Showing posts with label Ravi Dubey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ravi Dubey. Show all posts
If my intention is to make a film, I can do it in Rs. 50,000 too-Ravi Dubey
8:53 AM
Having dabbled in both acting and production, actor Ravi Dubey gives his take on the rising film costs debate
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; June 11, 2024)
As the debate on film costs and entourage expenses continues to rage, actor Ravi Dubey recently posted that his short film Taciit is ‘zero budget’. He says, “We had this disruptive story and shot it on our phones, guerilla-style in Mumbai, about eight-nine months ago.”
Ask the 40-year-old his take on the rising budget concerns in the film industry, and he shares, “Film banane ke liye sirf budget nahi chahiye hote, it is a pre-conceived notion. If my intention is to make a film, I can do it in Rs. 50,000 too. Several interesting films are making a buzz internationally including at Cannes, Busan and other film festivals. Moreover, a number of them coming out of India. These films wouldn’t have been made if people with deep pockets were making it. I know some films that were shot entirely in nine days. (Academy award-winning film) Whiplash (2014) was shot in record time, too.”
Talking about his short that revolves around domestic violence, Dubey reveals he’s also entered it in a few international film festivals. The actor says, “It all happened over a cup of coffee. Domestic abuse is a sensitive situation globally, not just in India.”
Sharing how actor, wife Sargun Mehta has shot for films with minimum comforts, he says, “Sargun was shooting in the United Kingdom recently on top of a hill. She would get into a car and travel for kilometres just to use the washroom. We are talking about one of the top stars of the Punjabi industry. We are here to make films. If the story, light, location is working, that trumps every other comfort on set.”
I’m a very greedy person, but I also feel very satisfied when I look back-Sargun Mehta
2:44 PM
Actor Sargun Mehta, who turned 35 yesterday, talks about the ‘pat on the back from the world’ that she craves in terms of work and how success as a producer offers validation
Syeda Eba Fatima (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 7, 2023)
Sargun Mehta is donning multiple hats — as an actor in Punjabi films, a producer and writer for TV shows and a lot more. However, the Qismat 2 actor tells us that it’s not enough. “Professionally, the greed never ends,” says Mehta, who made her debut as a producer in 2022 with Saunkan Saunkne.
The actor has her sights set on delivering at least one project that has worldwide reach and relevance. “Lines in the entertainment industry are blurring now. People sitting anywhere in the world can watch your content, all thanks to OTT,” she says, adding, “So, I am looking for that pat on the back from the world by creating a project that caters to the worldwide audience. That’s one thing I crave.”
All said and done, Mehta is content with the work she has put out in the past year, particularly Saunkan Saunkne. “There were doubts about whether I would be able to do it. But, when it did well, it opened a lot of doors for me,” she elaborates.
“I’m a very greedy person, but I also feel very satisfied when I look back. There have been a lot of things that I thought wouldn’t be possible. But I managed it,” adds Mehta.
The actor turned 35 yesterday. How did she celebrate her big day? The Cuttputlli (2022) actor answers, “I’m usually very excited about birthdays, but this year I was not! I think the pressure of work just took over. I was like, ‘Okay, just do whatever’, and Ravi (Dubey, actor and her husband) was puzzled to see me like that. I am that person who would literally count down days to my birthday.”
Punjabi films can’t give the flavour south films do and vice versa-Sargun Mehta
8:16 AM
Thrilled with the growth of Punjabi cinema, actor Sargun Mehta feels no two industries can be the same
Kavita Awaasthi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; June 10, 2022)
Actor Sargun Mehta is currently riding high on the success of her recent Punjabi film Saunkan Saunkne. The actor, who began working in Punjabi films since 2016, has been delivering back-to-back hits.
Recalling her first steps into the Punjabi film industry, Mehta says, “When I told people I was doing Punjabi films, they said, ‘If you do Punjabi films, then you won’t be able to make your mark in Hindi’. Back then, the Punjabi film industry wasn’t as big as it is today, as only 10 films were made in a year. But today, more than 70 films release every year. That shows the influx of money and the growth in the industry. The audience, too, has evolved and is sticking by us. In fact, as an artiste, I feel really happy to be part of the Punjabi film industry.”
Despite the popularity of Punjabi music across the globe, Punjabi films are not watched widely by the pan-India audience as opposed to south Indian films. But the Qismat 2 (2021) actor shares that things are now changing. “People are more accepting than before, but of course, they won’t open up to all regional films at the same time. I started watching more south films after Baahubali: The Beginning (2015) while my husband (actor Ravi Dubey) enjoys them more than me,” says, adding, “I feel no two industries can be the same. Punjabi films can’t give the flavour south films do and vice versa. In fact, people from Bihar often reach out to me for my Punjabi films. I think we have crossed barriers and will continue to increase our reach,” says the 33-year-old.
Having started her career with Hindi TV shows, Mehta went on to make a mark in Punjabi films. The actor is now excited about venturing into Hindi films. She will be seen in a film co-starring Akshay Kumar, directed by Ranjit M Tewari. Talking about it, she says, “Akki sir is a superstar, yet so kind. I was scared and worried about how I would do it. By the end of our shoot, we got along well. As for stepping into Hindi films, I have never thought about how big a medium is. I pick up projects where I have something new and exciting to do.”
Television is a beast that cannot die. The revenue here is many folds higher than on OTT-Ronit Roy
8:25 AM
Returning to the small screen after two years with Swaran Ghar, Ronit Roy says TV will thrive despite OTT boom
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; March 15, 2022)
After a successful reign in television, Ronit Roy turned his attention to movies and digital entertainment. But one can rarely forget their first love — the actor returns to the tube whenever he is offered a compelling story. This time around, he is gracing the small screen with Swaran Ghar, which sees him play a doting husband and father, [Kanwaljeet Bedi]. Ahead of its airing, we sit down with the actor as he discusses the changing content on TV, his global aspirations and his relationship with children — Ona, Agasthya, and Ador.
Edited excerpts from the interview.
Do you think television content is improving since the OTT boom?
Yes, but it is not only [because of the OTT boom]. I remember the Krishi Darshan shows we used to watch on Doordarshan. Then, there was the satellite TV boom. It is not that people didn’t try to do different things on TV, but it didn’t work. When something doesn’t work, people get scared. Conversely, when one [theme] works, everybody jumps on the bandwagon. Now, people are realising that [stories about] reptiles and animals are not working, which means we have stretched it too far. So, they are attempting different themes. Three or four years ago, people would tell me that television is a done industry. I would say that it’s getting a dusting, but in the end, it will be cleaner. Television is a beast that cannot die. The revenue here is many folds higher than on OTT.
Did you agree to front Swaran Ghar because of producers Ravi Dubey and Sargun Mehta?
The few days of shoot was an important factor in giving my nod. But I said yes for a selfish reason — Sargun’s narration, and the potential of the role itself. I have played a father and a husband many times, but I felt he could be a poster father. It could be an iconic character.
Did you feel a difference while working with producers who have been actors before?
Two things are critical to making content successful — creativity and math. Ravi and Sargun have done a brilliant thing by dividing their work. Ravi takes care of the math, Sargun looks at creativity, and they don’t get into each other’s territory.
The show revolves around the generation gap. How connected are you to Gen Next?
My son [Agasthya, 14,] calls me Broski. I try to pick up their lingo, which keeps changing every month [laughs]. Sometimes it is, ‘Hey, what’s going down?’ or ‘What’s good, Broski?’ Then, there are the emojis used to express feelings. I try not to make the mistake of picking the wrong emoji at the wrong moment [laughs]. One needs to adapt to the changing world. My kids are my friends, and I need to speak their language to understand them.
Do your children come to you for advice?
Children never approach their parents for advice; they think they know it all. They only come to me when they want my credit card [laughs]. We have lived our life, and can now anticipate problems. They’ve not been there, so they don’t know what to anticipate. I’ve had chats about the prevalent dangers that one will encounter, like drugs, being taken advantage of, or alcohol consumption. No one is restricted in my home. After you reach a certain age, you can sit with me and have a drink. The only rule we follow at home is not to hide anything. If you need to hide it, don’t do it.
You’ve come a long way. Do you still have miles to go?
Yes. I may be slow to get there, but there is so much to be done. There are many actors and directors I have not worked with yet. I want to be an actor on a global scale. I want to speak different languages. It would seem impossible about 20 years ago, but not any longer.
Ronit Roy Bose to return to daily soaps after seven years
7:50 AM
Jimmy Sheirgill was originally approached for the role in the upcoming show Swaran Ghar , but the deal fell through
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; January 12, 2022)
We had reported about Jimmy Sheirgill being approached to play the male lead in Sargun Mehta and Ravi Dubey’s Swaran Ghar. He was likely to make his TV debut with this show. However, the deal between the actor and the makers has fallen through. We have now learnt that they have roped in Ronit Bose Roy to play the part in the daily soap, which will also star Sangita Ghosh.
Informed a source associated with the show, “Ronit has signed on the dotted line and will shoot a promo with us in a couple of days. The shoot will take place in Chandigarh, as the story is set in the city. The show revolves around a couple, who have sacrificed a lot in life for their children, who, however, abandon them later in life.”
Ronit’s last daily soap was Itna Karo Na Mujhe Pyaar (2015) after which he reprised the role of advocate K D Pathak in Adaalat 2 (2016), a bi-weekly. In recent years, he has mostly made cameo appearances in shows like Naagin 3, Shakti - Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki and Yeh Rishtey Hain Pyaar Ke. Swaran Ghar will mark his return to daily soaps in a full-fledged role after almost seven years.
The actor started his career in films, but switched to television and catapulted to fame as Mr Bajaj in Kasautii Zindagii Kay (2001) and Mihir Virani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi (2002).
While Ronit remained unavailable for comment, Jimmy told us, “Sargun and Ravi, who are very close to me, narrated an idea, which I quite liked. We thought we could work it out. However, with the third wave striking us and leading to a lot of restrictions, my dates had to be shuffled. It was very difficult to squeeze in this show among my other commitments. The dates couldn’t be worked out.”
Jimmy Sheirgill to make his TV debut soon; will play the lead opposite Sangita Ghosh in upcoming show
8:41 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; January 8, 2022)
TV couple Sargun Mehta and Ravi Dubey, who are the makers of Udaariyaan, are all set to roll out another show titled Swaran Ghar. We hear that they have roped in Sangita Ghosh and approached Jimmy Sheirgill to play the lead couple. Seasoned Punjabi actress Nirmal Rishi will play Jimmy’s mother on the show. This show will mark Jimmy's debut on the small screen.
Informs a source associated with the project, “While Sangita has signed the contract and is on board for the show, talks have reached an advanced stage with Jimmy. We are hoping that he will sign on the dotted line soon. The show will go on floors next month in Chandigarh. Sangita is playing the character of Swaran and the show is about how parents sacrifice for their children and what they get in return when they are dependent on them. The lead couple will have three sons.”
I was obsessed with my weight... I have even starved to look a particular way-Nia Sharma
7:47 AM
Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; November 19, 2019)
She is hot and sexy, but not many know that actress Nia Sharma has battled eating disorders. In a candid chat with BT, she talks about her obsession with body weight, how her love life is not for social media and why she is finally happy to do a woman-centric show. Excerpts:
In showbiz, there’s a lot of pressure on actors to look their best all the time. How do you cope with it?
People have always seen me as someone who is fit and has a good figure because I have maintained myself well. But, with time, there are physiological factors that make you put on weight. For the past few years, I have suffered from the fear of getting out of shape. I was obsessed with my weight and if I put on even one kilo, I would start fretting and fuming over it. So much so, that my conversations with my friends were all about my weight worries. And in order to look a particular way, I ended up starving myself. While I never had cheat days and followed a strict diet, there were times when I just let myself go and overindulged in food. And when I ate a lot, I would feel extremely guilty. So, I would try to throw up what I ate. This was a practice for many years, but I now realise that it is one of the worst things I did to myself. My friends Arjun (Bijlani) and Ravi (Dubey) sat me down and explained that this was not healthy. Even when I suffered from slight bloating, I would throw up deliberately. Finally, it left me feeling very weak. I would like to tell women to stop doing this, if they suffer from such fears. In fact, the fear of gaining weight led me to skip my lunches and dinners. I used to only have protein shakes and work out like mad. But I do believe that working out is not the only solution to maintain a healthy weight. You need a healthy diet along with it. I have suffered from this eating disorder, but thankfully, I am now over it.
You have always kept your personal life under wraps. So, are you in a relationship?
I have never spoken about my personal life because I feel that my love life is not for Instagram. I am nervous to share private pictures on my social media accounts. In the last few years, a couple of relationships ended abruptly. I now feel that if I am with someone, I’d rather make it work than talk about it to people.
Who is your ideal guy?
I want someone who is educated and when I say educated, I mean someone who is mature enough to respect a woman irrespective of her profession. I can’t be with a guy who is fighting with me over what I wear. A relationship can’t be about the clothes that a girl wears. I am what I am today because of my sheer hard work and discipline. Even my mother tells me, ‘Nia, we are happy for your success and you have the freedom to follow your desires’. So, I can’t allow a guy to dictate what I should wear to a party. Having said that, I am very accommodating and adjusting in a relationship. I want a guy who will let me pursue my ambitions, stand by my side and have full faith in me. That’s why I find it very funny when actors say that they don’t want to marry someone from the industry. Why not? Actually an actor will exactly understand the pressures of the trade, your sense of fashion and the erratic working hours. I would love it if I have a handsome actor by my side.
You have always been vocal about what you feel. In an industry where diplomacy is the norm, does this pose a problem for you?
I don’t feel that I owe anyone anything. My journey has been organic and over the years I have picked my own set of friends and have never been to a party to just ‘network’. I respect people and they should respect me back. Everyone knows that I am not here to lick anyone’s ass. I have been often termed as being rude but what is wrong in asking for what is rightfully yours. If you don’t give my remuneration on time, you can’t expect me to be nice to you. I will never compromise on bad working conditions. In the past, I have worked so many extra hours and suffered health issues for months. I have decided to not work for more than the required number of hours and live a healthy life. I might be termed as someone who is fiesty and speaks her mind, but at least, I am called professional and disciplined.
Are you happy that with Naagin, you will now play the title role?
I don’t think anything can be better than being part of Naagin. I have enjoyed my previous work, too, but for the first time, I will be the title character in a television show.
Alia Bhatt proves on Sabse Smart Kaun that she is smarter than Varun Dhawan
10:02 AM
The co-stars faced some googlies to test their IQ during a guest spot on TV
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 23, 2018)
Frequent collaborators Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan, who are currently working on their fourth film, Abhishek Varman’s period-drama Kalank, recently appeared on a gameshow. In Sabse Smart Kaun, hosted by TV actor Ravi Dubey, the duo was pitted against each other, along with a family of contestants each by their side, and had to face some googlies by way of pictorial puzzles.
At the end of the show, Alia emerged winner — the Raazi actress got six out of nine brain-teasers right while Varun could manage only three. According to a source present on the sets, the 31-year-old actor declared, “Alia has proved on this show that she is smart and it doesn’t require bookish knowledge,” noting that not long ago his ‘Dulhania’ was trolled online for her lack of general knowledge.
Alia’s win was preceded by the guest-duo sharing vignettes from their life before showbiz. “Talking about her first pay cheque, the actress said that she had once sold lemonade as a child in her backyard and earned a princely sum of Rs 500, adding that she never had any other job as she made her debut with Student of the Year at 19,” the source revealed. Meanwhile, Varun informed that he’d held other jobs before his Bollywood break. “He told everyone that he worked as an assistant director (on Karan Johar’s My Name is Khan) and had also made and acted in short films.”
“Everyone feels that they are inherently smart (paidaayshi akalmand hain hum log). This is the perfect platform to test that claim,” Varun capped off his and Alia’s TV turn on a philosophical note.
Diljit Dosanjh returns as the judge with second season of Rising Star
7:37 AM
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 10, 2017)
Diljit Dosanjh who is currently shooting for his next with Taapsee Pannu and Angad Bedi, the biopic on former Indian hockey captain Sandeep Singh, in Shahabad is all set to return to television soon. He has signed up as judge for a second season of the music reality show, Rising Star, along with singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan and crooner Monali Thakur. The show goes on air early next year and will replace Salman Khan’s reality show Bigg Boss after season 11 ends.
Diljit told Mirror, “Yes, I will be part of the Rising Star again. Last year I had a blast doing the show which threw up so many budding talents. The search for the next great voice is what has urged me to take this up in the next season as well.”
Meanwhile, Mirror has learnt TV actor Ravi Dubey has been signed as host for season two along with child artiste Parth Dhamija who was earlier part of the show Chhote Miyan Dhakkad. The duo are stepping in for last season’s hosts Meiyang Chang and Raghav Juyal.
Last season, Bannet Dosanjh from Punjab won what was touted as India’s first live voting reality show. A source reveals that the channel isn’t planning to make too many changes in the format which worked well with the audience the last time.
Meanwhile, Diljit has also recently signed Dinesh Vijan’s comedy film Arjun Patiala, opposite actress Kriti Sanon.
Dangal girl Geeta Phogat to be a part of Khatron Ke Khiladi Season 8?
7:44 AM
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 20, 2017)
Director Rohit Shetty is back in Khatron Ke Khiladi, taking the baton from Arjun Kapoor who hosted it last year. The eighth season will kick off in May, as soon as he wraps up the shoot of Golmaal Again. Shetty has hosted season five and six for the channel in the past.
A source close to the development informs Mirror that the team is expected to leave for Spain between May 12-15. “They will be shooting in Ronda, a town in the province of Malaga. It will be a month-long shoot. Among the confirmed contestants are wrestler Geeta Phogat, actor-host Karan Wahi, TV actors Shantanu Maheshwari, Rithvik Dhanjani, Ravi Dubey, actress Nia Sharma, model-anchor Shibani Dandekar and Bigg Boss 10 winner Manveer Gurjar,” informs the source.
Buzz is, the channel has approached former Bigg Boss contestants and rumoured couple, Prince Narula and Yuvika Choudhary, to come on board together.
The show is expected to go on air by July this year. “Rohit is in touch with the team planning new adventures and surprises for the viewers,” adds the source.
Ravi Dubey plays Brahma, Karan Singh Grover Vishnu & Kunaal Roy Kapur Shiva in 3 Dev
7:52 AM
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 23, 2015)
When Delhi Belly actor Kunaal Roy Kapur was offered the role of Shiva in Ankush Bhatt's satire on religion and the Hindu trinity, 3 Dev, he immediately turned it down. But after two more narrations he was convinced that this would be the role of the year. "Shiva, fondly called Bhola or Bholenath, delivers the most blunt, to-the-point lines, irrespective of where he is," says Galib Asad Bhopali, son Asad Bhopali, poet-lyricist and Gulzar's frequent collaborator. The younger Bhopali, based in Mumbai, is the script, dialogue and screenplay writer of this upcoming film.
The film follows the journey of three youngsters who move from the city to a small village, where they are mistaken to be Gods. Ravi Dubey, better known as Siddharth Khurana in the TV soap, Jamai Raja, is seen as Brahma, the Creator, while Bipasha Basu's Alone co-star and steady date, Karan Singh Grover, is perceived as Vishu, the Protector. Kunaal, of course, is Shiva.
"It's an imaginary village and each character draws qualities from their mythological counterparts. Karan, who is Vishnu's avatar of Krishna, is a romantic and is always chasing women and playing a mouth organ, the modern-day flute. Ravi as Brahma describes the meaning of everything in great detail, for instance a simple word 'dhoka' is elaborated as 'Aap woh kar rahe ho, jise karne se aap mere emotions ke saath aap theek nahi kar rahe ho'. His confusing speech makes for great comic timing," laughs Bhopali.
The film, which goes on floors on October 15, in Mount Abu, has music by Sajid-Wajid. Singer-musician, Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is flying down to Mumbai, this week, to croon a peppy number around the three boys.
The film also features, Kay Kay Menon, as the boys' mentor. "He will remind you of the righteous Dilip Kumar from Karma. He is their advisor and peace keeper," says the writer, Bhopali, who started scripting the film in 2014, careful not to hurt the sentiments of any religious groups or the public in general.
Casting for a modern-day Parvati, Lakshmi and Saraswati is currently underway in Mumbai.
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