Harshada Rege (DNA; May 18, 2015)


Shooting shuru!
It makes perfect sense to release a trailer during a cricket series. The only catch is that the movie is nowhere near completion. The film is slated for a 2016 release. As of now, shooting is on. Prachi Desai has been signed to play the cricketer’s first wife Naureen, while Nargis Fakhri has stepped in to play Sangeeta Bijlani, although she hasn’t begun shooting for the film yet.

Hollywood lessons
Hollywood follows the model of releasing a trailer as early as six months or sometimes even a year before the release. The first trailer is followed by two or more trailers to attract more viewers. This will be the first time in B-Town that a trailer will be released even before the entire film has been completed. No doubt, there’s a lot of curiosity among the audience, let’s see if the movie building up some more by releasing the trailer this early on, works for the film.

The Munnabhai story
The trailer of Munnabhai Chale Amreeka was released post Lage Raho Munnabhai in 2006. The first movie in the series — Munnabhai MBBS — was released in 2003. However, post Sanjay Dutt’s conviction, the movie was shelved. Hirani plans to make the third installment in the series once Sanjay completes his jail term.

Ankur Pathak (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 18, 2015)

MID-DAY (January 26, 2015)

Buzz is that Jacqueline Fernandez has been roped in to play Sangeeta Bijlani in Anthony D’Souza’s biopic based on cricketer Mohammed Azharuddin’s life. The first choice was Kareena Kapoor, but she preferred to be part of Udta Punjab.

According to the rumours, Jacqueline has also done a look test for the film and the makers are likely to take a decision soon.

DNA (January 23, 2015)


Anthony confirms, “Azhar will personally train Emraan in Delhi and Mumbai. They are spending as much time together as possible so that the latter looks convincing playing Azhar and like him as well.”

The director explains the process, “Playing a living character who is a legend on the field is not the same as recreating a biographical character who is no more with us. Emraan has to get all the nuances right.”

Getting a duplicate to do the intricate shots on the field was an idea that was considered, and then discarded. “We don’t want to cheat on the authenticity level. Emraan must justify the fact that he’s playing Azharuddin,” says Tony.

Ankur Pathak (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 16, 2015)

While the trade is buzzing with Kareena Kapoor being roped in to play Sangeeta Bijlani in the Tony D'Souza-directed biopic on Mohammed Azharuddin, Mirror has learnt that the actress is no longer associated with the project. A source close to the development informed Mirror that the actress had been in advance talks with the makers but has now decided against doing the film.

Said the source, "Kareena had intended to do the film and even had a few meetings with Ekta Kapoor (the film's producer). But the talks were at a preliminary stage. No paperwork had been done. Bebo is more keen on Abhishek Chaubey's drugs drama, Udta Punjab, which goes on floors around the same time. She has started preparatory work on it."

The source added that since the Azhar biopic goes on floors on May 1, the makers are now looking for another, younger actress who will be able to commit a good chunk of dates to the film. The name should be finalised by January end."

When contacted, Tanveer Bookwala, the Chief Creative Officer of Balaji, told Mirror, "We hadn't finalised the actress to play this role. In our construct, we are skewing a much younger actress and still bouncing around ideas internally as to who would play this feisty character." While Emraan Hashmi plays the controversial cricketer, Prachi Desai will essay the role of his first wife, Naureen.

But Bijli is yet to strike!

Joginder Tuteja (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 6, 2015)

The fourth Test between India and Australia, which starts today, will have a starry spectator watching the on-field actions avidly. No, we are not talking about Anushka Sharma whose beau Virat Kohli is captaining the Indian side. It is Emraan Hashmi who is prepping up for his upcoming film, which traces another Indian captain, Mohammed Azharuddin's life-- both on and off the field.

The actor left for Sydney as soon as he had wrapped up filming the Mohit Suri-directed Hamari Adhuri Kahani. Though he has been watching matches on TV at home, Emraan wanted a firsthand experience of a 'live' match to get a feel of the cacophony on the field and how the players keep their calm amid mounting pressure.

Says a source close to the actor, "Emraan has been interacting with Azhar for some time now but thought it would be better if he watched a Test up close. This will also serve as a short break for him and he can rejuvenate himself before reporting back to the sets."

When contacted, director Anthony DSouza confirmed the news saying, "Yes, Emraan and I spoke about this and thought it would be a good idea for him to watch the match in Sydney. It is one thing to read about a match in a script and another to actually watch it. Emraan is a perfectionist in such matters. We will exchange notes when he returns to see if we can incorporate any of his observations into the script."

Sanyukta Iyer (BOMBAY TIMES; December 29, 2014)

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; December 18, 2014)


Mohit Suri’s Humari Adhuri Kahani
- Vidya Balan is cast opposite him.

- “We shot in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Cape Town. We’re done shooting 60% of the film.”

- This role will be different, he claims. “I have to look like a good boy — something which I have not been in any of my films. It was really tough for me to be that on screen. People who have seen my work in HAK, found it extremely emotional and hard-hitting. College students or married couples can go watch this love story.”

- Rom-com? “Thankfully, it’s not”, he says, “In fact, I don’t like rom-coms. It is more like an intense and edgy romance. The film has been made with the right intention and has the right emotions.”

The Mohammed Azharuddin biopic
- Why Azhar? He answers, “His life is more entertaining than any other person’s life. Bringing his entire life in a two-hour film is going to be really tough and we have been working on the script for a year and a half.”

- The film goes on floors the middle of next year. So Emraan’s already prepping, “I will lose a bit of weight for the film. It is not simple to lose weight and there are a lot of other things we have planned to show in a two-hour film. I will also be training in cricket for this role.”

His upcoming film with Salman Khan
- He’s tightlipped. “I cannot delve into the details of that now. Whenever there is anything concrete with Salman or anyone else I will let everyone know”.

- Prod him and he maintains, “At the moment, I have some projects lined up which keep me busy for another year-and-a-half.”

Meena Iyer (BOMBAY TIMES; December 12, 2014)

Bharati Dubey (MID-DAY; November 5, 2014)

It's official. Producers of the Mohammed Azharuddin biopic have zeroed in on Anthony D’Souza to helm the project, ending months of uncertainty surrounding the director’s chair. Tanuj Garg, CEO, Balaji Motion Pictures, says, “Tony (D’Souza) has a strong command over technique, and his commercial sensibilities give him a grasp on emotion, which will make this human drama a good blend of style and substance.”

An industry insider says it was D’Souza’s closeness with the former Indian cricket skipper that earned him the project that will go on floor in May 2015. “He has known Azhar for many years and that proximity helps when it comes to dealing with someone’s personal life. Since Azhar is comfortable with D’Souza, the producer has chosen him to direct the film. Besides, the fact that Azhar and Tony are friends also helps the latter in drawing a lot of details from the ex- cricketer’s life,” the source adds.

Azharuddin’s story qualifies as a spicy recipe for a Bollywood potboiler, given the drama in his personal and professional life. A source says, “It is going to be a human drama but will also be commercial entertainer, which is why Emraan Hashmi has been cast in the film. Azhar is the probably the only cricketer who has had the most colourful life that needs to be told to the world — from being one of the most successful captains of his time and then being implicated in the match fixing scandal in 2000, to his link-ups and marriage to actress Sangeeta Bijlani. He will be closely involved with the project.”

Emraan will undergo extensive training to prep up. The source adds, “He will learn Azhar’s demeanour and also use prosthetic make-up.”

Vickey Lalwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 20, 2014)

Heads turned at a Bandra 5-star a little after noon yesterday when Mohammed Azharuddin walked in and bumped into Emraan Hashmi, who incidentally will be playing the ace cricketer in a biopic being produced by Ekta Kapoor.

The actor, casually dressed in jeans and a Tee, had been at the hotel discussing the film with his writer, Rajat Arora, over coffee. During the hour-long conversation, the duo discussed the nuances of the role, with partcular emphaisis on Azhar's distinctive body language when at the crease and is mannerisms when away from the green.

As they were on their way out, Emraan and Rajat met the former captain of the Indian cricket team at the reception. They were soon joined by a crowd of curious fans.

Looking dapper as usual, Azhar greeted Emraan warmly and wished him luck on his forthcoming venture which is expected to roll soon.

"Do the part well. And when you start rehearsing the cricketing shots, I will make it a point to be around to cue you in," promised the cricketer-turned-politician.

When contacted, Balaji's CEO, Tanuj Garg, confirmed the meeting, saying, "Yes, while leaving the hotel after a script narration on the biopic, Emraan did bump into Azhar."

This puts an end to the rumours doing rounds since the past two weeks that Emraan has walked out of the biopic.

Ankur Pathak (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 15, 2014)

Mirror was the first to report that Ekta Kapoor has bought the rights for a biopic on former cricketer Mohammed Azharuddin's life (June 15, 2013). Later, we also reported that Emraan Hashmi has been approached to play the former Indian captain in the film and it will be directed by Kunal Deshmukh.

Now, it seems that the project has hit a roadblock. According to a source, the film's troubles stem from the creative differences between the director and the writer of the film, Rajat Aroraa.

"The film requires extensive research which has been going on at a snail's pace. There have been several arguments between Rajat and Kunal that have largely remained unresolved as both have been busy with other commitments--Rajat with Kick and Kunal with Raja Natwarlal," revealed the source adding that with Ekta setting a deadline, it was getting difficult to get Kunal's dates.

When Mirror contacted Kunal for a status report on the project he said: "Right now I'm very busy with Raja Natwarlal and have no time for the Azharuddin biopic."

Asked if he has quit the project owing to creative differences, he replied, "As things stand now, no work is happening on the film, whether it's the research or the script. Once Raja Natwarlal wraps up, I will meet Ekta and take a final call."

Tanuj Garg, CEO of the production house, however said that the news about Kunal opting out is untrue. He added, "The shoot doesn't commence until early next year."

Priya Gupta (BOMBAY TIMES; January 31, 2014)

Mohammed Azharuddin has turned 50. He lost his grandfather, the man he loved the most on November 17, 1984. Azhar debuted on December 31, 1984, scoring three centuries. In his 17- year cricketing career, he was captain for nine years. A life ban on playing cricket, divorce with his wife Naureen, second marriage and separation from Sangeeta Bijlani, losing a 19-year-old son to a road accident — he has seen it all. In the words of Ekta Kapoor, who has now bought the rights of making a film on his life, he is a Victim and a Victor who has emerged victorious. He had led a glorious life, but one that was never pictureperfect. He is humble, emotionally strong and very stylish. Bombay Times spoke exclusively to both about their reasons for making and agreeing to this film on one of India’s greatest cricketing icons. Excerpts:
 
IN CONVERSATION WITH EKTA KAPOOR:

There are several cricketing legends. Why a film based on Azharuddin?
My dad is an obsessive cricketing fan and for him, Azhar sir is a cricketing god. My dad has shifted his interest in the construction business and is usually not interested in any of the movies I have made. But, he is jumping for this movie. Like my mother, Azhar sir, too, is an Aquarian and number 8. She too likes him, does not cry and is strong for everybody around her. He has been the captain all his life, be it on the field or off it. Some people are victims and some are victors, but those who are victorious have their collar up like he always does. You can make a documentary on 100 cricketers. But that is only one level of the film. I remember I was 26 when I was awarded the Ernst & Young award for being the youngest and the first woman to be given the award. But four days after, I was told that the award could not be given to me as my TRPs were fake. No one really takes you to a courtroom as in the minds of people, they want to believe that you are wrong. Eventually, it got proved that I was right when Rahul Bajaj called me and gave me the award. I have never enjoyed picking up an award more than that, sitting amongst such old men. At the same time, on the day I was being given the award, due to a personal issue that morning, my happiness was diluted. And that’s what happens in life too, where life is not picture perfect. And I am here to tell his story. Here is a man who has been condemned but has stood up. Some people wear age on their face, some wear experience. He wears his experience. I had decided that I will just pick up the phone and tell him that we want to present your life. It’s a life with a lot of blemishes, a lot of colour. The best thing about his life is that it is not picture-perfect as one thing was always missing. For instance, he played only 99 matches, not 100. I am not a cricket fan. I am a fan of the man. People have pushed him down, but he stood up and walked and at 50, stands tall. He is an icon whose story needs to be told.
 
IN CONVERSATION WITH MOHAMMED AZHARUDDIN:

You are 50. Are you excited about a film being made on your life?
I am happy. I was very reluctant and took one year to agree. I realised that people want to know my story. I have gone through a lot of ups and downs and a lot of hardwork. The biggest thing I possess is infinite patience. Once you are patient, things fall in place. During that period of time, I could have said so many things that would have backfired on me. But I didn’t, only due to my patience. At the end of the day, it took a long time but you can’t fight destiny. Whatever is destined to happen will happen. I am excited to see how the film will be made. There are many struggles that I have forgotten, but the film will probably remind me of those. I am a positive person and the story is finally a positive one.
 
Where do you get your patience from?
My religion. Allah is with people who show patience. If you are down in the dumps, Allah will help you if you have belief. But this is a personal thing between you and him. You can’t fool Allah. I remember after I scored my three 100s in my first match, this photographer saw me praying and wanted to take pictures. I was reluctant, but allowed him to. He came the next day and wanted to take them again as he said that despite him taking so many pictures, his reel was blank.
 
Why do you always have your collar standing?
I used to always field at silly point or point, where the rays of the sun were always very strong and my neck would burn. So, I started wearing a handkerchief, but it was uncomfortable. I later moved to collar that has now become my style. People like me this way.
 
What do you consider your strengths?
My strength is my humility. When you are humble, people like you. I feel happy when people tell me, ‘Sir, you should play now also.’ I know I can’t physically. I keep myself fit. Somebody today tells me, ‘Why don’t you go and play in New Zealand?’ They know I can’t play, but it’s their feeling that makes them say that. I have always been strong and never show my emotions. I will be the last person to come and say, ‘Well done.’ Number 8 is an up-and-down number, When you are up, nobody can touch you, but when you are down, everybody pulls you down. Emotionally, I depend only on myself. My strong belief in the Almighty carries me.
 
What do you think are the qualities the actor who will play you should possess?
He needs to be stylish. People tell me that my game was very stylish. I learnt to be stylish over time. Allah gave me the talent. I showed it on the field. Saif Ali Khan, due to his cricketing background and style, would be my first choice, but Ekta is the boss and will decide.
 
Do you watch Hindi movies?
My favourite movie is Abhimaan as my favourite actor Mr Amitabh Bachchan was in it. The only time my mum lifted her hand at me was when she caught me listening to Sholay dialogues by the roadside. That is the only time she beat me. Long back, I told Mr Bachchan that, ‘Sir, because of you I got beaten.’ Nobody can touch Mr Bachchan in style.
 
You never showed your emotion on the field. Have you ever broken down in life?
I broke down only when I lost my grandfather Mir Vajehuddin (nana). I was 21 then and it was November 17, 1984. I debuted a month later on December 31 and made three 100s. Till his last day when he died of a heart attack, I would sleep in between my nana and nani. He was a very pious man, who was a descendent of Prophet Mohammed's family, so he belonged to his lineage. I can always feel him next to me. At times, I was not even allowed to watch films when I was growing up as he would say, ‘No, this is not your line.’ I would get frustrated. I would tell him, ‘You let everybody go, but don’t let me go.' And he would say, ‘You will remember me one day.’ Can you imagine that the autograph I sign was taught to me by him. He signed for me and would make me practise it 50-60 times a day. He was a brilliant mathematician, who could count in Arabic and Persian and give the answer in English. He taught me a lot of things. He said, ‘Stay humble as that is the best thing you can possess in life. The day you think you are somebody, you will come down.’ You couldn’t talk to him looking into his eyes, as he had very powerful eyes. He would never look into a camera as he would say that the camera would break if he did so. He never told me but he told my mother, ‘Don’t tell him but he will become a big cricketer’ My parents too were very supportive of me playing. My father had only one wish that I should score a 100 at the Lords cricket ground, which made him very happy when I did. I would get up at 4.30 in the morning and before going to practice, I would give my grandmother tea. At that time, she would give me her blessings, which were very powerful. I am the eldest son (five younger siblings) and it is my job to play captain even at home. I never show my emotions. When my son passed away, so many times I felt like crying, but then there are so many people behind me, like my parents. If I break down. they will break down and I need to carry them with me. My mother even today keeps telling me, ‘Allah should have taken me.’ It was very tough for them as within a week, they had lost two grandchildren.
 
Talk about your relationship with Kapil Dev?
Kapil paji is a very nice man. He understands people. He could take anything from my kit bag and so could I. We did not need to ask each other. Usually people don’t give even their broken bats to you. You have to a have a big heart to give. If you give, you get. If you don't give, you don’t get. I had that rapport with him. I played under him and he played under me. As a captain, I didn’t need to tell him anything as he knew everything exactly what he had to do. I would just give him the ball. I knew he knew his job and if he goes on to the field, he will do his job. I learnt from him. If he is convinced, he will support you. Mr Kamal Morarka and Mr Raj Singh Dungarpur also helped me. I didn’t meet Mr Morarka many times, but at that time he really supported me. He is a nice person who is not scared of anybody. That’s what is most important. He will express what he feels. I never forget people who help me.