Dinesh Vijan on his next, which tells Ayushmann Khurrana’s bald story, and informs that plagiarism case against him is withdrawn
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 4, 2019)

For someone who has been redefining content with films like Badlapur, Hindi Medium and Stree, it must feel like a bad dream to be accused of plagiarism by the makers of Ujda Chaman. Yet, you have chosen to remain silent on the charges.
When something like this happens, a part of you wants to explain yourself. But since we were just three weeks away from release, I needed to see my film through without losing focus. It will be out this Friday and then you will know that Bala is a completely original concept. We are credible filmmakers. Forget a subject, I’ve never even signed a director working for another production house.

How did the issue blow up?
Before we started, Luv Ranjan and Kumar ji (Mangat, producer of Ujda Chaman) approached me on the similarity in the plots of the two films. Since Kumar ji’s film was a remake of a Kannada film (Ondu Motteya Kathe) I didn’t need to listen to his subject, but I narrated mine to Luv who assured us that there was no resemblance between the two. Twenty days after we wrapped up, they went on the floors. I reiterate our film is nothing like the South film or the 2011 Hindi film Hair Is Falling or any other on the subject. More than hair loss, Bala propogates self-love. There are things we don’t like about ourselves, be it our hair, height, or complexion, yet, it’s important that we love ourselves for others to love us. That’s what our film is about and it’s Ayushmann’s (Khurrana) best performance to date. He’s known for brave choices but this one is all heart.

Why, then, did you push the release forward, from November 22 to November 8?
After Karan (Johar) called to say that his Bhoot was moving, we thought of coming with Bala on November 8. My studio partners felt that with November 11 being Guru Nanak’s birthday and a holiday, it'd give us an extended weekend and a two-week run at the box-office.

What’s the status on the plagiarism cases against you? Even Dr Zeus threatened legal action for recreating his song, “Don’t Be Shy”.
The Ujda Chaman makers have withdrawn their case and as far as the song goes, we have officially taken the rights from Kamran Entertainment, the copyright owner of the original song.

Some don’t like the fact that Bhumi Pednekar’s skin tone has been inordinately darkened on screen since she is playing a dusky girl...
Bhumi is an actor playing a character which demanded this, just like Ayushmann’s Bala needed him to sport a balding pate. The idea here is to sensitise people with respect to terms like ‘takla’ and ‘kala’, which begin as jokes in school and whose scars we carry all our life, unless we can love ourselves for who we are.

What went wrong with Arjun Patiala and Made In China?
The former, as a spoof, fell flat. I stand by Made In China’s script and its intentions. Raj (Rajkummar Rao) was outstanding. I think we faltered with the release date. If Agent Vinod taught me to be brave with Badlapur, and Raabta with Stree and Luka Chuppi, Made In China has made me realise the importance of timing a release right.

Given how big a hit Stree was last year, we had expected Roohi Afza, which is in the same genre, to arrive before the year was out.
We started filming only three months ago and still have two songs to shoot, followed by four months of post-production. A film, like a baby, takes nine months to deliver. Roohi Afza, my first film with Janhvi (Kapoor) and my third with Raj, comes in April 2020. In March 2021, we plan to release another horror-comedy, Munjha, which goes on the floors next year in August. All three— Stree, Roohi Afza and Munjha—will have a part 2 which will arrive over the next five years, three years after the original opened, each answering the question the first part ended with. Then, all three will come together in my horror universe in a series of two films which deal with the bigger picture and a larger conflict. All of them and their sequels are being written by separate writers and will be made by different directors over eight years. Now, isn’t that exciting?

Very much so. Now, tell us about the Love Aaj Kal sequel. Can Sara Ali Khan and Kartik Aaryan’s real-life split affect its box-office prospects?
I didn’t even know Sara and Kartik were dating. They are both strong actors who have the love of the audience, and with Imtiaz Ali, the master of heartbreaks, telling us how love has changed in the last decade, I am confident this film will be a much-awaited 2020 Valentine Day release. I remember little Sara present at the pooja when we started Love Aaj Kal with her father (Saif Ali Khan). Now, she’s the leading lady of the sequel. Taking the journey forward with her, Imtiaz and Kartik, with whom I had a hit in Luka Chuppi earlier this year, has been heart-warming.

The Irrfan Khan-starrer Angrezi Medium followup to Hindi Medium was another reunion project for you. What was that journey like?
There is an almost Sufi quality to Irrfan now. He’s made me realise that the mind is living our lives, making us chase success instead of valuing the here and now. Thanks to my mother, Irrfan and my wife Pramita, I’ve become a better person—calmer, more balanced and mature. I’m still passionate about my work, but when I go home now, I can disconnect and feel grateful for all that I have. Perhaps that’s why the recent controversies didn’t rattle me, nor do box-office results. You can’t get it right every time, but it’s important to work with good people, give my best and enjoy the moment.

That’s why it’s exciting to reunite with not just Irrfan on this film but also Homi Adajania. I started my career with his directorial Being Cyrus, and have collaborated with him on Cocktail, Finding Fanny and now Angrezi Medium. My Badlapur director-actor duo, Sriram Raghavan and Varun Dhawan, and I have also joined hands on the biopic of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal. The film is a big responsibility towards the late martyr's brother Mukesh Khetarpal and to the Indian army. It’s wonderful when actors, writers and directors trust you enough to want to work with you again.

You’ve reunuited with your Luka Chuppi director, Laxman Utekar, and actress Kriti Sanon too on Mimi but isn’t she a little too young to play a mother?
Mimi, the remake of Marathi film, Mala Aai Vhhaychay, is about surrogacy and till it was banned, it was young girls who agreed to be surrogates to support their families. This young girl wants to be an actress but ends up becoming a mother. I believe a child gives birth to a mother and if with Laxman sir’s help, Kriti who has not experienced motherhood yet, can bridge that gap between herself and her character, Mimi will be her best performance.

WILL ALL THREE DIWALI RELEASES BE ABLE TO SUCCEED DESPITE CHALLENGES?

The Diwali festival is round the corner and like every year, it'll be one of the important times of the year for Bollywood. This time, not just one but three films will try it's luck. And it's a bit of a gamble as two of those films are moderately budgeted but not exactly ideal for Diwali. And moreover, this year, Diwali is on Sunday. So for the first two days, the collections would be affected as viewers generally stay away from cinemas since they are busy with shopping, cleaning etc. On day 3, the collections will fall even further from afternoon as people would be attending puja. Hence, the collections will rise only from day 4.

My analysis on the three films releasing tomorrow:

1. HOUSEFULL 4: It is the fourth part of the popular Housefull franchise and stars Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, Bobby Deol, Kriti Sanon, Kriti Kharbanda, Pooja Hegde, Rana Daggubati and Chunky Panday. This time the scale has been upped as it is also a reincarnation saga. But still it promises to be a funny ride. The film faced roadblocks last year when director Sajid Khan was named as one of the prime accused in the #MeToo movement. Hence, he was asked to step down and was replaced by Farhad Samji. The trailer is entertaining and the film seems like a great ride. As for songs, 'Bala' has worked very well while other songs have been noticed but aren't chartbusters.

A film like like could have taken a Rs 30 crore plus opening if it had released on holiday day. But now it'll open at around Rs. 19-20 crore. If response is positive, the first three day collections would be around Rs. 50-55 crore and then day 4 would be around Rs. 30 crore. If the film gets slammed, it won't crash on Monday but collections would be affected a bit.

2. MADE IN CHINA: It has an excellent star cast of Rajkummar Rao, Mouni Roy, Boman Irani, Sumeet Vyas and Amyra Dastur along with Paresh Rawal and Gajraj Rao in special appearances. It is directed by Mikhil Musale, who made the award winning Gujarati movie Wrong Side Raju. The trailer is strictly okay and has lots of double meaning dialogues. Before the promos were out, it seemed like a clean film that can work big time in Gujarat as it seemed like a film that celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit of the state. Hence there was hope that families in Gujarat would throng to see this film. However the fact that the film is about a man who is selling products to solve men's sexual problems is something that family audiences would not like to see, especially in Diwali. The opening would be around Rs. 2 crore and then it can grow a bit on Monday if reports are positive.

3. SAAND KI AANKH: It stars Taapsee Pannu and Bhumi Pednekar in leading roles and is about the real life story of Chandro and Prakashi Tomar who became expert shooters after turning 60. It marks the directorial debut of writer Tushar Hiranandani. The trailer is great and the film is made in a very entertaining way. However the film has plenty of challenges. Firstly the make up has been criticised. Secondly the buzz for the film is very less and on top of that, it's clashing with two films that seem far more exciting. Not to forget, the first three day collections would be disastrous, especially on Diwali day. If reports are positive, then it can have a good run from Monday. There's also a possibility that its Tuesday to Thursday collections would be in the same range. Day 1 earnings however would be around Rs. 1 crore or Rs. 1.50 crore at best. And if reports are not positive, then it'll emerge as one the biggest flops of the year.

WHICH FILM WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE AND WHY? DO LET ME KNOW!

Amyra Dastur on her getting used to the ways of showbiz
Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 24, 2019)

Amyra Dastur is gearing up for the big Diwali release, Made In China. This is her second film with Rajkummar Rao after JudgeMentall Hai Kya, which released earlier this year. “We have a very different dynamic this time around. Rajkummar is great and really cool. There was no awkwardness and hence no ice to break. That comfort level really worked as it helped us understand our comic timings,” she grins.

Amyra gives us a sneak-peek into the shooting of Sanedo, a rendition of the Gujarati folk song used in the film. She says, “Sanedo was shot for a good 24 to 26 hours. Lack of sleep gets you into a comical zone which worked in our favour. After shooting, there was a sense of accomplishment. The entire crew started dancing when we finished the last sequence. It was one big wrap up moment.”

Despite being part of some big projects, the actor has no qualms about auditioning even now. “I still have to go through auditions but I deal with rejections better now. They used to really bog me down initially. I used to say to myself, ‘It was the audition of my life. Why didn’t I get it?’ Now, I tell myself that I’ll do better the next time,” she says.

So is she getting used to the shutterbugs? “I’m used to the paparazzi culture now. It’s not that bad for me because I live in town. Only when I’m in Bandra do I get ‘papped’. They sometimes come out of nowhere and it gets very awkward,” Amyra chuckles.

Amyra Dastur plays a business-savvy Gujrati girl, an assistant to Boman Irani's character in Made In China
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; October 22, 2019)

Set to reunite with Rajkummar Rao for the second time after Judgementall Hai Kya, Made In China actor Amyra Dastur says it's easy to get overshadowed by the much-acclaimed actor if an artiste doesn't "bring on their A-Game". "Seeing a fine actor like Raj play two distinct roles across films was fun. I enjoy the pressure of being surrounded by actors like Boman Irani and Raj, because it makes me perform to the best of my ability."

Dastur plays a business-savvy Gujrati girl, an assistant to Irani's character, who Rao — a desperate businessman — approaches to make a sale of his magic soup. Given that like Irani, Dastur is also a Parsi, she admits her family members were thrilled to hear of their collaboration. "My family has always admired him. My community honours him. They were more excited about this film than they have been of my past offerings. His comic timing is truly worth watching."

Boman Irani talks about the surge in content driven cinema and admits that he wouldn’t waste time on a film that he won’t enjoy
Kavita Awaasthi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 21, 2019)

A supporter of underdog stories, Boman Irani says he knew he wanted to be a part of Made In China the moment he heard the script. “I loved the story. I was keen to work with Rajkummar Rao, too. I spent a lot of with the director Mikhil Musale, and I realised that the story is in good hands. I have done underdog stories before and the stance this film takes is quite interesting,” says the 59-year-old actor, who plays a sexologist in the film and hopes the film encourages people to seek medical help for sexual issues and not shy away from it.

Working with Rajkummar was a pleasure for the senior actor who says he was “proud to work with him”. He adds, “I kind of understood what Rajkummar is about. You do tend to understand what process he is going through, if you are an actor. When I met and worked with him, I realised that this guy is so good at his work, and we should all feel happy for his success. There is a great reward for work and application he puts into his roles.”

2019 saw a surge of movies hailed as new-age cinema and content-driven films. Boman is thrilled with the kind of films being made but also feels that the credit for them must be given where it is due. He says, “It is the writers who are writing stories and have brought about the change. It is not the actor who has done that, let’s be clear and honour the writer. Sure, the actors are choosing these scripts and being courageous. But not just actors, writers, too, should get due credit for the surge in content-driven films. The writers need to be appreciated and even paid well for creating content that is celebrated in films.”

The Munna Bhai M.B.B.S (2003) actor has done 93 films to date but he says he isn’t looking at the 100-film mark. “That is not my goal. I do films to have a good time. I want to enjoy my role and the process of the film, more than anything else. I don’t want to waste time on a film that I won’t enjoy,” he says.

Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; October 19, 2019)

The years of struggle that Rajkummar Rao has seen has helped him shape his career with great maturity and confidence. From playing the second fiddle in several films to becoming a poster boy of content-driven cinema, he has come a long way. Rajkummar talks to BT about how he does not want to limit himself as an actor, how box-office success is not the only thing that drives him, and the life lessons he has learnt from his parents. Excerpts...

Made In China chronicles the journey of Raghu Mehta, a failed businessman aspiring to make it big. You, too, have toiled for years before making a mark in Bollywood. Did that make Raghu’s journey more relatable?
Made In China revolves around Raghu’s journey, from being a nobody to trying to be somebody, and I could totally relate to it. Like me, he, too, doesn’t have a plan B and has a never-give-up attitude. Raghu has struggled a lot with people around him and his extended family is not in favour of him exploring another business idea because he has failed so many times. When I was struggling in Bollywood, I was also told by people to try other mediums. However, I was prepared to face the struggle. I knew that no one would launch me the moment I landed in Mumbai. For two years, people only considered me for character-driven parts. Sometimes, they would either not call me or make me wait, and eventually, they would turn around and tell me that they needed a conventional looking actor with a great physique. However, I didn’t lose hope and had faith that someday, someone would look at me the way I am and cast me. Dibakar Banerjee gave me that opportunity in Love Sex Aur Dhokha (2010). Success changes people’s perception of you and the way they look at you. People have cast aspersions on many actors because they didn’t look conventional. But, these actors proved them wrong and the same people started praising them. This has happened with me as well. Initially, some people thought that I wasn’t cut out for lead roles, but today, they think differently. From then to now, it’s been an exciting ride. I am happy with my career graph, and the way cinema is shifting shapes and people are coming up with great ideas and stories, which are being lapped up by the audience. It’s a great sign for us.

You have been a front-runner for content-driven cinema. Do you ever crave to play the quintessential Bollywood romantic hero?
I am a big fan of the typical Bollywood kind of romance. I love to watch it, but I am not too sure if I can pull it off. Also, I feel that cinema has become more real. Having said that, larger-than-life films are still being made and are doing great numbers at the box office. There should be place for all kinds of films. People will get bored if we keep making only realistic films.

While you had a great run at the box office last year, your films in 2019 (Ek Ladki ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga and Judgementall Hai Kya) didn’t have a similar impact on the BO…
I knew exactly what went wrong with my films, which didn’t work. There are times, when you make a good film, but it doesn’t work. However, it’s a personal experience which I wouldn’t be able to share. Sometimes, you realise that a film won’t work at an earlier stage itself, but then, it’s not just about the box-office result, but also about enjoying the process, and becoming part of a good film. Failures teach you a lot more than success, as you learn what went wrong and what not to repeat. I try to live in the present and not think too much about the future. I give my all to every character I am playing at that time, and then, I move on to the next project without thinking about what’s going to happen to it.

You had said in an interview that the industry is quick to typecast actors. Currently, you are the go-to actor for content-driven cinema? Do you ever feel that you are being typecast?
I don’t think I have been typecast. There is still a lot of fire inside me and I don’t want to typecast myself ever. I want to surprise my audience by doing as many films as I can and play different parts. I don't want anyone to slot me in any bracket and think that I can only do certain kind of films. I like challenges. I want people to throw any character at me and it is my responsibility to portray it with conviction. A lot of people ask me about my dream role. I don’t have one. Every role I do becomes a dream part for that moment and for that period. Just the dream of becoming a film actor was a big one for me, and I am happy that I am living that dream every day.

You are known to sink in your teeth into every character that you play. You lost seven kilos for Trapped and grew a paunch for Made In China. While it’s considered to be a big deal in Bollywood, in Hollywood, many actors have undergone drastic transformation...
I have always said that it’s part of my job, and I am not doing anything extraordinary. It’s the demand of my character. If I am playing Subhas Chandra Bose, I have to look like him and not someone from Delhi. It’s my responsibility towards my characters that I have to fulfill. But yes, when you undergo a drastic transformation like Joaquin Phoenix did for Joker, people appreciate it. It’s amazing to see an actor put in so much for the character without using prosthetics. I think that’s phenomenal. I also like what Christian Bale and Matthew McConaughey do. I find their work inspiring. They do it because they want to be true to their characters and not for appreciation from people.

For Made In China, I made my tummy a little heavy, because I wanted to look different in the film. I ate a lot of white rice and cheese and also worked out a lot so that the other muscles were intact. It’s fun when you try to do something different and people appreciate it. But eventually, it’s for yourself; it’s a very lonely process that you go through during that time. As an artiste, you do it for yourself. There were times when my director (Mikhil Musale) was happy with a shot, but I wasn’t and I would go in for a retake because I wasn’t satisfied. You repeat the process till you take out something real from within. Primarily, it’s to satiate the artiste in you and then you do it for your co-actors. If that happens truthfully, it will reflect in the film and the audience will see it. One doesn’t know what will work for the audience. How will they connect with you if you are not in the moment? If you are truthful in that very moment to yourself, your craft and your co-actors, the audience will definitely connect with it. You are not breaking the fourth wall and talking to them; they have to believe in what’s happening in that particular scene. Since I am trained in a film school, I understand performances really well. I can tell the difference between a true performance and when someone is faking it.

This film is more of a situational comedy. What’s your view on adult comedies?
It is situational and there are very responsible actors involved in the film. Nothing in it is vulgar and crass. It’s a family entertainer. But as they say, never say never. If the story excites me as an actor, I don’t find it vulgar and crass, if it’s situational and not just about gags, then I won’t mind doing an adult comedy. But that’s not the plan right now.

You have been a part of several heroine-centric films and two-hero projects. After having tasted the kind of success that you have, a lot of actors would refrain from sharing screen space in so many projects…
I did Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga (2019) and Queen (2014); both of them were women-centric stories. I never judge a story on the basis of how my character is shaping the film. The story is paramount, and if my character is impactful and offers me something new and different, I say yes to it. For me, it’s never about playing lead parts, but always about associating with great stories. I love what I do and genuinely feel passionately about my work. It’s as simple as that. I am not doing it to prove a point to anyone. For me, it’s a sacred thing to go on a film set. Insecurity and other things corrupt the environment on the set and then, it reflects in your work. I would never want to feel like that. I have done Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017) and Kai Po Che (2013), so I don’t mind being part of a two-hero or three-hero project. I am very secure as an actor. It’s not that I am going to fight a battle, I am going to do something I really love. I love being on a film set, where everyone is working like one big family.

While you are doing exceptionally well in your career, on the personal front, you suffered two irrevocable losses over the past couple of years when your parents passed away. How have you coped with the loss? Even with all the success, does it get lonely?
I wish my parents were part of this journey and that void will always be there. But apart from that, I am very happy and content with the way work is going and the kind of cinema I am doing. It’s an interesting phase in my life. I do feel lonely. That’s why I am working. When I am working, my mind is busy with a lot of things. But when I am home, travelling, or not doing much, it hits me. Fortunately, I have my loved ones, who keep me grounded and rooted. But I don’t have to put any extra effort to stay grounded, as that’s how I am. With the kind of upbringing my parents have given me, I will always be this way. They have taught me to work hard and be real. They have taught me a lot about honesty and helping others. It’s not difficult to be honest. It’s easier to speak your mind.

Rajkummar Rao says since there are only a limited number of Fridays in a year, two films releasing on the same day is bound to happen
Pooja Sharma (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 18, 2019)

Rajkummar Rao, who is known for nailing unusual characters, in films such as Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017), Stree (2018) among others, has worked with a variety of filmmakers. From veterans to new-age directors, the actor believes in only looking at the overall content in a project, and he is proud of his choices so far. “The credit goes to the audiences and new filmmakers who are coming with different stories and ideas. Having said that, if the audience does not accept whatever is served to them on the platter, then obviously the film won’t do well. We all know that cinema is going through a vast change. But more so, the change in the mind-set of the audience is helping filmmakers and actors choose different and likeable subjects. The content is the king,” says the actor.

With his next, Made In China due for release, Rajkummar doesn’t seem to be apprehensive about the film clashing with a big-budget ensemble franchise such as Housefull 4. “We have made a good and an entertaining film. It’s like Stree (2018), where people laughed and enjoyed the story even though it had a delicate message. Similarly, Made In China is entertaining as well, and has an underlined message. We are proud of the film. Diwali, being a festive season, also has a long weekend ahead. So, I feel two films can easily cater to the audience this Diwali. Since there are limited Fridays in the entire year, we do not always get a clear window. We have to clash with some or the other film, and I believe every film has its own space,” says Rajkummar.

Talking about his upcoming line-up, the actor adds that he has just wrapped up shooting for Hansal Mehta’s tentatively titled Turram Khan. After which, he will begin work on Anurag Basu’s Ludo alongside Abhishek Bachchan and Aditya Roy Kapur. “It’s a crime comedy. I am very excited about this film because I will be in a totally different avatar altogether. My look is so different, as is the way I will be delivering my dialogues. The way I will be seen dancing will not only surprise the audiences, but will also be liked by all,” says Rajkummar, who will soon also start shooting for The White Tiger with Priyanka Chopra Jonas.

Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; October 17, 2019)

Small screen actors stepping into the Bollywood arena for brighter career prospects is not a new phenomenon. Some have survived the test of time, while others have faded into oblivion. However, not everyone’s transition has been as smooth as Mouni Roy’s. The actress is best known for playing naagin on TV. After sharing screen space with Akshay Kumar in Gold and John Abraham in RAW, she will now be seen opposite Rajkummar Rao in Made In China. Also on the cards is the Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt-starrer Brahmastra and she is reportedly a part of Mogul, too.

When BT met Mouni for a chat, she stressed on the fact that the projects she has featured in so far, have chosen her. “I have given my 100 per cent to every role that I have played. I listen to my directors and follow their instructions to the best of my abilities. To me, the story is paramount and then comes my character. I know after reading the first few pages of a script whether I want to be a part of the project. If you have to force yourself to do something, often, it doesn’t turn out well. I have always been slow but steady, and that’s alright. I believe that everything has its own due time and every delay is due to a reason,” she says.

‘IT’S A GOOD SIGN THAT THE LINES BETWEEN TV AND FILM INDUSTRIES ARE BLURRING’
When we point out that not many TV actors’ transition has been like hers, Mouni asserts that she doesn’t think along those lines and is grateful for the kind of work she has done in both the industries.

She says, “I am glad that TV actors like Mrunal (Thakur) and Radhika (Madan) are doing well in films. It’s a good sign that the lines are blurring, and makers are choosing the actors and not the medium. However, there is still a long way to go. There are many talented actors on TV, who work hard for the love of their craft. Actors have to wait for the right scripts, and also destiny plays a part in getting those opportunities. Of course, one needs a bit of tweaking, and the learning never stops. There are only a few gifted actors like Rajkummar Rao, who don’t have to go through that process. He is unimaginably spontaneous. For the rest of us, we have to constantly learn and unlearn (laughs!). Every scene with him has been a learning process for me.”

‘GREAT ACTORS ENHANCE YOUR PERFORMANCE’
Sharing screen space with powerhouse performers like Boman Irani, Paresh Rawal, Manoj Joshi and Gajraj Rao can be daunting for any actor, but working with them has been an enriching experience for Mouni. “Initially, you are intimidated, but then you realise that they are extremely giving and always put the script and the film before themselves. I have received help on the set starting with my director Mikhil Musale sir and Rajkummar to other co-actors. Great actors enhance your performance. It’s my good fortune that I am getting to work with them so early on in my career. You get to learn so much from the best in the industry,” the actress explains.

‘MADE IN CHINA IS A RELATABLE FILM WITH A STRONG MESSAGE’
Talking about Made In China and her role in it, Mouni tells us it is a rags-to-riches story of a middle-class man — Raghu (played by Rajkummar Rao) — and his wife Rukmini (Mouni). “Becoming a part of Made In China was a no-brainer for me. It’s a relatable film with a strong message. Rukmini has lived in a metro city and was very ambitious at one point. She falls in love with Raghu and shifts to Ahmedabad. She is still ambitious, albeit, differently. Now, she is ambitious for her family and wants Raghu to do well. The film showcases Raghu’s journey from rags to riches and how Rukmini supports him all along. Of course, the narrative is laced with interesting twists and turns,” says Mouni.

While the film chronicles Raghu’s journey and his struggles to become a successful businessman before he strikes gold by getting into sexual-stimulant business; the film is not a sex comedy. Talking about an important message that the film imparts, Mouni shares, “Sex education is extremely important and should be a part of our curriculum. If you have a fever, cough or cold, you go to a doctor, similarly, if you have a sex-related issue, you should be comfortable with consulting a sexologist as well. Both men and women should be educated about it. It’s important for men to be aware of everything to get over any awkwardness while growing up, and to understand the difference between wooing a women and scaring her. If women are educated, it gives us the power of negation. Having said that, this is just a small part of our film, which is fun and entertaining.”

‘MY JOURNEY SO FAR HAS BEEN A CHARMING ROLLER COASTER’
Not one to worry about the business of films or box-office success, Mouni says that she doesn’t understand the number game. She says, “I consider myself lucky that I don’t understand the business of movies too much. I was never worried about the ratings of my TV shows. I love what I do and give my heart and soul to it. Once it’s done, I don’t worry about what’s not in my hands. Being in the present is the most important thing. If you are stuck in your past, you will always be anxious, and if you keep thinking about the future, you will always be scared. There is no other place to be than being in the present.”

Following the mantra ‘the harder you work, the luckier you get’, Mouni believes hard work and destiny go hand-in-hand. Though her life hasn’t really been a typical rags-to-riches tale, like the film, she believes the audience will relate to it. The actress, who comes from a middleclass background, calls her journey in showbiz a “charming roller coaster.”

Mouni is happy that she has worked with actors like Akshay Kumar, John Abraham and Rajkummar. “They have their own approach to the roles that they portray. I am not in a position to comment on them, but the one thing that’s common between them is that they are brilliant at comedy, in their own way,” she observes.

While TV is said to be a woman's medium, the film industry is largely male dominated. Lack of pay parity has been talked about a lot over the past couple of years. Actresses undergo a lot more scrutiny in terms of their fashion sense and looks, too. Many have been accused of going under the knife, and her name has also featured on the list. She has also faced her share of trolling and has been bodyshamed. “About fashion sense, trolling or being body-shamed and the scrutiny, I think either they are ghostwriters, hiding behind their screens and writing rubbish about you or they simply lack compassion. I don’t waste my time thinking about trolls.”

On the personal front, she is single. She says, “I don’t like to talk about my personal life, as it takes the focus away from work. I am single and concentrating on my work currently,” she signs off.

Mouni Roy on her priorities as an actor and working with Rajkummar Rao
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 16, 2019)

Mouni Roy, TV’s Naagin, graduated to the big screen last year with the sports-drama Gold which featured her as Akshay Kumar’s Bengali biwi. The actress is now gearing up for a Diwali dhamaka with the quirky comedy, Made In China. The film is the journey of a struggling Gujarati businessman, Raghu, towards becoming a successful entrepreneur, with Mouni as Rajkummar Rao’s wife. She insists this character has nothing in common to her debut role.

What made her gamble with such an unusual subject so early in her career? “I have to thank Dinoo (Dinesh Vijan, producer) for that. They called me for a meeting and narrated the role to me. It was a complete no-brainer. Such roles and such stories don’t come every day,” she asserts, adding that since she doesn’t have many Gujarati friends, she took her cues from director Mikhil Musale, and writers Karan Vyas and Niren Bhatt.

Has any friend discussed sexual problems with her? “Not yet, but if anyone does, I’ll tell them what Raghu and Dr Vardi advise in the film, ‘For cough and cold, you go to a doctor, so for sexual problems you should see one as well,’” she laughs.

She admits she’s lucky to have worked with established actors like Akshay (Gold) and John Abraham (Romeo Akbar Walter). “You get to learn a lot from them. You see how they work and realise why they are where they are. Initially I was a little nervous with Rajkummar, but now I realise it will only make me a better actor,” she avers. Point out that neither of the two above mentioned films lived up to expectations and she retorts, “I don’t dwell on these things. My job is to act, and this is my first year. To get ahead, I need to focus more on my craft, not worry about box-office outcome.”

Having come from TV, where she was a huge name, there were expectations from her here too. Is she content with the reception she has got? “I have no complaints. I am a greedy actor and I want to be part of good stories. I am also a grateful and proud TV actor. I was very happy doing television and I am very happy making movies now,” Mouni avers.

Any collaboration on the cards with Ekta Kapoor who launched her in TV? “If she has a role for me, she will come to me and I’ll be happy to go back to her production house,” she beams. What about a TV comeback? “Not right now. TV requires a lot of time and commitment and presently my focus is films,” Mouni signs off.

Rajkummar Rao on reprising Dharmendra’s much loved role in the Chupke Chupke remake, not being able to do the Dostana sequel and why he doesn’t need the magic soup yet
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 15, 2019)

After last year’s sleeper hit, Stree, Rajkummar Rao and Dinesh Vijan reunite for a quirky comedy, Made In China, which has the actor playing a struggling Gujarati businessman, Raghu. His career takes an about-turn after a trip to China where he finds a product that enhances sexual performance. Has anyone ever come to him with a bedroom problem? “Not yet,” the actor smiles, but points out that you read about them in the newspapers every day and it’s surprising that people still have so many misconceptions about sex.

Diwali is a time for family entertainers, so will their off-beat film with sexual innuendos find favour with the audience? “It has a U/A certification, the jokes are cracked by responsible actors who won’t do anything crass and the humour is situational, the kind you can watch with family,” he promises.

This is his third release of the year, after Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga and Judgementall Hai Kya, both of which didn’t perform well at the box office. But Raj feels no pressure. “I can’t control how a film fares, so, there’s no point taking any pressure,” he shrugs.

Karan Johar has been vocal about his keenness to work with him. Before you can say more, Raj quips that he’s equally keen to work with KJo. “He’s one of the finest filmmakers in the country. I hope something works out soon and I’m pretty sure it will,” he insists. He was reportedly offered the Dostana sequel. So, why didn’t things work out? “Dates,” he sighs. “My next project, opposite Priyanka Chopra, will be shot during the same time. But it’s a great script and Collin D’Cunha, the director, is my classmate from FTII,” he informs.

There were reports of him reprising Dharmendra’s role in the Chupke Chupke remake. Confirming the same, Raj says, “It’s a big responsibility to step into his shoes. The scripting is underway now. We know that we can’t match Hrishida’s (Hrishikesh Mukherjee, director) standard, but we will try and put our best foot forward.”

The actor has a busy year ahead with Hansal Mehta’s Turram Khan opposite his first co-star Nushrat Bharucha and RoohiAfza with Janhvi Kapoor. “Janhvi is a fabulous actor, she is going to stun the audience with her performance, and Nushrat has already proven her mettle,” he raves. Raj is also a part of Anurag Basu’s crime comedy and promises that the audience will see him in a very different avatar in it.

Meanwhile, returning to his Diwali release, you wonder if he ever felt the need for a performance enhancer in his personal life. “As of now, I don’t need any magic soup,” he laughs. And given that Patralekhaa and he have been going steady for a while and are a made-for-each-other couple, is marriage on the cards? Raj suddenly turns reticent. “It will happen when it is supposed to happen,” he signs off on an enigmatic note.

Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; October 12, 2019)

He was one of the front-runners in the ‘supporting actor’ category in the early 2000s. But he gradually reduced his outings on screen and decided to pursue his childhood dream and make more time for personal milestones. Boman Irani, at the cusp of becoming a director himself, spoke to BT about his upcoming film Made In China, what he seeks in cinema today and becoming a student of the medium at the age of 60. Excerpts:

After being a part of almost every big project in the mid-2000s, you became so selective with your movies that now, we see you only in one or two films a year. Why?
I had been working non-stop for 15 years, and time flew! Why am I not in every second film? Well, because I have a problem with that. I needed a breather for myself and my family. It was okay to be caught up with work when the kids were in college, but with my grandson’s arrival, I realised that I was cut-off from everything happening in my family. I was missing out on many important things, and so, I decided to take it easy. My grandson became a great excuse to take some time off. The second reason to slow down was my childhood desire to make a movie.

So, is that childhood dream finally coming true?
Yes, I realised that I needed a good script, which is very hard to find. So, I wrote something, which I thought was a nice story. It travelled to a few tables, but didn’t make the cut. That’s when I realised that I need to become a student again. It’s foolish to think that if you can write, you are a writer. It’s like saying that if you can fill petrol in a car, you’re an engineer. To be a writer, you have to know the craft. I studied acting by reading books and attending workshops for years. Unfortunately, I couldn’t go to an institute. Creativity goes hand-in-hand with science; in fact, it comes after science. It’s taken me some time to understand the craft of writing films. I travelled to the US, spent time with my mentor and attended workshops there. I know that in the next decade, I can do 60 or even 100 more films, but what after that? Learning something new can keep the excitement levels high. At my age, I am happy to make my debut once again, this time as a filmmaker, who is also a grand daddy.

Now that you are about to make your foray into direction, is there anything you fear?
I do feel a little scared; I don’t know how my film will turn out and how many people will see it, but I’m happy about learning a new craft. I have my fingers crossed.

In the middle of fine-tuning your directorial debut, you also decided to take up the part of a sexologist in Made In China. It seems Dr Mahinder Watsa was an inspiration behind the role...
(Smiles) I wanted to play this character in a matter-of-fact manner. For every part of human anatomy, there’s a specialised branch of medicine. Then why not sex? Sexology is about psychology and science — how it can affect personal equations, family structures and even lead to misconceptions and angst in people. We’ve tried to explain some of these things in a manner that people can understand. Having said that, the film is not about sex. It’s about the journey of a businessman, who wants to impress his wife and family. My character helps him do that.

Recently, while talking to us, writer-turned-director Tushar Hiranandani, who wrote films like Masti (2004), said that your film is a dignified sex comedy. How do you react to that?
I agree with him. While there are a few double entendre jokes in the film, we’ve approached the subject with old-world wisdom. Talking about sex or related problems should not be a taboo.

Over the last few years, the number of films using sex as a storytelling trope has shot up. Why do you think there’s a sudden surge in the demand and supply of such content, especially in mainstream cinema?
The number shot up after Vicky Donor (2012) succeeded. Why do we have this surge now more than ever before? The film will also answer this question. Like I said, it’s common sense to seek medical help whenever you need it. People are okay to go under the scalpel for a wrinkle, but not to a doctor for sex-related problems. It affects the mind, self-esteem and can lead to so much negativity. The film in parts talks about dealing with it. We’ve used humour to address the issue. Films like this have entertainment value with a take-away, and it need not be about sex alone. Every sensible film has a layer beneath the surface. To me, the Hollywood film Rocky (1976) is about a guy who realises that if he can add some spark to a shy girl’s life, he will be happy. 3 Idiots was not simply about education, and every character in that film serviced an underlying message or a thought for the audience.

Today, the way the audience consumes content has changed a lot. Do you think that has compelled filmmakers to push the envelope?
Now, we are judging our films in the first 10 minutes. People send out tweets! What the hell, ya! Watching films used to be such a joy at one time. I remember going to theatres and enjoying my time there. People used to watch three films in a day without really judging the content. Today, the audience has become far too knowledgeable and judgemental about films. They say, ‘First half kharaab tha! Maloom kyun?’ I mean, they have solutions for it also??? Everyone has become an expert. That is why it’s important to learn enough before you say things. In fact, when I launched my company, instead of hosting a party, I invited writers and flew in an Academy Award-winning writer for a workshop. There’s a need for all of us to structure our films well. Even with grand scales, our films often go nowhere. We need to get that right; otherwise no budget, scale or special effects can save it. People who think that a commercial, masala film doesn’t need a structure, need to watch what Manmohan Desai, Yash Chopra and Hrishikesh Mukherjee made. They knew the art of creating a structure for even the most commercial films. We need to sit back and learn a few lessons.

After working in about 93 films, have your parameters for choosing projects changed?
No, I still think that a film must tell you something more than the obvious, it should identify with people. A film like Ben-Hur (1959) has so many themes within that one story. The underlying idea is about fighting oppression by putting your differences aside. It took people from different races to fight it. As a Jew, Ben-Hur rode a chariot rode which had Arab horses. See the message there? While this is one kind of cinema that I seek, I also like to work in films that are designed for people who seek full-on entertainment — which is the reason I will take up something like Total Dhamaal. I don’t look down upon commercial masala films because they have given me all that I have today. I am not a prude. I love commercial cinema as much as I love any other kind of cinema. As an actor, I also look for films that remain with me and ask me questions. I like it when a director tells me upfront about the kind of film he’s making. Inder Kumar for instance, was clear about the space Total Dhamaal came from. I don’t like filmmakers who come to me and pretend that they’re offering me a deep-rooted, heavy, dramatic film. People have tried giving me that churan. Often, I can see through that.

You are one of the best supporting actors in Bollywood and these days, Hindi films are increasingly relying on supporting actors to shoulder a film’s narrative. At such a time, shouldn’t you be focusing more on acting?
I can, but I don’t know if I should. I am very happy that actors are getting lots of work these days, but my reasons to do less work are very clear. It’s not necessary to do every single film. In the last few years, I learnt a great craft. If the movie I’m making doesn’t work, I will be back to doing every second film, like I did years ago. Who knows?

Rajkummar Rao on his next that is dedicated to entrepreneurs’ grit
MUMBAI MIRROR (October 11, 2019)

Rajkummar Rao is proud to represent and inspire Indian entrepreneurs and start-ups with his portrayal of Raghu Mehta in Made in China. Entrepreneurship and start-ups have gained tremendous momentum in India and in his latest film, Made In China, leading man Rajkummar headlines the story of a small time Gujarati businessman who fails at several business ventures before finally striking gold with a truly unique and jugaadu idea. Through his journey of understanding the life of Raghu and his struggles as an entrepreneur, Raj understood what a business owner goes through to make a venture successful and keep it going. And hence, he is very happy to be able to portray a character that can be an example for the entrepreneurial fraternity from small town India.

“The mantra that every business owner should operate with is, ‘Never Say Die.’ This is one of the main things that I picked up when I read the script of Made In China. Here is a man who has never had success in business, yet won’t give up. And that’s the core of my character—Raghu Mehta. He keeps at it no matter the odds. I’m so glad that I got an opportunity to tell budding entrepreneurs what it means to be one and how one always has to keep their spirits high, no matter what the circumstances. The story of Made In China, in so many ways, reflects the average Indian and all that he stands for,” says Raj.

Ask him if he would ever consider being a business owner in real life and he says, “I am so enamored by the entire entrepreneurial bent and yes, it definitely has given me the impetus to maybe consider venturing into being a business owner of some sort. I have a few ideas in mind but until they bear fruit, all I would say is wait and watch.”

Dinesh Vijan presents in association with Jio Studios, Made In China. A Maddock Films production, directed by Mikhil Musale staring Rajkummar Rao, Mouni Roy and Boman Irani, the film releases this Diwali.

Boman Irani and director Mikhil Musale met veteran sexologist Dr Mahinder Watsa several times to help prep for the actor’s role in their film
Hiren Kotwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 10, 2019)

Boman Irani, who plays sex expert Dr Vardhi in Mikhil Musale’s quirky comedy, Made In China, starring Rajkummar Rao and Mouni Roy, met several professionals to get into character. The most relevant material came from renowned sexologist and Mirror columnist Dr Mahinder Watsa.

Mikhil, who researched the subject and wrote the script of the Dinesh Vijan production, says, “Dr Watsa was the most honest, experienced and articulate, he’s been working in this field since the ’50s and his knowledge, whether clinical, psychological or societal, is vast. He was of great help.”

The debutant director goes on to share that according to Dr Watsa, sex is a subject people are the most confused about. “Even though there’s so much information available online and it is discussed widely on the internet, a lot of people continue to be misled by incorrect information,” sighs Mikhil, admitting that both Boman and he were surprised by some of the queries posed to the 96-year-old veteran.

Many of these queries relate to basic birds and bees questions that you would think would have been answered by biology textbooks by now. “Boman and I were shocked to hear that people still ask if a man and woman masturbating together can lead to pregnancy. A lot of men have queries about the size of their penis, premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction, issues which have been discussed ad nauseum, but doubts still persist,” points out Mikhil.

He goes on to add that while a woman confides in her mother, friend or a gynaecologist, men share their insecurities anonymously for fear of societal embarrassment. “It’s surprising how inhibited we are about the subject given that we are a country of 1.3 billion,” Mikhil notes, sharing that his co-writer Karan Vyas once met a quack with the story that he was apprehensive about his performance on his wedding night. “He was told to stop masturbating till the wedding. When Karan pointed out that innumerable articles on the web state that masturbation is harmless, the quack got angry and told him that if he knows so much from the internet, then why did he come there to waste his time?”

Instances like this made Mikhil and his team realise that there are few qualified sexologists in our country whom our people can go to without any inhibitions. “That’s the reason we made this film. The issue needs to be addressed but in an entertaining yet sensitive manner.”

Ask him if Boman’s Dr Vardhi is inspired by Dr Watsa, and he shakes his head, “No, Dr Watsa is a Punjabi who is from the North and went to college in Mumbai, while Dr Vardhi is Gujarati. But the queries they get are common.”

Gajrao Rao says he never thought people would approach him with tailor-made roles
Kavita Awaasthi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 10, 2019)

Gajraj Rao hasn’t had any free time post Badhaai Ho (2018) as he has been inundated with work. He will be seen in Made In China next, wherein he has a “cameo” role, which he took up as he wanted to work with producer Dinesh Vijan and debutant director Mikhil Musale. “I know the director for years as he has directed many memorable ads. They have a quirky story and he had told me that he is writing an interesting part especially for me.”

Post Badhaai Ho, Rao was in for a pleasant surprise with the way his life changed. “I never imagined that one day people would be approaching me for prominent roles that were written keeping me in mind. Earlier too, I would be offered interesting roles in big films but they were not written especially for me. Today, when directors and writers come to me, they mention that they set their characters for me. I am grateful to my Badhaai Ho director, Amit Sharma, and to all the young directors I have worked with. Earlier, I had limited choices and had to work with basic roles but now, in the last four months, I have read 30 to 40 scripts for web shows and movies. It is a humbling experience,” says the actor.

He is reuniting with Neena Gupta, his Badhaai Ho co-star, in their next film, Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, that stars Ayushmann Khurrana. “Jitendra Kumar also stars in the film, who was my co-star in Tech Conversations With Dad. It is fun shooting with all of them once again. I believe that the experience of working on a film should be enjoyable as the fate of the film is not in one’s hands.”

While he has been appreciated in new-age films, Rao admits that he enjoys watching commercial films too. “Both kinds of cinema can co-exist. Super commercial ones such as Singham (2011) should exist with films like Badhaai Ho and Andhadhun (2018). The audiences love variety and they want to see different kinds of films. I love Rohit Shetty films — bahut mazedaar hoti hai aisi films. A few years ago, actors like me had limited options but today, with OTT platforms and the young bunch of directors and writers, there is a lot of variation in the characters. That’s why actors like me, Pankaj Tripathi, Sanjai Mishra, Soni Razdan etc are getting good roles,” he signs off.

Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 7, 2019)

Mirror was the first to report (May 24) that comedian-actor Kapil Sharma, who tied the knot with Ginni Chatrath in December last year, has another reason to celebrate, as the couple is set to welcome their first child. Soon after, Kapil had revealed to us that his mother is the most excited about the impending arrival and he is praying for the good health of Ginni and the baby. Now, we have learnt that the father-to-be is all charged up as he plans his work around D-Day.

“Ginni’s due date is in mid-December and Kapil has already started planning work on his comedy show (The Kapil Sharma Show), to make sure that the on-air scheduling isn’t interrupted. Simultaneously, he is making sure to spend time with Ginni in the last trimester,” revealed a source close to the development.

In the coming weeks, Kapil will be shooting for the show with Akshay Kumar and the Housefull 4 gang, the Made In China team and the real as well as reel-life daadis of Saand Ki Aankh. Govinda, too, is up for an appearance this month.

Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; October 5, 2019)

Looking at the current trend in storytelling, films are no longer about a starry line-up leading the narrative. Gajraj Rao, who has won several accolades for his turn as Mr Kaushik in director Amit Sharma’s Badhaai Ho, has emerged as an actor who is up for any role that offers him something interesting and meaty to do. Talking about the 180-degree turn his life took with the National-Award-winning drama, the actor spoke to Bombay Times about his current stint in the movies and what lies ahead. Excerpts:

You’re playing pivotal supporting roles in Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, Maidaan and the upcoming Made In China. Have you changed anything in the way you approach your work after the success of Badhaai Ho?
Destination se zyada aaj bhi journey important hai. At least, that’s how I see the idea of working in a team. In the last 25 years that I have been an actor, I have not worked in too many films, because for me, people who I work with matter a lot. I continue to keep in touch with some of the teams that I have worked with. One of them is the team of Badhaai Ho. They have become a part of my personal life and talking to Ayushmann (Khurrana), Sanya (Malhotra), Surekha ji (Sikhri) and Neena (Gupta) makes me happy. Today, thanks to Badhaai Ho, I can choose my projects. Story, script, the director’s temperament, and the producer, are elements that have now gained importance because releasing a film is as important as making it. In the pre-Badhaai Ho phase, I used to get work from friends, and at times, I have even worked for a much lower fee, or sometimes, no fee at all.

From doing cameos and smaller supporting roles, I’ve come to a point where people are willing to wait up to six months or a year for me. They’re writing something keeping me in mind. My talent and performance are finally being appreciated.

Reaching a point like this in your professional life is one thing and sustaining it, is another. Do you have any fears about being able to stretch this golden run for long?
I don’t know what one needs to do to sustain what one has achieved. But whatever work I do, I will do it with 200 per cent conviction. Mr Kaushik’s character (Badhaai Ho) has flagged off this phase in my career and I will make the most of it by doing some good work. I feel that every actor in his life comes across a phase where he’s at the top of his game. It’s foolish of people to think that such a phase can last forever. It doesn’t. But what does last a lifetime is what you do in this phase. If you choose your work wisely and do justice to it, you will continue to reap the benefits of the golden run, even after it’s over. I will make this phase count. Things will change for me, too. Today, I get five scripts a day; later, I might have one script in five months. Irrespective of it, I will not change my approach towards my work. I will play characters that can gradually underline my versatility.

Your part in Made In China looks like a complete departure from what you did in Badhaai Ho. Was that a conscious decision?
I was approached for the film half-way through its shoot (laughs!). I was asked to make this extended guest appearance, which I wasn’t too keen on. Director Mikhil Musale personally reached out to me, insisting that I hear what the part is. The narration helped me change my mind. I’m aware of the kind of work Mikhil has done and I was sure he would do justice to this film, too. I play a man who is a motivational speaker on the face of it, but in reality, he is a sharp businessman. He decides to exploit Raghu (Rajkummar Rao). Working with Rajkummar was a revelation. He’s such an impressive actor who knows his entire script by heart. His memory is so sharp and he’s so prepared that you have no option but to match steps with him.

You’ve also begun to shoot Maidaan with director Amit Sharma and Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan with Ayushmann Khurrana and Neena Gupta. It almost seems like a Badhaai Ho reunion?
Yes, I am very happy because while I’m working with familiar faces, I’m also experiencing newer characters. Like in Maidaan, I play a newspaper editor who has run ins with Ajay Devgn’s character. Sometimes, the excitement of doing something new can get to you, but gradually, things settle in. With Shubh Mangal…, I’m very happy to reunite with Neena ji, my first heroine (laughs!). She plays my wife again, but our dynamics are quite different from Badhaai Ho. I’m a college professor and my son falls in love with Ayushmann’s character. We were recently shooting in Banaras on a real train. From the time we all met on set, it became difficult for the director to separate us and get us to work. Our banter refused to stop.

Today, supporting actors have such solid parts in movies, in fact, their roles are as memorable or even more, than the lead cast...
(Cuts in) I think this trend is excellent for people like us. The credit for it should go to writers who curate strong and well-etched-out parts for the supporting cast. Directors are crucial in the process, because they are showing some bravado when it comes to helming such films. Everyone wants to do something unique. I should also thank leading actors like Ayushmann who are choosing films where supporting actors have plenty to do. In Dream Girl, for instance, Annu Kapoor and Vijay Raaz were not fillers. They were playing parts specifically meant for them. Vicky Kaushal played a supporting role in Sanju, but it takes a filmmaker like Rajkumar Hirani to place him the way he did in the film. Rohit Shetty also makes it a point to make every character memorable. You know, a film with Neena Gupta and me in the lead will not be as interesting as it will be when a strong star decides to join the cast along with us. Badhaai Ho is a fine example of that.

We heard that you are planning to direct a film. Won’t it eat into the time you could give to projects as an actor?
I’m very serious about doing this; I will take a gap from my acting jobs if need be, but I will direct this film, which I am planning to do. If I had decided to do this 15 years ago, I don’t think that I would have had any control over my project. Today, I can make some decisions and see them through. I can also reach out to actors and filmmakers and make a request to work with them, without the fear that they might judge me. Career-wise, I’m finally at a place where I don’t have to say yes to everything that comes my way. I am living my dream!