The actor calls herself a ‘home person’, but admits no one had imagined that the ‘world would come to a standstill’
Prashant Singh (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 20, 2020)

She was shooting for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 till days before lockdown 1.0 was announced. Before that, Kiara Advani was working back-to-back on her slate of films [Good Newwz, Laxmmi Bomb, Indoo Ki Jawani, Shershaah and Guilty]. But then, everything came to a screeching halt due to the Coronavirus pandemic. And the actor admits that sometimes, she finds it all “a bit unbelievable”.

“Honestly, no one — including me — imagined the world coming to a standstill,” says Kiara, adding that she has “anyway always been a home person”. “So, there’s not a feeling that ‘arrey, main atak gayi hoon (oh, I am stuck)’. But having said that, I do miss going on the sets,” she says.

Interestingly, the actor has been making great use of “all the free time”. “I’m using this to expand my knowledge vis-à-vis things that I had been mulling over. For example, I am trying to polish my Urdu diction, and there are so many institutions/universities that are offering free courses. So, the idea is to keep myself engaged in a productive manner,” she says.

Not just that, Kiara is also kicked that she is back in touch with so many people. “I always wanted to reach out to them. Now, I have reconnected with so many of my friends as well as my school teachers. And honestly, it’s such a warm feeling,” says the actor, adding that not many know she also plays online ludo almost every day with her friends and family.

At the same time, what’s really heartening for Kiara is to see the feeling of oneness in people. “Amidst the crisis, it’s great to see how people are valuing basics and finding happiness in them all over again. It’s clear that we all are in it together,” says the actor, adding that among other stuff such as meeting friends and family, an important thing on her to-do list once things go back to normal, is to enjoy a film in a theatre. “And that too, with my bucket of popcorn, but that may take some time,” she says.

At the same time, Kiara is also aware that another thing which “may take time” is a film team “being able to go back to the sets and work”. “I know that it will take some time for film shoots to resume because at any given point, we have 500-600 people on a set. But let’s keep our spirits intact for everyone,” she concludes.
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The written word!
Although Kiara has watched her share of content on OTT platforms during the lockdown period, there’s one thing that the actor wanted to do “in a more regular manner” but couldn’t — reading books. “I am not much of a reader but it’s definitely high on my to-do list. In fact, I have a list of books ready that I want to start [reading] soon,” she says. But in the meantime, the actor has managed to finish reading all the [film] scripts [offered to her]. “That way, I’m making the most of this period,” she says.

Manoj Bajpayee bets big on director friend's thriller and Arshad Warsi's Asur as he shares his current favourites with mid-day
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; March 30, 2020)

Manoj Bajpayee, who had headed to Uttarakhand for a shoot, is nestled there amid the lockdown. "My family joined me before the lockdown was announced. While 95 per cent of the unit left to be with their families, we decided to stay back," shares the actor when we connect with him on a call. "It is freezing cold here because of the rains, and the network is [slightly weak]," he laughs, but adds that little comes close to the solace he finds in the mountains.

One would assume that the poor connectivity will hold back The Family Man star from exploring the digital world, but Bajpayee reveals that he has binged on the new Indian releases over the past 10 days. "I am hooked to my iPad. I couldn't have missed Neeraj Pandey's series, Special Ops, so that was the first thing I caught up on. I quite enjoyed Voot Select's Asur. It stars Arshad Warsi and Sharib Hashmi, who is a dear friend and a big part of The Family Man. I also watched Guilty on Netflix. Besides that, Platform was a crackling watch."

An optimist at heart, the actor views the current scenario as an opportunity to spend quality time with family, and acquaint his daughter Ava Nayla with the simpler joys of life. "It's a different experience for her since she is born and brought up in Mumbai. She has grown up amid the hustle-bustle of a city, and now, she is getting to experience new things. Spending time with the local kids and playing with them is a refreshing experience for her."

As Internet usage increases due to work-from-home policy, binge-watching; providers increase bandwidth, OTT giants reduce bit rates
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; March 26, 2020)

If you've been working from home over the past few days, chances are you've made frantic calls to the customer care department of your Internet service provider to complain about the reduced speed. With a large part of the population adopting work-from-home policy and turning to Netflix or Amazon Prime to unwind due to Coronavirus outbreak, the Internet Service Providers (ISP) across the board have been struggling to keep up with the increased usage.

In the first step to reducing the bandwidth usage, Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) wrote to OTT giants to forgo their HD option, last week. Netflix India, Amazon Prime and Hotstar, among others, promptly complied with the request. The official spokesperson of Amazon Prime states, "We are working with mobile and ISP to help mitigate network congestion. We've already begun the effort to reduce streaming bit rates."

However, that has brought little relief to the ISP as online traffic has risen substantially and the OTT players have kept the momentum going with relevant shows and new releases on offer. While The Test has been trending on Amazon Prime, there is also renewed interest in the 2011 movie, Contagion (right), which mirrors the current situation. Varun Dhawan's Street Dancer 3D, which failed to set the box office on fire, found many takers when it dropped online earlier this month. Similarly, Netflix has seen high viewer engagement in the case of She (left; above), Guilty and Pandemic: How To Prevent An Outbreak. A source from a streaming platform explains, "The time spent on an OTT platform has gone up by three hours on an average, globally."

With a drastic shift in consumer usage patterns, Internet providers will have to take adequate measures. "Each service provider will have to increase their bandwidth. But with networks offering special work-from-home plans, the pressure is only increasing."

Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 20, 2020)

Akansha Ranjan Kapoor, who recently marked her debut with a web film, says that acting has always been her big dream. Despite being friends with a young brigade of actors and coming from a film lineage, she says that she had to audition for her part in the film. “I auditioned for Guilty without knowing much about the project other than the fact that it was a digital film. Once I got shortlisted, they asked me to come for a meeting and then told me that I was locked. I had to wait for only 13 days as against any other film where you need to wait for a month or so,” elaborates Kapoor, who reveals that her first audition was for Lekar Hum Deewana Dil (2014).

The young actor says that she’s happy to be part of the industry at this time. “It’s such a great time to be an actor. Nobody cares about how pretty you are or the kind of body type that you have. What matters is that you are a good actor. The Dangal (2016) girls (Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanya Malhotra) are doing so well. If you are a good performer, you’ll be respected for your work, and eventually, you’ll get more work,” says the 26-year-old.

Going ahead, Kapoor shares that she would want to strike a balance between doing commercial Hindi films and the ones that send out important social messages. “It’s always better if you can bring about a change in society. Actors and cinema have a way of influencing society. That being said, I won’t deny the fact that I want to do a mainstream film and there’s no two ways about it,” she says and adds, “But thankfully, the lines between commercial and content-driven films are blurring now. Thappad is a shining example of that, and I’m desperate to work with Zoya (Akhtar), Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Anubhav Sinha.”

A week after the release of Kiara Advani-starrer Guilty, newbie Gurfateh Pirzada on making his debut with the role of rape accused
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; March 14, 2020)

In an industry that is quick to stereotype actors, picking a role with shades of grey for a debut offering wouldn't be considered an ideal choice. But, discussing last week's Netflix release, Guilty, newbie Gurfateh Pirzada says he couldn't have asked for a better launchpad.

"Performances are key in films like this one. People are talking about it. Also, I am interested in scripts that encourage a positive shift in mindsets. It was an ideal start to my career because young people will learn from this," says Pirzada.

Slipping into the role of a college hottie in a film headlined by Kiara Advani, he plays the part of VJ, who thrives on people's attention. "He likes being liked. I needed the audience to fall in love with him. He is a nice guy, but a single night makes evident everything that is wrong with him. Ruchi [Narain, director] didn't want him to feel guilty [about his acts]. I had to showcase him as one who is oblivious to the fact that he has crossed the line. [When] a girl throws herself at him, VJ fails to understand at which point [the intimacy] stops being consensual. [In our society] there isn't enough education on consent. We hope the film [makes evident that] consent is not [based on] perceptions."

In a previous interview, and referring to her last release, Kabir Singh, Advani had apparently suggested that the makers wondered whether giving the protagonist Kabir a happy ending would invite controversy — which it eventually did — owing to his abusive nature. In contrast to that offering, Pirzada's VJ is seen "accepting his punishment". Asserting that actors must "mirror what's happening in society", he says artistes must encourage offerings that bring such conversations to dinner tables.

"The discourse around the #MeToo movement will shift, one film at a time. I hope our movie created the fire needed for this discussion."

With Guilty based on campus rape, writer Kanika Dhillon on how the Kiara-starrer explores both sides of the case
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; February 23, 2020)

When writer Kanika Dhillon puts pen to paper, you can be assured of a strong woman character driving the narrative. With Guilty, fronted by Kiara Advani, the writer explores the different versions that emerge when a woman accuses the college heartthrob of rape.

"Guilty deals with the issue of sexual assault on a macro level. It does not only deal with the act, but also [shows] how the [survivor] is subjugated to humiliation and judgement. On the other hand, what happens to a person who is accused of rape? Are we giving him a lot of leeway, or using preconceived notions to judge him before the judgment is out?" questions Dhillon.

She adds that an all-women team at the helm of affairs—the script has been co-written by Atika Chohan, director Ruchi Narain and her—made sure that the gaze does not veer into the exploitative. For the film, she borrowed from her experiences in St Stephen's College, Delhi. "I wanted it to be set in DU because it's a big part of my experience. We have seen the euphoria, emotions and drama of campus life."

As the free-spirited Nanki who stands by her boyfriend when he is accused of rape, Advani is a far cry from the demure roles she has essayed so far.

Still questioned for being part of the controversial Kabir Singh, Kiara Advani says role in Guilty fights for what's right
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; December 31, 2019)

Emerging from a role that she self-confessedly perceived as flawed and at odds with her personality, Kabir Singh actor Kiara Advani underwent a catharsis of sorts while filming her next. At odds with the demure Preeti who faced physical and emotional abuse at the hands of her lover in the Shahid Kapoor starrer, Advani's forthcoming film sees her as a vociferous girl, who accuses the college heartthrob of rape, in Netflix's Guilty. "My character is completely at odds with the one I played in Kabir Singh. It's the antithesis of Preeti. The film opened my eyes [towards abuse]," she says of the Karan Johar production that apparently sees her as a musician, who accuses her popular boyfriend of abuse.

The controversy it courted for glorifying a toxic relationship was instrumental in making Kabir Singh among 2019's best performing movies, and Advani admits it helped her reach viewers far and wide. "It brought me love that was so contagious that I am further motivated to go to work now." However, like a majority of women who watched the drama, Advani too doesn't find her "hero in Kabir Singh". Even before the film was presented to viewers, she knew it would inspire polarised views. "I am an actor, and am hence not always like the characters I play. This was a love story between two dysfunctional people, so, I didn't judge it. I am glad that a dialogue ensued. We all can differentiate right from wrong. But the film mirrors brutal realities."

For the makers of the Sandeep Reddy Vanga directed movie, arriving at the film's climax — that saw the lovers unite — was a subject of contention. "We debated about whether a character like Kabir [deserves] a happy ending. If we had not given him one, perhaps the criticism would not have come our way. [Sandeep] took the last call. But, who knows how their marriage turned out in the longer run?"

Meanwhile, Advani's recent release, Akshay Kumar-starrer Good Newwz, currently sits on an earning of Rs 65 crore. Advani is glad that the comedy, based on an IVF treatment gone awry, has evoked positive reactions. "The film has humour, and a subtle message. It makes a viewer happy. After sharing the screen with actors like Akshay sir, Kareena [Kapoor Khan] and Diljit [Dosanjh] I have learnt to hold my own."

Prashant Singh (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 31, 2019)

Films in 2019: Kabir Singh and Good Newwz
2020 lineup: Laxmmi Bomb, Indoo Ki Jawani, Shershaah, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, Guilty

How happy are you with 2019?
I would call it a very special year. Two of my films released this year, and both of them received unanimous love. I feel truly, truly blessed, and am filled with gratitude. It’s also been a busy year since I shot for four films that will release in 2020. I was never so occupied with work in the five years that I’ve been a part of the industry, as I was in 2019. As an actor, it’s definitely the best feeling.

When a film does big numbers and gets critical acclaim as well, does that boost an actor’s confidence?
It definitely gives you wings to fly. When two completely different roles get so much love, it’s a great feeling that one just can’t explain. Honestly, it’s the best feeling for any artiste. In fact, it was one of my goals as an actor to never fall into a ‘bracket’, and to always be versatile. This year, I feel the audience accepted both my parts/films and that has been extremely fulfilling. It gives me the confidence to take more risks and challenges, and play more characters that aren’t really expected from me.

For you, what was the biggest highlight of the year?
It’s difficult to pick one. It began with Kabir Singh which went on to create box office history. For the first time, I had practically every single person from the industry messaging me for the film and that was a surreal feeling as I always wanted it to happen to me. Also, many childhood goals such as being on the cover of Vogue magazine, and working with Akshay (Kumar) sir and Kareena Kapoor (Khan) came true this year.

Do you remember any specific moment that has stayed with you?
I remember watching Good Newwz with my parents at the first cast-and-crew trial show and when the Dharma Productions logo appeared before the movie started, I got emotional thinking of how I longed for that day, and how I was watching my own very first Dharma movie. So, professionally, the year was filled with highlights and seeing my parent’s face beam with joy when they see my work makes things even more special.

Now, you have a loaded 2020 too. Is this the most exciting time for you as an actor, till date? What are your personal expectations from the next year?
You know, as many as five of my films (Laxmmi Bomb, Indoo Ki Jawani, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, Shershaah and Guilty) will release in 2020. Each film as well as the character is very different from the other so it’s exciting for me to see as to how each of them is received by the audiences. That way, it’ll surely be an exciting year.

Upala KBR (MID-DAY; June 28, 2019)

Kiara Advani has little time to bask in the box-office success of Kabir Singh. The actor has dived headlong into the shoot of Netflix's original, Guilty, in Delhi. The web film, produced by Karan Johar's Dharmatic and marking her second digital outing after Lust Stories (2018), sees her as a rebel musician who stands by her boyfriend when he is accused of rape. Turns out, Advani was keen to explore a headstrong character after having played the submissive girlfriend in her recent outing.

A trade source reveals, "Karan was one of the first people to recognise Kiara's talent and of late, has become invested in her career. When the final script of Guilty was ready, Karan Johar thought that the lead character — who is rebellious and has a don't-give-a-damn attitude — would be a change of pace for her. Kiara too understood that the Ruchi Narain-directed film will give her the opportunity to drive the narrative as the script unfolds from the woman's perspective.

The material gives her enough scope as an artiste — while she starts out as an opinionated girl who believes in her boyfriend's innocence, doubts arise as she delves deeper into the incident. So excited was she to slip into the part that she offered to colour her hair ash-blonde instead of sporting a wig, to achieve the grunge look."

Netflix remained unavailable for comment.