Showing posts with label Rajkumar Kohli. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rajkumar Kohli. Show all posts

Filmmaker Rajkumar Kohli of Jaani Dushman fame dies

Veteran filmmaker Raj Kumar Kohli, actor Armaan Kohli's father, passes away

Avijit Ghosh (THE TIMES OF INDIA; November 25, 2023)

In the mid-1970s, multistarrer was the buzzword in popular Hindi cinema. Producer-director Rajkumar Kohli, who became synonymous with the catchphrase delivering blockbusters like Nagin (1976) and Jaani Dushman (1979), passed away at his Mumbai residence following a heart attack on Friday. He was 93.

“Kohli-ji passed away peacefully at around 8 am today. He had gone to take a shower in the morning and when he didn’t step out for a while, his son Armaan broke open the door and found him on the floor. A doctor came home and declared him dead,” family friend Vijay Grover told PTI.

In the Kohli universe, major stars often had minor parts. Nagin, a shape-shifting snake’s tale of revenge, was a mega-ensemble of seven heroes and five heroines. Unlike most thrillers of the time, the superhit had a woman protagonist. Jaani Dushman, another neatly-crafted supernatural yarn, hosted a galaxy of stars including Sanjeev Kumar, Sunil Dutt, Jeetendra, Shatrughan Sinha, Neetu Singh, Rekha and Reena Roy. Dutt and Roy were regulars in Kohli’s movies.

In the 1970s, several Hindi cinema stars worked in triple shifts having signed 30 films or more. Getting dates was as difficult as procuring sugar in ration shops. But Kohli managed them with elan. Jaani Dushman, briefly banned for encouraging irrationality and later cleared by the court, was among the major hits of 1979 alongside Noorie, Dada and Suhaag, as Trade Guide records show. His banner, Shankar Movies, became a reliable name for distributors.

The Lahore-born producer-director continued in the same vein in the 1980s. For Badle Ki Aag (1982) and Raaj Tilak (1984), too, he roped in stars by the dozen. Both films were modestly successful. However, Dharmendra’s comedy, Naukar Biwi Ka (1983)— with a smaller cast—was a bigger winner. As the tenor of action films changed in the mid-’80s, so did Kohli. Insaniyat Ke Dushman (1987) landed in serious censor trouble for depicting hyper violence. The film stalled for five months with the Censors and was certified after several cuts.

Kohli started as a producer in Punjabi films. Main Jatti Punjab Di (1964) had Premnath and Nishi, who later became his wife, in lead roles. Nishi was again the heroine in Lootera (1965), a small-budget adventure yarn in Hindi, with Dara Singh as the crowd-pleasing lead. In the separated-at-birth tale, Gora Aur Kala (1972), two brothers (Rajendra Kumar in a double role) are physically separate yet conjoined: when one gets hit, the other feels the pain. The storyline borrowed elements from Alexander Dumas’ 19th century novel, The Corsican Brothers. With Nagin and Jaani Dushman, Kohli found limelight and box-office gold.

Here's why Sooryavanshi trailer launch turns out to be one of the most rocking events of recent times!


The quartet’s repartee was the highlight of a trailer launch, which also had Katrina Kaif and Karan Johar in attendance
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 3, 2020)

On Monday, Rohit Shetty rounded up Ajay Devgn and Ranveer Singh for the trailer launch of the Akshay Kumar-led Sooryavanshi, the latest entrant in the filmmaker’s cop universe. Save for leading lady Katrina Kaif, who was in attendance with producers Karan Johar and Sibashish Sarkar, the team arrived in t-shirts announcing ‘Aa Rahi Hai Police’.

Ranveer, who arrived 40 minutes late and was ragged by Akshay for keeping his senior colleagues waiting, was the self-appointed hype man for the occasion. When he smeared lip-balm across his lips before planting a peck on Ajay’s cheek, the latter dead-panned, “If you wanted to do something for us, you should have showed up on time.” When asked if Ranveer, who has a guest turn in the film as Simmba alongside Ajay’s Singham, reported late on the sets as well, the Khiladi Kumar chuckled, saying, “He’d come early and wake me up at 7 am, when I’d tell him that I wake up at 4, and was lying down after my exercise.” Ajay quipped, “By the time we wake up, Akshay has finished making a movie. Since he’s an early riser, I’d ask him, ‘Tu doodh wala hai kya?’”

Meanwhile, Mr Khiladi revealed that he was supposed to debut with Phool Aur Kaante, but Ajay “snatched it away” from him. Akshay kept up the cheeky tone of the event when someone enquired why more multi-starrers aren’t being made these days. “There was Rajkumar Kohli, a director in our time, who made amazing multistarrers. His last film was Jaani Dushman, I think he should return,” the 52-year-old actor joked. “It had seven heroes, you should think about it,” he nudged Rohit, alluding to the filmmaker’s plans of remaking Satte Pe Satta.

When prodded on his recent donation of Rs 1.5 crore towards building a shelter for the transgender community, Ranveer swooped in before Akshay could answer, saying, “He’s donating me a helicopter after this film.” Ajay cautioned, “You’ll get traffic up there too.” Their colleague revealed that after shooting a particular scene, he’s become a fan of Katrina’s acting. When Ajay interjected, “You didn’t like her acting before?” Akshay instantly quipped, “No, I was a fan of her beauty before this, but now of her acting as well.”

Karan hailed Rohit as “a bonafide superstar”, who reciprocated by joking that with Sooryavanshi, Karan will be revealed as the next cop in his universe. Never short of words, Ranveer added that KJo’s cop uniform would be branded, which made Katrina laugh so hard she had to lean on Karan for support. “It’s my lucky day. She’s the only girl who has fallen on me,” the filmmaker joked. Rohit then revealed that the cutest thing in the film is Ajay’s dance.

The event ended on an unexpected note. When asked about reports that he was upset with Saif Ali Khan, who said, “There’s an idea there that seems to have caught on, but certainly a dangerous idea”, on their last film together, Tanhaji, Ajay feigned anger, saying, “Yeah. I went to his house, beat him up and broke his legs. He can’t even walk anymore.”

Removing Armaan Kohli's tattoo is the first thing I'm going to do-Neeru Randhawa

Neeru Randhawa
Hiren Kotwani (DNA; June 18, 2018)

Following the hearing in the Bombay High Court on Friday, after Armaan Kohli submitted an affidavit expressing remorse over assaulting Neeru Randhawa and fulfilling her conditions, the fashion designer and stylist agreed to settle the issue and withdraw the case against him. She was reportedly paid about Rs 1 crore to cover the damages she has incurred, besides being out of work for three years while she was in a relationship with the actor.

Neeru, who had lodged a complaint with the Santacruz Police Station after he assaulted her, also underwent surgery at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital where she was treated for her injury, on June 3. Calling Armaan a closed chapter, she maintains that it’s not about the monetary settlement. “If it was about the money, then I would have let the case go on for some years. But I wanted to move on,” she says.

Neeru adds that her conditions were fulfilled and she is thankful to the police, the court and the media for supporting her in her fight for justice. Pleased with the court’s caution to Armaan, she says, “In future, if he raises his hand on any woman, she can take him to court and have him put in jail. He has been warned that he won’t get any favours from the court if he misbehaves with any woman.”

When probed if having a British passport helped her to get speedy justice, Neeru disagrees. She reasons, “I’m a woman and I was fighting the wrongs done to me. He has got away with it previously. This time, I wanted him to be punished for his actions. Every woman should ask for help from the police and the court. I don’t think having a foreign passport has anything to do with it.”

About getting emotional in court, Neeru says, “It was heartbreaking to see his father (Rajkumar Kohli), who is 90, stand in court for his son’s wrong-doings at this age. It was stressful to know if he doesn’t get out, there was no one to take care of them (Armaan’s parents). Considering these factors, I decided to withdraw my case.”

To completely put things behind her, Neeru, who had got Armaan’s name inked, plans to have the tattoo removed soon. “That’s the first thing I’m going to do,” she asserts. Rather than look back in despair, she wants to look ahead and resume her career as a fashion designer and stylist again. She has rented an apartment in Mumbai and will be shuttling between the city, Dubai and London as she plans to start her clothing line in the near future. “You will hear more of me, but this time, for my work as I want to establish myself in the fashion industry,” she avers.

When asked about her parents’ advice to her, Neeru says, “My parents are happy with what makes me happy. They have been supportive throughout. Living in fear is not an option for me. I need to work and stand on my feet, whatever hardships come along, that’s a part and parcel of life. I’m, not scared of them.”

THE COURT’S DIRECTIVE TO ARMAAN

The HC felt that Armaan must contribute something to society. He was directed to pay Rs 1 lakh each to Tata Memorial Hospital for the children’s department for cancer and National Association of Blind, Worli, Mumbai, within six weeks. 

On Thursday, a bench of Justices RM Savant and Revati Mohite-Dere sought from Armaan a statement on oath that he would not repeat such behaviour ever again. 

On Friday, Armaan sent the statement from Arthur Road Jail, where he was put under judicial custody since Wednesday. 

The HC also recorded the statement of Armaan’s brother-in-law that the settlement was in place and two additional post-dated cheques of Rs 25 lakh each were paid to Neeru between Thursday and Friday, taking the total to Rs 1 crore.

I am blessed to have worked with 2 superstars-Salman Khan & Sooraj Barjatya - Armaan Kohli


Meena Iyer (BOMBAY TIMES; November 9, 2015)

Armaan Kohli acquired cult status as the bad boy of Bigg Boss. Two years after his exit from the reality show, he will be seen as the suave villain in Sooraj Barjatya's Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (PRDP) that releases on November 12. Here is Armaan unplugged:

Bigg Boss to Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, what an incredible journey.
Bigg Boss was a journey of a lifetime. Actually they wanted me from the third season itself. I refused the third, fourth, fifth and sixth season of the show because it is very difficult to live in that kind of an atmosphere. However, when Salman bhai said that I had to go in for the seventh season, I went there without a word. I cannot refuse Salman bhai. At first, I thought I would be there for just a couple of weeks. I seriously didn't think that I would survive for 15 weeks. We (Tanishaa Mukerji and I) became the heart of the show and for the first time Salman bhai admitted that the TRPs were higher during the week than on the weekends, when he appears as the host. This show runs because of Salman bhai. Even this current season, the weekend TRPs of Bigg Boss are high because Salman bhai is there. I think if any other host comes on the show, it is not going to work.

How did you land PRDP?
Salman bhai called one day and said you have to go to ND Studio and meet Sooraj Barjatya. So I did the needful. I thought he would want to do a look test or something. Soorajji heard my voice, saw my personality and offered me the role of Chirag. I began work in March this year and it has been an amazing journey. There is nothing better that I could have asked for my comeback as a bad boy; a villain. It is not the Shakti Kapoor kind of bad boy. It is the heroic, suave, white-collared bad boy. I'm blessed to have worked with two superstars - Salman Khan and Sooraj Barjatya. What more could I have really wished for?

What does it mean to be a bad boy in a Sooraj Barjatya film, which is all about good values?
I think it is the first time that Sooraj is portraying a villain as a villain. Generally, it is destiny that plays a spoilsport in his films. He doesn't really have scope for a villain. However, this time around there is a clear-cut, evil man who is basically selfish. Being this baddie came pretty naturally to me (laughs). I hope everyone loves it because I have worked very hard for it. Soorajji and Salman bhai were happy, so I am happy. I hope and pray that PRDP hits the bullseye.

One observes that at home, you are absolutely the good son.
I'm a good son. I like playing baddie characters but in real life, I'm not a baddie. What people saw of me in the Bigg Boss house was obviously not the real me. When I was calm, they would ask me to pipe up and when I piped up, they would ask me to take my temper a few notches down. From the first day itself, I had to prove a point so that the others did not sit on my head. Only if someone really provoked me did I react. All the people inside the house were against me. There were times when I would sit alone and eat a meal. I was in everyone's bad books. I guess that is why they kept me in the house. They didn't want the 'fun' to end. It is an experience I can never forget. However, I don't think I can do it again. It has actually changed a lot for me. They asked me to go in as the celebrity in the last season, but I refused. Now I think before I speak. Bigg Boss also saw a five-fold increase in my fan following. I had fans from Australia to Finland who sent me messages saying that they hadn't missed a single episode for as long as I was there. I sincerely hope my fan following favours me for PRDP as well.

Are you scared of your own temper?
Frankly, I don't have as bad a temper as people make it out to seem. I'm generally the heart of the party. You should ask my close friends who will tell you that I'm the one who is laughing, partying and taking care of people. I'm the guy who lives to the fullest. I'm gregarious, generous and let trivial issues just go past. I'm not the sort who makes issues over tissues. But people have the impression that I am hot-headed and I haven't bothered to correct that. Frankly, how does it matter? Those who know me well, know that it's not true. For the rest, kya farak padta hai?

You also have the reputation of being a flirt.
I'm not the flirtatious type. I don't have the inclination to try and impress anyone. If you had asked me this question 15 years ago, I may have said yes because then I would run around like a brat, trying to impress people. Now, I have neither the inclination nor the frame of mind. Age has caught up with me. I'm much calmer and happier than I used to be. And certainly not a flirt.

Are you ready for marriage?
Yes, I am. I have always wanted to marry just once. I don't want to make a wrong choice because I don't want to go through the misery of divorce. I also don't want to put a girl through any hardship. Having said that, I'm mentally conditioned to marrying, sleeping and waking up with that one person all my life.

How is your career poised?
All major career decisions or choices will follow post PRDP. I have been signed by Sajid bhai (Nadiadwala) for two films. He will announce them when he wishes to. I also want to revive my home banner. I'm in talks with some corporation production house for a tie-up. My father, Rajkumar Kohli (maker of blockbusters like Nagin, Jaani Dushman and Raaj Tilak) will oversee things from the office. The plan is to sign outside directors according to the genre of the films. If PRDP does well and gets me noticed, God willing, the sky should be the limit.

Heard you have started your own clothes line?
Yes, my partner Neeru Randhawa and I have started a clothes and accessories line called AK (Armaan Kohli). The blazer I was wearing earlier is from that line. We have big plans that will unfold shortly.

You said your father was your best friend. Is this really true?
My parents (Raj and Nishi) are my 4 am friends. I love them more than my own life. If I had a way, I would give them all the years that I have. Each day, I pray for their good health. I can wake them up or call them 24x7 to tell them what is going on. Whether I'm happy, sad, emotional or crying, they are the only two people I go to. And they are there for me, no questions asked. I'm blessed to be the son of Nishi and Rajkumar Kohli. If I had my way, I would choose them as parents again and again. For me, there is nothing beyond family.

Tanishaa Mukerji breaks her silence on her split with Armaan Kohli


Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; October 9, 2014)

Post your break-up, Armaan Kohli declared it on social media, but you never went on record.
You know me, I don't react. All I have to say is Armaan and I are very different people with different ideologies and I wish him the best. God bless him.

Buzz was that you two were considering marriage.
Marriage is not a game. It's not something you just fall into. We all are adults; we have to take intelligent decisions about our lives. Like I said, Armaan and I are completely different people and our ways of living are very different.

Many felt that the break-up stories didn't ring true and the two of you were actually contemplating marriage.
I never once said anything about marriage. It was all in the media only. You've only raised the expectations of the fans, so you only answer the question.

It was also being speculated that you've shopped for your wedding jewellery.
Please give the jewellery to me if you have it. The media wanted to get me married, so that they will have articles to write for seven days. But I promise you I will have a 10-day wedding when I do get married because I actually enjoy the showsha...

Was there any marriage pressure on you?
No, my mother has never told me to settle down. Not once has she told me to get married and have children. She told me, 'Baby, you don't need to get married. If you want to have babies, have babies.' My mother is Tanuja. She is the most unconventional, bindaas, rocking mother in the world and I respect her because she doesn't necessarily conform to society. It's about what makes you happy. You cannot expect an outside relationship to make you happy. I have always been happy .

You've been very close to Armaan's father, Rajkumar Kohli. You were by his side, when he was unwell.
That's compassion and empathy. My mother has brought me up right. I care about people. I have taken care of my sister, when she was in the hospital giving birth to Nysa because that's the way I am.

So there won't be a change of equation with Armaan's father?
Why? We are individuals in our own right.

Armaan's temperament issues in the Bigg Boss house were evident. You stood by him then.
I felt that everybody was against him in the house and I am somebody who will stand up if there is ganging up going on. He has a temper, but they were provoking him to get reactions out of him. His reactions were not necessarily appropriate but when he was wrong, I did tell him that in my own way and I did not stop being his friend.

So, what changed?
I don't know honestly. We were always different but you need time to really get to know someone.

Will you act with him if the opportunity arises?
Yes, I guess. Professional relationship is different. So why not?

It's been reported that your family was never in favour of the relationship.
My mom and my sister support me 100 percent. They respect and trust my decisions. My mom knows I will eventually do what's right for me. Yes, she didn't want me to go to the Bigg Boss house because she didn't want to stay without me for three months.

So you've moved on?
I am focused on my production house right now as opposed to something that happened 20 days back. I am finally doing something that I have been wanting to do all my life.

Apparently, Kajol has been cast in your home production.
If I approach Kajol with the right script and right director, I am sure she will do it. She has already said so. She has to be convinced, it's very professional.

Armaan Kohli to relaunch himself in Bollywood; revive his banner


Reza Noorani (BOMBAY TIMES; January 23, 2014)

Armaan Kohli is reportedly in talks with prominent directors in a bid to revive father Rajkumar Kohli’s production house, Shankar Movies. He is said to be in the process of finalising a script that will be produced under the banner. Says a source, “Armaan feels it is the right time to revive his banner, which has in the past delivered box office hits like Nagin, Naukar Biwi Ka and Insaniyat Ke Dushman in the late seventies.” When asked whether Armaan would act in the film, the source said the actor is more concerned about the script and that if the story would demand it, he would definitely act. And what about Tanishaa starring alongside him? The source added, “If the script requires her, we’re sure Armaan would consider it.” When contacted, Armaan confirmed the news, “Yes, I am working on selecting a script and will make an announcement when things have been finalised.”

I'll be happy with whatever Armaan & Tanisha decide-Rajkumar Kohli


Seema Sinha (BOMBAY TIMES; December 5, 2013)


After being away from the arc lights for more than a decade, Armaan Kohli is once again in news — this time, for his temper tantrums in the Bigg Boss house and his proximity to fellow inmate Tanishaa Mukerji. 

However, Armaan’s father Rajkumar Kohli, who has directed several films in the 70s and 80s, is unfazed by the controversies. Says he, “He has always had a temper problem. His nature is such. Of late, he seems to have sobered down and loses his cool only when provoked.”

About his son’s equation with Tanishaa Mukerji, Kohli senior says, “They are mature adults and can decide what they want. I will be happy with whatever they decide.”
 
Internet has also been flooded with grabs of intimate moments between Armaan and Tanishaa. “You can get attracted to someone, fall in love...anybody can hug and kiss,” says Rajkumar. So, what about rumours that Armaan already has a live-in girlfriend (Tanya)? “So many people come and go from our lives...”, the filmmaker says.

On the whole, he is optimistic about Armaan’s future, post the reality show. “I have plans to make a film and there is something in store for Armaan as well. This show will revive his acting career. He might be seen in a lead role; talks are on. I feel he will win the show,” he concludes. 

Tanishaa Mukerji has my blessings-Armaan Kohli's mother


Armaan Kohli’s mother Nishi says she does not mind the closeness between the actress and her son 
Bharati Dubey (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 26, 2013)


Tanishaa Mukerji’s growing closeness with Armaan Kohli in the Bigg Boss House has not gone down well with her mother Tanuja, sister Kajol and brother-in-law Ajay Devgn. In a previous episode, host Salman Khan, reportedly at the behest of Ajay, had reprimanded the couple, pointing that there are 74 cameras recording their every movement around the clock. However, Tanishaa Mukerji continued to stand behind Armaan through thick and thin, ensuring that he gets the meals he wanted and his stay in the house is comfortable. Unnerved by all this, Ajay has apparently been entreating Salman to get his sister-in-law evicted from the house at the earliest.

However, Armaan’s parents, Rajkumar and Nishi Kohli, seem to have no problems if the duo decide to take their friendship to the next level. “I don’t care if others like it or not. It is ultimately their decision,” Nishi told Mirror.

Reportedly, a few days back, she had sent a message through actor Kushal Tandon, who recently returned to the House, saying that she is happy with Armaan’s choice. She had apparently even asked Armaan to give Tanisha her hugs and kisses. When asked, Nishi confirmed the news saying, “Yes I had sent a message through Kushal. Tanisha is a nice girl and she is taking good care of my son in the house. She has my blessings."

Definitely going to sue Sofia Hayat for defamation-Rajkumar Kohli


Vickey Lalwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 18, 2013)

Eighty-three-year old producer Rajkumar Kohli once had a string of blockbusters like Nagin (1976), Jaani Dushman (1979), Naukar Biwi Ka and Raaj Tilak (1984) to his credit. In the early 90s, he introduced Armaan in Virodhi (1992). The film bombed, so did Aulad Ke Dushman (1993) and Qahar (1997). In 2002 his attempts to re-launch his son in the sequel Jaani Dushman: Ek Anokhi Kahani didn't create any ripples. Armaan finally grabbed headlines when he was arrested on Monday evening. His father staunchly defends him. Excerpts:
 

What was your reaction to the news of Armaan’s arrest? I was at home when I heard the news. Shocked, I rushed to Lonavala. Armaan was numb, more shocked than I was.
 

Has anybody from the film industry called to extend their support? Not a single person has called, kaun kisko poochta hai!
 

Sofia filed an FIR against Armaan… (Cuts in) Look at her face; you can see that she is looking for free publicity. Besides, Bigg Boss is just a show and the contestants are simply doing what they are told to do.
 

You mean it’s all staged? Lagta toh aisa hi hai. There must be a director in charge. Actors enact action scenes in movies according to 
the instructions of the director and still get hurt. Something similar happened here too.
 

What is Armaan doing in his life besides Bigg Boss 7? Nothing, I need to sit him down when he returns to understand what is on his mind.
 

His films sank without a trace, did that make him aggressive? Armaan was a normal child during his academic days though I admit that he never told me what happened between his friends and him. He gets angry, but only when provoked.
 

Don’t you think host Salman Khan should have been more authoritative and sorted the differences between Sofia and Armaan? I don’t know how much access Salman has to the contestants. He is a nice guy but you have to understand that he is just hosting the show. 
-----------------------------
Asira Tarannum (MID-DAY; December 18, 2013)

Armaan Kohli was arrested on Monday night from the Big Boss House for physically abusing Sofia Hayat, his co-contestant in the reality show. The Lonavala Police arrested him late Monday night for assaulting his co-participant, British singer Sofia Hayat. He was produced in the Wadgaon Maval Court and he got bail last afternoon.

Sofia Hayat had registered a complaint with Santacruz Police Station, following which the police booked Kohli under Sections 324, 509, 506 and 504 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Sofia accused Armaan of hitting her with a wooden mop, inside the Bigg Boss house in Lonavla on December 4.

The complaint was later transferred to the Lonavla police station for investigation.

Armaan spent the night at the Lonavala Police Station, Before arresting Kohli, the Lonavala police had contacted the the reality show organisers, seeking unedited video footage from their set. Inspector Vishnu Pawar of the Lonavala police station is monitoring the investigations.

Armaan’s father, producer Rajkumar Kohli — who’s right now in Lonavla, is waiting for Armaan to come out on bail — sounds furious. “I have already submitted the papers to my lawyer and I am going to file a case against Sofia Hayat. I’m definitely going to sue this girl for defamation.” When asked if Armaan is short tempered otherwise, he says “Not at all, Armaan is a very noble person. He is not like this but in the Bigg Boss House he is being provoked. And if you provoke anyone constantly then the person will get irritated and react. It’s the nature of the person, people shouldn’t irritate him the way she did.”

Commenting on the closeness between Armaan and Tanisha, he said, “I am following the show. But till the time they come out or I meet Armaan and he discusses it with me, I can’t comment on it. He doesn’t have any girlfriend outside and he is a very sensitive person. If he’s provoked, he will react.”