Showing posts with label Krrish. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Krrish. Show all posts
BT Exclusive: Priyanka Chopra will be back in Krrish 4
8:45 AM
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; July 9, 2025)
The shoot of Hrithik Roshan’s much awaited directorial debut Krrish 4 is slated to begin early next year. The actor will take over the reins as the director from his father Rakesh Roshan, the original creator of the popular franchise.
While Hrithik will resurrect his role as the superhero while also directing the film, there has been much speculation over the female lead. Some reports suggested that the film will reunite Rekha, Preity Zinta and Priyanka Chopra, who appeared in the prequels.
A source close to the film told Bombay Times exclusively, “Priyanka Chopra will return to Krrish 4, but there will be another actress as well, whose name cannot be divulged as of now. There is a possibility of Rekha being seen in a cameo, but Preity Zinta’s presence is sheer speculation and not true.” Priyanka starred in Krrish (2006) and this marks her return to the franchise after 19 long years!
The story of Krrish 4 will jump decades since it comes 15 years after Krrish 3, which released in 2013. In his last interaction with us, Rakesh Roshan had told us, “Now is the right time for Hrithik to move ahead and take Krrish forward. Krrish is ingrained in Hrithik, and his vision is of today’s generation. I could not entrust the franchise to a more able creative mind, other than him.”
Hrithik Roshan even invited me to his house to coach me-Dr Mickey D Dhamejani
8:50 AM
Mugdha Kapoor (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 18, 2024)
Dr Mickey D Dhamejani, known for his parts as a child actor in films such as Dhai Akshar Prem Ke (2000) and Krrish (2006), posted a Reel recalling his Bollywood connect, sending fans on a nostalgia trip. In the visuals that went viral, Dhamejani is seen with actors Hrithik Roshan and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, on the sets of Krrish (2006).
“It feels nice to be in the limelight yet again. The intention, however, was never to go viral; things happened organically,” says Dhamejani, who started acting at the age of five and has featured in close to 300 commercials. At 17, he quit acting and earned an MBBS degree with an MS in Ophthalmology. He is now a laser eye surgery and cataract specialist.
Recounting fond memories of playing the younger Hrithik in Krrish, Dhamejani says, “I remember a drive from Chandigarh to Manali. I was sitting in the same car with Hrithik. Back then, my results had been announced, and he gifted chocolates to me and my sister. He even invited me to his house to coach me — to teach his hand movements and body language.”
Reflecting on his transition from Bollywood to pursuing medicine, Dhamejani explains: “Education was a crucial part of my family legacy. Since childhood, I’ve had high-powered glasses. My mother’s early cataract due to high BP also made me realise the importance of eye health and inspired me to specialise in this field.”
Dhamejani doesn’t rule out a comeback to the screen. “Yes, I am open to opportunities in acting. I am in talks for a Bollywood project but will decide together (if and what to take up). I would like to be part of a Karan Johar film or another big project,” he says, stressing that his purpose is “not just to become a mainstream movie star”. He elaborates: “I am an ophthalmologist. I want to channelise the opportunities that come my way, for greater good of society,” he says.
I was blown away by the world of the Indian Air Force-Hrithik Roshan
8:25 AM
Madhureeta Mukherjee (BOMBAY TIMES; January 29, 2024)
Hrithik Roshan has been hugely appreciated for his performance as Squadron Leader Shamsher Pathania in Fighter. The aerial action film, which sees him sharing screen space with Deepika Padukone, is his third collaboration with director Siddharth Anand. In a conversation with us, Hrithik talks about getting a glimpse into the world of the Indian Air Force and pushing his limits as an actor. Excerpts:
Fighter is Indian cinema’s biggest aerial action movie to date. As an actor, how much effort went into playing Squadron Leader Shamsher Pathania, aka Patty, in terms of physical training and fitness?
There was an equal amount of mental, emotional and physical prep that went into bringing Patty to life. Firstly, Patty is a character I share no real-life similarities with in terms of personality. The emotional and mental prep was harder than anything I did physically to achieve the frame and fitness level of a fighter pilot. My physique had to mirror the body of the Sukhoi Su-30 MKI jet – so I had to be lean, sharp and agile. As for the mannerisms and body language, I spent a lot of time observing and interacting with a real-life Fighter Pilot named Allan at the Tezpur Airbase.
Additionally, I practised the Fighter lifestyle while shooting at Assam’s Air Base and Dundigal Air Force Academy in Hyderabad. I lived, trained and exercised there and exchanged notes with the cadets, who were all a huge help. Getting the voice of Patty right was important too, he talks at a certain decibel in a very cocky manner. He is younger and less evolved than the other recent characters I have played. He is more spontaneous and quicker to react as opposed to respond. The voice isn’t heroic like Krrish or mysterious like Kabir (from War), I took inspiration from the banter between cadets. I had to keep it real. No extra bass. Just say it like I do.
The film is shot in interesting locations like the Air Force Station at Tezpur Assam and the Dundigal Indian Air Force Academy in Hyderabad, which has been an important shooting location for the film. Tell us about your shooting experiences and challenges.
Shooting at real locations always enhances the scenes and adds to the overall performance for me as an actor. Each location – be it the Airbase in Assam or Air Force Academy in Hyderabad lent its distinctive flavour to the scenes and progression of the film and its story. The majority of the fighter jet scenes from the first half of the film were shot at Assam’s Tezpur Airbase. Shooting on the runway, tarmac and hangar with the Sukhois next to us will always be an unforgettable experience for me. I was like a wide-eyed child completely blown away by the world of the Indian Air Force.
During these schedules, we had to adhere to all the operational guidelines and codes of conduct. Security protocols had to be followed at these real locations. Electronic devices, including smartphones, were not allowed, so the entire crew switched to an analog way of life. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I am truly honoured to have collaborated with the Indian Air Force and had the opportunity to be a part of an ambitious film like Fighter.
This is your third film with Siddharth Anand. Your tuning with him by now must be quite perfect.
I’ve known Sid for over 10 years now, and our bond goes beyond films and film sets. I would say that Sid and I balance each other out in many ways, while sharing a similar drive to venture into the unknown or path less travelled. The equation that we share is of real-life fighters. We are not shy about putting up a fight with each other to try and test out new ideas. What largely helps our collaboration is the mutual respect we share. It’s a bond beyond egos and all about testing limits. When we talk, it’s almost like playing verbal table tennis and hitting one another with whacky ideas.
Though the audience has loved you as an action and romantic hero, you have never feared experimenting with a range of roles in your career. Will you continue to follow that process and path in the future?
It isn’t a conscious process or a strategy, I simply follow my instincts when it comes to selecting characters and films. The role or subject has to be something that excites me as an actor first, and then, as an audience. As an actor, I am fearless, and my choices are only motivated by creativity.
You are someone who loves watching all the movies on the big screen. There was a point in the last three years when people were questioning the survival of theatrical films. With the recent success of theatrical experiential films, are you excited about how people are loving and lapping up big-screen films?
Yes, I am someone who enjoys consuming content, be it on the big screen, TV or streaming online. So, I understand and respect all forms of consuming content. While OTT gives you a very personal experience of watching films, series or documentaries, cinema halls give you a community-watching experience. In India, community events are occasions that call for celebration, and I’m extremely happy to see the audience get entertained by a film over a shared experience of collective viewing. While family entertainers, rom-coms and films that deliver a unique theatrical experience have a certain mass appeal, I’m particularly happy to see content-driven films, too, being celebrated in cinemas. Films like 12th Fail and Sam Bahadur are having long legs in theatres, solely due to their content and strong performances by Vikrant Massey and Vicky Kaushal.
I was told, ‘Ladkiya female-oriented films apne career ke end mein karti hai’-Priyanka Chopra
2:56 PM
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; November 21, 2023)
Priyanka has always championed the cause of gender equality in cinema, and at MAMI Mumbai film festival 2023, she made an interesting observation. Acknowledging that there has been a change in how people perceive female-led cinema today, she remembered how things were different in the 2000s.
Speaking about her much-acclaimed film Fashion (2008), she revealed, “I am glad the usage of the word ‘parallel cinema’ is slowly declining, and things have changed now. After Krrish (2006) and Aitraaz (2004) happened, which gave me a solid foundation, I started seeking work that could challenge me as an actor. Madhur Bhandarkar’s Fashion happened at that time.”
Sharing the kind of feedback that she got before agreeing to be a part of Fashion, for which she went on to win the National Award, PC said, “I remember I was told back then, ‘Ladkiya female-oriented films apne career ke end mein karti hai National Awards ke liye. You just did Aitraaz, tumhara career abhi shuru hua hai, why do you want to do Fashion?’ This was in early 2000. People were apprehensive about female-oriented cinema. I wanted to play interesting characters instead of just being a part of big films, and I loved the script of Fashion, so I went ahead with it. I have always loved the work of Sridevi ji and Madhuri Dixit ma’am. Girl crushes forever!”
She added, “When I was younger, I was called difficult and opinionated. I faced problems because I didn’t follow this, ‘iss line pe chalo’ rule. Main apni line banati hoon. I am not a trend-follower, I am a trendsetter. You learn to navigate eventually.”
Hrithik Roshan opens up on Krrish 4: "Making films of this magnitude takes time"
3:25 PM
Amid rumours that much-delayed Krrish 4 will roll next year, Hrithik says the team is striving to ensure the superhero movie matches global standards
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; August 9, 2023)
Some roles hold a special place in an actor’s filmography. To Hrithik Roshan, whose résumé is embellished with diverse characters, Krrish is that role. The franchise that began with Koi Mil Gaya in 2003 has now reached its fourth instalment. While Krrish 4 was initially announced as a 2020 release, the film has been delayed due to the narrative’s demand for superlative special effects. Amid reports that the superhero film will roll in the second half of next year, Hrithik says prep is on in full swing on the Rakesh Roshan production.
“We aim to make a film on par with global standards. The script is being locked, the research work is on, and we are building the technical team. Making films of this magnitude takes time,” says the actor.
While the last three offerings in the franchise were helmed by Rakesh, there is no confirmation yet on who will wield the directorial baton for the upcoming instalment. Even as he stays mum on the matter, Hrithik assures that the new movie won’t be lacking in dedication, stating, “You can expect a lot of hard work being put in by each and everyone working on the future of Krrish.”
Getting the superhero film right on all counts is crucial to the actor, since it has its roots in his career’s most definitive film—Koi Mil Gaya. The sci-fi drama had not only sealed his position as one of the finest actors of his generation, but also helped him break the Greek God image as he played a young boy with developmental disability.
“By shedding the glamour, I adorned imperfection—messy hair and baggy clothes—but strived for the best when it came to my craft. I spent days doing vocal exercises to get Rohit’s [his character] voice and tone. I stopped reading newspapers, locked myself in a hotel room and binge-watched cartoons to [get into the mindset] of a nine-year-old,” he recalls, as the Rekha and Preity Zinta-starrer clocks 20 years of release.
Today, the industry is flirting with big-budget superhero spectacles—from Brahmāstra (2022) to The Immortal Ashwatthama. Hrithik, who cracked the genre with the franchise, points out that such movies work only if emotions are woven into the narrative.
“At the heart of Koi Mil Gaya was a plethora of emotions—be it the track with Rohit and his mother, his friendship with the kids, his relationship with Nisha [Zinta’s character], or his love for Jadoo. With Jadoo, there was a subtle messaging of inclusivity. The film also gave out the message that bullying is not cool, that co-existence is possible. I always believe in films that have a storyline and character arcs that engage the audience. I’m never excited by films that are events stitched up and termed as spectacles.”
8 films of Hrithik Roshan had not worked before Koi Mil Gaya; he was called a one film wonder-Rakesh Roshan
8:22 AM
As Koi Mil Gaya clocks 20 years of release next week, filmmaker Rakesh recounts travelling to Australia to create the much-loved alien and building the Hrithik-led franchise
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; August 2, 2023)
In August 2003 when Koi Mil Gaya was on the brink of release, if someone had told Rakesh Roshan that he would be taking this story forward over the next two decades, he would’ve laughed it off. As the movie is set to clock 20 years on August 8, the filmmaker is surprised to see how it became the foundation for one of Bollywood’s most-loved franchises. He reveals that he had conceived of the sci-fi movie with a singular aim—to further highlight son Hrithik Roshan’s acting skills after the success of Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai (2000).
“I was concerned about how I could show Hrithik’s talent as an actor, after showing him in a double role in Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai. After Hrithik liked the concept of Koi Mil Gaya, I started writing it,” recounts the senior filmmaker. The writing process went off smoothly with Honey Irani, Robin Bhatt, Rakesh and his team locking themselves in a Khandala hotel and completing the script in 10 days.
It was the creation of Jadoo—the friendly alien who helps Hrithik’s character and gifts him his superpowers—that was challenging. The filmmaker travelled to Australia to give shape to the alien that he had envisioned.
“The technicians in Australia make animatronics for Hollywood films. When I visited the first studio, the owner wanted to discuss the money first. I left the meeting as I knew this man wouldn’t be able to do it; he had no emotions. I went to another studio [Bimmini Special Effects and Design Studio] where the husband and wife listened to my story intently. They had the sketches of Jadoo ready overnight. The sketches were exactly what I had in mind.”
The sci-fi offering, also starring Rekha and Preity Zinta, was made for Hrithik at a critical juncture in his career. After his smashing debut, the actor had delivered a string of flops. Rakesh remembers how his actor-son immersed himself in the role, knowing this was the chance to prove that he wasn’t a flash in the pan. “Eight of his films hadn’t worked at the time, and the media had started writing him off as a one-film wonder.”
“Here I was making a movie where he plays a mentally-challenged boy. A week prior to the shoot, Hrithik locked himself up in a hotel and came straight to the shoot. When he gave the first shot, I knew that Hrithik had understood his character to the core,” reminisces Rakesh.
Even after the wide success of Koi Mil Gaya, Rakesh hadn’t considered building a franchise out of it. The thought, he says, came to him a few months later while watching The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
“After I saw The Lord Of The Rings, I thought if they have made three films with the same characters, why can’t I make it with Jadoo? I thought, what if he gave his powers to Rohit’s [Hrithik’s character] son? With those powers, I can make him a superhero.”
Thus was born Hindi cinema’s favourite superhero, Krrish, around whom revolved the next two instalments. Over the past few years, there has been much chatter about Krrish 4, with the director stating that it will roll in 2024. Asked about the fourth instalment, Rakesh clams up, only stating, “All I can say is that Krrish 4 is a continuation of Krrish 3, with the story moving forward from where it ended.”
Shaktimaan has to be bigger than Krrish, Ra.One-Mukesh Khanna
8:23 AM
Mukesh Khanna ready to roll three-film franchise on India's original superhero from the '90s, Shaktimaan; said to be in talks with a top actor for the role
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; October 1, 2020)
Years before we started rooting for the Avengers or exchanged notes on their superpowers with our friends, we used to be glued to our television screens, marvelling at the only superhero we knew — Shaktimaan. Almost 15 years since the Doordarshan show went off the air, actor-producer Mukesh Khanna and the original team are reuniting to create a three-film franchise. The first instalment of the trilogy is likely to go on floors in the second half of 2021.
"Kids across the country write to me, requesting that I create a new season of the series. I know the excitement around the subject hasn't dwindled. Shaktimaan is the first Indian superhero, after all. The makers of Krrish had Rs 150 crore [to make the film] and I didn't, which is why it took so long to develop the plan. Now, everything is slowly falling in place. The project should have rolled by now, but the pandemic disrupted our plans," says Khanna, who played a meek photojournalist and his superhero alter ego in the popular show that began airing in 1997.
The senior artiste is said to be in advanced talks with one of the top actors from the young crop to step into the role. "I can't reveal who we are considering to play the new Shaktimaan. The final announcement will happen when the deal is sealed. Shaktimaan has to be bigger than Krrish and Ra.One [2011]. It has to be an Indian franchise with international standards."
The show's creators, Khanna and Dinker Jani will serve as the creative producers and are currently in the process of finalising a director who will be able to do justice to their ambitious movie. "We will work with our old team, too. The story spans from the Mahabharata till today. Our Satya Guru [Shaktimaan's original avatar] is 5,000 years old. Shaktimaan is made with paanchbhoota [the five elements of cosmic creation]. We've started building the modern story on the concept where a young timid boy goes on to become [invincible]."
I have to thank action director Tony Ching Siu Tung for making Hrithik fly believably-Rakesh Roshan
8:23 AM
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 23, 2020)
The Jadoo started with Koi… Mil Gaya in 2003. With a mentally challenged boy and his friendship with a blue-tinted alien who arrived six years before James Cameron’s Avatar, Rakesh Roshan rewrote box-office history. And encouraged by the success of this film, he took another leap of faith… Unveiled on June 23, 2006, Krrish took off from where Koi… Mil Gaya had ended, with Rohit and Nisha’s son inheriting his father’s super powers that enable him to scale mountains and fly through the air to streak past a stallion. Seven years later, when working on the post-production of Krrish 3, Rakesh ji confided that his actor-son Hrithik had actually run with the horse for his introduction scene. “It took us a day-and-a-half to shoot. I have to thank Tony (action director Tony Ching Siu Tung) for making Hrithik fly believably,” he smiled. For his son, who had grown up emulating superheroes, the film was a dream come true.
However, the bigger challenge was the scene in Singapore, where Hrithik leaps with the fountain spray, 20 floors up. “That shot called for perfect timing. Hrithik sitting on the fountain head had to jump as soon as the jet sprouted. But either the water was slow or Hrithik missed his cue. It took us all day to get that shot,” Rakesh ji recounted, revealing that they’d discarded 50-60 masks before settling for the one Krrish picks up when a fire breaks out in the circus to hide his identity. Then, with his coat flaring like a cape, he walks into the flames to pull off daring rescues.While daredevil action sequences and mind-boggling visual effects are a part of every superhero film, this one being mainstream Bollywood, it was left to Rakesh ji’s brother and Hrithik’s uncle Rajesh Roshan to weave songs into the narrative. The composer admits it wasn’t easy, but because the story had a strong emotional core and his brother has always inspired him while giving him a free hand, he could come up with the romantic “Aao Sunaun Pyaar Ki Ek Kahani” with Shreya Ghoshal and Sonu Niigam. The duo also collaborated on another starry-eyed Hrithik-Priyanka Chopra duet, “Koi Tumsa Nahin”, while Shreya frolicked musically with Udit Narayan to “Chori Chori Chupke Chupke.”
The romance even crossed borders, with Rajesh ji roping in Pakistani singer Rafaqat Ali Khan—son of Nazakat Ali Khan, the nephew of Ustad Salamat Ali Khan and the cousin of Shafaqat Ali Khan—and Alka Yagnik for “Main Hoon Woh Asmaan.” On the surface a happy song, it had deeper emotions simmering beneath, evident in lines like “Paas mere tu ho na agar toh kitna tadapta hai mera dil, main hoon teri nazar, mera intezaar tu, ho kar bhi hum judaa hote judaa nahi”. “The pain of loss makes a song unforgettable,” Rajesh ji asserts.
Kunal Ganjawala’s “Dil Na Diya”, which plays out in the Big Top before the fire breaks out, amidst music, dance and bobbing hearts, also has some profound lines by Javed Akhtar: “Tune chand pe bhi jamaye kadam, dariya mein bhi ghar hai banaya, tere jadoo ne ek rote huye insaan ko hai hasna sikhaya”. The melody continued in Krrish 3 seven years later, pitting the superhero against super villain Kaal, whose henchman, a shape-shifting female mutant, Kaya, loses her heart to Krrish and tries to seduce him with the dreamy, “Dil Tu Hi Bataa”.
“We opted for Alisha Chinai and the little-known Assamese singer, Zubeen Garg, over bigger names and worked on the song continuously for two months. At one point, we got stuck with the lyrics. One day, while Rakesh ji, Sameer (lyricist) and I were brainstorming, Duggu (Hrithik) walked in and came up with the words, ‘The heart always beats, but why is it that I didn’t hear these beats till now.’ He spoke in English, but Sameer ji picked them up and presented us with 'Dil Tu Hi Bata, Kahan Tha Chhupa, Kyun Aaj Suni, Teri Dhadkan Pehli Baar'. The rest is musical history,” Rajesh ji narrates, admitting that he was waiting to see what his brother would do with the song. “When I saw how beautifully he’d picturised it, I had tears in my eyes.”
Seven years have passed since Krrish 3. Rakesh ji has locked the script of Krrish 4. Once the Coronavirus pandemic is behind us, superhero Hrithik will fly again. And Rajesh ji will find more heart-to-heart connections.
I need to pace myself and last for as long as I can-Tiger Shroff
8:12 AM
Tiger Shroff admits that he would like to keep the Baaghi franchise, which is in its third instalment, going till his legs don’t give up on him; reveals that he is ready to flag off the Heropanti sequel, too
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 28, 2020)
In your upcoming film, Baaghi 3, we see you performing almost superhuman feats. Tell us something you’ve done off camera which in your mind is heroic?
I guess buying a house for my parents. They’ve given me the best childhood and this is my small way of giving something back. My mother (Ayesha Shroff) always wanted a house in her name, so I bought this for her... Dad (Jackie Shroff) too. My dreams are her dreams, and I am focused on my work, being successful in my career and sustaining it. She is my motivation, my inspiration. I push myself so hard to make her happy, proud and secure.
Any other dreams?
So many… My dad likes to farm, he likes land and nature. I’d like to buy him something along those lines someday. He also enjoys cars. At the peak of his superstardom, he would collect them. Of course, he would also tell us, “Never do this, I made a big mistake.” He works so hard, I want to get him things he loves.
Growing up, is there something your dad brought home especially for you that remains precious?
I never asked my parents for anything, I wasn’t a materialistic child, but whenever I didn’t want to go to school, I’d wake up early, cuddle up against dad and when mom tried to pull me out of bed, I’d hold him tighter. He would stand up for me, cajole mom to let me stay at home, saying, “Chhod na, rehne de bachche ko, nahin jaana hai usko.” Thanks to him, I got away with a lot of things. Whenever I got into trouble, I’d run to him. He’d always save me. He was my hero, he still is.
What are your earliest memories of your dad’s film, Hero?
The bike race, for some reason, and his introduction scene, which I thought was very cool, almost heroic! And yes, the songs too, particularly “Pyaar Karne Wale Kabhi Darte Nahin” which has stayed with me. I started watching Hero when I was around four years old. I’m still watching it.
And what was your dad’s first reaction to your first film, Heropanti?
He doesn’t react much, and expresses himself in a few words. “Chal ho gaya, exam pass, bindaas!”
You’ve grown in stature since your first film, become a bigger star, but your lifestyle, passion and professionalism hasn’t changed...
I’m so grateful people are accepting me and my work, year after year. My routine and lifestyle are co-related to whatever little I’ve achieved in my career so far. Why change what’s working for me?
But there must be something you would have liked to do had you not been such a disciplined actor...
I’m a foodie and wish I could binge on sweets every day, but unfortunately, only Sunday is a cheat day when I can eat everything, from pani puri and pizza to vada pav and ice-cream. Sab kuch mix match kar leta hoon.
Your dad was the hero of his generation, you are one too. Have things changed much?
In dad’s time, they were a lot more carefree, now there is increased responsibility to be a correct role model if you reach a position when kids aspire to be like you. It’s important to guide them—I won’t say the right way because who am I to judge what’s right or wrong—but in a way that helps them.
How often do you set goals for yourself?
Well, the long-term goals are permanent…
And they are?
To reach the standard of my idols, Michael Jackson and Bruce Lee, hone my craft, do things in a larger-than-life way and touch as many lives as possible. Every month, I set short-term goals, too, like lose or gain two-five kg, do some community service, learn an action skill or a dance move. I’d love to do a Broadway musical someday, a role which allows me to sing and dance. (Smiles) I sing very well in the shower.
Among your long-term goals, is there a plan to produce a film one day?
Sure, but it’d depend on the success of Baaghi 3.
Will the franchise go on and on?
Again, that would depend on how Part 3 fares. I’d like to play Ronnie till my legs don’t give up on me. All the action takes its toll, but as long as I have my youth and physicality, I’d like to be a baaghi.
You are taking on a country in Baaghi 3. What next? The universe?
(Laughs) There are a lot of memes going around that it will be Baaghi 4 vs Aliens and Baaghi 5 vs the Universe. You never know…
Your last film, with Hrithik Roshan, was the top grosser of 2019. How do you react to such success?
Honestly, the business didn’t matter. For me, War was my time with my hero, Hrithik Roshan. I got to spend time with a man I have always looked up to and modeled myself on... Going to the gym with him, watching him train, perform his scenes, give me feedback on mine, tell me how to say a particular line, pat me after a shot, all that will stay with me all my life. He’s been my hero since I saw Krrish, when I was 12 or 13. Every kid of my generation was a Krrish fan, and to this day, watching him transform on screen, I am convinced he is a real-life superhero.
Every guy enjoys having a gorgeous woman on his arm and you have one of the most coveted in the country, Disha Patani. What’s the equation like between you two?
We have a lot in common and that’s why we get along well. I have very few friends in the industry. There’s Danny uncle’s (Denzongpa) son Rinzing, who is about to be launched soon, and Ranjit sir’s son Jeeva. They are my childhood friends. Disha and I met during Baaghi and since we have similar interests and can laugh over silly things, we hang out together. She is very easy-going, no tantrums. (Smiles) We go out for lunch every now and then and get clicked together.
You go out with a guy and he’s a friend while a girl becomes a good friend…
(Clicking his fingers) Yeah, that’s the mentality here. It’s not a problem, really.
Is romance on screen more difficult than action?
Nothing’s more difficult than action. It doesn’t hurt to be romantic, action hurts.
When is Siddharth Anand’s Rambo remake happening?
Hopefully, by the end of the year. I’m also doing the sequel to my first film, Heropanti, with my mentor Sajid sir (Nadiadwala, producer) and Baaghi 2 and 3 director Ahmed sir (Khan), and that’s about it.
How is it that after a huge hit last year, you haven’t signed half a dozen films?
I’m in no hurry. A film takes a lot out of me so I enjoy my downtime. I’m not competing with anybody. I need to pace myself and last as long as I can. My race is with myself.
When I watch the first copy of my film, I know how it is likely to do, and I have not been wrong so far-Hrithik Roshan
8:56 AM
Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; July 9, 2019)
Whether it’s the weight of the school bag, the pressure of high scores or the mere relevance of certain subjects in schools and colleges — education has always been a topic of intense discussion in our country. When Hrithik Roshan decided to topline a film based on the life of Anand Kumar, one of modern India’s most-talked about teachers, it made headlines for various reasons. When we met the actor, who plays Anand in Super 30, and his co-star Mrunal Thakur, they spoke about the controversies around the film and what makes it special. Excerpts...
Super 30’s journey officially began in August 2017, and it’s taken nearly two years to release. What are your sentiments, given that the film is all set to hit theatres this week?Hrithik: Don’t scare us…(laughs!) Right now, the focus is only on getting the film released. The moment I watch the first copy of the film, I’m done, and I cut off from it. That’s the end of the journey for me. Till then, I am on tenterhooks. When I watch the first copy, I also know how a film is likely to do, and I have not been wrong so far. It’s unbelievable how some instincts work.
Mrunal: When I look back, I feel that it’s been an incredible journey. I got to work with Hrithik Roshan, learn the basics of Kathak and speak Bihari Hindi. I acquainted myself with a state I didn’t know much about. So, it was a fulfilling experience.
In an interview with BT, Anand Kumar had said that people mocked him when they found that you were expected to play him in the film. Did he discuss with you?
Hrithik: It was by instinct that I knew I could play him. Emotionally, the character is pretty much like me. When I was reading the script, it felt like I was reading about myself. So, I wonder if the appearance matters so much. I am not driven or manipulated by the superficial differences between how Anand sir and I look. There’s barely any difference between him and me as human beings. That provoked me to strike a conversation with people who look very different from me. Like the boatman I met while shooting for the film. I told my kids (Hrehaan and Hridhaan) about the experience of interacting with people who look different and yet seem very similar to you in the way they experience life. It hit me so hard, I looked at all the characters I’ve played. It was me who played Rohit in Koi Mil Gaya and the cool dude in Dhoom 2. It’s just a change in thought process and the clothes (overall appearance) that convinced you that I am that guy. Internally, I am not. That’s how I have employed the devices available to an actor.
Probably, your look in Super 30 came under the scanner because your past characters were fictitious, whereas this has a real reference...
Hrithik: People said the same thing when I played a superhero (Krrish). I remember hearing things like, ‘Hindi film ka actor and superhero and a cape... hahaha.’ When I worked in Agneepath, I heard things like, ‘How can you match up, it’s a classic and how can the makers recreate it?’ It’s not about matching up to someone, it’s my instincts guiding me to do something with the passion within me. If something inside of me says that I must leap at this and I don’t listen, I am not fulfilling my first duty unto myself.
Mrunal, moving on to you. You, too, play a real-life character — Anand’s wife Supriya. How did you interpret the role?
Mrunal: Supriya ji is the force behind Anand sir. I mean, the moment he won a medal, she was the first one to see it. Anand sir’s couriers were delivered at her address because his address was non-existent on the map of India. Anand sir is a romantic person; it’s just that some people are expressive and some are not. I didn’t get a chance to meet Supriya ji, but Vikas Bahl, our director, had asked me to imagine her and add my own colours to the character. He told me that relationships can either make you or break you. In Anand sir’s case, it became his biggest strength. I was very happy to play Supriyaji because she impacted his life in a big and positive way.
Usually, when a biopic centres on a man, the woman has very little screen time to justify herself. Did that thought bother you?
Mrunal: I admire performers who don’t work for their screen time, and choose a film because the character inspires them. At the end of the day, what matters is the subject and whether it has the potential to get people talking. I wanted to be a part of Super 30 even without reading the script. There’s no point in doing a lengthy role in a film that makes no impact, or playing a character that doesn’t help drive the point home.
You both have had a long and difficult journey with the film. Criticism poured in from the time the cast was revealed. In the thick of trying to freeze a release date, director Vikas Bahl was named in the #MeToo controversy, which he’s now been cleared of. Was there ever a time when you questioned your decision to be a part of this film?
Hrithik: No, on a lighter note, most of my films, for some reason or the other, have always ended up taking time. I am used to this drill of waiting. I have no idea why that happens to me. So, it didn’t really occur to me that there was any difference in those experiences and this. On a serious note, I never questioned the film or my decision to work in it. As for Vikas, I don’t see what the ups and downs have to do with my instinct to work on this film.
Mrunal: I think every film, individual and relationship, goes through its share of ups and downs. Yes, in Vikas’ case, things were more out there for people to see. I remember, even my first film Love Sonia took a long time to release because of the lack of money to promote it. There is always a right time for everything and the wait is always worth it.
What’s been your greatest takeaway from this film?
Hrithik: What inspired me the most was this line in the film that my character says, ‘Hamari raah mein log bada bada gadda khod diye, lekin yehi woh sabse badi galti kar diye. Humko chhalang maarna sikha diye’. It’s the gaddas in our life that teach us how to turn our weaknesses into strengths. Without these hurdles, you’d never learn or even feel the need to take that leap. Your hardships make you stronger, teach you to use your resources well and when the time comes, you are more than ready for the stride.
Did you really need this film to happen for you to realise this, especially when you have been through so much in your life and have overcome so many hurdles on your own?
Hrithik: It’s the other way around. Since I have been through so much, I could take to the script so easily. With this film, I want to tell my kids and all the kids out there that nothing should stop you from dreaming, and dreaming big. Don’t ever think that it’s not okay to dream because it seems impossible. Leave it to your teachers, guardians and elders to carve the way for you. Parents are the first teachers we open our eyes to. They have to take the onus to get their kids to where they want to be. As a nation, it’s important that we teach our kids to dream and to strive to become self-dependent. We need to work on the idea of cultivating a nation of individuals, who are self-reliant and independent enough to contribute to the growth of the country.
As a parent, what are your dreams for your children?
Hrithik: I just want them to learn how to be who they are in the moment that they are living in. I want my kids to say, ‘I already am someone, kya banana chahte ho mujhe? I am Hrehaan and I am Hridhaan.’ If we continue to drill the thought in a child’s head that he needs to become something, he will only aim to become something, which he may or may not really be. So, teach them to accept themselves for who they are and flaunt it. Why should there be pressure to become someone or something? As a parent, I aim to ensure that my kids’ values come from the choices they make and not from the money, clothes and cars that they have or the success they might see in their lives. Their sense of self-worth should come from their character, not amenities.
Mrunal: I have a younger brother, who is in his teens. I agree with Hrithik, we always teach our younger ones to be successful. We don’t tell them that it’s okay to fall and it is okay to not always win a race. If we want young India to be bright, we first have to stop pressurising them to stand first in the line, everywhere.
I like stories like Karwaan that are rooted in reality and are slice of life-Akarsh Khurana
7:50 AM
Rachit Gupta (BOMBAY TIMES; August 3, 2018)
Akarsh Khurana is having a busy 2018. His first feature film as director High Jack, with Sumeet Vyas, released a few months ago and his second film, Karwaan, featuring Irrfan, Dulquer Salmaan and Mithila Palkar releases today. He’s also a very popular face on the digital medium, where he writes, directs and acts with quite a lot of success. He’s written movies like Krrish (2006), U Me Aur Hum (2008), Kites (2010) and Krrish 3 (2013), while he’s also acted in Bejoy Nambiar’s David (2013) and Aditya Chopra’s Befikre (2016). Akarsh has also been heading a popular theatre company along with his family, for nearly two decades. With years of experience behind him, he’s now gearing up for a successful innings as a Bollywood filmmaker. Excerpts from a free-wheeling chat with the multi-faceted man.
You’ve had two back-to-back releases this year – High Jack (debut film) and now Karwaan. It looks like a busy year, especially for a first time filmmaker.
That was never the plan. I shot High Jack in May-June and Karwaan in September-October in 2017. Last year was a bit hectic. I’m just thankful that they haven’t released in the same month.
You must have been disheartened to see your debut film, High Jack not doing well at the box office.
It suffered from a very bad release. I don’t think a lot of people even knew that a film like that was playing in theatres. Bas woh aake nikal gayi, which is kind of sad because I still feel it’s a very enjoyable film and once it releases online, I’m sure it will find its audience.
Karwaan has an impressive ensemble cast. How did you manage to bring together stars from three different platforms – Irrfan (Bollywood), Dulquer Salmaan, (Malayalam star) and Mithila Palkar (internet sensation)?
Shubh Shivadasani, our associate producer suggested we take the film to Irrfan. Hum toh utna bada soch bhi nahi rahe the. Hamare liye toh Irrfan ke saath narration milna hi badi baat hai, unhone haan bol diya, woh toh sone pe suhaga tha. We met him when Hindi Medium was being shot. He was interested almost immediately. Once Irrfan said a ‘yes’, we went and locked Dulquer for the film. I’ve known Mithila before she became an internet sensation. I’ve known her for a long time, but I didn’t want to cast her just because I knew her. So we did an audition with her and then we did two months of auditions with other girls but Mithila’s audition was still the best one.
How did you zero in on Dulquer Salmaan?
Again, Shubh suggested Dulquer for the role. I had just seen one film of his – Charlie (2015). I couldn’t cast him on the basis of that one film, because his role in Charlie was very different from what I had imagined for the character in Karwaan. So I watched two more films and I realised he has an incredible range as an actor. When we met him for the first time we knew he was the perfect choice. Dulquer’s sensibilities as a person and as an artiste are special. He looks for these off-beat subjects and unique perspectives. His response to the project was, ‘If Irrfan is doing this film, then I am in safe hands.’
Sumeet Vyas, your lead in High Jack and Mithila Palkar, one of your leads in Karwaan, are both internet stars. You have been acting, writing and directing on the digital platform, too. Is there a pattern over there?
It’s a mere coincidence. When we were casting for the character of Tanya in Karwaan we looked at actresses from all walks of life and from all mediums. You know, that’s how the cookie crumbles. A new medium becomes popular and since we’ve all come up via the digital platform, our paths tend to intersect. I’m acting on the digital platform as well. Working with Sumeet and Mithila is like having a crossover; we’re all growing and exploring these opportunities together.
What was your reaction when you found out about Irrfan’s neuroendocrine tumour?
First, there were these rumours floating around and before that he’d seen the first cut of our film and he’d given his feedback and he was generally very happy about it. Then, once we got a confirmation of his illness, we were all just very shocked. Just a few months ago we were shooting with him. During the shoot he was perfect, he was travelling between to Chandigarh for some work. He was attending film screenings and everything was looking great. But once we got the details and the confirmation, it just jolted us. I mean, we spent 40-45 days working with him and that’s enough time on a film set to form an equation and an attachment with a person. I just hope he makes a full recovery soon and returns to the movies.
High Jack was a stoner comedy while Karwaan is a road movie. Do these offbeat subjects excite you as a storyteller?
I like real comedy and emotions. I like stories like Karwaan that are rooted in reality and a slice-of-life space. High Jack wasn’t too realistic, but it was still about people being in real world situations and things going wrong for them. Having worked on films like Krrish, Kites and Krrish 3, I have had a tryst with larger-than-life cinema, but it’s the small stories that resonate with me. Karwaan has a wonderful journey from Cochin to Bangalore and it puts these quirky characters in the most bizarre circumstances. They’re driving around with a dead body. That’s the sort of humour that works for me. That’s my voice as a filmmaker.
Brahmastra to be released in 3D, confirms co-producer Namit Malhotra
8:13 AM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; October 28, 2017)
Having taken the onus of giving Bollywood its biggest superhero in their next, Brahmastra, Ranbir Kapoor and Karan Johar are pulling out all stops. mid-day has learnt that the Ayan Mukerji-directed venture, which apparently sees Kapoor’s character having the superpower of unleashing fire from his palms, is being mounted on a budget of over Rs 150 crore.
Namit Malhotra (founder, executive chairman and global CEO, Prime Focus), who turns co-producer with this film, says the budget is immaterial in light of their vision for the project. “We aspire to create something homegrown that can match Hollywood standards. We can’t be penny-pinching with the scale. Hollywood has moved from dramas and rom-coms to big scale films, which makes more money eventually. India too is getting there,” he says.
Bollywood’s answer to Hollywood’s fantasy films, Brahmastra will be released in 3D to up the cinematic experience. “We will shoot it the regular way and then convert it into 3D. The visual effects and conversion quality will be superlative,” asserts Malhotra.
Also starring Amitabh Bachchan and Alia Bhatt in pivotal roles, the film has been conceived as a trilogy. However, the team is currently focused on the first instalment, which is likely to go on floors early next year. “The films will progress from establishing the characters to the protagonist achieving his goal. Ayan’s vision will strike a chord with everyone, from the ages of six to 60. In terms of concept, it doesn’t share any similarities with other Bollywood superhero films, like Krrish [2006]. The title itself conveys that the story is rooted in our cultural heritage.”
Successful Punjabi director Anurag Singh to make superhero film Hanumaan in Hindi
7:53 AM
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 19, 2016)
Anurag Singh may have a trio
of Punjabi cinema's highest grosser to his credit - Punjab 1984, and
Jatt and Juliet 1 and 2, all featuring Diljit Dosanjh - but he is
realising his childhood dream only now. The 40-year-old writer-director,
who learnt the ropes of filmmaking in Australia, has wrapped up
Punjab's first superhero film, Super Singh, with Diljit sporting red
underwear over blue pants, a la Superman. But unlike his Hollywood
counterpart, Diljeet's also wearing a red turban.“Growing up, every night I prayed that I'd wake up as Superman. Now, Diljit's playing a superhero in my next film,“ Anurag beams, adding that the film which marks Ekta Kapoor's foray into Punjabi cinema, is presently in post-production and is expected to release in June, 2017.
Next, he'll take his dream up a notch having just locked the script of his big-budget Bollywood debut. Tentatively titled Hanumaan, it'll be produced by Junglee Pictures. “It's a superhero film that marries mythology with modern technology. Without delving into ancient concepts, we're re-inventing the morals he stands for,“ explains Anurag who met Priti Shahani, President, Junglee Pictures two years ago and sketched out the idea to her in one line. “She called the concept a 'clutter-breaker' and though we discussed other ideas, she kept coming back to this one. Now, it's like we are both realizing our dream,“ he recalls.
A few names have been discussed but the lead pair of the film is yet to be cast. Point out that Hanuman, son of the wind God Pawan and a loyal devotee of Ram, is known as a brahmachari who had taken a vow of celibacy, and scripting a love-interest for him could agitate devotees, Anurag says confidently that Hanuman bhakts will be the biggest fans of his film. “I'm not questioning the legend of Hanuman, rather like any devotee, I'm appreciative of him. The tone will be reverential, just as it is in animation shows for children like Chhota Bheem, Bal Ganesh and Bal Hanuman, but the film's scale is huge,“ he clarifies, adding that the protagonist Hanumaan, is a fun guy with mischievous powers, drawn from Hanuman's energy, wisdom and devotion.
Earlier this year, Remo D'Souza's A Flying Jatt, featuring Tiger Shroff as a turbaned superhero, failed at the box-office. Ask Anurag why the Indian masses are far more receptive to American franchisee fares like The Avengers or The Dark Knight than to their Indian counterparts and he says, “I haven't seen A Flying Jatt so I cannot comment on it, but Koi... Mil Gaya and Krrish were brave attempts and did extremely well. More recently, Baahubali, even though not a superhero film in the true sense of the term, was an extraordinary success because the director merged Indian grammar with contemporary technique. For any superhero film, a classic tale needs a modern retelling. That said, you can't copy Hollywood in terms of scale because we don't have that kind of money. So you have to match them with your storytelling,“ Anurag signs off.
The body language looks a lot similar in posters of A Flying Jatt & Krrish-Tiger Shroff
7:45 AM
Tiger Shroff on comparisons with Hrithik Roshan, career-wise
Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; June 15, 2016)
Tiger Shroff may still be a relative newcomer, but
he’s following in his idol Hrithik Roshan’s footsteps, for sure. The
young actor’s first film was a Bollywood romance, the second a masala
entertainer and his next, a superhero flick. But, he’s confident he’ll
be a superstar one day. Back-to-back hits have made the once-coy star a
little less reserved. But it also burdens him with expectations. Here,
he talks about that, about the obvious comparisons and how he fancies
his chances...
You’re a huge fan of Hrithik Roshan. Your film will be compared to him now. Happy or under pressure?
I am so happy that my name is even compared to that name. He is the reason why I do what I do. I always tell people that he’s the blueprint I follow as an actor. Subconsciously, I didn’t do this on purpose, but if you notice the first look of A Flying Jatt and an old poster of Krrish, the body language looks a lot similar. I guess I have studied him so much that I feel like him sometimes. I admire him so I think about him like that — maybe think about how he would have stood, how he would have danced or said something in a particular scene.
You career is similar to the way Hrithik started as well. Agree?
Oh wow! My life did change overnight after Heropanti became a huge success. I feel like I am getting little more than what I deserve right now. I have a long way to go. But that’s the dream, yaar. To be compared to him.
We haven’t had a superstar since Hrithik. Do you see yourself as the next superstar?
That’s my goal. I won’t lie to you. I do believe that I have what it takes to be the next superstar. I am very greedy and I want it to be so, badly. So yes, I can definitely be the next superstar because I want to be that. I also know where my limitations are. I know there’s a long way, here onwards. But I do believe I’ll be a superstar one day!
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