DOES NEPOTISM POSE A THREAT TO ‘OUTSIDERS’?
TAAPSEE PANNU: Yes it does, but so does a threat of being cheated, of being sexually harassed, and the threat of social media trials for sometimes no fault. And all these are equally harmful for a new talent. I have lost films and opportunities to someone under the umbrella of nepotism but I refuse to blame it for every hurdle and not give a strong fight. There are advantages and also disadvantages of being a star kid, and being an outsider.
IS IT TOUGH TO GET INTO CAMPS, POWER TABLES?
DAISY SHAH: This is in all industries. But you’re forgetting many ‘favourites’ have not got a flourishing career. I feel indicating at these ‘camps’ isn’t going to help you be successful. Everyone is working hard. The path they embark upon, on the road to success, is subjective. Some are lucky to have a helping hand. It’s an unfortunate fact of life, we should all make peace with it.
DO TV ACTORS STILL FIGHT FOR ACCEPTANCE?
MRUNAL THAKUR: Everybody in Bollywood goes through their share of struggles. When I started, I faced the stereotype that TV actors can’t be a part of the film industry. I realised I can break this if I work on my craft. I also got rid of my Marathi accent… I was also under a lot of pressure to be on social networking sites. If you’re talented, do your job well, people will support you. Struggles I went through made me better.
CAN REJECTIONS MAKE ONE DOUBT THEIR WORTH?
SHREYAS TALPADE: You get your first film and, if it works, you feel you’ve arrived. But when you get rejected soon after, you tend to question your capabilities. Most get wiser with experience. After Iqbal (2005), I auditioned for a film. The director said I don’t fit in comedy as I’ve got a serious image. After Golmaal Returns (2008), he said he misjudged my talent. You can’t make all happy, but can work on your abilities and make yourself happy.
IS THERE A CONSTANT FEAR OF BEING OUT OF THE INDUSTRY IF FILMS FLOP?
AAHANA KUMRA: We’re living in a world where your success is measured by how much money your product makes. That happens in most businesses, not just Bollywood. Having said that, yes outsiders don’t get enough chances. But, a child from the film industry will get chance after chance... We may get one film and if we don’t deliver, we may not be considered for another, so that’s the challenge.
CAN FEAR OF FAILURE PUSH ONE TO GIVE UP ON LIFE?
ADHYAYAN SUMAN: Ending your life isn’t the solution, but the pressure is 10-fold in the Hindi film industry, because there’s not just money involved, but also this delusional thing called ‘fame’. When you don’t achieve that, having people around you is important, but it’s crucial to know this is very temporary. I struggled in the last seven-eight years, and didn’t get the right work. Today, I am building my life back again, slow and steady.
DO PEOPLE SIDELINE NOT-SO-SUCCESSFUL ACTORS?
SIKANDAR KHER: In no way do I think that this a cultural thing. This, the film industry, is a business like any other. If you are doing well, your films are doing well, you are “successful”, then work will come easily to you. But if things aren’t going well with you and your career, then it will be tougher and tougher to get work. You just have to keep your head down and try to get more work. That’s all you can do really.
IS MENTAL HEALTH A KEY YET NEGLECTED SUBJECT?
DIVYA DUTTA: It is not about discussing, it is who to discuss with, how to discuss it. You will be judged instantly. Arre yaar usko toh yeh hai aur firr do jagah aur baat ho jaayegi. It will not help a person with a mental health issue. But are others doing anything? No. We have to look within first. Unless you have strong family and friend support, it’s difficult. We just say hi to one another but beyond that it’s a solo journey.
DO ACTORS HIDE THEIR DEPRESSION AS THEY FEAR BEING JUDGED?
JASMIN BHASIN: As an actor we’ve got a lot of extra pressures. And many do fear about work getting affected if someone comes to know of their mental state. I’ve experienced depression and could deal with it because of my family and friends. Those who matter should know about you. Everything about an actor is not for the public to know.
IS IT TRUE THAT ACTORS ARE QUITE VULNERABLE ?
SHAMA SIKANDER: This is a very difficult place to be in. You are so exposed. It can totally torment you. Yes it absolutely does push you in dark zones because it is the toughest profession ever. There is so much competition. Everybody is ready to do everything and a person who does that is chosen over another who is probably more talented. Whoever survives in the industry is very strong.
CAN REPEATED MOCKING AND RIDICULING BREAK ONE’S CONFIDENCE?
SUNIL GROVER: In my initial days, while doing a show, an actor came up to me and said I should be careful about what I say. I wasn’t known then, so I guess the trust factor was missing. Even now, before any show or award ceremony, I discuss certain jokes with actors in advance. I think one should laugh and not take ourselves so seriously. It’s also important to be sensitive towards another person’s sentiments.
DOES TOXICITY ON SOCIAL MEDIA AFFECT ONE’S EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING?
ADAH SHARMA: Yes, trolling does affect you emotionally. Even excluding someone can have a worse if not the same effect as trolling. For me, the toxicity hasn’t got out of hand on social media to be honest. I’ve also had practice dealing with enough toxicity in real life, so social media trolls are nothing. I’m also okay with criticism, toxic or constructive, as long as I’m allowed to participate in the race.
SHOULD WE REACH OUT TO AN ACTOR SHOWING SIGNS OF DEPRESSION?
DIVYANKA TRIPATHI DAHIYA: I feel taking lessons from this, the entertainment fraternity must change. All artistes go through a low phase. We should aim to develop empathy for our fellow actors/directors/ writers, instead of spotting competition in them and trying to demean, demoralise or ignore them. We must step into another’s shoes before commenting. Depression doesn’t happen overnight.
DO RELATIONSHIP RUMOURS PUT ONE UNDER MENTAL PRESSURE?
ELLI AVRRAM: It has affected my relationship, whatever I have had in my career so far. Sometimes it ends up destroying your relationship with that person. Many celebs want to get clicked by the paparazzi. You are a person who doesn’t do these things, but your partner might believe you are the one who has called them, and might start doubting that you are doing it as a PR activity. It spoils it, that’s sad.
Image: Disha Patani has a video chat with the Malang team
8:34 AM
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 8, 2020)
With video calling the order of the day, team Malang has found a way to stay connected. While Aditya Roy Kapur and director Mohit Suri regularly discuss their next, Do Villain, virtually, the rest of the team can only look forward to the end of the lockdown so they can party together again. For now, there’s a Whatsapp group to revisit inside jokes and anecdotes from the sets.
On Wednesday, Disha Patani had a “quarantine reunion” with her “favourite boys”, Anil Kapoor, Kunal Kemmu and Aditya. According to a source, the conversation revolved mostly around fitness since all four of them are high on the ‘F’ factor these days and they revealed how they are keeping themselves busy. “Positive vibes only,” Disha insisted and AK boomed in his best Gabbar imitation, “Yeh haath mujhe de de Thakur.”
The actress retorted, “Aisa muscular haath to for sure.” When Elli AvrRam commented, “Jisse sach mein mar gayi,” Disha reassured her, saying, “Arey nahiii, my favourite girl is missing.” The team that chats together stays together.
Disha and Adi are in the Ek Villian sequel. Will Mohit write AK and Kunal in, too?
Elli AvrRam collapses due to exhaustion
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Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; October 18, 2019)
Elli AvrRam was spotted in a wheelchair at the Mumbai airport recently, leaving people worried about her health. The actress was on her way back from Delhi.
When we reached out to Elli, she told us, “I was fine the entire day. I had just finished my first dance act at a corporate event in Delhi, when I started feeling dizzy. Initially, I thought that maybe, I was dehydrated or my blood pressure had dropped. So, I took salt and sugar with water, but it didn’t help. I then became breathless and collapsed. I woke up at the hospital. All I could think of was, how do I quickly get well so that I can go back to performing the second act of my performance. I love my work, but I guess sometimes, we ignore what our body is trying to tell us.”
The doctor told Elli that exhaustion was the cause of her situation. Now back in Mumbai, the actress is resting it out for a few days. She concluded, "I have been told that there's nothing to worry. I am much better now.”
Check out Sidharth Malhotra and Elli AvrRam in Jabariya Jodi's item song 'UP Hile Zilla Hile'
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Sidharth Malhotra retraces his steps to his debut film with a track in his next which also features Elli AvrRam
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 10, 2019)
Mirror had earlier reported (June 26) that the makers of the upcoming rom-com Jabariya Jodi have recreated the Bhojpuri folk song, “Kashi Hile Patna Hile” which features as leading man Sidharth Malhotra’s entry sequence in the film alongside Elli AvrRam in a special appearance. The modern-day rendition by Tanishk Bagchi is titled “UP Hile Zilla Hile” and is a peppy dance number shot on the streets of Patna. “This is my first massy song with a lot of desi thumkas. The choreographer (Adil Shaikh) has got the flavour of Patna in the moves, and the audience will get to see me in a new avatar,” informs Sidharth, adding that the sequence shows him in a baraat. “Since our film is about groom kidnapping, the song lends to the story. From my recent films, this is the most commercial entry that I have had. I enjoyed its filminess.”
The 34-year-old actor goes on to praise his co-star in the song. “Elli is a fabulous dancer. We needed a girl who I could sing to according to the lyrics and situation. It’s a massive marriage procession with my gang and I dancing around her,” Sidharth informs, adding that the song has rarely been heard in Hindi films in the last two decades. “Our take on the original is modern with a unique flavour of harmonium and humorous lyrics.”
Incidentally, the actor was introduced through the song, “Kukkad”, in his debut film, Student of The Year, as well and hopes that “UP Hile Zilla Hile” from the Ekta Kapoor and Shailesh R Singh production will have the same impact. “I am usually introduced through scenes. With this, I go back to my debut film. 'Kukkad' did great things for me, I hope this one does the same,” he concludes on a positive note.
Elli AvrRam adds a Bhojpuri twist to Jabariya Jodi song
7:58 AM
Duo shot for the leading man’s introductory song that adds to the film’s local flavour
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 26, 2019)
Sidharth Malhotra and Parineeti Chopra’s upcoming film, Jabariya Jodi, which is set in Bihar and revolves around the practice of groom-kidnapping, has added a regional twist by way of a song. Mirror has learnt that in a special turn, Elli AvrRam joins Sidharth for his introductory sequence in the film, which is a recreated version of the popular Bhojpuri number, “Kashi Hile Patna Hile”.According to a source close to the development, the song was shot a during the film’s UP schedule. “Since the entire film is set in Bihar, Ekta (Kapoor, producer) felt it would be best to recreate a local song. It’s a fun song with a lot of ‘nok-jhok’ between Sid and Elli in a marriage procession,” the source revealed, adding that the song is titled “UP Hile”.
The Prashant Singh directorial was slated to release on July 12, however it got pushed by a couple of weeks to get a clear release window on August 2. “The basic tune of the original track has been retained, but the vocals were rewritten to make it more palatable for a pan-Indian audience. Sid plays a rustic character with an element of quirk, and the introductory song sets the template for what is to follow in rest of the film,” the source revealed.
“Apart from ‘Kashi Hile’, the team has also recreated a hit Punjabi song that features Parineeti with Sid,” the source signed off.
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