He harboured acting ambition from a young age, but Anmol Thakeria had not imagined being launched by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, in his wildest dream. Proud to headline Tuesdays And Fridays with debutante Jhatalekha Malhotra, Thakeria remembers meeting the auteur for the love story.

“I had never met Mr Bhansali before, nor did my parents know him. The agency sent Jhatalekha and me when he was scouting for new faces. He was kind and made a rank newcomer like me feel respected. He had a brief chat with us, after which we sent our audition tapes and dance videos to him,” says the actor.

When he did not get a call-back soon after, Thakeria assumed someone else had bagged the part. “Months later, I got a call, saying that he liked us and wanted us to meet the director [Taranveer Singh]. I had suffered an injury while playing football and had undergone had a surgery. So when I met the director, I was on crutches. It’s a surprise things worked out,” he laughs.

The film is releasing at a time when the insider-versus-outsider debate is at its peak. Does he worry about how he will be perceived? “I have never been in the public eye, nor do I get papped. Jhatalekha and Taranveer are outsiders, and we were all given the same opportunity by Mr Bhansali. How I will be perceived is not in my control, but I’ll work hard to earn my place in people’s hearts.”

Though his parents have yet to watch the film, he says mother Poonam Dhillon is ecstatic. “She is proud that I got the film on merit and that someone like Mr Bhansali showed faith in me.”

Shreya Mukherjee (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 2, 2020)

Poonam Dhillon breaks into tears as she talks about her dear friend Rishi Kapoor’s demise, and wishes “the news wasn’t true”. Kapoor, 67, breathed his last after a two-year-long battle with cancer on April 30. “This is such a terrible time to have to go through this. Everybody is feeling so helpless... I can’t believe Chintu (his nickname) is not among us,” she says.

Dhillon met him two months earlier. “Chintu had recovered and was so grateful to have beaten such a horrible disease. It’s going to be very difficult to accept that he is gone. I knew him since I was 18. We have been friends and I was close to his family. I had worked with him, Dabboo (Randhir Kapoor), Shammi Kapoor uncle, Shashi ji (Shashi Kapoor),” she adds.

Dhillon and Kapoor had collaborated in films such as Yeh Vaada Raha (1982), Tawaif (1985), Zamana (1985), Ek Chadar Maili Si (1986), Dosti Dushmani (1986), Amiri Garibi (1990), Yeh Hai Jalwa (2002), among others. And they wanted to work together again. “The other day I joked saying, ‘Aaj kal baat toh karte ho par kaam kab karenge?’ and he said, ‘Haan yaar, chal ek saath ek film karte hai’,” she says.

The actor says Kapoor “looked fit” when she last met him. “He was an unassuming, effortless actor. He never needed any prep. His performance wasn’t theatrical or dramatic, he was a natural actor. That’s what I loved about him,” she adds. Dhillon shared a “fun and warm” relationship with Kapoor and they would often joke with each other. “I learnt a lot from him. He was a good man. He would never misbehave with anyone. He expressed what he felt, which at times would sound wrong, but that’s that,” she recalls.

Calling him one of the “finest actors of our times”, she says it’s a “huge loss” for everyone. “It’s sad that on his last day, there was a restriction to pay our last tribute to this true gentleman,” she concludes.

MUMBAI MIRROR (May 1, 2020)

He wanted to live and die an actor - Subhash Ghai, Director, Karz and Kaanchi

For me, he was always Chintu, the hero of my first film as a producer, Karz, in 1980. Thirty-four years later, we did Kaanchi, my last film as a writer, producer and director With the passage of time, I have seen many actors looking old and jaded, but you cast them for the experience and nostalgia they bring to the screen. But Chintu surprised me. He brought to the Kaanchi song, “Thumka” the same zest and zing of Karz’s evergreen chartbuster, “Om Shanti Om”. There were rehearsals galore, 10-12 takes, but his energy never flagged. It spoke of the passion for cinema that he had inherited from his grandfather, Prithviraj Kapoor, a theatre legend, and his father Raj Kapoor, the greatest showman of Indian cinema. Chintu is a case study for future generations of actors on how to keep the magic alive and set the screen on fire, even after four decades.

Acting was in his genes, but he was a director’s actor. His never interfered and was always the obedient student. Also, he never acted, he simply reacted. To begin with, he was the proverbial chocolate box romantic hero. But in his second innings, when he returned after a decade, he was a revelation. He excelled in every role, be it that of the villain or an old man. Much like Amitabh Bachchan, who also came back with a bang.

Chintu was a doston ka dost who valued relationships. He had a lot of respect for my knowledge of cinema and my sense of drama. He’d reprimand me for not having made a film in five years. I had promised him that as soon as I got a script, I would make a film with him and a younger actor. He was excited, telling me he was waiting for the day.

I met him for breakfast in January and berated him for going to work. He replied saying he wanted to live and die an actor. He got his wish. The world will get more actors, but not another Chintu who was a wonderful human being.

—As told to Roshmila Bhattacharya
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Just one week after returning to Mumbai, he was reporting to work, on time - Emraan Hashmi, Co-star, The Body

It was my lifelong desire to work with Rishi Kapoor because I had grown up watching his films. I got my wish with The Body. We shot on a set in Mumbai for 45-50 days at a stretch, and I learned so much from him. He reinvented himself as an actor over the years and enlivened intense, conversational sequences in the film with his wit and spontaneity. We didn’t think he’d be able to allot dates for the promotions, but a week after returning to Mumbai from New York where he’d been undergoing cancer treatment, he was reporting to work on time.

Before he fell ill, he was asking after my son Ayan, who has beat cancer. It was bizarre because two months later he was diagnosed with cancer himself. When I went to meet him after his return, I thought he’d be frail from all the chemotherapy, but he looked super healthy and raring to go. I’m devastated today.

— As told to Ankita Chaurasia
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Whenever I was hurt, he would come running to check - Jaya Prada, Co-star, Sargam

Rishi ji may have been a hero for the world but for me, he was always my friend, Chintuji. He was my first Hindi film hero. On the first day of the film, I was both excited and nervous to be standing in front of a huge star who was smiling at me. He came up to talk to me and make me comfortable. He helped me get through long shoots. Since I had to dance barefeet, whenever I was hurt, he’d come running to check. He was fond of dancing and would give me a run for my money.

He was a brave man which is evident from the way he fought cancer. During his treatment in the US, I’d text him, assuring him that he’d be fine. It was a long journey, from Bobby to 102 Not Out. Each character seemed to have been written just for him.

—As told to Akash Bhatnagar
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He was a brilliant actor - Umesh Shukla, Director, All Is Well, 102 Not Out

He was a brilliant actor and a wonderful person with a great sense of humour. To me, he was like a friend and a brother. He’d say that he was enjoying his second innings as actor, adding, “Ab tak toh sweaters, pullovers pehen ke waadiyon mein gaane gaata tha...”

Rishi ji sought challenging roles and played them brilliantly, like Do Dooni Chaar and Kapoor & Sons. He was interested in new things and was encouraging of younger colleagues, like Jimit Trivedi, the chemist in 102 Not Out. If Jimit sat at some distance alone in between shots, Rishi ji would call him to sit with him and Amit ji. In the first half of the film, Rishi ji’s character is irritated with the chemist. But he helped make Jimit comfortable.

I visited him with writers Saumya Joshi and Abhijat Joshi when he was in New York for treatment. Rishi ji was so zindadil that we felt like patients in front of him. On March 18, I sounded him out on a new subject. He looked forward to resuming work.

—As told to Hiren Kotwani
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I was in college when Bobby released; a year later, it was still playing - David Dhawan, Director, Bol Radha Bol, Eena Meena Deeka, Yaarana, Yeh Hai Jalwa and Chashme Baddoor

Over the years, he became family. He was moohfat and would initiate a conversation rather than wait for you to start it. He was an endearing man who was passionate about films and food, in particular Chinese.

I was in college when Bobby released in 1973. When I joined FTII the following year, I’d pass the theatre and still see the film playing. My first film in Switzerland, Yaarana, was with him, and he insisted I buy a good watch as Swiss watches were the best.

He was very disciplined and quick to catch a mistake.

After his return from New York, we met him a few times.

—As told to Hiren Kotwani
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He was a Puckish prankster, rulate nahin the, bas chidate the - Poonam Dhillon, Co-star, Yeh Vaada Raha, Amiri Garibi, Tawaif

During our first film together, he was a big star and I was in awe of him. Once, while shooting a romantic song, he was doing silly things to distract me. You could never get into the ‘mood’ when he was around. He was such an effortless actor, the ultimate hero in romantic roles. People would tell me he was a bully, but for me he was a Puckish prankster, rulate nahin they, bas chidhaate they. His tweets reflected his wit and that he was upfront and outspoken. There was no diplomacy or artifice. He was professional in all his dealings and took his father’s legacy forward.

We can’t go to pay our last respects but we are there in spirit.

—As told to Hiren Kotwani
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He had love in his heart even for his enemies - Paresh Rawal, cast member, Aa Ab Laut Chalen

My first film with Rishi ji was his debut directorial. We shared a good rapport ever since and talked regularly. Few people in the industry are as frank as him. But he had love in his heart for everyone, even enemies.

I could see that he liked modern cinema and discussing new ideas. He was equally passionate about the cinema of yore. His one pet peeve was something he had christened “har jagah coverage”. If a director wanted to take a shot from different angles, Rishi ji would get agitated, arguing that the “spontaneity would be lost”. He also preferred dubbing over sync sound.

There was a certain ease in talking to him; one didn’t have to worry about being manipulated. He had a whacky sense of humour, but he was a seedha, raja person at heart.

—As told to Hiren Kotwani
---------------------------------

Chintuji was one of the reasons Shah Rukh came on board - Guddu Dhanoa, Producer, Deewana

When we narrated the film to Shah Rukh (Khan), he asked who was playing the lead character. On learning it was Rishi, he exulted, “He is my favourite actor, I’m doing the film.” Chintuji was one of the reasons he came on board.

When we were shooting with Chintuji and Divya (Bharti), in Ooty, in between shots, we’d play cards. We didn’t have enough chairs one day, so Divya sat on the ground. He looked at her and asked “Tumko maloom hai, main tumse kitna bada hoon? Twenty years.” Despite the jokes, the age difference didn’t show on screen as he was so handsome man.

I last spoke to him during the release of his autobiography. .

—As told to Himesh Mankad

As told to Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; May 1, 2020)

I have lost count of the number of films I did with Rishi Kapoor, especially in the early '80s. There were movies like Biwi-O-Biwi (1981), Tawaif (1985), Sitamgar (1985), Zamana (1985), Ek Chadar Maili Si (1986), Dosti Dushmani (1986) and many more.

I was a newbie then, but he was willing to work with fresh faces. At that time, he was the only star who had no qualms about teaming up with novices. I would tell him that he deserved to be in the Guinness Book of World Records for collaborating with the maximum number of new heroines. He could rattle off names [of all those he worked with], and would often wonder where some of them disappeared.

He was a natural and spontaneous actor, one who would laugh and fool around with the unit off camera, but instantly [transform] into the character when [we] rolled.

You could see the passion in his eyes as he enacted scenes.

Like all Kapoors, he too loved his food. The most distinct memory I have is going to R K Studios and [enjoying] the lavish spread and hospitality of the Kapoors.

I was in touch with him even when he was in the US for treatment. If I messaged him late at night, he would wonder why I was awake at that unearthly hour. Former minister Arun Jaitley, who passed away last year, was also seeking the same treatment at the same hospital in New York. As I also knew him, Rishi would often tell me that he would invite Jaitley to his home for a meal.

When he came back, we caught up with each other. He was not pretentious. He would not hide that he loved his drink. His wife Neetu would ensure that he had healthy meals, but, as soon as she would leave the room, he would quickly take a bite of [the food he was forbidden from eating]. He was childlike.

Poonam Dhillon takes us behind the scenes of a reunion of ’80s actors which is an annual affair
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 26, 2019)

Over 40 actors from five film industries—Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam—gathered at Chiranjeevi’s house in Hyderabad on Sunday evening to continue with the tradition of their annual ’80s reunion. The 10th anniversary party was attended among others by Venkatesh Daggubati, Mohanlal, Nagarjuna Akkineni with wife Amala, K. Bhagyaraj, Jagapathi Babu, Naresh, Sharath Kumar, Bhanuchandar, Suman, Suresh, Prabhu, Jayaram, Rahman, Khushboo, Radikaa, Suhasini Maniratnam, Revathi, Shobana, Nadiya, Raadha, Saritha, Jayaprada, Menaka, Jayasudha, Sumalatha, Lissy and Aravind and Ambika. The Hindi film industry was represented by Jackie Shroff and Poonam Dhillon.

Last year, the theme of the reunion was ‘Denim and Diamonds’, this year it was ‘Black and Gold’ with the whole gettogether co-ordinated by Suhasini. Speaking to Mirror, Poonam, who has been a part of the group and the reunion for four years, informed that this is the most awaited party for all actors in the group who keep in touch, be it happy or sad times, and plan for it through the year.

“The reunion is very special as that night none of us are stars or actors. It is a very meaningful and emotional day for all of us. We are just friends who have gathered together. Guests flew in from Dubai and the US, and from all over India. I myself cancelled my travel plans so I could be present,” the actress said.

Old stories were shared, and present well-being, families and children discussed. “There was a lot of fun and laughter, song and dance. We even played antakshari together with all of us singing each other’s songs. It was an evening of nostalgic trips and emotions ran high,” Poonam shared, adding that though she hasn’t worked with most of the actors, this group is the reason she has a lot of friends down South.

The guests were requested to not click photographs or upload videos but this was a rule that wasn’t obeyed. “We knew even our fans would love to see us together,” the actress gushed, adding that Chiranjeevi’s son Ram Charan also made a brief appearance, wondering if their generation will be able to pull off such bonding.

The party that started around 7 pm, went on till the early hours. “We had coffee around 4 in the morning and left Chiranjeevi’s house post 6 am, after breakfast,” Poonam revealed, praising Chiranjeevi and Surekha’s hospitality and admitting that since the next reunion is a year away, they have made tentative plans to meet in between.

Hiren Kotwani (BOMBAY TIMES; August 21, 2019)

Legendary music composer and Padma Bhushan awardee Mohammed Zahur Khayyam Hashmi was buried on Tuesday afternoon with full state honours. The 92-year-old veteran, who gave music for films like Footpath, Phir Subah Hogi, Umrao Jaan, Kabhi Kabhie, Razia Sultan, Dil-ENadan and Dard, breathed his last on Monday following a cardiac arrest. Gulzar, Vishal Bhardwaj, Poonam Dhillon, Javed Akhar, Sonu Nigam, Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik were among the first to arrive at Khayyam saab’s Juhu home to pay their last respects.

The coffin, draped in the national tricolour, was carried by cops and government officials and he was laid to rest at the Four Bungalows Kabrastan after a gun salute.

Singer Talat Aziz, who was like a son to Khayyam saab and his wife Jagjit Kaur, met him every day and read out verses from the Quran to him during his recent hospitalisation. “We didn’t have any prior intimation about the state honours but we are grateful to the government for giving a legendary composer the respect he deserved,” informed Aziz, adding that Jagjit Kaur had also taken ill and was admitted to the same hospital with him. “After she was discharged, she came to see him. When she held his hand, he moved slightly, sensing her presence.”

Yesterday, when the open truck carrying Khayyam saab’s coffin stopped for the last time at the gate of their residential complex, Jagjit ji sighed, “Why did you leave me and go?” She is still ailing, with a full-time nurse attending to her.

Anmol Thakeria’s launch vehicle, which is produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, is currently being shot in London
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 31, 2018)

Mirror had earlier reported (October 30, 2017) that Poonam Dhillon’s son, Anmol Thakeria Dhillon, has landed a big Bollywood break with a Sanjay Leela Bhansali production. The action-romance is titled Tuesdays And Fridays.

Now, we have learnt that the 26-year-old debutant left for London last week to kick off his launch vehicle, which is directed by Taran Veer Singh, with a 33-day schedule.

A source close to the development reveals that the team has been shooting at London’s Waterloo station and Pitch Stratford open air cinema since the past two days. “They will move to the outskirts of the city for the next few days. The Mumbai schedule kicks off in September,” informs the source.

The film introduces a new face opposite Anmol. The actor had been prepping for the film since the past year, which included training in martial arts and dance.

Poonam, when contacted, told Mirror that she can’t speak about her son’s film and is busy with her play rehearsals.

Anmol, who has studied in a London college for two years, returns to the Queen’s City for vacations every now and then with close friend Harshvardhan Kapoor.