Actor Payal Ghosh, who is looking forward to the release of her next, Fire of Love: Red, is bothered about co-actor Krushna Abhishek not promoting the film. “He is busy in his own world or what, I don’t know. Each time the makers ask him to come for the promotions, he says he is busy travelling somewhere,” says Ghosh, adding that there is no tiff between the two either.

The 33-year-old rues that the actor’s absence from the promotions might impact the business of the film. The Ashok Tyagi directorial is slated for release later this month.

“Krushna is quite a big name in television, toh uska influence toh hota. Agar aap nahin bhi aa rahe ho, toh at least Instagram par songs ya trailer promote toh kar sakte ho. It is his film, too. It looks so odd and everyone keeps asking me about his absence,” she says.

“I wasn’t in touch with the production team. I was very busy with Bigg Boss OTT and Kapil Sharma’s comedy show. My dadi expired a week back and nobody knows about it. Aisa nahin hai that I’m not promoting the film, they just don’t know about it. I love the team,” the actor tells us.

Payal Ghosh was recently attacked by a few masked men in Mumbai, when she stepped out to purchase medicines at night. Taking to social media, she said that when she was getting into her car, she was attacked with a rod and the men had a bottle in their hand that she suspected was acid. She escaped the situation with a mild injury.

“I don’t know if it was a planned attack. I couldn’t figure that out. I was so scared that I left immediately. I have a minor injury on my left hand. The swelling is healing,” she tells us.

Though Ghosh believes that Mumbai is a relatively safer city for women, she questions the laws pertaining to their safety. “Mumbai is a safe place. I’ve been living here for 10 years. I don’t know what happened this time. I’ve often driven to Carter Road to have coffee at 1 am. Maybe they were fighting among themselves and I happened to be in the middle of it,” she says, ruing, “Women’s safety is a myth. The laws are of no use.”

The actor won’t let the incident deter her spirit, as she shares, “Women, in general, need to be brave. They shouldn’t be afraid and stop living their lives.” Though she had talked about filing an FIR earlier, she now plans on moving over the mishap. “I’m focusing on my work and I’m taking every precaution. Taking any action isn’t on my mind right now,” Ghosh ends.

Just a couple of months ago, Payal Ghosh was using Twitter to help people in need amid the second Covid-19 wave. But, it seems the toxic streak of social media is back, something which has forced the actor to take a break from the platform.

“I’ve been on and off Twitter in the last month, and I’m in a much happier zone,” she admits, adding, “I just don’t want these negative vibes. It made my life hell.”

Being a part of politics, the 31-year-old feels, is one of the reasons why she is subjected to harsh comments and hate. “I look at myself less as a politician and more as a social worker. But, people always want to create negativity about my political allegiance,” she notes, asserting, “There is a difference of opinion and sometimes, it takes such an ugly turn that it goes out of control. People bring communal and political angles in their comments about me. I felt it was too much.”

Ghosh says that now, she doesn’t want to think about all the trolling that happens. “I don’t care about what’s going on and what’s being said about me. As politicians, we get so much hatred for nothing,” shares the actor, who is the vice-president of the Republican Party of India’s women’s wing.

She goes on to add that with so much “trolling and abusing”, one can’t talk about things they really want to. “Different groups will attack you, you can’t do anything. There is too much of mental pressure. Even if I don’t deactivate my account, I won’t be active for sure. I want a detox,” concludes Ghosh.

Richa Chadha says she gave her nod to Madam Chief Minister as it is an empowering tale of a woman who battles casteism and sexism to carve her place in the world of politics. However, the makers got off on the wrong foot - the film’s first poster, which saw Chadha holding a broom, was widely criticised for stereotyping the Dalit community, and using the word ‘untouchable’ in the text. Soon, the team retracted the objectionable poster.

Though she had issued an apology on January 15, the actor, talking to mid-day, says the criticism was "premature". "I understand their hatred [towards the poster], but I think the criticism was premature; the filmmakers changed the poster the very next day, as soon as they realised there has been a mistake from their end. This is a learning experience for us. Sometimes, I feel people are harder on women and actors, and I will maintain it in this case because [the umbrage] was misdirected. I was surprised that I was attacked because actors don’t control the making of posters."

Considering Chadha has been a fierce advocate of #MeToo India, her decision to front the Subhash Kapoor-directed movie shocked her fans. In 2014, the director was accused of sexual misconduct by Geetika Tyagi. "I came out of a court case [the defamation suit against Payal Ghosh] only a few months ago. I stand by the #MeToo movement. But at the same time, I don't believe in social media trials. Unlike other [accusations] that were brought to light on Twitter, this case is subjudice. We must respect the law of the land and the court’s verdict. Till the court passes a verdict, I won’t judge anybody," she states.

Richa Chadha, who is always known to speak her mind and stand up firmly for what she believes in, recently took the legal route when actress Payal Ghosh made defamatory remarks against her while making sexual harassment allegations against filmmaker Anurag Kashyap. Later, Payal rendered an unconditional apology to Richa after the latter filed a defamation suit against her before the Bombay High Court. Amidst the controversy and heated conversation that unfolded on social media, one didn’t see Richa’s fiancé, actor Ali Fazal, jump into the fray to voice his opinion in her defence.

When asked about it, Richa says, “Ali and I barely spoke about the case, but I kept him updated. He was marked on several of my emails. We are in a lovely relationship, and we give each other space. There’s mutual respect, and of course, love and companionship. He didn’t need to jump to my rescue. I am capable of handling it on my own and I also had a sound legal team. Through this legal fight, and otherwise, he has always been supportive and been there for me. His support is a given.”

The couple had planned to tie the knot in April, but had postponed their wedding to the end of this year due to the pandemic. They had thought that if the Coronavirus situation improved, the wedding could take place by the end of 2020. However, they have called off their wedding plans this year and are now likely to get married next year.

On Wednesday, the Bombay High Court took on record the consent terms as an undertaking with an unconditional apology extended by Payal Ghosh in the defamation suit filed against her by Richa Chadha. Payal agreed to withdraw all defamatory statements and posts from her social media handles. Speaking to Mirror, Richa, who is currently shooting in Lucknow, said she felt vindicated by the verdict. Excerpts:

The court has constantly recorded what is right and I’d not hold Twitter over the court. It is not just an apology; it is the consent terms as an undertaking, which is sacrosanct. My fans may want more, but this was not about money, only about my respect. The suit continues against the other defendants even though the news channel agreed to the injunction and deletion of all videos and posts with defamatory content against me, and Kamaal R Khan’s lawyer gave a statement as recorded in the order of the court that his client has no intention of repeating his tweets and that he’ll not make any similar remarks about me or the statement made by Payal in relation to me on Twitter or any other media. Out of respect for the court and the proceedings on October 7, I decided not to press for monetary compensation. It was not about money anyway. You can’t put a price on my reputation. I had sued for Rs 1.1 crore, which is very close to the bare minimum in a defamatory case in the Bombay High Court. I didn’t start it, but I have certainly finished it.

I hope not. I know serial sexual predators are now scared, and those accused have installed CCTV cameras in their offices. We have created a safer work environment for women. But the #MeToo movement has only scraped the surface in India; it’s going to gather steam.

I’m not here to defend Anurag Kashyap nor claim that Payal’s allegations against him are baseless. The comments were misogynistic and personal; I had to set the record straight.

Even in the West, when a few women came forward to complain against Harvey Weinstein, there were others who wondered why they hadn’t spoken up sooner. Actress Mayim Bialik wrote about how her mother had taught her to be appropriate, insinuating that women who giggle or dress in a certain way, are inviting advances. It took several Oscar winners to support the movement and share their stories, to bring about a difference.

A natural recourse while reporting abuse is going to the cops. Talking about it in the media first can be counterproductive. In a country like India, where rapes are still a regular occurrence, it is important to be responsible both while reporting abuse and making statements. That’s why I am interested in the outcome of the lawsuit filed by 34 producers and associations of the industry. The difference between slander and news is fact.

There are consequences to trolling; besides tangible ones like losing out on work, it also takes a toll on mental health. In fact, in the aftermath of Sushant Singh Rajput’s tragic death, we had an opportunity to talk about mental health. If you want change, you need to discuss it. Instead, everyone is trying to be holier-than-thou and calling for a ban on people who aren’t. We need to talk about nepotism; there is no running away from it. But by attacking people, nothing can be achieved.

That is yet to be seen. The most immediate effect will be noticed when struggling actors come to the city and try to find accommodation. People don’t realise how many industries rely on Bollywood for a living.

He was the first one to alert me, on September 19, adding that I shouldn’t concern myself with it. I wouldn’t have taken the legal recourse if I could have solved the matter over the phone. Over the last month, I have spoken to my lawyer far more than I spoke to Ali, but he has always been there for me.

The Bombay High Court on Wednesday accepted actor Payal Ghosh’s unconditional apology to actor Richa Chadha and disposed of the defamation suit against her.

In the undertaking, Ghosh has agreed to withdraw and delete all defamatory statements, posts and videos against Chadha. The suit for damages of Rs 1.1 crore will, however, continue against the Telugu news channel that first aired Ghosh’s interview, which contained the defamatory remarks, and actor Kamaal R Khan for reproducing the defamatory content.

Justice AK Menon accepted the consent terms in the form of an undertaking to the court, making its breach contemptuous under provisions of the Contempt of Courts Act.

As per the terms, not only will the ‘defamatory’ content be withdrawn, Ghosh has undertaken not to “state, make, publish any defamatory or humiliating statement’s against the plaintiff (Chadha) in perpetuity”, related to the subject.

The actors have further decided not to file any civil suit or criminal case against each other in this regard.

The consent terms assume importance as Ghosh had denied agreeing to give an apology hours after her lawyer informed the court that she was Chadha’s “big fan” and had “innocently” made those statements against her, last week.

During that hearing the court had passed a John Doe order, which is an order against unknown people restraining them from making any defamatory statements against people. While Khan’s lawyer said he would contest the suit, he claimed to have “no intention of repeating his tweets” or making similar remarks against Chadha.

The news channel ABN Telugu informed the court that they have already pulled down the video.

According to the suit, the defamatory statements were first made by Payal in an interview against filmmaker Anurag Kashyap on September 19, and were reiterated in several other interviews. Richa, in her petition filed through advocate Saveena Bedi Sachar, said that the statements continued even after sending them a legal notice.

Richa stated that it was “evil and misogynistic” on Payal’s part to comment on her appearance and to “lynch” her hard-earned reputation in order to wrongfully gain publicity.

The defamation suit will continue against the news channel and Khan for damages of Rs 1.1 crore. Khan, who reproduced the allegations, informed the court that he wanted to contest the suit.

The case has now been adjourned for six weeks.

Mumbai/New Delhi: Actor Payal Ghosh on Wednesday informed Bombay High Court that she was willing to tender an apology and withdraw her comments made against co-actor Richa Chadha who has sued her for defamation and sought Rs 1.1 crore.

After hearing Chadha’s counsel Virendra Tulzapurkar and Saveena Bedi, Justice Anil Menon asked Ghosh’s lawyer Nitin Satpute to take her instructions on tendering an apology and withdraw her statements. Satpute said she was ready for both. Another party’s advocate said his client would not share any content till the next hearing on Monday.

Ghosh, who has levelled allegations of sexual misconduct against filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, met minister of state for home G Kishan Reddy to appeal for “speedy justice” in the case.

“I will ask for intervention of the home ministry, if required. I have already met the NCW (National Commission for Women),” she said.

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Actress Payal Ghosh, who has accused filmmaker Anurag Kashyap of sexual harassment, on Wednesday told the Bombay High Court that she regrets her statement about Richa Chadha in regards to the case, and tendered an unconditional apology. Richa’s lawyers said she was ready to accept the apology. Earlier this week, Richa had filed a defamation suit before the high court against Payal for making a “false, baseless, indecent and derogatory” statement and sought damages.

On Wednesday, Ghosh’s lawyer Nitin Satpute told Justice AK Menon that Payal regrets her statement and it was not intended to defame Richa. “She (Payal) said it innocently. She is a big follower of the plaintiff (Richa) and respects her. She is ready to withdraw the statement and tender apology. She regrets whatever she said and her intention was never to defame any woman,” advocate Satpute told the court.

However, in the evening Payal tweeted, “I am not apologizing to anyone. I have not wronged nor have I given a wrong statement about anyone. I just said what @anuragkashyap72 told me. #SorryNot-Sorry (sic).”

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Hours after Payal Ghosh agreed to tender an apology before a bench of the Bombay High Court for her “defamatory” statements against actor Richa Chadha, she tweeted that she isn’t apologising to anyone. Ghosh took to her Twitter account and said, “…I have not wronged nor have I given a wrong statement about anyone. I just said what @anuragkashyap72 told me. #SorryNot-Sorry.” (sic) Meanwhile, Justice AK Menon, hearing the defamation case on Wednesday, has asked both Ghosh and Chadha to submit by October 12 their consent terms which will include an agreeable apology. Chadha’s lawyers said she won’t be pressing for Rs 1.1 crore in damages as Ghosh has agreed to withdraw her statement.

The court has also passed a temporary injunction order restraining Amoda Broadcasting Company Pvt. Ltd. and unknown persons from making any further defamatory statements against Chadha on their news channels which had first aired Ghosh’s “defamatory” interview. Following this, Chadha had filed a defamation suit on October 5. The matter is part of Ghosh’s sexual assault allegations against director Anurag Kashyap.

On Wednesday in court, Ghosh’s lawyer Nitin Satpute said the comments against Chadha were made “innocently” and that Ghosh is her “huge follower”. He sought time to file a reply, but the court refused. The bench asked him to make a statement in the afternoon session, if Ghosh would be willing to apologise.

Satpute later said in court, “My client is ready to withdraw her statement and tender an apology.” He read out her statement saying that being a woman she “always stands by other women as we live in a male dominated society”.

Chadha said she would want to continue the case against the TV channel that ran Ghosh’s interview. The actor had earlier stated that it was “evil and misogynistic” on Ghosh’s part to comment on her appearance and to “lynch” her hard-earned reputation in order to wrongfully gain publicity.

Mumbai: Actor Richa Chadha filed a defamation suit for Rs 1.1 crore in damages from actor Payal Ghosh and others, including unknown persons, over “defamatory statements” made against her in a news channel interview.

The matter was scheduled for hearing before Justice Anil Menon of Bombay High Court on Monday. When it came up for a virtual hearing via video-conferencing, Chhada’s counsel Virendra Tulzapurkar and Saveena Bedi Sachar said that, the other side was not represented before the court. No one appeared for Ghosh or others. The HC then directed that the matter be listed on October 7 and asked for documents to be re-served on the defendants.

Chadha is seeking relief against Ghosh and others from publishing any allegedly defamatory content against her or “using her name in any defamatory manner whatsoever, in relation to any disputes between Ghosh and film ma ker Anurag Kashyap”.

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Richa Chadha has taken legal action against Payal Ghosh after the latter took Richa’s name among others in a TV interview where she accused filmmaker Anurag Kashyap of sexual harassment.

On September 21, Richa issued a statement through her advocate that condemned the act of her name being dragged into the controversy. Following the notice, a defamation suit was filed by Richa primarily against Payal and others for maligning her name.

A source revealed, “The matter was listed on Monday in the Bombay High Court. The court was informed by advocate Saveena Bedi Sachar (Richa’s lawyer) that the defendants had been served the suit, but none of them had appeared before the court. The court has directed that the matter be listed on October 7 and has asked for the documents to be served on the defendants once again.” Richa’s lawyer said, “Since the matter is sub judice, I can’t say much. But I believe that the statements against Richa Chadha are defamatory and can affect any self-respecting woman. I am sure justice will be done.”

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Richa Chadha has filed a lawsuit in the Bombay High Court against Payal Ghosh, Kamaal R Khan (KRK) and a news channel for alleged defamatory statements against her, seeking Rs 1.10 crore in damages from them.

The actor has sought an order from the court for restraining them and unknown others from making any more defamatory statements. She has also sought withdrawal of the defamatory videos and tweets besides a public apology on Twitter and their websites.

The alleged defamatory statements were first made by Ghosh in an interview on September 19, and were reiterated in several other interviews. Chadha, in her petition filed through advocate Saveena Bedi Sachar, says the defamatory statements continued even after sending them a legal notice.

As for KRK, it is alleged that he not only posted the interview on social media but also added a slew of defamatory tweets to it.

Chadha says it was “evil and misogynistic” on Ghosh’s part to comment on her appearance to “lynch” her hard-earned reputation in order to wrongfully gain publicity.

The hearing before Justice A K Menon in the Bombay High Court on Monday was adjourned until October 7 after the advocates for the defendants failed to appear.

The court has allowed Chadha to serve the parties with a notice again.

Mumbai: A day after being questioned for eight hours in a sexual assault case registered by an actor, film director Anurag Kashyap issued a fresh statement saying that he has provided documentary proof of the fact that throughout August 2013, the month of the alleged incident, he was in Sri Lanka for the shooting of one of his films.

“The material provided by Kashyap, in support of his statement, demonstrates that the complaint of (Payal) Ghosh is an outright lie. Kashyap has categorically denied that any such alleged incident ever took place and has also denied all allegations levelled against him,” read the statement released through advocate Priyanka Khimani.

Actor Payal Ghosh had lodged a complaint against Kashyap on September 22. In the FIR registered with Versova police, Ghosh alleged that in August 2013, Kashyap called her to his house and sexually harassed her. Kashyap’s statement said the “sudden, belated allegations of an alleged incident of August, 2013 have been widely publicised by the complainant for the purpose of vilifying him.”

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Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap’s lawyer, Priyanka Khimani, released a statement yesterday after he was questioned at the Versova Police Station on October 1, in connection with the sexual harassment case filed by actress Payal Ghosh. The statement reads, “In an FIR registered with the Versova Police Station, one Ms Payal Ghosh has alleged that in August 2013, my client, Mr Anurag Kashyap, called her to his house and sexually harassed her. My client presented himself for questioning before the investigating authority on 1st October 2020. Mr Kashyap has denied all wrongdoing in the matter and has provided his statement to the police. The material provided by Mr Kashyap, in support of his statement, demonstrates that the complaint of Ms Ghosh is an outright lie. Mr Kashyap has provided documentary proof of the fact that throughout August 2013, he was away in Sri Lanka in connection with the shooting of one of his films. Mr Kashyap has categorically denied that any such alleged incident ever took place and has also denied all allegations levelled against him.”

The statement by Anurag’s lawyer further reads, “These sudden, belated allegations of an alleged incident of August, 2013 have been widely publicised by the Complainant for the purpose of vilifying Mr Kashyap, irrespective of the outcome of the judicial process. Mr Kashyap is confident that the falsity of the complaint has been exposed, not only by the evidence presented by Mr Kashyap, but also the ever-shifting version of events put forth by Ms Ghosh in the media. Mr Kashyap is apprehensive that now that the falsity of her allegations in the FIR have been established, she will alter her version of events in the investigative process as well. Mr Kashyap is distressed with the false and reckless allegations made against him that have caused pain to him, his family and his fans. Mr Kashyap intends to vigorously pursue the legal remedies available to him.”

“Mr Kashyap vehemently denies any such incident, as has been alleged, and has sought for severe action against Ms Ghosh for misusing the criminal justice system and for hijacking the Me Too Movement for her ulterior motives. Mr Kashyap is confident that justice will prevail,” it concludes.

Mumbai: Film director Anurag Kashyap was questioned for almost 8 hours at Versova police station on Thursday in connection with a complaint of sexual assault filed by actor Payal Ghosh on September 23. The police had on Tuesday issued summons to Kashyap to appear for questioning in the matter.

Deputy commissioner of police Abhishek Trimukhe said that details of the probe could not be disclosed.

Kashyap reached the police station around 10.30am and left around 6.30pm. The interrogation was carried out in a closed chamber where the senior inspector of the police station, an investigation officer and one more official were present. No one else was allowed in the entire day. Kashyap’s lawyer Priyanka Khimani did not respond to calls and text messages by TOI.

Police sources said that Kashyap will be called for a second round of questioning. He has told them that the allegation is false. The police will check with the complainant again.

Ghosh was taken to hospital on Thursday, her lawyer Nitin Satpute said.

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Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap recorded his detailed statement at Versova police station on Thursday in the rape case registered against him. Sources said he denied all allegations against him during the questioning that went on for eight hours.

Kashyap was summoned a day after the FIR was registered but could not make it then due to personal and professional commitments. He had asked for the statement to be recorded on October 1 at 11 am.

The filmmaker arrived at the police station an hour before the scheduled time. According to police sources, he was questioned for eight hours and denied all allegations. Police will verify his version of the story. If any loopholes or discrepancies are found, he will be summoned again.

Sources also said that since the case is old and has no eyewitnesses, it would be a challenge to crack it. The survivor has mentioned the month and year of the incident but not the date. This is also expected to make the gathering of proof difficult. In addition, accessing call records from 2013 will also be difficult.

While Kangana Ranaut posted a short message on Saturday night, saying, “Every voice matters #MeToo #ArrestAnuragKashyap (sic),” yesterday morning she shared a series of tweets in which she said that she feels, “Anurag is very much capable of doing what #PayalGhosh suggesting”. Kangana also wrote about facing similar uncomfortable situations. “I have settled my scores my way I don’t need #MeToo, but most girls do #PayalGhosh #AnuragKashyap (sic),” she further wrote.

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They play an adorable father-daughter duo in Sanjay Chhel's Patel Ki Panjabbi Shaadi, and Payal Ghosh says she shares a warm equation with her onscreen papa Paresh Rawal in real life as well. She says, “Pareshji is a nice human being and we share a good rapport. In fact, I never felt that I was acting with him because he reminded me of my own father. We were shooting a sequence in which we had an argument because I wanted to do something and he was stopping me from doing it. I could relate it to the time when I told my dad that I wanted to be an actress and he was dissuading me because he was quite protective.“

The actress adds, “Though Pareshji's character thinks children aren't capable of making the right decisions, in real life, he lets his kids pursue their dreams. He told me how he is always supportive of his sons' decisions.“

All praise for his co-actor in this Bharat Patel production, Paresh says, “Payal is hardworking and is here to make her mark. She doesn't take things for granted.“ Ask him what kind of a father is he in real life, and he smiles, “Concerned, protective and hyperactive. And when you are father of a daughter, a few degrees get added.“

For any young actor, working with seasoned artistes is a humbling experience. No wonder, debutante Payal Ghosh was overwhelmed while shooting her first film, Patel Ki Punjabi Shaadi, with veteran actors Rishi Kapoor, Paresh Rawal and Prem Chopra. The final schedule of the cross-cultural comedy, which also features Vir Das, recently wrapped up. Talking about her experience of working in the film, Payal says, “I had always dreamt of a Bollywood debut like this. I wanted to play a simple, girl-next-door as I believe the audience relates to such characters easily.“

She adds that she had newfound respect for Kapoor and Rawal after interacting with them off screen. The actress elaborates, “Pareshji plays my father in the movie. So every interaction with him, both on and off screen was like having a long chat with my real father. I share a lovely rapport with him. Rishiji is immensely caring and brutally honest. If he doesn't like my make-up, he will say, 'Yaar yeh make-up jach nahin raha hain'. If he thinks I'm not performing well in a scene, he will ask me to improvise.“

Ask Payal about Vir and she exclaims, “He is effortlessly funny. He is observant and draws his humour by noticing people and their quirks.“

The actress is hopeful that Patel Ki Punjabi Shaadi will leave the audience in splits. “It's about bhangra versus garba and dhokla versus tikkas. Writer-director Sanjay Chhel has whipped up a funny tale about contrasting cultures and all of us are proud of it,“ she signs off.

Payal Ghosh, who has done films in the South, is making her presence felt in Bollywood. The actress will be seen sharing screen space with veteran actors like Rishi Kapoor, Paresh Rawal, Prem Chopra and stand-up comedian Vir Das in Sanjay Chhel’s Patel Ki Punjabi Shaadi. “I felt cushioned under the wings of such experienced actors, while Vir had me in splits. Even my director prepared me well for my scenes. The assistant director would help me rehearse each scene in advance,” she states.

The actress says that playing a Gujarati girl in the film had its share of challenges. “I'm a hardcore non-vegetarian Bengali and was kept on a vegetarian diet for a whole week. I felt imprisoned,“ she laughs, adding, “I had to learn to be quiet though I am talkative in real life.“

When asked if she had noticed any marked difference in the functioning of Hindi and South film industries, Payal replies, “In the South, no matter how big a star you are, the call time is sharp at seven in the morning. Here things don't start before 11 am. But I guess, each style of working has its own advantages and disadvantages.“

Payal Ghosh is all set to make her Bollywood debut with Patel Ki Punjabi Shaadi, a romcom opposite Vir Das. Directed by Sanjay Chhel, the film has her essaying a Gujarati girl and Vir, a Punjabi boy, with Paresh Rawal and Rishi Kapoor playing their respective fathers.

“Vir is extremely jovial and fun to work with. I was also happy working with stalwarts like Pareshji and Rishiji,“ says Payal, who celebrates her birthday today. She was bitten by the acting bug during her college days. At 17, she came to Mumbai to realise her dreams. While studying in an acting academy, she met Chandrasekhar Yeleti, who offered her the lead role in his Telugu movie Prayanam opposite Manchu Manoj.

Later, she acted in Mr Rascal and Oosaravelli (Telugu), and the Kannada film, Varshadhare. “I always dreamt of being a part of the film industry, but I belong to a conservative family. Earlier, my parents did not approve of me venturing into acting. Gradually, they were convinced by some of my relatives and now, they are cool about it,“ she says.