Showing posts with label Nikita Dutta. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nikita Dutta. Show all posts
I didn’t expect Kabir Singh to become a hit-Nikita Dutta
9:12 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 22, 2026)
Seven years after Kabir Singh became one of Bollywood’s most discussed films, Nikita Dutta still finds herself revisiting its impact. The actress, who played Jiya Sharma in the blockbuster which released on June 21, 2019, says the film continues to remain relevant, because conversations around it never seem to end.
Nikita says, “For me, it was a career-defining moment. After 2019, the way filmmakers looked at me and approached me changed completely. I give this film almost 99 percent of the credit for that.”
Ironically, despite the success of the Telugu original Arjun Reddy, Nikita wasn’t convinced the Hindi remake would become such a phenomenon.
“I actually thought the opposite. We’ve seen films work brilliantly in the South and then not perform the same way in Hindi. So I didn’t expect Kabir Singh to become a hit. It taught me that sometimes you need to trust the filmmaker more than your own instincts.”
Talking about stepping into Jiya Sharma’s shoes, Nikita reveals, “Jiya was an actress, so in some ways I was just playing a subtler version of myself. Sandeep Reddy Vanga sir asked me to watch Arjun Reddy, and when I met him, all he wanted to know was whether I liked the film and the character. There were no lengthy discussions about character graphs or detailed preparation.”
Yet playing Jiya wasn’t as easy as it looked, largely because the character spoke so little. “When you don’t have dialogues, everything depends on your expressions. This was the first time I was trying that kind of subtle performance.”
The film’s success also left a lasting impact on her personally. “A big success changes you. It gave me confidence and self-belief. I suddenly felt there was something I was genuinely good at. That’s a very powerful feeling for an actor.”
If we can normalize cycling as a mainstream mode of transport, it could ease congestion-Nikita Dutta
9:29 AM
Debarati S Sen (BOMBAY TIMES; November 16, 2025)
Actress and fitness enthusiast Nikita Dutta recently took a spin along Mumbai’s new cycling marvel – the Worli Sea Face Track (a part of the 7.5-kilometre Mumbai Coastal Road Promenade). The track has sparked a fresh wave of enthusiasm among Mumbaikars, many of whom say it gives the city’s cycling culture a big boost.
Nikita, who posed exclusively for the BT lens, believes the new sea-facing cycling track has the potential to spark a larger movement toward fitness.
‘It bothered me why Mumbai didn’t have a cycling track by the sea’
Nikita, who has travelled extensively for shoots and marathons, echoed a sentiment many Mumbaikars share. “Every time I’ve visited a country with a stretch like this by the sea for running and cycling, it’s always bothered me why Mumbai doesn’t have something similar. But finally, here we are. It’s so good to see this in my home city,” she said.
‘Normalize cycling as a mainstream mode of transport’
As Mumbai continues to wrestle with its daily traffic snarls and environmental stress, Nikita believes the answer might just lie in going back to two wheels. “If we can normalize cycling as a mainstream mode of transport, it could ease congestion. But for that, our roads still need to evolve to support it better.”
‘On low-intensity days, I prefer to cycle, it gives me good cardio without the strain’
Known for her disciplined fitness regime and marathon medals, Nikita sees cycling as the perfect counterbalance to her running. “Cycling is the easiest form of movement when it comes to muscle and joint stress. On low-intensity days, I prefer to cycle — it gives me good zone 2 and zone 3 cardio, without the strain.” What truly draws her to cycling, though, is the sheer joy of movement and being outdoors. “I love that you can be outdoors, travel long distances, and breathe in the morning air, all while working out. That’s something no gym session can give you,” she said.
Does she ever use cycling or running to prep for roles? “Absolutely,” she nods. “I was doing a dance-based film at one point when I couldn’t run much since it was a contradictory physical movement. That’s when I cycled a little more as it’s easy on the joints. But otherwise, the process of getting into a role depends entirely on what the character and script demand. regardless of that, exercising regularly keeps me mentally motivated and charged to face the camera.”
‘It's a mental reset on two wheels’
For Nikita, fitness is as much about mental clarity as it is about physical health. “Cycling, or any form of exercise, releases endorphins. It's a mental reset on two wheels. But what I love most is the way it connects you with your city. I always feel any city is best lived when you are out on foot or a pedal. Going for a round of cycling in the morning and getting some fresh air is the best way to start a day mentally.”
‘I try to run and cycle once a week each’
With work often stretching long into the night, Nikita’s fitness routine is tailored but consistent. “I try to run and cycle once a week each, hit the gym three times a week for strength training, and squeeze in stretching or yoga on rest days. On shoot days, I grab whatever time I can for a convenient physical activity at any time during the day.
QUICK SPIN WITH NIKITA
Marine Drive run or a ride along Worli’s Coastal Road?
Worli Coastal Road! I’ve done hundreds of Marine Drive runs — this one’s new and exciting.
Morning or evening ride?
Morning. I’m an early riser.
Favourite Mumbai cycling route?
It used to be Bandra to Haji Ali via Siddhivinayak. Now, it’s definitely the Coastal Road.
One cycling safety tip?
Don’t underestimate the power of a helmet.
Pre and post-ride routines?
Before your ride, warm up with dynamic stretches for the back, wrists, hamstrings, and calves. Cool down by stretching glutes, hamstrings, and back well.
Must-dos before hitting the roads on your bicycle?
Sunscreen on your arms and face is a must. Tie your hair neatly under the helmet to avoid frizz. And always carry a good lip balm — the wind can be harsh!
Everyone is blindly getting into the plastic world and looking like clones of each other-Nikita Dutta
9:33 AM
Nikita Dutta on embracing her individuality while living her Bollywood dream in Jewel Thief
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; April 22, 2025)
Last month, when Nikita Dutta featured in Ram Madhvani’s historical series The Waking Of A Nation, it satiated the actor in her. With her upcoming work, Kookie Gulati and Robbie Grewal’s heist thriller Jewel Thief—co-starring Saif Ali Khan and Jaideep Ahlawat—she is living her Bollywood dream: playing the classic heroine and drawing inspiration from all the stars she grew up watching. Ahead of the Netflix film’s release, in conversation with mid-day, Dutta reveals the joy of shooting for an out-and-out masala film, why she doesn’t compromise her individuality to become a commercial star, and her admiration for Jewel Thief co-star Khan’s actor-wife Kareena Kapoor Khan—who she believes is the last of the stars.
Edited excerpts from the interview.
What was it like to be a part of a quintessential Bollywood thriller, which has song-and-dance and carries the filminess of the movies of the past?
We all know the hook steps of popular Bollywood numbers. It is what we all love [to do]. However much we say that cinema is real and great, which it is in parts, when you talk about the Bollywood that we have grown up to, [the realistic films] took away the filminess of it. So, it was exciting to be a part of that because I was getting to do what I have always [dreamed of doing]. The closet actor in all of us has somewhere enacted that in front of the mirror. I was told, ‘You aren’t a heroine until you have worn a saree in the snow.’ I am still waiting for that.
Over the years, female actors have spoken about how difficult it is to pull off a mainstream heroine act convincingly. There’s also been a discourse around how such stereotypes set unrealistic standards of beauty and put pressure on women to look a certain way if they want to be a part of commercial cinema. So, what goes through your mind when doing a commercial film?
If we go back to our classic heroines, who are known for doing commercial cinema—from Sridevi, Madhuri [Dixit-Nene] to Aishwarya [Rai Bachchan]—I always look up to these actors and feel they tick all the boxes for me. If you see, none of them were trying to be like each other. They all had their own personality. And that’s what made them [so popular]. Or if you look at Kareena Kapoor [Khan], she is the last in the league. I have no one else in mind, who looks good, dances great and has these fabulous expressions.
What I am trying to do right now, irrespective of Jewel Thief, is not follow a trend or get into the zone where everyone is blindly getting into the plastic world and looking like clones of each other. I am trying to stay true to what I saw growing up, which is to have your own personality, but at the same time try to adapt to what a particular film or story demands.
After Jewel Thief, you have another film coming up this year. While you seem to be busy with projects, there’s a sense in the industry that work has slowed down. For someone who juggles films, TV and OTT, what’s your understanding of the happenings in the industry right now?
Somewhere, when OTT picked up, there was a boom that happened and there was an abundance of work. So, we got used to that but now everyone, including makers, has become cautious. People have more options, so they pick and choose and they aren’t ready to watch anything or everything. So many changes have happened—OTT platforms merging, and the numbers of a film getting affected because it has come directly to OTT. I wouldn’t say that work has slowed down but there’s a lot of processing. We are going through a change, where makers are trying to see what will and will not work. So, experiments are bound to happen.
Has that affected the quantity of offers coming your way?
Irrespective of anything, you get offered things and you just have to choose the best from what you get. That’s an ongoing process.
Jewel Thief makers had no that I liked dancing-Jaideep Ahlawat
8:20 AM
With his smooth moves taking the internet by storm, Jaideep Ahlawat says he enjoyed shaking a leg for the first time and playing to the gallery with Jewel Thief
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; April 17, 2025)
Who is ruling the internet the past few days? Jaideep Ahlawat, with his smooth dance moves. Give the actor a role and he will knock it out of the park, but no one expected him to burn the dance floor. That is, until viewers saw Jaadu, the party number from Jewel Thief, also starring Saif Ali Khan and Nikita Dutta.
“No one, not even Siddharth and Mamta [Anand, producers] had any idea that I liked dancing. When I was asked to do it, I said, ‘I can manage this much dance,’” he smiles.
Ahlawat didn’t exactly spring a surprise on us. In a 2021 interview, the actor had told mid-day that he wanted to strap on dancing shoes for the screen (Want to tell everyone I’m a dancer as well, April 15, 2021).
Bring it up and he says, “I knew I could dance, but for some reason, such a script never reached me. Here, Sid sir and the makers thought of making me dance. They could have easily shot the song only with Saif and Nikita. But Kunal bhai [Kapoor] and I were included. I saw the opportunity and accepted it.”
That’s not it. We’ll see him shaking a leg again soon. “I did a film before Jewel Thief. Its release got delayed,” he tells us.
The Netflix heist thriller, with its dialogue-baazi and cat-and-mouse chase between the protagonists, comes as a departure from Ahlawat’s serious offerings. How was it playing to the gallery? “Ek dum mast,” he says.
“I’ve done all of this before, for instance, in Commando [2013], which had only dialogue after dialogue. This kind of dialogue-baazi becomes fun when you know it’s not force-fitted. We have grown up watching [Amitabh] Bachchan saab, then Shah Rukh [Khan] saab. So, there is no prep needed to play such a character.”
While Ahlawat has teamed up with Khan in the Robbie Grewal and Kookie Gulati-directed thriller, he also shared screen space with the co-star’s wife and actor Kareena Kapoor Khan in Jaane Jaan (2023). “Ab main family member kaha jaa sakta hoon,” he quips.
When we ask him if there are any differences or similarities between the two actors, Ahlawat shares, “As actors, they are slightly different. Jaane Jaan was quite serious. So, [her] preparation was different. But the one thing I found interesting is that despite being such big stars, both of them never intimidate you with their stardom.”
Living without waxing or make-up for three months was more challenging than expected-Nikita Dutta
8:19 AM
Crediting filmmaker Ram Madhvani for crafting strong female characters, Nikita Dutta discusses why she couldn’t refuse The Waking Of A Nation
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; March 4, 2025)
Nikita Dutta has been a history buff since childhood. So, when Ram Madhvani’s The Waking Of A Nation came her way, she knew she had to be part of it. Even when the filmmaker mentioned the ‘no grooming clause’ for the character, she agreed without hesitation. The Waking Of A Nation revolves around the Hunter Commission, which is an investigation of the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre. The actor, who previously starred in Ek Duje Ke Vaaste (2016), Gold (2018), Kabir Singh (2019), The Big Bull (2021), and Khakee: The Bihar Chapter (2022), among other things, discusses the privilege of working in a Madhvani show and why it features one of the “strongest characters” she has ever played. Edited excerpts from the interview.
How did you become part of The Waking Of A Nation?
I was called for this show while attending yoga school. I had to audition over the phone, which I had always believed never worked because there was no brief. I initially resisted, as the scene was one of the toughest in the show. But they insisted, so I recorded it without much thought. A week later, they called me. When I visited the office, Ram sir explained his 360-degree shooting style—no rehearsals, no lighting, no marks. He also asked if I was okay giving up vanity completely for the 1919 setting. I immediately agreed. I completed my yoga school and was vacationing in the Maldives when I got the call welcoming me on board.
Was it easy to give up vanity completely?
When we started workshops, I realized how much vanity I had to abandon. While I had no issue with it, living without waxing or make-up for three months was more challenging than expected. However, in front of the camera or during workshops, I felt free and liberated. It gave me a new sense of independence and allowed me to experiment.
What were the workshops like?
The workshops focused on two aspects: getting comfortable with the 360-degree shooting style and understanding the period’s [nuances]. We did extensive improvisations and worked on speech and reactions from that era. So they made us go through many workshops. That’s why we were able to pull it off. We were properly cooked by the time we came on set.
How much did you know about the Hunter Commission?
I, of course, have read about it because I am quite a history buff. The period of India’s independence struggle is something I’ve always been very fascinated with. What I did realize is that there are a lot of people who don’t know about this chapter of history. Of course, we all know about the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, but we do not know what happened before and after it. The Waking Of A Nation is inspired by all those historical events, while we have also fictionalized it a bit. I remember Ram sir had gifted us a book when we just started with our workshops and it had a lot of first-hand testimonies of people who have been a victim or have lost their relatives in the massacre. That was hard-hitting.
What excited you most about the era?
In the show, I run a printing press with my friend Albaksh [played by Sahil Mehta]. We shot in an actual 1919 printing press with fully functional machines. Witnessing how newspapers were printed—like small alphabets are put together on a slate and how an article comes together and the amount of strength you had to apply on it to print—was fascinating.
What do you think of Ram Madhvani as a filmmaker?
I think he’s one of the finest filmmakers I have worked with. He is one of the nicest persons apart from being a great filmmaker. There is, of course, his process of shooting, which is widely discussed, but there is so much more than that. Not many filmmakers give a lot of substance and priority to their women characters, but if you see his body of work—from Neerja [2016] to Aarya—you will see the women playing [strong characters]. You don’t just see Sonam [Kapoor], but also notice Shabana [Azmi] ma’am’s character standing out. He says he gets his inspiration from the women around him because he’s surrounded by strong women, from his wife to his mother. That reflects not just in front of the camera, but even off it. This entire show has been shot by four women cinematographers. They have been holding those heavy cameras on their shoulders and shooting. There is no concept of trolleys in his world of filmmaking. He took care of all the basics on set, even crew members. He made sure we had clean toilets exclusively for the women in all sorts of locations that we’ve shot.
How is your character, Poonam, depicted?
She is a strong, bold, and fierce woman—not in the stereotypical loud Punjabi way. He’s chosen to show me as a woman who has a voice, who worked back in the day, and as someone who can take control of situations within her capabilities. As an actor, it’s not every day that you get to play characters like this. It has been a privilege to be part of his filmmaking world. This is probably one of the strongest characters I’ve portrayed on screen in my life.
I start prepping for the Mumbai Marathon in December-Nikita Dutta
8:47 AM
Akash Bhatnagar (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 23, 2025)
Nikita Dutta recently participated in the Mumbai Marathon and accomplished the half marathon feat, marking her 10th half marathon in a row. Talking about the experience, the actor says, “I am from Mumbai, and you experience the flavour of the city while running. Besides running on the Sea Link, the best part starts when you get to the Worli Sea Face and Peddar Road, which is the residential area. It has that old Mumbai charm. You have so many residents out there, who selflessly hold cards, and offer food and water. You have all sorts of people which is a beautiful feeling of inclusivity.”
The 34-year-old says if “you’re a naturally fit person, consistent all through the year”, it’s easy to run 21 kms. She goes on to talk about her prep for the marathon. “In December, every Sunday, I target a long run between 10 km to 15 km. I focus on strengthening my legs, as you need strong legs to sustain the distance. Just when November is about to end and December draws close, my mind starts focusing and figuring out the long-distance running days. Taking part in the marathon began as a random activity, but it has become such an important part of my life now. Everybody should do this at least once in life,” says Nikita.
She admits that she likes the vibe of unity that’s felt around the marathon time. “You do not get to see the spirit of Mumbai in a nightclub; you see it during the Mumbai marathon, because that’s when the city comes alive.”
The actor has a background in athletics, as she used to run and play basketball in school, but she never pursued it. She recalls that back in 2012, when she was about to take part in Miss India and didn’t know much about losing weight, she opted for running. “I just started running because that’s the most accessible thing for anybody who doesn’t know much. And that’s how I took to running,” shares Nikita.
Saif Ali Khan’s Jewel Thief wraps up for second time as Kookie Gulati reshoots action sequence and songs
10:23 AM
Director Kookie Gulati, who was roped in to revisit some scenes and shoot songs of Robbie Grewal-helmed Jewel Thief, wraps up Saif Ali Khan’s thriller
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; December 5, 2024)
Saif Ali Khan’s Jewel Thief—The Red Sun Chapter is one of those rare films to reach the finish line twice. First, director Robbie Grewal called a wrap on the heist thriller in May. Last month, mid-day reported that producer Siddharth Anand had roped in director Kookie Gulati, believing he would be a better fit, to revisit some scenes and shoot two songs of the Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat and Nikita Dutta-starrer (Plot twist in the heist, November 16). Now, after a three-week schedule, it’s a wrap again on the film.
With a robbery at the centre of the plot, Anand wanted the movie to be pacy and slick. Sources say that Gulati reimagined an action sequence and shot it with Khan at Mehboob Studios in Bandra.
A source from the unit reveals, “Siddharth wanted to enhance the action and tension in a particular scene reflecting the heist. So, late last month, a set was built at the Bandra studio. Saif and another actor, who plays a significant role in the film, shot the sequence. Part of the set-piece was also filmed against the green screen. Saif rehearsed extensively with action director Parvez Shaikh before filming it. Kookie is now supervising the VFX work on it.”
Between mid-November and December 1, Gulati also shot two songs. While one was a romantic track filmed in Alibaug on the leading man and Dutta, the other was a peppy dance number. The source adds, “It was choreographed by Shazia Samji and Piyush Bhagat, and featured the entire cast.”
Jewel Thief makers conduct an extensive schedule in Budapest, Saif Ali Khan films action scenes and songs
9:08 AM
Sources say Jewel Thief makers conduct an extensive schedule in Budapest, with Saif filming action scenes and songs; thriller to wrap up soon
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; July 15, 2024)
It’s a transcontinental on-screen heist for Saif Ali Khan and Jaideep Ahlawat. In March, mid-day reported that an extensive schedule of Jewel Thief—The Red Sun Chapter was being conducted in Mumbai, after which the team would head to a European country (Chor in the city, March 27). Now, it has come to light that director Robbie Grewal shot a chunk of the thriller in Hungary with Khan, Ahlawat, Kunal Kapoor and Nikita Dutta.
Jewel Thief, produced by Siddharth Anand, is apparently centred on a high-stakes robbery with Khan and Ahlawat’s characters pitted against each other. While the cast filmed the climax and most action sequences in Mumbai, the Budapest leg saw them shoot some songs.
A source reveals, “The final leg began on May 18 as they filmed songs featuring Saif and Nikita against the picturesque locales of Budapest. Some action-packed chase sequences were also canned in the 10-day stint. Robbie has envisioned Jewel Thief as a slick heist thriller, with the leading man sporting a suave look, complete with a ponytail. Saif has also built a chiselled, six-pack physique, for which he has been working out since last year.”
With the international schedule having been wrapped up on May 28, the film is nearly complete. All that remains is a patchwork shoot that will take place in Mumbai next month.
The source adds, “It will be only a few days of filming that will include some city and car shots. Robbie is currently neck-deep in post-production and wants to wrap it up by October.”
Jewel Thief—written by Anand, Grewal and Sambit Mishra—marks the producer’s reunion with Khan over 17 years after Ta Ra Rum Pum (2007).
At the Miss India pageant, I was told I was the heaviest-Nikita Dutta
8:05 AM
Tracing the evolution of her fitness journey since her days as a Miss India participant, actor Nikita Dutta emphasises the importance of outdoor activities, yoga
Sonia Lulla (MID-DAY; October 25, 2023)
Kabir Singh actor Nikita Dutta admits that prior to her exposure to nutrition science as part of her participation in the Miss India beauty pageant in 2012, her approach to designing a wellness routine was cursory.
“It was then that I learned how to structure a diet, and the importance of its various components. Because I was always struggling to stay in shape to look a certain way, I really got into it. Since then, I have been learning about wellness [intricately],” she reveals, acknowledging that while not entirely true, people’s perception of the exhaustive physical demands placed on models is not entirely misplaced either.
“There are people who take the short cut to achieve what they want. At the end of it, everybody tries to do what works for them. I remember being constantly told that I was the heaviest contestant. We [would be] made to stand in a line, and I was always told that my legs were looking big, and that I needed to exercise. At the age of 20, such comments [affected] me. I started working out way too much, and, believing that I was doing the right thing, forced my body to pull off far too much. Behind the ramp, there is a lot that [goes] on. To constantly go through this was a bit traumatic.”
While consuming “portions that were the bare minimum”, and adhering to a diet that was devoid of carbs and sugar, Dutta would execute cardiovascular bouts and focus on core exercises to “get that flat stomach and visible abs”. “But I knew I couldn’t continue this for long. That’s also why I never took to ramp [modelling]. I moved to acting, and anchoring since I realized this wasn’t meant for me. I cannot be the person who adopts bad habits to look a certain way.”
The muscle soreness that resulted from her cardio bouts drew her to calming activities like yoga, which redefined her fitness journey. “The flexibility that I have developed is only one part of it. I am able to deal with situations better, and have been able to address a nasal congestion I have had for several years. If I have to describe my fitness journey, I would say yoga and running are the two constants. I also weight-train, and love to cycle outdoors. Once in a way, I’ll head to a kick-boxing class, and ever since I did a dance-based film, I’ve developed a love for the art form.”
Having begun her running sessions with two-kilometre-long bouts, Dutta progressed to executing 10-kilometre runs. A spontaneous decision to participate in a half marathon (21 kilometres) opened new doors for her. Having been able to pull off the distance at the first attempt, Dutta began to make frequent appearances at similar events.
“I’ve realized that strength training and functional activities are responsible for shaping you in such a way that you can pull off long-distance running sessions. Endurance running is a mind game, but a lot has to do with your lifestyle as well. Small changes, when practiced for years, can help you pull off something like that. Also, in endurance running, it’s important to remember that if you try to compete with another runner, you won’t go too far. You have to approach it patiently, and follow your pace.”
No longer a fan of low-carb diets, Dutta has often spoken about the need to pick meals wisely. “Good carbs, like rice and chapati help you build strength and stamina. I’m not a fan of protein shakes, but ever-so-often if I get a call from my mom telling me I cannot consume non-vegetarian food on a given day for [religious] reasons, I will have it. Also, I used to make the mistake of not giving due attention to the consumption of good fats like oils and nuts. That’s something I’ll never do again.”
Nepotism exists, and is always going to exist. But that only makes me work harder-Nikita Dutta
7:55 AM
Kimberly Colaco (BOMBAY TIMES; April 12, 2023)
Nikita Dutta, who has starred in films like The Big Bull and Kabir Singh , recently spoke to us about nepotism in the film industry, the difference between films and OTT shows, her upcoming projects and more.
‘PEOPLE WITH CONNECTIONS ARE PREFERRED IN THE INDUSTRY’
Nikita strove to make it big in the industry and considers herself lucky to work with talented people who helped her learn and grow. “Simultaneously, I have had instances where connections have been preferred. There were times when I was selected for a role, but it was handed to someone else. Nepotism exists, and is always going to exist. But that only makes me work harder and keep going,” she says.
Beginning her career as a TV star before moving on to films and OTT, Nikita says it was quite a ride. “I came from a place of no experience and no connections in the industry, but with the intent to work. Thus, when I landed the role in Dreamgirl - Ek Ladki Deewani Si, I took it as a learning opportunity to understand acting and become friends with the camera. Films were always on my mind, and I made the switch only when it felt right,” says Nikita, who made her Bollywood debut with Lekar Hum Deewana Dil in 2014.
‘WOULD LOVE TO WORK IN SOUTH INDIAN FILMS’
Nikita is a big movie buff, and a fan of south Indian cinema. “I am hooked on to south Indian films. I absolutely love them. If given a chance, I would love to work there. I just finished a Marathi film and a film called Dange by Bejoy Nambiar, which are slated to release soon,” she shares.
‘I HAVE ALWAYS GIVEN PREFERENCE TO CONTENT OVER MEDIUM’
Nikita says content is the most important factor when she chooses projects. “I have always given preference to content over medium. This is also why I have managed to cover all three mediums – TV, film and OTT. At the moment, I relate to OTT and film content more than anything else, and they are similar in terms of their approach. The only difference is storytelling, since you have the liberty of time in an OTT series.”
Bosco Leslie Martis’ Rocket Gang to release on November 11
8:03 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (June 13, 2022)
Rocket Gang promises to tick all the boxes that make a movie the perfect family film. Dance, comedy, drama, and fantasy Bosco Leslie Martis’ directorial debut has already piqued people’s curiosity and now, the makers have upped the ante by announcing the release date of the project. The film is slated to release on November 11 as a Children’s Day weekend treat.
Speaking about the film, Bosco says, “We all have worked really hard to make Rocket Gang. It is a labour of love and passion. As makers, our aim is to have everyone across the nation enjoy the drama to the fullest. Keeping the same vision in mind, we think 11.11.22 will be the best date to present Rocket Gang. See you at the movies!”
Shariq Patel, CBO of Zee Studios, said, “This is a film created for families and kids to come together and enjoy a perfect family time. We at Zee Studios have nurtured it from script to screen. It is full of dance, music, and masti and is meant for a theatrical experience. Considering the same, we are thrilled to release the film on 11. 11. 22 around Children’s Day.”
Rocket Gang, directed by Bosco Leslie Martis and produced by Zee Studios, stars Aditya Seal, Nikita Dutta, Mokshda, Sahaj Singh Chahal, Jason Tham and five young kids, Dipali Borkar, Tejas Varma, Jayshree Gogoi, Aadvik Mongia, Siddhant Sharma, in pivotal roles.
My relatives were upset; said ‘We came to know about your wedding from the papers’-Jubin Nautiyal
8:18 AM
Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 18, 2022)
Speculations are rife that singer Jubin Nautiyal is in a serious relationship with actor Nikita Dutta. Quashing the stories about a secret engagement, he tells us, “These are all rumours! Nikita is a very dear friend of mine.”
Quiz the Raataan Lambiyan (Shershaah, 2021) singer, if such conjectures have affected his bond with her, and he says, “Not at all! She is an actor and understands how false information spreads.”
On the other hand, Nautiyal gets “affected” by such rumours. The 32-year-old says, “Had I been a Mumbai boy acquainted with how the industry works right from my childhood, I might have been more conditioned in dealing with my personal life going public.”
The Lut Gaye singer goes on, “I’m a small-town boy. I come from a joint family set-up where the idea of what society will think is prominently rooted. As kids, we’ve been told to keep personal matters within the house.”
He says that though his parents remained unfazed by the rumours, he had to spend a considerable amount of time explaining to his relatives that he hadn’t got secretly engaged to Dutta: “They were upset; they were like, ‘We came to know about your wedding from the papers’. I had to tell them it was just a rumour.”
But is marriage on his mind? “I don’t think it’s going to happen anytime soon. Maybe a couple of years later, I’ll do it,” Nautiyal signs off.
I’m scared to step out and go for a walk. I hope I can overcome this fear-Nikita Dutta
7:50 AM
Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; December 2, 2021)
Actress Nikita Dutta wants to tell people to be careful when walking on the road while talking or texting on their phones after what she went through recently. The actress was texting on her phone when she was out for a walk in Bandra on November 28 at around 7.45 pm when two men on a bike snatched her phone. She tried chasing them, but they fled. Nikita has filed a complaint at the Bandra Police Station.
She says, “I was walking on a busy road when two men came on a bike, tapped me on my head, snatched the phone from my hand, and before I could react, they fled on their bike. I managed to chase them a bit, but I could not match up with the speed of the bike.”
Nikita says that the incident has shaken her up. She says, “When I reached home, I was in a state of shock. A day later, I registered a complaint. Through a tracking app, I got to know that my phone was switched on, which meant that they had already sold it. I have got a new SIM card, but my phone has a lot of important files, which can be misused. It was also a big pinch to my pocket because the phone was very expensive, and I had bought it a few months back.”
Nikita says she has learnt her lesson. “One should never text or talk on the phone when you are on the move unless it is urgent. I am thankful that I wasn’t hurt. I hope I am able to get my phone back,” says the actress who has acted in the movie Kabir Singh and has also been a part of TV and web shows.
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The actor, who was mugged last Sunday and she hopes the culprits are caught
Vinay MR Mishra (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 2, 2021)
Actor Nikita Dutta, in an infortunate incident, lost her phone last Sunday, when a pair of bikers mugged her. “It was quite traumatic,” recalls Dutta, adding, “That night, I didn’t sleep at all. I had a panic attack the moment it happened.”
She says that two riders on a bike tapped her from behind. When Dutta got disoriented, the pillion snatched the phone from her hand and rode away.
Late that night, she rushed to the police station and completed all formalities necessary, so that the culprits can be nabbed. “We went through the CCTV cameras but couldn’t find anything useful. I’ve lost hope now,” says the Kabir Singh (2019) actor a bit disappointed.
The incident took place at 8 pm when she was walking to a nearby restaurant. It has left her traumatised. “I’m scared to step out and go for a walk. I hope I can overcome this fear because these are the things I enjoy doing. At the moment, I’m not comfortable going out, I don’t think I have the courage,” she says.
The 28-year-old shared her ordeal on social media and received huge support from the fraternity.
“I’m trying to forget the episode like a bad nightmare. However, one thing I’d like to say to everyone is that do not text when you are on the road,” the Dybbuk actor concludes.
Nikita Dutta robbed of her iPhone by 2 men on motorcycle in Bandra
7:54 AM
V Narayan (THE TIMES OF INDIA; December 1, 2021)
Mumbai: Model-turned-actress, Nikita Dutta, was robbed of her iPhone while she was on an evening walk on Monday. The incident occurred at around 7.30 pm hardly a few minutes after Nikita Dutta stepped out of her Bandra (W) home and was walking towards Pali Hill when two men on a motorcycle approached her and the pillion rider snatched away with the mobile worth Rs. 40,000.
Dutta even chased the thieves but in vain. Bandra police registered a case under sections for common intention and theft of the IPC against the two unidentified persons. A team has been formed to track the accused with the help of CCTV footage they have collected on the route that motorcycle-borne thieves have taken to speed away.
The incident has shaken Dutta who took to social media and posted the trauma. She posted: “Sharing a torrid experience I had yesterday which was very dramatic and has given me a rough 24 hours. I was walking on the 14th road in Bandra around 7:45 pm. Two men came on a bike from behind, tapped me on my head which suddenly disoriented me for a moment and the pillion rider snatched my phone from my hand. They were on the move when they did this. Before I could react they fled away. For almost 3-4 seconds I was in absolute shock as I didn’t register what just happened.”
She concluded her post, “I hope this doesn’t happen to anyone else and no one has to experience losing their hard-earned money like this without any fault of theirs.”
Top casting director Seher Aly Latif passes away
8:21 AM
Seher Latif, who succumbed to a cardiac arrest, contributed to a spate of Indian and international projects
MID-DAY (June 8, 2021)
Casting director Seher Aly Latif, known for her work on films like 'The Lunchbox' and 'Durgamati', passed away yesterday due to a cardiac arrest, her associate and director Neeraj Udhwani said. She was in her early 40s. The co-founder of independent production company Mutant Films, Latif backed the Netflix series 'Bhaag Beanie Bhaag', starring Swara Bhasker, and 'Maska', a film for the streaming service, which featured Manisha Koirala.
Udhwani, who directed 'Maska,' said Latif was admitted to Lilavati Hospital eight days ago due to kidney failure. “There was some infection, which caused renal failure. She was admitted last weekend. She was on antibiotics and was recovering. But today she suffered a cardiac arrest and suddenly it was all over,” the filmmaker said.
Latif was known for her extensive work as a casting director on projects like mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan’s biopic, The Man Who Knew Infinity, starring Dev Patel, filmmaker Gurinder Chadha’s period film Viceroy’s House and Bhumi Pednekar-fronted drama feature Durgamati.
She was the Indian casting associate for acclaimed international projects like Kathryn Bigelow’s Zero Dark Thirty, Julia Roberts-starrer Eat Pray Love, the Netflix series Sense8, season four of the Showtime espionage thriller Homeland and the BBC One/AMC series, McMafia.
Latif’s popular works
- Latif was attached as the executive producer on films like Shakuntala Devi, starring Vidya Balan, and Akshay Kumar’s Gold.
- Some of her international credits include Dev Patel-starrer The Man Who Knew Infinity, and Eat Pray Love, Furious 7, Viceroy’s House, McMafia and Sense 8, in which she served as the Indian casting associate.
- Irrfan Khan-starrer The Lunchbox, and Dia Mirza’s Kaafir, were other offering that Latif worked on.
- Maska, starring Manisha Koirala and Nikita Dutta, is among the Netflix projects she was associated with.
Tribute pour in
- One of the kindest, most loving people Mumbai gifted my life with. Still trying to process this unreal news. Travel on into the light, my dearest, sweetest, Seher. The unpredictable, ghastly shortness of life remains baffling - Nimrat Kaur, actor
- I don’t believe it. Unfair parting with a kind soul and real friend. I hope there is another side - Ritesh Batra, filmmaker
- The heaven will be blessed with your mushy hugs and infectious smile. Still can’t fathom this though. - Nikita Dutta, actor
- Her default expression was a smile. You would always find her smiling. She was one of the nicest, kindest people I ever met. - Neeraj Udhwani, director
Nikita Dutta under home quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19
8:01 AM
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; April 7, 2021)
Nikita Dutta, who was seen playing actress Jia Sharma in Shahid Kapoor-starrer Kabir Singh and in the MX Player web series Aafat, was all set to get her mother to fly down from Delhi to Mumbai for the screening of her upcoming film, which will release on an OTT platform. However, her plans went for a toss as she tested positive for Coronavirus and her mother, too, fell sick.
Nikita contracted the virus while shooting for the dance movie Rocket Gang with actor Aditya Seal in Mumbai. The film marks the directorial debut of choreographer Bosco Martis. Talking exclusively to Bombay Times, Nikita says, “It’s unfortunate and frustrating, but acting teaches you to be patient. We have been trying to shoot the film since 2019, but we had to halt the schedule due to the pandemic. We resumed the shoot in December last year, but Bosco was detected with COVID; later, Aditya tested positive, and now, it’s me. I have been asked to quarantine at home for 10 days and take a test again.”
Nikita adds, “It’s difficult to maintain social distance while shooting certain scenes, and actors cannot wear a mask when the shot is on. Our safety rests on the shoulders of the crew. Safety precautions like using sanitisers, masks and temperature checks are in place, but people are still contracting the virus. We cannot move the shoot to another city either as our set has been constructed in Mira Road and change in venue for a third schedule is logistically impossible.”
What made things more difficult for Nikita was her mother’s illness that coincided with her contracting the virus. “My mother had to be rushed to the ICU due to some complications. Luckily, it wasn’t because of COVID. I was about to fly to Delhi to see her, but I couldn’t as I tested positive for COVID-19.”
Nikita Dutta to play Abhishek Bachchan’s lady love in The Big Bull
7:56 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; November 14, 2019)
After Kabir Singh, Nikita Dutta is now set for her next outing in Bollywood. She will be seen opposite Abhishek Bachchan in the financial crime drama, The Big Bull. Nikita has already commenced shooting for the film in Delhi.The film revolves around the life of Harshad Mehta, infamous for the Securities Scam of 1992. A source said, “The makers had liked Nikita and Abhishek’s pairing in the first go. She plays an important role in the story.” Meanwhile, Nikita is also doing another film opposite Emraan Hashmi, which is the Hindi remake of the Malayalam hit, Ezra.
Shahid Kapoor says I’m not expressive off camera-Nikita Dutta
8:09 AM
Nikita Dutta, who plays an actress in Sandeep Vanga’s Hindi directorial debut, discusses her co-star and interesting aspects of her turn
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 20, 2019)
Nikita Dutta, who made her film debut with a supporting role in the 2014 film Lekar Hum Deewana Dil, before she moved on to the small screen to play the protagonist in Dream Girl, was back at the movies last year. In Reema Kagti’s Akshay Kumar-starrer sports-drama Gold, she was cast opposite Sunny Kaushal.
Now, the 28-year-old Delhi girl will be seen in Sandeep Vanga’s Shahid Kapoor and Kiara Advani-led Kabir Singh. “I play Jiya Sharma, an actress who falls in love with Kabir’s weirdness, which struck me as interesting,” she says, adding that shooting with Shahid was an easygoing experience. “He interacts with everyone on the set, which is superb. He once told me that I am not expressive off-camera. My poker face makes it difficult for people to figure out what’s on my mind.”
While Gold had also featured Mouni Roy, who played Akshay’s love interest, Kiara Advani plays the leading lady in Kabir Singh. When asked if she is okay with multiple heroine projects, Nikita says, “All my scenes are with Shahid. I haven’t worked with Kiara. After taking up a film there’s no point thinking about it. It’s better to take the good that comes your way instead of sitting around and waiting… nothing really works out in that case.”
So, is it a break from TV? “I’m focussing more on the web space and films for now. I’ve disconnected with TV a bit though it wasn’t a conscious decision. I like it this way though,” she signs off.
TV actress Nikita Dutta to play film star in Shahid Kapoor-starrer Kabir Singh?
8:08 AM
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 13, 2018)
After making her Bollywood debut with the Akshay Kumar and Mouni Roy-starrer Gold in August, TV actress Nikita Dutta will be seen as a movie star in Kabir Singh, the Hindi remake of Telugu hit, Arjun Reddy. The actress began shooting for the film, which went on the floors in October, last week with leading man Shahid Kapoor.A source from the sets of the Sandeep Reddy Vanga directorial informed Mirror, “Nikita’s character helps Shahid’s Kabir deal with depression after his break-up with girlfriend Preeti (played by Kiara Advani). Nikita’s portions will be shot in Mumbai, while Shahid and Kiara will also be heading to Delhi and Mussoorie to shoot other important sequences that constitute the first half of the film.”
The film sees Shahid’s Kabir, an alcoholic surgeon with anger management issues, on a self-destructive path after his ex ties the knot. The film focuses on his downfall and subsequent resurgence. Shahid is also training in football for the part. Vanga, who is directing the fi lm had also helmed the Telugu original.
Fan hate mail gets TV show Ek Duje Ke Vaaste reinstated
7:47 AM
Fans of Sony’s primetime show Ek Duje Ke Vaaste were in for a rude shock over the weekend when news of the daily soap abruptly going off air on October 7 surfaced. The seven-month-old show has apparently just reached a highpoint with its protagonists — Shravan (Namik Paul) and Suman (Nikita Dutta) — tying the knot.
A source close to the development revealed to Mirror that the termination was because Nikita had to be hospitalised after being diagnosed with dengue and leptospirosis. She’d earlier been rushed to the emergency room when she collapsed due to exertion. “If that wasn’t enough to worry about, her costar Namik was also down with a bad bout of viral infection last week because of which two episodes couldn’t be telecast last Thursday and Friday. The makers had run through their bank of episodes,” added the source.
While the team had been intimated about the channel’s decision to bring the curtains down on the show, fans took it upon themselves to keep it going with on-air and on-line petitions. Ek Duje Ke Vaaste is popular and irate viewers have not only been bombing the channel with requests but also hate mail. The channel when contacted insisted the show isn't going off air at the moment.
MEANWHILE...
Recently, another show, Star Plus’s Phir Bhi Na Maane... Badtameez Dil, went off air abruptly. But the channel was forced to reinstate it online following protests from fans. The musical-romantic series premiered on June 29, 2015 on TV and ran till September 26 after which it was converted into a web series, premiering on Hotstar two days after it went off TV and ran till November 18. It revolved around Abeer Malhotra (Pearl V Puri), a successful rockstar who was in love with the simple and intellectual Meher Purohit (Asmita Sood) when in college. They get married and then divorce. Meher then returns as the new CEO of the music channel Abeer sings for.
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