Neena Gupta opens up when quizzed on a decision she’d rethink if given a chance; actress, who plays Kangana Ranaut’s mother in her next, admits that a child suffers without both parents around
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 15, 2020)

On July 27, 2017, Neena Gupta had tweeted, “I live in Mumbai and I am working and I am a good actress koee kaam hai toe batao.” It was a move which, she admits in retrospect, was against her nature but she was tired of sitting at home, waiting for her work to speak for her. A lot has changed in the two years since. Today, the actress has as many as six projects, including the upcoming Panga, Kabir Khan’s sports drama ’83 in which she plays mother to Ranveer Singh’s Kapil Dev, Nikhil Advani’s film with Arjun Kapoor and Rakul Preet Singh, Sanjay Mishra’s Gwalior, con caper Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar, which she finished two years ago; along with two shows, Panchayat and Masaba Masaba which is part fiction and part fact, inspired by her daughter. Sounding upbeat, the 60-year-old actress exults, “Today, thanks to the advent of OTT platforms and content-based hits, filmmakers are experimenting with interesting subjects where it’s not just the hero and heroine who are important. The change has benefitted not just actors, but directors and writers too. Aaj kal character actors are busier than the hero and heroine,” she quips, tongue-in-cheek.

In her upcoming Republic Day release, Panga, Neena is playing Kangana’s mother. Director Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari had met her in London and said that she had a very small role for her but it was important to the narrative. “I heard the story and liked the fact that she didn’t make a ‘hero’ of the mother. In real life, most mothers will insist that they won’t help out with grandchildren, par jab sar pe aata hai, they are there,” she points out. In real life too, her daughter knows she can go to her with anything, and while she may advise her against using chemical-based cosmetics, when Masaba told that she and her husband Madhu Mantena were separating, Neena didn’t wail and insist they stay married. “I just told her, ‘Soch lo’, then, I was respectful of their decision.”

Prod her on a decision that she’d rethink if she could turn the clock back and she says promptly, “I would not have a child outside marriage. Every child needs both parents. I was always honest with Masaba, so it did not affect our relationship, but I know she suffered.”

Interestingly, in Junglee Pictures’ Badhaai Ho, Neena played a woman who gets pregnant with her third child in middle age. The film changed a lot of things for her and the industry, with Neena bagging the Filmfare Award for Best Actress. “Imagine someone my age winning that award which many believed was only meant for the leading lady. If you were not young, you could at best get the supporting actress award, a category I don’t believe in because we are all actors. If the film hadn’t worked, to shayad itna fayda nahin hota,” she says matter-of-factly.

In a glitzy world of make-believe, it’s rare to come across someone who honestly admits to her middle-class roots. “In our home in Delhi, the lights would be turned off by 9 pm and after gulping down a glass of hot milk, we’d be in bed. Entertainment was restricted to Chitrahaar and the Sunday movie on Doordarshan. I’ve evolved with time and learnt from my daughter which designers and singers are in. I go for late night parties and if I have a little money, I sometimes buy something expensive, too,” she smiles.

Neena has been setting new fashion trends with her halter cholis, minis and sneakers on the red carpet. “I always dress like this, it’s just that because I never went for functions earlier, no one noticed. Now, thanks to fans and the social media, they’re talking about it,” she laughs gaily. Having a daughter who is a designer must also help? She nods, saying, “Masaba has helped me break some taboos, like wearing off-white with white or sneakers with a fancy gown. She’s given me the confidence to carry off stuff, which looks nice. It’s important that you are not embarrassed when you try something new,”she cautions.

Buzz is, she’s contemplating writing her autobiography? “It’s on my mind. I’m looking for a co-writer.” Will it be a tell-all? “In your life you do many things, but you can’t talk without thinking, because it can hurt those involved. So, I’ll have to find a way to be honest while still respecting others’ privacy,” she avers.

For now, she’s enjoying her second innings. While she personally doesn’t think Badhaai Ho should be carried forward—“ek baar achchi cheez ban jaaye to kheechna nahin chahiye”— she is open to the idea if director Amit Sharma comes back. “He’s my God, he’s helped me survive,” she asserts. Meanwhile, there’s another sequel, Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, which, she says was the happiest set to be on. “We shot for 45 days and were laughing all through it,” she says. The film is a gay love story but Neena’s quick to add that it talks about a lot more and revolves around the family. “It’s a film with depth, one will have to watch it a couple of times to understand all that is being said in a light-hearted manner,” she maintains.

’83 was a one-day shoot, not much footage, but significant because, as Kapil’s daughter Amiya told her, her grandmother, Raj Kumari, was an important person in her father’s life and the household. Then, she has a challenging role in Nikkhil Advani’s cross-border love story. What about her TV show Saans? “I’m trying to crack a plot, I promise to make it before I die,” she signs off.

The actress, along with Madhu Mantena, is producing a film that narrates Mahabharat from the female protagonist’s point of view
MUMBAI MIRROR (October 25, 2019)

Mirror had earlier reported (October 5, 2018) that Deepika Padukone was turning producer with Chhapaak, which is directed by Meghna Gulzar and revolves around acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal. Twelve months later, the actress is pushing the envelope further with her third production after Chhapaak and ’83, the Mahabharat.

The epic extravaganza unfolds through the eyes of its female protagonist, Draupadi, with Deepika in the central role. The actress is collaborating with Madhu Mantena for the lavishly-mounted project which will also be a one-of-its-kind in Hindi cinema and is being planned to be made in two or more parts, with the first part scheduled for a Diwali 2021 unveiling.

Deepika, who has already distinguished herself in bravura roles, including Cocktail, Ram Leela, Chennai Express, Bajirao Mastani, Piku and Padmaavat, is delighted to be spearheading another challenge. “I’m absolutely thrilled and honoured to be essaying the role of Draupadi. I truly believe that it is the role of a lifetime,” she exults.

Her joint producer Madhu is equally delighted, acknowledging that it is a huge responsibility to be re-telling this mythological tale on the big screen. “While we have all consumed the Mahabharat all our lives, the uniqueness of our film is seeing the same story from the point of view of Draupadi, who is one of the most significant heroines in our country’s cultural history. And Deepika is not just the biggest Indian actress today, but someone who can take this narrative across borders. If it weren’t with her, we would not be making this film on such an ambitious scale,” the filmmaker asserts.

The duo is in advanced talks with A-list filmmakers to be a part of their epical universe. Simultaneously, discussions are also on with leading actors to join the franchise. It is a project that can redefine Hindi cinema, not just in terms of production values but also in its content.

As Deepika points out, “While the Mahabharat is popularly known for its mythological tales and cultural influences, many life lessons are also derived from it, but most often from its men. Telling it with this fresh and new perspective will not only be interesting, but also very significant.”

And so, get ready for the battle royale again, only this time with a woman commanding the plot and narrative.
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Deepika Padukone announces her next production after Chhapaak, to play Draupadi in multi-part Mahabharat
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; October 25, 2019)

Her maiden production, Chhapaak, may be a few months away from its date with the audience, but Deepika Padukone has already greenlit her next venture. The actor, in collaboration with producer Madhu Mantena, will bring Mahabharat to the big screen. Continuing her streak of portraying powerful author-backed parts, Padukone will breathe life into one of the Indian epic's most enduring characters, Draupadi. Interestingly, the story will be told from the perspective of the female protagonist.

"We all know the Mahabharat for its mythological tales and socio-cultural influence. We derive many of life's lessons from the epic. But the narrative we are most familiar with is that of the epic's leading men. This new perspective will be not only interesting but also significant," says Padukone, who has constantly striven to tell stories of female bravado with her offerings. Her next, Chhapaak, directed by Meghna Gulzar, is inspired by the life of acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal.

Aware that three hours is too little to do justice to Draupadi's journey from her birth in Panchala to her role in the destruction of the Kauravas, the duo intends to make it a multi-part franchise, with the first edition slated to release in Diwali 2021.

Padukone acknowledges that mounting the film on the grand scale that it deserves, is both daunting as well as creatively fulfilling. "While I'm thrilled and honoured, I'm also nervous and can only hope that we are able to create something that we can all be proud of. I believe this is the role and opportunity of a lifetime."

While the duo is scouting for a director to give shape to their vision, they are also in discussion with leading actors to step into the pivotal roles of Yudhishthir, Arjuna, Bheem, Nakul and Sahdev. "We all know and have studied Mahabharat throughout our lives but not from the point of view of Draupadi, who happens to be one of the most important female icons in Indian history. This is an ambitious project, and if not for Deepika, we wouldn't be so confident about taking on this challenge," says Mantena, adding that they will announce the rest of the cast and creative team soon.

Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 27, 2019)

Even as the Valley remains out of bounds to the rest of the country following the scrapping of Article 370 of the Constitution which granted special status to the state of Jammu & Kashmir, Mirror has learnt that a film on the life and times of its last Hindu ruler, Kota Rani, is in the works. Reliance Entertainment and Madhu Mantena are collaborating on an ambitious project on the regent who ruled in the 13th century and made many personal sacrifices to ensure that Hindu autonomy survived in the region.

“The idea is for this remarkable story to reach as many people as possible. She is one of the tallest female characters to have come out of our country but paradoxically very few know about her,” points out Shibasish Sarkar of Reliance.

Legend has it, Kota Rani was caught between two outsiders, Lhachan Gaulbu Richana aka Prince Rinchan who came from Ladakh and Shahmas-ud-Din Shah Mir from Swat. Both found employment with the Lohara ruler, King Suhadeva, and after he fled, following unpopularity over his attempts to bribe the invading Mongols, Prince Rinchan killed Kota’s father, General Ramchandra, to further his own ambitions. She married him in a diplomatic move but when he converted to Islam on the advice of Shah Mir to become the first Muslim ruler in the Valley, she refused to follow suit or allow their son, Haider, to ascend the throne.

In fact, after Rinchan was killed, she married former ruler Suhadeva’s brother Udyandeva to ensure that Hinduism survived in the Valley. When he proved to be as weak as his brother and fled to Tibet, she took over the reins herself and drove the Mongols back. But then, she had to contend with Shah Mir who, having stood by patiently for so long, staked his claim to the throne. Held captive in the fort, she offered herself in marriage, but it is said that on the wedding night, she opted to commit suicide over letting Shah Mir claim her.

“It’s surprising that we Indians don’t know enough or even know Kota Rani at all. It would not be an exaggeration to compare her to Cleopatra and a lot of what is happening today is directly related to her story. She is perhaps one of the most able woman rulers India has produced, and it would be a shame not to know about her,” says Madhu Mantena, who is producing the film with Shibasish.

The actress will spin an action franchise with Madhu Mantena under her newly-launched production company
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 20, 2019)

In a recent interview to Mirror (May 31), Jacqueline Fernandez who has been missing from the screen since the release of the third instalment of the Race franchise, spearheaded by Salman Khan last year, had revealed that she had been on a much-needed rejuvenating break in Los Angeles after a decade in the film industry. While in the City of Angels she had taken acting classes at the Ivana Chubbuck Studio and returned to Mumbai wanting to get a little more experimental in her choice of roles, without stepping away from mainstream Bollywood and its song-and-dance routine completely. This was proved true when it was revealed that she had shot a special appearance song in Prabhas’s upcoming action-packed thriller, Saaho, which opens on August 30.

In the same interview, the actress, who has always been one of the fittest in movie town, had admitted that despite her sunny temperament, no-holds barred action is her favourite genre and that she would like to do more of it. Now, Mirror has learnt that Jackie has been planning an action franchise under her newly formed production company. What’s more, she has found a collaborative partner in Madhu Mantena who will co-produce the series with her.

“The first film in the series is currently being scripted. The final draft will be locked soon, and it is expected to go on the floors by the year-end,” informs a source close to the development, adding that while the rest of the cast is still being finalised, Jackie will be fronting the project as the kick-’em-and-punch-’em leading lady.

The actress despite her sunny smiles and her even temperament, regularly goes for combat training insisting that it is a “great stressbuster” for her. Jackie also believes that being able to fight her way out of a sticky situation can make a woman feel physically strong and powerful. While in LA, she had also trained in weaponary. “I learnt how to handle guns and knives,” she shared. All that training will be put to good use on screen now. Get ready for Jackie O, the desi Bond girl!

Hrithik Roshan organises a special screening for Anand Kumar's new batch that cracked IIT exams, along the cast
Sonia Lulla (MID-DAY; July 9, 2019)

With the film's children evidently being the stars of the offering, the makers of Super 30 found it apt to bring them together for a special screening of the Hrithik Roshan starrer. Producer Madhu Mantena confirms to mid-day that the team will invite the less-privileged kids from the slums of Bihar -- who were cast as a student in the film -- for a screening on Thursday.

Mantena tells mid-day, "The kids have been an integral part of our journey in making the film. They have left an impact on us, one that will last a lifetime. As a token of appreciation, we have decided to arrange a special screening of the film for all of them. We will fly them down to Mumbai for it." Talking about roping in the children for the film, a source says, "The kid featuring in the movie are not actors but those who belong to poor [families]. They are from the interiors of Bihar and were roped in following a casting workshop."

Accompanying them will be those 18 students of mathematician Anand Kumar's institute who cleared the IIT examination, as per reports released last month. It is heard that Roshan was so eager to meet the fresh lot of students that he decided to invite them for the Thursday event.

"Hrithik had wanted to meet the current batch of students graduating from Super 30. They are also waiting to meet him. Now, they will get a chance to interact and watch the movie together," adds the source.

L-R: Ravi Udyawar, Namit Malhotra, Allu Aravind, Madhu Mantena and Nitesh Tiwari

Filmmakers to direct a live-action trilogy in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu for Madhu Mantena, Allu Aravind and Namit Malhotra
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 8, 2019)

Mirror (May 10, 2017) was the first to report that Madhu Mantena, Allu Aravind and Namit Malhotra have joined hands to bring the Ramayana back to the screen as a live-action feature film with an estimated budget of Rs 500 crore. It will be made in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, shot in 3D, and released in three parts. Now, we have learnt that Madhu has got Nitesh Tiwari of Dangal fame and Mom director Ravi Udyawar who will be helming this ambitious project while Sridhar Raghavan is writing the screenplay. It will be made with actors from Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Gujarati and Punjabi films as the makers are targeting a pan-India as well as a global audience.

While admitting that it is a huge responsibility because the Ramayana is not just a revered ancient text in Indian mythology but also an integral part of our culture and more relevant today, Nitesh informs that they are ensuring that whatever is said and shown has the stamp of authenticity. Explaining his reasons for doing the films, he says his primary focus is the story and if it pushes the envelope while challenging him as a filmmaker further, and finds collaborators who share his vision and passion, he is happy to join the team. All three criteria have been fulfilled in this instance. “Madhu and Ravi have been friends for years, Allu sir and Namit are legends and Sridhar has fabulous credentials as a creator. All we have to do now is zap the world,” he laughs.

Ravi, not just a filmmaker but also a painter, is equally excited about the project. “I heard these stories from my grandmother and mother and passed them on to my children. Everybody knows the story of Ram, Sita and Raavan, it’s the story-telling that will make our trilogy memorable and I’m putting everything I have learnt into it to make it fun and engaging while staying true to the original,” he asserts.

The project has been a work in progress for the last three years and Mirror had an opportunity to see 100-odd intricate paintings created by artists from across the country for it. They include scenes from Ayodhya with its emblematic rosetinted tree of learning, a goldsplashed Lanka and a lush-green Mithila with Nepalese architecture, beside battles between the devas and the rakshasas and the aquatic underwater life, among others. They will serve as references for the setting, costume, cast and action.

For Nitesh, the appeal of the epic lies in its tableau of characters—from Raavan, who is a reminder to people of all that he could have achieved but because of certain actions, ends up on a stake every year during Ramlila, while Ram is an embodiment of some values that people have since forgotten. “I went with my father and brother to the Ramlila every year and though we all knew the story, it still evoked the same emotions in us when Sita was kidnapped or Raavan’s effigy burnt,” he reminisces.

A visit to Chitrakoot, where he saw Ram’s footprint and the outline of his bow, made the mythology real for the filmmaker. For Nitesh his greatest takeaway from Ramyana is Ram. “He was an ideal leader, husband, father and son. With time, I’ve realised that it’s easy for us to be a good father but so difficult to be a good son. It’s made me a better son to my elderly father, and I can only hope that my son will also take good care of me,” smiles the father of nine-year-old twins Aaradhya and Amaarisa (below). “Apart from Ram and Raavan, every character, be it Sita, Lakshman or even Hanuman, has something to say which is why we are telling the story in three parts.”

The team has yet to take a call on the filming and the release plan, but they are hoping to kick off next year and are targeting a 2021 release for Part 1, promising that there won’t be too long a gap between two instalments.

There have been various versions of the Ramayana on screen, from Sampoorna Ramayana and Ram Rajya to Lanka Dahan and Bajrangbali. Earlier, Ramanand Sagar had brought Ramayan into our homes through a long-running TV show and both directors recall how everyone was hooked to it. They are hoping for the same acceptance when their Ramayana arrives in cinemas in 3D. “Money and time are not a problem. Our producers have told us to be fearless and fly. So, we are flying visually,” says Nitesh, with Ravi adding, “There are many sci-fi films but only one Star Wars. We have access to the best technology and talent so what better time to let the world see what our country has to offer.”

Ravi points out that Namit’s studio, Prime Focus, has bagged three Oscars in the last five years and many of the technicians there have been working on A-list Hollywood films and are excited leap into the epical world. “For me the Ramayana offers magic in its shape-shifting monsters. It’s something that even a toddler will enjoy. When I told my son, Rian (right; above), who is 12 what we were doing he was jumping around all day wondering what Raavan and Kumbhakarna would look like while my 15-year-old daughter Renee (right; above) was visualising the fights between Ram and the rakshasas in the forest. Having seen animated versions on TV, they can’t wait to see it in live-action. For me the biggest thrill was when Rian told me that Hanuman is cooler than Superman. I am doing this for my children,” he exults.

Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; June 20, 2019)

As an educationist and mathematician, he’s recognised as the man behind the Super 30 programme, which commenced in Patna in 2002. It trains underprivileged students for the entrance examination, for admission in coveted technical institutions. Though his success rate is high, Anand Kumar comes across as a modest teacher, who admits that people laughed out loud when they heard Hrithik Roshan would headline his biopic titled Super 30. Over to the shikshak, who wonders why most parents don’t encourage their children to pursue teaching as a profession, how his faith in director Vikas Bahl was never shaken and why he was confident about Hrithik being the best choice for the film. Excerpts from the chat:

Your biopic has been in the making for a while now. Writer Sanjeev Dutta and you have been working on it since 2014. It’s been a long wait…
Honestly, now I wish that this process just went on for a little longer. Mujhe mazaa aane laga tha intezaar ka, logon se milne ka, aur sab ke saath khaate peete samay guzaarne ka. Ab kuch samay mein woh sab khatam ho jayega.

My life will go back to what it was after Super 30 releases. I enjoyed the process of being on a film set and watching a movie being made from close quarters. My family would get upset with the change in the release date. Actually, they don’t know what happens behind the scenes. Even I don’t know much, but I’ve learnt that when you’re working towards something big and good, you have to face a lot with it. It never comes easy.

Back in the day, Anurag Kashyap, Vikas Bahl, Madhu Mantena and Vikramaditya Motwane’s production house was working on your film. A lot has happened in the last two years. At some point, Akshay Kumar was in discussion, before Hrithik came on board. Director Vikas Bahl was named in the #MeToo controversy, which left everyone wondering how it would impact the film’s prospects. What was really going on behind the scenes?
To this day, of the four people that you mentioned, I only know Madhu Mantena well. He wanted to make the film and he had introduced me to Vikas Bahl. My knowledge of what happened between the partners comes from what I have read in the papers; I’ve never tried to find out more. It’s true that several filmmakers and actors had offered to work on my biopic. Madhu ji’s (Mantena) conviction and the way he wanted to narrate this story, assured me that he would do a great job. While there were several actors who were keen to play my character, and I met a few of them too, I felt Hrithik was the best choice. He was willing to take it up as a challenge and was ready to work hard. His diligence impressed me.

Hrithik looks urban and suave, and is referred to as the Greek God of Bollywood. Just on the basis of his physicality, didn’t you have reservations about him playing your character?
(Laughs!) Yes, I know he’s known as the Greek God of Bollywood. And trust me, whenever I told people that he was going to play me on screen, they would laugh out loud and say, ‘Tum shakal aur bhasha se dehati ho, woh Greek God jaisa hai. Woh kaise kar sakta hai? What if your decision is wrong?’ As a teacher, I felt that Hrithik’s earnestness and his vision for the role was unmatched. I thought to myself, ‘Koi chamatkaar nahi hai agar koi hamare jaisa aam dikhnewala vyakti hamara kirdaar kare. Audience ko zyada engaging tab lagega, jab koi Hrithik Roshan jaisa dikhnewala aadmi hamara kirdaar kare. Uss mein asli challenge hai.’

How involved were you with the project at every stage?
I worked with Sanjeev Dutta and Vikas Bahl on the script. After coming on board, Hrithik involved me in the project to a larger degree. He had many meetings with me, and each one lasted for five-six hours. I had read somewhere that teams generally just meet the subject of a biopic or his family once or twice as part of the process. Then, they make the film the way they want to. But Hrithik handled it differently. He asked for inputs all the time. In fact, he had told me that once the film goes on the floors, I might have to spend more time with him on the sets. With due permission, he had also sent someone over to my house to shoot 150 hours of footage, capturing my every-day life. He would refer to that footage often. At times, he asked me what I’d felt at a certain time in my life, before emoting that part in front of the camera.

The film is being described as, ‘based on true incidents. Any reason why it’s not being called a biopic?
I can’t explain why that has been done. People have different ways of technically compartmentalizing a film, and they have their reasons for doing that. I know that Hrithik’s name in the film is Anand and it’s my story. My friends had suggested that I have a legal agreement with the makers that the script will be finalised with my nod. The makers upheld my word. Also, I was on the set on so many occasions. Of course, I never interfered with Vikas’ work, because he can’t teach me math and I definitely can’t teach him the art of filmmaking. I’ve seen rushes and I am happy with the outcome. I want to watch the film with my family.

The last eight months have been challenging for your film, given the #MeToo allegations against Vikas Bahl. How did you bide that time?
I trusted Vikas and never lost faith in his abilities. I know how emotional and sensitive he is as a person. I also waited to know what the internal complaints committee had to say. They’ve given him a clean chit and I’m very happy about that.

There are contrasting reports about you in the news space. Some articles have been published criticizing the Super 30 programme and reportedly, the education mafia had attacked you physically. What’s the truth?
(Cuts in…) I’ve been attacked a few times by the education mafia. I’ve been given protection by the government authorities. The trailer of Super 30 shows maar-dhaad, but I’ve never done it. My brother Pranav had done it on a few occasions to protect my students and me. He got into trouble for doing that. It’s strange that all kinds of negative stories about me have started making the rounds only after the film was announced. Uske pehle Anand kya kar raha tha kisiko pata nahi tha. People have tried every trick to demotivate me and derail the biopic. No one raises an eyebrow if you are a rich man’s son and you become a successful businessman. Kisi gareeb ka beta agar padh-likh kar bada ban jaaye, to logon ko badi dikkat hoti hai. People who have failed in their lives are the ones who pull others down. My father had once told me that as you grow in stature, your problems, too, shall increase. Jitnaa bada hero banoge, utna hi bada villain bhi aayega. A lot of people, some who don’t even know me, have levelled allegations against me, moved court on occasions and have caused me distress. Thanks to my father’s teachings, I don’t get rattled. I am tackling my share of problems, but today, I have a lot of support from people who appreciate my efforts. To this day, no matter what people say, I support my family and students with the tuition I provide.

You’ve spent most of your career teaching underprivileged students. What’s your take on India’s educational system? Lately, films have highlighted the education mafia and system loopholes...
Education should not be used to pressurise children. While there has been a lot of development in every field, education needs to evolve. It’s surprising that everyone wants a good teacher, but most people don’t encourage their children to pursue teaching as a profession. No one sees teachers as an instrument of change. Also, in our country, there’s such a huge divide in the education space. Some schools look like five-star hotels aur kahin schools mein chhat aur darwaza nahi hai. Our film underlines the fact that we need teachers who can bridge that gap and not let it affect the prospects of a child.

As controversies plague him, Anand Kumar says Hrithik’s Super 30 will silence detractors
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; June 19, 2019)

“People want to take selfies with me now, but I will always remain a tutor,” begins mathematician Anand Kumar, whose success story has led to the creation of Hrithik Roshan-starrer Super 30. No sooner was the film announced than the Patna-based tutor — who founded the institute that provides free coaching to 30 underprivileged students — was dogged with allegations of fraud and litigations.

“I am under attack only because a film is being made on my life,” he defends, adding, “The Bihar government has given me security cover. My brother Pranav was hit by a heavy vehicle last year; it was not an accident, it was deliberate. There are a handful of people with feudal mindset who are hell-bent on pulling me down. But the film will silence my detractors.”

It is easy to see why his journey may have caught the attention of many a filmmaker. Writer Sanjeev Dutta approached him eight years ago, keen to adapt his story for the big screen. “Anurag Basu showed interest then, but nothing moved. Things took off when producer Madhu Mantena came into the picture. It was through him that I met Hrithik Roshan. He told me he needed a year to prep for the role.”

Quiz him if Roshan is an unlikely choice for the part since he doesn’t physically resemble him, and Kumar retorts, “Isn’t acting all about diving into the character? I admire him as an actor.”

The filmmaker will co-produce three more films with Madhu Mantena
BOMBAY TIMES (May 15, 2019)

Producer-director Sajid Nadiadwala has come on board to back Kabir Khan’s sports drama, '83, along with Madhu Mantena and Anil Dhirubhai Ambani’s Reliance Entertainment. Sajid and Madhu will also co-produce three more films over a period of three years.

'83 revolves around India’s first victory in cricket World Cup (in 1983), and features Ranveer Singh as Kapil Dev, India’s captain. The film, which will be made in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu, is also Ranveer’s first trilingual project.

The movie has been creating a lot of buzz ever since it was announced, and now, with Sajid turning co-producer, the team is optimistic that he will further broaden its horizons. Sajid is counted among the most successful producers in Bollywood, with his banner having close to 65 years of experience in the Indian entertainment business. The producer, who is known for impressive production values, owns some of B-Town’s popular franchises, including Housefull, Baaghi and Judwaa.

Sajid says, “All four scripts are excellent. As a producer, one has to commit to the content more than anything else. Coming on board for '83 is a feeling of personal joy, as I saw that glorious moment on live television. There are certain projects that develop an aura around them and ’83 is one of them.”

Madhu shared, “Sajid is one of the most valuable anchors a film can get. He has an astute understanding of content and business and is completely hands-on as a producer. We will immensely benefit from this partnership.

Sonia Lulla (MID-DAY; January 30, 2019)

He may be miles away from Mumbai, where the hustle around Ranveer Singh-starrer '83 has garnered momentum, but South star Jiiva has commenced work on the film in full swing. “I began training for the part last month,” says the actor, who will reprise the role of former Indian cricket team captain, Krishnamachari Srikanth in the film based in the country’s first world cup win in the sport.

“[Former Indian cricketer] Balwinder [Singh] Sandhu had visited me here in Chennai to notice my batting form and see how well-versed I was about cricket. Since then, we have been in touch regularly. Since I must pick up the nuances of batting correctly, I have been exchanging videos of my progress with [his team] regularly,” he tells mid-day.

Work on another South Indian film has kept the actor on his toes. “For this film, I am doing [outdoor] exercises instead of training in the gym, which is also aiding my prep for '83. I have a personal trainer who is helping me build my stamina. The workout routine is intense and there is a fair amount of cardiovascular training involved,” says the actor, adding that he must shed seven kilos to look “lean and young” for the part. “[I’m focusing on] getting [Srikanth’s] nuances and body language on point. I have started watching his videos online, and those of the '83 matches as well.”

Confessing to being a fan of the actor, producer Madhu Mantena says, “I had seen his film, KO (2011) and had wanted to remake it here in Hindi. I’m finally getting a chance to work with him. I can’t think of anyone better to play Srikanth.”

Punjabi actor Ammy Virk plays the bowler in Kabir Khan’s upcoming sports drama with Ranveer Singh as Kapil Dev
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 23, 2019)

Kabir Khan’s ’83, with Ranveer Singh playing Kapil Dev, inspired by Team India’s first World Cup win, has locked another cast member. Ammy Virk who played the lead in popular Punjabi films like Bambukat and Qismat, will make his Bollywood debut with this sports drama. Ammy will reprise the role of fast bowler Balvinder Singh Sandhu who delivered the most memorable ball in the final match, castling West Indian Gordon Greenidge with a devastating in-swinger.

Interestingly, Sandhu is also coaching Ranveer and the actor recently shared a picture with his coach from a practice session. One of the producers, Madhu Mantena, is delighted to have Ammy on board. “We are in the process of casting and will rope in actors from film industries across India in the true spirit of the film.” The film will be shot in four months, from May to August.

BOMBAY TIMES (November 8, 2018)

The business of making stars into mega brands by upping their stock value in the entertainment business is no mean feat. It needs might and experienced manpower. An interesting venture has taken place in showbiz — Uniworld Being Talented (UBT), co-owned by Salman Khan, has picked up a strategic stake in Big Bang Media Ventures, the holding company that owns the talent management agency, Kwan. The same company also owns Mantena Film Ventures, which has businesses related to film production, distribution, television production, music production, licensing, as well as a new music label for independent artistes.

The strategic alliance will benefit both parties, as the partnership will provide an edge to the operations of both the companies and their affiliates. With this development, Kwan gains rights and access to UBT’s talent roster including Salman Khan, while UBT gains access to the infrastructure and services of Kwan and its affiliates, including Kwan South. This one-of-a-kind association between these companies is one of the biggest alliances in the entertainment industry this year.

Speaking about the development, Vikram Tanwar, co-founder of UBT, says, “We are excited about this partnership and look forward to creating great synergy between the two companies.” Producer Madhu Mantena adds, “We are delighted with the opportunity to partner with UBT and look forward to building large, sustainable and transparent entertainment services.” 

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; October 22, 2018)

Neena Gupta is seldom seen in movies. Quiz her about it and she smiles, “Hamare liye koi achcha role hi nahin likhta toh kya karein?” On that note, we talk at length about her recent release Badhaai Ho, which deals with late pregnancy, what helped her make this unique choice and her relationship with daughter Masaba Gupta. Excerpts...

What was it about Badhaai Ho that prompted you to give your nod to it?
It was the script that appealed to me. It’s unique and has all the navrasa (emotions) in it. It isn’t just a pure comedy — it’s a story of a family and how they handle an unexpected situation (late pregnancy). The makers have smartly put the whole plot together.

Do you think the audience is also evolving with the times and accepting such subjects?
There’s no question of evolution. The audience has never been given these kind of films and content before. This is what they identify with. Previously, they were only presented larger-than-life stories, which they accepted. Now that they are getting this, they are liking it more because it’s closer to who they are. Case in point are movies such as Sui Dhaaga: Made In India, Rajma Chawal, Pataakha and Newton. That’s also the novelty of our film — it’s a subject which nobody has ever picked up and that’s where we score.

But this was always considered a taboo subject...
This theme was considered a taboo earlier, but not anymore. People might have thought about making a movie on it, but they didn’t know how to go about it. It’s tough and that way, the hero of our film has to be the script.

Why don’t we see you in more films?
For an actor, especially in my age group, there’s a dearth of roles. There was a time when I had to take up any and every film because I needed the money. But now, I can afford to wait for a good role to come my way. Nothing else matters except that. As for men, there are lots of such characters being written forever. But it isn’t the same for women. There’s a slight transformation with the kind of films that are being made today. Movies are no longer hero or heroine-oriented, they have an ensemble cast that also gets their due respect.

Do you have any other projects lined up after Badhaai Ho?
I have another film coming up called The Last Color helmed by chef Vikas Khanna.

Any plans to direct again?
No. I’m enjoying acting at present and I don’t want to put a break to it.

How often do you discuss your films with Masaba?
I don’t consult Masaba about my films. It’s totally my decision. We don’t discuss too much of our work.

What kind of a bond do you share with each other?
Masaba is quite unlike me. She’s an introvert, who has her own mind and likes to take risks. We don’t share everything, but we talk a lot about various things.

Recently, Masaba and her husband Madhu Mantena announced their trial separation. What has been your advice to her?
They have still not taken a definite step. They are trying to figure a way out. It’s too early to talk about it, but whatever has to happen, will happen. When the time comes, we will discuss it.

DNA (October 7, 2018)

It was bound to happen. When four bright minds — Anurag Kashyap, Vikramaditya Motwane, Vikas Bahl and Madhu Mantena — came together in 2011 to form Phantom Films, the Hindi movie industry rejoiced. But a trade source also remarked at the very onset, “This relationship comes with an expiry date.” Quite obviously, this quartet, which was initially celebrated for their maverick thinking, fell apart due to various differences.

CONFLICTS THAT COULDN’T BE RESOLVED
The creative clashes could still be thrashed out at the lunch table, but their personal differences (especially the one where Vikas reportedly made a play for one of Anurag’s ‘special’ friends) is the one that broke the camel’s back. From then on, the four went around in twosomes — Vikas and Madhu stuck together, while Anurag and Vikramaditya worked together.

MOVING ON...
The latest development put up by Madhu, the smoothest-talking partner of them all, said, “Vikas and I have decided to end our partnership in Phantom and go our separate ways. We had a glorious run for seven years and I guess, sometimes even marriages end. I personally believe that Phantom is the best thing that has happened to me in my producing career. I want to thank Anurag, Vikram and Vikas for being great partners, mentors and for holding my hand patiently through dark times. Hope to continue to be friends and may be even collaborate on individual films (sic).”

TOGETHER THE FOUR MADE...
- The first film they produced together was the Ranveer Singh-Sonakshi Sinha-starrer Lootera (2013), which was directed by Vikramaditya and co-produced by Balaji Motion Pictures

- In 2014, the banner backed Hasee Toh Phasee, Queen and Ugly. Queen went on to be a critical and commercial success and also won the National Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi

- The foursome backed Hunterrr, Bombay Velvet, Masaan, Shaandar and NH10 in 2015. The same year, they had signed a deal with another production company to make four to five films, annually

- While Udta Punjab and Raman Raghav 2.0 were their Hindi productions in 2016, they also made the Gujarati film, Wrong Side Raju, the same year

- Trapped was their only production in 2017

- They returned in 2018 with five films which included Mukkabaaz, High Jack, Youngraad (Marathi), Bhavesh Joshi Superhero and Manmarziyaan.

INDEPENDENT OF EACH OTHER...
- Madhu and Vikas are making Super 30, which is slated to release on January 25, 2019
- Anurag and Vikram have directed the first season of Sacred Games. While all four have a lifeline open with their big-daddy of financing, let’s wait and watch what their individual creativity will result in.

NOT IN A BENEVOLENT MOOD
For the second outing of Sacred Games, Anurag and Vikramaditya are reportedly getting double the budget they were allocated for the first season by the digital channel, which streamed the show. Quite obviously, the two are, allegedly, in no mood to share it with their now-former partners.

Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 6, 2018)

In your upcoming film, Junglee Pictures’ Badhaai Ho you play the mother of two grown-up sons who suddenly discovers that a third child is on its way. That’s one quirky slice-of-life comedy…
(Laughs) Yes, the idea of an older woman getting pregnant, with me playing that part, really drew me to the script. It’s a topic of discussion today but was no big deal back when women were married off very early and could have a child till they were in their mid or late 40s, by which time the other children were much older. That’s still how it is in smaller towns. Shooting was great fun, we would all joke around and bonded like a family. When I returned to Mumbai, I texted all my co-actors saying I was missing them. Gajraj Rao ji’s very cute and nice, and even Ayushmann (Khurrana) never made me feel like I was working with a big star.

Did the role take you back to when you were carrying Masaba?
No, it didn’t bring any memories for me. My real pregnancy was very different, I was aloof and alone. It was nothing like this when the whole family, including the big boys, hover around my character. I didn’t flashback to my real pregnancy as that was a difficult time for me.

Last year, you made an appeal on Instagram for “good parts to play”. Since then, we’ve seen you in a significant role in Anubhav Sinha’s Mulk, Amit Sharma’s Badhaai Ho revolves around you. You will next be seen in chef- filmmaker Vikas Khanna’s The Last Color and will kick off Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari’s Panga next month. Enjoying this new phase?
I am loving it and taking good care of myself so that I can do as much work as possible. I exercise regularly, do yoga every morning and am regular with my daily walks. I’m also very particular about my diet. I don’t eat outside food at all and don’t go out much. All this is because if something interesting comes my way, I shouldn’t miss out on it because I am unwell.

This is the best period in my career. They used to call me the TV queen at one point but I never got anything substantial in films. The ones in which I had a bigger or a significant role were either never released or hardly seen. Nobody has watched Subhankar Ghosh’s Woh Chokri which bagged me a National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress. The Threshold featuring me and Rajit Kapoor never made it to the theatres. Badhaai Ho is an important film for me as it’s getting a big release and I have a good role in it.

And when is The Last Color whose first look was unveiled at the Cannes Film Festival this year, opening?
It has a week’s work left on the post production. I saw a rough cut recently with my husband Vivek Mehra and he was crying, which is rare because he is a strong guy. It affected us so much that after the screening, even though we had made plans to go somewhere, we were no longer in the mood.

Are there plans to get back your popular 1998 TV show Saans?
Along with a new set of writers I have penned a really emotional and an identifiable script which is something like Saans. I am looking for a platform for it now. My business partner has been going around with the plan. Let’s see what happens. These days, people are scared to try something new and this is very different from what is playing on TV currently. I am really looking forward to it.

Your designer-daughter Masaba and filmmaker son-in-law Madhu Mantena announced their trial separation in August. Have you tried to get them to reconcile?
I am with them in whatever they decide. They have told me to let them decide for themselves. They are grown-ups so it’s only right. Whatever a mother has to tell her daughter I have told Masaba. I have also had a word with Madhu who is frank and nice. I am giving them time, let them sort it out themselves.