As told to Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 3, 2020)

When it’s a Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra film which launches Anil Kapoor’s son, you expect a mainstream debut. But that wasn’t the case with Mirzya.

I was in college when I met Rakeysh sir on the sets of Delhi-6, featuring my sister Sonam (Kapoor) in the lead. He thought I was good-looking and offered me the role of a crazy young lover. The film was written by Gulzar, with Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy doing the music. At that time, I wasn’t experienced enough as an actor to take on that role, so I turned it down. But after that, I trained in acting abroad, came back home and auditioned for Bhavesh Joshi Superhero in 2012. Vikram (director Vikramaditya Motwane) thought I was too young and raw for the character, and I lost the film.

In 2013, Rakeysh sir was editing Bhaag Milkha Bhaag when I went to meet him again. He was still passionate about this film about the crazy lover and this time, I said “yes”.

For the prep, I had to shift to Delhi for a year-and-a-half. Six days a week, I would wake up in the morning and ride horses. The same routine would continue in the evening. Before that, I had never even sat on a horse. I also learned archery, followed by archery on horseback, and how to play polo. By the end of it, I had become a very competent rider and archer. An acting coach came from New York to work with me. My character was very quiet as the film was all about silences, music and visuals, which was a very different way of story-telling.

The first day on the set of Mirzya was nerve-wracking, but after a couple of hours, I got comfortable. That security came from my prep; you know in between action and cut, you will be okay. I ended up enjoying the process of creating something.

My first shot was for a polo sequence. I was on a horse and hitting the balls, it was exhilarating because I had an iconic filmmaker behind me. Since it wasn’t a performance shot, it took just two or three takes to get okayed. The making of the film was unbelievable and it will be difficult to top the experience.

There were a lot of people who didn’t find the film appealing, but it will always be my most creative experience, which also got me my second film. Vikram saw some rushes from Mirzya and signed me for Bhavesh Joshi. I really wanted Bhavesh Joshi to be my first film, but the stars aligned in a way that I got to do both.

The actress talks about her struggle in Bollywood despite having filmi connections, and why it’s important to not let failure or success affect you
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; August 26, 2020)

Actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s demise in June has brought the focus back on many issues, including the pressures of showbiz and how it could lead to mental health issues. While dizzying highs and frustrating lows are a part and parcel of the entertainment industry, it is important to know how to handle both well, says Saiyami Kher, who has also been through a tough phase in showbiz.

The actress had a grand launch in Bollywood with Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s Mirzya (2016), opposite Harshvardhan Kapoor. However, when the film didn’t perform well at the box office, her plans came crashing down.

Recalling those tough times, Saiyami tells BT, “I expected a lot from Mirzya. In fact, even before its release, I was signed on for another film. But, I was replaced by someone else when Mirzya didn’t work. There were a lot of projects in my kitty, but they all fell through. Well, I guess that’s how the industry functions. Here, commerce speaks the maximum.”

She goes on to explain that though it was a difficult and disappointing phase, she didn’t let it break her spirit. “I have been fortunate to have someone like (actor) Adil Hussain in my life. He’s my acting coach and guide. He kept reminding me why I was in showbiz — it’s not for enjoying the fame and money, but because I like acting. That’s something that kept me going. If your purpose is strong enough, you can survive the failure that comes your way. Apart from this, my love for sports and my friends, who are not from the industry, also kept me going,” she shares.

Though she is actor Tanve Azmi’s niece and granddaughter of yesteryear actress Usha Kiran, Saiyami doesn’t like being called an industry kid. She says, “My parents wanted to keep me away from the glitz and glare of showbiz. And so, I was raised in the lap of nature at our home in Nashik. It is only recently that I moved to Mumbai. I think they made the right decision by bringing me up in a small town. It helped me lead a normal life with an amazing circle of friends, who are not from the industry.”

Juhi Chakraborty (HINDUSTAN TIMES; June 20, 2020)

As uncertainty looms large over theatres reopening due to the Coronavirus lockdown, OTT platforms have become the go-to option for filmmakers to release their ready projects. And with this new trend of films coming out on the web gaining momentum, actor Saiyami Kher, who has done a couple of web projects and has more lined up, hopes that actors like her don’t lose out on opportunities.

Kher, who made her Hindi film debut with Mirzya in 2016 — also her sole Bollywood project till date — shares, “Big producers didn’t back me after my first film.” However, glad that OTT proved to be a game changer for her, she adds, “Web has given me the opportunity to showcase my talent and try my hand at different genres. It has opened up avenues for actors like me to do more work. I really hope that it continues, and OTT platforms don’t become star driven like Bollywood films, in this situation.”

Having said that, it’s not as if Kher feels the charm of cinema can ever go away. And hence, she hopes there can be a balance between both the mediums. “There was someone like (actor) Saif Ali Khan, who did a web series (Sacred Games), but that did stop other actors from getting a chance on the web,” she continues, “I also hope makers stick to their beliefs and not make it only star driven. They should keep giving opportunities to people who deserve the role.”

Kher is elated with the response her latest web film, Choked, got and says it’s only because of the OTT platforms that it could make its way to the audiences even during the lockdown. “Our film was ready for release and the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. People want to watch new content as everyone is fed up of being home,” says Kher, who is currently in Nasik, Maharashtra, with her parents. “I came here on March 15 and never left. I’m going to stay here till things get back to normal,” she says.

Saiyami Kher on perfecting her kicks and punches for the role of an undercover agent in Special Ops
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; March 11, 2020)

While her training as a runner certainly came handy, Saiyami Kher admits that in order to kick and punch for her role of an undercover agent in Special Ops, she had to undergo intense training in Mixed Martial Arts. Neeraj Pandey's upcoming espionage thriller has heavy action sequences, making it the kind of project that Kher "always wanted to do". "I had to get the action, including the punches and fist fights, on point. There was a special action team employed for it, so, working with them was quite an experience," she says of the show, which was shot in Turkey, among other locales.

Pandey, with films like A Wednesday (2008), Special 26 (2013) and Baby (2015), was on Kher's bucket list of directors to work with. "This was my chance to work with someone known for his action films." The desire to associate with someone versed with the genre is only fitting, given that Kher has taken a while to find her bearings in Bollywood, after the debacle of her debut film, Mirzya (2016).

"It was a big launch-pad, and despite the hype, didn't make money at the box office. The going gets tough when your film does not work. The roles that come your way are either less exciting, or leave you with little to do in the film. It takes time to get back." Special Ops, she hopes, opens more doors for her.

On her plate are two other web offerings, Breathe 2, starring Abhishek Bachchan, and Anurag Kashyap's Choked. "I remember reading an interview of Akshay Kumar, in which he was quoted saying, 'Kaam se kaam milta hai'. That stayed with me," says Kher, who is also shooting for the Telugu film, Wild Dog, starring Nagarjuna. "That is also an action flick, so there will be more chances to showcase stunts."

Kher counts actor Tanve Azmi as her aunt, but doesn't consider herself a star-kid who has been afforded privileges. "I don't bag offers because of [my association with film folk]. I like to do stuff by myself. They will know [of my films] only when the announcement is made. I want to experience success and failure on my own accord. At the same time, they are always there when I need them."

Proud to bag Anurag Kasyap's film for Netflix, Saiyami Kher on surviving three-year lull after Rakeysh Mehra's Mirzya
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; January 30, 2020)

"I have waited a long time to get here," says Saiyami Kher, as she adds an Anurag Kashyap film, Choked, to her résumé. While, for most, the statement would be laced with exhilaration, the actor's remark has a tinge of dismay — presumably a reflection of the three-year struggle since her debut with Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's Mirzya (2016). "It was disheartening that Mirzya didn't work, but it got me noticed. I was offered a film with Mani Ratnam after that, which didn't take off. I could either get disillusioned or stay perseverant; I chose the latter."

The actor doesn't deny that bagging a Kashyap project is a validation of her craft. "Anurag sir is a child at work. Imagine the energy of a 15-year-old in the body of a movie genius," she laughs, as she recounts shooting for the Netflix film with him. "I was blown by his spontaneity. Rakeysh sir [believes in] extensive workshops and research. This set was a contrast to that; here, being raw and real was essential." Even in its premise of a thriller, Choked has a parallel romantic track. Kher vouches for Kashyap's brand of romance as she gushes, "I remember sitting in his office and watching Manmarziyaan [2018]. It was heart-wrenching. His understanding of romance is authentic and relatable."

As told to Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 16, 2019)

I have been passionate about sports since I was a child. Starting out with extracurricular activities in school, I moved to badminton and started participating in tournaments across the country. I was 12 when I took part in a district-level tournament in the under-13, under-16 and under-19 categories. I won the competition across all age groups and got a cash prize of Rs 3,500 with which I gifted my mother a landline.

I continued playing badminton, but whenever the coach took a break, the boys would teach me to play cricket. That’s how I fell in love with that sport too, picked up the game real fast and was soon playing it professionally.

Then, I went to college at St. Xaviers, Mumbai, where the theatre culture is active. That’s how I caught the eye of Atul Kasbekar, ace photographer who has now turned producer. He suggested I give modelling a shot. I must have been 18 then and followed up on his advice. Modelling was a lot of fun as I got to travel to new places and be photographed, which was great.

My first TV commercial (left) was with actor Nakuul Mehta for a scooter brand. The first print ad was for a clothing line. I continued modelling through my college years as a result of which badminton and cricket took a backseat because my college was strict about attendance and I could only pursue one thing at a time.

In fact, Kiran More’s (former cricketer) daughter, was an assistant director on my debut Hindi film, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s Mirzya. One day, Kiran sir had dropped by on the set and we took a break to play cricket with him. He was so impressed by my skills, that he asked me to give him three months after the shoot, telling me that given the way I play, I still had a chance to get into the women’s cricket team. That opportunity had come my way a couple of times even before that. But something else always took precedence.

While dabbling in theatre and modelling, I had decided to give acting a shot, following in the footsteps of my grandmother, Usha Kiran, and aunt Tanve Azmi. Mirzya happened after six crazy months of auditioning. Out of several aspirants, only two of us were selected and sent to Delhi for training, followed by another round of audition after which they finally zeroed in on me to play Suchitra opposite Harsh (Varrdhan Kapoor). I even went on to do a Marathi action film, Mauli, co-starring Riteish Deshmukh in a double role. Acting is a lot of fun.

Interestingly, as a child, I have worked at my parents’ restaurants (Adwait and Uttara Mhatre Kher) in Nashik. After their stint at a prominent five star hotel in Mumbai, they shifted to Nashik and started three restaurants. During vacations, my sister, Saunskriti, who was 13 then and I, two years younger, would manage one of the restaurants, Bombay Talkies, themed around Hindi films. I would take care of the kitchen, ordering around full-grown men to fill out orders from customers, while my sister would take orders and manage the guests. It was an enriching experience interacting with strangers and dealing with problems a 11-year-old girl is usually unaware of. I remember once a Jain customer was mistakenly served a chicken sizzler by the waiter. Thankfully, my sister saved the situation. On another occasion, an unruly group of college kids were fooling around in the hotel and broke a big glass door. That was the one time when we had to call our mother to handle things.

We had those restaurants for seven years and worked there for around four years during holidays. I enjoy cooking myself and was obsessed with how roomali rotis were made at the restaurant. I even learnt to bake brownies and pizzas and dish out yummy frankies.

Even today we have a boutique farm stay in Nashik where my plan is to organise workshops, establish a theatre residency and conduct music classes. I will love doing all this whenever time permits.

Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; May 28, 2018)

Two years after the release of her Bollywood debut opposite Harshvardhan Kapoor in Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s Mirzya, Saiyami Kher will now be seen alongside Riteish Deshmukh in his Marathi film, Mauli. It’s rare for an actress to take a plunge into regional cinema so early on in career. However, Saiyami, who made her acting debut with the Telugu film Rey (2015), has no such inhibitions. In a quick chat with BT, she talks about life post her grand debut in Bollywood, how regional cinema is opening up opportunities for actors and most of all, how surviving in the movie business is no mean feat for a newcomer.

You made your debut with a Telugu film and Mirzya (2016) was your debut in Bollywood. Your next release is a Marathi film. One would have expected you to follow up with another Hindi project instead...
Riteish Deshmukh’s last Marathi film Lai Bhaari opened up a new dimension for action and drama in Marathi cinema, and this again is an ambitious project for him. Besides, I always wanted to be a part of Marathi films as my grandmother (Usha Kiran) was a renowned name in the Marathi industry. It’s a matter of pride to go back to my roots. The best part about regional cinema is that it is more receptive and welcoming towards actresses from outside, as compared to Bollywood.

It has been two years since Mirzya released. The second Hindi film you signed got pushed to November this year, and another film with Mani Ratnam, too, is delayed. At any point, were you frustrated at the pace at which your career was moving?
Nobody wants to put their money on someone whose film hasn’t worked. Those two years were really tough. It made me realise who my true friends were; failure is the best teacher. That’s when your family and genuine friends play an instrumental role in keeping you afloat. Also, my sports background helped me sail through the phase. Walking with my chin up despite failure has been ingrained since a young age. In our world, a loss makes you work harder. It’s difficult to survive and sustain in the film industry with several people vying for the same part. One has to be thick skinned to survive here. Depression is normal when you face rejections. It has been a huge struggle. I was suddenly surrounded by new friends and relatives when my film (Mirzya), which was touted as one of the biggest Bollywood debuts, was announced. There were filmmakers who were keen on casting me. Before Mirzya, at auditions, several people were concerned about my looks. They would say, ‘You have a wide smile and big teeth. You should get a nose and lip job done’. I said ‘thank you’ to them, as I am happy with the way God has made me. After I bagged my first Bollywood film, suddenly, the same set of people thought that I am good-looking (laughs!).

Are you in touch with your Mirzya co-star Harshvardhan Kapoor considering you guys have been good friends since your debut?
I am very much in touch with Harshvardhan. Your first co-star is always special. We don’t meet but are in touch over messages. He is concerned about me and checks with me on whether I have approached the people he has suggested. Harsh has been headstrong and clear about the cinema he wants to do. I am glad that he is not going down the conventional route, which is very brave of him. He is going through his share of struggles, too. He has a tough job of living up to his father’s name.

What are the kind of films that really interest you?
I would love to feature in a sport biopic. I feel I am fit for it as I am a sportsperson, too. Also, rarely do we see actresses getting cast in action films; I would love to do one.

As told to Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 14, 2018)

My upcoming film, Bhavesh Joshi Superhero, is an action-packed vigilante drama with me as Siku who challenges all that’s wrong and tries to set the world right. There is a young actor in the film, Priyanshu Painyuli who I grow very close to as we seek justice together. To ensure that we forge a real bond, our director, Vikramaditya Motwane, decided I should move out of my bungalow and live with my on-screen friend for a month prior to the shoot. The production team rented an apartment for us in Shastri Nagar where we lived before and during the shoot. That for me was my biggest and a most unusual prep for this celluloid adventure trying to find a comfort level with a stranger by sharing my digs with him.

We also attended a lot of acting workshops with Vikram and the rest of the cast. I took martial arts training and learnt to fight with sticks, kick and punch too, while masked. We tested a lot of masks that would suit my face and action choreographer Cyril Raffaeli flew down from France to train me, along with a local team. I’ve always been actively interested in fitness and enjoy cricket and football, so learning a new sport — martial arts — was an interesting challenge. I’m hoping this film clicks with the audience who enjoy commercial cinema, there is a lot we’ve put in behind getting the action right on-screen.

Before that for Rakyesh Omprakash Mehra’s Mirzya, my first film, I learnt horse-riding, with portions shot in Ladakh in the warrior get-up. I learnt horse-riding and archery for a year-and-a-half and by the time it was time to face the camera, I could gallop without holding the reins and shoot arrows bang on target. Now, these skills will be with me for the rest of my life. I’m really looking forward to doing another period film where I can display these skills full-fledged because Mirzya was a blend of the contemporary with period drama.

Doing a film is not easy. It necessitates huge lifestyle change, more so in my case as my first three films are all title roles, author-backed roles, which demanded longer, tougher prep but I’m all for it.

Next up is the Abhinav Bindra biopic, based on the athlete’s autobiography, A Shot at History : My Obsessive Journey to Olympic Gold, for which I will train in air-rifle shooting. He’s the only Indian to win an individual Olympic gold and it takes a great man to do that. I’m looking to relive his journey on-screen. I’ve met Abhinav a few times with our director Kannan Iyer, my dad (Anil Kapoor) who is also in the film and script writer Abhay Khurana who incidentally has also written Bhavesh Joshi Superhero with Vikram and Anurag Kashyap. After I came on board for Bindra, we got Abhay to do a brand new draft along with Kannan. I am getting a lot of material from my conversations with Abhinav who as a person is intense, shy and methodical, and an incredible athlete. The film will explore the man and the madness surrounding him.

I start my prep in July. We are setting up a shooting range in Mumbai where I will be training for months before shooting starts. This prep, as with the other two, will take me out of my comfort zone completely. It is not just about acquiring physical skills, in this case expertise in a sport, but also mental strength. We roll in November.

Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; November 10, 2017)

An easy permission process through the BSF, fuss-free shoots and year-round availability have made Jaisalmer the most popular desert location for film shoots in the last last few years
Niharika Lal (BOMBAY TIMES; October 7, 2017)

Roshni Olivera (BOMBAY TIMES; July 25, 2017)

In his four-decade-long innings in the industry, he has given innumerable hits and many memorable performances. But what makes Anil Kapoor's Bollywood journey different is the fact that he is still raring to go, giving younger stars stiff competition. In a candid chat with Bombay Times a few days before the release of 'Mubarakan', AK talks about his longevity in the industry, the choices he has made in life and the lessons he has learnt from his children. Excerpts:

You've been in the news for 'Mubarakan' as well as other things. Recently, there was strong buzz about Sonam's marriage and that you wanted her to tie the knot with her beau, Anand Ahuja. So, is she getting married sometime soon?
(Laughs) When it comes to marriage, it will always be their decision, whether it's Sonam, Rhea or Harsh. Anyway, there's no such thing happening right now; whenever it has to happen, it will and it will be her call. Likewise, in the case of Rhea and Harsh, whenever they want to get married, they can and if they don't want to get married, that too is fine. Times are such that commitments cannot be made in a rush. You have to feel that it is the right time for you to take the plunge. It may be tomorrow or yesterday. My children are private about their personal lives and we don't ask them anything. Their friends, girlfriends and boyfriends are all welcome to the house. It's an open home for everyone. I have told my children that there is no pressure on them, par jo bhi karna hai, chupke mat karo. Give the other person more respect than you give yourself.

There's news that Harshvardhan and you will share screen space in the biopic on Abhinav Bindra. Wouldn't it put a lot of pressure on your son, given that there would be comparisons?
It's not the right time for me to speak about the film. It's too nascent and commenting too much takes the magic away from it. About the two of us acting together, I think those days are gone when people would say, 'iss film mein baap-beta saath mein hain'. Now, the audience is only interested in a good film. And there's no pressure; everybody is sensible enough to understand this. At least in my family. We are a film family, we don't sit and strategise, things have happened to all of us on their own. I feel when it comes to careers and life in general, you can use your sensibilities while making your choices, but you have to let things happen organically. What's in your control is the insane hard work, commitment, integrity and professionalism that you bring to the table.

Going by his choices, Harshvardhan seems like someone who likes to take the road less travelled. On the other hand, you have been rather conventional in your career choices. Do you get tempted at times to advise him?
Actually, Harsh is a lot like me. My first film as a leading man was with M S Sathyu; in my second film when I was in my 20s, I played a professor. In my third film too, which was with Mani Ratnam, I played a rather unconventional role. Looking at the films Harsh has done, it seems like he is focussing on being an actor. You are an actor first and if God is kind, you become a star. My idea was to be an actor and that's how I first pitched myself. I think that's one of the reasons for my longevity. Also, where is the need to advise Harsh? He has worked with the best. Even if a film didn't do that well, nothing could be better than 'Mirzya' for Harsh or 'Saawariya' for Sonam. Every frame of both the films is amazing; the performances, the nuances, the way the actors are presented... it's a great show reel to have.

Would you agree that your children are quite vocal in expressing their thoughts while you have been fairly diplomatic all your life?
They are doing the right thing. I wish I was more vocal. They are in a situation where they can do it and they should, because we are living in a democratic country. In my case, in those days, my priorities were different. I had to buy a home, I got married, I had to look after my family and had to shoulder other responsibilities. But a time will come when I will be much more vocal than these people. I will be, I promise.

You are quite attached to your nephew Arjun Kapoor. Did 'Mubarakan' bring the two of you closer?
We've shared a close bond since he was a child. He was always talkative and got along very well with almost everyone in the family. When this script came to me, I said let's pitch it to Arjun. I picked up the phone and told him that he should hear the script and then the choice was his. That's exactly what I would do with Harsh or Sonam, too. Creatively, it has to be their call. Kuch upar neeche ho gaya, then they should not come and blame me (laughs).

You said Arjun is talkative. Between the two of you, who spoke more on the sets?
Nobody can beat him! But seriously, I was very impressed with Arjun's comic timing, commitment, work ethic and his knowledge of cinema. When you spend so much time together, there's a certain bonding that happens. We know each other really well now.

You were recently photographed dressed in a rather colourful attire. Are you giving Ranveer Singh a run for his money?
Ranveer and I share a great rapport. As a kid, he would be part of Rhea and Sonam's birthday parties and I remember he was the first kid I saw with a mohawk! That's when I got to know that he is related to Sunita (wife). Coming to the dressing part, I think Ranveer has a lot of fun with his clothes. You can get away with anything if you back it up with good work and talent. Dressing is an art, everyone can't do it. There is a lot of thought that goes into it. Sonam has her style, I have mine, Ranveer has his own style. Sometimes it comes very naturally, like Rhea might not like dressing up, but she is fantastic at putting things together since childhood.

You've done a range of films in your career spanning four decades, but is there something that you feel you have missed?
Not an iota. I feel nice, there's a good feeling. I would like my next life to also be exactly like this one.

There's one thing everyone gets amazed by — your longevity in this industry and the fact that even today, you look as fit and fab as you looked many years ago. And I'm sure this question never leaves you...
My longevity is due to a combination of so many factors. I also believe in destiny, in the universe, in the power that supports you. My wife always jokes that I have this Chembur native intelligence. I may not be highly educated, but I have always been open to learning and have learnt with experience. It's also the choices I made in films. In every decade, I took the right decision about the films I did and looked at things objectively rather than being delusional. Sometimes, people get delusional and get stuck in time and they hope to recreate the same magic. I just move on.

Coming to my looks, I am asked this question very often but I believe that you have to be grateful for every positive word spoken about you. When I am asked what I do to maintain myself, I answer the question and then add, 'but there is more to me than that'. It's strange that during my initial days, people would say, 'Yeh fantastic actor hai, par looks nahin hai'. And now, when I am actually doing the best work of my life, people can't stop talking about my looks (laughs).

We heard that there is 'Mr India 2' with Sridevi on the cards...
I am very lucky that way. There is 'Mr India', 'No Entry', 'Welcome', 'Nayak.'.. there are so many of my films, which can be made into sequels if they are done correctly and with the same kind of commitment.

Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; June 1, 2017)

After sharing screen space with nephew Arjun Kapoor in the upcoming Aneez Bazmee-directed project, Mubarakan, Anil Kapoor is now gearing up to star alongside son, Harshvardhan, in Kannan Iyer’s next. Interestingly, Kapoor will play father to his son, for reel too, with the latter slipping into the role of Abhinav Bindra in a biopic on the Olympic-winning shooter.

Confirming that the script has been locked, Prerna Arora of Kriarj Entertainment, co-producers of the film, says, “It’s a great opportunity to work on a subject that has potential to inspire millions. Harsh is perfect for the part, and will do justice to it. When we watched Mirzya (Harshvardhan’s Bolywood debut, 2016) his potential was evident. He is hardworking and passionate. We believe in the project even more since we have the duo on board.”

The film, which will also be produced by Junglee Pictures, is slated to go on floors by October-end and will primarily be shot in Chandigarh and Mumbai, along with a few foreign locations. Prerna says, “Right now, only the two lead actors have been finalised. We will require a female lead, casting for which is underway. Pre-production work will commence in the following month.” The 26-year-old actor will reportedly meet Bindra soon to learn more about his life.

A unit hand says, “Harsh has just finished shooting for Bhavesh Joshi [Vikramaditya Motwane’s upcoming film]. He will soon start prepping for this film, which will aim to put the spotlight on Abhinav’s relationship with his father, A S Bindra. After Anil sir wraps up promotional work for Mubarakan, he and Harsh will meet the Bindras to understand nuances of the sports icon’s life, journey and success.”

Diljit Dosanjh on Harshvardhan Kapoor’s 'why is he a debutant’ barb
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; January 26, 2017)

Last week, Harshvardhan Kapoor stirred up controversy by questioning Udta Punjab actor Diljit Dosanjh’s win in the Best Debutant (Male) category at a popular film awards show. “I think a debutant award is meant for someone working on his first film. It shouldn’t go to an actor who has worked in several films in another industry or language,” Harsh, who debuted in Rakeysh Ompraksh Mehra’s Mirzya, had told hitlist.

But Diljit, on his part, remains unfazed. “I wasn’t affected by what Harshvardhan said. In fact, I am a huge fan of Anil Kapoor sir. I have no issues with him [Harshvardhan]. Being Anil Kapoor’s son makes him a star son and not a star, right? “He will also become a big star some day. I have no hard feelings towards him,” he says.

Having said that, the Punjabi singer-actor then goes on to counter Harsh’s argument. “As far as my knowledge goes, Dhanush sir, who has worked in so many films down South, also won a debutant award (Raanjhanaa, 2013) and Fawad Khan, who has done TV and films in Pakistan, also received the same honour (Khoobsurat, 2014) . So, I was surely not nominated in the wrong category, but I did not expect to win.”