Nishi Tiwari (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 29, 2018)

In a first, Sonam Kapoor is set to appear on Koffee With Karan’s upcoming episode with siblings Rhea and Harshvardhan. And even though the trio’s actor-father Anil Kapoor isn’t a part of the episode, he figures prominently during the runtime.

Besides mimicking him, describing him as a father and discussing his famously quirky traits, the Kapoor kids also dish dirt on the interesting rapport that AK shares with his firstborn. While public perception is that Sonam and Anil share an easy-going equation, Rhea reveals on the Star World show that in reality, the duo “walks on eggshells around each other”.

“Sonam and my father have the funniest dynamic on this planet,” Rhea, who calls her dad “AK”, begins, adding, “Both of them are extremely creative, crazy and sensitive personalities so they can’t handle each other’s reactions. AK will sometimes say, ‘Beta, can you please go and tell Sonam this,’ and I’m like, ‘Why aren’t you telling her?’ And he says, ‘Nahin, nahin, I’ll tell her. It’s just that I am afraid that her reaction could be violent,’” she laughed.

Interestingly, the stylist-filmmaker goes on to describe her own relationship with Anil as more of the “buddy sort”. Quite the modern family, this. 

DNA (December 24, 2018)

Anil Kapoor celebrates his birthday today. When asked about his plans, the actor said he wants “to spend one entire day with my whole family, if we can make that happen.” The other members of the clan, including daughter Sonam K Ahuja, Rhea Kapoor and Harshvardhan Kapoor, too, lead hectic lives. “With the kind of schedules, each of us in the family has, birthdays have honestly come to mean the few times that we all try to come together as a family and celebrate each other! As you grow older, the grandiosity of your birthday means less, than celebrating quality time with those you love.”

On the work front, the actor began 2018 on a great note with the success of Veere Di Wedding, which was made by his production house and starred beti Sonam. He also co-produced Indian original Netflix series, Selection Day, which is based on the novel by the same name by Aravind Adiga. On the acting front, he was seen in a stylish avatar in Race 3 and also starred in Fanney Khan. Though the movies underperformed at the box office, the actor, as always was praised for his acting chops. He was also the voice of Baloo in the Hindi version of Mowgli.

The year 2019 will see him star in Total Dhamaal, Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga and Takht. He will also feature in the biopic on Abhinav Bindra’s life, which has son Harsh in the lead role. Anil essays the role of Abhinav’s father, Apjit Bindra. The father-son duo has started prepping for the film and also met Bindra and his family to understand their chemistry. Speaking about his son, the actor said, “Harsh has his own distinct style and approach to his art. I’m sure you saw glimpses of that in Mirzya and Bhavesh Joshi. For Bindra, he has left no stone unturned in doing justice to the man, the character and the story. I’m proud to say that he is as committed and diligent about his work as I could have ever hoped for him to be.”

Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; December 16, 2018)

After backing sister Sonam Kapoor aka Sonam K Ahuja’s Veere Di Wedding, which also starred Kareena Kapoor Khan, Swara Bhasker and Shikha Talsania, Rhea Kapoor is all set to produce a film for her other sibling, Harshvardhan Kapoor. The project is still in the early stages and without revealing much about it, Harsh, who was seen in Bhavesh Joshi Superhero earlier this year, told BT, “Rhea is working on a couple of scripts right now. She and I are similar as people and casual, informal conversations about a collaboration are on at the moment, but we haven’t confirmed anything just yet. It’s definitely on our minds and in the works.”

Harshvardhan Kapoor on his Olympic gold medallist alter ego and the biopic which is ‘one of those films that aren’t easy to make’
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 11, 2018) 

Over a year ago, Harshvardhan Kapoor announced that he would be playing Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra in his next. There’s still a few months to go before shooting kicks off for the biopic but the delay has hardly been a cause for concern for the actor. “It’s only for the better,” he explains, adding, “The prep isn’t on at the moment because director Kannan (Iyer) and Abhay Koranne, the writer, who also wrote Bhavesh Joshi Superhero, are working on a new draft of the script that draws heavily from A Shot At History (Abhinav’s autobiography).”

Adding that he was a part of an exercise recently, Harsh says, “We read the book and made notes about what we would like to incorporate from it in the film because all of us believe the book is marvellous. It traces Abhinav’s journey authentically. My prep will resume after we have a script that blows us away a hundred percent,” he asserts.

On his year-long prep, Harsh informs that he has been spending a lot of time with his screen alter ego. “I also met Suma Shirur, a professional shooter who Abhinav has trained with. We will set up a shooting range in Mumbai for me to practise and I will undergo look tests. It’s one of those films that aren’t easy to make,” he insists.

Meanwhile, prepping for the part has been quite an interesting ride. Drawing parellels between himself and Abhinav, Harsh says, “Abhinav and I have similar personalities. He keeps to himself and is a bit isolated, just like me. I am meticulous and like spending time with myself. Both of us turn reflective when things aren’t going a certain way. He’s not outgoing and neither am I. Even the relationship we share with our respective fathers is similar – they are extroverts, the life of a room—while Abhinav and I are quiet, straight-faced people. I’m looking forward to revisit a lot of my life experiences and add them to the film.”

The biopic also marks his first screen collaboration with dad Anil Kapoor but Harsh is evasive on the subject. “It’s about taking one step at a time and approaching it like any other film. I don’t want to get too romantic about the idea. I just want to focus and keep it real and give my best,” he signs off. 

Nishi Tiwari (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 31, 2018)

Just like his courtship with Sonam Kapoor and their subsequent nuptials, Delhi boy Anand Ahuja’s 35th birthday on Monday was a visual treat.

“To the love of my life and the kindest and gentlest soul I know… You make my world better,” the actress marked the day with another picture of them together and a message to go along with it.

Meanwhile, patriarch Anil hung out with his son-in-law and an array of celebratory cakes (left), exclaiming, “You are already having a hell of a year!” The youngest Kapoor sibling, actor Harshvardhan, rejoiced at the opportunity of finally getting to post a snap of the couple long after he had clicked it. “One of my favourite pictures that I have captured… London (sic),” he said.

But the most innovative of the lot was filmmaker-stylist Rhea, who got her sneaker fiend brother-in-law a gigantic shoeshaped cake. “I didn’t know what shoe you really wanted so we just made you one we were sure you didn’t have,” she said cheekily.

This party sure belongs to a tastefully done mood board, no?

Anil Kapoor on the agony of watching one’s children grapple with body image issues which is also addressed in his upcoming musical drama
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 21, 2018)

In a recent interview to Mirror (July 16), Pihu Sand, the 20-year-old Mumbai girl who plays Anil Kapoor and Divya Dutta’s daughter, Lata, in the upcoming musical drama, Fanney Khan, had revealed that she added 20 kg to tip the scales at 98 kg, the heaviest she’s ever been, for her acting debut. The news comes as a surprise to Anil who was bowled over by Pihu’s confidence and histrionics during their first workshop at his residence. “Having seen the original Belgian film, Everybody’s Famous!, I knew this was a tricky bit of casting but after meeting Pihu I knew instantly that she was our Lata. When I see talent, everything else pales into insignificance, including someone’s physicality,” says the actor.

While chasing Lata’s dream, the film touches on weight issues and the culture of body-shaming, concerns which are not new to Anil whose actress-daughter, Sonam, a style icon today, weighed 86 kg in her teens. He attributes this to the pangs of being parted from her parents when she went to Singapore to study. “Those 3-4 years were traumatic for her and when she returned home, I was shocked. The way she walked, the agony of climbing stairs, the misery on her face, broke my heart,” he recalls.

Being from the film industry, Anil knew his children, Sonam, Rhea and Harshvardhan, would be subjected to scrutiny and criticism growing up and so always told them they are beautiful in their own unique way and nothing should change that. “To be honest, I could not have imagined Sonam’s deep concerns with her appearance, because to me she has always been flawless,” he avers, admitting the full extent of what his daughter had gone through since the age of 13 only hit him recently when he read an interview of hers in which she confessed to spending hours in front of the mirror scrutinizing her appearance and coming up short.

Sonam had no plans to become an actress when she started assisting Sanjay Leela Bhansali. “She was still on the heavier side and seemingly unconcerned during the shooting of Black but perhaps Sanjay saw the beautiful girl beneath that ungainly body and offered to launch her in Saawariya,” reminisces Anil.

She went on a strict diet and fitness routine for a whole year and lost 35 kg, but the insecurity remained. She continued to experiment with every diet, from Atkins to South Beach, and every fitness routine, from spinning to power yoga, a single uncomplimentary remark making her go off food. Stardom didn’t make it any easier. The slightest blemish would be highlighted in photographs and articles which mercilessly sliced through her wavering self esteem. “Body-shaming is a curse and really hurts our kids,” points out Anil, informing that according to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders at least 30 million of all ages and genders in the US suffer from eating disorders, resulting in at least one death every 62 seconds. “Sonam has always been perfect and flawless in my eyes and I couldn’t be happier that she is healthy and content with herself today. When it comes to beauty, we need to shift the focus from physicality to personality. Women who are smart, intelligent, empathetic, determined and accomplished are beautiful. And that is the kind of beautiful Sonam is.”

Fortunately Sonam had a friend, Namrata Soni, and her sister, Rhea, who boosted her self-esteem and made her comfortable in her skin. Anil describes Rhea as a firebrand and asserts that he has never met anyone more confident and self-assured. “She knows who she is and is always true to herself. I’ve never seen her falter. She is the best kind of beautiful and she knows that,” he beams.

He also never had to tell Harsh what to do or how to do it as his son has always followed his heart and instincts. “Harsh is an old soul. He is my youngest son but in some ways he’s the wisest,” he states.

Arjun, who like his other nieces and nephews is one of his kids too, had a problem with his weight till he got in shape. “The credit for that goes to Salman (Khan). When his dad (brother Boney) showed me his new pictures, I was pleasantly surprised and so proud,” Anil flashbacks, adding it is important not to push kids into anything, recalling how Sonam had quietly sought out his trainer Sherveer. “The voice has to come from within,” he says wisely, narrating how Sherveer helped him look good for a suhaag raat scene in Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain with a years younger Kajol after shooting through the night for Pukar.

Air-brushing and photo-shopping are alien concepts that Anil has managed to evade so far by staying healthy and disciplined. “When we were shooting 'Badan Pe Sitare Lapate Hue' recently, a special effects team was kept ready to clean up the frames which eventually wasn’t necessary and we saved a lot of money,” he says, pointing out that last year, France implemented a new law whereby it’s become mandatory to label media images that are digitally altered for commercial purposes to make models look thinner as a ‘retouched photo’. “The time has come to redefine the popular concept of beauty and end body shaming. My film addresses this and that makes it special. My kids are strong, confident, independent people with minds of their own. That will always be my biggest legacy,” he says.

As the 2018 FIFA World Cup gets underway we look at who our actor-footballers are rooting for and which team they think could pull off a surprise win
Sanyukta Iyer and Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 19, 2018)

Ranbir Kapoor
Sports is a passion for me and I hope football becomes as famous in India as it is in Brazil and Argentina. I’m rooting for Argentina to win the FIFA World Cup this year.


John Abraham
I have a football club called the North-East United FC. We did not have a good season and hope to do better this year. As far as the World Cup goes, I wish I could say India but since that’s not happening, an exciting team I like and look out for is Germany. Will the Germans take the Cup home again? Well, this is the year of the underdog and I’d love to see an African nation lift the World Cup.


Abhishek Bachchan
In 2014, I cleared my schedule to fly off to Brazil to catch the semi final match of the FIFA World Cup, Germany versus Brazil, with the score card reading 7–1. I have supported Brazil since 1982 and it is my father’s (Amitabh Bachchan is a hardcore Brazil supporter) love for the team that influenced my liking for the boys in sunny yellow.


Bobby Deol
I used to play football in school. Then I stopped because I broke my leg, but I still watch it. It’s hard to predict who will win but I hope it’s Brazil. I’m rooting for Neymar and the boys. Iceland are the underdogs this year.


Ali Fazal
My association with football dates back to my days at the Doon School. I was really into hockey and basketball but football was the ‘joshila’ game we never missed. I’ve grown up juggling with the ball on the turf in school and also playing gali soccer in the sun and in the rain. I no longer play the game but when I see Ranbir (Kapoor) and the others, I think I should get back to the field again.

I’m very proud of India’s football team. We’re not playing the World Cup this year but it’s just a matter of time now. For now, I’m a die-hard Brazil fan, I grew up on their ball play and their flag tops my list. Brazil or Spain could win the Cup but Portugal could spring a surprise on fans.


Arjun Kapoor
I am cheering for Belgium this year, as well as England and Argentina. But France could prove to be the dark horse as the team has been consistently playing well. Yes, I am a football fanatic, and though I am right now on the road, I will make sure I catch the big matches.


Kartik Aaryan
I’ve been playing football since I was a child. I was the captain of my college football team and now I play for the All Stars Football Club. When work permits, I play every weekend as it keeps me fit and is a great stressbuster.

I think Croatia is going to surprise everyone this year. They have brilliant players like Ivan Rakitic and Luca. I’m supporting Portugal because I’m a huge Cristiano Ronaldo fan and he’s in top form right now. His hattrick against Spain was superb. They too have a good chance of winning.


Harshvardhan Kapoor
I’ve been watching football since I was 7–8 years old. I play once or twice a week but stopped playing during the release of Bhavesh Joshi Superhero as I was busy and wanted to avoid injuries. I hope England win, they have a lot of Manchester United players in the squad, but I know it’s a long shot. I think Spain will take the trophy.


Sikandar Kher
I have always loved Brazil since I saw the re-runs of Pele playing. I have loved Ronaldo and now it’s Neymar Junior who’s fantastic. Brazil doesn’t play football, they dance under the leadership of Captain Marcelo Silva. I love cheering for them.


Amit Sadh
Growing up, I used to play in and after school every day. Now, given our hectic schedule, it can be tough to gather players and commit to a league.

There are a few teams this year that look really strong, including Brazil, Germany, France, Spain and Belgium. I’m rooting for France, it’s a fantastic young team with hard-working players with a lot of flair. The underdog is Colombia. It’s not a team that figures in the list of potential winners for many but it’s a solid team — team being the key word — and it’s in the easiest group.

Rithvik Dhanjani
I am a Messi fan but unfortunately, he hasn’t performed well at FIFA in the past so I don’t know what he will do this year. Although I’m busy shooting I heard stories of the freekick Ronaldo took the other day so I’m rooting for Portugal but I’m also cheering for Spain. Colombia are the underdogs.

Lasyapriya Sundaram (BOMBAY TIMES; June 10, 2018)

Anil Kapoor has had a dream run at the movies for more than three decades. The actor has reinvented himself with each passing decade and also stayed relevant, a feat many of his contemporaries have not managed to achieve. At 61, he can give any leading man of today a run for his money. In a freewheeling chat with BT, Anil talks about how he has always aimed at making his characters believable on screen, how he learns from his children and how sometimes, the payback in this profession happens after years. Excerpts...

In every sense, you’ve proven to be the lambi race ka ghoda in Bollywood and you’re the only constant factor in all three films of the Race franchise…
Yes, it’s a fact that I am a lambi race ka ghoda. I believe it’s not a race, it’s a marathon and I even said this 35 years ago, when Woh 7 Din (1983) had released. I have been an accessible and saleable leading man for 35 years.

It’s believed that you are an extremely disciplined person. Apparently, even when there are parties at your house, you go to bed on time...
I used to go for parties earlier, and I attend them even today and enjoy myself, but there is a cut-off time because I believe in consistency in all aspects of life. My disciplined lifestyle has paid off. It’s very easy to be led astray, especially in this business. Another important thing I am particular about in life is loyalty. A person who is disciplined and has a sense of loyalty will always stand tall. Ultimately, right intent and honesty always pay off. It might take time, but it eventually will.

When you’re part of a franchise for a third time, how challenging is it to approach your role in a different manner?
I ensure that even when the character is larger than life, it does not look like a caricature. My approach to acting has always been about making my character look believable. Whether it’s in Ram Lakhan (1989), Tezaab (1988), No Entry (2005) or Welcome (2007), I’ve made all my characters look believable. I like adding the right shades and aim at making them interesting. The idea is that they should remain interesting even a decade after the film has released. If you fake it, people can see through it.

Unlike a few decades ago, today the real-life image of the actor is not as important as the character he portrays on screen. Does that give you more scope to choose the kind of roles you couldn’t earlier?
Today, the audience is mature enough to separate the actor from the character, but, what’s even more interesting is that often, people who didn’t connect with my characters when the films released, have come back and told me that perhaps they were in a different frame of mind. They can now connect with the roles that I had played. There is payback after years. There are people who are honest enough to admit that. Sometimes, you get validation after 20 years. After all, it’s all about the journey.

Have you taken extra effort to keep yourself relevant in today’s times?
The people I am surrounded with have helped me become the person I am today. I have imbibed a lot from my father (Surinder Kapoor), who was an honest and straightforward man. My mother (Nirmal Kapoor) is a wonderful host and my wife (Sunita) is the best host that I have ever known. Women of the house are often behind the success of men in the professional sphere. My wife has played a huge role in my success and in moulding me as a person. My children have also helped me in keeping up with the times. There are many things that I have learnt from Sonam and Rhea. In fact, I have done many films because of Harshvardhan. He was the one who encouraged me to do Slumdog Millionaire (2008), Dil Dhadakne Do (2015) and even Race 3. Also, Anupam Kher is an actor and a dear friend who I often reach out to.

Everyone who works with you says your energy on set is palpable. Even young actors who work with you say that they have to keep pace with your energy...
I like bringing everybody together as a unit and team. Sometimes, I lead from the front and sometimes, I do it by taking a back seat. I lead by not letting anyone realise what I am doing. Depending on the kind of people I am working with, and keeping their IQ (Intelligence Quotient) and EQ (Emotional Quotient) in mind, I gauge the atmosphere on set. At times, I become like them, I absorb the energy around me and adapt myself.

Moving on, what were your feelings when Sonam was getting married? How did it feel to welcome a new member into the family?
When I saw that Sonam was professionally, financially and emotionally in a good place, as a father, it made me happy. Adding another member to the family has only enriched us. If I was dancing and enjoying at the sangeet, I was doing so because I was elated.

How do you think Sonam has evolved as an actor?
I think all you have seen of Sonam is just the tip of the iceberg. Her real success story will start now.

In your family, everyone has very strong opinions, including you. When you view things from your children’s point of view, often, do you see yourself looking at the world differently?
Of course, I do imbibe a lot from them. Though we all have different opinions, we have a democratic atmosphere in the house. Nobody is the boss here. Yet, there is a code of conduct, a lakshman rekha, which has to be there. We let everybody be and let them learn from their own experiences. As parents, we keep telling them things; sometimes, what we say might stick right away, and at times, it will take a while. We are also evolving as a family.

Sonam always gives credit to Sunita and you for the way she is today...
It’s not because of me, it’s because of my wife. I have always told my children to learn from their mistakes. There is always something good that will happen. We all make mistakes. And one has to learn from them and move on.

Sonam and you are working together in Ek Ladki Ko Dekha To Aisa Laga. It has taken you two really long to come together for a project...
It’s all destiny. We never really went out to find a script. There’s never the right time or wrong time. The script just felt right with this film.

You are also collaborating with leading ladies like Madhuri Dixit Nene (Total Dhamaal), Juhi Chawla (Ek Ladki Ko Dekha To Aisa Laga) and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan (Fanne Khan) after a gap of many years. When you came on set, did it feel like you picked up things from where you left off with them?
I am fortunate that they have agreed to work with me. All of them are beautiful and talented ladies, and they have their own styles of acting. I have worked the most with Madhuri and my film Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai (2000) with Aishwarya was a hit. I have teamed up with Juhi too, but I always felt I should have done more films with her. I always tell her, ‘Tere saath kam kaam kiya hai’. When Madhuri and Juhi said yes to the respective films, I was over the moon, and I can’t imagine Fanne Khan without Aishwarya. Only she could have pulled off this role.

Anil Kapoor on the secret behind his 40-year career, his ‘zabardast’ support system, and why Sonam and Harshvardhan are different from other star kids
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 7, 2018)

What is more tedious — producing a film or being the father of the bride at a big fat Indian wedding?
I haven’t done either entirely by myself. Sonam’s wedding was put together by my wife, Sunita.
Whether it is films or a wedding in the family, I appear when I’m needed. Nobody disturbs me otherwise. I am lucky that I have such a zabardast support system. We’re a great team — my family and friends. All of us can stand alone independently as well as come together during a crisis. For most of last year, I’ve stayed quiet. I thought it was better to talk to the media when I have a film releasing. The business of movies is so public, you have to be mentally and physically prepared for whatever comes your way. But this year has been sensitive and all of us thought it best to keep silent. In hindsight, it was a good decision.

In 2019, you will feature alongside daughter Sonam in Shelly Chopra Dhar’s Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga and with son Harshvardhan in Kannan Iyer’s Abhinav Bindra biopic. Excited about playing dad to your children on screen?
We’ve almost finished shooting for Ek Ladki... with only the climax pending. I am proud of the fantastic actress Sonam has become. She has found her own way with Sanjay Leela Bhansali (Saawariya), Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra (Delhi 6), Ram Madhvani (Neerja). Working with her is like working with any other actress — she’s professional and makes my job easy. My son, too, has found his way with Mirzya and Bhavesh Joshi Superhero. If I was producing or acting in their debut films, I wouldn’t have been so proud of them, I’d have felt guilty of trying to promote them too hard. But I’m fortunate because they’ve made it on their own. They’ve always found directors who want to work with them. They may be Anil Kapoor’s children, but there are so many others from well-known families in the industry, but how many of them are raising the bar?

Are you tired of playing dad on screen yet?
I am not delusional. There are times when I say ‘no’ to a film but it often depends on who the writers, directors and producers are. There is no such thing as certainty in life and you have to be smart and sensible with your choices. Fortunately, I am aware of my capabilities and of the things I can do better than others. I know exactly how much value I add to a film.

You are also working with debutant directors like Atul Manjrekar (Fanne Khan) and Shelly Dhar…
I would have been careful early on in my career but now I want to take risks. I am not one to force opinions on set but if I don’t like something I tell my director about it. I also suggest how I think it should be done. Fanne Khan has an experienced producer like Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra backing it and with Ek Ladki... there’s Vidhu Vinod Chopra, whom I have known closely for 23 years. So the debutant directors are well-cushioned. Their new energy is balanced out with experienced producers. It’s a lethal combination.

You’ve been a part of the film industry for nearly four decades now. To what do you credit your longevity as a leading man?
On June 23, it will be 35 years for me as a successful leading man. It’s a combination of goodwill, the right choices, hard work and working with the right people. My wife and family have kept me going. Sometimes, I also made the call to do something at someone’s behest and payback came later. You cannot have a cut-throat attitude for momentary gains. At the risk of being called boring, I chose to preserve myself physically and mentally. I’d slip out of parties when they were just warming up. There were always other actors who were more in the news than me, but I chose to only be written about for my work. Everyone seems to be in it for a quick fix, while I have patiently run the marathon. Today, I am reaping benefits from seeds I sowed many years ago.

You are the only actor who has been a part of Ramesh Taurani’s Race franchise for the last ten years. How has it been so far?
Every time I heard the script of a new Race film, I was confused whether I should do it or not. Almost each time, I decided not to do it but you can’t always be selfish. I was producing Feroz Abbas Khan’s Gandhi, My Father when the first Race came to me and he said that it wouldn’t hurt to do it. I’m used to films in which I appear in all the scenes and I was reluctant to be a part of a bheed-bhaad of actors. I did the film anyway, with my character entering only minutes before the interval, but the film worked.

During Race 2, I told the makers to give me something that would add value. During discussions, Deepika (Padukone) walked out. When I look back, I realise that the stars always align for this franchise. The script was rewritten, Deepika came back, and I was given a better role. Race 2 went on to become Deepika’s first big commercial hit. God was kind and we had all made the right choices once again. Then, last year, I turned Ramesh ji down for the third time. I had scenes to wrap up with Aishwarya Rai in Fanne Khan, my dates for Ek Ladki… were locked and I was to begin Total Dhamaal with Ajay Devgn and Madhuri Dixit. All the films had different looks and needed time. Once again, the stars aligned. I eventually signed Race 3 for many reasons that I don’t want to revisit now. The Abu Dhabi schedule was pushed by four months for me, and I shot in Mumbai last December. Despite a lot of stress surrounding (leading man) Salman Khan during the schedule of the film earlier this year, we wrapped up at lightning speed.

This time, Remo D’Souza has taken over the reins from Abbas-Mastan, who directed the original as well as the sequel.
Do you know that only Indians think of sequels in this manner? Internationally, there is always either a new director or new team or a change of a few actors. It works best to take the fatigue away from a franchise with a new team. In the West, they’re pragmatic, while in India, we are more sentimental.
Remo has brought freshness to Race 3. It wouldn’t have been in 3D if not for him. Also, the smartest thing Ramesh ji has done is retain writer Shiraz Ahmed (screenplay and dialogue) for all the three films so there’s continuity, but with new energy.

You seem to enjoy acting in big-ticket potboilers...
I act in films like Race 3 so that I can produce different content. There are mainstream-commercial films and then there are out-of-the-box films, which we are trying to make more commercial, but essentially their purpose is to raise the collective standard. I need to be cushioned in order to produce high-content films and my acting keeps my production house secure. We can do a 24 and Veere Di Wedding in India because I am doing a Mubarakan, Race 3 and Total Dhamaal. Thirty years ago, Mr India could be made because of the same reasons.

Rachit Gupta (BOMBAY TIMES; May 30, 2018)

Filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane’s new film Bhavesh Joshi Superhero, which releases on June 1, is an actionpacked thriller and perhaps his most challenging film yet. In a chat with BT, the acclaimed director talks about the thrills and spills of making a superhero movie and the anticipation around Harshvardhan Kapoor’s second film in Bollywood.

Like Gotham needs Batman, does Mumbai need a figure like Bhavesh Joshi to save the day?
I don’t think we’re there yet. I’ve seen the city transition from Bombay to Mumbai over the years. It seems like Mumbai has no one to care for it. The need to make Bhavesh Joshi Superhero came from this feeling. The over-construction, the overpopulation, the pollution and the corruption are all so rampant. You feel ki koi toh ho aisa jo iss city ka khayal rakh sake. So, the idea of the film stems from a boyhood fantasy of wearing a mask, picking up a stick and going to do something about the city. What that something is, turns out to be a violent fantasy sort of situation in Bhavesh Joshi... I’m a superhero and comic book fan, so you could say that this was my one chance to go out and make the film of my dreams. It’s a movie where I can do all these cool action sequences, martial arts fights and chase sequences. It’s like a mixture of all those things coming together and making a story.

You have stacks of Batman comics, loads of superhero posters and memorabilia. Was the idea of making a superhero film always on the cards?
One of my all-time favourite action films is Die Hard (1988). Since then, I’ve been an action buff. Superhero films always have a great deal of action, so you have to deliver on that promise. When you walk into a theatre to watch a superhero film, you go expecting to see a story that has good action. In that sense, making Bhavesh Joshi Superhero was like killing two birds with one stone.

Lately, Bollywood action films like Baaghi 2 (2018) have managed to up the ante, especially when it comes to the quality of stunts. Is it due to the influence of the West and the fact that foreign technicians are now working in our movies as well?
We called for two choreographers from France, Cyril Raffaelli and Sebastian Seveau. Cyril has worked on the Die Hard movies; he played Captain Tomasso in the District 13 films. He’s a parkour and combat expert. Sebastian has been part of the Bourne series. The value that they’ve added to the film has literally taken it to the next level. The action looks all natural; it’s not what you see in a typical Hindi film. It’s real and gritty and can literally blow you away.

So will the action in Bhavesh Joshi... be a complete departure from the usual high-flying stuff in Hindi movies, where we see people catapulted several feet into the air?
Just look at the greatest action films of all time, you don’t even need to look at Hollywood. The action in Sholay (1975) is so intense and charged with emotion that it’s integral to the film. It’s just a question of designing the action scenes in a way that they don’t become over the top. Even the Marvel movies have OTT action, but there’s always a good reason for it. You don’t get up and say, ‘Chalo abb action karte hain.’ In Bhavesh Joshi..., the action blends into the narrative seamlessly. Action never works if you don’t feel for the person who’s at the centre of it. If you don’t want them to escape, fight or get out of a tight spot, then you’re not going to feel anything.

How much of the film is about crime fighting and how much of it is about social change?
I won’t call it a film about social change; it’s not preachy as such. It’s about a scam and how somebody gets involved and then someone tries to change all that. There is an idea of social change, but basically, it’s just about a hero, a villain, a scam, action and stunts.

There’s no real benchmark for superhero movies in Hindi cinema. Yes, we’ve seen commercial success with the few entries into the genre, but nothing has really hit bullseye. Typically, Hindi superhero films tend to mimic what Hollywood does in the genre. Do you agree?
I’m trying to make a cottage industry superhero. He’s a guy with no resources. He’s not Bruce Wayne with unlimited money that he can use to become Batman. This guy has bare minimum funds. Woh apni gaadi bechke, jo paise milte hai, uss se superhero banta hai. Homemade mask, homemade costume, homemade batons, homemade training… he’s like a product of a small-scale industry. Thanks to this approach, my film has got its own ethos, one that we have built from scratch. We’re not borrowing from anywhere. Every superhero movie has its own set of tropes. You need the hero to have a conflict, before he can become the superhero. So we’ve done that, but the rest of the way Bhavesh Joshi... is a whole new film.

Why did you choose Harshvardhan Kapoor for this role?
Initially, I was working with Imran Khan and then later, we tried Sidharth Malhotra as well. But things didn’t work out. After the 2014 elections, I changed the script. While I was changing it, I found out that the character had also changed from being someone very angry and upfront, to someone who’s a little lost and is trying to find his way in life. Harsh fit into that mould very well. The character wants to go out there and do the right thing, but does he have the strength to pull it off? Harsh lent himself to the uncertainty of the character.

This year, superhero films like Avengers: Infinity War and Deadpool 2 have done fantastic business at the Indian box office. Does that give you hope for your homemade superhero?
I hope so. At this point in time, we can’t really compete with Hollywood and the kind of films they make. I feel we’re still finding an audience when it comes to comic book culture and superhero stories. From the Indian perspective, you either follow DC or Marvel and if you’re a local fanboy, then you have stuff like Raj Comics’ Doga. But Bhavesh Joshi... has no such references at all. He comes with a clean slate. For the first time, we are making the movie first, and maybe, the comic or graphic novel will come later on. I know there’s a bit of a risk involved, but I feel it’s a good risk. The superhero bit is just one perspective; the other side of the film is inspired by Hindi films of the ’70s and ’80s that featured the angry young man. That’s the real source of the film.

Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; May 28, 2018)

Two years after the release of her Bollywood debut opposite Harshvardhan Kapoor in Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s Mirzya, Saiyami Kher will now be seen alongside Riteish Deshmukh in his Marathi film, Mauli. It’s rare for an actress to take a plunge into regional cinema so early on in career. However, Saiyami, who made her acting debut with the Telugu film Rey (2015), has no such inhibitions. In a quick chat with BT, she talks about life post her grand debut in Bollywood, how regional cinema is opening up opportunities for actors and most of all, how surviving in the movie business is no mean feat for a newcomer.

You made your debut with a Telugu film and Mirzya (2016) was your debut in Bollywood. Your next release is a Marathi film. One would have expected you to follow up with another Hindi project instead...
Riteish Deshmukh’s last Marathi film Lai Bhaari opened up a new dimension for action and drama in Marathi cinema, and this again is an ambitious project for him. Besides, I always wanted to be a part of Marathi films as my grandmother (Usha Kiran) was a renowned name in the Marathi industry. It’s a matter of pride to go back to my roots. The best part about regional cinema is that it is more receptive and welcoming towards actresses from outside, as compared to Bollywood.

It has been two years since Mirzya released. The second Hindi film you signed got pushed to November this year, and another film with Mani Ratnam, too, is delayed. At any point, were you frustrated at the pace at which your career was moving?
Nobody wants to put their money on someone whose film hasn’t worked. Those two years were really tough. It made me realise who my true friends were; failure is the best teacher. That’s when your family and genuine friends play an instrumental role in keeping you afloat. Also, my sports background helped me sail through the phase. Walking with my chin up despite failure has been ingrained since a young age. In our world, a loss makes you work harder. It’s difficult to survive and sustain in the film industry with several people vying for the same part. One has to be thick skinned to survive here. Depression is normal when you face rejections. It has been a huge struggle. I was suddenly surrounded by new friends and relatives when my film (Mirzya), which was touted as one of the biggest Bollywood debuts, was announced. There were filmmakers who were keen on casting me. Before Mirzya, at auditions, several people were concerned about my looks. They would say, ‘You have a wide smile and big teeth. You should get a nose and lip job done’. I said ‘thank you’ to them, as I am happy with the way God has made me. After I bagged my first Bollywood film, suddenly, the same set of people thought that I am good-looking (laughs!).

Are you in touch with your Mirzya co-star Harshvardhan Kapoor considering you guys have been good friends since your debut?
I am very much in touch with Harshvardhan. Your first co-star is always special. We don’t meet but are in touch over messages. He is concerned about me and checks with me on whether I have approached the people he has suggested. Harsh has been headstrong and clear about the cinema he wants to do. I am glad that he is not going down the conventional route, which is very brave of him. He is going through his share of struggles, too. He has a tough job of living up to his father’s name.

What are the kind of films that really interest you?
I would love to feature in a sport biopic. I feel I am fit for it as I am a sportsperson, too. Also, rarely do we see actresses getting cast in action films; I would love to do one.

Set to kickstart preparations for upcoming Abhinav Bindra biopic with the ace shooter, Harshvardhan Kapoor on why sportsmen may lead isolating lives
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; May 26, 2018)

“The tryst to do something genrebreaking is important. [One can] try and [then] fail, but don’t crib without trying,” says Harshvardhan Kapoor, in a bid to back his film choices in Bollywood. A period love story behind him, and an upcoming vigilante drama, Bhavesh Joshi Superhero, up for release, Kapoor’s third venture too is anything but typical.

Soon after the release of the Vikramaditya Motwane-directed venture on June 1, the actor will jump headfirst into prep work for his next, Kannan Iyer’s biopic, based on ace shooter Abhinav Bindra. “It will be a time-consuming project, one that I’m certain will be hard to pull off. I have been spending time with Abhinav to understand his story, and his perception of success,” says Kapoor, adding that Adarsh Khurana, writer of Bhavesh Joshi Superhero will also co-write the Bindra biopic at his behest. “Right now, we’re focusing on locking the script. We are almost there.”

Given that it’s a sports biopic, a fair amount of physical preparation will be underway for Kapoor to ace the character in the film, based on Rohit Brijnath’s book on the shooter. “I have a range of shooting classes lined up. I have to be better acquainted with the 10 mm air rifle. I will also need to perfect the body language, a task that may take several months to ace. The film’s emotional core rests in the physical training. So, I need to feel how he did.” On his schedule is a weight loss program that will make him look convincing as a young Bindra. “I need to lose at least 10 kilos. The beard will need to go, and I will sport a buzz cut.”

Kapoor adds that even though the film will be inspired by Bindra, they will take liberties because life off screen “won’t always be cinematically correct”. Even though the former professional shooter’s public life — which saw him winning Gold at the Olympic Games in 2008 — has sufficient fodder to make for an interesting story, Kapoor says it is his life behind the scenes that will form the crux of their film. “We will dig into the mind of an obsessive athlete. It’s not just about having access to a gun and the range. It’s about the fervour the sportsman had, [the desire to shoot] not just 10s but perfect 10.9s. [He needs] to get to the centre of the seed within an apple. [Such fervour] inspires dedication. What it does is isolate a man. Such people can’t have a life or relationships. People can’t understand them because they don’t let others in. The narrative explores the equation between him [Bindra] and his father, their ups and downs,” says the actor, adding that the film will explore his life till the Rio Olympics in 2016.

Only recently, he took the rough draft to Bindra, and says it left him teary-eyed. “I was approached for this film by Vishal Bhardwaj, but he has now moved on. It’s now a home production.”

Hiren Kotwani (BOMBAY TIMES; May 24, 2018)

Sonam Kapoor aka Sonam K Ahuja wears many hats with aplomb. She is not only a popular actor but also has a successful clothing label with her sister Rhea Kapoor. On the career front, she seems to have struck a perfect balance between the characters she essays and her movies that become memorable. Like her last release Pad Man that was the first mainstream Bollywood film to talk about menstrual hygiene, in which she played an important role. This came after Neerja (2016), which earned her the National Award Special Mention for her inspiring performance.

She is also a suave fashionista whose every public appearance is looked forward to. As an industry person says, “Sonam has such an amazing sartorial sense that you can be sure she will be talked about more than other actresses at the same event.”

For the last few weeks, she has been more in the news for tying the knot to businessman Anand Ahuja. When we meet her at a suburban five-star hotel, she’s there to promote Veere Di Wedding (VDW), her first release as Sonam K Ahuja. A quick Q&A with the actress...

Considering that VDW is your home production, didn’t you ever want to play Veere?
No, I don’t think so. How boring would that be! I think Kareena (Kapoor Khan) suits the role best.

But why Kareena?
That you need to ask the producer and the director because it’s their choice. However, after seeing the film, you will understand why Kareena is the best choice for Veere Di Wedding.

Isn’t it odd that in all these years, no one thought of casting you and Kareena together?
Did it ever occur to anyone in the industry to cast two A-list female actresses together without A-list men? This is the first time that has happened. I think that itself is cool.

The film’s promos show that it must have been a fun shoot. Which was the last film you had so much fun working?
Raanjhanaa. We had a blast during VDW, even behind the scenes. I think that should remain behind the scenes only. I don’t think we should discuss that in print, at all (laughs).

The dialogues have got extreme reactions. While filming, did you anticipate any censor issues?
No, I don’t think we did. This is how women talk to each other. We didn’t think, ‘My God! People are going to say something about this.’

Why the tag line ‘It’s Not a Chick Flick’?
That’s a derogatory way of looking at a film. It’s not a chick flick. Firstly, we should not be called chicks. And secondly, it’s a movie about four people, which caters to both men and women.

Looking at the trailer of VDW, some feel that it’s a reversal of the Pyaar Ka Punchnama series.
The Pyaar Ka Punchnama series is great but it’s very sexist. VDW is not about women discussing men and putting them down or discussing what they are going through. It’s quite different.

Your sister Rhea is the producer but what role do you play in the production house?
I’m my sister’s partner in everything; whether it’s Rheson, her styling me or producing films. I think we work well together. But I only have creative involvement; whether as an actor or discussing scripts to put projects together. My sister is the producer. She and I work well as partners.

Your brother Harshvardhan’s film Bhavesh Joshi Superhero is finally releasing on the same day as your VDW, after mulling over avoiding a clash.
I think there is space for everyone. I’d rather have my brother’s film releasing on the same day than anyone else’s.

The last time you worked with your dad Anil Kapoor was for his first commercial for a luxury brand pen. How is it working with him in the film Ek Ladki Ko Dekha To Aisa Laga?
Working with dad has been an amazing experience. It took me a while to accept working with him as it’s hard to shoot with him (smiles).

While your production house has announced the screen adaptation of The Zoya Factor, there’s no news of the film on Battle Of Bittora, the rights of which you had acquired.
We have the rights of Battle For Bittora and the film is is very much on. That will be made after The Zoya Factor.

Director Vikramaditya Motwane on how he revised cast and script of Bhavesh Joshi over the past five years
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; May 23, 2018)

Over five years after its inception, Vikramaditya Motwane's Bhavesh Joshi Superhero is finally set to hit theatres on June 1. While the vigilante drama was announced in 2012 with Imran Khan, Sidharth Malhotra stepped into Khan's shoes when the project was revived in 2015. Cut to 2018 and the director placed his superhero on Harshvardhan Kapoor. Motwane says the biggest challenge has been to keep the script relevant over the years.

"When I wrote the film [in 2012], it was in a different time with a different government ruling the country. The issues we took up were different. But then, [as the years passed by], I had to update the story. When the film didn't work out in 2015, I stepped away from the material and got perspective on it. Putting the film on hold was a good call," says Vikramaditya Motwane.

Though it has been a long road to fruition, the director has no complaints. "The film didn't work out with Imran because I was unable to raise money. By the time we came to Sidharth, the story felt irrelevant. Harsh had auditioned in 2012, but he wasn't ready back then. Now that I have changed the story, he fits in better."

Harshvardhan on his film clashing with sisters’ Veere Di Wedding on June 1
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; May 22, 2018)

WITH Sonam Kapoor-starrer Veere Di Wedding (co-produced by sister Rhea Kapoor) and Harshvardhan Kapoor’s Bhavesh Joshi Superhero releasing on June 1, trade experts are branding the date as a battle of the Kapoors at the box office.

But for Harshvardhan, the clash is a reason to celebrate. “It’s a calculated and unemotional move. Let’s just say, Kapoors will take over that Friday,” says the actor, as he goes on to explain why his film will hit screens in June instead of May 25. “While our trailer released on May 2, we didn’t get the film’s music on time. Also, Vikram [Vikramaditya Motwane, director] was still finishing the film. We didn’t expect Parmanu to release on May 25, because the makers were fighting a legal battle. With the IPL ending on May 27, June 1 looked like an ideal date. It’s a cleaner space for two films of distinct genres to release,” he says.

Bhavesh Joshi Superhero was in the making for over five years. Harshvardhan was the third actor to be considered for the lead, after Imran Khan and Sidharth Malhotra. But he is proud to be associated with the project. “I hope when people watch the film, they only imagine me in the part. It’s an amazing script. The story is about a guy who is desperate to do the right thing. It’s inspired by what he feels for the system, something that so many Mumbaikars do.”

DNA (May 18, 2018)

At the moment, Sonam Kapoor aka Sonam K Ahuja is a much bigger star as compared to her younger brother, Harshvardhan Kapoor. Naturally, it would make sense for Harsh’s producers to piggyback on his eldest sister, Sonam’s stardom.

Yesterday, After Hrs reported that the young actor’s Bhavesh Joshi Superhero (BJS), which was initially scheduled to release on May 25, is now coming on June 1. And this development sees a familial clash for him as his second film will now open in cinemas on the same day as his sister actress, Sonam’s Veere Di Wedding (VDW). Moreover, his second sister, Rhea Kapoor, is one of the producers of VDW.

Reportedly, the makers of the vigilante action movie deferred its release due to non-availability of a good chain of cinemas and show timings in lieu of Raazi doing good business in its first week and Deadpool 2 releasing today.

However, a source tells us that there is more to this family encounter. It seems that the team of BJS also needed more time to build up their promotion.

Apparently, they felt that releasing their flick on the same day as VDW would give them visibility. All this talk of rivalry, familial clash, blah, blah usually helps.

As our source explains, “With BJS and VDW releasing on the same day, Harsh will be asked by the media about the ‘box-office clash’ with Sonam during his promotional interviews and vice versa. And as this is happening after his elder sister’s shaadi, it will be splashed everywhere. So, this will give considerable boost to the buzz for BJS in the coming days. And this could actually prove to be a promotional ace or a marketing coup.”

One also heard from an insider that when Sonam and Rhea first heard about the change in the date of Harsh’s film, they were reportedly upset with his producers because they wanted the best for their brother, but they also wanted the best for themselves. Our source said, “There allegedly was a powwow at home with their parents, Anil and Sunita, playing the peacemakers.”

In his replies to the media, Harsh said that his sisters Sonam and Rhea, his dad Anil and he looked at this ‘date change as an opportunity and not as a clash’. Guess, he is right. When a family has three actors whose films are releasing by rote, such clashes are bound to happen.

Honestly, where is the need to fuss if the makers of BJS find themselves piggybacking on VDW?

Like another trade source, who was playing devil’s advocate said, “Like Sonam, many sisters have supported their siblings. Last year, Shraddha Kapoor did a film like Haseena Parkar (a role she was far too young to play) just to support her brother Siddhanth Kapoor who essayed Dawood Ibrahim in it. The industry definitely believes in taking care of their own. It is all about loving your family.”

Harshvardhan Kapoor isn’t worried about clashing with sister Sonam at the box-office
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 17, 2018)

Harshvardhan Kapoor’s vigilante-drama Bhavesh Joshi Superhero, which sees him as a man forced on a path of vengeance, was scheduled to release on May 25, but has now been pushed ahead by a week. The Vikramaditya Motwane directorial is now gearing up to clash with Shashanka Ghosh’s comedydrama Veere Di Wedding, featuring Harsh’s sister Sonam Kapoor, alongside Kareena Kapoor, Swara Bhaskar and Shikha Talsania, on June 1.

“The films belong to two completely different worlds. It’s a great date for both of them because it’s the first weekend after the end of the country’s biggest cricketing league. The other big releases will have filtered out by then too. Sonam, Rhea, dad (Anil Kapoor) and I are thrilled about the simultaneous releases because June 1 will be a day of celebration. We are not looking at it as a clash, it’s a great opportunity,” Harshvardhan insists, adding, “With dad, Arjun (Kapoor, cousin), Jahnvi (Kapoor, cousin) and many other siblings working round-the-clock at the movies, there are bound to be more overlaps in the future.”

Harsh’s follow-up to his 2015 debut, the Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra-directed Mirzya, revolves around a group of friends who set out on the path of righteousness but after a series of intense incidents, their lives take an unexpected turn. “The idea behind my debut was to reinvent the romantic-fantasy-musical genre. It was exciting because I don’t want to be known as an actor who never tried. I want to put my neck on the line and my money where my mouth is. If the film works, it’s phenomenal, and if it doesn’t, people still applaud the effort. That’s what I have tried with a first-of-its-kind neo-noir thriller like Bhavesh Joshi. I truly believe that it is a mainstream film with a completely new story and treatment,” he explains.

The film also features a racy dance number, “Chavanprash”, by cousin Arjun. “In an industry where people are so reluctant to change in terms of box-office clashes, June 1 will be a memorable date for our family,” the actor adds.

Upala KBR (MID-DAY; May 17, 2018)

With the release of Bhavesh Joshi Superhero postponed to June 1, Harshvardhan Kapoor finds his film locking horns with his sisters’ labour of love, Veere Di Wedding — a Rhea Kapoor production starring Sonam Kapoor as one of the leads. With his children’s movies gearing up to battle it out at the box office, one would assume father Anil Kapoor is in a dilemma. However, he says it is not his place to interfere in others’ business decisions.

“These calls [about a film’s release date] are made by the respective studios and distributors, and I respect that. In my entire career, I have never said ki ab release karo ya abhi release mat karo. Neither Harsh nor I are in a position to say anything about the release date.”

Point out to him that Veere Di Wedding is his home production, and he cuts in, “The decision regarding Veere’s release date has been taken by Rhea and Ekta Kapoor.”

Positive about the impending clash, Anil says, “As a father, I will be anxious about my children. We have to wish for the best.”

As told to Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 14, 2018)

My upcoming film, Bhavesh Joshi Superhero, is an action-packed vigilante drama with me as Siku who challenges all that’s wrong and tries to set the world right. There is a young actor in the film, Priyanshu Painyuli who I grow very close to as we seek justice together. To ensure that we forge a real bond, our director, Vikramaditya Motwane, decided I should move out of my bungalow and live with my on-screen friend for a month prior to the shoot. The production team rented an apartment for us in Shastri Nagar where we lived before and during the shoot. That for me was my biggest and a most unusual prep for this celluloid adventure trying to find a comfort level with a stranger by sharing my digs with him.

We also attended a lot of acting workshops with Vikram and the rest of the cast. I took martial arts training and learnt to fight with sticks, kick and punch too, while masked. We tested a lot of masks that would suit my face and action choreographer Cyril Raffaeli flew down from France to train me, along with a local team. I’ve always been actively interested in fitness and enjoy cricket and football, so learning a new sport — martial arts — was an interesting challenge. I’m hoping this film clicks with the audience who enjoy commercial cinema, there is a lot we’ve put in behind getting the action right on-screen.

Before that for Rakyesh Omprakash Mehra’s Mirzya, my first film, I learnt horse-riding, with portions shot in Ladakh in the warrior get-up. I learnt horse-riding and archery for a year-and-a-half and by the time it was time to face the camera, I could gallop without holding the reins and shoot arrows bang on target. Now, these skills will be with me for the rest of my life. I’m really looking forward to doing another period film where I can display these skills full-fledged because Mirzya was a blend of the contemporary with period drama.

Doing a film is not easy. It necessitates huge lifestyle change, more so in my case as my first three films are all title roles, author-backed roles, which demanded longer, tougher prep but I’m all for it.

Next up is the Abhinav Bindra biopic, based on the athlete’s autobiography, A Shot at History : My Obsessive Journey to Olympic Gold, for which I will train in air-rifle shooting. He’s the only Indian to win an individual Olympic gold and it takes a great man to do that. I’m looking to relive his journey on-screen. I’ve met Abhinav a few times with our director Kannan Iyer, my dad (Anil Kapoor) who is also in the film and script writer Abhay Khurana who incidentally has also written Bhavesh Joshi Superhero with Vikram and Anurag Kashyap. After I came on board for Bindra, we got Abhay to do a brand new draft along with Kannan. I am getting a lot of material from my conversations with Abhinav who as a person is intense, shy and methodical, and an incredible athlete. The film will explore the man and the madness surrounding him.

I start my prep in July. We are setting up a shooting range in Mumbai where I will be training for months before shooting starts. This prep, as with the other two, will take me out of my comfort zone completely. It is not just about acquiring physical skills, in this case expertise in a sport, but also mental strength. We roll in November.

Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; May 6, 2018)

The preparations are on in full swing at the Kapoor household in Juhu, as their darling daughter Sonam will marry Delhi-based entrepreneur Anand Ahuja on Tuesday, May 8. While the Kapoors and Ahujas have kept things under wraps, the pre-wedding and wedding ceremonies are touted to be quite a grand affair, with loads of naach-gaana, lavish spread of delicacies and more. Unlike most celebs, Sonam, who promised at Veere Di Wedding’s trailer launch to intimate the media about her wedding, gracefully kept her word and released a statement about it, so kudos to that.

FOR FASHIONISTA SONAM’S WEDDING, WHAT’S THE DRESS CODE?
For those curious, going by Sonam’s penchant for high fashion and style, each event has a unique dress code as mentioned on the wedding invites. The mehendi function on May 7, at the actress’ plush duplex apartment in Bandra Kurla Complex, will see guests wearing Indian festive outfits, preferably in shades of white, while for the reception party on May 8, the dress code is Indian or Western formal.

The wedding ceremony will be done as per Sikh tradition and rituals on May 8 and will take place at noon in Sonam’s aunt Kavita Singh’s bungalow in Bandra, overlooking the sea. Though the actress has not confirmed the same as yet, it has been reported that ace designers Anamika Khanna, Abu Jani, Sandeep Khosla along with British designers Ralph & Russo (also speculated to design Meghan Markle’s wedding dress) will be responsible for her bridal trousseau. We hear that the Indian designers are most likely to create Sonam’s mehendi and wedding ceremony looks, while the British couturiers will design her reception outfit. Raghavendra Rathore has been roped in to design for the men of the family, comprising the groom Anand, Anil Kapoor and brother of the bride, Harshvardhan Kapoor.



RECEPTION WITH A BOLLYWOOD TWIST
As far as the wedding party is concerned, sources reveal, “It won’t be typical reception. The plan is to ensure that everyone has a great time. It will be nice to see guests getting up and shaking a leg. While the wedding will be an intimate affair, who’s who from the world of entertainment and fashion are slated to grace the grand reception on the evening of May 8, at a suburban five-star hotel.”

The bride’s family and close friends like Harshvardhan, Rhea, Arjun Kapoor and sister Anshula, Ranveer Singh, Janhvi, Khushi, Varun Dhawan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sanjay Kapoor’s daughter Shanaya and of course the father-of-the-bride, Anil Kapoor are all set to perform on Bollywood hits. A dance rehearsal video of the ladki wale at Sonam’s Juhu residence has already gone viral, where Team Sonam is seen dancing to Salman Khan’s hit number Swag Se Swagat. According to reports, Ranveer, Arjun and Anil Kapoor are most likely to perform on Gallan Goodiyaan (from Dil Dhadakne Do) and My Name is Lakhan (from Ram Lakhan), while the bride-to-be is touted to shake a leg on Masakali (Delhi-6). Janhvi is said to pay a tribute to her mom by performing on Sridevi’s memorable songs.


CANNES CALLING FOR SONAM POST WEDDING
After her wedding, Sonam will leave for Cannes as she will attend the festival on May 14 and 15, as the ambassador of a beauty brand. Contrary to speculations, hubby Anand won’t be accompanying his vivacious bride to the French Riviera. Here’s wishing the couple in their own words #everydayphenomenal for the rest of their lives together.