Showing posts with label Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali. Show all posts
Salman Khan to shoot for Godfather song and next schedule of Bhaijaan at the same location
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Khan to shoot Godfather song in Vile Parle studio, while Bhaijaan team lines up next leg at the same location
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; July 18, 2022)
It can’t be easy to shoot films back-to-back, moving from one story’s universe to another. But sometimes, things have a way of working out, as Salman Khan recently discovered. The actor is scheduled to shoot his special number for Chiranjeevi’s ambitious project, Godfather, in the last week of July. Sources say that the makers are erecting an elaborate set at the Golden Tobacco factory in Vile Parle for the track. To make matters easier for their leading man, the team of Farhad Samji’s directorial venture, tentatively titled Bhaijaan, has also lined up the next schedule at the same venue.
A source reveals, “The production design team of Godfather has begun building the set for the song, which will see Salman shake a leg with the film’s leading lady Nayanthara. Director Mohan Raja will shoot the number on July 27 and 28. Soon after Salman wraps it up, he will kick off the next schedule of Bhaijaan on a different floor at the same location.”
The drama, which also features Venkatesh and Pooja Hegde, was earlier titled Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali.
Siddharth Nigam refused Judwaa 2 as he didn’t want to play ‘bachpan ka role’
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Vinay MR Mishra (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 18, 2022)
Siddharth Nigam’s year started on a mellow note. However, by the middle of the year, “things picked up” for the actor. “I was waiting for something good to happen and I got an offer for a film and I’m really happy with that,” shares the 21-year-old. Ask him if he is talking about actor Salman Khan’s upcoming multi-starrer Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali, and he says “yes”.
Nigam, who is active on TV, has been away from the big screen for some time, despite making his debut in 2013 with Dhoom 3, where he played the roles of young Sahir and Samar (actor Aamir Khan’s character). He also had a cameo in 2017’s Munna Michael, starring actor Tiger Shroff. However, since then, he has chosen to stay away from films.
Ask him the reason, and Nigam says, “I didn’t want to be in the category of a child artiste. That is the main reason why I took the break.”
In fact, he shares that he was offered Judwaa 2 (2017), wherein he “was asked to play the younger version of actor Varun Dhawan’s character” but he had to let go of the movie for the same reason: “I didn’t want to play a popular actor’s bachpan ka role. Main bada ho raha hoon, meri bhi beard aana shuru ho gayi hai, so my time is coming.”
Talking about his current project, Nigam shares, “I’m really fortunate that I got this offer. I’m looking forward to it. I hope it works out well. Sharing screen space with Salman sir is a big opportunity and it’s a special moment for me.”
The upcoming film will also mark the debut of actor-singer Shehnaaz Gill. Nigam and Gill have already started bonding, and their Insta videos are proof. “She is very fun-loving and sweet,” Nigam mentions, adding, “Whenever we are together, we are not very serious. Hassi mazak hi hota hai. Meri mummy se unki bahut banti hai.”
I am happy that Salman Khan is shooting on the set of Acharya-Suresh Selvarajan
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As Chiranjeevi offers his Acharya set free of cost to Salman to shoot Bhaijaan, the production designer on the larger-than-life set
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; June 12, 2022)
In May, mid-day had reported that Salman Khan would soon commence a month-long schedule of Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali (KEKD) at Kokapet where a massive set of a village was erected (Kabhi Mumbai, kabhi Telangana, May 28). Now, we have learnt that the set is a part of the fictional temple town of Dharmasthali, which had been specially created for Chiranjeevi-Ram Charan’s April release, Acharya. Chiranjeevi and Khan have long been friends, with the latter even making a cameo in the south superstar’s next, Godfather. Sources say as a mark of appreciation, Chiranjeevi has allowed Khan to shoot KEKD at the elaborate set, free of cost.
Designed by production designer Suresh Selvarajan before the first lockdown began, the set is said to cost over Rs 20 crore and is surrounded by a river, scenic hills, a temple and a tribal village. More than 1,000 construction workers were reportedly involved in building the property. Considering the set-up remained unaffected over the past two-and-a-half years of the pandemic, Chiranjeevi and his family decided against dismantling it even after the shoot of Acharya was wrapped up. Instead, they decided to rent it out for movies.
A source says, “Salman is close to Chiranjeevi and his family. When the south superstar approached him for the cameo, Salman was adamant about not taking his fee. So, Chiranjeevi returned the favour by throwing open his Dharmasthali-themed set for Salman’s home production. KEKD director Farhad Samji had done a recce earlier and felt the premises suited their demands. The team has made a few modifications to lend it a village ambience.”
Selvarajan, who previously handled the production design for Om Shanti Om (2007) and Agneepath (2012), says that the preliminary work of building set model and making blueprints took four months, followed by another three months of construction. “It took us 20 acres and more than Rs 20 crore to make the set on Chiranjeevi sir’s land in Kokapet. I come from the temple town of Chidambaran, so [it influenced my design] of the fictional town. I am happy that Salman is shooting on the same set now. The temple town has a gurukul, gaushala, streets and junctions. [It is built in such a way that] the team can make whatever alterations they want to.”
Production designer Suresh Selvarajan and Chiranjeevi
Stills of the set of the fictional temple town Dharmasthali and the village
Da-Bangg The Tour deferred; Salman Khan lines up a non-stop schedule of Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali
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With the Da-Bangg The Tour deferred, Salman Khan lines up a non-stop schedule of Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali in Mumbai and the southern state
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; May 28, 2022)
From mid-May, Salman Khan has been giving his undivided attention to Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali. The superstar was to take three days’ break from the shoot to front Da-Bangg The Tour Reloaded in Nepal. However, with the show getting postponed due to the local elections and poor weather, he will devote the time to Farhad Samji’s directorial venture. It is heard that Khan has lined up a non-stop month-long schedule in Mumbai and Telangana.
A source from the creative team says, “Salman was to fly to Kathmandu yesterday to perform at Da-Bangg The Tour. But, after the show got postponed, Salman sat down with Farhad and reworked the dates. He will film his portions over the week at Mehboob Studios in Bandra, before leaving for an awards gala in Abu Dhabi on June 3. While he does his hosting duties in the UAE, Farhad will continue filming with the rest of the cast in Mumbai, only to be joined by Salman by June 5. After a week-long stint in the city, the team will go south in mid-June. A massive set of a village has been built in Kokapet, where the director will can two crucial tracks — one focusing on Salman’s character and his on-screen brothers, and the other dedicated to leading lady Pooja Hegde. The entire cast, including south star Venkatesh, will be present during the month-long spell.”
Khan is supervising every aspect of the film that is slated to hit the marquee on December 30. “The action sequences have been designed by Anbu-Arivu, while Prabhudheva is handling the choreography,” adds the source.
Shehnaaz Gill is not quitting Salman Khan’s Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali
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Vinay MR Mishra (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 28, 2022)
Contrary to rumours, actor Shehnaaz Gill is in no mood to ditch actor-producer Salman Khan’s next, Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali. A source close to the development calls these conjectures “absolutely baseless”.
In fact, we have learnt that she will be seen romancing singer-actor Jassie Gill in the film. “Shehnaaz is very much a part of the project. She is paired opposite Jassie and has a prominent role in the film. They have a cute story,” the source adds.
In the Farhad Samji directorial, actor Pooja Hegde will be seen opposite Khan while dancer-actor Raghav Juyal will romance actor Malvika Sharma.
Interestingly, before Jassie, Shehnaaz was expected to be seen alongside actor Aayush Sharma, who walked out of the film recently. “Technically, no one has replaced Aayush. That character has been rewritten. The makers are currently looking to lock an actor opposite (actor) Siddharth Nigam,” the source mentions.
After taking over Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali, Salman Khan to kick off shoot tomorrow at elaborate set of metro station
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After taking over Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali from Sajid, Salman to kick off shoot tomorrow at elaborate set of metro station
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; May 12, 2022)
There has been much drama on the Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali front even before the film went on floors. Now, actor-producer Salman Khan is gearing up to ensure that the drama is restricted to the camera. Tomorrow, the superstar will begin shooting for Farhad Samji’s directorial venture that also stars Pooja Hegde, Aayush Sharma and Zaheer Iqbal. We hear the first pit-stop is the Golden Tobacco factory in Vile Parle.
Over the past two weeks, the production design team has been hard at work, building two sets at the site. A source reveals, “One of the sets is that of a metro station. The first scene will be filmed at this set-up. Shooting at a real metro station was not feasible due to crowd management problems, so the makers chose to erect a huge set instead.”
After wrapping up the 10-day schedule, Khan and the team will move to Mehboob Studio in Bandra for an extensive schedule.
Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali is lined up for a December 30 release. While the movie was to be initially produced by Khan’s close friend and collaborator Sajid Nadiadwala, the superstar took over production duties after Nadiadwala reportedly wanted to rework the film’s budget and script.
I’ve understood this is a temporary world; bas humari spiritual journey kaam aayegi, aur kuchh nahi-Shehnaaz Gill
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Riya Sharma (BOMBAY TIMES; May 9, 2022)
Shehnaaz Gill remains one of the most popular contestants to have ever emerged from the Bigg Boss house, with videos of her infectiously bubbly persona during her Season 13 stint continuing to go viral even today. From ‘sadda kutta, kutta, tuada kutta Tommy?’ to ‘such a boring day...such a boring people’, Shehnaaz’s one-liners have been ruling social media for a long time now. However, during a recent visit to an NCR retreat centre, we got to see a more sombre side to her. Last year was a turbulent one for the singer-actress, who lost her dear friend and BB13 co-contestant Sidharth Shukla in September. And though she chooses to refrain from speaking about it, she opens up at length about her spiritual journey. Excerpts:
‘SPIRITUALITY MEIN PEHLE INTEREST KAM THA, NOW I KNOW ISS KE BINA TUM KUCH NAHI HO’
“Actually, jo meri reality hai na, woh bahot pure hai. Mujhe spiritual journey mein bahut zyada interest hai,” Shehnaaz tells us, adding, “Humari life mein mental health important hai and I feel agar hum khush hain, toh hi sab achcha lagta hai. Tabhi hum kaam kar sakte hain. Meri spiritual journey saath mein chal rahi hai.”
Is her interest in spirituality newfound, we ask? “Pehle kam tha, but ab zyaada ho gaya hai. Now I know what meditation is, knowledge ke bina tum kuch nahi ho. I have understood that this is a temporary world and humari spiritual journey kaam aayegi, aur kuch nahi,” she adds.
She continues, “Real world yahi hai, because physical body thodi der ki mehman hoti hai. Hum sabko pata hi nahi hai ki hum kahan se aaye hain. Aap kisi cheez mein interest doge tabhi aapko woh bhi interest dega na? Toh connection banana padhta hai uske liye. Maine woh kiya.”
Shehnaaz adds, “We keep giving time to people around us, but if we learn about positivity and how to live with it, things can get really better.”
‘I AM THE SAME SHEHNAAZ WHO LIKES TO HAVE FUN,PAR ISS SHEHNAAZ KO SPIRITUAL WORLD KI BHI BAHUT KNOWLEDGE HAI’
Talking about reconciling this spiritual side of her with her lighter, ‘fun’ side that the world is more accustomed to, Shehnaaz says, “Shehnaaz Gill woh toh hai hi, kyunki woh reality hai... aur yeh bhi reality hai. Yeh jo Shehnaaz Gill hai, shayad usse baaki cheezon ki knowledge nahi hai, but usse spiritual world ki bahut knowledge hai. I mean, kaise situations ke saath deal karna hai, kaise strong rehna hai, peace mein rehna, yeh Shehnaaz ko aata hai. Yeh alag duniya hai. Shehnaaz fun bhi karti hai... Shehnaaz woh sab karti hai jo life mein karna chahiye, Shehnaaz enjoy bhi karti hai, and iska yeh matlab nahi hai ki maine sanyas le liya hai. Yeh nahi hai ki main sirf meditation kar rahi hoon baithke... tum achhe kaam karo, achha bolo, achha suno, kisi ko hurt na karo. So, I won’t say these are two people. This is one person, but people don’t necessarily get it because reality logon ko pachti nahi hai.”
‘I AM ENJOYING THE FAME...MAIN PEHLE ISKE LIYE TARAS RAHI THI’
Shehnaaz’s fans mean everything to her, and she also took out the time to pose with and greet each one at the retreat. She says, “I am here because of them. Woh mujhe itna support karte hain, mere liye itna time nikalte hain. Mera farz banta hai ki mujhe bhi unhe apna time dena chahiye, na. I feel this is my responsibility. Agar main saamne hoon aur time na doon toh woh galat ho jayega.”
With everything that she does becoming a news story, we ask her if she ever feels overwhelmed by it. She replies, “I am enjoying the moment. Yahi cheez thi, jiske liye main pehle taras rahi thi... ki main kuch banun, ki main kuch aisa karun ki log mujhe dekhein, pasand karein. Tumko har koi toh pasand nahi kar sakta, toh theek hai. Main kuch logon ki favourite list mein hoon, kuch ki nahi. Kya hi problem hai. Jo pyaar karte hain udhar focus karo. It doesn’t bother me.”
‘I WANT TO STAY DOWN-TO-EARTH, KYUNKI MUJHE PATA HAI LIFE MEIN KABHI BHI PAASA PALAT SAKTA HAI’
Talking about her viral videos, she says, “Socho ke jo log bolte thay ki mujhe bolna nahi aata, mujhe baat nahi karni aati, iska accent kaisa hai... haste thay log. Toh aaj meri wahi strengthban gayi, na? Toh mujhe lagta hai kisi ka mazak nahi udhana chahiye. Aaj mere one-liners pe log video banate hain. But it does not go to my head, because I know main aaj yahan hoon, kal ko kuch bhi ho sakta hai mere saath.”
She adds, “I will never change. Agar yeh change kardiya maine, toh Shehnaaz Gill mein akad aajayegi na, mujhe down-to-earth rehna hai. Mujhe pata hai life mein kabhi bhi koi paasa palat sakta hai.”
While there are reports of her signing up for Salman Khan’s upcoming film Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali, the actress — who was last seen in the Punjabi film, Honsla Rakh — is yet to comment on them. She tells us, “Mera bas focus hai, jo bhi aaye, achcha aaye but my dreams are big. Acting karni hai, brand ambassador banna hai. Singing bhi karni hai, par pehle acting karni hai.”
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The actor-singer says showbiz hasn’t changed her
Monika Rawal Kukreja (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 9, 2022)
Shehnaaz Gill introduced herself as ‘Punjab ki Katrina Kaif’ when she first appeared on reality show Bigg Boss 13 in 2019. Soon after the show ended, she earned a massive fan following with countless fan clubs rooting for her on social media. And the actor-singer doesn’t hesitate one bit in saying, “Maine apni mehnat se kamaya hai yeh sab kuch.”
She adds, “Nothing has come to me easily or before time. I believe if something comes to you too soon, it goes away soon. I’m working hard and I’ll continue to do so, because I want to earn more of this love.”
Gill visited Gurugram on May 7 to attend a campaign for girl child empowerment by Brahma Kumaris. She obliged the fans who had come to see her, with as many as 500 selfies and pictures. And before leaving, she made sure to ask everyone: “Happy? Satisfied?”
Mention how this is a rare quality in actors to be so patient, and Gill shares, “Only if my fans are satisfied will I get satisfaction, because these are the people who support me day and night. So, those who love me, I have to love them back.”
An already established name in Punjabi entertainment industry, Gill became a national household name after her stint on Bigg Boss. Ask how things have changed since that show, and she tells us, “I think I am the same. Purity toh same hi hai but I’ve improved a lot in terms of how I can understand things better. Main pehle bhi best thi, ab bhi best hoon.”
While she has shifted base to Mumbai (from Punjab) and is aspiring to work in Bollywood, she asserts that she will always stay connected to her roots. “You can see how Punjabi reflects in the way I talk. No matter where you live, your place of birth and where you started your journey from, it never leaves you. Mumbai has its own charm; it’s the city of dreams. It was my dream to come to this [film] industry, and I’m so happy that I’m living here (in Mumbai) now,” she shares.
While Mumbai hasn’t really changed Gill much, her style and fashion choices have certainly evolved of late. Her airport looks and glamourous photoshoots have been making quite a buzz. “Fashion comes naturally to me, it has been something innate,” says Gill, before adding, “Earlier, I had limited earnings, so I did styling according to that. Also, I wasn’t comfortable in jeans back then because everyone can’t carry it with that weight. Many do it beautifully, but mere se nahin ho paa raha tha, so I was mostly comfortable in suits. But now that I’m making more money, I can style myself better.”
Gill also shares a body positivity message with those who often let other people’s opinions affect them and the way they look. “Whatever way God has made you, it is perfect, so we should never regret the way we look. Never look at the qualities other people possess, rather feel proud of your own body. Stay strong mentally and physically, and there’s a time for everything to happen. Bas ghabrana nahin hai,” she wraps up on a thoughtful note.
I’ve been offered films opposite big stars in Bollywood, but those characters didn’t add any value to the script-Pooja Hegde
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Pooja Hegde says she was offered many films opposite big stars, but the roles didn’t add any value to the script
Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 2, 2022)
In a career spanning about a decade, actor Pooja Hegde has only done two Hindi films. Talking about her sporadic Bollywood career, Hegde says, “After Mohenjo Daro (2016), I waited, and after a big gap, did Housefull 4 (2019) because the banner was good. That film was a stepping stone for me. It gave me Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali and Cirkus (her upcoming Hindi movies).”
Quiz her if she was unsatisfied with the offers coming her way, and the 31-year-old says, “It was a conscious decision to not do Hindi films. I didn’t want to do them just for the sake of it or do roles that didn’t matter to the storyline. I’ve been offered films opposite big stars, but those characters didn’t add any value to the script.”
During her time away from Bollywood, she worked intensively in the Tamil and Telugu film industries and created a fanbase for herself, which she believes gave her the confidence to navigate through her Hindi film career.
“My biggest boon is that the Telugu audience has accepted me as one of their own. The south has given me so much respect. And that gave me strength to pick and choose the films I wanted to do in Hindi. Sometimes, it (Bollywood) can be a little unforgiving if you aren’t from a film background or you don’t have the right push; it takes some time to get the kinds of roles that you want to do,” Hegde elaborates.
But the Radhe Shyam actor is happy that she is taken more seriously today. “After Most Eligible Bachelor (2021) did well at the box office, people began to take me more seriously and began to think that I’m more bankable because it grossed Rs. 50 crore. Now, I’m getting a lot of female-oriented films,” Hegde wraps up.
I would like Farhad Samji to make an amazing film with or without me-Shreyas Talpade
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Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; May 1, 2022)
While Shreyas Talpade has always won appreciation for his work in films, the OTT space has been a big boon for artistes like him. The actor, who has already been a part of a couple of OTT projects, was recently seen in the web film Kaun Pravin Tambe based on the life of cricketer Pravin Tambe. Shreyas is happy that after a dull phase, things are looking up in his career.
He says, “After I did Golmaal, people started assuming that I am just another actor in the film who can do good comedy. I enjoyed doing Golmaal and am still looking forward if they want to cast me in the film, but that doesn’t mean I am not able to deliver what’s required for other genres. People had started doubting my abilities as an actor and that’s when I felt I should work on different scripts.”
As per reports, Shreyas Talpade was recently replaced in Farhad Samji’s Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali. Shreyas says, “Farhad Samji is a good director and a very dear friend. I would like him to make an amazing film with or without me. I don’t want to comment on this further.”
Shreyas has a number of films on the cards, including a Marathi movie with Mahesh Manjrekar and Sarkar Ki Seva Mein, which will be directed by the actor himself. He recently finished shooting for two films, one of which is an anthology. The actor says, “I am a self-made man and have been in the industry for the last 17 years, and obviously, that hasn’t happened by fluke. I have never begged for roles, and I am glad that whatever I am today is because of my efforts and hard work.”
Salman Khan will begin Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali's shoot next month with elaborate helicopter chase sequence
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Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; March 16, 2022)
With the shoot of Tiger 3 in its last leg, we hear that Salman Khan will soon turn his attention to Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali. The superstar is expected to kick off work on Farhad Samji’s directorial venture in the first week of April. The director intends to begin with a bang — sources say the shoot will commence with Khan’s entry sequence that involves a helicopter chase.
“The production team has locked the shoot date as April 1, with Salman joining in the same week. The first sequence is a massive action set-piece for which the stunt directors have been summoned. It will be shot at Helipad in Film City, Goregaon,” reveals a source.
Sajid Nadiadwala’s production, also featuring Pooja Hegde and Zaheer Iqbal, has already booked the December 30 window for release. The film reportedly sees Khan portraying the eldest brother in the family who refuses to get married, believing it will disrupt the harmony.
“It is being envisioned as a slick action drama. The film’s scale will be much more lavish compared to Salman and Sajid’s last collaboration, Kick [2014]. The team wants to finish all action scenes before moving to the emotional bits,” adds the source.
Salman Khan books Eid and Diwali for 2022
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Salman Khan to release first look of Farhad Samji’s tentatively-titled Bhaijaan on Bakri Eid next month; project slated for Diwali 2022 release
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; June 16, 2021)
Last week, mid-day reported that Salman Khan will announce six projects in July, including the Master remake (Master of the game, June 11). Now, it has come to light that the superstar intends to launch the first poster and title of Farhad Samji’s next on the occasion of Bakri Eid on July 21. While the film was earlier titled 'Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali', it has been rechristened 'Bhaijaan' for now and also stars Pooja Hegde, Aayush Sharma, Zaheer Iqbal and Asim Riaz.
Producer Sajid Nadiadwala has set things in motion for the poster launch. “Once the situation improves, Salman will come down from his Panvel farmhouse for a photoshoot with the cast. Designer Ashley Rebello has begun planning his look; the superstar will don a white kurta and jeans, sporting a clean-shaven look,” says a trade source.
The action-comedy said to be an official remake of a popular Tamil film, will see Khan as the eldest brother who refuses to get married, believing that marriage may create disharmony in the family. After his three younger brothers find love, they conspire to find a match for him. The source adds, “Since the movie focuses on the bond of brotherhood, Salman, Farhad and Sajid feel the title, Bhaijaan, perfectly captures its essence.”
The actor is expected to resume the shoot of Maneesh Sharma’s 'Tiger 3' in the coming weeks. If all goes well, Khan will kick off Samji’s directorial venture by Diwali. “Come November, the project will roll at a bungalow in ND Studios in Karjat, followed by stints at multiple locations. The makers are targeting a Diwali 2022 release.”
Nadiadwala remained unavailable for comment.
The film will also feature Aayush Sharma, Pooja Hegde and Zaheer Iqbal
Salman Khan all set to announce two new projects next month
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Salman to announce two new big-ticket projects next month, including remake of Tamil hit Master; will shoulder six movies up to 2022-end
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; June 11, 2021)
In 2020, things were slow on the professional front for Salman Khan for obvious reasons. But now that he is back in the saddle with Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai, the superstar is in no mood to take it easy. Come next month, he will announce two new projects that — along with Maneesh Sharma’s Tiger 3, Farhad Samji’s Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali, Sajid Nadiadwala’s Kick 2 and Sooraj Barjatya’s next — will make up his slate for 2021-22. Following weeks of rumours, the actor’s fans will be happy to know that one of the projects indeed is the Hindi remake of Thalapathy Vijay’s Master, which released earlier this year. The adaptation of the Tamil hit will be produced by Endemol Shine India and Murad Khetani, in association with Seven Screen Studios that co-produced and distributed the original actioner.
“The Lokesh Kanagaraj-directed venture was shown to Salman earlier this year before the junta curfew was imposed. It revolves around alcoholic professor JD, portrayed by Vijay, who takes up a teaching job at a juvenile home. Salman was excited about the movie and agreed to do it in principle. But things did not progress swiftly due to the lockdown. Now, the producers will meet him again to discuss the minor tweaks in the script, the possible dates for the shoot and the director,” reveals a trade source.
Khan is also in talks for another action thriller with a leading studio. With this, the superstar will shoulder six big-budget movies over the next 18 months. He is currently enjoying family time at his Panvel farmhouse, before work takes centre-stage. The source adds, “By the month-end, the Khandaan will head to Goa for a vacation. If all goes well, after returning from the holiday, he will announce his new releases. Meanwhile, the producers of the Master remake are scouting for an A-list star who can reprise Vijay Sethupathi’s role and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Salman.”
It’s been amazing to be on the set of Cirkus; I don’t think I have laughed so much on the set of a film-Pooja Hegde
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The actress, who was shooting for Rohit Shetty’s Cirkus before the lockdown was announced, talks about what impressed her the most about her co-star Ranveer Singh
Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; May 27, 2021)
Talking about it, Pooja says, “It’s been amazing to be on the set of this film. I was almost always laughing, because there was something or the other happening all the time. I don’t think I have laughed so much on the set of a film. It would feel like I am in the middle of a party, and work was just happening on the side. That is the beauty of the equation we all shared. The energy and the vibe of the set were so good. Irrespective of whether a film does well or not, it stays with you. What stays even longer is the experience or the memory of shooting that film. If that experience is not fun, then you should ask yourself why you were even there. The audience can sense the energy that actors share.”
Talking about Ranveer Singh, who is known for his high energy levels, Pooja says, “If I could take something from him, I would borrow his energy and also his power of observation. He’s extremely sharp and doesn’t miss anything. I am an introvert, and Ranveer is the exact opposite. Sometimes, I wish I could be like him — energetic and a fabulous talker. His sense of humour is superb.”
Soon after Cirkus, Pooja is expected to kick off another entertainer — Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali — which is written and directed by Fahad Samji. The film will feature her opposite Salman Khan for the first time. “I’ve worked with several superstars before. The thing is, each time that I thought or worked with an assumption that my co-actor might be a certain way, I’ve always been wrong,” she says, adding, “They’ve always turned out to be pleasantly different. They’ve put me at ease and made me very comfortable on the set. So now, I just get into the film and see how it goes. There’s no overthinking.”
She adds, “Honestly, I don’t know how to interact with Salman sir and I have not thought of it. Even working with someone like Hrithik Roshan in Mohenjo Daro, who I have had a crush on since the time I was in school, was a great experience. It was easy to work with him because he was extremely friendly. These things are difficult to predict. What I have really liked about Salman sir, from whatever I have understood of him, is that he says what he feels. I admire that about him.”
I’ve always wanted to be like an ‘Indian’ actress-Pooja Hegde
8:19 AM
As Pooja Hegde successfully straddles her career between Telugu and Hindi film industries, the actor says she doesn’t want to be ‘boxed in any way’
Prashant Singh (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 8, 2021)
Surely, the Coronavirus lockdown period stopped people in their tracks. But actor Pooja Hegde can be called an exception because since November last year, the actor has been out and about, travelling constantly to places such as Italy, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Ooty.
“Just the other day, my make-up artiste pointed out to me that since things have opened, we have taken over 15 flights. So, it has been crazy. But I am not complaining at all. It is really exciting,” says Hegde, who has just wrapped up a schedule of Rohit Shetty’s Cirkus with Ranveer Singh.
“It’s been amazing, and Ranveer’s comic timing is also great. For someone like me, who is like a baby in the industry, I was just sitting on set and kind of absorbing everything,” says the actor, who made her Bollywood debut with Mohenjo Daro (2016).
Going forward, Hedge also has Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali with Salman Khan, Prabhas-starrer Radhe Shyam and a Telugu biggie, Most Eligible Bachelor alongside Akhil Akkineni. “I have always wanted to balance out my career between the two industries (Telugu and Hindi) and 2021 is looking like that as I have two Telugu films and Hindi films each,” says the actor, adding that she is grateful to be a ‘pan-India actor’.
“I’ve always wanted to be like an ‘Indian’ actress. I don’t think language is a barrier. I want to squeeze in more languages like may be do a Tamil film next year which I have been offered. I don’t want to be boxed in any way,” she says.
But can doing films in multiple languages lead to overexposure? “I don’t think so. Such things aren’t usually said for male actors so I don’t know why it’s said for female ones. In Hindi, I’ve had two releases so I am still new here,” says Hegde, who has “an idea in mind” vis-a-vis the next five years but she doesn’t “want to say anything and jinx it”. Hegde is now looking forward to working with Khan. She says, “Whenever I have met Salman, he has always been warm. So, I want to know what its like to be with him on a set of a film.“
Getting even one day to breathe in between will be a vacation now-Pooja Hegde
8:10 AM
Pooja Hegde is juggling films in Hindi and Telugu which are taking her around the country, and even abroad, in the midst of an ongoing pandemic
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 16, 2020)
Prod her on the Bahubali star, and she describes him as “fun” and “goofy”. “The producers are his friends, so, Prabhas was in a comfortable place and not as shy as he appears in his interviews,” she chuckles.
Pooja had a big hit in Housefull 4 last year, and just before the rogue virus ran riot, bagged Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali (KEKD), as Salman Khan’s leading lady. Has the pandemic and the subsequent shutdown slowed down the momentum? “The break was forced on every one, so, it was never just about me. It brought the whole world to a standstill, it was like we were in a Black Mirror episode,” she reasons, adding that while cooped up at home, she learnt cooking and playing the guitar. “I saw the entire B R Chopra’s Mahabharat and took away many lessons. I also got into yoga and it changed my perspective towards life. I worked on myself, internally rather than externally.”
The actress has an enviable line-up of Hindi, Telugu and Pan-India films that are also very different. In Most Eligible Bachelor (MEB) she plays a stand-up comic while Radhe Shyam’s Prerna is a serious, mature girl. Besides KEKD with Salman, there’s also Rohit Shetty’s Cirkus with Ranveer Singh. “I’ve worked in several Telugu films and have been accepted by that industry as one of their own. Being from Mumbai, I love Hindi films. It feels good to be able to work in both languages because I always wanted to be known as an Indian actress,” she asserts.
She points out that a film is a film no matter where it’s made. “That’s how even a Parasite could win an Oscar. Its director said that if you can overcome the one-inch barrier of subtitles, you can explore amazing content,” she reminds, pointing out that when Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo released digitally, the song “Butta Bomma” got 450 million views with even David Warner grooving to it. “Language is no longer a barrier.”
Having made her Hindi film debut opposite Hrithik Roshan in Mohenjo Daro, and with films with A-listers like Prabhas, Salman and Ranveer, Pooja is on a dream run. “I believe luck is created when opportunity meets hard work,” she philosophises, admitting that it hasn’t been easy coming from a non-filmi background and having to swim against the tide most of the time. “I still have a long way to go.”
Pooja also has a connection with period films. Mohenjo Daro was set in 2016 BC, Housefull 4 juggled between the past and the present while Radhe Shyam is set in ’80s Europe and Gaddalakonda Ganesh in an Andhra village in the same decade. Buzz is, even Cirkus is set in 1968. “Some actors go about their entire career without doing a period film while I’ve already done so many,” says a proud Pooja, who having recently wrapped up the first schedule of Cirkus in Mumbai, is now shooting for MEB in Hyderabad. “The day after I complete this schedule, I move to Prabhas’s set, also in Hyderabad. I will shoot for Radhe Shyam till December 25, after which I will return to MEB. Then, it’s back to Prabhas’s film from January 2,” she rattles off, adding that it’s satisfying to be so tired that the moment you hit the bed, you fall asleep. No plans of a vacation? “Getting even one day to breathe in between will be a vacation right now,” she signs off with a laugh.
The first two days were rocky, then, we moved on-Pooja Hegde
8:14 AM
Pooja Hegde speaks from Italy, where she has resumed filming her period love story with Prabhas; shoot continues till month-end
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 17, 2020)
Given the title, one wonders if the Radha Krishna Kumar directorial is the tale of Radha and Krishna. Pooja clarifies, “My character is not the mythological Radha, we have just been inspired by the iconic lovers.” Buzz is, she is playing a double role. Once again, the actress sets the record straight, insisting it’s not a double role, but promises that it’s in a space she hasn’t explored before.
Italy is among the many countries in the world witnessing a second surge of Coronavirus cases. The restrictions, which were relaxed, are slowly being imposed again. What’s it like filming in the midst of an ongoing pandemic in Italy? “We have a smaller set and fewer crew members with everyone wearing a mask. The saying, ‘The show must go on’, is apt for the entertainment industry. We are shooting responsibly and everyone was tested before joining the shoot,” she informs.
Despite all precautions, she doesn’t rule out the risk of shooting in times like these. “Everything is sanitised on the set at regular intervals but there’s only so much that one can do. You have to take off the mask in front of the camera. The shoot environment has changed with a ‘no hug’ policy, but you have to adapt to the new normal. The first two days were rocky, then, we moved on,” she avers.
The shoot in Italy will go on till October 31, followed by a brief stint in Hyderabad before calling it a wrap. “We are taking things as we go along. As they say, ‘Man proposes, God disposes’,” she says.
Pooja also has Sajid Nadiadwala’s Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali, a social comedy with action and drama, with Salman Khan in the lead. Prod her for details and she keeps it short, “I was supposed to start shooting for it in October but the pandemic has changed all our plans. I’m not sure about the new dates, but I can’t wait to start. It’s going to be a roller-coaster ride,” Pooja laughs gaily.
Salman Khan gunning for 4 back-to-back releases
8:24 AM
Actor hopes to resume next in Nov, then confront Aayush Sharma, reunite with Sajid Nadiadwala and roar as Tiger
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 5, 2020)
Mirror (Feb 20) was the first to report that Salman Khan will be playing an upright Sikh cop in LoveYatri director Abhiraj Minawala’s next, which features Aayush Sharma as a gangster. The film was to roll in Delhi in April, but the Coronavirus-triggered lockdown played spoil-sport. During the lockdown, Salman stayed put with Abhiraj and writer Hussain Dalal, who has penned films like Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, 2 States, Jawaani Jaaneman and Baaghi 2, in his farm in Panvel working on the script which is now locked. Titled Guns Of North, it will be shot in 90 days once life gets back to normal.According to a source close to the development, the film is based on the Marathi hit, Mulshi Pattern, recommended to Salman by his friend, actor-filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar. “While in the original, Upendra Limaye’s cop was on screen for just 20 minutes, this time around, the script has been rewritten, to focus on the confrontation between Salman and Aayush, who play cop and gangster. He has almost 50-55 days work,” informed the source, adding that the extended cameo has now become a full-fledged role.
The shooting dates are yet to be decided because Salman’s first priority is to complete and release the Prabhudheva-directed action thriller, Radhe. “Around 10 days of shoot still remains. Now, they are contemplating letting go of a song which is not integral to the narrative. Salman is still at his farm and looking to resume work on Radhe in October or November. It’s a big screen entertainer, so the makers are in no hurry to release the film. If they can get back to action in the next two-three months, they will target the Republic Day weekend. If they miss that, their next consideration will be Eid 2021,” shared the source.
After Radhe and Guns Of North, Salman will move to the Sajid Nadiadwala production, Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali, directed by Farhad Samji, and then, towards the end of next year, to Tiger 3, which will reunite him with Katrina Kaif. “Salman has a tentative calendar in mind, but he won’t risk his health or that of his cast and crew for any work commitment. He is waiting for the case count to reduce and the vaccine to arrive before taking any decision. But after a much needed break of more than seven months, there will be four back-to-back Salman starrers. Meanwhile, he has locked two-three more scripts for his production house, which he will announce once the cast is locked,” the source signed off.
Diwali dhamaka at the box office by Salman Khan's Radhe?
8:55 AM
Eager to wrap up the shoot of Radhe, Salman Khan eyes festival release for actioner even as Akshay Kumar's Sooryavanshi, Vijay's Master book the date
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; July 3, 2020)
He may have missed his Eid date with the audience due to Coronavirus lockdown, but Salman Khan will leave no stone unturned to make up for it. Considering Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai has only 10 days of shoot left, the superstar is keen that the actioner hit the marquee on Diwali, thus gaining the advantage of a festival release.
A trade source reveals that Khan doesn't want to delay Radhe's release any further as he wants to train his focus on director Abhiraj Minawala's next, Guns Of North. "The post-production of Radhe is underway with Ajay Devgn's NY VFXWaala handling the film's special effects. He is eager to return to the set and film the pending portions, which includes a song. Once he has wrapped up the shoot, the superstar will begin work on Guns Of North and Farhad Samji's Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali. Salman thinks Diwali will be the perfect window for Radhe as Christmas is too far," says the source.
If Radhe is ready for a November release, it will find competitors in Akshay Kumar's Sooryavanshi, and Vijay's Master, which will also release in Hindi. The Vijay-led movie may bag a considerable number of screens like KGF: Part 1 did when it released alongside Zero (2018).
Trade analyst Atul Mohan believes a three-way clash will be an imprudent idea. "The makers should sit across the table and chart out the possible releases so that there is no scope for a clash. In the past, three to four big films would release on Diwali, and they would all farewell. But, now, we need to focus on the survival [of theatres and producers]. We need to plan things in such a way that everybody lands on their feet."
Charged up after being locked down; Salman Khan charts out a schedule of three films
8:48 AM
With filmmakers resuming shoots gradually, Salman Khan charts out a schedule of three films; intends to wrap up Radhe followed by Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali, Guns Of North
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; June 9, 2020)
He may have pursued creative interests like singing and sketching during the lockdown, but Salman Khan is happiest when on a film set. As the entertainment industry is gingerly resuming shoots in adherence with the guidelines issued by the state government, the superstar intends to dive headlong into three projects — Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai, Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali and Guns Of North — in the coming weeks.His foremost priority is to wrap up the Prabhudheva-directed venture. "First, Salman will film the Radhe song with Disha Patani. The number was originally supposed to be shot in Azerbaijan, but now they will film it in a studio. Some patchwork shoot is pending as well. The makers are eyeing a Diwali release," says a source close to Khan's family.
mid-day had reported that director Abhiraj Minawala had stayed put at Khan's Panvel farmhouse during the lockdown. The duo utilised the time to develop the Hindi adaptation of the Marathi film, Mulshi Pattern, which will be headlined by Khan's brother-in-law Aayush Sharma. "Salman has a special appearance in the movie, which has been titled Guns Of North. While the project will tentatively go on floors in mid-July, the actor will join the unit in the last leg. He will sport a beard for his role of a Punjabi cop."
Before joining Sharma, he will train his focus on Farhad Samji's Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali. "The team is currently reworking the dates. Salman has his heart set on the film. After being unable to meet his fans on Eid this year, he wants to bowl them over with his 2021 Eid offering," adds the source.
Salman Khan makes up for no Eid release with single, 'Bhai Bhai', written and shot at his farm
8:16 AM
Actor makes up for no Eid release with a single; has locked script of his next, working on more music vids
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 30, 2020)
Salman Khan was gearing up for yet another Eid release, the action thriller Radhe, when the nationwide lockdown brought film shoots to a halt across the country. Since March, the actor has been at his farmhouse in Panvel with friends, acquaintances and some family members. He, however, kept his Eid tradition by releasing a single “Bhai Bhai”, which speaks of Hindu-Muslim unity in India. The song was unveiled on the eve of the festival.
“The idea had been brewing in Salman’s mind for a while. He wrote the lyrics and sent it to composer-friends Sajid-Wajid, who picked out material from their music bank and set the song to tune the same day. Salman then shot the music video, which features him just walking around his farm. Since it was a simple shoot, it could be done at short notice, with an assistant recording him on a digi-cam,” informed a source.
Salman has been working back-to-back, on films like Race 3, Bharat, Dabangg 3 and Radhe, over the last few years and this lockdown has been a much-needed break. “But Bhai is a workaholic; he has already shot for and released three music videos and is planning to continue the flow. He is writing songs, singing them, shooting them and working on the edit simultaneously.”
While Eid is usually family time for Salman, this year, the Khans were apart, but the actor greeted them and his team virtually over video calls. He continued with philanthropy as well, distributing special kits of ingredients to make sheer qorma to over 5000 underprivileged families in Mumbai.
Mirror had earlier reported that the actor is teaming up with Aayush Sharma and LoveYatri director Abhiraj Minawala on a gangster-drama, in which he plays a no-nonsense Sikh cop to Aayush’s gangster. “Even before the lockdown started, Abhiraj was at the farm and they have since locked the final draft. But they are in no hurry to roll with it. A meeting with all stakeholders will take place once Salman is back in Mumbai, and based on the safety protocols, will decide when the film will kick off,” the source added.
Before this gangster-drama, Salman will wrap up the Prabhudheva-directed Radhe. Around 20 days’ shoot remains, which includes two songs. A major chunk of the post-production will begin only once the shooting is done. “It is a stylish, lavishly-mounted actioner and they will wait to release it in the theatres. His slate for the next two years is locked with Radhe, the untitled gangster-drama, Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali with Sajid Nadiadwala and Tiger 3. There were half a dozen offers before the pandemic and Salman will decide on them once normalcy returns,” the source concluded.
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