Sonil Dedhia (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 6, 2020)

“I have never been so occupied on a daily basis,” says Elli AvRam, who has been doing many things since the Coronavirus lockdown began. “I feel the day just goes by. I love dance but because of my shooting schedule, I would hardly get time. But I have been dancing a lot now. I’ve taken to painting, and have even started writing. I also talk a lot to my friends. It’s really funny because I feel I have become more social these days. In fact, right now, work is the last thing on my mind as I just want things to get back to normal.”

Unlike many people, the actor says she hasn’t watched much television and has taken time to introspect, “I haven’t binge watched a single series as I have kept myself busy doing creative things. I love cooking, and I have been doing it a lot. There is a lot of me time available and I am enjoying it.”

Avram, who was a participant in Bigg Boss, says that the reality show somehow prepared her for the lockdown, “I think, subconsciously, living in the Bigg Boss house made me adjust staying in the same place. I’m not frustrated or anxious. In fact, inside the house, we had other people to interact with, right now I am on my own. But I have social media and my phone, so I can’t complain,” she signs off.

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 20, 2018)

Mirror had earlier reported (Sept 26) that Urmila Matondkar’s chartbuster “Chamma Chamma,” from Rajkumar Santoshi’s 1998 film China Gate, is being recreated for the Arshad Warsi-starrer Fraud Saiyyan. The film is produced by Prakash Jha and directed by Sourabh Shrivastava. Now, we have learnt that Swedish actress Elli AvrRam has been roped in to step into Urmila’s shoes.

A source reveals, “The song is composed by Tanishk Bagchi and will also feature Arshad and Saurabh Shukla. Romi, Arun and Neha Kakkar have given playback for the song which also features rap by Ikka. The song will be directed and choreographed by Adil Shaikh. Shooting begins today at a Mumbai studio.”

Elli, when contacted, said, “I love the song and adore Urmila in it. I hope I can match her energy and enigma in the song.”

According to Adil, the song will be desi with a dash of goth. “Elli will be surrounded by a lot of back-up dancers, just like in the original,” he added.

Elli Avram is looking at making some serious headway in her career this year
Manishaa R (DNA; January 8, 2017)

She did not have a release in 2016, but Kis Kisko Pyar Karoon actress, Elli Avram is looking at making some serious headway in her career this year. Fresh from her holiday in Sweden, where she flew down to ring in the New Year with her grandparents, Elli is excited about her character in Naam Shabana, the prequel to Baby in which she will be seen sharing screen space with Akshay Kumar. Elli has a brief but pivotal role in the film. “It is a well-defined role. Two things that got me excited about the film was the fact that it was being produced by Neeraj Pandey, which was like a red line, considering the kind of films he makes. Plus, Akshay Kumar starring in it gave it an even bigger edge,” says Elli.

The Swedish-Greek actress, who made her Hindi film debut with Mickey Virus, says that she has a wish list of working with several Bollywood stars, but Akshay tops the list, “I have always wanted to work with Akshay-sir. I have worked with him in a few commercial ads and I was delighted when I got this particular offer.” The actress is all praise for Akshay, “He is fun to work with and he keeps you entertained with his sense of humour. But the best thing about him is the way he has disciplined himself and lives by the rules. He is someone I really look up to,” she says.

She recalls the time when she first learnt about Akshay before she teamed up with him for a commercial, “I had read an article about his lifestyle, his routine and how he retired for the day by 9 pm. When I worked with him, I saw that he never compromised on his discipline. He is so grounded despite being so successful and I like his humility,” she says.

BOMBAY TIMES (December 5, 2016)

Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 15, 2016)

 
BOMBAY TIMES (February 13, 2016)

Mohar Basu (BOMBAY TIMES; December 15, 2015)

Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; November 26, 2015)

Subhash K Jha (DNA; November 19, 2015)


The newbie pooh-poohs rumours of him dating Elli Avram and now, Amy Jackson. “These are friends. I have lots of friends in my age group in the film industry, who I was not able to meet for a very long time because I was busy with my first film Hero. Now that I’m between films, this is a good time to catch up with everyone.”

So no affair with Amy? “None at all. What can I do if I am at the same venue as these girls, they take pictures of us chatting together and people decide we were together at the venue?”

Sooraj is very clear he has no time or inclination to be in a relationship. “I haven’t dated or even interacted properly with any girl after my last relationship (with Jiah Khan). It’s not that I am afraid of falling in love again. In fact, I am waiting for it to happen. But sadly, there is nobody. There has been nobody in the past three years.”

He is busy preparing for his next film. “Right now, I’m putting in as many hours as possible to train for my next film. So I don’t see any chance of love happening. In any case, I’d never date a girl from the film industry. It has to be someone not connected with the entertainment world.”

Subhash K Jha (DNA; September 27, 2015)

Everyone familiar with Kapil Sharma’s Comedy Nights knows about his crazy infatuation with Deepika Padukone. Kapil’s colleagues from Comedy Nights giggle about how Ranveer Singh is pissed with Kapil who carries his Deepika torch to unbearable heights of glorification. Sources reveal Kapil was keen that Deepika and no other leading lady play his love interest in his debut film Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon. But Deepika was busy with Bajirao Mastani and Tamasha. “Directors Abbas-Mastan who had worked with Deepika in Race 2 and shared a cordial rapport with her, did approach her. But she declined. More than her schedules, the role hardly justified Deepika’s presence. There are four girls with Kapil in the film. Kapil wanted Deepika to play his girlfriend. So they signed on Elli Avram for Kapil’s girlfriend’s role.” But here’s the catch. Elli has been named Deepika in the film. “That’s Kapil’s way of incorporating his favourite actress into his debut film. Kapil has told us he had to have Deepika in his first film. She’s not there in person. But very much present in spirit,” says a friend of Kapil.

Elli Avram, who was replaced in Housefull 3, says she had no idea Riteish Deshmukh had reservations about being paired with her
Upala KBR (DNA; August 27, 2015)

Housefull 3 has gone through its merry-go-round in casting as far as the actresses are concerned. While the male lead was locked with Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan and Riteish Deshmukh, Esha Gupta who was approached for the film earlier, was replaced by Nargis Fakhri. And Elli Avram who was approached to play the romantic lead opposite been Riteish Deshmukh was replaced by Lisa Haydon.

A source says, “Producer Sajid Nadiadwala and directors Sajid-Farhad were keen to cast Elli in the film. Almost everything from money to the dates was finalised, but Riteish had his reservations.

Says an insider, “He felt he deserved a bigger heroine to be paired with him. He requested his producer and director and that’s how Lisa was cast.”

When quizzed about it, Elli admits. “To my knowledge I am not doing the film. I met Sajid (Nadiadwala) for Housefull 3 where he briefed me about the project. I even met Sajid and Farhad who seemed keen to cast me, but I don’t know what happened after that as they didn’t get back to me. I don’t know if Riteish expressed his reservations, maybe he did. But it was certainly disappointing that it didn’t work out.”

Elli adds defiantly, “It’s fine! I am getting lots of offers after the trailer of my film Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon with Kapil Sharma. I don’t want to rush things now. I am in a very excited and happy space.”

Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 16, 2015)

Meet the latest Salman Khan protege who is all set to make a splash in Bollywood. No surprises that she is a firang beauty. The actor who has a fondness for foreign women has turned mentor for former Bigg Boss 8 contestant, Serbian model Natasa Stankovic.

Natasha, whose film credits include an item number in Prakash Jha's Satyagraha and a cameo in Action Jackson, will be seen as the leading lady in the thriller 7 Hours To Go. "Yes, I am aware that Salman has given a boost to the career of many actresses in Bollywood and I am lucky to not remain just an item girl. Thanks to him I have bagged a meaningful role," Natasa told Mirror.

Directed by Saurabh Varma, the film follows a man (Shiv Pandit) who comes to Mumbai looking for work and is an eyewitness to a murder. He ends up taking seven hostages and has only seven hours to figure out the mystery behind the crime.

Natasha who plays his love interest reveals that when she was leaving the Bigg Boss house, Salman told her that she needed to work on her Hindi. "He even told me whom I should train with to correct my accent," she says.

Interestingly, Varma had cast another of Bhai's firang fixation, former Bigg Boss contestant, Elli Avram, in, Mickey Virus. "I have had a long term connection with Bigg Boss and Salman Khan. Elli, was one of Salman's favourites and her presence on the show and her proximity to Bhai helped me promote my film," the director admitted.

Elli Avram talks about her equation with Salman Khan and clears the air on rumours about him hiring bodyguards for her
Sneha Mahadevan (DNA; April 14, 2015)


Though she does agree that Salman has helped her, she says her parents’ contribution to her career is also invaluable. “I have always loved Indian films and it’s been a dream to work in this industry. I have been in India for three years and am really blessed to have parents who have supported me in everything from day one. Infact, my parents gifted me the rent for my first apartment for my 23rd birthday. After that, I was lucky to do well enough to get my own place and I hope this good fortune continues,” Elli says.

Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; March 17, 2015)

Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 19, 2015)

In December producer Sajid Nadiadwala told Mirror that he is ready with the script of Housefull 3. The cast of the third film in the hit franchise included the returning duo of Akshay Kumar and Riteish Deshmukh with Abhishek Bachchan completing the trio. It's Entertainment directors, Sajid-Farhad came on board to helm the project.

Then came the glamorous task of casting the trio of leading ladies. Kriti Sanon was the first to join the cast. But Mirror has learnt that the Heropanti actress has since been replaced by Jacqueline Fernandez. Jacky starred in Nadiadwala's directorial debut Kick and according to a source from the unit, Akshay is really impressed with her work in Karan Johar's Brothers in which she plays his wife.

"Jacky will be romancing Akshay in the film while Amy Jackson who replaced Kriti in Singh Is Bling has been cast opposite Abhishek Bachchan and Bigg Boss favourite Elli Avram will woo Riteish Deshmukh," informed the source.

Director Sajid Samji refused to discuss the cast but informed that the film will roll in July. "Ninety per cent of the film will be shot in London since the destination has proved lucky for Sajid sir earlier," he added.

Valentine's Day is over but the fever goes on for a long time. If you suffered from the blues because you're single, don't fret. We have some Bollywood celebs sharing insights on why being single rocks. They also have some tips to lift up your mood this Valentine weekend
Urmimala Banerjee (MID-DAY; February 15, 2015)

Flowers, chocolates, candle-light dinners and hopefully solitaires, Valentine's Day has become an occasion filled with great excitement and sense of celebration. It is a particularly gala time for couples, who do a lot of advance planning about what to gift, where to dine and how to dress for that 'special day'.

In such a situation, it's not unusual for singles to feel down and depressed. However, being single is not as bad as it seems. If, you don't believe us, we have some single B-Town celebs to vouch for it. And that's not all. We also have them dole out tips on how to make your Valentine weekend a truly exciting and a fun-filled one.

Varun Dhawan, actor
Being single is a lot of fun. One can always enjoy oneself as long as it does not hurt anyone.
Tip: I would tell every single guy to have fun, flirt and enjoy life to the fullest. After all, we live only once.


Nimrat Kaur, actor
I feel it rocks to be single — you don't take yourself for granted. I find that very sexy as you celebrate yourself a lot more. Also, it's easier to re-invent and explore yourself when you are single.
Tip: Though I am single, I never felt the blues on Valentine's Day. I am always excited about it. I feel that singles shouldn't drown themselves in self-pity. Instead, they should try and do something special for their loved ones. Love need not only be for a partner, it can be for a mentor or friend too.


Amy Jackson, actor
Being a strong, independent single woman on Valentine's Day is actually super sexy. You are confident enough to stand on your own two feet and love yourself. Raise a toast to girl power!
Tip: Plan a weekend movie and dinner date, but do it with a twist. Invite your gal pals over and make your own personalised cocktails and nibbles and then head out for the infamous 50 Shades of Grey movie.


Neha Dhupia, actor
I feel being single is awesome. Your time is 100 per cent yours. Plus, you can have loads of friends and go on as many dates as you want. I am not advocating promiscuity, but I know people who are in relationships yet behave like they're single. At least, as a single person, you're true to yourself. And that's a nice feeling.
Tip: Nothing lifts up your mood more than some fine wine, a great meal and company of good friends and family. You don't need to be in a relationship for this. So, head out for a nice dinner or brunch.


Sarah Jane Dias, actor
Single people have more freedom as compared to those who are dating. This allows them to make plans for themselves instead of two people.
Tip: Go on a holiday on your own and discover yourself!


Kriti Sanon, actor
I think it's amazing to be single. It allows you to focus on yourself and do things what you have always wanted to, be it read, travel or paint. It means a lot more 'me time'. You can catch up with your old friends, have sleepovers with your girlfriends and go anywhere anytime.
Tip: I think Valentine's Day is just about celebrating love. Go out with your closest friends or family. Pamper yourself with a nice meal and spa treatment. Make sure your near and dear ones have a great time. It will make you truly happy.


Swara Bhaskar, actor
I would tell every single person not to feel sad over Valentine's Day. It is a day that we designed to make couples feel wonderful and singles wistful! Singles can always do some fun things to raise their spirits.
Tip: Organise a reunion with your school or college buddies. If there's anything that can beat romance it is old friendships and memories of childhood bonhomie. I am sure there are some singles lurking among old friends too. You can also celebrate your single status with a fun bash that has flirtatious games that singles can play without feeling guilty. Couples can join the party only if they bring a single friend with them. You can also encourage your mom and dad to celebrate V-Day in their own manner.


Esha Gupta, actor
God loves those who love themselves, so we should make it an occasion for us.
Tip: I think people should treat themselves to a good spa treatment. An excellent massage is the perfect antidote to many blues. A nice dinner with other single friends is fun too.


Mohit Marwah, actor
The best thing about being single is perhaps the fact that you are not answerable to anyone. You do what you wish all the time.
Tip: Guys who are single can join their buddies for a film or a nightout at a sports bar. When I was in college, I remember getting together with my other single friends and teasing those guys whose girls were giving them a hard time (no pun intended).


Prachi Desai, actor
Being single can be very liberating. You don't have to worry about breakup pains. Moreover, you can watch all the romantic films you want to without someone commenting. And you can wear what you want.
Tip: Just think how lucky you are to be able to spend some quality alone time as opposed to fussing over your partner. So, go ahead and pamper yourself.


Rana Daggubati, actor
The word 'single' and its association is always a merry one. It's because you are not really responsible or pulled up by someone else. That's a great feeling to have.
Tip: Trust me, singles are there in this world for a reason. And it's a great space to be in.


Elli Avram, actor
Being single is one of the most underrated pleasures of life. It gives you time to reconnect with yourself and do all the things you love.
Tip: Just spend your weekend doing something that you enjoy the most. You will feel great.


Mugdha Godse, actor
You find love when you're ready for it. It is great to be in love, but it's lovely being single as well. You need not rack you brains on what to gift and you can be happy in your own space.
Tip: There is nothing better than having a quiet day to rejuvenate. So, don't fret.


Kanika Kapoor, singer
Being single is very cool as you have all the independence you want. You are free to lead your life in your own way. It's a beautiful feeling. Also, as a single person you can look forward to finding love, which is pretty thrilling.
Tip: I feel people should be happy irrespective of whether they're single or in a relationship. It's a state of mind, after all.


Zareen Khan, actor
It's great to be in love, but at times it's good to be single and be your own boss. Being single is great as you are not answerable to anyone. It's great not to live by V-Day rules.
Tip: It's nice to only think of oneself while shopping and spend time with family.


Mika Singh, singer
I feel that being single allows me to concentrate solely on my work, which is pretty crucial in an industry like ours. Also, it lets me lead my life the way I want to. The best part of being single is that I can entertain other couples on Valentine's Day. This would not be possible if I had a girlfriend.
Tip: A single guy can use Valentine's Day or the weekend as an opportunity to strike up a friendship with a girl. I would tell every guy to commit to a girl only if he is serious about her.

DNA (October 20, 2014)