Showing posts with label Raavan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Raavan. Show all posts
I did think I’d get more offers in Bollywood after Raavan-Priyamani
8:34 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; March 18, 2026)
With web shows like The Family Man and The Good Wife, Priya Mani Raj has found a renewed connection with audiences across India. While she has long been a well-known name in the South, the digital space has helped her reach a wider, pan-India audience. Yet, her journey with Hindi cinema began much earlier — with Mani Ratnam’s Raavan.
When asked if she had high expectations from her Bollywood debut, she says, “Yes, I did. I was brought up watching Hindi films, so when I got an offer to do the Hindi version of Raavan, I was thrilled. I got to act with Abhishek Bachchan and so many wonderful actors like Ravi Kishan and Pankaj Tripathi. I was very happy. I didn’t have scenes with Aishwarya, but I met her during promotions, and she was so warm.”
She adds, “Honestly, I did think I’d get more offers after that. But I was quite selective. I got some offers that I liked and some I wasn’t convinced about, so I just kept them at bay. I wasn’t disappointed because I had my plate full with South films anyway.”
‘NOBODY IS PERFECT WHEN THEY START OUT’
Opening up about her initial journey, Priya Mani reflects on how she learned the ropes without any guidance.
She says, “When I look back at my old pictures or films, I’m like, ‘Why was I like this?’ But it’s a learning process. Nobody is perfect when they start out. Back then, I didn’t even know what grooming meant. I was 18 when I started out, and no one in my family was from the industry. I didn’t have a godfather to guide me, so I went with my instinct. I still do. I didn’t know you could have a personal makeup artist, a hairstylist, or even someone called a stylist,” she laughs, adding, “My peers had friends styling for them, and I just figured things out on my own.”
It was much later, she says, that she began to understand the importance of self-care. “It was only around 2011 or 2012 that I realised you could actually hire a stylist or get a designer to put things together for you. And after I started dating Mustafa (her husband), I learned to invest in myself — to look good, go for a manicure or pedicure, take care of myself, and look presentable,” signs off the Jawan actress.
If I could do Guru again, I’d do a much better job-Abhishek Bachchan
10:05 AM
Ankita Kanabar (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 24, 2025)
With a career spanning over 25 years, Abhishek Bachchan has several successful films to his credit. Yet, one movie that a lot of his fans and critics swear by is Guru. This Mani Ratnam film helped Abhishek garner love and appreciation in the industry. However, Abhishek says that if given another chance, he would love to work on Guru again, shot by shot, and do a better job.
In a chat, he said, “If given the opportunity to do the film again, I can unequivocally say that I can do a much better job today. Having said that, I don’t compare my movies or treat this as a benchmark to other movies because every film is different. But if Mani Ratnam gave me the opportunity to do Guru scene by scene, shot by shot again today, 100 percent, I’d do a much better job for him.”
On one hand, where Guru is loved for its storyline and performances, it also holds a special place in Abhishek and Aishwarya’s love story. “I proposed to her at the premiere, after the premiere in New York,” said the actor.
He further added, “But all my films are very personal. And I ensure that. There are possibly one or two that might not be as personal. But my rule of thumb is it has to be personal. If it’s not personal, then I’ll probably not do it.”
During the conversation, he spoke about another character and movie he did with Mani Ratnam — Yuva. Speaking about Lallan from Yuva, Abhishek shared, “The first time you are working with the great Mani Ratnam, you don’t say anything. But Mani sir involved me so deeply in Lallan, in the preparation of Lallan, and allowed me to have an opinion on him. He heard me very sweetly; he didn’t need to. I thought Lallan was the sweetest character, you feel for that guy.”
Walking down memory lane, he added, “There was this one scene in Yuva which sadly never made it to the final cut, which I thought was very important, wherein he’s had a huge fight with Rani (Mukerji), his wife, and she’s like, Why can’t you change? He’s lying down on the bed and she is sitting next to him. He is on her lap, and he is howling. Because she has caught him going back to what he was doing, and she’s trying to bring reform to him. So, she asks him, ‘Why can’t you change?’ And there was a line that Anurag (Kashyap) had written, which just summed it up for me. I felt so bad when I read that. Lallan says, ‘I am trying, lekin suvar goo khana chhodta nahi hai (A pig never stops eating shit or being around shit).’ I felt so bad when I read that. He said, I’m trying, but I don’t know anything else.”
Shah Rukh Khan’s Dil Se character was not just an All India Radio reporter, he was everyone’s voice-Mani Ratnam
9:54 AM
Anees Bazmee backs out of Nawaz’s next; filmmaker wants to ‘focus on other projects’
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; October 30, 2023)
An entire screen was jam-packed as cinephiles strived to bag a seat for MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2023’s first masterclass that saw Mani Ratnam in conversation with Imtiaz Ali. It was a heart-toheart chat with some savage one-liners from Ratnam. Excerpts from the conversation:
‘DIL SE WAS A SOCIAL COMMENTARY’
Talking about Dil Se, he said, “Dil Se was made around India’s 50 years of Independence. It was a reminder that not all corners of the country are liberated as one would like to believe. Shah Rukh Khan’s character was not just an All India Radio reporter, he was everyone’s voice.”
‘MAKING RAAVAN AS A BILINGUAL FILM WAS A MISTAKE’
Ratnam made Raavan (2010) in two languages at a time, not many attempted to do so. The director, however, admitted that it wasn’t the right decision. “Making Raavan as a bilingual film was a mistake. It was a burden because I was literally making two films at a time, and neither the Hindi nor the Tamil audience could completely relate to it. It was a case of neither here nor there,” he said.
‘AS A STORYTELLER, YOU REALISE YOU’RE A SCAVENGER’
Elaborating on filmmakers’ constant hunt for great stories and subjects, Ratnam explains, “As a storyteller, you realise that you’re a scavenger. Even when tragedy strikes, you’re looking for stories and opportunities. I remember witnessing a blast from a close distance, and the first thing that struck me wasn’t the tragedy alone but even the technique. In films, we show that blasts generally happen from a distance, but that isn’t the case.”
‘I DON’T WANT OBEDIENCE FROM MY ACTORS, I EXPECT CONTRIBUTION’
The director, known for his unique vision and extracting the best out of his actors, had an interesting take on teamwork. He revealed, “I don’t want obedience from my actors, I expect contribution. I can always tell you what I want, but what more can you bring to the table? I like actors who give you that little more.” When asked what happens in case of a massive difference of opinion, Ratnam teased, “Then I tell them who’s the boss (laughs)!” Citing examples, he said, “Shah Rukh Khan and Rajinikanth often joked about this. They would say, ‘We can tell you what we feel, but you won’t accept it. This is your film, isn’t it?’”
‘SOMETIMES I WONDER IF I AM A ONE-TRICK PONY’
Despite having made acclaimed films, the director feels that there is still an element of self-doubt. He revealed, “Sometimes I wonder if I am a one-trick pony. I always thought of myself as a fraud director. When I did my first film, I didn’t know how to shoot. I had to pretend that I knew. I remember Kamal Haasan telling me this when I pitched my first film to him. He said, ‘Don’t aim at the heart, aim at the gut and you will make it.’ Haasan suggested that I need to make something that a lot of people can identify with, and how you communicate with the audience is important.”
‘AS AN AUDIENCE, I AM EVOLVED; AS A FILMMAKER, I AM NOT!’
Ratnam says, “My assistant directors don’t hesitate to tell me if something doesn’t thrill them. The day they find mistakes in my work, I know they are potential filmmakers. I used to criticise films when I didn’t even know how to make one. Finding fault is important. As an audience, I am evolved. As a filmmaker, I am not! There is nothing in this art form that can be called perfect. I don’t watch my films after they are released. I can’t take it. I only see the errors and I cringe.”
I felt one big success will change things, but that didn’t happen-Purab Kohli
8:21 AM
Vinay MR Mishra (BOMBAY TIMES; October 17, 2023)
It has been 25 years since Purab Kohli began his acting career with the TV show Hip Hip Hurray. Over the years, he has also dabbled in films as well as the OTT medium. Today, the actor shuttles between his current base, the UK, and Mumbai to manage his career. In a conversation with Bombay Times, he talks about travelling back and forth for work, his definition of success and his love for his craft. Excerpts:
‘Shuttling between two countries is hard’
Ask Purab whether living in another country puts him at the risk of losing out on opportunities and he says, “I don’t feel like I am missing out on opportunities. One of the reasons to move to London was to get more international work. But yes, shuttling between the two countries is hard. My family is in London, so I plan my shoots according to my kids’ holidays. They love travelling to India. Shuttling has become a part of my life, and it makes me more conscious of the work I want to choose because every time I have to take up work, I have to leave my family. It’s a long commute, so you have to be sure that the work you do is worth it.”
‘Being content with the work you do is important’
After over two decades in the industry, the actor now feels he has “arrived”, albeit his definition of the term may differ slightly from that of others. In an earlier interview, Purab had spoken about “arriving” in the industry after Rock On!! released. Today, his stance has evolved.
“Arriving is such a personal thing; it is a measurement of success in your head. Back then, I had said it because I felt it. Scripts were coming every day, and I thought I had arrived. Today, I feel being content with the work you do is important. In recent years, I have had many successes, failures, forgettable and unforgettable projects. Arriving is more of a personal space of satisfaction,” he elaborates.
‘I had to dig myself out of a dark hole’
Purab has admitted in the past that he had got a little cocky post the success of Rock On!!. He says, “Yes, I did go through that phase. The cockiness mainly came from the roles that I was offered after the film. I would tell the makers, ‘Why are you giving me small parts after I played such a prominent part?’ Back then, a top producer told me, ‘We cannot give you those prominent parts because bigger actors feel insecure with you in the film’. I took that as a compliment and told myself, ‘My time will come, I will have one big success as the main lead, and things will change’. But that didn’t happen. A couple of films that I had signed as the main lead got shelved, and a couple of them released, but they didn’t do anything. Then, that comment did not feel like a compliment. I felt stuck. I had to dig myself out of that dark hole.”
‘I regret refusing Mani Ratnam’s Raavan’
Purab admits regretting missing the chance to work with director Mani Ratnam. He had declined the filmmaker’s Raavan (2010), wherein he was approached to play Vibhishan’s character, which was later played by Ajay Gehl. “I don’t regret not doing that part, but I regret letting go of the opportunity of working with Mani Ratnam,” he shares.
‘I wanted to be seen more on screen’
Purab says that his process of picking up projects still primarily depends on the character, the story and the maker. “After Jal, which I had a lot of hopes from, flopped, I chased Raja (Krishna Menon) for Airlift. I knew I had to be seen in the market again, and Airlift was a good opportunity.”
Today, he is nonchalant about the results of his projects. The change came about during the lockdown when he was shooting for Out Of Love 2. “Before Out Of Love 2, everything I did came from wanting and expecting a lot. But during the lockdown, my father was hospitalized, and I was on the set and felt the love for acting. The entire shoot felt cathartic,” he signs off.
I took a break from Hindi films as I was only getting similar songs-Priyamani
8:33 AM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 23, 2022)
The Chennai Express song, One Two Three Four Get on the Dance Floor, featuring actor Priyamani had become quite the rage in 2013. But we didn’t see her going all out in taking up Hindi projects after that. In fact, The Family Man was her next Hindi outing, six years later.
Ask her about it and she says she was “never away” from Hindi cinema to begin with. “I have grown up watching those films, actors like Aamir (Khan), Shah Rukh (Khan), Salman (Khan)... I was born and brought up in Bengaluru, and watched both English and Hindi films. I just took my time to proudly enter this (Hindi) industry,” says Priyamani, who has done films in multiple south Indian languages.
The problem, she says, lay in the kind of image that was being formed of her after Chennai Express. The National Film Award-winning actor elaborates, “Hindi cinema has a wider, pan-India audience. The NRI audience also watches a lot of it. I am glad I started my journey (in Bollywood) with Raavan in 2010, then Rakta Charitra (2010), followed by Chennai Express. After that, I wanted to take a break as I’d keep getting a lot of offers for doing similar numbers. I didn’t want to be like that. Then came The Family Man, and the rest is history.”
Maidaan is the 37-year-old’s next release, alongside actor Ajay Devgn, which has been pushed till now to ensure a theatrical release. And with people back in cinemas, does she think that the craze for web content will go down? “No, I don’t think so. Web will have its full fan following even after this. This craze for OTT platforms will never die down,” she signs off.
Filmmakers cast TV actors when there is no other option-Ajay Gehi
8:03 AM
Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; September 6, 2021)
Years ago, Ajay Gehi bid adieu to the small screen after he landed a role in Maqbool (2003). Later, he went on to do films like Raavan (2010) while his Gujarati film The Good Road (2013) was the official foreign language film entry at the Oscars from India. After dabbling in films, the actor is now back on the small screen with the TV show Hero - Gayab Mode On.
Ajay says, “I have landed an interesting role; I play the antagonist. To be honest, I had never really said goodbye to television. After slogging for many years and with film projects not releasing due to several issues, I felt it was a mistake to have left television.”
Ask Ajay what went wrong with his film career and he says, “I can’t complain because I landed an important role with the talented Irrfan in Maqbool. Then I did Raavan and went bald for the film, only to find out that most of my scenes were edited when the film released. Most of my films, either did not release or the production ran into trouble. Since I had to keep my kitchen running, I started doing voice overs, stand-up comedy, singing and performing on digital and live platforms.”
Ajay adds, “There are examples of TV actors making it to films, but very few. Filmmakers cast us only when there is no other option left.”
However, Ajay is optimistic about the future. He says, “In a way, the pandemic has made people realise that there are hard-working actors like us, too. Thanks to television, my career is getting back on track again.”
None of my Hindi films gave me such a boost as The Family Man-Priyamani
1:30 PM
Despite roles in Raavan and Chennai Express, Priyamani says The Family Man brought her pan-India fame as she wins Best Supporting Actor nomination in the upcoming mid-day and Radio City Hitlist Web Awards
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; March 6, 2020)
People often ask me, 'What happened between you two in Lonavala?' And I say, 'What happens in Lonavala, stays in Lonavala,'" laughs Priyamani, gleefully aware that the sub-plot between her character and that of Sharad Kelkar in The Family Man piqued the audience's curiosity. As the wife who is exasperated with the workaholic nature of her husband — essayed by Manoj Bajpayee — and finds solace in her colleague, Priyamani was spirited and spontaneous. Little surprise then that she has bagged a Best Supporting Actor nomination in the upcoming mid-day and Radio City Hitlist Web Awards.
The audience may have sat up and taken notice of her in the much loved web series, but the South sensation's résumé is dotted with several Hindi films, including Mani Ratnam's Raavan (2010).
"Surprisingly, only few of the fraternity folk knew that I had played Abhishek's [Bachchan] sister in Raavan. None of the Hindi films that I've done have given me the kind of boost that The Family Man has," states the actor, who also shook a leg with Shah Rukh Khan in One two three four in Chennai Express (2013). "A lot of people noticed me [after the song], but this show has taken me to a whole new level. It has only been possible because OTT platforms have such a huge viewership. This show has opened doors for me in Mumbai."
Rewarding as the move has been, Priyamani reveals she had her share of inhibitions before jumping on the digital bandwagon with the Raj-DK (Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK) spy thriller. "I loved the character of Suchi. But I asked Raj and DK upfront if there were any intimate scenes as I am hesitant to do them. They assured me that there were no such scenes."
More On The Show
- The makers of the show met a real-life RAW agent who supported their depiction of
agents' wives when the former are on duty
- Cast Your Vote For The Hitlist Web Awards
- Priyamani has been nominated in the Best Supporting Actor (Female) category for Amazon Prime's The Family Man
The other nominees are:
- Shivani Raghuvanshi (Made In Heaven; Amazon Prime)
- Rasika Dugal (Delhi Crime; Netflix)
- Amruta Subhash (Sacred Games S02; Netflix)
- Nidhi Singh (MOM; ALTBalaji)
- Navni Parihar (Little Things S03; Netflix)
- The Family Man enjoys six nominations, including Best Series, Best Creator, Best Actor (Male), Best Supporting Actor (Male), Best Supporting Actor (Female) and Best Writing.
- There are 14 categories that the public can vote in. Log on to www.hitlistwebawards.com to cast your vote.
- You can also vote via SMS. Send HITLIST <space> category name <space> your choice (a/b/c/d as on the website) to 57575.
- Voting lines extended by a day, to close on March 9.
I am fine with people wondering how someone like Govinda could refuse a James Cameron film-Govinda
8:58 AM
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; August 4, 2019)
Govinda’s effortless dance moves, comic timing and flashy style set him apart from his contemporaries. His recent revelation of being offered James Cameron’s science-fiction epic, Avatar, set tongues wagging on social media platforms. In a heartfelt chat with Bombay Times, the actor reacts to being mocked, talks about his tumultuous film career, what caused his rift with David Dhawan and the lessons learnt from all of it. Excerpts:
Your revelation in a recent interview that you were offered James Cameron’s Avatar (2009) has become a matter of joke on social media. The memes have gone viral. Do you stand by your statement that you were offered the Hollywood blockbuster?
I am not active on social media, but my daughter Tina keeps me in the loop. I am fine with people wondering how someone like Govinda could refuse a James Cameron film. I can understand where they are coming from. I respect that thought. They are entitled to have that opinion, but to say how come Govinda got that offer in the first place, is wrong. It’s not like meri aukad nahi hai. It’s prejudiced behaviour. Chai wala aagey kaise badh sakta hain? TV actors films mein kaise aa sakte hain? This is that same elitist, superiority complex. Yeh galat hai. Aapko vishwas nahi karna hai toh mat kijiye, but don’t say things like this.
Did James Cameron mention anything about seeing your work? How did your casting come about?
I was a superstar then. He must have seen my films, but I am not too sure about that. There was a sardarji, who knew me well, and belonged to the medical world. He was my senior, and Dev sahab’s (Dev Anand) friend. He was also one of the financers of the film (Avatar). James Cameron and he met me in London, where I was narrated the story of Avatar. In a way, while I was talking to him, I suggested the title to him. Mere muh se woh shabd (Avatar) nikal gaya aur unhone pakad liya. However, I refused the film. The sardarji even complained to Dev sahab that I had refused this big Hollywood film despite the massive money that I was offered for it. Dev sahab even called me and asked about it.
The film was being directed by one of the most celebrated filmmakers in the world. Why did you refuse the film?
When I heard the subject, I thought I won’t be able to match up to the physicality required to essay that character, that needed to be covered in body paint for over 400 days (Australian actor Sam Worthington played the role of Jake Sully, a disabled former Marine in Avatar, the part which was offered to Govinda). Iraada accha tha, but uss process ko sehne ki kshamata mujh mein nahi thi. I remember Yash Chopra ji had also offered me a similar role in Chandni (1989), which was eventually played by Rishi Kapoor. The character is physically challenged for a certain portion of the film. I had refused that one as well. Dates were an issue, plus, you need to be able to do justice to a role that’s physically demanding. Also, at that point, given the image that I had, I wasn’t sure if people would accept me in such a role.
Hollywood has a certain working pattern and casting process. Many believe that if someone like Irrfan would have spoken of turning down Avatar, it’s still believable since he has worked in American films. You didn’t have that kind of background (of working in films in the West) and perhaps, that’s why it was looked upon as a joke?
People making a laughing stock of me is not new. I was mocked even at the beginning of my career because I dared to become an actor. They thought, I am from Virar gaon, yeh kaise hero banega! Even after my films did well, a certain section of people believed iska success toh fluke hai. When I worked with legends and superstars, they said, ‘Govinda won’t be even noticed in their presence. Yeh mahaan logon ke saamne kya acting karega.’ When my films started doing well, I was conveniently labelled as a ‘comedy actor’ and not a ‘good actor’ and I would only get nominated for awards in the comedy category. When you don’t segregate other genres (romance, tragedy, drama, etc.) why make only comedy a separate category? The intention was to push me to a corner and restrict my reach. Eventually, I realised that this is how the industry treats you when you don’t have a Godfather. You have to find a way to survive. I became Govinda because of my hard work. I had to look after my entire family, so acting was more than just a passion for me. It was my means of survival. The struggle was to succeed with whatever limited means I had.
Why did you speak about being offered Avatar after so many years?
How is that no one wondered why Govinda was asked this question on that show? I did not tell the anchor (of the television show) about it before the show at all. He must have heard about it from someone. In fact, I was shocked when I was asked about it. I couldn’t have avoided the question, so I gave an answer, and whatever I said, is the truth. Jo sach hai, woh bola. Maybe people thought yeh uss layak nahi hai. Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, Taal, Devdas, Nayak, Chandni and Slumdog Millionaire… I have declined all these films, too. Why just Avatar, kya baaki films achhe filmmakers ne nahi banayi? All these films turned out to be huge hits.
What was your reason for turning down Slumdog Millionaire?
I was offered the role that Anil Kapoor played. Danny Boyle had come to meet me. I think this was right after Partner (2007) had released. Jab aapka bad patch chal raha ho and everyone is demoralising you, aapka khud par se vishwas thoda hil jata hai. I was surprised that he came to meet me. I didn’t do that film, but told him it will do well. I loved the thought of the film that you don’t have to be highly educated to make it big in life, you have to be streetsmart. However, I had two objections with that film… the poop scene in the beginning and the title. I wasn’t comfortable with the word ‘Slumdog’ and that scene.
But when these films that you refused, turned out to be blockbusters, did you regret it?
I have always trusted my instinct and though it has mostly benefited me, but of course, I also know that you can go wrong at times. You assume people want to see you a certain way, and so you avoid taking risks. When the screenplay writer read out the script of Gadar to me, I felt that it had too many gaalis (cuss words). I was later told that, ‘You didn’t do it, Sunny Deol did and it’s a huge hit. Aap darte ho.’ I told them Sunny Deol ji is Dharmendra ji’s son. Unkey parivar mein aadha dozen stars hai. Main toh Govinda hoon aur mujhe apni puri family ko dekhna hain, so it is difficult for me to take risks. Hum thodey se haath jodke hi nikley hain.
Why do you think people are finding it hard to believe that you were offered Avatar?
I thought about this a lot. I am a blessed child of my parents and of course God. I have never had a supporter or a Godfather, who showed me the way. I started looking for work at the age of 14 and managed to get it at 21. Where was the time to work on myself? I am neither educated enough, nor politically correct. There was no one to tell me how I could present myself or how to socialise with people. Fashion kya hoti hai, yeh maloom tak nahi tha. Today, actors have a team of stylists and PR, who tell them what to do, say and wear. In those days, these things didn’t exist. I was labelled as a massy entertainer and I had no issue with it as it suited me. That could be a reason why the thought of me rejecting Avatar sounds funny to people. Woh ek ‘massy’ (dance and comedy) image logon ke dil mein beth jaati hai. I was never called a superstar; I was always ‘Virar ka chokra’ in all the articles. When I was listed by a media house in the UK in 1999 among the Top Ten Most Popular actors in the world along with Mr Amitabh Bachchan, (we were the only Indian actors on that list), I couldn’t believe it.
David Dhawan and you gave multiple hits together. What went wrong between you two?
I haven’t spoken to him for over nine years now. On one occasion, he was talking to my secretary, who had put the call on speaker. David told him, “Govinda ko jo bhi chotey-motey roles miley, ussey kar lene chahiye. Ab woh hero nahi ho payega.” My secretary had called him after I couldn’t work with him on Chashme Baddoor (2013). I heard what he said on that call about me. We haven’t spoken since then. Hota hai film line mein yeh sab. I have learnt not to expect much from people when it comes to your profession. However, there are also those who acknowledge me. Rohit Shetty, Ranveer Singh, Salman Khan, Amitabh Bachchan sir, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan… I want to thank all of them and my fans who still believe in me.
You shot for certain portions of Jagga Jasoos, but those scenes were chopped from the film without you being aware of it. Did that upset you?
I look at the film industry as family and somewhere I was wrong in the way I thought. You should not have these expectations. Perhaps, these people are not wrong. I need to change myself and get more professional and practical in life. Time pe pohcho, time pe niklo, don’t immerse yourself in work beyond that. I am doing that now.
Your alleged lack of discipline and superstitious attitude were cited as the main issues according to many.
If I wasn’t efficient, I wouldn’t have done the number of films that I have. If you are doing your work sincerely, imaandari se kar rahe ho, you don’t look at work as a ‘number of hours’ thing. It’s not possible. I wasn’t so ruthless ke kisika paisa laga hai, but I will leave because mera time ho gaya hai aur ghar jaane ka. I will finish that and only then I will leave. But yes, times have changed for the better. Everything is more organised now, so I am working on being punctual, too. Payments happen on time. Having said that, back then the work atmosphere was more family-like, which isn’t the case today. As far as being superstitious is concerned, who in Bollywood isn’t?
You started working early in life. What are the lessons learnt?
If your films do well, everyone behaves like they are your children. If your films don’t do well, sab aapke baap ban jaate hain. After I quit politics, I signed some big films, but they got stuck and took years to release. Mani Ratnam’s Raavan, for instance, took a while to release. I figured you can’t plan anything in life. God is the ultimate planner. Usiki chalti hai. Yes, I regret not doing as many films, but now I am open to trying different kinds of cinema across platforms.
I don't have any friends in the industry and that is something I regret deeply-Govinda
8:30 AM
Govinda on why his latest film FryDay, failed at the box office, his response to being termed unprofessional and lack of friends in the industry
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; November 11, 2018)
You got critical acclaim for FryDay, but the film didn't soar at the box office.
People had pre-conceived notions that FryDay won't work and hence, we got very few screens for the showcase. Despite that, the film managed to earn money. [It made Rs 1.53 crore, as per reports] This has happened to me earlier as well. My film, Sandwich (2006), which I hear is one of Aamir Khan's favourites, was not allowed to release in theatres despite being produced by the Thackerays [Smita Thackeray]. In our industry, the business for every actor is pre-decided. Audience learnt how award ceremonies in the country are a sham when it was exposed, soon the whole Rs 100 crore club will also crumble.
Are you implying that people have an agenda against you?
Ever since the corporates entered the industry, I believe there is politics. It happened earlier with Amitabh Bachchan and Dilip Kumar. I remember there was a time when people didn't want Amit ji, one of the greatest superstars in the industry, in their films. When I did a film [Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, 1998] with Amit ji, a lot of people warned and threatened me against working with him, because people assumed, he would cheat me and that he was a dangerous person. I didn't pay heed to any threats or bits of advice. In fact, I offered him to edit me out completely from the second half of the film, but he refused. He explained to me once, 'It's not important whether I [Big B] am doing good work or not, it's important that I get a hit.' As soon as the film released, I became a victim and the new target for internal politics. I was made to feel that if Amit ji is involved in a film, he won't let any other actor bask in the limelight. They often pitted me against Amit ji and the Khans. Considering the entire industry functions on relationships, someone tried to conspire and sabotage my chances in the upcoming line-up of films. Yes, it did affect me back then, but I am glad to be out of that phase.
Do you believe that you have no friends in the industry besides Salman Khan? And do you regret not having friends?
I don't have any friends in the industry and that is something I regret deeply. Going to late night parties and being a social animal was never my cup of tea. All I ever wanted to do was concentrate on my work and give my 100 per cent.
Popular belief still suggests that you are very difficult to deal with, are unapproachable and would always report late on the set. Is that true?
I used to report to Mani Ratnam's set for Raavan at 4 am. This often surprised the unit members and was often a topic of discussion. I believe people who I don't intend to work with are the ones spreading these rumours. I want to associate with directors who want to make good films and steer clear from the ones whose intentions I don't trust. When I say no to such people, they turn around and label me difficult and unapproachable.
You mentioned becoming a victim of politics post Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, but weren't you offered films like Taal and Devdas around the same time?
I was not sure how people would react if I played Chunilal [in Devdas]. I was at the peak of my career and couldn't grasp why I was being offered character roles. Frankly, I didn't want to do those roles. I also believe that I need to know a director well before I take up work with them. They both [Subhash Ghai and Sanjay Leela Bhansali] were new directors for me. In the early 2000s, I was in a secure space and didn't feel the need to experiment. But I will still reiterate that I don't think I have lost out on anything by declining their offer.
Was there a financial crunch during your difficult phase?
Having financial problems and still managing to keep your name intact is difficult. But then again, when you realise in a country with a population of over 1.5 billion only a handful manage to become heroes, you are humbled. I come from a humble family and I have had my share of hard work and struggle. I never imagined that I would become a star or maintain my stardom for over 15 years. My journey has had several ups and downs, but I kept moving forward. People still love me as their comic superstar and there are more than half a dozen actors who want to make that as their selling point.
Do you feel playing the comedian has restricted you as an actor?
No, it was always planned. I want to continue doing comedy cinema, after all, I ruled that genre and created a niche for myself. Doing comedy has never restricted me, I've only enjoyed it.
David Dhawan is reviving the No 1 series with son Varun Dhawan. Your comments.
I don't have the authority on the No 1 series. Besides David Dhawan, several filmmakers from different industries and languages have made these movies. It is not my prerogative to comment on it.
How do you look at your third innings in Bollywood?
I am happy doing work and cannot be bothered about anything else. My mother would often tell me, 'Govinda pehle tum takleef main kaam dhundoge, aur fir kaam main takleef' [laughs]. But I have made peace with the people around me. I try to introspect and figure out how to improve my game. I just want to win the love of the audience back.
Bonds in the industry
Govinda claims that Salman Khan and his family are his close friends from the industry. He says, "I have good relations with Salman [Khan] and his family. He is a nice person and there is a mutual appreciation. We are similar and that's why I believe our equation clicks. We have always stood by each other. When I say friends, it does not mean that we sit down every evening and drink or meet every day." He adds that time has not changed his friendship with Salman.
Opening day collections of Abhishek Bachchan's 18 solo films
9:15 AM
Box Office India Trade Network
ALL IS WELL had a poor start all over of around 15%. The film has little face value and though music is reasonable it held little appeal visually. Below are the opening day collections of Abhishek Bachchan solo films.
All Is Well (2015) - 2,35,00,000 apprx
Dum Maaro Dum (2011) - 5,12,00,000
Game (2011) - 1,85,00,000
Khelein Hum Jeen Jaan Sey (2010) - 95,00,000
Raavan (2010) - 5,81,00,000
Delhi 6 (2009) - 4,77,00,000
Drona (2008) - 1,79,00,000
Guru (2007) - 3,37,00,000
Umrao Jaan (2006) - 1,52,00,000
Bluffmaster (2005) - 1,60,00,000
Naach (2004) - 42,00,000
Run (2004) - 76,00,000
Kuch Naa Kaho (2003) - 71,00,000
Mumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost (2003) - 52,00,000
Shararat (2002) - 11,00,000
Bas Itna Sa Khwab Hai (2001) - 42,00,000
Dhaai Akshar Prem Ke (2000) - 89,00,000
Tera Jadoo Chal Gaya (2000) - 95,00,000
The opening has been poor of practically all his solo releases with RAAVAN at 5.81 crore nett being the highest. In terms of numbers and in real terms DHAAI AKSHAR PREM KE and TERA JADOO CHAL GAYAA in 2000 remain the only two with somewhat decent initials. ALL IS WELL has coming after fours as solo starrer and the results and no better (probably worse) than his earlier releases. In between some multistarrers did do very well but were headed by much bigger names Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan and Ajay Devgn.
A complete list of opening days of films which featured Abhishek Bachchan looks better which is expected as some of the films do feature the big stars as main leads.
Aishwarya is like an anchor for me-Abhishek Bachchan
7:42 AM
Abhishek Bachchan gets candid about work, family and how he feels he will always be in his father's shadow
DNA (October 18, 2014)
Being happy doing whatever he does is the most
important thing for Abhishek Bachchan. And that’s something that comes
across in his interview with Niranjan Iyengar on Look Who’s Talking on
Zee Café.
The actor elaborates, “I was really sad when Khelein Hum
Jee Jaan Sey didn’t get the response it deserved. I believed that
freedom fighter (Surya Sen) deserved a better response. At that time,
what the film’s director Ashutosh Gowariker told me, really hit me. He
said, ‘Set a goal for yourself and be happy when you achieve it. Be
happy when you do your work perfectly. Don’t care about the world. You
can’t lose yourself in quests of pleasing others. It’s of no use.’"Home is where family is
“Going back to a happy, healthy family at the end of the day is more important than being successful,” says AB Jr. He confesses that he’s more like his mother than his father and even acts like her. “I am a people’s person like her. I am very outgoing. My dad is a loner. He likes to have us around. He would call us in his study and we used to sit there for hours without saying a word. We were never brought up as star kids. We were any other normal family,” he admits.
About his soulmate, Abhishek says they were meant to be. “Aishwarya is like an anchor for me. My parents had always given me the freedom to do whatever I wanted. I was carefree. After marriage and my daughter’s arrival, I have become more responsible. Aishwarya is my buddy, a friend. I can discuss anything with her. Our relationship is not based on her being Aishwarya Rai or me coming from an illustrious family. It is just about two people falling in love which was organically grown. We shot three films back-to-back for a year at that time. It started during Guru. We were meant to be, it’s destiny.”
And about his daughter, Abhishek says that, at times, Aaradhya behaves older than him! “She is a very easy, very happy, very loving kid. Aishwarya has to be given the credit for the same. She is always around for Aaradhya. Even when Aishwarya will start working, there won’t be any problem as she is very organised. She thinks about everything beforehand. I have only once changed a diaper as Aishwarya is so prompt that she hardly gives anyone else a chance to do anything. I will never do anything that will bring shame to my daughter today or 10 years down the line.”
Shyness is a trait that comes easily to him. “I cannot walk into a room alone (restaurants, public spaces). So, the mobile phone is a boon. I pretend that I am on call if I have to be alone in public spaces!”
One has rarely spotted him without a beard. The face fuzz has been a constant feature since he was studying abroad he had long hair and a beard. “I look very innocent and immature without a stubble,” he grins.
And no, he is not obsessed about looking good on screen. “I am not a vain person. I am in the wrong profession, I guess. I feel I don’t have to look good onscreen all the time. I should look the character,” he shares. It’s the same about skin show. He feels that one doesn’t have to take off his shirt just because he has a good physique. “If it’s the need of the character then fine. I give a lot of importance to physicality as it’s an important part of getting into character. That is why I had put on a lot of weight for Guru,” he says.
Most difficult scene
What was his most difficult scene, Abhishek said that Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (KANK) was a challenging film. “Hrishi’s character was really difficult. I had to play a man who’s innocent like a kid. In a particular scene where I meet Rani (Mukerji) for the first time after we split up and I have to inform her that my dad is dead and hand over his photo. My dad (Amitabh) is playing that character and it’s his photo I am holding in my hand. It was the most difficult scene of my life. There are few moments in every actor’s life where it’s more personal than acting. The scene started and I was holding my dad’s picture and say that he is dead. After the scene I just broke down and started crying. I was sitting in a corner and Karan came up to me as he understood what I was feeling. He just hugged me as he too was missing his dad. He got teary-eyed too; even Rani started crying looking at us. It was too special. Mickey (Contractor) took me for a long drive after that where I told I am in love with Aishwarya. We were not dating then.”
Battling criticism
Abhishek is sensitive to criticism. Raavan, he said, was a very tough film for him both physically and mentally. “Media criticism after the film was disheartening. I lost my confidence after that. There were times when I did not want to go home as I used to feel that I am not worthy of father’s name. I am still picking up the pieces after that. I understand as public figures we are subjected to public scrutiny. But we actors are human beings too with real feelings. One doesn’t need to be shown the mirror in public on weekly basis.”
But this serious side aside, he’s a known prankster who loves to fool around and have fun. “I am free-spirited. I have worked on different levels of film-making, so I am comfortable with people on set. I too have lot of inhibitions as an actor. Mingling with others on the set and having fun helps me manage that,” he says, adding that it bothers him when people think he is not serious about his work because he is funny.
Catch the episode on Zee Cafe on October 19 at 9 pm.
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