Showing posts with label Prakash Kapadia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Prakash Kapadia. Show all posts
Jauhar was the reality of those times, says Padmaavat writer Prakash Kapadia
8:38 AM
Natasha Coutinho (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 3, 2026)
As actor Swara Bhasker continues to face backlash for her remarks about the depiction of jauhar in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmaavat (2018), the film’s co-writer Prakash Kapadia has come out in defence of the scene, citing deep research and historical accuracy.
“We made the film according to our research and what is written in history books,” says Kapadia, who co-wrote the film alongside Bhansali.
He adds, “Every person interprets the film differently. What we showed including the jauhar scene was the reality of those times, it cannot be changed now. The situation was that of ‘do or die’. Woh log (the male warriors) kesariya kar ke utare thhe.”
In Rajput tradition, Kesariya refers to the men dressing in saffron (kesari) robes and marching into a battle to fight to the death when victory is impossible.
Reacting to Bhasker calling the portrayal “problematic”, Kapadia says that while he hasn’t been following Swara’s comments, the controversy feels unnecessary to him.
“It depends on the person’s mood, even if it’s a good film and you watch it with a bad state of mind you will find it bekaar. It’s also about intention; whether you are going as a viewer, or watching it to find something controversial, or to find negativity... With Padmaavat, people had raised objection even before watching the film and had protested on the streets. The same conversation is continuing years later, so what can I say, let people say what they want to."
Bollywood hasn’t paid much attention to its writers after Salim-Javed, says Prakash Kapadia
8:29 AM
Soumya Vajpayee (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 17, 2022)
He’s been the dialogue and screenplay writer for films such as Devdas (2002), Black (2005), Saawariya (2007), Bajirao Mastani (2015), Padmaavat (2018) and Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior (2020), among others. But Prakash Kapadia feels that despite all the recognition he’s received for his work over the years, there’s a lot that needs to change in the Hindi film industry as far as the valuation of writers is concerned.
“I think the industry needs to trust its writers more by giving them the respect, credit and remuneration they deserve,” says Kapadia. He adds, “Nowadays, when a lyricist or music director composes a song, they get royalties each time the track is played, but what about the writer? There is a saying in the film industry, ‘Jo dikhta hai, woh bikta hai’, but I want to ask, ‘Jo likhta hai, woh kahan dikhta hai?’ A writer gives the entire story, screenplay and dialogues even before a movie starts. Big buildings look good, but they stand because of their strong foundations. Movies look beautiful, but they work because of their content.”
Having worked extensively with filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, with Gangubai Kathiawadi being his latest work as a dialogue writer, Kapadia enjoys associating with the filmmaker. “It is always an intellectual pleasure to work with a director who knows his work and understands the pain of a writer. Like me, he (Bhansali) also always wants to put his best foot forward, so we play devil’s advocate for each other. That’s how we deliver our best work,” he shares.
A satisfied man, Kapadia feels that when the audience laps up his work, it’s a win for him: “I count each film I’ve written as my credit. My films should reach the audience and that is my achievement. If my film, its director, actor or producer wins an award, I am a part of it (the win), too. Bollywood hasn’t paid much attention to its writers after Salim-Javed, but I hope I scenario changes for the better.”
Sanjay Leela Bhansali to bring Rajasthani artistes for Padmavati?
12:47 PM
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 16, 2016)
Sanjay Leela Bhansali takes off to Rajasthan on Tuesday to kick-start recce for his ambitious period-drama, tentatively-titled Padmavati.
Two assistants and his writer, Prakash Kapadia, who has earlier collaborated with the 53-year-old filmmaker on Devdas, Black, Saawariya, and the recent Bajirao Mastani, are accompanying him.
"Sanjay will travel through small towns like Alwar, Bassi, Dungarpur, Khimsar, Pushkar, Mewar, among others, and interact with local musicians, singers and instrumentalists whom he plans to bring on board," reveals a source close to the development. "He has a keen ear for music and will record the songs before going on the floors. Not only does he plan to bring Rajasthani folk artistes to Mumbai, but also carry out impromptu recordings and live sessions with the singers as a part of the prep," adds the source.
Set to release on December 15, 2017, the film narrates the story of Alauddin Khilji, the second ruler of the Khilji dynasty, and his obsessive love for the queen of Mewar, Padmavati, who was renowned for her beauty, intellect and courage. Buzz is, Peshwa Bajirao Ranveer Singh and his Mastani Deepika Padukone, who first teamed up for SLB's Goliyon Ki Rasleela: Ram Leela, are set to re-unite for a third time.
Legend has it that Alauddin heard of the unparalleled beauty of the wife of the King of Mewar and was eager to see her in person. Even though it was forbidden for a Hindu queen, Ratan Singh persuaded his wife to appear before the Sultan once. Alauddin was so dazzled by her that he resolved to induct her into his harem, ordering his army to invade the kingdom. Even though outnumbered, Ratan Singh declared that the Rajputs would fight till the last man to protect their honour. When apprised of the developments Padmavati decided to commit jauhar. As their men-folk marched towards a lost war, a huge pyre was lit and, following their queen, the women of Mewar jumped into the flames.
In 2008 Sanjay had directed an opera-ballad titled Padmavati, soon after the release of Saawariya, which opened at Paris's prestigious opera house, Theatre du Chatelet, to a standing ovation. Following the overwhelming response to it, Bhansali returned home happy and rejuvenated, determined to make a full-fledged film on the subject one day.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali's next will be Padmavati, an anti-hero film
8:15 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (May 9, 2016)
There has been much
speculation about Sanjay Leela Bhansali's next directorial after the
success of Bajirao Mastani. We hear that this time around the director
will make an anti-hero film about Sultan
Alauddin Khilji and his obsessive love for Queen Padmavati of Mewar. Interestingly, Bhansali had earlier helmed an opera on this story, which was screened in Paris and Rome. The film is tentatively titled Padmavati. A source says, “Sanjay has always loved this all-destructive romantic tale. Alauddin was a genius who was shrewd and ambitious. He was absolutely smitten by Rani Padmini's bewitching beauty and unmatchable intellect. This film will be about the queen's courage to fight her undefeated nemesis.“
We reached out to Bhansali's spokesperson who confirmed the news.
----------------------
After Bajirao Mastani, the filmmaker to direct another period drama with the story of Alauddin Khilji and the queen of Mewar
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 9, 2016)
After the success of Bajirao
Mastani which opened last December and featured Ranveer Singh, Deepika
Padukone and Priyanka Chopra, Sanjay Leela Bhansali is ready to helm
another period drama, and this time, it's the turn of the anti-hero.
While speculations have been rife about several subjects including a
Khal Nayak remake, Mirror has learnt that the 53-year-old filmmaker's
next narrates
the story of Alauddin Khilji, the second ruler of the Khilji dynasty,
and his obsessive love for the queen of Mewar, Padmavati, renowned for
her beauty, intellect and courage.
Tentatively titled Padmavati, the film will be written by Prakash Kapadia who has earlier collaborated with Sanjay on Devdas, Black, Saawariya and the recent Bajirao Mastani. “It's a very interesting story and will release on December 15, 2017,“ reveals a source close to the development.
Legend has it that Alauddin heard of the unparalleled beauty of the wife of the King of Mewar and was eager to see her in person. Even though it was forbidden for a Hindu queen, Ratan Singh persuaded his wife to let the Sultan see her once. Alauddin was so dazzled by Padmavati's beauty that he resolved to induct her into his harem, ordering his army to invade the kingdom.
Even though outnumbered, Ratan Singh declared that the Rajputs would fight till the last man to protect their honour. When appraised of the developments Padmavati decided to commit jauhar. As their men-folk marched towards a lost war, a huge pyre was lit and following their queen, the women of Mewar jumped into the flames.
In 2008 Sanjay had directed an opera-ballad titled Padmavati, soon after the release of Saawariya, which was performed at Paris's prestigious opera house, Theatre du Chatelet, to a standing ovation. The overwhelming response to it was heartening and he returned home happy and rejuvenated.
For the last four months the National Award-winning filmmaker had been debating on which subject to touch on next. Speaking to Mirror (November 27, 2015) he had admitted he has to make another 25 films, including six dream projects, in this lifetime. “I've made two - Black and Bajirao Mastani - four remain. I don't want to run out of time. I have to make them before I quit or I'll have to be born again which I wouldn't want,“ he had said, adding that he will be producing two-three films this year, including sister Bela Sehgal's directorial, Gustakhiyan, a biopic on poet-lyricist Sahir Ludhianvi which could end with his famous verse “Kabhi kabhi mere dil mein khayal aata hai“, a musical love story which will launch Vinod Khanna's son Sakshi and casting director Mukesh Chhabra, and his next directorial which will roll in July.
The filmmaker's official spokesperson confirmed that the project is on and casting is in progress.
----------------------
Sanjay Leela Bhansali to steer clear of a love story for his next; to make an anti- hero film based on oppressive ruler Alauddin Khilji’s obsession for Rani Padmavati
Shubha Shetty Saha (MID-DAY; May 9, 2016)
Post the mega success of his last directorial venture Bajirao Mastani, there is much speculation around Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s next. Reliable sources tell us that the filmmaker is working on another historical drama, but with a difference.
Known for portraying tragic love stories on celluloid, Bhansali will, this time round, try his hand at an anti- hero project — it will be based on ruthless ruler Alauddin Khilji’s obsession for Mewar queen Padmavati.
A source says, “He is set to tell the tale of the greatest Sultan of Hindustan and his obsessive love for the legendary queen, Padmavati, who was known for her beauty, intellect and courage. It has been tentatively titled Padmavati. He had earlier directed an opera based on the same subject, which was highly appreciated in Paris and Rome.” It was in 2008 (post the debacle of Saawariya) that Bhansali went to Paris to direct the 1923 opera ballet Padmavati, written by Albert Rousselan, for the prestigious Theatre Du Chatelet. Select filmmakers from the world over had been invited by what’s considered the world’s most prestigious opera company.
According to legend, Alauddin heard of the unparalleled beauty of Padmavati, wife of Ratan Singh, and went to Chittor with an intention to siege the Chittor fort and see the Rani. Singh persuaded his wife to let the Sultan see her. When she gave her consent, Alauddin saw her reflection in a mirror. On seeing the beauty of the queen, Alauddin was determined to get her for his harem. But that was not to be. Eventually, Padmavati performed jauhar (self-immolation of queens and female royals of Rajput kingdoms when faced with defeat at the hands of an enemy).
“Prakash Kapadia, scriptwriter of Bajirao Mastani, has been roped in for this project, for which a release date of December 15, 2017 has been finalised,” adds the source.
It is rumoured that Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone might pair up for their third Bhansali film after Goliyon Ki Rasleela: Ram-Leela (2013) and Bajirao Mastani (2015), but sources associated with the project say that no actor has been approached so far. In an earlier interview with hitlist, SLB had admitted to have met Salman Khan but did not divulge details. So, who will star in this ambitious project? Watch this space.
Alauddin Khilji and his obsessive love for Queen Padmavati of Mewar. Interestingly, Bhansali had earlier helmed an opera on this story, which was screened in Paris and Rome. The film is tentatively titled Padmavati. A source says, “Sanjay has always loved this all-destructive romantic tale. Alauddin was a genius who was shrewd and ambitious. He was absolutely smitten by Rani Padmini's bewitching beauty and unmatchable intellect. This film will be about the queen's courage to fight her undefeated nemesis.“
We reached out to Bhansali's spokesperson who confirmed the news.
----------------------
After Bajirao Mastani, the filmmaker to direct another period drama with the story of Alauddin Khilji and the queen of Mewar
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 9, 2016)
After the success of Bajirao
Mastani which opened last December and featured Ranveer Singh, Deepika
Padukone and Priyanka Chopra, Sanjay Leela Bhansali is ready to helm
another period drama, and this time, it's the turn of the anti-hero.
While speculations have been rife about several subjects including a
Khal Nayak remake, Mirror has learnt that the 53-year-old filmmaker's
next narrates
the story of Alauddin Khilji, the second ruler of the Khilji dynasty,
and his obsessive love for the queen of Mewar, Padmavati, renowned for
her beauty, intellect and courage.Tentatively titled Padmavati, the film will be written by Prakash Kapadia who has earlier collaborated with Sanjay on Devdas, Black, Saawariya and the recent Bajirao Mastani. “It's a very interesting story and will release on December 15, 2017,“ reveals a source close to the development.
Legend has it that Alauddin heard of the unparalleled beauty of the wife of the King of Mewar and was eager to see her in person. Even though it was forbidden for a Hindu queen, Ratan Singh persuaded his wife to let the Sultan see her once. Alauddin was so dazzled by Padmavati's beauty that he resolved to induct her into his harem, ordering his army to invade the kingdom.
Even though outnumbered, Ratan Singh declared that the Rajputs would fight till the last man to protect their honour. When appraised of the developments Padmavati decided to commit jauhar. As their men-folk marched towards a lost war, a huge pyre was lit and following their queen, the women of Mewar jumped into the flames.
In 2008 Sanjay had directed an opera-ballad titled Padmavati, soon after the release of Saawariya, which was performed at Paris's prestigious opera house, Theatre du Chatelet, to a standing ovation. The overwhelming response to it was heartening and he returned home happy and rejuvenated.
For the last four months the National Award-winning filmmaker had been debating on which subject to touch on next. Speaking to Mirror (November 27, 2015) he had admitted he has to make another 25 films, including six dream projects, in this lifetime. “I've made two - Black and Bajirao Mastani - four remain. I don't want to run out of time. I have to make them before I quit or I'll have to be born again which I wouldn't want,“ he had said, adding that he will be producing two-three films this year, including sister Bela Sehgal's directorial, Gustakhiyan, a biopic on poet-lyricist Sahir Ludhianvi which could end with his famous verse “Kabhi kabhi mere dil mein khayal aata hai“, a musical love story which will launch Vinod Khanna's son Sakshi and casting director Mukesh Chhabra, and his next directorial which will roll in July.
The filmmaker's official spokesperson confirmed that the project is on and casting is in progress.
----------------------
Sanjay Leela Bhansali to steer clear of a love story for his next; to make an anti- hero film based on oppressive ruler Alauddin Khilji’s obsession for Rani Padmavati
Shubha Shetty Saha (MID-DAY; May 9, 2016)
Post the mega success of his last directorial venture Bajirao Mastani, there is much speculation around Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s next. Reliable sources tell us that the filmmaker is working on another historical drama, but with a difference.
Known for portraying tragic love stories on celluloid, Bhansali will, this time round, try his hand at an anti- hero project — it will be based on ruthless ruler Alauddin Khilji’s obsession for Mewar queen Padmavati.
A source says, “He is set to tell the tale of the greatest Sultan of Hindustan and his obsessive love for the legendary queen, Padmavati, who was known for her beauty, intellect and courage. It has been tentatively titled Padmavati. He had earlier directed an opera based on the same subject, which was highly appreciated in Paris and Rome.” It was in 2008 (post the debacle of Saawariya) that Bhansali went to Paris to direct the 1923 opera ballet Padmavati, written by Albert Rousselan, for the prestigious Theatre Du Chatelet. Select filmmakers from the world over had been invited by what’s considered the world’s most prestigious opera company.
According to legend, Alauddin heard of the unparalleled beauty of Padmavati, wife of Ratan Singh, and went to Chittor with an intention to siege the Chittor fort and see the Rani. Singh persuaded his wife to let the Sultan see her. When she gave her consent, Alauddin saw her reflection in a mirror. On seeing the beauty of the queen, Alauddin was determined to get her for his harem. But that was not to be. Eventually, Padmavati performed jauhar (self-immolation of queens and female royals of Rajput kingdoms when faced with defeat at the hands of an enemy).
“Prakash Kapadia, scriptwriter of Bajirao Mastani, has been roped in for this project, for which a release date of December 15, 2017 has been finalised,” adds the source.
It is rumoured that Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone might pair up for their third Bhansali film after Goliyon Ki Rasleela: Ram-Leela (2013) and Bajirao Mastani (2015), but sources associated with the project say that no actor has been approached so far. In an earlier interview with hitlist, SLB had admitted to have met Salman Khan but did not divulge details. So, who will star in this ambitious project? Watch this space.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali hunting for Marathi tutor for Ranveer Singh?
8:08 AM
Subhash K Jha (DNA; April 12, 2014)
Ranveer Singh, who sported a dead-on Gujarati diction in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram Leela, won’t find it easy to sail through the dialogues of SLB’s upcoming ambitious project. The fastidious filmmaker and his dialogue writer Prakash Kapadia have decided to zero in on a Marathi tutor for Ranveer to hone his Marathi skills for Bajirao Mastani.
Says a source close to Bhansali, “Ranveer would have to get his language and diction completely right. The director doesn’t want a hue and cry over the words being mis-pronounced. Ranveer is already familiar with Marathi and can even speak the language. But for this role, he needs to get the nuances and layering right.”
Bajirao was a noted general who served as Peshwa to the fourth Maratha Chhatrapati Shahu ji from 1720. As the movie has a historical background, the filmmaker is leaving no stone unturned to make it as artistically authentic as possible.
SLB would start Ranveer’s speech and action training well in advance before the shooting in November.
“Ranveer needs to look convincing as a Maratha warrior. He also needs to acquire a more somber image than the one he has. SLB has asked Ranveer to control his nervous energy off screen and use it for the role,” says a source close to the director.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)