In 2018, Jacqueline Fernandez took a break from film shoots to introspect on her career moves, enrolling for an acting course at Ivana Chubbuck Studio in Los Angeles. Thereafter, the actress signed Attack, alongside John Abraham who is also producing the action thriller. It kicked off late last year, before the Coronavirus pandemic brought work to a halt. During the lockdown, Jacky isolated herself in Panvel, wherein she spent time with mentor-friend Salman Khan at his farmhouse and shot a video with him. She also signed two films during this period which are set to roll in November.

Jacqueline will fly off to Dharamshala in a couple of days to commence shooting for Bhoot Police, with Saif Ali Khan, Arjun Kapoor and Yami Gautam. The horror comedy commences from the first week of November. “I’m super excited to kickstart Bhoot Police as it’s a different genre I will be exploring. Now, with the new normal, things are going to be very different when we are shooting. We have to finish our quarantine period and immediately head to the sets for the shoot,” Jacqueline points out. The team will be shooting at real locations for over a month as the horror comedy is set in the hills. This schedule will be followed by a brief stint in Mumbai in January, before calling it a wrap.

Jacqueline also features in Rohit Shetty’s comic caper, Cirkus, with Ranveer Singh, Pooja Hegde and Varun Sharma. The film goes on the floors in Mumbai in mid-November, and will subsequently be shot in Ooty and Goa. It is based on Shakespeare’s play, The Comedy of Errors, with both Ranveer and Varun in double roles. Earlier, Gulzar’s Angoor had adapted the same play, with Sanjeev Kumar and Deven Verma in double roles. “After the Bhoot Police schedule, we will commence work on Cirkus. The production is figuring out the exact date,” she informs, adding that she’s excited to get back to the shoot life. “I’m gearing up again for a suitcase life; and it’s going to be that way for a long time, but I am not complaining as I will be in a happy place. Of course, there will hardly be time to unwind, as I will have to switch from one character to the next.”

She also has the Sajid Nadiadwala-directed Kick 2 with Salman in her kitty. The first draft of the script was locked in August, and the team is currently working towards finalising it and starting the film by early 2022. “Jacqueline will be doing another film or two before moving on to the Kick sequel,” informs a source.

Randeep Hooda opens up on Battle Of Saragarhi, admits he didn’t watch Akshay Kumar’s film on the same subject
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 23, 2020)

Randeep Hooda recently wrapped up Prabhudheva’s Radhe, featuring Salman Khan in the titular role. In his first negative role he plays a Mumbai-based gangster and has shot some dare devil action scenes with a Korean stunt team. “I’ve had this action image for a long time and I would always wonder why because I’ve never punched anyone, never used my fists. But I love action, if it’s not too over-the-top,” smiles the actor.

Randeep underwent extreme transformation, shedding 18 kilos for Sarabjit Singh’s biopic and then growing his hair and learning the Sikh martial arts to enact the role of Havildar Ishar Singh in Rajkumar Santoshi’s war drama, Battle Of Saragarhi. “It’s just an extra effort I put in for my character and there’s a sense of responsibility and respect when you are playing one who was for real. There’s also a fear that people will find out that I can’t act,” he guffaws.

Battle Of Saragarhi was shelved and it was Akshay Kumar who played the braveheart in Anurag Singh’s Kesari. Surely, it must have been upsetting? “It hurt that the audience could not see what would probably have been a more authentic version with more real emotions of the story. That apart, you learn to move on. Through the journey I learnt the principles of Sikhism and I’m a better person now,” he avers. Did he watch Kesari, you wonder, and he quips, “Nope, it didn’t excite me much.”

Randeep will soon be seen in Sai Kabir’s Mard and describes him as a “quirky director” who is trying to extend himself with this film. “Every film has a life of its own. Since I don’t go on holidays, my only holiday is to go into the world of films,” he exclaims.

His last release, Imtiaz Ali’s Love Aaj Kal, despite Kartik Aaryan and Sara Ali Khan, failed to connect with the audience. Ask him what went wrong and he laughs, “It didn’t do well? I’m not sure because had it done well, I’d have got a grand piano from Imtiaz, but I believe I’m not getting it now.” Prod him and he says he thought it was a novel story, underlining the difference between the sex-starved, gender-separated love of the ’90s with the sexually easy yet empathetic world of today. “It was well directed, I enjoyed it,” he avers.

Sajid Nadiadwala has confirmed that a sequel to his 2014 directorial, Kick, is being scripted. The first part had featured Randeep as a no-nonsense cop, Himanshu Tyagi, on the hunt for Salman’s Devil aka Devilal Singh. Has the maker returned to him with Part 2? “I have no idea they were doing the sequel!” he exclaims. “I really enjoyed Kick, Sajid’s debut directorial.”

Buzz is, Randeep will soon be seen in a quirky comedy produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. He interrupts, “That’s being produced by somebody else now. Yes, it’s a comedy and I play a cop. I am shooting for it right now at Karnal.”

Speculaton is also rife that the actor will soon tie the knot with model-actress, Lin Laishram. The actor neither confirms nor denies the rumour and signs off keeping the suspense around his personal life intact. “As a rule, I don’t discuss my personal life, I have enough to talk about professionally. But yes, I am in a very good space at the moment,” he winks.

Sajid Nadiadwala on his next with Salman Khan, which is targeting Eid 2021 release; the family drama rolls by the year-end and will feature lots of action too
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 14, 2020)

Salman Khan and Sajid Nadiadwala have blocked the two festive slots of 2021 for a family-drama with action and the Kick sequel. Last Friday, Salman took everyone by surprise by announcing his seventh collaboration with his filmmaker friend on a film titled Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali. Produced by Sajid, who has also written the story, the film will be directed by Farhad Samji. Targeting an Eid 2021 release, the film will go on the floors towards the year-end with a start-to-finish schedule.

“It’s essentially a family drama with lots of action too. The narration took place early last week and Salman gave his nod in the first meeting itself as the script is tailor-made for his image,” reveals a source close to the development, adding that the title mirrors Salman’s happy-go-lucky character as well.

Sajid, who directed Kick in 2014, is also returning as a director with the sequel to the action-thriller with Salman in the lead. Talking about their new venture that came like a bolt from the blue, Sajid says, “Salman and I are collaborating after six years and it feels like our Judwaa days are back. I had started writing Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali even before the Kick sequel. It’s a film with a very different approach and we are sure the audience will love Salman in this avatar we have planned.” While speculations about his leading lady have started, the filmmaker states that they are yet to lock any.

Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali will be Sajid’s third consecutive film with Farhad, who had earlier stepped in for Housefull 4’s completion. Before moving on to the Salman Khan-starrer, Farhad will wrap up his Christmas 2020 release, Bachchan Pandey, featuring Akshay Kumar and Kriti Sanon. “The film is expected to roll in May and he is currently finishing the script. Bachchan Pandey should wrap by September,” the source informs.

Meanwhile, Sajid is finishing the script of Kick 2 with writer, Rajat Aroraa. It will flag off after Salman finishes Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali. “Salman and Sajid are both eager to take the Kick franchise forward and have zeroed down on a script that justifies the character of Devil. The first draft is locked, the final screenplay will be ready by year-end,” the source adds. “Kick 2 will happen in December 2021, I am in the process to finish writing the script,” Sajid confirms.

Salman and Sajid have worked together on Jeet, Judwaa, Har Dil Jo Pyaar Karega, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Jaane-E-Mann and Kick. Farhad also wrote Anees Bazmee’s 2011 film Ready, which was fronted by Salman.

The actor is currently shooting for Radhe with Randeep Hooda in a city studio. “Salman is reading several scripts and he could do one more film before reuniting with Sajid Nadiadwala as his dates from March till the year-end are still open. He is on the look out for a non-action film,” the source signs off.

After a self-imposed sabbatical, Jacqueline Fernandez reveals her game plan
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 31, 2019)

Mirror had earlier reported (May 31) that Jacqueline Fernandez had taken a break to take acting lessons at the Ivana Chubbuck Studio in Los Angeles, from which Hollywood biggies Charlize Theron, James Franco, Brad Pitt, Halle Berry, Gal Gadot and Gerard Butler have graduated. It has been six months since and the actress is back in the race.

“We actors always want to be in the limelight, but it’s nice to take a step back, get a perspective on what’s working for you and the trends,” she reasons, admitting that while many of her frat are too scared to take a step back, it’s important for her to live without the fear. “Now, when I sign a new film, it won’t be because I’m insecure but because I’m excited about the project.”

She acknowledges that there was a phase when she was skeptical about challenging herself as an actor. “I was hesitant because I wasn’t confident I’d be able to do justice to the part. But today, having trained myself, I’m open to experimenting with different roles and genres,” she avers, quick to add that commercial Hindi films will always be a part of her filmography as they are fun and challenging in their own right. “As long as you believe in what you do, you can give it your 100 per cent.”

Jacqueline regrets having missed out on a brilliant script earlier by a really good director. “I always thought I worked better in the commercial space, so, I was hesitant. Sonam (Kapoor) encouraged me to take on the challenge, but I didn’t do the film,” she sighs.

Opening up about future projects, she informs that she will kick off an action film in January. “It will be announced with the actor soon. Then, there’s Kick 2 which rolls next year. “Nadiad (producer Sajid Nadiadwala, who made his directorial debut with Kick in 2014 and will helm Part 2) is writing the script now. The earlier film was a game-changer for me. I’m sentimental and emotional about Kick. We’ll give the sequel our 200 per cent to make it bigger and better,” she promises.

Kick 2 will mark the third collaboration for Jacqueline and Salman. She’s in awe of her co-star: “Salman’s reach is so huge. Working with him is like going to film school, you get invaluable lessons while on the job.”

A woman-centric action film, which she is producing, is also in the pipeline. “We have zeroed in on something interesting and are locking the logistics. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a couple of years. We should have things in place by early next year,” she reveals. After Rohit Shetty’s cop-universe brought together Ajay Devgn, Ranveer Singh and Akshay Kumar to fight against a common evil, can she see a franchise led by three women? “Sonam has already set a trend with female collaborations, I hope they happen frequently. I’ve worked well with Deepika (Padukone) in Race 2, Nargis (Fakhri) and Lisa (Haydon) in Housefull 3. So, I’m open to such films,” Jacqueline beams.

She was to play the lead in the official adaptation of The Girl On The Train, but eventually stepped out, making way for Parineeti Chopra. “Her first look was brilliant and Parineeti will do an amazing job. It was not the film for me at that point. It’s important for me do films I absolutely want to do. It’s important that I don’t get insecure and sign films just for a release or two,” she signs off.

Juhi Chakraborty (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 30, 2019)

Looking at her decade-long filmography, one can say that actor Jacqueline Fernandez, who made her debut with Aladin (2009), has had an eventful stint in Bollywood so far. And now the actor’s career takes a fresh turn as she ventures into the popular web medium with not one, but two projects.

And Jacqueline is very pleased with her roles in both the projects as well as the variety in other offers coming her way of late. “There is a huge change in the film industry in terms of roles for women also because of the advent of the digital medium. Content has a much wider variety, now there are many more roles for everyone. I am excited about it and glad that there is a shift. I see new, different scripts coming my way and interesting things that didn’t really come to me earlier,” she says. The one drawback? “It is difficult to choose now,” rues the Murder 2 (2011) actor.

The 34-year-old also seems to have slowed down — her last release, Race 3 (2018), was the only film she did last year. Jacqueline says she has been consciously choosy about her work. “I have to be careful about where I put my time and energy. This year has been amazing for me as apart from doing interesting films and scripts, I also took the time out and did a lot of training, something I really never got the time to do before,” she says.

Being part of the industry for so long, the actor also feels it is crucial to constantly reinvent herself, something she strives to achieve.

“Actors are creative people, they get bored very easily. I can speak for myself. It happens to me. If I am not constantly reinventing, then I start to feel very demotivated and not very inspired. And inspiration is the most important thing for us in this field,” Jacqueline asserts.

Other than her web ventures, the actor is also all keyed up about the sequel to Kick (2014). While Kick 2, also starring Salman Khan, has been announced, it has been in the works for quite a while now. “That’s because the director really wanted it to be perfect. It is an amazing script. I am happy to be a part of the sequel [of a film] which catapulted my career. It is great to be working again with this dream team,” she adds.

Sajid Nadiadwala and Nitesh Tiwari discuss their first collaboration, future projects and the ever-changing fabric of commercial films
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 30, 2019)

Sajid, Chhichhore is different from the kind of films you produce. What was it about Nitesh’s script that caught your attention?
Sajid: I’d heard the plot of Dangal in a line—a man praying for a son who could help him live out his dream, only to end up with a succession of daughters and the disappointment that he’d never be able to accomplish his mission, till realisation dawns that a daughter is as good as a son. How I wished this story had come to me. Thinking that a talented writer always has leftovers, I approached him. After Dangal, he came to me with a few scripts he’d penned over five years. They were nice, but I wanted something more. Then, he mentioned a story rooted in his college days, and instantly added that I would not make this film…
Nitesh (Laughs): That’s because script mein gaaliyan bahut thi and Sajid sir does not make adult films.
Sajid: But the idea of a reunion in hospital appealed to me. I gave my nod. The abuses slowly filtered down from 50 to 25 to 10 to five. Finally, even those were done away with.
Nitesh: He kept saying, if I felt strongly about them, I could keep them but thanks to Sajid sir, I saw the bigger picture and realised too realistic a portrayal of my world would cut out the 12 to 17 age group I was targeting, defeating our purpose.

Was there anything else you were unsure about?
Sajid: The sports portions. Since these couldn’t be explained on paper, I wondered how they’d play out on screen. I stopped watching the rushes because the college portions were shot before the hospital ones and I didn’t want to see any era on its own. So, I waited to see the complete film with my son. Both of us left the editing room crying. I am a crybaby, but this was the first time that, as a producer, I felt good about a director making me cry (Laughs).

Nitesh, when Sajid greenlit your film, were you apprehensive he’d want you to commercialize it by making you incorporate a special appearance song maybe?
Nitesh: No, I go with the vibes I get and Sajid sir was humble enough to meet me at my level, he shared my excitement. Besides, he’d made films like Highway, Tamasha and Rangoon and offered value additions to mine, like the end credits song, which leaves the audience on a high.

Sajid, how involved were you with the casting?
Sajid: My only agenda was for the film to roll out asap, so I went with the talent available and that sir wanted. He took the decisions, but every few days, I’d get a text seeking my opinion. It’s rare for a director to share the filming process with the producer, particularly one who’s given the biggest hit in Hindi cinema. Anyone can make a hit, but to not let it change you and your lifestyle, is something my team has learnt from him. That’s why we’re waiting to steal him back.

You’ve already announced your next project. Now for the details…
Nitesh: We’ll go through the same process of exploring, short-listing and finalising. I’ll share half-a-dozen ideas, he’ll say five don’t work. (Laughs) Hopefully we’ll find one he thinks is good. We’re still exploring…

Today, content is scoring over everything else and even a Housefull franchise is attempting a twist in the tale with a reincarnation track. How do feel about this scenario?
Sajid: I’ve survived 2000 Fridays in 38 years and I’ll say this is the best time for the industry. Once junior artistes didn’t even know the name of the film they were shooting. At the end of the day, it was only about the money. Today, everyone’s working towards making a good film. It feels good to be a part of the good times.

Nitesh, as a viewer what do you expect from Housefull 4?
Nitesh: I watch a film like a common man, and enjoy all kinds. Housefull is a fun film for my wife and me. Ashwiny (Iyer Tiwari), who has no inhibitions, laughs freely and loudly when watching a film like this. At the end of the day, the audience wants to be entertained which is why no matter how serious my subject, my films are entertaining.

Sajid, what did your wife Warda think of Chhichhore?
Sajid: My family finds my recent films shocking. (Laughs) After watching Super 30 turn a Greek God (Hrithik Roshan) into a tanned, small town math teacher with an unfamiliar dialect, they were wondering what was in store this time. The buddy film set in a college campus has won hearts across the world. After these two films, a mainstream Housefull seems different. Today, a film of a man alone in the Alps is more commercial than a film with 19 actors and a laugh-a-minute script.

It’s a challenge in its own way…
Sajid: It is, and we enjoy making a Housefull. All the top actresses, from Lara (Dutta) and Asin to Deepika (Padukone), have been a part of the franchise; everyone has to forget their inhibitions and act shamelessly on camera because without that conviction, they will stand out like a sore thumb. But as Akshay (Kumar) says, after the respect our last three-four films have got us, ab izzat gawane ka time aa gaya hai. (Laughs) I was scared making Highway once, now I’m scared making Housefull.

Then why take it forward?
Sajid: These films are our roots and we’ve reached Part 4 because the three previous films worked. Instead of five stars, we may collectively get five stars from five critics, but it will pack the crowds even as people curse it and say, “Luck hai, the producer is going through a good time, jackpot lag gaya.”As a producer, you either get a jackpot or a flop. When I wrote and directed Kick, gave life to the Devil, the only compliment I got was, “Sir, jackpot!” even though the critics liked it and it sustained.

What will Kick 2 be like?
Sajid: In the large world that Salman (Khan) belongs, yet, sensible and believable.

And Baaghi 3?
Sajid: Between Housefull and Chhichhore, action with a small dose of emotion, and a story, unlike an earlier Housefull, which helped us in court.

How so?
Sajid: After the films’ release, some theatre writers accused us of stealing their story. That was baffling because, as we told the judge, as many as 15 critics had agreed that this timepass film had stars, locations, costumes and a generous budget but no story. And here, five people were claiming the story was theirs. (Guffaws)

Nitesh, is there a film from Sajid’s repertoire you’d like to do?
Sajid (Laughs): Housefull maybe.
Nitesh (Laughs): Not Housefull, but maybe an out-and-out comedy on the lines of Judwaa, a mix of relationships and humour. But it would depend on the story.

Both your films have been sports-oriented, bringing to the screen wrestling, basketball…
Nitesh: And chess, which hasn’t been seen on screen at a competitive level. It was a risk because chess is a passive sport. Wrestling came with the story since Dangal was Mahavir Singh Phogat’s biopic, and with the GC (General Championship) being a part of my college life, there was no running away from sports in Chhichhore. But I chose to break the stereotype with sports like chess, athletics and basketball, treating them with humour and focussing on all three on the final day of the competition instead of just one.

Sajid, you have a big sports film, '83, coming up in April 2020…
Nitesh: Kabir Khan (director) and I have our offices on the same floor, and every time I hear something about the film, I wish it had been offered to me. (Laughs) I’m jealous.
Sajid: And I was so greedy to be a part of it, I barged into the project. More than cricket, the film’s about how the 1983 World Cup win changed India. When we took on reigning champs West Indies at Old Trafford, we were expecting the team to return on the next flight, but Yashpal Sharma’s 89 set up an unlikely victory. And from there we just kept winning, right up to the finals.

Did you think we’d lift the Cup?
Sajid: No way. I was in the 11th standard then and saw parts of the match on TV, heard some of it on the radio. The memories are hazy…
Nitesh: I was 10, we had no TV at home, so I was oblivious of our triumph. But I realised something extraordinary had happened when the news stayed on the front page for days. Now, every time there’s a re-run of the finals, I watch it. It’s glorious to see Mohinder Amarnath bowl the last ball, get (Michael) Holding out with an LBW, the team running back, some with stumps, the crowds surging towards them, then, Kapil Dev holding the Cup high. My biggest regret is that I’ve not seen any of the previous matches. I’m looking forward to seeing flashes of Kapil Dev’s 175 against Zimbabwe which helped us remain in the competition. One of the greatest knocks ever.

Sajid, you now have the responsibility of launching Suniel Shetty’s son, Ahan.
Sajid: Yeah, I’m the only producer to launch the father and the son. I introduced Suniel in Waqt Hamara Hai, now, over a quarter of a century later, Suniel and Mana, like Jackie (Shroff) had with Tiger, have entrusted me with the responsibility of launching their son. Ahan is a nice boy but after 38 years, I’m still as vulnerable as anyone else on a Friday. I was scared while launching Suniel, I am terrified introducing his son now.

You have two sons of your own, Suban and Sufyan. Do they have expectations from their producer dad?
Sajid: They think the day I announce a film with them, they will be stars. I keep urging them, ‘Upar dekh, dua maang unse, hum bhi unhi se maangte hain.’ I don’t cry in front of them, but quietly, in the bathroom, I make a pact with Him: Make the film run this time, next time I’ll do better. As they are growing up, they’re beginning to understand that films can also flop. I’m thankful for a film like Chhichhore, which makes these kids understand that failure is a part of life and to be enjoyed too. Every year, over 9,000 kids in Mumbai are chasing stardom. Only one becomes a star, maybe in three years. The rest fade away into oblivion. When I launched Suniel, he was one of the guys, but Ahan is Suniel’s son and there’s talk of nepotism. Eventually it’s talent that scores.

Nitesh, what about your kids, Aaradhya and Amaarisa?
Nitesh: They’re growing up normally in a middle-class household. They have more than we did when we were kids, but they have been taught not to take anything for granted. We’ve shielded them from the glamour and success of our professions. For them, Ashwiny and I are still just their parents rather than filmmakers.
Sajid (Laughs): Wait for five-six years, once they understand that you directed Dangal, you’ll know.

Duo will team up for the second installment of Kick which rolls in 2020; Sajid Nadiadwala and Rajat Arora hope to lock the script by year-end
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 21, 2019)

Mirror was the first to report (July 25) that after working together in Jeet, Judwaa, Har Dil Jo Pyaar Karega, Jaan-E-Mann and Kick, Salman Khan and producer Sajid Nadiadwala will team up for the sixth time for the sequel of their 2014 action thriller Kick, which marked the latter’s directorial debut. Like the first film, Kick 2 will be helmed by Sajid. The filmmaker had locked the basic premise in July. Now, we have learnt that Sajid’s story has been green-lit by his leading man, and the filmmaker is currently developing it into a full-fledged screenplay with his Kick co-writer, Rajat Arora. They hope to lock it in the next two months, after which Rajat moves on to the dialogue draft. “The bound script will be ready by the year-end,” informs a source close to the development.

Contrary to the buzz that a new actress will be paired alongside Salman, the film will mark the return of Jacqueline Fernandez to the franchise. “Salman’s character, Devil (Devi Lal Singh), will be carried forward with Jackie as his love interest,” the source reveals, adding that Kick was merely a glimpse into the world of Devil and the sequel will explore other facets of his character. “It’s a role with surprises in plenty which is what makes it unique. It has shades of grey, mixed with largerthan-life heroism and a dash of humour.”

After the Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial Inshallah with the actor hit a roadblock, there were reports that Salman would push forward Kick 2 to Eid. His tweet “Itna maat sochna mere bare mein, Dil mein aata hoon… aur Eid pe bhi” had added fuel to fire. However, our source asserts, the film will release only in 2021.

Like the original, the sequel will be set in India and abroad. The team, including cinematographer Ayananka Bose, will go on a recce by year-end to finalise the locations. An international stunt team will design the action, planning for which will begin early next year. For his character of a US-based businessman in Inshallah, Salman had been in the process of losing weight to acquire a leaner body. He will carry forward the look to his Eid 2020 release as well as Kick 2.

“Sajid wants to take the film a notch higher in every aspect. He has ambitious plans for the franchise which he has discussed with Salman. They plan to roll with the film in 2020,” the source signs off. 

BOMBAY TIMES (September 4, 2019)

Ahead of the release of his upcoming production, Chhichhore, Sajid Nadiadwala talks about the film, which has been directed by Nitesh Tiwari, and his future projects.

Chhichhore, set against the backdrop of IIT Bombay, is all about coming to terms with life. What were your thoughts when you decided to back a film like this, which focusses more on content than star power?
It was just a one-liner when Nitesh shared the idea. The thought itself was so intriguing that I was immediately inspired to make the film. There was no thought on who would be the star of the film, who would we cast, etc... since the story itself was so strong and appealing.

Is it a conscious move to back films that focus on content more than glamour, action and dialoguebaazi?
I’ve explored all kinds of cinema from a Highway to a Tamasha, then a Housefull, Baaghi and a Judwaa, too. It’s important for one to learn and unlearn, or else how will you survive in this industry for 34 years? There is an audience for all kinds of content — from glamour to action drama with films like Judwaa and Baaghi, to movies which are high on storyline like 2 States and Highway. And this year, it is Super 30, Chhichhore and Housefull 4. Filmmaking is my passion and I am open to all kinds of content.

You decided to collaborate with Nitesh Tiwari immediately after he made Dangal. Was that film a trigger for you to work with him?
I had met Nitesh when he was working on Dangal and before it released, I had already signed him. He had narrated three-four concepts to me before we locked Chhichhore. The first narration, I remember, was just a one liner and the concept itself blew my mind. I was inspired to make this film for my kids and I can safely say that it is the finest film in the 34 years I have spent in this industry. Chhichhore is a gift to my sons, Subhan and Sufyan.

At any given time, your company is involved with more than two projects. Does it get difficult to divide attention between projects, which may be very different from each other?
Filmmaking is my passion, I do not know anything apart from it, nor do I have any other side businesses. Initially, when I wasn’t married, I would spend four-five hours in office. Now, after marriage, I easily spend 12-16 hours in office (laughs!). So, naturally, I can give more attention to multiple projects. For example, for Housefull, I have to switch off my brain, and turn on my power to make people believe in the story, whereas a Baaghi is more of planning and scheduling since we have heavy action sequences in the film. I feel grateful to have a dedicated team, which helps me.

Over the next few months, you have a long line-up of films. Could you give us an update on the movies, including Kick 2, which is speculated to start by the end of this year and release on Eid 2020? Are you ready to don the director’s hat again?
Yes, I am ready to direct. I am still writing the film. I’ve written one draft and I will still take another three-four months to finish it. So, I will be ready by Eid next year with my final draft (smiles). After Chhichhore, I will be back on Diwali with my favourite franchise Housefull. This time around, it’s four times the madness with the reincarnation theme. Moving further, we have slated Baaghi 3 in March 2020, and it will go on floors in September this year. We finished the London schedule of '83, last Friday with Ranveer Singh. For Ahan Shetty’s (Suniel Shetty’s son) film, we will go to Mussoorie for the second schedule in September end and it will be ready to release by Summer 2020.

What are your thoughts on working with Nitesh Tiwari and Fox Star Studios?
There are some directors whom you learn from and Nitesh is one of them. It has been a great journey working with him. My collaboration with Fox Star Studios has a great track record with Judwaa and Baaghi, and we are sure about Chhichhore, too.

Salman Khan on why his next collaboration with Sanjay Leela Bhansali was called off three days before it was to roll
Hiren Kotwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 27, 2019)

Since it was announced, Inshallah ( In-shaa-Allah as spelt by SLB), Salman Khan and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s collaboration 20 years after Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999), has been grabbing headlines. With Alia Bhatt as the leading lady, the film was to take off on Wednesday. But on Sunday night, the actor tweeted, “The film with Sanjay Leela Bhansali is pushed but I will still see you all on Eid, 2020. Insha-Allah!! (sic).” The post had rumour mills buzzing, more so following a statement on Tuesday afternoon from the director: “Bhansali Productions has decided to not go ahead with Inshaa-Allah for now… Further announcement will be out soon… God Willing (sic).”

While the development has shocked the film fraternity and the audience, a source privy to the development informed Mirror that the decision was mutually taken by the actor and the filmmaker after an amicable closed-door meeting. By then, satellite and digital rights had been sold and sets built in different studios. After looking at the complete picture before shooting began, they figured that instead of In-sha-Allah, they’d prefer to collaborate on another project in the future.

Salman and SLB's friendship blossomed during their first film together, the latter's directorial debut, Khamoshi: The Musical. They went on to make Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam during which friction erupted when SLB succumbed to pressure from his distributors and Aishwarya Rai’s character Nandini went back to her husband Vanraj (Ajay Devgn) instead of reuniting with Salman’s Sameer. Buzz is, Salman wasn’t happy about Shah Rukh Khan bagging SLB’s Devdas either and dropped out of his Bajirao Mastani, planned with him in the lead. They put their differences aside when Salman agreed to a special appearance in Saawariya, Ranbir Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor’s debut film, in 2007, and subsequently agreed to collaborate on an adaptation of the Hollywood film, The Prestige, till SLB chose to cast Hrithik Roshan in Guzaarish (2010). In an interview to Mirror (March 20, 2019) the filmmaker had admitted that they have had a few issues in the past. “But whenever we met, even sporadically, we picked up from where we’d left off without dwelling on the past and the differences of opinion we might have had. My fondness for him is pure, and Salman, once he offers his friendship, even if you don’t meet or talk in five years, he’s there waiting for you.” The previous day, they had officially announced their fourth collaboration together, In-shaa-Allah, in which Salman was reportedly playing an Orlando-based businessman with Alia as a 20-something aspiring actress from Varanasi.

In the same interview, SLB said that from his understanding of Salman as a man, an actor and as a superstar, In-shaa-Allah was the right film for them to collaborate on. “I’ve been working on it for the last year-and-a-half, starting three months before Padmaavat released, to take my mind off things that were happening at that time. I wrote and reworked it till I felt it was ready, then, went to him,” he had informed. Salman was quick to give his nod to the project.

But a few weeks ago, reports started coming in about financial issues and creative disagreements between the duo. However, according to a source, “Salman didn’t insist, forget dictate, any changes in the script but Bhansali and he have amicably decided to not make this film for now”.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday evening, Salman announced, “Itna mat sochna mere baare mein, Dil mein aata hoon.. aur Eid pe bhi (sic).” Since the cryptic tweet was strongly reminiscent of a punchline from Kick, “Mere baare mein itna mat sochna, Main dil mein aata hoon, samajh mein nahin”, which released on Eid 2014, it fuelled speculations that the actor was planning to push Sajid Nadiadwala’s Kick sequel, which had been initially announced as a Christmas 2019 release, to Eid 2020. But according to the source, the tweet was made in jest.

“Salman has shortlisted two subjects and will take a call on which film he wants to make next and announce it soon. Shooting of Dabangg 3 is almost complete, he’s looking to start his Eid 2020 outing next month,” added the source.

While Salman remained non-committal on his Eid 2020 release, he cleared the air on In-shaa-Allah while talking to Mirror. “Sanjay was a friend even before we started working on Khamoshi. He had come to meet me through Manisha Koirala. After that, we collaborated on Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. When he came to me with this film, I liked it and we decided to work together again. One thing I can say is that Sanjay won’t do gaddaari with his film. I want him to make the film he wants to make. Nothing changes between us as friends and I’m sure nothing has changed in Sanjay’s heart for me. I’m extremely close to his mother (Leela) and sister (Bela). I wish him all the best. He and I will still work in future on a film, Inshallah,” Salman said.

While Sanjay Leela Bhansali etched a pure love story, Salman Khan wanted a proper potboiler, leading to the project being binned
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; August 27, 2019)

The week started on a shocking note for Salman Khan fans. While the superstar announced on Sunday night that his Eid 2020 offering will not be Inshallah but another film, Monday morning saw Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s studio reveal that the team was not going ahead with the love story "for now". A shame since the Alia Bhatt starrer, was to mark the reunion of Khan and Bhansali — a seal of sorts, if you may, to announce to the world that their feud was a thing of the past. Ironically though, In-shaa-Allah was not meant to be. The film has been shelved owing to creative differences between Bhansali and Khan.

A source close to the project tells mid-day, "Salman wanted to change the fabric of the film. While he was happy with the first hour of the story, he had requested Bhansali to rework the rest of the script, especially the climax. Even as the production team set up the first day’s shoot, the two couldn’t agree on the narrative. Bhansali wanted it to be a love story, and Salman could only envision it as a typical Eid potboiler, in which romance is one of the elements. Bhansali respects his actors, and their suggestions are welcome, but not if they aim to alter the narrative. Hence, he took the decision to shelve the film."

Khan has promised his fans that his Eid date with them remains unaffected, leading to speculation that he will fasttrack Kick 2 to meet the deadline. So what happens to In-shaa-Allah? Dismissing rumours that Bhansali’s other favourite — Shah Rukh Khan — might step in to save the day, the source reveals, "Bhansali might turn his focus to Izhaar, a romantic film that he has been discussing with Shah Rukh for a while. The film will be mounted only by November and is not eyeing the Eid 2020 release."

Which leaves us with the big question — what happens to the friends-turned-foes-turned-friends Khan and Bhansali? "Not even a makkhi will go to the cinemas to watch that film," Khan had said about Guzaarish (2010) after their last public fall out. Should we expect more of such jibes?

Akshay Books Eid Date
Even as fans and industry insiders were reeling under the latest turn of events, Akshay Kumar wasted no time in booking the Eid 2020 window for his film, Laxmmi Bomb. While the Kiara Advani starrer was to hit the marquee on May 22, it will now enjoy a festival release. With this, the stage is set for a clash of the titans — Salman Khan has made it evident that he will not miss his date with the audience on Eid 2020.

Filmmaker Sajid Nadiadwala has finished the first draft of the script of Salman Khan-starrer Kick 2; film to roll next year
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 25, 2019)

Five years ago today, Kick, the 2014-action thriller, which featured Salman Khan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Randeep Hooda and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, released, on Eid.

The film marked Sajid Nadiadwala’s directorial debut. The filmmaker had, up until then, worked as a producer in the industry for more than 25 years. Ever since the film released to wide appeal, there’s been a constant buzz around Kick 2.

Mirror has learnt that the sequel is in its pre-production stage and is expected to go on floors in 2020.

“Since Kick was a much-loved film, Sajid and his writing team is taking things extremely slow, to ensure that part two lives up to the expectations of the audience,” reveals a source close to the development. “There have been several brain-storming sessions to lock the premise of the story, which carries forward the franchise. They have finally zeroed in on the idea.”

The film will mark the return of Salman, who plays Devil (Devi Lal Singh). “The character is deeply layered. There’s a lot about him that has been left to explore,” adds the source. “Devil’s character is extremely unpredictable. That is precisely what makes his role all the more unique. Sajid will further explore this side of the character in part two.”

The filmmaker is working overtime on the script to ensure the film is ready to kick off next year. “Salman and Sajid are constantly in touch—the discussion is mostly about Kick 2. Both of them are extremely keen and eager to team up again. Sajid has discussed the basic premise of the film with him, and Salman Khan is quite kicked about the project,” the source informs.

Once the script is finalised, the team will go on a recce to finalise the location sites. “The shooting spots will be decided as per the demand of the script. Much like part one, even the sequel will be set in India and abroad.” Apart from Salman, other members of the cast will be decided shortly.

Sajid is ecstatic that his directorial debut has completed five years today. “It’s a nostalgic day for me. I have started penning down the second instalment. The first draft is ready. The second draft is in its initial stage. I’m excited for this journey to begin as much as fans are to witness it. The Devil will return soon,” he smiles.

Apart from working on Kick 2 script, the filmmaker is also “actively involved” in projects such as Chhichhore, Housefull 4, ‘83, Ahan Shetty’s launch and Baaghi 3.

Salman and Sajid first worked together as actor-producer in the 1996 action film, Jeet. They also teamed up for Judwaa, Har Dil Jo Pyaar Karega, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi and Jaan-E-Mann.

Sajid has revealed in the past that when the team was deciding who will be the director of Kick, it was Salman who insisted Sajid to come and helm the project. “Before I could even confirm my decision, Salman had already tweeted, ‘The Grandson is the new director of Kick.’ This happened within 10 minutes and I didn’t even get a chance to say a no,” Sajid was quoted ahead of Kick’s release.

Hiren Kotwani (DNA; June 12, 2019)

Even as his Eid outing, Bharat, is showing in cinemas, Salman Khan is apparently planning a project with his youngest bhai Sohail Khan — jungle adventure Sher Khan. This will be one of the several projects that Dabangg Khan has in the pipeline. The Bollywood superstar has scheduled his next two releases — Prabhudheva-directorial Dabangg 3 on December 20 and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s InshaAllah on Eid 2020. After that, there is Sajid Nadiadwala’s Kick 2 and possibly a movie with Rohit Shetty, apart from Sohail’s pet project.

Sher Khan first made news about seven years ago.

However, back then, the Khan brothers weren’t too pleased with the way the script was turning out. So, they put it on the back-burner and Sohail made Jai Ho (2014), instead. It’s likely that they will crack the script in the coming months.

“Even though Sher Khan was put on hold, its writing had not stopped. The brainstorming continued and now, a considerable portion of the script has been completed. The adventure film will also have a good dose of VFX, which is also being incorporated in the screenplay,” says our source, adding that the Khans are hopeful of cracking the screenplay by the time Dabangg 3 releases.

The insider adds, “The Khan clan is pleased with the way the script has turned out so far. Naturally, if they can lock it by the first quarter of 2020, then Salman would like to work on Sher Khan after Inshallah wraps up.” As for Kick 2, our source tells us that work on the script is still underway. Sajid Nadiadwala, who directed Salman’s 2014 Eid blockbuster, will helm the sequel too.

Our source sums up, “Sohail is the darling of the family. And Salim Khan saab and Salman absolutely dote on him. Given that Alvira and Atul’s Bharat is out and Arbaaz’s Dabangg 3 is under-production, Salman is looking to line up Sher Khan. Since they have finished a considerable portion of the script and are likely to lock it in the coming months, it won’t be surprising if Salman decides to do it after completing Inshallah.”

IT’S ALL IN THE FAMILY
In the last 10 years, Salman has had films with his siblings, one after the other. After Arbaaz’s maiden production venture, Dabangg (2010), he had Ready (June 2011), on which Sohail was one of the producers, followed by his 2011 Eid release Bodyguard, which was produced by his sister Alvira Khan Agnihotri and brother-in-law Atul Agnihotri. The superstar’s Christmas 2012 outing Dabangg 2, which marked Arbaaz’s directorial debut, was followed by Sohail’s Jai Ho (2014). Now, post-Bharat (also produced by Alvira and Atul) and Dabangg (co-produced by Arbaaz), it looks like Sohail’s turn won’t be too far away.

Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; June 4, 2019)

Currently filming for the third instalment of his cop film, Dabangg, Salman Khan is expected to jump into the shoot of yet another franchise, next year. Almost a year after Kick producer Sajid Nadiadwala announced a sequel to the Jacqueline Fernandez-starrer, mid-day hears that the film will go on floors in April 2020.

A source says, "When the sequel was announced, the script wasn't ready. Since part one included high-octane action sequences, Nadiadwala wanted to take the second instalment a notch above. Now that the production house is ready, the actor has also given his nod. Once he finishes shooting for Dabangg 3, he will move on to Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Inshallah, and then Kick 2."

Pre-production work on the film is expected to begin by the year-end to meet a December 2020 release date. "While the film will not be a continuation of the last edition, Salman's character's traits will be retained. Jacqueline has been finalised for it."

Salman Khan admits he has changed a lot over the years, opens up about future projects, joking that Dabangg will stop at 743rd instalment
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 22, 2019)

He’s the boss even in a makeshift shamiana in the parking lot of a city studio. The night is young, and the mood is mellow. As he gears up to embark on a six-decade cinematic journey, Salman Khan, as always, is full of surprises. He cracks jokes with a straight face, shares changes that he’s noticed in himself without the slightest discomfiture and reveals plans that sound impossible but with Salman you can never tell. Excerpts from an interview:

Your director Ali Abbas Zafar has said that Bharat is a film that could only be made with you because of the beautiful relationship you share with your father (Salim Khan)?
Everyone shares a beautiful relationship with their parents. So, this film could have been made with anyone and they would have done complete justice to the film because the script is so beautiful. Ab bolne ke liye it can be said that because I share a beautiful relationship with my father, mother, sisters, brothers and friends I was the only choice but the fact is that had anyone else done it, it would have turned out just this way, maybe better.

It’s an official adaptation of a Korean film, Ode To My Father…
We’ve taken the rights of that film, but it’s changed a lot. Their culture is different from ours and when you adapt it, scenes change, moments change, the screenplay changes. But the plot has remained the same.

Having written stories and screenplays yourself, what was it about this one that caught your attention?
My visual of this film is that of two old men standing together at the end with tears in their eyes. Beta bhi buddha, baap aur buddha.. Since the age of nine, this guy has been waiting for something like this to happen…

Ali says he now has a two-hero script for a film which he’d like to make with Shah Rukh Khan and you.
I don’t know anything about this. At the moment there’s only Bharat.

What does the word Bharat mean to you?
It means my country, the country I love, and what I can do for it.

Every year on Eid you come with a film which is like a gift... an Eidi for your fans.
Films arrive during every festival, whenever one is ready, aa jaate hain. Dabangg 3 will come this Christmas and I’ve had releases during Diwali too. It’s just a coincidence that some of my films have opened around this time which makes people say that Eid is booked by Salman Khan. Arre any actor can come during the festival, it’s a good date, a holiday, when people have got their salaries and their bonuses. Since this is the only entertainment we have, they come flocking to see their favourite heroes. It’s strange, when you are watching something on the digital platform, you watch alone, but when it’s a film, you always take family or friends along. Picture sab saath mein baith ke dekhte hain aur isse bonding ho jaati hai theatre ke andar.

What kind of films did you grow up watching?
The kind of films I’m making right now, and I went to the theatres to watch them. And believe me, the best kind of marketing for a film is still in-theatre promotion. The posters we saw in the foyer and the trailers we waited for, are what draw cinegoers. People come to the theatres to watch films all the time and for them posters must be tangaoed and trailers chalaoed so they know what’s arriving next.

There’s another Korean film, Veteran, around a detective and a crime syndicate…
Yeah, it’s an outstanding film. Atul (producer brother-in-law Atul Agnihotri) has acquired the rights of both Ode To My Father and Veteran.

Will you feature in the Hindi adaptation of Veteran too?
We will see about that.

Dabangg 3 traces how neighbourhood rowdy Chulbul became Inspector Robinhood Pandey. What triggered off the idea of a prequel?
The plot was in our minds when we were writing Dabangg.

So the franchise was conceived as a three-part series.
No, the first and the second parts which were linked lead up to the third. It was like iske baad yeh hoga aur third mein yeh hona chahiye.

So there’s going to be a Dabangg 4, 5,6… Where do you stop?
We will stop at (after pondering for a moment) Dabangg 743.

It will spin for 700 years?
(With a naughty twinkle) No, we will finish everything now.

Ek saal mein kitne aayenge?
(Smiling) Aa jayenge.

The TV show, Bigg Boss, has become synonymous with you but buzz is, you will not be hosting this season. True?
I wish it were true but I’m doing it.

What do you enjoy about getting people into the house every year?
I don’t enjoy it. Endemol and Colors enjoy picking up people and putting them in the house who I have to then deal with. Sometimes I enjoy it, sometimes I don’t enjoy it, not at all. But I get to learn a lot from them.

Would you allow anyone to lock you into a house like that?
I would never allow it, but unfortunately, I don’t have a choice. They do come and pick me up and block me.

Not anymore…
No? I hope not.

As an actor you’re always playing characters written for you, in the process don’t you lose sight of the real Salman Khan?
People write different characters for me and I think I am doing them differently, but they all turn out the same. That’s my speciality! Kitna bhi different le kar aao, they all end up looking alike.

As Ali says, even when you are playing a character, Salman Khan doesn’t disappear 100 per cent. Perhaps that’s what your fans like…
They come to see Salman Khan, but they need to see who I really am. Who am I? Even I don’t know myself. I have no idea.

So you see a lot of changes in Salman today from the one who did Maine Pyar Kiya?
Oh, yes.

But your director, Sooraj Barjatya, says he saw the same “beautiful soul” of Maine Pyar Kiya a quarter of a century later in Prem Ratan Dhan Payo…
Sooraj sees what he is in others. He has not lost his innocence and his niceness. But I know that naivety in me disappeared a long time ago. I see a huge change in me and that’s how it should be. You can’t have the same innocence at this age, you will look like an idiot.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali who is reuniting with you on Inshallah after almost two decades mentioned that you simply picked up from where you had left off…
That’s how it should be, whenever he and I meet, there is this connect It’s just not an actor-director relationship. Just because he was working with other actors, it didn’t have to hamper or spoil our equation. I work with other directors too, so should he. Now we will be collaborating on this very sweet love story.

The film pairs you with one of the most promising young talents we’ve had in recent years…
See how she’s turned it around, from a student to now, it’s beautiful! And no one can take credit for her growth except Alia Bhatt herself. Jo bhi bole humne usko banaya hai, is not to be believed. It’s Alia who has honed her talent.

What’s it like to be working with this bundle of talent?
A godown of talent will be meeting with a bundle of talent… (Laughs) Actually there’s no talent here.

Tiger Zinda Hai 3 is expected to start soon...
It might, I’ve still to hear the script. Right now, I have two films.

Will Katrina Kaif return?
Of course. Dabangg will always have Sonakshi (Sinha), Jackie (Jacqueline Fernandez) will always be a part of Kick and Tiger can never be made without Katrina.

Talking of Jacqueline you brought art into her life…
(Smiles) Yeah, she was painting a lot during Race 3.

Planning to share some of your paintings with the world?
There’s just no time to paint now but in around three months time I’ll have an exhibition for sure.

What about your other ventures? There was talk of you starting a restaurant…
Restaurant? No, that’s not on the cards, but we are retailing in clothing, jewellery, gyms and equipment, with the focus being on quality and durability. Mashallah, all the ventures are doing well with plans of getting much bigger.

As a producer you recently gave your nod to a romcom revolving around a wedding to be directed by Rohit Naiyar…
Rohit was the assistant director on two films I’d done with Raj Kanwar. Minutes into the narration I stood up and began laughing. It’s one of the funniest scripts I have heard.

Your wedding has become a national concern….
Yeah, I think I should announce it on May 23… (Laughs)

Seriously, any plans?
Not for some time.

And children? You love them…
(Smiles) I want children, but with children comes the mother. I don’t want the mother, but they need one. But I have a whole village to take care of them. Maybe I can work out a win-win situation for everyone.

Meena Iyer (DNA; March 28, 2019)

Whenever Salman Khan announces a new film, most of Bollywood’s A-list heroines queue up, hoping to bag the female lead against mainstream cinema’s biggest star.

However, it seems that one name always goes missing from the list, that of Deepika Padukone. Recently, we met Salman and quizzed him when would we see him sharing screen space with the leggy lass. The actor smiled and replied, “Actually even I’m wondering when will I work with Deepika?”

Sensing just a wee bit of humour in his tone, we asked him why he had no answer to our query. To which he replied, “No one has come forward to cast me with her.” Then, he smiled and added, “Deepika is a big star, so it has to be worth her while to do a film with me. Right now, there is nothing.”

Listing his slate of forthcoming projects, the Dabangg Khan said, “In Bharat, Katrina Kaif is my heroine. She will also be my leading lady in the third part of the Tiger series. In Dabangg 3, there’s Sonakshi Sinha. In Sajid Nadiadwala’s Kick 2, I’m paired with Jacqueline Fernandez. So, if something comes up with Deepika, then perhaps...”


(Katrina Kaif has Bharat and the third film of the Tiger series with Salman; Alia Bhatt will work with him in Inshallah; Sonakshi Sinha will be a part of Dabangg 3; Jacqueline Fernandez returns with him in Kick 2)