Showing posts with label Ravi Udyawar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ravi Udyawar. Show all posts
I don’t opt for narratives in which women are treated in a misogynistic way-Malavika Mohanan
8:08 AM
Masumi Shah (BANGALORE TIMES; October 19, 2024)
After establishing herself in the Tamil and Malayalam film industries, giving Bollywood a shot felt “natural and right,” Malavika Mohanan tells us during a recent interaction. From Majid Majidi’s Beyond The Clouds and the Tamil hit Master to her Bollywood debut Yudhra, Malavika says she’s all for diversifying her portfolio, whether in terms of language or genre.
‘OTT, SOCIAL MEDIA HAVE MADE REGIONAL CONTENT ACCESSIBLE’
“I have worked in some big films in the south, but I was waiting for the right offer to enter Bollywood. Working with Siddhant (Chaturvedi), Farhan Akhtar (producer), and Ravi Udyawar (director) was an opportunity I didn’t want to miss,” Malavika says, that being established in one industry makes it easier to receive good offers in another.
“The boundaries between languages and industries have blurred significantly. If you’ve done a good job in a Tamil or Telugu film, it’s reaching audiences everywhere. So, you can now collaborate with great filmmakers across the board. Thanks to OTT platforms and social media, well-made films are no longer confined to the regions they originate from.”
‘LOVE ACTION PACKED ROLES’
Malavika’s filmography includes several action films, one of her favourite genres. “I love doing action. Initially, it is very challenging to get the technical aspects right, but once you learn the nuances, it is fun. I’ve done my fair share of action, so now my friends call me the ‘female Bruce Lee’ (laughs). I prefer this over standing delicately next to a hero while he’s beating everyone up. Why should boys have all the fun, right?”
On exploring OTT
While opting to do OTT projects has become a rite of passage for actors today, Malavika hasn’t made the switch yet, though she’s open to the idea. “Exploring OTT depends on the project, who’s directing it, what the role is like, etc. For the last couple of years, I’ve been so busy with feature films that I haven’t had time to explore other mediums, but it might happen if the right opportunity comes along.”
‘I stay away from misogynistic scripts’
The actress says, “I don’t opt for narratives in which women are treated in a misogynistic way. I’m mindful of the characters I choose and prefer roles where women have agency, and are portrayed in a positive light.”
‘My parents let me figure things out on my own’
Malavika’s father is a renowned cinematographer (K U Mohanan), but she says he doesn’t interfere with her choices. “My parents come from a school of thought where they tell me, ‘You do you.’ They never pull me away from what I do want to do. They’re very liberal, and let me figure things out on my own.”
Any other producer would have backed out-Siddhant Chaturvedi
8:46 AM
Siddhant praises Yudhra producers Farhan and Ritesh’s gumption for backing a relative newcomer like him despite the post-pandemic volatility
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; September 20, 2024)
Yudhra might be Siddhant Chaturvedi’s sixth film in his eight-year career, but it was the first one he signed after his big-screen debut with Gully Boy (2019). Producers Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani had zeroed in on him for Ravi Udyawar’s directorial venture, but with the development taking long, the actor made a request to the makers.
“They were still working on the script. Meanwhile, I was offered Bunty Aur Babli 2 [2021] and Gehraiyaan [2022]. So, I told Ritesh sir, ‘You need some time to prep. For an action film, the actor needs equity. Since the responsibility on me is huge, let me go out and get some equity,’” he recalls.
By the time the actor was ready to face the camera for Yudhra, which also stars Malavika Mohanan, the pandemic delayed the project. It, however, didn’t stop Chaturvedi’s prep.
“I knew the weight of responsibility on me. I was also scared. Because of the pandemic, the industry’s commerce went upside down. In such a scenario, any other producer would’ve backed out because it’s all about the returns. But Farhan sir, Ritesh sir and Ravi sir had immense faith in me and the script.”
For this, he remains grateful to the makers. Akhtar and Sidhwani showed gumption as they backed a relatively new actor like him, just as they had in Inside Edge, Gully Boy and Kho Gaye Hum Kahan (2023).
“When the market is so volatile, they could think, ‘We are making this film with this new boy. What if it doesn’t open [well] at the box office?’ It takes guts [to bet on new talent]. That’s why Farhan sir and Ritesh sir are game changers.”
While he made his debut with a supporting role in Gully Boy, Chaturvedi has quickly graduated to lead roles. In the pipeline, he has Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s yet-untitled production, and a Karan Johar film co-starring Triptii Dimri.
“My dreams were always big, to be a Hindi film hero. At the same time, I am attached to my craft and won’t do things for the heck of it. There were films that I could have done, but I always need gravitas in the story.”
In that pursuit, the actor has turned down some movies, including Brahmāstra: Part One—Shiva (2022). His criteria while choosing projects are simple. He explains, “There should be substance. I need to control my craft, the rest is not in my control.”
I created the whole world and characters of Ramayana-Ravi Udyawar
8:30 AM
Ravi, who has designed Ramayana’s world, says audience wants to see more of India’s mythological stories on screen
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; September 16, 2024)
Straddling a modern-day actioner and a mythological drama comes easy to Ravi Udyawar. While he is gearing up for his directorial venture Yudhra’s release, he is equally excited about Ramayana, on which he serves as the visual artist. Before Nitesh Tiwari’s magnum opus, starring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram and Sai Pallavi as Sita, went on floors in April, Udyawar spent years creating and designing the on-screen world.
“I have designed the film. I am an artist, and the makers wanted someone who could design it. So, I created the whole world and characters of Ramayana. But I can’t divulge more details. I would love to make more of such films because I love creating that world,” he says. Envisioned as a trilogy, the mythological drama also stars Yash as Ravana and Sunny Deol as Hanuman.
Udyawar, who previously helmed Sridevi-starrer Mom (2017), believes the Indian audience deserves to see the country’s rich mythological stories play out on screen.
“People of the country are waiting for us to tell our stories. I am a geek of mythologies. All my films will have an undertone of that. The kids should be watching our fables and Panchatantra. The land that we come from has many more stories to offer.”
Siddhant Chaturvedi, Mrunal Thakur’s next gets a title, being shot in the hills
8:29 AM
Akash Bhatnagar (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 13, 2024)
Actors Siddhant Chaturvedi and Mrunal Thakur are teaming up for the first time in filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s next production. The film is a musical romance, and we’ve exclusively learnt that it has got a title.
A source close to the development tells us, “The film is a love story and the makers have named the film Tum Hi Ho. The title resonates with love as it comes from one of the most iconic romantic tracks in Hindi (from Aashiqui 2, 2013),” adding that the next shoot schedule for the film, which went on floors in May, will take place in the hills.
“The team will be heading to Uttarakhand towards the end of September and will be stationed there till around mid-October for the next leg of the shoot. Siddhant and Mrunal will be joining the shoot there along with the rest of the team,” the source adds.
The film, which is directed by Ravi Udyawar and has both actors playing musicians, is expected to feature some soulful compositions.
Mrunal Thakur, Siddhant Chaturvedi to begin filming for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s next
8:42 AM
Akash Bhatnagar (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 19, 2024)
Actors Mrunal Thakur and Siddhant Chaturvedi are teaming up for the first time in filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s next. And we’ve exclusively learnt that the duo is all set to start filming for it next week.
“The actors have been taking workshops with director Ravi Udyawar since the first week of April as part of their prep. Both actors play musicians in the film and have put in a lot of work in their preparations,” a source close to the development reveals to us.
Produced by Bhansali, the musical will be helmed by Udyawar, who previously directed Mom (2017). The fresh pairing has fans of both actors excited, especially with Thakur’s recent releases Sita Ramam (2022) and Hi Nanna (2023) — both romances — having done well at the box office. Chaturvedi, too, had praised her work in Super 30 (2019) and Sita Ramam in an earlier interview. Recently, Thakur had recalled how the two had a long call to discuss cinema, with the Kho Gaye Hum Kahan (2023) actor praising her performances.
The source adds that Bhansali aims to finish the shoot of this film, billed as a contemporary romance drama, before jumping to his next directorial, Love And War, which stars Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal.
Mom director Ravi Udyawar to make a film on Mahabharata; will be produced by Farhan Akhtar
4:09 PM
Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani, Ravi Udyawar and Madhu Mantena
After Mantena announced Mahabharata, sources say Mom director Ravi Udyawar is developing modern-day adaptation of the epic with producers Farhan-Ritesh
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; May 5, 2023)
The genre of mythology seems to have caught the attention of many Bollywood filmmakers. While director Om Raut is offering a retelling of the Ramayana with Adipurush, and Nitesh Tiwari is putting together a magnum opus on the epic reportedly with Ranbir Kapoor, producer Madhu Mantena will soon adapt the Mahabharata with Deepika Padukone.
Now, another filmmaker is joining the Mahabharata race. One hears that director Ravi Udyawar, who helmed the Sridevi-led revenge thriller Mom (2017), is developing a project based on the epic, with Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani’s banner Excel Entertainment backing it.
A source tells us that Udyawar has envisioned it as a modern-day retelling. “There are definite overlaps between the two projects, given that they have a common source material. But Ravi is giving a modern touch to his story. He is yet to determine whether he wants to make it as a web series or a feature film. Right now, the project is in the early stages of development, and will take another six months to move into pre-production,” reveals the source. The offering is among the banner’s most lavishly mounted projects.
mid-day reached out to Udyawar, who remained unavailable for comment.
Someone else making their version of Ramayan doesn’t deter me from narrating it my way-Madhu Mantena
8:21 AM
Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; September 15, 2021)
Filmmaker Madhu Mantena had announced the creation of an ambitious mythological universe — the Ramayan trilogy — a few months ago. The live-action 3D films, to be helmed by Ravi Udyawar and Nitesh Tiwari, have been in conception for the last four years. Ramayan has been on the wishlist of several filmmakers. Om Raut (of Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior fame) flagged off his retelling of the epic with Adipurush, which features Prabhas, Saif Ali Khan and Kriti Sanon. Given that a film on similar lines is underway, doesn’t it impact Madhu’s trilogy that will come out much after?
“These stories have been told several times in the past, and yet, they resonate with people almost every time someone attempts it. More people attempting Ramayan means that this is the perfect time for these stories to be retold. Just because someone else is making a version of the story does not deter me from narrating it my way. Nitesh and Ravi have put in four years of hard work and research into a project. We’re gearing up to present our trilogy on a level that has not been done before,” he says. Nitesh’s last directorial venture was Chhichhore, while Ravi had helmed the Sridevi-starrer Mom.
Talking about their plans for the project, he further adds, “We plan to shoot on a green screen and then use world-class technology to create an imagery of that era. The pandemic ensured we gave undivided attention to this project. We’ve gone several times over on our research.”
Some time ago, there was buzz that South star Mahesh Babu and Kareena Kapoor Khan were going to be a part of the film. Clarifying those rumours, Madhu says, “Nitesh is leading us, and this is his area. Yes, we’re looking at actors from across India who can fit the bill, but I don’t know where Kareena’s name came from because we haven’t reached out to her. The film has been offered to several actors, but I wouldn’t like to name anyone yet.”
I have to look like a Dharma boy-Siddhant Chaturvedi
8:51 AM
Siddhant Chaturvedi on shaving off kilos to attain urbane look for Shakun Batra's next that is expected to go on floors next month
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; August 28, 2020)
Siddhant Chaturvedi had a busy 2020 charted out before the pandemic disrupted his plan. Amid buzz that he will kick off the shoot of Shakun Batra's yet-untitled drama in Goa in September — six months after it was originally scheduled to roll — the actor says he has been toiling away at his home gym for the past eight weeks to achieve a lean frame for the movie.
"I have to look like a Dharma boy," he chuckles, before adding, "My character in Bunty Aur Babli 2 is that of a boy-next-door and has a desi flavour. In Shakun's film, I play an urban and contemporary character. I weighed 84 kilos when doing Bunty Aur Babli 2, and had to shed four kilos to fit into the part Shakun envisioned me in."
Even as the physical prep has brought him a step closer to inhabiting the character, Chaturvedi says the workshops conducted in March with co-stars Deepika Padukone and Ananya Panday helped him understand the universe of domestic noir — a genre that has rarely been explored in Hindi cinema. "Before the lockdown, we had readings with Shakun and the cast. We sat together and cracked the zone that the film was set in. We had started doing our homework for the parts."
After the Karan Johar production, the actor is expected to headline an action film that will reportedly be helmed by Mom director Ravi Udyawar. "That is one of our passion projects because fronting an action film is every guy's dream. I aim to touch 78 kilos for the actioner. The good thing is the lighter I am, the fitter I am."
Nitesh Tiwari, Ravi Udyawar revive Ramayana with a live-action, multilingual trilogy
8:13 AM
L-R: Ravi Udyawar, Namit Malhotra, Allu Aravind, Madhu Mantena and Nitesh Tiwari
Filmmakers to direct a live-action trilogy in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu for Madhu Mantena, Allu Aravind and Namit Malhotra
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 8, 2019)
Mirror (May 10, 2017) was the first to report that Madhu Mantena, Allu Aravind and Namit Malhotra have joined hands to bring the Ramayana back to the screen as a live-action feature film with an estimated budget of Rs 500 crore. It will be made in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, shot in 3D, and released in three parts. Now, we have learnt that Madhu has got Nitesh Tiwari of Dangal fame and Mom director Ravi Udyawar who will be helming this ambitious project while Sridhar Raghavan is writing the screenplay. It will be made with actors from Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Gujarati and Punjabi films as the makers are targeting a pan-India as well as a global audience.
While admitting that it is a huge responsibility because the Ramayana is not just a revered ancient text in Indian mythology but also an integral part of our culture and more relevant today, Nitesh informs that they are ensuring that whatever is said and shown has the stamp of authenticity. Explaining his reasons for doing the films, he says his primary focus is the story and if it pushes the envelope while challenging him as a filmmaker further, and finds collaborators who share his vision and passion, he is happy to join the team. All three criteria have been fulfilled in this instance. “Madhu and Ravi have been friends for years, Allu sir and Namit are legends and Sridhar has fabulous credentials as a creator. All we have to do now is zap the world,” he laughs.
Ravi, not just a filmmaker but also a painter, is equally excited about the project. “I heard these stories from my grandmother and mother and passed them on to my children. Everybody knows the story of Ram, Sita and Raavan, it’s the story-telling that will make our trilogy memorable and I’m putting everything I have learnt into it to make it fun and engaging while staying true to the original,” he asserts.
The project has been a work in progress for the last three years and Mirror had an opportunity to see 100-odd intricate paintings created by artists from across the country for it. They include scenes from Ayodhya with its emblematic rosetinted tree of learning, a goldsplashed Lanka and a lush-green Mithila with Nepalese architecture, beside battles between the devas and the rakshasas and the aquatic underwater life, among others. They will serve as references for the setting, costume, cast and action.
For Nitesh, the appeal of the epic lies in its tableau of characters—from Raavan, who is a reminder to people of all that he could have achieved but because of certain actions, ends up on a stake every year during Ramlila, while Ram is an embodiment of some values that people have since forgotten. “I went with my father and brother to the Ramlila every year and though we all knew the story, it still evoked the same emotions in us when Sita was kidnapped or Raavan’s effigy burnt,” he reminisces.
A visit to Chitrakoot, where he saw Ram’s footprint and the outline of his bow, made the mythology real for the filmmaker. For Nitesh his greatest takeaway from Ramyana is Ram. “He was an ideal leader, husband, father and son. With time, I’ve realised that it’s easy for us to be a good father but so difficult to be a good son. It’s made me a better son to my elderly father, and I can only hope that my son will also take good care of me,” smiles the father of nine-year-old twins Aaradhya and Amaarisa (below). “Apart from Ram and Raavan, every character, be it Sita, Lakshman or even Hanuman, has something to say which is why we are telling the story in three parts.”
The team has yet to take a call on the filming and the release plan, but they are hoping to kick off next year and are targeting a 2021 release for Part 1, promising that there won’t be too long a gap between two instalments.
There have been various versions of the Ramayana on screen, from Sampoorna Ramayana and Ram Rajya to Lanka Dahan and Bajrangbali. Earlier, Ramanand Sagar had brought Ramayan into our homes through a long-running TV show and both directors recall how everyone was hooked to it. They are hoping for the same acceptance when their Ramayana arrives in cinemas in 3D. “Money and time are not a problem. Our producers have told us to be fearless and fly. So, we are flying visually,” says Nitesh, with Ravi adding, “There are many sci-fi films but only one Star Wars. We have access to the best technology and talent so what better time to let the world see what our country has to offer.”Ravi points out that Namit’s studio, Prime Focus, has bagged three Oscars in the last five years and many of the technicians there have been working on A-list Hollywood films and are excited leap into the epical world. “For me the Ramayana offers magic in its shape-shifting monsters. It’s something that even a toddler will enjoy. When I told my son, Rian (right; above), who is 12 what we were doing he was jumping around all day wondering what Raavan and Kumbhakarna would look like while my 15-year-old daughter Renee (right; above) was visualising the fights between Ram and the rakshasas in the forest. Having seen animated versions on TV, they can’t wait to see it in live-action. For me the biggest thrill was when Rian told me that Hanuman is cooler than Superman. I am doing this for my children,” he exults.
Sridevi ji told me, I want to work with you. It seems prophetic now-A R Rahman
8:31 AM
Lasyapriya Sundaram (BOMBAY TIMES; April 15, 2018)
A R Rahman is a man of few words. That’s because he lets his music do all the talking. After winning the National Award in the the Best Music Direction and the Best Background Score categories for Kaatru Veliyidai and Mom respectively, the music maestro, in an exclusive conversation with BT, spoke about why winning the National Award is still special though he has seduced music lovers across the world with his compositions. Excerpts...
This is your first National Film Award in the Best Background Score category and the fifth for Best Music Direction. What are your first thoughts on winning not one, but two awards?
I am really happy. I want to thank Mani Ratnam ji (director of Kaatru Veliyidai) and the team of Mom — Srideviji, Boney Kapoorji (producer) and Ravi Udyawar (director).
You have scored the background music for Mom. How do you go about composing it, vis-a-vis creating the soundtrack of a film? Give us an insight into your process...
A film like Mom needed to be driven by music. Ravi and I had collaborated on a commercial long time ago and that too, had won a lot of awards. He knew exactly what he wanted for Mom, but left it to me for my interpretation. I got the the idea to compose a song like Muafi Mushkil after I saw the film. In some films, background music is like wallpaper and in others, it is a character. It needs to say things, which the film is not saying or wants to say. I have worked with Boney ji and we wanted to collaborate again. In fact, Sridevi ji flew down from Mumbai to Chennai and told me that I have to do Mom’s BGM. She also said, ‘I want to work with you’. It seems prophetic now. The BGM of Mom is also my wife’s favourite. When I was in Hollywood last month, she asked my agent there to listen to it. I was surprised, because she is not somebody who says or does anything like this. She screamed with joy when she heard that I had won the award for Mom.
Having won innumerable awards and accolades over the years, does the National Award still hold a special place in your heart?
The National Award is definitely special because it is awarded by our Government. The jury is credible and they select films, which have been sidelined by other awards. In a way, it feels good that the National Awards jury has recognized the hard work that went into Mom. It requires more exposure for the vision it comes with.
You have won the National Award for Best Music Direction for Roja (1992), Minsara Kanavu (1997), Lagaan(2001) and Kannathil Muthamittal (2002). What are your memories of composing for Kaatru Veliyidai for which you have won your fifth National Award?
Whenever I work with Mani ji, I feel grateful to him for introducing me to cinema. But, it also means that I am shouldering a huge responsibility. I give it a lot of energy. Mani ji is open to unconventional ideas and has an open mind. Not everyone is like that. People want tried and tested things, but he encourages something unique. He also has an amazing sensibility as far as music for movies is concerned. He is a reservoir of ideas. You can throw any wild one at him and he will make it organic and usable. He is a great teammate and mentor for me. In his next, Chekka Chivantha Vaanam (Tamil), he has yet again surprised us, and we have just finished composing the fifth song for the film.
Your fans and bloggers feel that Kaatru Veliyidai is the quintessential ARR OST. It boasts of varied genres like Acapella, Rap, Folk, Tango and also ambient melody. Do you agree?
I don’t see it like that (laughs). It’s not intended in that manner, but if it happens, that’s good. The film required that kind of a soundscape. The story revolved around an Indian Air Force officer and I have not done such a film before. I have seen a bit of that life when I was perhaps 12 or 13; I would visit the army quarters and play music, as I was part of a show called Wonder Balloon on Doordarshan. So, it was nice to revisit my childhood. They are special people, because they fight for our country.
This film marked your 15th collaboration with Mani Ratnam. Do you reserve your best for him?
That would be belittling everybody else. I did Rockstar (2011) with Imtiaz Ali. I have had big hits with directors Shankar and Rajiv Menon as well. Each director gets something new out of me. It depends on what tunes of mine they accept. Having said that, there is no sense of insecurity when I work with Mani ji. He doesn’t judge or gauge a person based on his success or failure. Others might not want to associate with you if three of your films flop, but he is not like that. He judges people on the basis of the importance they give to the art. That’s what I have learnt from him.
What’s next, especially in Hindi films?
I have been working on the soundtrack of 99 Songs for almost four-five years. The final cut is almost ready and it will have close to 14-15 tracks. We have collaborated with international artistes as well for the soundtrack. There is also Le Musk. Both these films are making good progress.
You also have Shankar's 2.0 starring Rajinikanth in your kitty. What can your fans look forward to in that film as far as your score is concerned?
BGM plays a huge role in that film, every reel is packed with music. It will be a one-of-a-kind experience. We are trying to do some unique and new things with regard to the 3D visuals being combined with sound.
Check out Boney Kapoor celebrating 62nd birthday with Shabana Azmi & A R Rahman in Chennai
7:49 AM
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 13, 2017)
Boney Kapoor brought in his 62nd birthday at his Chennai residence on Saturday with actress-wife Sridevi micromanaging the party. “It was a special day thanks to my wife. We brought in the birthday with family on the night of November 10, followed by a lunch in the afternoon. In the evening, a group of around 30 close friends from Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Chennai joined us and we partied till past 3 am,” informs the filmmaker.
Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi, filmmaker couple Gauri Shinde and R Balki, Ravi Udyawar, the director of Sridevi’s last film Mom, Kamal Haasan, Priyadarshan, A R Rahman with wife Saira, designer Manish Malhotra, Zee Entertainment honcho Punit Goenka, businessman Sanjay Reddy with wife Pinky Reddy and politician Amar Singh were also present. “Sri had left two days early and decorated the house with everything I liked, my favourite flowers and colours to the dishes I love, with our cook from Mumbai being flown down to prepare them. She has collected art from all over the world and these were brilliantly showcased. Her sister and my brother-in-law helped her set it up,” says the elated producer.
They sang old songs with Javed and Amar Singh at their vocal best. “I can’t sing but others did. When everyone was crooning “Happy Birthday” Javed saab joked, ‘how can so many besuras sing in front of a maestro like Rahman who didn’t sing himself’. Rahman was wondering how besurars we are,” laughs Boney, adding he was glad Haasan, an old friend who has worked with Sridevi in a number of films, including Sadma, could make it. “She has lost count but Kamal insists they have worked in around 25-26 films. Punit and his wife had an early morning flight but stayed back late.”
Balki was shooting and despite packing up late, took a late flight to Chennai. “My daughter Khushi’s birthday was on November 5 but unfortunately she was away on a school trip then so we celebrated both birthdays and doubled our happiness,” adds an emotional Boney, admitting he received a special gift from Sridevi but refused to divulge details.
I got to play Sridevi's husband, real life mein nah sahi, screen pe hi sahi-Adnan Siddiqui
7:52 AM
Usman Ghafoor in Lahore (MID-DAY; July 23, 2017)
A few years ago, when Adnan Siddiqui opted out of Yash Raj Films’s Mardani because the part that was originally offered to him was changed at the last minute, he thought Bollywood would never have any meaty parts for him. Then, Boney Kapoor’s Mom came along. Today, post the film’s successful release, this well-known Pakistani actor of hit serials such as Maat, Mere Qatil Mere Dildar and Doraha, some of which were also aired on Zindagi, has been lapping up accolades after acting with Sridevi, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Akshaye Khanna.
A Sridevi fan, Siddiqui says Mom meant acting alongside the veteran actress, especially playing Sridevi’s husband. “Real life mein nah sahi, screen pe hi sahi,” he chuckles.
Mom isn’t his first international acting assignment. Earlier, Siddiqui did a cameo in a Hollywood film, A Mighty Heart (2007), alongside Angelina Jolie. Back home, he has just released his first feature, Yalghaar. It is touted to be the most expensive film in Pakistan’s history.
Clearly, Siddiqui is on a roll. Yalghaar and Mom have scored big at the box office. My first question to him is obviously about his experience with the Bollywood crew and, particularly, Sridevi. “I’d be insane if I said I didn’t love the experience. And, honestly, I would’ve said so if I hadn’t loved it, I am that crazy!” Our conversation is briefly interrupted by a phone call. “It’s Boney sahib,” Siddiqui murmers, before he rushes to answer the call. He returns shortly, and begins to relate how he enjoys a “great rapport” with the producer. “We’re on the same page; we’re always exchanging notes on the film.”
Interestingly, Mom’s director (Ravi Udyawar) is a debutant, and so is Sajal Ali, another Pak import. Siddiqui attributes it to his producer. “You’ve to hand it to Boney sahib for trusting so many newcomers with his film.” Excerpts from an interview.
How did Mom come your way?
India se mujhe pehle bhi offers aa chukhein hain, but nothing excited me. I was approached for Mardaani (2014), for the villain’s part. Later, I was asked to play the cop instead. So, I refused. Last year, when the makers of Mom approached me, my instinctive response was, “I hope I am not wasted in the role.” I was concerned because I have worked hard, over the past 27 years, to get where I am. I didn’t want it to go down the drain.
You finally accepted the role, despite its length?
Roles aren’t big or small, but the actors are. I was convinced that I wasn’t looking at the length of the character as much as its significance to the plot. When I was told that it was Boney Kapoor’s film, and that I’d be playing Sri ma’m’s husband, I jumped with joy. I have always admired her work, her range as an actor, and her beauty. If you take her film Mr India (1987), for instance. She is a seductress in one song, a comedienne in another. She also makes you cry in that particular scene when she learns that the children are starving. Similarly, she had amazed me in Sadma (1983). I am proud of my Pakistani co-star Sajal’s performance also. I think it’s a great achievement for her that she got the chance to debut in a film that stars Sridevi, and yet she could hold her own.
Were you concerned that your role might be slashed at the editing table, especially after relations between India and Pakistan got worse in September last year?
Never. I had full faith in Boney sahib.
It was reported that you and Sajal weren’t going to return to India for the remaining shoot, because you were concerned about your safety?
That was pure assumption. In fact, we got our visas despite tension at the borders. Boney sahib is a well connected person. He didn’t want us or his team to get into any awkward situation, and so decided to shift the shooting location to Bangkok. It must’ve been a tough choice, financially also, since he had to fly the cast and crew from India and us, from Pakistan. Earlier, the part in the film which is supposed to be Kashmir was shot in Georgia because being Pakistanis, we would not be allowed there. I often told Boney sahib that it was because of us that the film’s budget had gone up, and he’d comfort me by saying, “Arrey yaar, we are professionals, we don’t think that way!” It was a big thing for me.
You weren’t required for dubbing?
No, because Mom was shot in sync sound.
Where did the shooting locations take you in India? In an April 16, 2016 tweet, you said, “My stay at one of the most beautiful palaces in Jaipur, ‘Jai Mahal Palace’ was nothing less than royal.”
We shot in Delhi and Mumbai. But, you know, Boney sahib pampers his actors a lot. There was a gap of 10 days between our two shooting spells, so he planned trips for us in India. He told us visit Agra and Jaipur at his expense. He could’ve told us to hang in in our hotel rooms, but he wanted us to enjoy our time. He took care of everything for us, from our travels to our food. He had arranged a special cook for me, named Afzal, who would make sure I get halal meat.
Did you get any other offers during your stay in India?
I was called to audition for Mira Nair’s Broadway musical, which is loosely based on her own film, Monsoon Wedding (2001). It was for the role of Lalit, played by Naseeruddin Shah. As I was shooting for Mom in India, I had to give it a miss.
The memories that you share with your mother never leave you-Sridevi
1:38 PM
It was a rainy evening when Sridevi entered the room full of journalists and immediately, all eyes turned to her. She was having a no-make up look and yet, it was difficult to take one's eyes off her. She apologized for the delay and enquired whether we had water and tea/coffee. It was great to see the actress, who is extremely shy and who doesn't open up easily, but ended up talking like an extroverted person. Even during the course of the interview, she surprised everyone as she talked in detail not only about her upcoming film 'MOM', but also about other aspects like her real-life daughters, the process of choosing a film, how her own mother shaped her into a well-mannered human being and a lot more. She also shared some interesting anecdotes form the 80s era and at regular intervals, raised laughs too! Here are some excerpts from this very memorable interview.
Just a few days are left for the release of 'MOM'. What kind of emotions are you going through at present?
It seems like I have given a crucial exam and now I am waiting for the results! It's a special film – every film is special but this one is extra special – as it's our home production. I got a chance to work with so many talented people for the first time. I feel lucky that previously, I got a chance to work with Gauri Shinde in 'English Vinglish' and this time, I got a chance to work with Ravi Udyawar. He's fantastic and has done a tremendous job.
What are the criteria for you while signing a film?
I just choose a film while thinking from my heart, not from my brain. When I hear a subject, it should touch my heart. I should feel good about the story.
How was it working with Akshaye Khanna? He said in a recent interview that it was difficult to work with you since you are so good at your work!
It was great working with him. It's rare to work with a talent like him. He's a very dignified, quiet and a very well brought up child. His personality is so powerful that he doesn't even have to do anything – his smile, eyes or his mere presence is enough to lift up a scene.
Did Akshaye Khanna remind you of his father, Vinod Khanna?
Akshaye definitely has the charm and style of Vinod ji. As a performer, however, he has his own identity.
In today's times when so many films have fallen prey to Censor Board's scissors, were you happy to see that 'MOM' was passed with a U/A certificate and zero cuts?
Of course I was happy when I got to know that the film has been passed without a single cut. I am really grateful to the Censor Board. From the beginning, we were sure of one thing that 'MOM' is a family film. I want all the children and the parents to see the film. Boney ji (Boney Kapoor, producer and her husband) and Ravi were particular about it from the first day.
How much does the title of the film mean to you? Could you tell us some interesting anecdote about your own mother (Rajeswari)?
Well, it's the most special relation of your life. The memories that you share with your mother never leave you. You keep missing her everyday of your life. It is very difficult to explain in words. My mother was never strict but she was always there for me when I was working as a child actor. Whether we are shooting in the rains or in snow or in extremely hot weather, she was there to ensure I was comfortable. Because of that, I don't remember an instance wherein I have complained that "I am not well or I am tired and hence I won't shoot today." My mother also taught me a lot of important lessons like I should respect elders, be punctual, give my 100% etc.
You are a strong mother in real life as well. After doing this film, what lessons did you learn that you'd like to impart to your children?
I don't need to give any message to my daughters Jahnvi and Khushi. They are very sensible. There's a dialogue in 'MOM', "Usse samjhaane ki nahin, humein usse samajne ki zaroorat hai" (we don't to have to make her understand, rather we should understand her). It's an important dialogue and I am sure the teens are going to love it! And I completely agree with it – why lecture kids? Rather, we should be empathetic to the stress they go through.
What kind of mother are you?
I am more like a friend to my daughters. Sometimes, I am strict but not very. Thankfully, my kids have never given me the opportunity to run behind them with a stick in my hand (laughs). They know where I am coming from. They understand what I am trying to say and why and in turn, I also listen to them. They are from a different generation after all. I cannot expect my children to be the way I was with my mother. With time, the parents should also change.
How did your daughters react after watching the film?
My elder daughter Jahnvi didn't say a word. She just hugged me. I felt really good! Boney ji had seen the film at every stage and even he's happy with the final product. Khushi however has seen the rushes and not seen the final cut. She'll watch it soon with her friends. But more than our reaction, it's important that the audiences enjoy the film and come out of the theatre satisfied!
What does Sridevi have to say when she saw Sridevi on the big screen in 'MOM'?
Actors are never satisfied watching themselves on the screen. I am constantly thinking that "I could have done a better job." We never pat our backs after watching ourselves.
When is Jahnvi making her debut? In the remake of which film of yours would you like to see Jahnvi in?
It's not my work to choose a film for Jahnvi. Also, it's too early for me to talk about her impending debut.
But there are too many articles about her floating in the media. There have been reports that she's doing a film with Ranbir Kapoor, Ishaan Khattar etc...
I just don't want to talk about it. It's very disturbing and I don't feel the need to say anything.
What made you took such a long gap between your last Hindi film, 'English Vinglish' (2012)? It came almost five years ago...
There was no conscious decision as such. I don't plan anything in my life. I actually never thought that I'll do 'English Vinglish' after 15 long years. But that film fell in my lap and I went for it. Same goes for 'MOM'. Two years had passed since 'English Vinglish' and I was enjoying its success. Then I got 'MOM' and I felt I should do it. That's it.
The character that you played in 'English Vinglish' was loved by one and all. Many women, who can't speak English, were able to relate with your character. Do you think that the same kind of impact will happen with 'MOM' as well?
The character in 'English Vinglish' was very simple and yes, everybody identified with her. I never thought that would happen. Not just mothers, even the daughters felt guilty and called their mothers after seeing the film. This was unexpected and I just don't know whether the same will happen with 'MOM'.
Credit however should go to you for playing that character so well! It touched everyone's hearts...
I'll however like to credit my director Gauri. She had a clear vision and I merely followed her instructions. But at the same time, artistes tend to be very observant. I had observed my aunt dressing up like my character Shashi. She was an office-going, well-educated lady though. As a child, I used to admire the way she used to talk and walk. I remembered her while prepping for the film and I used her mannerisms. So subconsciously, you start keeping real-life people's characteristics in the back of your mind and when playing a character, you remember them and use them accordingly.
You have touched the peak of stardom. Did you ever have a 'now-what-next' moment?
I never felt like I have reached the peak. As an actor, I feel that every film is a learning process. I always think how I can be a better actor. I never thought that I have reached the topmost position. There's no boundary for an actor. You can keep growing as much as you want.
Did you have any goal that you have to reach a certain stage? And besides acting, was there anything else that interested you?
My only goal was to do good work, work hard and give my 100%. I never knew how big I will become. I always left that to the audience.
How much has the film industry changed in all these years according to you?
Definitely, there have been a lot of changes. The director and the way of taking a shot are all the same though. Technically however, it's unbelievable. The environment has changed. Then, we used to shoot on a film. After 10 retakes, we could see the producer in tension, with his hands on his head! He used to wonder what he'll do if the reel gets over and there's not enough stock left. It was a big thing then. But now it's all digital. You can take as many takes as you want till you get it right. There's also a monitor. Most importantly, we now have vanity vans (laughs)! I have shot in places like Rajahmundry, Visakhapatnam etc for films like 'Himmatwala' (1983), 'Maqsad' (1984), 'Devatha' (1982; Telugu film) etc where we had to go behind a tree, make a makeshift curtain around and then change clothes. And now with vanity vans, it feels like a golden period! Whole day I used to not drink water as the toilet facilities used to be very bad. In fact, I am so used to not having sufficient water even today!
You have done a lot of rain songs in your life...
(Cuts in) It was sheer torture!
...but most of them were hits like the one in 'Mr India', 'Chaalbaaz' etc. In real life, how much do you enjoy rainy season?
I am an outdoor person. I like to sit in my garden, going out in the evening for a walk or to jog. But it's difficult to all these activities in the rains. As for the rain songs, I never enjoyed it. During the shoot of most of such songs, I used to have a high temperature.
It's been 30 years since 'Mr India' released. How do you look back at the film? Even today's generation enjoy the film as much...
It's very heartening. People constantly ask me as to when we are coming up with 'Mr India 2'. One day, it will be made for sure. But again, it's too early to talk about it.
Just like you, there have been many actresses who left acting post marriage and then made a comeback. But the way you made a comeback, nobody else could do it. Some actresses have even wondered where they have gone wrong and why they couldn't follow your footsteps. Raveena Tandon has admitted this on record. Your comments?
As I said, there was no conscious decision. It was sheer coincidence that Gauri thought of me and offered me 'English Vinglish'. And I always go by my instincts. I felt like it's a film that I'll be able to relate and hence, I went for it. Otherwise, how big a film will become commercially is something that's not in my hands.
Shooting se darr nahin lagta hai, promotion se lagta hai-Sridevi
8:02 AM
Madhureeta Mukherjee (BOMBAY TIMES; July 2, 2017)
She was a megastar, she
still is. An actress for whom the biggest filmmakers mounted lavish
projects, in an era that was massively male-dominated. Such was the magic
of this matinee queen. While she sensuously swayed in her classic
chiffons, million of hearts went aflutter. Sridevi could slip into being
Chandni or Charlie Chaplin with as much flair and brilliance. Or break
barriers, linguistic ones
too, and make a stellar comeback with a film (English Vinglish) after 15
years. Tell her all this flatteringly, and she looks back at you
casually and says, “I am very simple, all these praises scare me. I feel
like a newcomer.“
Comfortably settled on her couch for a long chat, sans make-up, her large eyes beam through her thick-rimmed glasses, as she talks about her upcoming film, Mom. And of course, she tells stories about how she raised her daughters as a superstar mom. Read on...
Mom is your 300th film, and you also complete fifty years as an actress. Is there anything about your career you would do differently, if you had a chance?
Not at all! I wouldn't want to change anything about my career. I hadn't planned any of this; it fell into my lap and I am grateful to God for it. I just want it to remain like this. My mom and I never thought that I would make my way into Bollywood. I was happy doing films down South. When my first Hindi film Solva Sawan (the 1979 remake of a Tamil film) was being made, I thought... 'Yeh picture toh South main hit ho gaya, so they are making it in a different language'. That's all. Then, I came to know that the film didn't do well and I went back to doing other Southern language films. It was as simple as that. Before Himmatwala (1983) happened, the producers had taken my dates for another Telugu film, and all of a sudden, they said that they weren't doing that movie anymore, instead, they were doing a Hindi film with Jeetendra. My first reaction was that if my Hindi debut was a flop, then why do they want me to do another film? They didn't bother to hear me out and went ahead with it. I kept thinking that these people are mad to be doing this (laughs!). I am glad that I did Himmatwala because after that, one film led to the other. Talking about Mom, the moment I heard it, I was drawn to the subject. It touched my heart. I had a good feeling about it and I always go by my instinct.
Your co-actors say that working with you is an opportunity of a lifetime. You were even called the first female superstar and I am sure many such titles rest on your mantle, and yet, you insist that you are a newcomer...
All these labels and praises scare me. I am very simple and I feel like a newcomer because I never stopped learning. I feel there is so much more to learn about the craft, in fact, this is just the beginning. Times have changed. In the earlier days, sometimes when we were on the set, we would ask the director, 'Sir, dialogues de do'. Meanwhile, the writer is sitting somewhere on the set and penning the dialogues. The team would tell us, 'Garam garam aa raha hai scene', but now, we can't function like that. The bound script is already with you, and you are well aware of the mood of the scene, your look, the clothes and everything else. But I guess, that was the style back then; people still did a great job and it worked in that era. Today, films are made differently and there are so many heroine-oriented movies. Filmmakers are willing to take chances, and explore these subjects. It is the best time to be in the industry and there is so much more I want to learn as an actress. I never went through a phase in my career when I said, 'This is enough; I don't want to do this anymore'. Acting has always been my passion.
You come from an era when stars were super exclusive. Nowadays, they interact directly with the fans, they chat with their fan clubs, et al. How have you coped with this huge change?
It is an amazing change and it is for the better, as fans can communicate with their favourite actors and share their views; we can also know their reactions directly. Earlier, we did maximum two-three interviews and left the rest to the fate of the film. Now, the promotions have become so aggressive, but we have to change with the times. I always say this dialogue (borrowed from Dabangg), 'Shooting se darr nahin lagta hai, promotion se lagta hai'. I had to cope with it, I had no choice. I joined social media during English Vinglish (2012) because I was coming back on screen after 15 years and the team thought that I should be a more happening mom. Yes, earlier, there was a certain beauty in the exclusivity and privacy we had, but now, we are clicked everywhere and anywhere - at airports, restaurants, salons, gyms - and we always have to be on our toes and see who is around us. Today, even if we want to keep our life private, I don't think that it is possible.
Actors who have worked with you say that you take 'being private' to a different level. Are you really so reserved, or do you fiercely guard your private life?
Some people think that I am very arrogant, but I am genuinely a very private and shy person. I open up to people who are close to me, and with them, I am a different person. So, I think that at times, my shyness has been perceived by some people as arrogance.
Boney Kapoor is producing a film with you after long. We heard that your daughters, Jhanvi and Khushi, were also very involved. There must be a lot of excitement at home about Mom...
Boneyji is very excited. Yes, he is doing a film with me after 20 years, the last one was Judaai. He's on top of the world seeing the reactions Mom's trailer has garnered. It was like a home production, where all of us were involved. We were looking for some one fresh and good-looking to play my husband and Jhanvi showed us Adnan Siddiqui's (Pakistani actor) picture. We all liked him right away and reached out to him. The director of the film, Ravi Udyawar, is new and I am often asked why I am working with new directors. I say, 'Why not?' I am lucky that I got a chance to work with Gauri Shinde (English Vinglish) and now, Ravi. He had a great vision for Mom and he was so passionate about it that I couldn't imagine any one else doing justice to the film.
We also heard that Boney and you would barely interact while shooting for the film on outdoor locations. Now, that's a different level of professionalism...
Really? I don't think that it is a big deal. When I am shooting, I don't want to see my husband around or even remember that he is my husband; I just want to focus on my work. Yes, it's true that I barely conversed with him while shooting; we were staying on different floors and just wished each other good morning and good night.
When you are doing an intense role like the one in Mom, or maybe one of your older films like Sadma (1983) - do you feel emotionally sapped? How much of the character and the emotion do you carry back home with you after the shoot is over?
Actually, Sadma wasn't an emotionally draining film for me; it must have been for the audience. I was playing a woman who was like a child; it was Kamal Haasan's character that was intense and very emotional towards the end. Jhanvi saw the movie when she was around six years old and she didn't talk to me for three days. She told me, 'You are a bad mamma. You were so mean to him'. I think Mom was an intense film for me. One of my friends who met me during the shoot and afterwards told me that I was a different person while shooting for the film. She said, 'Even the way you were walking and talking had changed. Now you are back to what you really are'. Interestingly, I didn't even realise that. It is a very emotional character, so I guess somewhere, it must have consumed a lot of my emotional energy. For me, all this lingers while the film is going on. After that, I switch back to normal, or else my children will throw me out (laughs!).
As a superstar mom, did you find yourself struggling to give your daughters a normal upbringing?
I brought up my kids the way my mom raised me. She gave me a normal upbringing, and when I had children, I did just that. When I am on the set, I am an actress, but at home, I am like any other mom. Of course, I tried to guard them as much as I could, but they were clicked everywhere we went and we couldn't help that.
There is so much talk about Jhanvi's launch and she has a huge role model at home to look up to...
I know that there is a lot of curiosity about her launch, but I want to say that it will be very unfair to compare Jhanvi with me. I began as a child artiste, I had done 60-70 films and I knew a lot about shooting, camera and filmmaking by the time I was her age.When Jhanvi does her first film, people should judge her as an individual, instead of comparing her with me. My journey has been long. So, it will be unfair to compare a girl who is just starting out her career with someone who has done 300 films.
The thought that she will be in the same space that you have been in for so many decades... does that make you nervous?
I guess it is a different feeling though it has not started yet. I never thought that she will go through this. I thought that she will study, do something else and then get married. And I will be free (laughs!). Today, children have their own mind and I have seen how my mom supported me, so I will support her in whatever she is willing to do.
Sometime around 2012, you had said that Jhanvi will not be an actress. How did that change?
At that time, she was younger and I thought that I could mould her and tell her what I wanted her to do (smiles!). Then, the shock dropped on me like a bomb. I thought that there is no running away from this and I have to face it. When she told me that she wanted to be an actress, I told her that there will be many problems and it won't be an easy ride. It is a very tough world out there and being an actress comes with a lot of hard work and sacrifice. As a mother, I obviously thought, 'Why should my child go through this? I have worked so hard for so many years... ab sab settle ho gaya. Let them have a peaceful life'. Having said that, I believe that whatever I am today, I owe it to this industry. I have so much respect for it. Stardom has never been easy and even going ahead, it won't be. If Jhanvi has made this choice, I have to be there for her. I will take it up positively and give it my 100% as a mom. My close friends tell me that I have to be strong about it and take care of myself. Well, it looks like I have to prepare myself more than her. With Jhanvi doing films, it feels like I am starting all over again.
Comfortably settled on her couch for a long chat, sans make-up, her large eyes beam through her thick-rimmed glasses, as she talks about her upcoming film, Mom. And of course, she tells stories about how she raised her daughters as a superstar mom. Read on...
Mom is your 300th film, and you also complete fifty years as an actress. Is there anything about your career you would do differently, if you had a chance?
Not at all! I wouldn't want to change anything about my career. I hadn't planned any of this; it fell into my lap and I am grateful to God for it. I just want it to remain like this. My mom and I never thought that I would make my way into Bollywood. I was happy doing films down South. When my first Hindi film Solva Sawan (the 1979 remake of a Tamil film) was being made, I thought... 'Yeh picture toh South main hit ho gaya, so they are making it in a different language'. That's all. Then, I came to know that the film didn't do well and I went back to doing other Southern language films. It was as simple as that. Before Himmatwala (1983) happened, the producers had taken my dates for another Telugu film, and all of a sudden, they said that they weren't doing that movie anymore, instead, they were doing a Hindi film with Jeetendra. My first reaction was that if my Hindi debut was a flop, then why do they want me to do another film? They didn't bother to hear me out and went ahead with it. I kept thinking that these people are mad to be doing this (laughs!). I am glad that I did Himmatwala because after that, one film led to the other. Talking about Mom, the moment I heard it, I was drawn to the subject. It touched my heart. I had a good feeling about it and I always go by my instinct.
Your co-actors say that working with you is an opportunity of a lifetime. You were even called the first female superstar and I am sure many such titles rest on your mantle, and yet, you insist that you are a newcomer...
All these labels and praises scare me. I am very simple and I feel like a newcomer because I never stopped learning. I feel there is so much more to learn about the craft, in fact, this is just the beginning. Times have changed. In the earlier days, sometimes when we were on the set, we would ask the director, 'Sir, dialogues de do'. Meanwhile, the writer is sitting somewhere on the set and penning the dialogues. The team would tell us, 'Garam garam aa raha hai scene', but now, we can't function like that. The bound script is already with you, and you are well aware of the mood of the scene, your look, the clothes and everything else. But I guess, that was the style back then; people still did a great job and it worked in that era. Today, films are made differently and there are so many heroine-oriented movies. Filmmakers are willing to take chances, and explore these subjects. It is the best time to be in the industry and there is so much more I want to learn as an actress. I never went through a phase in my career when I said, 'This is enough; I don't want to do this anymore'. Acting has always been my passion.
You come from an era when stars were super exclusive. Nowadays, they interact directly with the fans, they chat with their fan clubs, et al. How have you coped with this huge change?
It is an amazing change and it is for the better, as fans can communicate with their favourite actors and share their views; we can also know their reactions directly. Earlier, we did maximum two-three interviews and left the rest to the fate of the film. Now, the promotions have become so aggressive, but we have to change with the times. I always say this dialogue (borrowed from Dabangg), 'Shooting se darr nahin lagta hai, promotion se lagta hai'. I had to cope with it, I had no choice. I joined social media during English Vinglish (2012) because I was coming back on screen after 15 years and the team thought that I should be a more happening mom. Yes, earlier, there was a certain beauty in the exclusivity and privacy we had, but now, we are clicked everywhere and anywhere - at airports, restaurants, salons, gyms - and we always have to be on our toes and see who is around us. Today, even if we want to keep our life private, I don't think that it is possible.
Actors who have worked with you say that you take 'being private' to a different level. Are you really so reserved, or do you fiercely guard your private life?
Some people think that I am very arrogant, but I am genuinely a very private and shy person. I open up to people who are close to me, and with them, I am a different person. So, I think that at times, my shyness has been perceived by some people as arrogance.
Boney Kapoor is producing a film with you after long. We heard that your daughters, Jhanvi and Khushi, were also very involved. There must be a lot of excitement at home about Mom...
Boneyji is very excited. Yes, he is doing a film with me after 20 years, the last one was Judaai. He's on top of the world seeing the reactions Mom's trailer has garnered. It was like a home production, where all of us were involved. We were looking for some one fresh and good-looking to play my husband and Jhanvi showed us Adnan Siddiqui's (Pakistani actor) picture. We all liked him right away and reached out to him. The director of the film, Ravi Udyawar, is new and I am often asked why I am working with new directors. I say, 'Why not?' I am lucky that I got a chance to work with Gauri Shinde (English Vinglish) and now, Ravi. He had a great vision for Mom and he was so passionate about it that I couldn't imagine any one else doing justice to the film.
We also heard that Boney and you would barely interact while shooting for the film on outdoor locations. Now, that's a different level of professionalism...
Really? I don't think that it is a big deal. When I am shooting, I don't want to see my husband around or even remember that he is my husband; I just want to focus on my work. Yes, it's true that I barely conversed with him while shooting; we were staying on different floors and just wished each other good morning and good night.
When you are doing an intense role like the one in Mom, or maybe one of your older films like Sadma (1983) - do you feel emotionally sapped? How much of the character and the emotion do you carry back home with you after the shoot is over?
Actually, Sadma wasn't an emotionally draining film for me; it must have been for the audience. I was playing a woman who was like a child; it was Kamal Haasan's character that was intense and very emotional towards the end. Jhanvi saw the movie when she was around six years old and she didn't talk to me for three days. She told me, 'You are a bad mamma. You were so mean to him'. I think Mom was an intense film for me. One of my friends who met me during the shoot and afterwards told me that I was a different person while shooting for the film. She said, 'Even the way you were walking and talking had changed. Now you are back to what you really are'. Interestingly, I didn't even realise that. It is a very emotional character, so I guess somewhere, it must have consumed a lot of my emotional energy. For me, all this lingers while the film is going on. After that, I switch back to normal, or else my children will throw me out (laughs!).
As a superstar mom, did you find yourself struggling to give your daughters a normal upbringing?
I brought up my kids the way my mom raised me. She gave me a normal upbringing, and when I had children, I did just that. When I am on the set, I am an actress, but at home, I am like any other mom. Of course, I tried to guard them as much as I could, but they were clicked everywhere we went and we couldn't help that.
There is so much talk about Jhanvi's launch and she has a huge role model at home to look up to...
I know that there is a lot of curiosity about her launch, but I want to say that it will be very unfair to compare Jhanvi with me. I began as a child artiste, I had done 60-70 films and I knew a lot about shooting, camera and filmmaking by the time I was her age.When Jhanvi does her first film, people should judge her as an individual, instead of comparing her with me. My journey has been long. So, it will be unfair to compare a girl who is just starting out her career with someone who has done 300 films.
The thought that she will be in the same space that you have been in for so many decades... does that make you nervous?
I guess it is a different feeling though it has not started yet. I never thought that she will go through this. I thought that she will study, do something else and then get married. And I will be free (laughs!). Today, children have their own mind and I have seen how my mom supported me, so I will support her in whatever she is willing to do.
Sometime around 2012, you had said that Jhanvi will not be an actress. How did that change?
At that time, she was younger and I thought that I could mould her and tell her what I wanted her to do (smiles!). Then, the shock dropped on me like a bomb. I thought that there is no running away from this and I have to face it. When she told me that she wanted to be an actress, I told her that there will be many problems and it won't be an easy ride. It is a very tough world out there and being an actress comes with a lot of hard work and sacrifice. As a mother, I obviously thought, 'Why should my child go through this? I have worked so hard for so many years... ab sab settle ho gaya. Let them have a peaceful life'. Having said that, I believe that whatever I am today, I owe it to this industry. I have so much respect for it. Stardom has never been easy and even going ahead, it won't be. If Jhanvi has made this choice, I have to be there for her. I will take it up positively and give it my 100% as a mom. My close friends tell me that I have to be strong about it and take care of myself. Well, it looks like I have to prepare myself more than her. With Jhanvi doing films, it feels like I am starting all over again.
Mom will resonate with everyone-Ravi Udyawar
7:55 AM
Ravi Udyawar, the man behind Silk Route's iconic 1998 Dooba Dooba video, says his first movie is an emotional drama about the only bond that lasts forever
Aastha Atray Banan (MID-DAY; June 25, 2017)
"I wanted to make my first movie a relevant one," says Ravi Udyawar, 45, of his directorial debut Mom. Starring Sridevi and Nawazuddin Siddiqui. The July 7 release explores the relationship between mother and daughter. Udyawar, who started his career at Channel V and MTV before going on to direct music videos and advertisements, says that his first movie isn't really a thriller, which is the first impression one gets from trailers. "It's an emotional drama - about the one bond that lasts your lifetime, the one between a child and mother. And, I think everyone will relate with it."
Udyawar met Boney Kapoor in 2014, when the latter gave him the germ of the idea, and asked what he could do with it, a movie that could then serve as Sridevi's next after the much acclaimed English Vinglish. "We fleshed out the idea, even detailing the background stories of all characters. And then we went and pitched it to ma'am (Sridevi). She loved it right away and said she just had to do it." Getting Nawaz on board wasn't a hard task. Udyawar put his JJ School of Art degree to good use. "I knew how I wanted the character to look, because I think like an artist, which is what I originally am. I made sketches and carried them along when I went to meet him. And I think when you see the character, it's easier to understand it. He said yes immediately."
Udyawar credits his advertising career for helping him understand the art of filmmaking. The man behind campaigns such as L'Oreal and Asian Paints, says that it's all about grabbing eyeballs. "Advertising teaches you how to get attention in 30 seconds. It also teaches you how to design a shot - for instance, what kind of energy does a scene need. It really taught me all my technical know-how." But he also says movie making is a completely different ball game, one he is just getting a hang of.
Udyawar is no stranger to making moving images tell a story. He directed India's first underwater video when he shot Silk Route's Dooba Dooba in 1998. The song and video became iconic in the indie-pop scene. "The first day at that shoot was disastrous. This had never been done before. We put the camera in a metal box underwater, and nobody knew when the reel started, and when it went off. So, we got nothing," he laughs. But the second day, they went back and persevered. "It worked beautifully, and as you know, we created history."
Right now though, he is waiting to see Mom's fate. "You dive into these characters and you want them to come to life in that picture perfect image. Let's hope it works out."
Bollywood is too exclusive a club to take for granted-Akshaye Khanna
7:56 AM
Akshaye Khanna admits he regrets turning down films which ended up becoming big hits, wants to make his social media debut to promote himself and is happy to embrace his bald pate
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 16, 2017)
Akshaye Khanna has clear instructions for his publicist — no telephonic interviews, no group discussions and no other people in the room other than the interviewer and him. “I’m old school that way, I like to forge a connection through the conversation,” he says, lighting a cigarette, settling down in an armchair in Mom producer Boney Kapoor’s Versova office. He’s been coming here every day since the last week. As if on cue, a young boy enters the room to announce that there’s fish curry for lunch. Akshaye’s mood instantly lifts and then drops when he learns that Boney had yet to arrive. He decides to wait for him and talk shop meanwhile.
After a four-year hibernation, Akshaye returned to the screen in 2016 as the bad man in Rohit Dhawan’s Dishoom. This year, he has two releases, the Sridevi-starrer Mom, in which he plays a cop, and Ittefaq, a remake of BR Chopra 1969 classic murder-mystery, in which will see him as a cop too. Why is he settling for extended cameos when he has already established himself as a lead actor with films like Taal, Hulchul and Dil Chahta Hai and Akshaye assures, “I’ll never do a film in which I cannot score, I’m a selfish actor that way. Both Nawaz (Nawazzuddin Siddiqui plays the antagonist in Mom) and I may not have shot for many days but the impact of our characters on the story and its finale is huge.”
He goes on to explain that since being an actor is not his birthright, he has to work every day to live up to it like everyone else. “Just to be in a position where I can get work as an actor in India is a big deal because only one or two new faces make it every year. Bollywood is too exclusive a club to take for granted,” he asserts, admitting that returning to the arclights hasn’t been easy as he is constantly living with the fear of not being good enough and rusty.
The feeling has previously plagued him when he was working with Rajesh Khanna in Aa Ab Laut Chalen, Hema Malini in Himalay Putra and Sunny Deol in Border. “Filmmaking is a collaborative process and the irony of being an actor is that you are dependent on many other people. So my quest now is to surround myself with great talent and grab good scripts,” he says.
Ask him why he chose to be a part of a film helmed by a debutant for his second film in five years, when he could have worked with filmmaker friends like Farhan Akhtar, Priyadarshan and Anees Bazmee, he reasons that if Boney and Sridevi who has done just one film in the last 15 years were willing to place their bet on a debutant director, who was he to question the fate of the project. He recalls how while shooting in Georgia, Sridevi had confided in him that Ravi was the best director she had worked with. “I was taken aback by her revelation because she has worked with the best of the best. If I tell Ravi he’ll probably faint,” Akshaye guffaws.
Recluse alert
Prod him on Sridevi whom he refers to as a “national treasure” and he quips that he can never be friends with her for the same reason that other actors can never befriend him. “I thought I was borderline reclusive but Sridevi takes being a private person to a whole different level. She is the ultra non-communicator, I haven’t seen this quality in actors in a long time. No one can be friends with us unless they have known us for years, there can never be an icebreaking moment and I love it!” he exclaims.
You realise what he means by that when you touch on the subject of his father, the late Vinod Khanna, who succumbed to cancer on April 27. “I’m not in the right frame of mind to address any questions on the subject. It’s not even been a year, I will speak about it when the time is right,” he says shortly. While Akshaye maintains a stoic silence, brother Rahul has been remembering their father with a series of throwback images online. Akshaye surprises you by informing that he will be making his social media debut soon. “I love it because anyone can express themselves uncensored. As an actor, I have to go through a Censor Board for every action, dialogue and scene. It’s frustrating, but on Twitter, you can say immature, offensive things and get away with it. I don’t think I’d have much to say though,” he chuckles, admitting its time to rebuild his image and promote himself.
Marlon and me
One of his greatest regrets has been turning down films which went on to become hits. “Marlon Brando showed director David Lean the door when he approached him for Lawrence Of Arabia, telling him there was no way he’d spend two years shooting in a desert. Peter O’ Toole bagged the part while Brando lived with a lifetime of regret,” he sighs, admitting that he would have loved to play Sunil Dutt’s role in Rajkumar Hirani’s Sanjay Dutt biopic because it’s the finest piece of writing he’s read in his life but unfortunately failed the look test.
He passed muster with Ittefaq though and was blown away by this script too. “My connection to the material was spontaneous,” he says, pointing out that he has never been rejected for a role because of his age or because he wasn’t physically or mentally fit. “I started at 19 and at 42, I feel younger. All our current superstars are 50-plus and at the top of their game. So age is not a blip on my radar,” he smiles, looking better, fitter and meaner despite a receding hairline. “Actors are suckers for recognition and appreciation like everyone else. I too want a pat on my back, a hug and a compliment. That’s what I wake up for every morning. As for my hairline, I flaunt my bald pate.”
Spontaneity & madness is what defines me, Pritam Chakraborty & Imtiaz Ali together-Irshad Kamil
7:34 AM
Irshad Kamil on teaming up with Jab We Met and Cocktail teammates, Imtiaz Ali and Pritam, again
Soumya Vajpayee Tiwari (MID-DAY; June 13, 2017)
He may have had only one big release to his credit last year, Salman Khan’s Sultan, but lyricist Irshad Kamil has been neck-deep in work since. The Sachin Anthem and Hind Meri Jind from Sachin: A Billion Dreams were well received. “Sachin Tendulkar is larger than life. During the course of this biopic, I unfailingly turned into a fanboy,” Kamil tells mid-day.
The writer is excited about his work in Manisha Koirala’s Dear Maya and Sridevi-starrer Mom. The tracks of Imtiaz Ali’s much anticipated next, Jab Harry Met Sejal, have also been penned by him. This brings him back in the company of his Jab We Met, Cocktail and Love Aaj Kal partners, Imtiaz and composer Pritam Chakraborty. “Spontaneity and madness is what defines the three of us when together,” he says.
Among his contemporaries, he is perhaps the only lyricist to have collaborated with A R Rahman on back-to-back projects, the latest being Sachin and Mom (releases in July). “I feel honoured to have regularly worked with a genius like him. The songs of Mom, a film that revolves around a mother-daughter relationship, are emotional. The film’s director, Ravi Udyawar, was deeply involved in the project and his clarity helped get the best out of me. His imagination was so strong that I was weaving words to his visuals. The project has taught me a lot.”
Besides working on films, Kamil also wants to help budding writers understand the difference between good and bad writing. In order to contribute to the art, he is planning to launch a platform, called Pen-Friend, which will help aspiring writers connect with him. “Expression through words is thought to be the simplest of all arts, and in the time of social media, there is an abundance of this creativity. This is both, good and bad. I still consider myself amateur, but people send me write- ups on social media, seeking comments. While I don’t consider myself competent enough to guide them on good writing, I can help them understand what doesn’t constitute good writing. I want to create a pen friend culture,” says Kamil.
Mom is going to be Akshaye Khanna's finest performance-Boney Kapoor
7:56 AM
After working with Anil Kapoor on several films, the actor collaborates with Boney for a Sridevi-starrer; the latter insists it’s his ‘career’s finest performance’
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 25, 2017)
Four years after appearing in the forgettable Gali Gali Chor Hai, Akshaye Khanna returned to the marquee with an antagonist turn in the Rohit Dhawan directed actioner Dishoom last year and is following it up with a significant part in Boney Kapoor’s Mom, which features the film producer’s actress-wife Sridevi in the titular role and marks the directorial debut of adman Ravi Udyawar. But Boney doesn’t see the point of according any kind of chronological connection to the two films. “Mom is Akshaye’s real comeback,” he insists, arguing, “He’s playing an important role and has done justice to it. It’s going to be his career’s finest performance.”
As part of his prep for the role, Akshaye, who
wrapped up filming in February this year, lost over 10 kgs and will be
seen in a sharp look, dressed in monochrome and leather jackets. “We had
explored many options and went through several rounds of auditions.
Then, Ravi and his co-writer, Girish Kohli, met Akshaye and were
completely bowled over. Akshaye read the script aloud and resonated with
the character. Since the script is layered with many details and he
responded to it so well, it made the narration absolutely refreshing,”
Boney informs, adding that the actor has added his own nuances to his
portions. The thriller — which features Pakistani actors Sajal Ali and Adnan Siddiqui as Sridevi’s daughter and husband respectively — may be Akshaye and Boney’s first film together, but the duo go back a long way. They had met for the first time in 1998, on the sets of Subhash Ghai’s Taal, which featured Akshaye, Anil Kapoor and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in lead roles. “Since he was working with Anil, we met often at the time. He came across as a warm and respectful boy and I thought he was an absolute natural on screen, effortless even. He was always on time for the shoots and always delivered to the best of his abilities,” Boney reminisces.
They met again, when Akshaye played the protagonist in Anil’s production, Gandhi My Father. The critically acclaimed film went on to win three National Film Awards. “Akshaye was brilliant in the film and every scene with Darshan Jariwala, who played Gandhi, his father, is memorable even today. We had kept in touch since then,” Boney says.
Meanwhile Akshaye, who is known as a man of few words, says, “It’s a milestone in my career to be able to work with the one and only Sridevi and Nawaz, the finest actors we have today. It is a gem of a script and it was an honour to shoot with a gem of a cast and crew.”
Sridevi might sing in Mom but nothing is final yet-Ravi Udyawar
8:10 AM
Ravi Udyawar on his directorial debut, Sridevi's comeback film
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 23, 2017)
Adman Ravi Udyawar, who makes his feature film debut with Sridevi’s
comeback project, Mom, had met her producer-husband Boney Kapoor back in
2014 to discuss the film. He had been asked to develop the idea. “It’s a
mother-daughter story, a relationship I’d always wanted to explore.
When the script was ready, I narrated it to Sridevi ma’am who was keen
to pick the right project as a follow-up to the successful English
Vinglish. She loved it!” Ravi exults.Buzz is, he has also convinced her to sing. “There is a song about mothers which will be used in the background. She might sing that but nothing is final yet,” he says evasively.
The film had inadvertently landed in trouble for featuring two Pakistani artistes. In the aftermath of the Uri attacks last September, Pakistani artistes were banned from working in Indian projects. Two of his central characters — Sridevi’s daughter and husband — are played by Sajal Ali and Adnan Siddiqui, actors from across the border.
The debutant is understandably uncomfortable when you broach the subject, pointing out that they kicked off in March, 2016, and 90 per cent of the film was completed when the attacks happened. “For the remaining portions, we had to recreate Delhi in Bangkok. All I can say on this subject is that I respect the new laws that have been made in this context,” Ravi says cautiously. The impromptu international schedule must have overshot the film’s budget? “Obviously it did. The entire crew travels along,” he retorts.
Mirror had reported recently that it was Sridevi and Boney’s elder daughter Jhanvi, who first spotted Adnan in the Angelina Jolie-starrer A Mighty Heart and insisted that he be roped in to play the husband in their home production. Which makes one wonder — was there ever any discussion about getting either Jhanvi or her younger sister Khushi to play Sridevi’s onscreen daughter? “Everyone knows Khushi and Jhanvi as Sridevi ma’am’s daughters. We were looking for a new face as it’s a very different character, so there was no discussion.”
On his film's antagonist, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Ravi points out that the character isn’t exactly negative and that Nawaz would so effortlessly slip into the role that people would forget it's him. “We waited for nearly six months to get him on-board. Boney sir made it happen,” he says gratefully, recalling how once, when they were shooting on a street in Delhi, two men came on a bike and asked Nawaz about the shooting. “They failed to recognise him as he was completely in character. Even Sridevi ma’am once didn’t recognise Nawaz on the set,” he laughs.
How Mom director kept Nawazuddin Siddiqui's balding creepy look a secret
11:04 AM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; May 6, 2017)
When Ravi Udyawar approached Nawazuddin Siddiqui for a role in his upcoming directorial debut, Sridevi-starrer 'Mom' the former ad-filmmaker carried more than his script to coax the actor into giving a nod. A series of sketches of a balding, wrinkled Siddiqui was offered to the actor in his hotel room in Kolkata, where he had been shooting for a couple of days.
"They were sketches of his look in the film," Udyawar tells mid-day. "I narrated the script to him, but wanted to share what I had planned for his character. It was important that Nawaz understood his look before coming on board."
Siddiqui, instantly excited with what the filmmaker had in store for him, offered some vital inputs to bring authenticity to his role. "Nawaz shared interesting inputs about the character's walk, vocabulary and voice. As the discussion progressed, I saw my character sitting right in front of me. He just transformed," Udyawar says about his actor, whose blink-and-miss part in the recently released teaser of the thriller has already grabbed the attention of cinephiles. Acknowledging the discussion around Siddiqui's look, Udyawar says makeup and prosthetics made the 42-year-old actor look so distanced from himself, that once, in the midst of shoot, a bunch of fans walked past without recognising him.
Stylist Fabena K would invest a minimum of three hours to turn Siddiqui into the ageing man daily. "There were many layers of makeup needed to get him into character. We used tones of grey and earthen shades. Nawaz is a gizmo freak in the film, but must pass off as someone who cannot own fancy gadgets. Hence, we gave him a digital watch which he wears over a plain kurta pyjama," she says.
Siddiqui's look, Udyawar emphasises, is the crux of his character, and the team went to several lengths to keep it guarded. "We shot for his portions in Delhi over a year ago. On the days he would shoot, only a handful of core unit-members were allowed on set."
Shooting in the Capital made it difficult to steer clear from attention, but heightened security aided in maintaining privacy. In fact, Siddiqui's vanity van did not even bear his name. The efforts paid off.
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