Showing posts with label Rishikesh. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rishikesh. Show all posts
Uttarakhand rains delay Emraan Hashmi and Himesh Reshammiya's Gunmaaster G9 schedule to September
10:59 AM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 16, 2025)
On July 9, as soon as Gunmaaster G9 was announced, social media went into overdrive, cheering the reunion of Emraan Hashmi and Himesh Reshammiya, who composed many of the actor’s chartbusters in the early 2000s. But the Aditya Datt-directed action thriller has hit a roadblock right at the start. While the Hashmi and Genelia Deshmukh-starrer was to roll in a village near Rishikesh in Uttarakhand by mid-July, the makers have called off the schedule in light of the heavy rains that battered North India last week.
The call was taken to ensure the safety of the cast and crew, says Datt. “The situation in North India, especially Uttarakhand and even Delhi, has been quite serious. While our team was eager to push forward, for me, the safety of my crew comes first. We’re dealing with real [locations], not sets, and the risk factor becomes too high in such weather.”
The team has reworked the shoot dates. Now, Gunmaaster G9 will roll only in September. “We’d rather wait and shoot with full intensity once the skies clear,” states Datt.
The decision may have resulted in a six-week delay for the project, but producer Deepak Mukut is unfazed. He says, “We’ve all seen how the rains have wreaked havoc, [resulting in] road closures, flooding, and landslides. It’s not the right time to shoot. We made this decision unanimously.”
Flattered, as I’m an outsider, says Anant V Joshi on playing UP CM Yogi Adityanath
9:20 AM
Deep Saxena (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 30, 2025)
While he admits that biopics are demanding, actor Anant V Joshi is thrilled to play the lead role in the upcoming biopic on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Anant, who has been noticed for his roles in Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein (2022), 12th Fail (2023), and Maamla Legal Hai (2024), says, “I am eager to do different roles. I feel flattered to get this opportunity, especially since I am not an industry kid or a social media influencer. At a time when we talk about nepotism, outsiders like me getting such an opportunity makes me hopeful.”
The movie, titled Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi, is based on author-political analyst Shantanu Gupta’s book The Monk Who Became Chief Minister. It is directed by Ravindra Gautam, who is known for helming Maharani Season 2 (2022) and Ekkees Toppon Ki Salaami (2024). The film has been extensively shot in Rishikesh (Uttarakhand) and Lucknow.
Ask Anant about biopics connecting with the audience, and he says, “Any biopic made with honesty and integrity will work. It’s tough to make a film about a person in a powerful position who is loved by many. As an actor, it is a tightrope walk to work in a biopic; it can look like a caricature if you try to imitate someone.”
Tying each other rakhis has become an annual ritual for Krystle Dsouza and I-Nia Sharma
8:48 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; August 10, 2024)
Their on-screen camaraderie may have ended when Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai wrapped up in 2013, but Nia Sharma and Krystle Dsouza have effortlessly translated their on-screen chemistry into a strong off-screen bond, nurturing it over the years. This Raksha Bandhan, they will celebrate their relationship by tying the sacred thread of love and protection to each other for the fourth consecutive year.
‘Tying each other rakhis has become an annual ritual for us’
Nia recalls, “One Raksha Bandhan, my brother Vinay, who is based in Bengaluru, couldn’t make it. Krystle, who became my neighbour in 2021, surprised me by showing up with a rakhi and a beautiful hamper. That’s how it started, and it has since become an annual ritual for us. We are continuing the legacy we created as sisters on our TV show years ago.”
Krystle says, “I have an elder brother, but he moved to Canada around 10 years ago, so I haven’t been able to tie him a rakhi. Since the show, I have always felt a special connection with Nia. On the show, we would tie each other rakhis, and I felt the need to keep this tradition going. Once we became neighbours, I thought it was the universe’s way of telling us we were meant to be together (smiles).”
‘Despite others trying to pit us against each other, it never affected us’
Reflecting on how they developed a strong bond, Nia shares, “I was just six months into the industry, while Krystle had already done a few shows. We would attend workshops together for Ek Hazaaron Mein.... She would pick me up in her car since I didn’t have one. Then, during a month-long outdoor schedule in Rishikesh, we shared a room, and that’s how our bond grew. There was a brief period when a slight rivalry emerged because our on-screen characters were pitted against each other, but we were mature enough never to let it affect our friendship.”
Krystle says, “When we started, we didn’t receive the star treatment we might get today. During our outdoor schedule, we shared one hotel room and had to wake up at 4 am for a 5 am shoot. I was more punctual, so I would wake up early. I would drag Nia to the washroom and throw her in the shower so we could get to the set on time. We always made sure to take care of each other. On days when I wasn’t well, she would ride a bike in Rishikesh to take me to the set. Our bond was strong from the start, and despite others trying to pit us against each other, it never affected us. I like to believe we have a past-life connection.”
‘Both of us are crazy, wild, and like to live life to the fullest’
Despite their different personalities, it’s the similarities they share that have strengthened their bond over the years. Nia says, “Even though Krystle played the older sister, and I played the naughtier one in the show, in real life, we are the same age. Both of us are crazy, wild, and like to live life to the fullest. We don’t get to meet often because we are busy with our own lives and friend circles, but whenever we do, we can laugh about anything. Hum aankhon aankhon mein kisi ko dekh kar hassna hota hai hass lete hain. I am a little louder, and she has become calmer (laughs!).”
Krystle believes the differences are the best part of their relationship. She adds, “We are very different and that’s the best part. I am the calm, and she is the chaos. She is really chaotic! Though we are very different, we share some similarities – we have our values in place, we are both hardworking, and independent, and we have worked hard to achieve something for ourselves. Somewhere in those similarities, we meet. But yes, we are very different in terms of personality.”
Kitchen confessions:
Talking about their skills in the kitchen, Krystle shares, “I see myself as the more responsible sibling in life, while Nia is the more skilled one in the kitchen. I remember inviting her over for tea and making the worst tea possible. She drank it, cursing with every sip, but still finished it (laughs!). The next day, she invited me over for tea, and that’s when I realised she was the better cook.”
Currently, Nia is busy shooting for her TV show, Suhagan Chudail, while Krystle has been travelling for over a week. So, how does she plan to tie rakhi to Nia this year? “It’s a ritual I can’t miss at any cost. So, I will fly back to be with Nia on Raksha Bandhan,” Krystle affirms.
Recreations are fine, but the stature of a song shouldn’t be compromised-Kailash Kher
2:21 PM
Talking about the current trend of old songs being re-recorded for films, Kailash Kher says one shouldn’t disturb the aesthetics of the OG track
Soumya Vajpayee (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 7, 2024)
Move over remixes. Of late, there has been a lot of buzz around old Hindi classics being recreated for Bollywood projects, featuring the OG singers or new artistes. Singer Kailash Kher, who turns 51 today, doesn’t see a problem with that, as long as “the aesthetics aren’t compromised in the name of recreation and modernisation”.
Kher says, “With changing times, trends are bound to change. Kisi bhi gaane ko recreate karna galat nahin hai. Lekin recreation ki wajah se ek gaane ka stature compromise nahin hona chahiye. Kuch naya banaane ke chakkar mein ek bade gaane mein halki baat ho jaaye, woh theek nahin.”
The Padma Shri recipient has done playback for six Bollywood outings this year, “with many more in the works”. But he makes sure he strikes a balance between film and independent music:
“I record at least seven to eight film songs every month, for Hindi as well as regional films. But, as an artiste, my intent has always been to release my own music. I’ve always strived towards being a complete musician, hence I compose, sing and write. While film music gets you acclaim and it has cemented my place in the industry, independent music is my first love, as it is entirely mine. It’s a creative outlet that gives contentment to my soul. So, no matter how many film songs we do, releasing independent music frequently is always a priority for Kailasa (his band).”
On his birthday, he decided to gift himself a single, Ishq Hai. “It is a love song,” says Kher, adding, “I am also doing a bhandara today in Rishikesh, where I would be distributing 200 kg laddoos.”
I cycled from Gangotri to Gangasagar in 75 days-Shantanu Moitra
8:12 AM
“Cycling is nostalgia for me,” says Shantanu Moitra who learnt and fell in love with the sport when he was in the fifth standard. In a candid chat with us for World Bicycle Day, the musician who has composed for films like 3 Idiots and 12th Fail takes us through his life-changing experiences while cycling around the country. Excerpts:
Baba taught me how to cycle
As a child, my first sense of freedom came from cycling. The falling, getting up trying again – as you learn, your parents let you go which gives a sense of independence also. In Delhi’s East Patel Nagar, where we grew up, we used to see every other person travelling on a bicycle, but I never had my own as we couldn’t afford it. So I used to borrow from my friends and take rounds of our neighbourhood. My father was an avid cycle lover. He used to travel 40 km to and from work every day. He taught me how to balance the two wheels. I remember the day vividly when he let me go on my own. It was an important day in my life, it empowered me to take care of myself.
‘My father’s cycling tales fascinated me’
Baba always told me how he made friends from different walks of life while he used to cycle. He and his friends always went to a particular tea shop for chai or nimbu paani on their way back home. He had created a world while cycling and it fascinated me. Just imagine: you are riding a cycle and stop to pick up a jamun that fell from a tree. Isn’t it captivating? All these stories were like a fantasy land for me.
‘I bought my first cycle when I was 30’
Ironically, I never got to buy a cycle when I was in school or college. Eventually, I bought a car, but never a cycle. When I came to Mumbai 30 years back, I saw cycling as a hobby was popular. That was when I bought my first cycle, at 30 years of age! It made me nostalgic and I realized I was made for cycling. Then a cycling community was formed and, every Sunday at 5.30 am, we used to cycle 70 km, from my home in Versova to Nariman Point. It was a Sunday morning ritual we looked forward to. Everyone in this community was a cycle lover.
‘The Ganga expedition was an opportunity of a lifetime’
Shantanu shares that after completing the music composition for 3 Idiots, he undertook a ‘100 days in Himalayas’ trip in 2016. “I was travelling above 14,000 feet right from Kashmir to Tibet. The perspective I gained from that trip made me realize that I wanted to do it on a cycle. I wanted to see Ganga from its source to the end. Adventure is not rational, one has to feel that urge from within. My fear was that the timing of the adventure (which he undertook in 2021) shouldn’t clash with the music composition of Shoojit Sircar’s Sardar Udham, but Shoojit being a friend assured me that he could adjust, and I shouldn’t let go of the opportunity of a lifetime.”
‘It was a mind game’
For the Ganga expedition, Shantanu realized that he had to cycle for 2,700 km. “That’s a magnificent number. I realized it’s a mind game. This time was pivotal in my life – Baba saw me prepping, which made him very happy. Soon after, COVID changed the world, and I lost Baba in the pandemic. I realized life is uncertain so I must fulfil my dream. I knew I had to do this expedition for my baba.”
‘Got professional guidance’
Shantanu started prepping for the trip in 2019. He says, “Before any mammoth expedition, professional guidance is a must. I got a nutritionist, and got medically checked. For my lung capacity, I practiced regularly at Bhor Ghat, Lonavala’s highest point. I mapped my route on a cycle trainer at home. I started my regime by cycling 100-150 kms every day and slowly the cycle became my greatest companion and best friend. Within 25 days, I reached Rishikesh, and the expedition of 75 days started from Gangotri to Gangasagar. It was a memorable experience.”
Shantanu’s safety tips
- If you are cycling early in the morning, there has to be a taillight on and a helmet light on
- A red light is applicable for all transports, including a cycle. Respect that
- Before you start long-distance cycling, eat light food at least one and a half hours before. And after cycling for say 50 km, munch on a snack bar or something light so that your body has the fuel to continue
- People tend to avoid cycling and opt for a car or bike as they feel it is safer. The first and foremost rule while cycling is to wear a helmet, it’s non-negotiable
- Hydration is a must when you are cycling long distances. Alertness is very important for a cyclist and that happens when you keep yourself hydrated. Also, muscle reflexivity increases if you are well-hydrated
- Need to create paths for cyclists
- If we encourage cycling for the young generation on World Cycling Day, we have to create paths for cyclists – and that is the biggest concern of urban civilization. Any civilized place has cycling tracks. If we want less fuel consumption, less pollution and a healthier lifestyle, cycling tracks are a must in any city.
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Cycling takes care of one’s body, mind and reflexes. Not only does it help build a community but also lets one connect with nature. We must encourage the young generation to cycle more for a better world
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No one understood why a music director is cycling down a river. I failed to explain to people that it was an experience of a lifetime. Every pedal was a tribute to my father and no one can stop me from cycling
– Shantanu on his Gangotri to Gangasagar expedition
The composer shared with us his cycling route map for the Gangotri to Gangasagar expedition, spanning 2,700 km. “I mapped my route on a cycle trainer at home,” he tells us
Before diving into Srikanth’s promotions, Rajkummar Rao to wrap up Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video
3:05 PM
Before diving into Srikanth’s promotions, Rajkummar to wrap up Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video with 10-day stint in Madh Island and city hospital
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; April 11, 2024)
Rajkummar Rao is gearing up for his first release of 2024 with Srikanth. But before he dives into the biopic’s promotions, the actor will have to make a quick trip to the ’90s. Rao, who leads Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video, a social comedy set in the ’90s, wrapped up an extensive schedule in Uttarakhand last week. Now, director Raaj Shaandilyaa is readying for a 10-day stint in Mumbai with Rao and leading lady Triptii Dimri, after which it will be a wrap on the film.
In late January, the director kicked off the project in Uttarakhand with the entire cast that includes Mallika Sherawat and Vijay Raaz.
A source from the creative team says, “Raaj likes to wrap up his projects fast. While a chunk of the comedy was shot in Rishikesh and Dehradun, only a part is now left to be filmed in Mumbai. Over the weekend, Rajkummar will prep to slip into the character again.”
Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video follows the pandemonium that breaks out in a small town when a couple’s intimate video tape goes missing. The source adds, “After the scandal, the couple comes to Mumbai in search of help. The unit will shoot in south Mumbai, Mira Road, Film City and Madh Island. While a dramatic scene will be canned at a hospital in Grant Road, another sequence is set in a cemetery.”
Producer Bhushan Kumar says, “We’re thrilled to wrap up shooting in Uttarakhand on schedule, and eager to continue the journey in Mumbai.”
Rajkummar Rao, Triptii Dimri to film two songs in Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video's mohalla set in Rishikesh
10:48 AM
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; February 15, 2024)
Last year, mid-day had reported that Rajkummar Rao and Triptii Dimri would kick off 2024 with the shoot of Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video (New year begins with a scandal, Nov 22). Sure enough, director Raaj Shaandilyaa’s social comedy rolled in Rishikesh on January 27 and is now in its last leg. We hear the team is gearing up to film two songs, after which it will be a wrap on the Ektaa R Kapoor production.
Set in the ’90s, Shaandilyaa’s film revolves around the pandemonium that happens in a small town when an intimate video of Vicky and Vidya, essayed by Rao and Dimri, goes missing. In keeping with the setting, production designer Rajat Poddar and his team built a set reflecting a mohalla of a north Indian town in Rishikesh.
A source reveals, “Everything, from the cars to the television sets, has been designed keeping the ’90s in mind. The director has been filming with the entire cast, including Mallika Sherawat, Rajat Kapoor and Vijay Raaz, in a start-to-finish schedule since January-end. He has allotted the next fortnight for the two songs. From Sunday, he will can a situational number that plays out against the backdrop of the mohalla and features the whole cast. The second is a romantic track featuring the lead pair.” If things go as planned, the project will reach the finish line by March 4.
Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video marks Rao’s first collaboration with director Shaandilyaa as well as leading lady Dimri.
Rajkummar Rao, Triptii Dimri to kick off Raaj Shaandilyaa's Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video in January 2024
7:57 AM
Sources say Rajkummar, Triptii to kick off Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video shoot from Jan; social comedy revolves around an intimate video that goes missing
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; November 22, 2023)
Something old, something new—that’s what Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video represents for Rajkummar Rao. With the social comedy, the actor is set to reunite with Ektaa Kapoor, the producer who started it all for him with Love Sex Aur Dhokha (2010) and went on to work with him on several projects thereafter. The film promises to forge new bonds too as Rao teams up for the first time with Triptii Dimri of Qala (2022) fame, and director Raaj Shaandilyaa. mid-day has learnt that the project, which was announced in September, will go on floors by January 2024.
Sources tell us that Shaandilyaa began work on the entertainer in October, only weeks after the release of his last hit, Dream Girl 2. The team has already conducted a recce for the entertainer that is set in the ’90s.
A source from the creative team reveals, “Raaj and his team visited Dehradun last month as the story has been envisioned in a north Indian town. He is currently scouting for locations in Rishikesh. Vicky Vidya… is right up Raaj’s alley, an entertainer with a social message. It revolves around the pandemonium in a small town when a VHS tape containing an intimate video of Vicky and Vidya, essayed by the lead actors, goes missing. The director wants to capture the lost charm of the ’90s, while bringing his trademark humour to the narrative.”
If things go as planned, the team will kick off the shoot in Dehradun from January 7. It will be a start-to-finish schedule with the lead actors having cleared the first two months of 2024 for the project.
The source adds, “First, the team will shoot the introductory scenes of the leads and their on-screen families. The protagonists’ families play a crucial role in the narrative. Raaj will finalise the supporting cast soon.”
Vicky Vidya… will mark Rao’s fourth release of 2024, after Sri, Stree 2 and Mr And Mrs Mahi.
Sunil Grover resumes shoot in Rishikesh two months after heart surgery
8:10 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; March 24, 2022)
In January, actor-comedian Sunil Grover was admitted to a Mumbai hospital after he suffered a heart attack. Reportedly, he underwent bypass surgery and was discharged on February 3. The actor is now back on the sets and is shooting a project in Rishikesh.
Informs a source close to the 44-year-old actor, “Sunil has been following a healthy fitness and diet regime. He has dealt with the health setback with a positive approach and is now raring to get back to work. He will commence the shoot of his new project in Rishikesh tomorrow. But he will follow his diet, yoga and fitness regime to the T.” Sunil couldn’t be reached for comment.
Recently, the actor also attended and performed at Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav in Delhi. The event organised by the Ministry of Culture witnessed performances by other artistes like Armaan Malik and Dhvani Bhanushali, among others.
I think we needed that jolt and this pandemic has given us that-Tara Sutaria
8:20 AM
Juhi Chakraborty (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 31, 2020)
This has been an unusual
year for everyone, with the Coronavirus pandemic crippling the world for months,
and the effects of it are still wearing off slowly. For actor Tara
Sutaria, 2020 made her count her blessings in more ways than one. “This
year has been hard in so many ways that we could not even imagine. It
has made me look at life very differently. It is a good thing for our
generation to have gone through this. One thing that we have learnt from
this is patience. It is something that as a generation we could really
do with,” shares Sutaria.
The actor says she got the time to introspect, and adds, “I think we needed that jolt and this pandemic has given us that. It’s taught us a lot of lesson we would not have leant had this not happened.”
Her films may have skipped release owing to the pandemic this year, but the 25-year-old says she didn’t lose motivation. “What kept me motivated despite all the low and terrible days was just having friends and family. It is a real luxury that we shouldn’t take for granted. During the pandemic when everything seemed bleak and all of us were confused, what kept me going was people I can count on. It is a real blessing,” explains the Marjaavaan (2019) actor.
Sutaria, who has resumed shooting of her next film Tadap in Mussoorie and Rishikesh, is happy to see things getting back to normalcy in the film industry. “Everyone is back to filming, very safely and responsibly. I think we have handled it very well. Coming out of this, we will have to find our way. It’s a first for all of us, there will be a lot of firsts and newness. Things will be a bit iffy but we will come out of it stronger than ever,” she concludes.
Image: Neha Kakkar to celebrate Holi with her family in their new home in Rishikesh
8:05 AM
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 9, 2020)
Neha Kakkar is on a 10-day break and will bring in Holi with her family in their new home in Rishikesh. “In my early days I used to sing at a lot of jagrans and one of the songs went, ‘Humko Aisa Ghar Do, Jisme Tumhara Mandir Ho’. Since then, we’ve wanted a house with a garden and a small mandir, along with a swimming pool and a big balcony. We even have an organic farm, and best of all, it’s walking distance from our old home,” informs the singer who recently wrapped up a season as judge on Indian Idol, where she came as a contestant in the second season and caught the eye. Another turning point was Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs after which she became the dream judge for every reality show. “I hope this dream run never ends,” she smiles.
In this era of remakes, Neha’s name is attached to most of them. She’s also featured in several music videos. Acting next? “I have the personality of an actress, but unfortunately, every singer has only given flops, so, I’m waiting for a script that I am 1000 per cent sure will be a hit,” she signs off.
Image: Game of Thrones actors Emilia Clarke, Rose Leslie at a Himalayan retreat for 15 days
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Game of Thrones’ Emilia Clarke, Rose Leslie were at a Himalayan retreat for 15 days
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 31, 2019)
Months after the hit American show Game Of Thrones concluded following eight seasons, two of its stars, Emilia Clarke and Rose Leslie, have set the internet buzzing. This time for a different reason. On Friday, 32-year-old Brit actress Clarke, who played one of the protagonists Daenerys Targaryen aka Khaleesi on the show, shared a series of images with a disclaimer: “This is NOT an ad, this is just two gals buzzed off our faces on India, peace, being robbed blind by monkeys, (we hardly put up a fight) the best two books I’ve read in years, yoga, spice, mamma earth and figuring out that all you’re ever looking for can be found within. Corny as hell but my God is it true (sic).” The post, which also featured Leslie (who played Ygritte on the show), soon had Indian GoT fans, welcoming the duo.
The girls stayed at a wellness retreat in the Himalayan foothills near Rishikesh. “Emilia and Rose had planned the visit well in advance and stayed there for 15 days. As a part of a wellness programme, they took part in several daily practices to rejuvenate themselves. They also participated in the Ganga aarti and did a bit of sightseeing as well before heading home on Thursday,” informs a source.
The duo also caught up on their reading, with Clarke recommending two books—Richard Powers’s The Overstory, which is about nine Americans whose unique life experiences with trees bring them together to address deforestation, and Jessica Andrews’s Saltwater, which she said is a “must-read”.
After the trip, Clarke headed straight to work. “#bollocksdoesthatmeanitstimetoworknow?” she had added in the post. Interestingly, Leslie met her husband, actor Kit Harington, who played Jon Snow, another central character on GoT, during filming.
Lakshman Jhula shuts down, will Bollywood move on to Ram Jhula?
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Built in 1923, the bridge has appeared in films like Ganga Ki Saugand, Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, Bunty Aur Babli and more
Niharika Lal (BOMBAY TIMES; July 15, 2019)
On Friday, the Uttarakhand government shut the 96-year-old suspension bridge Lakshman Jhula in Rishikesh for the public after a Public Works Department (PWD) report stated that the bridge was in a bad condition and could not “sustain more traffic in its present state”. The development will not only have an impact on the locals and tourists but also many film producers as the iconic bridge is one of Bollywood’s favourite shooting locations.Om Prakash, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), PWD, Uttarakhand, said that orders were issued to have the bridge shut on the PWD-appointed consultant’s recommendation. “It is not certain when the bridge will be opened,” he said.
The bustling 450 ft iron suspension bridge has long been one of the most popular shooting locations in Rishikesh, where everything from movies to television shows to ad campaigns have been shot. It has featured in a number of films, including Amitabh Bachchan’s 1978 film Ganga Ki Saugand, Ayushmann Khurrana’s Dum Laga Ke Haisha and last year’s Batti Gul Meter Chalu.
SALMAN KHAN’S NEXT MAY BE THE FIRST FILM TO GET AFFECTED
Shooting for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Inshallah, starring Salman Khan and Alia Bhatt, is scheduled for next month in Rishikesh, Haridwar and Uttarkashi. A Rishikesh-based line producer says, “In April, Sanjay did a recce in Haridwar and Rishikesh. We don’t have the list of locations yet, but one of the major locations was Lakshman Jhula. It won’t be possible for his crew and him to shoot there now.”
‘ONCE THE AUDIENCE SEES THE BRIDGE, THEY KNOW IT IS RISHIKESH’
Line producers say that Lakshman Jhula in Rishikesh is as iconic as the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Taj Mahal in Agra and the India Gate in Delhi. “Even for those scenes that are not shot on the Lakshman Jhula, directors instruct us to pick spots from where the bridge can be seen in the background, like it was seen in Qarib Qarib Singlle. Similarly, if a shot is placed in a restaurant nearby, they prefer frames in which the Lakshman Jhula is visible. Once the audience sees the bridge, they know the place,” says Nitin Pundir, a Rishikesh-based line producer. He adds, “Every year during the kanwar yatra, the bridge is shut because of traffic. Initially we thought that this time also it was because of the yatra but it seems the bridge is shut permanently.”
RULES WERE FLOUTED OPENLY, SAY PRODUCERS
While the spot has been popular for film shooting since the 1960s and 70s, permissions from multiple local authorities were required. And even back then, most of the time, rules were openly flouted. Javed, a Delhi-based line producer who was a part of the crew filming Dum Laga Ke Haisha at Lakshman Jhula, says, “Whenever we asked for permission to shoot at Lakshman Jhula, we were told to not allow more than 50 people together on it. But there was no way we could shoot with just 50 people. To shoot any sequence in a film, we need way more people including the actors, the key crew, the supporting cast and vehicles.”
A Delhi-based line producer adds, “While filming Dum Laga Ke Haisha, we had to put 20-30 dancers on the suspension bridge, which was against the set rules. But, we took the liberty to do that while shooting. Actually, in most cases, a situation like this is unavoidable. The situation is pretty similar with almost all the song sequences that are shot on the bridge.”
Another prominent line producer chips in, saying, “Riding a bike is not allowed on the bridge but the rule was flouted blatantly for multiple ad campaigns.”
TIME FOR THE SPOTLIGHT TO SHIFT TO THE RAM JHULA?
“Production houses can still shoot in Rishikesh, but it will be at Lakshman Jhula’s twin bridge Ram Jhula. It’s located only a few kilometres away. It’s not that popular right now, but we don’t have an option anymore,” line producer Pundir points out.
A Dehradun-based line producer states, “It’s a huge loss for several line producers because Lakshman Jhula is an iconic location. A lot of shooting-related queries from Indian as well as international production houses trickled in only for that location and of course, the Ganga ghat. However, it is better to take precautions than to regret later. Now that Lakshman Jhula is closed for good, it’s high time that we found our options. The state is blessed with a lot of natural beauty and there are plenty of untapped locations which will probably find their space in the spotlight now.”
Salman Khan, Alia Bhatt play businessman in his mid-40s and 20-something aspiring actress in Inshallah
8:01 AM
Itishree Misra (BOMBAY TIMES; April 18, 2019)
Sanjay Leela Bhansali has begun work on his next film Inshallah, starring Salman Khan and Alia Bhatt. The Padmaavat filmmaker spent four days last week scouting for locations for the film in Haridwar, Rishikesh and Uttarkashi.
Bhansali reportedly also visited the famous Maya Devi temple in Haridwar and sought the blessings of the deity before beginning his recce in the region. “Bhansali sir last week yahan aaye thay aur unhone Haridwar aur Rishikesh mein kuchh locations dekhen hain jo unhe pasand bhi aaye hain,” informs Chinmay Pandit, the line producer in Haridwar, who took the National Award winning-director around in both towns to show him probable shoot locations. While in Rishikesh, Bhansali saw a few bylanes and ashrams in the town and also the ghats for the shoot. “Sir also saw the Ganga aarti and also participated in it in Haridwar besides seeing a few houses too,” says Pandit.
The filmmaker is also planning to shoot the film in Varanasi and will be conducting the recce there in the coming days. “I am still awaiting his confirmation for that as to when he wants to go there,” informs Chinmay.
It is after nearly two decades that Bhansali will be working with Salman Khan after Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam in 1999. Khan had then last done a cameo in Ranbir Kapoor-Sonam Kapoor’s debut Saawariya, while this film, touted to be a love story, will be Alia’s first film with the Devdas director.
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Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 18, 2019)
Mirror was the first to report (February 23) that Salman Khan and Sanjay Leela Bhansali will reunite after 19 years for a contemporary love story, which goes on the floors in the second half of the year. Soon after, it was revealed that it is titled Inshallah, will feature Alia Bhatt in the lead and is targeting an Eid 2020 release. Now, we have learnt that the film is a contemporary romance rooted in Indian culture and goes on the floors in September. According to a source close to the development, the film will be shot around the river Ganga, as Bhansali is looking for a certain landscape. “The locations under consideration are Haridwar, Rishikesh and Varanasi,” the source informed, adding that Bhansali and his leads will also fly to the US for a major schedule. “The crew was contemplating on several places, including Europe, but settled on the US after several rounds of recce. Salman and Alia will be there in winters.”Contrary to the buzz, that Salman and Alia are cast as siblings in the film, the source confirms that the duo is romantically paired. “Salman is a businessman in his mid-40s. The character is reminiscent of his turn in his 1997 romcom Jab Pyar Kisise Hota Hai. Alia plays a 20-something aspiring actress. All the factors, including age gap, have been taken into consideration. The story will justify the teaming up of two actors, from different generations, on a romantic journey,” the source revealed.
While Salman is stepping out of the larger-than-life zone for Inshallah, SLB is taking a breath from intense dramas with it.
Before starting work on his first love story since Sultan, Salman will wrap up Dabangg 3, while Alia will finish up work on SS Rajamouli’s RRR and take Sadak 2 on the floors before moving on to SLB’s film.
Mirror reached out to the film’s production team but they refused to comment.
Will Smith’s bucket list led him to Bollywood debut
3:29 PM
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 1, 2019)
Hollywood actor Will Smith, who has visited India every year since 2016, has become a regular fixture in the Mumbai social scene. Last October, he’d flown down to meet film industry folks, memorably soaking in the sights with a rickshaw ride (pictured), which inspired him to start a ‘Tuk Tuk’ company back home in Los Angeles. While many had pegged it as just a social visit, Mirror has learnt that Will was shooting an episode for his reality show, Bucket List. “It is a weekly series wherein he checks off things he wants to do in life. The India episode focusses on Will fulfilling his wish of experiencing a film shoot in Bollywood,” said a source.
During his visit, The Pursuit of Happyness star hobnobbed with the filmi A-list to get a better view of the industry’s workings. “He shot for the episode, which also features his interactions with Student Of The Year 2 (SOTY 2) actors Tiger Shroff, Tara Sutaria and Ananya Panday on their film’s set, at a Juhu pub with Ranveer Singh and Karan Johar. It will conclude with Will’s understanding of the industry based on his personal encounters,” the source informed.
The show will also offer nuggets from Will’s visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra and the holy cities of Rishikesh and Haridwar. Previous episodes of Will’s show have seen him swim cage-free with sharks, bungee-jump into the Grand Canyon, run a half marathon, try stand-up comedy and watch a Formula One race with his son, Jaden Smith. The show has also resulted in Will’s Bollywood debut, with a special turn in a song from SOTY 2.
Suniel’s son Ahan Shetty's debut film to go on floors in May
8:08 AM
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 14, 2019)
Suniel Shetty’s son, Ahan, is set to kick off his acting debut, a yet-untitled Milan Luthria directorial produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, in May this year. For his launch vehicle, which comes almost four years after his sister Athiya’s first film Hero, Ahan is prepping for his character with bike-riding lessons and acting workshops.
According to a source close to the development, the film’s team is currently on a recce. “Besides the cast, it’s important to get the locations right. The plan is to set the film in Rishikesh, Mussoorie and Haridwar. The script is a blend of romance, action and drama and Milan wants the film’s treatment to be raw and real,” the source added.
Apart from the outdoor shoots, a brief schedule has been set aside for a Mumbai studio. The film is scripted by Rajat Arora, who has previously worked with Sajid on Kick. “Though the basic premise has been adapted from the Telugu film, RX 100, Rajat has reworked the script to cater to a pan-India audience,” the source added.
Buzz is, just like the 2014 action film, Heropanti, that marked the debuts of Tiger Shroff and Kriti Sanon, Sajid plans to launch Ahan with a female debutante.
Incidentally, Suniel had received his first pay-cheque in the industry from Sajid, for his second production, Waqt Hamara Hai. “Though Balwaan was my debut film, it was Waqt Hamara Hai that I had signed first, in 1992. Sajid is a friend and a father figure for Ahan,” Suniel said.
I started singing jingles alongside selling cable TV points-Shaan in conversation with Sonu Nigam
8:06 AM
Shaan remembers his days of struggle with interviewer-cum-friend Sonu Nigam, as they speak about their musical journeys
Soumya Vajpayee Tiwari (MID-DAY; May 14, 2018)
While we thought getting two titans of the Indian music fraternity under the same roof would be a tough nut to crack, Sonu Nigam and Shaan made it seem like a cakewalk. In the cosy living room of Nigam's Versova home, the two transitioned from being musicians to interviewers, with utmost ease. Nigam had the perfect question to set the ball rolling, "Bhai, mere Karjat farmhouse kab chal raha hai?"
Edited excerpts from the interview.
Sonu to Shaan
You were initially known in the industry as Raja. How did you become Shaan?
Raja was not only my nickname, but also a contracted one. When I was collaborating with Raju [Singh, composer] on a Zee [Music] project in 1993, he asked me to sign the contract under that name Raja. Biddu [composer-producer] changed it from Raja to Shaan. He said Shaantanu [his original name] was too long a name. I was okay shortening it to Shaan because I liked the name, and found Shaantanu slightly thanda.
When did you first realise there is a musician in you?
I was 16, and I'd lost my dad. Until then, while singing, I would struggle to get the nuances of other singers right. Once I tried singing Mohammed Rafi saab's Subhanallah Haseen Chehra from Kashmir Ki Kali (1964) and pulled it off perfectly. I got all the notes right. I also felt as if I saw my dad's shadow on the window then. It was a spiritual moment for me.
What made you pursue music as a profession?
Since my dad had struggled to make a mark in the music industry, I decided to pursue it diligently. When I realised that I have the potential to make it big, I started singing jingles alongside doing odd jobs like taking tuitions and selling cable TV points. I also ran a DTP service, where I would create layouts and print material for clients like Jet Airways, East-West Airlines, Maersk, etc. But I was certain about growing as a musician. Since I got married around the same time, the sense of responsibility grew and I became more focused on my singing career.
When the texture of your voice changed in teenage years, how did you deal with it?
It was a tough time. When I started singing jingles at the age of five, I was made to stand right in front of the mic alongside other kids. But as I grew older and my voice began to get hoarse, I was made to stand further away from the mic. I felt so discouraged that I asked them to not call me again.
(Sonu adds)
When my voice was undergoing a transition and I wasn't able to hit the higher notes, my dad [singer Agam Kumar Nigam] couldn't understand why I was complaining about it. I was taken to doctors and given penicillin injections because they suspected that I had swollen tonsils. The injections were so painful that I would limp on my way back home. One day, I was rehearsing a song sung by Vijay Benedict from the Doordarshan show, Manoranjan, in front of the mirror. That's when I realised that my voice had come down one octave perfectly.
Did you learn music from anyone other than Ghulam Mustafa Khan saab?
I had attended some classes at Suresh Wadkar ji's academy. Since my preparation was not up to the mark, I skipped the exams and was too embarrassed to resume classes after that.
Are you disappointed when you record a song that has been attempted by multiple singers, and your version is not chosen?
Of course, it pinches. But I'm okay with the idea of recording a track that's also sung by others because I find the process challenging. When I feel my version was better than the one chosen by the makers, I just feel bad for the song (laughs).
What do you think of the way the business of music has changed over the years?
I started out as a pop singer, when people bought music and music labels backed independent projects. Now, even if you have a composition and lyrics, you need money for the production of a track. You need to invest money to shoot a music video and sometimes to also buy hits online. Today, the business of music has literally turned into a 'business' that only singers with money can 'invest' into. Of course, there are some extremely talented singers, but they are exceptions, not the rule.
Shaan to Sonu
You keep taking breaks from work frequently to travel. What's the reason behind it?
Throughout childhood, my parents never took us on vacations. It's not that we were poor; the concept of a vacation didn't exist at our home. In fact, despite having settled down in Mumbai in 1991, it wasn't until three years later that I went to the Gateway Of India at Babul Supriyo's insistence. I was so focused that my travel otherwise was limited to home and studio. I realised that I shouldn't grow old like this. That's when I started going on vacations. My South Africa trip in 2001 was the turning point — I was at Signal Hill alone and had never experienced such silence before. That's when I realised that breaks are important. I went trekking in the Himalayas. Lately, I've been going to Rishikesh a lot. Sitting on the banks of the Ganga, attending aartis and visiting ashrams gives me solace.
What is your mantra to be in sur during gigs?
There's no mantra. It's to do with the technique. If I start off perfectly, everything goes off well.
(Shaan adds)
I remember attending a show in Canada, where you performed alongside several other singers. All of them were off tune, but the moment you came on stage, you hit the bull's eye. I was amazed by your talent.
What do you prefer — when composers decide the structure of a song and ask you to replicate it, or when they give you the freedom to improvise?
It's good when composers have a clear vision, but I enjoy more when they are open to improvisation. For instance, I recently recorded the song Kulfi from 102 Not Out with Salim-Sulaiman. They are talented composers. While I was singing, Salim said, "Kuch apni taraf se karo, yaar." Aise kaam karne mein mazaa aata hai.
How did you widen your range to adapt to the trend of high-pitch singing?
As soon as I took note of the increasing demand for high-pitched singing, I started practising techniques to increase my range. In a few months, I started hitting notes that were five-six semitones higher than what I was comfortable singing earlier.
Salman Khan’s family is perfect. They are an example for everyone to follow-Iulia Vantur
8:03 AM
Itishree Mishra (BOMBAY TIMES; February 1, 2018)
As Iulia Vantur walked confidently into a hotel on Sunday in a peach dress, the Romanian TV host-singer looked quite comfortable and relaxed, greeting everyone warmly. She was unperturbed by the curious glances of many who wanted to catch a glimpse of Salman Khan’s alleged girlfriend. In a chat with us, she spoke about her love for India and why she doesn’t want people to label her or her relationships.
You’ve made India your second home... what do you like best about this country?
It’s beautiful. It’s a challenging experience for me because I have to learn so many things. But I enjoy all this learning process and I love Indian culture and the warmth of its people. I think it’s a life-changing experience for me. Living in a different country with a different mentality is not easy. Of course, there are quite a few similarities, in the way we girls grew up, for instance. The fact that the family bonding is so strong. You know, the kids might be living somewhere away from their parents but they still keep that bonding. That’s very important because it gives you stability in life and a base because there’s nothing more important than having your dear ones near you, right? When you feel weak, when you are down, if you have your family next to you, if you have a brother-sister, I think it’s amazing. I’m the only child, so I understand even more what it means to have close bonds and relationships.
On your first visit to India, you visited Rishikesh. Tell us more about that visit.
I had heard about the place from several people that it is very beautiful and serene. I’m very passionately curious about my personal development. I want to grow as a person because I know that’s the most important thing in your life – to be a better person with every passing day of your life. No matter what your job is, no matter how much money you have in your account or even if you don’t, to become a better person, that one can do, without money, without power without any other advantages. I think that was my first goal, to become a better person in life. So, I searched for places that help you to go on that path, so Rishikesh was one of them. I had heard about it too, from friends and people who had been there. And honestly, I wanted to see what was it like living in an ashram. It was so beautiful!
So, do you visit the ashram often?
No, I don’t go back very often. But I would love to go back. Actually, now that you’ve reminded me, I will. I think it’s a very good idea, thank you for reminding me. (laughs)
You must have had some idea of India before you came here. Is what you’ve seen and experienced here so far better than what you had imagined it to be?
Yes, but what I have discovered here is so much more than I had thought of ever. The first time when I was here, I remember I loved it so much that when I had to go back to Romania, I was crying. The vibe, the energy, the bonding that I had with this land was so strong that I was like, ‘Okay, I actually should come back here.’ I knew that I would come back here, yet I was crying while going back. So I came back, I came back many times!
How has having friends like Salman Khan helped you feel more comfortable here in India?
It means a lot to have good friends and good people around you. I discovered so many beautiful things because of these people. It feels good to have someone who can teach you things about the culture, who can show you another world, right? Salman’s family, for instance, is such a beautiful family, it’s perfect. They are an example for everyone to follow. And the amount of good work they do, every single day. Not just feeding people, they help people in whatever way they can. Medical camps, and so many other ways in which they all help anyone they feel is in need.
I’m happy with myself, anyway. I know the value that I give to myself because I know who I am and what I am capable of, and the people who are close to me know who and what I am. Perhaps better than me. So yeah, people can put labels, we tend to do these things. But after some time I think, we remove that label and we see the person. So I would like people to know me Iulia, as I am, without these labels.
What do you have to say about Salman?
What can I say about him? He is a beautiful human being and we all can learn from him.
How’s the music going on? Have you started learning Indian classical music?
Oh, that’s going very well. Yes, I have started learning music and I really enjoyed it. I enjoy the whole process. I never thought I’ll love it so much. But I really love to spend time in the studio, I love to jam with Vishal and other friends. I spend a lot of time in the studio when we’re jamming, recording or playing a new song. I love it.
Films like Baadshaho and Golmaal franchise help me reach a wider audience-Sanjay Mishra
7:42 AM
Hiren Kotwani (BOMBAY TIMES; September 1, 2017)
Sanjay Mishra grabs your
attention in an instant, be it with his action or words. Not surprising
then, that more than his films, he's known for the way he portrays his
characters. For those familiar with his performances in commercial
films, Aankhon Dekhi was a revelation; it even fetched him the Best
Actor (Critics) Award (Male). BT catches up with the formidable actor as
he gears up for Baadshaho, in which he plays one of the six badasses.
Excerpts...
As someone who has completed over 26 years in the industry, what do you look for in a film before giving it your nod?
I don't read the script. If the director can share his vision - the story, its setting, the characters - and if I can see the film in its entirety, I take it up. I also see if my character will be noticed and talked about. On the other hand, if a director fails to share his vision, there's no way I'll be able to share it with the audience. Having said that, there are some films that I do for the money; I treat them as rehearsals for my craft.
So, what made you take up Baadshaho -money or vision?
I did Baadshaho for three reasons. Milan Luthria is a cinematic director. Then, Ajay Devgn said that I could perform stunts. Their confidence was a major factor in me taking up the film. Also, as the shoot progressed, the scope of my character expanded. Last but not the least, the money was good.
The film has given you a chance to attempt something new - action. Was that the most satisfying aspect of being part of the project?
Baadshaho gives me the satisfaction of appealing to a bigger audience. Ek kalakaar ke liye, woh ek tagdi satisfaction hoti hai. I know the audience loves me in mainstream cinema, like the Golmaal franchise. However, it would help if they also watched films like Aankhon Dekhi and Kadvi Hawa (scheduled for later this year). Also, films like Baadshaho and the Golmaal franchise help me reach a wider audience.
You have been part of numerous movies and television shows. Looking back, what would you call the turning point in your career?
Long ago, I had said in an interview that shuruat tab hoti hai jab tum kuchh shuru karte ho. At one point in life, I felt that playing the character Apple Singh for an annual cricket tournament was the turning point. Then came a time when I viewed Office Office as the turning point. Today, I consider Ankhon Dekhi as a milestone. Jis league par main chal raha tha, thoda sa alag ho gaya. Ankhon Dekhi gave me the degree, the recognition of an actor. Till then, I was more known as a comedian or a villain in our films.
Reportedly, you took a break from films to work in a dhaba in Rishikesh for a while. Despite being a known face in movies, what prompted you to do something like that?
Position, naam aur paise ke alava bhi ek life hai. Actually, we are nothing. That realisation struck me when my father passed away. When you are a kid, you feel that your parents will always be there, but as you grow up, you realise that they will grow older and go away. I was in Rishikesh when that realisation happened. I exhausted the money I was carrying so, I went to a dhaba owned by a Sardar and asked him if I could cook and work there. After a few days, people began asking if I'm the same guy from the movies. Soon, the Sardar too heard about it and asked me. At that time, Rohit Shetty, who was making All The Best, called me back. One month was enough for all the learning and also to understand that I just couldn't go and work just about anywhere, just like that.
As someone who has completed over 26 years in the industry, what do you look for in a film before giving it your nod?
I don't read the script. If the director can share his vision - the story, its setting, the characters - and if I can see the film in its entirety, I take it up. I also see if my character will be noticed and talked about. On the other hand, if a director fails to share his vision, there's no way I'll be able to share it with the audience. Having said that, there are some films that I do for the money; I treat them as rehearsals for my craft.
So, what made you take up Baadshaho -money or vision?
I did Baadshaho for three reasons. Milan Luthria is a cinematic director. Then, Ajay Devgn said that I could perform stunts. Their confidence was a major factor in me taking up the film. Also, as the shoot progressed, the scope of my character expanded. Last but not the least, the money was good.
The film has given you a chance to attempt something new - action. Was that the most satisfying aspect of being part of the project?
Baadshaho gives me the satisfaction of appealing to a bigger audience. Ek kalakaar ke liye, woh ek tagdi satisfaction hoti hai. I know the audience loves me in mainstream cinema, like the Golmaal franchise. However, it would help if they also watched films like Aankhon Dekhi and Kadvi Hawa (scheduled for later this year). Also, films like Baadshaho and the Golmaal franchise help me reach a wider audience.
You have been part of numerous movies and television shows. Looking back, what would you call the turning point in your career?
Long ago, I had said in an interview that shuruat tab hoti hai jab tum kuchh shuru karte ho. At one point in life, I felt that playing the character Apple Singh for an annual cricket tournament was the turning point. Then came a time when I viewed Office Office as the turning point. Today, I consider Ankhon Dekhi as a milestone. Jis league par main chal raha tha, thoda sa alag ho gaya. Ankhon Dekhi gave me the degree, the recognition of an actor. Till then, I was more known as a comedian or a villain in our films.
Reportedly, you took a break from films to work in a dhaba in Rishikesh for a while. Despite being a known face in movies, what prompted you to do something like that?
Position, naam aur paise ke alava bhi ek life hai. Actually, we are nothing. That realisation struck me when my father passed away. When you are a kid, you feel that your parents will always be there, but as you grow up, you realise that they will grow older and go away. I was in Rishikesh when that realisation happened. I exhausted the money I was carrying so, I went to a dhaba owned by a Sardar and asked him if I could cook and work there. After a few days, people began asking if I'm the same guy from the movies. Soon, the Sardar too heard about it and asked me. At that time, Rohit Shetty, who was making All The Best, called me back. One month was enough for all the learning and also to understand that I just couldn't go and work just about anywhere, just like that.
Haridwar and Rishikesh play pivotal roles in Shubh Mangal Saavdhan
7:56 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (August 30, 2017)
Bollywood, that once
focussed its films on metro cities, is now shifting the setting to
smaller cities. With films like Raanjhanaa, the Tanu Weds Manu
franchise, Happy Bhag Jayegi and the upcoming Shubh Mangal Saavdhan,
filmmaker Aanand L Rai is enjoying his run as the storyteller who finds
nuggets in remote pockets of the country that can appeal to a large
section of cinegoers.
Tanu and Manu of Tanu Weds Manu (shot in Lucknow), Zoya and Kundan of Raanjhanaa (shot in Benaras), Datto of Tanu Weds Manu Returns (shot in Haryana) and Happy of Happy Bhag Jayegi (shot in the interiors of Punjab) were created by Rai with a generous dose of middle-class sensibilities which were lapped up by the audience.
The filmmaker's upcoming film, Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, directed by R S Prasanna, featuring Ayushmann Khurrana and Bhumi Pednekar, has been extensively shot at Haridwar and Rishikesh, capturing the spirit of the holy cities. The real locations lend themselves beautifully to the narrative, almost becoming central to the story. Rai believes it's not only easy to narrate a story set in a real place but also more convincing.
“Our milieu and locations work as our characters and are equally important. I think my middle-class upbringing has shaped my cinematic vision to create stories set in small towns. It has helped me to portray the middle-class life in an honest way. Mudit (Ayushmann) and Sugandha (Bhumi) belong to Haridwar because the script demands so. Ditto for the other interesting characters who have been woven into the story accordingly. Once you see the film, you will be able to relate to it.“
Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, produced by Eros International and Colour Yellow Productions, releases on September 1.
Tanu and Manu of Tanu Weds Manu (shot in Lucknow), Zoya and Kundan of Raanjhanaa (shot in Benaras), Datto of Tanu Weds Manu Returns (shot in Haryana) and Happy of Happy Bhag Jayegi (shot in the interiors of Punjab) were created by Rai with a generous dose of middle-class sensibilities which were lapped up by the audience.
The filmmaker's upcoming film, Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, directed by R S Prasanna, featuring Ayushmann Khurrana and Bhumi Pednekar, has been extensively shot at Haridwar and Rishikesh, capturing the spirit of the holy cities. The real locations lend themselves beautifully to the narrative, almost becoming central to the story. Rai believes it's not only easy to narrate a story set in a real place but also more convincing.
“Our milieu and locations work as our characters and are equally important. I think my middle-class upbringing has shaped my cinematic vision to create stories set in small towns. It has helped me to portray the middle-class life in an honest way. Mudit (Ayushmann) and Sugandha (Bhumi) belong to Haridwar because the script demands so. Ditto for the other interesting characters who have been woven into the story accordingly. Once you see the film, you will be able to relate to it.“
Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, produced by Eros International and Colour Yellow Productions, releases on September 1.
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