Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; January 31, 2020)

He enjoys his share of indie space, what with winning a National Award for a film in a similar zone — Filmistaan (2012). However, director Nitin Kakkar reasons that in a country where films are dominated by stars, it is hard to survive in that space alone. With his upcoming film Jawaani Jaaneman, he tried his hand at directing a star, Saif Ali Khan. In a conversation with BT, he shares his experience of working on a typical commercial masala entertainer, discovering Bollywood debutante Alaya F and Sara Ali Khan’s exit from the project. Excerpts...

You have had three back-to-back releases — Mitron (2018),Notebook (2019) and Jawaani Jaaneman (2020) — over the past two years. However, this wasn’t the case when you started out. After your directorial debut (Filmistaan) in 2012, you had to wait till 2018 for your next Bollywood release...
I made Filmistaan in 2012, and it did the rounds of various festivals where it was received really well, but it hit the theatres only in 2014. It was almost funny, as festivals were going gaga about it, but the local producers and distributors were not even looking at it. Winning the National Award did something good, as we finally got buyers. That gave me the push to make one more indie film, Ramsingh Charlie (2015-16). It starred Kumud Mishra and Divya Dutta, but it never released as we couldn’t find buyers for it. We are a star-led industry. People prefer to watch movies that feature stars, and producers also back films that have stars in it. This is the reality. Today, the digital medium has opened up, and it has led to a big demarcation. Big films are set for theatrical release, whereas indie films are pushed towards OTT platforms. I got that opportunity too, but hello, I want my indie film to release in a theatre and not on any OTT platform.

Finally, you are working with a star yourself.In Jawaani Jaaneman, you have directed Saif Ali Khan, and also a talented actress like Tabu...
I got a first-hand experience of working with stars when I assisted director Siddharth P Malhotra on We Are Family (2010). Films starring big actors give you better budget to justify your vision. Talking about Saif, I must say that he is a witty, well-read and intelligent man. He is never scared to experiment. As artistes, we are meant to experiment and push ourselves towards uncomfortable zones. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but the point is to keep trying. Tabu is an honest person. In this industry, you can make out who’s fake and who’s not. I found her to be an honest soul.

On one hand, you were directing an experienced, senior actor like Saif, while on the other, there was a newbie, Alaya. How did you strike a balance, considering both have a lot of scenes together?
The best thing about Alaya is that she is well prepared; she has been prepping for this moment for years now. She is one of the most confident 21-year-olds I have ever seen. I never felt that she was a debutante. We did a few reading sessions before we began the shoot. So, it wasn’t like directing a debutant and a senior actor, but a fresh, well-prepared ‘actor’ and a senior ‘actor’. Their duet scenes went smooth.

How did Alaya F come in the picture? Sara Ali Khan was the original choice for the role of Saif’s daughter, right? There was a buzz about the real-life papa-beti jodi coming together on screen...
Yes, Sara was there, but one fine day, I was told that she was not doing the film. I don’t know what happened between Saif, who was producing the film, the rest of the team and Sara. However, I looked at it very positively. Alaya was a fresh face. There was no baggage to her, while Sara’s Kedarnath (2018) was set for release. She was also shooting for Simmba (2018). I am glad that we discovered Alaya. I was shooting for Notebook in Srinagar, when I asked her to join the team. I spent an entire day with her, and I could see my character in her personality. There are a lot of similarities between the two — for example, the way they look at relationships. In our society, divorces and separations are taboo even now, but Alaya has dealt with it in real life in a mature way (her parents, actress Pooja Bedi and businessman Farhan Furniturewala, are divorced). Alaya totally fit the bill for me. It is because of this change in casting that the film got pushed; otherwise, I was supposed to work on it before Notebook.

With Jawaani Jaaneman releasing today, have you started working on your next?
Currently, I am developing a story that I want to direct. I always wanted to make my directorial debut with a black-and-white film. I had even written the script and was on the lookout for a producer. I am going to take that project ahead now. It is going to be my next. It is based on the Partition, and I will set it in a black humour zone.

Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; January 28, 2020)

In her debut film, Jawaani Jaaneman, Alaya F will be seen sharing screen space with senior actors like Saif Ali Khan and Tabu. The confident young actress is excited to step into the industry and see her dream come true. In a candid chat with BT, she talks about the nepotism debate, stepping into the silver screen, the relationship she shares with her mother, Pooja Bedi, and more. Excerpts:

From dreaming about joining movies to landing a role in a film with Saif Ali Khan, and now gearing up for its release — has it sunk in that you are all set to make your big Bollywood debut?
It is all so magical! It’s surreal to see yourself on big screen. When I saw the film for the first time, I told myself that I would need some time to process this. I enjoyed watching myself on big screen so much that I have already seen the film thrice!

Did you always dream of becoming an actress? How did you prepare yourself to achieve your goal?
I have been prepping for the last four years. For two years, I studied direction and acting in New York. When I returned to Mumbai, I took training in acting, diction, gymnastics, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and dancing, which included forms like contemporary, Bollywood, Kathak, etc.

What’s the feeling of working with a senior and experienced actor like Saif Ali Khan in your first film?
Saif is very smart and witty. You can talk to him about anything and everything. He has been very supportive and is a very giving actor.

At the time of my solo shots, he would be there on the set to give me cues to better my performance. The first time I faced the camera for this film, it was for a scene with him. It was a dialogue-heavy, seven-page long scene, which was a six-minute shot. Nitin sir (Kakkar, director) asked me to do it in a single, continuous shot. It was a crucial scene where I reveal that I am Saif ’s daughter. I was nervous, but it went off smoothly without rehearsing the scene with Saif. The two of us shared a great comfort level.

You hail from a film family. Did you seek support and advice from your mother Pooja Bedi and grandfather Kabir Bedi?
I made a conscious decision to not involve my family members too much in my film journey. Family members tend to get emotional. So, I felt it is better not to mix the two. I told my mother right at the beginning that I would only reach out to her for advice. I am happy that she understood and supported me. Likewise, I go and seek my nana’s (Kabir Bedi) opinion, too. I like making my own decisions. I remember showing my nana my acting videos from my classes, and he would give his perspective on them. I grew extremely close to my nana during my process of becoming an actress.

Was your mom impressed with your training and prep? The way the industry functioned when she entered showbiz was quite different…
She was impressed. She has seen me slog for 14 hours straight, hopping from one class to another. She once told me about how she got her first film. She said that she was 10 minutes late for a meeting, and so she called the director to inform him about the delay and apologise for it. He was really surprised. He was so impressed with her sense of discipline that he cast her in the film without a second thought. That was the time when actors used to come on sets many hours late. Bollywood has changed so much since then. There are so many female-centric films today, and everything is contentdriven. It’s a competitive world out there, and everyone is well prepared. If you are not up to the mark then someone else, who is more prepared, will take your place. Everyone is so dispensable now. I firmly believe ki agar kaam karoge toh kaam milega. I love competition; it keeps everyone on their toes and motivated. You see your contemporaries and learn from their achievements and mistakes, too. It’s interesting to see the paths each one (contemporaries) takes. Alia Bhatt and Priyanka Chopra (Jonas) have inspired me a lot. They are so talented and do such diverse work.

Though you are yet to make your debut, you are already popular on social media. Did you think of that as a stepping-stone to a career in Bollywood?
No, at that point of time, I wanted to be a director and not an actor. So, it had nothing to do with that. In fact, I went to New York to study direction, but later I changed my mind and enrolled in acting classes. When I came back to India and started training here, I was almost disconnected from social media. I lost interest in it. Now that I am an actress, I am making an effort to get back and be more active on social media. However, it is difficult to get back into it once you’ve cut it out of your life. I know it is important, but I don’t take it too seriously.

Recently, while talking about nepotism, you said, ‘Even in our struggle, we are privileged’. It looks like you are ready to take the debate head-on and address it.
Of course! I expected these questions to come my way. However, I feel it’s great that a subject like this is being talked about. It is a reality, and there is no need to run away from it. Addressing it sensitively and acknowledging it is the most important part. For me, no matter what people say, I am still going to act. I am going to do what I love. Hopefully, one day I will be good enough and no one will consider me a product of nepotism. Look at actors like Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor... people don’t look at them as privileged star kids, because they are so good at what they do. Today, we see a lot of talent on the rise in Bollywood. We have star kids coming in, plus, there are talented actors from outside the industry, who are getting great opportunities, too. With more talent around, there are better opportunities and more films are being made.

Earlier in the interview, you said that you share a great bond with your mother. Your parents got divorced when you were really young. How has your relationship with your parents evolved over the years?
My mother allowed me to be my own person. She encouraged me to have an opinion and voice it loud and clear. My mother and I are rarely on the same page, and that makes for good conversations and debates. We look at things differently. I share a great equation with my father (Farhan Furniturewala), too. Both my parents have been there for me constantly and consistently. My dad is extremely excited ever since I told him that I wanted to get into movies. He used to send me newspaper clippings about films under pre-production and ask me to audition for them. Ever since I came back from New York, I spent a lot more time with him. He knows nothing about movies (laughs!). My mother lives in Goa now, while my brother Omar is in Los Angeles, where he is studying business management. Since I live alone in Mumbai, I tend to see my father a lot more. I share a great equation with my stepmother (Laila) and stepbrother Zaan. I hate calling him my stepbrother; he is my brother. He is just four years old and is very cute. I also share a good equation with my mom’s partner (Maneck Contractor). He, too, is excited about my film debut. A few days ago, we went to a multiplex to watch a movie, and when we saw a poster of Jawaani Jaaneman, we all started clicking pictures with it.

Alaya F, Pooja Bedi’s daughter, on the nepotism debate, her independent relationship with her divorced parents and keeping track of contemporaries
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 16, 2020)

Straightaway Alaya F informs you that she did not want to become an actress because everyone told her she should follow in mother Pooja Bedi’s footsteps. “I was good in academics and had bagged several extra-curricular awards, so I could have done a lot of other things with my life. But since I loved films, I decided to be a director and enrolled for a four-year course in filmmaking at the New York University,” she informs.

After a year, during a group activity, when she was being directed by a fellow student, she realised that she enjoyed acting. So, when she returned to India for a summer break, she told her mother over lunch that she wanted to face a camera now rather than stepping behind it. “She told me I was being indecisive. No one took me seriously then, so, I took control and completed all the documentation needed to get into the New York Film Academy. I got admission, made my five-year plan and went to my parents, wanting their approval. That was the best decision I ever made,” Alaya smiles with satisfaction.

The course taught her basic things like how to break down a script and gave her an understanding of characters. “On returning to Mumbai, I was clear that I would train for another two years and did many acting and dance classes, learnt everything from Bollywood to contemporary hip hop and Kathak. To get rid of my Yankee accent, I took Hindi diction classes and signed up for voice modulation,” she rattles off.

And all the effort led to her bagging Saif Ali Khan’s home production, Jawaani Jaaneman, in which she plays his daughter. Alaya is quick to point out that no one came to her with an offer saying, “Hey, we like you, so let’s find a nice script, a good director and a co-star and make it happen.” There were several meetings and auditions. “I got rejected several times, then, was lucky enough to bag this film. I am glad that I got rejected and grateful my debut is happening with Saif sir and Tabu ma’am. It didn’t feel real until I started shooting the film,” she admits.

You wonder about her mother’s reaction and while she agrees that Pooja was very excited, more so because she doesn’t tell her anything about what’s happening in her life—“She didn’t even get to see the trailer in advance”—she is quick to add that she only goes to her for advice when she wants it. “If she comes to me with unsolicited advice, I tell her, ‘Mumma, I didn’t ask for it.’ I believe in sab ki suno, apni karo. Having said that, she’s always there when needed,” she concedes.

Quiz her on her dad, Farhan Furniturewala, and she points out that though her parents are divorced, they are very involved in her life and are her silently supportive buddies. “Since my mother lives in Goa now, I tend to see my dad more often. He has another child with my stepmother whom I dearly love, and lot of stuff revolves around going out with him,” she smiles.

Bring up the nepotism issue and she admits it’s real and there’s no running away from it. “We need to realise that even in our struggle, we are privileged. If we got rejected in 10 auditions, someone else has got the thumbs down 100 times. Their struggle is greater than ours. But just because I’m privileged, doesn’t mean that I’m not going to do what I love and work hard at it,” she asserts.

And what was it like working with Saif? The smile is back, “It was fun, he’s a great guy to be around as he is intelligent, funny and witty and the set was, in general, a happy place.” Alaya goes on to say that when they were shooting in London, even Kareena Kapoor dropped by, but to her disappointment, they didn’t meet because Saif’s actress-wife arrived minutes after she had wrapped up. “But I played with Taimur many times, he used to keep running around, doing his thing.”

Given that she plays Saif’s daughter on screen, did she take any cues from his reallife daughter, Sara, you wonder, and Alaya retorts, “This character isn’t Sara, its Tia. With Nitin sir (Kakkar, director) I tried to put my real self into the role.”

Sounding very grown up for her years, she views competition as healthy and a great motivator. “Sara, Ananya (Panday), Tara (Sutaria), Janhvi (Kapoor), among others, are all extremely talented in different ways and together we’ve so much to offer. I respect everyone and have watched all their interviews several times to learn from their mistakes and take a note of their good points. I’ve also learnt to see them in the limelight,” she asserts.

Any wish-list of actors she wants to work with? She goes off like a shot, “Kartik (Aaryan), Varun (Dhawan) and Ayushmann (Khurrana), they are doing work which is successful at the box-office and I enjoy watching them on screen. It would be fun to perform with them,” she admits, but is quick to add that she has no role models and doesn’t believe in following something that’s already been done. “I admire a lot of actresses, from Priyanka Chopra and Alia Bhatt to Deepika Padukone, but I want to make my own path and hope somebody else follows it one day,” she signs off with a naughty twinkle in her eye.

25 years after its wild success, Saif Ali Khan Khan reprises Yeh Dillagi song Ole ole for Jawaani Jaaneman
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; December 27, 2019)

Unlike his long hair that is best left in the '90s, Saif Ali Khan's chartbuster Ole ole holds as much charm today as it did upon its release in 1994. Not surprising then that the actor-producer has revisited the Yeh Dillagi track in his next, Jawaani Jaaneman, the teaser of which drops online today.

The reprised version is an ode to Khan's "jawani" days, says composer Tanishk Bagchi. "Since Ole ole is an all-time classic, the producers [Jackky Bhagnani and Jay Shewakramani] decided on recreating this fun song. Lyricist Shabbir [Ahmed] and I have worked on quite a few songs. While writing the lyrics for this track, he tried to retain the fun element. The idea was to the better the original song and enhance its feel."

Khan shot for the song at a suburban studio last week. Prod Bagchi for the star's reaction to the new version, and he says, "He loved our treatment." Nitin Kakkar, who is helming the romantic comedy that also features Tabu, adds, "Considering it became a cult song, there is a lot of pressure riding on us as we want the track to resonate with the audience the way the original version did."

Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; August 16, 2019)

With his sleek hair cut and fitter-than-ever physique, the stylish and suave Saif Ali Khan is giving the younger heroes a complex. The Nawab of Pataudi turns 49 today, but forget looking his age, the Sacred Games star appears a decade younger! Even Tabu recently remarked that he is “looking so good with the haircut”. The AndhaDhun actress will share screen space with the Kaalakaandi actor in his next, Jawaani Jaaneman, which he is also producing. The two worked together in Hum Saath-Saath Hain (1999) and will reunite on screen after exactly two decades. “I don’t remember how it was working with her earlier because it was a long time ago. But, it was really good working with her now. She is a fabulous actress. Though we didn’t have much to do (together), there were a couple of really important scenes that she had. Speaking as a producer, it’s wonderful to see a really good actor bringing the scene alive,” says Saif, proudly adding that they wrapped up the movie in 43 days, “two days under schedule”.

The film was shot entirely in London and after completing it last week, the actor has extended his stay to celebrate his birthday there. “We are staying in an ancient country home in Windsor, England’s countryside. I thought it was haunted, but now I don’t think it is. It’s very nice and there are about six of us here with kids — we are cooking and eating. I will celebrate by having dinner with friends,” he shares.

Best work on the web
Incidentally, the second season of Sacred Games, which has Saif playing a cop, Sartaj Singh, was streamed a day before his birthday. The first season gained global recognition and the actor had won rave reviews for his performance. When asked what the series has meant to him, he said, “It’s meant that there’s more than one platform available to do amazing work. In fact, some of the best work I have ever done is on that platform. Entertainment is changing, and the way we’re making this content is also different. We are more mobile, our show is top class, and is comparable to any international one. That’s a great thing and I’m happy about it. It has also shown that there’s a market for intelligent directors and writers in India at the moment, which doesn’t have to be mainstream Bollywood or commercial. Since this is a web show, it should be different and tailored to suit the audience. So, a little more graphic, somehow not just in terms of sex and violence, but in terms of images. A little more artistic. It should be something beyond films and TV,” he elaborates.

A good phase
Apart from Sacred Games, the 49-year-old actor is gung-ho about his upcoming films, Jawaani Jaaneman and Bhoot Police. “The kind of ideas that were swapped on the sets of Jawaani Jaaneman and what I am expecting in Bhoot Police is something quite new and exciting. It’s a little different from how things were. I’m certainly feeling that it’s a very good time, actually, it is the best time because I am better than I was,” he says.

Saif is known to completely transform himself for every role that he plays, be it his hairstyle or the physicality. He believes that as an actor he should change for every role and come up with something different. “Examples have been around since forever. Aamir (Khan) has been doing it for the longest time. You know, you’re looking for something that can become a bit of an item, a piece of film. So, you’re finding a certain kind of Punjabi trendy look that can be from London, a tattoo or some haircut to make it effective. I think that’s something the audience also appreciates. And it’s something that as an actor, I quite enjoy finding that difference in each part,” he says.

Dealing with failures...
Saif has had a checkered career, which boasts of big hits and flops. How does he deal with it? “Things work and not work for various reasons. You need to get so many of these decisions right. Sometimes, it could just be the wrong kind of film. Like, there are so many different ideas today, and a lot of intelligent guys that I come across want to make slightly European cinema, which, you know, is not really mainstream. Some are trying to redefine mainstream Bollywood, I mean, they don’t want to make a certain kind of movie, but something more sensible. It’s a little tricky, sometimes you go wrong, because, you know, it’s not the kind of film that everyone wants to see. You spend all your energy making the wrong kind of movie. So, that is disappointing. But I think the job in itself is in a way satisfying. If your directors are happy and you’re proud of the film you made, that’s satisfying enough. But when it doesn’t run, that’s where you have to be strong, pick it all up and go again.”

... And moving on
With Sacred Games proving that he had made the right choice by moving to the digital platform, Saif now wants to keep the tempo going with his big-screen outings, too. Both his upcoming films, Jawaani Jaaneman and Bhoot Police are comedies, but of a different kind. While the former is a family comedy, the latter is a horror-comedy. Saif shares that he wants to be more conscious of what the audience expects to see. “I have tried to do it this year more than before. I want to do slightly more commercial stuff. In the past, I’ve done certain films like Chef which were a little different to what the audience would have wanted. So, I have become just a little bit more aware of what kind of films people want. For instance, Jaawani Jaaneman is quite intelligent and artistic in many places. But basically, it’s a lot of good fun. Both, director Nitin Kakkar and I, had it in our minds that we are trying to entertain people here — the emphasis has been on that,” he concludes.

BOMBAY TIMES (June 24, 2019)

After successfully entertaining the audience with their films in the ’90s, Pooja Entertainment has signed talented filmmakers Rahi Anil Barve, Vijay Lalwani and Nitin Kakkar to build on their brand of high-on-entertainment and content-driven films. “Just like the game of chess, in showbiz, too, content is queen. In just one move, the game can change completely,” says Jackky Bhagnani, as he prepares to lead Pooja Entertainment into its next phase.

Nitin Kakkar says, “Working with Jackky has been a wonderful experience, and I am looking forward to my association with him. He is determined to back content-driven cinema, and after Filmistaan, I haven’t written anything on my own. I am excited for the film we are making because it will be written and directed by me.”

Rahi Anil Barve, who had directed Tumbbad, says, “After the tremendous response to Tumbbad by the audience and critics, I expected the banner to brief me on a similar genre. But Jackky’s willingness to explore unchartered territory pleasantly surprised me. A freehand to execute your vision is something that every filmmaker aspires for, and Jackky gives you that freedom by putting you at complete ease and believing in you.”

Speaking about his association with Jackky, Vijay Lalwani adds, “What I like about him is that he’s not just a warm and approachable person, but he also doesn’t flinch while backing ideas that are new and edgy. He doesn’t just put a project together, but he goes all out to manifest your vision. And that’s what makes his production house stand out for me.”

Jackky says, “Times have never been better for good content, and it excites me to see great work happening across mediums — be it films, digital or TV. In fact, it is heartening to see some of our films get massive organic hits on OTT platforms. That just goes to show that our connect with the audience has been intact over the years, and we hope that this bond gets stronger with our new line up.” 

Set to debut with Saif Ali Khan, Pooja Bedi's daughter Alaia Furniturewalla on spending days on the set of Jawani Janeman ahead of leg
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; June 15, 2019)

If the social media posts that have acquired umpteen followers is testimony, Alaia Furniturewalla is surprisingly comfortable before the camera.

Yet, Pooja Bedi's daughter knows that facing the lens for her social media shenanigans isn't quite the same as doing so for her upcoming debut, Jawani Janeman, especially when she's paired alongside industry bigwigs, including Saif Ali Khan. "It's daunting, but it makes every cell in my body dance," chirps Furniturewalla, who plays Khan's daughter in Nitin Kakkar's coming-of-age comedy.

"I'm one of those who love to over-prepare, and am hence leaving for London a week in advance. I want to get into the skin of my character and study the script better. I'm working with established artistes who I admire, so I'm understandably nervous. To ease those nerves, Nitin sir thought it would [be apt] for me to observe things on set before I have to go in front of the camera."

Furniturewalla will join Khan, who is already stationed at London, and begin working on enhancing their chemistry. "My first scene is on June 26. Nitin sir has worked with many new actors, and understands how to put us at ease. He told me to know my script, and my lines, well. All that preparation, he said, will translate into [a better act] when the cameras roll."

Deepali Singh (DNA; May 31, 2019)

Just a few days ago, we told you how Saif Ali Khan is one heck of a stylish dresser. To add to that, we have always admired his uber cool hairstyles. In fact, we thought his latest high-temp fade hairdo had been inspired by his son, Ibrahim Ali Khan. Turns out, it is his look for his upcoming film, Jawaani Jaaneman, which also marks Alaia F’s debut.

It’s been a while since we saw Saif sport this urban, suave look, especially since he had to grow his tresses for his other projects such as Sacred Games, Laal Kaptaan and Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior.

Director Nitin Kakkar tells us that they went through a number of references before finally zeroing in on this look. “The crew cut is young, edgy and fun. Saif plays a middle-aged guy who, somewhere, refuses to grow up mentally and emotionally. So, the character too had to sport a cooler, younger appearance,” he told us, adding that while he won’t call him a Casanova, Saif plays quite the ladies’ man in this coming-of-age movie.

Saif Ali Khan ropes in Tabu for a pivotal role in Jawaani Jaaneman, marking their third collaboration
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; May 7, 2019)

Though most may associate her with deeply nuanced roles, Tabu - with her outings in Biwi No 1 (1999) and Golmaal Again (2017) - has displayed her flair for comedy. Now, the actor will tap into her comic side again as she joins Saif Ali Khan in Jawaani Jaaneman, his first home production under the banner of Black Knight Films. She has been roped in for a pivotal role in the Nitin Kakkar-directed family comedy that sees debutante Alaia F playing Khan's teenage daughter.

Essaying a 40-something father who refuses to act his age, Khan is glad to reunite with Tabu after Hum Saath Saath Hain (1999) and Biwi No 1 (1999). "Tabu is a brilliant actor. This part is funny on paper, and I'm pleased that she has agreed to play it as now it will be hysterical," says the actor-producer. While their previous offerings did not see them opposite each other, he refuses to reveal if they are romantically paired in their latest collaboration.

The addition to the cast comes only weeks before the unit heads off to London for a 45-day schedule. Producer Jay Shewakramani reveals that Kakkar had, in fact, written the part with Tabu in mind. A quick meeting with the actor was all it took to earn her nod. "Tabu is a close friend, so it wasn't difficult approaching her. She was always the first choice for Saif, Nitin and me. Fortunately, she heard the narration and instantly said yes. It's too early at this stage to reveal her character; all I can say is that she has an extremely special role," adds the producer.
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DNA (May 7, 2019)

Looks like it's the season of reunions. Given that a number of stars are working together after years, Tabu and Saif Ali Khan are the latest in this list. We hear the De De Pyaar De actress has committed to act in Jawaani Jaaneman, which the Sacred Games actor is also co-producing. Helmed by Nitin Kakkar (Filmistan, Notebook), the father-daughter subject also marks the debut of Pooja Bedi’s daughter Alaia F.

While some indicate that the role is an extended cameo, our source states that it’s an interesting role and the producers felt that Tabu fit the bill. Though they have never been paired together romantically, Saif and Tabu have shared credits in three films — Tu Chor Main Sipahi (1996), Hum Saath-Saath Hain (1998) and Biwi No 1.

Jay Shewakramani, who is producing the film with Saif and Jackky Bhagnani, says, “It’s too early at this stage to reveal Tabu’s character in the movie. All I can say at this point is that she has an extremely special role. She was always the first choice for Saif, Nitin and me and we are glad she agreed.” The coming-of-age film, which is a comic take on how a man confronts the harsh realities of his life, goes on floors next month.

Soumya Vajpayee (BOMBAY TIMES; March 28, 2019)

He has always dreamt of being an actor. And now, Zaheer Iqbal is being launched in Bollywood by none other than Salman Khan. Ahead of the release of Notebook, the newcomer talks to BT about his upcoming film, the equation he shares with ‘bhai’ and much more. Excerpts…

Your debut film, Notebook, is all set to hit theatres. How does it feel?
People are surprised that I’m so calm when my first film is about to release. I believe, mujhe jo karna tha, woh maine kar liya hai. I gave it my best. It’s been my wish that after watching my first film, I shouldn’t come out disappointed with my performance. After watching Notebook, I felt satisfied and had no complaints. I will embrace the audience’s response, too. Having said that, I do get jittery at times, and have trouble sleeping at night. That’s when I realise that subconsciously, I must be thinking, kya hoga… kaise hoga...

Have you always wanted to be an actor?
I would always tell my best friend, ‘Marne se pehle ek picture toh karni hi hai’. I’ve been handling construction business since the age of 16. So I thought that I’ll make a few buildings, accumulate money and make a film.

I was okay playing a senior citizen, but I had to see myself on the big screen, even if it took 40 years. So, being an actor was always a deep-rooted dream. For late-night parties, I would try different hairstyles and outfits, and my friends would ask, ‘Kaun tujhe itna gaur se dekhne wala hai, yaar?’ And I would jokingly reply, ‘What if I go to a party and Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan or Karan Johar see me and say, ‘Is ladke mein kuch baat hai. Isko launch karte hain’. And that’s exactly what happened in my life. I always believed that I would enter films and I guess that’s why I got what I wanted.

Your film is being produced by Salman Khan’s banner. What role does he play in your life?
Every new actor wants to be Salman Khan, the superstar. I want to be Salman Khan, the human being. I’m not saying this because he has given me a break or he’s producing my film. I’ve never seen someone help others so selflessly. We have travelled, trained and stayed together for days at his farmhouse. I’m a changed man because of what I’ve learnt from bhai over the last six years.

You said that you trained with Salman at times. What’s it like to be in the gym with him?
Even at this age (Salman is 53), he works out with so much dedication. A lot of times, Aayush (Sharma, actor and Salman’s brother-in-law) and I get tired, and we hope that we don’t work out with him (laughs!), because when we can’t match up to what bhai does, it gets embarrassing. But my physique is all thanks to him. He has personally kept track of my progress. When he is travelling, he calls my trainer and asks, ‘Kaisi chal rahi hai Zaheer ki training? Main jab gaya tha usko bola tha abs pe kaam kare… uska shoulder thoda weak lag raha hai’. His workout advice is also different. He says, ‘Eat and sleep well; that’s most important in acquiring the right kind of body. You shouldn’t do excessive gymming and exhaust yourself ’.

Notebook is being helmed by Nitin Kakkar. Was it intimidating to work with a National Award-winning director in your debut?
Working with Nitin sir has been like a dream. When bhai offered him a film (not Notebook), he refused, saying that he was not the right person to helm the project, because it was an action movie. Salman bhai was amazed that Nitin had rejected his production. When he left, I told bhai that I got a great vibe from Nitin sir and I wanted to do my first film with him. Bhai also liked him, so he called him back and gave him five scripts to choose from. Nitin sir returned with Notebook and said, ‘I will kill this film’.

How was the experience of shooting in Kashmir?
I’m in love with Kashmir. I consider myself well-travelled, and I’ve never met people who are as loving as Kashmiris. I remember this one instance when we were at a floating village on Dal Lake, where we saw a purple-coloured boat. When we went closer to click pictures, a man said, ‘Kya kar rahe hain aap?’ Before we could say anything, he added, ‘Yahan tak aaye hain to chai to peeni hi padegi’. So, seven of us went to his home and had tea. They didn’t know we were from the film industry, and we told them that we were marketing professionals from Mumbai, who were there for a holiday. When we thanked them, they thanked us in return for visiting their home. I was stunned. Another guy from the village said, ‘Aaj mere ghar mein kamaal ka lunch ban raha hai, aap logon ko aana hi hoga’. Who does things like these? Kashmiris are the best when it comes to mehman nawazi.

As an actor, what kind of films do you want to do?
I don’t care about the genre. For me, content matters the most. So, be it romance, comedy, horror or thriller, I’m okay with any movie as long as the story and director are good. I just want to do good cinema. I love watching movies like AndhaDhun and Badhaai Ho, which are real films that did commercially well, too.

Meena Iyer (DNA; March 27, 2019)

In the last four years, Salman Khan has launched six actors. Quite evidently, he is committed to the cause of introducing new talent. And, in a sense, he is passionate about giving bankable artistes to the movies. Of course, the Bollywood superstar is aware that he can handhold them only during the first stage of their career. Post this, they have to learn to fly on their own. However, that hardly stops him from giving the ‘kids’ his best.

While talking about Pranutan Bahl and Zaheer Iqbal, the lead actors of his production Notebook that releases this Friday, Salman looks back at his debut film. He says, “Thirty years ago, I was introduced with a lot of love. Though I began my career with Biwi Ho To Aisi in 1988, I feel it was Sooraj Barjatya who launched me in 1989 with Maine Pyar Kiya. Like I always tell people, ‘First Sooraj (Barjatya) launched me. And, then I launched Sooraj (Pancholi) in 2015. Life goes around in circles.”

Tease him that the filmmaker is waiting for him even after three decades and the actor says, “Ya, I know. We did Prem Ratan Dhan Payo in 2015. As of now, he also has three other films (not with me), which are ready. I saw the rushes and two of those movies look nice.”

Veering back to the topic of new talent, the Tiger Zinda Hai actor points out, “Aayush (Sharma) and Warina (Hussain) were launched by me last October in LoveYatri. Barely five months later, my production house is backing Pranutan and Zaheer. It’s good to do so because new talent should come in. Both of them have trained hard.”

Zaheer is a dear friend’s son
The Dabangg Khan is all praises for Zaheer and Pranutan. Though both of them are his close friends’ kids, he maintains that it was their sheer talent that prompted him to give them a break in Bollywood. Salman says, “Zaheer is a dear friend’s son, he has been with us since his childhood. When he showed a leaning towards movies, I asked him to train hard first. He has been doing so since Jai Ho (2014).”

“He has attended courses in acting, diction, action and dancing; in short, all the things that an actor needs to be equipped in. Every day, we would send him to auditions, never mind if nothing came out, but it was a part of his training. He’s got the personality of a hero, so we call him Zahero.” (Smiles).

He adds that the debutant is a sportsman at heart. “He’s a good swimmer, he plays squash and table tennis quite well, too, and is adept at roller-blade skating as well as cycling. He’s respectful, well-mannered and has had a good upbringing,” informs Salman.

Pranutan was studying to be a lawyer
As for Pranutan, few people know that she was pursuing a course in law. Salman tells us that her father, Mohnish (Bahl), has been one of his closest friends since childhood, much before they did Maine Pyar Kiya (1989).

However, he is quick to add, “I’ve got lots of friends, they have children, but we’re not looking to launch all of them — only those who, we feel, will do well, have the personality, are hard-working and have a passion for a career in movies. So, Zaheer and Pranutan have worked hard to earn their breaks.”

The actor-filmmaker says fondly, “I hope Notebook does well, both are accepted by the audiences and they make their families proud. It can’t happen just because I produced the film, it should happen due to their own destiny.”

Kashmir is beautiful, it needs no one to enhance it
Salman mentions, “Notebook is a beautiful love story. It’s got a lot of humour, niceness and laughter. It is set in Kashmir. Director Nitin Kakkar has done a good job. Some people have said that the cinematography is fantastic too. But, I say, Kashmir is fantastic. It doesn’t need anyone or anything to enhance it. It’s so beautiful on its own. How can any of us take credit for making it look beautiful?”

Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; March 25, 2019)

Even after winning a National Award for his debut, Filmistaan, director Nitin Kakkar had to struggle to make his inroads in the industry. With the soulful love story, Notebook, the filmmaker now hopes to draw the audience’s attention to his craft. The director, who is fiercely honest about his opinions, talks about the two debutants, Pranutan Bahl and Zaheer Iqbal in his next and working with Salman Khan as a producer among other things. Excerpts…

Your film revolves around a guy who falls in love with a girl by flipping through the pages of her notebook. With the youth of today is hooked on to dating apps. How positive are you about an unusual love story like this resonating with them?
The film talks about falling in love with the soul of a person. The hero falls in love with the words and the mind of the person while reading her notebook. The face of the person doesn’t matter to him. According to Indian culture, we say, ‘Ladki ki photo toh dikha dijiye, phir hum baat karte hain.’ Ladki kahaan se pasand aayegi aapko kyunki aap to sirf uska chehra dekh kar usse pasand kar rahe hain? There is some purity in falling in love with the soul of a person than just his or her physical appearance. That’s true love. My idea is never to make films to tell society what’s right or wrong. Generally, physical appearances or good looks work on apps, but I don’t think that’s pure love. We need to know the difference between love and lust. The story of Notebook belongs to those who understand what it means to be in love. I narrate a story and I believe that everyone will have their own takeaway from it. A filmmaker’s job ends with making the film and leaving it to the audience to interpret it. Besides, Notebook is more than just a love story.

You said that your stories choose the cast of your films. Was it the case with Notebook as well or did Salman Khan — the producer of the film — have a role to play?
Zaheer (Iqbal) was already on board, as Salman sir wanted to launch him. As far as the heroine is concerned, I wasn’t happy with those who came for the audition. My assistant director showed me Pranutan’s (Bahl) pictures on her Instagram account. At that time, I didn’t know that she was Mohnish Bahl’s daughter and Nutanji’s granddaughter. I gave her a tough scene laced with different emotions during the audition and she nailed it. After a few more sessions and internal discussions, we informed Salman sir, who was more than happy. As a producer, he gives us enough freedom and is open to ideas. I would say that it was a brave call on his part to back a script like this because it’s not a conventional film. You will not see the hero bearing his body, splashing water on himself and pulling other stunts that massy heroes do.

Do you feel a different sort of pressure while making a film for an actor-producer like Salman, who is quite involved in the process of prepping and grooming the actors he launches?
When someone comes with an experience of 30 years in cinema and is in the best phase of his career, you give him that respect and acknowledge the fact that he would know a little better than you. I can either be arrogant and think that I know everything or just listen to someone with experience. I don’t believe in operating from the space of ego. I am a small filmmaker and have always struggled to get the audience to theatres for my films. There will be a larger audience coming to theatres with a big name like Salman Khan associated with Notebook. So, my responsibility as a filmmaker becomes bigger but I am the same guy who tells stories in a simple way. Also, I am aware that I have two careers at stake; it’s a big responsibility as a director. Pranutan is proud of her lineage, but she is also hungry to carve a space of her own. She is a go-getter and so is Zaheer. He is a dreamer with a lot of positivity and both of them are extremely sorted. They are my responsibility and I have put my best foot forward for that.

Notebookis an official adaptation of Teacher’s Diary. What drove you to work on this?
I gave Filmistaan four years of my life, including two years to release it. I made Ramsingh Charlie with all my heart, but it didn’t see the light of day. That somewhat broke my heart. It might be art for you as a filmmaker, but it’s business for most people in this industry. The person who puts in his money is naturally bothered about the commercial viability of the film. The thing I have realised in all of this is that I should make films that people want to see and to the best of my abilities. I’ve approached Notebook with all my heart, something I did with each one of my projects in the past. Yes, the fate of Ramsingh Charlie changed me a little, but it hasn’t made me bitter. I haven’t given up on it and will fight for it find its way to the theatres.

It’s a given that you probably expected things to shape up differently after you won the National Award, right?
Look, I think being a National Award winner and a successful director are two different things and they can’t merge. These are two different sensibilities altogether. For instance, Total Dhamaal is different from Filmistaan, though they are both comedy films. The divide in their box office collections has to do with the taste of the audience and the star power involved. Total Dhamaal may not win a National Award, but I’m not sure if that’s on the makers’ agenda either. My objective is to strike a balance between being sensible and commercially viable with my storytelling. With every film, I am just trying to get there.

Nitin Kakkar on his next, a Salman Khan production with Pranutan Bahl, Zaheer Iqbal, working with Saif Ali Khan & why the National Award doesn’t weigh heavy
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 11, 2019)

In the edit room at his office, Nitin Kakkar dissects his next directorial, Notebook, calling it a film which will always be close to his heart, as it is unlike anything that he has directed till date. Excerpts:

Considering the socio-political complexities, why did you shoot Notebook in Kashmir?
To be honest, we had contemplated multiple locations as our unique love story needed a picturesque cinematic backdrop, but there’s no place better than Kashmir. And I assure you that you haven’t seen the Valley this closely before in an Indian film. But there’s no political commentary on the backdrop. Kashmir is not all about terrorism even if unfortunately, it has become an inherent part of the city. It has so much to offer.

Was it a conscious decision to launch two debutants, Pranutan Bahl and Zaheer Iqbal?
It’s always interesting to cast fresh faces in a love story. Working with newcomers is a challenge, but they bring their own energy. It’s also a responsibility because you know the audience will be judging them. For that matter even Zaheer and Pranutan could have started out with a safe film rather than a Notebook which many would take up only after establishing themselves.

How did Salman Khan come on board as producer?
Salman Bhai wanted to make a film with Zaheer. We had a few meetings, several ideas were discussed, then, I came across this script which is unlike anything he has done before. I was told that he would reject it, but to everyone’s surprise, he liked the subject and we were on. I’ve come to realise that Salman Bhai is all heart, there’s no hidden agenda behind choosing a script. He was very involved, would put across his point of view, but would leave the final decision to me. We have all been fans of Salman Khan, the star, but when you see Salman Khan, the man, you realise why he is on top. He understands cinema and the craft. And being Salim saab’s son, he’s also an amazing writer, his inputs on the script made a lot of sense.

Content-based films are doing well, that must be encouraging?
It’s the most amazing time here for storytellers and this new wave has given the industry confidence to take up unconventional subjects. I don’t like to play safe, I get bored in a comfort zone, which is why designing this film has been an amazing journey.

Next up, Jawaani Jaaneman...
Yup, a crazy ride with dollops of humour. It’s a father-daughter story and I’m excited with the way we are going to present Saif (Ali Khan) who is a witty, intelligent man. I can’t wait to start, but the entire film is set in London and with the cricket World Cup coming up there, we are still debating on the right time to shoot it.

Does the National Award add to the weight of expectations?
I had no idea Filmistaan would win me a National Award, it’s an honour and pushes me to do better work. It doesn’t weigh heavy because I’m just an ordinary director trying to tell extraordinary stories. 

Actor-producer has been quietly grooming Pranutan and Zaheer Iqbal for the spotlight and now, it’s a wrap
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 10, 2018)

2019 promises to be the year of the debutants with as many as 30 taking a bow. Among them is Pranutan, the granddaughter of yesteryear actress Nutan and the daughter of Mohnish and Ekta Bahl. She is set to make her acting debut with Salman Khan’s upcoming production, Notebook, in which she is paired opposite Zaheer Iqbal, who is the son of Iqbal Ratnasi, a builder and Salman’s childhood buddy. Excerpts from an interview:

When did you decide you wanted to act?
Pranutan: It was always on my mind but I wanted to complete my education. I was pursuing law from the Government College of Law.
Zaheer: The keeda had bitten me when I was a child. I used to converse in film dialogues and sway to the beat of Bollywood chartbusters whenever the opportunity presented itself. Salman bhai spotted me dancing at my sister’s sangeet and as soon as I got off the stage, he told me, “I am launching you, start training.”

I’m told that when I was kid, bhai called up dad one day and asked, “Hero kahan hai? Bhejo usko neeche.” When I came running down, he drove me to the studio where he was shooting. That was the first time I was on a film set. Back then, I didn’t know he was a superstar, for me he was just chachu. Years later, he came to my college for an annual function and seeing me wear my hair long, sighed, “Yeh drug zone mein chala gaya hai.” (Chuckles) He was happier when he saw me at the wedding—by then I had cut my hair short.

And after he signed you, did you hit the gym with him?
Z: People believe that if bhai is mentoring you, yeh banda body bana raha hai. But it is a different scene altogether. He trains you emotionally and mentally, teaches you to look at things from a perspective that no one would normally consider.

And how did you come on board, Pranutan?
P: Salman sir called my dad from the US and asked him to send me for an audition. Immediately after, he called dad again to say, “You are in trouble my friend, your daughter is soon going to be a heroine.”

And what was Mohnish’s reaction?
P: The first time I told dad that I wanted to be an actress, he asked me if I was sure because the industry is an uncertain place to be in. Some people are hugely over-rated, some under-rated and there are times when even talent doesn’t get you work. I used to believe that coming from a film family, I would easily bag at least a couple of projects, but dad was quick to point out that my background was an advantage only till I arrived on the set. The minute I faced the camera for the first shot, it didn’t matter whose daughter or granddaughter I was.

Did he ever visit you on the sets?
P: Dad was around for three days when we went to Kashmir for an outdoor shoot, along with my sister and mother. He saw some of the rushes and asked Nitin (director Nitin Kakkar) to give him a small role in the film as he loved what he saw. It was nice to have him around.

What was it like facing the camera for the first time?
Z: Before the shoot, everyone was saying, “Hero hai na, yeh karna, woh karna.” But after a three-month acting workshop with Hemant Kher, I learnt that it was all about getting under the skin of the character and by the time the film went on the floors, I was completely at ease. I was surprised to see just how confident I was in front of the camera. Our training sessions continued even on the film set as the coach was always present there. (Laughs) And apart from acting, my vocabulary also improved thanks to Pranutan and I got to learn new words like ‘contrived’, ‘euphemism’, ‘monotony’, and ‘cantankerous’.
P: I believe that no matter how much you prep, being on the set is a different kind of high. It’s almost surreal and more than acting, Notebook has been a beautiful journey of self-discovery.

Is there a sense of responsibility given that one of Bollywood’s biggest actors is banking on you?
Z: I felt responsible when bhai announced the film. We were hanging out at his place one evening when he suddenly turned to me and said, “Okay, we are announcing the film tomorrow, send me that (old) picture of ours (below).” I did, and the next day it went viral.

How would you define your equation with Salman?
Z: I have been his fan all my life, and after knowing him, I’m in awe of the human being that he is. More than films, our discussions are about life. Everyone in this industry wants to be the next Salman Khan, but I want to be the guy who takes Being Human (his charity) forward.

What’s your take on films?
P: Films are nothing but a reflection of the society. Flashback to the ’60s and you have films like Mother India, Guide and Bandini that featured Nargis ji, Waheeda ji (Rehman) and my grandmother Nutan. The content has changed over time, you can’t put creativity in a box, but the intention still is to entertain.
Z: I think, she summed it up well.

And what’s your take on the social media?
P: You can’t categorise it as black or white, it’s a grey space.
Z: If you use it well, it’s a boon, if not, it’s a bane. For me it’s the former, as I get all my information from Instagram.

Finally, why is your film titled Notebook?
P: Once you see the trailer, you’ll know why.
Z: And we can’t wait to see the audience reaction.

Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 20, 2018)

Mirror (October 3) had earlier reported that four years after producing the 2014 romcom, Happy Ending, which had Saif Ali Khan in the lead opposite Ileana D’Cruz, the actor is returning to production with Jay Shewakramani for Jawani Janeman. The film will be directed by Nitin Kakkar whose Filmistaan bagged the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi in 2013. Jawaani Jaaneman is a coming-of-age story of a 40-year-old man and revolves around his relationship with his daughter who will be played by actress Pooja Bedi’s daughter Alaia F.

“She has all the qualities we were looking for in the young lead, the charm and energy to take the film to the level that it needs. We are lucky to have found our perfect cast and I’m looking forward to work with Alaia,” says Saif. Alaia has done acting workshops with Ritesh Kant and Abhishekk Pandey earlier.

Jay who has worked with Saif as a creative producer on Race and Race 2, added that they have zeroed in on the debutante after screen-testing 50 aspirants. “Then, someone told me that Pooja Bedi’s daughter wants to act, so I checked out her pictures and sent a message to Pooja who put me in touch with Alaia’s agency. We loved her test, she’s got the film completely on her own merit,” he informs.

Jay then took Alaia to Kashmir to meet her director who is presently shooting there for Salman Khan’s next production, Notebook, featuring his childhood buddy’s son Zaheer and his frequent co-star Mohnish Bahl’s daughter Pranutan.

“Within 10 minutes of our meeting Nitin felt that she is the prefect cast for this film. She will play a fun-loving, independent girl, sporting a modern look in the film and will begin her readings and workshops next month, while we will start shooting for the film in March. However, she pretty much needs to be herself in the film as the role is quite tailor made for her,” adds Jay.