Showing posts with label Pulkit Samrat. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pulkit Samrat. Show all posts
One 15 minute session of boxing really drained me out-Pulkit Samrat
10:45 PM
Onkar Kulkarni (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 1, 2026)
Fitness enthusiast Pulkit Samrat had been providing glimpses of his intense physical preparation on social media, only to reveal that he would be stepping into the ring as a boxer for the first time in the web series Glory. The actor now admits that boxing has been a completely different challenge altogether, with the initial days leaving him struggling to keep up with the sport’s demanding technique and endurance.
Talking about prepping for the physically demanding role in the series created by Karan Anshuman, Pulkit shares, “I always wanted to play a boxer on screen. The first day I started my training, I couldn’t even punch straight. Learning to just punch correctly drained me in 15 minutes. I can do hours and hours of workouts. But one 15 minute session of boxing really drained me out. That is where I realized that I cannot just be a boxer on screen. I have to become a boxer in real life to play a boxer. There’s a lot that goes into it. I also started doing injury prevention drills with my physiotherapist, where she would make me do balance drills, strengthen my joints so that my wrist doesn’t get injured, my knees and ankles don’t give up and I don’t get sprains easily if I fall on the floor.”
Pulkit reveals how boxing has now become a lasting part of his life.
“I was lucky I had a great team to work with. They were the main support system that made it easier for me. It’s been a very addictive process. So much so that it is now a part of my life. I made it a part of my life. The sport really consumed me and made me its own. I’m continuing boxing and I would recommend everybody to at least do one kind of sport in their life and make it a part of their regimen. Sport is just magical. It teaches you so many things. It throws the ego out of you first and foremost and that is very important,” he says.
Pulkit Samrat on OTT sports series Glory: "It’s a dream character for me"
3:15 PM
Actor Pulkit Samrat, who leads the upcoming sports series Glory, revealed that portraying a boxer has been his long-time dream
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; January 29, 2026)
Playing a boxer had long been on Pulkit Samrat’s wishlist. The actor has manifested it this year with Glory, which marks his first OTT series as the leading man. “It’s a dream character for me,” he tells mid-day.
Created by Karan Anshuman and Karmanya Ahuja, the Netflix sports thriller revolves around a renowned boxing coach and his two estranged sons, whose Olympic dreams collide with secrets and revenge. Samrat stars alongside Divyenndu and Suvinder Vicky. Revealing that the shoot wrapped in mid-2025, the actor shares that being part of the universe was physically taxing. “The process has been intense, yet addictive,” he smiles.
Taxing as they may be, Samrat believes roles like these are essential to push creativity. He reasons, “Otherwise, it all turns into formulas. Everyone starts saying, ‘Oh, this is the formula, this works, and it’s all that sells.’ That’s not why we became actors. It’s necessary to get out of your comfort zone to see growth. You have to say, ‘Okay, let’s give the audience something they haven’t experienced before’.”
Vipul Vig believed in me when I was a nobody-Varun Sharma
8:38 AM
Varun Sharma, who had promised his support to Fukrey writer Vipul Vig whenever he turned director, leads his filmmaking debut Rahu Ketu
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; April 7, 2025)
It’s not easy for an outsider to get a break in this industry. Varun Sharma knows that, having worked his way up in the movies. That’s why he is only too happy to support writer Vipul Vig, who is foraying into direction with Rahu Ketu. Sharma is fronting Vig’s comedy, thus staying true to the promise he had made to the writer when they both had met on the sets of Fukrey over a decade ago. “Fukrey launched both of us. Vipul and I had hit it off instantly, and bonded over our love for cinema and comedy,” recalls the actor.
While shooting for Fukrey (2013), Sharma had told Vig that whenever he decided to direct a film, he would help him in any way he can. Their friendship strengthened as they collaborated on Fukrey Returns (2017) and Fukrey 3 (2023). When Vig wrote the screenplay of his directorial debut, he couldn’t think of anyone except Sharma and his Fukrey co-star Pulkit Samrat.
Sharma adds, “Vipul believed in me when I was a nobody. We all made Choocha together. I’ve always believed in him and his quirky humour. When he told me he was ready to direct, I knew I had to be a part of it. This film is a celebration of our friendship and a realization of our innocent dreams. I’m thrilled that another [artiste] like me, who comes from nothing, is ready to begin a fresh chapter here.”
The comedy, which also stars Shalini Pandey, is currently being shot in Mumbai.
Kriti Kharbanda ka mood off ho toh I just surprise her with a box of chocolate-Pulkit Samrat
8:05 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; July 8, 2024)
Pulkit Samrat’s love for chocolates was evident when he arrived for an exclusive shoot with Bombay Times on World Chocolate Day yesterday. Wearing the chef’s hat, the Pagalpanti actor whisked in a delicious mix that included some chopped chocolate bars as he tried putting up a cocoa-based dessert together. He could not resist licking the chocolate off his fingers as he wrapped up his session.
‘Chocolates remind me of my days in Delhi’
“As someone who hails from Delhi, this takes me back to the chilly winters there when we would often have a cup of hot chocolate. Today, I see chocolate as something that gives me good sleep and is a great aphrodisiac,” said Pulkit, who switched to eating dark, sugar-free chocolate post 2018.
Considering Pulkit loves dark chocolate, does that extend to his choice of roles as well? Speaking about playing dark characters, he shared, “I love exploring every kind of cinema. I loved my character in Taish, not just because it was in the dark zone but also because it was challenging and something I had not tried before. I love taking up challenges. It spices things up. Does that mean I am open to the idea of dark chocolate with chilli? Absolutely!”
‘Kriti and I usually have dark chocolate before going to bed’
Pulkit said he had different variants of chocolates each time a new girl came into his life. He says, “One of my earlier girlfriends loved Bar One, so I tried to develop a taste for it because I was more of a 5 Star person. Then, for a short span, I dated someone who loved Twix. I remember I got a cake made of Twix. Another girlfriend liked Toblerone... and that was quite an expensive affair (laughs). Kriti (wife, Kriti Kharbanda) loves Ferrero Rocher. Toh mujhe jab bhi usko manana hota hai, I know that is the thing to go to. Uska mood off ho toh I just surprise her with a box of this chocolate. Like me, she loves chocolates, and at night, too, we usually have dark chocolate before going to bed.”
The actor continues saying that he is always on a lookout for good dark chocolates. He elaborates, "When I was in London, shooting for Pagalpanti, I hopped across chocolate studios only to find some healthy yet lip-smacking chocolates. Today, Mumbai has some fantastic places that stock some great, healthy versions of chocolates. At my home, you will find the fridge in my kitchen, my gym and the mini fridge in my room filled with dark chocolates."
‘Chocolate boy hona achcha hota hai’
Talking about his ‘chocolate boy’ image in the industry, he said, “When Ekta Kapoor discovered me and cast me in Kyunki... Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, I was that chocolate boy for her, and that’s what she would call me. Then, in films like Sanam Re or Junooniyat, my character was very boy-next-door, chocolate-boy kind. Chocolate boy hona achcha hota hai… I don’t mind being called chocolate boy forever.”
Pulkit-Kriti’s go-to chocolate-infused recipe
Sharing their go-to healthy recipe, he said, “We add a dash of chia seeds in coconut milk, throw in some cacao (raw, unprocessed version of cocoa) nibs. Then add some blueberries, dark chocolate shavings and cinnamon, and top it with oats, sugar-free granola and some black raisins. Mix it well, refrigerate it overnight and have it in the morning. It makes for a great healthy breakfast.”
Location courtesy: Oh So Silly!, Bandra
Pulkit Samrat, Kriti Kharbanda’s Punjabi wedding to have ‘subtle and classy’ pastel theme
8:37 AM
Sugandha Rawal Tagra (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 13, 2024)
Actor-couple Pulkit Samrat and Kriti Kharbanda are taking their relationship to the next level after dating for several years. And it’s going to be a “Punjabi affair”.
A source tells us, “They are from Delhi, so they want to get married in the capital only.” The celebrations will reportedly begin on March 13 and culminate on March 15 in Manesar, Haryana.
The source also said, “The families will have an intimate get-together in Delhi. The wedding ceremony will be high on music, dance, food and masti.” The couple has opted for a “subtle and classy” pastel theme wedding “as it reflects their personality”.
Samrat’s Fukrey gang, actors Varun Sharma and Manjot Singh, along with actor-couple Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal will be in attendance. “The other guests will be (actor) Farhan Akhtar [and wife] Shibani Akhtar, (directors) Zoya Akhtar and Luv Ranjan, and (producer) Ritesh Sidhwani,” says the source.
The couple have acted together in films like Veerey Ki Wedding (2018), Pagalpanti (2019) and Taish (2020).
My good looks are becoming a hindrance to the kind of work I want to do-Pulkit Samrat
3:18 PM
Pulkit Samrat says layered, complex roles — which he is keen on taking up — are not offered to him much
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 8, 2023)
Having spent over a decade in films, actor Pulkit Samrat is grateful for the films he’s done. But, he rues not being considered for more layered characters and blames his “good looks” for being the biggest challenge when it comes to getting the kind of roles he desires.
“Over the years, I have realized that sometimes, my good looks are becoming a hindrance to the kind of work I want to do,” the 39-year-old continues, “When people think about a hero, singing, [fighting] against the world and winning the girl, all that stuff comes to me. But, there is a lack of layered and thoughtful characters, and more thoughtful films, which I’m very fond of.”
Taking the small screen route to enter showbiz, Samrat made his film debut with the romantic comedy Bittoo Boss in 2012 and shot to fame with the Fukrey franchise. Going forward, the actor hopes to tilt the needle in his direction through his upcoming films.
“With my roles in Made In Heaven (web series) and Fukrey 3, I hope people will see both sides of me and offer me stuff that has more to do with my presence on the screen rather than just my looks,” says Samrat, stating that he is “very hungry for challenging roles”: “I got a chance to play a very different character in Bejoy Nambiar’s Taish (2020). He saw something in me that I could play and people loved it. I hope I get to do more such things, so that I can surprise people and myself.”
The actor admits work has been slow after the pandemic, but is now picking up pace. “Bahut sara kaam karna hai kyunki bahut sara pyaar chahiye mujhe. After the lockdown, everything has been a little slow. Now, things are back to normal and you will see much more of me,” he wraps up.
10 Years of Fukrey: Varun Sharma, Ali Fazal, Richa Chadha, Pulkit Samrat, Manjot Singh, Pankaj Tripathi go down memory lane
8:25 AM
The cast of Fukrey, which traces the story of four boys and their quest to make easy money, takes a walk down memory lane
HINDUSTAN TIMES (June 14, 2023)
Varun Sharma: My character, Choocha, brought me acceptance
By Sugandha Rawal
Fukrey clocking 10 years calls for a double celebration for Varun Sharma, who debuted with the film. “It’s one of the biggest blessings to have debuted with a character like Choocha,” the actor says, adding, “This film and my character brought me acceptance among the audience and the film fraternity. So, it will always hold a special place in my heart... Everything I have today is because of Choocha.”
While he has many special memories associated with the film, the one thing that stands out for Sharma, 33, is featuring in a poster for the first time ever. He recounts, “I called my mother and told her. There was pin drop silence for a moment, after which she blessed me. I realised, then, the true meaning of the phrase - silence speaks a lot.”
Ali Fazal: Fukrey got me noticed in Bollywood
By Kavita Awaasthi
A set full of pranks, fun BTS moments and lots of Dilli ka khana are some of the things that Ali Fazal associates with filming for Fukrey. The actor, who played Zafar, believes the film brought about a “fresh change” in Bollywood. “It was something unique that we were part of. It was revolutionary,” he tells us.
The 36-year-old is not only thankful for the film, but also for the “great friends” he made as well as for meeting his now-wife, actor Richa Chadha: “That is the best thing (laughs). Fukrey, to me, is more than just a film.”
Fazal credits the film for putting him on the map “in a big way”. “I did more meaningful films in Bollywood and not to forget, Mirzapur (web series), with Fukrey’s producers (Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani). It has been special,” he concludes.
Richa Chadha: The entire cast knew about me and Ali
By Syeda Eba Fatima
“You know how we listen to old Hindi songs because they give us a feeling of comfort and bring us together without us realizing? That’s what I feel about Fukrey,” says actor Richa Chadha, who won hearts as Bholi Punjaban. Talking about her role, she adds: “At the time, negative characters for women were mostly restricted to saas-bahu dramas. I always felt Bholi Punjaban was very unusual.”
But, the film changed her life in more ways than one — it was also the beginning of her love story with now-husband, actor Ali Fazal. “My relationship with Ali happened very organically. I’d converse a lot with him on set. We became really good friends and a few years later, we started dating,” she shares.
Was it difficult to keep the relationship under wraps? “The entire cast was pretty close. They all kind of knew,” says Chadha, 36.
Pulkit Samrat: We are all Fukras on the set
By Sugandha Rawal
Pulkit Samrat is “very proud” to be associated with the Fukrey franchise. But the actor, who played Hunny, admits nobody thought it would receive adulation of such magnitude.
“When we started, none of us thought Fukrey would be such a huge hit that we’d end up making it a franchise,” he says, adding, “As an actor, it is one of the greatest feelings to be a part of the team... Fukrey is life.”
Samrat, 39, feels the casting was on point and that was a big plus. “We are all Fukras on the set. Somebody is goofing up or bringing the house down. What you see on screen is exactly what is going on. Manjot is very jovial; one would always find him around food stalls. Varun is just like Choocha... Also, we all have a common Delhi connect,” he says.
With all eyes now on the third part, set to release later this year, Samrat says the soul of the original will remain intact. “We can promise that Fukrey 3 will be the biggest and best part,” he signs off.
Manjot Singh: Said yes without even reading the script
By Navya Kharbanda
Manjot Singh had already made his mark in showbiz with Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! (2008). But Fukrey, he says, is what gave his career an impetus. “This was the first film where I was one of the leads,” says the actor, who played Lali. “When I got a call for the role, even before listening to the script, I asked, ‘Main poster par hounga na?’ Our director, Mrigdeep Singh Lamba, said all four leads would be on the poster. So, I signed the film without reading the script,” he says.
Interestingly, Singh, 30, was cast even before the script was completed. “Mrigdeep knew I was his Lali. I was locked in his mind while he was still writing the script,” he reveals, adding that he’ll always be grateful for having landed the movie: “Yeh pehli film hai jisne humein bada banaya.”
Pankaj Tripathi: Mere character ne apni ladai khud ladi
By Rishabh Suri
Pata hi nahin chala kaise nikal gaye — this is Pankaj Tripathi’s reaction on his film, Fukrey, turning 10. The actor, who played Pandit, recalls how he did not have much to do in the first part; but as the story progressed, so did his character.
He tells us, “Fukrey franchise aur meri growth badi similar hai. Mere character ne apni ladai khud ladi, so much that the writers had to write more in the second instalment.”
Pandit, today, is remembered for his quick wit. But, the English lines he said were not part of the script! “Ek din set pe jab lighting chal rahi thi, someone said something, to which I replied, ‘He’s so vulgar’. Everyone started laughing. The director said, ‘Isko rakho film mein’,” chuckles Tripathi, 46.
Kriti Kharbanda is so good at pole dancing. I have even told her that I want to try it-Pulkit Samrat
8:18 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; April 26, 2022)
Pulkit Samrat and Kriti Kharbanda have been in a relationship since the past few years. The two got to spend a lot of time together in the last two years during the lockdown. With so many Bollywood celebrities taking wedding vows in recent times, we asked Pulkit if they, too, were planning to take their relationship to the next level.
“Kriti and I are like best friends, and that’s what’s most important,” says Pulkit, adding, “As best friends or companions, we push each other to grow individually in our own lives and focus on work. Both of us are ambitious individuals. We have had our share of slips in our careers, and so we need that constant push. I am lucky to have her in my life as she keeps me grounded and on track. So, right now, that’s what we are doing, just trying to be the best version of ourselves so that we can be even better for each other.”
Prod him to share his thoughts on marriage, and he says, “Mera toh funda simple hai, as long as you are living as best friends, things are sorted. That way, aapke jhagde aur pyaar friends wale hote hai. When it comes to marriage, it tends to sometimes change this equation between the two individuals. So, as long as you are best friends, you are sorted, why stress so much?”
On the work front, Pulkit is currently shooting for the comedy Fukrey 3 and the romantic film Suswagatam Khushaamadeed. The actor says that although he had got a bit lazy about staying fit over the last two years, now he is back to hitting the gym. “I used to just laze around and eat. I had taken to munching all kinds of junk food. However, I am glad that work keeps me on my toes now. I did slip for a while, but I am happy that I am back on track.”
While he loves sweating it out in the gym, Pulkit also likes to explore other fitness regimes to break the monotony. Kriti has taken to pole dancing as one of her fitness regimes and now Pulkit also wants to give it a shot.
He says, “I take up anything that helps me keep fit. The other day I was watching Kriti’s pole dancing videos. She is so good at it! I have even told her that I want to try it. I know there’s a notion that pole dancing is generally meant for women, but I want to give it a shot as part of my fitness regime as it is great for the core. It may look easy, but pole dancing is quite tough.”
Aamir Khan is my biggest inspiration. I am also inspired by Farhan Akhtar’s boxer avatar in Toofaan-Pulkit Samrat
8:07 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; September 23, 2021)
Pulkit Samrat often shares inspiring fitness posts on social media. While the actor has always been a fitness enthusiast, he’s been working hard on getting his body in shape for his upcoming roles. The actor tells us, “For Suswagatam Khushaamadeed, I am sporting six-pack abs, but for Fukrey 3, I have to look leaner. I was to begin the shooting in February for the latter, so I had to let go of my muscles and start becoming lean. I had already begun my physical transformation, and we were just 10 days away from starting the shoot.”
Pulkit says, “The plan went for a toss due to the second wave. Now we know that Fukrey 3 might begin by the end of the year.”
Meanwhile, the actor is soon to start shooting for the pending portions of Suswagatam Khushaamadeed for which he has to slip into his muscular avatar once again. “I am working hard towards getting the chiselled body back for which I am following a strict regime and I am posting it all on social media,” he says.
Ask Pulkit if this constant body transformation takes a toll on him, and he says, “I won’t call the process taxing, but challenging instead. If Aamir Khan can do it at his age, then why can’t I? When it comes to body transformation, Aamir is my biggest inspiration. Lately, I have been inspired by Farhan Akhtar’s boxer avatar in Toofaan. Working out is like meditation for me. It helps me clear my head out, I feel as if this is an outlet to sweat out all the stress.”
While he awaits the next schedule of Suswagatam Khushaamadeed to roll soon, he is also eagerly looking forward to catching up with his Fukrey buddies. “We were just an inch away from beginning the shoot of Fukrey 3, and now waiting for so many months for the project to roll again is so painful. I can’t wait to spend time with the gang on the sets. From Varun Sharma, Manjot Singh, Ali Fazal, Richa Chadha, Pankaj Tripathi to the director Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, we know each other so well and are thick friends. We are so close-knit that we can complete each other’s sentences during a conversation (laughs!).”
Isabelle Kaif is determined to make her mark-Dhiraj Kumar
8:21 AM
Suswagatam Khushamadeed director discusses how Isabelle Kaif is picking up Hindi and giving her all to her next, after her debut film’s debacle
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; August 1, 2021)
Isabelle Kaif had to wait rather long to make her Bollywood debut with Time to Dance. The Sooraj Pancholi-led film, which was shot in 2018, dropped digitally in March this year. In 2019, it was announced that she would feature in Karan Butani’s Kwatha opposite Aayush Sharma, but there has been no update about the film’s progress.
Determined to make her mark in Bollywood, Kaif is now banking on Suswagatam Khushamadeed that also stars Pulkit Samrat. Director Dhiraj Kumar, having shot in New Delhi and Agra earlier this year, will kick off the film’s final schedule in Mumbai later this month.
The filmmaker reveals that he wrote the romantic comedy with Samrat in mind. “Pulkit came on board first. Isabelle was roped in later through a common contact. We had heard about her, and thought she was apt for the role. She plays a woman from Agra who has to hide her identity when she meets Pulkit’s character in Delhi.”
To be Bollywood-ready, Kaif has learnt Hindi and brushes up on it with a tutor on the set. “She has been working hard to get the nuances right, and can speak the language,” says Kumar, hopeful that his leading lady will dub for the film.
The director reveals that Kaif’s star sister Katrina is guiding her to find her footing in the industry. “During the shoot, Isabelle would often excitedly tell Katrina on the phone what she shot and how she went about the scene. Her sister would encourage her to do better. She is learning the ropes.” Kumar adds that being Katrina’s sister, Kaif has to battle high expectations and “is determined to make her mark”.
Interestingly, Salman Khan—the lead couple’s mentor—had unveiled the movie’s first look in January this year. Kumar, who earlier dabbled in Bhojpuri films and finally, made his Hindi cinema debut with Kaashi: In Search Of Ganga (2018), is grateful that the superstar is “supportive” of his project.
Whosoever gets a chance to work, it is a blessing, we should not take it for granted-Pulkit Samrat
7:59 AM
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 8, 2021)
Since the beginning of 2021, Pulkit Samrat has been shooting nonstop for his projects, be it in Mumbai, Delhi or Agra. The actor says work has found a new place in his life post the Coronavirus pandemic.
“I am very elated and excited to work. Because lockdown mein toh hum sab ghar par hi baithe the, aur tadap rahe the bahar nikalne ko aur kaam karne ko,” he tells us.
Samrat says he has got to know the value of work, meeting people, and human interaction. “I feel blessed that there is work at hand. Whosoever gets a chance to work, it is a blessing, we should not take it for granted,” says the 37-year-old. In fact, now, he considers himself to be detached from the concept of hit and flop. “Hit aur flop mein kuch nahi rakha hai. Agar hit deke bhi main ghar par lockdown mein baitha hoon, toh main kya hi ukhad raha hun,” Samrat observes, before going on to explain his definition of happiness.
“At the end of the day, it is about you being happy, and not attaching that happiness to a condition ki yeh hoga toh main khush ho jaunga, ya nahi hua toh main udas ho jaunga. You are blessed if you have a good family, you wake up every morning, and all the people you know are alive and well,” says the actor, who is prepping for the third instalment of the Fukrey franchise.
Samrat made his television debut as Lakshya Virani in the popular show, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, in 2006. He went on to do films such as Bittoo Boss (2012), Fukrey (2013), Bangistan (2015), Sanam Re (2016), and Fukrey Returns (2017).
Next, he will soon be seen as a “happy go lucky guy from Delhi” in the film, Suswagatam Khushaamadeed. “There are other diverse roles in the pipeline,” he adds.
Meri maano toh bas bhaag kar shaadi karlo-Kriti Kharbanda
8:03 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; February 2, 2021)
Talking about that phase, the Housefull 4 actress recalls, “I was detected with malaria in November, and was advised complete bed rest for three weeks. However, I didn’t want the schedule of 14 Phere to go helter-skelter because of me, so I insisted that we start the shoot as per schedule. I was barely 10 days into malaria when I started shooting. Moreover, we were in Lucknow, shooting for nearly 18 hours a day.”
The actress, who would spend about three hours a day getting ready as a bride to face the camera, adds, “I lost six kilos, and the stress was showing on my skin and body. I am just happy that I was able to finish the schedule. It wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the entire team.”
What also helped is a friendly costar like Vikrant Massey, who she was working with for the first time. She says, “If you have a lot of things in common with your co-star, then it helps to build a rapport and work becomes easier despite all odds. Vikrant is not just a fantastic actor, but a great co-star as well. We bonded over our love for food, comedy and cinema. I am a bit of a moofat, but he gets that, and he doesn’t take offence, so that helped us get along. We spent a lot of time together on set, we even played cricket and cards in our free time.”
She shares, “Meri maano toh bas bhaag kar shaadi karlo. I think woh sabse best hota hai (laughs!). I feel that due to Coronavirus restrictions, people have benefited with hosting intimate marriage ceremonies. I think most people want to do small functions with limited people, but they fall prey to the pressure of hosting big fat weddings. Aap hi socho…ki stage pe sabko namaste namaste karte baithna throughout, the entire time goes in that.”
The actress further fondly opens up about her parents’ wedding. “My mom tells me that she spent so many hours greeting guests during her wedding, when she actually had zero idea who they were. Sabke per chhoote chhoote unki kamar dard karne lagi and post that day, she hasn’t even met half the people. One exciting thing that happened during their wedding is that there was a power outage. So, their pheras happened with five cars surrounding them with their headlights on!”
With most of the project being wrapped, Kriti is now planning to visit her folks in Bengaluru. She says, “It’s been a year since I met my parents. The last time I visited them was in January 2020. I am dying to have some maa ke haath ka khaana.”
While she missed the presence of her parents during the lockdown, she had the company of boyfriend Pulkit Samrat throughout the tough phase. “Honestly, before Pulkit came into my life, I would live by myself. I am just somebody who doesn’t feel lonely very easily,” she says, adding, “I still like the idea of spending time by myself, because I started working from a very young age, and I used to travel on my own and take care of myself. I have been very independent all my life. Having said that, I must say that it was quite a long and tough phase and I did feel blessed that I had people around me to love me and so I didn’t have to go through the mental trauma of being by myself.”
Ask Kriti if there are any plans of taking the relationship with Pulkit to the next level and she says, “We have been together for two years and I will just say that this is probably the best phase of my life.”
First Look: Isabelle Kaif to romance Pulkit Samrat in Suswagatam Khushaamadeed
8:25 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; January 21, 2021)
The makers of Suswagatam Khushaamadeed have signed Isabelle Kaif to play the female lead opposite Pulkit Samrat in the film. The entertainer, which also conveys the message of social harmony, stars Pulkit as Delhi-boy Aman, while Isabelle plays Noor who is from Agra. Talking about his costar Isabelle, who is Katrina Kaif ’s sister, Pulkit says, “Isabelle has brought fresh energy on the set. She’s extremely hardworking and has impressed everyone on the set. She is stunning and brings a streak of innocence to her character. She has left me mesmerized.”
The duo began the project with a contemporary dandiya raas dance number choreographed by Ganesh Acharya. “To match up to Masterji’s choreography is not an easy task, but Isabelle is picking up steps really well,” Pulkit says. Titled Ban Piya, the song features Pulkit and Isabelle in black and gold desi costumes with 400 background dancers in traditional outfits. “It is one of my biggest songs. It looks so colourful. The way it is shot it will leave people stunned while watching it on the big screen. Masterji has introduced some interesting steps, and the hook step is quite catchy.” Suswagatam Khushaamadeed is helmed by Dhiraj Kumar and written by Manish Kishore.
Ask him about their on-screen chemistry and Pulkit says, “I must say that our chemistry is quite dhamakedaar. People on the set say that we look like a patakha together (laughs!).”
Speaking about the song and the jodi, Ganesh tells BT, “The song is a mix of a Jagrata and dandiya dance and the leading couple has done justice to it. I know Pulkit is a fantastic dancer, but Isabelle surprised me as she is new, but she learned the steps with ease. The two rehearsed for several days, and the romance and the chemistry that comes across on the screen is perfect!”
Suswagatam Khushaamadeed is produced by Insite India and Endemol Shine India in association with Yellow Ant Productions.
Today on Lohri, I am shooting exactly after a year-Pulkit Samrat
3:31 PM
The actor shares his childhood memories of the festival and expresses how he is delighted to face the camera after a year
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; January 13, 2021)
While he’s shooting in Mumbai, back home in Delhi, the day will be quite eventful. He elaborates, “My sister just got married, so it’s her first Lohri post wedding. It’s a big thing in a Punjabi household. I will be connecting with my family, later in the day, over a video call. They are a mad bunch of people who will walk around the entire house with the phone in their hand (laughs!).”
As he fondly talks about his sister, Pulkit gets nostalgic about celebrating the festival as a kid. Reminiscing his childhood days, the Pagalpanti actor adds, “I grew up in a joint family. What I remember is my family members gathering planks of wood from the old furniture in the house.”
“Lohri ki date toh pata nahi hoti thi, but the moment you see family members gathering planks of wood, you realise that the festival is coming soon. I used to be amused to see a pyramid being set up using the wood, which is then lit up. I would try to make one myself with the wooden planks but would fail miserably. It was fun doing the rounds of the holy fire while throwing peanuts and gajak into it,” Pulkit says.
Given that he is far away from family, we ask if his Punjabi girlfriend, actress Kriti Kharbanda, is doing something special in Mumbai. “Kriti is half-Punjabi and half-South Indian, so it’s a double celebration for her as Pongal is on January 14. However, she is busy shooting, too. It’s the last day of her shoot, while it’s the first day of my shoot.”
The other family member who’s much excited during such a special occasion is the couple’s pet dog Drogo. Pulkit says, “Drogo is a part of all our celebrations. Whenever he hears us wishing anyone ‘Happy birthday’, even on the phone, he gets super excited. He thinks he will be treated to some delicious food. For him, a celebration is peanut butter, peanut butter cookies, cake and a new toy.”
Pulkit Samrat & I have been dating for a year-and-a-half; haven’t discussed marriage-Kriti Kharbanda
8:07 AM
Kriti Kharbanda on her relationship with Pulkit Samrat, work, battling malaria, and an unforgettable interview with Thor, Chris Hemsworth
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 25, 2020)
Kriti had been recuperating alone as her family is in Chennai and boyfriend Pulkit Samrat is in Delhi for his sister’s wedding. But with some house help, she’s been managing everything on her own. “Barring two days when my temperature was up to 104 degrees, I cooked at least one meal myself to nudge my body to a faster recovery. The South Indian in me was craving idli-sambar and since I didn’t want to order in, I made it myself. I also started exercising from the fourth day and have been working towards better immunity,” she rattles off.
Kriti rang in her 30th birthday on October 29 and admits Pulkit made it special with a huge surprise. “I’ll have to match it; the planning for his birthday has started,” she giggles. A month before her big day, the couple took off on a road trip. It was the first time they stepped out of the house during the pandemic. “The trip gave us time to get to know each other better. I feel lucky to have someone like Pulkit who makes sure that I always have a smile on my face. I try my best to do the same for him,” she gushes.
Describing her beau as “a very real person”, she asserts that he can’t fake courtesy or caring and that’s what has forged a connection. “I admire the fact that he’s true to himself and can be a brand-ambassador for self-love,” she chuckles and it’s obvious she’s happy. So, when do they jump on the marry-go-round? “We’ve just been dating for a year-and-a-half now and haven’t discussed marriage nor do we plan to do it anytime soon. We’re focusing on our respective careers right now. Marriage is a distant dream,” she says.
Kriti starts shooting for 14 Phere with Vikrant Massey in Mumbai this week. She admits that getting back to work won’t be easy. “Malaria has drained me of so much energy. My mind is fighting but my body is giving up. Still, I’m delighted to be getting back to work. Being Aditi will help take my mind away from my health,” she reasons. The 10-day schedule in Mumbai will be followed by a 25-day shoot in Lucknow, before they take off to Jaipur for another 15-20 days. “I have a crazy couple of months ahead for me,” she admits, sounding ecstatic at the prospect.
Pulkit Samrat taught me to be a secure actor-Kriti Kharbanda
7:58 AM
Actor Kriti Kharbanda and Pulkit Samrat are going strong and she says their relationship has been great as they are constantly learning from each other, professionally
Juhi Chakraborty (HINDUSTAN TIMES; November 12, 2020)
Actors Kriti Kharbanda and Pulkit Samrat have been painting the world red on social media with their loved-up pictures. And Kharbanda seems to be quite content with their relationship as she says that they both have learned immensely from each other both in their personal and professional lives.
“He has always been a very good actor and I love that he is a team player. For him, everybody is equal. What I have learnt from him is how to be secure in your own place. I sometimes wonder how he does it. That part of my life where I feel more secure as an actor comes from him because I have seen him do it. He holds his own in all his films, in ensembles,” shares the actor.
Further dolling out praises on Samrat, she adds, “I love how he is evolving as an actor. I am proud as a friend, girlfriend and a co-star.”
The 30-year-old, who has worked with Samrat in films such as Veerey Ki Wedding (2018) and Pagalpanti (2019) and the recent web project, Taish, says she appreciates the energy that he brings to the set.
“It is great having him on set. Not just because we are in a personal relationship. I have worked with Pulkit even before we started dating each other. In fact, that is how we first met and that is how we became good friends. If he wasn’t a good co-actor to me, we would not be where we are today personally,” she explains.
But even though the couple has worked together in films together, Kharbanda admits that they never pre-decide what projects they are going to take up.
“We keep our personal and professional life separate. When he signed Taish and when I signed the film, we didn’t know we were both doing it. We discussed it only after both of us got on board, and we happened to discuss our schedules and that is how we found out,” she says.
I didn't know Pulkit Samrat was doing Taish-Kriti Kharbanda
8:16 AM
Playing Jim Sarbh's love interest in Taish, Kriti Kharbanda says director pulled master stroke by not casting her opposite beau Pulkit Samrat
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; October 27, 2020)
"I keep my personal and professional life separate," asserts Kriti Kharbanda, even as she is aware that the two worlds have come together in Taish. The ZEE5 original sees her reunite with boyfriend Pulkit Samrat after Veerey Ki Wedding (2018) and Pagalpanti (2019). However, it is evident that director Bejoy Nambiar is only serving the demand of the script as he has not paired them romantically in the revenge drama.
"Bejoy has gone against what would have been an obvious choice. People expect to see us as an on-screen couple since we are one in real life, and I will be happy to do that. That said, I have my individuality," says the actor, who plays Jim Sarbh's love interest.
Glad as she is to have found a partner who understands the demands of the business, Kharbanda says it is imperative not to mix work with pleasure. "I didn't even know Pulkit was doing this film. He doesn't know the scripts I am reading, and vice versa," she says, before recounting how she broke the news of signing Taish to Samrat. "When I told Pulkit that I had signed the film, he asked, 'Do you know who is playing Sunny? Me!' I remember telling him we are living our dream because both of us wanted to work with Bejoy."
After the heady euphoria of a new romance, the two — who went public with their relationship in 2019 — have now settled in the calm comfort of steady love. Ask her if marriage is on the cards, and she says, "We came out in the open even though no one asked us to. Whenever we decide to take our relationship to the next level, I will be vocal about it."
Pulkit Samrat bags Suswagatam Khushamadeed
8:38 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (June 9, 2020)
In today’s world, which is grappling with the Coronavirus pandemic, social distancing has become the norm. However, it doesn’t mean growing distant from those around us. It is this message that actor Pulkit Samrat’s upcoming film, Suswagatam Khushamadeed, aims to spread. It highlights the importance of love, friendship and compassion — elements that glue a society together.Suswagatam Khushamadeed is the first of the two movies that Meta4films and Insite India have signed Pulkit for. Written by Manish Kishore and to be directed by Dhiraj Kumar, the film, co-produced by Yellow Ant Productions, will be extensively shot in Delhi and Lucknow. Confirming the news, the actor said, “The film has all the elements to both entertain viewers with humour and engage them emotionally.”
Director Dhiraj Kumar added, “It’s going to be a wholesome entertainer with an underlying message of social harmony and how love triumphs over all man-made disparities. My challenge will be to assimilate the cultures of Delhi and Lucknow and extract humour from it. Manish has written a beautiful script and it’s my responsibility to translate it on screen as effectively. Having Pulkit as the lead is an additional advantage as he hails from Delhi and is well versed with its distinct lingo and culture.”
Richa Chadha campaigns against rising domestic violence
8:10 AM
Kavita Awaasthi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 6, 2020)
In an effort to make an all-encompassing campaign to combat and address the sharp rise of domestic violence and mental health issues during Coronavirus lockdown, Bollywood and theatre celebrities came together in a video put together by Women in Films and Television India, to reiterate why no one should tolerate any form of abuse.
Richa, an advisory board member of WIFT India, headlined the campaign which features several artistes including Kalki Koechlin, Amyra Dastur, Mallika Dua, Pulkit Samrat, and Adil Hussain.
As videos of celebrities washing dishes, and cooking have gone viral in the last few months, here the artistes speak about how they have divided the chores of the house between themselves and their partner. For instance, Kalki can be seen talking about how she made breakfast while her partner took their dog for a walk; Adil, speaking in his native language, Assamese, discusses how he enjoys cooking. The video was circulated widely on social media and included voices from all over the country.
Richa says, “The agenda was to highlight the emotional stress people are going through and how that often leads to several things including domestic violence. This is a problem across the world, and a campaign like this effectively speaks to a wide audience. Women could possibly be trapped and locked down at home unable to muster the courage to report crimes against them. The elderly could be feeling particularly hopeless in such situations. We urge anyone going through trauma to take to counselling on the helpline numbers available.”
As more and more celebrities are talking about the need to create a well- rounded campaign to combat these issues, Richa feels this video is a major step in the right direction. She adds, “India is a diverse, fragmented society, so if a message has to reach everyone, it has to be done in multiple languages. Involving artistes of different states was consciously done to be able to create a larger impact and reach everyone across different cultural and socio-economic stratus.”
Pulkit Samrat, Kriti Kharbanda, Sunil Grover, Daisy Shah in Salman Khan's production Bulbul Marriage Hall
8:37 AM
Actors in Salman Khan’s new production, which revolves around a marriage hall
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 2, 2020)
Salman Khan has locked the cast of his upcoming production, Bulbul Marriage Hall, which was to roll in April. However, owing to the Coronavirus pandemic, there’s uncertainty around the shoot now. The film, which is directed by Rohit Nayyar, is a story of two couples, Pulkit Samrat and Kriti Kharbanda, and Sunil Grover and Daisy Shah.“It is set in Lucknow and revolves around an Indian wedding,” revealed a source close to the development, adding that it was Salman who recommended and got Sunil, with whom he recently worked in Bharat, on board. “His character has comic undertones, with plenty of humorous one-liners. He plays a brother to Pulkit in the film.”
The dialogue is by Raaj Shaandilyaa, who last directed Ayushmann Khurrana’s Dream Girl last year. “Salman has known Raaj since he was writing TV shows like Comedy Circus. Since he is from UP, the team felt he can bring local flavour into the narrative,” shared the source. Apart from Bulbul Marriage Hall, Salman is also planning to roll multiple films under his banner, which are currently in different stages of pre-production.
On the acting front, he will next be seen in the Prabhudheva-directed action-thriller, Radhe as Mumbai’s most wanted ‘bhai’, with Randeep Hooda as the antagonist. Eight-10 days of the shoot remains.
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