Showing posts with label Nitin Kumar Gupta. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nitin Kumar Gupta. Show all posts
CBFC told us to remove the martyrs’ photos, says director of LAC Battle Of Galwan
10:23 AM
(L-R) Rahul Roy and Nishant Malkani in the film. Pics/mid-day archives, Instagram, Youtube
Director Nitin Kumar Gupta, whose film LAC Battle Of Galwan was compelled to release on YouTube last week, recalls his three-year struggle to get the CBFC’s clearance
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; July 12, 2025)
Last week, as Salman Khan unveiled the teaser of his next, Battle Of Galwan, to cheers from his fans, another movie on the same subject quietly released on YouTube. Writer and director Nitin Kumar Gupta’s LAC Battle of Galwan, starring Rahul Roy, is a dramatized account inspired by the military confrontation that took place between India and China in June 2020, in Ladakh. While Gupta originally wanted the film to hit the screens on June 15, 2023, it has taken the project more than two years since to see the light of day.
“I wanted the martyrs’ families to see the film in theatres,” says the director. But that was not to be. The movie, shot in November 2020, was submitted to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in June 2022. Gupta says that in August, the CBFC screened the 83-minute single-shot film for the Additional Directorate General of Public Information committee of the Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces personnel in New Delhi. It was followed by a screening for the board in the same month. In September 2022, the CBFC handed out many changes in the war drama."
Gupta recounts, “They asked me to remove LAC from the title, delete references to the actual location, and reduce violence by 33 per cent — essentially asking us to dilute the reality of hand-to-hand combat our soldiers faced. The most painful was when they asked us to remove the photos of the 20 real-life martyrs from the end credits. These photos were already in public domain, with their names released by the government.”
He adds that the makers had pre-emptively taken many steps before LAC Battle of Galwan rolled. “We had changed the martyrs’ names to protect the families’ privacy; we didn’t mention China directly to avoid diplomatic issues, and based our story on verified sources.”
The team submitted the modified version in September 2022. Gupta rues, “There has been no official reply from the CBFC since. For three years, I knocked on every door. The film’s digital rights [rest with] Vikram Jadhav, who is an American citizen. It was his decision to release it on YouTube on July 5.”
mid-day reached out to CBFC chairperson Prasoon Joshi, who didn’t respond till press time.
A close shave
Rahul Roy, whose character in the film is inspired by Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, suffered a brain stroke during the shoot in November 2020. He was initially admitted to a military hospital in Kargil, before being airlifted to Srinagar and subsequently to Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai.
It was challenging to shoot for Walk after my health setback-Rahul Roy
8:15 AM
Returning to acting after his brain stroke in 2020, Aashiqui star Rahul recounts challenges of shooting Walk
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; April 11, 2023)
Over two years since he suffered a brain stroke while shooting for a film in Kargil, Rahul Roy is ready to bounce back. His next, Walk, won the Best Feature Film Award at the Jammu Film Festival on April 9, with the actor being felicitated for his performance. Shooting for the human drama across Rajasthan and Maharashtra was not easy for him, after his health setback.
But the actor says that as soon as he read the script of the Nitin Kumar Gupta-directed venture, which chronicles the hard journey of the migrant workers during the pandemic-induced lockdown, he was drawn to it.
“My character Roshan is forced to carry his deceased friend’s son through 1,000 miles of lockdown territory. I was excited to portray the emotional nuances of his journey, and the transformation he goes through,” shares the Aashiqui star.
It has been a long road to recovery for the actor since his brain stroke in November 2020 while shooting for Gupta’s LAC — Live The Battle in Kargil. Roy returned to face the camera a year later for Walk.
“It was challenging to shoot for Walk after my health setback. But the unwavering support of the team, including the director, helped me overcome the challenges. My recovery journey was a combination of medical treatment, speech therapy, and immense support from my loved ones. I took the time to prioritize my physical and mental well-being, and followed a disciplined routine of exercise, diet, and meditation,” he states. Next, Roy has a sequel to one of his “big films” lined up.
Gupta considers himself lucky to have collaborated with Roy on two films. Praising his movie’s leading man, the director says, “He never lost sight of his passion for acting [through the hard times]. At the Jammu Film Festival, seeing Rahul walk up on stage, confidently interact with journalists, and speak after two years was a testament to his determination and hard work.”
Mithun Chakraborty's Disco Dancer ready for a sequel
8:08 AM
Disco Dancer director ready to roll sequel to Mithun’s 1982 smashing hit; senior actor likely to reprise his role of dancing star Jimmy
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; April 4, 2023)
Forty-one years is a long time between a film and its sequel. But considering the immense popularity that Mithun Chakraborty’s Disco Dancer (1982) enjoys, the veteran actor’s fans will only be too happy to get a follow-up movie. mid-day has learnt that B Subhash, who produced and directed the 1982 musical drama, is backing the sequel, the working title of which is Disco Dancer 2. Nitin Kumar Gupta, who directed Sayonee (2020) and Love In Ukraine, will helm the offering.
Disco Dancer, also starring Kim, revolved around Chakraborty’s street singer Jimmy who becomes a disco star. On its release, it became a smashing hit, thanks to the leading man’s smooth dance moves and Bappi Lahiri’s chartbusters, including Jimmy Jimmy Aaja Aaja, I Am A Disco Dancer, and Yaad Aa Raha Hai. The movie is also credited for ushering in disco music in Hindi cinema.
A trade source reveals, “The upcoming action-musical will pick up where the first movie left off, following the story of Jimmy and his son. It will be shot in various international locations, including Russia.”
The world of Disco Dancer is incomplete without Chakraborty. We hear that the makers are keen to rope in the senior actor for the second edition. “While Mithun has not been approached yet, he will most likely be seen in the pivotal role of Jimmy. Music plays a key role, and the makers have initiated talks with some international music directors,” says the source.
Subhash and Gupta are apparently in talks with K V Vijayendra Prasad — the writer of RRR [2022], Baahubali, and Bajrangi Bhaijaan [2015] — to serve as the writer-presenter.
Despite multiple attempts, Gupta remained unavailable for comment. Subhash, however, confirmed the news, stating, “I have given the sequel’s rights to Nitin, who is directing it. I will be a joint producer.”
When probed whether Chakraborty will be a part of the sequel, he stated, “The casting is underway. It’s too early to talk about it.”
Rahul Roy is back home from the hospital
8:17 AM
Will continue with his speech therapy and start next with director-friend from February; plays an eyewitness who can’t name the murderer as he has suffered a stroke
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 9, 2020)
Nitin shares that when he met Rahul on Monday, he hugged him and spoke a little. “But I was the one who did most of the talking. He was joking about resuming shoot. The doctors were ready to release him on Monday, but paperwork took time. His sister took him home the following day,” the director informs, adding that he is delighted to see his friend walking, eating and doing everything. “He just has trouble speaking certain words, his speech therapy will go on for a while. The therapist will come home every day to work with him.”
The director had earlier (December 4) informed Mirror that Rahul will require a stent to prevent future attacks, but it is not an immediate priority. “We wanted to get that done sooner, but Rohit, Rahul’s twin brother, wants to give him some more time to recuperate. But the surgery will happen,” he asserts.
Nitin and Rahul’s next film, Sayonee, will release in theatres on December 18. The trailer was launched on Tuesday and one saw Rahul humming a song from his debut film, Aashiqui. “This will be his first release after the stroke and while other producers might be hesitant to work with him for a while, I plan to launch my next with him in February. It’s a murder mystery titled Stroke. Coincidentally, the film’s protagonist, played by Rahul, witnesses a murder but is unable to name the murderer because he has suffered a stroke. We are mixing reality with fiction,” he shares, adding that it will give him confidence to do more work.
Rahul Roy may require a stent to prevent attacks in the future-Nitin Kumar Gupta
8:10 AM
Director Nitin Kumar Gupta and Rahul Roy on the sets of LAC in Kargil
Nitin Kumar Gupta who’s taking care of actor’s medical expense, assures he’s doing well and is financially stable so any help will be compensated
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 4, 2020)
Since then, rumours have been abuzz that the actor is unconscious and in need of monetary help to cover his expenses and continue with the treatment. Nitin, who is still in Kargil, refutes this saying, “I’ve been in constant touch with his medical staff and his twin Rohit. The latter, who lives in Canada, told me on Thursday morning that Rahul’s physiotherapy and speech therapy is going well. Rohit spoke to Rahul for half a minute and informed that Rahul is conscious and speaking a few sentences. Thanks to everyone’s prayers, he is doing better every day.”
On the financial aspect, Nitin shared that he is currently taking care of the medical expenses—and the bills could run into lakhs—as Rahul cannot operate his account. “I’ve had discussions with his doctors who have said a stent may be required in the middle cerebral artery to prevent cerebrovascular events in the future. It’s a preventive measure and may prove expensive. Once I return, I will speak with the doctors again regarding costs. I can handle the expenses for now, but if anyone wants to help in any way it will just make it easier for me to help him. I am sure once Rahul recovers, they will be compensated,” he asserts.
Nitin informs that the blockage in Rahul’s middle cerebral artery was an old one and resulted in the mini stroke on November 26. “The stent can prevent attacks later but we will wait for him to be stable before going ahead with the procedure. The surgery might happen after a few weeks. Right now, the primary concern is for Rahul to get back on his feet. The doctors are ready to discharge him, but I have asked them to keep him under observation for a week more. I land in Mumbai on Saturday and only after I am satisfied with his progress, will we take him home,” he concludes.
Rahul Roy is stable, will be allowed to walk in 2 days, says director Nitin Kumar Gupta
8:25 AM
THE TIMES OF INDIA (November 30, 2020)
“He was hospitalised two days ago after he arrived from Kargil,” a family source told PTI. He was airlifted and brought to the city. Doctors said that his condition was improving, although the hospital declined to comment on his health condition.
Roy made his Bollywood debut at the age of 22 in the Mahesh Bhatt-directed 'Aashiqui'. He also won the first season of the popular TV reality show ‘Bigg Boss’ in 2006.
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Director Nitin Kumar Gupta confirms that the actor suffered a mini stroke in Kargil and is under treatment in a Mumbai hospital now
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 30, 2020)
Rahul Roy had been shooting for his upcoming film LAC (Line of Actual Control) in Kargil since November 15. The Chitra Vakil Sharma and Nitin Kumar Gupta production wraps up today, but on Sunday it grabbed headlines following reports that the Aashiqui actor had suffered a microinfarct and had been rushed to Mumbai and hospitalised.
When Mirror reached out to producer-director Nitin in Kargil he informed that Rahul, who plays an army officer in the film, had finished his work on November 23 but decided to stay back for a few more days to enjoy the weather. He was supposed to leave for Kolkata on Saturday, but on Thursday when Nitin went in to meet him in his hotel suite, he observed that while Rahul was walking and doing everything properly, he was unable to form cohesive sentences. “Being a doctor myself, I suspected aphasia, which affects speech, and immediately took him to a local hospital for a CT scan. The doctors there didn’t say anything but I referred the reports to some doctor friends and one of them suggested it might be a mini stroke which does not get caught in a CT Scan, and recommended that we fly him to Mumbai for further treatment,” recounts Nitin.
Since the roads are blocked, Nitin arranged for a helicopter pickup, with the help of the District Magistrate and the local administration. Rahul was first flown to Srinagar and from there to Mumbai. He has suffered a Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA) or thrombus in the Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA), leading to ischemia in the areas of the brain supplied by the left MCA, which includes the speech or Broca’s Area, leading to aphasia.
“He is currently being treated at Nanavati Hospital. I spoke to his sister and brother who are by his side, and he is stable. He was even asking when will we start LAC 2,” Nitin laughs, adding that Rahul will be kept under observation for at least 10 days but in two days, will be allowed to start walking around. “I've been paying for his medical expenses because of our friendship. We have done many films together, the most recent being The Walk, which we shot in July-August. I know as soon as Rahul recovers, he’ll want to pay the money back.” Nitin returns on December 4 and will immediately check up on Rahul.
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