Back to shooting love saga after five-month break, Rakul Preet Singh says she realised the difference professional crew makes
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; September 6, 2020)

Five months after the last leg of their film was expected to go on floors, the unit of Rakul Preet Singh and Arjun Kapoor's upcoming love saga resumed shooting in Film City. Filming for Kaashvie Nair's untitled directorial debut, a cross-border love story set amid the Indian Independence, is taking place with caution. "When we wrapped up the previous schedule, no one could have imagined that our next leg would see such drastic changes. When I stepped on the set, it looked like I was entering another world. There are sanitiser showers, unit members don PPE kits, and constant temperature checks are conducted for cast and crew members. This is the new normal," says Singh.

Despite the luxuries afforded to actors on set, Singh admits that she hasn't seen a vanity van being maintained as well as it has been, this time around. "Measures to maintain cleanliness are being taken, and [the set is] frequently sanitised. I was glad to be back at work. All these months, I had been doing my own make-up. When I saw my make-up artiste do a fine job [with me], I turned around and told him that I missed him."

Amid all the modifications, Singh says she found comfort in the camaraderie she shares with her co-artistes, John Abraham and producer Nikkhil Advani. "John makes us laugh all the time. Kaashvie and he have a Tom-and-Jerry vibe between them," says Singh, who has also begun work on Krish's Telugu film in Hyderabad.

Kaashvie is daughter to veteran filmmaker Shashilal Nair, who directed films like Jackie Shroff and Dimple Kapadia's Angaar (1992) and the Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla-starrer One 2 Ka 4 (2001).

Duo has begun shooting for a cross-border love story in Film City, being produced by Bhushan Kumar, Nikkhil Advani and the actor himself
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 26, 2020)

Mirror was the first to report that Kaashvie Nair’s as-yet-untitled cross-border love story, featuring Arjun Kapoor and Rakul Preet Singh in the lead, will resume filming from August 24 at Mumbai’s Film City Studio. Also, on the sets will be John Abraham, Neena Gupta and Kanwaljit Singh. The 10-day shoot took off on schedule on Monday with an actress also present, Aditi Rao Hydari, who plays John’s love interest and the younger version of Neena’s character, Arjun’s grandmother. Their track is set in 1947, around the time of India’s Independence. John, who is producing the film with Nikkhil Advani and Bhushan Kumar says, “When I heard the script, I instantly knew that this would be a special part, and when Kaashvie suggested I play it, it was difficult to refuse.”

Nikkhil adds that it’s a love story spanning three generation, starting in 1947 and continuing till 2020. “There is a parallel between Arjun and Rakul’s characters in the present day and the forced break-up between John and Aditi’s characters in 1947 following the Partition. He plays a sardar for the first time,” he shares.

John and Aditi will be shooting for their part for a week during this indoor schedule. They will then reunite with the team for a brief outdoor in October. John is excited to get back to work after a five-month forced break due to the Coronavirus-triggered lockdown, but is also cautious given that we are still in the midst of a pandemic. “The team has taken extreme care, following all the SOPs, issued by the ministries and the concerned authorities. As a producer, it’s important for me to look out for our cast and crew,” he says.

Aditi insists that the role is equally special for her as it is a love story that spans generations. “John and I play a couple in 1946–47 whose love story remains unfinished and unrequited till Arjun’s character feels the need to bring it to closure. Films like these are rarely made today, so I was quick to come on board,” she avers.

Bhushan promises that John in his Sikh avatar is powerful and lovable and his chemistry will light up the screen. “It’s a story of love, values, bonds and family over two different eras. John and Aditi’s is an old-school love story while Arjun and Rakul are in a modern-day relationship,” he informs. Nikkhil concludes by saying the film will showcase love to a generation growing up on social media: “The idea is to realise true love through the story of a woman who’s been yearning for closure for 70 years.”

The trio of John, Bhushan and Nikkhil are collaborating on two more films—the Milap Zaveri-directed Satyameva Jayate 2 featuring John and Divya Khosla Kumar, and Nikkhil’s directorial, Gorkha, again with John in the lead.

‘Condition Is Discriminatory, Arbitrary, Violates Right to Dignity’
Rosy Sequeira (THE TIMES OF INDIA; August 8, 2020)

Mumbai: In a relief for film and television cast and crew aged over 65 years, the Bombay High Court on Friday struck down a condition in two state government circulars that barred them from shoots. The court observed the condition is discriminatory, arbitrary and violates their right to live with dignity.

“Having permitted the film industry to operate and open, subject to conditions, the introduction of the impugned condition that places absolute restriction on persons above the age of 65 years from carrying out their occupation or trade, whilst not similarly restricting persons of the same age who are engaged in other trades or occupations permitted to operate and open, would amount to an unreasonable restriction and hence a violation of their right under Article 19 (1) (g) (right to practice any profession) of the Constitution,” said a bench of Justice Shahrukh Kathawalla and Justice Riyaz Chagla.

The judges quashed and set aside the condition in the May 31 and June 23 government resolutions (GR) to restart the media entertainment industry as part of ‘Mission Begin Again’. It stated that “any cast/crew member above the age of 65 years will not be allowed at the site”.

The verdict was delivered on petitions by artiste Pramod Pandey and Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association, both represented by advocate Ashok Saraogi.

The judges held there is discrimination in the disparate treatment of persons who are aged 65 years or above in the film and TV industry and in the other permitted sectors and activities.

They further said the condition failed to consider relevant material—relaxation in the ministry of home affairs (MHA)’s May 30 order and the state government’s May 31 order. The state’s reply had said the condition is based on these two orders that require persons aged 65 years and above to stay home, except for essential or medical purposes.

The judges agreed with amicus curiae senior advocate Sharan Jagtiani that unlike the mandatory nature of guidelines issued in the previous lockdown phases, MHA’s May 30 order was advisory.

While the MHA order had contained relaxations, there was no corresponding easing with regard to film and television in the state’s May 31 GR. This aspect was not considered by the state, especially in addressing clarifications in the June 23 GR. Rather, in its July 25 reply to the court, it stated if the Centre relaxes this condition, it will issue a similar relaxation.

The judges noted having concluded the condition is discriminatory and arbitrary, they are satisfied that absolute prohibition violates the petitioners’ right to live with dignity under Article 21 (right to life).

They mentioned government pleader Poornima Kantharia’s submission that no coercive will be taken against those above 65 years who choose to remain present on sets.
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Court sets aside conditions in two government resolutions that bar cast and crew above 65 from shoots
Sharmeen Hakim (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 8, 2020)

Observing that there is “discrimination” in the treatment of people above 65 years in film and TV industry, the Bombay High Court has set aside conditions in two government resolutions that bar cast and crew above 65 from participating in shoots.

The ruling will come as a boost to senior citizens in the entertainment industry, who were barred from earning a livelihood due to the state government’s restrictions, issued on May 31 and June 23. The government orders were challenged by a 70-year-old actor named Pramod Pandey.

A division bench comprising justices Sharukh Kathawalla and Riyaz Chagla held that the decisions to bar those above 65 from the entertainment industry, while allowing them to take part in other day-to-day activities—taking public buses, going to offices, etc—were against Article 14 of the Constitution, especially since they failed to provide a solid reason for the discrimination.

The state claimed that its guidelines were based on central government directives.

However, the bench relied on the submissions of the amicus curiae, senior advocate Sharan Jagtiani, to say that central and state government orders dated May 30 and 31 relaxed their general conditions, making restrictions on those above 65 years advisory in nature.

“In our view, there is discrimination in the disparate treatment of persons who are 65 years of age or above in the film or television industry and in the other permitted sectors and activities. The same is not based on any intelligible differentia and no explanation to this effect is to be found in the reply of the state government. The impugned condition, therefore, cannot be sustained in view of the well-settled principles enunciated under Article 14 of the Constitution of India,” the bench said.

The bench further said that for a restriction to be reasonable under Article 19 of the Constitution, material would be required to support the distinction.

“Having come to the conclusion that the impugned condition cannot be sustained on account of it being discriminatory and arbitrary, we are satisfied that the absolute prohibition as regards persons above the age of 65 years who earn their livelihood from the film industry (which is allowed to operate), is a measure that violates the petitioner’s right to live with dignity under Article 21 (right to life) of the Constitution. And the restriction imposed by the impugned condition in relation to a specific sector or industry that is now allowed to operate, cannot constitute a valid procedure established by law,” the bench held.

The court, however, said that general advisories recommending all those people above 65 years not to venture out for their own good would apply to cast and crew of the film industry as well.

Actor Pandey, represented by advocate Ashok Saraogi, had said that the state government’s decision had brought people like him to the brink of starvation.

The government, represented by pleader Poornima Kantharia, however, said that the guidelines were issued for the benefit of those above 65.
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With their productions starring veterans, filmmakers cheer as HC revokes state government guideline banning artistes over 65 on set
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; August 8, 2020)

The state government's regulation that barred actors and technicians over 65 years of age from shooting, as a precautionary measure amid the Coronavirus pandemic, had come under heavy fire from some stalwarts of the industry. On Friday, the Bombay High Court dismissed the regulation after a petition was filed by the Indian Motion Pictures Producers' Association (IMPPA) and senior Bollywood actor Pramod Pandey.

The move comes as a relief to several filmmakers, including Nikkhil Advani, who has envisioned his next, Mughal, with Shabana Azmi as one of the leads. "We are thrilled as several of our productions were being spearheaded by some superlative senior talent. Kanwaljit Singh [69] features in my production that is being directed by Kaashvie Nair. Fortunately, we can now have him on set when the shoot begins by the month-end," says Advani.

Priyadarshan, whose in-the-works Hungama 2 features senior talent, observes that the regulation would have hindered the industry that has veterans Amitabh Bachchan, Naseeruddin Shah and Azmi, among others, at the top of their game. "If these stars couldn't work till the situation improved, it would have resulted in huge losses for the producers," he says.

Even as their Europe schedule is in limbo, unit of Arjun Kapoor-Rakul Preet Singh's rom-com to resume shoot in the city
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; June 30, 2020)

Arjun Kapoor and Rakul Preet Singh were only one schedule away from wrapping up the shoot of their yet-untitled romantic comedy when the nationwide Coronavirus lockdown was announced in March. In the three months since, the unit of the Kaashvie Nair-directed venture has been wondering about the fate of their final Europe stint. Now, as filmmakers are slowly returning to the sets, co-producer Madhu Bhojwani too is charting the way forward for the project.

"Keeping the safety protocols in mind, we will evaluate what can be shot locally. We will first film the indoor portions, and then, take a call on the pending shoot. Even as the restrictions are being lifted in India, we must proceed carefully," says Bhojwani of the cross-border love story that also features Kumud Mishra and Neena Gupta.

Given the current scenario, international travel is off the cards for the foreseeable future. Ask Bhojwani if they are planning to recreate Europe in Mumbai, in such a scenario, and she says that the makers are playing it by ear. "For now, we are adopting a wait-and-watch mode as several countries are in lockdown."

Prashant Singh (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 12, 2020)

Since his debut with Ishaqzaade in 2012, actor Arjun Kapoor is set to complete eight years in Bollywood this year. And evidently, it has been one roller-coaster ride — professionally and personally. The actor readily admits that “a lot has transpired in the last seven to eight years”.

“I think I have changed. Even my outlook (towards life) has changed. I have seen quite a few things in these seven to eight years. Now, I think I can easily write a book on these experiences, which were quite a roller coaster (ride). The priorities as well as the understanding of life have changed. Now, the blacks and whites have become greys,” says the 34-year-old.

The 2 States (2014) actor quips that initially, “life was all about work” but “now, it’s a bit more about finding the balance”. He says, “Earlier, it was all about doing what you wanted. But now you have to look at the bigger picture. All said and done, I’d like to say the core values remain the same.”

However, that doesn’t mean Kapoor dislikes change. After delving into the historical space with Panipat last year, he is now poised to enter a “lighter” world, thanks to Nikkhil Advani-Kaashvie Nair’s yet-untitled next. “Kaashvie is my first female director and I am very excited. It is a nice, full-on happy family comedy,” says the actor, who will be playing a Sikh character again, after Mubarakan (2017).

“But the film, on its own, is not in the Mubarakan space of comedy. This is more like a slice-of-life drama, which is in a very feel-good, warm space, akin to something like Kapoor & Sons (2016) and Badhaai Ho (2018). I play a sardar who comes back home from America, and (the plot revolves around) what all happens,” he says.

Also, Kapoor is set to work on the Hindi adaptation of the Tamil film Comali (2019). “Yes, that is something we have acquired and are working on. But it’s still getting written as of now. When we get closer to making it, we will figure who the director will be. There are no concrete dates yet,” says the actor, who also has Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar coming up for release.

Mitakshara Kumar, Monisha Advani, Madhumita, Kaashvie Nair, Madhu Bhojwani and Ananya Banerjee

BOMBAY TIMES (March 9, 2020)

For a production house where two-thirds of its leadership is female, Emmay Entertainment has taken the gender mandate further. Founded in partnership with filmmaker Nikkhil Advani, producers Madhu Bhojwani and Monisha Advani realised that in its ninth year, the company’s body of work has reflected agnostic genres — from real-life thrillers like Batla House, D-Day and Airlift, to massy dramas like Satyameva Jayate and Marjaavaan.

Conscious of upping the volume on content that represents women in a stronger, positive and empowered manner, they realised the answer was not just in the story; for that, they needed the right storytellers. The company has now signed four women directors with diverse film grammar and yet, an aligned agenda — inclusivity. These filmmakers include Kaashvie Nair (whose upcoming film will feature Neena Gupta, Arjun Kapoor and Rakul Preet), Madhumita (critically-acclaimed director of the award-winning Tamil feature film KD), Mitakshara Kumar (directing a period epic for an international OTT) and Ananya Banerjee (debuting with two web series this year).

Speaking on behalf of the company, producer Monisha Advani says, “We are committed to producing for an increasing number of women directors. This is not a diversity card. We believe their optics change the way we view any genre of cinema, be it action, drama or comedy.” 

The duo teams up for the first time in a love story being produced by Bhushan Kumar, Nikkhil Advani, John Abraham; film rolls this month
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 6, 2019)

After collaborating on Batla House, Satyameva Jayate and it’s already announced sequel which goes on the floors in February, Bhushan Kumar, Nikkhil Advani and John Abraham are gearing up for yet another collaboration. Mirror has learnt that the trio will produce a yet-untitled family dramedy headlined by Arjun Kapoor and Rakul Preet Singh.

Kaashvie Nair, who has earlier assisted Nikkhil on his sports-drama Patiala House and the 2013 action-thriller D-Day and co-directed the TV series POW Bandi Yuddh Ke, will be making her feature film debut as a director with this one. She is the daughter of Shashilal K Nair, who has directed films like the 1992 crime-drama Angaar which bagged him the National Film Award for Best Special Effects, and the 2001 action-crime film One 2 Ka 4, featuring Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla. Kaashvie and her team have completed the recee and the film is in the final stages of prep.

“It is a coming-of-age, cross-border love story, beautifully written by Anuja Chauhan, Amitosh Nagpal and Kaashvie. It will be shot extensively in Punjab and Los Angeles and will feature Arjun and Rakul in never-seen-before avatars. We will be locking the title and the release date soon,” informs Nikkhil, who is gearing up for the release of his next production, the Milap Zaveri-directed Marjaavaan, which also features Rakul, alongside Sidharth Malhotra and Tara Sutaria.

Bhushan adds that the film is scheduled to go on the floors this month. “It sums up our everyday experiences and relationships with our families. The audiences will definitely enjoy it,” the filmmaker promises.

Arjun informs that when the debutante filmmaker and the writers gave him a narration, he knew instantly that it was a special script. “I have grown up in a joint family so I understood that it’s the biggest pillar of love, strength and support. That’s the essence of our film, which has its heart in the right place. I’m having a blast even during the prep,” the 34-year-old actor asserts, adding that he is excited to be working with Rakul for the first time after collaborating with her during workshops. “She is a beautiful, instinctive and generous co-star,” he signs off.