Lohri, 2021, is quite special for Pulkit Samrat. No, he isn’t celebrating it with his family, but he’s excited that he has begun shooting for a film today after a long gap of one year due to the pandemic. “I’m glad that I am working on this day. I am on the sets of Suswagatam Khushamadeed. We are shooting for a dance number. I am facing the camera exactly after a year on a film set. After so long, it feels fresh, as if it’s my first day as an actor on a set,” says Pulkit.

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.”

Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; November 12, 2019)

The past few years have not been easy for Pulkit Samrat. While he earned the reputation of being a brash actor, he hit choppy waters on the personal front. However, he now claims to be a changed person. “I realised ki mein yeh karne toh nahi aaya tha yahan pe (in Bollywood). Whatever sh*t happened, it changed things for me. I am really thankful to my family and friends, who helped me realise my mistakes and got me out of the pit,” he says.

These days, he is being linked to his Pagalpanti co-star, Kriti Kharbanda. As we talk to the duo, ahead of the release of the Anees Bazmee-directorial, Pulkit also thanks Kriti for bringing about the change in him. “She has been the biggest force in helping me get my act together,” he shares. Kriti proudly agrees, saying, “When the world was afraid to show him the mirror, I took up the responsibility. I told him, ‘Yeh galat ho raha hai. Tu chup chaap sudhar jaa warna main tujhe sudhaar dungi.”

While their camaraderie has become the talk of the town now, the two shared a different equation during Veerey Ki Wedding (2018), their first outing together. Kriti recalls, “Back then, we were not even friends. We were just like any other co-stars, who would come on the sets, work and go home. During the eight months between the film’s shoot and its promotion, we were not even in touch. I remember, I had called to invite him for the screening of my film, Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana (2017), and he asked, ‘Who’s this?’ He didn’t even have my number.”

So, when did they start warming up to each other? Kriti replies, “It all changed when we met for the promotions of Veerey.... During the shoot, too, I had fallen very sick, and fainted as my sugar levels dropped to 46. He was the one who took me to a hospital. However, while our friendship became strong during Veerey’s promotions, we hit it off during the shoot of Pagalpanti.”

Talking about the changes she has noticed in Pulkit, the actress says, “He has started opening up to people. He used to be extremely reserved earlier, but now, he tries to talk to the cast and crew. It is so lovely to see someone come out of their shell.”

Interestingly, Pulkit, too, has changed Kriti. She says that for her role in Housefull 4, she wanted to sport a svelte figure, but dreaded hitting the gym. It was Pulkit, who instilled discipline in her. “I knew that I looked pretty, but I wanted to look fit as well. I started working out only because of Pulkit. He asked me to give him 15 days (for her transformation), and along with the trainer, worked on my fitness routine. Today, I enjoy working out,” says Kriti.

Pulkit adds, “I enjoy working out so much that I never miss it. If my call time on the set is 5 am, I will hit the gym at 3, workout and reach the set on time. Today, Kriti also does the same. During the shoot of Pagalpanti, there were days when she woke up at 4 am to hit the gym.”

So, is there any truth to the buzz of them being in a relationship? When Pulkit replies, “Bhai, main toh isse pata raha hoon,” Kriti is quick to retort, “Main jaldi patne walon mein se nahi hoon (laughs!). For now, we are best friends, but in the future, you never know.”

There are also rumours that the two are in a live-in relationship. Bring this up and Kriti clears, “Are you mad? Meri maa chakkar aa ke gir jayegi. We only live in the same locality.”

We did a quick five session with Pulkit and Kriti, and here’s what they had to say:

Between the two of you, who do you think will propose first?
Kriti: It will be him.
Pulkit: Yes, I think so, too.
Kriti: You better be the first, okay?

What would your ideal first date be like?
Pulkit: Under the blanket of countless stars in the sky.
Kriti: … and a shooting star, while we swing on a hammock.

What would be the perfect location for your love nest ?
Pulkit: It should be in Goa, located by the white sand beach.
Kriti: The other one should be in London (Laughs!).
Pulkit: Yes, by the countryside.

If you were to throw a surprise by cooking something special for each other, what would it be?
Pulkit: I will cook mutton rogan josh, keema without mutter, yellow dal tadka and butter chicken with ghee rice for her.
Kriti: I will surprise him by cooking fish wrapped in banana leaf. I will also make idli sambar and meetha dalia for him.

What’s the one thing you will never gift each other?
Pulkit: I will never gift her chocolates. She is one girl who’s not fond of them.
Kriti: I will never gift him an all-boys trip to Bangkok (Laughs!)

What’s the most annoying habit that you would like to change in each other?
Pulkit: She has this annoying habit of overthinking.
Kriti: I want Pulkit to be more expressive and talk openly about his feelings.

Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 6, 2019)

A day full of interviews might seem tedious for some actors, but Pulkit Samrat finds the experience “therapeutic”. He goes on to talk about the Fukrey franchise, being a part of Anees Bazmee’s team, his equation with Kriti Kharbanda, everything except…

Why Pagalpanti?
Every promo or song ends with ‘An Anees Bazmee Film’, and that’s what appealed to me. I grew up watching his No Entry and Welcome, and today, I’m a part of his film’s poster. It gives me goosebumps.

What’s special about Anees?
Most senior directors don’t give you a script or a narration personally, but Anees sir sat me down and gave me a proper narration, twice. Once we started shooting, Kriti (Kharbanda) and I were the only new entrants as Anees sir has worked with the rest before. I was intimidated about doing a film with Anil Kapoor, John Abraham, Saurabh Shukla and Anees sir. But John and Arshad treated me like a kid brother—covering for me and protecting me, advising and appreciating me. It was an addictive, productive team and none of them made Kriti and me feel like raw, uncooked rice.

Weren’t you apprehensive about being a part of a multi-starrer?
As a viewer, while watching a film, I don’t count how many scenes or dialogues an actor had, it’s the impact of the scene that matters. As long as I’m convinced about my part, the length or the genre doesn’t matter. My character, Chandu, thinks he is smart but he is actually dumb.

That would make him different from Vikas Gulati aka Hunny. What’s the status on Fukrey 3?
(Laughs) Ask Ritesh (Sidhwani), Farhan (Akhtar) and Mrigh (Mrighdeep Singh Lamba). We’ve told Mrigh we’ll lock him in a room and throw away the key until he comes out with a script. A good portion has been written. We are being careful as we don’t want to mar the franchise. It has been seven years of highs and lows. There was a phase just before the release of Fukrey Returns, when things were not working out for me. I was disturbed, wishing I’d played my innings differently. But I’m happy now. I still remember my seat number in the theatre where I watched No Entry and the scenes that made me laugh. To be a part of that team is an out-of-the-world feeling. The idea is to keep moving forward, irrespective of hits or flops.

You’re reuniting with Kriti after Veere Ki Wedding and with Urvashi Rautela after Sanam Re. Has your equation with them changed since?
I’m happy to be paired with Kriti, she’s a spontaneous actress and endearing on screen. We are together in Taish also though not opposite each other. It is difficult to find this kind of comfort level with co-stars and I am lucky to have found it with her. She is my best friend…

And Urvashi?
Hello… Hello… Hello…

The connection breaks and Pulkit since has gone missing. 

DNA (October 7, 2018)

In an open letter, Pulkit Samrat addresses the issues faced by women who have found the courage to talk about being harassed by men who wield power. The actor hopes that the industry takes cognisance of the issue and deals with the accused in the right manner. He writes:

“As a part of the industry that stands by values such as equality, freedom and non-discrimination, I feel I need to stand up and address the hypocrisy. Case in point, Tanushree Dutta accusing Nana Patekar of harassment on the sets of a film. As soon as the story broke out, I heard the usual talk, ‘Why didn’t she complain sooner? Why did she wait for almost a decade since the incident? Nana Patekar? But he is such a nice guy. He has done so much for the farmers.’ Let me address these points. There have been countless examples in the past where victims have spoken a long time after the purported incident. The #MeToo movement has plenty of such examples. There are three primary reasons behind it:

A. As a society, we somehow encourage the culture of silence. We are scared to rub powerful people the wrong way for fear of repercussions it might have on our career or social standing. The apathy of authorities does not help matters. However, as an industry that is constantly talking about liberal values and championing more power to women, we should be the first to actively try and change this culture. If we know that a person indulges in inappropriate behaviour regularly, and we have seen it happening in front of us, instead of looking the other way, we should report them to the authorities. Oust them from the industry. Take action against them. Yes, it will require years of unlearning what our parents have taught us: ‘If you see trouble, look the other way. You don’t want to get involved.’ However, what happens when the same person attacks one of your friends or family members? If you raise a hue and cry, then you should also share the blame, because you didn’t stop the person when you could. We need to come together and weed out toxic people, who cannot respect their co-workers. They are not irreplaceable. There is enough talent out there.

B. It is important to understand that it is not easy for victims to accept that they were physically violated. Accepting it makes one feel weak, and nobody wants to feel vulnerable. Movements such as #MeToo and #TimesUp are ample proofs that perpetrators get away because it is hard for victims to speak up. Power dynamics and lack of support from colleagues and acquaintances do not help matters.

C. As a privileged society, we somehow give in to the bias that the educated cannot commit such crimes. A degree is misconstrued as a character certificate. To make matters worse, if someone is actively involved in social causes, they are deemed above scrutiny. However, Godmen who have wronged people exist in the world. That happens because we give them that status, and assume that they are incapable of doing anything wrong. Just like two wrongs do not make a right, a right cannot undo a wrong.

Through this letter, I want to urge the entire industry to take a stand for what’s right. I don’t know what happened 10 years ago and I don’t have any first-person account. However, if you know something, come forward and do what’s correct. Don’t limit it to this case alone. If something has happened with you, or you have seen something taking place and haven’t spoken up, voice the problem before someone else bears the brunt of your inaction. It’s time we actually walk the talk and not let Pink be just another film.

Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; March 7, 2018)

She’s an intense actress, while he’s as commercial as an actor can be. But with 3 Storeys, their latest project together, Richa Chadha and Pulkit Samrat have chosen to play roles vastly different from what they have done in the past. While Pulkit is doing a dark and intense film for the first time, Richa plays a seductress with a twist. Meanwhile speculations have been rife that the two are at loggerheads due to an alleged fallout between Pulkit and Richa’s beau, Ali Fazal, during the promotions of their last release. But both are quick to dismiss the rumours. Excerpts from their interview:

Pulkit, contrary to the rumours of a tiff between you and Ali (Fazal) during the promotions of Fukrey, you seem to get along with Richa like a house on fire...
Richa: Yes, we are friends, more like bros. We have been hanging out since Fukrey.
Pulkit: She is the only girl I can call at 2 am.
Richa: That was a joke. I would like to say that these stories of catfights and tiffs between co-actors would probably work in the 90s, but not anymore. Such stories do not lead to any awkwardness, but only make us laugh.

Richa, how does it feel when people cast aspersions on your relationship with Ali, calling it a publicity stunt?
Pulkit: Publicity stunt toh nahi pata, but stunt hai. Handling Richa and Ali is as good as a stunt.
Richa: Theek hai yaar, we are explosive together. On a serious note, I find it very offensive when people call our relationship a publicity stunt. We don’t need to resort to such gimmicks for publicity as we are already famous. We may not be mega stars, but people know us. We don’t need publicity; certainly not through such tactics.

Talking about 3 Storeys, which is set in a chawl, how did you familiarise yourself with the life there?
R: I have had friends who have lived in such conditions and I’ve hung out with them in chawls.
P: I don’t think you have to live in a chawl to understand the lifestyle. When you come from a different city, you have to toil and slog before you can accomplish your dreams in Mumbai. You experience and learn everything and that’s the beauty of this city.

What’s easier to work in — an unconventional subject like this or an out-and-out commercial film?
R: Fukrey, which was a typical commercial film, was not easy to make either. Even for actresses (in a commercial film), being on low-carb diet, not eating salt for a few days, wearing a 20-kilo heavy ghaghra and dancing are difficult tasks.
P: Acting is not easy. People get petrified while facing the camera. They become conscious even while clicking a picture. You have to get rid of all your inhibitions. If you are a kid at heart all your life, then you can be a good actor. It is about being convincing but having fun, too.

What are the most bizarre rumours you’ve heard about yourself?
R: Lots. People think I am not funny. I am very intense. My favourite one is, isko bohot gussa aata hai. In fact, Pulkit knows how rarely I get angry. Another one is that I can’t dance. People also feel I am not happy. I am often asked if I feel that I have got my due as an artiste. I say that I am flattered that you think I deserve more! Being outsiders, we have made our careers brick by brick. I am proud of what we have achieved.
P: The notion people have about me is that I am always angry and irritated. Also, I report late to work and I am not serious about my job. But if all these things were true about me, people wouldn’t be working with me.

Richa, you feel strongly about a lot of issues plaguing the industry. Does that reflect on the kind of films you choose?
R: Just the other day, someone told me, ‘We need a fair girl for the part’. We slot actresses according to their skin colour. The film industry is obsessed with looks, however, these things don’t bother me. There are actresses who are 40, but look 30 because they have done every plastic surgery possible and they say, ‘I only eat natural and drink coconut water’. That makes me feel better about myself. At least, I am real. So, while I have been affected by nepotism in the industry, I have not suffered so much on gender equality or pay parity issues. Maybe, because I am not at that level where I am drawing people to the theatres. I find other ways to contribute to society rather than doing films, which deal with issues. Kyunki films mein bhadaas nikaalne ke liye karungi toh bohot gadbad ho jaayegi. Suppose I become a symbol of woman empowerment, and then I play Bholi Punjaban (her character in the Fukrey franchise), who is a criminal dealing in drugs and is involved in sex trafficking? I don’t want the burden of my personality on the characters I play.

Is it difficult to be opinionated in an industry, where everyone is trying to pander to someone’s ego?
R: Do I look afraid? I don’t give a damn! One of the reasons I wanted to become an actor was to be able to use my position to say something meaningful.

Meryl Streep was trolled for talking about Donald Trump. You are known for being strongly opinionated. Do people find you intimidating because of this?
R: I don’t think people are intimidated by me; I think they are respectful of my opinions. But at the same time, I am not an activist. There are actors like Swara Bhasker and Sona Mohapatra, who take their activism far more seriously. I just do my own thing quietly. We pay 51 per cent tax, so as a tax-paying citizen of this country, I can have an opinion. If this makes me opinionated, so be it. People say that Bollywood bigwigs don’t speak up because it can be detrimental for them. Their films get banned in states, they lose endorsements and they are publicly humiliated. Kaun lega itna sar dard? They are already busy. If there was unity among the top stars and they didn’t have their little battles to pick, it would have been a different scenario.
P: She doesn’t have a lot at stake; hence, she can freely talk about things. A lot of people, who are bigger than her, are wary to voice their opinions because they have a lot at stake. Unki shaayad film atak jaaye ya unka relation kisi se saath kharaab ho jaaye. This is a nice place to be, where you don’t have much to lose.

On a lighter note, Richa, are you planning to settle down with Ali anytime soon?
P: I want to marry Ali.
R: You totally can. You guys have great bromance. On a serious note, I’m not thinking about marriage right now. I want to expand and grow… not horizontally.
P: I’ve recently turned single. Ab mujhe thodi aiyaashi karne do. Being single is better.

Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; February 27, 2018)

After a successful comic outing in Fukrey Returns, Pulkit Samrat is looking forward to his next, Veerey Ki Wedding, which is also in the fun space. A rom-com, it has Pulkit playing the title role (Veer), whose marriage becomes a tussle between his dad and the bride’s father. The actor, who is paired with Kriti Kharbanda in the film, feels the two make a nice jodi. “People are liking it. She looks great,” he gushes. In this freewheeling chat, Pulkit talks about his upcoming films, his take on love, and his vow to not be in a relationship till 2020...

The title of your film is similar to the one starring Sonam Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor Khan. Don’t you think it would be confusing for the audiences?
It’s the maker’s call. I never got into it. I think they tried to discuss with (producer) Anil ji (Kapoor), sort it out and come to a conclusion. I am not aware what happened, but both the films are definitely different. Sonam Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Swara Bhasker’s film also looks exciting. I am looking forward to it as well.

What is your movie about?
It’s all about a wedding, dance, music, fights, romance, and relationships. It is a masala film. I play Veer Arora — pyaar se sab Veerey bulate hai. He is a large-hearted guy and helps people who are in trouble. However, he gets into a difficult situation. He loves this girl and she loves him, too, but their fathers have a tussle with each other. They are crackpots and are always trying to be one up on the other. Beech mein dono ka pyaar nichod jaata hai! How they figure it out amongst themselves is what the film is about.

You are paired with Kriti Kharbanda for the first time. How was it working with her?
It was great. Why? Because Kriti looks great and our pairing is nice. People are appreciating it.  Kriti Kharbanda is a very good dancer and a performer, so it was fun to do the scenes with her. When you get a co-star with whom you can do some give-and-take, it becomes like one of those lawn tennis matches where you give a great reply to a serve. That volley has been really good between us. She is quite a natural in front of the camera. That works for me because I try to be natural; I don’t rehearse much. I work on the character and then go on the set. Even if some new draft comes, I respond to it as a character. So, working with her was fun. Also, both of us are foodies — she would snatch food from me and vice versa on the sets!

While Fukrey Returns did well, your films before that — Sanam Re and Junooniyat — were not big hits...
(Cuts in) Let me correct you... Junooniyat didn’t work, but Sanam Re did quite well. It penetrated into the remote areas and people there connect me with Sanam Re more than Fukrey. I’d say I’ve had a fair innings. I’m happy I got to do different kinds of roles — romance, action, and even a satire in Bangistan. I got to work with Riteish Deshmukh in that, which was great. Now, besides Veerey Ki Wedding, I have a film called Three Storeys, where I got to work with Renukaji (Shahane). She’s a delight to watch. There’s a lot of give and take with her. Her smile and laughter are infectious. She smiles through her eyes. Then there is Richa (Chadha) with whom I share a great camaraderie.

Going ahead, what kind of roles would you like to do?
I’d love to play somebody with a split personality. It will be interesting. I also want to do a concept-based horror film, like The Conjuring where you don’t just see the faces of the ghosts, but how your brain is f****d with when there are supernatural elements. I’d also like to do a film based on dance. I love dancing, which I’ve been learning since childhood. I learnt Kathak till I was in the eighth standard, then I was a part of Vaibhavi Merchant and her sister Shruti’s Broadway kind of musical, Taj Express. We used to dance to 10-12 songs and I learnt a lot there. In Veerey Ki Wedding I’ve done Bachata dance, which is a slightly more free form of Salsa, but more sensual.

Digital medium is being talked about a lot these days. Are you open to doing a web series?
Why not? That’s a medium where storytelling is interesting. There are no censorship issues. The market is different and it is the millennials, the young crowd, that majorly watches it. A lot of international content is also available in this space. So, why not offer them something here? In fact, I recently did a special appearance in Zoya Akhtar’s web series, Made In Heaven. I wanted to work with her, and was offered a small part in it. I shot for it for four days. So, if something interesting comes up, I will jump on it.

Last two years saw you going through a low phase in your personal life — separation from your wife Shweta Rohira. How did you cope with it?
Yes, I was going through a separation, but that was not a major problem. It was the media coverage that became a problem for the families involved. But that’s over. It was a small period. Now, if something is written or said (about it), I ignore it. I don’t need to cope with it, I have coped with it for the longest time and I walked out of it. I am happy. I am single, let me enjoy it.

There were reports of you and Yami Gautam being in a relationship. Now, there are rumours of you and Kriti Kharbanda seeing each other...
Yami ke saath, Kriti ke saath... I don’t pay too much heed to these kinds of articles. They are part and parcel of the business. My affair is with one person — Varun Sharma. Nobody is writing about it — I’ve done two films with him! My focus is only on work. I would rather be written about for that.

What is your take on love now?
My take on love will always be the same. It can strike you any time. You cannot not fall in love. It’s not ki main kabhi pyaar nahi karunga, but I have made a small commitment to myself. I am not going to be in a relationship till at least Valentine’s Day 2020!

MID-DAY (February 2, 2018)

Three years after his divorce from Shweta Rohira, actor Pulkit Samrat says he believes in love, but is unsure if he still has faith in the institution of marriage. The actor said, “I don’t know. In love, definitely [I have faith], but I don’t know if that certificate means something right now where I stand. So I don’t have a comment on that, but maybe later.”

Samrat had married longtime girlfriend Shweta Rohira in November 2014, but they split a year later. He was speaking at the trailer launch of his film, Veerey Ki Wedding, at a suburban multiplex yesterday. The Fukrey Returns (2017) actor said being single, he would now grab unconditional love from wherever it is coming from, including his pet. “Someone asked me how I was going to celebrate Valentine’s Day as a single (man). I said I’d rather be with my dog because that’s a 100 per cent, sure-shot guaranteed affair that’ll last forever, nothing else will. Wherever you get unconditional love, just grab it.”

The film also stars Kriti Kharbanda, who was last seen in Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana (2017) opposite Rajkummar Rao. The title bares an uncanny resemblance to the forthcoming Kareena Kapoor Khan starrer Veere Di Wedding. Samrat said there should be no confusion between the two films. “There were five Bhagat Singh films, which released together. They had a similar plot as well. Here, only the title is similar. The makers had the title already and then the other one got announced. Both are different films.”

Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; December 9, 2017)

Amidst their whirlwind promotional tour ahead of the film’s release yesterday, Team Fukrey Returns took some time off to go on a seaside date with BT on a beautiful breezy evening. The group, comprising lead actors Richa Chadha, Pulkit Samrat, Varun Sharma and Manjot Singh, owned Marine Drive with their antics as they posed exclusively for our cameras. We also took them for a drive around SoBo during which they spoke about their camaraderie, the Delhi vs Mumbai debate and their film. The lads joked that they considered Richa as one of them (read londa). The actress nodded in affirmative, as she made Manjot sit on her lap so that we all could fit in the car! Here’s what transpired on that hilarious journey. Excerpts...

Looks like Manjot is the baby of the gang. Having worked together in Fukrey,we’re sure that you all are extremely comfortable with each other. So, how was it reuniting for the sequel?
Richa: Manjot wants to be the baby. (Asks him) ‘Itni badi daadi ho gayi hai, tu bada kab hoga?’ As far as reuniting with these boys is concerned, I have worked with men, who were senior and serious, during the Gangs of Wasseypur. They used to discuss 1975 or 1982 mein kya hua. With the Fukras, I can talk and laugh about banal and crazy things. It could be with anyone — Ali (Fazal), Pulkit, Manjot or Choocha (Varun Sharma).
Varun: Fukrey was my debut film and I was thrilled to see myself in a movie. To reunite for the sequel was nostalgic. The chemistry we share off screen reflects on screen as well. We hope that people have jhamfaad fun this time around, too.

Pulkit, Fukrey had struck a chord with the youngsters, especially your song Ambarsariya. What can we expect from the sequel?
The story picks up a year after the events that unfolded in Fukrey. Bholi Punjaban (Richa) is out of the prison and she is back with a vengeance. It’s double the fun this time around. In Ambarsariya, I was trying to woo the girl (Priya Anand), but this time around, the song, Ishq De Fanniyar, shows us dating. However, there’s still no French kiss (smiles).

Talking about each other, what’s that one quality of your co-star that you find most fascinating?
Pulkit: Richa is very knowledgeable, she can make you feel like an idiot. She knows a lot, is a good orator, has good command over languages and you can have a healthy debate with her. There will be disagreements, but she will listen to you. At the end of the day, it’s like aaj humne kya sikha? Varun inspires me a lot. Put him in any tricky situation and he will come out victorious. Manjot achcha hai (all laugh). The most fun we have is when we all get together to make fun of him; he cracks terrible jokes.
Richa: I never make him feel like an idiot! Pulkit is a typical Punjabi boy — he is protective and he likes to feed people — he gets us the food we like. Just the other day, he got broccoli manchurian for me, which Manjot ate. Also, he doesn’t like to eat alone. So, the credit of us eating together goes to him. He’s a gentleman. Even during promotions, he takes care of us. As far as Varun is concerned, usko dekhte hi hasi aati hai. He is very hard-working; Manjot is the bakra in the film and in real life.
Manjot: Inka din nahi dhalta, mujhse pange liye bina. They are all very sweet to me.

Work ceases to be work when you are with your friends, right?
Richa: That’s true. I’ve never had an experience like this before; we didn’t even know ke picture shoot kab ho gayi.
Manjot: The Fukrey franchise is an addiction, we are pampered and spoilt by Excel Entertainment (production company). I don’t know what I’ll do after the film releases. We hope that people like the sequel and demand a third installment.

What was the vibe on the set during breaks?
Pulkit: We shot in the months of November and December in Delhi when it was freezing cold. So, during breaks, we would sit in front of a fireplace with a quilt.
Varun: All of us eat together. We didn’t have a single meal on our own, except for Manjot, who never shared his food (laughs). Even now, he hasn’t offered us the fruit that he has been nibbling on.

Since your film is set in Delhi, do you think there are any differences between Mumbai and Delhi Fukras?
Varun: Fukrey fukrey hotay hain. Language could be different, but dil same hota hai. Fukron ki zindagi umeed pe nahi, jugaad pe kaayam hai.
Richa: Delhi Fukras have more time. For Mumbai’s Fukras, life is busier and there’s so much traffic! We had so much time in Delhi for ourselves.

Continuing the Mumbai vs Delhi debate, what are the major differences between the two cities?
Pulkit: Delhi has the best food when compared to any other city in the country. We also have winters! On the other hand, you’ll find medical stores in every nook and corner of Mumbai, which is great. Of course, now you have those 24/7 stores in Delhi too, but not as many as in Mumbai. Plus the cycle pe garma garam chai and idli that you get in Mumbai, you won’t find it in Delhi.
Varun: Mumbai has no open roads and no playgrounds in schools. There’s severe space crunch. In Delhi, you can discover an internal route where tum gedi maar sakte ho. Raat ko Marine Drive pe Punjabi log shaayad gedi maarte honge. If you listen to loud music in cars, you know a guy is with a girl.

Madhureeta Mukherjee (BOMBAY TIMES; February 9, 2016)

Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; July 21, 2015)


Your last couple of films Fukrey, O Teri, and now Bangistan saw you playing a parallel hero and not a solo hero, which is how you started. Comment.
All my films are solo hero movies simply because I believe the hero of the film is always the story! I am not concerned about the length of the role or what the other person is doing. If I am convinced about my role and see myself in that particular character, I do it. Other things are secondary — who is the producer, the director, whether it will be marketed well or get a good release. If you think of only solo hero films then there wouldn’t be a Dil Dhadakne Do, Dil Chahta Hai which are great films or for that matter Rang De Basanti.

What did you like about Bangistan?
It’s a fun film. I flipped out when I heard the story and the way it was going to be narrated. It’s about these two people who hail from a country called Bangistan, which is divided. Riteish’s character is from North Bangistan and mine is from South Bangistan. Both have their own fundamentalist groups and we have been brainwashed by our leaders to become suicide bombers. We are terrorists who land up at the same place in Poland to carry out some bombings. It’s a hilarious ride from there. It is completely satirical — conveying a deep message, but in a funny manner. It is quirky and cool.

Though your debut film Bittoo Boss failed, you managed to get a big break again with Fukrey. Do you consider it your second launch?
No. I think of it as my first commercial success. Every film has its own journey, its own fate. If I look back from where I came, I think I have had quite a fair innings. I have grown with every step. Yes, my debut film didn’t do well, but that got me Fukrey. The producers saw the promos, the songs and thought of contacting me.

Since Bangistan is from the same producers as Fukrey you must be banking on it...
They are known for their quirky, out-of-the-box humour and sensibility. They do things differently. It’s got Riteish with his impeccable sense of comic timing and I have done my stuff.

There have been reports about you and your co-star Yami Gautam getting too close off-screen. What is your reaction to that?
It’s great to see the film getting promoted nicely. Time and again we have seen that whenever a romantic film is being shot, there is a tendency to link the lead actors and promote the film.

Are you saying somebody is promoting it knowingly?
Well, if somebody is writing about it, then somebody is promoting it!

What is your equation with Salman Khan?
I admire him a lot and I am lucky he adores me. That’s the equation we share, but it’s a personal thing and I don’t like to talk about it.

Watching you on screen, one gets a feeling that you ape him...
(Cuts in) I always say I would like to be the kind of person Salman is off screen, but I don’t think I ape him on screen.

Now, that he is a producer, will he cast you in any of his films?
I don’t know. If a film works for everybody, then he might. But my love for him is unconditional.

Seema Sinha (BOMBAY TIMES; July 18, 2015)

Two-hero films are the new trend after Gunday; Pulkit Samrat and Bilal Amrohi make their debut this week
Upala KBR (DNA; March 24, 2014)

It’s been ages since I chatted with newcomers. Before they become stars and get affected. So I set out to interview Pulkit Samrat and Bilal Amrohi. I am happy to report it was fun. Pulkit is quieter, reflects before answering, and doesn’t try to impress. But then suddenly disarms you with his zany humour. Bilal is exuberant, chatty and has all his answers down pat. They will be seen in O Teri, which is a comment on the current political situation in the country. Both Bilal and Pulkit are as clued in about the political scenario in the country and the mood of the aam aadmi. But I am not interested in their GK. I want to know about their EQ. These boys will not be on the Koffee With Karan couch anytime soon, so I decided to quiz them in the style of the host of my favourite show. Read on..

What is O Teri about?
Pulkit: It’s about what every day our discussions are on the dining table about today’s issues and how we should tackle them. But such a message would be boring if put across like that so we have packed it up with a lot of humour and interesting characters. We are playing two guys working in the television industry on the look out for that one big scam that will make us famous. I am the TV reporter and Bilal is the cameraman.
Bilal: It’s a coming of age film in a way. I absolutely loved the graph as an audience about these two innocent boys who are like the cartoon characters Tom and Jerry, and how they become heroic towards the end.

In real life are you both the same?
P: I remember at a recent media interaction when the photographers kept asking Bilal to turn and pose left and right, suddenly he yelled, ‘Meri pehli film hai! Koi tension nahi hai. Main idhar, udhar, sab jagah dekhta hoon.’ (Both start laughing) And for 15 minutes, he’s standing there posing for pictures.
B: I have waited for this far too long. I am not going to shy away from the camera. The fact that now I am standing in front of it I am going to enjoy it the most!

How was the first day on the sets?
B: I am a Bandra boy while he’s from Delhi and before we met I think he had figured out that the Delhi lingo would be difficult for me so he tutored me before we started. For me it was a bit of a task to get out of this Mumbai ka attitude to a Delhi boy. He really helped me out as an actor. We grew very fond of each other eventually. Then the movie was just a riot!
P: Yeah I am going to marry Bilal some day! (laughs)

How often do you say O Teri?
P: I say it a lot. Any situation where I have to say ‘beep’ in front of my parents is o teri. I say it also when something very exciting happens like Salman bhai’s song. When Salman agreed to read the script — that was my biggest o teri moment.
B: I have been working with Atul bhai since his directorial debut. I thought I was going to assist in this film. When they asked me to audition for the role I was stunned! It was an o teri moment for me.

Best thing about being a newcomer?
P: People don’t judge you. No expectations. The film industry has been warm in welcoming newcomers.
B: I am allowed to make mistakes. I am not supposed to get everything right in my first film but learn and I have learned a lot.

Action or romance?
P: Lot of action happening in my life so I would like a mix of both. I like all kinds of films and like to explore all genres. I like entertainers masala style.
B: I want to romance lot of women (laughs). In the film also my love interest is hardly there… So now I am hoping to do a romantic film now.

I can see the chemistry between you two…
P: Well we are made for each other (laughs). We have by mistake found girls for ourselves.
B: It’s too late now to express our love for each other! (both crack up).

If you had to give a message to the politicians of today?
P: Every time before you go to sleep have a thought about your country because you have taken that responsibility.
B: Make few promises and deliver them. I would also like to tell the people of our country to stand up and vote. If you can’t give up 15 minutes of your time to go and vote, you have lost your right to complain.

If you had to float a political party what would you call it?
B: I would promote my friend Jackky Bhagnani’s film and call it Youngistaan. He’s a childhood friend of mine. Brotherhood is the theme. Jackky’s film and ours are releasing on the same day but he has been praising me to the skies. I also know Harman and I know he has been praising me too.
P: Then I would float a political party called Dishkiyaoon.

When was the last time you fooled someone?
B: I’m naughty by nature, so all the time... I sent messages to some girls asking them to meet me from Pulkit’s phone so they enthusiastically responded in the affirmative.
P: I do the same. He’s always very eager to take off his shirt so I get him to do that at the most embarrassing times like at a radio station recently.

Name in the order of best actor – Aamir, Salman, Shah Rukh, Hrithik and Akshay.
P: Aamir, Salman bhai… How do I judge the rest ya? Lagao vaat tum bhi (looks at Bilal).
B: I am a big Salman Khan fan so for me everything that he does I love and enjoy. So for me Salman bhai would be the best actor, then Hrithik Roshan, he’s phenomenal, Aamir sir for his dedication, Shah Rukh sir for his passion and dedication and Akshay Kumar for his Rajiv Bhatia-style dedication.

Name in order of best actress: Katrina, Kareena, Priyanka, Deepika and Sonam.
P: Deepika, Sonam, Katrina, Priyanka and Kareena
B: … I love Alia and Parineeti also...
P: They are not on the list Bilal…
B: Oh achcha… I like them all – I really do but okay then - Priyanka, Deepika, Katrina, Kareena and Sonam.

Who is the actress you would like to romance?
P: Sonam Kapoor. I would love to take her out.
B: Priyanka is on the top of my list as I find her very beautiful, then Deepika, Parineeti and Alia are lovely. There are a lot more (laughs).

If at gun point you were asked to have a gay encounter who would you choose it be with....
B: Bas mera hi naam lena (both laugh)…
P: It will be better with somebody I know quite well so it would have to be Bilal.
B: Yes, and I would reciprocate his actions (laughs).

Varun Dhawan, Siddharth Malhotra or Aditya Roy Kapoor - who has the brightest future and why?
P: Bilal because he has the X factor!
B: Yayyy! Way to go! The O Teri boys are the next bright things that are going to happen! Pulkit has what everybody is dying to get – that charm. His eyes speak for themselves. Girls see him and go ‘Oooo Pulku…’
P: Ya? I think I am boring.
B: Pulkit is a smooth operator (grins naughtily).
P: It takes me four times to meet and get to know the person and then I can pataao her. Bilal pataaos her at the first meeting.
B: Nowadays the girls pataao the boys first.

Ranbir or Shahid - The Kapoor you admire.
P: I always wanted a kind of debut that Shahid got in Ishq Vishq. He dances superbly and looks good so I think after a long time that a newcomer was talked about so much. He came with a package. I have admired him since that time. Ranbir again has a great body of work and I just hope I can create a similar or body of work than that.
B: I really like Ranbir Kapoor’s acting. He’s really good. I like his ease I delivering lines. I am just watching and learning from them and they are both good but I am a RK fan.

The worst film you have seen in the last three years?
P: Bilal you can’t say my films, okay.?
B: I think Satya 2. God save me.
P: Yes Satya 2 because it was so different from Satya. Anything that goes wrong in the sequel is disappointing.

If you woke up one morning and found you were Hrithik Roshan, you would...
B: I would do a kickass movie like Krrish. He pulls off those cape films with so much ease.
P: I would convince my father Rakesh Roshan to do films with only Pulkit. Krrish 4 and 5 with me and then Krrish 6 I would ask him to take Bilal.

Name one Bollywood actor who doesn’t cheat?
B: Well Emraan Hashmi is one actor who doesn’t need to as he’s been kissing in all his films!
P: I think we all cheat every day while in front of the camera because we are playing somebody else.

If Sunny Leone made a pass at you, you would...
P: I would NOT tell anybody that it happened.
B: I would NOT let it go! Shaadi toh unki (Sunny Leone) huyi hai meri thodi! (bursts into loud laughter)

Ever hooked up in a public place?
P: Yes, on a plane. It’s the first time I am confessing to this. On a flight you have a lot of time so you can build up your chemistry and turbulence helps.
B: You are in the mile high club dude! Good job! Behind this innocent angel face (pointing to Pulkit) is a rockstar.

The first time you got dumped?
P: I was in the fourth standard and had a massive crush on this girl. I would give her blank calls like hundred times and leave notes in her car. I would hound her like Shah Rukh did with Juhi in Darr. So I would consider that as my first rejection or being dumped. After that I have usually dumped my girlfriends.
B: I don’t dump my girlfriends…
P: He always keeps an option open. He tells them ‘It’s not working between us right now but we will come back to this later’. I haven’t been an a*****e and dumped any of my girlfriends. They love me and I love them too. I love you all — if you girls are reading this now!