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

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

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

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

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

Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; October 19, 2019)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; October 17, 2019)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; October 5, 2019)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hiren Kotwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 3, 2019)

After sharing screen space with Rajkummar Rao in Judgementall Hai Kya, Amyra Dastur is reuniting with the actor for Mikhil Musale’s directorial debut, Made In China. The actress recently shot for a song sequence with Raj and another co-star, Boman Irani, in Ahmedabad. Titled “Sanedo”, the Gujarati folk song, was shot inside a haveli on the outskirts of the city in 24 hours.

According to Amyra, Mikhil wanted to shoot the song at a real location and the haveli was available for only one day. “The entire team raced against time to wrap up filming within the allotted time,”Amyra shares, adding that the song is a pacy number. She goes on to add that despite the tight deadline, it was a blast shooting for the song. What’s more, she also got to rap for it. “I have never lip-synced to rap, so this was new for me,” she says, adding, “But my director and co-stars were helpful, and we managed to get everything done on time.”

Amyra, who reportedly plays a pivotal character in the film, will be seen in a desi avatar and is looking forward to the feedback to her character. “I play a modern working woman in Gujarati saris,” she smiles.

BOMBAY TIMES (October 2, 2019)

What happens when two good dancers come together to perform to a song? Well, they don’t need hours of rehearsals and sometimes, not even a choreographer, to put their best foot forward. Something similar happened during the shoot of Sanedo, the latest song to be released from the film, Made In China.

The classic dandiya number has been recreated by Sachin-Jigar, and has been sung by the composer duo along with Mika Singh, Nikhita Gandhi and Benny Dayal. We hear that the lead pair, Rajkummar Rao and Mouni Roy, took it upon themselves to choreograph a garba sequence in the number, adhering to director Mikhil Musale’s requirement to keep the Gujarati vibe alive. Mikhil asked the screen pair to just have fun and flow with the rhythm of the song.

Mouni shares, “We have a small garba sequence in the film as well, which was choreographed by Vijay Ganguly. Taking cues from the song, Raj (Rajkummar Rao) and I decided to try our hands at some garba steps in Sanedo. Mikhil’s only brief to us was to enjoy ourselves while performing the dance. Given our love for dance, it was like leaving two kids at a candy store. Raj and I just went all out.”

Rajkummar adds, “I love garba as a dance form. While shooting for Sanedo, Mikhil’s brief to us was to let loose and add our bit to the choreography, wherever we wanted. Keeping up with this classic Navratri number, Mouni and I decided to break into our own version of an impromptu garba.”

In her first collaboration with Rajkummar Rao, Mouni Roy is all praise for Made In China co-star
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; September 27, 2019)

Mouni Roy's stint in Bollywood so far has seen her bag interesting projects. After playing the sharp-tongued Bengali wife to Akshay Kumar's character in Gold (2018) and a spy in Romeo Akbar Walter, the actor's next — Made In China — has her slipping into the part of a Gujarati homemaker. Roy considers herself fortunate to share screen space with Rajkummar Rao so early on in her film career. "I have learned everything from Raj on this film and for my role. He helped me endlessly during our rehearsals, not only for the scenes that we had together but also for my solo sequences. His inputs were valuable and helped me become a better actor," says Roy, who is concentrating on Hindi cinema after dominating the telly world for almost a decade.

Excited as she is to be part of a quirky comedy, she reveals that acing the Gujarati wife act did not come easy to her. The actor credits director Mikhil Musale for ensuring that her role was not caricatured, even as it provided comic relief in the film. "Although I essay the role of a Gujarati woman in the film, my director didn't want to make it stereotypical. He asked me to keep it natural."

Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 19, 2019)

Rajkummar Rao was in his elements, and incharacter, at the trailer launch of his upcoming release Made in China. In line with his resourceful Gujarati entrepreneur from the film, the actor was joined by co-star Mouni Roy, director Mikhil Musale and producer Dinesh Vijan as they recounted incidents from real-life when they turned jugaadu to get things done. According to Raj, his friends and he would hitchhike to a movie theatre whenever they bunked school. Mouni revealed a kitchen hack—she used to repurpose jewellery boxes into containers to store cardamom.

Dinesh then went on to reveal that Raj came onboard the film while they were shooting the horror comedy Stree. “I discussed the story idea with him and he immediately said, ‘I am doing it’,” the filmmaker shared, adding that Raj had to gain weight for the role and was happy to eat a lot. The actor admitted he also enjoyed getting to know Gujarati culture as many of the crew, including the director, are Gujaratis and that his character’s unibrow is inspired by Mikhil.

As part of the research, writer Karan Vyas had visited sex clinics disguised as a patient. When asked if he has ever visited a sexologist, Raj replied, “I haven’t, yet, but if I have to, there’s no shame in it. It shouldn’t be treated as a taboo.”

Given Bollywood’s recent success at the Chinese box-offices, are they contemplating taking their film to the country? “In an unpredictable market like China, I think what works for Indian films are the themes common to both nations. This film should appeal to that audience too,” Dinesh reasoned, asserting that Raghu is the best role Rajkummar has done till date.

Debutant director Mikhil Musale on his ‘most collaborative’ leading man, getting his dream cast in place and telling an unusual story of a Gujarati businessman
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 17, 2019)

In debutant director Mikhil Musale’s social-comedy Made in China, Rajkummar Rao plays a Gujarati character for the second time in his career, after Kai Po Che. And according to the filmmaker, he was rather keen to get under the skin of Raghu Mehta, an Ahmedabad-based entrepreneur in the film, which also features Mouni Roy as the female lead.

Mikhil goes on to inform that his leading man slipped into the character the day he heard the script. “When he signed the film, he was already thinking ahead and making mental notes about the aspects he would need to work on,” says the director, adding, “Raj and I had many conversations to crystallise Raghu’s world. Next thing I know, he calls me to inform that he is in Ahmedabad. This was a month before the shoot.”

As part of his prep, Rajkummar went to the busy streets of Ahmedabad to get a hang of the Gujarati culture and get the nuances of his character right. “He took a video camera and visited the busy areas of Ahmedabad, from Lal Darwaja to Gandhi Market and Manek Chowk, and talked to local store owners and young people shopping in those areas,” Mikhil reveals.

The film, produced by Maddock Films and presented by Dinesh Vijan and Jio Studios, went on the floors in September last year with a startto-finish schedule and is slated to hit the big screen this Diwali. “When I met him closer to the shoot, I saw a completely different man. Raghu had evolved even beyond my script. Right through the shoot too, Raj asked me and my co-writer Karan Vyas to talk to him in Gujarati so that he develops an ease with the language and accent,” Mikhil recounts, describing his first Hindi film—he has previously directed the National Award-winning Gujarati feature film Wrong Side Raju (2016)—as a “an unusual entrepreneurial journey of a Gujarati businessman.”

Besides diction, Rajkummar also worked on his physical appearance for the turn, piling on eight kilos. “I don’t know how he did it in such a short span. That’s his secret. I think, he has spoiled me as a director; I was fortunate enough to work with possibly the most collaborative artist on my first Hindi film,” Mikhil shares with a smile.

The film features an ensemble cast, comprising of Boman Irani, Paresh Rawal, Sumeet Vyas and Gajraj Rao. “It’s a dream cast for me because this is my first Hindi film. All these are my favourite people, and I look up to them as actors. They have been cast for very particular characters in the film. Characters that are written in a way that could only be played and justified by them. Apart from the roles, the script and Dinoo (Vijan) sir’s credibility was instrumental in getting all of them on board,” the filmmaker signs off.

On getting the ensemble in place for the film, Dinesh Vijan says, “I am a strong believer that certain energies gravitate towards each other and that’s how this film has been made. We are excited for the audience to see the endearing chemistry between Raj and Boman and also the special part that Gajraj and Paresh play in Raghu and Dr Vardi’s (Boman) entrepreneurial journey.”


Mouni Roy; Mikhil Musale; Rajkummar Rao in the film (above)

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 10, 2019)

Rajkummar Rao and leading lady Mouni Roy are all set to recreate a Gujarati folk song, “Odhani Odhu”, for debutant director Mikhil Musale’s Made In China. The song, choregraphed by Vijay Ganguly, will be shot over three days, in the coming week at a studio in Powai. A source from the sets informs that the film is complete, but producer Dinesh Vijan decided to incorporate a song that would connect with the audience since Raj and Mouni play a Gujarati couple, Raghu and Rukmini. “The number has been recreated to appeal to the younger audience,” the source added.

Mikhil confirmed the news to Mirror, saying, “Yes, Raj and Mouni are shooting for the song. We are still deciding on the singers and will mostly be shooting on a scratch version of the track.” The film chronicles the struggles of a fledgling Gujarati businessman who goes to China in the hope of becoming a successful entrepreneur. Mouni, meanwhile, is a Mumbai girl who moves to Gujarat after marrying Raj. A large portion of the film was shot in Ahmedabad’s old city, followed by an international schedule. 

Duo’s next, a comedy around a Gujarati couple, is set to roll in September
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 18, 2018) 

Mirror (June 15) had reported that after the overwhelming response to Hindi Medium in China, where it opened on April 4, Dinesh Vijan is gearing up for another quirky comedy. Made in China with Rajkummar Rao and Mouni Roy will roll in September in Mumbai, travelling to Gujarat and subsequently China.

Raj plays a struggling Gujarati businessman and Mouni a Mumbai girl who moves to Ahmedabad after marrying him. “She’s a simple housewife, living in a lower middle-class locality, feisty and crazy about Raj. She’s by his side through his struggle and pushes him to go to China when the opportunity calls. Raj, who wants to give her the best, crosses the Great Wall hoping to become a successful entrepreneur. It’s the couple’s fascinating journey,” says the source.

The film, helmed by Gujarati director Mikhil Musale, marks Raj’s second collaboration with Dinesh after Stree. He’s equally excited to have the “sensual and sensitive” Mouni on board. “We wanted someone who’d connect with the heartland and Mouni, a typical Indian beauty, has a huge fan following. She has a strong personality but gentle eyes and is a good dancer which is essential for the role as her character has a passion for classical Indian dance having learnt it. She has started working on her Gujarati dialect. Raj will start prep soon and the chameleon he is, I’m sure he’ll quickly get into character,” says Dinesh.

Dinesh Vijan’s next production will feature the actor as a struggling businessman and the project will be filmed across Gujarat and China
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 15, 2018)

After the overwhelming response to his 2017 comedy-drama Hindi Medium in China where it opened this year on April 4, producer Dinesh Vijan is gearing up to kick off another quirky comedy, which is a hilarious take on a struggling Gujarati businessman and the bizarre journey he undertakes to become a successful entrepreneur, Made in China featuring Rajkummar Rao in the lead.

According to a source close to the development, Dinesh approached Raj after being wowed by his performance in the horror-comedy Stree which he is also producing. Stree sees Shraddha Kapoor in the lead opposite Raj and opens on August 31.

“Made In China goes on the floors in September. Gujarati director Mikhil Musale, whose 2016 thriller-drama Wrong Side Raju bagged the National Award for Best Feature Film in Gujarati, will be making his Bollywood debut with the film which will be shot in Ahmedabad and across China. Dinesh hopes to release it early next year,” informs the source.

Dinesh confirmed the news, saying, “It was incredible to experience the overwhelming response of the Chinese audience to Hindi Medium. I had the privilege of being there during its release in China and more than the excitement of the film’s impending box-office success, I was bowled over by the love that the film received. The realisation that we have such similar cultures and that films can be made keeping both markets in mind is an exciting prospect for me. When I discussed the idea of Made In China with my associates there, they seemed as excited as I was which led to us creating the film.”

Talking about his leading man Dinesh raves, “Raj is a versatile and highly credible actor. He has done a fabulous job in Stree. When he was working on that film, we narrated this concept to him and let’s just say he refused to let it go!” The actor is currently in London, shooting with Kangana Ranaut for Ekta Kapoor’s Mental Hai Kya. Back home, the hunt for an actress who will be a part of Raj’s journey from Gujarat to China is on.