Showing posts with label Pooja Chopra. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pooja Chopra. Show all posts
I do see a future where women get paid equally as their male costars, or even more-Pooja Chopra
8:18 AM
Yvonne Jacob (PUNE TIMES; May 13, 2023)
She’s been part of showbiz for over a decade and actress Pooja Chopra has had her share of ups and downs. The Aiyaary actress was in the city recently and we met her for a quick chat in which she spoke about her journey in the film industry, her love for Pune and more: Excerpts:
‘I’M NOT COMPETING WITH ANYONE’
Reflecting on her professional journey, the actress said, “I have never networked, and I never had any godfathers or mentors in the industry. My success is my own, as are my mistakes. I’m not here to compete with anyone. It can be challenging to work in a city like Mumbai and it’s very easy for people to spiral into dejection due to the struggle. But I have been persistent and will keep working hard.”
Pooja added that during tough times, she finds solace in spending time with her family and her furry friends. “Being around my loved ones and my dogs gives me happiness,” said the actress.
She added, “As for my work, it is the innate sense of security, confidence, and love for my job that fuels me.” She also shared that her mother has been the biggest cheerleader in her life. “I’m so proud of the fact that my mother has been there with me on this journey. She has given me wings to fly and kept me humble and grounded throughout,” she said.
‘FEMALE-CENTRIC FILMS ARE DOING REALLY WELL TODAY’
Pooja has explored many roles and appeared in several projects throughout her career. However, she feels that the film industry still has a long way to go in terms of pay parity. “Films mostly had a male prerogative before, but now we have female-centric films which are doing really well. But there’s a long way to go before there’s pay parity in the industry. That said, I do see a future where women get paid equally as their male costars, or even more. That’s something I would love to see,” she said.
While she doesn’t call herself a social person, Pooja made it a point to attend the A R Rahman concert in the city recently. “The energy at the concert was electrifying!” she shared. When asked which international artist’s concert she would love to attend, she replied, “Harry Styles! I’ve watched a few videos of his songs online and I think he is so much fun.”
‘PUNE IS WHERE I BELONG’
Although she considers Mumbai to be her karmabhoomi, Pooja said she wouldn’t call herself a Mumbaikar and that her heart is always in Pune. “My connection to Pune is extremely special,” she shared. Having completed her education from the city, Pooja is aware of the hangout spots and popular food joints here.
“No cake can replace the ones you get at Kayani Bakery. Then there’s the vada pav at Garden Vadapav Center, the cheese omlette and bun maska at Vohuman Cafe. I also miss having cheese tomato uttapam from Madhuban! Going to these places to eat, watching movies at the old theatres and going to Sinhagad Fort — these are some of the fondest memories I have of my time in Pune,” said Pooja.
It was my heartfelt desire that Kareena Kapoor play the role that Swara Bhasker does now in Jahan Chaar Yaar-Vinod Bachchan
8:23 AM
Producer of Jahan Chaar Yaar, frontlined by Swara Bhasker, says top female actors turned down film offer because it isn’t a “solo-heroine” project
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; September 11, 2022)
Even as producer Vinod Bachchan is set to present his women-centric drama, 'Jahan Chaar Yaar', fronted by Swara Bhasker, Meher Vij, Shikha Talsania, and Pooja Chopra, he makes a rather interesting revelation. Bachchan says he was keen to have Kareena Kapoor Khan be the face of his film, but opines that the actor turned it down because top female actors “want solo-heroine movies, and don’t want to play the part of a mother”.
Bachchan, who also approached other female actors before knocking on Bhasker’s door, says, “[It was my] heartfelt desire that Kareena play the role that Swara does now. We sent the script to her talent management agency, but didn’t get any response. Some were unhappy that the director was new, but I have always delivered super-hit movies with new directors. Aanand L Rai, who directed Tanu Weds Manu, was my discovery.”
He points out that in this day and age, a movie script may be turned down in the meeting room of the artiste’s talent management agency, before it can even reach the hands of the actor. For this film, he was in search of a bunch of actors who could share a certain camaraderie.
“Meher, Shikha, and Pooja came on board after the narration, while Swara was the last one to be cast. But today, which heroine wants to play the role of a mother to an 11-year-old child? Swara is a brilliant actress, and has performed the part so well. The moment she heard the script, she loved it. The four characters are married women from small towns of North India, so, the actors had to pull off their roles with maturity. I realised that for this film, I didn’t need a top star but a talented performer, and Swara fit that role.”
While Bachchan had faith in the actors’ abilities, he had to “hire a tutor for Pooja for two months to teach her the language”.
“She also stayed with a Muslim family in Pune for a day or two. To arrive at the right on-screen chemistry, the four characters took part in workshops and visited cafes.”
Arshad Warsi to play a double role for the first time in the quirky crime comedy Jeevan Bheema Yojana
8:22 AM
Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; March 23, 2022)
In his career of over two decades, Arshad Warsi has played all sorts of characters — serious roles like the ones in Jolly LLB and Sehar, and comical parts in the much popular Golmaal and Munnabhai franchises.
In his upcoming film titled Jeevan Bheema Yojana, BT has it exclusively that Arshad not only plays the central character, but also features in a double role. The film, which is a quirky crime comedy, helmed by Abhishek Dogra (who previously directed Dolly Ki Doli), went on floors a few days ago in Mumbai and will be shot at different locations in the city.
Arshad will be seen playing two diametrically different people, Jeevan and Bheema, who look the same. While one belongs to the world of white-collared professionals, the other is seeded in the world of crime. The film revolves around what happens when their paths cross.
Talking about it, Arshad told BT, “What excited me was the script, which was insanely funny. I was cracking up every now and then during the narration. And the cherry on cake was the double role. The director has his vision and I am following that. I am playing two individuals who look the same, but are completely different personalities. The script has a good balance of humour and drama.”
Arshad adds, “As an actor, I follow what the character’s journey is and the vision that the director has for it. As for the prep, the mind is a very powerful tool. Like I was Ajay Kumar in Sehar and Circuit in Munnabhai— now imagine them in one film! It’s that simple. It has been about 10 days since we went on floors, and we’ve been having a lot of fun. Sanjeeda Sheikh, Pooja Chopra, Bijendra Kala and Vijay Raaz are my co-stars and you can’t imagine the kind of fun we have off camera. Improvisation to apne aap ho jaati hai.”
Director Abhishek Dogra adds, “Jeevan Bheema Yojana has a lot of humour packed in with some drama. Arshad is one actor who can look innocent and cunning at the same time, he’s really underrated and I have been an admirer of his work. It’s his firstever double role, with two contrasting characters. As a director when you have actors like Arshad and Vijay Raaz in the film, it makes your work easy. Their timing is impeccable.”
Manoj Bajpayee sent me list of breathing exercises; Farah Khan told me that if I needed food, she'll do so-Pooja Chopra
7:55 AM
Juhi Chakraborty (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 2, 2021)
Pooja Chopra, who recently tested positive for Coronavirus, says that while her symptoms are mild, she’s finding it hard to cope with the situation. “I’ve been into fitness for a long time, but breathing is still an issue. Body ache and fever is there. I’m sleeping for 16 hours a day and still waking up tired. I’ve lost my sense of taste and smell. I’m trying to keep my spirits high,” says the actor, who lives alone in her Mumbai home.
Chopra was in Goa for the shoot of her film, Jahaan Chaar Yaar, when her co-star, actor Meher Vij tested positive for Covid-19. “So, our producer decided to wrap up the shoot. I was supposed to meet my sister and mother in Mumbai but told them not to come as I wasn’t sure if I’d develop symptoms. Just after two days, I got weakness, blackouts, body ache and fever,” she shares.
However, the 35-year-old is getting all the help. “My doctor is a Covid specialist. Since I shared the news, Manoj Bajpayee (actor) sent me an entire list of medicines and breathing exercises I can follow. Farah Khan (filmmaker) told me that if I needed food, I should let her know,” Chopra tells us.
And she is also doing whatever she can via social media to help those in need. “It started organically, as when you’re unwell and at home, there isn’t much to do. I got a request from a man who needed a hospital bed for his mother. My doctor has hospitals around Mumbai, and within a few minutes, we could arrange a bed. I’m going to continue to do whatever I can,” she concludes.
Swara Bhasker, Shikha Talsania, Meher Vij and Pooja Chopra bag Jahaan Chaar Yaar
8:24 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (March 1, 2021)
The film follows the story of four friends, who are trapped in the rut of hapless monotony. With children who are grown up and emotionally-distant husbands, they have nothing to look forward to in their middle-class lives, until a getaway to Goa turns into a thrilling, roller-coaster ride that they had never bargained for. Their journey from demure housewives to daring dames forms the crux of the movie.
Producer Vinod Bachchan says, “As cinemas open their doors again, it is a matter of time till the audience opens its hearts again. We just need to welcome them back with a rocking film. Jahaan Chaar Yaar is an empowering tale of friendship filled with engaging twists and turns. I am sure it will reignite the glory of big-screen entertainment.”
The maker behind hits like Tanu Weds Manu, Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana and Ginny Weds Sunny, Vinod adds, “I am overjoyed to be crafting a fresh story with a solid script. Our team can’t wait to make this wonderful film.”
The movie also marks the directorial debut of writer Kamal Pandey, who has penned films like Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana, Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns, Shagird and dialogues for Shakthi: The Power. Scheduled to be shot in the rustic locales of Uttar Pradesh as well as the beautiful beaches of Goa, the film is touted to be a rollicking adventure.
Jahaan Chaar Yaar, a Soundrya Productions film, produced by Vinod Bachchan, will go on floors from March 5.
Sanjay Kapoor to be seen in a double role in Bedhab
7:21 AM
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 25, 2018)
After playing Manisha Koirala’s businessman-husband who is traumatized by her extramarital affair in Dibaker Banerjee’s recently released short as part of the Lust Stories anthology, Sanjay Kapoor will now be seen in a double role. He will start shooting for writer-director Akash Goila’s thriller, Bedhab by the end of July. The film will feature the 52-year-old actor in two distinctly different looks, one of them being that of a suave, moneyed, cigar-smoking composer. His life takes a drastic turn when the ill-mannered musician is visited by a modern-day avatar of Yamraj — The God of Death, who sets in motion a roller-coaster ride.
Produced by Ashish Sachdeva, who will also be seen in a significant role, Bedhab features Pooja Chopra as the leading lady. It will be shot in a month-long schedule in Delhi and Gurgaon. “It’s an unusual story with a unique title. I’ll keep the rest as a surprise,” he says enigmatically, pointing out that the first and only time he has played a double role was in the 2001 musical-thriller Chhupa Rustam. The actor was recently seen in the TV soap Dil Sambhal Jaa Zara in which he marries a girl 20 years younger, is all praise for Akash who he describes as an extremely focussed writer. “The film delivers a beautiful message with some dark humour. There’s mystery and thrill. and that’s what I like about it,” he signs off.
Sharman Joshi-Pooja Chopra bag Agnidev Chatterjee's next
7:48 AM
Shravan Shah (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 5, 2018)
After Neeraj Pandey’s Sidharth Malhotra and Manoj Bajpayee-starrer Aiyaary, Pooja Chopra will be next seen in a romantic comedy directed by Bengali filmmaker Agnidev Chatterjee opposite Sharman Joshi.
Talking about the light-hearted film, the actress, who was told to put on a few kilos for her part, told Mirror, “I am a romantic at heart and love romcoms. I play Avantika in the film. I am excited about the project as it marks my foray into the genre. We are currently shooting in various parts of Mumbai.”
According to a source close to the development, Avantika rejects a potential suitor (Sharman in the role of Babloo) for not being ambitious but finds herself falling for him later on. “The film showcases the duo’s journey. They hail from different backgrounds but cross paths several times in the film,” the source added.
Predominantly set in Mumbai and Lucknow, the film went on the floors recently.
Sidharth Malhotra visits famed Tanot Mata temple; Manoj Bajpayee cooks Bihari mutton for BSF soldiers
7:56 AM
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; January 15, 2018)
It’s not easy to live the gruelling life of an Indian Army jawan. Sidharth Malhotra and Manoj Bajpayee, who play Army officers in their upcoming film Aiyaary, got a sneak peek into their lives when they visited the Border Security Force (BSF) camp in Jaisalmer last week.
The cast and director Neeraj Pandey celebrated Lohri with the men in uniform as they entertained them with some good ol’ song-and-dance, and even picked up a few steps from the Rajasthani dancers. The team also took the opportunity to ring in an early birthday of a few jawans, who share their big day with Malhotra on January 16.
Taking the celebrations further, Bajpayee, along with co-stars Rakul Preet Singh, Pooja Chopra and Malhotra, took it upon himself to treat the jawans to his signature dish — Bihari mutton. “This was more of a picnic than a promotional activity. Getting into the kitchen, making food and sharing it with everyone was an amazing experience,” says Bajpayee.
What stuck with Malhotra, however, was the visit to the famous Tanot Mata temple the next day. Legend has it that the Pakistani army dropped several bombs to demolish the temple, during the 1965 Indo-Pak war, but the shrine remained intact. Enthusiastic about his visit to the temple, Malhotra says, “The jawans have tremendous belief in the temple and rightfully so, given its history. It was lovely to seek blessings there.” Pandey adds, “It [the temple] reinforces my belief in the powers beyond us.”
The actors with co-stars Rakul Preet Singh and Pooja Chopra
It was life-changing to know what the BSF does to serve our country-Sidharth Malhotra
7:54 AM
From PT drills to a low-down on the maintenance of arms, the cast of Aiyaary talks about its experience with BSF jawans in Jaisalmer
BOMBAY TIMES (January 15, 2018)
Recently, the team of Aiyaary had an opportunity to experience from close quarters how the men in uniform from the Border Security Force (BSF) at Jaisalmer (Rajasthan), lead lives away from their loved ones and homes. Clearly, working on a film that has the armed forces as its backdrop has its own pluses.The film’s writer-director, Neeraj Pandey, along with his film’s actors Manoj Bajpayee, Sidharth Malhotra, former Miss Indias Rakul Preet Singh and Pooja Chopra, were invited to the BSF camp in Jaisalmer, by the soldiers to experience their professional routines and the course of their lives in general, which they lead miles away from their homes and loved ones.
On Thursday (January 11), the movie’s team embarked from Mumbai to the camp. What followed was a two-day activity with the jawans. As a part of the routine, on the first day, the movie team visited the camp for a PT drill where they did a set of warmup exercises followed by pit jumping, jumping over six-foot walls and rope climbing.
After spending a tiring few hours on the field, the team was given a lowdown on the maintenance of arms, followed by the arms-drill by Sidharth, Manoj, Rakul and Pooja. Post that, the team sat down for breakfast. At the end of the day, the jawaans and the Aiyaary team enjoyed traditional Rajasthani dance performances, put together by the locals of the region. The film’s team also participated in the revelry.
The next morning (Saturday, January 13), the cast visited the border where Sidharth and Manoj also performed a Kurra checking of pillar 609 near Tanot along with the BSF jawans. To keep their experience more real, the team ditched their SUVs and travelled with the jawaans in the BSF trucks and jeeps.
Talking about the experience, Sidharth, told BT, “It was a great learning for us. This was my first visit to any border of our country and all thanks to the Aiyaary team, I had a chance to experience things, which I will remember for the rest of my life. It was almost life changing to know what the BSF does and how much effort they put in to protect us and to serve the country 24x7. I have newfound respect for the security forces of our country and I wish them more luck and safety. I can’t thank them enough for educating me about the life a man serving at the border leads every single day.”
Manoj, who had been to the Jaisalmer border area while shooting for his film Road, added, “Everything has changed since my last visit here. I have seen a few women jawans here and it is a great sight. It has been quite an educational tour.”
Images: Sidharth Malhotra, Manoj Bajpayee celebrate Lohri with BSF jawans in Jaisalmer
8:38 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (January 14, 2018)
The team of Aiyaary was recently at the BSF camp in Jaisalmer to celebrate Lohri with the jawans. Neeraj Pandey, along with Manoj Bajpayee, Sidharth Malhotra and former Miss Indias Rakul Preet Singh and Pooja Chopra, decided to stay at the BSF camp for two days. They also spent time learning about the routine of the jawans and training with them. The actors posted pictures and videos from the camp, where they can be seen learning to shoot rifles, climb ropes and march. In another video, the whole team can be seen having fun inside the camp’s kitchen.
Sidharth Malhotra and Manoj Bajpayee to celebrate Lohri with BSF jawans
7:56 AM
Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; January 11, 2018)
Sidharth Malhotra’s next, Aiyaary, sees him playing a man in uniform for the first time. The actor, whose grandfather was in the Army, holds soldiers, who are at the border protecting our country, in high regard. In an earlier interview to this paper, he had said, “My dadu worked in the Armed Forces, so I’m not alien to that world. Even now, some of my relatives are part of the Indian Army and I’ve great respect for them. In Aiyaary, we are also speaking about what the defence forces do and how important their work is. Sometimes, it goes unnoticed and as an average Indian, we don’t even realise what they have to go through every day. Because of my background, I have great respect for everyone — be it the Border Security Force (BSF), the Army, the Navy or the Air Force. I’m happy I play a character like that today.”
DESERT TRAIL
Now, in a unique promotional spree, the Aiyaary team will be in Jaisalmer to celebrate Lohri with the jawans on January 13. Sidharth will be joined by director Neeraj Pandey and the rest of the cast including Manoj Bajpayee, Rakul Preet Singh and Pooja Chopra. Says the film’s spokesperson, “The BSF camp in Jaisalmer had actually invited the team of Aiyaary to commemorate Republic Day with them. But, the makers have decided to stay at the camp for two days and celebrate Lohri instead.”
BONDING WITH THE ARMY MEN
The tour will involve a host of events, along with the Lohri celebrations. “The team will train with the BSF soldiers, understand their routine and what they do on a daily basis. They are excited about the whole exercise. There will also be a special musical night planned for the jawans,” the spokesperson adds. Neeraj and his team have been inundated with messages and calls from the troopers who have loved the movie’s trailer.
This is not the first time that actors have visited the Armed Forces. In the past, Akshay Kumar had met the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force for Toilet - Ek Prem Katha, while Ajay Devgn, Emraan Hashmi and Esha Gupta had interacted with BSF personnel in Rajasthan for Baadshaho.
Pooja Chopra and not Nidhi Subbaiah opp Riteish Deshmukh in Great Grand Masti
7:42 AM
Priya Gupta (BOMBAY TIMES; June 24, 2015)
We had reported a few days
back on how Nidhi Subbaiah had been signed on by Indra Kumar for Great Grand Masti, his sequel to the super
hit sex comedy Grand Masti. While Great Grand Masti has the three
naughty boys Vivek Oberoi, Riteish Deshmukh and Aftab Shivdasani intact,
the three girls are all new in the sequel. We learnt from reliable
sources that Nidhi had not just been signed on, but had also shot a bit
of the film, before she was replaced. While the reason for her
replacement is unknown, what we do know for sure is that Miss India
2009, Pooja Chopra, has replaced her and she starts shooting
today. Pooja, wishing you all the best for all the masti that awaits you.Jimmy Sheirgill, Sharman Joshi, Aftab Shivdasani in Tom, Dick And Harry 2
7:58 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (June 16, 2015)
In the first edition of
director Deepak Tijori's comic caper Tom, Dick And Harry (2006), three
physically challenged men - Dino Morea, Jimmy Sheirgill and Anuj Sawhney
stayed as paying guests and provided us the laughs.
Nine years later, the filmmaker is returning with Tom, Dick And Harry 2, the second edition of this laugh riot. Once again, the premise is similar. It is based on a comedy of errors revolving around three men - one blind, one deaf and one mute. Quite obviously, the plot line this time around will be new. Even the main star cast sees some changes. While Jimmy Sheirgill (Harry) is being retained, we have Sharman Joshi, the actor with a perfect comic timing and Aftab Shivdasani, another favourite in comedies, playing the lead characters. Hotties Pooja Chopra (Miss India World, 2009), Nazia Hussain and Sana Khaan play their love interests.
Even though the title is similar to the first film, Deepak maintains, “This is not a prequel or a sequel to the earlier film.“ Surendra Bhatia, who's producing the movie with Narsingh Rajput under the banner, Triumph Pictures Pvt Ltd, says, “We're clear about making this a family entertainer. And that's the reason we have Neeraj Vora writing the script.“
Meet Brothers, Jeet Gannguli and Ankit Tiwari have reportedly composed some foot-tapping numbers for the film
Nine years later, the filmmaker is returning with Tom, Dick And Harry 2, the second edition of this laugh riot. Once again, the premise is similar. It is based on a comedy of errors revolving around three men - one blind, one deaf and one mute. Quite obviously, the plot line this time around will be new. Even the main star cast sees some changes. While Jimmy Sheirgill (Harry) is being retained, we have Sharman Joshi, the actor with a perfect comic timing and Aftab Shivdasani, another favourite in comedies, playing the lead characters. Hotties Pooja Chopra (Miss India World, 2009), Nazia Hussain and Sana Khaan play their love interests.
Even though the title is similar to the first film, Deepak maintains, “This is not a prequel or a sequel to the earlier film.“ Surendra Bhatia, who's producing the movie with Narsingh Rajput under the banner, Triumph Pictures Pvt Ltd, says, “We're clear about making this a family entertainer. And that's the reason we have Neeraj Vora writing the script.“
Meet Brothers, Jeet Gannguli and Ankit Tiwari have reportedly composed some foot-tapping numbers for the film
Commando girl Pooja Chopra bags Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2
7:45 AM
Ankur Pathak (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 29, 2014)
Mirror (September 11) had
earlier reported that the 2011 sleeper hit, Pyaar Ka Punchnama is ready
to roll out a sequel which will have a fresh cast, save for Kartik
Aaryan. Now, we have learnt that two other actresses from Part
1--Sonalli Sehgal and Nusrat Bharucha – have been retained. The new
entrant in the battle of sexes is Commando actress, Pooja Chopra.
Said a source close to the production, “The makers have been in talks with Pooja for some time for the Luv Ranjan directed rom-com. The script demands a fresh face. She recently did a photo-shoot at the production house and everybody was impressed with the results.” The character is a girl from Mumbai who has a way with the boys and eventually makes their lives hell. She will be paired with a new actor. Auditions are currently underway.
When contacted, Pooja Chopra said, “Yes, I’ve had a narration and the photo shoot, but I’d like the producers to make an official announcement.”
Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 will be shot in Mumbai, Pune and Delhi. It is expected to go on floors in November.
Said a source close to the production, “The makers have been in talks with Pooja for some time for the Luv Ranjan directed rom-com. The script demands a fresh face. She recently did a photo-shoot at the production house and everybody was impressed with the results.” The character is a girl from Mumbai who has a way with the boys and eventually makes their lives hell. She will be paired with a new actor. Auditions are currently underway.
When contacted, Pooja Chopra said, “Yes, I’ve had a narration and the photo shoot, but I’d like the producers to make an official announcement.”
Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 will be shot in Mumbai, Pune and Delhi. It is expected to go on floors in November.
Anushka Ranjan-Pooja Chopra in Binod Pradhan's directorial debut
8:44 AM
Ankur Pathak (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 30, 2014)
Binod Pradhan, who has
served as a director of photography on award-winning films such as
Devdas, Munnabhai MBBS, Rang De Basanti and more recently, 2 States, has
finally decided to don the director's hat.
Mirror has learnt that Binod will be directing a love story to be produced by Anu and Shashi Ranjan. The film's cast will be led by the producer's daughter, Anushka, who was initially supposed to be launched by Sajid Nadiadwala.
Revealed a source close to the production, “Binod has been planning his foray into filmmaking for some time now but couldn't find the right script. However, he has finally found one it's a love triangle which will be shot extensively in Mauritius. Presently, they are looking for a leading hero and a parallel female lead.”
When contacted, Binod confirmed the news saying, “I was supposed to be a cinematographer on this film and Rahul Rawail was to direct it. However, he had some disagreements with the producers and they asked me to helm the film. I readily came on board.”
The yet untitled film will be shot by Binod's close friend, Gopal Shah who had earlier filmed the Salman Khan-starrer Veer.
Earlier, Rawail had announced that he will conduct a nationwide search for the male lead of the film which was then called Love Story…Again. “I’ve always nurtured the desire to direct and the time is right now. Writing a script is a problem but in this case a script was already in place,” Binod said.
Anushka, he said, is a talented girl going by her performance in the acting workshops. “We are in talks with Pooja Chopra (Commando) to play another character in the love triangle. We flag off in August once the rest of the cast is in place,” he added.
Mirror has learnt that Binod will be directing a love story to be produced by Anu and Shashi Ranjan. The film's cast will be led by the producer's daughter, Anushka, who was initially supposed to be launched by Sajid Nadiadwala.
Revealed a source close to the production, “Binod has been planning his foray into filmmaking for some time now but couldn't find the right script. However, he has finally found one it's a love triangle which will be shot extensively in Mauritius. Presently, they are looking for a leading hero and a parallel female lead.”
When contacted, Binod confirmed the news saying, “I was supposed to be a cinematographer on this film and Rahul Rawail was to direct it. However, he had some disagreements with the producers and they asked me to helm the film. I readily came on board.”
The yet untitled film will be shot by Binod's close friend, Gopal Shah who had earlier filmed the Salman Khan-starrer Veer.
Earlier, Rawail had announced that he will conduct a nationwide search for the male lead of the film which was then called Love Story…Again. “I’ve always nurtured the desire to direct and the time is right now. Writing a script is a problem but in this case a script was already in place,” Binod said.
Anushka, he said, is a talented girl going by her performance in the acting workshops. “We are in talks with Pooja Chopra (Commando) to play another character in the love triangle. We flag off in August once the rest of the cast is in place,” he added.
'Pooja Chopra was almost aborted as her dad didn't want a daughter'
8:21 AM
Yolande D'Mello (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 13, 2014)
When documentary filmmaker Nisha Pahuja visited Mumbai in 2009, she wanted to track the sociological impact India had seen postliberalisation. She decided to do this through a behind-the-scenes look at the Miss India pageant.
That all changed one day. “I was interviewing the contestants. Pooja Chopra was one of them. I asked about her family and she told me that she was almost aborted because her father did not want a daughter,” recalls Pahuja. “I was shocked, almost in tears. I realised that my film would take a turn.”
The first rule of documentary filmmaking, says Pahuja, is not to assume where your film is going. “If you know exactly what your film is about, you’re in trouble.”
The director’s interaction with Chopra, whose mother decided to leave her husband to raise her daughters, triggered an idea about how modern Indian women seek empowerment.
Around the same time, Pahuja attended an event organised by Hindu fundamentalist group Bajrang Dal. This is where she found her second protagonist, Prachi Trivedi. “Initially, the fundamentalists were to play a smaller part until Prachi told me about the Durga Vahini camps where girls were taught self defence and religious righteousness,” explains Pahuja. Prachi became the face of dichotomy between modern and traditional. At the camp, she was taught how to tackle a man but also schooled on the importance of marriage. The director describes her as “conflicted but self-ware”.
Pahuja believes many Indias exist within one, and they are often battling each other. “The battle I chose to focus on is the one between tradition and modernity, fundamentalism and capitalism, and how this plays out in the bodies of women.”
After premièring at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2012, The World Before Her travelled to more than 125 international fests. The film will hit Indian theatres next month.
Pahuja is keen to travel with her work through rural India, especially in areas that see a high incidence of female infanticide.
This will be a first for a documentary but Pahuja thinks audiences are ready for it. “The campaign to bring about social consciousness has become more important than the film,” she says. They are yet to decide on the route, but Punjab, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Delhi and Haryana are on the agenda. She is currently raising funds for the journey which will kick off in October.
The graduation ceremony of the Durga Vahini camp
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