Nupur Sanon and Stebin Ben’s three-day wedding festivities in Udaipur, culminated on January 11 with traditional pheras. The couple, who hosted a grand reception in Mumbai yesterday, spoke exclusively to us about their wedding celebrations. Excerpts...

Nupur: We blend our cultures beautifully. I’m a Hindu Punjabi and Stebin comes from a Christian background, so our wedding reflected both worlds. We had all the traditional rituals - haldi, mehendi, pheras, sangeet and cocktail, along with a Christian ceremony and vows.

Stebin: The three-day celebration was intentionally intimate, with only our closest friends and family, just people who’ve genuinely been part of our journey and witnessed our love story over the past five years.

Nupur: Before the wedding, whenever we found time in Mumbai between work commitments, we were rehearsing dances with friends, siblings and parents. It was all very organic and fun, with impromptu dhol nights that made the lead-up to the wedding incredibly special.

Stebin: Our vows were about choosing each other forever, celebrating love, commitment, and togetherness. What made it truly special was having our closest family and friends speak about us and share stories during the ceremony.

Nupur: We wrote our own personalized vows. Interestingly, I’ve never attended a Christian wedding before, the first one I experienced was my own!

Stebin: What mattered most was celebrating with our families and closest people. We wanted to honour every ritual properly, without rushing, and truly enjoy our wedding.

Nupur: That’s why we chose to step away from Mumbai and celebrate in Udaipur from January 9 to 11. It gave us privacy, space, and a strong cultural connect. I love Rajasthan, and we wanted the experience to feel calm, present, and joyful, not overwhelming.

Stebin: I had actually performed at this property years ago for someone else’s wedding. At the time, I never imagined that I’d one day be getting married here myself. It truly feels like life has come full circle.

Nupur: About three years ago, Stebin was performing at this very venue for another wedding. I hadn’t even seen the property then, but he called me from there and casually said, “I think I want to get married here someday.” And now, here we are - getting married at the same place. It really does feel full circle.

Nupur: Oh yes! Proper ladki-wale performances. We’ve rehearsed properly. Kriti and I danced together. Varun Sharma and Kriti also did a super fun performance. Two of my closest friends, Risha and Moni, joined in and it was all very organic and joyful.

Stebin: Sonu Sir performed of course. Also, Sukhbir – he has that absolute Punjabi vibe and is one of the finest Punjabi performers. We also had a Qawwali night. There were a few more singers joining in, and some surprise performances. Honestly, it wasn’t just about performances — all of us were dancing, celebrating, and performing together. It’s very participative.

Nupur: The first person I told about Stebin was my sister (Kriti Sanon). We’re five years apart but extremely close, we are like best friends. At that time, Stebin had just started professionally, so there wasn’t much to show career-wise. I spoke more about him as a person. I made her listen to his voice, and she immediately said he had a magical voice and immense talent. A few months later, I told my mother. Initially, she was a little unsure, like most mothers, cautious about seriousness and the future. That’s when my sister stepped in and told her, “I’ve met Stebin. I’ve heard him. He’s extremely talented and hardworking.” That confidence changed everything. And honestly, Stebin leaves a great impression when he meets people, so from there on, everything just fell into place.

Stebin: We don’t really believe in the traditional reception format — sitting on a couch, people coming and congratulating. There was no stage, no formal seating. I clearly told the decor team that. Think of it more as a celebration party for our film-industry friends — people who couldn’t travel to Udaipur. It’s our first big party as husband and wife, meeting people with that tag, relaxed and happy. It was a completely different crowd and vibe — and honestly, probably the most relaxed night of all the celebrations.

After enthralling listeners with Filhaal, Akshay Kumar and Nupur Sanon return with the second version of the song. In a chat with mid-day, Sanon says she was able to draw from past experiences to enhance her acting with Kumar for this offering. “My first project was with him. It was a big opportunity for a newcomer like me to debut alongside such a big star. This time around, we had better chemistry. I was in a comfortable space. I would ask questions and learn. From being a fan-girl on set, I was now turning to Akshay sir for advice on my career. I was learning from him by just watching him work on set. He makes me laugh.”

Debuting at a time when producers have incurred losses due to the pandemic has been hard on her as well. “We went into lockdown two months after Filhaal released. There was buzz and people wanted to meet me, but everything was pushed. It was frustrating, but I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. I worked on my craft during the lockdown by taking part in workshops with Jeff Goldberg. I would watch Hindi and English films and reenact scenes. Kriti [Sanon, sister] was always around to give me feedback. I worked on body movements, and expressions.”

Nupur says that her debut film has already been locked, but an official announcement is pending.

Kriti Sanon is missing work, but feels she is ‘extremely privileged’ to ‘have the basics sorted’
Prashant Singh (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 29, 2020)

For someone who starred in four back-to-back films (and two special appearances) last year, it’s anything but natural to miss work during this lockdown due to the Coronavirus pandemic. And actor Kriti Sanon readily admits the same. “For the first few days, I was chilling, but now, I’m missing work badly. It feels like time is just passing by but people aren’t living their lives,” she says.

The actor admits she “had a lot of hopes”, and was “very excited” about 2020 in terms of doing “some fab work”. “But I guess this year will be a skip, and blur in our calendars,” she says, adding that “none of us were prepared for this”. “But when I see/hear about what so many people are going through, I feel really privileged and thankful to have a house and my family around,” she says.

Still, for the 29-year-old, the “panic mode” is constantly on since her mother has asthma, and she worries even when her father and sister (Nupur Sanon) go out to buy groceries. “But the idea is to keep clam and tell yourself that, ‘it’ll all be over soon’. I’m utilising this time by spending it with my family. Work-wise, I had finished work on Mimi, so nothing was incomplete,” she says, adding that she has been busy baking and cooking”. “All of us [in our family] take turns to cook different cuisines,” she says.

Sanon, who is “not much of a reader”, has also started to read. “I’ve read Ikigai, and now, I’m reading The Kite Runner. I’m also watching shows/films which I missed out on earlier, such as How To Get Away with Murder, The Stranger, Money Heist, Shutter Island and Bala (2019),” she says.

Does the actor feel like there a silver lining in all of it? “For starters, the city is much calmer and clearer. So, it’s like nature has pressed the pause button and is rejuvenating itself. Sadly, it’s resulting in loss of lives,” she says, adding that the first thing she’ll do when things get ‘normal’ is “go out on a long drive with friends or just chill at a friend’s place”. “As for film-related work, it’ll be a while before things become normal,” she concludes.
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No domestic violence!
On Tuesday, Kriti posted a video and a poem titled Abused, highlighting the domestic violence. “I was shocked to read online that there has been a 35-40% rise in domestic violence cases during lockdown,” she says, adding that it reminded her of a poem that she wrote in standard 11. “I remember our house-help cried in front of mum and said that her husband would beat her. So, I wrote a poem imagining what she must be feeling. No one has the right to hit you, and women should be brave to take the right step. It needs to be spoken about. Even if this poem encourages one person, I will be happy,” she says.

With Akshay Kumar and Nupur Sanon-starrer Filhaal 2 deferred, B Praak releases audio-only track, Kuch bhi ho jaye, today
Sonia Lulla (MID-DAY; April 9, 2020)

An overwhelming response to B Praak-composed Akshay Kumar-starrer Filhaal encouraged the musician-actor team to announce a second edition of the single, only a few weeks before the country went into lockdown. The project is one among an array put on the backburner in the wake of the pandemic, with the development sending Praak looking out for other means to entertain his fans. Releasing today, his audio-only song, Kuch bhi ho jaye, is precisely that. "With people being stuck at home, artistes [must find] a way to entertain them. We want to give them something new to listen to. This is a sad song, based on deception," says Praak, who has sung and composed the track that has Jaani take writing credits.

When the country inches back to normalcy, the Teri mitti crooner is set to dive head-first into the shoot of Filhaal 2, also featuring Nupur Sanon, before he gives his undivided attention to his film commitments. "In 2021, there are movies like [Kumar-starrer] Bachchan Pandey, in which I have three songs, and Qismat 2, apart from another venture."

Making the most of the opportunities that the industry has to offer to musicians working in Bollywood as well as in the independent music space, Praak shuns suggestions of his lot not getting a free-hand when working on film music. "There is no pressure. I've never been bound [to create a certain kind of track]. Even for Bachchan Pandey, we would simply be told to create a track for a given situation. In fact, often, and especially when working for the Punjabi film industry, the film is tweaked to accommodate the songs that are created for it."

He is certain that the future of Indian film music will mimic that in Hollywood. "There, singers tie-up with companies, but release songs on their own channels. Here too, the future will be [driven by] independent artistes. People have understood the business, and how they must monetise from streaming apps and other platforms." He doesn't disregard the fact that being in Kumar's good books has afforded him a leeway in Bollywood. "Akshay sir has given me my entry in Bollywood. Due to him, I've got a lot of work."

Kriti Sanon on what drew her to her character in her next; also excited about playing a mom
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 30, 2019)

She entered Bollywood as a 23-year-old outsider from Delhi. Five years down the line, Kriti Sanon is a household name, and after two hits in Luka Chuppi and Housefull 4, is hoping to end the year winning the battle of Panipat, too. “I had never featured in a period film before this, it was exciting to play a character like Parvati Bai knowing she was for real. I can’t keep doing only love stories, can I?” she raises an enquiring eyebrow.

The actress admits she was initially apprehensive about the length and substance of her role, pointing out that she never wants to play a character which, if you leave on the editing table, will have no impact on the storytelling. “But when I heard the narration, I realised that Parvati Bai isn’t there just as the love angle. In fact, she is unlike what you would expect from a female character from that era but then, Ashu (director Ashutosh Gowariker) sir’s women have never been weak. Jodhaa in Jodhaa Akbar had strong opinions, ditto Parvati Bai. She expresses her feelings uninhibitedly for Sadashiv and is even a little manipulative in love,” she informs with a smile, going on to reveal that her character is a vaid (doctor) who, when the need arises, takes decisions that empowers the Maratha empire.

How confident is she of the film’s success given that Ashutosh is coming back from Mohenjo Daro and even Arjun Kapoor (India’s Most Wanted) and Sanjay Dutt (Prassthanam) haven’t had a good year so far? Pat comes the reply, “The performance of your last film doesn’t affect your current one. Bareilly Ki Barfi opened two months after Raabta and it still resonated with the audience.”

Meanwhile, the actress has just signed another film with Raabta producer, Dinesh Vijan. In Mimi, she plays a dancer from Mandava who wants to be an actress, but due to circumstances agrees to be a surrogate mother for a couple. Even though many actresses from her generation might not want to play mother on screen, Kriti points out that she had no such reservations. “As a performer you shouldn’t have any apprehensions portraying any character. Even in our film, Mimi is not ready to be a mother, but something happens, she goes along with it, and it transforms her life completely. You feel like a mother only after you experience it and I am excited to explore this,” she shares.

Kriti also reunites with her Housefull 4 co-star Akshay Kumar, producer Sajid Nadiadwala and director Farhad Samji for Bachchan Pandey next year and admits it will be like coming home. “The story is interesting and our characters very different from what we have done so far,” she informs, unwilling to divulge details except to say that Akshay and she shared a great give-and-take equation on Housefull 4, though there wasn’t much to explore with an ensemble cast. “I love his enthusiasm and hunger to do more and do it better.”

Point out that they could reunite on the fifth instalment of Housefull too and she demurs, “I’m sure Sajid sir has some ideas but with the benchmarks he has set with the franchise, I’m sure he will wait for the best possible script. If the collaboration of all the actors in the franchise happens, it will be amazing!”

The actress’s sister, Nupur, recently debuted with a music video opposite Akshay. When will she graduate to films? “Right now, Nupur is enjoying the success of her song. She is in talks for a couple of projects, but your debut film is the most important film in your career. It can either make or break you, so I am glad Nupur is taking her time choosing her first film,” Kriti signs off.

Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; November 30, 2019)

She began 2019 with a romcom (Luka Chuppi) and then followed it up with an action comedy (Arjun Patiala) and a reincarnation comedy (Housefull4). And now, Kriti Sanon is all set for her next outing — the historical war drama, Panipat — in which she plays the role of Parvatibai, the wife of Maratha warrior Sadashivrao Bhau. In an interview ahead of the film’s release, the actress talks to BT about director Ashutosh Gowarikar’s penchant for perfection, her memories of shooting with yesteryear diva Zeenat Aman, and her bond with Akshay Kumar. Excerpts...

Do you get fascinated by the world of period cinema? What was your first reaction when you were approached for the role of Parvatibai in Panipat?
My all-time favourite period films are Mughal-E-Azam (1960), Jodhaa Akbar (2008) and Bajirao Mastani (2015). The genre does fascinate me. I am not good with history and so, when I was approached for this film, I wasn’t well aware about the war of Panipat. The thing with history is that all of us read it, but we don’t remember it for too long. When you see it on the big screen, it gets inscribed in your mind, as the visual medium is way too powerful. When the script was narrated to me, I was mesmerised as I didn’t know what the Marathas had gone through in this journey. I didn’t know much about Parvatibai either. So, after the narration, I tried researching about my character, but there wasn’t much information available on her. I realised that my history book for this project was going to be Ashutosh Gowarikar. I am a director’s actor.

This is the first time Arjun Kapoor and you are doing a film together, and given that it is such an intense film, did you get time to get to know each other during the course of its making?
Arjun and I were supposed to do many films together, but they didn’t happen. I can’t name them, but two-three movies came to us, and either they didn’t happen at all or I did the film with someone else, or he did the film with someone else. Arjun and I have met at parties and bumped into each other at events. He is someone with a dry sense of humour. He is funny and I enjoy his company. He is very well brought up, and respects the people around him. It made me feel that we could be very good friends. Even though this was our first film together, we were very comfortable with each other. We loved our outfits and he was competing with me in the jewellery department. I would count my jewellery pieces and compare it with how much he was wearing. He is someone who can crack you up, no matter what your mood is.

You are working with Ashutosh for the first time. What sets him apart from the other directors that you have worked with?
It is his knowledge about the subject that he is working on, and the way he shapes up his characters. His female characters, even in a period film, are so aspirational. He is extremely calm as a director. It needs a calm man to handle the set of a period film, which is buzzing with a huge number of people. He never screams at his cast and crew and is never in a hurry and says, ‘Jaldi karo karo, jaldi ready ho jao, late ho raha hai.’ I remember, after taking a lot of time to get ready for a scene, I arrived on the set as Parvatibai. He looked at me and said, ‘I don’t think this sari is going with this scene’. He asked the team to show him other options and then he picked one and asked me to change.

That took another 45 minutes. For him, everything needs to be perfect, he is never in a rush. I personally feel that you perform well when everyone is calm on the set. He is open to suggestions. He told me, ‘You love comedy and like to introduce fun elements in your characters, so do it wherever you can’. In the first half of the film, Parvatibai will put a smile on your face because I added a few such nuances.

The film also stars yesteryear diva Zeenat Aman. Did you get to share screen space with her?
Zeenat ma’am plays Sakina Begum, and I have a lot of scenes with her. She is very graceful. I remember this one big scene, which is crucial to the film. It is a conversation between the two of us and very dialogue-heavy. I was excited, thrilled and nervous at the same time. We did the reading session in the vanity van, right before going on the set. She kept asking Ashu sir if she was doing it right. It was just the way a newcomer would ask a director. She had the same passion and hunger that the new actors have. On a lighter note, my parents were very upset with me, because they were in town and I completely forgot to tell them that I was shooting with Zeenat Aman. She chatted with me about her son, told me that she had seen my work and appreciated it. I could relate to her when she told me that during her times, not too many actresses were tall. She is very tall. I am slightly taller than her. I was very excited to see a tall woman in front of me (laughs!).

You met Priyanka Chopra recently and the picture went viral as it was captioned ‘When Parvatibai meets Kashibai’. What did Priyanka say about your portrayal as Parvatibai since she played Kashibai in Bajirao Mastani?
I didn’t ask her if she’s seen the trailer of my film. We bonded well and got busy talking about the Parvatibai-Kashibai connect. So, Sadashivrao Bhau is Bajirao's nephew, and Kashibai is Bajirao’s wife. I am Sadashivrao’s wife, hence, Kashibai would be my taisa. She told me that she enjoyed watching my video where I am dancing to the Coca Cola track (Luka Chuppi), while I was dressed in my period attire from Panipat inside my vanity van. She told me that it reminded her of the Bajirao Mastani days, when she would step out of her character and have fun on the sets (dressed as Kashibai) and Sanjay sir (Leela Bhansali, director) would get upset seeing that.

There’s a lot of buzz about your forthcoming film Bachchan Pandey. You are reuniting with Akshay Kumar for the film...
I am very excited about the project. Farhad (Samji, director) said in an interview, ‘Main chaati thok ke bolta hoon ki unka (Kriti’s) role bahut achcha hai and parallel hero se bhi bada hai’. I read his statement and it put a smile on my face, because I know the role and the way he has written it. I shared a great comfort level while working with Akshay sir during our last venture together. There, it was an ensemble cast and there was not much scope to explore our chemistry as a couple, this film might give us a lot more scope for that.

Akshay was seen opposite your sister Nupur in her debut music video. Is he helping her get a foothold in Bollywood? Did you have any role to play in the process?
He is definitely a friend, and a humble person. It is a huge coincidence that my sister did a music video (Filhall) with him. Actually, she was in talks with the makers of the music video for something else when they suggested the idea of doing this music video. Nupur didn’t even know who her co-star would be. On the day she was called to sign on, they revealed that Akshay would be a part of it. Frankly, I am not someone who is born and brought up in the industry that I can pick up the phone and ask anyone to cast my sister. She will have to do it on her own merit, just the way I did.

The actor’s first-ever music video launches today, and has a heart-touching melody
Medha Shri Dahiya (HINDUSTAN TIMES; November 9, 2019)

Actor Akshay Kumar seems to have his Midas touch on point with his last few films raking in big moolah at the box office. And, people are already stanning his latest project, music video Filhall, that releases today. We get talking to the actor about why he chose to do it, and if this debut had him nervous:

People generally feature in music videos to get noticed by filmmakers hoping they will bag a film or two. Why did you decide to do a music video, when you are probably the best-selling actor at the box office?
That’s a good question (smiles), I guess it’s living proof that I love my work, no matter how big or small I am or an idea is, I do it because I want to. This melody touched me in unbelievable ways. The lyrics and the treatment were put together so beautifully that there was no way I was going to pass up on this opportunity. I didn’t want to be sitting in my van watching TV one day, wishing I had been a part of something but thinking I was too established to be a part of it. Never; that’s just not me. If something touches our hearts, I think we should all be brave enough to acknowledge it and do something about it...

Since this was your music video debut, any debut jitters?
I wouldn’t really call it jitters but there was a sense of excitement as it’s my first music video. So I wanted to give it my best. Also, there was a sense of déjà vu. The way I’m dressed reminded me of my look in Namastey London, a film which is my forever favourite. Also, we’ve shot bits of Filhall in Punjab, so there were quite a few similarities. Hence, the entire video had this feel-good factor for me.

The song is a heart-wrenching love story. And B Praak would be singing this again for you, after Teri Mitti. Tell us more about the song and your collaboration with B Praak?
B Praak’s voice touches the depths of your soul like very few can. That is what he did in Teri Mitti (the actor’s March release, Kesari) and that is what he has done in Filhall. It moved me…the lyrics, the voice, the music…so much so that I wanted to be a part of it in some way, so here I am, despite being in the industry for so many years, making my music video debut with Filhall.

You don't shy away from working with newcomers, for instance, Nupur Sanon in this video. How is it to work with actors who might not have a lot of experience?
It’s a lot more rewarding. I will never forget the feelings I had and how I was treated when I was a newcomer. So now being the guy that can give a kind of confidence to anyone who has the passion to work in front of the camera can be a life changing experience. Just like no job is too big or too small, neither is an actor’s status to me. Working with Nupur was like a breath of fresh air. She was always eager to give another take, perfect her expressions, and spend time with the crew. Agreed that newcomers lack experience, but they compensate for it with their passion and hunger, so it balances out.

Any learning or special moments after working in the music video space?
This is my first music video and I agreed to be a part of it just because I wanted to, so you can guess that Filhall must be a very special song. After I said ‘yes’ to doing the video, these guys pulled off the production in less than a week. What I learned was that despite many budget constraints, the amount of large-heartedness they brought to the shoot was incredible! Khaira, the director, went out of the way to make it work within my schedule (given that I’m always busy doing something). Jaani, who wrote the song, is all heart and only heart, his life is only driven by emotions and that 100% reflects in his work. This tells you that when you want to do something from all your heart and soul, nothing can stop you.

Are you a romantic person who believes in making grand gestures or is it more like in little things? And now that we are talking about it, what’s the most romantic thing you have ever done?
You know, the strange thing is, when I had less in life, my gestures were big and bold, even scary at times, like getting married, the perfect rock, the big house, the fancy cars, all these things I did for my wife when I had less, which is when it means more....What really matters now, is not how big or grand a gesture can be, at this age there’s nothing more important than time, support, care and effort. It’s not where you go on holidays, it’s your wife seeing you play with your kids...that she takes care of every minute when you’re at work, the attention you give her not in front of the cameras but at the surprise picnics in the garden, the weekend trekking, cycling in the Swiss mountains with the whole family, the secret sushi restaurant eat outs, holding hands in the park, buying books instead of gadgets, rushing home because there’s nowhere else you’d rather be. I don’t even consider myself a romantic, I am just considerate to my loved ones’ needs. I feel a man or woman should love their partner how their partner wants to be loved, not necessarily the way you think love should be, but the way they deserve to be loved, because someone deciding to share their life with you should be cherished every day of the week.

Teaming up with Akshay Kumar for her first music video, Kriti's sister, the new kid on the block, Nupur Sanon admits Bollywood is on her radar
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; November 5, 2019)

While she charts her rise in Bollywood, Kriti Sanon may soon find competition at home. The actor's sister Nupur Sanon — who has become an Internet sensation, courtesy her impressive cover versions of popular Hindi gems — has had her first tryst with acting. The youngster will be seen in musician-composer B Praak's single, Filhaal, opposite Akshay Kumar.

"It was my first acting assignment, and that too with such a big star, so I had butterflies in my stomach. I was nervous on the first day of shoot as I had not met Akshay even socially before. But he was warm, and we bonded over our Punjabi connect," she laughs. As is true of a rank newcomer, Nupur admits she was petrified about her first shot with the superstar. "I kept on asking him questions on how to go about it. He calmly told me, 'You are doing good. If I think I need to guide you, I will'."

Rumours have been rife that the youngster will follow in her sister's footsteps. Ask her about this, and she agrees that Bollywood is on the cards. "I have read a few scripts and have given look tests for them. But I will take a call only after the song's release."

Nupur, who has been taking acting lessons, says the journey hasn't been easy so far. "There are times when I go for auditions and see that people from the industry get preference. But the best part is that this journey has been my own. Whenever I am confused or nervous, I turn to my sister. She is there to guide me, but at the same time, she ensures I carve my own identity."

Kriti Sanon on the after-effects of the movement, playing a surrogate in her next and working with Akshay Kumar
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 16, 2019)

It’s always nice to have a busy year,” says Kriti Sanon, who kick-started 2019 with Luka Chuppi and followed it up with a special appearance in Kalank . Then came Arjun Patiala , with Diljit Dosanjh, and now she is gearing up for a Diwali dhamaka with Housefull 4 , while the year wraps up with Ashutosh Gowariker’s period drama, Panipat . The actress on playing juggler to perfection:

After your debut, Heropanti, you were supposed to work with Akshay Kumar, but you chose Dilwale over Singh Is Bliing. You have finally worked with him after four years with Housefull 4.
It wasn’t like I chose Dilwale over Singh Is Bliing. The latter was delayed by almost five months, and when it finally started, the dates overlapped with Dilwale. I admire the way Akshay has steered his career. Every time people try to typecast him, he breaks away. He’s done action, comedy, content-driven films and in the middle of all of that, it’s comedy again. I like the fact that he doesn’t let anyone categorise him. Plus, his energy is infectious, and he thrives on improvisation.

Producer Sajid Nadiadwala said in a recent interview that for a film like Housefull 4, the actors must forget their inhibitions and be shameless on camera because without that conviction, they will stick out like a sore thumb. Do you agree?
Absolutely! Comedy, in general, is tough and in a film like this, in certain portions if you don’t take the humour a few notches higher, it won’t be as funny and for that you have to be absolutely shameless. Hamming with conviction is probably the most difficult thing I’ve ever done. But it was fun, we’d play games between shots. Akshay would suddenly pick up an orange and start playing catch, or flag off a game of noughts and crosses or throw a ball at a bottle. It was a holiday we didn’t want to end (Laughs).

Your sister Nupur is making her music video debut with Akshay.
Yes, Nupur is a trained singer but she also loves acting and has attended several workshops. She was talking to someone for a singing project and was asked if she’d want to act in a music video. Later, she learnt that Akshay too was in the video and that was a bonus!

Did you give her any tips?
I just asked her to relax and be herself. Akshay is not someone who will make you feel jittery. He’s like a Delhiite, so I told her to be her Delhi self. (Laughs)

Farhad Samji took over as director of Housefull 4 after sexual harrassment allegations came up against Sajid Khan. Has the #MeToo movement, which exploded last year, changed things in the industry?
I have always been for the movement and have been vocal about it. It takes a lot of courage to come out in the open and speak about what you’ve been through. It’s unfortunate that there’s no legal way to resolve this conclusively but at least it has instilled fear in every industry and that’s important. I am fortunate that I haven’t been through any of this, but I’ve noticed that meetings, which would earlier happen at home, are now scheduled outside to avoid coming across as shady.

You have also spoken up for gender equality and pay parity in the industry. Any change there?
There’s still a huge gap as far as pay is concerned and the only way to reduce that is for women to present a united front in their demand for a certain remuneration. I’m glad films revolving around a female protagonist are making the numbers. Slowly, producers will have the confidence to let a woman carry a film on her shoulders.

Speaking of women-centric films, aren’t you doing one with Rahul Dholakia?
That’s not happening, there were some date issues there. But I am doing Dinesh Vijan’s Mimi on the subject of surrogacy. It is inspired by the Marathi film, Mala Aai Vhhaychay! (I Want To Be A Mother!) but has been transformed into a different script. Laxman Utekar sir (Luka Chuppi director) is directing it and I start shooting on November 1 in Mandawa, Rajasthan. He can tell an intense, emotional story with humour and make it an entertaining watch. I play a young girl with big dreams but due to certain reasons, she agrees to be a surrogate and that completely changes her life. I haven’t experienced the emotion of being a mother yet so it will be interesting to figure it out with Mimi.

Buzz is, you’re also doing Farah Khan’s Satte Pe Satta remake with Hrithik Roshan?
No, I’m in talks for some films, but this is not the one.

You have a special appearance in the Pati Patni Aur Woh remake…
I can’t say anything about that character right now, but it was a lot of fun being on set with Kartik (Aaryan) even if only for a day. After Luka Chuppi, we know each other’s energy well. It’s also Juno Chopra’s film, I’ve done Bareilly Ki Barfi with him earlier.

While Luka Chuppi did well, Arjun Patiala didn’t live up to expectations. How do you deal with failure?
Honestly, failure does disappoint you, but as long as you understand what didn’t work, learn from it and move on, it’s not difficult. The spoofy genre of Arjun Patiala was an experiment for all of us who were associated with the film. We tried our best and next time we will try even harder.

Kriti and Nupur Sanon’s vacation in the US and Canada was replete with shopping and club-hopping
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 20, 2019)

On Tuesday, Kriti Sanon posted a picture with her sister, Nupur, exclaiming, “Our first just-us kind trip together!!.. #SistaTrip #girlsjustwannahavefun (sic).” The Sanon siblings were on a week-long trip to the US and Canada and it was an impromptu plan.

“We had been planning a trip to Canada to meet our aunt and cousins for a while, but it never materialised. Kriti had to attend a fashion week in New York recently, and that’s when we decided to club it with the Canada plan. Luckily, my visa for US and Canada was in place, so we saved time and air-dashed,” Nupur smiles, adding that this was their first trip together.

“After Kriti was done with work commitments, we stayed in New York for three days and shopped a lot. Kriti has been there before but it was my first time and seeing the Statue Of Liberty during a chopper ride was magnificent. We also went to Times Square and explored the clubbing scene,” Nupur informs.

In Canada, the sisters visited the Niagara Falls. “It was beautiful. The weather was so good, with a bit of a light drizzle. Kriti was mobbed from time to time and we were trying to save her by covering her face with sunglasses,” Nupur chuckles, adding that she was like a curious kid during the trip. “I asked a lot of questions as I was excited about everything I encountered. Kriti also opened up about how excited she used to be while travelling in the early days of her career,” she adds.

Sanon Jr, who is gearing up for her own Bollywood debut, reveals that they also hit Downtown Toronto for another spot of shopping. Ask her if she has a favourite way to plan a trip and Nupur says, “I like trips that don’t have an itinerary. I believe trips should be smooth and easy-going. Do what you want to do in that moment.”