Nitin Manmohan’s daughter Prachi, who’s debuting as a producer, is all praise for the actor and his co-stars in the film
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 25, 2019)

Filmmaker Nitin Manmohan’s daughter Prachi, who is making her debut as a producer with Sab Kushal Mangal, says the pressure of living up to the family name is intense. “I have to prove myself to my dad more than anybody else. The script was chosen by dad and Akshaye (Khanna). After reading the script, he said that he didn’t think there could be a better film for me,” she shares.

Yesteryear actor-producer Manmohan, who is remembered for essaying grey characters on the big screen, was Prachi’s grandfather. Ask her if she ever thought of getting into acting herself and she says, “I have been a production person since I was a child. When I was seven-eight years old, I was on the sets of Deewangee. There were stars like Ajay Devgn, Akshaye and Urmila Matondkar, but when I walked in, I saw my dad ruling the set. I told him that I wanted to be like him.”

She is all praise for the film’s leads, debutants Priyaank Sharma and Riva Kishan, and Akshaye. “I have worked with Akshaye before and no words can describe how amazing he is. Both the new kids are so hardworking. All of them have done justice to their characters,” she raves.

Calling production “the most thankless job”, Prachi says that if her father feels even 20 per cent proud of her, she’ll feel that she has done her job. Would she like to remake any of his films? “Laadla, that kind of love story is what I would want to do,” she responds.

Akshaye Khanna talks about the choices that he has made and why he opted for risks over security and commercial viability
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 21, 2019)

Even before you arrive at producer Nitin Manmohan’s office for the interview, you learn, to your surprise, Akshaye Khanna likes chocolates, but only one particular brand, and would order it even when they were shooting for the upcoming romcom, Sab Kushal Mangal, in Jharkhand. He is also always punctual, even when he has to drive to the ‘burbs all the way from town. Noon strictly means 12 pm. By the time we’re done, you know a lot more about the reclusive actor. Excerpts:

You have had two releases this year with one coming up on January 3. For someone who has always been super selective how does it feel?
It’s been a satisfying year as both The Accidental Prime Minister and Section 375 are films I believed in and I’m proud to be a part of them. That’s a great place to be.

So, we can hope to see you around for another five years?
Five years is just a number, a small one. I hope to be around till I drop dead. There’s a perception over the last few years that I tend to not do too much work, but it’s the opposite. Ayushmann (Khurrana) is doing three-four films a year, that’s the space I want to be in. I’ve always preferred a certain pace, but life has not always allowed it. If it happens, I’m the happiest. Sometimes a film requires 150-200 days of shooting, so you end up doing just one film a year. There are so many permutations and combinations in our business, it’s not like a factory assembly line where you can just churn out stuff.

Yet you seem optimistic about the future of Hindi cinema...
That’s because all kinds of films, be it Housefull 4, Bala and Pati Patni Aur Woh, are getting good releases. Ten years ago, if it wasn’t in the commercial bracket, a film wouldn’t get screens. Today, even Section 375 and Saand Ki Aankh get an audience and a voice. It’s like the social media, anyone can offer an opinion. The numbers may be small or large, but at least they get heard. The Accidental Prime Minister was the first authentic political film and that made it controversial in that it evoked different opinions. Ditto Section 375, as the topic itself was sensitive and so people reacted strongly and emotionally.

Yeah, one review described it as “a myopic ignorant train wreck” and another as a “gripping courtroom drama”.
That people would comment on both sides of the spectrum was to be expected. I might not agree with the one who calls it a “train wreck” but I can’t stop the critic from writing what he wants. I, too, have views about other people’s films. I might say I didn’t like it or that it could have been better...

In retrospect, would you have changed anything in the film?
Sometimes I feel—though it’s not my job or specific to one film that we can market and position our films better. You can never control a narrative, but you can balance it out. But that sometimes gets lost in too much information.

From the trailer of Section 375, one perceived a kind of a #MeToo trial so the twist in the tale was disappointing.
I’ve also got such preconceived notions and reactions. But that would be the obvious expectation and end, which is a choice my director didn’t make. Had it been a typical film, it might have fared better commercially. But the choice was to go in another direction. And that’s what made it interesting for me as an actor. If you believe in a certain premise, you have to live with the consequences. I really respected the thought process and the writing, and if I had to choose again, I’d go for the same. Unfortunately, in our country, while we have always celebrated democracy, freedom of speech and expression, and pluralism, when it comes to art—be it a book, an article or a film—if it offers a different perspective, we are not as accepting.

The upcoming romcom, Sab Kushal Mangal, seems less contentious even though it’s about a reality shows, goon politics and abductions.
It’s the sweetest script I’ve heard in a long time, a film I’d watch before I go to sleep as it leaves you with a nice feeling and no tension. I’d not done a comedy in a long time and my co-stars, Priyaank Sharma and Riva Kishan, are cute kids. Though they’re just starting out, I’m sure once people see the film, they’ll be pleasantly impressed by their performance. They have a certain maturity and focus which I didn’t in my first few films. This applies to all debutants across departments, which is fab and brave.

Brave? How so?
When you come into the public eye and put yourself out there as an actor, director or writer, you could be loved, hated, even ridiculed. So, that takes courage. You read about millennials in large numbers going into depression in their own private space, some even committing suicides over social media posts. Then, you see these kids who, irrespective of success or failure, are ready to give it a try. You can only win the game if you are playing it, not sitting outside. Life is about being on the court.

According to IMDB, you have signed up for two sequels, Phir Hulchul and Kick 2?
The information is incorrect.

Do you watch reality shows?
I rarely watch TV, I prefer movies. I’m getting less and less interested in information because anything you read or hear, unless coming directly from the source, arrives with layers of interpretation and so is never completely accurate. Even an article in the op-ed page of the newspaper, reflects someone’s opinions. Take the Talwar case. Despite years of articles, TV reports, films and a court case that cumulatively ran into thousands of hours, do we know the truth of what really happened the night Aarushi was killed? We don’t, which is why I’d rather read fiction, it’s always dependable.

Why aren’t our digital shows meeting expectations?
Our storytellers are used to the three-hour format. We have a history of television where shows go on for years. That’s why we are still struggling. But it won’t take our writers and directors too much time to get there. We are an extremely talented nation, look at the leap we’ve made technologically. We may not be there with the best of the best, but we can still produce a Baahubali which is a milestone in Indian cinema. It’s a beginning, we will build and improve on it. It’s happening already and the audience is rewarding the effort which is good.

That wall behind you has posters of several Nitin Manmohan productions, including your dad Vinod Khanna’s Insaaf and your Deewangee.
(Turning to look) Insaaf was one of dad’s fave posters. What an amazing shot! There are so many actors up on this wall, but I don’t know anyone who had his kind of body language... So fluid! It’s nice to be on a wall which has so much talent. You want to hear a great story?

Sure...
Nitin had gone to Mumbai airport to pick up a relative. Two-three decades ago, the entire family would go to pick up or drop off someone. I’ve many pictures of my dad leaving for an overseas shoot, in a suit, with all of us waving. But that day, there was no one to receive dad when he landed in India because hadn’t told anyone in the family that he was coming home from the US. He’d planned on taking a cab, but Nitin recognised him, even with the long white beard when he walked out. Nitin’s dad, Manmohan, and mine used to be very friendly and he insisted on dropping dad home in his car. They must have chatted on the way and that’s how Nitin produced his first film, Insaaf, with my dad making a comeback.

And what’s the story behind Deewangee?
There’s none, it was just a good film and very different from Anees Bazmee’s other movies. After that, he only concentrated on comedies and larger-than-life magnum opuses. He was a delight to work with as he has a good sense of drama. We also did a comedy, No Problem, which didn’t do well.

Looking back, are you happy with your choice of career? At 40, do you wake up eager or are you unhappy about it like so many?
I’m one of the luckiest few who looks forward to going to work every day because our job and days are not filled with monotony. One day, I could be doing a dramatic scene in Ooty, the next, a song in London, and on the third, an action sequence in a city studio. We’re meeting different people. Of course, you never know when the party will pack up, but at least till then, you can do what you love and that’s a gift life gives very few.

You know, I skipped my exams in the first year of junior college on purpose as by then, I was not interested in continuing with academics. I was so underprepared, I knew I’d fail and didn’t go. I had decided this was what I wanted to do. It was a question of when I was going to tell my parents because I was just 17 then. You fear resistance about your career choice from parents, and that delays communication. As a kid you don’t have the power to say “Bugger off!”

How did your parents react?
They were disappointed. Any parent would be hurt. They felt it was not my place to do what I did at that age. Parents of that generation were conservative, taking such risks was frowned upon. Even today, society is chasing security, and for the masses a government job is priority. It’s amazing that millions put their heads down, complete 60 years in service, do their duty with honesty and integrity and retire. It’s an achievement.

You opted for jittery Fridays. How long did it take your parents to accept?
They were fine after a while. Parents always come around.

Akshaye Khanna suggests he turned presenter for Sab Kushal Mangal to enable makers to rope in the suitable cast
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; December 4, 2019)

His second innings in Bollywood has primarily comprised roles completely devoid of tomfoolery, but Akshaye Khanna is set to tickle the funny bone as Baba Bhandari in his upcoming project, Sab Kushal Mangal.

Marking the debut of Padmini Kolhapure's son Priyaank Sharma, and Ravi Kishan's daughter, Riva, the comedy is being presented by Khanna, along with producer Nitin Manmohan. Khanna tells mid-day, "I haven't attempted a character like this one earlier. I am working with actors who are making their debut, and that makes this collaboration more interesting."

Seemingly a three-way love story involving a local big-shot, a TV anchor, and a woman, the trailer dropped online on Tuesday. Khanna says it was the entertaining subject that encouraged him to turn presenter with this offering. "I took the subject to Nitin because I loved it. It was tough to find the right people for the film. So, for me, turning presenter was [done for the sake of] friendship."

Ravi Kishan’s daughter Riva on her B’wood debut with a comedy
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 29, 2019)

Mirror had recently reported (January 23) that actress Padmini Kolhapure and filmmaker Pradeep Sharma’s son Priyaank is all set to make his film debut with first-time director Karan Kashyap’s Sab Kushal Mangal which also features Akshaye Khanna in the lead. We have now learnt that the film which is being produced by Nitin Manmohan’s daughter, Prachi, will also mark the Bollywood debut of Bhojpuri actor Ravi Kishan’s daughter, Riva.

“Ravi sir and my family has a common friend in Moin Baig who showed us Riva’s pictures and she looked right for the part of a bubbly small-town girl. She really liked the script and immediately came on board,” informs Prachi, adding that Riva and Priyaank have been attending workshops for the last two months and getting along well.

An elated Riva says, “I was travelling to Los Angeles and London, when I got a call from Baig uncle informing that Nitin uncle wanted to meet me for a film. One of dad’s first movies, Army, too was with Nitin uncle. I’m enjoying the journey and learning so much from it. This film is like an unexpected gift,” says Riva.

The debutante adds that she always wanted to be an actor and had worked with Naseeruddin Shah’s daughter Heeba in the 2015 play Parindo Ki Mehfil. “Dad is happy I will be making my debut with actors like Akshaye sir and Priyaank. I can’t wait to start shooting from March,” informs Riva.

The situational comedy has also been written by Karan who has earlier assisted Shaad Ali on Bunty Aur Babli, Shimit Amin on Chak De! India and Mani Ratnam on Raavan. They will be shooting in Jharkhand in a start-to-finish, 45-day schedule.

The comedy, produced by Nitin Manmohan’s daughter Prachi, also features Akshaye Khanna
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 23, 2019)

Actress Padmini Kolhapure and filmmaker Pradeep Sharma’s son Priyaank Sharma is all set to make his film debut with first-time director Karan Kashyap’s Sab Kushal Mangal that rolls next month. Produced by Nitin Manmohan’s daughter, Prachi, it also features Akshaye Khanna in a pivotal role.

An elated Padmini told Mirror, “I’m excited. The atmosphere at home has always been non-filmi, there was no pressure on Priyaank to become an actor or a filmmaker. The choice is his.”

The doting mom recalled how even when he was in school, Priyaank was interested in dramatics and his teacher would always praise him: “He’s an avid movie buff and has done a one-year acting course from The Lee Strasberg Institute in New York.”

Prachi revealed that when her casting director sent her Priyaank’s picture, she recognised him instantly. “We had studied in the same school and in fact were in the same class,” she smiled, adding that since he suits the role perfectly, she was keen to cast him. “I spoke to dad, who is close to Tutu uncle (Pradeep), and Padmini ma’am. He told me that if I wanted Priyaank, I should go about it professionally. So, then, I went with my team to their house and gave him and his parents a narration. They laughed and laughed and immediately gave a nod to the film.”

The situational comedy has also been written by Karan, who has earlier assisted Shaad Ali on Bunty Aur Babli, Shimit Amin on Chak De! India and Mani Ratnam on Raavan. The story is set in Jharkhand, where they will shoot in a start-to-finish 45-day schedule which kicks off towards February-end.

“It’s been two months since Priyaank began his workshops, he knows the entire script by now. He is very hardworking and we can’t wait to begin,” Prachi signed off.

Soumya Vajpayee Tiwari (MID-DAY; January 1, 2017)

Ehsaan (Noorani), Loy (Mendonsa) and I (Shankar Mahadevan) were friends since we worked together in the advertising field. But we never imagined that the three of us would be doing music for films together. We were doing a Pepsi commercial for Mukul Anand and he offered Ehsaan to do music for his next film, Dus. Ehsaan refused immediately. But when Mukul pushed him, he said he’d do it if Loy and I also do the film. We met Mukul and had the narration.

When we reached the studio to record the first song, the makers and people from the industry were all there. They asked Mukul who the composer of the film was and he pointed at us. Everyone was surprised to see three composers. They were shocked that there were no musicians, arrangers and music coordinators, etc. Mukul said these three would do everything. So they told Mukul, “Boss, tumne kisko sign kiya hai!” They’d completely given up. In the evening, we recorded the first song, Chandni, and they were floored. They offered us the entire soundtrack! A few days later, Mukul called me from New York, before we were about to record the most important song of the film, Suno Gaur Se Duniya Waalon. He blessed us, saying, “It’s a patriotic number, but I want it to play for every cricket and football match, and even at clubs.” We did the song and the team loved it.

But Mukul passed away during the making of the movie and Dus got stalled. We were happy doing jingles, but we were upset that our career in the film industry saw such a low right at the beginning. It was then that Nitin Manmohan (the producer of Dus), shot a video for Suno Gaur Se to pay tribute to Mukul. The song took off. It played everywhere, from cricket matches to clubs. Mukul was and has been a guiding force. Later, Vidhu Vinod Chopra gave us Mission Kashmir and Farhan (Akhtar) gave us Dil Chahta Hai.