Showing posts with label Inside Edge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Inside Edge. Show all posts
It took 6 months for Dhadak 2 character to leave me. In those 6 months, I didn’t take up any work-Siddhant Chaturvedi
10:21 AM
Playing a Dalit man in Dhadak 2, Siddhant Chaturvedi draws parallels with his life in the absence of a lived experience and about how he approached the role with empathy
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 21, 2025)
Stepping into the world of Dhadak 2, which examines casteism in the country through the story of two lovers, can be an emotionally demanding experience. Siddhant Chaturvedi, who plays a Dalit man in Shazia Iqbal’s directorial venture, says that shedding the character was an all-consuming process as well. “It took at least six months for the character to completely leave me. In those six months, I didn’t take up any work. I was just travelling,” says the actor.
“[Such stories] leave an impact on you. It pushed me to an extent where I always desired to be, as an actor. That’s why I wanted to stay with it. At the same time, when I was dubbing for it recently, it all came back and I tried to finish dubbing as soon as possible because it haunts me.”
Chaturvedi, who stars opposite Triptii Dimri in the love story, was aware of the emotional weight of playing a Dalit character, especially as someone who does not share that lived experience. His approach involved understanding the world and drawing parallels with his life, he says.
“I won’t say there is a process to it, or try to be pseudo about it. I could say that I locked myself in the room for four days, but no, this character wouldn’t come like that. You have to understand the world first. I was not a cricketer in Inside Edge; I was not a rapper [in Gully Boy, 2019]. If it’s not a lived experience, I draw parallels. I try to go as close as possible to that in my own life, take out certain emotions, and try to match them. When I read a script, I don’t want to see the character from a lens of sympathy because then you’re adopting a third-person view. This is not a life I’ve lived, and I’ll never be able to achieve that fully. What I do is I never fall in love with my characters,” he reflects.
Every actor aspires to be bankable at the box office, but Chaturvedi’s metric is different. “People like us, who come from outside the industry, are grateful to be getting work. We’re always searching for stories that move us. Since we have lived a life before Bollywood happened to us, we’re drawn to stories that reflect that life. Both Triptii and I have made it here on our own, and that journey grounds you. There is always a little voice that tells us, ‘This feels right, this does not’. In the end, we follow our morals and instincts.”
My journey will not be complete till I do a film with Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan-Vivek Oberoi
8:38 AM
Roopa Radhakrishnan (BOMBAY TIMES; September 21, 2024)
Vivek Oberoi made his onscreen debut in 2002 with Ram Gopal Varma’s Hindi film, Company. Since then, he has worked on many projects, including ones in all four South Indian film industries, and with some of the biggest names. This includes essaying the role of the antagonist to Ajith in Vivegam (2017). In a chat with us, he shares about his desire to work with Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, being anti-exploitation, and more.
‘AJITH ANNA TREATED ME LIKE A YOUNGER BROTHER’
Every actor in my generation has a dream to work with Rajini sir and Kamal sir. My journey will not be complete till I do a film with them. Also, I love working in Tamil cinema because the talent here is brilliant. It was fantastic working in Vivegam. The film’s team felt like a family, and Ajith anna is amazing to work with. What a gentleman he is! He gave me so much love and treated me like a younger brother.
‘I HAVE A LOT OF BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES IN CHENNAI’
Chennai has a beautiful and big heart. My mom is from here, and I used to come visit my grandmother. I have spent a lot of hot summers in the city, and I remember all of us cousins used to get together, eat lots of crispy dosa, and then drive to Coonoor to enjoy the cool weather. I have beautiful memories here. When the tsunami happened, many people supported me when I was trying to do Project Hope in Devanampattinam, Cuddalore. I still meet with many volunteers and students from then.
‘THE FAN FOLLOWING OF RAHMAN SIR AND ANIRUDH IS HUGE AND NOT NORMAL’
I’ve done a film in every single South Indian language and it was my dream to do that. That gave me a kick. The people in the South Indian film industries are extremely committed. The same can be said about the fans, as they love so deeply. If you look at the fan following of Rahman sir and Anirudh, it’s huge and not normal.
‘IF THEY REACH OUT TO ME FOR INSIDE EDGE SEASON 4, I’LL DO IT IN A HEARTBEAT’
I loved playing Vikrant Dhawan in Inside Edge. Its makers are like family to me. I started my OTT journey with them in 2016, when people didn’t know what OTT was. It was so new in India at the time. If they reach out to me for season 4, I’ll do it in a heartbeat. But that’s a creative decision that they have to take.
‘EXPLOITATION, EVEN OF MONEY AND POWER, IS CANCER TO SOCIETY AND ANY INDUSTRY’
Any kind of exploitation, whether it is sexual, financial, or emotional, is absolutely wrong. I’m anti-exploitation. You have to be fair and honest in life and have integrity. When you have stardom, the least you can do is facilitate harmony and live without exploiting people who are poorer or weaker than you. Exploitation is cancer to society and any industry. Every one of us should work together to remove exploitation.
The missing case of spin-offs in India
8:31 AM
While the spin-off culture is soaring in popularity among Western makers, Indian industry seem to be lagging in this area. Assessing the reasons, experts weigh in
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 24, 2024)
While spin-offs have been around for a long time, superhero franchises and fantasy series have recently popularized the idea of giving fan-favourite characters their own spotlight, especially on OTT platforms. The offshoot plotlines of these characters, who would otherwise get minimal screen time in big-budget blockbusters, successfully allow makers to not only satisfy the audience but also utilise world-building. Some of the popular examples of spin-off series, which already have multiple seasons in the pipeline, include Gen V (The Boys), House Of The Dragon (Game of Thrones) and The Rings Of Power (Lord of the Rings).
Even though such offshoot productions, whether as films or shows, are all the rage in the West among the makers, the trend is yet to gain momentum in India. To understand more, we speak to some Indian makers and actors for their take on its surprising absence in India, along with pros and cons of the same.
MAINTAINING THE MYSTERY
A project includes a specific number of characters, each with a unique role to play. For actor Gulshan Devaiah, who plays Chaar Cut Atmaram in the series Guns & Gulaabs, not everyone’s story needs to be highlighted in a separate spin-off, as that might take away from the original plot.
“I have no idea why we’re not doing spin-offs but I’m not sure if it’s a good trend to follow. In my case, I’d say there shouldn’t be any spin-off for Atmaram. Some characters lose their charm if there’s no mystery to them,” Devaiah shares.
PRESSURE OF THE ORIGINAL PLOT
Actor Sharib Hashmi, who plays JK in The Family Man series, echoes a similar sentiment and feels that spin-offs shouldn’t be made just so that the original project remains relevant. “It should only be made if there is ample scope, and should not be seen as a mere opportunity to earn money or stay relevant.” However, Hashmi is not altogether against the idea.
He continues, “I would be the happiest if my character gets a spin-off but only if there is a good story. Look at Better Call Saul (Breaking Bad), which had such a brilliant storyline, and is as good as the original.”
BEGINNING AFTER THE ENDING
While original plots might leave very little room for detours, for Kanishk Varma, director of Sanak (2021) and the third season of the cricket-based thriller Inside Edge, a spin-off is a great way to immerse in the universe whose original story has reached a certain finale.
“You have to know when to throw in the towel. You cannot keep on dragging a story. So, spin-offs are a very cool idea of coming back. You have a scope of going back to a series and working on something you wanted to do in a particular season of the show.”
NEED FOR A CHANGE
While offshoot productions are lacking in India, writer Kanika Dhillon, who has been behind the story of Hasseen Dillruba (2021) and the latest instalment, Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba, opines that we are soon going to catch up.
“We have already caught on to the multi-universe sequel culture, which is prevalent in Hollywood. So, I am sure spin-offs will become a thing here as well, especially since people give a lot of love to [side] characters,” she shares.
Abhishek Banerjee, whose character Hathoda Tyagi from the series Paatal Lok fetched him critical praise, adds, “A lot of characters have the potential [for a spin-off] after they become a hit with the audiences. So, I feel the audiences would definitely want that change.”
What’s beautiful about Indian Police Force character is that he is the Rohit Shetty of his world-Vivek Oberoi
8:28 AM
Vivek, who plays a morally upright commissioner in Indian Police Force, on collaborating with long-time friend Rohit and surviving 21 years in industry despite incessant trolling
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; January 23, 2024)
In 2017, Vivek Anand Oberoi was among the early birds in Indian OTT entertainment as he shot for Inside Edge, which has had three successful seasons since. Naturally, the actor was armed with experience when he stepped into Indian Police Force. We start by asking what brings him back to OTT.
“When Jeff Bezos was here [for an Amazon Prime Video event in 2020], I remember he asked me how I took the leap of faith at that time. I was sure even then that OTT was here to stay,” he smiles.
The Amazon Prime Video cop series, starring Sidharth Malhotra and Shilpa Shetty Kundra, sees filmmaker Rohit Shetty foray into digital entertainment with what he knows best—action. For Oberoi, Indian Police Force is an extension of his two-decade friendship with the director.
“Rohit and I started our careers together. He was clear—when he can justify the love he has for me in a role, he will call. The character of Vikram Bakshi is special because he wrote this with me in mind. I love Rohit as a filmmaker, but more than that, he is one of the good guys. Every time I’ve supported a social cause for the cops, he has shown up. What’s beautiful about my character is that he is the Rohit Shetty of his world. His team is his family, he is patriotic and will take a bullet for his people. There is maturity, nobility and duty in the character. He is the mentor I didn’t have.”
It’s not easy to make your mark in an ensemble drama. Did he worry about not standing out in the Malhotra and Shilpa-starrer?
“If that’s where any actor starts, they are insecure. After 21 years of countless trolls and obituaries, I’m still here. I have more work than I can take on. This year, I am shooting Masti 4, a murder mystery with Nithya Menen, an action film with Tiger Shroff and another series. I cut out the noise and nonsense.”
After the 2020 lockdown, the actor shifted base to Dubai and shuttles between Mumbai, London and the UAE. But his heart remains in Mumbai.
Oberoi says, “I am in Mumbai for shoots all the time. But the more I stay away from the city, the more I realize this place will always be home. I sleep the best here. My frustration goes away when I hear the bells at ISKCON.”
Entering the world of OTT was a last resort to prove myself-Tanuj Virwani
8:36 AM
Kanksha Vasavada (BOMBAY TIMES; July 19, 2023)
On how he deals with pressure of being a star kid
There has always been pressure to live up to the name and legacy created by my mother, Rati Agnihotri, especially when I started my career. I have often been referred to as a 'Nepo Kid,' which I have never liked because my journey has been very different. My mother was not in the industry for a long time before I entered films, so it would be unfair to say that I had easy access to opportunities. However, I am glad that things are changing now. I am being recognised and cast based on my previous projects, not solely because I am my mother's son
On his mother being his biggest critic
My mother (Rati Agnihotri) is my biggest critic. She watches all my shows and films, and there have been instances where my character is loved by the audience, but my mother would be unhappy. She points out the tiniest elements that I might need to improve. And if she loves my performance, she appreciates it wholeheartedly. Actor-to-actor communication is very helpful, especially when she has so much experience that comes in handy for me
On his interest in writing and direction
I never envisioned myself becoming an actor. I was overweight and had a severe stammer, which led me to believe that I could excel in behind-the-scenes roles. So, I began working as an assistant director in movies and also wrote and directed short films. Even now, I hold onto the hope that someday I can unleash my untapped potential in storytelling and direction
On his shift from films to OTT
Entering the world of OTT was not a conscious decision for me; rather, it was somewhat of a last resort to prove myself. Despite having done three films—Luv U Soniyo (2013), Purani Jeans (2014), and One Night Stand (2016)—I was still not getting offered interesting roles. Then, unexpectedly, OTT emerged as a viable option. Back in 2016-17, this medium was not as significant as it is now. However, I consider myself fortunate to have secured projects like Inside Edge, Code M, and Cartel in the initial years, which helped me maintain relevance within the OTT realm. Presently, I aspire to take another leap and reintroduce myself to the film industry, aiming for a successful career in both domains. Several projects are in the pipeline, and I hope to conclude this year on a high note
On his love for experimenting with roles
Each project has its own process, sometimes you play with your physique or your voice depending on the character. I focus a lot on how my character should look, because I believe if the look is correct half of your battle is won. Experimenting with your character is most important for any actor, otherwise you can keep on doing the same kind of role and that’s not what I like to do. For instance, as Vayu in Inside Edge I have paced up my speech since the character is like that, and in Cartel as Major Bhau, I have brought the thehraav that my character needs. Moreover, it is important to enjoy the process, and if you fail during experimenting it’s fine, not every dart sticks to the board, at least 1 out of 10 will
When you're working on a film, you know it will have a theatrical release, appealing to the masses and potentially eliciting varied responses. However, in the case of OTT, each streaming platform caters to a distinct audience base. This understanding helps in choosing the right projects and bringing your character to life in a way that doesn't disappoint the viewers.
I believe in staying true to the roles I select because it's easy for the audience to detect fake acting. I learned early in my career the saying, ‘You start acting when you stop acting,’ and this realization came to me when I had the opportunity to work with actors like Kay Kay Menon and Vijay Raaz. Being as authentic as possible on screen is what the audience loves.
I took a pay cut and worked harder in a language that’s not natural to me-Vivek Oberoi
8:11 AM
Vivek Oberoi explains why success or failure doesn’t matter to him
Vinay MR Mishra (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 8, 2023)
With a filmography that spans two decades and films like Saathiya (2002), Kaal (2005), Shootout At Lokhandwala (2007), the Masti series and more under his belt, actor Vivek Oberoi’s journey in the Hindi film industry has been quite long. He started his acting journey with director Ram Gopal Varma’s Company (2002) and after being a part of nearly 50 projects, the actor says he is now more picky about the projects he takes on.
Sharing his philosophy, Oberoi says, “When you don’t have to do something for any other reason, but the joy and passion of it, then the success or failure of a project doesn’t matter. After spending two decades in the industry, I feel empowered enough to be able to stand behind something I love and believe in.”
Expounding on his decisions to do things differently, the 46-year-old talks about his choice to do streaming shows. “When nobody was doing OTT, I did Inside Edge. I got phenomenal success from it with the awards and an Emmy nomination. It was a very fulfilling feeling [for me],” he says.
Another decision that the actor, who is fluent in Tamil, firmly stands behind is doing films down South. “I decided I wanted to do a film in each South Indian languages. I knew that films in other languages wouldn’t offer the same kind of fee that I get for Hindi films. So, I took a pay cut and worked harder in a language that’s not natural to me,” says Oberoi, who has worked in the Tamil film Vivegam (2017), Telugu film Vinaya Vidheya Rama (2019) and in two Malayalam films — Lucifer (2019) and Kaduva (2022).
At one point in my career, I was dealing with drama and politics, which was beyond my control-Vivek Oberoi
8:13 AM
Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; December 30, 2021)
Vivek Anand Oberoi, who made his Bollywood debut with Company in 2002, will clock in two decades in the film business next year. From finding himself a launch vehicle and being among the first Bollywood actors to jump onto the OTT bandwagon to becoming a producer and an entrepreneur, Vivek has donned many hats. In a chat with BT, the actor talks about the lessons his journey has taught him and the road ahead. Excerpts:
In April next year, your first film Company will complete 20 years of its release. If one accounts for the time you spent being an assistant on different sets, you’re probably gearing up for your silver jubilee in the film industry. Does that make you feel like a senior in the industry?
(Laughs!) No. . . actually, I only sense the experience here. On a serious note, we were the generation of transition. When I became an AD (assistant director) and eventually, an actor, dialogues used to be written on the set on a fresh sheet of paper by the writers and ADs had to make copies of these sheets physically — so not only did one have to be a fast writer, but also good with Hindi. From that to this new phase in the last few years, where we increasingly have bound scripts, things have come a long way. Back in the day, power was also concentrated in the hands of a few. I was part of a generation that saw that change where people with talent began to soar. The lobbies I had seen then have now, somewhat, vanished. It has happened gradually.
What do you think led to that?
Newer talent and content came in. And with the advent of OTT platforms, the playfield became even more democratic. We are in times where one solid performance could turn you into a star, like Pratik Gandhi. Another observation of mine is that people have gone from using professionalism as a word to actually practising it. Earlier, seniors would arrive fashionably late and charm us with smiles. What one never understood was why was that okay? The younger lot today is incredible. They’re enthusiastic and are ready to rehearse and put in extra effort. Yes, the industry was like a family then, but it is not always good to be a part of every family dynamic. Lopsided dynamics didn’t ever work for me where outsiders remained outside and the insiders remained indoors.
You were among the first actors in the industry to be a part of a web show (Inside Edge). Today most actors are keen to be in the digital space. The fact that you were in that space early on, did it prove to be an advantage?
I have always tried to be the first mover and it has paid off sooner or later. I turned down a traditional launch in films by my father (Suresh Oberoi). I struggled to land a role in Ram Gopal Varma’s Company. I got it on my merit and hard work. When people thought that’s all I could do, I worked on Saathiya and then explored a space like Masti. People had told me that I shouldn’t play a villain, but I went with my instinct and I enjoyed it in Krrish 3. My journey is about taking risks and seeing what happens when you do that. When the OTT platforms dropped into our market, and I was offered a project, I was told I’d be crazy to take that route. By that time, I was already hooked on to international shows. I gauged what the space had to offer and took the plunge. Ours was the first show from India to get an Emmy nomination. While that was a big deal for me, I didn’t sign 20 other shows and movies for the same space. I am enjoying my OTT journey, where I am now producing content and acting in some of it. OTT platforms have given us actors like Vijay Verma and Siddhant Chaturvedi, who are scene stealers. There are so many lovely actors who are coming up thanks to this digital zamana.
You had worked with Suniel Shetty in Shootout At Lokhandwala in 2007 and are now teaming up again for a web show set in the underbelly of the city. Does it seem different when you team up with a senior colleague in a completely new space?
It’s a conscious call to find ways to associate with senior colleagues. Digital platforms are a great space to reunite with people you love, admire and respect. Personally, at one point in my career, I was dealing with drama and politics, which was beyond my control. Although I was proving myself time and time again, that was beyond my measure of being a good actor. Those dynamics at play were not letting me grow. I started my business, which gave me a strong financial standing. I didn’t ever have to make a wrong decision in my acting career, thanks to that. I have fun on the projects I take up because I am not doing it for the wrong reasons. you pass on the learnings from your journey? I am not the person who advises or passes wisdom, but my token advice to everyone is that acche waqt mein paglana nahi aur bure waqt mein ghabrana nahi. I just tell them to remember why they got into this profession. If someone’s only here for a bigger house or car, then it’s going to make them a part of a rat race, and in turn, make them rats for the rest of their careers. Why be that?
I am happy I had the foresight & didn’t listen to anybody who told me not to do web shows-Richa Chadha
8:03 AM
Early bird in digital entertainment, Inside Edge 3 star Richa Chadha says she set foot in OTT world to bridge the gap between saas-bahu dramas and international shows
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; December 7, 2021)
The success of Inside Edge has taught Richa Chadha what she knew all along — that going by her gut feeling will hold her in good stead. She came onboard the cricket drama, one of Amazon Prime Video’s first Indian originals, in 2017 when homegrown web content was still at a nascent stage and movie stars were maintaining a safe distance from it. Over four years and three seasons of the series later, the actor must feel validated being one of the early birds in the OTT revolution.
“I was not looking for validation at all [when I picked up the series]. I thought this is the way shows will happen in the future. That’s why I agreed to do it. I didn’t have any apprehension [about foraying into a new medium] because I was fairly confident,” says Chadha, explaining that she knew there was a gaping hole for intelligent shows that could appeal to the urban audience.
“[I knew that] a bunch of people couldn’t relate to the TV offerings. They were watching original shows from abroad, but couldn’t relate [fully] to that either. So, here was a chance to bridge the gap between the saas-bahu TV shows and foreign originals, while also filling the gap between films and TV. I am happy I had the foresight to do it, and didn’t listen to anybody who told me not to do web shows.”
The actor has since gone on to dabble in several digital offerings — from popular reality show One Mic Stand to the anthology, Unpaused.
Set against the backdrop of a cricket league, Inside Edge’s latest 10-part season shows Vivek Oberoi, Aamir Bashir, Sayani Gupta and Tanuj Virwani’s characters stoop lower in their quest for power and money. To Chadha, however, it was heartening to see her character Zarina Malik’s evolving graph. “She is calculating the damage that has been done to her emotionally, and will be vengeful about it. She became greedy in the second season, but she will not allow that to happen again. She is ensuring that she emerges victorious, while becoming the person she originally was — clean-hearted.”
Through her character, the series depicts how difficult it is for a woman to navigate her way in a man’s world. The truth is reflected in the male-dominated film industry as well. The actor doesn’t mince words as she argues that women in power will probably make the world a better place. “The world is dominated by men. Look at our cabinet and the different political parties. I feel if more women are in leadership roles, the world will be better. It will make the world more compassionate because women have the beautiful quality of patience. Even today, the countries, where women are in power, fared much better in handling the COVID [crisis]. I hope we have more women in leadership roles everywhere, from politics to writing to [film] production.”
It has been a satisfying 13 years for Chadha, who started out in the industry with Oye Lucky Lucky Oye! (2008), following it up with praiseworthy acts in Gangs Of Wasseypur (2012), Fukrey (2013) and Masaan (2015). Asked what it takes to survive in this industry, she says, “There are only two options — the stuff that you won’t do, or the stuff you are comfortable with. I want to sleep peacefully at night. I don’t want any guilt or moral dilemmas. So, that makes my choices easy, and I prefer this [path] to anything else.”
This schedule of Inside Edge was the most gruelling ever; we shot in peak summers-Tanuj Virwani
7:53 AM
Tanuj Virwani on sustaining injuries during training camps and shoot of the third instalment of Inside Edge
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; December 4, 2021)
Two seasons and an Emmy nomination later, the third edition of Amazon Prime Video’s Inside Edge is back with Tanuj Virwani playing cricketer Vayu Raghavan. While the first two instalments centred around IPL and Mumbai Mavericks — a fictitious team playing in T20 — the latest season will focus on test cricket. Promising to stay true to the game, Virwani says, “Maintaining authenticity has been a prerogative for the makers.”
It is mandatory to prep extensively before the camera rolls. To get into the zone of playing test matches, Virwani attended training camps. “This schedule of Inside Edge was the most gruelling ever. We shot during the peak of summer, when temperatures ranged from 40 to 42 degrees. It takes longer to film a test match, which is played over five days. The process was physically [and mentally] draining,” says the actor, who now has a better understanding of the expectations made from a professional player.
During the shoot and while playing with the hand stitched cricket ball, Virwani often sustained injuries, but he says the pain was worth the effort. “I have hurt my rib-cage, neck and even received a scary blow to my helmet. But when the tricolour flag unfurled and the National Anthem played in the background to indicate the beginning of the India vs Pakistan clash in the show, the feeling I had transcended acting.”
It is good for the stars if they come on the OTT space-Richa Chadha
8:12 AM
Richa Chadha says stars venturing into OTT will be beneficial
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 9, 2021)
Actor Richa Chadha feels the star culture seeping in the digital space is not a bad thing. “Kya hoga star culture ke aane se? I don’t have any fear about it. In fact, it is good for the stars if they come on the OTT space,” Chadha shares.
Ask her what makes her say this, and the 34-year-old explains, “They will be able to reach a wider audience, including those who don’t really buy the commercial storylines. [They] can do exciting things. So, stars venturing into OTT is a great thing. This is my personal belief.”
Chadha has explored the medium with projects such as Inside Edge, Unpaused and her recent web show, Candy. “I always thought that there was space for OTT medium. This space was for people who could not relate to traditional television or the saas-bahu drama, and wanted to watch something [different]. I also witnessed that foreign content like Narcos was available, but not [in] Hindi. Initially, a lot of people thought that I had lost my mind. They told me, ‘Tum filmein karke kaise yeh kar sakti ho?’ All of them are now on OTT,” she reveals, adding that she always believed in the power of the digital space, and its “potential to grow”.
After the thrilling ride of Candy, about drug menace and a masked killer, Chadha is enjoying a little break, before diving into the world of Six Suspects, Tigmanshu Dhulia’s next web series.
“I have a whole bunch of projects starting in October end and November. So, I’m looking forward to getting some free time now. I’ll utilise this time to write, get into production or work on a full feature,” she says, revealing that she hopes to wrap up her stint on Dhulia’s project by the end of this year.
Four years ago, people said, India mein koi bhi content phone pe dekhne ke liye paisa nahi dega-Vivek Oberoi
8:07 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; August 4, 2021)
While Vivek Anand Oberoi has several projects in the pipeline, many of his ventures were put on hold due to the second wave of the pandemic. Among the first Bollywood actors to venture into the web space, he says that this medium has been a boon during this tough phase. But at the same time, he hopes that the glorious times of watching a film in the theatres will reign again. Excerpts from the chat:
The year 2021 was supposed to be a busy one for you as you turned producer last year. During the unlock mode in 2020, you even began shooting for your production venture. Did all the uncertainly around the movie business take a toll on you?
I was looking forward to this year. Who knew it would turn out to be like this! Actors like us, who started work between the first and the second wave of the Coronavirus, are badly stuck. When you start a project, you commit money, dates and resources, and when shooting gets stuck, the budget goes for a toss. So all we could do was surrender to the situation. Honestly, the excitement about turning producer with these projects has faded away. There were too many false starts that happened due to lockdown, ki film iss week shoot karenge, nahi next week shoot karenge. Aise karte karte bahut time beet gaya. Now I feel, jab hona hai tab hoga. So, I am focusing on more important things right now, like humanitarian work.
You were one of the first mainstream Bollywood actors who took the digital route. In 2017, you became part of a web series that was a sports drama. Today, there are so many actors from Bollywood who have taken a plunge into web shows. How do you look at this transition?
When I was offered this show (Inside Edge) back then, I was advised not to do it. They said it would be a wrong move. Four years ago, people said, India mein koi bhi content phone pe dekhne ke liye paisa nahi dega. But today, you see youngsters subscribing to not one, but multiple streaming platforms. The landscape has shifted dramatically. And I am happy that I gave a nod to that web show. In fact, during this lockdown, I went through several scripts and have greenlit two more web projects. You know, it would’ve probably taken 10 years to adapt to this new medium, but COVID accelerated its growth 10 times. Before the pandemic, people went to a film theatre in groups, watched a movie and then discussed it over lunch or dinner. Today, people are watching content online and discussing it simultaneously on social media. That’s the power of the internet. I am just worried that if it continues for long, then the habit of going to theatres will be broken. I hope the habit of watching films in theatres doesn’t break.
Is there a hint of fear in you as an actor and a producer about people getting accustomed to consuming content within the confines of their homes?
Yes, there is! If that happens, it will be the demise of the whole movie-going experience. It will be extremely heartbreaking if it happens in our times. This has been such a glorious ride. So many of us have memories of watching iconic movies in cinema halls. The whole experience of community viewing, the surround sound and the big screen experience is etched in our hearts. The only silver lining is that while things came to a halt during the pandemic, the OTT platforms kept the fire burning. The content kept rolling because of the medium. The other good thing that happened is that it democratised the content. If you had a sensible, sensitive film, but it lacked the masala and commercial element, it would have faced a hard time in the traditional form of theatrical release and exhibition. It would get an extremely poor number of screens opposite a big Bollywood film. But with OTT, you have a variety of films out there to pick from.
A part from reading scripts and planning your production ventures, how did you get past the recent phase of lockdown?
I spent a lot of time with my kids, which has made me feel extremely close to them. It’s a different level of bonding as I got time to be involved in everything from their online schooling and doing assignments with them to playing with them and putting them to bed. Last year, during the complete lockdown, when we didn’t have the staff with us, my wife (Priyanka) and I distributed the work amongst us. Being a morning person, I would take care of the duties in the day, and she would be active during the night. We took turns in the kitchen, too. I had to learn to cook breakfast.
These days, I wake up early, do meditation, pray and then wake up my kids. My favourite thing is putting my kids to bed at night. It feels so good curling into the bed with them in their room. Both sleep on either side and test my storytelling skills. Vivaan wants to hear something that has action and adventure, while Ameyaa wants to hear something magical. I end up creating crazy convoluted stories and it is fun to see their reactions and expressions. Seeing them fall asleep in your arms is the most beautiful feeling for a father.
Meet John Stewart Eduri, the score champ behind Mirzapur's music
8:28 AM
John Stewart Eduri, the man behind the spectacular background score of Mirzapur, discusses working on an Afro theme in "fully UP setting"
Aastha Atray Banan (MID-DAY; November 8, 2020)
It's rare when an Indian OTT show pays attention to its background score. Mirzapur 2 not only did that, but did it well. The music of the show, whether the title track, character themes or music used to build tempo, has come together seamlessly with the narrative. The last episode, where the lives of the Tripathis, Guptas and Pandits, come to an explosive point, sees the background score build the action aggressively but slowly, to make sure you don't miss a shred of emotion.
Although the credits list John Stewart Eduri as Series Music Composer, he says, "I have not composed a single song in the show. But I have got credited as music composer, because these days, the score is very important."
Eduri arrived in Mumbai from Vishakapatnam in 2004 when he was 20. After getting a break with Salim-Sulaiman, he started working with Vishal-Shekhar. Since 2013, he has been working solo, and has Thugs Of Hindostan and Mardaani in his musicography.
His tryst with Mirzapur began when he had just wrapped up work on Inside Edge 1. "Producer Karan Anshuman, who has produced both Inside Edge and Mirzapur, told me he wanted an underground kind of sound. But at the time I was wondering what that would be. We got into a studio and did a hurried thing because the producers wanted a sample track. We added hammer and metal sounds. Notice that there is no melody anywhere. But then, it got approved."
Later though, they spent more time on the music. Eduri's biggest technique was "alternate composing". "In Dabangg, the theme used for a Bihari cop was Brazilian. In Mirzapur, we have used Brazilian and Afro themes set in a fully UP setting. For Munna's character, we gave a Clint Eastwood-type theme. It starts off funny, but then becomes darker. The key with Mirzapur has been to keep it unexpected. And all the themes sort of culminate in the last episode," he shares.
Ask him about his personal inspiration, and he counts John Williams (Jurassic Park) and Hans Zimmer (Dark Knight) as favourites. "Every day, I nap between 5 and 6 pm. I put on a pair of headphones and play at least one score by Williams. I wake up inspired. It's the purity and originality that really makes me happy." He likes working on web shows because it offers him the freedom he is used to. "The producer doesn't have to worry about making money from the song. So, that allows me to be innovative."
Eduri says life is busy, and he's hardly complaining about having too much work. "I am having a great time. I have done 27 movies, and never have I seen reach like I did with Mirzapur. No one called me from mid-day before this for an interview, right!"
Angad Bedi has no qualms over OTT release of films
8:16 AM
Shreya Mukherjee (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 9, 2020)
These unprecedented times are all the more difficult for those staying away from home, says actor Angad Bedi, who recently flew down to Delhi to spend time with his parents. “I usually come for a couple of days every month, but this time, I hadn’t seen them for over three months. Number of (Coronavirus) cases in Delhi shooting the roof got me all the more worried,” he says.
However, upon returning to Mumbai, Bedi says he might quarantine away from home while shooting for his web series, MUMbhai, for the sake of his daughter, Mehr. “I had started shooting for MumBhai when the lockdown happened. This gap actually didn’t benefit me. For an artiste, athlete or performer, this period was like rusting, not resting,” he opines.
Bedi’s next big screen outing Gunjan Saxena starring actor Janhvi Kapoor is now set for a direct-to-OTT release. Is he happy about this? “Everybody is watching everything on the web these days,” he continues, “Be it The Verdict: State v/s Nanavati or Inside Edge (his previous web projects), I know the kind of reach web has. Also, theatres are yet to open and even if they do, I’m not sure how many will take the risk of going out.”
“Amitabh Bachchan-Ayushmann Khurrana’s film Gulabo Sitabo and even films of Alia Bhatt, Abhishek Bachchan and Akshay Kumar are releasing online. It’s the same for us all. We want maximum people to watch our work,” says the actor, 37, adding that one needs to keep avenues open during such a crisis.
Inside Edge 3 expedited for early release?
8:33 AM
With web shows grabbing eyeballs during the lockdown, sources suggest post-production of Inside Edge 3 expedited for early release
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; June 16, 2020)
The third season of Inside Edge, Amazon Prime Video's tentpole show, was to tentatively drop in December 2020, exactly a year after its second edition. With web offerings grabbing eyeballs during the Coronavirus lockdown, it is learnt that the suits at the streaming giant have requested the makers to speed up the post-production work on the sports drama. The third season reportedly revolves around Zarina and Vikrant, played by Richa Chadha and Vivek Oberoi respectively, joining forces against Aamir Bashir's Bhaisahab.
A source informs, "The second and third editions were shot together. As soon as the sophomore season opened last December, the production house trained its attention on the next instalment. With several shows witnessing a slowdown due to the work-from-home policy, the head honchos are hoping that the cricket drama may release earlier than it was slated to, thus helping the platform maintain its momentum. Given the series' popularity, the top brass of the streaming service also want to dedicate three weeks to the promotions to generate enough interest around the show."
Casting for web shows has been a fair process-Aahana Kumra
8:27 AM
Betaal actor Aahana Kumra on how digital entertainment gives a platform to talented artistes
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; May 31, 2020)
Aahana Kumra is sitting pretty with two web releases, Marzi and Betaal, in barely two months. Thrilled to essay dramatically different characters in the offerings, she agrees that OTT platforms have opened up a new world for actors. "In films, it takes years to get what you want to do. But, in the web world, you are playing different roles in show after show, in quick succession."
After being part of the television show Yudh, and The Blueberry Hunt (2016), Kumra made the audience sit up and take notice of her in Lipstick Under My Burkha (2017). Even as she featured in several films thereafter, her web outings — Bombers (2019), Rangbaaz (2018) and Inside Edge (2017) — made her a household name. Having seen both worlds from close quarters, the actor believes that the digital medium nurtures meritocracy. "It gives you an opportunity to showcase your performance. [Casting] is a normal, fair process. Actors can get good parts with some great producers and amazing directors," she analyses.
While shooting for Betaal, she was inspired by producer Shah Rukh Khan's stories. "He knows how to make you feel included. As an actor, you face rejection every day. So, it was encouraging to hear him say that you should keep giving your best shot."
We are able to maintain a working relationship despite the personal equation-Neeraj Udhwani and Ishita Moitra
8:50 AM
A writer-director and his dialogue writer wife talk of creating characters through the lockdown as their only link to the fictional universe they know as reality
Aastha Atray Banan (MID-DAY; April 5, 2020)
It was during the making of the 2013 film, Mere Dad Ki Maruti that Neeraj Udhwani and Ishita Moitra first met. Udhwani had written the story and screenplay and Moitra, the dialogues. They started off as colleagues, moved to being friends and married three years later. "Because we started off as colleagues, we are able to maintain a working relationship despite the personal equation," says Moitra, 36. Udhwani's directorial debut, Maska, starring Manisha Koirala, premiered on Netflix last week. He is also writer for the show, while Moitra has worked on the dialogues.
Maska is the story of following your dreams and in a sense, Udhwani's ode to the Irani cafés he grew up around in King's Circle, Matunga. "Pop culture tells us to follow our dreams. But millennials believe they have untapped potential. Social media adds to this feeling of, I am not doing enough. Maska takes a look at this," says Udhwani about the show that looks at a young man who ditches a family-run Irani café to pursue his acting dream.
Moitra's upcoming project is Amazon Prime's Four More Shots Please, which is in its second season. She says, this time, the show focuses on the four women protagonists navigating Mumbai. "It's bolder, sassier and deeper. We have peeled a few more layers off everyone."
The couple says they have taken the Coronavirus lockdown well, given that they are habituated to working from home. Udhwani admits, "I admire her focus. She is a trooper. For the first few days, I watched the news 24/7 and was convinced that the world was going to end. It's after the appreciative messages for Maska that I am in a better place."
The trick, they say, for couples who work together, is to put work before everything else. This means they offer honest feedback and treat each other like they would a colleague. "For Maska, I asked him to give me the screenplay only when it was locked, so I could write the dialogues. It's not like, we live together so, here is one scene, read it!" says Moitra, and Udhwani laughs, "But yes, we do talk about work all the time. So, I say, what's for lunch? And then, 'what are you planning to do about so-and-so bit in the script?' There are no breaks from work."
Like the rest of Mumbai, the couple is waiting for the lockdown to end and see under-progress projects come to fruition. Moitra has written the dialogues for Shakuntala Devi's biopic starring Vidya Balan, and Udhwani is lead writer for cricket-inspired drama, Inside Edge Season 3. "This is not our real life. This is a dream. Real was what was before the pandemic. The only link we have to that life is writing and creating. We will do that till we wake up."
Akshay Oberoi to play a homosexual in Inside Edge Season 3?
8:27 AM
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; March 15, 2020)
While he didn't get to take a strike in his previous cricket series, Selection Day, Akshay Oberoi has been roped in to play the field in Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani's Inside Edge 3, informs a source. The actor, who has eight digital series to his credit and a few more in the pipeline, will be seen as the captain of a team in the Amazon Prime Video series. "Akshay will be the captain of a new team in the third season of Inside Edge, shooting for which is already complete," says the source.
Stepping into the shoes of a cricketer, Oberoi will introduce a new character with distinct traits that are sure to grab eyeballs. "Akshay's character has a unique personality that will unfold layers of his life, giving an interesting insight into new dynamics. He will play a homosexual," adds the source. The sports drama will take a new turn with fresh characters and dig deeper into the darker side of the game in its upcoming season. There will be new faces in the third instalment.
Considering Inside Edge is in post production, it is expected to hit the tube later this year. Oberoi, who was unavailable to comment, will next feature in Ekta Kapoor's KTina opposite Disha Patani, a Hindi remake of Thiruttu Payale 2 (2017), and three digital outings including Illegal, Flesh and Magic.
Commercial filmmakers are interested in me now-Vijay Varma
8:04 AM
Vijay Varma says he looks at 2019 as a turning point in his career; adds it helped shape his career
Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 29, 2019)
“Gully Boy has opened up interesting avenues for me. I’ve been getting meaty parts in films and on the web,” says Vijay Varma, who shot to fame with the film that released early this year. Post the film, the actor has had his hands full with four web shows, an adaptation of A Suitable Boy, and three feature films, Baaghi 3, Hurdang and Bumfaad.
Vijay is happy that members of the industry are taking a keen interest in him now. “Commercial filmmakers and people who create rich content are interested in me now. At the same time, there’s also been some noise in the journalism and the fashion community. It’s been pretty good and comprehensive. I’m also participating in it,” he says.
Ask him about Gully Boy not making it to the final Oscar nomination list in the Best International Feature Film category, and he says, “Though we all knew that it would be an uphill task, we were disappointed that the film didn’t make it. But it’s always good to fight. I’ve fought for so many years to say what I’ve wanted to say and do what I wanted to do. I understand the importance and joy of fighting.”
The actor is, however, happy that with his film, India could make “small inroads into the bigger world”. He says, “With Inside Edge, Lust Stories and Gully Boy, Zoey (Zoya Akhtar; filmmaker) tried to break into a bigger market. Right now, a lot of people in America know about Made In Heaven and Gully Boy. That, in itself, opens up the possibility to create content that’ll have a market outside India, even beyond the Indian diaspora.”
Encapsulating 2019, Vijay says, “I would look back at 2019 as a turning point in my life. A lot of stuff that I’ve been thinking and wanting to accomplish for years started happening in 2019. This was a landmark year that shaped my career as an actor. It has been a year full of great collaborations. I’m finally getting the chance to work in a capacity that I really appreciate.”
So, how does he plan on bidding farewell to an amazing year? “It has been a lot of hard work this year and so I look forward to ending the year with two days of doing absolutely nothing and probably just relax and be with my mum,” he signs off.
Gautam Gambhir didn’t think I deserved to play Under 16 cricket-Angad Bedi
7:53 AM
After Gautam Gambhir names Angad Bedi's Inside Edge character in his World XI pick, the actor calls out his double standard; reminds MP of his nepotism allegation against dad Bishan Singh Bedi
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; December 27, 2019)
Earlier this week, former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir sprang a surprise on fans when he shared the World XI for 2019, on Twitter. While the list included cricket stars Virat Kohli and Ben Stokes among others, the mention of Arvind Vashishth — Angad Bedi's character from Inside Edge — raised a few eyebrows. This, especially since Gambhir, in August this year, had a war of words with the actor's father, former India skipper Bishan Singh Bedi, insinuating that the latter had tried to block Navdeep Saini's entry in the Delhi Ranji team. The exchange turned ugly when Gambhir stated that Bedi, earlier, had "pushed his undeserving son for selection", thus accusing the senior athlete of indulging in nepotism.
While Angad had maintained a dignified silence then, the actor is not too amused by Gambhir's recent tweet. "I didn't say anything back then because I didn't want to add fuel to fire. But now, he mentions Arvind Vashishth in the World XI, when he didn't think Angad Bedi was deserving of playing Under-16 cricket. I don't know if he realises that Angad and Arvind are the same people. If he feels I am talented enough [to make it to his list], I am grateful. I thank him for changing his mind," says Angad, who has played for the Delhi Under-16 and Under-19 teams.On the public war of words that ensued between his father and Gambhir, Angad does not mince words as he says that the latter's tweet was "distasteful". "I value my father's contribution to Indian cricket. He was captain for four years [1975-76 and 1978-79] and has led his life with integrity. When we were growing up, our coaches taught us that we don't need to [necessarily] agree with our seniors, but we don't need to disrespect them either." Bedi was India's finest left-arm spinner in the late 1960s and 1970s. He claimed 266 wickets in 67 Test matches.
Angad Bedi at the MIG Cricket Ground in Bandra (east) where he represented Delhi U-16 against Saurashtra U-16 in the three-day Vijay Merchant Trophy quarter-final held from January 6 to 8, 1997. Pic/mid-day archives
New innings of Inside Edge to arrive sooner than expected?
7:51 AM
Sources say shoot of Inside Edge 3 complete; to release by mid-2020
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; December 19, 2019)
Barely a fortnight into the release of the second season of Inside Edge, one would assume that the makers have put their feet up and are revelling in the clicks earned by the Vivek Oberoi and Richa Chadha starrer. But mid-day has learnt that the creative team, led by showrunner Karan Anshuman, is busy working on the post-production of the third season.
A source reveals, "The second and third seasons of the cricket drama were commissioned together. The actors were asked for bulk dates so that both editions could be simultaneously shot. Since Season 2 has been well-received, the makers want to cash in on its success by releasing the next instalment by mid-2020. The road ahead will see Aamir Bashir and Vivek's characters engaging in a power battle, and will also track the back-story of Angad Bedi's character."
Discussions regarding the fourth edition are apparently underway between the creative heads at Excel Entertainment and head honchos at Amazon Prime Video.
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