Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; May 4, 2019)

T-Series, which was once known for mainly churning out albums and dominating the music industry, has today become a prominent name in the business of filmmaking, too. Bhushan Kumar, head honcho of the company, talks to us about cracking the code in the movie business, producing films with big stars as well as backing fresh talent and small-budget movies, and the new generation that’s lured by remixes. Excerpts:

You have an interesting mix of as many as 15 films lined up this year. How involved are you in each of these projects?
Movies were one of my father’s biggest passions. He wanted the company to become a leading production house in the country. Like any other son, even I wanted to fulfil my father’s (Gulshan Kumar) dream after I took over around 21 years ago. It was my idea to move to films after taking over the company, which was primarily about music. I have tried my level best to achieve that and I think I have accomplished what I set out to do. I would say that Aashiqui 2 (2013) was the turning point for me. The film was a huge success and its music was a hit, too. Thereon, we moved on from making small films to joint ventures and multiple projects simultaneously with the simple idea that if I had to look after every project creatively, then I wouldn’t be able to make so many movies. And I didn’t want to compromise on the quality of the movies that I was backing. I am collaborating with people like Dinesh Vijan, Nikhil Advani, Luv Ranjan, Atul Agnihotri and Ajay Devgn. Having a good creative team is paramount. Money is important, but as a producer, I believe that it won’t be fair to the audience if we worked with only profits in mind. Besides, I personally watch every film to see what kind of content is working with the audience.

While it’s been proven time and again that content is what drives the audience to the theatres today, most of your films are headlined by big stars. At some level, do you think that getting big names for your projects adds more weightage to your films?
Gone are the days when people would flock to theatres after big names. Fortunately, I am getting to strike a balance between the two. So, while Bharat is headlined by Salman Khan, it’s a content-driven film as well. Likewise with Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior, which stars Ajay Devgn. Also, no project is big or small today. The idea has to be big. Stree, which was made on a small budget of around Rs 17 crore, did great business. We are ensuring that we are either making a biopic, a real-life story, or a full-on masala action movie. The films that I am making with newcomers could probably be small budgeted projects, but they are high on content with a great business potential.

You are mostly into co-producing films. How does that model work for you?
Look, that’s the best model; otherwise, it would be impossible to make so many films. The success rate is high when you have different minds working together. If I have to make films on my own, I won’t be able to make more than two a year and the film might also suffer on a creative level. Filmmaking is a totally different ball game and it can’t be compared to the creativity that’s required for music. I can make a song in five minutes along with a music director and a lyricist, but when it comes to movies, the approach is very different.

Does your acumen for music come in handy as a producer?
My father had a tremendous sense of music. Every song that he picked connected with the audience. I have inherited that ear for music from him. I bought the rights of Aankh Marey and Tere Bin Nahi Lagda Dil Mera Dholna and told the team to recreate it for Simmba, as I knew both would become a hit. Rohit (Shetty) shot the two songs beautifully and they went on to become major hits. Similarly, my father would also suggest songs for several films and I am following in his footsteps. It applies to scripts as well; I might have gone wrong many a times, but we are getting there.

Today, music is incorporated in a film in a rather organic manner. Unlike earlier, songs are now a part of the narrative. How do you view this change?
For some films, music is really important, but then I have also produced a film like Baby, which had no scope for music. I incorporate songs in a film only if they don’t disturb the story. Earlier people would tell me, ‘Tum ye film kar rahe ho, usme aise gaanon ki jagah nahi hai’. But I want them to know that I am also ready to do a film without music. Aise hi nahi ki hero yahaan se bhaaga aur gaana chaalu ho gaya, or ye hua toh seedha Switzerland pohoch gaye. If there’s a romantic song, it comes organically and is placed depending on the narrative. There aren’t any dream-sequence songs in my films.

What do you have to say about the current music scenario with rap and pop becoming a rage? Since you’re a man of melody, was it difficult to adapt to these changes?
I am very happy. People are enjoying different kinds of music, which is opening different genres for creators like us. Earlier, a romantic or a dance track was supposed to be made in a particular way. But we are happy that new genres are opening up. If you observe, every song has a great melody apart from rap. Melody honi bohot zaroori hoti hai nahi toh woh gaana work nahi karta hai. So, melody never goes out of fashion, whether it’s a dance or a romantic track. Let me tell you, there is a great demand for sad romantic tracks in India. Once Shah Rukh Khan had mentioned in an interview, ‘Mujhe Bhushan ye bolta tha ki harr gaane mein dard hona chahiye, toh maine dance track mein bhi dard daal diya’. He was referring to the song Dard-E-Disco from Om Shanti Om (laughs!).

In one of your interviews, you mentioned that your father, Gulshan Kumar, would go to parties hosted by music composers just to understand what kind of music was working. How do you keep abreast?
Yes, he would do that. Today, you have everything on your mobile phone. I access the online platforms a lot. I keep track of new independent artistes, who put up their videos. If we like the song, we call the singer and buy the rights for it. At times, we adapt it to make songs in a similar zone. Most of the times, these artistes put up these videos expecting a big label to call them, take their song for a film and picturise it on a big star. That way their voice gets famous and, in turn, they get more shows.

As somebody who’s so musically inclined, what’s your view on recreating songs? Why aren’t we creating more original songs instead?
Recreating music is a tougher job than making new songs because you have to do it correctly. If you don’t make the song better than the original one, then it will be a wasted effort. Also, we make sure that most part of the song, which has been recreated, is new; that’s something you don’t realise while listening to it. For example, in Dilbar Dilbar, barring just two lines, seven lines are new — both in terms of the lyrics and the tune. So, for almost every song that’s recreated, we just take the hook line and then create new content for 90 per cent of it, including the tune, the sound and the lyrics. It is not that we are recreating tracks, because we are not getting new songs. We are purposely making it, because this is the demand of the market. We make a mix of recreated numbers and original songs for a film. The reason why these redux versions are working today is because people want to listen to them and that’s why they get millions of views. Also, what qualifies as a remix song for the older generation, is a new track for the youth. Many people from the industry criticise it, but the audience wants to listen to it. So, what's wrong in it?

What the progress on Mogul, a biopic on your father, which is an ambitious project for you?
That’s a very emotional and touchy subject for us, which we will definitely make. The only thing I can tell you right now is that we are starting the film in 2020. Everything else is under wraps. 

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 8, 2015)

Yet another Indo-Pak peace initiative has been announced at a time when cross-border skirmishes are a daily affair and political controversies the staple diet for news hour debates. A dozen directors from Pakistan, and India each, will come together to promote harmony through hour-long shorts, which will connect the countries through a common theme.

A Zee brainchild, Zeal For Unity, will showcase their work on a single platform and facilitate an apolitical exchange. Some of the popular Indian names roped in include Aparna Sen, Ketan Mehta, Nikhil Advani, Tigmanshu Dhulia, Bejoy Nambiar and Tanuja Chandra. Their Pakistani counterparts who have come on board are Mehreen Jabbar, Sabiha Sumar, Khalid Ahmad, Shahbaz Sumar, Shiraj Ul Haq and Meenu Farjad.

Dhulia's short film, Baarish aur Chowmein, has been shot over eight days across Mumbai. Taapsee Pannu plays a back-up dancer and Vidyut Jamwal, an actor in a guest appearance. It also features Amit Sadh. The filmmaker said, “For me the Partition was one of the biggest tragedies of the millennium, the endeavour is our way of making people realise that we are still one.“

Mehta's Pankaj Kapur-starrer, Toba Tek Singh is based on a satire penned by Urdu writer Saddat Hasan Manto. “There will be events in both countries to promote our work which gives us a wider audience. I'm looking forward to this cultural exchange,“ he beamed.

Nambiar echoes his views, saying, “It's a great idea and I'm waiting for reactions to my film, Doobara, from both countries. I'm looking forward to making friends in Pakistan.“

Pakistani director Shahbaz, who will showcase his short, titled Khaeme Mein Matt Jhankain, stated, “It's a rare opportunity provided. It should be interesting if people fail to tell which film is from India and which from Pakistan.“

Raja Krishna Menon couldn't believe it when told by his producers that Akki wanted to hear his story about an air evacuation
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 24, 2015)


Raja Krishna Menon had harboured dreams of making Airlift, the Akshay Kumar and Nimrat Kaur-starrer based on the 1990 Gulf War, for over ten years and took two years to complete the script. Even though he has directed two indie films, Bas Yun Hi (2003) and Barah Aana (2009), Airlift is widely mistaken to be his debut.

"I believe that's happened because it's my first mainstream project, because Akshay Kumar is in it and it is backed by big production houses. I am not a 'serial filmmaker' in the sense that this is my third film in 12 years," Raja reflects, adding that he belongs to the generation of filmmakers who wanted to tell stories differently.

The film is based on the true story of the airlift of 1,70,000 Indians during the invasion of Kuwait. "I really believe that pulling off an evacuation of that magnitude is a heroic mission and it's terrible that many people don't know much about it. Also, the beauty of the whole operation is the sole intent behind it — to get these people back.

With this film, I wanted to showcase that faith exists," he said. "I wasn't there when the producers met Akshay. The ball started rolling from there. But it wasn't difficult to convince Akshay to come on board," Raja reveals, adding that he initially refused to believe the fact that Akki wanted to hear his script. "I was walking my dog when it happened. I thought it was joke. When we narrated the story to him, all he said was, 'let's meet again tomorrow,'" the director reminisces.

"You will see an emotional side to Akshay in the film and witness the brilliant actor that he is," says Raja, adding that a lot of hard work has gone into making the film. "I had got time with Akshay for a month where every morning for three hours, from 5 am, we would do the readings, discuss every nuance of who will this guy be like, how will he deal with a particular scene, etc," he says, informing that along with his crew they researched for six months before going on the sets. "If you walk into my room, it's full of images and videos we spent months collecting. In fact, my entire office looked like a war zone in that sense," he says, adding that there isn't any particular pressure on him as a filmmaker.

Did he and Akshay ever have a clash of ideas? "There were no clashes at all, but there were many discussions on how to approach certain things. Sometimes he came up with pieces of brilliance, which could be little things like the way a certain line is to be said. With Akshay it's been collaborative, there have been times when he disagreed with what I was doing, and I have said let's try it both ways and see the best that comes out of it. So it's been smooth working with him. I don't know the stars, nor do I know the industry so I didn't come with any baggage. However, I knew that it would be hard to handle egos but Akshay doesn't have one," says Raja, who is yet to figure out his next project.

"After Airlift I am going to take a couple of weeks off. I have written so many things, and will now go back and see what I want to do next. But it will be an honest story," he signs off.
---------------
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; December 24, 2015)

Though Raja Krishna Menon helmed the Purab Kohli and Nandita Das-starrer Bas Yun Hi (2003) and 2009 film Barah Aana starring Naseeruddin Shah and Vijay Raaz, the writer-director often finds himself being asked if he is new to the industry. For the past several years, Menon, who has an advertising background, had been piecing together the story of Airlift, inspired from the real-life drama surrounding the evacuation of Indian expatriates from Kuwait in 1990 when the country was invaded by Iraq. It is regarded as the biggest human evacuation in history, and the director can’t wait for his film, which stars Akshay Kumar in the lead, to reach the audience. hitlist caught him for a brief chat. Excerpts:

You have been around for over a decade, but made only three films...
Because what works for me may not work for others. But now, I feel the market is more receptive to people like me. When Barah Aana released, it was just after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. It was a small film, which travelled to film festivals and got a decent release. Aamir Khan helped a lot behind the scenes, so the film had its journey. For me, a film is a film; I do not know the difference between mainstream and not mainstream. For Airlift, I first narrated the story to co-producer Nikhil Advani through a common friend.

Has being an ad filmmaker earlier helped you now in any way?
When you do ads with stars, the interaction is limited. Stars are under contracts with the companies. I am not sure being an ad film director is a positive thing, at least for me.

What prompted you to tell the story of the human evacuation drama in Kuwait?
I had family members there who were affected. They would keep telling their stories. Then I would meet their friends who would relate their saga. They would show me their family albums and videos; that was the time Kuwait was the wealthiest country in the region. It was only around 2005 that I realised this was a story to be told. My wife’s aunt was an airhostess with Air India back then, so she has given a lot of first-hand information. The film is about knowing what it means to be an Indian, something that the present generation does not know. We are always complaining about things, but what are we doing? We can be the change, but only if we have a positive approach.

How was it working with Akshay Kumar?
He would call me to his house at 5 am for narrations. By 11 am, we would finish off everything and I had a lot of time — the entire day — to concentrate on making the film. Even while shooting in Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah in the UAE, morning was always better for him.

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; December 15, 2015)


“Nikhil, who is producing Akshay’s next release, bonded with him while shooting again after a long time. So after Hrithik walked out of Bazaar, Nikhil approached Akshay, who is known to work with directors irrespective whether their last film has worked or not. Plus, the director wanted an A-lister for the film and Akshay and Ajay seemed to be the only choices. And he chose to go ahead with Akshay because of the comfort factor.”

Nikhil has spoken to Akki about Bazaar and he has liked the script. Now the modalities need to be worked out,” concludes our source.

IN THE PAST...
While Nikhil gave an interview claiming that Duggu was never finalised for the film, while promoting his last two films, Nikhil admitted, on record, that Hrithik and he would be teaming up for Bazaar — a film that revolved around the share market. Soon, Hrithik copped out after Hero and Katti Batti failed to become money-churners. Our source tells us, “Hrithik lost faith in Nikhil’s abilities and thought that it would be risky to team up with him for this film hence decided to opt out.

Nikhil Advani, admits that he erred with his last two films but is still in the race, producing three films and directing two more
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 28, 2015)

Sonali Joshi Pitale (MID-DAY; November 24, 2015)

Nikhil Advani’s next, Bazaar, has long been in news due to casting issues. Last month, hitlist had reported about the project being put on the backburner apparently since Hrithik Roshan, the original lead hero choice, remained non-committal about it. While the director has denied offering the film to Hrithik, sources suggest that Akshay Kumar has now been approached for the film.

A source says, “Hrithik heard the script, but couldn’t sign it because he is busy with other projects. Nikhil recently approached Akshay and feels he can do justice to the role. He is working with the actor in his next production, Airlift, and they share a comfort level. So, Akshay might just take it up.”

At the moment, the star has three films in his kitty — Airlift, Namastey England and Rustom. Nikhil and Akshay remained unavailable for comment, but a source close to the project says, “The director’s last two films (Hero and Katti Batti) did not do well at the box office and when Hrithik decided against signing Bazaar, it was a setback for him. He had decided to focus on Airlift until January, but now he is keen to revive the project by signing Akshay.”

Sonali Joshi Pitale (MID-DAY; October 21, 2015)

Gossip mills have been buzzing about Hrithik Roshan expressing his inability to be part of Nikhil Advani’s next for more reason than one. We hear the dejected filmmaker has decided to put the project titled Bazaar on hold for a few months.

A source says, “Long after being pursued, Hrithik managed to sit with Nikhil for the script narration. He liked it, but expressed his inability to take the film on at this point since his date diary is packed. The director, too, is in no hurry to take the film on floors and wants to concentrate on his upcoming co-production, Airlift. So, till January, he won’t work on anything else. However, he will restart the hunt for a lead actor for Bazaar.”

There was strong buzz that Hrithik decided to pass up on Bazaar after Nikhil delivered two back-to-back duds, Hero and Katti Batti. Both the filmmaker and the actor did not revert to this writer when asked about the buzz.

However, a source close to Nikhil says, “It has got more to do with Hrithik’s packed schedule. He is pretty selective and prefers to work on one project at a time. After Ashutosh Gowariker’s Mohenjo Daro, he will work on Vijay Krishna Acharya’s next and cannot commit himself to another project at the moment.”

Salman Khan talks about the reasons his latest production fell short of expectations
Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; October 1, 2014)


You have been saying Bigg Boss Season 9 is mine. Can you give nine reasons for doing the show?
I’d rather give you reasons for not doing the show! One, it adds another 13 people in my life and listening to their problems affects me. Then, there are controversies of the show. Too much noise, too much colour, and too much of my energy goes into it. The long hours of shoot — from 4.30 pm to 2 am. The travel to the location — it’s a 24-hour thing; it’s exhausting.

What brings you back to the show then?
Only one reason and that is the format. If people who go in, come out much better, nothing like it. I do get tired after three months of hosting, but because of the long association with the team and the huge connect with the contestants, I start missing it. I actually want to do something else with the channel, which I will do later.

Have you started training for your role as a wrestler in Sultan?
Yes, we will start shooting in November, but I need to prepare for the role. I am doing different kinds of strength training — wrestling and mixed martial arts. It’s difficult and really painful.

What about Hero? Are you happy with the response?
The film has done well for itself. Our main intention was to launch Sooraj Pancholi and Athiya Shetty, which we have achieved. Both of them are safe. Considering the way you went all out and promoted the film, the numbers don’t seem to have lived up to expectations. We made Rs 36-38 crores. As producers, we did whatever we could do, we did not leave any stone unturned, but sometimes it clicks, sometimes it doesn’t.

The music was fabulous, action was outstanding — even the way it was shot — the casting of the girl and boy was fantastic. It had the plot of Subhash Ghai-Jackie Shroff’s Hero. It was a simple love story. What else do you need in a romantic film? However, many people said the first half was good, but second half, they felt story nahi hai. There was action, romance, drama — one can’t do more than that. For whatever reasons — it’s their choice — the Mumbai and Delhi multiplexes didn’t get the audiences. They felt purani Hero hai, same cheez hai. If those metros had come in, we would have been rocking.

As a producer, you did your best. Do you think you should have looked into the direction as well?
(Laughs) Nikhil (Advani) has done his best. First, I was busy with Bajrangi Bhaijaan and later Prem Ratan Dhan Payo. By the time I got the material... I sat on the edit. I should have been overseeing it from before, seen the rushes because small, small things have been missed. It’s nobody’s fault, though. If it is anybody’s, it’s mine because I had taken the responsibility towards Sooraj and Athiya. I should have been a hands-on producer, but I left it to Nikhil, who is good. However, in trying to make the film look good, he lost that earthy charm. Sometimes, the visuals overtook the emotions. But we will definitely work together again.

Salman Khan on hosting the latest season of 'Bigg Boss', reacting to rumours about extending financial help to farmers' widows and getting 'credit' without reason
Sonali Joshi Pitale (MID-DAY; September 30, 2015)

Salman Khan has played godfather to many industry strugglers, most of whom never shy away from acknowledging their indebtedness to him. But, he, clearly, is not in favour of "name-dropping" without rhyme or reason.

"Sab log mere naam ke bill faado (everyone takes my name just for the sake of it)," he says, reacting to recent statements made by director Nikhil Advani and actress Kangana Ranaut. While the former credited Salman for giving him the opportunity to direct his production venture 'Hero', Kangs had revealed that she did her last film (Nikhil's 'Katti Batti') on the star's insistence.

"I had told Kangana that he (Nikhil) was willing to narrate a script and she should go hear it out. If someone tells me to hear something, I will do it. But I will accept it only if I like it. And I didn't approach Nikhil to take up 'Hero'. It was his understanding and his decision to do it. I only had my lead pair — Athiya (Shetty) and Sooraj (Pancholi)," states Salman, speaking to hitlist on the sidelines of the launch of a 'Bigg Boss 9' hosted by him. The 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' star made a grand entry at the event with his latest song, 'Main Hoon Hero Tera', playing in the background. He seemed to be in his element as he cracked jokes and grilled one and all present — from the makers and sponsors to ex-contestants and background dancers. He then pointed at a witness box which was used as a prop and said: "I wish to never stand in it again in my life."

After his gig, he was ready to take questions from the media. The actor looked a bit tired, but was prompt with his answers. Asked about rumours about him quitting the show season after season, he said, "It is not a rumour. I am the one who says it, but these people (makers) manage to convince me. Trust me, this is going to be my last season. This time, I am serious, I will at least give it a break. I would want to do something bigger and better."

Since many stars see the reality show as a medium to promote their films, can one expect his ex-flame Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to use the platform for her comeback vehicle, Jazbaa? "Bahut jazbaati question poochh liya tumne (you have asked me a really emotional question)," he smiled and started humming the 'Aate jaate jo milta hai' track from his 2000 film 'Har Dil Jo Pyaar Karega'. He added that he wouldn't mind Shah Rukh Khan coming on the show to promote his Christmas release 'Dilwale'.

Countering reports that a portion of 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' collections would go to the widows of farmers who have committed suicide in the state, Salman said: "It is a lie. I will do it when I will know how to do it. We are currently dealing with children with heart ailments and that itself is tough because we really do not get big donations from anyone."

Director Nikhil Advani reveals that Kangana Ranaut kept him waiting to say yes to his film until the star intervened
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; September 14, 2015)

They may not have worked together so far, but the fact that Kangana Ranaut shares a rapport with Salman Khan is well known in industry circles. In fact, it was on Sallu’s insistence that she agreed to be part of his buddy Nikhil Advani’s upcoming film, Katti Batti.

According to buzz, when Nikhil approached Kangana for the film, she kept him waiting for a very long time. It is said that Kangs did not want to do another rom-com right after Tanu Weds Manu Returns, which released earlier this year.

Nikhil admits he hadn’t thought that Kangana would agree to do the film. He says, “I had made a film like Chandni Chowk To China (2008) and she had won accolades for Queen (2013). After giving her the script, she told me stuff like, ‘I am going through it’, ‘I will tell you in two days’, ‘I am reading it’, etc.”

But then Salman intervened, asking her to keep her apprehensions aside and go through the film’s script as it was something right up her street.

Says Kangana, “Initially, I was not interested in doing the film. But then Salman said I should take a look at the script. After reading it, I realised why he was asking me to be a part of the film. I loved the way my character has been penned.”

Adds Nikhil, “I felt everyone was doing me a favour by being a part of my film. I felt that especially after Kangana finally said yes to me.”

Hiren Kotwani (BOMBAY TIMES; September 9, 2015)

Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 8, 2015)

Salman Khan's music concert for his upcoming film Hero, began an hour late, with Sooraj Pancholi and Athiya Shetty grooving to the title track, O Khuda and Yadaan teriyaan. Armaan Malik sang Main hoon hero tera, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan mesmerised with O Khuda while Amaal Malik and Palak Muchhal crooned the duet. "All three are my favourites and I also had a great time filming Dance ke legend," Sooraj told Mirror.

The highlight was a dapper Salman crooning the title track and then admitting O Khuda topped his list. When the 49 year-old actor was asked about editing out the liplocks (Mirror, August 27) from the film, he quipped, "Yes, there are no kissing scene in the film. We wanted to put one but they refused. I myself haven't done one, so how can I ask them to do. I don't think anyone— whether it's Nikhil (director Nikhil Advani) or Sooraj and Athiya, are interested in kissing. Why do you want to see someone else kiss? Kiss yourself."

Composer Amaal Mallik talks about making his debut as a singer with O Khuda from Hero
Kasmin Fernandes (BOMBAY TIMES; September 4, 2015)

Three internationally-renowned stunt coordinators choreographed the action
BOMBAY TIMES (September 2, 2015)

Anirban Das (MID-DAY; September 1, 2015)

As movie promotions become increasingly aggressive, filmmakers are egged on to push the envelope. Like the marketing team of Nikhil Advani’s Katti Batti came up with the idea of a kissing contest in the city. The lead pair Kangana Ranaut and Imran Khan has multiple kissing scenes in the film and were supposed to judge real-life couples on the smooch-o-meter. However, the city police have denied permission to host the event.

Apparently, the film’s team had approached a Bandra college to host the event on its campus and the authorities then approached the police to seek permission. “The contest required real-life couples to come out in the open and kiss in front of the judges. While the contest was not restricted to students of that particular college, the authorities authorities decided to seek police permission,” says a source close to the project.

The police, however, did not endorse the idea and supposedly felt that an educational institute wasn’t an ideal ground to hold the liplock activity. “We believe that kissing is not a crime and when 50-odd couples were willing to take part, why should we shy away from hosting it? But, the police did not agree. The college then intimated the film’s team that they won’t be able to organise the event,” says the source, adding: “ The makers then decided to host it in Bandra Bandstand but the police shot down that idea too.”

The producers of Katti Batti have apparently lost a lot of money and time on planning the event. Though disheartened, director Nikhil says, “We have been denied permission by every possible institution for the kissing contest. What’s very interesting is the response that we have generated.”

Subhash K Jha (DNA; August 31, 2015)


Nikhil says, “In fact, I insisted that Salman sit on the editing with me. I knew his involvement with the editing would add immensely to the end-product. And I was right. Salman has turned Hero into another entity altogether.”

The director believes that his producer has an impeccable sense of narration. “Salman knows exactly what should stay and what should go. Every suggestion of his made sense. I incorporated all the cuts he asked me to. I’ve no qualms admitting Salman Khan has given the final shape to his film.”

Rumours of Salman turning director have been rife for quite a while now. Salman’s contribution to Dabangg and Dabangg 2 has earlier been acknowledged by his brother Arbaaz, who produced both films and let Salman take charge unofficially.

Is the time right for Salman to turn director now? “Why now? I think Salman should’ve directed a film 10 years ago. I am very lucky to have Salman on board for Hero and Aamir Khan for Katti Batti,” says Advani, who first got a chance to bond with Salman when the director made Salaam-E-Ishq with him.

Salman Khan cut out a 'brush of the lips' from a song pointing that he'd never kissed on screen so his kids wouldn't either
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 27, 2015)

Salman Khan is a protective mentor-parent to his proteges, Sooraj Pancholi and Athiya Shetty, who are being launched in his upcoming home production, Hero. In one of the songs, Khoya khoya, the two are lying in the back of a truck when Sooraj pulls a blanket over them and kisses Athiya. "It was just a peck... A brush of the lips... But even before I could see it, Salman did, and insisted on editing it out. His argument was that in all these years, he had never kissed on screen, so there was no reason for his 'children' to lock lips," reveals the film's director, Nikhil Advani.

He adds that the Hero remake does not demand any kind of physical intimacy. So there was no discussion on this between the director and producer or with the writer and the actors.

Nikhil recalls the call from Salman three days after D-day's release. "I was his fourth call. The first was to Subhash Ghai asking for his permission to remake his 1983 love story, Hero, the next to inform Sooraj that he would be launching him as a hero, the third to Athiya to ask her if she'd be his hero's heroine and the fourth to me, telling me that I was going to make the film for him," says he.

His only question to his soon-to-be producer was: Can they act? Salman retorted, "That's for you to find out." Nikhil packed them off to casting director Mukesh Chhabra, who put them through a three-week workshop at the end of which he pronounced that he could work with them. Thereafter, Sooraj and Athiya were put through six months of training, which included dance, diction, martial arts and how to face the camera. And they were ready...

Nikhil admits that he had never thought of remaking a film. "In the twoand-a-half years that I sat at home waiting for an actor, I have written enough scripts of my own. But I can't say no to Salman," he says. Isn't it surprising that after seeing D-Day, a stark spy thriller about an undercover espionage mission, Salman thought of Nikhil to direct a young love story? "I don't think he's seen D-Day yet," quips Nikhil. "His brief to me was to not make another D-Day. He wanted a larger-than-life film. He was launching two new faces and wanted to give them the platform he had got. He told me we had to emulate the scale of Salaam-e-Ishq in terms of music and grandeur."

And when it comes to lip-tolip kisses? "Its cut, cut, cut," laughs Nikhil.

Athiya Shetty on the firsts in her life, about co-star Sooraj Pancholi, mentor Salman Khan and director Nikhil Advani
Upala KBR (DNA; August 27, 2015)

The first thing that strikes me when I meet Athiya Shetty (Suniel Shetty’s daughter) is her poise and self-confidence. She reminds me of her mother Mana Shetty, who possesses the same qualities. Athiya is a bright, charming, honest young lady, all set for her debut film Hero’s release next month. Excerpts from a conversation...

Tell me about your first meeting with Salman.
My brother Ahaan and I became huge fans of his (and still are) after we watched his song O O Jaane Jaana (Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya). I used to pretend I was Kajol and Ahaan was Salman Khan. He’d take off his shirt and we’d both dance to the song together. One day, dad asked us if we wanted to meet Salman at the airport. We jumped at the chance! At the airport, I remember meeting him, but was so scared and shy that I just couldn’t speak! I just kept staring at him. I had just one thought — ‘I am finally meeting THE Salman Khan!’ Ahaan was no better, hiding behind dad. In retrospect, I think we behaved so badly because we were so shy…. (Laughs) That was my first meeting but I’ll never ever forget it. After that, we met him at social gatherings as dad and he are extremely close. Then I met him directly during the look test of Hero. That was the first time the came on the sets. He loved the whole space where were going. I was still very shy and quiet then. Now after Hero, I am more myself in front of him. For Salman, Sooraj and I are like his babies. He’s very protective and supportive of us both. Even on Jhalak, he was constantly watching us to see if we were comfortable. He’s always told Sooraj and me to be ourselves, that you can’t change what you have, so just be confident.

Your first meeting with Sooraj...
Sooraj is extremely shy. You have to talk to him to make him open up and feel comfortable. Once he’s comfortable, he’s the funniest person around! I will be on the floor laughing, he’s so funny. I meet Sooraj when I was in Standard 10 and we were out in a social group and he kept looking at me. I was wondering, ‘Who is that boy?’ Our first meeting never went beyond saying hi to each other. And then I met him at dance rehearsals for the film. He used to dance after I was done, but one day he came earlier to introduce himself — nobody had introduced us to each other till then. Here we are doing a film together and nobody cares, like... ‘Do your own thing’. That’s the first time we met. I was dancing to some song when he entered and I was thinking, ‘It’s so weird’; but he was really sweet. I broke the ice and introduced myself. I am the friendlier one, he’s extremely friendly, but very shy and takes time to open up. When he’s friendly, he’s completely mad. I love him as a person and a friend. It’s so weird when two newcomers are doing a film together people automatically believe and feel that they are in love, but it’s genuinely not like that. He’s my best friend today. We tell each other everything. We have this very close bond because we have gone through this film together and been in the same boat, so everything that happened during the shooting would happen to us both together. Like when we would get yelled at by Nikhil Sir, we used to cry together, or we would get motivational messages at 2 am when Nikhil Sir used to be really proud of us and we would be like, ‘Yay, it’s happening!’ We are very fond of each other, but we are not in love. I am absolutely fine with him dating someone else. That’s how our relationship is. We are like two buddies and it’s a very nice friendship so I would never want to ruin it by getting into anything. It’s a very healthy, honest and real friendship because I know he will be there for me whenever I need him and so will I. It’s hard to find friends like that and I managed to find one in him.

Your first meeting with Nikhil Advani.
My first meeting with Nikhil was after I was finalised for Hero. I went to meet him at his office. Before that, I had been a huge fan of his films — since Kal Ho Naa Ho. I loved wearing Naina’s glasses, so my mom got me those glasses. I was like a child when I met Nikhil sir because I was so excited! It was like a dream come true… It’s weird how life takes a full circle. He’s worked on all the movies I have grown up with – Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Mohabbatein, Kal Ho Na Ho, Salaam-E-Ishq — especially the songs — I would dance to them in school. When I met him, the first thing he said to me was, “Wow! You are tall (laughs)!” He’s also extremely protective of us. He is somebody I know I can call if I am in trouble and even if it’s at 4 am. I just have to pick up the phone and tell him what my problem is and he will be there for me. He’s my biggest supporter and is the calming factor in my life. So, whenever I am stressed out, things are not going well, I feel like I am stuck somewhere and things aren’t going the way I thought it would... even if he’s not around me, I just have to send him this SMS and he types out this paragraph and I read it and I am fine. So he’s that type of person in my life.

Your first reaction when you were offered the film.
I didn’t believe it! My dad told me. I was travelling somewhere when he called and told me that he had gone to meet Salman sir and he wants to make a film with you. I was like ‘WHAT?!! Wait! What?’ So that was my reaction. It all happened so fast that it didn’t really hit me during the time we finished shooting. It’s slowing coming together for me now that I am doing a film where Salman Khan is the producer. I was in the gym working out when Salman’s older sister (Alvira) saw me and went and told Salman sir who was anyway looking for an actress opposite Sooraj. That’s how it happened, but I am so happy that this is my first film because it feels like home. We are like one big happy family and it kind of feels weird that it’s getting over now. I tell Nikhil Sir, ‘How will I work with anybody else?’ He’s like ‘Just shut up! You will do fine!’

Sonali Joshi Pitale (MID-DAY; August 26, 2015)

A couple of months ago, there was a great deal of speculation about Nikhil Advani having signed Hrithik Roshan for a film tentatively titled Bazaar, although there was no official confirmation. Sources close to the project suggest that the actor has so far remained non-committal, keeping the director on the tenterhooks.

A source says, “Nikhil met him some time ago and casually mentioned his next project to him. Hrithik liked the concept and showed interest to do the film. So, ever since Nikhil has been waiting for him to devote time for a detailed discussion on the script. The film revolves around the stock exchange market and will require two heroes. So, once he gets Hrithik’s nod, he can go ahead with the casting for the other actor.”

It is said that the crew wants to start pre-production on the film after Nikhil’s two back-to-back directorial ventures, Katti Batti and Hero, hit the theatres. However, since the cast is yet to be finalised, they have put the plans on hold.

Nikhil remained unavailable for comment. A source close to the project says, “Hrithik has liked the concept and will most likely sign the film. He is known to focus on one film at a time and once he wraps up Ashutosh Gowariker’s Mohenjo Daro, he will meet Nikhil.”