Showing posts with label NASA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NASA. Show all posts
Ten films…and then, curtain call: Sushant Singh Rajput leaves behind short filmography and long list of unfinished to-dos
8:26 AM
Ankita Chaurasia (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 15, 2020)
Sushant Singh Rajput was known as someone perennially brimming with ideas and young energy.
So, many didn't bat an eyelid while reading his last post on Instagram. Shared with a picture of his late mother on June 3, the post seemed like an inconspicuous observation in line with the general mood across social media feeds... until Sunday afternoon, when news of the actor’s suicide broke.
A student of metaphysics and spirituality, Sushant was a stickler for perfection when it came to his craft. He passed up six films and devoted six months to Shekhar Kapur's futuristic sci-fi romantic drama, Paani, which revolved around water wars. Prep for the 34-year-old actor meant reading and re-reading the script, understanding the character, his back story, where he was coming from and where he was headed. Talking to Mirror (September 14, 2015), he had pointed out that he could have six-pack abs but not for show, “because this guy lives in the Lower City, where everybody fights to get something to eat and then, there's no water”. It was only when he realised that M S Dhoni - The Untold Story would go on the floors before Paani, that he shifted focus to the biopic, spending 18 months ‘becoming’ the titular character with former Indian wicketkeeper Kiran More. “Complete immersion is important, more so when you're playing a real-life living character. Viewers must feel you are him and not pretending to be him," he had reasoned, admitting that there were times when he felt like he was talking like Dhoni.
During that interview, he was asked what if he could fast forward to 2040, when Paani unfolds, and he looked horrified, “I wouldn't even jump a year ahead, forget 25 years. I’m a control freak, which is why I can't sleep at night for longer than four-five hours. My friends insisted that I consult a doctor, who told me that I was excited and restless for no particular reason, which is why I couldn't sleep. Also, I was afraid that if I did, I would lose control.”
Sushant was a National Olympiad winner in physics, and having grown up in a large family, had learnt the value of money early on, when he couldn’t pursue his dream of going to Stanford University. Instead, he took the All India Engineering Entrance Exam (popularly known as AIEEE) and came seventh, securing a seat in the prestigious Delhi College of Engineering. However, he dropped out in the final year. “If I had waited another six months, I could have come to Mumbai with a degree. I take time to make decisions, but once it is made, there are no regrets or uncertainty,” he had pointed out.
Starting out with TV soaps like Kis Desh Mein Hai Meraa Dil and Pavitra Rishta, he made a smooth transition to films with Abhishek Kapoor’s Kai Po Che!, for which he bagged a Filmfare Award for Best Debut. With just 10 releases, his filmography is short but varied, with films like Shuddh Desi Romance, Detective Byomkesh Bakshy, PK, Kedarnath and his last release, Chhichhore, in which Sushant played a doting dad trying to revive his son from a coma caused by a suicide attempt.
Around the release of the Abhishek Chaubey-directed dacoit drama, Sonchiriya, the actor had told Mirror that he has 12 films in the pipeline. “It’s for me to decide what to do next…There is no film that I want to do that I can’t do,” he had stated confidently. His last film, Dil Bechara, an official adaptation of The Fault In Our Stars, was gearing up for a direct-to-digital release.
Two years ago, the actor had flown down to National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to train as an astronaut to play one in a film, which he later opted out of, but not before buying a piece of land on the moon and promising to come up with his own space film. Then, as a part of his 50-dreams-to-realise list, he wanted to send kids for workshops at Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and NASA. He would regularly study constellations in the sky from the terrace of his Pavana home, also going fishing, boating and swimming in the lake close by. But he had clarilifed that both the Bandra apartment and this holiday home were rented. “The only property I own is on the Moon, besides the Maserati, which was a childhood dream,” he had informed.
During the lockdown, the actor was learning how to code for his love of computer games. He even listed down tried-and-tested methods to optimise Return of Investment on time, advising fans to get seven hours of sleep, meditate regularly, journal, exercise, optimise digital time and practice intermittent fasting to upgrade their quality of life. His words, "If you give me more money and fame, I will keep it because I am smart, but if I don’t get it, I won’t worry because I have enough already,” spoken during an interview, resonate as we bid him adieu.
Last year, he had confided that for his 33rd birthday on January 21, he had wanted to fly to Norway and paint the Northern Lights. It was one of the many things on his 150-to-do list that remained incomplete.
I am preparing myself for NASA's Moon 2024 mission-Sushant Singh Rajput
8:19 AM
Quipping that he hopes to be selected for NASA's programme, Sushant Singh Rajput plans to complete instructor training at the premier space agency
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; September 23, 2019)
Two years ago, Sushant Singh Rajput had undergone training at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for his astronaut act in his then-upcoming sci-fi film, Chandamama Door Ke. While the project failed to go on floors, the month-long programme at the premier space institute only deepened the actor's love for astronomy. Now, Rajput — who is enjoying his moment in the sun thanks to the brilliant run of Chhichhore — intends to head back to Houston.
"I had done a workshop at NASA when I went there two years ago. Those who trained me had said that if I continued for a few more weeks, I would have received a certificate of instructor. So, now, I am planning to go to Houston to complete the training. It consists of everything that you need to know about going to space, including sitting in the centrifuge," rattles off Rajput, who is also the proud owner of Meade 14" LX600, one of the most advanced telescopes in the world.
So consumed is the actor with astronomy that he bought a piece of land — in the region of Mare Muscoviense, also called the Sea of Muscovy — on the moon last year. Knowing he is getting ahead of himself, Rajput quips that he wishes to visit the region some day. "NASA plans to send astronauts on the Moon by 2024. I am planning to prepare myself for it, in case I get lucky."
Training at NASA spurs Sushant Singh Rajput's interest in flying; buys flight simulator
8:33 AM
Sushant Singh Rajput purchased flight simulator after using one at research centre when prepping for film
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; August 9, 2018)
Two days ago, Sushant Singh Rajput introduced fans to his latest acquisition, a Boeing 737 Fixed Base Flight Simulator. The actor revealed that his purchase was a step further in getting a flying license and adding a tick to one of the 150 inclusions in his bucket list.
A source close to the actor reveals that it was during his training at NASA - as part of a venture he has now opted out of - that he first experienced using a flight simulator. "His thrill and excitement knew no bounds," says the source, adding, "He has always dreamt of being around things that employ technology. Sushant dreamt of flying ever since he was a child. His visit to NASA gave further impetus to his dream."
Flight simulators - machines designed to resemble an aircraft's cockpit, with computer-generated images that mimic the pilot's view - are estimated to cost between $15,000 to $4 million. Rajput will apparently keep it at his home in Pawna. "One of Sushant's 150 dreams is owning a plane," says the source, adding that the actor is likely to purchase one in the future.
Sushant Singh Rajput gives wings to young astronaut's dreams
7:49 AM
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 21, 2017)
Earlier this year, Sushant Singh Rajput who had trained at NASA’s US
Space & Rocket Center (USSRC) in Huntsville, Alabama, for National
Award-winning filmmaker Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan’s upcoming space
adventure, Chandamama Door Ke, wanted to give young children an
opportunity to visit it under his education programme. He recently
sponsored a trip to the US Space Camp Center for two children, Bhooshan
Sawant and Selywn Makwana. Bhooshan, his 14-year-old find was adjudged
“best trainee camper” from a group of 12 students, nine of whom were
from Costa Rica and one from Spain.The 31-year-old actor selected the kids through an interview conducted at a suburban five-star a few months ago. “We were all seated in a room and Sushant sir was speaking to each one individually. He asked some questions based on our favorite subjects, mine being mathematics, geography and science. I was questioned on Newton’s three laws of motion and on astronomy, planets and plants. I gave all the right answers and was very confident but I had no idea that if selected, I would get an opportunity to go to the US. I was thrilled when my principal told me that I was to go to NASA,” informs the ninth standard student of a Khar school.
Space Camp is a unique experience whereby children work as a team and confront mission scenarios that require dynamic problem solving and critical thinking skills. Through the week, camp trainees learn about space hardware, the history and future of space exploration. “We were at the camp for six days and had a day for sightseeing in Alabama. We studied about NASA’s many programmes and participated in rocket launching and space drawings.
There were many presentations on space camps and telescopes. It was a memorable experience and I made many friends there,” informs the budding astronaut who won top honours for his performance in all the classes and activities. He even bagged a medal and is delighted Sushant gave him the opportunity to live out his dream. “I want to thank him and tell him to continue this scholarship so other kids, not just in Mumbai but across India, can showcase their talent,” says Bhooshan.
After his space training would he want to feature alongside Sushant in his forthcoming space adventure? “I will be happy and excited to act with him. While my dream is to become an astronaut, I do participate in school plays and can do a bit of acting too,” he says proudly.
Chandamama Door Ke to be shot in London instead of USA due to budget constraints?
7:50 AM
Subhash K Jha (DNA; October 26, 2017)
In 2017, Bollywood faces one of its worst economic crisis ever, what with films falling like ninepins. Facing recession, the makers of the lavish space drama Chandamama Door Ke have decided to move from the United States of America to the United Kingdom, a decision that almost brought the project to a screeching halt even before shooting started.
REACHING A COMPROMISE
Says a source, “Sushant Singh Rajput, who plays an astronaut, was keen to shoot the film at NASA and other parts of the US. In fact, director Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan had written the script keeping NASA in mind. Sushant went to NASA in October to train for his role at his own expense. After all this pre-shooting preparation when the makers indicated they might pull the plug, Sushant and Chauhan were livid. They wanted to close down the film rather than compromise on the location.” But now a compromise has apparently been worked out.
The film’s director and leading man have conceded to the relocation, apparently, on the condition that London/England be identified in the film as ‘America’. While pounds may be more expensive than dollars, the film costs will be controlled due to subsidies that are granted to film productions.
IT'S BEEN DONE BEFORE
Earlier too, Kabir Khan shot New York in Philadelphia, and Sanjay Leela Bhansali passed off Prague in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam as Italy. Coming back to the shift in location for Chandamama Door Ke, a source says, “Sushant and his director have accepted the relocation as a symptom of the current recession in Bollywood. With Sushant’s recent films not doing well, the producers had no choice but to scale down the budget. They could either shut down the project or move to a budget-friendly location.”
Spacesuits are my new toys-R Madhavan
2:28 PM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; August 22, 2017)
Space odyssey Chandamama Door Ke won't be an easy film to make, but the actors are up for the challenge. Soon after leading man Sushant Singh Rajput returned from the USA after his elaborate training at NASA, his co-actor R Madhavan has headed to the US Space & Rocket Centre in Alabama to do his share of homework.
"I felt like a kid in Disneyland," says Madhavan, with glee, about his experience at the centre. "Over the first few days, I was putting on different space suits and learning all about their functionality. I was shocked when I heard how much a space suit costs! They are my new toys."
The actor, who, much like Sushant Singh Rajput, plays an astronaut in the Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan-directed drama, is currently stationed for a week in Alabama. Keeping him company is John Palmer, the special effects director, who is helping the actor get into the skin of his character.
"John helped me understand the technical aspects of each suit. Since he has worked on a bunch of Hollywood films — Geostorm [2017], Apollo 18 [2011] and The Astronaut Farmer [2006] — he gives me a great reference point to work on. Be it taking me through the process of getting into the suits or explaining safety measures, or helping me train under water, John has done it all."
R Madhavan feels he has developed a keen eye for detail with this film. "That's what being with experts like John does to you."
Sushant Singh Rajput shares exclusive inside details of his NASA trip for Chandamama Door Ke
2:07 PM
Having returned from NASA, Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput gives lowdown of prep for his space odyssey 'Chandamama Door Ke'
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; August 14, 2017)
Sushant Singh Rajput's Chandamama Door Ke is India's first space odyssey, which traces the journey of a team of astronauts whose mission brings the country together.
The actor, who plays an astronaut in the Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan-directed drama, recently returned from the US after an intense training session at NASA's Space & Rocket Centre in Alabama.
"I'm an engineering student. So, I am finally getting the chance to put all my studies to practice in this film," says Sushant Singh Rajput. The actor reveals that his training included regimens such as flying a space shuttle simulator and a multi-axis trainer. He says he also experienced zero gravity as part of his training.
Rajput adds, "The training sessions were surreal. But I realise the training for this film is an ongoing process. Movies have, so far, given us a glamorous view of space, but our attempt will be to make it as authentic as possible."
So engrossed is he with the space drama that he has bought multiple books on the subject and even purchased a high-end telescope. "I have got a few more gadgets as well," he says, adding, "I have a dedicated room in my house, where I prepare for this film. It's my very own workstation which helps me sink into my character."
John Palmer of The Day After Tomorrow fame, who has been roped in to handle the special effects of the film, was present with Rajput during his training. Palmer says, "Sushant is the most physically dynamic actor I have worked with."
There is nothing left to prove anymore, I'm a lottery winner-Sushant Singh Rajput
8:01 AM
'Fearless' Sushant Singh Rajput takes rumours about his professional and personal life head-on
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 14, 2017)
Over the last year, your personal life has come under a fair amount of scrutiny with you being
labelled 'arrogant', 'ambitious' and a 'player'. Are any of them apt?
Don't we all live subjective lives? People are constantly finding ways to explain how I've continued to survive in the industry. That's their problem, not mine. I'm not trying to prove a point, I'm not in the race to be No. 1 because I have no plans of living a rat's life. I'm not obsessed with the future and at the same time I'm neither hiding something nor trying to earn a particular reputation.
So, what really keeps you going?
I'm a middle-class boy from a large family. My parents were focussed on giving me a good education. I learnt early on that money is important to live the life you want. They wanted me to pursue higher studies in the best university abroad. I wanted it too but my father couldn't sponsor my education. (After a reflective pause) I was extremely shy in school too but craved acknowledgement. Unfortunately, I was never recognized for anything. So, after money, I was seeking validation. They're both extremely seductive. I told myself that when I finally find them, I'll be the happiest.
You're now the happiest you've ever been?
(Smiles) I made millions and became famous as an actor only to realise that this isn't making me happy. Today I'm addicted to the “okay take!“. That's my biggest high. As long as I can act, I'm the happiest. My mother always says, your life is a story that you tell yourself. And everyone has a different story to tell. I act in all of these stories. In some my role is chopped out, some make me the hero. Am I making sense?
Absolutely! So you enjoy playing the player?
(Laughs) My first girlfriend dumped me because I was too boring. I've tried to be more interesting ever since.
Have the link-up rumours ever changed your equation with female co-stars, in particular Kriti Sanon?
Sometimes, there is a series of stories about me which are untrue and I feel misunderstood. That's not a great feeling! As an actor I can condition myself to ignore the rumours, but I hold on to the vulnerability and the emotions these rumours evoke because it makes me a better actor. The stories often affect me but they never change my friendship with any co-star.
According to one such story, Kriti and your friendship was a promotional tool for your film, Raabta.
People asked me if we were dating and I kept saying “no“. Then, they said we made up this story to promote our film. Are people going to watch my film because of my relationship status? I wouldn't want that either because no matter how untrue it sounds, I am not comfortable with all the attention. An actor could jump, do back-flips and dance with his shirt off, but people still won't come to watch if the trailer doesn't resonate with them. I did all of that for my last film, it still didn't work!
What do you think went wrong with Raabta?
We view life as a cause-and-effect-theory. If a film doesn't work we try to find reasons and add to our disillusionment. I've read every book on what's necessary to write a great script and make a hit film. They clearly haven't helped. So now, I've conditioned myself in a way that no matter what happens on Friday, I'll be okay on Monday. I can't screw up six months of work on my next by thinking of my last film.
Would you consider returning to TV if you ran out of film offers?
The feeling of being a great performer is addictive. The day I stop feeling it, I'll stop acting. Quitting engineering in the third year of college was a far tougher choice to make than quitting Pavitra Rishta at its peak. In that sense, I'm fearless. If you take everything away from me, including the opportunity to act, I'll simply make my own film. There's nothing left to prove anymore, I'm a lottery winner! In five years, everything about films is going to change. Digital TV and Virtual Reality (VR) is the future. Those unwilling to evolve will perish.
So, acording to you, films as a medium, is growing insignificant.
When I started out 12 years ago, I was living with six guys in a one-BHK in Versova. I was excited about doing plays for Rs 250 per show. If I don't get films because I've delivered flops, I'll go back to TV or theatre and be just as excited as I am today with five films (Tarun Mansukhani's Drive, Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan's Chandamama Door Ke, Abhishek Kapoor's Kedarnath, Robbie Grewal's Romeo Akbar Walter, Abhishek Chaubey's untitled dacoit drama) and lots of money. After the Dhoni biopic, which was a big hit, there was a gap of around three months as my next film got pushed. Instead of thinking about how to capitalise on my recent hit by signing a dozen films, I started work on a play based on Andy Jones' book, The Two of Us. A quick film would have earned me millions but I was excited about this play. I'm finalising it with a co-actor shortly.
Doing a film like Chandamama Door Ke, a futuristic sci-fi-drama, can be a trap because Bollywood's greatest problem is that it tries too hard to dumb it down.
Yes, whenever we try to do something intelligent and subjective, we dumb it down because cognitively, anything that is familiar feels right. But when you dumb down a concept like space travel, the essence is lost. My director, Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan, has spent five years at NASA and worked closely with John Palmer who designed the Matt Damon-starrer The Martian. Since we don't have a budget of $110 million and don't want to disappoint those who've enjoyed Interstellar and Gravity, we're working on a unique narrative to explain the space-related concepts to the audience. When Steven Spielberg was facing a problem with the shark robot even though he'd invested a lot of money in the machine during the filming of Jaws, he said “screw it!“ and went ahead without any shark. So there can be many creative tools to show space and the moon in the most real way possible.
For Kedarnath, you're re-uniting with Abhishek Kapoor who gave you your big Bollywood break with Kai Po Che!
Yes, I'm really excited. I was supposed to do Fitoor too but the dates didn't work out.
Aren't you glad, since Fitoor tanked?
Of course not! There are too many parameters that need to work in combination with countless other factors for box-office success. Firstly, I'm not saying Fitoor was a bad film. Secondly, if I'd have done Fitoor, would it have been a better film? I don't know. Would it have been a different film? Of course!
You'll be romancing Sara Ali Khan in Kedarnath. Buzz is, her actress-Mum Amrita Singh is always present at script readings and will have a final say in all matters related to the film...
Untrue! The script hasn't changed a bit from the one I was given and said yes to the first time. I'm honest and 100 per cent professional. So, there's absolutely no interference from any parent or friend. Everyone involved is trying to do their best.
Don't we all live subjective lives? People are constantly finding ways to explain how I've continued to survive in the industry. That's their problem, not mine. I'm not trying to prove a point, I'm not in the race to be No. 1 because I have no plans of living a rat's life. I'm not obsessed with the future and at the same time I'm neither hiding something nor trying to earn a particular reputation.
So, what really keeps you going?
I'm a middle-class boy from a large family. My parents were focussed on giving me a good education. I learnt early on that money is important to live the life you want. They wanted me to pursue higher studies in the best university abroad. I wanted it too but my father couldn't sponsor my education. (After a reflective pause) I was extremely shy in school too but craved acknowledgement. Unfortunately, I was never recognized for anything. So, after money, I was seeking validation. They're both extremely seductive. I told myself that when I finally find them, I'll be the happiest.
You're now the happiest you've ever been?
(Smiles) I made millions and became famous as an actor only to realise that this isn't making me happy. Today I'm addicted to the “okay take!“. That's my biggest high. As long as I can act, I'm the happiest. My mother always says, your life is a story that you tell yourself. And everyone has a different story to tell. I act in all of these stories. In some my role is chopped out, some make me the hero. Am I making sense?
Absolutely! So you enjoy playing the player?
(Laughs) My first girlfriend dumped me because I was too boring. I've tried to be more interesting ever since.
Have the link-up rumours ever changed your equation with female co-stars, in particular Kriti Sanon?
Sometimes, there is a series of stories about me which are untrue and I feel misunderstood. That's not a great feeling! As an actor I can condition myself to ignore the rumours, but I hold on to the vulnerability and the emotions these rumours evoke because it makes me a better actor. The stories often affect me but they never change my friendship with any co-star.
According to one such story, Kriti and your friendship was a promotional tool for your film, Raabta.
People asked me if we were dating and I kept saying “no“. Then, they said we made up this story to promote our film. Are people going to watch my film because of my relationship status? I wouldn't want that either because no matter how untrue it sounds, I am not comfortable with all the attention. An actor could jump, do back-flips and dance with his shirt off, but people still won't come to watch if the trailer doesn't resonate with them. I did all of that for my last film, it still didn't work!
What do you think went wrong with Raabta?
We view life as a cause-and-effect-theory. If a film doesn't work we try to find reasons and add to our disillusionment. I've read every book on what's necessary to write a great script and make a hit film. They clearly haven't helped. So now, I've conditioned myself in a way that no matter what happens on Friday, I'll be okay on Monday. I can't screw up six months of work on my next by thinking of my last film.
Would you consider returning to TV if you ran out of film offers?
The feeling of being a great performer is addictive. The day I stop feeling it, I'll stop acting. Quitting engineering in the third year of college was a far tougher choice to make than quitting Pavitra Rishta at its peak. In that sense, I'm fearless. If you take everything away from me, including the opportunity to act, I'll simply make my own film. There's nothing left to prove anymore, I'm a lottery winner! In five years, everything about films is going to change. Digital TV and Virtual Reality (VR) is the future. Those unwilling to evolve will perish.
So, acording to you, films as a medium, is growing insignificant.
When I started out 12 years ago, I was living with six guys in a one-BHK in Versova. I was excited about doing plays for Rs 250 per show. If I don't get films because I've delivered flops, I'll go back to TV or theatre and be just as excited as I am today with five films (Tarun Mansukhani's Drive, Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan's Chandamama Door Ke, Abhishek Kapoor's Kedarnath, Robbie Grewal's Romeo Akbar Walter, Abhishek Chaubey's untitled dacoit drama) and lots of money. After the Dhoni biopic, which was a big hit, there was a gap of around three months as my next film got pushed. Instead of thinking about how to capitalise on my recent hit by signing a dozen films, I started work on a play based on Andy Jones' book, The Two of Us. A quick film would have earned me millions but I was excited about this play. I'm finalising it with a co-actor shortly.
Doing a film like Chandamama Door Ke, a futuristic sci-fi-drama, can be a trap because Bollywood's greatest problem is that it tries too hard to dumb it down.
Yes, whenever we try to do something intelligent and subjective, we dumb it down because cognitively, anything that is familiar feels right. But when you dumb down a concept like space travel, the essence is lost. My director, Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan, has spent five years at NASA and worked closely with John Palmer who designed the Matt Damon-starrer The Martian. Since we don't have a budget of $110 million and don't want to disappoint those who've enjoyed Interstellar and Gravity, we're working on a unique narrative to explain the space-related concepts to the audience. When Steven Spielberg was facing a problem with the shark robot even though he'd invested a lot of money in the machine during the filming of Jaws, he said “screw it!“ and went ahead without any shark. So there can be many creative tools to show space and the moon in the most real way possible.
For Kedarnath, you're re-uniting with Abhishek Kapoor who gave you your big Bollywood break with Kai Po Che!
Yes, I'm really excited. I was supposed to do Fitoor too but the dates didn't work out.
Aren't you glad, since Fitoor tanked?
Of course not! There are too many parameters that need to work in combination with countless other factors for box-office success. Firstly, I'm not saying Fitoor was a bad film. Secondly, if I'd have done Fitoor, would it have been a better film? I don't know. Would it have been a different film? Of course!
You'll be romancing Sara Ali Khan in Kedarnath. Buzz is, her actress-Mum Amrita Singh is always present at script readings and will have a final say in all matters related to the film...
Untrue! The script hasn't changed a bit from the one I was given and said yes to the first time. I'm honest and 100 per cent professional. So, there's absolutely no interference from any parent or friend. Everyone involved is trying to do their best.
Sushant Singh Rajput dedicates separate rooms in his house for his upcoming films
7:55 AM
Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; August 14, 2017)
When Sushant Singh Rajput takes up a film, he does a lot of research to understand the nuances of his character. He lives and breathes the part till he’s done with the film. It is rare for him to work on two films simultaneously. However, his space adventure film Chandamama Door Ke and his romantic saga Kedarnath, will go on floors in quick succession. The actor has started his prep and workshops for both the films together.
Two different worlds
At Sushant’s Bandra house, the actor has created two different worlds. One room has a poster of Sushant wearing a spacesuit, pasted on the door, while the other has a huge poster of the Kedarnath temple on the door. The actor keeps shuttling between the two rooms, much like he will be doing on the sets of the two films in the coming months.
My work space
Talking about creating the two work spaces, Sushant says, “This was completely my idea. There’s a team helping me out with it. These kinds of set-ups help in the complete and continuous immersion into that world, which will allow you to believe that you are that character. This happened because I have never worked on two-three characters at the same time. With newer problems, you have to come up with new solutions. It’s helping till now, so let’s see!”
Balancing act!
The shoot of Kedarnath begins on August 25. Mid-way through the filming, Sushant begins work on Chandamama..., too. “We start shooting Kedarnath this month and then we take a break when I begin Chandamama. The schedules of both films will intertwine,” reveals Sushant. The process of his prep is very different from what other actors follow.
He says, “People only talk about how much weight an actor has gained or dropped, or how much hair he’s grown or shaved for a film. That’s how they gauge a great actor (laughs), but I think those are the simplest things that an actor does. There are other more intricate things like changing the way you think.”
Teerth yatra-ready
As I step into the Kedarnath room. I notice that this room has an austere decor. There is a charpai, some old wooden furniture, and a lot of other elements of a pilgrimage which is essentially the underlying theme of the film. Sushant continues, “If I have to read a script of Chandamama, I will sit in the other room. Even if I’m not looking at the script and I’m looking around, I will still be seeing the things that I am supposed to see. Probably something will catch my attention and I will Google it. Maybe, something like the lunar module which is right there (points to the module which is stuck on the wall). Or I might just watch all the animation videos of the lunar module that I have. It’s just like being in that space and thinking about it again and again. That’s the intent.”
Space travel
The other room has been designed with a lot of pictures of space and moon — all collected from NASA — carefully positioned on the walls. Along with that, there is a huge poster of Sushant in a spacesuit and a lot of other mementos and pictures that Sushant clicked during his recent trip to NASA. He shows me an ice-cream that astronauts have in space, and books that he’s reading to understand the modules and the logistics behind how a space aircraft works. But the best element in the room has to be the Virtual Reality system that he has installed. The room has a VR box that can transcend you to space in no time. “Once you wear these VR boxes, you can actually walk on the moon,” he says.
Sushant Singh Rajput escaping Mumbai with a house in the far suburbs
7:52 AM
The actor, who loves long drives, is set to close a deal on a house three-four hours away from the city
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 8, 2017)
As he waits for the delivery of a high-end telescope that he had placed an order for recently, Sushant Singh Rajput admits that they are not usually interior designer-approved. “Mine is distractingly large,” he explains, quickly adding, “It’s one of the most-advanced telescopes in the world and I’m going to be able to see Saturn’s rings through it.” He points towards a sea-facing window in his Bandra apartment, where he plans to place his new prized possession.
However, Sushant’s telescope may not remain stationary for too long. The 30-year-old actor is in the final stages of locking a deal on a new house. “It’s two-three hours away from the city and I will go to live there along with my telescope. I love driving so the plan is to stay there and drive into the city. When something needs my immediate attention, I’ll take the chopper service,” he says matter-of-factly, adding tongue-in-cheek, “I love my ‘space’ so much that I’m doing a film about it.”
The actor recently returned from an extensive prep session at National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), where he trained for Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan’s upcoming space odyssey, Chandamama Door Ke. While Akshay Kumar and Shah Rukh Khan have shot at NASA earlier for Jaan-Emann and Swades respectively, Sushant is the first Indian actor to film inside NASA’s workshops in authentic space suits.
“It’s an incomparable experience. For 20 years, I’ve lived with formulae and theories in my head. During the training sessions, I could actually feel zero gravity; I sat in a centrifuge, experienced what it’s like to tumble in space. Everything I had read about became real. I was like a kid in a candy store. At times, I forgot that I was at NASA to shoot a film,” Sushant recalls who was studying to be an engineer, adding that he was keen on doing everything over and over again, like the astronauts. “The crew had to pull me out of there because they thought I’d never leave.”
Apart from the telescope, Sushant has also become the proud owner of a 125-book stash that includes a six-volume series on theoretical physics and a dozen books on the black hole and wormhole theories. The actor spent Monday numbering and sorting them for his already overcrowded bookshelf. “It’s not for the film,” he clarifies, “I didn’t enjoy reading certain subjects for a long time but now I’m in love with cognitive science, behavioural economics, evolutionary psychology. I jump from one genre to another and have acquired a taste for these subjects over the last two years. It’s what makes viewing (Christopher Nolan’s) Interstellar so much more interesting!” Sushant signs off excitedly.
Image: Sushant Singh Rajput is the first Bollywood actor to train at NASA
8:25 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (August 2, 2017)
After hitting the ground,
literally, to play Mahendra Singh Dhoni in the cricketer's biopic,
Sushant Singh Rajput is 'flying high' for his next. The actor essays the
role of
high' for his next. The actor essays the role of an astronaut in
Chandamama Door Ke, and earlier we had told you about his training at
the US Space and Rocket Center (Alabama) to lend authenticity to the
role.
Well, he is back in town after training at the NASA facility. During his stint at the space center, Sushant, who is said to be the first Indian actor to train there, participated in various workshops and training regimen to familiarize himself with the life of an astronaut. We hear that his schedule even included brief trainings in the technicalities of flying a space shuttle simulator (lunar Module Mars Lander simulation), experiencing Zero G, wearing a professional space suit, flying a multi axis trainer and docking the shuttle to the ISS.
Helmed by Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan, Chandamama Door Ke is touted to be India's first realistic space sci-fi film. Producer Viki Rajani says, “We are honoured and privileged to be pioneering this kind of a film in Bollywood. Sanjay has worked on the script and the technical detailing for the last seven years. Taking care of even the minutest details will go a long way in putting together an authentic space odyssey.“
Well, he is back in town after training at the NASA facility. During his stint at the space center, Sushant, who is said to be the first Indian actor to train there, participated in various workshops and training regimen to familiarize himself with the life of an astronaut. We hear that his schedule even included brief trainings in the technicalities of flying a space shuttle simulator (lunar Module Mars Lander simulation), experiencing Zero G, wearing a professional space suit, flying a multi axis trainer and docking the shuttle to the ISS.
Helmed by Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan, Chandamama Door Ke is touted to be India's first realistic space sci-fi film. Producer Viki Rajani says, “We are honoured and privileged to be pioneering this kind of a film in Bollywood. Sanjay has worked on the script and the technical detailing for the last seven years. Taking care of even the minutest details will go a long way in putting together an authentic space odyssey.“
Sushant Singh Rajput's spacesuit for Chandamama Door Ke designed by Apollo 13 special effects supervisor
3:01 PM
Apollo 13’s special effects supervisor, John Palmer, has designed an 11-layer spacesuit for the actor, wearing which he will start training at NASA for his next
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 4, 2017)
Mirror (April 22) had reported that Sushant Singh Rajput will head to National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) towards June-end as part of his prep for Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan’s spaceadventure, Chandamama Door Ke. We have now learnt that a spacesuit has been specially designed for the actor by special effects director John Palmer who has worked on films like Ron Howard’s Apollo 13, Mimi Leder’s Deep Impact, Michael Bay’s Armageddon and Ridley Scott’s The Martian, to name a few.
“Yes, John and Sanjay’ve been working on this beautiful suit and I can’t wait to get into it. John will fly down to India soon and also meet me at NASA while I’ll be there for the prep,” Sushant confirmed, adding that it has 11 layers and can be worn while under-water training in a 40-feet deep swimming pool.
John who has worked on space films for 45 years has been associated with Chandamama Door Ke for a few years and says it’s because it struck an instant chord. “I have designed the spacesuits for which I researched latest Russian and Chinese suit models, along with Indian designs from ISRO. I’ve gone through thousands of designs with Sanjay before selecting these which incorporate Indian elements that are not only aesthetically appealing but functional too. Going by Sushant’s fitness level and dedication, he’s definitely up for the difficult training,” says John, knowing how uncomfortable it is to shoot in a spacesuit.
However, Sanjay adds that their spacesuits are designed in a way that one can train in them for hours. “Sushant wants functionality over comfort. After special training from NASA and John’s team of experts, he will be ready to fly to the moon,” he smiles.
Sushant admits that the space has fascinated him since childhood. “I wanted to be an astronaut but since I couldn’t figure out how to pursue it, I decided I’d be an air force pilot instead. But my mother didn’t want me to pursue these professions so I started studying engineering instead but even then I was hooked on astrophysics. But now I’m getting to live my dream with this film,” he exults, adding that he has always idolised American astronaut Neil Armstrong who was the first person to walk on the moon.
Sushant will undergo training in wearing the spacesuit, the moonwalk and practicing flight simulations at NASA. “It’ll be my first trip there and I’m waiting to experience zero gravity and 1/6 gravity,” the actor says.
Meanwhile Aamir Khan will play Rakesh Sharma, the former Indian Air Force pilot who was the first Indian to travel to space and buzz is Priyanka Chopra will headline the Kalpana Chawla biopic. Prod Sushant on the sudden interest in the subject and he says, “I have been fascinated by the subject myself and really looking forward to the experience.”
It’s not like I bought the car and took Kriti Sanon for a ride-Sushant Singh Rajput
8:06 AM
Sushant Singh Rajput gets candid on his love life, his first franchise, an upcoming trip to NASA and a reincarnation drama
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 22, 2017)
After his preliminary prep for National Award-winning filmmaker Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan’s Chandamama Door Ke, Sushant Singh Rajput will head to National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) towards the end of May for training for his space adventure. “We’ve yet to zero in on dates but I’m definitely going. I’ve always wanted to visit NASA and am looking forward to the trip,” exults the 31-year-old actor.
Buzz is, the film has been delayed because of budget issues and also
because Sushant himself has given priority to Robby Grewal’s Romeo Akbar
Walter (RAW). He refutes this, saying he’ll start RAW only after he
wraps up shooting for Chandamama Door Ke.Meanwhile, he has almost finished Karan Johar’s Drive directed by Tarun Mansukhani. “It’s a what-will-happen kind of a film, very stylish, and the first of the franchise. It’ll keep the audience engaged,” he promises.
Before these films he has Raabta, Dinesh Vijan’s directorial debut, coming up on June 9. It’s a reincarnation drama and Sushant recalls how after Detective Byomkesh Bakshy! he had taken this script along with him to Goa. “The first time I read it over a pint of beer. I was wowed but thought it was the beer talking so I read it again and was again fascinated. The story is so believable that for those two hours even a cynic would be ready to suspend his disbelief,” he asserts.
Prod him about speculations that Homi Adajania has ghost-directed the film and he informs that when he first heard the script, it was actually Homi who was directing till he was informed that Dinesh had taken over the reins from him.
“For me the filmmaker is equally important because it is his interpretation of the script. So when I came back, I got a narration from Dino (Dinesh) and I saw my character, Shiv, through his eyes. It was always his language on celluloid so I can tell you that Homi hasn’t ghost-directed Raabta,” he reasons.
The rumour mills have been buzzing about him and his Raabta co-star and he fanned the flames by taking Kriti Sanon for a drive in the Maserati Quattroporte that he had gifted himself on his birthday in January. “It’s not like I bought the car and took Kriti for a ride,” he laughs. “I had taken the car out for a spin alone the day it was delivered. Nobody clicked any pictures then.”
He goes on to reveal his fascination for cars and bikes which started when he found a miniature Maserati in a pack of noodles. “I still have it and since then I’ve wanted to buy a blue Maserati. I had booked this one in January and had to wait for three months because I wanted one in blue,” he says.
He’s amused by all the stories about Kriti and him online which he discovered when he googled himself just to ascertain that he exists. “I read about this thing between us, then there were stories about a fight and a break-up and then suddenly, probably because of the Maserati we were back together,” he chuckles. “They are all very interesting but untrue. We are good friends. She’s an engineer and I was studying to be one too before I dropped out. We’re both from Delhi, big foodies and like spending time together. Period.”
Has he buried the hatchet with one-time mentor Ekta Kapoor, who was reportedly livid when he walked out of Mohit Suri’s Half Girlfriend citing date issues and soon after signed Raabta. He denies any fall-out with the TV czarina. “She gave me my first break and I started earning and for the first time I was acknowledged. I respect Ekta who’s creative, knows what works and has immense confidence in herself,” he gushes.
Can she convince him to return to TV or give his nod to a web series? “I just want to act in a project where everyone is serious about their work. If you give me something really good on TV, I’ll be back. I’m prepping up to develop a play in the next few months,” says Sushant.
My mom didn't allow me to be a pilot but with CDK, now my dream will finally take off-Sushant Singh Rajput
8:06 AM
The actor reveals how he's planning to turn into an astronaunt
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 12, 2016)
After spending 11 months
prepping up to play Mahendra Singh Dhoni in Neeraj Pandey's biopic on
the cricketer, MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, Sushant Singh Rajput is now
completely focussed on his homework for Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan's
space adventure, Chandamama Door Ke which rolls mid next year. He is
playing an astronaut.
“The role would require me to acquire the flying skills of a pilot. I begin training on the jet flight simulator this week. They artificially recreate the environment of an aircraft. Later, I'll start training with space simulators. I'd also want to experience flying in zero gravity,“ informs the 30-year-old actor who will try to continue with his training while shooting for Tarun Mansukhani's next film with Jacqueline Fernandez which rolls in February.
Sanjay who has spent a lot of time at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) researching the film has recommended three documentaries as part of the prep - For All Mankind (1989) which documents NASA's Apollo missions, the Brit documentary, In the Shadow of the Moon (2007) which is about the manned missions by the US to the moon and Overview (2012) which features interviews of astronauts. “It's important for me to know the subject and understand the life of astronauts. These films will be a huge help. Sanjay has also suggested 10 books for me to read,“ informs Sushant.
The books include Chris Hadfield's An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth, James R. Hansen's First Man: The Life of Neil A.Armstrong, A Man on the Moon: The Voyages of the Apollo Astronauts by Andrew Chaikin and For Spacious Skies by Scott Carpenter and Kris Stoever. The actor whose home library is stocked with books on quantum physics, biology and mathematics, admits that he's hooked on the research material.
While it's known that Sushant dropped out of the Delhi College of Engineering (now the Delhi Technological University) after three years in 2006 to chase showbiz dreams, the actor reveals that when he was in the first grade he wanted to be a pilot. “My mom didn't allow me to pursue it then, but with this film, that dream will finally take off,“ he laughs.
So will he be visiting NASA in the course of this film journey? “Sanjay has promised to take me and introduce me to his astronaut friends there,“ he beams.
“The role would require me to acquire the flying skills of a pilot. I begin training on the jet flight simulator this week. They artificially recreate the environment of an aircraft. Later, I'll start training with space simulators. I'd also want to experience flying in zero gravity,“ informs the 30-year-old actor who will try to continue with his training while shooting for Tarun Mansukhani's next film with Jacqueline Fernandez which rolls in February.
Sanjay who has spent a lot of time at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) researching the film has recommended three documentaries as part of the prep - For All Mankind (1989) which documents NASA's Apollo missions, the Brit documentary, In the Shadow of the Moon (2007) which is about the manned missions by the US to the moon and Overview (2012) which features interviews of astronauts. “It's important for me to know the subject and understand the life of astronauts. These films will be a huge help. Sanjay has also suggested 10 books for me to read,“ informs Sushant.
The books include Chris Hadfield's An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth, James R. Hansen's First Man: The Life of Neil A.Armstrong, A Man on the Moon: The Voyages of the Apollo Astronauts by Andrew Chaikin and For Spacious Skies by Scott Carpenter and Kris Stoever. The actor whose home library is stocked with books on quantum physics, biology and mathematics, admits that he's hooked on the research material.
While it's known that Sushant dropped out of the Delhi College of Engineering (now the Delhi Technological University) after three years in 2006 to chase showbiz dreams, the actor reveals that when he was in the first grade he wanted to be a pilot. “My mom didn't allow me to pursue it then, but with this film, that dream will finally take off,“ he laughs.
So will he be visiting NASA in the course of this film journey? “Sanjay has promised to take me and introduce me to his astronaut friends there,“ he beams.
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