Hiren Kotwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 30, 2019)

Isabelle Kaif, who is making her acting debut with LoveYatri actor Aayush Sharma in the Karan Bhutani directorial Kwatha, started work on the film at a Mumbai studio last week with montage scenes. After a short spell in Mumbai in January, the team will head to Delhi for a 10-day shoot and then to the North-East for 45 days where, according to producer Aditya Joshi, a majority of the shoot will take place. “Apart from some dramatic scenes, we’ll also shoot the action sequences,” he informs.

Meanwhile, Karan says that the film, which has Aayush playing an army officer and Isabelle, a doctor, ‘is not a war film’. “Kwatha is based on a true incident and it also shows the humane side of the Indian Army. Our defence forces don’t just guard our borders and fight the enemy, but also work for the people of the country,” he says, going on to heap praise on his leading lady. “Isabelle’s formal training in acting reflects in her work. On the set, she knows what is required of her and she is always improving. Only a confident actor can do that spontaneously.”

Meanwhile, Aayush, Karan informs, trained at an army camp for a few months in Pune as part of his prep and put on 12 kg of muscle weight. Describing the time he spent with the soldiers as an “enlightening experience”, Aayush says, “Our idea is to tell a story that not many people know, and at the same time, also do it with responsibility, without making the action look filmi.”

Sooraj Pancholi explains why his musical is delayed, dismisses rumours of a new romance, insists he wants to remain single and focus on work
Hiren Kotwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 31, 2019)

It’s been four years since you made your debut with Hero. Why did it take you so long to return with your second film, Satellite Shankar?
Even before Hero’s release and later, I got many offers but nothing I really wanted to do. So, I waited. Meanwhile, my personal problems grew bigger and compounded the delay.

What’s the status on the Stanley D’Costa musical, Time To Dance, which was to be your second release and would flag off Isabelle Kaif’s career?
That’s for T-Series to answer; we have just seven days of shoot left. When I got back from Time to Dance, I gave my dates to Murad (Khetani) sir and Ashwin (Varde) sir for Satellite Shankar which was not with T-Series at that point. I sport long hair in the musical and had to cut it short for this film. Since I couldn’t grow out my hair and cut it again twice, that seven days’ shoot is now scheduled for December.

Buzz is, the film is almost 70 per cent complete, but Salman Khan didn’t like the rushes and the project has been scrapped.
Not 70 per cent, it’s 95 per cent complete. And he wanted just two songs to be reshot which is about three days of work each. I can only do my job as an actor, everything else is the producer’s call.

In retrospect, do you think starting out with the remake of an iconic film like Hero was a mistake?
At that point, I wasn’t in the position to take my own call because despite my film background, I didn’t know much about the industry. I had professionals taking decisions on the film and I had big shoes to fill as Hero was a big film in its time. I feel blessed to be a part of the film. From here on, it’s for me to prove myself.

The army has been getting youngsters to enlist through recruitment drives and advertisements. Do you think Satellite Shankar will inspire more people to join the forces?
It’s an inspiring story and showcases a soldier’s love for the country and vice versa. I hope more people join the army. Some time ago, I read that 2000 Kashmiris turned up for the recruitment drive in the Valley.

Your film releases on the same day as Ayushmann Khurrana’s Bala. Does that make you anxious?
Competition is healthy. I’m not Shah Rukh, Aamir or Salman Khan or even Akshay Kumar to get my preferred release date though I hope to be in an enviable position in future. If not Bala, it could have been a bigger Hollywood release. Of course, Ayushmann is a big star and Bala is looking good.

What’s next?
A sports biopic to be shot in Haryana which will begin after I wrap up Time To Dance and cut my hair. It’s the story of an unsung hero who won India a couple of gold medals in boxing, but only a few people know about him. No, no names.

Is Salman Khan still micro-managing your career?
He is my mentor and I respect him. His only advice is that I should do a film only if it feels right. I want to make him happy and proud with my work. My family is happy with me anyway.

Your sister was to make her debut some years ago…
She says now that the industry is not for her. She is in the restaurant business.

And what’s your mom, Zarina Wahab, doing?
Her last film was PM Narendra Modi. She enjoys working and could be doing a role in Salman sir’s Radhe. There were talks about her playing my mother in Satellite Shankar, but things didn’t work out.

What about working with your dad, Aditya Pancholi?
We shared screen space in Hero, I don’t know if it will happen again. That chapter is done. I want to work with mom because she is the more emotional actor.

What’s happening on his legal battle with Kangana Ranaut?
I don’t want to discuss that. It’s been very tough for the family, especially my mother and sister.

You were recently spotted with a pretty foreigner. Is there a romance brewing?
I have some friends but just because one of them is white, people assumed there’s a romance. I want to be single and invest all my energy into my career right now.

BOMBAY TIMES (August 3, 2019)

After making an impressive debut with LoveYatri, Aayush Sharma will next be seen in Kwatha. He will be joined by Isabelle Kaif, who will make her Bollywood debut with the film. The movie is based on incidents revolving around the Indian Army.

To step into the shoes of an army officer, Aayush underwent intensive prep for his role, including working hard on his physique and look. Isabelle has undergone training for acting for four years at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York. While details of her role are under wraps, sources reveal that the character is tailor-made for her.

Confirming the news, director Karan Lalit Butani says, “We are excited to announce Aayush Sharma and Isabelle Kaif as the leads of our film. Kwatha is a village on the border of India and Myanmar. While the film is based on true events, the plot is unconventional, and Aayush and Isabelle are perfect for a film like this.”

Producer Aditya Joshi of Cult Entertainment adds, “When we first heard Kwatha, we realised it’s a different film, which showcases the spirit of the Indian army.” The young actors are currently participating in multiple reading sessions and intensive workshops for the film, which is set in North East India.

Kwatha, produced by Sunil Jain, Omprakash Bhatt, Aditya Joshi, Alok Arbind Thakur and Sujay Shankarwar, is presented by Purple Bull Entertainment and Cult Entertainment.
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Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; August 3, 2019)

Tattle around who would feature alongside Aayush Sharma can finally be put to rest as Katrina Kaif's sister has jumped aboard Kwatha. Isabelle will star in the film alongside Sharma, who slips into the part of an Army officer. The film takes a leaf out of history books to trace the unrest at the India-Burma border.

A storyline that innately drew him in was reason behind his decision to greenlight the movie, he says. "When I heard it, I instantly connected to the story. The film is inspired by true events, and I was surprised that something like this had happened, and that most of us are unaware about it. The film has a different take on stories revolving around the Indian Army." Asserting that his rugged avatar as an officer will be far distanced from the lover boy he played in his debut film, LoveYatri (2018), Sharma adds, "I am trying to transform my body to look like an officer. Also, I will train with soldiers at base camps. I want to get the mannerism on point."

Referring to Isabelle as skilled and creative, Sharma says acting and music make up a major part of their conversations. "Ever since she joined the project, she has been working on her character. She is hard working and dedicated. Isabelle and Arpita [Khan, wife] know each other, so, I have obviously heard so much about her. We are currently discovering each other as actors."

That he has interacted with her at social events implies that there is a level of comfort that has developed between them; one that is likely to enhance their act, on screen. "Scenes turn out well if the actors are comfortable with one another. We will start shooting from September. Till then, we are occupied with workshops."

Isabelle adds, "Aayush and I had a great time shooting for the announcement, and are looking forward to discovering our characters."
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Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; August 3, 2019)

After making his debut in Loveyatri, Aayush Sharma will next be seen in Kwatha, to be directed by Karan Butani. The actor plays a soldier in the film, which is based on real-life events of an army officer and set in the village of Kwatha, that borders  India and Myanmar. Now, we have learnt that Katrina Kaif’s sister Isabelle Kaif has been signed opposite the actor.

Aayush had to transform his physique into that of a soldier for his role. The actor hit the gym with a vengeance, undergoing boot camp training to look the part. Says a source, “Aayush has been posting workout videos on Instagram and very few know that his new regime is for his role in the film. From rope climbing to lifting heavy weights, the actor is doing it all, not just as part of his prep for the film but also to transform his physique into that of a soldier.”

Aayush says, “Kwatha is an interesting film and I am excited to be part of this heartwarming film, which is inspired by true events. It has a different take to the Indian army and that excited me to take up this project. I look forward to working with Isabelle as she has a very positive energy and brings a lot of enthusiasm to the film.”

Duo will swing to Kamaal Khan’s track for an upcoming musical, featuring the actress’s sister, Isabelle Kaif, and the actor’s protégé, Sooraj Pancholi
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 14, 2019)

Mirror (March 29) had earlier reported that Katrina Kaif’s sister Isabelle will debut opposite Sooraj Pancholi in first-time director Stanley D’costa’s musical, Time To Dance. Now, we have learnt that the film will feature a contemporary version of Salman Khan’s chartbuster, “O O Jaane Jaana” from the 1998 romcom, Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya. There are two versions of the song, one which forms a part of the film’s narrative and will serve as Sooraj’s introduction. The second is a promotional track featuring Salman and Katrina which will be filmed at a city studio soon. “It’s a modern-day rendition of the original track, and will be shot on lavishly mounted sets,” informed a source close to the development.

Isabelle and Sooraj will also be a part of a promotional track which would be shot in March, once Salman and Katrina have wrapped up their Eid 2019 release, Bharat, produced by Bhushan Kumar and Atul Agnihotri, in a two-day schedule. The reprised version has been composed by Shivai Vyas and sung by Kamaal Khan, the voice of the original song. The original was composed by Jatin-Lalit and is still remembered for Salman’s shirtless avatar and the peppy tunes. “Salman and Katrina’s presence is restricted to the promotional song, the two will not be a part of the film,” added the source.

Time To Dance, produced by Bhushan Kumar and Remo D’souza, will see Isabelle as a competitive ballroom and Latin dancer while Sooraj plays a street dancer. The film features a range of styles. The film, which is set in London, will release in second half of the year.

Madhureeta Mukherjee (BOMBAY TIMES; December 16, 2018)

She’s a fighter. She started out in this industry from ground zero — raw and unprepared. She fought the odds, worked doubly hard to make up for her weaknesses and kept going. Never letting success get to her head, or failure break her heart. Yes, matters of her heart have drawn unwavering attention for long, but now, she’s in a new zone, alone and unafraid. A big difference from being ‘lonely’. And in this space, Katrina Kaif is taking her time to sharpen her focus and look at life through a set of new, untainted lens. Upbeat about her next release Zero, directed by Aanand L Rai, she dives deep into a conversation with us, where she reveals that she’s as curious about exploring the unknown, as she’s fearless about her choices in life. The girl’s caught your attention, now read on...

In Zero, you are playing an actress and a complete diva. Did you draw some inferences from your real life for the part?
The fact that I am an actress in reality doesn’t have any bearing on the character that I am portraying on screen. In fact, to me, it was irrelevant. The process is more about constructing a character from the inside. I have been discussing the movie with Aanand sir since its conception, that’s more than two-and-a-half years ago. We spoke so much about the character that I created a bank of information and details about it. There are some films that come to me instinctively, or let’s say that the process is seamless, and then there are some films, which require a lot of thought. Earlier, I didn’t have any set approach; now, it is different. Also, Aanand sir was clear about what he didn’t want, hence, that helped me find the path for what he did want. He was sure that the way I am as a person is not what my character Babita is in Zero. In the film, if Babita is deeply sad in a scene, she overcompensates for what she is feeling and pitches it in another way, probably by being boisterous and loud. To me, that was very fascinating. That is how we are as humans and this is what makes us so interesting. Some people do that for themselves, some people do it for effect, in order to give a different impression. Babita does it to fool herself. I have seen people like that. We all know people who do ridiculous and outrageous things for effect, and I find this trait in them very interesting.

You seem to have delved deep into your character, Babita, but you have also expressed that you totally loved Anushka’s part in the film and wished to play it, too…
I loved it and cried because I didn’t get to play that character. I’ve been with the story from the start and have seen it develop into the story it is now. So, you obviously get attached to some characters, like I did with Anushka’s part. I am at a point in my life, where I’m instinctively drawn towards situations and places that I haven’t been in before — personally and professionally. It’s not a cultivated process; it has happened naturally. For some people, it happens early on, and for some, it takes a while. We worked on Babita’s character more than we thought we would. More than it being challenging, it was not a happy or upbeat place to go back to. You are anyway trying to keep up and be in a happy space in your personal life, then, when you go on set, you have to go back and step into that zone. It’s not easy.

In 2012, you worked with Anushka in Jab Tak Hai Jaan, where you had a few scenes together. In Zero, you apparently don’t have any scenes together, but it seems that the two of you share a warm equation with each other.
In Zero, we didn’t have scenes together, but I am enjoying promoting the film with her. Anushka and I are different in many ways, but we also have certain inner qualities which are similar. We are not best friends and don’t chat for long periods of time, but there is a lot of comfort and respect for each other. She is a very straight-forward person and I like the way she has handled herself in this industry. I understand where it comes from.

You never spoke about your relationship or your break-up. But you have taken it all in your stride positively, and seem to be in a good space. Did it come after a lot of introspection? Do you think that sometimes, we need space and alone time to get in touch with our deepest emotions?
It is complicated. It’s not like I feel that I have reached any particular place, which is good, bad or in-between. It is about the process of understanding why we feel alone and why we feel that void in our life, and gradually, getting comfortable with that. There are a lot of people who feel afraid of being alone. For me, it was the most unusual thing. My life was always extremely full — whether it was sleeping with my four sisters in one room while growing up, or later on, having close friends around me. Then, you come to a moment where there is a lot of silence around you. At work, there is always noise, but when you come home there is silence. At first, that is terrifying. For me finding peace with that was a process. Once the fear and terror of being alone fades, then, a window opens where a lot of things in life look far more beautiful. If I view life through a dirty pair of glasses, then everything that I see will be tainted, right? If you see something from the face of fear, nothing looks nice and the world doesn’t hold much charm. It doesn’t mean that I have found all my answers in life. I have not found any, in fact, that journey of finding answers will probably go on till the end of one’s life. Once you understand and face your fear, there comes a point when you don’t feel that fear anymore. You still have the desire to have certain things in your life, but at least, the desire comes from a fearless place and that makes it more beautiful.

What do you fear the most?
It will be hard for me to point that out, but like I just mentioned, the main thing that I feel I had to face, is something I did recently. At work, I would like not to get stuck in any space. I hope that I get the opportunities and chances to do different things, in different spaces. I’ve been super fortunate in my career and have enjoyed everything that I have done so far. I’ve had a good time 95 per cent of the time; I think that’s a huge percentage of my work life. Now, learning something new at work, which adds another dimension to my life, is what fulfils me.

Like you said, you’ve been fortunate and have seen a lot of success in life. On the flip side, you’ve had your share of failures and faced criticism, too. How do you cope with that and move on?
If you have worked really hard on a film and it fails, yes, it breaks your heart. There have been couple of times in my life, where I did not work very hard as I should have. In those cases, the failure didn’t hurt as much. As an actor, you have to work in the right direction; if you don’t do that, it is pointless. The few times that I felt I didn’t work, is when I didn’t move in a certain direction. I was working hard at other things, but it had nothing to do with work. Those experiences were quite meaningless to me, and honestly, there wasn’t much to take away from them.

But do you regret some of those choices and blame yourself for having made them?
With all their vulnerabilities and fears, I feel that everybody makes the best choice they could have made at the time they made it. You can go back and say, ‘Damn, I shouldn’t have done this’. But I will tell you, if you have given something your best, and then it fails, it hurts, but not for too long. It’s because you know you gave it your best shot, what else could you have done?

Your sister Isabelle’s launch in Bollywood has been in the news for a while. Are you keenly awaiting her entry into showbiz?
I am very excited about her launch. Well, whenever we talk about it, I realise that over the years, so much has changed in the industry. The way things are now is quite different from the way it was when I had started out. Today, there are so many different avenues for actors. In her case, she is trained in Western classical dance and has learnt acting from Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute. In fact, she’s got all the training that I never had. I have a lot of hope and belief that people will like her and there will be space for her in this industry.

Actress shot for the recreated version of a ’90s song recently
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 18, 2018)

Last month, Isabelle Kaif and her co-star Sooraj Pancholi wrapped up the shooting of Stanley D’costa’s Time To Dance.

Now, Mirror has learnt that the Bhushan Kumar and Remo D’souza production will also feature a recreated version of the song, “Adayein Bhi Hain,” from the 1991 Pooja Bhatt and Aamir Khan-starrer, Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin. Isabelle and Sooraj recently shot for the new version.

A source reveals, “It was shot over a few days at Dover in Kent. It has been given a contemporary twist with new lyrics and beats and was choreographed by Stanley himself, who has previously assisted Remo D’souza on his songs.”

According to the source, actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh is also on-board the film to give playback to a song, which is picturised on Sooraj and composed by Tanishk Bagchi.

In her acting debut, Isabelle plays a competitive ballroom and Latin dancer, while Sooraj is a street dancer showcasing Salsa, Zumba and Bachata styles. It also features Waluscha De’Sousa and Saqib Saleem.

Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 24, 2018)

Isabelle Kaif’s Kat-walk of fame
Katrina Kaif’s sister Isabelle may be gearing up for her Bollywood debut but the Brit beauty is no stranger to the big screen. After featuring in the 2014 Canadian romcom Dr Cabbie, the 32-year-old debutante kicked off her Hindi launch vehicle, the Stanley D’Costa-directed Time To Dance, in early June with a 50-day London schedule. The film features her as a competitive ballroom and Latin dancer, while her co-star Sooraj Pancholi plays a street dancer showcasing the Salsa, Zumba and Bachata styles. In a recent interview, Isabelle revealed that the best advice she has received from her illustrious sister is “to not get caught up in the hectic nature of the work. To take it day by day, and to give my best every day.”

Isabelle had started making heads turn even before she kicked off prep for her film. After pairing up with Kat for a photoshoot, she’s joined her for several public appearances, the most recent being the star-studded wedding reception of Sonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja on May 8.


Nupur Sanon’s sweet treat
Kriti Sanon’s singer-sister Nupur, who is presently in talks with several filmmakers, is preparing for her big Bollywood launch with acting lessons and hitting the gym regularly. Then, there’s big sister Kriti for guidance. “I was surprised when I saw her in Bareilly Ki Barfi for the first time. I felt that she had become mature as an actor and there was so much honesty that to me it seemed very effortless. I just loved her in it,” Nupur says, adding that she looks up to her actress-sister. “Let’s just say that we’re 80 percent best friends and 20 percent ‘chhoti mom-daughter’. She’s always there to listen to me and goof around with me. But she can also be strict and lecture me about late nights,” says the aspirant.


Aisha Sharma has got it covered
Tum Bin 2 actress Neha Sharma’s younger sister Aisha had started dabbling in modelling while studying engineering in Delhi. Four and a half year on, she is set to make her Hindi film debut opposite John Abraham in Nikkhil Advani and Bhushan Kumar’s action-packed thriller Satyameva Jayate, directed by Milap Zaveri. Aisha says that cinema has always been her first love. “I love watching movies and Neha’s presence in the industry definitely gave me that push — if she can do it, maybe I can as well,” she reasons. Among other things, she considers Neha her style influence.

“She told me not to let success go to the head and failure to one’s heart. She’s fiercely protective of me and didn’t want me to go through the kind of struggles she did,” Aisha says.

Aisha, who plays a vet in her Bollywood debut, loves animals in real life too. “The script is fantastic and has all the ingredients of a commercial blockbuster,” she adds.

Surilie Jasraj Singh and her Yami mummy
After her Punjabi debut with the late comedian-actor Jaspal Bhatti’s Power Cut in 2012, Yami Gautam’s younger sister Surilie Jasraj Singh is foraying in Bollywood with National award-winning filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi’s yet-untitled next on the Battle of Saragarhi. She is playing Havildar Ishar Singh’s (Randeep Hooda) wife, Jiwani, and started shooting for the film.

“Growing up, I did plays and was into singing and dancing, while Yami was the shy one. She was studious and wanted to be an IAS officer whereas I was always clear about joining the film industry. Having said that, she has inspired me in many ways, She is like a second mother to me,” Surilie says, adding that her favourite Yami film is Kaabil. “I was completely awestruck by her performance and had seen her work really hard on that film. I wonder if I would ever be able to perform like that.”

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; July 2, 2018)

Sooraj Pancholi and Isabelle Kaif have kickstarted their schedule for Time To Dance in London. We hear that the leads have been trained in as many as 14 dance styles as part of their prep for the film. Says a source, “It’s a typical boy-meets-girl love story that has dance as its backdrop. The film will be made like a musical with several songs and Sooraj and Isabelle will be seen dancing in several styles like Bachata, contemporary, Latin as well as House, which is an evolved form of hip-hop.

Sooraj tells us, “We have trained under Remo (D’Souza) sir’s team every day for around 12 hours. I hope everyone likes it. This dance film is quite different from the ones seen so far in the genre. Here, we will be showing a lot of new dance forms, too. There are many difficult lifts as well.”

Isabelle adds, “In the film, we both come from two opposite schools of dance. When we meet, our worlds collide. Usually, people need eight-nine years to master these styles, but we had to learn them within months. Both, Sooraj and I, have put in a lot of hard work.”

Some dance forms proved to be easier than other, admits Isabelle. “Hip hop and Bollywood dance are simpler because you can rehearse for just five days and get the moves. But the others can be tough as every dance form is different, technically. There are so many difficult steps, cool drops and spins. I hope Sooraj doesn’t drop me,” she laughs.

Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; June 26, 2018)

After four years of waiting in the wings, Sooraj Pancholi has started shooting for his second film, Time To Dance, with newcomer Isabelle Kaif (Katrina Kaif ’s sister), in London. He is relieved and excited to finally face the camera again. The actor spoke to BT about the long interval between his first two films and his impending court case. Excerpts...

Time To Dance has come your way after a long wait. In the last four years, there was talk about several films that you were expected to headline, but none took off…
That phase was as confusing for me as it was for everyone else. It has been a long journey since Hero (2015). I read a lot of scripts, but I didn’t find anything that challenged me. Also, none of the films that I had heard during that phase took off; maybe they were ill-fated or maybe, I wasn’t destined to be a part of them. It all happens for the best. What I am doing now is more challenging than whatever I was offered.

Are your parents (Aditya and Zarina Pancholi) happy that you are back on set?
My parents stay in the next wing of my building and all they knew then was that I used to go for dance rehearsals. Now, they are very happy that I am rightfully occupied. Things are moving for me. I’m hoping to start shooting for another film in August.

After such a big launch, waiting for so many years for the second film to take off can get frustrating for an actor, right?
When Hero released, it wasn’t the best time for the movies, but though the film featured newcomers, it did good business. People expected bigger numbers from my film for obvious reasons. If Hero had released today, it would have done very well, like Baaghi 2 (2018) and Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety (2018). Also, at that time, looking at the business, not too many people wanted to back a new actor and run a risk. Times are a lot better now.

Were people apprehensive about you because you were a newcomer who had an impending court case?
See, if I was a producer, even I would think about these things, as there is lot money riding on actors. I have charges levelled against me. At the onset, people probably didn’t cast me because they wanted things to settle down. While I completely believe in our legal system, it has taken time. It took five years for my trial to merely start. I don’t know how long it will take before it ends. I will have to battle this throughout.

Talk was that although producers were keen to work with you, some actresses refused to be paired with you...
Not everyone, one or two actresses did have apprehensions and they made it evident. Strangely, the films I was being offered weren’t with top heroines. Like a football-based film, which only had male characters. There was no part for a girl or a love story. Also, an actress doesn’t refuse a film only because a director or an actor is bad, it’s also because they often feel that they have insufficient screen time. Everyone has ups and downs, and people behave in a certain manner, which you can’t do much about.

Do you think the perception about you has changed after the trial began earlier this year?
No. I think till it doesn’t end and even after it ends, people will still think that I come from a known family and so, we must have pulled strings. I am not thinking much about this. I have been blamed for something grave and I will have to live with that all my life. Even after my case is over, it will haunt me.

Do you think you will be able to move on and fall in love again?
Of course, I will. It has been five years. I mean, I was blamed for something that I feel was unfair. I was 21 then, I am 27 now. When I look at 21-year-old boys, I feel they’re all my younger brothers who don’t know what it is to be put behind bars at that age. Trust me, age has nothing to do with maturity, although at 21, a boy is considered an adult.

What does love mean to you today?
It’s a feeling which I am very open to and I have experienced it again after Jiah (Khan) passed away. I believe that if one relationship fails, it doesn’t imply that the next one doesn’t stand a chance. If I don’t think that way, I will be stuck for life in a time warp. Life has to go on. I was in a beautiful relationship recently which is in a confused state right now.

Talking about your contemporaries, Harshvardhan Kapoor and Tiger Shroff have had at least two releases each. Tiger has raced further ahead. Does the competition around you ever make you nervous about what lies ahead?
I feel that if I didn’t go through a tough phase in my life, things would have been incomplete. I am happy that I am going through a difficult phase. It can’t get worse than this. The future will be easier, whether good or bad, I am prepared for everything. Had everything been perfect, maybe I would not have been equipped to deal with tough times in the future. My experiences have made me a mature person. My only question is: Everyone will move on, and make my life a dinner table discussion, but what about the years that I have lost?

Most newcomers have found their backing in influential people or production studios. Do you feel the lack of it?
I am still very close to Salman Khan. He hears all the scripts that come to me. He sits through all the narrations. He’s pretty much there for me all the time. I don’t expect too much from him, but he does a lot for me. Now, it’s my job to find my way through.

Have people from the industry extended their support to you?
People from the industry have been very nice to me, but I am not concerned about them because they know everything. Everyone here knows everything about everyone. It’s just that no one wants to come out and say anything because they have nothing to do with it. They think, ‘If he’s doing well, we will sign him in future’. If my case is still on after the two films in queue, and if these films do well, then the ride home might get a little smoother.

Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 1, 2018)

Sooraj Pancholi and Bollywood’s latest import, Katrina Kaif’s little sister Isabelle, were spotted arriving at Mehboob Studio on Wednesday for a late-night meeting with Salman Khan and Kat. On the quartet’s agenda was discussions around debutant director Stanley D’Costa’s upcoming dance-drama, Time To Dance, which marks Isabelle’s acting debut opposite Sooraj and kicks off next month in London. The T-Series and Remo D’souza co-production will be shot in a start-to-finish, 50- day schedule.

Talking about the film, Salman had joked earlier in the evening, “Remo’s most talented assistant, Stanley, without whom he can’t function even for a day, will be directing the film and Remo might be happy, but he’s going to miss his favourite assistant on his set.”

While rumours are rife that Salman will feature in a guest appearance and a special song sequence in the film, the actor cleared the air to Mirror, saying, “I’m delighted about Isabelle’s launch, but no one’s asked me to be a part of the film yet.”

Next week, Sooraj, who has difficult lifts and jumps in the film to master, will be taking off to the UK earlier than the rest of the unit for a workshop. “Sooraj will be training for a special song with London-based acrobats for a couple of days so that he is ready for the shoot,” a source said.

Waluscha De Sousa returns to the screen after two years with a musical which demands a lot more from her as an actor and dancer
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 22, 2018)

Waluscha De Sousa is gearing up for a comeback on the Hindi screen with Stanley D’Costa’s directorial debut, Time To Dance, which also features Sooraj Pancholi and will introduce Katrina Kaif’s younger sister Isabella. The model who turned actress with the Shah Rukh Khan starrer Fan, plays Isabella Kaif’s older sister and a dancer. The musical showcases different dance forms, including the Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep, Cha Cha, Samba, Rhumba, Paso Doble and Jive, and Waluscha has been training hard.

“It’s wonderful working with Stanley and Remo (Stanley was choreographer Remo D’Souza’s assistant and he is producing the film with Bhushan Kumar). I love dancing and am learning Ballroom and Latin forms for the film. It’s something I’ve wanted to do all my life,” exults Waluscha, adding that since they play competitive Ballroom and Latin dancers in the film, it’s not normal Waltz and Foxtrot. “The body language is different.”

She’s trained in Indian classical dance like Bharatanatyam and Kathak but never in Ballroom dancing. She’s still getting the hang of this form of dance and at times co-star Sooraj has to bear the brunt of her fumbling. “I try keeping my heels off Sooraj’s feet as much as possible, but the steps are so quick that sometimes I end up squashing his toes. Poor guy!” she laughs, even as she sympathises with his plight.

Quiz her on her reel life sister and she quips, “I love Isabella’s energy.”

Speaking of her journey in the film industry, Waluscha reveals that she enjoyed her years as a model and wouldn’t change that for anything. But she admits that people still perceive that models can’t act and since she comes with that stamp, she has to prove it wrong. Is she more confident about her acting abilities post her debut turn, you wonder, and she laughs, “I think I’m more nervous now, this film requires a lot more of me as an actor and dancer. Once we start shooting in London, we will know if all the effort has paid off. For now, I’m just glad Remo and Stanley saw potential in me.”

Growing up in Goa, the actress admits she didn’t get the kind of exposure someone living in a bigger city would get and, as a result, things happened to her much later in life. “Everyone’s journey is different and my simplicity helps me keep my balance in this crazy city. But I still have a lot more to learn,” Waluscha acknowledges. Surely, she learnt something working with Bollywood’s Badshah? She smiles, “I was figuring things out back then but I have learnt from Shah Rukh to give your 100 per cent and let the moment consume you, nothing else matters.”

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; April 21, 2018)

When you meet Isabelle Kaif, you notice that she is similar in some ways to her older sister Katrina Kaif, yet is different in some aspects. While Kat takes time to open up, Isabelle is more talkative. However, both of them are focused on their respective careers.

Isabelle, who was first seen in the Canadian romantic drama Dr Cabbie (2014), is all set to debut in Bollywood with Time To Dance opposite Sooraj Pancholi.

Over a cup of coffee, she talks to us about her film choices, dance and more.

How many projects were you offered after Dr Cabbie?
There were some offers that weren’t so great and others where the makers wanted to start immediately, but it wasn’t possible for me to leave everything and shift here within a month.

There have been rumours about you doing a Hindi movie since a long time. How did you react to them?
I would be so confused about those reports. I would be like, ‘Which are these films that I’m doing and why don’t I know anything about them?’

Was it a conscious attempt on your part to attend an acting course?
I liked acting, but I was always shy. So, Katrina told me I should go to college, take up an acting course and see for myself if I enjoy it. That would help me get rid of the shyness too. Because getting on set and finding out that I don’t want to do this would be a little too late (laughs). So, it was a conscious decision.

When did you finally realise that you wanted to pursue this?
It was after I did my first play. At that point, we were just a week or so into the course. When I acted on stage, it was a different high for me. We were hitting every line perfectly and ended up getting a standing ovation. I just knew this is what I had to do, in whatever capacity I’m allowed to.

Are there any roles that you veer towards?
I don’t think I’m the funniest person in the world, so comedy scares me a little. People laugh at me rather than with me (laughs). I have always veered towards drama, maybe because in theatre, it was so much prevalent. I have done epic love stories, classics and I have enjoyed that space. I’m also drawn towards action.

Just like your sister?
Ya, totally. One of the first classes I had signed up for was action. There was stage combat where they teach you how to fight, sword fighting and stunt training, etc. Katrina is amazing with action.

How did Time To Dance happen?
Discussions started when I was in the US and had sent some audition tapes. The makers asked me to come over to Mumbai. Around the same time, a leading cosmetic brand was looking for a face and they signed me. Later, I met director Remo D’souza and everything fell into place. That’s when I decided to commit full time to the job and shift here.

You are training rigorously in different dance forms now...
Yes, Sooraj and I train for almost 10 hours a day. We are doing 12 different dance forms and each of them has a different musicality and technique to it. I’m excited because we are trying to do some cool drops and spins in this film. And I am like, ‘Sooraj, you better not drop me because if you do, I am going to limp back and kick you!’

How would you rate yourself as a dancer?
As a kid, I was drawn towards Jazz, Modern Ballet, Hip Hop and Tap Dancing. Today, I’m definitely a better dancer as compared to my school days. Hip Hop makes your moves sharper while Bollywood dance gives you fluidity.

Do you agree that now dance films today have a different audience altogether?
Yes. Although we dance in every single film of ours, we don’t have something like the Step Up franchise. It was Remo sir who created the ABCD: Any Body Can Dance series and his movies have done so well that I feel now is the right time. People are interested in the genre, so it’s just about delivering a good film that they can connect to.

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; April 13, 2018)

Sooraj Pancholi’s Hero released in 2015 and though several projects have been offered to him since then, he has finally picked his second movie. The young actor is on board for Stanley D’Costa’s Time To Dance, which will be produced by Remo D’souza and Salman Khan Films. Sooraj will soon fly to London to begin shooting and has been training rigorously to get his look and moves right.

In a candid conversation with After Hrs, he reveals what prompted him to choose this dance film and why he wants to dedicate it to his mother, Zarina Wahab. Read on...

Why was there such a long gap between your debut film and second project?
The first film always chooses you, but you choose the second one. That’s one of the reasons it’s taken me so long. I didn’t just have to take care of movies. There were a lot of other things going on in my life, including the court case. So, I needed time. I’m actually happy that I did not take on any work that was offered to me. Had I accepted a film, I would have got lost. I needed some time to fight my own battles.

Now, you have signed a dance film, which you begin shooting for next...
Yes, Time to Dance is happening, so I am extremely happy. I have forgotten the past and have moved on. See, no matter how hard you work, perception is something that rules this industry. Talent comes much later. That’s why I am cautious about what I say and whom I meet. Once a perception is built around you, even if you do bad work, people will forgive you for it.

Did you always like to dance?
My first dance class was with Shiamak Davar when I was seven-eight years old. My mom insisted that I start learning to dance early because she’s a trained classical dancer. My father’s too tall to maneuver his body around. I want this movie to be a surprise for everyone in my family. I want to prove to my mom that I’m an amazing dancer.

Why is it so important to you?
When I was young, I was a huge Michael Jackson fan, but I would dance only in front of the mirror, alone in my room. I got a wig for myself and a hat, too. My dad’s friend had also made me a black shiny MJ costume. I would watch the King of Pop’s songs on those big laser discs and dance. Whenever my mom would come to my room, I would stop. She always used to tell me ‘Beta, mujhe bhi dance dikhao’. I never used to do it because I was so painfully shy. As she always wanted me to be a dancer, I’m extremely conscious when I’m in front of her. Also, I hated going to dance class back then. I would prefer karate. So, this film is for my mom.

Would you like to dance with your mum someday?
I have never danced with her but I would love to, one day. Maybe, once I get as good as her.

Tell us how Time To Dance actually happened.
Remo sir and I have been in touch. I was supposed to work with him, long back while I was shooting for Hero. It was a project on car racing. I don’t know what happened to it. We were supposed to start it right after A Flying Jatt. After a few months, he called me to his house and offered me this film. He narrated the story and I fell in love with it. He wanted to start a new franchise like ABCD. Since then, I have been dancing with my trainer at his office. At that point, the female lead hadn’t been decided. Things started rolling and then, Isabelle Kaif was introduced to Remo sir. It’s a beautiful romantic dance film which the audience hasn’t seen before and it’s a difficult one.

What are the different types of dance routines you are training in?
During Hero, I was a decent dancer. But now, I’m 10 times better. We are putting in 10-12 hours of rehearsal every day. We have about a few weeks to go on floors, now. We started at maybe 10 per cent, now we are at 70. We have just two weeks to get to a 100. We are doing Hip Hop, Bachata, Contemporary Latin, and, of course, Bollywood. Along with that, we also have House, which is a new form of Hip Hop and I haven’t done that before. There are over 15 different styles of dance that we will showcase in the film. Isabelle is a super fun and hard-working girl. As we have several lifts in the movie, we have to be muscular enough to hold each other. She makes my job easier because she’s a great dancer.

Do you believe that now there’s a huge audience for dance flicks in India?
Films have changed today. Actually, when it comes to the dance genre, it’s TV that changed the whole game. There are so many reality shows and majority of them are dance based because the audience also enjoys the space. Even a dadi or a nana would now know what Hip Hop or Contemporary means. There’s a huge audience base for these films. Look at the number of dancers we have today. We have the best in India and now, a dance film has more scope than a sports movie, I feel.

Is there a particular strategy you are adopting henceforth?
I am taking each film as it comes. There’s not a particular genre I want to stick to. Yes, it’s true I only want to do commercial films but it can be action, drama or romance, with romantic films being my top priority.

So, will we see you in more movies now?
I’m not taking a break. I’ve had my time. I needed my family, but now, I’m raring to go. We will  shoot in London for 50-60 days and will wrap the film by June.