Showing posts with label Panchgani. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Panchgani. Show all posts
Aamir Khan likes Panchgani, which is why we worked there with a bunch of musicians-Tanuj Tiku
8:21 AM
Tanuj Tiku discusses employing orchestral arrangements for the making of slice-of-life film Laal Singh Chaddha, featuring Aamir
Sonia Lulla (MID-DAY; June 13, 2022)
Nested for two weeks at a Panchgani home, the crew members of Aamir Khan’s Laal Singh Chaddha immersed themselves into telling the tale of “the extraordinary journey of an ordinary man”. The brief given to score composer Tanuj Tiku — who has films like Kaabil, Chhichhore and Ajeeb Daastaans on his resume — was simple. “It was a slice-of-life film. Aamir sir likes Panchgani, which is why we worked there with a bunch of musicians. We played live, jammed together, and created the thematic music there. Within two weeks, all the thematic material and character motifs were readied,” says Tiku, further crediting Khan and director Advait Chandan for fostering an atmosphere of creativity.
“The culture at [Aamir’s production house], and Advait’s relationship with him, is noteworthy. There is always a plan in place, but the process is organic. We watched the film, and immediately decided to jump into the score composition. My team and I began to ideate, and we [primarily used] the violin, piano, and guitar. We’d perform the themes to him live, and the first few days were simply spent in sampling these [chunks], listening to music and creating different colour palettes for different characters and themes, based on the brief.”
Tiku was convinced that he wanted orchestral influences to be evident in the score in keeping with its theme. He admits that creating a score of over 19 minutes posed a set of challenges, especially since it had to be recorded live. “But the story is beautiful, and we wanted the score to complement it. The harmonic language, and the simplicity of the character is at the film’s core. There are musical layers that help narrate the story. Over 150 people have worked on the score, including 75 musicians from the orchestra. The music for the trailer was recorded in Budapest.”
In his first collaboration with Khan, Tiku deciphered that the “detail-oriented” actor is indeed a lover of music, and enjoys being part of the process of its making. “He loves the process of making a film in general. He’ll hang out with people [across all departments], share ideas, and then leave us to ourselves. He supports his team, coaxes them, and then lets them work on their craft. He really knows how to [extract] the best from his artistes.”
My workouts are simple and result oriented; I’m not a believer of extreme dieting trends that I see common with the current lot-Salman Khan
8:21 AM
“Don’t train with ego,” is Bollywood’s body-builder bhai Salman’s advice to the young generation as he and his fitness trainer make evident in this interview
Sonia Lulla (MID-DAY; February 10, 2022)
As little as 20 years ago, apart from establishing his foothold in Bollywood, a young Salman Khan also enjoyed dominance in another sphere — being the man with the best body in the industry. Over the years, as chiselled figures became more the norm than an advantage in Bollywood, so did an array of ‘fitness trends’, some of which did more harm than good. The most common one gave weightage to weight-lifting, and seemingly frowned upon cardiovascular exercises. This, among many others, is a notion Khan never ascribed to.
“Salman will do cardio every day, without fail. He developed the habit at a young age, when he was also a national-level swimmer. He starts his day with an hour-long session before moving on to weight training. We walk long distances in his farms, and also take to hiking sessions that last for two hours,” says Rakesh Udiyar (below), who came under Khan’s fold in 2010 after he enabled him to reduce his bulky frame acquired for Veer, and got him fighting fit for Bodyguard.
It was around this time that Khan had revealed his battle with the nerve disorder, trigeminal neuralgia. Udiyar is certain that Khan would have been a heavy weight-lifter until then, when the doctors said it was imperative that his training format didn’t cause a spike in his blood pressure. “Salman is a conscious lifter. He moved from lifting heavy weights to moderate ones. We focus on volume sets, which implies that we perform 10-12 variations of exercises, executing five sets of each, and performing 20 reps. I remember how painful that phase was for him. As we focused on cardio, during Dabangg, he, Sonakshi [Sinha] and others would walk from Wai to Panchgani.”
Udiyar employed techniques like time under tension, and eccentric and concentric lengthening variations during lifting sessions. “Salman’s structure is such that even if he does partial reps, his muscles get pumped. When he trains [consistently] he develops muscle mass easily. Also, we want him to look fresh on screen. Exercise isn’t only suited for weight-loss. It makes you look good, and your skin look young. If you follow a good diet for several years, that’s the best thing that you can do for yourself.”
Thirty-five years since he commenced exercising, Khan continues to attain knowledge about adopting healthier practices. Udiyar says apart from a team of doctors and experts, Khan also has access to friends in the USA, who keep him abreast with best practices.
In an email interview, Khan shares, “When I started out, I was enthusiastic and impatient, and got many things wrong. I had no knowledge or guidance, but I practiced, trained and kept updating myself. I was, am, and I will remain a student. The older that one grows, the tougher it gets [to maintain] the metabolic rate. You lose speed, strength, and enthusiasm. So, I exercise every day, listen to my body, and also appreciate anyone with a good body. I want to compete with that person, in a healthy manner. That helps me grow and stay fit.”
While Khan constantly seeks knowledge in the health and fitness space, he isn’t one to ascribe to the current fads. “I’m not a believer of such workouts or extreme dieting trends that I see common with the current [lot]. My workouts are simple and result-oriented. I am disciplined and consistent, which are crucial to attaining a healthy body. I know my body and what works for it. This has become possible only after years of training under the guidance of experts. Be attentive to yourself and focus. Usually, people work on their strengths. But you should work on your weakness too. Visualise what you want to achieve, and work towards it consistently,” he says, adding that he trains mindfully to avoid injuries.
Udiyar credits Khan for being watchful about his diet. “When he needs to do a body-shot, he becomes more particular. He sticks to eggs, fish, and vegetables, and adopts a four-meal plan, comprising foods like lettuce, chicken and roti. If he’s travelling and can’t access home-cooked meals, he is more watchful. More often than not, he likes to eat food prepared by his mom, and has lunch with his father. On his cheat day, he eats his mom’s biryani.”
I will celebrate Diwali all by myself this time, says Urmila Matondkar who has tested COVID positive
8:04 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; November 4, 2021)
Urmila Matondkar’s Diwali plan stands cancelled as she tested positive for Coronavirus recently. On Saturday, the actress, who was suffering from cold, lost her sense of taste and smell, after which she took a test and realised she was positive. “Thankfully, my husband (Mohsin Akhtar Mir) and my house staff are negative,” she says as she talks to us on the phone while being isolated in one of the rooms of her home.
The actress is disappointed that she couldn’t travel to her farmhouse in Panchgani for Diwali celebrations. She shares, “My Diwali plans went for a toss after I tested positive for COVID-19. I also cannot enjoy the delicious Diwali faraal. I was also looking forward to meeting my family members at this close-knit bash I had planned, which now stands cancelled. I will celebrate Diwali all by myself this time.”
Talking about how she had celebrated the festival with hubby Mohsin in the past, she says, “Diwali has been a lot of fun with my hubby around. We usually spend the festival at our farmhouse as our dogs cannot bear the loud sound of crackers. I like how Mohsin lights up the place during Diwali. It looks absolutely stunning. He is also a big foodie and likes to binge on the faraal, which my relatives and friends bring home. However, he is sad that this time he is going to miss out on all of that.”
Rajiv Kapoor’s style reminded me of Shammi uncle-Rati Agnihotri
8:08 AM
Zabardast, Zalzala co-star Rati Agnihotri fondly remembers “ever-smiling prankster” Rajiv Kapoor
As told to Upala KBR (MID-DAY; February 10, 2021)
I was crushed on hearing the news. I remember working with Chimpu on Zabardast (1985), which was directed by Nasir Hussain and had Aamir Khan serving as the assistant director. We were shooting by the pool at Fariyas Resort in Panchgani. Just before we were to can a scene, Chimpu threw me in the pool. My costume was soaked, and we didn’t have an alternate outfit for the sequence. Nasir saab was furious as he had to cancel the shoot. I still vividly remember how he got an earful from Nasir saab. But then, that was Chimpu — full of life! His style reminded me of Shammi uncle.
During our Lonavala stint, he decided to spook the unit members. The house where they were staying was secluded and eerie. So, one night, Sunny Deol, Chimpu, our co-producer and I went there and frightened the crew members by making strange noises. The next day, everyone on set was discussing how the house was haunted. We couldn’t stop laughing. What lovely days they used to be!
I will always remember Chimpu as the ever-smiling prankster. May his soul rest in peace.
Aamir Khan and Ashutosh Gowariker suggested I turn director with Koi Jaane Naa-Amin Hajee
8:50 AM
Lagaan and Mangal Pandey actor, Amin Hajee, has kicked off a psychological thriller featuring Kunal Kapoor and Amyra Dastur
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 15, 2019)
After featuring in Lagaan and Mangal Pandey, actor-writer Amin Hajee is all set to make his directorial debut with psychological-thriller, Koi Jaane Naa with Kunal Kapoor and Amyra Dastur in the lead. Produced by Bhushan Kumar, it took off last Friday. “The idea spawned from a short story, whoever has heard it has loved it. I narrated it to both Aamir (Khan) and Ashutosh (Gowariker) and both suggested I turn director with this script. I have waited for six years from getting their approval to finding a producer,” informs Amin, adding that the film has seven songs, each one takes the story forward.Amin admits that he had been really nervous, but on Thursday night he felt an inner calm and the first day’s shoot went off well despite a few hiccups and he’s looking forward to the shoot in Panchgani. He admits that he’s always wanted to direct a film since he assisted Mazhar Khan on Gang. That was a life-changing experience, but the best thing that happened to him was when he was signed for Swades as screenplay-writer by Ashutosh and Aamir, who was producing the film then. “They pushed me to achieve more than I thought possible. The creative satisfaction from Swades was immense, and I realised that directing a movie one has visualised and written is the biggest high in the world of films,” asserts Amin who joined Vikram Bhatt to write horror and thrillers and learnt a lot more about script-writing. “And after the success of Haunted and 1920: Evil Returns, I decided to take a break and write my own script. That’s when Koi Jaane Naa happened.”
Kunal Kapoor, Kalki Koechlin team up for Amin Hajee's Koi Jaane Na?
8:34 AM
Actor-writer Ameen Hajee gears up to make his directorial debut with the film
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 1, 2018)
Mirror has learnt that Kunal Kapoor and Kalki Koechlin are teaming up for a thriller to be directed by actor-writer Amin Hajee. Hajee who is making his directorial debut, played Bagha in the Aamir Khan-Gracy Singh starrer Lagaan and Vir Singh in Mangal Pandey: The Rising. He has written the screenplays for films like Shah Rukh Khan’s Swades and Mimoh Chakraborty’s Haunted-3D.
A source close to the development reveals that the film produced by Mohaan Nadaar is titled Koi Jaane Na and shooting begins towards the end of September. “It will be shot majorly in Scotland in a month-long schedule with some portions in Panchgani later. Kunal plays a writer who doubles up as a vigilante,” informs the source, adding that Kalki’s role is being kept under wraps for the moment and Hajee has been consulting mentor Ashustosh Gowariker about how to go about his directorial debut.
This is the first time Kunal and Kalki are teaming up for a film. Kunal will be seen next in Reema Kagti’s sports drama, Gold, in which he plays a hockey player.
Kalki plays a music producer in Zoya Akhtar’s musical Gully Boy, which also features Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt.
Aamir Khan quitely celebrates marriage anniversary but will throw Dangal grand success bash at Panchgani tonight?
8:07 AM
Superstar celebrated quiet anniversary yesterday, to be followed by major film success party at Panchgani bungalow tonight
Shilpi Sampad (MID-DAY; December 29, 2016)
After hectic promotions for his blockbuster outing, Dangal, including a special screening for political heavyweights in Delhi on Tuesday, Aamir Khan has immersed himself in celebrating a personal milestone. The star is in Panchgani for his 11th wedding anniversary celebrations with immediate family. Like every year, an extravagant four-day party has been planned at his bungalow, where he got married to filmmaker Kiran Rao.
However, yesterday’s bash was only a precursor to a big industry do today. Sources close to the actor reveal Aamir and his Dangal team will raise a toast to the success of the film, which has grossed over Rs 150 crore in just five days.
The guest list includes Dangal director Nitesh Tiwari, his filmmaker-wife Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, the four girls, crew members and usual suspects — Rajkumar Hirani, Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Siddharth Roy Kapur along with wife, actress Vidya Balan. “Karan Johar, Ayan Mukerji and Prasoon Joshi are also expected to be part of the bash,” says the source.
Ira and Junaid, the star’s children from first wife Reena Dutt, and nephew Imran Khan will also join the revelry by this afternoon. “Aamir loves to spring surprises on his guests. He has planned a special event for each day until New Year’s eve — a ghazal night, some theatre activity, shayari matches and so on. A bunch of folk singers, who will entertain the guests, have already left for Panchgani,” adds the source.
Aamir Khan will enquire about the logic behind every line-Amitabh Bhattacharya
8:18 AM
Lyricist Amitabh Bhattacharya on penning songs at the superstar’s Panchgani bungalow
Soumya Vajpayee Tiwari (MID-DAY; November 17, 2016)
Aamir Khan may have a reputation of being a stickler for details, but not many would know that the superstar is also actively involved in the development of music for his films, unwilling to forego phrases and tunes he is wary of. Lyricist Amitabh Bhattacharya, who took off to the actor’s Panchgani bungalow along with composer Pritam, to craft the music of Dangal, reveals that Khan constantly kept them on their toes throughout the weeklong process.
“Aamir sir enjoys the process of music making and wanted to be abreast about the developments. Pritam da and I would jam and make melodies inside the room and he would sit outside. As soon as we would step out, he would ask: Accha gaana bana kya koi,” laughs the lyricist. “He also carefully listens to each line, understanding the logic behind it. If he doesn’t agree with something, you cannot get away with it. He will enquire about the logic behind every phrase,” says Amitabh, adding that the actor’s inputs helped him hone his craft.
While Aamir isn’t easily swayed, the lyricist further states: “If he doesn’t like something, you can get him to like it. If he likes it in the first hearing, he won’t welcome any further changes to it.” Meanwhile, music aficionados have lauded Amitabh’s latest work in Karan Johar’s romance-drama, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. He acknowledges the compliment but says that the best praise came from Johar. “He said, ‘Your words gave the soul to my film.’ It meant a lot.”
Mansoor Khan’s Rs 10-cr plot in Panchgani sold for Rs 50 lakh by impostors
3:40 PM
The plot was sold by a woman who posed as Mansoor Khan's business partner and co-owner of the plot Vinay Rajpal's mother
Divyesh Singh (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 18, 2015)
A gang of impostors that sold a plot of land worth Rs 10 crore in Panchgani belonging to filmmaker and actor Aamir Khan's cousin Mansoor Khan for Rs 50 lakh has been busted.
The plot was sold by a yet unidentified woman and her two accomplices who posed as Mansoor Khan's business partner and co-owner of the plot Vinay Rajpal's mother Shobha Rajpal, his brother Sachin Rajpal, and his cousin Vaibhav at the registrar's office.
The Satara police have booked six more persons, including a lawyer, who were involved in this meticulously drawn plan, which included publishing a notice in a Kolhapur newspaper inviting objections to 'Shobha Rajpal's offer' to sell the land.
People of a certain vintage will remember Mansoor Khan as the director of Aamir Khan's launch film Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak. Apart from giving Bollywood two fine actors in Aamir and Juhi Chawla, the film also introduced the trend of shrinking long titles into abbreviations, in this case QSQT.
Mansoor Khan later moved to a village near Bangalore to start an organic farm. His last outing in Bollywood was as the co-producer of Imran Khan and Genelia D'Souza-starrer Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na.
The two men who posed as Rajpal's brother and cousin and the woman masquerading as Shobha Rajpal are absconding. The cops, however, have obtained their pictures clicked as the part of the process of registering a property and ahunt has been launched to nab them.
The 11000 square meter plot is located in Bhilar village near Panchgani and is jointly owned by Mansoor Khan and Rajpal and was bought in 1985.
Rajpal, a resident of Cuffe Parade, received a call last week week from a friend in Panchgani informing him about a public notice regarding the sale of the plot published in a leading English daily's Kolhapur edition. The notice was issued by a certain Advocate Ramdas Mane.
Rajpal contacted the lawyer and told him that he, his mother or Mansoor Khan had no intention of selling the plot. To his shock, Mane informed him a few days later that the sale had been completed and the plot was now registered in the name of Dilip Gole and Laxman Bhange. "On January 15 some people tried to forcibly take possession of the plot, but were thwarted by my security staff and we informed the police," said Rajpal.
The same day Rajpal filed a police complaint against the unidentified woman who posed as his mother with a fake election ID card. He also got hold of a photograph from one of the buyers which was clicked outside the registrar's office on January 12. "The woman was accompanied by two men whom she introduced as her son Sachin Rajpal and nephew Vaibhav Rajpal. I don't have a brother named Sachin or a cousin named Vaibhav," said Rajpal.
Rajpal's lawyers have now sent a notice to advocate Mane too. Rajpal said he is surprised that nobody in the registrar's office raised any questions on why a plot worth crores was being sold for just Rs 50 lakh.
Divyesh Singh (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 18, 2015)
A gang of impostors that sold a plot of land worth Rs 10 crore in Panchgani belonging to filmmaker and actor Aamir Khan's cousin Mansoor Khan for Rs 50 lakh has been busted.
The plot was sold by a yet unidentified woman and her two accomplices who posed as Mansoor Khan's business partner and co-owner of the plot Vinay Rajpal's mother Shobha Rajpal, his brother Sachin Rajpal, and his cousin Vaibhav at the registrar's office.
The Satara police have booked six more persons, including a lawyer, who were involved in this meticulously drawn plan, which included publishing a notice in a Kolhapur newspaper inviting objections to 'Shobha Rajpal's offer' to sell the land.
People of a certain vintage will remember Mansoor Khan as the director of Aamir Khan's launch film Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak. Apart from giving Bollywood two fine actors in Aamir and Juhi Chawla, the film also introduced the trend of shrinking long titles into abbreviations, in this case QSQT.
Mansoor Khan later moved to a village near Bangalore to start an organic farm. His last outing in Bollywood was as the co-producer of Imran Khan and Genelia D'Souza-starrer Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na.
The two men who posed as Rajpal's brother and cousin and the woman masquerading as Shobha Rajpal are absconding. The cops, however, have obtained their pictures clicked as the part of the process of registering a property and ahunt has been launched to nab them.
The 11000 square meter plot is located in Bhilar village near Panchgani and is jointly owned by Mansoor Khan and Rajpal and was bought in 1985.
Rajpal, a resident of Cuffe Parade, received a call last week week from a friend in Panchgani informing him about a public notice regarding the sale of the plot published in a leading English daily's Kolhapur edition. The notice was issued by a certain Advocate Ramdas Mane.
Rajpal contacted the lawyer and told him that he, his mother or Mansoor Khan had no intention of selling the plot. To his shock, Mane informed him a few days later that the sale had been completed and the plot was now registered in the name of Dilip Gole and Laxman Bhange. "On January 15 some people tried to forcibly take possession of the plot, but were thwarted by my security staff and we informed the police," said Rajpal.
The same day Rajpal filed a police complaint against the unidentified woman who posed as his mother with a fake election ID card. He also got hold of a photograph from one of the buyers which was clicked outside the registrar's office on January 12. "The woman was accompanied by two men whom she introduced as her son Sachin Rajpal and nephew Vaibhav Rajpal. I don't have a brother named Sachin or a cousin named Vaibhav," said Rajpal.
Rajpal's lawyers have now sent a notice to advocate Mane too. Rajpal said he is surprised that nobody in the registrar's office raised any questions on why a plot worth crores was being sold for just Rs 50 lakh.
From
Top: The plot in Bhilar village near Panchgani; the woman who posed as
Mansoor Khan’s partner Vinay Rajpal’s mom with the other accused; Vinay
Rajpal; director-producr Mansoor Khan
Arshad Warsi ends up having 47 chillies for scene in The Legend of Michael Mishra
8:59 AM
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; March 10, 2014)
Arshad Warsi may have wanted to add extra spice to a scene in his film, but
it left him with a burning tongue and watery eyes. The actor, who was
recently shooting in Panchgani for Manish Jha’s film, The Legend of
Michael Mishra, along with Aditi Rao Hydari, apparently ate 47 chillies
for a scene in the film.
A source from the film’s unit says that Arshad was initially meant to eat a few carrots in the scene. “It required him to come on stage and participate in a carrot eating contest. The actor then approached director Manish Jha and producer Kishor Arora and suggested that they consider a chilly eating contest instead,” says the source.
Adds the source, “Arshad ended up eating as many as 47 chillies in quick succession for that perfect shot where he is declared the winner of the contest. After the scene was shot, he was understandably uncomfortable. The makers ordered for ice-cold milk and Arshad gulped down 1.5 litres of it to douse the fire in his mouth.” Clearly, acting comes with its own set of occupational hazards.
Arshad Warsi may have wanted to add extra spice to a scene in his film, but
it left him with a burning tongue and watery eyes. The actor, who was
recently shooting in Panchgani for Manish Jha’s film, The Legend of
Michael Mishra, along with Aditi Rao Hydari, apparently ate 47 chillies
for a scene in the film.A source from the film’s unit says that Arshad was initially meant to eat a few carrots in the scene. “It required him to come on stage and participate in a carrot eating contest. The actor then approached director Manish Jha and producer Kishor Arora and suggested that they consider a chilly eating contest instead,” says the source.
Adds the source, “Arshad ended up eating as many as 47 chillies in quick succession for that perfect shot where he is declared the winner of the contest. After the scene was shot, he was understandably uncomfortable. The makers ordered for ice-cold milk and Arshad gulped down 1.5 litres of it to douse the fire in his mouth.” Clearly, acting comes with its own set of occupational hazards.
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