Filmmaker Faruk Kabir had hoped for a happily ever after when he married Shoksanam, a 20-year-old Uzbekistan national, in December 2022 in Delhi. A year later, his marriage has taken an ugly turn. The ‘Khuda Haafiz’ director says that his wife fled from Mumbai with their newly born daughter Aarya Fiza Kabir, her parents (Dilfuza Gaipov and Tejas Khanna alias Muhammad Ali), and her brothers on December 20.

Faruk promptly filed a habeas corpus plea with the Bombay High Court on December 26. Swift action from law enforcement resulted in stopping them from leaving the country. They were traced in Amritsar, following which the baby girl, Shoksanam, and her mother were brought back to Mumbai.

After 11 days of running from pillar to post, Faruk finally held his baby girl on New Year’s Eve. He shares, “I couldn’t stop crying while cradling her. My daughter was with me for about half an hour before she was taken away along with Sanam, and her family by the Versova police. While Tejas Khanna is still at large, the rest are out on conditional bail, prohibiting them from leaving the city.”

The habeas corpus petition is listed to be heard on January 16. The filmmaker plans to appeal for the right to see his daughter, spend a few hours with her a day, and get her Aadhaar card and Indian passport. “Aarya is a citizen of India by birth and ensuring she gets the nationality she belongs to is my fight. I didn’t marry and relocate. Sanam moved to India to live with me,” he exclaims.

Ask him what led to this unexpected turn of events, and Faruk replies, “It was a happy marriage until our daughter was born. I was informed that Sanam’s mother and her stepfather wanted our daughter to have a birth certificate from Uzbekistan. I was baffled because Aarya was born here. I tried to reason with them, but they were adamant about obtaining Uzbekistan nationality for her. Sanam argued that, as a Muslim, she felt unsafe here, but I thought it was an excuse. I am a Muslim and have never faced any discrimination in my country.”

“Now, when I look back, I realise it was all part of a plan, even the marriage. It is a classic case of baby trapping. They thought they would be able to escape with my baby and continue tormenting me. However, I am not going to be silent because I have nothing to hide,” he retorts.

Faruk met Sanam in 2019 while he was shooting in Uzbekistan. He recounts, “My ‘Khuda Haafiz’ (2019) crew hired Sanam’s parents as interpreters. In 2022, I revisited Uzbekistan. Her family got in touch with me again, and Sanam and I discussed a potential future together.”

He believes Sanam was influenced by her parents when she travelled to Uzbekistan in July 2023. Sanam’s parents and her brothers came to India to stay with her 15 days before her delivery. He recounts, “My baby was born on November 29, and by December 9, Sanam’s stepfather had procured an emergency travel card for her that read, ‘Return to Uzbekistan’. How can she return to a country she doesn’t belong to? Besides, I had not given consent for that, which means that possibly a forged undertaking or NOC with my fake signature was likely presented to the officials. Fortunately, the FRRO (Foreign Regional Registration Offices) asked them to produce a copy of the electricity bill, which they couldn’t, thwarting their plan of escaping to Uzbekistan with my child overnight.”

While it appears to be a long-winding legal journey ahead, Faruk is ready for it. He asserts, “I know this is the beginning of a long battle. Now that my baby has been found, I want her to be with me. I also hope the police will act on my complaint for forgery, impersonation, and identity theft, filed on December 16. I will go to the courts to fight for my daughter’s custody and demand the issuance of her Indian passport and Aadhaar card, which is her right.”

Senior PI Crime Branch Zone 9 (Mumbai), Daya Nayak tells us, “The crime branch conducted a parallel investigation and traced the complainant’s (Faruk Kabir's) daughter, wife, and family in Amritsar. We fulfilled our duty by bringing them back to Mumbai. He had also filed a habeas corpus plea with the Bombay High Court, which instructed us to produce the child, his wife, and her family. Additionally, a complaint was lodged with the Versova Police by him, accusing the wife and her family of obtaining a travel document for the child without the father’s consent and theft. The case will be further investigated by the Versova police.”

Ganesh Pawar, Senior PI of Versova Police Station, states, “The daughter, wife, and her family are currently residing separately under our surveillance, and we have seized their travel documents. The habeas corpus plea is scheduled for a hearing before the Bombay High Court on January 16, and we will adhere to its directives.”

With the Coronavirus-triggered pandemic shutting down theatres, many films had to opt for a digital release, and among them was the Vidyut Jammwal and Shivaleeka Oberoi-starrer, Khuda Haafiz. Its director, Faruk Kabir, has no complaints. “I expected the story to resonate with youngsters, but thanks to OTT, people across all age groups reached out to me, telling how the film had impacted them,” he relays.

Soon after the film’s release, the makers announced Khuda Haafiz: Chapter 2. Faruk admits that the idea of a sequel had always been on his mind. “I felt that the story of Sameer and Nargis remained unfinished at the end of Part 1, but at that time, I thought it would be preposterous to suggest a sequel. I’d once shared the idea with Vidyut vaguely, just so his imagination could take flight. Post the success of the film, Kumar ji (Kumar Mangat, producer) was eager I carry the journey forward,” he reveals.

Khuda Haafiz was inspired by the real-life story of a newlywed couple. Sameer and Nargis’s world turns upside down when they lose their jobs during the economic slowdown of 2008. When an agent offers them jobs in Oman they apply and she gets a call first. On arrival, she calls her husband to say that something doesn’t seem right and begs him to rescue her, but on reaching there he discovers his better half is in the shackles of human traffickers. After a desperate fight, with the help of the local cops and the judiciary, he manages to rescue her and they return to India.

Faruk shares that he never met the wife, and only interacted with the husband once during his research. They belonged to a simple, conservative family in Hyderabad and after the incident, they were forced to move to another city and even change their names legally. “The core idea for Chapter 2 also comes from them and certain incidents that happened with them. They went through a literal agnipariksha,” he says.

Faruk admits that he still has three months of writing ahead of him and plans to take Chapter 2 on the floors in April 2021, and release it in theatres this time, in the third quarter of next year. While Part 1 was majorly shot in Uzbekistan, he is still undecided about where to set Chapter 2. “There’s a possibility in the script for the film to be shot in two different locations,” he shares.

The filmmaker admits that the sequel will be a bigger challenge for his lead pair and a more difficult film to approach emotionally. “Since it’s Vidyut, there will be action, but only what is plausible to Sameer’s world,” Faruk insists, all praise for his actor-friend. “Our relationship goes beyond films. After a long time, I’ve found a friend within the industry. I don’t see him the way others do and that allows me to present him in a new way. We talk not only about cinema, but also about life. I want to showcase that depth in his personality on screen too.”

Faruk hasn’t given a thought to the rest of the cast yet but reveals that there will be three to four significant secondary characters who are still being developed. Meanwhile, during the lockdown, he locked one more script which he is co-producing, but will not direct. “It will feature a very big South star,” he says, refusing to divulge more.

BOMBAY TIMES (September 3, 2020)

After Khuda Haafiz, directed by Faruk Kabir, opened to an impressive viewership on an OTT platform recently, the makers have now announced its sequel, Khuda Haafiz Chapter II.

The movie, produced by Panorama Studios, will take the love story between the lead characters (essayed by Vidyut Jammwal and Shivaleeka Oberoi) forward on the big screen. It is also touted to feature thrilling action sequences, which have been woven seamlessly into the love story.

Vidyut says, “Sameer (his character in the film) getting his wife Nargis (Shivaleeka) back is not the perfect ending to their story. Leading a normal and successful life after the ordeal Nargis has been through, is the real beginning of their love story. That’s what we’re planning to showcase in the second chapter.”

Producer Abhishek Pathak shares, “It feels great to be one of the frontrunners canvassing for and backing good stories. The response to Khuda Haafiz was phenomenal and I can only hope that viewers will embrace its second chapter. It will be full of surprises and this time around, we’re determined to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. Our sole endeavour is to seek fresh content and experiment with the taste of the audience to further the cause of cinema, and we are excited to do so with Khuda Haafiz Chapter II.”

Director-writer, Faruk Kabir adds, “I have always wanted to take this story forward, but I waited to see how the audience responds to Khuda Haafiz. The second chapter will be a heartfelt love story about how the lead characters come to terms with what has happened to them. It’s an agni-pariksha for both of them and me, to match up to my own expectations as a storyteller and that of the audience, who have given such a positive response to Khuda Haafiz. I’m glad that Kumar ji (Kumar Mangat Pathak, producer), Abhishek and Vidyut feel the same way about this journey that we are about to undertake. It’s not going to be a franchise film, and this is the final chapter. Expect bigger action for sure, but also a bigger heart, and on a bigger screen.”

Khuda Haafiz Chapter II, produced by Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak (Panorama Studios) and co-produced by Sanjeev Joshi and Aditya Chowksey, will go on floors in the first quarter of 2021.

Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; August 16, 2020)

As a young content creator, producer-director Abhishek Pathak has taken several leaps of faith — casting newcomers, backing newer directors, and releasing a project close to his heart on an OTT platform. The filmmaker, who believes that the film business is poised for change, talks to BT about his first direct-to-OTT release, Khuda Haafiz, and more. Excerpts:

Khuda Haafiz has recently released on an OTT platform. It was your first digital release, were you nervous about it?
Yes, we were excited and nervous, because this is new for us. The film reached a much wider audience. We have spent about two years developing, writing and filming it. Vidyut Jammwal and Shivaleeka Oberoi (lead actors) have been fabulous to work with.

What drove you to back Khuda Haafiz?
I am particular about the stories of my films, and always insist on a two-minute narration. I ask a filmmaker what he will put into the trailer of his film. If it grips me, I read the screenplay and take it further. I’ve known Faruk Kabir (director) for long. He asked for five minutes to narrate the story of Khuda Haafiz, and it impressed me so much that we decided to make the film in the first meeting itself.

With films releasing on OTT platforms, it’s going to be difficult to measure the success of a movie, which was easier with box-office numbers. Does that bother you?
Previously, when films went to OTT platforms, they had already been through the box-office litmus test. But now, when they’re directly releasing on digital platforms, the pressure of delivering box-office numbers is low. Also, the audience’s taste differs from cinema halls to TV screens to OTT platforms, people don’t consume the same things everywhere. So, parallel businesses will come into existence now. Even OTT platforms are competitive and choose content very carefully. In the long run, this will turn out to be a fabulous option for creators. Previously, one had to think about the logistics of releasing a slightly unconventional film in cinemas. This is a good way to take every deserving film to its audience.

So, you don’t regret the fact that you didn’t wait for theatres to open to release the film?
The film was going through edits when the lockdown happened. So, even if we wanted to, we would not have been able to release it in theatres. Khuda Haafiz has been mounted on a scale meant for the big screen, but eventually, when we got the offer to open on an OTT platform, and there was no date for cinemas to open, we had to make a decision.

Most producers have used the Coronavirus lockdown to finalise their future projects and complete pre-production work. Have you also done that?
Yes, we waited for 45 days to see how things are going. And then, we started locking projects, because things won’t settle so soon. Though shoots have begun, people are taking it slow. All eyes are on the team of Bellbottom. If everything goes well there, many producers can also hope to start work soon.

Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; August 13, 2020)

Ten years after making his Bollywood debut as a director with Allah Ke Banday (2010), filmmaker Faruk Kabir is all set to present his next movie, Khuda Haafiz, which releases on an OTT platform this Friday. The film, based on a real-life incident, has Vidyut Jammwal playing a common man on a mission to rescue his wife (Shivaleeka Oberoi), who has gone missing in another country. In a conversation with Bombay Times, the director talks about the long gap between his two directorial ventures, how a Times of India news report inspired him to make this film and working with Vidyut. Excerpts:

What was it about this particular news report that inspired you to make a film on it?
I remember reading this news on page one of The Times Of India. I was immediately drawn to it because of the emotional aspect of the story. I cut the article and kept it with me. That story stayed with me for a long time, so I decided to pursue it further. It’s an inspiring tale of a common man, who sets off to a foreign land to rescue his wife. Neither does he understand the language, nor does he have a support system or money. I liked the basic premise of this article — how far can you go for love? I think it is a relatable topic and that drew me towards it.

This film is based on a real-life couple. Were they a part of the filmmaking process?
I have only met the man, on whom Vidyut’s character is loosely based. I haven’t met his wife. He wanted complete anonymity, so I can’t reveal who he is. It took me two months to build enough trust for him to agree to meet me. He comes from a very simple space, and this journey has been life-changing for him.

Vidyut is synonymous with the action genre, how did you zero in on him to play your common man?
It was during my meeting with the producers of the film that Vidyut’s name came up. I just wanted to cast someone who would surrender to the vision of Khuda Haafiz. After a couple of meetings with Vidyut, I was convinced that he was apt for the role. In fact, I could see similarities between Sameer and Vidyut. I feel it was brave of him to take up this character, because it meant he would have to go against the grain of everything he has worked so hard to build —this larger-than-life action hero image. Here, I was asking him to get beaten, battered and bruised. Vidyut has shown so much maturity, not once did he ask me to make any changes so that he could showcase his action prowess.

After Allah Ke Banday in 2010,why did it take you such a long time to direct your next film?
It’s not like I didn’t work for these ten years (laughs!). I was busy making ad films. I did one beautiful commercial with Madhuri Dixit Nene and another with Virat Kohli, among many other interesting ones. I also directed some amazing web shows. I want the movie-making process to be organic. I want to direct films, for the stories that I am writing. This is one space where you can truly express yourself as a storyteller. It’s not that I don’t wish to direct films that are written by others, but I need to feel connected to these scripts, and that hasn’t happened so far.

Aahana Kumra talks about shooting for her first mainstream movie Khuda Haafiz
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; August 13, 2020)

Aahana Kumra has no qualms admitting that she was apprehensive about playing an Arab agent in Disney+ Hotstar's latest offering, Khuda Haafiz. Recounting her first meeting with director Faruk Kabir, Kumra tells us, "He was clear that this is not the cinema I am usually associated with." Known for her work in Lipstick Under My Burkha (2016) and Voot Select's Marzi, the actor is often labelled 'indie actor' — a tag that often comes up in meetings with producers. "When I was offered this role, I was told this isn't an indie film. That comment stunned me, but there is a perception that I only do independent cinema," says the actor.

"During the narration, it sunk in that this is a different universe," introspects the actor, adding that the typical Bollywood masala films were never offered to her. "People don't look at me as someone who is commercially bankable because I have never done the song-and-dance routine. There is nothing wrong in making masala films, provided it has a good story. With Khuda Haafiz, I had that satisfaction."

Walking into this world post Netflix's Betaal, Kumra admits that she suffered from a mental block. "Everyone around me was confident that I could pull it off, except me. The film had hand-to-hand combat, I didn't think I was physically strong to do the part. At one point, I almost let go of the project." The Vidyut Jammwal-starrer is a reminder that she is a shape shifting artiste who is capable of pushing herself to do more. "Faruk's faith in me pushed me to work harder. I even went through dialect training to get the Arabic twang to my Hindi."

Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; August 12, 2020)

One of India’s finest action stars, Vidyut Jammwal talks to BT about his forthcoming film Khuda Haafiz (which releases this week on an OTT platform), his experience as an outsider in Bollywood and how he deals with naysayers. Excerpts...

What sets Khuda Haafiz apart from what you have done so far?
I had never been offered a biopic, which is also a love story. It’s about a man, who races against time to rescue his kidnapped wife. I was excited to be a part of a love story, which is also action-based.

We have heard that for this film, you had to unlearn all your action training that you have undergone over the years. Was that tough?
Yes, as a martial artist, you tend to develop certain reflexes, but in Khuda Haafiz, my character (Sameer) is an engineer, a common man. He never gets into a fight, and is forced to do so, to get his wife back. So, I had to unlearn a lot as far as action is concerned...slow down, take a lot of beating (smiles!). The credit goes to Faruk Kabir (the director of the film), who believed that I could do it.

Do you feel that being tagged as an action hero often restricts your scope as an actor?
I don’t think anybody can limit you. The only person who can do that is yourself. I love taking chances and doing stunts, which makes people wonder, why is he doing this! I have no regrets in life, I see myself as someone who can do anything.

The insider-outsider theory has been at the centre of most discussions in Bollywood lately. What is your view on it and who has been your support system in the industry?
I have some close friends in the industry and they have helped me a great deal. It’s a myth that you can’t make friends in the film industry, you can. I have been here for over 10 years now, and the only reason I have been able to sustain and survive, is because of some great friends and directors. Of course, there will always be some people who don’t support you, but there are also those who will recognise true talent and give you a chance. There will always be good people and bad people, and I believe in the good people.

Nowadays, increasingly, we see celebrities being targeted by trolls for various reasons. How do you deal with such naysayers ?
I am a trained martial artist, and I was thrown into a ring from a very young age. I have been beaten up and thrown around. I have been trained to take the kicks and punches. That has made me believe that until you are completely down and out, you have to keep fighting. I will never give up until I take my opponent down. That’s my life’s motto. People cannot affect you till the time you allow them to. I don’t give the right to my happiness to someone else, that power lies with me.

Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 11, 2020)

Vidyut Jammwal’s upcoming film, Khuda Haafiz, is inspired by a true story writer-director Faruk Kabir stumbled upon while reading the newspaper. “It was a small article but it stayed with me, which is why I decided to make a film around it. Research took three months and another nine months went in writing the script,” he informs, hopeful that the emotional narrative of how far an engineer from Lucknow would go to save his wife, abducted in another country, will strike a chord with others too.

His leading man is moving away from his larger-than-life action image for his dramatic love story. “You are tempted to make Vidyut do stunts more daring than what he has done before, but I was very clear I wanted him to go against what’s been already done in a way that he owns this space,” says Faruk.

The basic premise of this Kumar Mangat and Abhishek Pathak production is similar to Baaghi 3, which showed Tiger Shroff take on a terror outlet in Syria, after his brother is kidnapped while on an official assignment. Faruk admits that while many have been pointing to the similarity, the films are dramatically opposite with different sensibilities. “Baaghi is fictional and all action, while ours is a love story rooted in reality. I am not worried about any comparisons,” asserts the filmmaker who, having helmed many web shows, is not apprehensive about a digital release. “Some of the biggest properties in the last decade, including Game Of Thrones and Money Heist, are digital releases. I’m just glad our film is getting a release at a time like this. Several filmmakers are in a soup after their shoot was stalled mid-way,” he sighs.

He shares that the entire post-production of the film, which has been extensively shot in Uzbekistan, took place in the middle of the Coronavirus lockdown. “You can’t make an entire film sitting at home, so yes, we did step out of our comfort zone to complete the post production. It was challenging, but this is the new normal,” he reasons.

While this is Faruk’s first feature film after the 2010 drama, Allah Ke Banday, featuring Naseeruddin Shah, Sharman Joshi and Atul Kulkarni, the filmmaker informs that in the last decade he has directed more than 60 ad films and a few web shows. He made his directorial debut with a short film, The Awakening, with Ajay Devgn. “It was warmly received and while I’m not in touch with Ajay bhai anymore, he is always cordial when I bump into him,” he says fondly.

Meanwhile, the lockdown has given a lot of time to creative people to work on their scripts without distractions. Has Faruk locked his next? “I have written the first draft, but it will take another six month to write a quality screenplay,” he signs off, refusing to divulge details.

Khuda Haafiz director Faruk Kabir traces how he gave shape to the Vidyut Jammwal-led story, based on a 2008 case, over 12 years
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; August 4, 2020)

Director Faruk Kabir is busy giving finishing touches to Khuda Haafiz, headlined by Vidyut Jammwal. As we steal a few minutes from his jam-packed day for a chat, the filmmaker reveals that the story — which is inspired by a real-life incident in 2008 when a man set out to rescue his wife who was abducted and forced into human trafficking in the UAE — remained with him over the years.

"I had read a newspaper article about it in 2008, and it deeply moved me. I traced one of the journalists and did some research on my own. The first draft was developed from 15 newspaper articles and NGO research papers on human trafficking," recounts Kabir, who also tracked down the subject of the story. "I did not meet the lady, I don't know whether she is with her husband anymore. But I met the husband who became my muse. He felt he could trust me and opened up on a personal level."

Though the movie is inspired by real-life events, Kabir says he has fictionalised portions of the action drama. "Many characters, including those portrayed by Vidyut Jammwal, Shivaleeka [Oberoi] and Annu Kapoor, are real. The characters played by Aahana Kumra and Shiv Pandit are loosely based on the cops who [investigated] the case," states the director, who developed the screenplay in 2018.

It was delightful for Kabir to shoot in Uzbekistan, a land that harbours a passionate love for Bollywood. "They love our music, movies and the legendary Raj Kapoor. They don't make many films, but they have an active theatre scene that stages plays of Anton Chekhov. We shot in challenging scenarios, and the locals helped us graciously," says Kabir.

Vidyut Jammwal adds no man dares misbehave with a woman when he is around
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 27, 2019)

The Commando series has taken you on many daring adventures which we have seen play out on screen. But as an army kid, you must know about many such real-life missions. Tell us about one of them.
The first thing you learn as an army kid is that you do not speak about what you hear or learn as it could compromise national security. So, while I do know many such stories from battle fields like Kargil, I have never shared them even when I went to a public field. That oath of secrecy is a part of my being now, like the innate respect I have for anyone in uniform. The army doesn’t just safeguard our country, it also jumps into action during a crisis. I was in Manali during an avalanche there and the army was called in to get people out.

Okay, so tell us what’s the most daring thing you have ever done?
I’ll tell you what’s the first manly thing I did, which is open the door for every woman who entered the army cantonment club. I was four then and my brother and I would compete to be the first to reach the door. If the lady entering smiled and said “thank you” our day was made. That habit has continued.

When I was at the airport in Tashkent, I saw a fellow passenger hefting a suitcase and just plucked it out of her hand and carried it. Since I was a complete stranger, the lady was wary and kept trying to grab it back, till we reached immigration where some fans recognised me and asked me for pictures. Surprised, she turned to me and said, “Oh, you’re famous!” (Laughs) I told her I was just an actor.

So, chivalry is not dead?
No, it’s is not dead. I have convinced my nine-year-old nephew that every time he gets off the car, he should run around and open the door for his sister, who is 15, before she can reach for the door handle. It’s important to instill chivalry in boys at an early age, and it’s equally important for ladies to acknowledge a gesture, be it opening a door or offering a seat, with a smile and a “thank you”, instead of shrugging it off. That’s the way chivalry will not just survive but multiply too.

Since you became an actor, have you ever had to jump to the rescue of a damsel in distress?
Real men don’t misbehave with women. And those who do, would not dare to do it when I am around.

Getting back to Commando, how long will the series go on?
It will keep going on. The idea is not to enter any Rs 100 or Rs 200-crore club. This franchise has, over the last nine years, made people aware of me as an actor. And with growing acceptance, appreciation and adulation, I have only become more respectful towards others. The Tibetan philosophy which I endorse tells that the higher you go, the lower your ego should go. That’s my motto.

You never have more than a couple of films in hand. Doesn’t that ever make you insecure in an industry where fortunes change every Friday?
Kalaripayattu has taught me that security doesn’t come from money, more movies or the houses and cars you buy. I would wish name, fame and money on everyone, so they would know that happiness comes from deep within and security comes from knowing that I have talent in me. I work hard through the year to be happy. For the last 20 years, every night I have come back home and written in my journal. It’s a way of seeing myself day to day, knowing what makes me happy.

Given that you design the action in all your films, have you ever given direction or production a thought?
I have never studied acting though I have educated myself over the years. So, I don’t have the expertise to be a director. Even my mental make-up is that of a performer. Production, I can’t say. If by putting a little extra from my pocket, I can up the scale and standard of a film, why not?

You recently took a trip alone through the North-East and plan to do it more often. Why?
Most of the time I am surrounded by people. So, it’s important to get away, be with myself, and reflect on all that’s been happening. It’s the best way to stay sane.

You’ve been in Uzbekistan the past few weeks shooting for a film…
Yes, Khuda Hafiz, that’s the film Faruk Kabir is making. It’s a true-life story of a man fighting to get his wife back from a Middle-Eastern country. This guy is not a commando and for him, I have to tap deep to find the hero within me. Uzbekistan is a country that loves India and its heroes. They love Mithun Chakraborty, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and now, having Googled me, they love me too.

And have you found love too, in your personal life?
If you mean, am I in a relationship, then the answer is “No”. But I’m still full of love and everyone I meet, I shower with this love. Hey, I hope I am not sounding cheesy?

Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 7, 2019)

Even before she makes her Bollywood debut opposite Amrish Puri’s grandson Vardhan with the romantic-thriller Yeh Saali Aashiqui, Shivaleeka Oberoi has bagged her second film. Mirror has learnt that the actress plays Vidyut Jammwal’s wife in the Faruk Kabir-directed action-romance, Khuda Hafiz, which revolves around the couple, and is produced by Kumar Mangat and Abhishek Pathak.

“I wanted to find my second project before my debut released, so two-and-a-half months ago, when I was auditioning for other films, I got a call for Khuda Hafiz. I auditioned and last month, I was informed that I had bagged the part. Shooting for my portions began in October-end. The film is based on a true story, and will be shot in Mumbai and Lucknow besides Uzbekistan,” says Shivaleeka, who has previously assisted Sajid Nadiadwala on the Salman Khan and Jacqueline Fernandezstarrer Kick and Sajid-Farhad on Housefull 3.

The actress, who had been shooting in Uzbekistan, returned to Mumbai on Monday for the trailer launch of her debut film and will report back to work after its release. “For Khuda Hafiz, I have already shot for 10 days in sub-zero temperature. My part is more girl-next-door, but I will also be doing some action with Vidyut, which involves a lot of hand-to-hand combat and has been choregraphed by Andy Long, who worked with Vidyut on Commando 3,” Shivaleeka informs, adding that Vidyut helped her with the sequences.

She goes on to add that between shots, she and Vidyut would talk about everything under the sun. “The cast and crew also celebrated Diwali together with a small party and a bonfire in Uzbekistan. This schedule will wrap up by the month-end. Then, we start shooting in Mumbai from December,” Shivaleeka signs off. 

Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; November 2, 2019)

After producing films, Abhishek Pathak turned director with Ujda Chaman, which released this Friday. The movie stars Sunny Singh in the role of a 30-year-old man who is dealing with the issue of premature balding. When asked about how difficult or different it was to wear the director’s hat, he replies, “The only hindrance I faced was when we had to shoot in the high temperatures of North India. It was really hot and sweaty, and I was worried about how my actors will perform in such weather, especially Sunny, who wore prosthetic makeup for his role of a partially bald man.” This is not the first time Abhishek is collaborating with Sunny. He had produced Akaash Vani (2013) and Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 (2015), which featured the actor. Interestingly, Abhishek is Sunny’s childhood friend.

He said, “My father (film producer Kumar Mangat) and his father (action director Jai Singh Nijjar) have worked together before. That is why we know each other well.” He added, “The reason I cast him for the film was because Chaman (Sunny’s character in the film) is extremely coy and does not speak much. I felt Sunny was right for the part and would nail this role.”

Fortunately, the film released a week before Ayushmann Khurranastarrer Bala, which also deals with the same subject. Speaking about the similarities in both the films, Abhishek elaborates, “I bought the rights (of 2017’s Kannada release Ondu Motteya Kathe). Later, I got to know that they (producer Dinesh Vijan) are making Bala. In one of the interviews, I read that the film is about a person’s inner beauty. I realised that the premise of both films seemed similar, that’s when I sent out a friendly notice to the team of Bala. I also suggested that we sit across the table and discuss the content of our respective films. However, they told me that there was no need for a discussion as their content was different. Meanwhile, I had also released a public notice stating that we have the rights of the original. When the trailer of Bala released, I was shocked to see that it is similar to mine.”

There was a time when both the films were slated to release on the same weekend. However, a clash between the two, at the box office, was averted. Abhishek says, “Releasing two films based on the same subject on nearly the same date would have been disastrous.”

After Ujda Chaman, Abhishek is producing Khuda Hafiz, which is based on a news report published in The Times of India. “It is a romantic thriller inspired by a news report, which was published in 2007. It was actually the director of the film, Faruk Kabir (Allah Ke Banday fame), who had researched the article and came up with the idea,” said Abhishek. The film stars Vidyut Jammwal, and the shooting has commenced in Uzbekistan. Shedding more light on the story of the movie, the filmmaker shared, “It’s a real-life story based on a couple from Hyderabad. It’s a fabulous story that needs to be told.”