Showing posts with label Kapil Dev. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kapil Dev. Show all posts
The Americans were bullshitting when they were saying, so-called good Taliban, bad Taliban-Kabir Khan
11:12 AM
Noting that the news cycle has moved onto other pressing issues, director Kabir Khan says his short film Setara is an attempt to remind people of Afghan women’s plight
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; March 7, 2025)
In a recent interview, director Chaitanya Tamhane told mid-day that stars and filmmakers should make one film for the kitchen and one for the soul. Filmmaker Kabir Khan has been living that motto from the start of his career. In his filmography, there are blockbusters like Ek Tha Tiger (2012) and Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015), as well as hard-hitting offerings like Kabul Express (2006) and New York (2009).
“It’s not a conscious thing, I just go with what my heart tells me to do. I've never been, thankfully, a victim of this race of being commercially viable. I've never done that. I've been fortunate, despite that, I've had some really big commercial successes. Which is important in this industry, it keeps you relevant, it keeps you going, it allows you to do anything you want. I've often said that, for me, my success is not about how much money my films earn me, or the producers and stuff. For me, my success is, till the day I can select what I want to do, and nobody's telling me, no, don't do this, do this. The day I'm told to do something according to a brief, then I know that I'm okay servicing a script, and I'm just doing it, maybe for money, maybe to just keep myself busy, maybe to pay for the rent of the office. But up till now, I'm fortunate that I've just been able to pick up the films that have really struck a chord with me. Because it's very important, you have to have that passion for a project for a year and a half. If you pick it up for the wrong reasons, it won't last you more than a month. By the time you're on set, you'll say, 'Why am I doing this?',” says the director.
His search for such stories led him to My Melbourne. The anthology, which sees four directors – Imtiaz Ali, Rima Das, Onir and Khan – unite to tell short stories, is releasing in India on March 14. Khan’s short Setara tells the true story of a 15-year-old Afghan girl rebuilding her life in Melbourne after fleeing the Taliban, and finding a sense of belonging through cricket. A chance encounter brought this subject to the director.
“This is, of course, something completely out of the blue. Mitu called me and said, I'm trying to do this anthology, and will you come? And first it began as, will you just mentor one director. And then there are different subjects, there's the gender aspect, there's the disability aspect, there's the LGBTQ aspect, there's race relations. She asked me - will you do the race relations? I said, yeah. And we kept looking for stories, and actually, because all the stories, all four of them are picked up from real life. She kept sending me a few that some of the writers are developing, and nothing was really striking the chord. It was decided I'll only do this if I really get excited about the story. And then this thing started because my film, 83, was getting the award at the Melbourne Festival, so me and Kapil sir travelled there. At one of those receptions, I saw these four, five, girls in their hijabs coming in really excited. I said, why are these girls so excited to see Kapil sir? And then I realized they were members of the Afghan women's cricket team, which had to run away from there. And that's how it started. This is such a fascinating story that Melbourne has played host to this team after they ran away from Afghanistan. And it immediately struck a chord with me because I think it brought so many things that I feel for together. Afghanistan is a place I've always felt for. I love the underdog stories. We found this 16-year-old cricketer called Setara. See, it's not 83 when I'm taking a year to train the boys. It's a five-day short film. And I saw her bowling. I said, oh my God, it's unbelievable. She's so thin and tiny. And when she bowls on the field, it's magic. We workshopped her for a bit. She has such a beautiful face. Her face tells a story. I said, you don't need to act, you can be yourself. I'll tell you when I want you to do something. Otherwise, you just be yourself. She was fabulous. Better than a lot of trained actors I've worked with. So to the point, subtle, never getting overwhelmed by the cameras.”
As we talk about Afghanistan, we recollect Meryl Streep’s statement about cats having more freedom than women in Kabul. Having studied the country since his days as a documentary filmmaker, Khan rues the current situation.
“The Americans were bullshitting the world when they were saying, so-called good Taliban, bad Taliban. What the hell? There's no good cancer, bad cancer. Cancer is cancer. It's going to get to you, right? So when they were basically trying to pull this fast one on the world because they wanted to somehow not be held responsible for just overnight upping and leaving this country after 25 years of being there and leaving it to people who want to do this. So they made us believe that this is Taliban 2.0. Initially, the Taliban played along with them because I'm sure they were paid money. And, but, now you see, they're worse than the first version. What girls like Setara are going through, they’re so similar in the way these girls are having to abandon their... You know why it's sadder, see, Taliban - the first version came on the heels of 25 years of unbroken civil war. So, they were going through hell and then came a worse hell. This is worse because suddenly you had 20 to 25 years of relative peace. You allowed a generation to dream and then you shut them down again. There's a whole generation of girls who were born post the departure of the Taliban in 2001 and just when they were ready to spread their wings and fly, you said, okay, girls, we're going back to square one. Nothing for you. No jobs for you, no school for you, no university for you, no living life as a regular human being for you. It's worse and what is sad is we're slowly, day by day, forgetting it. There are many more important things coming on our news. Gaza takes prominence, Ukraine takes prominence, everything is going to take prominence. Who's talking about Afghanistan today? So, in a certain way, at least, these little films keep provoking a conversation, some level of thought. People are going to just forget about what's happening in the world. It's very easy for these mindsets to travel and these mindsets are everywhere. We shouldn't fool ourselves into believing that these mindsets don't exist. Any patriarchal society has this mindset. I am happy I made this film and I'm so happy to see this girl who is full of enthusiasm for the future that she's ready to sort of grasp with her own hands. You can come from the experience and the trauma that you went through and, in a way, the film talks about that. It's like the mother says, just put your head down and do what's necessary. Don't play cricket. You've escaped this thing. But she holds strong. Cricket was fine in Afghanistan when you were playing it. We haven't gone through this entire experience so that you can come here and waste your time playing cricket. Just study, make something of your life, get a job. And this girl says, why? This is me. I will do that. In Afghanistan, you never thought that the two are mutually exclusive. So, why are you thinking one will stop me from the other and she refuses to bury her dream. It's a very uplifting story where she defies all odds including her own mother and goes and pursues her dream. I hope the film made her become more confident. Otherwise, they were always on a bit of a back foot. They were always traumatized by that experience. Cricket really, in a certain sense, made her find her place.”
'83 to be screened at the Lord's Cricket Ground in July
8:31 AM
Event to mark 40th anniversary of India’s World Cup win. This is first time that a movie has been allowed to be screened on the iconic cricket ground
Gaurav Gupta (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 14, 2023)
Almost four decades ago, ‘Kapil’s Devils’ scripted perhaps the biggest upset in the history of cricket when they beat the mighty West Indies in the final at Lord's to lift the 1983 World Cup. On July 15 and 16, that historic match, and India’s entire stunning run during that tournament, will be replayed at Lord’s, but on the screen, with the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) staging a special screening of the movie on both the days. This is the first time that the MCC, which is the custodian of the laws of the game, has allowed a movie to be screened on the Lord's cricket ground.
Meanwhile, a grand event is being planned in Mumbai on July 24, 25 and 26 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of that triumph, which is etched in the hearts of all Indian cricket lovers. "The entire team of the 1983 World Cup will be present on that occasion. Something big will be unveiled at that time," a source told this paper.
Present at the '83' movie screening at Lord's will be a couple of members of India's 1983 World Cup team, including former pacer Balwinder Singh Sandhu, whose in swinger famously dislodged West Indies opener Gordon Greenidge, and '83' movie director Kabir Khan. Sandhu is also the associate director of '83', which was released in December 2021.
“I have been invited for the special screening of '83' at Lord's, because I played in the real World Cup and was a part of the making of the movie on our historic feat too. I was asked by our captain Kapil Dev and Kabir Khan to attend the screening. If Kapil is free, at that time, he will come too. This is the first time ever that the MCC has allowed a movie screening at the Lord's cricket ground. People will watch the movie while sitting on the ground-there will be a picnic-type atmosphere. There will be a 30-minute interval, during which a small program will be held," Sandhu told Mumbai Mirror from Toledo, near Detroit, in the US, where he has gone to meet his daughter.
"When I played in the World Cup, I saw Lord’s from inside the boundary rope. While making the film, I was seeing Lord's from the outside. While we were recreating the emotions of our memorable triumph, things began to hit me. Overcome with emotions, I cried several times during the making of the film. Those feelings penetrated my mind. While you are playing, you are only focused on the game, but here I was watching our feat on 5 monitors! You go through a different set of feelings once you step on the Lord's turf. Even the actors were feeling the aura of Lord's," he said.
"I am blessed to be a part of the 1983 World Cup-winning team, and then also be a part of the making of the movie on our historic victory. God has been kind to me," Sandhu added.
I really hope Shah Rukh Khan sees my Pathaan look and comments on it-Dikshita Jindal
8:22 AM
Monika Rawal Kukreja (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 1, 2023)
For makeup artist Dikshita Jindal, transforming into different celebrities might just be passion turned profession, but for those who follow her videos on Instagram, it’s nothing short of magic. Using prosthetics and special-effects makeup techniques, the 25-year-old, who hails from Delhi, has successfully recreated looks of over a 100 Indian celebrities.
Her latest Instagram reel, where she created Shah Rukh Khan’s Pathaan look, has crossed 13.4 million views in just 20 days. “It was crazy how people love this Pathaan transformation video. I uploaded and within a day, it garnered so many views,” an excited Jindal tells us.
The artist, currently in Canada, pursuing professional makeup studies in advanced prosthetic effects makeup, shares, “I really enjoyed creating the Pathaan look because I was doing a transformation after a long time, as I’d been busy with shifting and studies. Now that it has gone viral, I really hope Shah Rukh sees it and comments on it.”
Talking about her tryst with makeup, Jindal recalls being very passionate about makeup since childhood. Then, while she studied engineering, she bought a makeup kit with her savings and tried her hand at fun videos.
“I saw a few international artists transforming themselves into celebs, and I got really inspired. I thought to myself, ‘Why don’t I do it for Bollywood celebrities?’ I tried some looks with Indian celebs. That’s how I started practising and learnt these skills,” explains Jindal, who looks up to acclaimed British drag artist Alexis Stone and Brazilian makeup artist Letícia Gomes.
These transformations are, however, no cakewalk, and a lot goes into making them realistic and getting the intricacies right, asserts Jindal. “On average, it takes me about five to seven hours to do a transformation look. But there’s a lot of research that goes into it beforehand and also afterwards — during editing,” she shares, adding that getting everything right is important, including the choice of music for the video.
Jindal reveals that the longest it has ever taken her to recreate a celebrity look was 15 hours, when she transformed into the late actor Sidharth Shukla. “It was quite difficult and challenging because of his face cut and minute details,” says the artist, whose work was praised by actor Anupam Kher, who also shared it on his social media.
Jindal feels India has a huge market for prosthetic makeup and a lot of it has to do with the evolving film industry. “Many people in India don’t know that makeup is used differently in different industries. I see the prosthetics and special-effects makeup industry growing in the future — there are so many films that require artists to create bruises and cuts, or dusty makeup etc. For example, in the movie ’83 (2021), we saw Ranveer Singh being transformed into cricketer Kapil Dev using prosthetics, and he looked so real. So, it’ll only grow in the coming times,” says Jindal, who aspires to “be part of a Marvel movie or share screen space with Shah Rukh Khan.”
Abhishek Bachchan, Kapil Dev to hoist the Tricolour in Melbourne
8:17 AM
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 27, 2022)
To commemorate 75 years of India’s independence, actor Abhishek Bachchan and former cricketer Kapil Dev will be hoisting the Tricolour in Melbourne, Australia on August 13. The two, who are key speakers at the upcoming edition of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, will hoist the National Flag at Federation Square.
Every year, a representative from Indian cinema hoists the Tricolour, and Bachchan is eager to revel in patriotic spirit along with Dev.
“It is a great honour to be a part of the 75th year celebrations of Indian independence in Melbourne. It’s a matter of pride for me to hoist the National Flag,” says Bachchan, 46, pointing out how the event also highlights the merging of cinema and cricket on a global arena. “This is a mark of the friendship between Australia and India,” he notes.
He continues, “To share this platform with Kapil sir is momentous for me and the event also marks the coming together of cinema and cricket, two things that have often united us Indians. I am looking forward to celebrating India, Indians and the spirit of our country among hundreds of people in attendance.”
On being a part of the festival, Dev had earlier said, “It’s a deep-rooted emotional connection we have for both cinema and sports, and when they come together, it’s a rewarding experience.”
The film fest, which will be held from August 12-20, is returning after two years of being held virtually due to the pandemic.
Alia Bhatt and I have such a great working relationship. She brings out the best in me as a performer-Ranveer Singh
8:35 AM
Madhureeta Mukherjee (BOMBAY TIMES; April 24, 2022)
In an interview with us years ago, Ranveer Singh had expressed that he aspires to be an actor who is brilliant in any genre, and he wants the audience to think, ‘yeh banda kuch bhi kar sakta hain.’ Today, here we are, having watched his remarkable innings in cinema for the past 12 years, this is exactly what we are thinking. The banda, who believes in no half measures, has arrived at his goal post. And he is already on to his next set of goals and is chasing it with all the fire in him. In a conversation, he talks about how he gives his entire being to movies, and what he craves for and seeks. Ranveer is on a roll. Read on…
With your recent film '83, you scaled new heights as a performer and won immense accolades. Does this put immense pressure on you in terms of — how the audience expects you to surprise them with a unique each time, and then, there are box-office expectations that come with stardom?
Pressure, I think, has a negative connotation. I don’t really subscribe to this idea of feeling pressure. I feel pressure can be limiting and debilitating at times. I understand there is a certain responsibility that comes with stardom to deliver certain box office numbers. But things that are beyond my control are not my prerogative, after a point. I accept the responsibility that comes with stardom, but my only focus is to choose films, stories and characters that can fit as many of my criteria as possible. It should excite and challenge me as an artiste. I am going through a phase where I want to make films which bring people together. Films that entire families, people of all ages and from all walks of life can sit and enjoy together; and films that don’t alienate a component of our broad spectrum of audience. I am an actor first and foremost, and for me, stardom is just a by-product. I focus on the core of what I do, which is creating characters, pushing boundaries and pushing the envelope in terms of performance — and that is my concern. Beyond a point, box office and delivering big box-office numbers is not my primary area of concern.
In an interview with us in 2019, you had said, ‘I started out wanting to be a Hindi film hero. Along the way, I matured and aspired to be an actor. ’ And quite a journey you’ve had, Ranveer, and quite an actor you’ve turned out to be! Whether you are wooing the masses as Simmba, plunging into the dark side as Alauddin Khilji (Padmaavat), playing an intense rapper (Gully Boy) or portraying the cricketing legend Kapil Dev ('83) — do you feel proud and fulfilled with the level that you have arrived at, as an artiste?
I am extremely happy with the way my filmography has shaped up. This is what I had always envisioned — a diverse range of characters. I had always worked towards being effective in a range of diverse characters, one after the other, and encompassing a broad spectrum of genres.
And that’s how it has happened in the past few years. Yes, my filmography is shaping up even better than what I had imagined. Part oft his has to do with what characters were offered to me and at what time. In that sense, I have been very lucky that I could work with such different filmmakers with vastly different styles. Another thing, it gives directors confidence across genres. It gives them faith that I will be effective in their respective worlds even though their genres and styles are so different from one another. I have always wished to be recognized as a versatile actor. The manner in which things have played out and the versatility that I have been able to showcase are now being widely recognized. I hope it continues this way. Like Jayeshbhai Jordaar is a character you haven’t seen me play before and it’s been a fresh challenge for me.
During Padmaavat, we had spoken about how you went into a dark phase emotionally to play Alauddin Khilji. The fact that you strive to reach the depths of every character is known. For '83, you actually lived for a while with Kapil Dev to observe him closely. Does this kind of prep provide unique insights and experiences that stay with you for life?
Yes, you are right. The thing is, I wish to create characters that are starkly different from one another. I lean towards making high-risk choices. I change my expression, body language and modulate my voice. I get into every detail, like the way the person sits, stands, looks and reacts. This process is what excites me. '83 was a challenge for me because this is a known person. Earlier, the canvas was mine to create, but here there were certain parameters that I needed to keep in mind whilst creating the person. A key in this process would have been video footage, but there was not much of that available. So, Kabir Khan (director) and I realised that the only way we could fill this gap was by involving Kapil himself and interacting with him in person. It was a very enriching learning experience for me, and it helped me grow not just as an actor but also as a person.
In an interview many years ago, an actor who you hugely admire, Christian Bale, talking about his philosophy, had said, ‘Whatever you do, do it completely. Don’t do it half a**ed. Do it more than anybody else would.’ Do you in some way relate to this mantra? I am asking you this because when we see you on screen in character, it is hard to imagine anyone else pulling off the same part with the same impact. You are wholly into the role every time.
Yes, I fully subscribe to that. My entire approach towards acting and towards life is that I am all in, I am always all in; no half measures, no middle ground. I always say that if you are doing something, do it with all your heart, give it your everything and be completely present and immersed in it. If you’ve got a certain goal, then chase it with all the fire, intensity and passion that you have. If you are playing a character, go for it full tilt and see how much you can push yourself and achieve in the effort to become somebody else. This philosophy holds not just true to my craft, but also to my life.
How much has being an actor, and playing such varied shades on screen impacted Ranveer Singh, the person? I mean, how much has being an actor contributed to be the person you are today?
Each character has left me with something that has helped me grow and evolve. Going through any creative process usually teaches you something; and, in the best of cases, leaves you enriched. In some instances, you grow and evolve more than others and it’s those growth spurts that I crave and seek. Every director you work with, the co-actors you interact with, the on-the-set experiences, discoveries during characterization and performance — I am in a state of constantly learning and improving my craft through all this. When the work is challenging and when your back is against the wall, is usually when you learn the most. I always look back experiences that teach me something.
Your collaboration with most of the directors that you have worked with seems solid — whether it is Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Zoya Akhtar or Rohit Shetty. None of them stop at just one film with you. What makes the connection so strong and special, and I assume, it goes beyond the results (box office success) that we see?
As I said, my approach to acting is all in when I decide to collaborate with a director. I give my entire being to them. Everything that I have to offer, I bring that to the table, pump that into the process, into the film and the character. That kind of energy and commitment is recognized by them, which is why they like to collaborate with me project after project. At the beginning of my career, my mentor, Aditya Chopra, had said that anybody you work with, you must give them so much value that they should not be able to think beyond you when they are planning their next film, and that has stuck with me. Being an all-in kind of performer, these directors are able to recognize my sincerity towards my work. These directors enrich me as a performer and they’ve given me some of my best films and characters, and I hope and wish to continue to do more with them and learn from them.
Apart from Jayeshbhai Jordaar, you have Cirkus (helmed by Rohit Shetty), and another interesting addition to the mix with Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani, being directed by Karan Johar, who comes from a fairly different space and sensibility. How did that experience unfold?
I am honoured to be Karan Johar’s leading man. He’s made cult films that we have grown up on. It’s a Karan Johar romantic family dramedy, a genre that he has full ownership of. In spite of being on familiar territory, we are still, between ourselves, trying to push the envelope in terms of characterization. He has put together a stellar cast. Every character is bringing so much value, and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with all these fine actors. Alia (Bhatt) and I have such a great working relationship. I think she brings out the best in me as a performer; she elevates her co-actor’s performance. Also, significantly, it’s the kind of film I am very keen to present to the audience in my current phase; colourful and a feel-good family entertainer. I think the world has gone through a tough time and a film that carries an essential lightness of being, we are hoping will be looked forward to, by the audience.
I’m deeply inspired by the shape-shifting actors across the world, especially by Daniel Day-Lewis, says Ranveer Singh
8:48 AM
Stating that he had no reference point for his Jayeshbhai Jordaar act, Ranveer says he aims to transform on screen with every character
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; April 11, 2022)
From the fast-talking wedding planner in Band Baaja Baaraat (2010) to the menacing Alauddin Khilji in Padmaavat (2018) and the rapper in Gully Boy (2019), Ranveer Singh has given us characters far removed from one another. Jayeshbhai Jordaar is another addition to the list. Besides the compelling script, it was the joy of transforming into a small-time Gujarati businessman that drew the actor to director Divyang Thakkar’s social comedy.
Ahead of the film’s release, Singh hopes that the audience will be surprised by his character — one that, according to him, represents a new brand of heroism. He says, “Jayeshbhai Jordaar presented me with an opportunity to play a character with no reference point. For me, the best thing about being an actor is that you can live so many lives because each character I play is remarkably different from the others. When people saw Band Baaja Baaraat, they felt I was a boy who was born and brought up in Delhi. This has happened many times in my 11-year career. To me, that is the biggest compliment because I like to convince people that I can transform into anyone.”
The actor admits that he picks his projects strategically, mindful of not getting typecast. “I’m deeply inspired by the shape-shifting actors across the world, especially by Daniel Day-Lewis. So, I look forward to metamorphosing with every film. I have done this since my first [movie] to my last release '83 [2021], in which I became the legendary Kapil Dev.”
Sudan or Tunisia, wherever I go, I’m amazed at Indian films’ impact-Ranveer Singh
8:34 AM
The actor spoke about the global reach and resilience of Indian cinema, as well as his acting process with I&B Minister Anurag Thakur, at the Expo 2020 Dubai
Niharika Lal (BOMBAY TIMES; March 30, 2022)
From the global impact of Indian cinema in countries across the world, to the challenges he’s faced in his career — Ranveer Singh spoke about a plethora of topics at Expo 2020 Dubai. The actor, who was representing the Indian entertainment industry at the expo, visited the India Pavilion, as part of the Media & Entertainment fortnight, where he joined Anurag Thakur, Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, for a discussion on The Global Reach of Indian Media and Entertainment Industry. Excerpts:
‘MUJHE HERO BANNA THA,AUR MERI ZINDAGI KA SAPNA PURA HO GAYA’
While discussing his toughest roles, Ranveer said, “Every new role comes with a unique set of challenges. (In the film '83) Woh bowling action karte karte, mera paani nikal gaya.”
Imitating Kapil Dev’s voice, Ranveer continued – “‘We here to win, what else we here for?’ – woh lehza, language and everything aside, that bowling action was very difficult.”
The actor added that working with director Sanjay Leela Bhansali was particularly challenging. He said, “It is no secret that the films I have done with Mr Bhansali (Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-leela, Bajirao Mastani, and Padmaavat) constitute the pillars of my career. Stardom aside, he has been able to hone me as an artiste over the three films that I have done with him. The thing with Mr Bhansali is that he really pushes you. He pushes you beyond your boundaries, beyond your limits...and it is only beyond your comfort zone that growth actually happens. He revealed to me what I am capable of. While it is extremely challenging and testing, when you come out of it, it is as a much more evolved artiste.”
When Anurag Thakur wondered, “Ranveer ki itni energy aati kahan se hai? Woh andar se aati hai, ya public se?”
The actor responded, “Mujhe woh hero banna tha. Meri zindagi bhar ka sapna pura ho gaya. It’s so surreal. I am on this stage at this moment representing my country as the face of Indian entertainment, it is an honour for me. That gratitude is that dynamo inside me. Main jo bhi karta hoon, pure josh ke saath karta hoon. No half measures. All in.”
‘NOT JUST INDIAN DIASPORA,PEOPLE ACROSS THE WORLD LOVE OUR FILMS’
The Minister also pointed out how Indian films have a stronghold over countries across the world. He said, “They ask, ‘Mera Naam Joker dekhi?’ Kab Raj Kapoor ji thay, aur kab Mera Naam Joker thi. Unn logon pe humne (our films) kya impact — kya impression — chhora hoga. Yeh Indian film industry ki bahut badi dein hai Bharat ke liye.”
Ranveer added, “I am astonished when I travel across the world – the kind of (impact) our entertainment has had in far-flung places like Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Sudan... just about anywhere I go. It is not just the Indian diaspora who loves and watches our films, but so many people from across the world. It has themes that people can relate to.”
While discussing how OTT has given the Indian entertainment industry an opportunity to produce stories that can travel the world so easily, Ranveer said, “We want to tell those stories that are universal, that transcend culture and translate across boundaries. Ultimately, you tell human stories that everyone can relate to. Our films are such an important connect with the Indian diaspora too. They feel connected with their homeland through our films, and that’s a great responsibility. The pandemic affected every industry across the world — and the entertainment industry is no exception — but the way we bounced back, shows our resilience. I am very very proud of our entertainment fraternity.”
Ranveer Singh, Anurag Thakur shake legs on 'Malhari'
If further restrictions are imposed, we will release '83 on the web, soon-Kabir Khan
8:07 AM
'83 director Kabir Khan says discussions for a web release may gather steam if cases continue to rise
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; January 3, 2022)
Despite a two-year long wait, navigating umpteen proposals from OTT giants, and fighting against all odds to have his film premiere in cinema halls, Kabir Khan is encountering one among the most challenging phases of his career. Inarguably, there couldn’t have been a more inopportune time for the release of the Ranveer Singh-starrer '83, which, despite positive reviews, hasn’t been able to attract enough eyeballs due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
With a spike in cases leading to the shut down of cinema halls in Delhi again, the film’s box-office collections are likely to take another hit. Acknowledging that the developments are “disappointing”, Khan says, “This film was ready with us 18 months ago. We wanted people to see it on the big screen, because that is how it was designed. But, such are the times that we live in. We tried hard to acquire a safe spot for the film, but the day of its release, there was a spike in cases. By day four, Delhi theatres had shut down.”
Having noticed his displeasure, Khan’s muse Kapil Dev enabled him to find solace. “He said, ‘When we won the World Cup in 1983, we didn’t get money. We got respect. You made this film [to get] respect, and you are getting that. Concentrate on that.’ Only he could have explained this with such positivity.”
The big budget offering evidently has many takers from the web platform, and Khan’s team is in the process of revisiting their decision. “We don’t know if we will have to shut down tomorrow, or will be afforded another five to six days. If further restrictions are imposed, we will release the film on the web, soon. But, I am keen [that] people take precaution and go to the theatres to watch it.”
Trade sources have highlighted that while 83, and Hollywood films like Spider-Man: No Way Home released around the same time, the latter, unlike the former, enjoyed a successful BO run. But Khan won’t “dwell on the negatives”. “We have never got the kind of appreciation that we are getting for this film. A section of the trade pretends like there is no pandemic. These are minor distractions.”
We had to be mindful that we were dealing with two sporting legends-Tahir Raj Bhasin
7:46 AM
Tahir Raj Bhasin, who plays Sunil Gavaskar in 83, on following director Kabir Khan’s lead to authentically represent Little Master’s dynamics with Kapil Dev
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; December 28, 2021)
After '83, Tahir Raj Bhasin awaits a string of interesting releases — from Netflix’s Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein to Mahesh Bhatt’s creation Ranjish Hi Sahi. But at the moment, the actor is only too happy to soak in the love coming his way for the portrayal of Sunil Gavaskar in the sports drama. He starts off with, “It’s an honour that Kabir Khan chose to cast me as the legendary Sunil Gavaskar. I’m overwhelmed with the love, and to see how people have taken a keen interest in my on-screen dynamics with Ranveer [Singh] who plays Kapil Dev.”
When the director finished the narration of the Singh-fronted drama, it was an instant yes from Bhasin. “Being part of 83 was an emotional decision,” he says.
Telling the story of India’s victory at the 1983 World Cup would be incomplete without showing the players’ struggles and their interpersonal dynamics. The actor says he remained honest to Khan’s brief. “Kabir wanted to make 83 an authentic retelling. So, he had to show the vibe in the dressing room too. The scenes between Gavaskar and Dev were intricate. We had to be mindful that we were dealing with two sporting legends. There was a certain aura and reserved composure that Gavaskar brought to the locker room. Every dynamic had to be seen through this lens. He often made game-altering recommendations [that were born from] his experience. No matter what went on behind the scenes, on the field, they were all a team.”
I had access to Deepika Padukone & could ask her to play the role, but I feared I may end up over casting-Kabir Khan
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Though aware that it was a brief part, 83 director Kabir Khan on how he trusted only Deepika to bring Romi Bhatia’s “strong energy” on screen
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; December 26, 2021)
Last week’s release, 83 has Ranveer Singh at the front and centre offering a retelling of India’s victory at the 1983 Cricket World Cup. The actor, who portrays then-captain Kapil Dev, is aided by a strong ensemble cast that makes up the on-screen Indian cricket squad. While the spotlight is naturally on them, Deepika Padukone does justice as Dev’s wife, Romi Bhatia. Casting Padukone in such a brief role might be an unusual decision, but director Kabir Khan says she was the only choice to essay the part.
“When I was writing the screenplay, I realised Kapil is incomplete without Romi. There is a strong energy behind him in the form of Romi. I had access to Deepika and could ask her to play the role, but [the fear was that] I may end up over-casting. When you cast a superstar like Deepika and the screen time [offered] is not much, you can go wrong,” admits the filmmaker.
But the more he studied Romi’s character, the more he saw Padukone in it. “Deepika has such great energy on screen. So, I wanted her to establish that energy in the film. I told her it was not a long role, but a significant one. She was so moved by the story that she said, ‘I want to be part of this.’” Padukone’s belief in the material also led her to come on board as one of the producers.
The reason for Padukone’s affinity to the character might go well beyond the script. “It resonated with her because she is also the daughter of a world champion [Prakash Padukone]. She has seen her mother go through similar struggles when her father was training.”
The sports drama has opened to rave reviews. Asked what it takes to make a story engaging when the world knows the plot beforehand, Khan says, “When you enter the theatres, you know [the gist]. But when the lights go off and the images start coming on the screen, you will get immersed in that world. You will follow their struggles and triumphs. Sports stories are popular because ultimately, they talk about the triumph of the human spirit.”
When Kabir Khan came on board, he changed it to 83. He felt 1983 was not contemporary-Vishnu Induri
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Induri is unwilling to reveal the reason behind the directorial baton being handed over to Kabir Khan, while Chauhan took credit for the story alone
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; December 24, 2021)
While Kabir Khan has been the face of Ranveer Singh’s '83, producer Vishnu Induri’s film was originally to be helmed by Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan. Induri reveals that he conceptualised the film in 2013, and, along with Chauhan, knocked at Kapil Dev’s door on several occasions to get his nod. “He liked that we were so persuasive,” says Induri of the multiple interactions.
“We narrated the first draft to him, and were very happy with it. Without Kapil sir’s approval, we wouldn’t have gone ahead with the project. The initial research was done by Sanjay. He travelled all over the country and interacted with Kapil sir multiple times. Following that, he wrote the final draft,” he says of the National Award-winning director.
Induri is unwilling to reveal the reason behind the directorial baton being handed over to Kabir Khan, while Chauhan took credit for the story alone. But buzz in media circles pin it down to the desire to attach a mainstream director’s name with the film. “It is too uncomfortable for all three of us [to discuss it]. When we began the project, it was called 1983. But when Kabir came on board, he changed it to 83. He felt 1983 was not contemporary.”
Induri does, however, admit that things would work out differently if there was a second chance. “I would be more in control. After this film, Sanjay and I are working on some exciting projects. He is one of the best storytellers of the country. I like his sensibilities.”
The script of 83, he says, also underwent changes when the new director took charge. “The essence is the same as the movie is based on two common events. But the vision is different. The film is not just about cricket, but also about how India changed after 1983. It’s the story of a developing nation and the transition that we went through.”
Induri also avoids discussing details of initially approaching Arjun Kapoor for the role of the leading man. “Kabir played the captain’s innings in the casting of the movie. It is an ensemble cast. It’s not a biopic. Here, each player has his own moment. Kapil is a fantastic human being. And even after 38 years, he still takes care of his team as much as he used to when he played with them. Ranveer shares these traits — he is comfortable in sharing the limelight with each actor.”
I visited Kapil Dev over 10 times in a year and it took him over 15 months to say okay-Vishnu Vardhan Induri
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Ranveer Singh, Kapil Dev, Kabir Khan and Vishnu Vardhan Induri
Niharika Lal (BOMBAY TIMES; December 24, 2021)
It took over 15 months of convincing Kapil Dev, multiple flights from Hyderabad to Delhi, over seven years of the filmmaking process and an indomitable spirit for Vishnu Vardhan Induri to turn his dream of making a film on India’s 1983 World Cup victory into reality. As Kapil Dev points out, “It all started with Vishnu, and the credit for turning the 1983 victory into a film goes to him.” With the film 83 hitting cinemas today, Vishnu talks to us about his dream project. Excerpts:
ON CONVINCING KAPIL DEV TO COME ON BOARD
I chased Kapil Dev for very long. I called him multiple times (in 2012-13). Then I heard that he was coming for an event in Chennai, and I landed up there and introduced myself as the one calling him persistently for an appointment. When he said he wasn’t keen on having a film made on the win, I said, ‘Sir this story has to be told to the world. We are very keen to tell the story.’ Then he looked at his secretary Rajesh Puri and both smiled. He finally agreed to talk to me. And that’s how our first meeting ended.
He felt that it was too early to make a film and kept saying no. Whenever he would not take my call for three-four days, I would land up at his Delhi office all the way from Hyderabad. He was always polite. So it didn’t feel like a rejection to me, and his stature is so huge that I didn’t mind going again and again to him. From a ‘strict no’ to ‘maybe not’ to it is ‘not only about me’ to ‘only if it is about the entire team coming together’ to ‘okay, fine’ — I visited Kapil Dev over 10 times in a year and it took him over 15 months to say okay.
Kapil sir said, ‘I want you guys to make sure that each player gets equal importance, and the film is not just about me.’ That’s when it hit me very hard that this story must be told. If we don’t tell this story to the world then it would be injustice to the game of cricket. Even after 38 years of winning the World Cup, the bond that he and his team share is beautiful. I think their trust and confidence in him, that he is always going to safeguard their interests - that’s what is binding them. He didn’t see the film in advance even though he got ample opportunities because he said ‘I want to watch our film with my team. I don’t want to watch it alone.’ He doesn’t want any privileges of being the captain.
ON HIS DREAM PROJECT COMING TO LIFE
I wanted to tell this story because cricket would not have been this big in our country if the 1983 victory would not have happened. I was confident that the story of the 1983 victory has to be told and I was persistent that I would make it happen. If not me, then someone else would have told this story. I was extremely keen to produce 83. I thought that if I could bring so many stars, so many team owners and so many industries together for the CCL (Celebrity Cricket League, of which he is the founder) then I could do this as well. That gave me the confidence that I could pull it off.
I contacted Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan after his film Lahore won the National Film Award (for Best Debut Film in 2010) and he was also convinced that this is a great story. I am working on a couple of projects with him, and he is an amazing writer. He gave life to my dream with the film’s first draft. And then Kabir Khan (the director) took it forward and made it bigger.
I’m a shy person. I want my work to talk. And I’m very, very happy that many people collaborated with me, had confidence in my idea and my dream came true. Everyone worked for my dream, my vision and that’s the happiest thing. This dream came true only because of Kabir and Ranveer.
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ALL THE CREDIT GOES TO VISHNU FOR STARTING THIS IDEA: KAPIL DEV
Recounting how the film’s journey started, Kapil Dev says, “Around five-seven years back Vishnu came to me with this idea of making the film and I said no. But he kept on coming for months. I think it took around two years. He spent a lot of time with me, and finally, I passed on this message to my team. Whatever we do, we do collectively as a team, so the team decided that yeah it is okay. Vishnu then picked Kabir Khan, who was very interested and then told the story to Ranveer and that’s how it happened. But all the credit goes to Vishnu for starting this when he came to meet me. We weren’t ready to talk to anybody for a film. But Vishnu became a friend and we started spending time, then the team and I started thinking about it.”
'83 is the classic story to be able to distinguish jingoism from true patriotism-Kabir Khan
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Asserting that his sensibilities wouldn’t allow him to adopt a jingoistic tone, 83 director Kabir says Ranveer-starrer tells off-the-pitch story of India’s World Cup victory
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; December 21, 2021)
Kabir Khan could have well pursued an OTT release for '83. But that wouldn’t come close to how he had envisioned the ambitious film playing out. After all, the filmmaker wants “theatres to turn into stadiums” when Team India comes on screen. So, after a “frustrating” wait of almost 20 months, Khan is ready to revisit the 1983 Cricket World Cup on the big screen with the Ranveer Singh-starrer.
“The real story lies off the pitch. Everybody knows what happened on the pitch. A sports story shouldn’t be about sports; it should be about the triumph of human beings. The challenge for the filmmaker is how to make the [World Cup] journey exciting. How can you [make the audience] root for them, or feel nervous when they are in a tight spot? I want people to discover what we went through to pick up that World Cup,” says the director.
The victory at the Prudential Cup 1983 remains one of the biggest milestones in Indian sports history. When offering a retelling of the iconic feat, one may tend to adopt a jingoistic tone. But Khan assures that his sensibilities wouldn’t allow him that. “Ideologies are in-built. I would never go jingoistic. '83 is the classic story to be able to distinguish jingoism from true patriotism. I believe patriotism is a celebration of a country where you don’t need an enemy; jingoism needs a counterpoint. In '83, there are opponents, but they are not enemies. Our boys played only for the country. To see how they made every Indian proud is what I call true patriotism.”
Building the on-screen Team India was not an easy process. The director, however, says that Singh was his first choice to portray then-captain Kapil Dev. “Not in a million years would Ranveer and Kapil Dev look alike. But Ranveer is a chameleon. He changes his voice, body language and expressions. That’s what he has done [to become] Kapil Dev. One of the first things I told Ranveer was, ‘This is not a look-alike contest. You need to adopt his personality.’ Today people are going crazy, saying he looks like Kapil Dev.”
Ranveer Singh is like a live wire, who compels you to up your game-Tahir Raj Bhasin
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The actor talks about playing legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar and his rapport with Ranveer Singh in the sports drama
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; March 1, 2021)
In a conversation with Bombay Times, Tahir spoke about the film, playing Gavaskar and what it’s like to work with Ranveer.
Tahir said, “Playing a living legend is a massive challenge. There’s a lot of pressure. I did my research well. As far as Ranveer is concerned, when he is in the same room as you, he’s like a thunderbolt... a live wire, who compels you to up your game. There’s this energy he exudes the moment he walks into a room.”
He further explained, “Before '83, I had only seen Ranveer’s interviews and seen him at a few places. I got to know him better during this film. A lot of people ask me whether he is really like that. All that energy, is that real? I feel it’s genuine. He commits to a part 110 per cent. When you have a guy like him playing the captain, it compels you to do better as well, and it shows. It helps the entire unit.”
Sharing the screen with Ranveer was important for Tahir for a special reason — the Sunil Gavaskar-Kapil Dev dynamic. He shared, “It was particularly thrilling for me because there was that Sunil Gavaskar-Kapil Dev dynamic. Gavaskar was the skipper before Kapil Dev. We had to feed off each other’s energy to get that dynamic right.”
Talking about the team functioning as one unit, he said, “The credit goes to Kabir Khan because he was clear that the team had to function as a unit. All of us started our cricket training six months before the commencement of the shoot. Even in the United Kingdom, we would travel in a team bus. We would eat, travel and stay together. By the end of it, we felt like a unit. It was a life-changing experience, and I am glad we finished the shoot then. Had it been delayed, it would have been extremely difficult to shoot during the pandemic.”
In Srikkanth’s words, ‘We will play the World Cup on the way to a holiday in the US’-Kabir Khan
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Kabir Khan, whose sports-drama chronicles India’s 1983 World Cup win, says players hadn’t expected to go very far in the tournament
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 9, 2020)
The Kabir Khan-directed ’83, featuring Ranveer Singh as former Indian cricket captain Kapil Dev, was all set for an April 10 unveiling. However, theatres across the country had to down shutters due to the lockdown brought on by Coronavirus. The sport-drama chronicles Indian cricket team’s historic World Cup win. “It’s the greatest underdog story ever because before 1983, India had won just one match in World Cup history, and that too against East Africa. So, to go on and defeat West Indies, a team which had never lost a World Cup match till then was a great achievement,” points out the filmmaker, quick to add that it is also an amazing story of the human will’s triumph. “You can replace cricket with kabaddi and it would still hold weight.”Kabir reveals that Krishnamachari Srikkanth had tied the knot in March 1983, about three months before the World Cup. As soon as he learnt that the team had been selected for the tournament, he planned a trip to the US. “Srikkanth, along with six other players, was all set to fly out as soon as the group stage ended, confident that India would be knocked out of the contention soon. All seven had booked their tickets from Mumbai to New York via London. In Srikkanth’s words, ‘We will play the World Cup on the way to a holiday in the US.’ Nobody, including the team, believed that we had a chance of making it to the semis, let alone the finals and lift the trophy,” Kabir recounts. However, once their winning streak started, the players began to cancel their tickets, one by one. Kapil Dev gave them hope with his conviction that they could be world champions, with tables turning after each win.
In the finals at Lord’s, after Sunil Gavaskar was out for two, Srikkanth, who had opened with him, stitched a good partnership with Mohinder Amarnath, taking India past the 50-run mark before losing his wicket to Malcolm Marshall for an aggressive 38 (off 57 balls, an impressive feat at the time), that included seven boundaries and one memorable on-the-knees square drive off Andy Roberts. As India was approaching the 100-run mark, Amarnath lost his wicket to a beauty from Holding for 26 runs, but went on to orchestrate India’s win with an incredible spell of three wickets for 12 runs in seven overs. After being bowled out for a paltry 183 in 54.4 overs, India skittled out Clive Lloyd’s team for 140 in 52 overs in their first World Cup final.
For Kabir, it was difficult to incorporate all these behind-the-scenes stories into the screenplay. “I had 100 fantastic stories and I could pick only 25 from the mountain of material I had with me. That’s the reason it took me close to a year-and-a-half to finalise the script,” he explains, saying the most difficult process was to limit the number of stories he could tell. “The film is not just from the players’ point of view, but also that of the commentators and the spectators. There are several layers.”
With the lockdown continuing even after 45 days and the number of cases mounting, there is still a lot of uncertainty around the film’s theatrical release. While there is talk of a direct-to-digital release with a global streaming major reportedly offering the makers an unheard-of sum, Shibasish Sarkar, who is producing ’83 with Sajid Nadiadwala, Vishnu Induri, Madhu Mantena and Deepika Padukone, had confirmed to Mirror (April 14) that ’83 will be among the first films to arrive once normalcy returns and cinema halls open.
When Bollywood went ‘OMG’ in the presence of another star
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Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 28, 2020)
It is easy to fall in love with the visceral world of cinema, even easier to find touchstones of all human character in the people who inhabit it. No wonder then, that the terms “fanboy”—the Oxford Dictionary references a newspaper article to state that the term dates back to 1919 and was first used in the context of baseballand subsequently “fangirl”, have seamlessly assumed centrestage in other areas of pop culture. And even people who’re stars in their own right, aren’t immune to this phenomenon. Here, Bollywood folks recount their own fan moments:
Ali Fazal: I was at an impromptu masterclass by Robert De Niro
I was truly star-struck when I met Robert De Niro for the first time at a gathering hosted by Anupam Kher at which half of Bollywood was present, but they weren’t as smitten. Everyone in the room could tell that I was a true fan. He had come for a lit fest, but strangely, didn’t speak much. He opened up once we started to talk about acting and shared some great stories, including the making of The King Of Comedy (above). It was a priceless, impromptu masterclass, at the end of which I asked for his autograph. Before that, I had only taken Kabir Bedi’s, because my mom is a huge fan.
Kiara Advani: I stood there, gawking at Salman sir
I was smitten by Salman (Khan) sir the first time I saw him, which was on a film set at Mehboob Studio. He was sitting outside his vanity van, waiting to be called for a shot. I was 17 then and my mom nudged me to greet him. She was shocked when I didn’t say a word. I was struck dumb, literally!
I already knew him, but the aura around him was so strong. He made me comfortable and while my mother and he were sharing stories from my childhood, I just stood there, gawking.
Bobby Deol: Bought autograph book only for Kapil Dev
Thanks to my father, I was never in awe of movie stars whom I kept meeting. I love cricket though and Kapil Dev is my hero. The first time he came home, I bought an autograph book just so I could get it signed by him. I feel terrible because I have lost it since. Years later, when I was making my film debut, Sachin Tendulkar was also starting out as a cricketer. I liked his style too. I was shooting for Gupt and my producer sent me to the CCI (Cricket Club of India) to work out. I spotted Sachin there, but as I was walking towards him, he turned and walked away. Years later, when I finally met him, I told him about that day and he admitted he had walked away because he was too shy.
Bhumi Pednekar: Teared up while listening to Rani ma’am
My big fan girl moment was when Rani (Mukerji) ma’am watched Dum Laga Ke Haisha. She was one of the first few who saw the film. Growing up, I had idolised her, so, when she came out after the screening and had amazing things to say about me, I just couldn’t hold back my tears. I was already overwhelmed, it being my first film, and her words of appreciation made it much more magical.
Manoj Bajpayee: I’m still blown away by Mr Bachchan
I met Mr (Amitabh) Bachchan 21 years ago, after the screening of Satya, and was mesmerized. I’ve been fortunate to work with my childhood hero in many films but even today, I’m blown away by the way he conducts himself and his passion for his profession, which I try to emulate. I am mesmerized by his persona.
Rana Daggubati: I couldn’t stand up when he walked by
The first time I saw Mr (Amitabh) Bachchan up close on set, it was surreal. We were shooting for Department and as I had a knee injury from an action sequence, I couldn’t get up from my chair when he walked past. It was bothering me, but since he knew about the accident, he was very sweet, just the way I had imagined my hero to be, maybe beyond. His sincerity and detailing on set is something you can learn from. It’s infinite wisdom.
Revealed: Deepika Padukone’s first look as Romi Dev in ‘83
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BOMBAY TIMES (February 19, 2020)
Ever since its announcement, there has been a lot of buzz around director Kabir Khan’s ‘83, which features Ranveer Singh as Kapil Dev. While Ranveer’s look as Kapil was revealed a while ago, the makers have now shared the first look of Deepika Padukone as Romi Dev. The actress will be seen in a cameo, as the former cricketer’s wife.
Deepika, who is known for getting into the skin of her characters, has left no stone unturned to capture the nuances of the role. She shares, “To be able to play a small, but significant part in a film that captures one of the most iconic moments in sporting history has been an absolute honour. Through my mother, I’ve seen closely the role a wife plays in the success of her husband’s professional and personal aspirations. ‘83, for me, in many ways is an ode to every woman who puts her husband’s dream before her own.”
Kabir Khan shares, “I have always thought of Deepika as a phenomenal actress and when I was thinking of casting for Romi Dev’s role, I could only think of her. Romi has a charming and positive energy and Deepika has captured that with perfection. Her easy chemistry with Ranveer will also help in portraying the relationship that Kapil and Romi share. I’m delighted that Deepika has been such an integral part of our journey.”
Reliance Entertainment and Phantom Films present ‘83, a Kabir Khan Films Production. The film is produced by Deepika Padukone, Kabir Khan, Vishnu Vardhan Induri, Sajid Nadiadwala, Phantom Films, Reliance Entertainment and 83 Film Ltd. A Reliance Entertainment and PVR Pictures release, it will hit theatres on April 10, in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.
I was in Class 3 or 4 when I attempted mimicry and my first subjects were my teachers-Sunil Grover
8:21 AM
The actor-comedian traces the genesis of some of his famous small screen alter egos
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 17, 2020)
Sunil Grover became a household name with his cross-dressing character Gutthi in Comedy Nights With Kapil. She was so popular that when his journey with Kapil, Gutthi and the show ended, no one thought the versatile stand-up comedian would be able to top this performance, till he returned with Rinku Devi and Dr Mashoor Gulati. Sunil reveals that the trio has its genesis in his early years. “I was in third or fourth standard when I attempted mimicry and my first subjects were my teachers,” shares the actor.
He went on to do take-offs on B-Town biggies, including Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan. How does he make sure to not offend them? “I’m their fan, I love them. I’m okay with missing a joke or two rather than offend anyone. I don’t mimic anyone I don’t like,” says the stand-up comedian, who once copied Kapil Dev in front of the cricketer himself and left him in splits. “He laughed his heart out and appreciated the act.”
Sunil lurched through his first gig for a corporate event, playing a drunkard. His debut on TV was a blink-and-miss affair, forgettable even for his own family. “It was a two-second appearance with just one line of dialogue, ‘Daku aa gaye, daku aa gaye.’ All my relatives were sitting in the living room waiting for my scene. My aunt got up to get a glass of water from the kitchen when my scene flashed. She rushed back, but by then I was gone,” he reminisces with a laugh.
With a masters in theatre, Sunil did bit roles on TV and worked as a voice artiste for around eight years. Then, one night his prayers were answered and Gutthi happened. “After the show came on air, I went to perform at a live event before an audience of almost 4000 people. As soon as I came on stage, I noticed 3000 camera lights on me. People started cheering and I looked back to check if there was someone standing behind. I realised there was no one there except me and from deep within, a I let out a cheer, ‘Yayyyy,’” Sunil laughs at the memory.
And how does it feel to portray a woman, we wonder, and he says that till he can make people laugh without offending anyone, he is fine with it. “While doing a character, I don’t think of the gender,” retorts the actor, saying the only difference is that it takes him just five minutes to get ready for a male character while it takes 10 minutes more when he’s playing Gutthi or Rinku “because a woman’s shringar never gets over”.
And does it irk him when people call out to him by his character’s name rather than his own? “Not at all; I love it. They know me by the characters I play, so that’s what they will call me,” Sunil reasons, saying that while he loves all these characters, he has a soft corner for Dr Mashoor Gulati and Khairati Lal, Kapil’s father-in-law on Comedy Nights. “As Mashoor Gulati, I had a 'Gerua' moment with Shah Rukh and Kajol during Dilwale promotions, which is unforgettable.”
He had released a single as Rinku Devi, titled “Mere Husband Mujhko Pyaar Nahi Karte”. How did the idea come to him? “Every woman asks her husband regularly how much he loves her. This was my favourite line, so I thought why not turn it into a funny music video,” Sunil informs, ruing that even though he has ideas for several new characters, he has to keep coming back to the old favourites because of public demand.
When Neena Gupta took lessons from Kapil Dev’s daughter
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Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; February 10, 2020)
Regardless of their screen time or the number of punches, Neena Gupta is known to do justice to each one of her characters. While her turn as Kangana Ranaut’s mother in Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari’s Panga is being appreciated, she will next be seen as actor Jitendra Kumar’s mother in Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan. A few months later, she will be seen as a mother, yet again. This time around, as Ranveer Singh’s (Kapil Dev) mother in Kabir Khan’s cricket drama, ‘83.
The actress shot for the film in just one day. Talking about it, she said, “The team was so well prepared that they completed all my portions in one day. It’s a small role, but a good one and so, I agreed to it. When I went to shoot, I met Kapil’s daughter Amiya on the set. I asked her to tell me about her grandmother — her personality and the relationship she shared with Kapil. From what I understood, she is a strong-willed woman with a dominating personality. I put Amiya’s inputs to good use and played the character.”
Kapil Dev was the captain of the sadhus and, unfortunately, I was the captain for the shaitans-Sandeep Patil
8:08 AM
Rishabh Deb (BOMBAY TIMES; February 4, 2020)
They shocked and awed the world with their uncharted, unprecedented World Cup win in 1983. However, according to former cricketer Sandeep Patil, even today, when the hard-hitting middle order batsman and his team sit down to discuss the history they created, that year, they wonder how they managed to pull off the win.And now, 37 years later, Sandeep’s son Chirag is gearing up to recreate that same magic on the silver screen. In a candid chat, the son talks about stepping into his father’s shoes – quite literally – in ‘83, while the father spills the beans on one of India’s greatest cricket teams.
In 1983, team India was considered to be the underdog in the World Cup. Do you think the lack of expectations played a role in the team’s victory?
Sandeep: We took the world by storm in 1983. We were just there to play the tournament and enjoy good cricket. That was the mood of the team — we wanted to get the feel of the World Cup and playing in London. In the 1970s, India didn’t perform well at the World Cup, so nobody expected anything from us. I think that turned out to be an advantage for all of us because we were not carrying any extra baggage. We had no confidence that we would win any match. However, both the start and the end were great. I remember that in the west there was a shock wave, and everybody was like, ‘how did this happen?’. We beat West Indies in the first match, and then again in the finals. That was something phenomenal. Even today, whenever we discuss it with friends and the team members who played the 1983 matches, we still wonder how we did it. And it was not just one match — every match saw amazing performances by different players. It was a real team.
Chirag: I think we are under more pressure now, than they were then. All the actors are playing characters that have achieved so much in their lives and we have a lot of responsibility to do justice to them. All of us are going through a roller-coaster ride of emotions right now, as we think about whether we will live up to people’s expectations or not.
Sandeep, on a scale of 1-10, how accurate do you think Chirag’s look is in the first poster?
Sandeep: Well, there’s asli and there’s nakli. I thought, yeh nakli kya karega, but I have to accept that after seeing the first look, the nakli is looking asli. I am his biggest critic, but I have 100 per cent confidence that he has done great work as me in the film.
Chirag: I do have the advantage of a champion’s DNA (laughs!).
Chirag, how much preparation did it take for you to nail the look as well as to perfect your batting skills to match your dad’s?
Chirag: It took four hours and more of practice each day, along with a strict diet for me to nearly perfect my dad’s looks and skills.
Sandeep: Interestingly, while the cast practiced very hard and followed a strict diet, we never did any such thing to win the World Cup. In fact, everybody in the team suffered from some injury those days and there was no physiotherapy or fancy facility that today’s players get. If you were injured, the attitude was to look after yourself.
Sandeep: No cry babies allowed! I have seen Kapil Dev taking injections in the knees and toes, while Mohinder Amarnath had stitches. Even Ravi Shastri got stitches without anaesthesia. Before the World Cup, I had a rib fracture and I could not tell the cricket board that I couldn’t go. After all, I was representing my country. Rib injuries take four to five weeks to heal and I played the World Cup with one.
Sandeep, you have seen the cast’s first look, as well as met them offscreen. Does seeing their portrayal of Team India bring back memories of those days?
Sandeep: After meeting the cast, I feel their camaraderie is very similar. There is a lot of masti and positive vibes from the cast. A lot of credit goes to Kabir (Khan) and Ranveer (Singh) for that. They are the true manager and captain of the ship. The cast is so natural; it feels like I am with my team from 1983. These are all good actors and I realised that after seeing how well everybody transformed into their respective characters. Especially Ranveer, who looks so accurate as Kapil in the film. I know the mannerisms of Kapil; we’ve known each other for a long time, and played together. The way he sits, walks, speaks and laughs — Ranveer has picked up everything so well. Hats off to him!
Chirag: All the cast members are very fond of my father and they were mesmerised to hear stories from the 1983 team — especially the funny ones.
But the team appeared so serious back then...
Sandeep: The 1983 team was divided into two groups — six of us were the sadhus (saints) and the other six, shaitans (devils). Kapil Dev was the captain of the sadhus and, unfortunately, I was the captain for the shaitans. My job was to entertain the entire team because you cannot talk cricket 24x7. You have to take the pressure away. Kapil’s advice was in English and we didn’t follow anything. Whatever he spoke, we did exactly the opposite. The seniors, Mohinder Amarnath, Madan Lal and Sunil Gavaskar, were too serious, focused and disciplined. I feel the worst thing is to have Sunil Gavaskar as your room partner, and I got just that! He is so well-behaved. I literally had to walk on my toes when I entered the room so that I didn’t disturb him. I used to come back to the room late at night, and he would be reading a novel and would give me looks. Thank God, Sunil’s wife Pammi arrived and they moved in together later, while I moved in with my favourite roommate, Ravi Shastri. Phir dhamaal shuru ho gayi! You need to strike a balance. If you have 11 batsmen in the team, you won’t win the game. You need a mixed bag of people. Now that we all are senior citizens, whenever we meet, we carry that same spirit of sadhus and shaitans.
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