Showing posts with label Farida Jalal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Farida Jalal. Show all posts
My talent is still untapped-Farida Jalal
9:32 AM
The veteran actor talks about the success of Welcome To The Jungle and the unfulfilled wish she still has in her long and illustrious career
Medha Shri Dahiya (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 6, 2026)
Few actors can boast the longevity and continued relevance that Farida Jalal has enjoyed, remaining one of the most enduring and active performers in the industry till date. Her latest film, Welcome to the Jungle, is a testament to her prowess, and she is enjoying the immense love that it has brought to her. “God’s kind! Compliments are flowing in from everyone... This is our reward as actors,” says Jalal.
The veteran actor recalls her character was fleshed out quite spontaneously. “Akshay (Kumar, actor), Ahmed (Khan, director) and I were sitting together when Akshay suddenly got a call and the girl on the other end kept jabbering. After the call ended, Akshay said ‘everyone knows you for your dialogue delivery.. Let’s have you do something without proper dialogues now’, and I thought, let’s give it a shot,” shares the 77-year-old.
The film was as much a laugh riot behind the scenes as it is on screen. “It was one royal picnic. Everyone had fun and took care of each other, especially Akshay and Ahmed who looked after everyone,” she says.
The film’s success just adds to her feeling of gratitude. “The world still remembers my first film Aradhana (1969). People come to me, hold my hands and share how my character in various films impacted them or their lives. It’s rewarding. If God asks me, I’d say in all my next lives too, I’d want the same life, the same career,” she gushes.
Jalal has some iconic films to her name, including Bobby (1973), Henna (1991), Mammo (1994) and Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995), among others. Yet, there is still one unfulfilled wish she has in her long and illustrious career.
“Many times, I felt I was boxed in as a mother figure. I wanted to play challenging roles, maybe a lawyer, a doctor, or something unexpected. Nobody has really touched that side of me at all, my talent is still untapped. Hardly anyone has seen what I can really do. I want to tell filmmakers that let me show you what I am capable of. Give me a negative role, let me surprise you. But I am not the kind of person who doesn’t go out and ask for work. So, there is a slight pain there,” she ends.
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“Welcome To The Jungle shoot was one royal picnic. Everyone had fun and took care of each other, especially Akshay and Ahmed (Khan, director), who looked after everyone... Compliments are flowing in from everyone, and this is our reward as actors.”
I miss Rajesh Khanna so much-Farida Jalal
9:22 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 2, 2026)
Veteran actress Farida Jalal turned back the clock recently as she lit up the stage of Indian Idol, recreating one of Bollywood’s most cherished moments from Aradhana. Seated gracefully on a swing alongside host Aditya Narayan, the actor brought alive the iconic track Baghon Mein Bahar Hain, originally picturised on her and Rajesh Khanna.
“It was very nostalgic,” Farida told us, her voice tinged with emotion. “I enjoy watching song and dance-based reality shows. I enjoy singing, so it was fun being on Indian Idol. Recreating the whole scene took me back in time.” The production team left no stone unturned. “They had put up a swing just like it was in the original song. I remember Kaka (Rajesh Khanna) and I going around it and ultimately sitting on it. I miss him so much.”
Opening up about her memories with Rajesh Khanna, she added, “In the beginning, I felt it was hard to get along with him. But later on, I realised he was the warmest person on set. We became very friendly by the time we finished the film.”
The bond only grew stronger post-release. “We began meeting often during the film’s success celebrations — from silver jubilee to diamond jubilee. Aradhana was such a hit film,” she said.
The actress shared a health update after she was recently seen attending an event with support. “I have a slip disc, so I’m not walking properly. I have to hold on to my son’s hand.”
However, she remains optimistic about her recovery. “The doctor has said that in a couple of months I will be fine and I will be able to walk again. Once I’m good, I will be back on sets. I am definitely going to do films.”
Farida Jalal is one actor who never really got her due-Juhi Babbar
8:21 AM
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; December 9, 2025)
Before meeting director Anusha Rizvi for The Great Shamsuddin Family, Juhi Babbar had not been familiar with her work. So, she was surprised by Rizvi’s firm belief that Babbar was the perfect fit for the eldest daughter of the Shamsuddin family.
“She had already seen my plays. We met at Prithvi Theatre and she was acting so friendly, telling me she knew me inside out, describing to me how I sit, pose, and talk. But it was the first time we were meeting. What amazed me is that she was so sure she wanted me for this character,” Babbar shares. She is only glad she surrendered to her director’s vision, as the JioHotstar film brought her together with co-stars she now calls friends — especially Kritika Kamra and Shreya Dhanwanthary.
“For a family film like this, it is important that we have the correct bonding. Actors need to gel with each other. And Anusha tried that with a workshop. She called us before the shoot, but somehow it didn’t really turn out like a workshop. It became about blocking scenes. However, through that we created our own bond. I thank whoever up there planned it this way for the three of us, Kritika, Shreya and me. It was important that three of us were [emotionally] aligned as we play sisters,” she says.
The Great Shamsuddin Family also stars Sheeba Chadha, Purab Kohli, and veteran actor Farida Jalal, who makes selective screen appearances now. Babbar, a longtime admirer of Jalal, cannot stop gushing about the experience of working with her. “I absolutely loved working with Farida ji,” she says.
Apparently, Babbar’s mother Nadira has also been a fan since watching Jalal’s earliest films, dating back to the 1960s. “Mammo [1994] is one of my favourite films of Farida ji. I feel that she is one actor who never really got her due. A film like Mammo came, but didn’t get noticed the way it should have been. I feel sad that so many female actors of that generation and bracket did not get their due and roles,” she says.
Let’s not curate a perfect childhood for our kids or interfere in their school life-Shruti Seth
8:15 AM
Popular VJ Shruti Seth became a household name when she starred as a teen with magical powers in hit sitcom ‘Shararat’ in the early 2000s. Her comic timing earned her many fans and roles over the years. But her focus has changed from eliciting quick laughs to inspiring enduring happiness. Seth, who is now a certified mental wellness coach, spoke to Neha Bhayana about her daughter, modern-day parenting and stress in kids
Neha Bhayana (THE TIMES OF INDIA; January 12, 2025)
You posted that your daughter is ‘10 going on 17’. Is it difficult to deal with the transition to teenhood?
I feel like I am on a roller coaster in the dark. I have no idea where I’m going, what I’m doing. The toddler phase was so easy in comparison. You’re the voice of God. You can say nothing wrong. There has clearly been a departure from that luxury. I’m being a bit dramatic though (laughs). My daughter is actually a lovely child. The best thing about her is that she has been a lover of books from the day she could read. We lose her to books all the time. I think as kids grow, they feel the need for us to be invisible. We need to learn to step back. We may need to impose slightly stricter rules that may not be accepted with a lot of grace. But at the same time, your children need to know that they can talk to you about anything. My husband (filmmaker Danish Aslam) and I have told Alina that she never needs to lie to us. No matter how big a disaster she is in, the first call needs to be to us. We may be angry, we may yell, but we won’t let anger hold us back from rescuing her. Whatever she has done, we would have also done it. So, nothing’s going to shock us. I wish I was able to tell my parents certain things, but they were a different generation. We hope to be a little more accepting. I have maintained an open dialogue with her from the time she was little. My husband thinks I have unnecessary emotional chats with her which will bite me in the backside eventually.
What are these chats about?
I have had the opportunity to understand human behaviour thanks to courses in mental health, so it has motivated me to start having certain conversations with my daughter early on. I started acknowledging her feelings to help her navigate the emotional landscape. For example, initially I did not want Alina to witness arguments between me and my husband. But my studies made me realize that discord is a big part of relationships and life. You can’t shield kids and make them feel life is all rainbows and unicorns. Now, we don’t pretend that we are not having an issue. But we do deliberately make it a point to tell her that she is no way responsible for our argument and we should be handling the situation better as adults. And, we say sorry to her if we have hurt her feelings. Even if there is an argument between her and me, I make it a point to tell her that even if I am upset with her, my love for her will not lessen. All that we are doing when we are having an argument is defending our own point of view. People do that and it is okay. I think what’s amazing is that these days schools are also attuned to the children’s growth mentally and physically. Her school focuses on emotional learning too. But that also comes with the additional burden that now kids tend to use psychological jargon loosely. “Mamma, don’t trigger me” or “Don’t give me trauma”. I think a lot of older kids talk like that these days and this is a bit problematic because I think that this generation also needs to build resilience.
The US surgeon general has dubbed parenting stress a serious health concern. As a mental health coach, where do you think modern parents are going wrong?
I think today’s parents have made parenting a huge project of their life. They want to give their child the most curated, well-rounded, enriched childhood. We are trying to do too much. I made that mistake initially. I wanted to be a super mom and do everything myself. I want to slap myself for that now. Parents should take all the help that’s available. Another thing I abhor is the involvement that parents have in schools these days. But today’s parents want to have a say in everything. They want to decide the school’s timetable. And, when some parent wants to step back, it is seen as not caring. I went to school when I was a kid; I don’t want to go to school now. My mother came to my school twice a year and that was fine. We pay hefty fees; we should let the school do their job.
We parents are also overcompensating for the lack of emotional upbringing we had. We are trying to shield our children from any kind of discomfort and trying to solve all their problems. And that is a huge problem. You have to let kids figure their way. And while it’s easy to just step in and handle things, the ability to step back and let her find her own way, even if she stumbles or breaks her heart, is important. Life does not treat any one with kid gloves. You are not going to be with your kids forever. You can’t take their exams for them, you can’t run their races for them, and you will not be able to hold their jobs for them. They’re going to have to do it. I once read that the proof of excellent parenting is your children functioning well in your absence. That’s something I aspire to do.
What’s your take on the trend of gentle parenting?
I don’t believe in the concept. It is nice to show patience to your child, but it is not always possible. Danish and I are not at all gentle parents. We tell her that if it was allowed, you’d get one or two on your backside. I’ve done multiple courses in trying to build patience. I have even done a course in Buddhism, but that hasn’t helped. Sometimes you lose it. And, that’s okay. I saw a TED talk by a child psychologist. She said, “You are allowed to lose your shit. You’re a human first, then a parent. Life is constantly happening around you. And, while the endeavour should be to stay calm and be patient, there will be days when life will get the better of you.” What needs to happen in that moment is that if you end up saying something unsavoury to your child, you have to apologize to your child for hurting their feelings and also do some repair work. When you say something harsh to your child that becomes the voice in their head. You need to extricate that before it gets embedded in their brain that “my mother is angry because I’m a bad child.” You have to explain to your child that you were angry because you did not handle your emotions better and that it is not the child’s fault.
Children like boundaries. I have asked my daughter many times if she would like me to pull back and stop telling her what to do. She was like, “No, you have to. You’re my mother. That’s your job.” I have also given her the liberty to tell me when I say something that hurts her feelings. I think parents need to get okay with this. Can you listen to your child saying you did this wrong? The ability to be criticized by your children and not take it personally is very important.
What inspired you to get into the mental health space?
Nothing has motivated me to want to better myself than having a kid. When I delivered Alina, I decided to go into therapy because I wanted to be a good parent. I did not want to pass on my trauma to my child. I grew up with a mother who was immensely paranoid. She is still extremely fearful, and that was the one thing she implanted in me and my brother. I know that her fear came from a place of protection and desire to save us from pain and discomfort. But when it is not done in the right measure, it can almost become debilitating. I struggled to shed the fear. But I am grateful to her for giving us a crazy amount of confidence which is an irreplaceable asset. So, I wanted to assess what I want to take with me and what I want to leave behind as I embarked on the journey of parenting. Therapy helped me understand myself better and also sparked an interest in studying the human mind. I started doing some certificate courses out of curiosity during the pandemic and eventually pursued courses in arts-based therapy, Buddhist psychology and a teacher’s training course in mindfulness meditation from Oxford.
How has your study of the mind influenced the way you parent?
I think I will not emotionally blackmail my daughter (“I won’t love you if you…”) as some parents end up doing. I have told Alina that I will always love her, no matter what. She does not have to excel in class or do anything to be rewarded with our love. That is hers forever. Another thing I have learnt is to not take anything personally. I am trying to quell my ego. So, even if Alina says something hurtful in the heat of the moment, I don’t take it personally.
Has your husband been equally involved in parenting?
He has been a 50:50 partner from the first day and has been involved in every diaper change, every burp and sleepless night. And, yet I initially felt he was not doing enough. I think women end up expecting their husbands to feel the same way about parenting responsibilities as they do. Only after speaking to fellow moms, I realized that we can’t be the same. He is the father and I am the mother. We are two different parents. You have to let people reach their own journeys of parenting. My husband told me, “You be as deeply involved as you want. I have a different equation with her. I don’t want to be another mother to her. I want to be a father to her.” I wish we had these conversations more often in pregnancy circles so that everyone has the right expectations. Women go through so many bodily and hormonal changes. They experience guilt and even self-loathing — “Oh, why is my body looking different? My work is suffering…my social life is compromised.” We expect the world to pause, but that does not happen. Babies are born every minute.
If you had to give one tip for happy parenting, what would it be?
Just be a happy person. Happy parents have happy kids. It’s literally that simple. Enjoy the moment with your kid, do goofy things, give lots of hugs, dance together, do craft. Most importantly, just let your kids be. Life will teach them things you will never be able to teach them. All you can do is equip them so they can learn the lessons when they come.
When I was expecting, Farida Jalal told me something I will never forget. She said that every day pray that “Mera bacha sabko dil aziz ho” ("My child should be loved by all”). I said that every day and I feel my daughter is receiving abundant love from all.
Stress has become rampant among kids. How can parents help their kids?
I think it is important for a parent to figure out who is planting that stress in the child. Ask yourself: “Am I giving my child that stress? Is the school planting stress? Is my child generally feeling stress around her peers?” If it is you, you have to check your own behaviour. Parents have to understand that no two children are the same. Some kids are outdoorsy, some are readers, some are musically inclined, some are emotionally intelligent and some are not. If your child shows an interest somewhere that is not the norm, you have to make them feel you are okay with it. Of course, I’d like my child to be a topper and ace every race. I need to tell her to aim for gold and then wherever she lands, it is okay. Do I want her to have a sleepless night because she did not get gold? No way. I am not saying one should not aspire to excel, but you have to accept your child’s strengths. Parents are often trying to learn a language, play a sport or excel at a musical instrument through their children. It’s unfair to kids. You had your chance at childhood. Don’t try to relive it through your children.
Do you think children should be taught to meditate?
Children are meditative by nature. They have a way of focusing on one task for hours and that is meditation. The problem is that life corrupts them. There is such an onslaught of information that it overwhelms the tiny humans. Meditation should be inculcated in schools or at homes.
You had recommended raisin/chocolate meditation in an interview. How can it help kids?
Raisin or chocolate meditation is a great tool for mindful eating as it engages all your senses. For children, it teaches them impulse control because you are given a piece of chocolate which you have to just look at, smell and lick, but you are not allowed to eat it. Everything in your brain starts to spark because you know what it tastes like. The instant desire is to pop it into our mouth, so it teaches kids to delay gratification. The world we live in is addicted to instant gratification; we don’t know how to wait for things to happen.
Fawad Khan to return to Indian theatres with Abir Gulaal; to release by mid-2025
8:36 AM
With Abir Gulaal wrapped up after a 37-day shoot in London, Pakistani heartthrob Fawad Khan set to return to Indian theatres in 2025 after nine years
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; December 28, 2024)
Those looking forward to watching Fawad Khan’s The Legend Of Maula Jatt (2022) were disappointed when the film’s India release was stalled again this October. But it looks like we’ll see the actor on the big screen in 2025. mid-day has learnt that Khan and Vaani Kapoor’s romantic comedy, Abir Gulaal, has been wrapped up and director Aarti S Bagdi is now readying it for a theatrical release. The film will mark the Pakistani actor’s return to Hindi cinema almost nine years after his last Bollywood offering, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016).
Sources tell us that beginning late September, the rom-com was shot in a straight schedule in London. The story revolves around two emotionally wounded people who inadvertently help each other heal.
A source from the unit reveals, “Abir Gulaal borrows its name from its lead characters. Fawad plays Abir, a London-based Indian chef, and Vaani, Gulaal, a traditional woman from Jaipur. The shoot began from September 29, with Aarti having planned a 40-day start-to-finish schedule. Filming was wrapped up in 37 days, as Vaani, Fawad and the supporting cast—including Lisa Haydon, Farida Jalal, Parmeet Sethi and Soni Razdan—were well-prepped. Initially the plan was to shoot a few scenes in Mumbai, but eventually, the entire shoot was conducted in London as the story is set against the British capital. Every technician, including designer Sheetal Sharma, was hand-picked from India. Now, the post-production is underway. A part of Fawad’s dubbing is left; that will be done online.”
Producer Vivek B Agrawal, who has been part of Udta Punjab (2016) and Vikram Vedha (2022), is aiming for a theatrical release between early and mid-2025. It may be noted that collaborations with Pakistani artistes had come to a grinding halt in Bollywood after the Uri attack in 2016. However, in October 2023, the Bombay High Court rejected a petition to ban cross-border collaborations, observing that doing so would be a step backward in promoting peace, unity, and cultural harmony. The makers are optimistic that Abir Gulaal, which is an Indian production, will have a smooth journey to the cinemas.
I feel angry that filmmakers have never seen me in a different light-Farida Jalal
2:58 PM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; July 31, 2024)
In a career spanning 50 years, Farida Jalal played leading parts long before she gracefully transitioned to the lovable maa and dadi roles in films and TV shows. The veteran actress, who was in the news sometime ago after attending the premiere of a web show in which she featured, was surprised by the way people reacted to what they called ‘a rare appearance’ by her.
She tells us, “I don’t know why people were so surprised to see me. It’s not like I have stopped working, I have been busy with various projects. It’s just that I have been away from the public glare, but that has always been the case with me.”
‘I’m waiting for a challenging role where I can showcase my versatility’
The Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge actress is happy that today, senior actors are making a comeback and hopes that filmmakers also offer her something beyond what she has been portraying all these years.
“I’m waiting for a challenging role where I can showcase my versatility. I feel ki chalo, ek aur maa ka role laaye, aur ek dadi ka role laaye mere liye. Same wahi sab kuch. I’m disappointed that makers don’t think I can do more than that. I want to do something exciting. My male counterparts got to do so much. From the late Amrish Puri to Anupam Kher, they played villains as well as comedians so well. They were not limited to playing only fathers or dadas on screen, but unfortunately, I have been given just one slot,” she says.
‘I have played mother and dadi to all the actors and I am happy about it’
The actress is making the most of whatever comes her way. “While I hope to get meatier roles, I am enjoying my work. I am an actor and would love to showcase more of what I can do. There is a lot I can offer, but nobody is tapping my talent. ‘Jeete raho beta, khush raho beta’ karti rahungi filmon mein. Meri mamta se koi nahi bacha hai... I keep saying that (laughs). I have played mother and dadi to all the actors and I am happy about it,” she says.
‘I will never stop working’
In 2020, Jalal was seen in the Saif Ali Khan-starrer Jawaani Jaaneman and Ittu Si Baat in 2022. She was recently seen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s web series, Heeramandi. Talking about her upcoming projects, she says, “I have completed a couple of projects, including Dua Qubool and a film in which late music composer Aadesh Shrivastava’s son is making his debut. I love my work and will never quit working.”
Farida Jalal joins the cast of Welcome To The Jungle
3:11 PM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 29, 2024)
Farida Jalal, 75, will be next seen in the upcoming Akshay Kumar-starrer Welcome To The Jungle, we’ve learnt. The veteran actor has already joined the cast of the comedy for the shoot in Mumbai. It’s the third instalment of the Welcome franchise. Kumar returns to the franchise after 2007.
“Farida ji takes up fewer projects nowadays due of her age and because she’s selective about the work she does,” says a source, adding, “However, she was on board when she heard the script and found it to be a family entertainer. She has maintained one thing all these years — she always stars in films that a family can sit and watch together, right from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001) to Batti Gul Meter Chalu (2018).”
Directed by Ahmed Khan, the film boasts of a cast comprising comedy veterans, including actors Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade and Johnny Lever, along with actors Raveena Tandon, Jacqueliene Fernandez and Disha Patani.
Tu Tu Main Main was about showing love-hate relationship between two women in a very simple form-Supriya Pilgaonkar
9:19 AM
Sachin shares that the team celebrated Reema Lagoo’s birthday on the sets of Tu Tu Main Main, “just a week after we started shooting for the show”
With Tu Tu Main Main set to return to our screens, Sachin and Supriya Pilgaonkar tell us about the making of the original hit show and what made it special
Divya Kaushik (BOMBAY TIMES; June 27, 2023)
In an era when not every TV show was about scheming saas, kitchen politics or conniving bahus, there was Tu Tu Main Main – the ’90s show that defied the stereotypical notion of the saas-bahu relationship. A sitcom, all about the love-hate relationship between a mother-in-law and a daughter-in-law, that became popular among people of all age groups.
Wanted to work on a simple topic with the scope of becoming big: Sachin Pilgaonkar
Sachin Pilgaonkar made his foray into small screen with Tu Tu Main Main. Sachin says that the show will always be special to him because it marked his debut on TV. “I must confess that there was a time when I looked down upon TV as I was only doing films then. A common friend of mine, asked me once ‘why don’t you make a TV serial?’ I told him that I was not interested in doing TV and for months he pursued me. Then Supriya told me that TV was becoming big and she also mentioned that one of my gurus, Ramesh Sippy, also made a TV show (Buniyaad) after doing films and I should consider it. I agreed with her and decided to do a TV serial. I always thought that it would be better to work on some small, simple topic that has a scope of becoming big,” says Sachin, who decided to take forward the idea of saas-bahu after discussions with his writer Sajeev Kapoor.
On the title of Tu Tu Main Main
Sachin says, “I was already working with Sajeev on the title and he had titled it saas-bahu, which I didn’t like as it was too direct. I shared this idea with my co-producer to make something around saas-bahu. He loved it and by that time my writer came up with this title Tu Tu Main Main, which immediately clicked with me.”
The best thing about the show was that it didn’t complicate anything: Supriya Pilgaonkar
Supriya Pilgaonkar was a part of the show from the scripting stage. She says, “When we would read those things they would read bizarre, but doing (the scenes) on sets was so much fun, and when we watched it on screen it was hilarious. That was the best thing about the show, it didn’t complicate anything. It was all about showing this love-hate relationship between two women in a very simple form.”
ON CASTING REEMA LAGOO AND SUPRIYA PILGAONKAR
Reema Lagoo’s role was also offered to Farida Jalal and Aruna Irani. “Reema was my first choice, as she had only done serious roles till then. She was also my childhood friend and she told me that she wanted to do comedy only with me, as I have a very different sense of humour with a lot of emotional undercurrent. When we approached Farida ji, unfortunately she and her mother underestimated this idea. Aruna ji was too busy producing and directing, and then we approached Reema and she was happy to come on board. On June 16, we started shooting and on June 21 was her birthday, so we celebrated it on the set. These two women, who were not seen by the Indian audience so much – Reema was known for playing Salman Khan’s mother and Supriya was not known much outside Maharashtra – became a household name within a few days,” shares Sachin.
Dekh Bhai Dekh was way ahead of its time; such are not being made now-Vishal Singh
8:33 AM
Divya Kaushik (BOMBAY TIMES; May 7, 2023)
It was in May, three decades ago, when Dekh Bhai Dekh introduced the Diwan family and in no time, the show became an important part of many people’s evening routine. The members of the Diwan family not just made people laugh with their silly antics and subtle humour, but left such a mark that even after 30 years, their names still make people smile. The iconic show still evokes nostalgia and is remembered as one of most popular sitcoms of the ’90s, with a stellar cast that included names like Farida Jalal, Navin Nischol, Sushma Seth and Deven Bhojani.
As the show completes three decades this year, three actors who started their showbiz journey with the show tell us what makes Dekh Bhai Dekh one of the most loved sitcoms even after so many years.
A SIMPLE, BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN SHOW THAT KIND OF WRITINGIS NOT THERE ANYMORE: AMAR UPDHYAY
Amar Upadhyay made his acting debut with Dekh Bhai Dekh and says that he owes a lot to it. It helped him meet his mentor, Aanand Mahendroo (director of the show), gave him a chance to work with actors like Shekhar Suman, Farida Jalal and others and gave direction to his acting career.
“I remember that Aanand Mahendroo saw my pictures and contacted me and asked me if I had acted before. I told him that I had done some commercials. He told me that doing a TV show is a lot different and asked me to repeat some lines after him. I did that and the next day I was on the sets! I was shooting with senior actors like Shekhar Suman and Farida Jalal, who I had only seen on screen till then,” says Amar, adding, “I was introduced in the show in the eighth or ninth episode and a few days after that, my mom and aunt were travelling in a train and they overheard some people talking about Sahil Chachu (his character), and that he had a pleasant personality. And that was such a happy moment for my mom. So that show gave me an identity. ”
He adds that the best part about the show was its writing. “Even after generations when we will talk about TV comedy writing, we will talk about Dekh Bhai Dekh. It was simple, pure humour, and it was a beautifully written show. We don’t see that kind of writing anymore. Aanand Mahendroo was writing in the morning, shooting in the noon and editing it himself at night,” says Amar.
PEOPLE HAD AN INSTANTANT CONNECT WITH THE DIWANS: URVASHI DHOLAKIA
Urvashi Dholakia was in Class X when she started shooting for the show and remembers how she would finish her school at 1pm and rush for the shoot at RK Studios. “I was a very quiet girl and the character I was playing, Shilpa, was the complete opposite, so I enjoyed playing it. It was one of the first sitcoms with so many senior actors – Farida ji, Sushma Seth ji, Liliput ji, Satish Shah ji. Now when I think of it, it is rare that one gets so lucky to work with such a cast,” says Urvashi, adding that even after so many years, people talk to her about Dekh Bhai Dekh.
“Almost every day someone approaches me or writes to me on social media about how much they miss Dekh Bhai Dekh or how much they loved the show. I think anyone who watched the show had an instant connect with the Diwan family, the setting was so realistic – we didn’t have those extravagant sets, the characters in that show were so relatable. The show will always remain special and maybe I will watch the show again soon with my children now,” says Urvashi.
THE WAY IT PRESENTED DAY-TO-DAY LIFE IN A HUMOROUS WAY WAS EXCELLENT: VISHAL SINGH
For Vishal Singh, the sets of Dekh Bhai Dekh was no less than an acting school. “I learnt so much from working with so many senior actors,” says Vishal, adding that a lot of thought went into making each episode.
“Those kind of shows are not being made now. There was a lot of creative freedom and the team worked hard to ensure that each episode was different and perfect. It was one of the first few shows to have a three camera set up at that time. It was way ahead of its time, both in terms of writing and technical aspects. The production team would spend around two-three days on one episode to make sure that the quality was unmatched,” says Vishal.
Vishal says that everyone he met found the characters relatable. “The way it presented day-to-day life in a humorous way was excellent. I remember we had to shoot a scene where I was falling from the stairs and we took 60 takes to get that right. I still laugh when I watch that scene,” adds Vishal.
Vishal Singh played Sanjay Diwan and Urvashi Dholakia played his girlfriend Shilpa
25 years of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge: Kajol thought Simran was ‘old-fashioned, but cool’
8:09 AM
Supporting cast also shares their experience
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 20, 2020)
In a career spanning almost three decades, actor Kajol has done more than 30 films, but the one title which shines more than any other is Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ; 1995). This timeless classic turns 25 today, and its leading lady feels it remains so because everyone identifies a little with Simran and Raj, played by Shah Rukh Khan. “I think they just like these characters a lot! It’s one of those things that you will probably always like,” Kajol, 46, beams.
When asked about her character which went on to become synonymous with her, she confesses she found Simran a little “boring”. “But I recognised her. I realised there is a bit of Simran in almost everyone we know. There’s always that desire to do the right thing... You want to get that approval, that feeling that you are doing something right in the world. So, yes, Simran was like that. I thought she was a little old-fashioned but cool,” she says.
DDLJ marked Aditya Chopra’s debut as a director, and the actor is all praise for him. “He doesn’t take on a project if he isn’t absolutely convinced about it. That sets him apart. He is not willing to let go of that basic core conviction that he has in his characters and he knows them best.” That the film would be this monumental in her career is something Kajol wasn’t expecting. She says the only thing they were sure about is that they were making a “cool” film, that’d hopefully be a hit. “We were all crossing our fingers that the music would do well, etc. but I don’t think any one of us ever realised the kind of impact DDLJ would have on people,” Kajol exclaims.
Anupam Kher aka Dharamveer Malhotra
I always knew it would be a special film. Indian cinema can be categorised as before and after DDLJ. The most important thing was that before this, the couple would elope in a film if the parents were against their relationship. When the film released 25 years back, I met so many youngsters who wanted their father to be like my character.
Pooja Ruparel aka Chutki
I was 13 when I played the role of Chutki. There was a young energy on the set. DDLJ being Adi’s first love, there was freshness in his point of view, and it was all very ahead of its time. I don’t know if we realised that, because at that point, you’re just making a film and hoping for the best. I didn’t think for a second that it’d enter into Guinness Book of World Records.
Farida Jalal aka Lajjo
Itne saalon mein bhi logon ka pyaar kam nahi hua. Late Yash Chopra ji was a big filmmaker and we used to be surprised seeing him do everything, from being the AD to spotboy on set. Pam bhabi (Pamela Chopra, Yash Chopra’s wife) would set up the toys in Kajol’s room, bring things from her own kitchen to be used in film. Dil se banai gayi film thi, successful honi hi thi.
Mandira Bedi aka Preeti
Though I shot for 25 days, when I watched the film I was barely there. So back then, it felt bad. But, it feels nice to do even a small part in a historical film. While shooting, food would come from Yash ji’s house, and everyone would sit together to eat. There used to be a happy atmosphere on the set. In between shots, we would also play cards.
Himani Shivpuri aka Kammo
I knew Anupam from National School of Drama and our characters had a cute romantic angle. We all used to eat together. None of us thought that the film would become a milestone, these things just happen.
Anaita Shroff Adajania aka Sheena
My experience was surreal. There was no entourage while we travelled for shoot, it was like a family. I didn’t know I was working with so many greats. SRK showed me the way on set. We all are still good friends.
Parmeet Sethi aka Kuljeet Singh
I almost didn’t get the part as Armaan Kohli was short-listed for it. But I went to Adi and insisted for a screen test. It was my and Adi’s first film, and we were all so pumped up.
Will second time be a charm for Iulia Vantur?
8:16 AM
With debut vehicle on back-burner, Salman Khan's rumoured girlfriend Iulia Vantur begins another project, with the same director
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; January 15, 2020)
Iulia Vântur's Bollywood launch, Radha Kyun Gori Main Kyun Kaala, which was rechristened Moh Moh Ke Dhaage, did not take off. Prem Raj Soni's directorial venture was announced in 2018. Two years later, the Romanian actor-anchor finds herself back in his fold for another project, Laila Manju.The comedy, starring television actor Shashank Vyas, beauty pageant winner Nehal Chudasama, and Abhimanyu Tomar, who featured in the song, Yaad piya ki aane lagi, is being shot in London since a month.
Says a source, "She is the latest addition to the cast. Iulia began shooting on Monday. The makers are keen to keep things under wraps and have told the cast to not post pictures from the set, or reveal details about the film at this juncture."
Both Vântur and Soni have a common connect — their proximity to Salman Khan. The source adds, "It is because of this [connect] that she landed a role in Radha Kyun Gori... but the project faced production issues."
Soni earlier directed the Khan-starrer Main Aurr Mrs Khanna (2009) and later helmed Preity Zinta's 2013 film, Ishkq In Paris, in which Khan had a cameo.
When mid-day reached out to Soni, he responded with a pithy: "I am busy with the shoot." Vântur did not respond to our texts.
Last year, Vântur shot for Ali Jacko's thriller, Jack Stall Dead, in London. Jacko, a former world lightweight kick-boxing champion, who is based in the UK, is also Khan's buddy.
"Vyas and Tomar play the title roles. It is a laugh riot about two youngsters trying to win over a girl [Chudasama]. Jimmy [Sheirgill] and Farida Jalal are also part of the cast."
It is also said that Khan is keeping himself up-to-date about the project. The film is being shot in a start-to-finish schedule. The unit is slated to return next month.
Farida Jalal-starrer Mehram invites criticism for questioning ban on women going solo for Haj
7:42 AM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; November 16, 2017)
Given that the violence prevalent in the country is testimony to the limited tolerance that certain political groups have for cinema, it’s only natural that Farida Jalal-starrer Mehram attracts criticism. The film takes on the patriarchal system that frowned on women performing the Haj pilgramage in the absence of a male relative. After being screened at the Woodpecker International Film Festival on November 11, Mehram attracted the wrath of certain viewers.
Talking about her outing, which sees Jalal’s character Aamna as an aged single woman claiming her right to perform Haj, executive producer Shweta Sethi Bhuchar says, “We are not scared. No one should be forbidden from seeking blessings from the Almighty. There should not be any conditions on the basis of caste, custom or gender. The urge to spark change led to the creation of this film.”
Casting Jalal for the part, Bhuchar says, was instinctive. “Although we initially thought of casting theatre actors from Delhi, somewhere, we wanted to reach out to Farida ji. The film is contextually strong, and we felt she would do justice to the character. She was immediately on board, and that boosted our confidence. Faridaji connected with the story.”
Although the act of a woman performing Haj in the absence of male kin was not customary, as per recent developments, women above 45 years could make the pilgrimage without a relative, if they travel with a group of four or more.
Scandal Point got over in a jiffy-Farida Jalal
7:44 AM
Farida Jalal on having it short and quick, and longing for more. Here’s what ‘it’ was
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; April 2, 2016)
Farida Jalal has always been vocal about scripts not being written for senior actors like her and perhaps, that’s what spurred her to explore a strange territory — the digital medium. The veteran actress recently did a nine-minute film, Scandal Point, as part of Yash Raj’s short film anthology, Love Shots.
“I have been in the industry for 45 years and was keen to do something novel. Everything today is online, so I thought why not give it a try? But the film is really short. Before I knew it, it was over. I watched it twice back-to-back and still longed for more. It got over in a jiffy,” she says. With Kulbhushan Kharbanda as her co-star, Scandal Point revolves around an aged couple reliving their romantic hideouts.
All these years, Jalal was used to a set-up where they had to first establish the character and then get on with the scenes, so the short film was a bit of a strange experience for her, she admits. Now that she has got a taste of it, would she like to be part of more such projects? “My son is teaching me to be net savvy. I don’t have an email account, but I am active on WhatsApp. It will take me some time to learn new technology,” she says, sounding determined.
Last seen in the TV show Satrangi Sasural, Jalal’s next project is Geetanjali Sinha’s Karma Cafe. “There is not much for people my age. They are signed as mothers, but of stars. They have nothing much to do in their presence,” she adds.
My reaction to AIB Roast was more emotional than moralistic-Aamir Khan
7:59 AM
Aamir Khan opens up about the AIB Roast controversy, his upcoming film Dangal and standing on the threshold of 50
Roshmilla Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 4, 2015)
Your 'violent' reaction to AIB Roast sparked off criticism from not just industry colleagues but also stand-up comedian Russell Peters, who asked you to "shut up" because you aren't even a real artiste, just an actor mouthing someone else's lines...
I respect everyone's opinion. For me freedom of speech and expression is an important right and should be protected at all costs. But I also feel that freedom comes with responsibility which should be self-exercised. It's unfortunate that caught between the rightwing fascists and the 'no-holds-barred' faction, the moderates are in danger of losing their voice. I'm aware that if you sign up for the Roast, you sign up to insult each other. But, in this case, even those who hadn't signed up were being targeted, like Farida Jalal, Reema Lagoo and a beautiful, young girl I love dearly. The young girl whom I've known since she was a kid, was the butt of racist and sexist jokes. She did not even know that a live audience was watching this and couldn't protect herself. That is unfair! This is what I meant when I described the show as "violent". Films which depict violence are fictional but this young girl is real. So my reaction was more emotional than moralistic.
I wasn't objecting to the use of expletives or adult jokes. If two consenting adults wish to insult each other, that's their problem. But you can't go around attacking anyone you feel like. That is no different from the physical violence we see around us and object to. And when someone uses the words "shut up", it makes me believe that these people are certainly not a part of the group that is for freedom of speech.
The counter argument is that you produced the adult comedy Delhi Belly and posed nude for the posters of PK
As I said, I have no moral issues with the use of expletives in content meant for adults. When we made Delhi Belly we were making a film which was meant for an adult certification. In P.K. I play an alien and they don't wear clothes on his planet. For me, there's no vulgarity in nudity. That is how we are born into this world.
What's your reaction to the CBFC Chairperson's list of banned cuss words?
I'm against censorship. Instead I think we should have a Rating System. Nobody should have the right to delete what a person wants to express. But you can rate it and say that the content may not be appropriate for persons below a certain age group. The present rating is confusing, U/A is too vague a term. As a parent when I take my child to the theatre I'd be more reassured if I had a rating on a film like Parental Guidance (PG 12), Parental Guidance (PG 15) or 18 and above. That clearly tells me that the content is not recommended for a child below this age.
Also, we need to move with the times. Today, even the biggest of blockbusters like 3 Idiots or P.K. (content which is censored) is watched in the theatres by only 3 per cent of the population of India, while 60-70 per cent of the population, with mobile connectivity even in remote areas, has access to uncensored content on their smart phones. In this fast-changing scenario, censorship has become redundant. I feel the Rating System would serve our filmmakers and audience better.
The box office figures are getting bigger with each film. Is that reassuring?
Figures are an indicator that your film has been liked and that is reassuring, more so in the case of films like P.K. that is not your typical mainstream cinema with romance and action. For the last 15 years, I've been challenging myself and my audience with Sarfarosh, Lagaan, Dil Chahta Hai, Rang De Basanti, Taare Zameen Par, 3 Idiots and P.K. The potentially 'safe' films like Fanaa, Ghajini and Dhoom 3 have been few and far between.
For me the journey is as important as the destination. I have to enjoy myself through the two years of the making of a film. But, I admit, I feel extremely vulnerable when my films are close to release as I'm never sure of the audience's reaction.
In a few days I'll turn 50. When I look back on my 25-year career, I realise, in retrospect, that I've never played by the rules. Some higher force must be looking out for me because so far the gambles have paid off and I've reached where I've reached because of my writers and directors.
Will things change after 50?
Success is a great by-product but I'm not driven by it. I will always follow my heart, no matter how many tides I've to swim against.
Does it feel any different to be almost 50?
Not really. In my head I still see myself as an 18 year old. Reality strikes only when I've to do the physical stuff. As actors, we have to jump across age lines. I've played a character younger than me a few times, this time I'll play one who's a little older.
You're working out to play a wrestler in Dangal now?
Dangal is not just a film about wrestling, it's an emotional journey of a father and his two daughters, which teaches us to empower our girls. Nitesh Tiwari's narration made me laugh and cry, it inspired me and made me feel the thrill of celebration. I play an ageing ex-wrestler with four daughters, two of whom are young adults, so I'm ageing myself. I'm also training in wrestling and learning Haryanvi.
The casting of the four daughters has created a buzz...
The film will focus on the two older daughters. Casting is one of the biggest challenges. Work is in progress, no decision has been taken yet by Nitesh.
Do son Juniad and daughter Ira want to follow in your footsteps?
I have no idea. If they need me, they will ask. Reena, Kiran and I are always there for them. Azaad is three and in play school. When Kiran was on a recee in the North and at the Berlin film festival, I got to be a single parent to him. It was a special time, he's at an adorable age.
Besides Dangal, are you producing any other film?
We've liked one other script by a young director.
And what about Kiran's next?
She's been working on a few subjects but her focus is Azaad, so it could take a little more time.
Farida Jalal breaks silence on AIB Knockout show
8:15 AM
Asira Tarannum (MID-DAY; February 5, 2015)
All India Backchod (AIB) Knockout Roast featuring Arjun Kapoor and Ranveer Singh has been embroiled in controversies ever since it aired on YouTube a week ago. The latest being Maharashtra Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis’s comment which states that action will be taken if AIB roast is found vulgar and not in accordance with the law.
Now, with the mounting pressure, AIB had pulled out the controversial video. The team tweeted: Have taken down AIB Knockout for now. We will speak soon.
While the knockout took digs at many celebrities such as Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt, Anurag Kashyap, Sonakshi Sinha and Sanjay Kapoor among others, with their consent there were many who weren’t spoken to. One such actress was Farida Jalal.
Comedian Ashish Shakya had said: You know Karan, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai is Ranveer’s favourite film. Even now when he watches the movie, he has to reach for tissues because he is the only guy who can jerk off to Farida Jalal.
When we contacted Farida Jalal, she says, “I saw a bit of it and then didn’t watch it further. Naturally people do not like it because it’s not our culture. What do I say about those kids? All I can say is god bless them. I don’t know if they poked fun at me because I didn’t watch the entire show or was there something else. No one told me either.” She adds, “But if they said what you are telling me then it’s quite embarrassing and no they didn’t take my consent.”
Sonam Kapoor, who was also taken a dig at, remained unavailable for comment, but when the actress was asked for her reaction, at a book launch on Tuesday she said, “I haven’t had the time to watch AIB knock out till now.”
A source close to Sridevi revealed that she hasn’t seen the show either as she is in Chennai shooting for a film. “Sridevi is shooting, so she hasn’t seen the show till now. Also she doesn’t like commenting on such things.”
AIB is a comedy collective run by Tanmay Bhat, Ashish Shakya, Rohan Joshi and Gursimran Khamba. The roast panel on the day also included stand-up comics Aditi Mittal and Abish Mathew, film critic Rajeev Masand and former Roadies judge Raghu Ram. The show raised about Rs 40 lakh which was donated to various charities, including Salman Khan’s Being Human.
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