Showing posts with label Main Khiladi Tu Anari. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Main Khiladi Tu Anari. Show all posts
When I started out, I was about 21 and slightly effeminate with long hair-Saif Ali Khan
9:24 AM
Madhureeta Mukherjee (BOMBAY TIMES; September 9, 2026)
It’s been three decades of Saif Ali Khan — from the charming young star of the ’90s to one of Hindi cinema’s most instinctive and versatile actors. This year, the actor has much to celebrate — Dil Chahta Hai turns 25, Omkara completes 20, and Saif reunites with Akshay Kumar after more than two decades in Priyadarshan’s Haiwaan, which releases on September 11. At 56, there’s plenty to look back on — and Saif has plenty to say. Our guest on the JBL Live Headphones presents Bombay Times Lounge brings his trademark wit, candour and perspective to a conversation spanning films, fame, family and everything in between. Excerpts from the conversation.
Saif, you arrived as a star over three decades ago. At what point in your journey did you feel that you’re becoming the kind of actor that you want to be and that you belong here?
I think I’ve always felt very comfortable here and felt that these are my people. I had a very academic kind of exposure when I was young. My parents sent me to a brilliant school, and they had a very academic career in mind for me. But I felt a little bit strangled by the idea of sitting behind the desk for so long, even though now I love it and I love reading, and I’m trying to reconnect. But deep down, I also realized I belong to a world like this and feel at home here. I don’t know exactly when I started enjoying it so much. I used to hear international actors talk about things like craft, technique and form and I had no idea about it. So, I read a few books, and they spoke to me. I understood what they were saying, and I tried to apply some of it. And some of it worked out quite well. This is such a remarkable profession; the learning is endless. Every now and then, you break a little door open and enter a room. And you’re like, wow, this is possible.
For a long time, you were the quintessential charming guy, the uber cool kind of romantic hero. Did you have to try too hard to break out of that box?
I was very young when I started out. I was about 21 and slightly effeminate with long hair. I wasn’t really an alpha male, macho kind of guy. So, it took a while for me to find a place, but the obvious place was a kind of sweet, chocolatey kind of guy. I enjoyed it very much…it’s nice to make people smile and have a happy energy around me. And you shouldn’t take that for granted, because ultimately, people talk about acting and all that, but the audience has to like you. It’s luck and their acceptance. When I see those old films of mine, I feel happy because I believe I was really honest in them. I think I became a bit grumpy later.
After over two decades, you are reuniting with Akshay Kumar for Haiwaan. Did the two of you slip back into an old rhythm, or did you discover a new one?
Well, it was great working with him again, though the intention of the movie was not to bring us back together. It was a role that Priyan sir (Priyadarshan) was finding hard to cast. He had asked a couple of people. I had confirmed my part, but they needed this dangerous villain. When he narrated it to Akshay, he asked, “Can I do it? I really want to have fun and play a bad guy.” Both Priyan sir and I couldn’t believe it. So, Haiwaan wasn’t designed for Akshay and me. It’s a bonus that we share good chemistry, but the film doesn’t rely on that. In fact, we have very few scenes together.
Earlier, when Akshay and you worked together, like in Main Khiladi Tu Anari, there was almost a neat division: he was the action hero, and you were the charming, cool, slightly irreverent one. Now that has flipped, in fact, he’s on the dark side.
Yes, I was cute and funny, and I think that worked then. Mahesh Bhatt in those days would say, “Together you two make a super person.” I think that is how different body types and different energies mix together. So, there’s a reason why Akshay and I delivered successful films together. I am kicked about finally getting a chance to play a hero in a film with him.
Interestingly, come September 11, it will be like your family film festival – Haiwaan releases on September 11, the following week, Kareena’s Daayra and Kunal Kemmu’s Vibe hits the theatres.
That’s a coincidence and quite interesting. I don’t know how honest I can be. I can give you an anodyne answer and tell you all films should do well, and everyone is so talented. But the actual truth is…everyone’s film should do well, but mine should do slightly better. You know, blood is thicker than water and films are thicker than blood (laughs). All the films are a little different, so let’s hope all of them do well. Kunal is very talented; I loved his trailer. Actually, I only want my wife’s films to run and be super successful. She’s such an amazing actress. A happy wife is the best situation for me, always (laughs). And I believe, in the past two films have run at the same time and done well.
Last year’s stabbing incident in your house, where you were severely injured must have left you and your family completely shaken up. Did you all take a while to move on from it?
We’ve dealt with it remarkably well. I think the person who got most affected was my wife, who is a very sensitive person. It was insane, and I’m still not 100% over it. Even now, if I see a knife, I react. I start thinking about the incident and then, I feel incredibly lucky to have survived it. I can’t believe how lucky I was, because the knife broke. It was the worst knife in the history of knife attacks (laughs!). We’re laughing now, but if he really had a proper Rambo knife, I’d be dead. I was cut everywhere and it didn’t kill me, which is why I can’t get over how lucky I got. But there’s another side to this, which I understand, and I’m not just saying this because I am on camera. I mean, these things happen because of inequality, right? And because someone is looking for money and looking out for himself. I would happily forgive this person also. I don’t think he knew where he was or what he was doing. And if he had known, then it wouldn’t have happened. It was a very unfortunate incident, where I got very lucky and he got unlucky because I think he’s in a lot of trouble.
Do you see life differently after that incident? You have been talking about how short life is and how you want to be present in every moment…
I remember lying in hospital thinking, what I really want to do is have a glass of very good wine with some of my good friends. And that is actually all that matters. Of course, good work matters and these things feel great. But I want to be present and enjoy my life. It would be okay if my life had ended because there was also that feeling. There’s a lot of adrenaline rush at that moment which can, in a way, make you happy. There was a feeling when I was covered in blood… that it’s been a great life and I have had a blast. I just remember thinking that.
Is that really what ran through your mind at that moment?
Yes, yes. I thought about how making Hum Tum was a blast. Travelling to America and doing those shows was the best career I could have. It’s all been great. My kids are amazing. I just want to hold someone’s hand and go. I was okay with that. But what I wasn’t okay with, I think, was to be paralysed. So yes, what has changed about my outlook is that I want to be more present.
On a lighter note, tell me…at 56 what do you care less about?
Well, I would like to say what other people think. But I think I’d say, I would like to care less about competing. I think you’re always a little bit competitive, even though you try not to be or project that you’re not, but you end up being a little of that.
I survived as nobody wanted to do those movies that I was doing-Saif Ali Khan
10:00 AM
Saif Ali Khan reflects on career setbacks, second chances and why audiences were far more forgiving when he entered the industry three decades ago
Akash Bhatnagar (HINDUSTAN TIMES; June 7, 2026)
Three decades into Bollywood, Saif Ali Khan believes longevity in the industry is a mix of hard work, timing and a fair bit of luck. The actor, recently seen in the cop drama Kartavya, admits his early years were far from smooth, despite perceptions that he was handed opportunities
“I survived because there was a massive patch where nobody wanted to do those movies that I was doing. It wasn’t that I was getting the best films in the world repeatedly despite not being good,” says Khan, adding, “There was a strong downward movement but then there was luck.”
Reflecting on his initial years in the industry, the actor says, “It was a simpler time, people were much more forgiving.”
Khan recalls that after landing a major opportunity with a Yash Chopra film that failed to perform, his career hit a slump before Yeh Dillagi (1994), co-starring Akshay Kumar and Kajol, helped put him back in the spotlight: “People liked me and it was a two-hero film... I got a little bit of reward for working quite hard and putting everything into it. Films like Main Khiladi Tu Anari (1994) slowly helped me make my way into things.”
‘SARA, IBRAHIM FACE A TOUGHER INDUSTRY’
“The industry was definitely a more forgiving place when I came. Today you need to be much more prepared. The whole concept of preparation has changed and the whole world of movies has changed. I’ve said this to them [Sara and Ibrahim] also that you have to prepare. But our field has become extremely extreme. It’s always been competitive, but people are less forgiving now certainly than they were.”
Even after singing well, I was replaced in many films-Udit Narayan
4:20 PM
Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; April 15, 2026)
Veteran playback singer Udit Narayan has long been a voice synonymous with some of Hindi cinema’s most enduring melodies. But behind the timeless songs lies a journey shaped as much by quiet resilience as by success. Reflecting candidly on a career spanning nearly five decades, the singer opts for composure over controversy, choosing instead to highlight the discipline and mindset that have carried him through the industry’s many highs and lows.
‘I am a farmer’s son… from khetiwadi I came to Mumbai’
For Narayan, staying grounded has been central to his longevity. Speaking about industry politics and favouritism, he says, “Politics has always been there in the music industry, but I never paid attention. I only wanted to focus on my work.”
Reflecting on his early days, he adds, “I started my career with a Mohammed Rafi song. I was a farmer’s son. There was no name, no fame. It was all a struggle. We had to keep moving forward. If I have worked for 47 years, it is because I focused on my goals.”
‘My songs were dubbed by other singers’
His path, however, was not without setbacks. He recalls instances when his recorded songs were replaced. “Even after singing well, I was replaced in many films. My songs were dubbed by other singers — sometimes by my favourite actors and music directors. I would not like to name anyone or bring anyone down. Some of the iconic songs of my career like Jadoo Teri Nazar and Pehla Nasha, which the current generation even today sings in shows, did not get enough recognition. It is painful and sad, but if I kept thinking about it, I wouldn’t be able to move ahead,” he says, adding, “I chose to keep walking, like an elephant — steady and focused.”
‘Most of my songs have been remixed’
Despite past disappointments, he takes pride in the continued relevance of his music. “All my songs are being remixed — Tip Tip Barsa Pani (Mohra), Tu Cheez Badi Hai Mast Mast (Mohra), Hum Dono Hai Alag Alag (Main Khiladi Tu Anari). I even re-recorded songs for Gadar 2 after 21 years. This is an achievement,” he says, highlighting how his voice continues to reach newer audiences.
Sukhee got me the most praise in 30 years-Shilpa Shetty
11:05 AM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 27, 2023)
Shilpa Shetty Kundra looks back at 2023 with a smile. Why? It’s her 30th year as an actor. As someone who has stayed relevant over the decades, Kundra was appreciated for her role in Sukhee. “I felt it should have been a direct-to-OTT release. We make a lot of movies and garner love and fan following because of the characters. But the kind of appreciation I got for Sukhee was something I’d not received in all these years,” says the 48-year-old, whose career began with the thriller Baazigar in 1993.
Talking about reinventing herself, the actor says it’s more challenging to please the audience today: “When I started out, the audience was different, because the exposure was much lesser for us vis-à-vis the audience. They were easy to please. Today, we are exposed to the point of being trolled. So, you have to constantly be a people pleaser.”
Looking back at the highs of her career so far, Kundra adds, “I started off with a small role in a platinum jubilee hit, then evolved to being a mainstream heroine with Dhadkan (2002), reached the pinnacle of popularity with songs like Chura Ke Dil Mera (Main Khiladi Tu Anari; 1994) and Main Aayi Hoon UP Bihar Lootne (Shool; 1999)... Then came international fame, with winning Big Brother, shifting gears with films like Life... In A Metro (2007). These have been major milestones in my career so far.”
I was told Hungama 2 makers are planning to reprise Chura Ke Dil Mera. After that, I couldn’t say no-Shilpa Shetty
8:19 AM
Returning to acting after 14 years with 'Hungama 2', Shilpa Shetty Kundra says Hindi cinema’s landscape has changed to benefit the actors
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; July 16, 2021)
When producer Ratan Jain approached Shilpa Shetty Kundra for 'Hungama 2', her first reaction was, “How can I be paired opposite Paresh ji [Rawal]? He has played my father in a movie!” Her initial shock soon gave way to excitement as the producer familiarised her with the premise of the comedy.
“The story revolves around a man who is insecure about his wife who is 15-20 years younger than him. When I heard the story, it made sense [to portray Rawal’s wife]. Then, I was told they were planning to reprise Chura Ke Dil Mera [her song from Main Khiladi Tu Anari]. After that, I couldn’t say no,” laughs Shetty.
While the Disney+ Hotstar film — also starring Meezaan and Pranitha Subhash — revolves around an older man romancing a younger woman, Hindi cinema hasn’t fully explored the theme of an older woman-younger man relationship. Game to bring such stories to life, the actor says, “Gone are the days when only conventional content worked. The audience is smart now with [the advent of] OTT and will be open to the concept. It has to be treated beautifully.”
Shetty, who enjoyed success in the late ’90s and early 2000s, believes she has better command over her craft today as she returns to movies 14 years after Apne (2007). She counts herself lucky to be back in the game when Hindi cinema is undergoing a radical change. “I have come into my own now. I was only 17 when I started out, and by the time I left, films were just about evolving. I got good parts in Dhadkan and Life In A Metro, but today, I am offered roles where I can do more than just being glam.”
Shilpa Shetty remakes Chura Ke Dil Mera; sparks debate among fans
8:18 AM
The recreation of this iconic track from the 1994 film Main Khiladi Tu Anari has die hard fans questioning why is there even a need for such endeavours
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 7, 2021)
Remaking old classics is a trend which refuses to die down. And the latest to join the list is Chura Ke Dil Mera, which featured in the 1994 Akshay Kumar-starrer Main Khiladi Tu Anari. Filmed on Kumar and Shilpa Shetty Kundra, the song has been a favourite for decades, and has now been recreated by the original composer, Anu Malik for Hungama 2.
Taking over the vocals are Benny Dayal and Malik’s daughter Anmol. Fans, however, are not pleased with it.
Ever since the song dropped on Tuesday, social media has been abuzz with people missing the original singers Kumar Sanu and Alka Yagnik.
“#ChuraKeDilMera is one of my fav 90s songs... STOP ruining 90s classics... nothing can bring the old charm back... (sic),” wrote a Twitter user. “They Couldn’t Match the 1% of the Original Song... don’t spoil the old songs please” wrote another.
Many liked Kundra’s avatar, but missed Kumar. Meezaan, actor Jaaved Jaffery’s son, has stepped in his shoes.
When we reached out to Sanu and Yagnik to know their take, the former tells us, “Mujhe naya wala sunke bauhaut achha laga. I didn’t know it was being recreated.” Yagnik, too, says she did not know about this new version coming out. “It sounds cute, very different from the original,” she adds.
People who have been in the music world for long are not too pleased with this trend. Lyricist Sameer, who has seen a lot of his songs such as Ankhiyon Se Goli Maare and Dilbar be recreated, says, “The question is not about recreation, it is about not destroying the originality. Try not to disturb the basic structure. If there is a song Lata Mangeshkar ji has sung, and you take a new singer (for recreation); what are you doing? You will ruin the song.”
Singer Abhijeet adds that he liked Anmol’s voice, but is not in favour of old songs being touched. “The original music director recreated it. I won’t say this is a good attempt, but gaali mile ya tareef, it is for the original composer. In this song, the male voice dominates, that has been changed. I didn’t like it. Logon ke dimaag mein original baitha hua hai,” he asserts.
We wanted to retain Chura Ke Dil Mera's original signature step-Brinda Parameshwar
8:13 AM
As Shilpa gives a spin to ’90s chartbuster Chura Ke Dil Mera for Hungama 2, choreographer on paying tribute to late Saroj Khan with reprised version
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 6, 2021)
In 1994, Shilpa Shetty Kundra, with her animal print outfits and graceful moves, immortalised Chura Ke Dil Mera on screen. Almost 26 years later, little has changed about Shetty’s grace as she revisits the chartbuster for Hungama 2. “She still looks 16. She hasn’t put on any weight,” laughs choreographer Brinda Parameshwar, who reunited with the actor for the reprised version.
The original song from Main Khiladi Tu Anari (1994), featuring Akshay Kumar and Shetty, was choreographed by the late Saroj Khan. Parameshwar says that her version for Priyadarshan’s upcoming comedy is a tribute to the master choreographer. “She was a guru to all of us. My master Raghu ji and Saroj ji used to be close friends. She has often visited me in Chennai, and I was a great fan of her work,” says the choreographer, pointing out that she left the iconic step untouched. “We wanted to retain the signature step from the original. That was a fantastic [move]. I can never replace her style.”
If Khan had brought the romantic number alive by highlighting the chemistry between the leads, and peppering it with her ingenuous dance moves, Parameshwar has reimagined it as a dance number. “In our version, we have added more dance elements and brought in background dancers. The song fits the situation beautifully, and Shilpa’s presence adds a nostalgic value. Her energy levels have remained unchanged. Dance is about expressions, and her expressions are spot-on. A choreographer feeds off the energy of her actors. While Shilpa has always been fantastic, it was Meezaan who surprised me. I am a fan of Jaaved Jaaferi [Meezaan’s father]. Meezaan practiced only for a day and cracked the steps.”
The number was shot at a Mumbai studio over two-and-a-half days.
I was just 17; had never even hugged a boy before this, says Shilpa Shetty about her first day at shoot on Baazigar sets
8:23 AM
As told to Ankita Chaurasia (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 20, 2020)
The first film I shot for was Gaata Rahe Mera Dil. Ronit Roy, who was a big name at the time after Jaan Tere Naam, and his brother Rohit, were my co-stars and I had shot for my introduction scene with the latter. The makers had announced my debut with a huge close-up picture in a trade paper. But the film never saw the light of the day. However, my picture got noticed and landed me Baazigar opposite Shah Rukh Khan, who I had been a fan of since his Fauji days.
The first time I faced the camera was for the song, “Aye Mere Humsafar”. Other unit members had all carried duvet covers and bedsheets from their hotel rooms to the location. It was eight degrees in Igatpuri and I was shivering in a flimsy salwar kameez because I had no idea it was going to get so cold.
I was just 17 then, straight out of college, and though a lot of boys liked me, I hadn’t even hugged one before. I was really innocent, but luckily, the song required me to look nervous, so it worked.
I didn’t even know how to lip-sync and was standing with my back to the camera for my first scene. Rekha Chinni Prakash, the choreographer, kept screaming “Cut” and telling me my hair was obstructing the shot. Thank God for Shah Rukh, who took me aside and told me that the camera is my audience so even though I was giving beautiful expressions, no one could see. That bit of advice has stayed with me.
Honestly, I didn’t think I would last this long. Looking back, I think I got the hang of acting only after Dhadkan. Working with (director) Dharmesh Darshan and then, Revathi in Phir Milenge made me fall in love with cinema and the art of acting. Before that, I was just having fun. And had started commanding a high price from my second film itself. After the Main Khiladi Tu Anari chartbuster, “Churake Dil Mera”, I hit the jackpot. I didn’t come from a filmy background, so it was all about buying a car and a bigger house. Thankfully, the audience was much more forgiving back then. When I see my hair and makeup in old movies, I want to hide under the chair.
Nobody knows what is happening on the set except Priyadarshan-Meezaan Jafri
7:55 AM
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s protégé Meezaan Jafri is ‘blindly following’ Priyadarshan for his next
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 11, 2020)
Last year, Meezaan Jafri debuted in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Malaal, a film about young love, and now is all set to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather Jagdeep and dad Jaaved Jaaferi and experiment with comedy genre in Hungama 2. The film, which marks Priyadarshan’s comeback to Bollywood after seven years, also features Paresh Rawal, Shilpa Shetty and Pranitha Subhash.
“Comedy is one of the most difficult genres and Priyan sir shoots in a unique way. You are given the dialogues just before the shot. He shows you how to play it out on camera and you just have to follow his cues. Nobody knows what is happening on the set except him. I spoke with Akshay (Kumar) sir on the sets of Sooryavanshi about this and he told me to blindly follow Priyan sir; it will turn out great. He confessed that whatever he has learnt about comedy is from the filmmaker,” shares the young actor who gave his nod to the film after hearing that Priyadarshan would be helming it without even hearing the script. “I have a special connect with Priyan sir. My grandfather acted in his first Hindi film, Muskurahat.”
The actor admits that working with a strong ensemble cast was a bit unnerving initially. “During the first few days, I was dying, literally,” he laughs, admitting that he was petrified to be standing beside actors he had idolised all his life. “The rest of the cast share a great camaraderie with Priyan sir, having worked with him earlier. It was like home ground for them and they were completely chilled out,” he reminisces.
Did he take any tips from his father or grandfather? “No, I was too scared that once I start a conversation, it would never end,” he guffaws, reasoning that living up to their expectations would have been difficult as they excel in their craft.
In the Hungama sequel, Jafri Jr sports a completely different look from his first film and admits that many from the frat failed to recognise him. “Once I was chatting with Salman (Khan) sir... midway through the conversation it dawned on him who I was. A similar thing happened with Amit (Amitabh Bachchan) sir at his Diwali bash,” he chuckles.
Given how happy Meezaan looks, you hate asking if the failure of his first film took a toll. “You do get attached to a project when you are a part of it, but at the end, you can’t pinpoint a single thing that didn’t work. And the good thing was that people appreciated me, which is why I am getting so much work now,” he says.
In an era of remakes, is there a role of his father’s that he’d like to recreate. Pat comes the reply, “His character from Meri Jung—a sexy, cool villain, who also dances.” However, for the moment, he would like to step into the action genre next.
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Horsing around with Shilpa...
Meezaan will recreate the popular Main Khiladi Tu Anari chartbuster, “Chura Ke Dil Mera”, with Shilpa Shetty in Hungama 2. He is really kicked about it as he loves dancing. “I have grown up watching Shilpa’s movies, idolising her and hoping I’d meet her one day and get to take a picture with her. So, doing a movie with her is sublime. It feels like I am in the movie that I’m watching,” the actor says dreamily.
Shilpa Shetty to once again dance on Chura Ke Dil Mera, for Hungama 2
8:32 AM
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 20, 2020)
Shilpa Shetty might have been away from films for 13 years but she is ensuring that her second innings makes an impression. During a turn on The Kapil Sharma Show, the actress divulged that she is recreating the “Chura Ke Dil Mera” number from her 1994 film Main Khiladi Tu Anari for Priyadarshan’s Hungama 2. But she won’t be teasing Akshay Kumar this time. Keeping her company will be Meezaan Jafri and Paresh Rawal. On September 23, 2019, to mark 25 years of the film, Shilpa had made her girl gang shake a leg to the song in her vanity van.
When Kapil, pointed out that she is just as charismatic now, Shilpa blushed and admitted that her one-film old co-star wasn’t even born when the film had released. “Matching his level of energy was out of the world but I enjoyed filming the song,” she gushed. Recently when Kumar Sanu was asked which one of his ’90s numbers he’d want remade, he mentioned “Kuch Na Kaho” and “Chura Ke Dil Mera”. His wish has been just granted.
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