Khalid Mohamed (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 4, 2020)

Those defiant eyes, ever-ready smile, a crown of hennaed hair and typhoonish dance moves despite her stocky frame—you couldn’t believe this was the same woman who was just sitting on a studio chair. She would describe every step, every smile, twirl of the hair, hip movement and gyration—commonly known as jhatkas matkas—which were stamped with the fabled Saroj Khan style.

She was the dial-a-superhit diva for over nearly four decades with a repertoire of 2000 songs. A one-woman-brand, she broom swept the path for female choreographers to be boss in the traditionally male-controlled Bollywood hierarchy. Fiercely competitive, she would scoff at sharing her numero uno status with the upcoming Farah Khan. In return, Farah and more of her ilk would accept her put-downers, acknowledging her as their guru to date.

The 71-year-old legend passed away after a cardiac arrest in a suburban hospital on Friday. Fondly called Masterji, she had been ailing for the last 10 years, would be bed-ridden at times, and had shifted from a roomy Bandra ground floor home to a cramped apartment in Oshiwara.

“Jab tak hai jaan main zaroor nachungi aur nachvaungi. Once a filmi always a filmi,” she had once laughed self-deprecatingly. Could she define ‘filmi’, I had asked, to which she had snapped, “Commercial, what the people like! You’re educated, why ask such a silly question?”

Right. Now that Bollywood dances are largely reduced to an assemblage of montage shots and elaborate set pieces are a rarity, Saroj Khan had sought to re-invent herself by appearing on the jury of TV reality shows (Nach Baliye, for one) and if she was approached to guide her favourite Madhuri Dixit, her reservations and advancing age evaporated. Her last hurrah with the heroine was for “Tabaah Ho Gayee” (Kalank).

Given to frankspeak, she had also spoken about the ‘casting couch’ in Bollywood. Following backlash, she had uncharacteristically withdrawn her all-true statement.

Without her, it would be facile to even think of such iconic B-Town numbers as “Ek Do Teen”, “Tamma Tamma Loge”, “Humko Aajkal Hai Intezar”, “Hawaa Hawaaii”, “Dhak Dhak Karne Laga”, “Dola Re Dola”, “Choli Ke Peechhe Kya Hai” and “Main Teri Dushman” to cite just a palmful. She caught the hook of the music, created signature steps, synchronised the vast back-up of chorus artistes, avoided cutaways to the minimum and showcased the prime dancer. It was almost as if they were merely following her instructions, to which she’d chortle, “Nahin bhai, see without Madhuri or Sridevi, these dances would be like food without namak.”

She was aware that she had to better the dances of the 1950s performed by Cuckoo and Helen. “They were superb, never displaying a shred of vulgarity,” she’d maintain. “I try to make my heroine as good as them or, if I may say so, sexy without being undignified.”

As for the charge that she did derive inspiration from say, the Madonna videos, the rage on MTV in the 1980s, she’d riposte, “May I ask you to buy a new pair of spectacles? Mine is a fusion of the purely Indian—Kathak mostly—with the western elements because that’s the demand of the moment.” In the same breath, she’d admit that she would okay variations of the outfits in the Michael Jackson videos: “No one’s better than him in the world among male entertainers. And there has been no one better than Vyjayanthimala and Madhuri Dixit in our cinema.”

If an upcoming male star had two left feet, she’d lose her cool, which I witnessed at the New York filming of Rishi Kapoor’s Aa Ab Laut Chalen. Plus, whether overseas or in Mumbai, she’d insist on punctual breaks for lunch, but extend the shoot into late nights if necessary. As she did during the five-day picturisation of the tandav “Mere Watan” for Fiza, with Hrithik Roshan. “Omigawd, this boy’s fantastic. He’s born to dance,” she’d exclaim, but only when he wasn’t within earshot. “Never flatter an artiste,” was her credo. “Or they develop swollen heads.”

Not surprisingly, whether it was Hrithik or Karisma Kapoor (for the number “Nachoon Naachoon”), like all their peers, they would touch her feet for blessings.

That there is a latent director in most choreographers was evident in Saroj Khan as well. For want of regular work—despite winning three National and eight Filmfare Awards she had started choreographing for Bhojpuri B-graders and was planning to direct a musical opus star-lighting Priyanka Chopra. However, Ms Chopra backed out at the last minute. But for a few sarcastic jibes, Masterji chose not to fan the fire. Neither did she ever wish to direct again.

Born Nirmala Nagpal, her parents had moved to Mumbai after the Partition. She was cajoled to become a child actor in Nazarana with Shyama. Next, she became a chorus dancer, assistant dance director before going solo with the Sadhana-starrer Geeta Mera Naam. Her marriage to dance director B Mohanlal was short-lived, who was already, in secret, a father of four children. Next, she married Sardar Roshan Khan, explaining the change of her maiden name. She is survived by her husband, a son and two daughters.

Back in 1990, ace photographer Dayanita Singh had seen Masterji at work, she was doing three shifts a day. “I was amazed how graceful and light-footed she was,” Singh had remarked. “It was the first time when the sexy moves—earlier associated with Hindi cinema’s vamps—were being done by the heroines.”

Just by narrowing those defiant eyes, Saroj Khan could compel the camera’s heart to go dhak-dhak.

Tiger Shroff admits that he would like to keep the Baaghi franchise, which is in its third instalment, going till his legs don’t give up on him; reveals that he is ready to flag off the Heropanti sequel, too
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 28, 2020)

In your upcoming film, Baaghi 3, we see you performing almost superhuman feats. Tell us something you’ve done off camera which in your mind is heroic?
I guess buying a house for my parents. They’ve given me the best childhood and this is my small way of giving something back. My mother (Ayesha Shroff) always wanted a house in her name, so I bought this for her... Dad (Jackie Shroff) too. My dreams are her dreams, and I am focused on my work, being successful in my career and sustaining it. She is my motivation, my inspiration. I push myself so hard to make her happy, proud and secure.

Any other dreams?
So many… My dad likes to farm, he likes land and nature. I’d like to buy him something along those lines someday. He also enjoys cars. At the peak of his superstardom, he would collect them. Of course, he would also tell us, “Never do this, I made a big mistake.” He works so hard, I want to get him things he loves.

Growing up, is there something your dad brought home especially for you that remains precious?
I never asked my parents for anything, I wasn’t a materialistic child, but whenever I didn’t want to go to school, I’d wake up early, cuddle up against dad and when mom tried to pull me out of bed, I’d hold him tighter. He would stand up for me, cajole mom to let me stay at home, saying, “Chhod na, rehne de bachche ko, nahin jaana hai usko.” Thanks to him, I got away with a lot of things. Whenever I got into trouble, I’d run to him. He’d always save me. He was my hero, he still is.

What are your earliest memories of your dad’s film, Hero?
The bike race, for some reason, and his introduction scene, which I thought was very cool, almost heroic! And yes, the songs too, particularly “Pyaar Karne Wale Kabhi Darte Nahin” which has stayed with me. I started watching Hero when I was around four years old. I’m still watching it.

And what was your dad’s first reaction to your first film, Heropanti?
He doesn’t react much, and expresses himself in a few words. “Chal ho gaya, exam pass, bindaas!”

You’ve grown in stature since your first film, become a bigger star, but your lifestyle, passion and professionalism hasn’t changed...
I’m so grateful people are accepting me and my work, year after year. My routine and lifestyle are co-related to whatever little I’ve achieved in my career so far. Why change what’s working for me?

But there must be something you would have liked to do had you not been such a disciplined actor...
I’m a foodie and wish I could binge on sweets every day, but unfortunately, only Sunday is a cheat day when I can eat everything, from pani puri and pizza to vada pav and ice-cream. Sab kuch mix match kar leta hoon.

Your dad was the hero of his generation, you are one too. Have things changed much?
In dad’s time, they were a lot more carefree, now there is increased responsibility to be a correct role model if you reach a position when kids aspire to be like you. It’s important to guide them—I won’t say the right way because who am I to judge what’s right or wrong—but in a way that helps them.

How often do you set goals for yourself?
Well, the long-term goals are permanent…

And they are?
To reach the standard of my idols, Michael Jackson and Bruce Lee, hone my craft, do things in a larger-than-life way and touch as many lives as possible. Every month, I set short-term goals, too, like lose or gain two-five kg, do some community service, learn an action skill or a dance move. I’d love to do a Broadway musical someday, a role which allows me to sing and dance. (Smiles) I sing very well in the shower.

Among your long-term goals, is there a plan to produce a film one day?
Sure, but it’d depend on the success of Baaghi 3.

Will the franchise go on and on?
Again, that would depend on how Part 3 fares. I’d like to play Ronnie till my legs don’t give up on me. All the action takes its toll, but as long as I have my youth and physicality, I’d like to be a baaghi.

You are taking on a country in Baaghi 3. What next? The universe?
(Laughs) There are a lot of memes going around that it will be Baaghi 4 vs Aliens and Baaghi 5 vs the Universe. You never know…

Your last film, with Hrithik Roshan, was the top grosser of 2019. How do you react to such success?
Honestly, the business didn’t matter. For me, War was my time with my hero, Hrithik Roshan. I got to spend time with a man I have always looked up to and modeled myself on... Going to the gym with him, watching him train, perform his scenes, give me feedback on mine, tell me how to say a particular line, pat me after a shot, all that will stay with me all my life. He’s been my hero since I saw Krrish, when I was 12 or 13. Every kid of my generation was a Krrish fan, and to this day, watching him transform on screen, I am convinced he is a real-life superhero.

Every guy enjoys having a gorgeous woman on his arm and you have one of the most coveted in the country, Disha Patani. What’s the equation like between you two?
We have a lot in common and that’s why we get along well. I have very few friends in the industry. There’s Danny uncle’s (Denzongpa) son Rinzing, who is about to be launched soon, and Ranjit sir’s son Jeeva. They are my childhood friends. Disha and I met during Baaghi and since we have similar interests and can laugh over silly things, we hang out together. She is very easy-going, no tantrums. (Smiles) We go out for lunch every now and then and get clicked together.

You go out with a guy and he’s a friend while a girl becomes a good friend…
(Clicking his fingers) Yeah, that’s the mentality here. It’s not a problem, really.

Is romance on screen more difficult than action?
Nothing’s more difficult than action. It doesn’t hurt to be romantic, action hurts.

When is Siddharth Anand’s Rambo remake happening?
Hopefully, by the end of the year. I’m also doing the sequel to my first film, Heropanti, with my mentor Sajid sir (Nadiadwala, producer) and Baaghi 2 and 3 director Ahmed sir (Khan), and that’s about it.

How is it that after a huge hit last year, you haven’t signed half a dozen films?
I’m in no hurry. A film takes a lot out of me so I enjoy my downtime. I’m not competing with anybody. I need to pace myself and last as long as I can. My race is with myself.

Tara Sutaria on why she crushes on two Students; reveals she was to do Guy Ritchie’s musical with Will Smith but ended up shooting a Hindi song with him
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 6, 2019)

There is a definite hangover of the original in Student Of The Year 2. The audience’s tastes have evolved in seven years…
I admit there are many similarities, but the differences are also huge. For example, the focus is on a not-often-seen-before sport like kabaddi. Even the music, dances and Tiger’s (Shroff) action is unique. Despite evolving tastes, there are some films we want to watch and SOTY 2 is one of them.

You debuted as a child star in 2010 with Big Bada Boom, did sitcoms like The Suite Life of Karan & Kabir and Oye Jassie and Raell Padamsee’s stage version of the John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John 1978 musical Grease. Was movies the logical next step?
I’ve trained in music and dance all my life, so I wanted to be a part of the arts but wasn’t consciously thinking of Bollywood. Theatre was my home, I was raised performing on stage, there’s nothing more beautiful than that. Grease, which you mentioned, was my favourite stage production, and to play Sandy Olsson was a dream. I wish someone would adapt it on screen, I’d jump at the opportunity to feature in it again. To answer your question, I wanted to be a singer. But when I was 20, I met Karan who asked me if I was interested in acting, they were scripting SOTY 2. I instantly agreed as I’m a huge fan of the original and after graduating in Bachelor of Mass Media (BMM) from St. Andrew’s College, I auditioned for the role. It’s been a whirlwind since.

Tiger and you must bond over Michael Jackson?
We do, but I have many other idols like Priyanka Chopra who has made us proud as Indians and as women.

Why do you keep saying Tiger’s ‘good boy’ image is a facade?
(Laughs) Tiger has two sides to him but it’s only when he is comfortable with you that he reveals his true self, which is funny and naughty. He is also very sweet. On my first day of shoot in Dehradun, during a dance sequence, I sprained my ankle. He pulled up a chair, put my foot up and massaged it. We hardly knew each other then and I wasn’t expecting it. As my first co-star, he’ll always be special. It’s no secret that I have a crush on Tiger.

But on Karan’s talk show you confided that you don’t have a crush on a current student but on an ex-student. Sidharth Malhotra?
Sid and I live close by so we hang out together. He’s very busy and so am I but it’s nice to have someone close by. We have a lot in common, he’s wonderful! We are friends… good friends.

Reportedly you were dating Rohan Mehra earlier?
Rohan and I have known each other for a very long time. We have a lot of mutual friends too.

Your second film, Marjaavaan, is with Sidharth…
There’s a third film now (Hindi remake of the 2018 Telugu action-drama RX 100), which I kick off in two weeks with Ahan Shetty. It’s a blessing to be doing three films in my first year. I’ve just wrapped up Marjaavaan, an emotional, dramatic, violent love story which was quite a change from the light-hearted SOTY 2. When I heard the script for the first time I wondered if I’d be able to do it as it’s such a different world. The girl in the RX 100 remake is also completely different.

Buzz is, you’re singing in the RX 100 remake too.
I want to do everything related to music. I love singing and I hope I get to do it in the film.

Why did you let Shahid Kapoor’s Kabir Singh get away?
It didn’t work out because we had so much left to shoot of SOTY 2, but I am glad I did Marjaavaan soon after.

Weren’t you supposed to play Princess Jasmine in Guy Ritchie’s upcoming musical fantasy Aladdin with Will Smith as the genie?
I’d even started training for it in London but SOTY 2 was on, and there was a lot happening here. Still, training with everyone there was a lifetime’s experience while SOTY 2 is a dream come true.

But you ended up doing a song with Will Smith in your debut film.
(Laughs) Yeah, it was such a pleasant surprise. Life works in funny ways.

Choreographer Bosco Martis is making his directorial debut with the unique genre; film will be in 3D
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 18, 2019)

While Remo D’souza brought back dance films with his directorial debut, ABCD: Any Body Can Dance, following it up with ABCD 2 and the upcoming Street Dancer 3D, another choreographer is taking it forward. Following reports that Bosco Martis is turning director in collaboration with Zee Studios, Mirror has learnt that the project in question will be a dance-based horror-comedy.

“As a choreographer, I wanted to explore my skills in the dancing world but without trying to attempt a film on the lines of Step Up. So, I came up with the idea of making a dance-based horror-comedy. It sets the platform to do things magically,” said Bosco, who is working on the screenplay of the film with a team of writers. “The concept came from me and I am working with the writers to develop it into a fullfledged screenplay,” he added.

He goes on to add that not many people globally are aware about the genre. “The only thing anybody can recollect is Michael Jackson’s music video, Thriller. We are still working on the film and will have something interesting to offer as the attempt is to create a unique experience for the audience,” he informed, adding that his directorial debut will be shot in 3D. The film is in the pre-production stage and the cast is yet to be finalised, but Bosco promises that his film will have an A-Lister. “We are concentrating on writing a good film and will pitch it to actors later. We want to take the film on floors in the second half of the year.”

It will feature several dancers, and Bosco plans to rope in a few from his reality show, Dance India Dance. “I will select those dancers who can act,” he confirmed.

Shariq Patel, CEO, Zee Studios, added that the film will be mounted on a big scale. “We are excited to enter this unique genre in India for the first time. It’s a delight to partner with Bosco on not just the film, but also our show, Dance India Dance.” 

Frank Gatson Jr, choreographer to Beyonce, Rihanna and Jennifer Lopez, on working with the actress on his first Hindi film and the culture of ‘Yes Men’ around celebrities
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 28, 2018)

Frank Gatson Jr, who has worked with music icon Beyonce for 15 years and directed videos of her biggest hits, “Single Ladies”, “Run The World” and “Crazy In Love”, believes two qualities define a superstar. “You have to be a warm person, and you have to work very hard. Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse,” he tells Mirror on his maiden India visit.

The choreographer, who started in 1986 as a back-up dancer in Michael Jackson’s music video of “Smooth Criminal”, has been staying at a service apartment in Bandra for the last 15 days, to where he retires after working till 2 am at Film City with Fanney Khan actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan on a lavishly mounted song. Atul Manjrekar’s directorial debut is produced by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and Bhushan Kumar.

“I was to visit India from Dubai in April but couldn’t despite having an entire day to spare as there were visa and paperwork issues. So, Atul flew to Dubai for three hours to watch me work and hang out. It was clear that the film was important to him and I decided to give it my all,” Frank recalls.

The makers wanted him to come up with something that wasn’t “very Bollywood”. “That was a challenge because music is supposed to tell you what to do but this song’s beats were essentially Indian, and I wanted to stay true to the culture. However, it’s turned out to be an international number,” says Frank.

He makes a note of the heterogenous nature of the dancers’ community in India. “During auditions, I came across many dancers who aren’t from India but work in Bollywood. It’s like someone coming into my all-black neighbourhood and hiring white dancers. I didn’t like it, but luckily, I was able to find some fantastic dancers. Initially, it was supposed to be Ash with only female dancers but then I came across this incredible guy, hard-working and respectful, and added him in,” he informs.

An Indian song with a strong international vibe posed another challenge. Frank, who has worked with some of the world’s best, including Rihanna and Jennifer Lopez in his 36-year career, argues that age-appropriate choreography trumps everything that is current and cool. “You cannot give Ash dance steps that look too young. She is not 19, she’s a woman and a mother. I had to make it likeable,” he explains and believes he got it spot-on because after a long night of rehearsals, Ash wanted to do another take at 3 am. “She was so happy with the way the sequence shaped up, she hugged me and introduced me to her family,” he says, all praise for the “hard-working and professional”dancers he has worked with in India.

But he feels there’s room for improvement when it comes to rehearsals. “The dancers mark your moves but recreate them only halfway till it’s time for the final shot. Two of the greatest performers I’ve worked with, Michael Jackson and Beyonce, went all-out with each rehearsal,” he argues. “I wish I could turn everyone’s volume up.”

He has a strong opinion on celebrity culture as well. “I have a theory. Divas aren’t talented, they just got lucky. I refuse to collaborate with artistes who don’t want to work hard. I’d rather work with talented performers who don’t settle for mediocrity,” he asserts.

Frank also points out that the culture of ‘Yes Men’ around celebs is a worldwide phenomenon and the biggest threat to talent. “Once, Beyonce asked her entire team how she was doing at a rehearsal and they were like 'this is nice… you are cool,' and she started looking for me. She realises the importance of honesty. She is great, but there’s always scope for improvement. The problem with a lot of big stars everywhere is that they don’t get told the truth enough,” he avers.

Speaking of the evolution of the music business, Frank states that it is very visual today. He explains, “You don’t hear Beyonce anymore, you see her, you experience her. Artistes must sing, dance, be nice for the cameras. That’s the new world.”

His tryst with Bollywood aside, he admits to being quite clued into the industry. “The West sees Bollywood as a big deal, we talk about Indian movies all the time. I loved working on Fanney Khan, it was like working on a version of (the Catherine Zeta Jones and Renee Zellweger-starrer Oscar-winning musical) Chicago,” he says.

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; April 13, 2018)

Sooraj Pancholi’s Hero released in 2015 and though several projects have been offered to him since then, he has finally picked his second movie. The young actor is on board for Stanley D’Costa’s Time To Dance, which will be produced by Remo D’souza and Salman Khan Films. Sooraj will soon fly to London to begin shooting and has been training rigorously to get his look and moves right.

In a candid conversation with After Hrs, he reveals what prompted him to choose this dance film and why he wants to dedicate it to his mother, Zarina Wahab. Read on...

Why was there such a long gap between your debut film and second project?
The first film always chooses you, but you choose the second one. That’s one of the reasons it’s taken me so long. I didn’t just have to take care of movies. There were a lot of other things going on in my life, including the court case. So, I needed time. I’m actually happy that I did not take on any work that was offered to me. Had I accepted a film, I would have got lost. I needed some time to fight my own battles.

Now, you have signed a dance film, which you begin shooting for next...
Yes, Time to Dance is happening, so I am extremely happy. I have forgotten the past and have moved on. See, no matter how hard you work, perception is something that rules this industry. Talent comes much later. That’s why I am cautious about what I say and whom I meet. Once a perception is built around you, even if you do bad work, people will forgive you for it.

Did you always like to dance?
My first dance class was with Shiamak Davar when I was seven-eight years old. My mom insisted that I start learning to dance early because she’s a trained classical dancer. My father’s too tall to maneuver his body around. I want this movie to be a surprise for everyone in my family. I want to prove to my mom that I’m an amazing dancer.

Why is it so important to you?
When I was young, I was a huge Michael Jackson fan, but I would dance only in front of the mirror, alone in my room. I got a wig for myself and a hat, too. My dad’s friend had also made me a black shiny MJ costume. I would watch the King of Pop’s songs on those big laser discs and dance. Whenever my mom would come to my room, I would stop. She always used to tell me ‘Beta, mujhe bhi dance dikhao’. I never used to do it because I was so painfully shy. As she always wanted me to be a dancer, I’m extremely conscious when I’m in front of her. Also, I hated going to dance class back then. I would prefer karate. So, this film is for my mom.

Would you like to dance with your mum someday?
I have never danced with her but I would love to, one day. Maybe, once I get as good as her.

Tell us how Time To Dance actually happened.
Remo sir and I have been in touch. I was supposed to work with him, long back while I was shooting for Hero. It was a project on car racing. I don’t know what happened to it. We were supposed to start it right after A Flying Jatt. After a few months, he called me to his house and offered me this film. He narrated the story and I fell in love with it. He wanted to start a new franchise like ABCD. Since then, I have been dancing with my trainer at his office. At that point, the female lead hadn’t been decided. Things started rolling and then, Isabelle Kaif was introduced to Remo sir. It’s a beautiful romantic dance film which the audience hasn’t seen before and it’s a difficult one.

What are the different types of dance routines you are training in?
During Hero, I was a decent dancer. But now, I’m 10 times better. We are putting in 10-12 hours of rehearsal every day. We have about a few weeks to go on floors, now. We started at maybe 10 per cent, now we are at 70. We have just two weeks to get to a 100. We are doing Hip Hop, Bachata, Contemporary Latin, and, of course, Bollywood. Along with that, we also have House, which is a new form of Hip Hop and I haven’t done that before. There are over 15 different styles of dance that we will showcase in the film. Isabelle is a super fun and hard-working girl. As we have several lifts in the movie, we have to be muscular enough to hold each other. She makes my job easier because she’s a great dancer.

Do you believe that now there’s a huge audience for dance flicks in India?
Films have changed today. Actually, when it comes to the dance genre, it’s TV that changed the whole game. There are so many reality shows and majority of them are dance based because the audience also enjoys the space. Even a dadi or a nana would now know what Hip Hop or Contemporary means. There’s a huge audience base for these films. Look at the number of dancers we have today. We have the best in India and now, a dance film has more scope than a sports movie, I feel.

Is there a particular strategy you are adopting henceforth?
I am taking each film as it comes. There’s not a particular genre I want to stick to. Yes, it’s true I only want to do commercial films but it can be action, drama or romance, with romantic films being my top priority.

So, will we see you in more movies now?
I’m not taking a break. I’ve had my time. I needed my family, but now, I’m raring to go. We will  shoot in London for 50-60 days and will wrap the film by June.

Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; January 6, 2018)

Besides acting, Sridevi is also passionate about painting. The actor is set to auction her paintings for charity in Dubai next month. Among her most sought- after works, as per art dealers in Dubai, is a portrait of Sonam Kapoor, which was created after the release of Saawariya (2007). A source tells mid-day that the auction will be held next month and the starting price for Kapoor’s painting is Rs 10 lakh.

“Sridevi has been painting for many years. It’s her favourite pastime. In 2010, an international art house approached her to auction her work. But she didn’t agree. Since the event in Dubai is for a noble cause, it drew her. Sonam has a massive fan following in Dubai and her popularity has grown in the Middle East after her Project Runway outing with Elli Saab. The bidders are hoping that the painting will sell at a high price,” says the source.

Another artwork that will be on display features Michael Jackson. “That’s her personal favourite. The bid on it will start at Rs 8 lakh,” says the source.

Sridevi and Kapoor remained unavailable for comment.

Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; October 10, 2017)

It is one thing to groove to a dance number, and quite another when you have to do it alongside megastar Rajinikanth. Amy Jackson, who starts shooting for a song with the South sensation tomorrow for 2.0, has been rigorously training in Chennai over the last few days.

“I am attempting robotic pop for the first time. Rajini sir had done something similar in Robot [2010]. He is a genius, so I am sure he will handle it,” she laughs before adding, “But, it’s a new form for me.”

Choreographed by Bosco Martis, the song will be shot over the next 10 days in Chennai. While a portion of the song will be shot outdoors, a grand set has also been erected to lend the much-needed sci-fi vibe to the song.

A source close to the choreographer reveals, “Considering the fast-paced beats of the song, Michael Jackson’s dubstep and robot dance are being used as references. Also, since the song involves quick steps, it requires greater fitness from both Amy and Rajini Sir.”

Jackson, on her part, adopted a new workout regime to get in shape for the number. “I started practicing a new form of yoga, which is great for balance. My trainer also devised a new routine that combines pilates and kickboxing.”

Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; August 29, 2017)

Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 9, 2017)

The camaraderie between Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari’s Bareilly Ki Barfi trio is evident to one and all. On Monday, at the music launch of Junglee Pictures and BR Studios’s upcoming romcom, Ayushmann Khurrana and Rajkummar Rao ganged up to prove to their leading lady, Kriti Sanon, how amazing gate-crashing a wedding could be. Raj, known for his serious and versatile onscreen turns, is a quick learner and picked up a latka-jhatka or two from his seasonedin- nach co-stars. “He’s a great dancer, full of energy and carefree,” Ayushmann said, while Raj, wanting more appreciation for his happy feet, looked towards the bar and hollered mock-seriously at the chattering journos, “I know there’s free alcohol there but can we lower the volume.” This only made everyone break into loud guffaws and chat some more.

Later in the evening, when a journalist questioned Ayushmann on another upcoming romcom, Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, in which his character appears to be suffering from erectile dysfunction, Kriti said, “Bareilly Ki Barfi is Ayushmann’s journey from Vicky Donor to Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, it will solve the mystery!” And everyone cracked up again.

To the gatecrashers who had sneaked in for selfies with the stars, the trio appeared like three friends chilling at a suburban watering hole together. Unlike celebrities who make late entries and quick exits, they invited members of the media to shake a leg with them on stage and performed the “naagin dance” with the paparazzi. No starry airs here? “Isn’t that how it should be? I love acting but might as well have lots of fun along the way,” Raj said.

The August 18 release features Rajkummar as a shy salesman-turned-stud Romeo. He moves from mild-mannered to Pritam Vidrohi with seamless ease in an attempt to break starry-eyed Bitti’s (read Kriti) heart so Ayushmann, as Chirag, can woo her. The plan backfires when not just Bitti but her entire family grows fond of Vidrohi and a glowering Chirag is side-lined.

On the occasion, the film’s third song, “Twist Kamariya”, a foot-tapping number featuring Bitti and Chirag dancing at a sangeet ceremony with the girl’s papa played by Pankaj Tripathi, was launched. The actors were joined by Tanishk Bagchi and Vayu, the duo who has written and composed the song. In the film, Kriti imitates Michael Jackson’s moves but admits that she didn’t taken tips from her Heropanti costar, Tiger Shroff, who would scream if she goofed up his idol’s signature steps.

“Bitti is the life of every wedding in Bareilly. She watches lots of videos to learn new steps but even when she’s imitating famous dancers, she’s adding her impromptu shakes and swings,” Kriti shared, while Ayushmann added that films like Bareilly Ki Barfi with quirky, interesting subjects are a mirror to society. “I’m hoping lots of kamariyas are dancing to our tunes,” he said.

Even the stunts in the actor’s upcoming musical will bear the stamp of King of Pop Michael Jackson’s legendary moves
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 19, 2017)

Tiger Shroff is kicking his tribute to idol Michael Jackson in Sabbir Khan’s upcoming film Munna Michael up several notches. Mirror has learnt that even the actor’s action sequences in the film are inspired by the late pop icon’s dance moves.

Sabbir confirmed the news, saying, “Generally, the choreographer and action director work separately on their portions, but for this film I’ve got my fight masters, Ravi Varma and Anal Arasu, and the Los Angeles dance troupe that has toured with Michael Jackson and Ganesh Acharya who choreographed Tiger in this film, to work together. The action scenes are integrated with the dance moves and you will see Tiger moon-walking during one of the stunts.”

As part of the prep for the said sequences, Sabbir informs that he had asked his action directors to watch MJ’s performance videos. “When we were brainstorming, all of us were really kicked about it,” he adds.

In the film, which marks Tiger’s leading lady Nidhhi Agerwal’s acting debut, the actor plays a starry-eyed MJ fan. In an earlier interview (January 29) to Mirror, the 27-year-old actor had revealed that he’d been a fan of the King of Pop ever since he was six.

“My father’s (Jackie Shroff) mother had a tape of Michael Jackson’s 'Thriller' and I was mesmerised by the video. I wasn’t even born when MJ moonwalked on planet earth and I’d try to do the same in our apartment. His track 'Billie Jean' is another one of my favourites,” Tiger had said.

Lasyapriya Sundaram (BOMBAY TIMES; July 14, 2017)

Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 13, 2017)

Munna Michael is a special film for Tiger Shroff, who considers it his tribute to Michael Jackson. The actor, who is known for his swift moves on the dance floor, left no stone unturned in perfecting MJ’s style of dancing for the film. Shroff can be seen recreating MJ’s iconic moves in the recently released song, Beparwah.

Talking about the gruelling practice sessions that Shroff endured, director Sabbir Khan says, “Tiger attended a dance camp in the US. Not just that, dancers were brought in from Los Angeles. They practised with him for about 18 hours everyday. Many of these dancers have accompanied MJ on his tours and danced with him. We used them in a few sequences in the film as well. Off work, they shared anecdotes on MJ’s personal style, his gimmicks, et al.” Shroff has often expressed his admiration for the King of Pop and his passion for the dancing legend was evident during the movie’s shoot as well. Khan says, “He got emotional every time one of MJ’s tunes was played.”

In fact, it was Tiger who pushed Khan to direct the dance drama. “We were shooting a promotional number for Heropanti (2012), when I happened to discuss the idea of Munna Michael with Tiger. It was forgotten after that. In June last year, he called me saying, ‘Why don’t we make that film?’” recalls Khan.

The filmmaker, who is collaborating with Shroff for the third time, after Heropanti and Baaghi (2016), says he has never seen him as invested in a project. “He was bummed out after A Flying Jatt (2016) didn’t work, but he didn’t let that dampen his spirits. He used the dejection and failure to make this a wonderful film.”

Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; July 4, 2017)

In a recent interview, Nawazuddin Siddiqui indicated that he despises roles that are similar in nature, and cannot fathom being part of two successive films that show him in the same light. But, the actor’s Munna Michael co-star, Tiger Shroff, has a different opinion. “Because people are categorising me as an action star or a dancer, I feel like I have already made my identity,” the actor tells mid-day when we meet him at a suburban office.

“When a script demands a particular style of action or dance, I don’t want to be the second choice. That people try to define me is testimony to the fact that I’ve made a huge impact in three films. I am trying to create a space of my own and want to dominate it.”

Shroff is aware of his abilities as an action hero and claims that not many in the industry can pull off the stunts that he can. It’s no wonder then that he is unfazed by those dominating Bollywood. “I admire my contemporaries but don’t look at them as competition. I believe they are a different breed. I don’t think many of them can do what I do.”

When Shroff set foot in the industry in 2014, many presumed that the star kid would try and ape his father. But the young actor feels that he has carved a niche of his own. “I am thankful to be Jackie Shroff’s son. But that puts a lot of pressure on me. I don’t want people to call me Jackie Shroff ka beta. Instead, I want him to be known as Tiger Shroff’s dad. Yes, I have an ego.”

Shroff is set to romance his rumoured girlfriend, Disha Patani, in Baaghi 2. While he chooses to stay mum on his relationship, he says, “I am looking forward to working with her. We are comfortable with each other and spend a lot of time together. So, it is definitely going to be easy to collaborate. Our chemistry will look natural on screen.”

A self-confessed Michael Jackson fan, Shroff admits he has grown up emulating the pop icon and dreams of portraying him on screen. “I’m waiting for someone to offer me a biopic on Michael Jackson.”

Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; June 2, 2017)

The first cut of Munna Michael’s trailer is up for release and to make it special, the makers roped in a graffiti artist to add a creative touch to it.

Ravi Kaul, who operates under a pseudonym in the underground graffiti circuit, is primarily an activist and doesn’t usually take up mainstream work. But being a die-hard Michael Jackson fan just like lead actor Tiger Shroff, he couldn’t pass up the offer. He will create his interpretation of the film’s poster on a 10-feet canvas. Says Ravi, “This was my way of bringing together my love for graffiti and MJ through the film,” he says.

Producer Viki Rajani calls it a first-of-a-kind attempt and says Tiger’s solo poster “captures the essence of the dance-drama.” The film’s director, Sabbir Khan, is confident that the artwork will resonate with urban young India. “The idea is to take Tiger’s fans on a journey to discover the story of Munna Michael as we present the poster in form of graffiti,” he adds.

The actor on his journey to becoming a dancer which started only after his idol Michael Jackson’s demise in 2009, and on the Karan Johar film that has been postponed for now
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 29, 2017)

While shoot for Tiger Shroff’s finale song, “Beparwah Jhoomega” from his upcoming film, Munna Michael, has been on since a week on a grand set in Film City, today, it coincides with International Dance day, and the actor says he is happy spending it doing what he loves best. “I am lucky enough to be shooting for one of my most challenging songs, which is also the biggest one in this film today. I’ve been focussed on doing my best impersonation of Michael Jackson. Choreographer Ganesh Acharya has some fantastic ideas and director Sabbir Khan is making the song larger than life,” Tiger, who’s paying a tribute to his childhood idol, Michael Jackson, told Mirror.

In the Viki Rajani production, Tiger’s titular Munna is a participant in a dance competition. The 27-year-old actor reveals that in real life, he’d been a part of many such contests before becoming a star, which has helped him understand what people in such situations go through. “I used to be big on sports growing up. I was very competitive but would get nervous before every competition. Those nerves are what drive you to greater glory. Before every concert, Michael Jackson had a ritual where he would round up his band and they would do a chant and scream just to fire each other up. That’s something I follow with my team before each performance. I stand in the middle with the bunch of boys I train with, they start hitting me and screaming and that works for me, I feel I can take on the world then.”

Tiger also reveals that he wasn’t as interested in dance growing up as he is now. “I didn’t start dancing when I was a child. When Michael Jackson passed away (2009) that’s when I started watching his videos and live shows and I couldn’t stop myself from being inspired to choose that path. He controlled so many people through his movements, voice and expressions. I wanted that power and that’s how I started dancing,” he reminisces.

Besides Munna Michael, he has been in the news ever since he got on-board Karan Johar’s sequel to Student Of The Year, which will be directed by Punit Malhotra. While reports have claimed that he was to kick off the film in May with a schedule in Kashmir, there seems to have been a change of plans. “My next project will be Baaghi 2. It is set to start in June-July, after Munna Michael’s promotions are over. I’ll be training in China for the role before shooting commences. Student Of The Year is postponed for now,” Tiger signs off.

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 21, 2017)

Tiger Shroff who has been filming Sabbir Khan’s musical romance, Munna Michael, started shooting the song “Beparwah Joomega” on Wednesday. It is a tribute to his childhood idol Michael Jackson and will be picturised on a set in Mumbai’s Film City over the next 10 days. Tiger will recreate MJ’s iconic moves, including the moonwalk, in a concert sequence.

Tiger told Mirror, “It’s our finale song and since the film is a musical, it’s being shot on a lavish scale and has a huge graph. The audience will see different styles of dancing. The highlight will be the portion in which I pay a tribute to Michael Jackson. I’ve never moved like this in my life and this is definitely the most challenging song I’ve done to date. You’ll see steps you haven’t seen before, it’s all very authentic Michael Jackson, other than a fusion of hip-hop, popping and locking.”

He is performing in front of an exuberant 5000-strong crowd as he tries to recreate the euphoria, energy and ambience at the late pop icon’s concerts. “We have choreographers from Los Angeles who actually toured with MJ to design the song for us. Tiger and I have been having sleepless nights co-ordinating with them because of the time difference. We are shooting the song like a live show without too many cuts so the dancing is clearly showcased. Tiger and his back-up dancers have been getting standing ovations from the crowd,” exults Sabbir. Producer Viki Rajani is equally excited as they’re going beyond everything they’ve done so far in the film. “It’s our biggest set, the biggest set in Film City, and has the feel of a stadium. The crew was doing technical rehearsals on the set for a week before we started shooting.” The film is set to release on July 21, 2016.