Showing posts with label Himanshu Sharma. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Himanshu Sharma. Show all posts
Eros files Rs. 84-crore copyright suit against director Aanand L Rai
9:25 AM
Vinay MR Mishra (BOMBAY TIMES; January 17, 2026)
Eros International Media Ltd has approached the Bombay High Court accusing filmmaker Aanand L Rai and his Colour Yellow Media Entertainment LLP of illegally riding on the goodwill of its 2013 hit Raanjhanaa while promoting and releasing the 2025 film Tere Ishk Mein. In a commercial IP suit and a related interim application, Eros has alleged trademark infringement, copyright infringement, and passing off, claiming that Tere Ishk Mein was deliberately projected as a “spiritual sequel” to Raanjhanaa, without any permission. Eros is demanding Rs. 84 crores as compensation for the damages done by Rai.
Eros has named multiple parties in the suit — apart from Aanand L Rai and the Colour Yellow Media Entertainment LLP, the defendants also include Super Cassettes Industries (T-Series), writer Himanshu Sharma, and Netflix Entertainment Services India LLP, making it a multi-party copyright and trademark battle over Raanjhanaa and Tere Ishk Mein.
What is the case about?
According to the complaint, Eros says it is the producer and “exclusive owner of all intellectual property rights” in Raanjhanaa, including copyright, trademarks, characters, dialogues, and sequel and remake rights.
The suit states: “The Plaintiff is the producer and exclusive owner of all intellectual property rights in the highly successful Hindi language film ‘Raanjhanaa’ including without limitation… copyright, registered trademark rights in ‘Raanjhanaa’, character rights including in ‘Kundan Shankar’ and ‘Murari’, and remake, prequel and sequel rights.”
Eros claims the defendants — Colour Yellow Media Entertainment LLP, Colour Yellow Productions, Aanand L Rai , and others — misused these rights to market Tere Ishk Mein, which was released on November 28, 2025.
'From the World of Raanjhanaa’
A major trigger for the lawsuit was the teaser of Tere Ishk Mein that appeared online in July 2025. Eros says it found that the teaser used phrases like “From the world of Raanjhanaa” and hashtags such as “#WorldOfRaanjhanaa”. The interim application notes: “The Defendants have made unauthorized use of the Applicant’s Rights / Applicant’s Film/brand/mark ‘Raanjhanaa’ for the promotion… of the Impugned Film titled ‘Tere Ishk Mein’.”
It further states that the teaser even used footage, background score, and music from Raanjhanaa, despite Eros not owning the music rights anymore.
Same Actor, Similar Characters
One of the strongest allegations is about the use of the same actor, Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub, playing a very similar character in both films. The complaint says: “Murari, portrayed by Mohd. Zeeshan Ayyub, in both films, is a sharp-witted friend whose perspective adds conscience to the plot… The Respondents’ unauthorized reproduction and commercial exploitation of these characters… constitute a clear violation of the Applicant’s exclusive rights.”
Eros also claims that the lead character played by Dhanush in Tere Ishk Mein — named Shankar — mirrors Raanjhanaa’s Kundan Shankar, along with similar emotional arcs, dialogues , and themes.
Cease-and-Desist, Then Release Anyway
Eros says it issued a cease-and-desist notice on July 25, 2025, followed by reminders in September. Some references were briefly removed from promotional material, but the company alleges the film still carried strong similarities when it released. The complaint states: “Despite receiving explicit legal notices… the Defendants proceeded to release and exploit the Impugned Film on 28th November 2025 while persisting in wrongful acts.”
After watching the released film, Eros claims it found “extensive copyright and trademark infringement,” alleging that the film was repeatedly described and projected as a “spiritual sequel”.
We reached out to Rai and Eros for a comment, but did not get a response till the time we went to the press.
Taapsee Pannu marries long-time beau Mathias Boe in Udaipur?
9:17 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (March 26, 2024)
According to reports, Taapsee Pannu tied the knot with her boyfriend, Mathias Boe, in an intimate ceremony in Udaipur on March 23. Only the couple’s families and close friends were present at the much-guarded wedding.
Three days ago, Taapsee’s Thappad co-actor Pavail Gulati, posted a group picture of what looked like a celebration and captioned it, “Twinkle twinkle little star, we have no idea where we are!” This gave rise to buzz that he was one of the guests at Taapsee-Mathias’ wedding.
Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap and screenwriters Kanika Dhillon and Himanshu Sharma, too, were apparently part of the celebrations. Till the time of going to press, there was no official confirmation from the actress.
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HINDUSTAN TIMES (March 26, 2024)
Taapsee Pannu, 36, tied the knot with former Denmark badminton player Mathias Boe, 43. The couple were dating for a long time and had an “intimate” wedding ceremony in Udaipur, Rajasthan on March 23, reportedly.
“The pre-wedding festivities kick-started on March 20. The couple was sure they didn’t want any media attention on their big day. Both of them are known to be private... they wouldn’t have had it any other way,” a source said.
The actor’s Thappad (2020) co-star Pavail Gulati was in attendance, along with close friend, writer-producer Kanika Dhillon and her husband Himanshu Sharma. “Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, who shares a close bond with Pannu also flew to Udaipur,” reported News18.
Dhillon took to Instagram to share photos with the #MereYaarKiShaadi. Gulati posted a photo with the actor’s sister Shagun Pannu and cousin Evania Pannu. Actor Abhilash Thapliyal’s post said “IYKYK”. We reached out to the actor, but didn’t receive any response from her or her team at the time of going to press.
When Satish Kaushik would crack a joke, we used to tell him, ‘tu badi k*tti cheez hai’-Manmohan Bhasin
9:26 AM
Satish Kaushik (second from left) receives an award for dramatics at Kirori Mal College (KMC), New Delhi
It was at Delhi’s Kirori Mal College’s Players Theatre Society that Satish Kaushik decided he would not pursue science. Friends from back in the day remember the veteran who rarely forgot to acknowledge where he came from
Aastha Atray Banan (MID-DAY; March 12, 2023)
“He came to the college to study science, but by the time he had left, it was to make a career in theatre. We see this a lot today, but Satish was one of the first to have done it successfully.”
Keval Arora, theatre critic and former staff advisor at Delhi’s Kirori Mal College (KMC) Players Theatre Society is speaking to us on the day when the news of veteran Satish Kaushik’s sudden passing at 67, has hit headlines. Arora, who took over in 1980 from Players founder Frank Thakurdas, retired from the position in 2022. It was here that Kaushik began his creative innings in 1972. Arora acknowledges Kaushik’s achievement as unique because he didn’t have too much going for him except talent and determination.
“No ‘looks’ for sure, and no family pedigree to open doors for him,” says Arora. Straddling both, an unforgiving film industry and Hindi theatre, Kaushik became a master at having the best of both worlds. He was equally famous for playing small, but hit roles in blockbuster films like Ram Lakhan and Mr India as carrying stage productions like Salesman Ramlal, an adaptation of Arthur Miller’s Death of Salesman, on his shoulders.
The college theatre society that was once the experimentation ground for legend Amitabh Bachchan, was one that Kaushik admitted he was indebted to too. “There’s a certain honesty and humility to a famous person who constantly acknowledges his or her roots. It would serve us all well to emulate this, and credit the people and institutions that shaped us. Satish’s generosity and equal interaction with young graduates from Players when he’d visit the campus reflected this mindset,” says Arora.
Director Manmohan Bhasin was Kaushik’s classmate in New Delhi’s Harcourt Butler School, and the two friends continued to be together as they made their way to KMC. “In 1972, when we joined KMC together, an inter-class competition was underway at Players. I decided to participate and wrote a play called Shatranj and shared it with Satish, who readily agreed to join in. This was the first play of our lives; we knew no place to rehearse so we all went to Buddha Jayanti Park. On the day of the competition, the hall was packed and the students were booing down most acts. Many groups were demoralized and the curtains were called halfway. I told Satish, we will continue through till the last scene despite the deafening hooting and flying tomatoes and paper planes. After the show, we hugged as if we had won the competition. It was our first lesson on stage, that the show must go on.”
Bhasin went on to direct a young Kaushik in several plays after and watched as the actor developed a unique style with perfect comic timing. “He called me a hard taskmaster. You know they say, har dost kamina hota hai. We were all trying to take our time on stage and make our presence felt while staying true to character. His sense of humour was the best and when he’d crack a joke, we used to tell him, ‘tu badi k*tti cheez hai’.”
For those who came after him and are now part of the Hindi film industry, Kaushik offered them hope. Himanshu Sharma, who wrote Tanu Weds Manu (2011) and Raanjhanna (2013), says that the theatre society was always full of stories of “seniors like Bachchan saab, Kulbhushan ji [Kharbanda] and Satish ji”. Sharma gives credit to the society for lending young students a perspective on life and team playing, while manifesting your individual vision.”
Actor Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub, who we know from films like Article 15, says that he had no idea about The Players till he joined KMC in 2000. “I realized then that greats had been a part of this society. For me, Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron was a standout movie, and that he [Kaushik] wrote the dialogues for it, made it even more amazing. With Players, we all learnt that when we went up on stage, we had to look beautiful. And by that I mean, the audience had to mesmerized by your [stunning] character.”
Ex-Player and actor, Sushant Singh of Satya fame, sums it well when he says, “For the lack of an equal gender word, I wil say that it was a brotherhood, and we all are better for it.”
In a file photo from 2017, Kaushik (centre) is seen at the KMC Alumni Meet to raise funds for the renovation of the Frank Thakurdas Memorial Auditorium. Pic/Getty Images
Friends Manmohan Bhasin (standing) and Satish Kaushik on stage
We chose a regressive narrative for Raksha Bandhan so that we could arrive at a progressive one-Kanika Dhillon
8:32 AM
The writer says while a section criticized the makers for showing a social evil like dowry, the film had ‘people from the interior Hindi belts’ in mind
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 27, 2022)
Actor Kanika Dhillon is content with the response her projects over the last one year, including Haseen Dillruba (2021) and Rashmi Rocket (2021), received. However, it was her this year’s outing as a writer, Raksha Bandhan, which ignited a lot of discussion, as the film’s subject revolved around the practice of dowry. A section criticised the makers for showing the social evil.
The actor-writer says, “Aanand (L Rai, filmmaker) sir, Himanshu (Sharma, co-writer) and I set a goal, not to educate the people on Twitter and the metros, who know that dowry is not good. They know a woman should be self-reliant. We were talking to people from the interior Hindi belts, where these concepts are still alive. We have the statistics. Women dowry deaths are rampant, mostly happening in the interiors,” says the 40-year-old.
The protagonist of the film, played by actor Akshay Kumar, represented the section that didn’t know that dowry is a social evil, continues Dhillon.
“His character didn’t know anything about women’s empowerment. So, we had to take the focus there. We chose a regressive narrative so that we could arrive at a progressive one. I totally understand why the viewers felt it was regressive. But as a writer, we can’t talk to the same audience all the time,” Dhillon reasons.
She cites the example of her own other film, Kedarnath, which was set in the heartland.
She adds, “The section that found it weird is the one that’s educated and empowered, so some things will make them uncomfortable. If we are not making you feel that, that means we are not doing something right. Discomfort is a good thing. If there’s no reaction, there’s no piece of work.”
Akshay Kumar-starrer Gorkha pushed to 2023
9:15 AM
Sources say Kumar’s war drama Gorkha, slated to roll later this year, pushed to 2023 as team allots next six months to perfecting the script
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; September 23, 2022)
From Ishaan Khatter-starrer 'Pippa' to director Meghna Gulzar’s 'Sam Bahadur', many upcoming Hindi movies are focusing on the 1971 India-Pakistan war, each examining a different facet of the conflict. Akshay Kumar’s 'Gorkha' takes a chapter from history to tell the story of Major General Ian Cardozo, who during the war, amputated his leg to prevent the setting of gangrene.
The Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan-helmed drama, which was announced last October, was to go on floors this year after Kumar wrapped up Capsule Gill. But one hears that with several films set against the 1971 war, producer Aanand L Rai, co-producer Himanshu Sharma and Singh have decided to invest an additional six months in perfecting the script.
With this development, the movie’s shoot has been pushed to mid-2023. A source reveals, “They want the war to be shown differently from how it has been depicted so far on screen. The makers are delving deep into the war hero’s life, and reaching out to his colleagues to etch out the ensemble characters. Their focus is to make the drama as authentic as possible. With the scripting going on till March, the film will tentatively kick off in 2023 summer.”
mid-day reached out to Rai’s team, who remained unavailable till press time.
I am very competitive. Even if I am playing video games with my children, I compete with them without mercy-Dhanush
8:13 AM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 5, 2022)
He may have played over-the-top characters in films, but off the screen, actor Dhanush is calm and he likes to speak less. Talking about his approach towards acting, he tells us, “I am a very competitive person. Even if I am playing video games with my children, I compete with them without mercy. But, you should know where to compete and what to compete for.”
The 38-year-old’s third Hindi outing, Atrangi Re, released recently. After Shamitabh (2015), in which he was seen alongside actor Amitabh Bachchan, he shared screen space with actors Akshay Kumar and Sara Ali Khan in the new film. Dhanush says he has no apprehensions about sharing the screen, “I’ve always been comfortable. Sara is hardworking and dedicated. She gave her everything for the character, Rinku. It was nice to see a youngster, who has done just three films, put everything on the line and understand the value of the jackpot character she had landed.”
Meanwhile, his film choices have been great over the years. In fact, he’s won two National Film Awards as an actor. But he surprises us when he says he didn’t even read the script of Atrangi Re before signing it: “It’s Aanand L Rai (filmmaker), that’s it! I don’t need any more details. I have immense faith in him and Himanshu Sharma (writer), and if they insist they need me for a story, I’ll know it is something special. Himanshu had mentioned about the plot when we were doing (Raanjhanaa; 2013) eight years ago.”
If there is a bigger and better word for brother, I would use that for Aanand L Rai-Dhanush
8:05 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; December 21, 2021)
Actor, director, producer, writer, lyricist and singer, Dhanush wears many hats. Self-admittedly a reluctant actor, the National Award-winning South star does not only have many powerful performances to his credit but has also charted new territories like Bollywood and Hollywood. The actor, who will be seen in Atrangi Re, talks to Bombay Times about his return to Bollywood after six years, blind faith in Aanand L Rai and the blurring of lines between Indian film industries. Excerpts…
After the success of Raanjhanaa (2013), one expected you to take up more Bollywood projects. With Atrangi Re, you are returning six years after your last Hindi film outing, Shamitabh (2015).What kept you away from Hindi cinema?
Nothing kept me away from Hindi cinema as such. I do a lot of films in the South, so everything should fall into place — meeting the right filmmaker with the right script and having the dates available to allot to that project. Having said that, with the kind of reception I have received for the trailer of Atrangi Re, I have made a mental note that I should do more films in Bollywood. So, I think you will be seeing more of me here.
As an actor, you are known to veer towards unconventional stories like Shamitabh. Is that a factor for you to take up Atrangi Re? Or is it the Aanand L Rai factor?
It’s just the Aanand L Rai and Himanshu Sharma (writer) factor. Those two names are good enough for me not to even listen to the script and agree to be a part of it blindly. That’s the kind of faith I have in them. Once Himanshu narrated the script to me, I understood why they wanted me in this film. It’s a beautiful story. I know when Aanand L Rai wants to say something in a specific way, he will cast me in his film. He wanted me for Atrangi Re and I am happy to be a part of it. He had a lot of faith in me even when nobody knew about me here. He roped me in for Raanjhanaa and was adamant about casting only me from the South for the film. He had almost every actor’s dates then. That’s the level of conviction he has in his stories and himself. It’s amazing how he does that. I am happy that I could be a part of this journey.
You are also a producer and director. Do Aanand L Rai’s cinematic sensibilities and approach resonate with you?
Absolutely! If there is a bigger and better word for brother, I would use that for him. We are family. We love each other. I call his wife, bhabhi. However, we make sure that part is not involved in the professional aspect. Work is a different ball game altogether. That’s why we have a healthy relationship.
You are an actor, producer, director, writer, lyricist and singer. How do you pack in so much in the time that you have?
I don’t think I do any of this properly. I have a lot of interest in all these things and I try to do a bit of everything. Some have worked brilliantly, while others may not have. It’s all about how passionate you are about your craft. I am very passionate about art and give it my best.
In an interview, you mentioned that you were a reluctant actor in the beginning. Has the scenario changed since? What are you more passionate about among the many hats you wear?
Writing and directing a film is what I enjoy the most. I took acting seriously after I met Balu Mahendra sir (he directed Sadma in 1983 and also Dhanush in Adhu Oru Kana Kaalam in 2005). He made a difference for me. I must have been 19 when I met him and had a heart-to-heart conversation. He made me understand that I had something in me which I don’t see myself. When something like that comes from somebody like Balu Mahendra sir, you tend to take it seriously and ponder over what he is saying. I started working hard on myself after that and have started enjoying the process in the last 10 years.
Since you love direction more, does it get challenging to suppress that aspect of your personality when you are being directed by someone else?
It’s not that challenging, I just have to shut up. It’s easy to do that when you enjoy your work. It’s like a kid playing a video game — he plays different games and he enjoys all of them. For him, a game is a game. I enjoy everything about this art, so for me, it’s like playing a video game. I don’t ever get tired of it.
Lines are blurring between cinemas like never before. We see a healthy exchange between Bollywood and regional cinemas. Many South Indian actors have made a smooth transition to Hindi cinema and Bollywood stars are also featuring in South films. How do you look at this creative exchange?
As you said, it’s a healthy exchange and a welcome change. The lines are indeed blurring. I wish it had happened 30-40 years ago, as so many brilliant gems of talent from South and North would have been known in each other’s regions. Nevertheless, it’s great that it’s happening, but it hasn’t happened overnight. I am happy that talents from across the country are being recognised everywhere now.
Not just actors, even regional content is enjoying a much larger audience today...
I don’t think it’s a recent phenomenon. Good content, be it from the South or the North, has always been appreciated. We were just not aware of it. Today, we have exposure. If a Tamil film has done amazingly well and is critically acclaimed, there is a platform for all of us to watch it. The same goes for Bollywood. The world has shrunk. Earlier, nobody would know if a Hindi film was remade in the South or vice versa. That’s not the case anymore.
I was skeptical about Sara Ali Khan at first-Dhanush
12:18 PM
Ahead of Atrangi Re’s release, Dhanush discusses how Khan’s hard work quelled his doubts about her casting and why he greenlights Rai’s movies without narration
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; December 16, 2021)
How do you steal a few weeks from Dhanush’s date diary and convince him to headline a Hindi project? Offer him a compelling script — that’s all the Tamil star asks for. Yet, in the next instant, the actor throws a curveball, saying that he hadn’t heard the script of his next, Atrangi Re, until the last moment. “When Aanand L Rai [director] and Himanshu [Sharma, writer] approached me, I directly asked them when they needed me. I told them I will come [for the shoot] and hear the script then. So, I made them narrate the script to me one week before the shoot. That is the kind of faith I have in them,” begins the actor, who made his Bollywood debut with them in Raanjhanaa (2013).
With Atrangi Re, Rai explores another facet of love through the journey of the carefree Rinku, essayed by Sara Ali Khan. While the director was convinced that Khan would be the perfect choice for the protagonist, Dhanush admits he had doubts about his co-star initially. “That kid surprised me. Playing Rinku is not easy, even for seasoned actors. I asked Aanand, ‘Are you sure about this? She has done only two to three films. Can she handle this?’ I was skeptical and hesitant about Sara at first. But when I walked into the set, I saw the hard work she put in; she surrendered to the director. She was willing to do anything to get each shot and song right. Sara will surprise the audience.”
In an industry where stars are obsessed with vanity, it is refreshing to come across an actor of Dhanush’s calibre who can mould himself according to the demands of every role. He believes his biggest strength is his everyman appeal. “It takes great discipline to have six-pack abs; I can’t take away from it. But I play the other kind [of man]. You’ll see me everywhere on the streets. I reflect the common man, his successes, pains and joys. That works brilliantly for me. I think women like intelligent men more than anything else.”
Akshay Kumar to play war hero Major General Ian Cardozo in Colour Yellow Productions’ Gorkha
8:25 AM
HINDUSTAN TIMES (October 15, 2021)
After collaborating on Atrangi Re and Raksha Bandhan, actor Akshay Kumar and director-producer Aanand L Rai are joining hands again.
Rai’s Colour Yellow Productions and Kumar are working on a biopic titled Gorkha, which is based on the life of the legendary officer of the Gorkha regiment of the Indian Army (5th Gorkha Rifles), Major General Ian Cardozo.
It will be helmed by National Award-winning director Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan and the makers are proud to bring this story of sacrifice and valour on screen.
Kumar will be essaying the role of the war hero, who fought in the wars of 1962, 1965, and most notably in the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971. Being a film about a war icon, the actor has decided to present it himself.
Producer Aanand L Rai says, “We are honoured to bring the story of a legendary war hero, whose name goes down in history for his immense courage in the 1971 Indo-Pak war, on screen.” He adds, “I am also excited to work with Akshay sir again, for the third time.”
Producer Himanshu Sharma adds, “We hope to honour Major General Ian Cardozo in this film, which will inspire many. Looking forward to this journey.”
Major General Ian Cardozo AVSM SM shares, “I feel honoured for this story to be told on the 50th anniversary of the 1971 war. It commemorates the courage and sacrifice of the armed forces of India. I look forward to working with Aanand and Akshay as they bring this to life. This story reflects the values and spirit of every officer of the Indian Army.”
Presented by Akshay Kumar and Colour Yellow Productions in association with Cape of Good Films, Gorkha is produced by Aanand L Rai and Himanshu Sharma and directed by Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan.
HT City Exclusive: Akshay Kumar's sisters in Rakshabandhan revealed
8:21 AM
HINDUSTAN TIMES (June 21, 2021)
As Akshay Kumar’s Rakshabandhan becomes the first film to restart shoot in Mumbai, we introduce you to four fresh faces who will play Kumar’s sisters in the film — Deepika Khanna, Smrithi Srikanth, Sadia Khateeb and Sahejmeen Kaur.
Anand L Rai, the film’s director says, “Rakshabandhan isn’t a project, it’s an emotion, and I wanted fresh faces for a reason, so that these emotions should come without any baggage. They should look like neater characters, with nothing to identify with in the past, but can make you feel emotions. And it’s always an exercise and exciting process for a director to discover actors. I knew I’m doing something which Akshay sir will enjoy and these fresh faces will look good, too.”
Rakshabandhan, also starring Bhumi Pednekar, is presented and distributed by Zee Studios in association with Alka Hiranandani and Aanand L Rai. The film is a Colour Yellow Production in association with Cape of Good Films. It is directed by Aanand L Rai and written by Himanshu Sharma and Kanika Dhillon.
Kanika Dhillon vs Navjot Gulati: Battle over story credit accelerates in Bollywood
8:15 AM
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; June 16, 2021)
The feud between writer Kanika Dhillon and writer-director Navjot Gulati after his tweet over credit has stoked a debate around the missing uniformity while acknowledging talent in films. After Gulati tweeted about Dhillon getting a separate writer’s credit slate in the trailer of Haseen Dillruba, she slammed his “sexist” post, finding support from Taapsee Pannu, Aniruddha Guha and Bejoy Nambiar. But the conflict has opened a dialogue around credit system in films.
Why imply sleeping is the only way to success?
“I want to ask this gentleman who did he sleep with to get Jai Mummy Di (2020) credit?” questions Dhillon slamming him for making a remark on her marriage with Himanshu Sharma, who co-produced the film starring Pannu.
On Gulati’s claim that his post was misunderstood, she fumes, “The message is not interpreted as sexist — it is sexist!”
She continues, “After being slammed, he will come up with silly excuses. This is a classic sexist behaviour.”
Why make it gender war?
Gulati is disturbed by the issue getting diverted. “My main intention is that if one person is credited, then everyone should be credited. Why don’t OTT platforms bother to give credit. If every writer starts getting credit after the row, I will openly apologize to Kanika Dhillon,” he asserts.
If that is “turned into anything related to gender” then he is not willing to take all the blame. “If I am making a joke, shouldn’t we as a society have a sense of humour. Kanika has turned it into a war,” he says.
Industry speaks
“The writers should get credit. But if the writer’s credibility is not high, then I don’t know if the producer will give them top billing,” says film-maker Vivek Agnihotri.
To this, director Nambiar adds, “We don’t have a uniform system. The move will push platforms to recognise the need to do that”. Filmmaker Jai Mehta adds that giving credit is important as it validates writers’ hard work, giving them “recognition, money and popularity”.
Raksha Bandhan: Akshay Kumar and his 4 sisters all set for Diwali 2021
8:42 AM
Aanand L Rai directorial is slated to roll next summer
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 4, 2020)
Akshay Kumar’s new film, Raksha Bandhan, his second collaboration with Aanand L Rai, after the yet-to-release love story Atrangi Re, has him playing elder brother to four sisters. Mirror has learnt that the family-dramedy is all set to roll in summer 2021 and is eyeing a Diwali release. It could be the actor’s third consecutive Diwali release, after Housefull 4 and Sooryavanshi, which is hoping to make it to the theatres this festive season.In an emotional statement, Akshay had revealed that the story had touched his heart, deeply and instantly. “It will make you laugh and it will make you cry. And it will make us realise how blessed are those who have sisters. It makes me happiest that my sister Alka Hiranandani is presenting and producing this film, along with ace director Aanand L Rai. Can’t thank him enough for bringing me one of the most special films of my life,” he stated, announcing the project on Monday, on the day of Raksha Bandhan.
According to a source, he came on board soon after the first narration. “The plan is to go on the floors around April with a start-to-finish schedule. There have been several films on the brother-sister bond in the past, but we haven’t seen one in the last decade. Aanand and his writer, Himanshu (Sharma), believe in rooting their characters in the heartland of India where the sibling bond is still strong,” informs the source.
Aanand describes the film as “a special tale which celebrates relationships in the most beautiful way”. He is excited to collaborate with Akshay again.
Before starting Raksha Bandhan, Akshay will wrap up Bellbottom, Atrangi Re, Prithviraj and Bachchan Pandey. Rohit Shetty’s Sooryavanshi is already lined up for a theatrical release, while Laxmmi Bomb will go direct to digital.
He plans to make up to the exhibitors for a dry year with five releases in 2021. He was the first to start shooting during the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic and has shot a couple of ad films and has done some promotional photoshoots for upcoming films. Later this week, he will fly off to Scotland for a month-long shoot of his espionage thriller, Bellbottom. In October, he starts a month-long schedule of Atrangi Re which will be shot in real locations in Madurai, Delhi and Mumbai. The cross-cultural romance is set in two different eras with Sara in a double role, paired with both Dhanush and Akshay.
Is Bollywood open to the idea of taking a pay cut due to Coronavirus pandemic?
8:45 AM
With the South industry discussing taking a 30 per cent pay cut, Mohit Suri, Himanshu Sharma, whose films are to go on floors, say B-Town open to the idea if stars are game
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; April 8, 2020)
Producer J Satish Kumar triggered a dialogue in the Tamil film industry as he suggested that actors, directors and music composers should take 30 per cent pay cut as the country reels under the economic impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. Bollywood, famed for its big-budget films, may also have to take tough calls in the near future. Mukesh Bhatt, former president, Producers' Guild, says, "It is no longer about profits but about sustainability. If the actors start taking pay cuts, everyone will follow. We need to fight this together."
Filmmaker Mohit Suri, who will kick off the recce of Ek Villain 2 post the lockdown, says there has been no discussion on pay reduction so far. "All of us work as a family, and if it comes to pay cuts, we will take the step," he says, before adding a caveat, "But there is partiality in the family. It will be unfair if directors and other actors are taking pay cuts while stars are not."
Sara Ali Khan's Atrangi Re is slated to roll once the lockdown is lifted. "Aanand [L Rai, director] and I have been discussing how to tackle the situation; the conversation [about financial measures] is on. If one can afford to take a pay cut, they should do it. But it will be a personal choice," says writer Himanshu Sharma.
Sara Ali Khan to have double role in Akshay Kumar and Dhanush-starrer Atrangi Re
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Both actors will romance her in Aanand L Rai’s cross-cultural love story set in two different eras with tracks running parallel
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 20, 2020)
On February 12, Mirror had reported that Aanand L Rai’s next directorial, Atrangi Re, is a cross cultural love-story set in Bihar and Madurai about ‘funnily weird’ characters played by Akshay Kumar, Dhanush and Sara Ali Khan. The casting coup fueled speculations that Sara’s character is from Bihar and will be seen romancing Dhanush who’s from the South, and ample curiosity around Akshay’s role, with some insisting it was a cameo. However, the film’s producer-director, Aanand, had refuted this, asserting that Akshay plays a “very special character who is important to the narrative”. We have now learnt that both Dhanush and Akshay will be romancing Sara, but it is not a love triangle because they feature in different tracks from different eras.“While Atrangi Re is primarily a love story set in the heartland, laced with humour, the storytelling is in a zone the filmmaker has not attempted before. The screenplay follows a non-linear narrative of two romances from different timelines running in the parallel,” confirms a source close to the development.
Produced by Aanand with Akshay and Bhushan Kumar, Atrangi Re goes on the floors next month in Bihar, followed by another stint in Madurai, thereby offering a glimpse of two cultures. The film is written by Aanand’s frequent collaborator, Himanshu Sharma and is about how love is perceived in two regions of India—North and South.
“It’s a double role of sorts for Sara, the idea is to showcase diverse sides of the actress. Akshay and Dhanush’s characters too have a special trait that separates them from rest of the cast. Their appearances will be in sync with the way they act and react while a special look is being designed for Akshay,” the source added.
The film kicks off with Dhanush and Sara in March, and Akshay joining the team by mid-April. To be shot in a span of 80-90 days, it will be wrapped up by July for a Valentine’s Day release in 2021.
Taapsee Pannu and Vikrant Massey to star in Aanand L Rai’s thriller Haseen Dillruba
8:09 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (December 17, 2019)
Filmmaker Aanand L Rai is known for bringing unconventional stories with an interesting cast to the big screen. He has a knack for telling small-town stories packaged with entertainment and emotion. Now, he is all set with his next offering, Haseen Dillruba, along with producer Himanshu Sharma. Actors Taapsee Pannu and Vikrant Massey will be seen together for the first time in this gripping film, which has been written by Manmarziyaan-writer Kanika Dhillon. The film, directed by Vinil Mathew, will go on floors soon.
Aanand L Rai says, “Haseen Dillruba is a murder mystery within a twisted love story. It is a genre that we have not explored before. I am looking forward to entertaining and engaging the audience with this edgy script.” Himanshu Sharma adds, “It’s always exciting to bring something new to the audience, and this film will be an edge-of-the-seat entertainer. Kanika Dhillon and Vinil Mathew are out to bring something exciting and thrilling to the audience.”
Produced by Colour Yellow Productions and presented by Eros International and Aanand L Rai, Haseen Dillruba releases on September 18, 2020.
Swara Bhasker splits up with boyfriend Himanshu Sharma after five years
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The couple had started dating while working on Aanand L Rai’s Kangana Ranaut, R Madhavan starrer Tanu Weds Manu Returns
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 4, 2019)
Mirror has learnt that Veere Di Wedding actress Swara Bhasker and National Award-winning writer Himanshu Sharma, have split after almost five years. The couple, who started dating while working on Aanand L Rai’s 2015 Kangana Ranaut and R Madhavan-starrer Tanu Weds Manu Returns, have collaborated on two more films, Tanu Weds Manu and Raanjhanaa, featuring Sonam Kapoor and Dhanush. Himanshu, who has penned most Rai films till date, was also the creative producer on Swara’s 2016 film, Nil Battey Sannata, which had marked Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari’s directorial debut.
According to a source close to the development, it was a mutual decision. “The break-up was amicable and happened recently after much deliberation. They are still on talking terms and their respective families are aware of their decision,” the source added.
Last year, after the release of Shashanka Ghosh’s Veere Di Wedding, which had featured Swara alongside Sonam Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor and Shikha Talsania in lead roles, the couple had gone on a European holiday to spend some quality time together. Clicking a lovedup selfie in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Swara had quipped, “We were being unimaginative, selfie-obsessed tourists.” Another time, in a rare display of affection in public, the former couple had held hands while exiting the Mumbai airport in June 2018. Two months before that, Himanshu had attended the wedding ceremony of Swara’s brother Ishan in Lucknow.
Shah Rukh Khan is pretty shaken up post Zero-Anjum Rajabali
8:33 AM
MID-DAY (March 15, 2019)
Writer Anjum rajabali says Shah Rukh Khan backed out of astronaut Rakesh Sharma’s biopic Saare Jahan Se Achha as he was shaken up by the failure of Zero (2018). There were reports that Khan was skeptical to venture into another space film after Zero, which had its character travel to Mars for love and hence quit Saare Jahan Se Achha.
At a panel discussion at FICCI Frames, Rajabali, however, said the space angle was not the reason for the superstar to leave the film. “If you’re asking me, there was a problem with the script [of Zero]. Himanshu [Sharma, writer of the Zero] is a talented person, but things go wrong sometimes. I don’t think he said no to Saare Jahan Se Achha because of the space [angle]. I think he’s also pretty shaken up, he was banking a lot on that,” said Rajabali while moderating a panel discussion on screenwriters.
He added that asking question about Saare Jahan Se Achha was “dukhti rag pe haath rakhna” [hitting a raw nerve], but made an observation about how often makers blame everything else but the script when a film fails. “This whole practice and culture of post-mortem, of analysing what went wrong hasn’t caught on. What happens then is, there are knee-jerk reactions rather than responses even from the makers,” he said.
“The failure could be because of the space and hence we put two and two together. ‘Oh it’s because the time wasn’t right, nobody wants to see a star in a disabled person’s role’. It could also well be that there was a problem with the DNA of the script.”
Rajabali, who has penned films like Ghulam (1998), The Legend Of Bhagat Singh (2002) and Raajneeti (2010), said a writer should also be involved in this “honest introspection to be able to determine where did things go wrong.”
“Most of the times, when a film doesn’t connect in spite of the fact that the idea was good, director was talented and the stars were attractive, it’s because the script has gone wrong. That’s where we need to be investing.”
Now is the time to pick projects that I can relate to-Katrina Kaif
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Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; January 30, 2019)
Katrina Kaif is known for her drop-dead gorgeous looks and dancing prowess. But when it comes to her acting chops, the common notion is that it leaves a lot to be desired. However, the leggy actress has been working hard towards changing that perception with films such as Tiger Zinda Hai and Zero. Though the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer failed to strike a chord with the audience, Katrina managed to impress cinegoers with her portrayal of Babita Kumari, an alcoholic star.
In a freewheeling chat, she reveals her future plans.
Zero didn’t set the cash registers ringing, but people liked your performance in it…
What made me happy was that I pulled off the character exactly the way filmmaker Aanand L Rai and writer Himanshu Sharma had envisioned it. I lived with the role for almost two-and-a-half years, since the time they conceptualised the film and approached me for it. In this entire journey, there were several times when I was uncertain if I could pull it off. But Aanand sir was clear that he wanted me to do this role. When a director has so much confidence in you, it makes a huge difference. It definitely contributes to what you feel when you stand on set, in control of that character. It was so well written that I kept asking them to elaborate more on it because it gave me the scope for a different kind of performance. Such characters come only once in a while, so you need to grab the opportunity. You feel like you’ve hit the board when you get a positive response for your character in a film. It’s immensely satisfying.
Earlier, you were not considered as one of the best actors. Do you think you have been able to change that perception now?
As an actor, you always see several highs and lows. There are times when your work will be appreciated and there are also moments where you will receive a lot of criticism. For me, it’s good that it has made its mark on people’s minds. As an actor, in order to have longevity in your career, you have to be in that zone where you start changing as a person. I joined Bollywood when I was 18 and I’m not the same girl anymore because my life experiences have changed me. With knowledge, dedication and experience, you find those films that take you to the next level. That’s exactly what Aanand sir and Himanshu did with this movie. They gave me an opportunity to do that. For me, that’s important because Zero helped me take a step forward as a performer.
Do you think people have now started respecting you as an actress?
I feel that as a performer, everyone has their own personal growth and career graph. Right now, I’m upbeat about the films that I’m doing, whether it was Zero or the forthcoming Bharat. I’m also interested in a lot of exciting content. In between, I’m reading so many things — some of which I might not do, some of it is inspirational and I might do. There’s so much content out there and that makes me happy. You don’t need to wait for anything to happen. You can start creating things and putting different ideas to development. I’m also working with a few writers on certain concepts which I feel strongly about. I had started this conversation about a French film He Loves Me… He Loves Me Not (2002) long ago. Dibakar (Banerjee) and I were planning to do that at that point. Sometimes, I get these flights in my head and that’s what excites me now — to put certain ideas into development ourselves. There are also directors who approach you with films. So, this is the time to pick projects that I can relate to.
So, is the remake of He Loves Me… He Loves Me Not happening?
No, we have moved on from that discussion long ago. There are new ideas that we are trying to develop. A lot of things are happening, but I am not in a position to discuss them right now.
There are times when you might not be appreciated, but your film does terrific numbers at the BO. And there are times when your film doesn’t work, but you are praised. Which one would you look out for?
I guess, you have to strike a balance between choosing films that are big projects and roles that challenge you to perform. Then, there are roles which you are personally excited to essay. The most ideal situation is when all of it comes together — when the film’s scale and vision is huge and it’s supported by an amazing character that you portray.
Do you feel more confident now to shoulder a film all alone?
I’ve never shied away from that. I’ve always heard out the women-centric stories that came to me. But I’ve never found the perfect match between a story and a character. I either liked a character but didn’t like the story, or the story was nice but the protagonist’s role wasn’t strong enough. So, I’m putting together a project where I’ll have 100 per cent confidence in it. I just know that when I do that, I want to believe in all the aspects of a film — the story, the experience and the character. I want all these things to come together.
How difficult has the shooting for Bharat been as it chronicles the protagonist’s journey along with that of India’s history?
It has been extremely inspiring, exciting, challenging and interesting. From the moment I started prep for this film till date, it’s been such a journey of discovery and learning. There have been so many moments while filming that I will always cherish. Now, we are in the last few weeks of shoot, so I’m trying to maintain my focus. As the schedule is in Mumbai, there are a lot more distractions in terms of things and people grabbing your attention.
Your name was doing the rounds for the film since it was announced. But it finally landed in your lap after Priyanka Chopra’s exit...
Director Ali Abbas Zafar and I are close friends, but we have never taken our personal relationship for granted. When it comes to work, we have a strong line of demarcation. He actually sent me the script — I read it and instantly saw that it gave me an opportunity to do something different. I loved the story and that’s why I said yes to it.
You were supposed to do Remo D’souza’s dance film with Varun Dhawan, but opted out of it...
It wasn’t possible for me to do that movie, given the timeline for Bharat. We are pushing for an Eid release, so we had to finish shooting this one. That’s very critical for the film. The dates became a problem and I had to opt out of that one.
There were also rumours about you doing a South film opposite Mahesh Babu...
I haven’t signed anything after Bharat. As for your question, no, I haven’t even been approached for the film. (Smiles)
I don’t wear shorts in public because I’m conscious-Shah Rukh Khan
8:30 AM
Meena Iyer (DNA; December 17, 2018)
It’s 10.45 pm. I’m at Mehboob Studios in Bandra, Mumbai. It’s way past twilight hour, but it is the hour when the Badshah of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan, is most awake. He loves the night and follows a clock that is set differently. Animated about his next release Zero, which hits the theatres this Friday, the superstar is game to go on with the promotional interviews all night long. Charming, articulate, candid and funny, he gives us a ringside view of the vertically-challenged character, Bauua Singh, which he plays in his new drama, with the eagerness of a child. That then is SRK; 30 years on, movies continue to make his world go round. And when you’re with him, he beguiles you with answers and anecdotes that make you long for more. Excerpts from our conversation...
You’ve seen the world from a superstar’s perspective. Tell us about a dwarf’s perspective.
Actually, I’ve not seen the world from a superstar’s perspective. I usually see it from the character’s perspective. A couple of weeks ago, I was explaining to my co-stars — Katrina (Kaif) and Anushka (Sharma) — how people perceive someone successful from the outside. But on the inside, the reason we get along — at least I get along with the actors I work with — is because without having to express it, all of us are aware of insecurities, the incompleteness and the consciousness about certain things. In this job, it finally takes a toll when you’ve to express so much of yourself. You defy yourself to the world and it’s difficult. Sometimes, when people such as non-actors are trying to act, it looks weird. Not because they are trying to act, but because they can’t express as openly as actors tend to do.
You are shy, aren’t you?
When you keep on giving so much, obviously all of us have some amount of weirdness and shyness. Like I’m really shy; I don’t wear shorts in public because I’m conscious. Not because I’m conscious of my legs or something, it’s just that I’m a shy person. But then you act in a film and play a character in a kachha-banian. You come on the set and you’re dancing and doing everything. It’s dichotomous, you are living out of yourself.
Similarly, when it came to a character like Bauua, it was his incompleteness, aplomb and coolness that appealed to me. He’s a superstar, a rock star. I remember director Aanand L Rai telling me that Bauua will not be cynical or angry with the world for who he is. He’s going to wear it on his sleeve. His attitude is going to be — if something is wrong with me, it’s wrong with you also. Maybe you are too tall. So, Aanand kept on saying that somewhere at the back of Bauua’s mind, he’s aware that people do take a second look at him.
Go on...
Whether people believe it or not, I’m shy in my personal life. In a public place, I’m like, are people looking at me? Is my hair alright? Not as a star, but as people, we all are. Sometimes, while we’re just sitting, I notice that if someone is feeling a bit conscious of their weight, they will pick up a pillow and keep it to distract themselves from the weight. Someone who is not comfortable with the clothes will keep pulling the shirt down. All the time we believe that someone is looking at us and finding something less in us.
If I’m sitting in a crowded place, I know people are looking at me. So, there is a certain thing, ‘Oh, my God, I hope they don’t realise I’m not as tall as they think I am.’ Of course, I try not to run away with my thought because it doesn’t matter now. I’ve been around too long. To play that character and still have the confidence while retaining the insecurity, I think that’s why it’s exciting for me to play Bauua.
It’s not about the height. It’s not about me alone, but for Anushka, too. Her character (Aafia Bhinder) has cerebral palsy, then there is an emotional issue that Katrina’s character (Babita Kumari) has. So, it’s very interesting that Aanand has touched about incompleteness. And still, all of them are confident. Aafia is one of the most intelligent scientists in the country, perhaps in the world. Babita is beautiful, Bauua is the most confident and cocky person in the world. And all three of them are suffering from a certain kind of complex, which they don’t ask sympathy or empathy for. I think that’s quite interesting.
If I were to tell people that, ‘Yaar, mujhe yeh problem hai,’ they are like, ‘Abey yaar, tere ko kya problem hai! Tu toh Shah Rukh Khan hai.’ That’s how people look at it. But you have your own issues. Sometimes, it’s something that makes you feel cynical and angry, too. But we’ve made a film that is not cynical or angry. We’re just telling people, listen, it’s alright to be less. Actually, less is unique, because we all are less in the film, in different ways.
Both, Anushka and Katrina, say the nice thing about you is that you let the female characters in your film shine.
I find that strange because, for me, it’s a natural progression of a co-actor who is working with me. I’m nobody to give anyone any kind of an upper hand in the film. I just want, as an actor, to be able to give my co-actor space where he/she also shines. And only then together we will shine.
I think it’s also my experience. When I joined the industry, I worked with Sridevi, Madhuri Dixit, Juhi Chawla. These three were the biggest stars this country has ever seen. I remember, the first time I acted with Juhi, after a scene, she turned around and said, ‘I love working with you, it’s exciting and fun.’ For a big star like her to say that to me, who was not even half as good as she was in the films, was a huge thing. One day when Madhuri and I were shooting, her hairdresser came and said, ‘Madhuri ek minute aana chahti hai’. I was like, ‘Haan haan, tell her to come.’ Then she said, ‘Nahin nahin, woh batana nahin chahti. Woh aapko dance karte hue dekhna chahti hai. She loves the way you dance.’ Sridevi used to give me a hug after finishing her shoot. So, all of them have been nice to me and I’ve worked with some of the best actors. Rishi Kapoor saab, Naseeruddin Shah saab, Amrish Puriji... the biggest of stars were so kind to me. They never pointed out any of my weaknesses in a negative way. They helped me out with the scenes in their own way. They didn’t sit me down ki ‘aisa karna hai’, ya ‘waisa karna hai’. And then, I became a star because of how they were to me. So, for me, that learning curve goes to everyone who is new to me now.
Katrina and Anushka are new to me, in terms of I’ve worked many more years. So, it’s not about them being girls only, it’s about them being my co-actors. And if I don’t give it to them, perhaps they will not be able to give it back to me. And also, I’ve a soft corner for women, because I do believe, most of my films which have done well, whether it’s Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) because of Kajol, Himani Shivpuri, Faridaji (Jalal), Sushmaji (Seth) and all the lovely ladies in the movie, or Chak De! India (2007), in which there are 15 new girls with me, I think they all made me look better than I am. I genuinely believe that. I think I’m nice to my heroines only because they make me look good. It’s as simple as that.
Is there anything at all remotely similar between Bauua Singh and Kamal Haasan’s Appu Raja?
Not at all. This film is not about a vertically-challenged person. It’s about incompleteness. Another thing is that Appu Raja was fantastic. Full marks to Kamal sir to even attempt it. Only he, with his weird, intelligent way of thinking, can do it. One of the other things that we didn’t want to have is that it’s a given, that if you’re vertically challenged, you would be in a circus. We didn’t want that in the film.
Some time ago, after a prominent filmmaker saw the first promo, she sent me a letter stating, ‘You don’t know how people lead their lives in circus’. I wanted to call her up and say, ‘How can you assume?’ and ‘How wrong you are to assume that just because a person is vertically challenged means that he should be in a circus.’ But I didn’t. I don’t think she will still like the film. So, it’s alright. We wanted to break the myth that any kind of incompleteness leads to cynicism and anger. You can celebrate life inspite of being incomplete. So, it’s not about the height.
With Zero you seemed to have fully inhabited the world that Aanand and writer Himanshu Sharma have created. When you say the dialogue — ‘Teer lena hai mujhe’, it appears as if either Aanand or Himanshu was coaching you to say it in a particular manner. Is this correct?
Oh, it’s different. I’m not from this world and I keep joking with them. I call Kandivali as ‘Candivali’. I keep joking with them saying, I’ve never been beyond Switzerland and Zurich and you’ve taken me to Meerut.
But having said that, 90 per cent of how I speak in the film is based on how Himanshu narrates it to me. I don’t think I’ve done a good enough job. And the other person who helped me was Zeeshan Ayyub. Himanshu sat me down with Zeeshan, who is a lovely actor, and said, ‘Sir, yeh jaisa bolega na, waisa bolna hai’. So, the scenes I’m with him, I speak better because I take the cue from him and he helps me out. But on my own, I think I’ve not been able to get the right flavour. I try my best while dubbing, too. But Himanshu is Himanshu. The way he puts it across is very different. And he is kind. The other day, I finished the dubbing and told him, ‘Yaar, waisa nahin ho raha hai’. But he said, ‘Nahin sir, yehi bada achha lag raha hai. Mera wala achha nahin hai.’ But I did copy his ‘Wheelchair toh photo mein dikhi nahin.’
Were you toying with the idea of calling the film Harami?
You know what we thought.. the character we were trying to build is badmaash. So you see all the titles that came in the teaser first.. there’s haram khor, baazigar, aflatoon, kameena.. I think he’s a mixture of all that. Then we thought what is the one thing that can apply to both. When I was growing up, I would often hear harami being used as a term of endearment like ‘tu bada harami hai’. We thought, can we have a term which can say, he’s fun and he’s an idiot, like he’s a complete zero. Yeh bilkul zero hai yaar.
For us, Zero is also a very Buddhist whole. It can be a complete circle or be nothing. We wanted to have a title that signifies both things. It’s not about a zero becoming a hero. It’s about a zero being zero but you seeing it from a different perspective. There’s no underlying meaning and that’s what I love about Aanand and Himanshu.
Was this your most challenging role to date?
It’s a very exciting part. And maybe one of the few roles that I want people to like a lot. I’ve never played a character hoping that people will like it. And I hope I never do that; ki main hero type ka role karunga toh chalega. I’ve just played characters within the parameters of commercial cinema. Maybe that’s also why I’m blamed for not essaying different roles because I don’t do the other kind of cinema, it’s not affordable time-wise and sometimes, filmmaker-wise.
You hear so many people turn around and say, ‘Yeh alag film honi chahiye, content hona chahiye’. I think Zero is such a movie. If it’s liked, it’s nice, if it’s not, then it’s back to the drawing board. I hope people like it. It’s a different movie. A lot of people ask me, do you get nervous or anxious about your film? I don’t think if you’ve been an actor for 30 years and done well, you should make a film that makes you anxious, in a good way. You should not make a movie like, ‘Yeh toh chalega yaar’. My anxiety is like ‘Yaar, yeh kaisa bana hai?’ I still have that excitement.
I asked Aniruddh, the Chief AD who saw some portions, ‘Kaisi lag rahi hai’. And he replied, ‘Bahut achhi lag rahi hai’. When I asked him, ‘Bahut mazaa aaya?’, and he’s like ‘I don’t know about that, but achhi lag rahi hai’. It’s nice to have a set of 300 people working on a film and you don’t know how it’s gone. It’s good art because it’s too much craft if you know exactly where it is going.
You’ve been around for about 30 years, but still no one romances like you. Do you take that as a compliment? Your arms outstretched pose is enough to tell people what romance is all about. There are people who are doing that even on social media.
I don’t know. I think people tend to simplify things. I’m happy to have been simplified to a romantic hero. I don’t take it personally because I know the layers that I bring into my characters. I’m not the best of actors, but I try my best to bring something personal and some public experience and utilise it. I’ve done this in a lot of films.
I don’t have a tendency to describe acting seriously to people. Maybe if I did, they will take me more seriously. But I don’t think you need to take me seriously because if you eat good food, it’s boring to be told how it was made. You taste it, you like the chef, you say he’s got magical fingers. So, I would like to be known as that person. If they think I’m a romantic hero, I fulfill that part of an emotion, I think it’s one of the most beautiful emotions we have. Having said that, personally, I’m weird with romance. Actually, I don’t even like romantic films. It’s strange, jaisa log bolte hain na, if you have plans, God has a way of laughing at you. That’s the only kind of hero I didn’t want to be when I came in. My first five-seven films were anti-hero and different because I was awkward. I said I don’t look good enough and I can’t romance a girl. I remember Yash Chopra ji telling me, ‘If you want to be a legend, you have to be a romantic hero.’ And I was like, ‘Yash ji, yeh kya bol rahe ho? Mujhe action karne do.’ He’s made films like Deewaar (1975) and Trishul (1978), so he was my go-to action hero. All the tough directors I worked with, they all turned patsy and romantic with me, including Rohit Shetty, with Chennai Express (2013). I think it’s not me, it’s them.
Creating clear boundaries between work and home keeps me sane-Anushka Sharma
8:27 AM
Roshni Olivera (BOMBAY TIMES; December 17, 2018)
Life has come full circle for Anushka Sharma. Exactly a decade ago, she made her debut in Bollywood opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and now, there’s Zero with him again. She is naturally excited with what she calls a “sweet coincidence”, and in a candid chat with BT, the spunky actress talks about her changing equation with Shah Rukh, her unconventional way of thinking, life post marriage and pregnancy rumours. Excerpts...
You started your career in a film with Shah Rukh Khan and now, exactly a decade later, you have a film again with him releasing around the same time. Quite a coincidence?I realised this some time ago and I was like, ‘Oh God! It’s been 10 years!’ On December 12, 2008, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi released and now, Zero with Shah Rukh is releasing. It’s amazing! It’s like life has come full circle, which is beautiful. It’s even more special because Shah Rukh is somebody I have always admired, be it his drive, his passion or his ability to take every day as his first day. To have that kind of drive is not easy — to come on the set everyday, be willing to break your bones, hurt yourself and do anything for the sake of a film.
Zero has two actresses in lead roles, Katrina and you. What are the factors that you consider before saying ‘Yes’ to a two-heroine project?
I don’t look at it as a two-heroine film. I see it as a film that has characters in it. We usually talk about these things when it’s to do with women, we don’t ask male actors about this. I don’t dwell upon such things because I’m only concerned about what I am doing in the film. There could be times when I am offered a film where I am the only leading lady, but if the story is not interesting, I won’t do it. At the same time, even if it’s an ensemble cast, like in Dil Dhadakne Do, I would do it if I feel it’s interesting and I want to work with the director. My reason for being a part of Zero is that I am very happy with my role. Also, when there are interesting characters like Katrina’s character (in Zero), you want the right people to do the film. You are as invested in it as anybody else. So, for me, Katrina doing this film is as important as me doing it. My thinking is very unconventional; I don’t have that primitive way of thinking. And I can safely say that even the audience today has really evolved.
In a way, you started the trend of marriages in Bollywood. Tell us about your wedding (Anushka married Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli in December last year).
(Smiles!) Yes, I guess. Sonam got married, then Deepika (Padukone) and Priyanka (Chopra). Talking about my marriage, I always do things that I feel are right for me. I was 29 when I got married and it was something that just had to happen. In my head and in terms of commitment, we were already there. I am very happy with the way it all happened. We wanted it to be private and something that was truly ours. We wanted it to be like a wedding that was happening in our own home and we are glad we were able to do that. In fact, I remember that while I was shooting for Zero, I was planning my wedding.
There was a time when a leading lady’s career graph would change post marriage; there weren’t as many roles written for them. But today, we are in a new era and in this aspect, the industry and the audience have some a long way. What do you think?
This thought never even crossed my mind when I was getting married. I have never paid attention to such things. Marriage is not something that one should shy away from. I believe that if my work and what I bring to the table is important, then I have to value myself enough and not fall prey to such ideas. These are all redundant concepts. Today, women have children, they go out to do their jobs and come home. Work is a part of life and so is marriage, and you have to enjoy both. You can’t live in fear, I don’t and I have always done what I wanted to do.
Post marriage, how has life changed?
Life hasn’t changed. I was working till two days before I got married. It’s been a hectic year for me. When you are two individuals who are really busy and accomplishing a lot in your respective lives, your marriage is as normal as normal can be. That’s how it is for everybody.
Given that Virat seems comfortable in front of the camera, as we can see in his commercials, is there an actor in the making here?
That’s something you should ask him (smiles).
Coming back to you, how do you deal with constant speculation about being in the family way? What do you say when people ask you if you are expecting a baby?
I really think that all this is very dakiyanusi (regressive). When I am asked this question by anyone, it feels like some taiji is asking me that! Everyone should respect another person’s privacy. Just because you are married, it doesn’t mean that the next step is to go the family way. I got married at a young age for a reason. If you are having a baby, it is something that no one can hide. You can still hide a marriage, but not the fact that you are pregnant. People can keep speculating (about someone being pregnant), and then after four months when they realise that these stories are false, they will feel silly and say, ‘Let’s go after the other one who got married, let’s talk about her now’! This is done to generate news. There is absolutely no truth to it and it’s not something that’s being planned in the near future.
Talking about Zero, you play the challenging role of a scientist suffering from cerebral palsy. How did you go about preparing for it?
I wanted to to do full justice to it and represent it correctly. I worked on it for three months with an occupational therapist and an audiologist to understand the condition and what the physical limitations are. My character is a highly accomplished scientist. I just wanted to make sure that I am able to bring out her spirit. Himanshu (Sharma, writer) and Aanand (L Rai, director) sir did a lot of research on this and I completely followed their vision.
What was the kind of bonding on the set between Katrina, Shah Rukh and you? Also, given that you have done four films with Shah Rukh, how has your equation with him changed over the years?
In my case, it has obviously changed; maybe not for him because he has been doing this for so many years. I remember I was so awkward and raw initially. Today, I’m more confident and I feel that I can have a conversation and discuss various topics with him, which earlier, I would be scared to, wondering whether what I am saying was important enough! Shah Rukh has always been nice to me and he has made me feel comfortable. It feels like I have worked with him all through my career, because we have been doing a film together almost every other year (she has worked with him in Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012) and Jab Harry Met Sejal (2017) as well).
With Katrina, this is my second film. I really respect her attitude towards her job. Sometimes, I am just amazed at the hard work she has put into her career; that's something nobody can ever take away from her. She is really easy to work with and she is a very real person. She is not pretentious at all and that's the case with me, too. In this film, we haven’t shot together, but whenever I meet her and we hang out together, it's just so easy. We can sit on a couch and not talk to each other, without feeling, ‘Oh! we have to talk to each other’. That's the comfort level between us.
At 25, you started your own production company along with your brother, and you have been making some interesting movies. Apart from understanding the business, what’s the one learning that you’ve had so far?
Everything is a learning and you are also unlearning, which is very important. We see this as a long journey, where we are creating content and generating different concepts. People understand that we are capable of finding the right talent, be it writers or directors. Also finding new talent and honing that. It’s a very cool time for us. This has taught me one thing — just follow your conviction.
Have you ever thought of directing a film?
No, there is too much happening already. I’m producing, acting, running my fashion label, so I have a lot on my plate.
You always said that you are socially awkward. Is that aspect of your personality getting better?
I’m not awkward anymore, but I am happy being alone and in my own space. Sometimes, my friends make fun of it and say that I am almost reclusive. That’s because I am doing many things and it takes up a lot of my head space. My work takes up majority of my time and the rest of the time, I spend with my loved ones.
So, how do you detach from work at the end of the day?
I leave my work outside the house, that’s a rule in my home. I am very good at compartmentalising my life and creating clear boundaries. That’s what keeps me sane, happy and peaceful.
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