Showing posts with label Rinzing Denzongpa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rinzing Denzongpa. Show all posts
Jackie Shroff did not even know how to grow a flower, but now he gives me lectures on gardening-Danny Denzongpa
8:13 PM
Natasha Coutinho (BOMBAY TIMES; August 4, 2024)
They may be a decade apart in age, but Danny Denzongpa (76) and Jackie Shroff (67) have been best friends for years. Danny lives in Sikkim now and travels to Mumbai only occasionally, but neither distance nor work commitments can keep these dosts apart. This Friendship Day, the veteran actors share their little-known buddy stories with us. Excerpts:
How did the two of you meet, and what were your first impressions of each other?
Danny Denzongpa: I met Jackie when he was working on his launch film, Hero. We met at a hotel, where I saw him wearing cowboy boots, with his feet up on the table. He was looking very shabby, because that’s how the character was. We shook hands and I hugged him, wishing him the best and I liked his confidence. Though he was a newcomer, he was very likable, and we clicked. After Hero became a big hit, I went to meet him at Teen Batti chawl in Mumbai, where he stayed. I was already a star then and a crowd had gathered around me. Jackie stepped out shirtless with just a towel around his waist, asking people to step away. He was like a dada those days. I was surprised to see that he lived in a one-room chawl, though his movie had become a hit, and he could have moved out. I met his mother as well and we became close friends. Later, I also met his then girlfriend, now wife Ayesha, and she became my rakhi sister.
Jackie Shroff: The first time I saw Danny saab on-screen was in Mere Apne and I identified with him – the kurta-pyjama, long hair and bag on his back. (Not the bomb in the bag, but the rest of the look!) When I became an actor later, we got the opportunity to work together in films like Andar Baahar and we really bonded. We were shooting on an oil rig near the Gateway of India and for a week, we would travel together by boat. Post shoot, Danny saab would often drop by and have a cup of tea with my family. He calls me “sangeet ka dushman”, because he likes to sing while I just hum my lines. Both of us share a common interest – cooking.
Danny: We shot for Yudh in Kathmandu and travelled to Pokhara, where we shot for 15-20 days. I would take off for a nearby lake after the shoot, and park myself in a boat in the middle of the lake. When Jackie found out about it, he started joining me. We would go off to beautiful locations, watch the sunset and sing songs, and that’s how our friendship progressed - Danny Denzongpa
Danny, you were one of the few people invited to Jackie and Ayesha’s wedding and now both of your children are friends too.
Danny: When they got married, Jackie invited just five-six close friends, including Subhash Ghai, Rajinikanth, Anupam Kher and me. A year later, Tiger was born, and Jackie called me up at 4 am to give me the news! I took glasses and champagne bottles in my icebox and went to the hospital. Then, Jackie, some of his friends and I went to a dhaba for an idli-vada breakfast, and we popped the champagne there. When my kids were born, the four children – Tiger-Krishna and Rinzing-Pema – would spend time together at his home or mine.
Jackie: Rinzing is more like my son; for me, there is no difference between him and Tiger and it’s the same for Danny saab. Both of us see Pema and Krishna as sisters; they are in the same age group and buddies as well.
Both of you share your enthusiasm for growing organic plants and vegetables and protecting the environment.
Danny: I ran away from Mumbai’s polluted air and water and now I live in Sikkim. While spending time with me, Jackie started taking an interest in nature and started planting organic fruits and rice. He did not even know how to grow a flower, but now he gives me lectures on gardening (laughs).
Jackie: He is the one who made me learn all about respecting nature, and that every plant and tree is different. That’s how I started propagating the message about being environmentally conscious.
How do you keep in touch despite the distance?
Danny: Jackie visited me last October and stayed for a week. When it gets cold in Sikkim I come and stay at Jackie’s farmhouse near Mumbai.
Jackie: We go down to Mahabaleshwar or Matheran together and every memory is special, or I go to Sikkim sometimes. We have a lot to talk about, be it jhaad-paan (plants), waterfalls and other facets of nature. I’m waiting for him to finish his work and come meet me soon.
What has kept your friendship strong even after all these years?
Danny: The best thing about our relationship is that we have no expectations from each other – it’s pure. We sit together for hours without talking; it is the kind of relationship I had with my mother. I used to lie down in her lap as she said her prayers and our communication would go on though we weren’t talking. Jackie, too, isn’t very talkative and that is why the relationship is special.
Jackie: We are more than brothers and ours is a friendship that will never change. He is a pure soul. It's difficult to find a person like Danny saab – so dignified and with no malice towards anyone. He has a sense of decorum and grace, wherever he is. He is very smart and refined, and I’m surprised he is my friend. I'm not polished at all like him, but we are the best of buddies.
Are actors from the North East finally getting their due in Bollywood?
8:11 AM
Pallabi Dey Purkayastha (BOMBAY TIMES; July 25, 2022)
From the ’70s to the ’90s, a suave, silken-haired young man captured the imagination of moviegoers. Whether as a murderous villain or an officer and a gentleman, Danny Denzongpa was one of the busiest actors of his time, and was often the X-factor in the most formulaic of scripts. That he was from Sikkim was never really a talking point for the OG Kancha Cheena (of Agneepath). At 74, Danny still enjoys that status, though he has been selective about his scripts. And no, filmmakers do not approach him because it would be woke to do so.
In contrast, his son Rinzing Denzongpa, who made his debut in the 2021 film Squad, finds himself fielding awkward questions about whether it is a good thing that “actors from the northeast” are finally getting their due, if Bollywood has taken that token but important step towards inclusivity. In fact, one of the most popular searches against Rinzing’s name happens to be: “Is Rinzing Denzongpa Indian?” A telling commentary on the conundrum faced by actors from the northeast today.
TOKEN REPRESENTATION OR INCLUSIVE CHANGE?
Recently, Bollywood seems to have woken up to inclusion. First, it was Chum Darang from Arunachal Pradesh making a splash as a lesbian lover to Bhumi Pednekar in Junglee Pictures’ Badhaai Do (2022). A few months later, we had Anubhav Sinha’s social commentary Anek, featuring Nagaland’s Andrea Kevichusa as a headstrong boxer torn between love for her land and her true calling in life. Kevichüsa is optimistic.
“I would say that the recognition that artistes from the region are getting is here to stay. While there are many reputed and well-known northeast actors in Hindi cinema, there is still a lot left to be explored. It’s never too late for progress and representation, and in some cases, it is still work-in-progress,” she says. While her film received mixed reactions from the audience and critics alike, her schedule, for now, is packed.
Adil Hussain (above), who hails from Assam and has featured in films across languages, including Assamese, says that he hasn’t faced any bias in his many years as an actor. “I have done pan-India films. I can look like an Assamese, a Bengali, a Malayali, a Gujarati or a Maharashtrian as I do not have the typical ‘northeastern features’. Also, I worked hard not to let my mother-tongue accent impact my Hindi fluency,” says the actor, whose repertoire includes films like Abhishek Chaubey’s Ishqiya, Gauri Shinde’s English Vinglish to Mira Nair’s The Reluctant Fundamentalist, and Ang Lee’s Life Of Pi.
He adds, “The faces from the northeast, especially those who have Mongoloid features, and the many stories of our land were never part of the mainstream narrative. Cinema is a powerful medium, and I believe, filmmakers could have been more aware about this exclusion – of how the northeast was rarely represented in our films. Now, I see that this consciousness has dawned upon many filmmakers. There is still a long way to go, but I am happy that the journey has begun.”
“It’s high time for us to be included, no? Let’s see if casting actors from here and stories from the region become regular Bollywood features. Only when that happens, we will truly know if there is any seriousness to it,” says Pink actor Andrea Tariang about the ongoing Bollywood-for-all narrative. Her movie, which also touched upon the shocking prejudice against women from the northeast as being ‘loose’, had started this very conversation in 2016.
For Chum, the conversation goes beyond the general ignorance. Give credit where it’s due, she recommends. “I think we are also regular people wanting to show our acting talents to the world. I feel beyond the looks, the culture and background, we do have some really great actors. And actors should be given opportunities based on their acting merit, as simple as that,” she says.
It is worth noting that in all their debut films, these women have played someone’s friend, lover and girlfriend, but had one common thread – even in make-believe, they always hail from the northeast. Plabita Borthakur (below), who is from Assam and has played a central figure in the Golden Globes 2018-qualified film Lipstick Under My Burkha and Rajkumar Hirani’s PK among other major projects, says tokenism is still doable as long as it leads to something meaningful.
“Even if it feels like a token representation to some, at least it’s a start. I feel people are becoming more aware now because of digitalization, and that should help with the inclusion of northeast Indians in mainstream cinema.”
LOOKS THAT MATTER
In 2014, when Omung Kumar’s biopic on Olympic-winning boxer Mary Kom released, there was a furore on social media. “A Manipuri, or at least someone from northeast India should have played the role,” said netizens. That Priyanka Chopra-Jonas (then Chopra) looks nothing like Kom in real life, fuelled the debate. While some saw this as a cultural snub, others were swayed by the popular perception of how a person from the region should look like.
Plabita, who has often faced the ‘arre aap toh northeast ki lagti hi nahin’ racist comment, attributes this to the lack of knowledge about the diversity of the region. “I believe there’s very little awareness about the northeast among people of mainland India,” shares the actor, whose last major outing was the OTT series Bombay Begums. “Hopefully, in the near future, we will have many diverse characters being played by northeast Indian actors,” she opines.
Elaborating on this, Parineeta Borthakur (Plabita’s sister; below), an established ‘mainstream’ actor who has featured in Gupta Brothers and Spy Bahu, says, “The fact that I didn’t ‘look northeastern’ enough did help me bag Bollywood projects, but I’m hopeful about playing a character from my region. Also, expecting everyone from the region to look a certain way, shows how unaware people are about the northeast.”
Parineeta stresses on fair representation and awareness. “Axone (lauded in the festival circuit and streaming on OTT) is just one film that talks about the various cultures within the region. There are very few films based on the northeast, compared to the staggering number of films being made every year about the other regions of the country. We need many more stories and much more content about the people and the region,” she concludes.
— Inputs By Ruman Ganguly & Rachana Dubey
Dad found out about Squad only when contract came-Rinzing Denzongpa
9:27 AM
Foraying into Bollywood when nepotism talk is at its peak, Danny Denzongpa’s son Rinzing is proud that he landed debut film Squad on his merit
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; November 16, 2021)
It has been a three-year journey for Rinzing Denzongpa to see his debut film Squad on the screen. The Nilesh Sahay-directed actioner, a chunk of which was shot after the first wave of the pandemic, is set to stream on ZEE5.
Wouldn’t he have preferred a big-screen release for his first outing? “The [box-office] numbers of Sooryavanshi put a smile on my face. I would have liked [my film] to come in the theatres, but we will save that for the next movie,” says the actor optimistically.
For now, the action thriller — that sees him play a member of the Indian Special Forces who is tasked to rescue a little girl before she can be found by other nations — has his undivided attention. “I couldn’t relate to [the offers that came my way earlier]. When I met Nilesh, we were on the same wavelength.”
The actor, son of veteran actor Danny Denzongpa, is foraying into the industry at a time when talk about nepotism dominates the scene. Asked if he sought his dad’s help in the initial days, he proudly says that he landed the role on his own merit. “My dad found out that I was doing a movie only when the contract came. It has been my own struggle, otherwise I could have easily asked my dad to help years ago. All he has told me is, work hard and success will follow you.”
I need to pace myself and last for as long as I can-Tiger Shroff
8:12 AM
Tiger Shroff admits that he would like to keep the Baaghi franchise, which is in its third instalment, going till his legs don’t give up on him; reveals that he is ready to flag off the Heropanti sequel, too
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 28, 2020)
In your upcoming film, Baaghi 3, we see you performing almost superhuman feats. Tell us something you’ve done off camera which in your mind is heroic?
I guess buying a house for my parents. They’ve given me the best childhood and this is my small way of giving something back. My mother (Ayesha Shroff) always wanted a house in her name, so I bought this for her... Dad (Jackie Shroff) too. My dreams are her dreams, and I am focused on my work, being successful in my career and sustaining it. She is my motivation, my inspiration. I push myself so hard to make her happy, proud and secure.
Any other dreams?
So many… My dad likes to farm, he likes land and nature. I’d like to buy him something along those lines someday. He also enjoys cars. At the peak of his superstardom, he would collect them. Of course, he would also tell us, “Never do this, I made a big mistake.” He works so hard, I want to get him things he loves.
Growing up, is there something your dad brought home especially for you that remains precious?
I never asked my parents for anything, I wasn’t a materialistic child, but whenever I didn’t want to go to school, I’d wake up early, cuddle up against dad and when mom tried to pull me out of bed, I’d hold him tighter. He would stand up for me, cajole mom to let me stay at home, saying, “Chhod na, rehne de bachche ko, nahin jaana hai usko.” Thanks to him, I got away with a lot of things. Whenever I got into trouble, I’d run to him. He’d always save me. He was my hero, he still is.
What are your earliest memories of your dad’s film, Hero?
The bike race, for some reason, and his introduction scene, which I thought was very cool, almost heroic! And yes, the songs too, particularly “Pyaar Karne Wale Kabhi Darte Nahin” which has stayed with me. I started watching Hero when I was around four years old. I’m still watching it.
And what was your dad’s first reaction to your first film, Heropanti?
He doesn’t react much, and expresses himself in a few words. “Chal ho gaya, exam pass, bindaas!”
You’ve grown in stature since your first film, become a bigger star, but your lifestyle, passion and professionalism hasn’t changed...
I’m so grateful people are accepting me and my work, year after year. My routine and lifestyle are co-related to whatever little I’ve achieved in my career so far. Why change what’s working for me?
But there must be something you would have liked to do had you not been such a disciplined actor...
I’m a foodie and wish I could binge on sweets every day, but unfortunately, only Sunday is a cheat day when I can eat everything, from pani puri and pizza to vada pav and ice-cream. Sab kuch mix match kar leta hoon.
Your dad was the hero of his generation, you are one too. Have things changed much?
In dad’s time, they were a lot more carefree, now there is increased responsibility to be a correct role model if you reach a position when kids aspire to be like you. It’s important to guide them—I won’t say the right way because who am I to judge what’s right or wrong—but in a way that helps them.
How often do you set goals for yourself?
Well, the long-term goals are permanent…
And they are?
To reach the standard of my idols, Michael Jackson and Bruce Lee, hone my craft, do things in a larger-than-life way and touch as many lives as possible. Every month, I set short-term goals, too, like lose or gain two-five kg, do some community service, learn an action skill or a dance move. I’d love to do a Broadway musical someday, a role which allows me to sing and dance. (Smiles) I sing very well in the shower.
Among your long-term goals, is there a plan to produce a film one day?
Sure, but it’d depend on the success of Baaghi 3.
Will the franchise go on and on?
Again, that would depend on how Part 3 fares. I’d like to play Ronnie till my legs don’t give up on me. All the action takes its toll, but as long as I have my youth and physicality, I’d like to be a baaghi.
You are taking on a country in Baaghi 3. What next? The universe?
(Laughs) There are a lot of memes going around that it will be Baaghi 4 vs Aliens and Baaghi 5 vs the Universe. You never know…
Your last film, with Hrithik Roshan, was the top grosser of 2019. How do you react to such success?
Honestly, the business didn’t matter. For me, War was my time with my hero, Hrithik Roshan. I got to spend time with a man I have always looked up to and modeled myself on... Going to the gym with him, watching him train, perform his scenes, give me feedback on mine, tell me how to say a particular line, pat me after a shot, all that will stay with me all my life. He’s been my hero since I saw Krrish, when I was 12 or 13. Every kid of my generation was a Krrish fan, and to this day, watching him transform on screen, I am convinced he is a real-life superhero.
Every guy enjoys having a gorgeous woman on his arm and you have one of the most coveted in the country, Disha Patani. What’s the equation like between you two?
We have a lot in common and that’s why we get along well. I have very few friends in the industry. There’s Danny uncle’s (Denzongpa) son Rinzing, who is about to be launched soon, and Ranjit sir’s son Jeeva. They are my childhood friends. Disha and I met during Baaghi and since we have similar interests and can laugh over silly things, we hang out together. She is very easy-going, no tantrums. (Smiles) We go out for lunch every now and then and get clicked together.
You go out with a guy and he’s a friend while a girl becomes a good friend…
(Clicking his fingers) Yeah, that’s the mentality here. It’s not a problem, really.
Is romance on screen more difficult than action?
Nothing’s more difficult than action. It doesn’t hurt to be romantic, action hurts.
When is Siddharth Anand’s Rambo remake happening?
Hopefully, by the end of the year. I’m also doing the sequel to my first film, Heropanti, with my mentor Sajid sir (Nadiadwala, producer) and Baaghi 2 and 3 director Ahmed sir (Khan), and that’s about it.
How is it that after a huge hit last year, you haven’t signed half a dozen films?
I’m in no hurry. A film takes a lot out of me so I enjoy my downtime. I’m not competing with anybody. I need to pace myself and last as long as I can. My race is with myself.
Rinzing Denzongpa's entry scene in Squad to be quite 'explosive'
8:17 AM
MUMBAI MIRROR (February 19, 2020)
Rinzing Denzongpa’s debut film, Squad, not only has an one-of-its-kind chopper chase, but we hear that it also boasts of some of the biggest explosions seen on screen. Nilesh Sahay, producer-director of the true blue action movie that also has a strong emotional patriotic core, reveals, “Rinzing’s introduction has 60 explosions going off in a 500-meter radius with him walking through even as 100 stunt men run and get blown up around him. It was one of the scariest stunts and I prepped all day along with Russian stunt coordinator Roman.”On the other hand, the debutant was neither nervous nor anxious. “Rinzing didn’t flinch at all. He is a stud and made for action,” says the filmmaker. Talking about his entry sequence, the young actor says, “It was an epic moment. We had eight cameras rolling as I walked through the explosions that went off nonstop for about three minutes. It was spectacular!”
Talking about explosions, the filmmaker’s eyes light up. “Everyone knows how obsessed I am with explosions. My favourite from the film that I call ‘the mother of all bombs’ is where we used 800 liters of petrol along with three different high explosives,” he reveals, promising ‘an explosive treat for the audience’.
Talking about his experience of working with the filmmaker and a new action hero, Roman says, “Nilesh not only knows exactly what he wants, but also skilfully manages the entire team, whether it’s the Indian or Belarusian crew. Working with him is an honour for us all. Our stuntmen often work with pyrotechnics, and actors usually use doubles. But Rinzing insisted on doing it all by himself. I admire his courage. He trusted us with his safety even though he’s never worked with our team before. At the end of it, we got a wonderful sequence.”
Squad to have Bollywood's first of its kind helicopter chase sequence
7:53 AM
MUMBAI MIRROR (January 23, 2020)
Rinzing Denzongpa’s Squad, a true-blue action film directed by Nilesh Sahay, has been in the news for its mammoth scale of action. Moreover, the climax boasts of a modern day battle with 400 stunt men. Recently, John Abraham, who is a close friend of the director and an action superstar himself, saw the rushes and was all praise for the thrills mounted on a massive scale. Now, the film’s makers are topping the epic climax with a never-seen-before helicopter chase sequence. Involving three choppers, this portion was shot over four days.While Rinzing did his own stunts, his leading lady Malvika Raaj, too, opted to do her action portions herself, instead of going for a body double. Moreover, she also co-piloted one of the choppers in the climax chase sequence.
Talking about the climax, Australian stunt coordinator Keir Beck (Mad Max: Fury Road, Danger Close) who’s behind the thrills of Squad, says, “It was a big sequence and extremely tough as the weather wasn’t the best. However, with eight cameras rolling, Nylo (as he calls director Nilesh Sahay) kept his cool, showing the composure of a seasoned international action film director. He even operated the camera in one of the helicopters. We got what we wanted and created another epic sequence for Squad.”Nilesh adds, “I really wanted to do what people haven’t seen here, and like Michael Bay (creator of Transformers series), I’m a fan of practical effects. I feel it’s a dying art so I wanted to keep it all in camera than shoot in a green room. Squad is an emotional patriotic popcorn action film, with action on every beat.”
Having shot a considerable portion of his debut, including the thrills, Rinzing, son of veteran actor Danny Denzongpa admits, “It was really tough. We had to act while the helicopter was flying and doing stunts was like actually being in a chase.” In the same vein, his leading lady, Malvika adds, “I had to take flight simulation lessons for a month and did one run as a co-pilot. It was the best experience of my life.”
Squad, set to release this summer, is surely one of the most anticipated films this year.
John Abraham encouraged me to work hard-Rinzing Denzongpa
8:16 AM
Gearing up for debut with actioner, Danny Denzongpa's son Rinzing discusses finding mentor in action star John
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; January 11, 2020)
Among the debutants hoping to make a mark in Bollywood this year is veteran actor Danny Denzongpa's son Rinzing. The youngster hopes to find his footing as an action star with his maiden vehicle, Squad, which has been produced and directed by Nilesh Sahay. Since he counts John Abraham among his idols, Rinzing was elated to meet the action hero before facing the camera.
"When I met sir at his office, he encouraged me to work hard. He also told me to embrace my size and height. He is disciplined, and that has taken him where he is today," says the actor, adding that Abraham has since become a mentor figure to him. "When it comes to action, he gives 200 per cent. That inspires me. He recently saw some rushes of the film and loved them. It's amazing to be encouraged by an action star of his stature."
Stunt coordinator Keir Beck of Mad Max: Fury Road fame is among the seven action directors to have designed the stunts for the summer release. "It is an action film mounted on a big scale. We shot the climax recently, which involved 400 stuntmen. Rinzing has the perfect personality for an action hero as he has a striking presence," states Sahay.
Epic battle for climax of Rinzing Denzongpa’s film Squad
7:46 AM
MUMBAI MIRROR (October 26, 2019)
Mirror had earlier reported that Rinzing Denzongpa and director-producer Nilesh Sahay had gone to meet action star John Abraham, who is a close friend of Nilesh, to seek his blessings for their upcoming action entertainer, titled Squad. The film, which marks Rinzing's acting debut, has now completed its first schedule in Belarus and going by the accounts of the film's team present on the sets, the project boasts of some brechathtaking action sequences, choreographed by stunt co-ordinator Kier Beck, which has led the way along with stunt crew from six other countries.Keir Beck, who is known for acclaimed Hollywood films like The Matrix and Mad Max Fury Road, is all praise for the recently-concluded schedule of Rinzing and Nilesh's action entertainer. Speaking from the sets of his next film, Beck recounted the momentous shoot for the climax of the Hindi film, “We had one of the biggest climax fights with 400 stuntmen. It was a modern-day battle, and not to give out too much from the film's script, but the toys that we were assigned for filming the sequence were amazing too."
He goes on to add, “There are very few times that one writes something on paper and it translates to the screen so accurately. Through all the hardships, we managed to achieve something special." The stunt director is extremely excited about the outcome but won't divulge any details.
Beck also praises his director. “Nilesh is extremely hyper in a very good way and motivated. I didn’t see him sit down for a second, often he would go with his megaphone curating 400 people to all their positions before the carnage, reminding me of a young Michael Bay,” he said.
On Rinzing, Beck said, "The boy has great screen presence and does action extremely well.”
Nilesh whose company also represents Beck in India, adds, “It was the best experience working with Kier who is a dear friend. I and a lot of other people are looking forward to working with him in India soon. The second schedule of Squad is all set to start on November 10."
John Abraham to have an action-packed role in Rinzing Dengzongpa's debut film Squad
7:39 AM
The acting debut of Danny Denzongpa’s son takes off in Russia in July
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 2, 2019)
Mirror was the first to report that Danny Denzongpa’s son, Rinzing, will make his acting debut with the action-thriller Squad, which is a battle royale between Special Forces with a little girl at its centre. Soon after, it had emerged that Anita Raj’s niece, Malvika, has been romantically paired with Rinzing in the film. Now, we have learnt that the film, which is slated to go on the floors in July, will feature John Abraham in a special role.“I have told John briefly that I want to have him in a cameo. I am in the process of writing his role and then discuss it with him. It’s a special part, and people will get to see him in a way that they haven’t before,” producer Nilesh Sahay told Mirror. John, who has just wrapped up shooting for his upcoming comedy, Pagalpanti, in London, added, “If Nilesh asks me to do a cameo, it will be very difficult for me to say no. I’ll do it, as simple as that.”
Mirror had earlier reported that Jyoti Kapur Das will be directing the film but now Nilesh has taken over the duty. John said that he is looking forward to seeing his friend make his directorial debut. “Nilesh is one of the few people in India who understand action. It’s an ambitious film, and we have been discussing details,” John stated, adding that he is also in talks for other scripts with Nilesh. “I am looking forward to work on an action film with him soon.”Next up, Nilesh wants to adapt the Hollywood film, The Expendables, in Hindi sometime next year with John stepping into Sylvester Stallone’s shoes. “That’s a film meant to be made with John, but it’s on the backburner for now as casting an ensemble is a huge headache. I promise that the film will take off sometime next year,” he said.
Shooting for Rinzing’s debut, which is eyeing a 2020 release, kicks off in Russia. It will be followed by a Mumbai schedule.
Rinzing Denzongpa and I went to the same school-Malvika Raaj
7:59 AM
Malvika, Anita Raaj’s niece, pairs up with Danny Denzongpa’s son to play a sniper in an action-thriller; the Jyoti Kapur Das directorial rolls in April
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 26, 2019)
Veteran actor Anita Raj’s niece, Malvika Raaj, has been signed as the female lead opposite Danny Denzongpa’s son, Rinzing, in the action-thriller Squad which goes on the floors in April. Malvika was chosen for the role from among 30 hopefuls. This, however, is not her first stint in front of the camera. “I played the younger Kareena Kapoor in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham,” informs Malvika, adding, “The film will always be special as that’s when I realised I wanted to act.”Talking about her character in the film which chronicles a battle royal between the Special Forces, Malvika informs that she is a sniper who goes by the name of Aria. “She’s very knowledgeable about weapons which is important to the storyline. There’s a lot of action and a little bit of romance with Rinzing,” she smiles.
Quiz her on her homework and the actress reveals that she has already started training with the action team, and will soon start training in special weapons.
Mirror had earlier reported (January 5) that producer Nilesh Sahay has got Jyoti Kapur Das on board as the director. She is among the very few women directors to step into a genre which has traditionally been a male bastion. Malvika is eager to start shooting with Jyoti. “I am glad that we are breaking from stereotypical thinking that a woman can’t direct an action film. These days there is no gender differentiation and I am pretty sure my director will nail it,” she avers.
Malvika goes on to reveal that the comfort level is high since she has known Rinzing for a while now. “We were in the same school and grew up in the same social circle. When we were young, we even attended each other’s birthday parties so now sharing the screen with him is going to be a lot of fun,” she smiles.
Finally, how did her aunt, Anita Raaj, react to the news of Malvika following in her footsteps into a lead role? “She knows Rinzing better than I do as he shares a great bond with her son. My aunt has always been very supportive and it will be interesting for her to see both Rinzing and me in the same film,” she says.
Squad will take off on the sets in Mumbai in April, followed by a prolonged schedule in Budapest. The action will be designed by Kier Beck of Mad Max: Fury Road fame.
Mad Max: Fury Road stunt director comes on board for Rinzing Denzongpa’s Squad
8:13 AM
Kier Beck will choreograph seven stunt teams from different countries for the thriller
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 7, 2019)
Mirror had earlier (January 5) reported that Jyoti Kapur Das will make her directorial debut with an action thriller Squad, which will launch Danny Denzongpa’s son, Rinzing. Now we have learnt that producer Nilesh Sahay has recruited Kier Beck as the head stunt coordinator. Beck has earlier worked on Hollywood films, including the Matrix franchise, Casino Royale from the Bond series and the Oscar-winning Mad Max: Fury Road. He will choreograph stunt teams from Germany, Croatia, Australia, Poland and London.Explaining the need to have several action experts, Nilesh explains that Squad has some death-defying stunts and they didn’t want to compromise on safety. “Beck is a globally renowned stunt rigger and under him, the seven stunt teams, who are masters of different forms of martial arts, will design the action scenes,” he informs, adding that from hand-to-hand combats to chases and gun-blazing sequences, the film will be an action fest. He also wants an Indian stunt team but has still to lock one.
Beck, for whom Bollywood is a completely new ball game, revealed that he has wanted to work in the country for a long time. “I love the fact that in Indian films the action compliments the story. I’m looking forward to working with Nylo (Nilesh) who has an indepth understanding of action,” he stated. Squad, which is set in Budapest, will showcase a battle between the different special forces. The film rolls in April.
Danny Denzongpa's son Rinzing to make acting debut with action-thriller Squad
8:12 AM
Rinzing Denzongpa will be introduced with an emotional action thriller, which has a child at its centre and rolls in April 2019
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 10, 2018)
In the new year another star son will emerge on the big screen. Danny Denzongpa’s son Rinzing is set to make his acting debut with an action film titled Squad, a battle royale between special forces with a little girl at its centre, which is scheduled to go on the floors in April 2019.
Danny confirms the news, saying, “I’m happy that Rinzing has finally zeroed in on a script and a part that he is excited to portray. It is a proud moment for the family and me to see him start his career without any help from me. Filmmaking is a constant struggle to achieve higher standards and actors are just a small part of the process. However, it’s the struggle and hard work that helps bring awareness and experience to the artiste. I hope Rinzing discovers new aspects of himself in this process and finds fulfilment in the line of work he has chosen.”
When quizzed on the project, the 70-year-old actor, last seen in Bioscopewala, admits that he has gone through the script. “It is a nice action thriller with a lot of subtle humour and a healthy dose of emotional moments. I met Nilesh (Sahay, producer, veteran actress Zaheeda’s son) recently when I was in Mumbai. He is a well-informed and sharp young man. And since he is from the film fraternity, he knows the industry well and I’m sure he will come out with a sensible commercial product,” Danny asserts.
Nilesh, who is also the producer-director of the Hindi version of the Hollywood action-franchise, The Expendables, promises that Squad, the emotional journey of Rinzing, his leading lady and the child, will be one of the biggest action films of next year. He has yet to lock on the director and the leading lady but is all pumped up about his hero. Pointing out that action as a genre requires physical attributes to sell, he believes Rinzing has tons of it. “I was blown away by his presence during our first meeting itself. He’s going to be one of the biggest action stars in the coming years and will bridge the gap between India and the West with respect to male action heroes. He is India’s answer to Dwayne Johnson,” the filmmaker states confidently.
The man in question adds that while he has been approached for many films, his true love has always been action. “When I read this script, I was blown away by its scale and size. It’s a dream launch. Nilesh, who runs a successful action portal, represents most of the international talent in India and has a VFX company which will handle the visual effects, is the man for this genre. I’m super excited!” exclaims Rinzing, who towers at sixfoot-four-inches and is currently training twice a day for two hours. “That will increase when I start on fight choreography and flexibility training. I also leave for a special task forces programme soon,” he informs.
Prod Danny, who had come down from Sikkim five decades ago to carve his own niche in Hindi cinema, on what sets Rinzing apart from the crowd, and he says, “For a parent, his child is always special. But it is the audience who will decide whether an actor has anything special to offer and that perception is influenced by his skills, personality and most importantly, how he conducts himself in life. I hope Rinzing will strive to live the best version of himself, both on and off camera, and create a space for himself.”
When I came into the industry, I was like an alien as I looked different!-Danny Denzongpa
7:57 AM
Hiren Kotwani (BOMBAY TIMES; May 21, 2018)
In a career spanning over four-and-a-half decades, Danny Denzongpa has essayed a variety of roles. The 70-year-old, who has declined offers for want of novelty in characters and films, now spends most of his time at his farmhouse in his home state Sikkim, where he has a successful brewery business. When he’s not acting in movies, the Padma Shri recipient paints, carves, treks, till an interesting role and project beckons him to Mumbai. With his next, Bioscopewala releasing on May 25, we catch up with the actor. Excerpts...
In the recent past, you have been a part of movies like Jai Ho and Bang Bang (2014), Baby (2015) as well as Naam Shabana (2017). But it has been long since you have had a full-fledged role in a film…
Maybe you feel that because you’re used to seeing me in powerful roles. But in Baby, I had maximum scenes, and we shot according to the script. Having said that, there has been a gap, but during that time I was shooting for Bioscopewala and then I took up Manikarnika - The Queen Of Jhansi. The latter is mounted on a huge scale and took time to make. I still have to do some patchwork on it. That’s my other release this year.
Do you attribute your missing-in-action to lack of good scripts, interesting characters and films?
Many offers that came to me were conventional roles, which I had played before. Most new directors have that image of me from the movies, which I did in the ’80s and ’90s. That was too monotonous and I wanted to do something different. So, I chose these two movies.
What made you take up Bioscopewala?
It’s based on Rabindranath Tagore’s story Kabuliwala. When I was a kid, I had seen Bimal Roy’s Kabuliwala, in which Balraj Sahni played the protagonist. It’s a nice emotional story, which revolves around the relationship between the protagonist and the little girl. That film really moved me. In the ’70s, I wanted to do a film on Kabuliwala and requested Bimal Roy if he could part with the rights. But that time, it didn’t materialise. So, when this offer came to me, I was excited as I wanted to do this role.
It’s been 47 years since you started as an actor with Mere Apne (1971). How do you look back at the journey?
It has been a pleasant journey. When I came into the industry, I was like an alien as I looked different (laughs). Filmmakers would make movies on subjects in which I didn’t fit in. Somehow I got a chance to act in Gulzar saab’s Mere Apne. Then B R Ishara chose me for Zaroorat (1972). Finally, B R Chopra cast me in Dhund (1973), which made me a star. People have been kind after that. Then filmmakers started making lost-and-found stories. Manmohan Desai made many of them, which became huge hits. I couldn’t fit in them as I couldn’t look like anyone’s son or brother. So, I didn’t accept many of those offers. Then, N N Sippy offered me Fakira (1976) and interestingly, I was supposed to play Shashi Kapoor’s brother. It became a golden jubilee hit. That’s when I realised that once the public accepts you, they will accept you in any part. Thereafter, I played everyone’s brother or father (smiles).
In hindsight, do you think you got your due as an actor?
I have been blessed to be successful. However, sometimes I feel I didn’t get the kind of roles I wanted to play. I did Frozen (2007), which was a nice subject and a different take on cinema. It won two National Awards, bagged honours and won acclaim at several international film festivals, but it didn’t do well commercially. I was still waiting for interesting parts. Bioscopewala is one of those films that has a simple, yet different story and is made very well. Director Deb Medhekar and his crew have worked hard. The response to the trailer is good and I hope people like the movie, too.
Having started in 1971, you wanted to quit acting around 1980. Then again sometime in 2003, you wanted to take a break. Why did you want to quit and what made you change your mind?
When the roles got monotonous, I took a break. In fact, I wanted to quit and attempt something different. I went through that phase several times. In the ’70s, I was doing many films and suddenly I got so fed up with the routine work that I stopped signing movies. I directed a horror flick, Phir Wohi Raat (1980) with Rajesh Khanna. Then I took a break for two years as I was fed up. I went trekking, started painting, carving... I do all these things as they give me immense pleasure. Cinema is an expensive art form whereas painting requires just some paint and a brush. If you don’t like it, you can trash it and restart. So, it doesn’t cost much. I follow my heart. Fortunately, people accepted me when I resumed working in movies.
Phir Wohi Raat is still considered as one of the best Hindi horror films. Why didn’t you direct again?
I had some scripts when I got more acting offers from major filmmakers. While shooting those movies, I discussed the subjects that I wanted to explore with those producers. But they felt the stories were either like Hollywood movies or not too commercial. Since I got good acting offers, I took them up and didn’t pursue direction the way most people do. Someday, if I feel like, I might make a different movie.
You played some of the most memorable antagonists on screen... With heroes playing negative roles, do you think it’s the end of villains in Bollywood?
I think so. I remember, many years ago, before I joined films, Dharamji played a character with grey shades in Aayee Milan Ki Bela (1964), which starred Rajendra Kumar and Saira Banu. He was even nominated for Best Supporting Actor. Those days, heroes never did negative roles. In the ’70s and ’80s, villains became the most important characters after heroes. In the stories, their roles were written larger-than-life. They had wonderful dialogues, they were loud and seemed gimmicky, but it made a lot of impact on the audience. There was Pran saab, Prem Chopra, then I came in, then Amrish Puri, Amjad Khan, Ranjeet, Gulshan Grover, Shakti Kapoor, everyone had their own parts. But when heroes started playing grey characters, the parts for villains gradually diminished. Now, if it’s written in a believable way, we can still do it.
Most star kids follow their parents’ footsteps into Bollywood. Is your son, Rinzing, too gearing up for his debut?
Rinzing has been training himself. He’s even getting offers, but he will have to decide for himself what is right for him. For a newcomer, picking a wrong movie at the beginning of his career can prove to have an adverse effect for a couple of years. He’s a grown-up boy who can look after himself. What’s the use if I have to make a film for him or call friends to cast him? He should achieve his goal on his own merit.
Salman Khan has already done way more for me than what I deserved-Sooraj Pancholi
8:17 AM
Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; May 29, 2017)
Sooraj Pancholi has his been
waiting for his big follow-up after much-talked-about debut, Hero. His
personal life has also been tumultuous, but the boy seems undeterred.
Conversing with Sooraj is like chatting with a regular lad, who's
toiling to find his feet in a workspace, without being beaten by the
pressure of what's-next. In a candid conversation with BT, at a bustling
suburban cafe, the 26-year-old talked about his career, his equation
with his father and why he doesn't expect anything more from Salman
Khan. Excerpts...
What's next, really?
I was expected to start Faruk Kabir's film, which is taking a while, but we'll be on course soon. I've been prepping for it. There's also a Remo D'Souza film, which will hopefully start once he completes his next with Salman Khan. And, there was another movie that never took off.
It's been two years since Salman Khan launched you, but your second film hasn't taken off yet. Does it unnerve you?
I have been through something so drastic in my life so early on, that I see the world in a completely different light. I've been through what no one goes through at the age of 21. It changed the course of my life and my world view. So, the slow pace of my career doesn't bother me. Hero did decent business, particularly for a film with newcomers. With two star kids being launched by Salman, the expectations for Hero to clock in magical figures were high. I agree that two years is a long gap, but I am using the time to travel and read, and to prepare myself to be noticed as an artiste. I wanted to do something more performance-oriented, which is the reason I took up Faruk's film.
When you made your debut, it was expected that Salman might bankroll your next film too...
I don't expect too much from him. Salman Khan has already done way more for me than what I deserved.
But there must have been additional pressure on you compared to other newbies to find your way out of a superstar's shadow...
My journey has been different from other newcomers'; easy or difficult, I don't know. I have a few other battles to win before I can become a winner at work. So, it's not like I have an easy life. I don't have a superstar father or mother who can handhold my career or a parent who is a producer. Salman sir helped me with Hero and backed me in more ways than one. Having said that, I'm just 26; I'll find my way around things.
What did you learn from your tough times?
I wouldn't say my experiences taught me something because you need to do something wrong to learn what is right. I was in a relationship, which didn't work. I was young then. I didn't know what life meant. At that age, how many youngsters know what they want in life or the meaning of life? I don't really think that there was something to learn there, but yes, time has made me wiser and brought me closer to my loved ones. My family has stood by me like a rock and I value that completely. My sister and mother (Sana and Zarina) are exceptionally strong women, but my father (Aditya Pancholi) tends to get very emotional.
Considering the fact that your dad is an established actor, did he have a strong role to play in your career?
He never made a call to anyone for me and he wouldn't ever do it. That's how he is. And I like it that way. I am not a baby. It was okay if he had made that call when I was 19. At my age (26), he was already a father. So, we bond more as friends. He gave my sister and me a lot of freedom in our formative years.
You come across as shy and reserved. Have you been able to make friends in this industry?
I am shy, but I am not uptight. Once I get comfortable with people, I'm like an open book. I have a lot of friends, but only about five of them know me inside out, at times even better than what my family would know.
Your circle of friends includes Athiya (Shetty), Rinzing Denzongpa (Danny's son) and Tiger Shroff among others. How often do you guys catch up?
I spoke to Athiya just recently. Tiger and I are still very thick, but he's so caught up that we hardly get to see him. He's the busiest among us. Actually, we meet his dad (Jackie Shroff) more often. He's very social and friendly.
Tiger's dad Jackie and your father are also thick friends. Like Tiger, I am sure you get compared to your dad, too...
Our fathers actually bond over drinks, and sometimes catch up on the phone. Come to think of it, if I were a girl, I would have run away with Jackie Shroff, he's so hot (laughs). Look, it's good that we are compared to our dads. I don't think anyone of us feels bad when women say, 'Tumhare daddy kitne handsome hain.' Our kids, hopefully, will get to hear the same thing. Actually, we have beautiful mothers too, but no man dare say, 'Hey, your mother is really hot.' They'll be crushed (laughs).
You continue to live in Juhu while your family has moved to Versova. Do you ever feel lonely?
I am not leaving my old house in Juhu; too many memories are attached to the place. I like being alone. My house is very tiny, so at times, I host three to five friends. If Rinzing (Denzongpa) comes over, then only three can be accommodated because he takes up all the space (laughs). On a serious note, I am hardly home. I leave home at 8 or 9 am and return 12 hours later. If I am not doing anything, I sleep by 11 pm. I like the idea that there's no one at home. As for the void, I meet my parents every day for lunch; they stay just a few minutes away. My room in their Versova pad has been converted into a TV room, which means I've officially been kicked out (laughs).
What's next, really?
I was expected to start Faruk Kabir's film, which is taking a while, but we'll be on course soon. I've been prepping for it. There's also a Remo D'Souza film, which will hopefully start once he completes his next with Salman Khan. And, there was another movie that never took off.
It's been two years since Salman Khan launched you, but your second film hasn't taken off yet. Does it unnerve you?
I have been through something so drastic in my life so early on, that I see the world in a completely different light. I've been through what no one goes through at the age of 21. It changed the course of my life and my world view. So, the slow pace of my career doesn't bother me. Hero did decent business, particularly for a film with newcomers. With two star kids being launched by Salman, the expectations for Hero to clock in magical figures were high. I agree that two years is a long gap, but I am using the time to travel and read, and to prepare myself to be noticed as an artiste. I wanted to do something more performance-oriented, which is the reason I took up Faruk's film.
When you made your debut, it was expected that Salman might bankroll your next film too...
I don't expect too much from him. Salman Khan has already done way more for me than what I deserved.
But there must have been additional pressure on you compared to other newbies to find your way out of a superstar's shadow...
My journey has been different from other newcomers'; easy or difficult, I don't know. I have a few other battles to win before I can become a winner at work. So, it's not like I have an easy life. I don't have a superstar father or mother who can handhold my career or a parent who is a producer. Salman sir helped me with Hero and backed me in more ways than one. Having said that, I'm just 26; I'll find my way around things.
What did you learn from your tough times?
I wouldn't say my experiences taught me something because you need to do something wrong to learn what is right. I was in a relationship, which didn't work. I was young then. I didn't know what life meant. At that age, how many youngsters know what they want in life or the meaning of life? I don't really think that there was something to learn there, but yes, time has made me wiser and brought me closer to my loved ones. My family has stood by me like a rock and I value that completely. My sister and mother (Sana and Zarina) are exceptionally strong women, but my father (Aditya Pancholi) tends to get very emotional.
Considering the fact that your dad is an established actor, did he have a strong role to play in your career?
He never made a call to anyone for me and he wouldn't ever do it. That's how he is. And I like it that way. I am not a baby. It was okay if he had made that call when I was 19. At my age (26), he was already a father. So, we bond more as friends. He gave my sister and me a lot of freedom in our formative years.
You come across as shy and reserved. Have you been able to make friends in this industry?
I am shy, but I am not uptight. Once I get comfortable with people, I'm like an open book. I have a lot of friends, but only about five of them know me inside out, at times even better than what my family would know.
Your circle of friends includes Athiya (Shetty), Rinzing Denzongpa (Danny's son) and Tiger Shroff among others. How often do you guys catch up?
I spoke to Athiya just recently. Tiger and I are still very thick, but he's so caught up that we hardly get to see him. He's the busiest among us. Actually, we meet his dad (Jackie Shroff) more often. He's very social and friendly.
Tiger's dad Jackie and your father are also thick friends. Like Tiger, I am sure you get compared to your dad, too...
Our fathers actually bond over drinks, and sometimes catch up on the phone. Come to think of it, if I were a girl, I would have run away with Jackie Shroff, he's so hot (laughs). Look, it's good that we are compared to our dads. I don't think anyone of us feels bad when women say, 'Tumhare daddy kitne handsome hain.' Our kids, hopefully, will get to hear the same thing. Actually, we have beautiful mothers too, but no man dare say, 'Hey, your mother is really hot.' They'll be crushed (laughs).
You continue to live in Juhu while your family has moved to Versova. Do you ever feel lonely?
I am not leaving my old house in Juhu; too many memories are attached to the place. I like being alone. My house is very tiny, so at times, I host three to five friends. If Rinzing (Denzongpa) comes over, then only three can be accommodated because he takes up all the space (laughs). On a serious note, I am hardly home. I leave home at 8 or 9 am and return 12 hours later. If I am not doing anything, I sleep by 11 pm. I like the idea that there's no one at home. As for the void, I meet my parents every day for lunch; they stay just a few minutes away. My room in their Versova pad has been converted into a TV room, which means I've officially been kicked out (laughs).
Rinzing Denzongpa follows Tiger Shroff into Bollywood
8:56 AM
Subhash K Jha (DNA; October 24, 2014)
Danny Denzongpa’s only son and heir-apparent Rinzing
was all set to join his father’s brewery business. But then Bollywood
(or rather, Tiger Shroff) beckoned.
And Rinzing is now training round-the-clock in dancing, martial arts and horse riding to become an actor.
According to Danny, his son’s career change was brought on by Tiger. Says Danny, “I thought my son would join my beer business. But then his best friend Tiger decided to become an actor. So now Rinzing is training to be an actor. He has his own mind and his own way of thinking. I wouldn’t even dream of influencing his decisions. All my life, I’ve taken my own. He has my best wishes in whatever he does.”
When told about Rinzing’s decision, Tiger says, “I wouldn’t like to think that Rinzing would take such a decision about his career simply because his best friend has chosen a certain path. Rinzing is his own man and knows what’s best for him.”
Incidentally, Tiger and Rinzing’s fathers Jackie Shroff and Danny Denzongpa were also best friends.
Salman Khan takes Raza Murad, Danny Denzongpa and Vijay Anand’s sons under his wings?
8:13 AM
Bharati Dubey (MID-DAY; May 26, 2014)
Salman Khan, who is known to mentor newcomers will soon be launching not one
but three actors, all of whom incidentally hail from film families.According to industry sources, he will be launching Raza Murad’s son Ali, Danny Denzongpa’s son, Rinzing, and the late Vijay Anand’s son, Vaibhav Anand.
The film starring these newcomers is likely to be remake of the Telugu film, Happy Days. It is being said that it will be directed by South Indian filmmaker, Sekhar Kammula. When contacted, Raza Murad said, “I know that Salman personally wants Ali be in this film. My son has done a look test but we are not yet aware of the final result.’’ About his son Rinzing being a part of the film, Danny Denzongpa says that he has no idea about it. "I have no clue about any of this. I don’t think anything has been finalised so far; all I know is that Rinzing training hard for a proper launch.’’ Vijay Anand’s son Vaibhav was not available for comment.
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