The Coronavirus crisis has disrupted the life and careers of many. And the same holds true for Pranutan Bahl, who admits that the past two years have been disappointing. The actor, who made her acting debut with Notebook (2019), admits that all her work-related goals and plans have gone for a toss.

“Initially, it was frustrating. After 2019, when I made my debut, I had envisioned that 2020 would be the year for my second release and so on. But the situation changed. I’ve to accept it,” the 28-year-old shares.

The daughter of actor Mohnish Bahl reveals that she had learnt from her parents that an acting career never goes as per plan. “They’ve told me that I’ve to be open to change and be okay with things not working out sometimes. Covid was a big shocker. But, after a while, you realise that it is what it is. It’s better to make peace with it,” the actor opines.

However, she feels lucky that her debut film saw the light of day before the pandemic struck. She continues, “Thank God my debut happened before the pandemic. Now it’s even more difficult. There’s no surety as to when things would get back to normal. It’s all so uncertain. Theatres are not functioning and opportunities have dwindled even further.”

Despite the slump in movie shoots, Bahl has kept herself busy with projects like music videos, the latest being Rona Nahi. 2021 could also be the year when her second film, Helmet releases, something she’s looking forward to.

But given the scenario of cinemas, an OTT release might be on the cards. And Bahl confesses, she’d “not be okay with it”. However, she admits that she will have to accept whatever happens, as people can’t be endlessly waiting for cinemas to reopen. “It’s also a question of people putting money. Films get stale if held for too long. Of course, theatrical has its own magic but OTTs should not be undermined,” she says.

Sparking rumours of a third project, the actor was recently spotted visiting filmmaker Ali Abbas Zafar’s office. Not divulging much, she says, “We have a lot of meetings, schedule a lot of things; some work out, some don’t. It’s not nice to speak about it if I’m not 100% sure.”

Star kids say a film industry background may guarantee a headstart, but not box-office success
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 9, 2020)

The nepotism debate rages on, but the box office has always shown there’s only one arbiter of an actor’s fate: the audience. While some star kids such as Hrithik Roshan, Sanjay Dutt and Kareena Kapoor Khan made it big, for many others their film backgrounds didn’t translate into showbiz success.

For instance, Harman Baweja, son of producer Harry Baweja, was launched in Love Story 2050 (2008), and went on to do Victory and What’s Your Rashee? (both 2009), but didn’t find commercial success. Sooraj Pancholi, son of actor Aditya Pancholi, and Athiya Shetty, daughter of actor Suniel Shetty, were launched by actor Salman Khan in Hero (2015), but don’t have a big hit.

Adhyayan Suman, son of actor-host Shekhar Suman, debuted with Haal-e-Dil (2008), got some success with Raaz- The Mystery Continues (2009), but then his career hit a low. “I was talking to dad about this, this debate is wrong. It is actually groupism,” he says. “As even Sushant (Singh Rajput) said, the problem is only when star kids are being pushed ahead. My point is if that was the case, we wouldn’t have Ayushmann Khurrana or Rajkummar Rao. And Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan — they must have got it easy for a couple of years, but if today, someone tells me Ranbir is not a good actor, I will slap them. They have the X-factor,” he adds.

Hard work works?
Sikandar Kher, son of actors Kirron Kher and Anupam Kher, doesn’t deny nepotism, but feels hard work triumphs. “When I go and ask for work, I’ll get a meeting with filmmakers. Millions come to the industry, they might never get one. But everyone I met hasn’t given me work. I don’t think anybody is going to put money on you just because you are somebody’s son or daughter, it’s a business. My first film Woodstock Villa (2008) was offered to me by Sanjay Gupta. That is probably because of where I come from. But as you go on, you just work at it,” he tells us.

Pranutan, daughter of actor Mohnish Bahl and granddaughter of yesteryear star Nutan, was also launched by Salman, in Notebook (2019), but it didn’t do well. Bahl says his daughter bagged the film on her own. “People say ‘Salman ki dosti hai’, they don’t want to believe that,” he says, adding that Pranutan has bagged another film, Helmet, and auditions even today.

Audience rules
Late actor Amrish Puri’s grandson Vardhan didn’t have it easy either. “I was young when my grandfather passed away. When I wanted to start as an assistant director, I had nobody to make calls for me. I gave 25-50 interviews, till I met Aditya Chopra and begged him for a job,” he tells us. He recently made his film debut with Yeh Saali Ashiqui (2019).

Agrees Mustafa, son of filmmaker Abbas of the Abbas-Mastan duo, who debuted with Machine in 2017, but didn’t strike gold. “It doesn’t help being the child of a famous parent. The audience makes you what you are,” he says.

Anjali Shetty (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 5, 2019)

Actor Mohnish Bahl, who has shown his acting prowess in classics such as Maine Pyar Kiya (1989) and Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! (1994), has always tried to stay relevant with the changing times in cinema. Having tried his hand at television, too, there is not much that the actor has not experimented with. Now, Mohnish is earnestly hoping that his next film, Panipat, directed by Ashutosh Gowariker does well.

How easy or difficult was it to play a non-fiction character, considering there will be comparisons with references available?
I play Nanasaheb Peshwa, and we went by the reference of paintings and miniatures depicted. They give you an understanding of the demeanour of the man. I tried to bring those characteristics into my role. I don’t see anything wrong in playing a non-fiction character.

When you walk into a grand set like this, you realise how huge it is. We are recreating a part of history that is very close to our hearts. Because of my mom (late Nutan; actor), my influences have been more Maharashtrian while growing up. And, with all this grandeur and effort you really want the film to work.

On a personal note, with your daughter, Pranutan entering the industry, have conversations at dinner table changed? Do you suggest/advise her?
Yes, of course. I get a lot of advice from her (laughs). She keeps telling me about social media presence, traction and what not. And, I turn around and ask her, did the picture do well? She calls me a commercial actor and I agree. I tell her, we make films, so that people watch it and pay for it. I don’t understand awards and all. She is a very good actor, now she needs a commercial success. She has started to understand what I mean by this (smiles).

How would you describe your acting process when it comes to television as compared to films?
Honestly I am not in a position to answer. I believe for economic reasons, television is not exploited to the extent it can be. On TV, you are making business sense but not creative. And the audience today have other forms of entertainment. As an actor, I don’t believe I am working up to my full potential in television. I need to know the history of my character or how he will react to something ten episodes later. I liked it in the 1980s when we had bound and full scripts. The bottom line is, I am not used to what television has become today.

Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; August 31, 2019)

Eighteen years after he made his TV debut as Dr Shashank in the serial Sanjivani, Mohnish Bahl is back on the small-screen reprising his role in the reboot of the medical drama. The actor is known to take long gaps between projects, but he immediately gave his nod to this show. “When Siddharth P Malhotra called and told me that he plans to remake the show, I said I would like to do it before he completed the sentence. This series has a lot of memories for me — I like the role, the feel of it, and it’s a nice place to be in,” smiles Mohnish. On the big screen, the 58-year-old will be seen in the historical war drama Panipat five years after his last outing, Jai Ho (2014). Here, he talks about taking a long hiatus from films and TV,  his daughter Pranutan Bahl’s foray into movies and how today’s newbies can’t afford to make mistakes.

Why do you take such long gaps between your projects?
I’m a bit particular about the work I do. It should appeal to me. There are so many projects that I say no to because they don’t excite me. Then I disappear and people forget about me until somebody like Siddhu (Siddharth P Malhotra, Sanjivani’s producer) remembers me (laughs).

What appealed to you about Sanjivani 2?
I started my journey on TV with this. It was a wonderful show about human emotions. It felt nice to revisit it all over again. The first one ran for a good four-and-half-years — those were the days of weekly shows. I felt we had more steam and there was more to do. I am playing the same character, but he is aged about 15-18 years since then. He has matured with time as we all do. He is mellower and stubborn at the same time. When you are younger, you emphasise your views more strongly in society and make your place. As you age, you become calmer and accept life for what it is. Also, it will be nostalgia for the show’s fans. Besides, all the cases have human interest stories. With every illness comes a family’s life story.

The trend of remakes has caught on in a big way in films, too...  
Yes, but I’m not so much in favour of films being remade. I don’t believe a film like Sholay, Deewar, Hum Aapke Hain... Koun! or Hum Saath Saath Hain should be remade, unless it’s in another language or social environment, because the magic happens at that point of time. I feel if you package the same product, it’s a copy. Why go there? Unless, you take a very old film and adapt it to modern times, like the Ramayan and the Mahabharat or Deewar set to today’s times.

You are returning to films with Panipat five years after Jai Ho. How was the experience?
It was lovely to get back on the sets because I don’t shoot so much. I do films once in a while.  There should be some viability when I come on screen otherwise all the years of good work gets washed away by your last release. I would like to be viable and credible. Panipat is my first period drama and wearing those clothes and jewellery was amazing. I was more decked up than our leading lady! I am playing Nanasaheb Peshwa, who sent the Maratha army to battle against all odds, against the wiser wisdom of his generals. That’s the call of the duty that takes over. Marathas had various arrangements and agreement where they were supposed to protect northern states.

Your daughter Pranutan seems to be as picky and choosy as you. After Notebook, she hasn’t signed any movie...
That comes naturally to her. She is a bit particular. When I joined the industry in the ’80s, we as newcomers had a lot of work available to us. There were different types of cinema in terms of A, B, and C. We were afforded a lot of mistakes in our career. You could get away with a bad film here and a bad performance there. Today’s kids don’t have that liberty or flexibility. They do a couple of bad films and they are written off. They have to be careful about what they sign. In my time, one producer was making three films, now three producers are making one film and there is a studio backing them. The budgets have gone up. Kids who are debuting now have to be careful about what they choose. They need to present themselves at the top of their game every time.

The film didn’t fare well at the box-office...
We were disappointed with that, but I  personally liked the film, I liked her work and Zaheer’s (Iqbal). You don’t know what’s going to happen on a Friday. There is a strong element of luck and chance and that’s what all of us play with.

How did Pranutan cope with it?
She is a strong lady, educated, with a head firmly on her shoulders. She has done masters in law. She is level-headed and knows what this business is about. She has seen it with her father — the ups and downs, and being at home without work. Being an actor is a very insecure business. She knows that but obviously knowing and experiencing it are two different things. What I like about her is that she accepts the commercial non-success of Notebook but at the same time she has got very good reviews from the industry and the critics. That’s a big plus, it’s not like she’s been written off.


Mohnish Bahl with daughter Pranutan

Meena Iyer (DNA; April 12, 2019)

Salman Khan makes his superstardom look so easy. His approach to media interactions appears cavalier. You only hear people talking about how he arrives late and how his coterie gets bigger each day; almost isolating him from the ‘real’ world. Yet, when you meet the man himself, his conversation only veers around being focussed, being real and, of course, being human. You come back thinking, ‘Yaar, perceptions were all wrong. Salman definitely walks the talk.’ Over to SK:

Once, you seemed the least celebrated of the three Khans — Aamir, Shah Rukh and you. Now, you’re the biggest. Have you ever given this a thought?
Not really. By the grace of God, the films that I’m choosing have done well. But it is not as if Aamir or Shah Rukh are choosing bad or worse films. There are times when the movies I’ve chosen, to the best of my knowledge, haven’t worked. And then one film works and you’re back. SRK is a legend, as is Aamir. A bad movie here or there may happen, but they will always come back. Actually, tension toh mera hai. Aamir and SRK know their craft. I’ve heard people saying they’re not so sure about me (laughs)!

Stop kidding, what are you tense about?
My thing is that I’m surviving on mediocre talent and luck. Actually, I don’t know what I’m surviving on, but I’m surviving. Mere ups and downs toh hote rahenge. By the grace of God, hamari fan following itni tagdi hai. There’s also Akki (Akshay Kumar), Hrithik (Roshan) and Ajay (Devgn).

Then, there are the new boys — Tiger (Shroff), Ranveer (Singh) and Varun (Dhawan). Everyone is so good that all of us will also have to, you know, be on our toes.

All the stalwarts have stuck with you. Sooraj Barjatya wants you, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Sajid Nadiadwala and Aditya Chopra have you. Surely, you must be doing something correct because these guys couldn’t have chosen wrong.
Like I said, luck hai, destiny hai. Maybe there is something they see that I don’t. Anyway, what they look for in a hero is a mystery. The audience wants to spend money to see my films on screen, they watch them on satellite television also and they want to see me in my shows. I don’t know yeh kab tak chalega, but jab tak chal raha hai, my idea is to give my best, no matter what problems I go through, physically or mentally.

Agar humko yeh formula pata hota, ki kya karne se kya chalega, then what should I say? We would be taking everything for granted. We thought that Tubelight (same combination of Kabir Khan and me) will be a beautiful film, after our much-appreciated superhit, Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015). But for an Eid release, the public wanted to see something happy. In Tubelight, they all cried. They were like, ‘What the hell! Eid kharaab kar diya!” (laughs). They went into depression. Today, when the film comes on digital and satellite, people love it and wonder why it didn’t work. It did a business of over Rs 110 crores in the domestic market alone. So, even my ‘flops’ notch numbers. Bahuton ki filmein utni bhi nahin chali. So, I’m fortunate that itni badi hit film bhi flop maani jaati hai. I’m grateful for the blessings.

How ambitious are you for Salman Khan Films?
Ambitious, I can’t say. But one thing is clear in my mind. I just want to make clean, entertaining films. I’m constantly wondering if I’m doing the right thing or the wrong thing because there are bizarre trends today. The kind of films that are being made (especially some of the stuff jo web pe aa raha hai) are shocking! I can’t even watch the stuff, but people are watching it. I understand that is also private viewing, phone pe, laptop pe. Akele dekhne mein bhi humko thoda aisa lagta hai ki yeh kya ho raha hai. Because hamari upbringing hai, parents hain... after our first film, we moved straight into the Barjatya family zone. Abhi bhi when a kissing scene comes on screen, we’re all awkward. See it whichever way you want, but I will put my heft behind clean cinema.

So, instead of ones and twos coming in to watch movies, I’d rather want our banner to have films where people know they will have the naughtiness, humour, action and romance, but all of us can watch them together. That’s what I want to keep it to. Aur agar koi picture ‘A’ rated hogi, then it will be because of action. I’m not for kissing and nudity in films at all.

Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! completes 25 years this August. How does that feel?
I swear it feels like yesterday. Pranutan (Bahl), my latest protégée from Notebook, was born in front of us. I worked with her mother in Saajan (1991), and with her father, Mohnish (Bahl), in so many films. Suddenly, she was all grown up and wanted to be a lawyer. Then I got a call from Monya (Mohnish) that she wanted to act in movies. She auditioned for us, three to four times and I liked her. I will need lawyers in my life (laughs), but Pranutan’s calling was films.

Next, you will launch your bodyguard, Shera’s son?
Yes, after them (Pranutan and Zaheer Iqbal), it’s Tiger, Shera’s son. He’s been working hard for his debut. Once he is as good or better than some of the existing boys, we’ll start.

Newcomers have it tough today, don’t they?
You have to take into account that the boys have to dance and do action better than the existing heroes. Otherwise, they will find it hard. Hamare time mein, it was comparatively easier; yet, we found even that difficult. But now, it’s actually very tough. Today, you have got to be better than the existing actors. It requires a lot of time, hard work, patience and dedication, which all these guys have shown. Then, of course, it depends on the movie, the vibe of it, the acceptance of fans and movie-goers. As I said earlier, what they see in the hero, no one knows. Sometimes, the film doesn’t do well, but the hero is accepted. And sometimes, the movie does very well, but the hero is not accepted.

Speaking of your films, you have two releases lined up this year.
Yes, this year, I’ll have Bharat on Eid and Dabangg 3 in December. Next Eid, Inshallah (God willing), we’ll have Inshallah (smiles).

Salman Khan’s protege Pranutan reveals his soft side; shares memories of her grandmother, father and aunt
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 28, 2019)

Pranutan Bahl who is making her acting debut with Salman Khan’s next, the Nitin Kakkardirected Notebook, has fond memories of her mentor-producer from when she was little girl. Once, she lost her Tweety cap and was in tears when Salman spotted her and immediately sent his spotboy to buy a replica of it. “And I had my cap back within an hour,” Pranutan beams. Ask her if she got any tips from her mentor, now that she’s a big girl and on the threshold of a new career and pat comes the answer, “He’s told me never to think that I’m too big to ask for work.”

Meanwhile, her aunt Kajol has loved the trailer of her first feature and can’t wait to see the film. Pranutan’s all-time favourites featuring her actress-aunt are Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. “I remember attending the premiere of Kuch Kuch…, I was around six. She was a star, she’s still one. But while I admire her, I don’t want to emulate her or anyone else for that matter. I’m here for a reason,” states Mohnish and Ekta Bahl’s daughter, who points out that like the Samarth women, she is strong-headed.

Naturally, the conversation veers to her grandmother, Nutan. “I’ve been told she was always punctual, she was very disciplined. I’ve read that when she was doing the 1968 romantic drama, Saraswatichandra, the story was based on only one volume of the Gujarati novel, but she read three volumes to get under the skin of the character, Kumud,”

Pranutan who shares half her name with the legendary actress recounts. Nutan passed away prematurely, but her younger sister and Kajol’s mother, Tanuja is around to remind Pranutan to be focussed when standing on mark on set. “You must be confident and strong,” her Tanu ma added. And what of her papa, Mohnish, who’s frequently costarred with Salman, including in the 1999 film, Hum Saath Saath Hain, and whom she accompanied to his sets as a kid? “I troubled the camera department of his films because I loved skidding off the trolley,” she laughs. “Now, he’s happy and excited for my debut.”

Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; March 27, 2019)

As much as Salman Khan is known for his stardom and his box-office successes, he’s also known to be a man who provides grand launchpads for his friends (within the film frat and outside of it). For these newcomers, being launched by bhai is a privilege, but it comes with its own set of pressures, too. In a chat with BT, Salman, one of the producers of the upcoming film Notebook, talks about Bollywood’s fresh breed of talent, the challenges they face and how he, as an actor, has reached a stage where he wants to work without a break. Excerpts:

In just a few days, two newcomers Zaheer Iqbal and Pranutan Bahl, backed by you, will make their debut at the movie marquee.
(Cuts in...) Yes, and I will continue to back more kids for as long as I can. Why? Because I was also launched at some point and I think the industry can do with some more fresh talent.

The difference that is evident between you and other producers is that you largely make a sustained effort to make room for children of actors and filmmakers (mostly)... something other producers would not take chances with?
I have seen a lot in my own life. So given my experience, I feel that if a boy or girl can make my head turn, he/she should be launched. That’s the first thing I go by, it is then followed by training which takes a lot of time and effort. Sooraj Pancholi had toiled for five years — he assisted on a few films and groomed himself in every department before we cast him in Hero. Similarly, Aayush (Sharma) worked very hard before we decided to launch him. (Smiling) Actually, Aayush ke saath ek aur chakkar hai. There was a romantic film that had come my way. I thought I had gone past that phase in life when I could do something like that on screen, so Sohail told me about a guy he had seen at the gym, who he felt was perfect for it. Two months later, Arpita brought a guy home and introduced him to us, saying she wants to marry him. He was not coming to the gym for some time, now I know why.

Eventually, Aayush also assisted on Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Tubelight and Sultan — he travelled with me extensively. People liked his dancing skills in LoveYatri, but when we saw him dancing for the first time, we all were all like ‘Dance classes please…’ He practised dance, action and acting for hours every day. He worked out rigorously and his dedication was evident in the film. Likewise, Zaheer was also an assistant on Jai Ho, where he did everything — from giving claps before the scene to rehearsing with actors and running other errands. He also worked on his body and craft simultaneously.

When did you first spot Zaheer’s talent?
His father is a dear friend. I first saw Zaheer at his sister Sanam’s wedding. When Sajid Nadiadwala and I went for the sangeet, his father flagged off the ceremony after we reached the venue. I saw a beautiful dance performance and a video clip, where Zaheer and his cousin put up a play about his sister and brother-in-law. We were watching that, when I just turned towards Sajid and he said, ‘Haan mujhe bhi aisa hi lagta hai’. Almost as if he could read my mind. I thought he was a fine talent and we could give him a chance. I did ask his father if he had purposely insisted on starting the sangeet only after we reach the venue (laughs!) The boy has been with me for five years now and he has blossomed. Sooraj, Aayush and Zaheer chill together at Galaxy. They are always together and stand by each other at all times. They’re happy for one another — no khunnas, no jealousy. I wish it stays that way.

While appreciation for Aayush validates your decision to launch him, people often question your choices in launching your friends’ kids. What’s your take on that?
It felt great that Aayush was accepted, although the film didn’t do as well as we would have liked it to. The thing is, these are the boys I see and meet. They work really hard to get a nod from me. They work on presenting themselves well and everything that goes with it, because it matters. And mind you, I have many friends, but that doesn’t mean I am launching everyone’s kids (smiles!). Shera’s (his bodyguard) son Tiger is being groomed right now and he’s already being considered by so many producers and directors. Shera feels I will be the best judge of a script for his son, so I am now sifting through scripts. I am yet to find something worthy.

There was news about you launching Rinzing Denzongpa (Danny Denzonpgpa's son) and Ashwami Manjrekar (Mahesh Manjrekar’s daughter), but not many knew you were planning to launch Mohnish Behl’s daughter Pranutan with Notebook, too...
The thing is, I had seen her audition —I think she had done something with Mukesh Chhabra (casting director). I called Mone (Mohnish Bahl) and he confirmed that she had auditioned. We didn’t let her audition for LoveYatri as Warina Hussain had already auditioned for it and was perfect for the part. It wouldn’t have been fair on my part to replace her. When Notebook came on to the table, these guys offered the film to several girls until they saw Pranutan’s auditions. I called Mone and told him that it’s a clean film and a good story. I also told him that Pranutan will have to audition for the part. She won’t get it because she is my friend’s daughter. Mohnish agreed that she should get work on her own steam. On the audition day, I got a call — this time to see if she has liked the script and if she would like to do it. I ensured Mohnish got a narration, too. Pranutan and he liked the story and things got going. So, it’s all on merit, entirely. I can’t have people work in a film just like that, because films cost a lot of money. Just because apna brother-in-law hai toh uske saath kar lenge…aisa nahi hota. Atul Agnihotri is also my brother-in-law, but I can’t make him a hero now. He’s made a fantastic film called Bharat. He’s proven his mettle as a producer in the past. I want him to continue doing that.

Today, do you feel paternal towards the new talent that you launch?
Paternal? They call me bhai, so no, they don’t let me feel that way. But I keep telling them that as much as possible, I don’t want to see their faces in my house. I tell them that when I call you to chill at home or for a party, you should be ready with replies like, ‘Bhai I am busy shooting or I have a show or some other work’. I want them to go ahead with that steam in their lives. Of course, like a bhai, I monitor what they’re doing with their overall grooming, but I also make sure they work on their own. Boys like Varun Dhawan and Tiger Shroff are so good with everything that they just set a very high benchmark for the newer actors. When the new boys see their films, they go like, ‘Yaar, aur mehnat lagegi!’ If they’re not as good, or better than Tiger and Varun, how can I launch them? The confidence to surge ahead comes with time, but they also have to work hard to get to the starting point. Maintaining what you achieve is also very tough, which they need to learn.

Sooraj took very long to find his second project, Satellite Shankar. He once told BT that he consults you on every script…
Cuts in... That’s true. Just the other day, he came to me with an outstanding subject for his next film. He’s a sweet fellow, who has gone through so much in the initial years of his career. He’s danced like a dream in Time To Dance with Isabelle Kaif (Katrina Kaif’s sister). I’ve also seen Satellite Shankar; he’s good. These kids do make me feel proud. When people on the social media pull them down and apart, I feel like telling them that when one man works in a film, he ensures that so many others in the chain get their daily bread and butter. No one seems to understand that.

That’s been your mantra for years now. You don’t seem to take breaks between films and move on quickly from one film to another...
I never take a holiday, except that 10-day break in December. I don’t like taking a single day off, and I don’t. So many people find a chance to earn their living when I work. The other day, I was remembering my days when I had just made my debut in Maine Pyar Kiya (1989). There was a time when I just wanted to work. And now, when I am in that position, I don’t see the need to go off on holidays and say that I need breaks. Bakwaas…aise thode hi hota hai. I like working and that is why I keep working throughout. If that pain we go through doesn’t come across on screen, it’s not worth it. People always appreciate the effort you put in to give them that two hours of pleasure. If you get complacent, like I did once, films don’t do well. After that, I decided to do action films because that’s the cinema I grew up with. God was kind and those films worked. When it’s tough for most films to cross Rs 100 crore, my biggest disaster came at Rs 150 crore at the box-office.

Which newcomer is next on your launch list?
While I’m still figuring what happens with Shera ka beta, Tiger, I actually want all these boys to work together in a super dhamaal film, the kind that I have done in my past.

Deepali Singh (DNA; March 23, 2019)

When Zaheer Iqbal was around 17-18, he quit his BMS (Bachelor of Management Studies) course in order to go to Dubai to help set up his dad’s construction business. “In between, I got a call from my coordinator asking me to take part in an inter-college drama competition. But since I wasn’t a student anymore, I took re-admission in my college just for 10 days, so I could rehearse and be a part of the play. And then I quit again. That’s the kind of stuff I have done for acting,” he recalls with a laugh.

The ‘acting ka keeda’ bit Zaheer hard, right from his school days, and the newcomer, who is making his debut with Nitin Kakkar’s Notebook, tells us that he was always learning and doing different things to satisfy his curious nature. He started by helping his father in the latter’s construction business and till today, continues to do so. “There are a lot of approvals required before the construction of a building, and I like the process of going to the BMC for seeking the permissions, etc. I can’t handle monotony.  At one point, I have even owned Uber cabs! For me, work is work,” says the 30-year-old.

The self-confessed people’s person was spotted at his sister’s sangeet a couple of years ago by Salman Khan, who is his father’s friend. And now, he is all set to debut in the superstar’s co-production. Zaheer tells us more about how the Universe conspired to make his dream come true...

You don’t come from a filmi family. Did you ever think you would be noticed by Salman Khan and bag a movie?
I read 36 pages of The Secret and stopped because I said, ‘This is me’. I believe that what you put out there is what you get. While getting ready, I would often ask my friend, ‘How’s my hair looking? Is this shirt okay?’ and so on. He would get fed up and say, ‘Dude, who’s going to see whether your hair is in place or not?’ and I would tell him jokingly, ‘What if I’m at a party and Salman Khan or Shah Rukh Khan or Karan Johar walk in and say, ‘This boy’s got something, we should launch him’. I have said this repeatedly to him for seven-eight years and that’s exactly what happened. Salman bhai saw me dancing at my sister’s wedding and when I got off the stage, he said, ‘You should be an actor, that’s where you belong’. It’s like the Universe had conspired to do that.

How did he train you?
He made me start working out with his trainer, which meant a month of hardcore exercise and diet, etc. Then he called me again and asked me to take my shirt off. He said, ‘Body toh tu bana lega, but now we need you to train in other aspects’. He took me to Sohail (Khan) bhai and that’s how I started assisting him on Jai Ho. I did that for a year, post which I got into gymnastics, dance classes, acting classes, martial arts, horse riding, trekking, etc. There was no stone left unturned in the way he trained me. It was like I was not training for one film, but to sustain myself in the industry.

When you heard the script of Notebook, did you think this is the perfect debut for you?
It’s more than that. See, I’m a very filmi guy. I love the dhishoom dhishoom, song and dance, etc. Eventually, when you do those over-the-top films, you do them unapologetically. I wanted my first film to be a nice, content-based story, so that when it releases, people should say, ‘He acts well’. I didn’t want it to be a showreel or like an audition tape to show what all I can do. And that’s the compliment I got after the trailer, that it doesn’t look like it’s my debut movie.

Your co-star Pranutan Bahl told us that you both are really honest with each other...
She is such a good sport! I always tell her that it’s her best quality. She’s hardworking. Some actors, when they come from legacies like she does, walk in on the sets thinking, ‘Yeh toh mere khoon mein hai’. But it doesn’t work that way in acting. She didn’t have that attitude. She always wants to better herself and when you work with someone like that, it inspires you. We have been very honest with each other from day one. There is no formality at all. Both of us are sailing in the same boat. The only person who can understand what I’m feeling is her because she is going through exactly the same thing as me. So, that makes the connection much stronger.

Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; March 25, 2019)

Even after winning a National Award for his debut, Filmistaan, director Nitin Kakkar had to struggle to make his inroads in the industry. With the soulful love story, Notebook, the filmmaker now hopes to draw the audience’s attention to his craft. The director, who is fiercely honest about his opinions, talks about the two debutants, Pranutan Bahl and Zaheer Iqbal in his next and working with Salman Khan as a producer among other things. Excerpts…

Your film revolves around a guy who falls in love with a girl by flipping through the pages of her notebook. With the youth of today is hooked on to dating apps. How positive are you about an unusual love story like this resonating with them?
The film talks about falling in love with the soul of a person. The hero falls in love with the words and the mind of the person while reading her notebook. The face of the person doesn’t matter to him. According to Indian culture, we say, ‘Ladki ki photo toh dikha dijiye, phir hum baat karte hain.’ Ladki kahaan se pasand aayegi aapko kyunki aap to sirf uska chehra dekh kar usse pasand kar rahe hain? There is some purity in falling in love with the soul of a person than just his or her physical appearance. That’s true love. My idea is never to make films to tell society what’s right or wrong. Generally, physical appearances or good looks work on apps, but I don’t think that’s pure love. We need to know the difference between love and lust. The story of Notebook belongs to those who understand what it means to be in love. I narrate a story and I believe that everyone will have their own takeaway from it. A filmmaker’s job ends with making the film and leaving it to the audience to interpret it. Besides, Notebook is more than just a love story.

You said that your stories choose the cast of your films. Was it the case with Notebook as well or did Salman Khan — the producer of the film — have a role to play?
Zaheer (Iqbal) was already on board, as Salman sir wanted to launch him. As far as the heroine is concerned, I wasn’t happy with those who came for the audition. My assistant director showed me Pranutan’s (Bahl) pictures on her Instagram account. At that time, I didn’t know that she was Mohnish Bahl’s daughter and Nutanji’s granddaughter. I gave her a tough scene laced with different emotions during the audition and she nailed it. After a few more sessions and internal discussions, we informed Salman sir, who was more than happy. As a producer, he gives us enough freedom and is open to ideas. I would say that it was a brave call on his part to back a script like this because it’s not a conventional film. You will not see the hero bearing his body, splashing water on himself and pulling other stunts that massy heroes do.

Do you feel a different sort of pressure while making a film for an actor-producer like Salman, who is quite involved in the process of prepping and grooming the actors he launches?
When someone comes with an experience of 30 years in cinema and is in the best phase of his career, you give him that respect and acknowledge the fact that he would know a little better than you. I can either be arrogant and think that I know everything or just listen to someone with experience. I don’t believe in operating from the space of ego. I am a small filmmaker and have always struggled to get the audience to theatres for my films. There will be a larger audience coming to theatres with a big name like Salman Khan associated with Notebook. So, my responsibility as a filmmaker becomes bigger but I am the same guy who tells stories in a simple way. Also, I am aware that I have two careers at stake; it’s a big responsibility as a director. Pranutan is proud of her lineage, but she is also hungry to carve a space of her own. She is a go-getter and so is Zaheer. He is a dreamer with a lot of positivity and both of them are extremely sorted. They are my responsibility and I have put my best foot forward for that.

Notebookis an official adaptation of Teacher’s Diary. What drove you to work on this?
I gave Filmistaan four years of my life, including two years to release it. I made Ramsingh Charlie with all my heart, but it didn’t see the light of day. That somewhat broke my heart. It might be art for you as a filmmaker, but it’s business for most people in this industry. The person who puts in his money is naturally bothered about the commercial viability of the film. The thing I have realised in all of this is that I should make films that people want to see and to the best of my abilities. I’ve approached Notebook with all my heart, something I did with each one of my projects in the past. Yes, the fate of Ramsingh Charlie changed me a little, but it hasn’t made me bitter. I haven’t given up on it and will fight for it find its way to the theatres.

It’s a given that you probably expected things to shape up differently after you won the National Award, right?
Look, I think being a National Award winner and a successful director are two different things and they can’t merge. These are two different sensibilities altogether. For instance, Total Dhamaal is different from Filmistaan, though they are both comedy films. The divide in their box office collections has to do with the taste of the audience and the star power involved. Total Dhamaal may not win a National Award, but I’m not sure if that’s on the makers’ agenda either. My objective is to strike a balance between being sensible and commercially viable with my storytelling. With every film, I am just trying to get there.

Soumya Vajpayee (BOMBAY TIMES; March 23, 2019)

Being on the film set is the ultimate high for me; it’s like living a dream,” says debutante actress Pranutan Bahl, whose excitement is evident from her face and demeanour the moment she arrives for the interview at an Andheri studio. She is an industry kid — the granddaughter of late actress Nutan and daughter of Mohnish Bahl — but the 26-year-old law graduate wants to carve a niche for herself in the industry on her own merit. In a tête-à-tête with BT, Pranutan talks about her upcoming film, Notebook, her learnings from her grandmother and father, the bond she shares with Salman Khan, and more. Excerpts…

Your debut film, Notebook, is all set to hit the theatres in a few days. Are you excited, nervous… what is your current state of mind?
Honestly, I’m feeling a lot of gratitude. Every day, I tell myself, ‘Thank God it happened. I really wanted it’. I have waited for this all my life, and I have spent the last two-and-a-half years preparing to enter films and giving auditions.

You gave auditions? The general perception is that industry kids have it easy...
A lot of people are surprised that I went for auditions. I tell them that if you want to become an actor, then that’s how it works. There’s a particular procedure and you cannot negate that. If you want to become a lawyer, you cannot say, ‘I won’t give CLAT because my dad is a barrister’.

Thousands of artistes from across the country come to Mumbai to become actors, how can anyone be an exception? In fact, while going for auditions, I never wrote my last name, because I didn’t want to be shortlisted because of my family background. I want to make it on my own, so that I can feel that I’ve earned what I deserve.

Nepotism is a much-talked-about topic these days. Many would find it hard to believe that your father never played a role in getting you into films…
I don’t know industry kids, because that’s not the group I hang out with. So, I don’t know how they made their way into films. But, I’ve never asked my dad or anyone from my family to make a single call to any of their connections from the film industry to fix up a meeting or an audition. I’ve probably been to every single casting office that exists in the city.

You always wanted to become an actor, but you went ahead and studied law...
I wanted to complete my education before pursuing my passion. I felt that law was a great course to do, and it has made me a different person. For example, if I have to buy a house, I know the technicalities of a sales deed or stamp duty kaise bharni hai. I am a hands-on person. When I studied, I did that with utmost devotion, and I wish to do the same with films as well.

When did you tell your father that you want to become an actor?
It was eight months before I graduated. When I had joined the law college, he told me, ‘It’s good that you’re studying law. If you want to become an actor, you can do that, but finish your education first’.

You are not formally trained in acting, but seeing your father during your growing-up years and listening to stories about your legendary grandmother must have been an acting lesson in itself, right?
While I was influenced by my dad’s talent, our conversations at home were never film-centric. He always taught me to be honest and sincere about my work. He would say, ‘You will hone your skills with time. The camera is your playground, so you’ll be more comfortable in your fourth film compared to the first one. Honesty is your greatest treasure’.

As a kid, did you ever visit his films’ sets?
Yes, a lot. I have visited him on the sets of Hum Saath-Saath Hain (1999), Astitva (2000), Kahin Pyaar Na Ho Jaaye (2000) and Raja Hindustani (1996), among others. I would get upset when he was beaten up, because he was the bad guy in most films. I would cry and tell my mom, ‘Call up papa now. He is getting beaten up’. She would then tell me, ‘He is fine; he is just acting (laughs!)’. I feel at home when I am on a film set. However, that doesn’t mean that I didn’t have to work hard on my craft.

Salman Khan and your father have been close friends for years, and now, your first film happens to be a Salman Khan production. What kind of a bond do you share with him?
I was around seven years old when I had lost my ‘Tweety’ cap at a studio and started crying. He came up to me and asked me what had happened. I told him that I had lost my favourite cap, and, in one hour, the same cap was given to me. He had asked his spot boy to buy a new one for me. From then till now, he has always been my favourite (laughs!).

How encouraging was he when you bagged Notebook, directed by Nitin Kakkar?
He was happy and proud. He told me, ‘Since acting is your passion, work hard and give it your all’.

You recently said that your grandmother’s film, Bandini (1963), is your all-time favourite. Did her talent leave an impression on you?
Any great work inspires you. I’m bowled over by the skill of Bimal da (Bandini director Bimal Roy), my daadi and dadamuni (late actor Ashok Kumar). My grandmother played a murderer in Bandini, but the viewer still feels empathetic towards her. She played her role with such purity.

What is that one quality of hers that you would want to imbibe as an actor?
I would want to imbibe every quality of my grandmother as an actor, but if I have to choose one, it would be her goodness. Every role she played reflected the goodness and purity in her.

Nitin Kakkar on his next, a Salman Khan production with Pranutan Bahl, Zaheer Iqbal, working with Saif Ali Khan & why the National Award doesn’t weigh heavy
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 11, 2019)

In the edit room at his office, Nitin Kakkar dissects his next directorial, Notebook, calling it a film which will always be close to his heart, as it is unlike anything that he has directed till date. Excerpts:

Considering the socio-political complexities, why did you shoot Notebook in Kashmir?
To be honest, we had contemplated multiple locations as our unique love story needed a picturesque cinematic backdrop, but there’s no place better than Kashmir. And I assure you that you haven’t seen the Valley this closely before in an Indian film. But there’s no political commentary on the backdrop. Kashmir is not all about terrorism even if unfortunately, it has become an inherent part of the city. It has so much to offer.

Was it a conscious decision to launch two debutants, Pranutan Bahl and Zaheer Iqbal?
It’s always interesting to cast fresh faces in a love story. Working with newcomers is a challenge, but they bring their own energy. It’s also a responsibility because you know the audience will be judging them. For that matter even Zaheer and Pranutan could have started out with a safe film rather than a Notebook which many would take up only after establishing themselves.

How did Salman Khan come on board as producer?
Salman Bhai wanted to make a film with Zaheer. We had a few meetings, several ideas were discussed, then, I came across this script which is unlike anything he has done before. I was told that he would reject it, but to everyone’s surprise, he liked the subject and we were on. I’ve come to realise that Salman Bhai is all heart, there’s no hidden agenda behind choosing a script. He was very involved, would put across his point of view, but would leave the final decision to me. We have all been fans of Salman Khan, the star, but when you see Salman Khan, the man, you realise why he is on top. He understands cinema and the craft. And being Salim saab’s son, he’s also an amazing writer, his inputs on the script made a lot of sense.

Content-based films are doing well, that must be encouraging?
It’s the most amazing time here for storytellers and this new wave has given the industry confidence to take up unconventional subjects. I don’t like to play safe, I get bored in a comfort zone, which is why designing this film has been an amazing journey.

Next up, Jawaani Jaaneman...
Yup, a crazy ride with dollops of humour. It’s a father-daughter story and I’m excited with the way we are going to present Saif (Ali Khan) who is a witty, intelligent man. I can’t wait to start, but the entire film is set in London and with the cricket World Cup coming up there, we are still debating on the right time to shoot it.

Does the National Award add to the weight of expectations?
I had no idea Filmistaan would win me a National Award, it’s an honour and pushes me to do better work. It doesn’t weigh heavy because I’m just an ordinary director trying to tell extraordinary stories. 

Actor-producer has been quietly grooming Pranutan and Zaheer Iqbal for the spotlight and now, it’s a wrap
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 10, 2018)

2019 promises to be the year of the debutants with as many as 30 taking a bow. Among them is Pranutan, the granddaughter of yesteryear actress Nutan and the daughter of Mohnish and Ekta Bahl. She is set to make her acting debut with Salman Khan’s upcoming production, Notebook, in which she is paired opposite Zaheer Iqbal, who is the son of Iqbal Ratnasi, a builder and Salman’s childhood buddy. Excerpts from an interview:

When did you decide you wanted to act?
Pranutan: It was always on my mind but I wanted to complete my education. I was pursuing law from the Government College of Law.
Zaheer: The keeda had bitten me when I was a child. I used to converse in film dialogues and sway to the beat of Bollywood chartbusters whenever the opportunity presented itself. Salman bhai spotted me dancing at my sister’s sangeet and as soon as I got off the stage, he told me, “I am launching you, start training.”

I’m told that when I was kid, bhai called up dad one day and asked, “Hero kahan hai? Bhejo usko neeche.” When I came running down, he drove me to the studio where he was shooting. That was the first time I was on a film set. Back then, I didn’t know he was a superstar, for me he was just chachu. Years later, he came to my college for an annual function and seeing me wear my hair long, sighed, “Yeh drug zone mein chala gaya hai.” (Chuckles) He was happier when he saw me at the wedding—by then I had cut my hair short.

And after he signed you, did you hit the gym with him?
Z: People believe that if bhai is mentoring you, yeh banda body bana raha hai. But it is a different scene altogether. He trains you emotionally and mentally, teaches you to look at things from a perspective that no one would normally consider.

And how did you come on board, Pranutan?
P: Salman sir called my dad from the US and asked him to send me for an audition. Immediately after, he called dad again to say, “You are in trouble my friend, your daughter is soon going to be a heroine.”

And what was Mohnish’s reaction?
P: The first time I told dad that I wanted to be an actress, he asked me if I was sure because the industry is an uncertain place to be in. Some people are hugely over-rated, some under-rated and there are times when even talent doesn’t get you work. I used to believe that coming from a film family, I would easily bag at least a couple of projects, but dad was quick to point out that my background was an advantage only till I arrived on the set. The minute I faced the camera for the first shot, it didn’t matter whose daughter or granddaughter I was.

Did he ever visit you on the sets?
P: Dad was around for three days when we went to Kashmir for an outdoor shoot, along with my sister and mother. He saw some of the rushes and asked Nitin (director Nitin Kakkar) to give him a small role in the film as he loved what he saw. It was nice to have him around.

What was it like facing the camera for the first time?
Z: Before the shoot, everyone was saying, “Hero hai na, yeh karna, woh karna.” But after a three-month acting workshop with Hemant Kher, I learnt that it was all about getting under the skin of the character and by the time the film went on the floors, I was completely at ease. I was surprised to see just how confident I was in front of the camera. Our training sessions continued even on the film set as the coach was always present there. (Laughs) And apart from acting, my vocabulary also improved thanks to Pranutan and I got to learn new words like ‘contrived’, ‘euphemism’, ‘monotony’, and ‘cantankerous’.
P: I believe that no matter how much you prep, being on the set is a different kind of high. It’s almost surreal and more than acting, Notebook has been a beautiful journey of self-discovery.

Is there a sense of responsibility given that one of Bollywood’s biggest actors is banking on you?
Z: I felt responsible when bhai announced the film. We were hanging out at his place one evening when he suddenly turned to me and said, “Okay, we are announcing the film tomorrow, send me that (old) picture of ours (below).” I did, and the next day it went viral.

How would you define your equation with Salman?
Z: I have been his fan all my life, and after knowing him, I’m in awe of the human being that he is. More than films, our discussions are about life. Everyone in this industry wants to be the next Salman Khan, but I want to be the guy who takes Being Human (his charity) forward.

What’s your take on films?
P: Films are nothing but a reflection of the society. Flashback to the ’60s and you have films like Mother India, Guide and Bandini that featured Nargis ji, Waheeda ji (Rehman) and my grandmother Nutan. The content has changed over time, you can’t put creativity in a box, but the intention still is to entertain.
Z: I think, she summed it up well.

And what’s your take on the social media?
P: You can’t categorise it as black or white, it’s a grey space.
Z: If you use it well, it’s a boon, if not, it’s a bane. For me it’s the former, as I get all my information from Instagram.

Finally, why is your film titled Notebook?
P: Once you see the trailer, you’ll know why.
Z: And we can’t wait to see the audience reaction.

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 9, 2018)

Salman Khan’s next production which will introduce Zaheer Iqbal, the son of his childhood friend, and Pranutan, the daughter of Mohnish Bahl, his co-actor of many films, rolls in Srinagar on Wednesday.

Titled Notebook, it will be shot entirely in Kashmir in a start-to-finish schedule. The actor is producing it along with Murad Khetani and Ashwin Varde.

A source from the film informs that the unit reached Srinagar 10 days ago and both newcomers have been prepping with director Nitin Kakkar and spending time with the locals to grasp the language. “Five Kashmiri kids are part of the main cast and they too have been attending workshops with Kakkar. The shoot will wrap up by November-end and the songs will be shot in one go,” says the source.

Salman won’t be travelling to Srinagar anytime soon since he is busy with the shoots of Ali Abbas Zafar’s Bharat in Abu Dhabi and his weekend reality show Bigg Boss. “But he has spoken to both Zaheer and Pranutan before they left for the Valley. He was personally overseeing Zaheer’s training for the last few months and has given him the nickname Zahero,” adds the source, saying that the young actor has been training in action and building his physique since he was offered the film earlier this year.

BOMBAY TIMES (September 17, 2018)

Last month, Salman Khan announced that he would be launching newcomer Zaheer Iqbal in a film directed by Nitin Kakkar. The leading lady of the project hadn’t been finalised then, but now the wait is over. Salman has chosen Pranutan Bahl to star opposite Zaheer. Pranutan is the granddaughter of legendary actress Nutan and daughter of actor Mohnish Bahl.

According to people connected with the film, the decision to cast Pranutan happened by chance. Director Nitin Kakkar had auditioned over 100 new faces for the role, but wasn’t particularly happy with anyone. Then one day, he chanced upon pictures of Pranutan on the internet. When he and the producers of the film (Murad Khetani and Ashwin Varde) shared Pranutan’s photographs with Salman (who is also producing the film), even he was impressed. Post that, a meeting happened where they discovered that she was interested in movies. She auditioned for the role and Nitin found the girl he was looking for.

For Salman, this is also an emotional moment. He and Mohnish have been friends even before they worked together in Maine Pyar Kiya (1989). In fact, Salman lovingly addresses Mohnish as ‘Monya’ even today. Life has come a full circle as the superstar is now launching his close friend’s daughter on the big screen.

Interestingly, Pranutan is a qualified lawyer and has interned at some of the most prestigious law firms in Mumbai. She shares, “When I got to know about this film and read the script, I knew this would be a dream debut for me. Films were always my calling.”

Salman is also very happy that he is getting a chance to launch her. “Pranutan has a great legacy. I can assure you that she will make everyone proud,” he says. The film goes on floors later this month and will be shot entirely in Kashmir.

Salman Khan Films presents a Cine1 Studios Production. The film is produced by Salman Khan Films, Murad Khetani and Ashwin Varde.
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Nutan's grand-daughter Pranutan Bahl opens up for the first time about her debut film
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; September 17, 2018)

Bollywood has been abuzz with rumours that Pranutan Bahl, granddaughter of the legendary star Nutan and daughter of Mohnish Bahl, is set to follow in her illustrious family's footsteps. It is not surprising that Salman Khan, a close friend of Mohnish, has taken the youngster under his wing.

In an exclusive chat with mid-day, Pranutan says, "I turned emotional when I heard Salman sir is launching me. I hugged my parents and my sister; I will always cherish that moment." The aspiring actor will feature opposite newcomer Zaheer Iqbal in a romance drama that will be produced by Salman Khan Films (SKF), Murad Khetani and Ashwin Varde.

Given her impressive lineage - Pranutan is also the niece of Bollywood's leading actor Kajol - she is aware of the sky-high expectations that surrounds her foray into movies. Undeterred by the inevitable comparisons that will follow, she says, "My parents have taught me to be honest to my work. I know that there will be certain expectations. I promise to work hard to garner the same love and admiration that the audiences showered on my grandmother and father."

With less than a month to go before the Nitin Kakkar-directed film goes on floors in Kashmir, Pranutan, 22, shows no signs of nervousness that, more often than not, accompany a rank newcomer's first brush with acting. "I always knew movies were my calling. I did believe that completing my education up to a certain point was important. But I knew that I would end up in films," she smiles.