Showing posts with label Meher Vij. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Meher Vij. Show all posts
I was out of work despite winning awards-Meher Vij
8:27 AM
Manas Mishra and Amina Ashraf (BOMBAY TIMES; January 5, 2025)
Meher Vij, known for her roles in films like Secret Superstar, Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Ardaas, visited Lucknow sometime back. While talking to us, the actress shared about her experiences in the city, reflected on her journey in the film industry, discussed the dynamics of her relationship with her husband Manav Vij being in the same industry, and more.
Talking about her visit to the city she shared, “It’s amazing! It’s a city of royalty, the city of Nawabs. People here are very warm, kind, and humble. The food is outstanding. The buildings and architecture are beautifully designed; there’s a unique vibe here. And there’s a special kind of peace in Lucknow. It’s refreshing to disconnect from Mumbai for a while.”
The journey in the film industry hasn’t been that difficult for Meher, she feels. “Actually, for me, it wasn’t too difficult. When I auditioned for Bajrangi Bhaijaan, they called me back the next day, and I was finalized right away. But I know that many TV actors don’t get the same opportunities in films. Maybe I was lucky. It’s a preconceived notion that TV actors are overexposed – they’ve been seen so much on television that filmmakers wonder how they can ‘launch’ them in films. I think that level of exposure might make it hard for them to fit in films.”
Having an actor husband, Manav Vij, comes with a lot of benefits for Meher. “We talk about our characters and discuss our scripts. There’s a friendship between us, a camaraderie, and we have no hesitation in telling each other the truth. If I think he went overboard in a scene, I’ll tell him, and he does the same for me. There’s no veil of formality between us, and I think this clear communication helps us grow. We want the best for each other, so there’s honesty in our feedback. He’s my best critic,” she said.
OTT has changed the scene for actresses opines Meher. “It is OTT where actresses can play strong, confident characters. But in mainstream cinema, there’s still a typical image of heroines – glamour, specific kinds of clothes, body expectations. Mainstream cinema still portrays women in the old, hackneyed way. It’s still there, but there’s also a parallel track where strong female characters are gaining ground. It will take time, but I think we’re slowly moving forward,” she said.
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‘It’s challenging for outsiders in the film industry’
Meher said, “It’s challenging for outsiders to get work in the film industry, but the better you perform, the more you stand out. Even though I won several awards for Secret Superstar, I was still out of work for a long time. Somehow, I managed, but it can be tough. I wait for work that I truly believe in because I don’t want to regret doing something I don’t connect with.”
Image: Check out Arshad Warsi, Meher Vij in Abhishek Saxena’s Banda Singh
8:10 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (October 25, 2021)
Banda Singh is the survival story of a man and his family, set in North India and based on true events. The film, which is helmed by Abhishek Saxena, stars Arshad Warsi and Meher Vij. Arshad says, “I fell in love with the script and I am sure the audience will fall in love with the film, too.”
The film is produced by Manish Mishra of Seamless Productions LLP and co-produced by Abhishek Saxena of Ambi Abhi Productions, who has also written the film along with Shaheen Iqbal. Abhishek says, “I am thrilled that the film is going on floors with Arshad and Meher soon.”
Manish adds, “I believe in the script and I am sure that people haven’t seen the lead actors in such roles before.”
Banda Singh will go on floors in mid-November.
(L-R) Manish Mishra, Meher Vij, Arshad Warsi and Abhishek Saxena
Jahaan Chaar Yaar producer Vinod Bachchan calls off Goa shoot after Meher Vij tests positive for Coronavirus
8:13 AM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; April 16, 2021)
Work on Swara Bhasker’s Jahaan Chaar Yaar, also starring Meher Vij, Shikha Talsania and Pooja Chopra, was progressing swiftly until the unit hit the Goa leg late last week. Two days into the filming of the all-women project in the beach state, director Kamal Pandey had to halt the shoot as Vij came down with the infection. A production hand recounts, “As per protocol, the entire team was tested before they left from Mumbai last Friday. The shoot began that very day.”
Producer Vinod Bachchan confirms the development, adding that the unit promptly took action. “Meher showed Coronavirus symptoms on day two of the shoot. The filming was immediately suspended, and the entire team was made to quarantine in their respective rooms. Fortunately, everyone, except Meher, tested negative,” he states.
Considering the story is centred on four friends who feel trapped in their monotonous lives until a chance vacation changes their lives, most sequences lined up required the presence of the four actors. While the makers were initially contemplating canning the solo portions, Bachchan and Pandey had a change of heart. The producer says, “Looking at the rising cases across the country, we have decided to postpone the shoot.”
The cast and crew, barring Vij, returned to Mumbai on Wednesday.
Swara Bhasker, Shikha Talsania, Meher Vij and Pooja Chopra bag Jahaan Chaar Yaar
8:24 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (March 1, 2021)
The film follows the story of four friends, who are trapped in the rut of hapless monotony. With children who are grown up and emotionally-distant husbands, they have nothing to look forward to in their middle-class lives, until a getaway to Goa turns into a thrilling, roller-coaster ride that they had never bargained for. Their journey from demure housewives to daring dames forms the crux of the movie.
Producer Vinod Bachchan says, “As cinemas open their doors again, it is a matter of time till the audience opens its hearts again. We just need to welcome them back with a rocking film. Jahaan Chaar Yaar is an empowering tale of friendship filled with engaging twists and turns. I am sure it will reignite the glory of big-screen entertainment.”
The maker behind hits like Tanu Weds Manu, Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana and Ginny Weds Sunny, Vinod adds, “I am overjoyed to be crafting a fresh story with a solid script. Our team can’t wait to make this wonderful film.”
The movie also marks the directorial debut of writer Kamal Pandey, who has penned films like Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana, Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns, Shagird and dialogues for Shakthi: The Power. Scheduled to be shot in the rustic locales of Uttar Pradesh as well as the beautiful beaches of Goa, the film is touted to be a rollicking adventure.
Jahaan Chaar Yaar, a Soundrya Productions film, produced by Vinod Bachchan, will go on floors from March 5.
I felt like I was back in school-Meher Vij on prepping for Secret Superstar
7:57 AM
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; November 1, 2017)
A popular face in television, Meher Vij began attracting attention after her outing in Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015), and more recently, Secret Superstar. With Aamir Khan’s slice-of-life film acquiring attention following positive reviews, Vij, who played mother to Zaira Wasim, suddenly finds herself in the spotlight again. “I am taken aback by the response. It’s heartening to see that people have loved my work,” Vij tells mid-day. Essaying the role of Najma, an inhibited housewife who fights to fulfill her daughter’s dream, was “defining”, Vij says.
Despite winning accolades for Secret Superstar, a hint of uncertainty about her acting prowess is evident when she says, “I consider myself a mediocre actor. There are many more talented actors out there. But, I give my films my best shot.”
It isn’t surprising then that she was taken aback when the offer came her way. “I got a call from Advait [Chandan, director], and thought a prank was being played on me. Advait had seen my work in Bajrangi Bhaijaan, and watched the film four times to ascertain if I could pull off the character the way he had envisioned.”
The part eventually landed in her lap, and Vij says working on the film was a “new learning curve”. “We would have script reading sessions with Aamir at his office. I felt like I was back in school. The intense preparation helped me understand the nuances of the character. It paid off.”
However, with two successive releases that showcased her in the role of a mother, she now wants to experiment with new offerings. “I want to do all types of roles. I think I am good at comedy. I don’t want to bask in the glory. I just want to keep acting. The bar has been set high and people’s expectations [from me] have skyrocketed. I will have to live up to them,” says Vij who was also featured in Tum Bin 2 (2016) besides television shows like Ram Milaayi Jodi, Yeh Hai Aashiqui and Kis Desh Mein Hai Mera Dil.
A popular face in television, Meher Vij began attracting attention after her outing in Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015), and more recently, Secret Superstar. With Aamir Khan’s slice-of-life film acquiring attention following positive reviews, Vij, who played mother to Zaira Wasim, suddenly finds herself in the spotlight again. “I am taken aback by the response. It’s heartening to see that people have loved my work,” Vij tells mid-day. Essaying the role of Najma, an inhibited housewife who fights to fulfill her daughter’s dream, was “defining”, Vij says.
Despite winning accolades for Secret Superstar, a hint of uncertainty about her acting prowess is evident when she says, “I consider myself a mediocre actor. There are many more talented actors out there. But, I give my films my best shot.”
It isn’t surprising then that she was taken aback when the offer came her way. “I got a call from Advait [Chandan, director], and thought a prank was being played on me. Advait had seen my work in Bajrangi Bhaijaan, and watched the film four times to ascertain if I could pull off the character the way he had envisioned.”
The part eventually landed in her lap, and Vij says working on the film was a “new learning curve”. “We would have script reading sessions with Aamir at his office. I felt like I was back in school. The intense preparation helped me understand the nuances of the character. It paid off.”
However, with two successive releases that showcased her in the role of a mother, she now wants to experiment with new offerings. “I want to do all types of roles. I think I am good at comedy. I don’t want to bask in the glory. I just want to keep acting. The bar has been set high and people’s expectations [from me] have skyrocketed. I will have to live up to them,” says Vij who was also featured in Tum Bin 2 (2016) besides television shows like Ram Milaayi Jodi, Yeh Hai Aashiqui and Kis Desh Mein Hai Mera Dil.
I don't think I need to worry-Anubhav Sinha on the 'anti-Pakistan' dialogue in Tum Bin 2
7:57 AM
Director Anubhav Sinha defends Pak slur in his upcoming release, Tum Bin 2
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; November 16, 2016)
In light of the September 18 Uri attacks, Bollywood has decided to do away with Pakistani talent following warnings and threats from right-wing activists. But, filmmaker Anubhav Sinha has gone a step further by taking a dig at Pak men in his to-release film, Tum Bin 2. In a recently released promo, Aditya Seal and Meher Vij, who plays Neha Sharma’s sister, are seen debating on the phone over a Pakistani boy she intends to marry.
They mouth dialogues like, ‘Mahawl toh pata hai wahaan ka. Kabhi yaha bomb phat rahe hai kabhi waha’ and ‘Pakistan mein ladke hai hi kahan? Aadhe toh cricket khelte hai aur baaki ladkon ka kuch thik nahi hai.’ The promo has created quite a stir, and is among the current trending topics on social media.
Defending the anti-Pak dialogue, Anubhav says, “Whenever there is tension between India and Pakistan, every industry in our country responds to the situation differently, and Bollywood has always taken a rather rational approach. But, I had written the dialogues, which are humorous with an underlying message, much before the tension tension escalated.”
The filmmaker has been advised to remove the dialogues, but he has put his foot down. “I have said what I wanted to very blatantly. I have not done anything to sensationalise and I don’t think I need to worry. Once people watch the film, they will understand the context of those lines.”
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