Actor Brijendra Kala has turned writer with his first commercial film, Pariwarik ManuRanjan, starring Pankaj Tripathi and Aditi Rao Hydari, and he reveals that this is a result of a four-decade-long process of honing his craft. A protégé of the legendary writer Achala Nagar, whom he calls his “soul guru,” he says, “I assisted her in writing on many of her films, and she even paid me. I even used to live in her home.”

The actor reveals that filmmaker Ali Abbas Zafar gave him a line to develop a story for the family entertainer, and he also features in it.

Brijendra shares that he started writing in his radio and theatre days. “In the late ’80s, I adapted Hari Shankar Parsai’s story Matadin Chaand Par into a play where I acted and directed it,” he informs, adding that he also penned a TV script for actor-filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia, wrote episodes for Ektaa R Kapoor’s Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, scripted some portions of Kill Dil (2014) and the 2020 film Sab Kushal Mangal.

As a writer, he feels that “content is very important but writers don’t get the respect they deserve.” He says, “There should be less interference – from big stars and commercial forces.”

So, is direction up next for him? “I have been in discussions for new concepts, and after this more stories will happen. Also, I would like to direct something and show a world from my perspective. With God’s grace, after becoming a part of successful big films like Raid 2 and Sitaare Zameen Par, it has given me the power to choose the best work. Leading makers are making (date) adjustments for me. A lot of films will be released soon. So, acting ki dukan badiya chal raha hai,” he responds.

2020 TO START ON A POOR NOTE WITH MULTIPLE, SMALL RELEASES!

A new decade has commenced from today and the Bollywood industry has been looking forward to it big time. Some very exciting films, big and small, will be releasing this year and entertaining audiences big time. However, the first week of January will be tepid, considering the flow of releases. The hype is so bad that not a single film will be able to earn more than Rs. 1 crore on day 1. My analysis:

BHANGRA PAA LE: It marks the directorial debut of Ramesh Taurani’s daughter Sneha and produced by Ronnie Screwvala. Starring Sunny Kaushal and Rukshar Dhillon, it’s a contemporary dance film with a touch of the 40s as well. The trailer is fine and the film looks fresh. But the hype just couldn’t be built. The makers initially planned to release the film on November 1 and then postponed to November 15. At one point, they contemplated releasing it directly on Netflix due to negligible buzz. But Ramesh Taurani, reportedly, was not ready to accept her daughter’s film going straight to digital. Hence, he made the theatrical release happen. The opening will be very bad, around Rs. 30-35 lakhs, and might go to Rs. 50 lakhs if multiplex audiences come out, especially up North.

SAB KUSHAL MANGAL: It’s the first film ever presented by Akshaye Khanna. The veteran actor also stars in this film which marks the debut of Padmini Kolhapure’s son Priyaank Sharma and Ravi Kishan’s daughter Riva. The poster is quirky but the trailer killed whatever little excitement was there for the film. The plot seems routine and the humour is not strong. Songs have not been noticed at all. All these reasons will ensure the film’s opening is not more than Rs. 25-30 lakhs. There’ll be competition between Sab Kushal Mangal and Bhangra Paa Le as to which film will open the best out of them.

SHIMLA MIRCHI: It marks the return of Sholay director Ramesh Sippy. The star cast is interesting – Hema Malini, Rajkummar Rao and Rakul Preet Singh. A film like this ideally can open decently. But Shimla Mirchi won’t as it’s a long, delayed film and it was completed in 2014 or 2015. Trade and industry were left shocked when Viacom18 Motion Pictures dropped its trailer last week on December 26 and also announced that it’ll release on January 3. Prior to this, there was no information at all that this film is releasing day after tomorrow. Rajkummar is holidaying and it’s clear that he won’t be available to promote. Hema Malini and Rakul Preet too haven’t shown any interest in marketing the flick. There are reports that Shimla Mirchi will directly release on OTT platform. However, that’s not true. The film will release in single screens and standalone multiplexes for a week or two, after which it’ll be streamed online. The chain of multiplexes accept a Hindi film only if it comes online 8 weeks after release. Since Shimla Mirchi didn’t adhere to this rule, it seems that no major multiplex chain would allow it’s release in their respective properties. This in turn will significantly affect it’s opening. Day 1 earnings will be less than Rs. 20 lakhs, looking at the screen count as of now.

ACID - ASTOUNDING COURAGE IN DISTRESS: It is a story of an acid attack survivor and is releasing this week to avoid major comparisons with Deepika Padukone-starrer Chhapaak, which releases next Friday, and also has a similar plot. It features Priyanka Singh as actor, director and also producer. The trailer is over the top and it looks like a 90s flick. As a result, it’ll have a disastrous run in theatres.

WHICH FILM WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE AND WHY? DO LET ME KNOW!

Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; December 31, 2019)

Riva Kishan, Bhojpuri star Ravi Kishan’s daughter, is all set to make her Bollywood debut with Sab Kushal Mangal. The young actress, who wanted to pursue a career in cinema ever since she was a child, spoke to BT about the advice her father gave her when she decided to join the industry, working with a senior co-actor like Akshaye Khanna and more. Excerpts:

Bollywood saw over a dozen debuts in 2019. Priyaank Sharma and you will be the first pair to be launched in 2020. Are you nervous that the spotlight will be on you?
I am aware of the newcomers who were launched in 2019 and what each one has done and is doing. I don’t compare myself with anyone because we all have had our individual journeys into this profession. We are such different people that there is no reason for anyone to compare us.

This film was an unexpected gift when I was visiting Mumbai. I was in London, where I was attending acting workshops when this project came my way. It’s been a year-long journey since then, and today, I don’t feel nervous. I’ve tried my best to live up to my director’s vision. My father (Ravi Kishan) is always there for me and had prepared me to face this industry a long time ago. In fact, although I was a nerdy kid, I could never stay away from doing plays and dance acts in school. I worked with Naseeruddin Shah’s theatre group. His daughter Heeba Shah is someone who has taught me a lot.

Why did you want to make your debut with Sab Kushal Mangal?
It’s a clean movie with a power-packed story and two heroes falling for my character. What else could I ask for in a debut? The story was beautiful, but uske baad, badi mehnat karni padi set pe. Aasan nahi tha acting karna, halanki narration sunne mein bada mazaa aata hai. On the first day of shooting, Priyaank and I filmed a romantic song. I was nervous and emotional. After the initial bouts of hesitation, we were both chilled out. We had done workshops together, but that is different from the actual shoot.

Akshaye Khanna is such a senior and fine actor, was it intimidating to share screen space with him?
I was nervous before meeting him on set, but after I met him, things were different. He didn’t make me feel like a newcomer and never made me conscious of the fact that I’m a novice. It can be difficult to work with seasoned actors, but if they warm up to you, things can be a little easy. Akshaye sir was encouraging and supportive. We fumbled with our lines and at times, we would also goof up, but he never lost his cool. He would give us a little pep talk and help us overcome the difficult portions of the scene.

Given that you’re the first girl from your family to become an actor, how did they react to your decision?
My father and mother were very supportive and that’s what matters to me. Dad knew about my passion for cinema since I was a kid. When I was ready to step into the business, he had the most practical and valuable advice for me. He told me about the pros and cons with absolute clarity. Yes, my family is traditional, but I was never stopped from pursuing what I liked. My father told me, ‘Gandh mein mat padna. You don’t have to do everything that comes your way. If you love it, live it.’ I also understand that as the eldest child in the family, I have to be careful about the decisions that I make. Although I know that people’s mindset changes with exposure, I am very clear that I will not cross the line of decency and do anything on the screen that my family will be embarrassed about.

Will that restrict your career choices?
No, I am not limiting myself to anything. As long as people like me as an actor, they will give me work that they think I am capable of pulling off. I will leave the rest to destiny. I’m here to act and do a good job of any role that comes my way. Aur main itna pre-plan nahi kar sakti life ko, nahin toh mera present out of focus ho jayega. I’ll take it one day at a time.

Your father is a superstar in Bhojpuri films, and you will inevitably be compared to him. Does that bother you?
I don’t even think about it because whether I am compared to him or not, he will be my father and someone I deeply admire. To the world, he is a Bhojpuri actor, but to me, he’s my father, and I am like him. I don’t feel any pressure because I have his genes and that’s enough for me.

When was the first time you realised what your father does? Which was his first film that you saw?
It was his first Bhojpuri film called Saiyan Hamar. I was a little girl then. In the scene that I saw, my father was being beaten up by the baddies. I started howling as I could not bear to see someone hitting him. I stopped watching his films till I grew up. I used to enjoy the fact that dad also threw kicks and punches. As a child, I’ve visited his sets though he never let any of us see him work. In fact, he didn’t even come to my set when I was shooting. He allowed me my space as an actor. Of course, he was always a call away even when he was in the thick of election campaigns. There are times when my mother misses my calls because she has a thousand errands to run, but my father has never been unavailable to me.

Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; December 29, 2019)

Akshaye Khanna is considered to be a reclusive actor, but when he speaks, he doesn’t hold back. Ahead of the release of Sab Kushal Mangal, he spoke to Bombay Times about working with new talent, being a secure actor and why he was drawn to a comedy after all these years. Excerpts:

Your portrayal of a lawyer defending a rape accused in Section 375 was appreciated by the audience as well as the critics. When your name was skipped in the nominations at recent award shows, it created a stir on social media. Does winning an award affect the work you choose to do?
No, it’s always the writing. If people liked my work in Section 375, it’s because I was backed by good writing. As for awards, it’s for the jury, and not me, to decide if I really deserved one. The awards in India are based on popular choice, and they make no bones about it. In a lot of other countries, the box office does not count when judging. In fact, it’s the opposite. Once you win a BAFTA, Golden Globe or an Oscar, your box office takes off. It’s a matter of time before that happens in India. To answer your question, I’ve never been disappointed or felt neglected that I didn’t win an award. And how does one possibly know while signing a film that the role can get them an award?

You said that it’s the writing that attracts you, is that the reason you signed Sab Kushal Mangal, too?
Yes, a film’s writing is the first interaction you have with the subject. Your reaction to that matters and then, you go into other details like what’s in it for me, who’s on board and who’s producing it. It was the sheer sweetness of the story that got me in.

Sweetness does not mean sugar-coated. The world of the film is really sweet. The last Hindi film that I could compare it to is Badhaai Ho (2018), which had an awesome topic. People in India have always been attracted towards cinema that can add that dash of sweetness to their lives. Such films are not necessarily escapist, like Sab Kushal Mangal is not. It has a strong, meaningful story.

Sab Kushal Mangal has two newcomers, Riva Kishan and Priyaank Sharma, making their debut. Do you, as a senior actor in the cast, feel a sense of responsibility to land them well into show business?
Yes, I do feel a little responsible, but not entirely. There is a degree of fondness for someone who is starting out with you. However, they have put their trust into the project, not me. They chose this as their first film. So, a lot depends on them, as well. Priyaank and Riva are kids, and they are sweet, innocent and raw, so you feel protective towards them, but not responsible for their debut.

The scenario when you began your career in the 1990s was hugely different from what it is today, wasn’t it?
Right from my first film, I had the privilege of working with some very senior actors like Hema Malini, Danny saab (Danny Dengzongpa) and my dad (Vinod Khanna). In Border (1997), I worked with Sunny Deol, Suniel Shetty, Puneet Issar, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Rakhee ji. I have even worked with Rajesh Khanna and Sridevi. I don’t think too many people from my generation or the one after me have worked with any or most of these actors. I worked with some incredible artistes, some of who were in the last years of their work life and were working very sparingly. Sridevi worked selectively; it’s rare, and I cherish the work that I did with her. I feel fortunate that so many people, apart from the actors, were so considerate towards me. They were so giving and caring that it is impossible to forget their gestures. Had they not been so, things could have turned out very differently. As a young actor starting out, you’re so vulnerable.

Why do you say that?
When you come into any form of public life, you put yourself out there for love, hate, appreciation and brickbats. It takes guts to allow people to assess you. Sometimes when I speak to aspiring actors, I ask them, ‘When you start in any career with the energy of youth, besides imagining the highs and adventures that you will possibly experience, do you also visualise what will happen if things go the other way?’ I ask this because I know that anything can happen. As a young person, you could almost block it all out and think that everything will turn out fine. When I ask these questions, most kids say that they haven’t thought about the other eventuality, which is interesting.

Sab Kushal Mangal is a comedy and you haven’t worked in one in a fairly long time. How different do you find the current world of a comedy film as compared to your last experience?
I think it’s got nothing to do with a genre, but less time is spent on writing and more time on other things. The audience notices everything. Yes, there will be those comedies that aren’t great, but they are money spinners. However, today, the audience also equally appreciates a film with quality writing. Karan V Kashyap, who wrote and directed this film, is familiar with the industry. He was the dialogue assistant on Dil Chahta Hai (2001) and has worked with Mani Ratnam as well. His sensibility in terms of humour, the world and the characters that he has created are of quality and standard. There is a certain cleanliness in his film.

Your co-actors Richa Chadha (Section 375), Priyaank and Riva, have said that you’re an extremely secure actor, who doesn’t hesitate to say or help another actor cope under pressure on difficult days…
Okay, first and foremost, I would only do that with a co-actor I feel comfortable with. Richa is an experienced actor. If I felt like telling her something that could help her on a tough day, it’s entirely because of who she is, and how I felt about her. A lot of people here are not open to that, they don’t like it, irrespective of whether they are seniors, peers or younger. Had I felt that Richa won’t accept a word from me or won’t be receptive to it, then I wouldn’t have approached her. I wouldn’t have the nerve to go to an actor if I don’t share that level of comfort with them. And I would never hold back on my own performance to make someone else look better, even if they are newcomers. There is not a single time when I felt like going easy to let Riva or Priyaank cope with a certain scene. To their credit, they never requested me to do things differently to help them out. Most newcomers, in their first few films, tend to have the entire unit focussing on what is good for them. These two kids didn’t have anything of that sort. Priyaank and Riva were being equally competitive; that distinction is huge. My respect for them as actors and debutants is even more for this very reason. Not many people would even be remotely bothered to give this any consideration, but it matters to me.

Does any newcomer remind you of a younger version of yourself?
No, and that’s because I was an extremely unprofessional guy. If I look back at my behaviour and attitude in the first five or seven years of my career, I feel it was unacceptable. I don’t see that in any newcomer today. What I did was a disaster. My immaturity and inability didn’t let me grasp my responsibilities; it didn’t strike me for a long time. Thank God, but I don’t see newcomers who are like that today.

MUMBAI MIRROR (December 27, 2019)

Director Karan Vishwanath Kashyap discusses his upcoming film, the fun and feel-good Sab Kushal Mangal, the transformative role being played by Akshaye Khanna in it and the two debutants.

How did Akshaye come into the picture?
Akshaye was the first one to hear the script and come on board. I am extremely grateful to him because had he not believed in the potential of this film on paper, it would have never come to fruition. He was the driving engine to get this film started and he got Prachi Manmohan on board as producer, having worked with her previously and considering his relationship with Nitin Manmohan.

Were Priyaank Sharma (son of Padmini Kolhapure) and Riva (daughter of Ravi Kishan) cast because of their filmi backgrounds?
I get that question a lot. Look, pictures of Priyaank and Riva came through someone, but I was certain that if they didn’t fit the characters, I wouldn’t cast them. I was also lucky in that Prachi and Akshaye 100% backed me on this and they respected my creative vision.

People need to realise that this film wasn’t handed to Priyaank and Riva on a silver platter. After I saw their auditions, I realised that they have potential, but I told them a lot of work needs to be done. They were game for it.

We did workshops with them for months before the cameras rolled. In fact, I had given them an ultimatum that if they don’t become the characters of Pappu Mishra and Mandira (the film’s leads), they would not do the film.

It’s funny to talk about now because everything worked out, but they knew I was serious then.

You also ensured that the actors travelled in trains, auto rickshaws and mingled with people outside their friend circle.
I wanted them to come out of their comfort zone since the film is based in a small town and these characters are small town people. I must say, that both my actors have worked very hard and given it their best. No complaints, no questions, just single-minded determination and work. Seeing them on screen, you wouldn’t realise both of them were born and brought up in Mumbai. For that, I give them full marks.

Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; December 25, 2019)

Born to an actress and a film producer, it was easy for him to become another example of the industry launching one of its ‘kids’. However, in his bid to make it on his own, Priyaank Sharma decided to choose a project outside his father’s banner and find his calling before collaborating with his parents, Padmini Kolhapure and Tutu Sharma, professionally. In a chat with BT, the newcomer, who will debut in debutant director Karan V Kashyap’s Sab Kushal Mangal, stresses on the importance of fighting one’s own battles and why his parents didn’t let him start out too young in the business. Excerpts...

Padmini Kolhapure kicked off her career as an actor when she was still in school. Your father made his first film when he was all of 21. By that standards, aren’t you a little late in terms of starting out?
My mother didn’t want me to visit film sets or attend fraternity gatherings when I was a kid. She believes that children are fragile and naive, and that kind of exposure can ruin their raw energy and thoughts. So many filmmakers had approached my parents to cast me, but my mother never gave in. And today, I am glad that she didn’t. She gave me room to grow up, and discover things when I was actually more prepared. That has made me the person I am. When I started shooting for Sab Kushal Mangal, she only came for the mahurat shot because she wanted me to work without feeling conscious. When she saw the trailer and gave me a tight hug, I realised how happy she was to see me chase my dreams. She can be quite critical in her assessment, but sometimes, the mother in her overtakes everything else. Even if she hasn’t said so, I know that I have a long way to go; in fact, when I recently saw the film, I felt that I could have done so many scenes better.

Given that your parents were not keen to let you start out as a kid, when did you tell them that you want to become an actor?
I was still young, though technically, I wasn’t a kid. I was always drawn to dramatics and that had prepared my parents for this decision long ago. So, they weren’t surprised when I told them, and didn’t behave like pushy parents. On the contrary, they both took turns to caution me about the industry and the profession. They made me more aware of the cons — the long hours, the toll it takes on an individual, mentally and emotionally, lack of social life and public scrutiny. When they realised that I was sure about my choice, they stood by me while I assisted filmmakers and auditioned for roles.

Do you feel that you missed out on anything because your parents didn’t let you hang out on sets or meet the fraternity at parties?
No, I don’t think so. I was an inquisitive child and I had too many questions about everything. Each time mamma saw me digressing, she would redirect me to my studies. Even when she came to my school, she would only enquire about my studies, though the teachers were happy to tell her about my skills in dramatics. When I grew up and gradually started meeting people, many were surprised that Padmini Kolhapure even had a son that old and that he didn’t behave like a star kid. To answer your question, it only worked to my advantage.

You decided to make your acting debut with a family comedy like Sab Kushal Mangal, when the industry is going through a phase of dramatic transition. So, what drew you to this film?
I consciously chose this film. My parents are from the industry, and so are my maternal cousins (Shraddha and Siddhanth Kapoor), aunt (Tejaswini Kolhapure) and uncle (Shakti Kapoor). I could have had that flashy and flamboyant launch that people often talk about. In fact, I was prepping for something like that. I took up MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) for three months and had piled on a few kilos for a film, but before we could finalise it on paper, Sab Kushal Mangal came my way and my instinct said that I should go ahead with this instead. I didn’t want a particular kind of launch, but just something that works for me. Also, I am a huge fan of Akshaye Khanna and he was part of this film. So, the project ticked all the boxes. In this film, I’ve not come with all guns blazing. There’s a lot more to showcase, but I’ll go one film at a time.

At a time when most newcomers use their first outing to showcase all their skills, why would you choose to go one film at a time?
There are no set rules here. If there was one, and if we all knew what really works, everyone’s success ratio would have been 100 per cent. For me, this was a personal choice. You have to trust what you do. I chose Sab Kushal Mangal after I heard the script. It was a challenge to understand my character’s psyche because he’s a small-town boy who finds a job in Delhi. The world of a person like that is alien to me. So, I decided to take the plunge and give it my best. One of the biggest pluses was to have about 60 scenes with Akshaye Khanna. Our director has worked for 25 years in the industry; he’s commendable.

Your mother was one of the top actresses of the 80s and was seen on the big screen (in Panipat), a month before you make your debut. Does it make you apprehensive that you might be compared to her?
I don’t want to think about it because it’s a lot of pressure to handle. If I can be half the actor that she is, I am home and I know that. But I don’t want to approach my work with that negative thought. Yes, people will compare us and expect me to act well, but I don’t want to see that with a negative mindset. I confide a lot in my mother and she is my buddy. I look at her with a lot of pride and awe. I saw her in Panipat, pulling off a negative character with such ease. I was assisting Rajkumar Santoshi on Phata Poster Nikhla Hero (2013). Someone sent her a wrong monologue and Raj ji was losing his cool. She asked him to read out the correct one to her twice, and she pulled it off in one take without any rehearsal. She blew my mind away because here I am, mugging up lines for weeks. She’s become a refined performer with all her hard work. I aspire to be a good actor like she is.

Nitin Manmohan’s daughter Prachi, who’s debuting as a producer, is all praise for the actor and his co-stars in the film
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 25, 2019)

Filmmaker Nitin Manmohan’s daughter Prachi, who is making her debut as a producer with Sab Kushal Mangal, says the pressure of living up to the family name is intense. “I have to prove myself to my dad more than anybody else. The script was chosen by dad and Akshaye (Khanna). After reading the script, he said that he didn’t think there could be a better film for me,” she shares.

Yesteryear actor-producer Manmohan, who is remembered for essaying grey characters on the big screen, was Prachi’s grandfather. Ask her if she ever thought of getting into acting herself and she says, “I have been a production person since I was a child. When I was seven-eight years old, I was on the sets of Deewangee. There were stars like Ajay Devgn, Akshaye and Urmila Matondkar, but when I walked in, I saw my dad ruling the set. I told him that I wanted to be like him.”

She is all praise for the film’s leads, debutants Priyaank Sharma and Riva Kishan, and Akshaye. “I have worked with Akshaye before and no words can describe how amazing he is. Both the new kids are so hardworking. All of them have done justice to their characters,” she raves.

Calling production “the most thankless job”, Prachi says that if her father feels even 20 per cent proud of her, she’ll feel that she has done her job. Would she like to remake any of his films? “Laadla, that kind of love story is what I would want to do,” she responds.

Married to a businessman from St Petersburg and based in Spain, Shriya Saran returns to Bollywood for a special song
Hiren Kotwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 23, 2019)

In the grand tradition of ‘actors go an extra mile for their work’, Shriya Saran recently flew down from St Petersburg to Mumbai to shoot a song for the upcoming romance comedy, Sab Kushal Mangal. The Drishyam actress, who married Russian businessman Andrei Koscheev on March 12, 2018, was visiting her in-laws in the Russian port city.

“I can’t believe it’s been almost two years since Andrei and I tied the knot!” Shriya exclaims and you wonder why she kept the shaadi so hush hush. Pat comes the answer, “There’s nothing to hide, but I like to keep my private life quiet and simple. My work is my bread and butter and my husband is very supportive; he would love me to do more work.”

The couple love deep sea-diving and it was during one of her trips to Maldives three years ago, that they met. The couple has recently moved to Barcelona for business and Shriya is quick to inform that after she turned 17 and started working, she doesn’t remember having lived in any city for more than two weeks. “But my base will always be Mumbai since my parents live here and I will always come down here or fly down South for work. I don’t want to lose my base in India,” she asserts.

Talking about the song, “Naya Naya Love” with Akshaye Khanna and Priyaank Sharma, the actress attributes it to her friendship with the producer, Prachi Manmohan. They know each other since the 2011 film, Gali Gali Chor Hai, which Prachi’s father Nitin Manmohan produced with Akshaye and Shriya. “It’s a peppy dance song and an important part of the narrative. It was great working with Akshaye after a long time,” smiles the actress, who is looking for interesting stories that turn into talking points.

Akshaye Khanna talks about the choices that he has made and why he opted for risks over security and commercial viability
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 21, 2019)

Even before you arrive at producer Nitin Manmohan’s office for the interview, you learn, to your surprise, Akshaye Khanna likes chocolates, but only one particular brand, and would order it even when they were shooting for the upcoming romcom, Sab Kushal Mangal, in Jharkhand. He is also always punctual, even when he has to drive to the ‘burbs all the way from town. Noon strictly means 12 pm. By the time we’re done, you know a lot more about the reclusive actor. Excerpts:

You have had two releases this year with one coming up on January 3. For someone who has always been super selective how does it feel?
It’s been a satisfying year as both The Accidental Prime Minister and Section 375 are films I believed in and I’m proud to be a part of them. That’s a great place to be.

So, we can hope to see you around for another five years?
Five years is just a number, a small one. I hope to be around till I drop dead. There’s a perception over the last few years that I tend to not do too much work, but it’s the opposite. Ayushmann (Khurrana) is doing three-four films a year, that’s the space I want to be in. I’ve always preferred a certain pace, but life has not always allowed it. If it happens, I’m the happiest. Sometimes a film requires 150-200 days of shooting, so you end up doing just one film a year. There are so many permutations and combinations in our business, it’s not like a factory assembly line where you can just churn out stuff.

Yet you seem optimistic about the future of Hindi cinema...
That’s because all kinds of films, be it Housefull 4, Bala and Pati Patni Aur Woh, are getting good releases. Ten years ago, if it wasn’t in the commercial bracket, a film wouldn’t get screens. Today, even Section 375 and Saand Ki Aankh get an audience and a voice. It’s like the social media, anyone can offer an opinion. The numbers may be small or large, but at least they get heard. The Accidental Prime Minister was the first authentic political film and that made it controversial in that it evoked different opinions. Ditto Section 375, as the topic itself was sensitive and so people reacted strongly and emotionally.

Yeah, one review described it as “a myopic ignorant train wreck” and another as a “gripping courtroom drama”.
That people would comment on both sides of the spectrum was to be expected. I might not agree with the one who calls it a “train wreck” but I can’t stop the critic from writing what he wants. I, too, have views about other people’s films. I might say I didn’t like it or that it could have been better...

In retrospect, would you have changed anything in the film?
Sometimes I feel—though it’s not my job or specific to one film that we can market and position our films better. You can never control a narrative, but you can balance it out. But that sometimes gets lost in too much information.

From the trailer of Section 375, one perceived a kind of a #MeToo trial so the twist in the tale was disappointing.
I’ve also got such preconceived notions and reactions. But that would be the obvious expectation and end, which is a choice my director didn’t make. Had it been a typical film, it might have fared better commercially. But the choice was to go in another direction. And that’s what made it interesting for me as an actor. If you believe in a certain premise, you have to live with the consequences. I really respected the thought process and the writing, and if I had to choose again, I’d go for the same. Unfortunately, in our country, while we have always celebrated democracy, freedom of speech and expression, and pluralism, when it comes to art—be it a book, an article or a film—if it offers a different perspective, we are not as accepting.

The upcoming romcom, Sab Kushal Mangal, seems less contentious even though it’s about a reality shows, goon politics and abductions.
It’s the sweetest script I’ve heard in a long time, a film I’d watch before I go to sleep as it leaves you with a nice feeling and no tension. I’d not done a comedy in a long time and my co-stars, Priyaank Sharma and Riva Kishan, are cute kids. Though they’re just starting out, I’m sure once people see the film, they’ll be pleasantly impressed by their performance. They have a certain maturity and focus which I didn’t in my first few films. This applies to all debutants across departments, which is fab and brave.

Brave? How so?
When you come into the public eye and put yourself out there as an actor, director or writer, you could be loved, hated, even ridiculed. So, that takes courage. You read about millennials in large numbers going into depression in their own private space, some even committing suicides over social media posts. Then, you see these kids who, irrespective of success or failure, are ready to give it a try. You can only win the game if you are playing it, not sitting outside. Life is about being on the court.

According to IMDB, you have signed up for two sequels, Phir Hulchul and Kick 2?
The information is incorrect.

Do you watch reality shows?
I rarely watch TV, I prefer movies. I’m getting less and less interested in information because anything you read or hear, unless coming directly from the source, arrives with layers of interpretation and so is never completely accurate. Even an article in the op-ed page of the newspaper, reflects someone’s opinions. Take the Talwar case. Despite years of articles, TV reports, films and a court case that cumulatively ran into thousands of hours, do we know the truth of what really happened the night Aarushi was killed? We don’t, which is why I’d rather read fiction, it’s always dependable.

Why aren’t our digital shows meeting expectations?
Our storytellers are used to the three-hour format. We have a history of television where shows go on for years. That’s why we are still struggling. But it won’t take our writers and directors too much time to get there. We are an extremely talented nation, look at the leap we’ve made technologically. We may not be there with the best of the best, but we can still produce a Baahubali which is a milestone in Indian cinema. It’s a beginning, we will build and improve on it. It’s happening already and the audience is rewarding the effort which is good.

That wall behind you has posters of several Nitin Manmohan productions, including your dad Vinod Khanna’s Insaaf and your Deewangee.
(Turning to look) Insaaf was one of dad’s fave posters. What an amazing shot! There are so many actors up on this wall, but I don’t know anyone who had his kind of body language... So fluid! It’s nice to be on a wall which has so much talent. You want to hear a great story?

Sure...
Nitin had gone to Mumbai airport to pick up a relative. Two-three decades ago, the entire family would go to pick up or drop off someone. I’ve many pictures of my dad leaving for an overseas shoot, in a suit, with all of us waving. But that day, there was no one to receive dad when he landed in India because hadn’t told anyone in the family that he was coming home from the US. He’d planned on taking a cab, but Nitin recognised him, even with the long white beard when he walked out. Nitin’s dad, Manmohan, and mine used to be very friendly and he insisted on dropping dad home in his car. They must have chatted on the way and that’s how Nitin produced his first film, Insaaf, with my dad making a comeback.

And what’s the story behind Deewangee?
There’s none, it was just a good film and very different from Anees Bazmee’s other movies. After that, he only concentrated on comedies and larger-than-life magnum opuses. He was a delight to work with as he has a good sense of drama. We also did a comedy, No Problem, which didn’t do well.

Looking back, are you happy with your choice of career? At 40, do you wake up eager or are you unhappy about it like so many?
I’m one of the luckiest few who looks forward to going to work every day because our job and days are not filled with monotony. One day, I could be doing a dramatic scene in Ooty, the next, a song in London, and on the third, an action sequence in a city studio. We’re meeting different people. Of course, you never know when the party will pack up, but at least till then, you can do what you love and that’s a gift life gives very few.

You know, I skipped my exams in the first year of junior college on purpose as by then, I was not interested in continuing with academics. I was so underprepared, I knew I’d fail and didn’t go. I had decided this was what I wanted to do. It was a question of when I was going to tell my parents because I was just 17 then. You fear resistance about your career choice from parents, and that delays communication. As a kid you don’t have the power to say “Bugger off!”

How did your parents react?
They were disappointed. Any parent would be hurt. They felt it was not my place to do what I did at that age. Parents of that generation were conservative, taking such risks was frowned upon. Even today, society is chasing security, and for the masses a government job is priority. It’s amazing that millions put their heads down, complete 60 years in service, do their duty with honesty and integrity and retire. It’s an achievement.

You opted for jittery Fridays. How long did it take your parents to accept?
They were fine after a while. Parents always come around.

Ravi Kishan’s daughter brushes off the nepotism issue, talks about her debut with Padmini Kolhapure and Tutu Sharma’s son Priyaank and Akshaye Khanna, which happened sooner than she expected
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 17, 2019)

Ravi Kishan’s daughter Riva, who makes her debut with the first release of 2020, Sab Kushal Mangal, admits that while she had always planned on entering films, it’s happening sooner than expected. “I had wanted to travel and do acting workshops all over the world before making a beginning in showbiz,” the 23-year-old actress informs.

She had flown down from London to visit her family during the holidays when producer Nitin Manmohan, who had seen her pictures, called her father with this film offer. “And I saw my London dreams shattering!” she exclaims. What dreams, you prod? “I had wanted to return to London to enjoy the weather there and shop,” she chuckles.

Riva is cast opposite Priyaank Sharma (Tutu Sharma and Padmini Kolhapure’s son) and Akshaye Khanna in the romcom and admits that she shares an amazing bonding with the former because of their grounded and simple upbringing. “We were pretty much in sync even before we started shooting,” she says, adding that working in it was overwhelming having Akshaye as her hero. “Even in my wildest dreams, I couldn’t have imagined it. He gave me so much confidence and warmth, made everything easy for me,” the actress gushes.

Both Priyaank and she come from film backgrounds and there are certain expectations and pressure on her that comes with being Ravi’s daughter. “Acting is in my blood,” she asserts. Being labelled a product of nepotism, doesn’t bother her. “I’ll get a maximum of three films because of my dad, but who’s going to invest in me after that? It’s my talent that will help me survive,” she reasons.

So, has Ravi seen the film yet? “My father has never watched me act; neither in my theatre days when I worked with Naseer sir (Naseeruddin Shah) nor during my acting workshops. The first time he saw me act was in the film’s trailer,” Riva reveals, adding that getting appreciation from him is a tough job, but she managed it. “He was like ‘this kid from my own house is now a star’,” she smiles. Did he ever visited her sets while she was shooting? “No, he had faith in me or at least that’s what he told me,” she laughs.

Her father is a huge star in Bhojpuri cinema, does she plan to do Bhojpuri films too? “I would love to if it’s a good script and dad is producing the film, he might come up with something amazing,” she says hopefully. Ravi’s switch to Hindi cinema happened largely because of Bigg Boss, is she open to entering the house? “If I get an offer and I fit in, why not? I love watching the show,” she says.

So, is she a fan of Ravi, the Bhojpuri star or Ravi, the Hindi film actor? “He is a megastar, he kills it wherever he goes,” avers the proud daughter, but isn’t sure about sharing screen space with him. “I see him as a director since he knows how to get the best out of me,” she signs off.

Debarati Sen (BOMBAY TIMES; December 14, 2019)

Veteran singers Usha Uthup and Bappi Lahiri, who are known for their popular numbers Koi Yahan Aha Nache Nache, Rambha Ho Ho Ho, Tu Mujhe Jaan Se Bhi Pyaara, will team up again after almost 37 years. The two have sung the title track of Sab Kushal Mangal.

Music director Harshit Saxena, who felt the duo would be perfect to render this retro-style tune, says, “I remember the day when lyricist Sameer Anjaan and I went to Bappi da’s bungalow and sang the song for him. We had not made the antara till then. Bappi da loved the song and he even suggested a few tunes for the antara. When we told him we would like to rope in Usha Uthup too for the song, he was elated and immediately called up Usha ji and sang the song to her on phone. Adjusting the scale of both the singers was a challenge, but we managed that well. I’m so glad we could bring these two legends together.”

Priyaank Sharma explains why he never really missed having a sibling and that his dream film would be with his producer dad, actress mother and the extended family
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 12, 2019)

Priyaank Sharma, who debuts with the romcom Sab Kushal Mangal, the first release of 2020, reveals that he was inclined towards dramatics since he was in school but decided on becoming an actor only after a detailed discussion with his parents, producer Tutu Sharma and actress Padmini Kolhapure. “I watched films and mimicked actors but conversations with mom and dad were about studies, food and what one was doing,” he informs, adding that despite formal training in acting and filmmaking from a New York-based institute, the real learning happened while assisting Rajkumar Santoshi on Phata Poster Nikhla Hero, in which Padmini played Shahid Kapoor’s mother. “I worked closely with Raj sir on the scripting too. He was juggling multiple scripts and I learnt about drama, comedy and other zones of commercial cinema.”

Once, while trying to grasp the different aspects of filmmaking, he gave his mother a different page for her scene and she rehearsed her lines. It was when the camera rolled that everyone realised the mix-up. But Padmini, being the talented actress she is, improvised on the set and got the scene done without delay.

His co-star in his debut film is Akshaye Khanna and Priyaank admits he’s a fan of his work. During the shoot, Akshaye was like an elder brother who guided him at every step. “We had multiple conversations and that gave me a lot of confidence. We have around 60-65 scenes together,” he says.

Cousins Shraddha and Siddhanth Kapoor have also been promoting the Prachi Nitin Manmohan-produced film on social media and Priyaank says they share a warm relationship. “I have never missed having a sibling of my own, because Shraddha and Siddhanth were always there for me. They are very protective of me and call up every other day to check on me,” he smiles, recalling how, when they were kids, the trio would always come up with some dance or drama performances during family get-togethers and parties. “It was more in the Michael Jackson and Sridevi zone, and even today, we perform when together.”

Scan through his Instagram account and you will find a picture of him and Siddhanth posing against a Salman Khan poster. Priyaank laughs, “This was in bhaiyya’s room; he has Bollywood posters up on his walls. Our childhood was all about MJ, Salman and Shah Rukh Khan. We kept getting clicked with their posters,” he confides.

High on his wish-list is a “family film” with his entire khandaan - mom Padmini, cousins Siddhanth and Shraddha, aunts Tejaswini and Shivangi, uncle Shakti Kapoor and his dad as a producer.

Apart from acting, the debutant is also passionate about mixing music and has performed as a DJ at private parties. “I wanted to play music as a kid, so the next step was to collect money, get a console and start mixing songs. I never accepted bookings from public spaces, but have played for family and friends,” he smiles.

Priyaank has been spotted with Karim Morani’s younger daughter, Shaza, many times and has even posted pictures with her on Instagram. Quiz him on this and he says shortly, “That’s my personal space, let’s not go there.”

Akshaye Khanna suggests he turned presenter for Sab Kushal Mangal to enable makers to rope in the suitable cast
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; December 4, 2019)

His second innings in Bollywood has primarily comprised roles completely devoid of tomfoolery, but Akshaye Khanna is set to tickle the funny bone as Baba Bhandari in his upcoming project, Sab Kushal Mangal.

Marking the debut of Padmini Kolhapure's son Priyaank Sharma, and Ravi Kishan's daughter, Riva, the comedy is being presented by Khanna, along with producer Nitin Manmohan. Khanna tells mid-day, "I haven't attempted a character like this one earlier. I am working with actors who are making their debut, and that makes this collaboration more interesting."

Seemingly a three-way love story involving a local big-shot, a TV anchor, and a woman, the trailer dropped online on Tuesday. Khanna says it was the entertaining subject that encouraged him to turn presenter with this offering. "I took the subject to Nitin because I loved it. It was tough to find the right people for the film. So, for me, turning presenter was [done for the sake of] friendship."

Akshaye Khanna on bending showbiz rules for over a decade, playing a criminal lawyer in his next and why he was forced to go on a sabbatical
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 27, 2019)

Even though he has reached a suburban studio after a two-hour drive from SoBo, Akshaye Khanna is far from exasperated. Gearing up to field questions about his second release of the year, the actor is in his element as he sits down for a chat. Excerpts from an interview:

What are the first reactions to your upcoming film, Section 375? Under this section of the Indian Penal Code, a man is said to have committed rape if he has sexual intercourse with a woman without her consent or if she is a minor.
Well, just from within the family and friends circle, the strongest reactions, in a positive way, have come from women. And I find this interesting.

One of the reasons could be the #MeToo movement which exploded in the country last year and has alerted women on what amounts to sexual harassment. In the promo you see the girl being asked in court why she went back after being violated by the man once. That’s an argument one has heard in many real-life cases too.
I’ve read the headlines but I haven’t followed the details of every case so I can’t comment on this. But yes, it’s something a defense lawyer would bring up, arguing that a subsequent pattern of behaviour does not substantiate the accusations. For me per se, it was an interesting case from the point of view of an actor. As a person, I’d say variations in behaviour have been known to happen.

The main players in this courtroom drama are a director and a costume designer who has accused him of rape. The film industry is infamous for the casting couch. Have you heard or seen anything that, in context of what you know today, presents a different picture?
Since I am a part of the film business, my perception would not be accurate. But I’d like to point out that even though it’s working 24x7, only a small section of the film industry is visible to the public eye and only a small number of faces recognised. Within its purview is also TV, advertising, digital, even pornography, so sexual harassment is a definite possibility. At the same time, it’s unfair to target this as a place of bad behaviour vis-à-vis. sex. Every profession has its rotten apples, and going by statistics, this industry normally provides a beautiful and safe environment for both sexes to collaborate in, which I’m proud of. The term ‘casting couch’ may have been derived from showbiz, but simply put, it means sleeping with someone for a job. That can happen in any profession.

But one has heard of chorus dancers in films having to sleep their way from the last row to the first…
True, but there’s much less chance of that happening today when the focus is on talent. If you’re good, you will get the opportunity without having to trade favours.

Was the Shiney Ahuja rape case one of the muses for this film?
You’ll have to ask the writer. It could be one of many cases that triggered someone to write a story, I wouldn't know.

How much law have you learnt in the process of making this film?
Not much, but the film was an eye-opener. In our country, as common citizens, no matter your profession, we know very little about the laws which apply to everybody, including the government. They’re complex, I don’t know why, with the result that justice can be delayed, which is justice denied.

Films like Article 15 and Section 375 are an encouraging trend given that they function within the parameters of mainstream Bollywood and feature recognizable actors...
There’s always an audience for a good story, specially one about law enforcement agencies, as Article 15 proved. But as one grows older, one realises that in the world we live in, it’s so easy to pass judgements because of all the information constantly being thrown at us. But out of a lakh maybe only 1 per cent knows the facts while others are judging prematurely, on fragments of information, rather than the whole picture and that’s not healthy for any society. Section 375 holds a mirror up to the audience to underline this.

Your character, criminal lawyer Tarun Saluja, is defending someone even his family believes is guilty. Did the morality conflict spark your interest in the project?
Morality plays a significant role not just in this film but even in fields like journalism, medicine, government, law and politics. My character is comfortable rather than conflicted in what he believes to be right even if it’s contrary to that of a large section of the society. It’s a job for him. We are not a Banana Republic, even the worst criminals like Ajmal Kasab responsible for the terror attacks on Mumbai got proper legal representation, from the sessions to the Supreme Court. India did not succumb to public outcry and hang him the next day. He was sentenced after going through the due process of law.

What was your first reaction to the narration?
I wanted to do this film and believed I would enjoy playing this character. One reason for it was that the writing was of a calibre I’d not come across in a long time. It takes a subject like rape and engages instead of titillating or repelling the audience. That’s quite a feat, given that for our audience, cinema is an escape from everyday problems, into a world of song-and-dance. Bit it’s good for them to experience a mature, unbiased take on a subject which traditionally has been treated in a shallow, immature manner. Of course, it took many drafts for the script to evolve into what you finally see on screen.

And did your character evolve with these drafts too?
Oh yes. Even one dialogue can change a character and an entire draft can change a whole lot more. But the basics remained unchanged, we just polished and refined the script.

It must be satisfying to be at a stage in your career when you can attempt such characters…
This is not new for me; 10, maybe even 20 years ago, my producers, directors and writers never restricted me but gave me the opportunities to experiment with different roles and genres. This has not been the case with many other actors, with filmmakers playing safe and not letting them deviate too much from their image. That’s changed with new actors today thankfully. I was lucky to not be typecast even by the audience. They have accepted me in romantic, serious, comic and also negative roles. It has been a good mix.

Among the diverse characters you’ve played, does any performance stand out in your mind?
Not really but recently, when I was browsing online, I came across a song from Border featuring Pooja Bhatt and me. “Hamein Jab Se Mohabbat Ho Gayi Hai” is a love song filmed simply. I’d not seen it since the film’s release and it brought back memories of Pooja, a wonderful actress to watch and work with, with whom I’d chat till three at night during the shoot in Himachal. I should surf the net more often.

There are many young boys like Border’s Dharamveer Singh Bhan who are still dying in border skirmishes every day…
(Sighs) Yeah, young soldiers whose lives haven’t even begun. Playing a character in uniform is a humbling experience, more so when you are shooting with real soldiers for around 60 days. It gives you a window into their minds. It’s a different world, a remarkable departure from civilian life. For them, serving the country is a privilege and I believe the army should organise weekend camps to give civilians a chance to interact with soldiers. It’d inspire youngsters. I was enriched by the experience.

Were you happy with your first release of the year, The Accidental Prime Minister?
I’m proud of it because it was the first authentic political film coming out of Bollywood. The ones made earlier didn’t talk of real people and incidents. I’m sure this will open doors for more such films. I wish it hadn’t released just before the elections but after all the rhetoric was done. Then, perhaps, the audience might have been more amenable to our film which was an honest portrayal of politics.

It must be a welcome change for you to have two releases this year.
Three, a sweet romcom, Sab Kushal Mangal, should release by the year-end. I’ve liked some scripts and zeroed in on a film which should roll by the year-end.

So, you’re not planning to go away from the screen anytime soon?
I never did, it’s against every fiber in my being to not working. Taking a sabbatical was never out of choice, it was thrust on me because there have been periods in my career when inexplicably I did not get the kind of work I wanted to do. Since I didn’t come across material I wanted to be a part of, I chose not to work.

It must have been frustrating and stressful for you...
More than you can imagine, because I have this need to express myself like any creative person. Imagine how you’d feel if someone snatched away your pad, pen and laptop from you. For me, acting is akin to eating. I need to do it to stay alive.

Ravi Kishan’s daughter Riva on her B’wood debut with a comedy
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 29, 2019)

Mirror had recently reported (January 23) that actress Padmini Kolhapure and filmmaker Pradeep Sharma’s son Priyaank is all set to make his film debut with first-time director Karan Kashyap’s Sab Kushal Mangal which also features Akshaye Khanna in the lead. We have now learnt that the film which is being produced by Nitin Manmohan’s daughter, Prachi, will also mark the Bollywood debut of Bhojpuri actor Ravi Kishan’s daughter, Riva.

“Ravi sir and my family has a common friend in Moin Baig who showed us Riva’s pictures and she looked right for the part of a bubbly small-town girl. She really liked the script and immediately came on board,” informs Prachi, adding that Riva and Priyaank have been attending workshops for the last two months and getting along well.

An elated Riva says, “I was travelling to Los Angeles and London, when I got a call from Baig uncle informing that Nitin uncle wanted to meet me for a film. One of dad’s first movies, Army, too was with Nitin uncle. I’m enjoying the journey and learning so much from it. This film is like an unexpected gift,” says Riva.

The debutante adds that she always wanted to be an actor and had worked with Naseeruddin Shah’s daughter Heeba in the 2015 play Parindo Ki Mehfil. “Dad is happy I will be making my debut with actors like Akshaye sir and Priyaank. I can’t wait to start shooting from March,” informs Riva.

The situational comedy has also been written by Karan who has earlier assisted Shaad Ali on Bunty Aur Babli, Shimit Amin on Chak De! India and Mani Ratnam on Raavan. They will be shooting in Jharkhand in a start-to-finish, 45-day schedule.

The comedy, produced by Nitin Manmohan’s daughter Prachi, also features Akshaye Khanna
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 23, 2019)

Actress Padmini Kolhapure and filmmaker Pradeep Sharma’s son Priyaank Sharma is all set to make his film debut with first-time director Karan Kashyap’s Sab Kushal Mangal that rolls next month. Produced by Nitin Manmohan’s daughter, Prachi, it also features Akshaye Khanna in a pivotal role.

An elated Padmini told Mirror, “I’m excited. The atmosphere at home has always been non-filmi, there was no pressure on Priyaank to become an actor or a filmmaker. The choice is his.”

The doting mom recalled how even when he was in school, Priyaank was interested in dramatics and his teacher would always praise him: “He’s an avid movie buff and has done a one-year acting course from The Lee Strasberg Institute in New York.”

Prachi revealed that when her casting director sent her Priyaank’s picture, she recognised him instantly. “We had studied in the same school and in fact were in the same class,” she smiled, adding that since he suits the role perfectly, she was keen to cast him. “I spoke to dad, who is close to Tutu uncle (Pradeep), and Padmini ma’am. He told me that if I wanted Priyaank, I should go about it professionally. So, then, I went with my team to their house and gave him and his parents a narration. They laughed and laughed and immediately gave a nod to the film.”

The situational comedy has also been written by Karan, who has earlier assisted Shaad Ali on Bunty Aur Babli, Shimit Amin on Chak De! India and Mani Ratnam on Raavan. The story is set in Jharkhand, where they will shoot in a start-to-finish 45-day schedule which kicks off towards February-end.

“It’s been two months since Priyaank began his workshops, he knows the entire script by now. He is very hardworking and we can’t wait to begin,” Prachi signed off.