Showing posts with label Kriti Kharbanda. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kriti Kharbanda. Show all posts
Kriti Kharbanda on taking a four-year break: "I was feeling let down by what was coming my way"
8:03 AM
Returning to screens with Rana Naidu 2 after a four-year hiatus, Kriti Kharbanda says she wanted a break after years of trying to be in the right rooms and bag opportunities
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; June 25, 2025)
In the 12 days since the second season of Rana Naidu premiered, Kriti Kharbanda hasn’t stopped smiling. Not only because the Netflix offering — starring Rana Daggubati and Venkatesh Daggubati — marks her maiden web series, but also because her parents have reacted warmly to it.
“The character is so different from my personality that I wasn’t sure how my parents would react to it. I don’t connect to her on an emotional level except the fact that she is a woman trying to make her place in a man’s world. But after the show released, the response has been amazing,” she beams.
What makes Rana Naidu 2 all the more special is that it marks the actor’s first project in the past four years. After 14 Phere (2021), she took a break from acting. Her reasons were simple — the offers coming her way weren’t exciting, and she no longer felt the need to be seen everywhere.
“I was feeling let down by what was coming my way. I want to feel excited when I go to work, otherwise it shows. I didn’t want to work for the heck of it,” she shares.
Taking a break in an industry that believes in the out-of-sight-out-of-mind philosophy can be a risk, but Kharbanda’s choice was rooted in self-confidence.
“I have been working since the age of 17, and hadn’t taken a break because I felt I needed to be present everywhere. [I worried] that if I’m not in the right room, I’d miss an opportunity. That feeling comes from not being from the industry. You’re trying hard to make a name for yourself. That hustle got to me eventually and I needed to reinvent myself.”
Kriti Kharbanda ka mood off ho toh I just surprise her with a box of chocolate-Pulkit Samrat
8:05 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; July 8, 2024)
Pulkit Samrat’s love for chocolates was evident when he arrived for an exclusive shoot with Bombay Times on World Chocolate Day yesterday. Wearing the chef’s hat, the Pagalpanti actor whisked in a delicious mix that included some chopped chocolate bars as he tried putting up a cocoa-based dessert together. He could not resist licking the chocolate off his fingers as he wrapped up his session.
‘Chocolates remind me of my days in Delhi’
“As someone who hails from Delhi, this takes me back to the chilly winters there when we would often have a cup of hot chocolate. Today, I see chocolate as something that gives me good sleep and is a great aphrodisiac,” said Pulkit, who switched to eating dark, sugar-free chocolate post 2018.
Considering Pulkit loves dark chocolate, does that extend to his choice of roles as well? Speaking about playing dark characters, he shared, “I love exploring every kind of cinema. I loved my character in Taish, not just because it was in the dark zone but also because it was challenging and something I had not tried before. I love taking up challenges. It spices things up. Does that mean I am open to the idea of dark chocolate with chilli? Absolutely!”
‘Kriti and I usually have dark chocolate before going to bed’
Pulkit said he had different variants of chocolates each time a new girl came into his life. He says, “One of my earlier girlfriends loved Bar One, so I tried to develop a taste for it because I was more of a 5 Star person. Then, for a short span, I dated someone who loved Twix. I remember I got a cake made of Twix. Another girlfriend liked Toblerone... and that was quite an expensive affair (laughs). Kriti (wife, Kriti Kharbanda) loves Ferrero Rocher. Toh mujhe jab bhi usko manana hota hai, I know that is the thing to go to. Uska mood off ho toh I just surprise her with a box of this chocolate. Like me, she loves chocolates, and at night, too, we usually have dark chocolate before going to bed.”
The actor continues saying that he is always on a lookout for good dark chocolates. He elaborates, "When I was in London, shooting for Pagalpanti, I hopped across chocolate studios only to find some healthy yet lip-smacking chocolates. Today, Mumbai has some fantastic places that stock some great, healthy versions of chocolates. At my home, you will find the fridge in my kitchen, my gym and the mini fridge in my room filled with dark chocolates."
‘Chocolate boy hona achcha hota hai’
Talking about his ‘chocolate boy’ image in the industry, he said, “When Ekta Kapoor discovered me and cast me in Kyunki... Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, I was that chocolate boy for her, and that’s what she would call me. Then, in films like Sanam Re or Junooniyat, my character was very boy-next-door, chocolate-boy kind. Chocolate boy hona achcha hota hai… I don’t mind being called chocolate boy forever.”
Pulkit-Kriti’s go-to chocolate-infused recipe
Sharing their go-to healthy recipe, he said, “We add a dash of chia seeds in coconut milk, throw in some cacao (raw, unprocessed version of cocoa) nibs. Then add some blueberries, dark chocolate shavings and cinnamon, and top it with oats, sugar-free granola and some black raisins. Mix it well, refrigerate it overnight and have it in the morning. It makes for a great healthy breakfast.”
Location courtesy: Oh So Silly!, Bandra
Pulkit Samrat, Kriti Kharbanda’s Punjabi wedding to have ‘subtle and classy’ pastel theme
8:37 AM
Sugandha Rawal Tagra (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 13, 2024)
Actor-couple Pulkit Samrat and Kriti Kharbanda are taking their relationship to the next level after dating for several years. And it’s going to be a “Punjabi affair”.
A source tells us, “They are from Delhi, so they want to get married in the capital only.” The celebrations will reportedly begin on March 13 and culminate on March 15 in Manesar, Haryana.
The source also said, “The families will have an intimate get-together in Delhi. The wedding ceremony will be high on music, dance, food and masti.” The couple has opted for a “subtle and classy” pastel theme wedding “as it reflects their personality”.
Samrat’s Fukrey gang, actors Varun Sharma and Manjot Singh, along with actor-couple Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal will be in attendance. “The other guests will be (actor) Farhan Akhtar [and wife] Shibani Akhtar, (directors) Zoya Akhtar and Luv Ranjan, and (producer) Ritesh Sidhwani,” says the source.
The couple have acted together in films like Veerey Ki Wedding (2018), Pagalpanti (2019) and Taish (2020).
I didn’t want to miss last ride on Mumbai’s double-decker bus-Kriti Kharbanda
8:47 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; September 18, 2023)
On September 15, Mumbai’s iconic non-AC, diesel-run red double-decker BEST bus plied on the streets of the city one last time. “Mumbai ki apni double-decker buski aakhri savari pe humare saath chaliye,” announced the bus conductor, as the double-decker bus rolled out of the bus depot at Seepz (Andheri East). Commuters, including Pagalpanti actress Kriti Kharbanda, were surprised when they were handed over vintage tickets that looked nothing like the printed ones.
It was an emotional day for the staff as well as Mumbaikars who travelled from various parts of the city for one last ride on the bus.
Kriti Kharbanda joined us on this unforgettable ride with a lot of enthusiasm. While being handed over the ticket from conductor Gopal Sukte, she said, “I can’t believe this is my last ride on this bus. For me, Mumbai is synonymous with these red double-decker buses.”
About her memories attached to these buses, she shared, “When I told my mother about this, she fondly shared one story with me. I remember I came to Mumbai from Bengaluru when I was 11-years-old to shoot an ad. My mom told me, ‘Yaad hai tune kitna halla kiya tha at the bus stop in Andheri? You insisted that mujhe issi bus mein travel karna hai,upar wale floor pe baithke’. Later, I travelled on these buses when I first came to Mumbai to pursue my career in showbiz. It was a joy ride that I took with my friends. I am sure the commuters that are on the bus with us today have such lovely memories too – phir woh chahe romantic yaadein ho ya college ki mastiyaan.”
The Housefull 4 actress says that the bus ticket she bought for this last ride will find a special place in her home. She said, “I have a box which is full of my ‘many first’ memories, like the boarding pass of my first international trip, my first business class ticket, and now this one, which will go right on top as I will never get to ride this bus again!”
I hope hamara yeh safar buss chalta rahe: Sachin Waghmare, bus conductor
Marking the last journey of the bus, the staff including the driver and the conductor got emotional and interacted with commuters. Conductor Sachin Waghmare shared some memories and encouraged commuters to share their memories. A diary was also circulated among commuters to pen their thoughts about their last ride.
“There are many unforgettable memories attached to these buses. Kuch aise pal bhi hai jisme chhutte paison ke liye hamari aur commuters ke beech mein ann-bann ho jaati thi, lekin doosre din sab bhool kar wapas hum issi bus mein milte the aur safar shuru karte the. I hope hamara yeh safar buss chalta rahe,” Waghmare signed off on an emotional note.
Did you know?
- The iconic red buses have a history that dates back to 1937 when they were introduced to tackle the city’s growing traffic.
- Modelled after the motorized double-decker buses of London, Mumbai’s BEST-operated double-deckers became an integral part of the city.
- The first Limited Bus service in Mumbai started between Colaba and Mahim in 1940.
- In the 1960s around 900 of these buses plied in the city, but eventually, the number dwindled to 48.
Outfit hai, OTP thodi hai jo ek baar use kiya to phir nahi karoge-Kriti Kharbanda
8:18 AM
Mihir Bhanage (BOMBAY TIMES; June 18, 2022)
Kriti Kharbanda has done her fair share of work in the film industry, including films in Hindi, Telugu and Kannada languages. However, the actress’ perspective is clear. “I don’t look at it as different, regional parts of an industry. For me, it is the Indian film industry, and I am proud to be associated with it,” she says.
‘A FILM SHOULD BE ENTERTAINING, IRRESPECTIVE OF THE LANGUAGE’
The perception of films, too, has changed with pan-India projects taking the spotlight. Ask her how she thinks this has changed the dynamics of the film industry and the Housefull 4 actress replies, “I think people have finally realised that unity is strength. We may speak different languages, but we are all Indian. Every moviegoer, irrespective of the language they speak or understand, wants to be entertained when they go to a cinema hall. When you put your heart and soul into making a good project, it’s also important to make sure that it reaches every part of the country. Dub it into all languages and make sure everyone watches it and talks about it with pride. I am grateful that producers understand the importance of reaching a wider audience and are making sure they enjoy the product.”
MAKING THE MOST OF EVERY OPPORTUNITY
Having been part of OTT projects, and being a viewer too, Kriti feels that the space has changed a lot for everyone involved in showbiz. Has it also opened more avenues, giving actors increasing opportunities to showcase their work? To this, she says, “I think every opportunity, irrespective of the platform, is great, and one should treat it as such. Personally, I believe in doing my best on each project. I can’t control the results or feedback, but I can surely give it my 100 per cent. Having said that, every actor looks for an opportunity to showcase what they are good at. The fact that people have become more accepting of watching films and shows on OTT platforms has changed things for us. Because of that, we are getting more opportunities. The industry will adapt to changes, but in the meantime, as an actor, all I wish for is that the viewers keep watching us on whatever platform they like to.”
‘SUSTAINABLE FASHION IS THE NEED OF THE HOUR’
Talking about her style fundas, she says that while she prefers comfort over glamour, and fashion can be a cool amalgamation of both. She says, “I am a ‘sneakers over heels’ kind of girl. But I feel fashion can be a mix of glamour and comfort. I also feel that sustainable fashion is the need of the hour. Repeating outfits should be normalised. I often wear the same outfits by just reinventing the way I style them. Among friends, we also time-share dresses. Ye karna chahiye. Outfit hai, OTP thodi hai jo ek baar use kiya to phir nahi karoge!”
I want to work in a film with Shah Rukh Khan; I bought the friendship band shown in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai-Kriti Kharbanda
8:14 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; May 4, 2022)
As she spent family time with her folks in Bengaluru last year, Kriti Kharbanda enjoyed doing what the family loves to do the most, which is watch movies together. And it is during this time that Kriti realised how much she wants to work with the Khans in the industry! It is the Khandaan of Bollywood who she grew up watching and now that she is an actor she is itching to work with them.
Talking about her love for cinema and her family, Kriti said, “We are a family that would dedicate alternate Sundays to watching movies in cinema halls. So, my dad got a projector and a huge screen during the lockdown to enjoy a theatrical experience at home. He has done this set up in the terrace of our house. We had fun movie nights. I recently spent some quality time with my parents and siblings and did not worry about the world.”
During her college days, Kriti remembers how she would bunk classes to watch her favourite stars on the big screen. A fan ofthe three Khans of Bollywood — Shah Rukh, Salman and Aamir — Kriti hopes that one day she gets to act opposite SRK who she used to crush on the most. “Working with the Khans is definitely on my bucket list. I will achieve this one day and I have no doubts on that. While growing up, Shah Rukh Khan is the one who I admired the most. I remember I was in school when Kuch Kuch Hota Hai released. I bought that famous friendship band shown in the film, from outside my school and I wore it for a whole year. I really want to feature in a film with Shah Rukh sir.”
Kriti Kharbanda is so good at pole dancing. I have even told her that I want to try it-Pulkit Samrat
8:18 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; April 26, 2022)
Pulkit Samrat and Kriti Kharbanda have been in a relationship since the past few years. The two got to spend a lot of time together in the last two years during the lockdown. With so many Bollywood celebrities taking wedding vows in recent times, we asked Pulkit if they, too, were planning to take their relationship to the next level.
“Kriti and I are like best friends, and that’s what’s most important,” says Pulkit, adding, “As best friends or companions, we push each other to grow individually in our own lives and focus on work. Both of us are ambitious individuals. We have had our share of slips in our careers, and so we need that constant push. I am lucky to have her in my life as she keeps me grounded and on track. So, right now, that’s what we are doing, just trying to be the best version of ourselves so that we can be even better for each other.”
Prod him to share his thoughts on marriage, and he says, “Mera toh funda simple hai, as long as you are living as best friends, things are sorted. That way, aapke jhagde aur pyaar friends wale hote hai. When it comes to marriage, it tends to sometimes change this equation between the two individuals. So, as long as you are best friends, you are sorted, why stress so much?”
On the work front, Pulkit is currently shooting for the comedy Fukrey 3 and the romantic film Suswagatam Khushaamadeed. The actor says that although he had got a bit lazy about staying fit over the last two years, now he is back to hitting the gym. “I used to just laze around and eat. I had taken to munching all kinds of junk food. However, I am glad that work keeps me on my toes now. I did slip for a while, but I am happy that I am back on track.”
While he loves sweating it out in the gym, Pulkit also likes to explore other fitness regimes to break the monotony. Kriti has taken to pole dancing as one of her fitness regimes and now Pulkit also wants to give it a shot.
He says, “I take up anything that helps me keep fit. The other day I was watching Kriti’s pole dancing videos. She is so good at it! I have even told her that I want to try it. I know there’s a notion that pole dancing is generally meant for women, but I want to give it a shot as part of my fitness regime as it is great for the core. It may look easy, but pole dancing is quite tough.”
Vikrant Massey ensures that everyone around is comfortable-Kriti Kharbanda
8:07 AM
Kriti Kharbanda says her next, 14 Phere, champions youngsters’ freedom to make life decisions
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; July 15, 2021)
The premise of '14 Phere' is unique, albeit impractical, where the much-in-love couple pulls off two separate weddings to avoid bringing their respective parents face-to-face. The hilarious plot twists aside, Kriti Kharbanda says the social comedy makes a larger point about marriages in India. “The central idea behind the film is that people should be allowed to choose their own partners,” states the actor, who plays Aditi whose father doesn’t believe in the concept of love marriage. “In India, it’s not just the bride and groom who get married, but their families too. Here, we’re showing that it’s easy to co-exist if we learn to accept people for who they are.”
She is thankful that youngsters in urban India have the agency to make life decisions. “Change doesn’t happen overnight. I [am glad that] our parents’ generation is more aware and open to change.”
The ZEE5 film, directed by Devanshu Singh, has her sharing screen space with Vikrant Massey. “He has played so many different characters, so he understands how important it is to be a good co-actor. He ensures that everyone around is comfortable.”
Pole dancing has transformed my body language-Kriti Kharbanda
8:05 AM
Ismat Tahseen (BOMBAY TIMES; July 6, 2021)
While many Bollywood actresses, including Malaika Arora, Jacqueline Fernandez and Deepika Padukone have showed off some hot pole dancing moves on the big screen, this dance form is also a favourite fitness regime for many of them. Kriti Kharbanda, too, is a huge fan of pole dancing and had earlier flaunted some neat moves on social media. For more than a year, she took a break from it, but is now back to her favourite fitness regime.
She says, “I went back to pole dancing after a gap of almost a year-and-a-half. Through the pandemic, I didn’t have access to a pole, though I wish I did. And when I went back to pole dancing, I felt like I had to go back to the basics. But the sense of release and happiness that I felt, was unbelievable. I remember my trainer looking at me and saying, ‘That is probably the most genuine smile I have seen on someone who has returned to pole.’ That’s how much I missed it, and that’s how happy I was to revisit something that I love doing.”
As a fitness regimen, Kriti swears by pole dancing. “It’s absolutely amazing; it’s the kind of workout that makes you feel so empowered. It’s a great stress buster. It requires so much concentration that you have no choice, but to throw out every other emotion and thought, because one step wrong can lead to injury. I think what pole dancing does is — it helps you get in shape physically, and also helps your mental fitness. After doing a pole workout session after so long, I felt like I had meditated for an hour. It was amazing,” says the Housefull 4 actress.
Kriti points out that it has more benefits apart from fitness. “My workout has helped me transform my body language more than anything else,” she says, adding, “I know I have become far more confident than I used to be, I know I feel fitter than I used to feel. I guess it’s something that gives you this energy. It makes you feel like you can conquer the world because what you are doing is working against gravity. It makes me feel extremely empowered, and I believe it’s for everyone. Anyone who wants to, should try their hand at pole dancing and take it up.”
The Pagalpanti actress is back at work now, but she did face a difficult phase. Speaking about it, she shares, “The last couple of months have been challenging for everyone around me. I know that it was difficult for my family and me, wherein many tested positive for Coronavirus. It gave us a reality check that while the heart may want many things, it’s very important to be practical and safe for yourself and others.”
Meri maano toh bas bhaag kar shaadi karlo-Kriti Kharbanda
8:03 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; February 2, 2021)
Talking about that phase, the Housefull 4 actress recalls, “I was detected with malaria in November, and was advised complete bed rest for three weeks. However, I didn’t want the schedule of 14 Phere to go helter-skelter because of me, so I insisted that we start the shoot as per schedule. I was barely 10 days into malaria when I started shooting. Moreover, we were in Lucknow, shooting for nearly 18 hours a day.”
The actress, who would spend about three hours a day getting ready as a bride to face the camera, adds, “I lost six kilos, and the stress was showing on my skin and body. I am just happy that I was able to finish the schedule. It wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the entire team.”
What also helped is a friendly costar like Vikrant Massey, who she was working with for the first time. She says, “If you have a lot of things in common with your co-star, then it helps to build a rapport and work becomes easier despite all odds. Vikrant is not just a fantastic actor, but a great co-star as well. We bonded over our love for food, comedy and cinema. I am a bit of a moofat, but he gets that, and he doesn’t take offence, so that helped us get along. We spent a lot of time together on set, we even played cricket and cards in our free time.”
She shares, “Meri maano toh bas bhaag kar shaadi karlo. I think woh sabse best hota hai (laughs!). I feel that due to Coronavirus restrictions, people have benefited with hosting intimate marriage ceremonies. I think most people want to do small functions with limited people, but they fall prey to the pressure of hosting big fat weddings. Aap hi socho…ki stage pe sabko namaste namaste karte baithna throughout, the entire time goes in that.”
The actress further fondly opens up about her parents’ wedding. “My mom tells me that she spent so many hours greeting guests during her wedding, when she actually had zero idea who they were. Sabke per chhoote chhoote unki kamar dard karne lagi and post that day, she hasn’t even met half the people. One exciting thing that happened during their wedding is that there was a power outage. So, their pheras happened with five cars surrounding them with their headlights on!”
With most of the project being wrapped, Kriti is now planning to visit her folks in Bengaluru. She says, “It’s been a year since I met my parents. The last time I visited them was in January 2020. I am dying to have some maa ke haath ka khaana.”
While she missed the presence of her parents during the lockdown, she had the company of boyfriend Pulkit Samrat throughout the tough phase. “Honestly, before Pulkit came into my life, I would live by myself. I am just somebody who doesn’t feel lonely very easily,” she says, adding, “I still like the idea of spending time by myself, because I started working from a very young age, and I used to travel on my own and take care of myself. I have been very independent all my life. Having said that, I must say that it was quite a long and tough phase and I did feel blessed that I had people around me to love me and so I didn’t have to go through the mental trauma of being by myself.”
Ask Kriti if there are any plans of taking the relationship with Pulkit to the next level and she says, “We have been together for two years and I will just say that this is probably the best phase of my life.”
Learning to say no is the biggest achievement for me in my career-Kriti Kharbanda
8:25 AM
It took Kriti Kharbanda ‘many years of practice’ to make right career decisions
Juhi Chakraborty (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 16, 2021)
She had a single direct-to-digital release in 2020, but Kriti Kharbanda says she is extremely happy with the pace of her career. The actor, who also started shooting 14 Phere amid the Coronavirus pandemic, says, “I am hoping for better and better work. Fortunately, I think I have been very privileged over the last few years, as I’ve had the option to make choices for myself.”
Kharbanda, 30, who started her acting career with Telugu film Boni (2009) and made her Bollywood debut with Raaz: Reboot in (2016), adds, “When I started my career, I was very young and extremely naive... Obviously, I don’t have any formal training in acting, and it took many years of practice for me to understand the process of choosing a script, and what’s right and wrong for me.”
The actor says her experiences so far have been vital to help her understand the profession better. “What I have learnt in the past few years is to not beat around the bush, learn when to say no — when you think you can’t do something or when you don’t want to do something. I think that is what has got me where I am today, because I have said no to things which a lot of people told me will backfire. Learning to say no is the biggest achievement for me in my career,” explains Kharbanda.
Looking forward to see how her career shapes up in the coming years, she shares, “It has only helped me grow from strength to strength. I am hoping that in the years to come, I am to be part of a film and a cast like Housefull 4 (2019), which is an out-and-out commercial film, and also simultaneously be part of a Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana (2017) and Taish (2020). I want to continue on that path, where I am both a bankable star and good actor.”
Today on Lohri, I am shooting exactly after a year-Pulkit Samrat
3:31 PM
The actor shares his childhood memories of the festival and expresses how he is delighted to face the camera after a year
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; January 13, 2021)
While he’s shooting in Mumbai, back home in Delhi, the day will be quite eventful. He elaborates, “My sister just got married, so it’s her first Lohri post wedding. It’s a big thing in a Punjabi household. I will be connecting with my family, later in the day, over a video call. They are a mad bunch of people who will walk around the entire house with the phone in their hand (laughs!).”
As he fondly talks about his sister, Pulkit gets nostalgic about celebrating the festival as a kid. Reminiscing his childhood days, the Pagalpanti actor adds, “I grew up in a joint family. What I remember is my family members gathering planks of wood from the old furniture in the house.”
“Lohri ki date toh pata nahi hoti thi, but the moment you see family members gathering planks of wood, you realise that the festival is coming soon. I used to be amused to see a pyramid being set up using the wood, which is then lit up. I would try to make one myself with the wooden planks but would fail miserably. It was fun doing the rounds of the holy fire while throwing peanuts and gajak into it,” Pulkit says.
Given that he is far away from family, we ask if his Punjabi girlfriend, actress Kriti Kharbanda, is doing something special in Mumbai. “Kriti is half-Punjabi and half-South Indian, so it’s a double celebration for her as Pongal is on January 14. However, she is busy shooting, too. It’s the last day of her shoot, while it’s the first day of my shoot.”
The other family member who’s much excited during such a special occasion is the couple’s pet dog Drogo. Pulkit says, “Drogo is a part of all our celebrations. Whenever he hears us wishing anyone ‘Happy birthday’, even on the phone, he gets super excited. He thinks he will be treated to some delicious food. For him, a celebration is peanut butter, peanut butter cookies, cake and a new toy.”
When I was signed for Boni, I was thrilled I did not have to go to college-Kriti Kharbanda
8:36 AM
As told to Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 14, 2020)
I shot my first ad at the age of five and loved being in front of the camera. I went on to act in my college’s dramatic society but since I come from a conservative family, I was focused on completing my studies and getting married. But a billboard of a supermarket chain I was promoting, caught the eye of filmmaker Raj Pippalla who was in Chennai to find a heroine for his next, the Telugu film Boni. I got a call, went for the audition and was selected. My parents were behind me and I signed up. I was thrilled I was being paid money in advance, was getting to play another girl, learn a new language and best of all, did not have to go to college.
In the film, I plan my own kidnapping. My first shot was in a stationary van with green screens. It felt strange. More so because during the shot, people were shaking the van till my director explained things to me. I had just turned 18 and was wearing a branded pink top with blue jeans and a scarf. I couldn’t afford such costly clothes in real life so it felt great to be wearing that. I took that top home with me as a keepsake. I still have it.
My entry in Hindi films also happened by accident. I was in Mumbai for an ad shoot when my talent agency told me that Mukesh Bhatt wanted to meet me. He had seen my work down South and wanted to cast me in Raaz: Reboot. He didn’t want an audition, just wanted to give me a narration. I was humbled by the respect he showed. We had a reading the same day while Vikram (Bhatt, director) sir was in the next room. When he came in, I asked him if he wanted to take my audition and he said he could already see his Shaina in me, now, it was for me to decide. I asked for some time and flew back home that night. I spoke to my parents and two days later, signed the contract.
We started out with Emraan (Hashmi) and me shooting the song “Yaad Hai Na” in a haunted castle. It was minus 4 degrees. There was a dialogue leading to the song and while saying it, the language felt alien because till then I had been memorising my lines in Telugu or Kannada and suddenly Hindi was so effortless. I missed all the preparation.
But I quickly realised that here, I could improvise, and was focusing more on what to eat rather than my lines. After the first take, Vikram sir walked up to me, put his hand on my head and said I had done it really well. And that wasn’t all, after a scene, which had me standing in front of a fogged-up mirror in a towel, which I clean up to look at myself, he came all the way to my vanity van and said that he had been directing for a long time and that shot was one of the best he had ever seen. “I am proud to say that I have found you,” his words still resonate. South taught me dedication to my craft, in Hindi films, I found my passion.
Kriti Kharbanda with Emraan Hashmi in Raaz: Reboot; The actress in Boni (left)
With no director to call the shots, Bollywood actresses choreographed their own moves during lockdown
8:17 AM
Ankita Chaurasia, Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 7, 2020)
Then, they dusted themselves off and reclaimed their lives even if it was only from the floor of their living rooms. Through the internet, they connected with instructors from around the world to learn a new step or hone a dance form they had no time to learn or unlearn when the world was their oyster.
One-film-old Alaya F forged an instant connection when she posted a video of her hair extensions coming off as she tried a particularly difficult dance move. Ever since, the newbie has been showing off more such gravity-defying twists and twirls. A self-confessed “terrible dancer”, the shutdown gave Pooja Bedi’s actress-daughter enough time to correct her two left feet. Confiding she dances a lot because she needs the practice, Alaya admits she was lucky to land some amazing teachers. “I took classes for acting and dancing during the lockdown. They made me feel like I am not taking my job for granted and helped me get better,” she exults.
A trained Kathak dancer, Richa Chadha learnt belly dancing in Kazakhstan last year from the renowned April Rose. During the Coronavirus lockdown she started practicing again. Complaining that none of her films have scope for dance and that she’d kill it in a dance film, the actress quips, “I’d even do an item song where I wouldn’t be the item.”
Radhika Madan couldn’t wait for domestic air travel to resume to pack a suitcase and fly off to Delhi to be with her parents. Once the quarantine was done, she has been ticking off her list of talents every day, including learning tap dancing. Why? “Because I’d always wanted to learn it,” she says simply.During the pandemic, choreographers were doing regular dance sessions online, so since she couldn’t step out, Sanya Malhotra learnt dance on her mobile screen. “It had been years since I danced so freely. The pandemic gave me time to get back to it. Dancing two-three hours daily, including proper warm-ups and stretches, helped me become mentally happy,” she asserts.
Meanwhile, after watching a lot of films, reading books, and practising yoga, Ananya Panday took up belly dancing too. “I just wanted to explore a new dance form and I find belly dancing very fascinating and beautiful. If I get a chance, I’d love to use it in a film. But in the lockdown, I did it just for fun,” she smiles.
Pulkit Samrat & I have been dating for a year-and-a-half; haven’t discussed marriage-Kriti Kharbanda
8:07 AM
Kriti Kharbanda on her relationship with Pulkit Samrat, work, battling malaria, and an unforgettable interview with Thor, Chris Hemsworth
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 25, 2020)
Kriti had been recuperating alone as her family is in Chennai and boyfriend Pulkit Samrat is in Delhi for his sister’s wedding. But with some house help, she’s been managing everything on her own. “Barring two days when my temperature was up to 104 degrees, I cooked at least one meal myself to nudge my body to a faster recovery. The South Indian in me was craving idli-sambar and since I didn’t want to order in, I made it myself. I also started exercising from the fourth day and have been working towards better immunity,” she rattles off.
Kriti rang in her 30th birthday on October 29 and admits Pulkit made it special with a huge surprise. “I’ll have to match it; the planning for his birthday has started,” she giggles. A month before her big day, the couple took off on a road trip. It was the first time they stepped out of the house during the pandemic. “The trip gave us time to get to know each other better. I feel lucky to have someone like Pulkit who makes sure that I always have a smile on my face. I try my best to do the same for him,” she gushes.
Describing her beau as “a very real person”, she asserts that he can’t fake courtesy or caring and that’s what has forged a connection. “I admire the fact that he’s true to himself and can be a brand-ambassador for self-love,” she chuckles and it’s obvious she’s happy. So, when do they jump on the marry-go-round? “We’ve just been dating for a year-and-a-half now and haven’t discussed marriage nor do we plan to do it anytime soon. We’re focusing on our respective careers right now. Marriage is a distant dream,” she says.
Kriti starts shooting for 14 Phere with Vikrant Massey in Mumbai this week. She admits that getting back to work won’t be easy. “Malaria has drained me of so much energy. My mind is fighting but my body is giving up. Still, I’m delighted to be getting back to work. Being Aditi will help take my mind away from my health,” she reasons. The 10-day schedule in Mumbai will be followed by a 25-day shoot in Lucknow, before they take off to Jaipur for another 15-20 days. “I have a crazy couple of months ahead for me,” she admits, sounding ecstatic at the prospect.
Pulkit Samrat taught me to be a secure actor-Kriti Kharbanda
7:58 AM
Actor Kriti Kharbanda and Pulkit Samrat are going strong and she says their relationship has been great as they are constantly learning from each other, professionally
Juhi Chakraborty (HINDUSTAN TIMES; November 12, 2020)
Actors Kriti Kharbanda and Pulkit Samrat have been painting the world red on social media with their loved-up pictures. And Kharbanda seems to be quite content with their relationship as she says that they both have learned immensely from each other both in their personal and professional lives.
“He has always been a very good actor and I love that he is a team player. For him, everybody is equal. What I have learnt from him is how to be secure in your own place. I sometimes wonder how he does it. That part of my life where I feel more secure as an actor comes from him because I have seen him do it. He holds his own in all his films, in ensembles,” shares the actor.
Further dolling out praises on Samrat, she adds, “I love how he is evolving as an actor. I am proud as a friend, girlfriend and a co-star.”
The 30-year-old, who has worked with Samrat in films such as Veerey Ki Wedding (2018) and Pagalpanti (2019) and the recent web project, Taish, says she appreciates the energy that he brings to the set.
“It is great having him on set. Not just because we are in a personal relationship. I have worked with Pulkit even before we started dating each other. In fact, that is how we first met and that is how we became good friends. If he wasn’t a good co-actor to me, we would not be where we are today personally,” she explains.
But even though the couple has worked together in films together, Kharbanda admits that they never pre-decide what projects they are going to take up.
“We keep our personal and professional life separate. When he signed Taish and when I signed the film, we didn’t know we were both doing it. We discussed it only after both of us got on board, and we happened to discuss our schedules and that is how we found out,” she says.
Vikrant Massey and Kriti Kharbanda's tale of two weddings begins next month
8:20 AM
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 27, 2020)
On August 14, Vikrant Massey and Kriti Kharbanda announced that they are teaming up for the first time for a social comedy, 14 Phere, which will be directed by Devanshu Singh and produced by Zee Studios. While speaking to Mirror (August 14), Vikrant had described the film as an “incredibly funny love story”. Now, we have learnt that the actors are readying to take the film on floors from November 10.
A source close to the development reveals that the first eight-day schedule will take place in the city in a bungalow on Madh Island and in Kamalistan Studio. The lead pair will be joined by the supporting cast, which includes Vinay Pathak, Gauahar Khan, Vineet Kumar, Govind Pandey, and Yamini Das. The makers are ensuring utmost safety, keeping the government mandated-guidelines in mind.
Shariq Patel, CEO, Zee Studios, had said that 14 Phere is an important film and it highlights how, in our country, weddings most often happen between two families and not just two people. As suggested by the title, the film revolves around two weddings.
Both Kriti and Vikrant, who portray Aditi and Sanjay respectively, have been taking workshops with Devanshu through the lockdown, as part of their prep. Vikrant plays a small-town boy from North India while Kriti’s Aditi is a today’s girl with a voice and mind of her own. The actress has been working on voice modulation for her character, while also stalking people on the internet to pick up nuances for her character.
14 Phere will be the first film that Kriti resumes work on post the lockdown, while Vikrant has to complete Haseen Dillruba with Taapsee Pannu before jumping on board the tale of two weddings. The film will be shot in Lucknow, Delhi, Jaipur and Mumbai, and is slated to release on July 9, 2021.
I didn't know Pulkit Samrat was doing Taish-Kriti Kharbanda
8:16 AM
Playing Jim Sarbh's love interest in Taish, Kriti Kharbanda says director pulled master stroke by not casting her opposite beau Pulkit Samrat
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; October 27, 2020)
"I keep my personal and professional life separate," asserts Kriti Kharbanda, even as she is aware that the two worlds have come together in Taish. The ZEE5 original sees her reunite with boyfriend Pulkit Samrat after Veerey Ki Wedding (2018) and Pagalpanti (2019). However, it is evident that director Bejoy Nambiar is only serving the demand of the script as he has not paired them romantically in the revenge drama.
"Bejoy has gone against what would have been an obvious choice. People expect to see us as an on-screen couple since we are one in real life, and I will be happy to do that. That said, I have my individuality," says the actor, who plays Jim Sarbh's love interest.
Glad as she is to have found a partner who understands the demands of the business, Kharbanda says it is imperative not to mix work with pleasure. "I didn't even know Pulkit was doing this film. He doesn't know the scripts I am reading, and vice versa," she says, before recounting how she broke the news of signing Taish to Samrat. "When I told Pulkit that I had signed the film, he asked, 'Do you know who is playing Sunny? Me!' I remember telling him we are living our dream because both of us wanted to work with Bejoy."
After the heady euphoria of a new romance, the two — who went public with their relationship in 2019 — have now settled in the calm comfort of steady love. Ask her if marriage is on the cards, and she says, "We came out in the open even though no one asked us to. Whenever we decide to take our relationship to the next level, I will be vocal about it."
Check out Vikrant Massey and Kriti Kharbanda in the first look of 14 Phere
9:14 AM
Duo teams up for the first time for a social comedy that kicks off this November and will open on July 9, 2021
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 14, 2020)
After Deepika Padukone, Yami Gautam and Taapsee Pannu, Vikrant Massey is now all set to romance Kriti Kharbanda, in an “incredibly funny love story”, 14 Phere. The actor, who plays a small town boy, Sanjay, in this social comedy which unfolds in North India, says the story by Manoj Kalwani is fresh and answers several pertinent questions. “By the title, one can guess it’s about two weddings involving the same couple which makes it interesting,” he avers.
Vikrant has been prepping for the film for over a month over video calls with director Devanshu Singh and will jump into the shoot after completing two weeks of work on Haseen Dillruba. Point out that he is now getting to romance a new actress in every film and he guffaws, “That’s a good feeling and I’m looking forward to getting to know Kriti better through the making of this film.”
Shariq Patel, producer and CEO, Zee Studios, asserts that 14 Phere is an important film for them as it highlights how, in our country, weddings most often happen between two families and not just two people. “We needed a fresh pairing and are happy to have Vikrant and Kriti on board,” he says.
Meanwhile, Kriti has also started workshops with Devanshu. “I don’t think Aditi’s character works with my voice, so I am working on voice modulation. I like to bring something new to the table with each character and Aditi is today’s girl, with a voice and mind. The lockdown helped me shape the character. I got to stalk new people over the internet and pick up nuances for Aditi. I love her and would myself want to be Aditi after this film,” she laughs. She’s equally excited to work with Vikrant. “We met in March and chatted like we had known each other forever. I am looking forward to sharing the screen with someone who is as enthusiastic as me,” she says.
The film will be shot in Lucknow, Delhi, Jaipur and Mumbai and will go on the floors by November. It is slated to release on July 9, 2021.
Pulkit Samrat, Kriti Kharbanda, Sunil Grover, Daisy Shah in Salman Khan's production Bulbul Marriage Hall
8:37 AM
Actors in Salman Khan’s new production, which revolves around a marriage hall
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 2, 2020)
Salman Khan has locked the cast of his upcoming production, Bulbul Marriage Hall, which was to roll in April. However, owing to the Coronavirus pandemic, there’s uncertainty around the shoot now. The film, which is directed by Rohit Nayyar, is a story of two couples, Pulkit Samrat and Kriti Kharbanda, and Sunil Grover and Daisy Shah.“It is set in Lucknow and revolves around an Indian wedding,” revealed a source close to the development, adding that it was Salman who recommended and got Sunil, with whom he recently worked in Bharat, on board. “His character has comic undertones, with plenty of humorous one-liners. He plays a brother to Pulkit in the film.”
The dialogue is by Raaj Shaandilyaa, who last directed Ayushmann Khurrana’s Dream Girl last year. “Salman has known Raaj since he was writing TV shows like Comedy Circus. Since he is from UP, the team felt he can bring local flavour into the narrative,” shared the source. Apart from Bulbul Marriage Hall, Salman is also planning to roll multiple films under his banner, which are currently in different stages of pre-production.
On the acting front, he will next be seen in the Prabhudheva-directed action-thriller, Radhe as Mumbai’s most wanted ‘bhai’, with Randeep Hooda as the antagonist. Eight-10 days of the shoot remains.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)