BOMBAY TIMES (September 2, 2019)

Producer Gaurang Doshi, who has backed films like Aankhen (2002), is all set to end his long hiatus. He has now joined hands with His Highness Sheikh Theyab Bin Khalifa Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, a member of the Abu Dhabi royal family, for three of his upcoming projects. These films include Aankhen Returns — directed by Anees Bazmee — and is slated to be an Eid or Diwali release next year; director Neerraj Pathak (left) Happy Anniversary, which is slated to release early next year, and Indians In Danger, directed by Abbas-Mustan.

Apart from films, Gaurang is also entering the digital arena with an OTT platform. He has also announced a Hollywood project, which will be co-produced by Brazilian filmmaker Raphael Bittencourt. The shooting of the Hollywood project, which is likely to release early next year, has been completed. Raphael conveyed his excitement over working with Gaurang. He further added that he is looking forward to the association and achieving many mutually beneficial milestones.

The announcements and the launch, which took place recently at Abu Dhabi, was graced by the royal family, along with several filmmakers and business heads. Sultan Saeed Rashed Saeed Alalawl (right), a member of the royal family, attended the event. While His Highness Sheikh Theyab Bin Khalifa Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan is investing in Gaurang’s ventures, the Bollywood producer is also partnering with business and entertainment entrepreneur Munir Awan. That’s not all; he is also being backed by the Abu Dhabi government’s National Council of Media for the shoot of his upcoming web-series and movies in the country. Gaurang, who has produced movies like Aankhen, Deewaar: Let’s Bring Our Heroes Home (2004) and Bawandar (2000), holds four Limca Records for his movies. He inherited the art of filmmaking from his late father, Vinod Doshi, who has backed movies like Sachaa Jhutha (1970) and Nastik (1983), and presented hits like Dil (1990) and Beta (1992), under the banner of VR Pictures. Now, with his newly launched banner, Gaurang Doshi Productions, Gaurang aims to offer more unconventional content to the audience.

The producer is all praise for Amitabh Bachchan, who has featured in his movies. He says, “I’m one of those few individuals who can proudly share their experience of working with a true legend. I cherish the honour of working with him on multiple projects in the past, and am looking forward to many more. He is my beloved godfather, and my real inspiration, who has blessed me with his wisdom. I’m excited to have him on board for Aankhen Returns, and there are many more to come. My projects are incomplete without him.”

Talking about returning to making films, Gaurang says, “It is good to be back after facing many hurdles that were uncalled for. This proves the fact that true talent never dies. No matter how hard the road is, or how determined your haters are to bring you down, with relentless passion and determination, one can achieve success.”

Roshmilla Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 12, 2014)

Tabla maestro Bickram Ghosh and singer-composer Sonu Nigam's album of seven songs, The Music Room, which hits stores on December 20, will introduce music lovers to a new and original genre created by the duo.

"We call it Muddy Electronica because usme mitti ki khusboo hai," smiles Sonu who has written some of the lyrics too.

Recalling their first meeting, Bickram informs that they chatted for four hours till 3am. "Then Sonu remembered that I wanted him to sing. So we finished the recording at 6 am," he smiles.

In between, the duo got distracted by film scores like Jal, Sooper Se Ooper and Chowky, which came with pressing deadlines. And that's the reason The Music Room has been in the making for four years. Presently, they are working on Prahlad Kakkar's directorial debut, Happy Anniversary, featuring Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai and Sushmita Sen. "We have finished four songs but the film is taking time to kick off. We're going faster though," Bickram laughs.

Meanwhile, a chance meeting with Sanjiv Goenka during a concert in Bali triggered off the idea for a musical series. He suggested that the duo picks 50 evergreen gems and reinterpret them in their own way. "Anything that connects me to my gurus is exciting and I involved Bickram bhai in it too," says Sonu.

Bickram adds that this will be a project with multiple installments, with 10-song albums releasing at close intervals.

The first album has songs from the '40s and the '50s. "We have already recorded Noorjehan's evergreen hit Jawaan hai mohabbat from Mehboob Khan's 1948 love triangle, Anmol Ghadi which starred Surendra and Suraiyya.

Bickram points out that the song is not a mere remix but a recreation of the classic. "My friend George Brooks, the world renowned composer, arranger and saxophonist who was on a tour of India at the time has collaborated with us on the project. We plan to partner with other top musicians too," says Bickram.

Sonu has sung the song and admits it wasn't easy as he holds the music and musicians of the past in high esteem and found it challenging to tweak their work. "It is difficult to assess how much to tamper with the original without destroying the music," he reasons.

Prod him on the other planned additions to the album and Bickram says that while a final call is yet to be made, he and Sonu have shortlisted 10 numbers. These include Mohd. Rafi's Suhani raat dhal chuki from Dulari (1949) and Lata Mangeshkar and C Ramchandra's Shola jo bhadke from Bhagwan Dada's Albela (1951).

So here's hoping that these vintage gems reclaim their status as chartbusters. 

Roshmilla Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 14, 2014)

Shah Rukh has just celebrated a Happy New Year and now his friend and business partner Juhi Chawla is getting ready to bring in a Happy Anniversary.

The actress, who was last seen as a scheming politician in Gulaab Gang early this year, will now be playing the main protagonist in writer-director Dinky Mendes's film of that name.

"I read the script just two days ago. It's amazing and I'm tentatively on," says Juhi, who turned 47 yesterday with a quiet day at home with the family.

While she is reluctant to discuss this project, she's more forthcoming on the other film she has given her nod to--Jayant Gilatar's Chalk n Duster, co-starring Shabana Azmi and Anupam Kher.

Juhi came on board a few days ago, even though the makers had sent the script to her through her make-up man Subhash Sinch one-and-a-half months ago.

"I was too busy at the time to look at the script or even the final draft. It was only recently, on a flight from Delhi, that I started reading it and then couldn't put it down," recalls the actress, quickly adding that despite the angrezi title, it's a Hindi film about teachers, the system and the business of education.

'Chirpy' Chawla as she was once known, admits that it's another 'positive' role. "My character is a strong, multi-talented woman ready for any challenge," she beams, as she packs for a quick trip to Hyderabad to be a part of a Young Person's Forum.

Meanwhile, her cricket lessons continue thanks to Kolkata Knight Riders. "I hope the boys do well this season," she says, crossing her fingers.

And so do her music lessons. "If someone asked me to give playback, I'd do it in a shot. I'd shake and shiver but I'd do it," she says. "May be this year I'll do something, musically--independent of films."

Ask for details of her musical career, for now the soon-to-be songstress' lips are sealed.

Vickey Lalwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 27, 2014)

Soon after Aishwarya Rai gave birth to her daughter Aaradhya, speculations about the actress’ comeback have often been suggested in many entertainment dailies. She has reportedly shown interest in adman Prahlad Kakkad’s directorial debut, Happy Anniversary, where, if all goes by the plan, she will be seen starring opposite her real life husband Abhishek Bachchan. The duo is currently going through the script of the film, to be produced by Gaurang Doshi, and is soon expected to sign on the dotted line. In a recent development, Kakkad has approached Sushmita Sen to play a substantial supporting role in the same film. A few days ago, he met the actress and according to sources, she has loved the part offered.

Confirming this development Kakkad told Mirror, “If all goes well, we should have Sushmita in Happy Anniversary. It will be a pleasure to work with her.” One of the most talked-about cold wars of Bollywood was that of Sushmita and Aishwarya’s. It dates back to 1994, when Sushmita won the Miss India crown beating the strong-favourite Aishwarya and went on to win the Miss Universe title, while Aishwarya, the first runners-up, was adjudged Miss World. But according to a source close to the film, the rivalry is long over. “If both are satisfied with the length and quality of their respective roles, they won’t allow their personal equation to come in the way,” a source said. Kakkad will give Sushmita the script next week. “She wants to read it and judge the role for herself. Fair enough!” he quips. Her character is that of a woman caught in a bad marriage who eventually breaks free. Aishwarya's character starts off as a 21-year old and the story unfolds over the next eight years. The film will later also see her pregnant with twins. Happy Anniversary deals with marital issues and will be largely shot in South Africa. Aishwarya is currently trying to lose a few more kilos before facing the camera. And according to a friend, could start shooting for a Mani Ratnam film soon.

Roshmilla Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 28, 2013)

You're spearheading the cause for singers on the copyright issue, any progress?
A small victory is that the Indian Performing Rights Organization (IPRO) has acknowledged the Indian Singers Rights Association (ISRA), but the war isn’t won yet. We’re not going to revolt and agitate since at the end of the day the filmmakers and music companies are our colleagues. We just want to impress upon them that tomorrow anyone can become a singer, Bhushan Kumar’s sister is a singer too, so it is in their interest to give us our due so aged and out-of-work singers can lead a dignified life. Like Sati and dowry, this is a typical Indian problem. No other country denies its singers royalty. But here it’s a one-time payment which is unfair when you consider that a song like I'm a Disco Dancer is playing even 30 years later, not just in India but in Russia, Africa and the Middle East. Ditto for many of my chartbusters. Let others keep their share, but give us our share too.
 
So it’s an issue of payment? 
No, the issue is copyright, and illegal, predated, feudal contracts that makes the singer feel bonded. ISRA itself is a Copyright Society accepted by the centre.
 
How much royalty should you have got by now? 
More than Rs 100 crores, given all my hits. God has given me a lot and I’m willing to forfeit the entire amount in lieu of legitimate royalty rules.
 
You are obviously campaigning for your son Nevaan’s future? 
Not just Nevaan's future, but the future of all artistes.
 
Your son has been singing live at concerts, when will he flag off his playback career? 
He is only six, I don’t want to taint his growth and tarnish his innocence by turning him into a professional singer at this age. He’s an achcha bachcha, always happy and smiling. Let him stay that way, his dad will do the singing professionally.
 
But we don’t even hear too much of you these days?
I've sung two songs for Raj Kumar Hirani’s PK, a beautiful number for Daawat-e-Ishq and one for Kill Dil.
 
You composed the title track for Singh Saab The Great, planning a switch?
I am a musician, so giving music isn’t difficult. That song was even programmed by me. But composing is a full-time job and given all my other commitments, a switch isn’t feasible at this time. But I have composed the score for the recently released Sooper Se Ooper and the upcoming Jal and Happy Anniversary. Jal has a brilliant track by Shubha Mudgal and Abhishek and Aishwarya Bachchan went crazy when they heard the two songs I'd set to tune for Happy Anniversary.
 
Reportedly you had differences with the producers of Sooper Se Ooper? 
I wasn’t angry but I was a bit perturbed by the low-key promotions. It was a decent film and deserved better promotions.
 
Any plans of a private album? 
After the song with Britney Spears I was working with Universal but that project has been delayed. But Khamakha, my world music album with Bickram Ghosh, who has collaborated with me on my film scores, should be out in a few months. I’m also coming out with a single which was first performed on MTV Unplugged.
 
And when will we see you back on TV?
I’ve hosted and judged several shows, but now I’m bored of doing the same thing even though it’s good money.
 
You’re planning to graduate to films? 
Nope, that's not on the agenda, even though I’m getting a lot of offers. I don’t want to give up 100 days from my life for a film unless it's worth it. I’d rather spend time with my dad and my son. I’m not ambitious. I’ve seen my grandfather and mother die and want to make the most of my life. Legends like Mohd. Rafi, Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand, Kishore Kumar have gone away and the music hasn’t stopped. It never will.