Murad Khetani and Ranbir Kapoor are waiting for a narration now; the producer hopes to resume shooting of his horror-comedy in Mumbai
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 27, 2020)

On June 21 last year, Shahid Kapoor and Kiara Advani’s intense love story, Kabir Singh, the Hindi remake of Vijay Deverakonda and Shalini Pandey’s Telugu hit Arjun Reddy, took the box-office by storm, surpassing all expectations. Now, producer Murad Khetani confesses that even he did not anticipate this sort of phenomenal response from the audience that made his film the biggest hit of 2019 and one of the biggest grossers ever. “I had a feeling that it would work, but not this big!” he exclaims, pointing out that they got those numbers without any holiday or hike in ticket rates.

It’s a given that a successful team likes to reunite on another film. Murad is already working with Kiara on a horror comedy, a sequel to one released in 2007. Is he discussing a collaboration with Shahid, too? “He did a wonderful job in Kabir Singh, which was a fun ride. I would love to work with Shahid again, as soon as we find the right story,” he asserts.

Meanwhile, the filmmaker is reuniting with the director of his last romantic drama, Sandeep Reddy Vanga. Soon after Kabir Singh’s release, Sandeep had narrated an idea to both Murad and Ranbir Kapoor, which they had liked and asked him to develop. “The script is locked. Before the lockdown brought everything to a standstill, Sandeep was writing and looking to narrate it to the actors in May or June. He is in Hyderabad right now and once things get back to normal, the narrations will happen and we will proceed with the casting,” Murad shares. Buzz is, the film is titled Devil. He clarifies, “There is no title yet. All I can say is that it is an intense gangster drama. I am waiting to hear the final narration.”

The producer’s horror-comedy Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 featuring Kartik Aaryan, Kiara and Tabu was halted days before the lockdown was announced in March in the wake of the Coronavirus outbreak. “There will be some monetary losses for all films. Our Lucknow schedule was called off midway. We will have to return to Lucknow to match continuity,” he points out, adding that the team is looking to resume with a brief schedule in Mumbai, before moving to Lucknow. “Around 30 per cent of the film is complete.”

Murad is also teaming up with Sidharth Malhotra on the official remake of 2019 Tamil hit, the Arun Vijay-starrer Thadam. The yet-untitled film, directed by Vardhan Ketkar, features Sid in a double role, that of a businessman and a small-time goon. It was to kick off in May in Delhi with a marathon schedule. “We will start our prep from July, monitor the situation and plan our shoot accordingly. We have permission to shoot in Mumbai, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. But filming in Delhi looks difficult right now, let’s hope for the best,” he sighs, adding that apart from the aforementioned films, they have also been exploring some interesting content during the lockdown. “There are a couple of scripts in the works.”

Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga preps for another narration of his next to Ranbir Kapoor, which is touted to be more controversial than Kabir Singh
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; June 21, 2020)

Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Kabir Singh completes a year today, and the filmmaker is already gearing up for his next dark themed venture, Devil. In September 2019, the director gave Ranbir Kapoor, who he hopes to cast as the protagonist, a narration which yielded a verbal nod from the actor. A source informs, "After a chat in September, Sandeep caught up with Ranbir for another narration in January."

In the interim, rumours were rife that Baahubali actor Prabhas was being considered for Devil. A trade source refutes the gossip and says, "It's not true. Ranbir hasn't given up on the film. It's a dark role that Ranbir has never attempted before. However, before signing the film, Ranbir wants to read the full bound script. The next meeting is scheduled in August."

The source explains that the "darkness and toxicity in Devil will be much more intense than [what was] seen in Kabir Singh" and the film may receive an A certificate. "Ranbir may garner much more criticism than Shahid Kapoor did," the source adds.

Kapoor has apparently discussed the script with close friend and director Ayan Mukerji. A source close to the actor reveals, "Ayan believes that Devil could be one of the most defining movies of Ranbir's career." Producer Murad Khetani and Reddy remained unavailable for comment.

BOMBAY TIMES (June 20, 2020)

After entertainers like The Shaukeens, Mubarakan and The Notebook under his banner, Cine1 Studios, Kabir Singh marked a milestone in producer Murad Khetani’s Bollywood journey. The intense love story, starring Shahid Kapoor and Kiara Advani as Kabir and Preeti respectively, was one of the biggest hits of 2019.

Apart from its box-office success, the film, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, was applauded for its original music album, and later, it also enjoyed a successful television premiere. As Kabir Singh celebrates its first anniversary tomorrow, Murad says that he is looking forward to backing a variety of films, which will offer the audience a different cinematic experience.

The producer says, “There was immense excitement while we were making Kabir Singh. The challenge was to rediscover and recreate the magic without losing the soul of the original film (Arjun Reddy in Telugu). By the time Kabir Singh was made, I was certain that it would strike a chord with the audience. So, yes, somewhere I had a feeling that it would be a success, but the kind of response it received was overwhelming to say the least.”

He adds, “I always knew that music was the heart of this film and that is why we went for an original album, where each song was chosen diligently, keeping in mind how the protagonist was feeling at that moment. That is why it worked and continues to be popular.” The movie’s album was composed by Mithoon, Amaal Mallik, Vishal Mishra, Sachet–Parampara and Akhil Sachdeva.

As a producer, Murad says that he chooses content that he feels will resonate with the audience. About his future projects, he shares, “After Kabir Singh, Bhushan ji (Bhushan Kumar) and I are looking forward to collaborating again. Cine1 Studios and T-Series will produce Sandeep Vanga’s next, which he is currently working on. We are also backing Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, starring Kartik Aaryan, Kiara and Tabu, and the Hindi remake of the Tamil hit, Thadam, toplining Sidharth Malhotra. There are a few more, which I will talk about when the time is right.”

Pavail Gulati says Thappad more about gender inequality than about domestic violence
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; February 21, 2020)

Even as he is grateful that the trailer of Thappad has sparked a much-needed conversation on violence against women, Pavail Gulati insists that the film is not about domestic violence. "It is about the relationship between a man and woman, their egos and their life," informs the actor, who plays Taapsee Pannu's husband in the drama.

Through its protagonist who seeks divorce after her husband slaps her, the Anubhav Sinha film argues that casual violence has no place in society. Oddly enough, a section of netizens felt that the film had a male-bashing tone. "Initially, I thought it will be a male-bashing film. But my perspective changed after reading the script. It has perspectives of both [partners]," he says.

Mention to him that the film is being viewed as an antithesis to Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Kabir Singh, and Gulati shares that Sinha developed the story way before the Shahid Kapoor starrer. "He narrated the story to Taapsee on a flight, after which Mrunmayee Lagoo and he developed it. [Kabir Singh reflects] the [makers'] way of thinking. I can't comment on that. But Thappad is not an answer to Kabir Singh."

Taapsee Pannu reveals she had wanted to address this very personal issue if ever she was in a position of power
Ankita Chaurasia (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 7, 2020)

For years now, Bollywood, along with the rest of Indian society, has been passing off misogyny as protectiveness, possessiveness and even an expression of love. Taapsee, in an interview to Mirror (July 22, 2019), had urged the need for a counter narrative, even if that meant doing a film that didn’t have the commercial viability of last year’s highest-grosser, Kabir Singh, which glorified a sozzled, slap-happy surgeon. “We are on the cusp of a change, I’m not going to give up now,” she had asserted. From its first trailer, Thappad seems to be delivering on that promise.

Amrita, who gives up on her dreams to help her husband build his, is jolted when he hits her at a house party. When she objects and files for divorce, those around her justify the slap, urge her to forgive, compromise and move on. “Women are compassionate by nature and Amrita does give Vikram a chance to make it up to her. When he fails again, she knows it’s an endless loop,” reasons the actress, saying the film with the explosive, self-explanatory title is a trigger to an unravelling wherein the woman, who’s been disrespected, gets to decide how much is enough.

So, Kabir Singh can’t hope for a happy ending with her Amrita? Taapsee admits that the Shahid Kapoor-starrer is on the other end of the spectrum. “But that’s not to say that Thappad is an answer to Kabir Singh. Only one line from its director Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s interview has been used. The general impression is that bad guys get violent, but seemingly good, loving men can also resort to violence because of conditioning,” she points out, and rattling off statistics, informs that three out of every five women are victims of domestic abuse. “If it’s not happening in your house, it’s happening in the house next door. Parents set the tone of relationships and normalise gender roles. No one questions the violence because it has become the norm. But that doesn’t make it right.”

For Taapsee, Thappad is the realisation of a long-time dream: “I’d told myself that if I’m ever in a position of power, I’ll address this very personal issue. Violence and molestation can change one completely, making you withdraw into a cocoon or emerge stronger. For me, thankfully the latter happened.” When she shared the trailer on her Instagram account, friend Mathias Boe quipped, “Too stressful for me.” Ask her what she thought he meant and she laughs, “It was difficult for him to see me like that.”

Amrita is out of her system and Taapsee is now Rani Kashyap, a new bride in Haridwar. With hennaed palms, rustling sarees and bangles jingling, she looks the part for the thriller, Haseen Dillruba. “People don’t associate sensuality with me, which is why playing Rani is so exciting. Rani is not coy, she’s feminine and has a weird quirk. She is mysterious; you don’t know what’s going on in her mind by the way she behaves. Sometimes she is funny, sometimes poetic, and sometimes a seductress. She has a lot adaayein,” reveals the actress, admitting that the biggest challenge is shooting in sexy sarees in the biting cold.

After bringing Rumi to life in Manmarziyaan, you’d think she was writer Kanika Dhillon’s muse for Rani. “I wish that were true, but despite my telling her I’d love to play the character, they approached other actresses and even told me someone else had been finalised. I had resigned it as fate but then they called me for a narration. I was the last choice for Haseen Dillruba,” Taapsee shares, refusing to name the actresses who didn’t want to do the film.

Meanwhile, she has been training hard for her upcoming turn of a sprinter in Rashmi Rocket, waking up at the crack of dawn and training for an hour and a half, alternating between the gym and the track, then, shooting for 12 hours straight. “It’s tough but after a month of rigorous training, I am seeing the difference,” says Taapsee, adding that her mother, who is present on the sets of the film, keeps track of her diet which requires her to eat every two hours.

And how’s that cover drive coming along for Mithali Raj’s biopic, Shabaash Mithu? “I hit a few shots for the poster and realised how difficult it’s going to be,” she laughs. Point out that several biopics in the past have been slammed for skirting the controversial aspects of their subject’s life and the actress cuts us short. “Mithali has been very vocal about her controversies, be it resigning or being thrown out, whatever you call it. And all that’s a part of the narrative,” she asserts.

Mohit Suri promises to reveal a fab actress in his next which explores the dark side
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 23, 2020)

You often explore the dark side of human personality. Why the fascination?
I would call it real, not dark. It’s a part of life and there are interesting stories in this zone which no one else is telling.

But doesn’t it take a toll on you as a person?
I have been on a film set since I was 17, I love the writing process. Every film takes a toll on you but it’s still essential to place yourself in the story. Take Kabir Singh, for instance. Sandeep Vanga was in a medical college and a student in a medical college could have anger management issues.

Talking of Kabir Singh, shouldn’t a filmmaker have a social responsibility too?
We do have the right to freedom of speech. And Sandeep Vanga was just saying people like Kabir Singh exist. Even I was accused of advocating alcoholism in Aashiqui 2, though I don’t socially endorse that.

Is Aashiqui 3 happening?
Not at the moment, but I’m in talks with Mukesh Bhatt for another film. Things happen when they are meant to. Like for my next, Ek Villain 2, we couldn’t think of an actor but after Malang, I felt Adi (Aditya Roy Kapur) was apt for this character. It’s horrible to have someone on board, who is not right for a role.

Buzz is, there’s a film with Farhan Akhtar too…
That’s a script I was writing. People confuse story with a script, a script with a screenplay and screenplay with a film. For now, there’s Malang.

We don’t know anything about its story…
(Cuts in) I assure you that there is a story. I couldn’t reveal much of the second half in the promo as it would kill the suspense. I could just introduce the genre and characters. Malang is essentially a state of mind, a man who is not bothered with societal norms. People are in this state only when they are in love… Or have lost everything that they love.

You have Anil Kapoor, Aditya Roy Kapur and Disha Patani in the cast…
Kunal Kemmu too, a much-underrated actor. I feel bad I launched him 15 years back in Kalyug when it was all about looks. Genuine talent is being recognised today and Kunal can put any actor to shame. Adi and he were always in the film. We wanted a girl who is liked by all but not known to all. Disha has done small, likable roles but no one really knows the girl. That’s the enigma of her character too. She has a sweet face and a hot body and our film will also reveal a fab actor.

For the bad guy, we wanted someone who’s known as a hero, and that was Mr Kapoor. On the set, he was like a producer, co-director and an actor.

Will we ever see you taking a break from the dark zone and direct a comedy?
Never say never. After Murder 2, everyone wanted me to make another thriller with Emraan (Hashmi), but I went ahead with an intense love story. Most thought it was a suicidal move but Aashiqui 2 changed my career.

What do you think about remixes and recreations?
I have nothing against them, but there should be a need for them. The biggest musical hit last year was Kabir Singh and it was all original music.

Still questioned for being part of the controversial Kabir Singh, Kiara Advani says role in Guilty fights for what's right
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; December 31, 2019)

Emerging from a role that she self-confessedly perceived as flawed and at odds with her personality, Kabir Singh actor Kiara Advani underwent a catharsis of sorts while filming her next. At odds with the demure Preeti who faced physical and emotional abuse at the hands of her lover in the Shahid Kapoor starrer, Advani's forthcoming film sees her as a vociferous girl, who accuses the college heartthrob of rape, in Netflix's Guilty. "My character is completely at odds with the one I played in Kabir Singh. It's the antithesis of Preeti. The film opened my eyes [towards abuse]," she says of the Karan Johar production that apparently sees her as a musician, who accuses her popular boyfriend of abuse.

The controversy it courted for glorifying a toxic relationship was instrumental in making Kabir Singh among 2019's best performing movies, and Advani admits it helped her reach viewers far and wide. "It brought me love that was so contagious that I am further motivated to go to work now." However, like a majority of women who watched the drama, Advani too doesn't find her "hero in Kabir Singh". Even before the film was presented to viewers, she knew it would inspire polarised views. "I am an actor, and am hence not always like the characters I play. This was a love story between two dysfunctional people, so, I didn't judge it. I am glad that a dialogue ensued. We all can differentiate right from wrong. But the film mirrors brutal realities."

For the makers of the Sandeep Reddy Vanga directed movie, arriving at the film's climax — that saw the lovers unite — was a subject of contention. "We debated about whether a character like Kabir [deserves] a happy ending. If we had not given him one, perhaps the criticism would not have come our way. [Sandeep] took the last call. But, who knows how their marriage turned out in the longer run?"

Meanwhile, Advani's recent release, Akshay Kumar-starrer Good Newwz, currently sits on an earning of Rs 65 crore. Advani is glad that the comedy, based on an IVF treatment gone awry, has evoked positive reactions. "The film has humour, and a subtle message. It makes a viewer happy. After sharing the screen with actors like Akshay sir, Kareena [Kapoor Khan] and Diljit [Dosanjh] I have learnt to hold my own."

MID-DAY (November 4, 2019)

The success of Kabir Singh notwithstanding, Taapsee Pannu had unflinchingly criticised the Shahid Kapoor starrer for glorifying misogyny and toxic masculinity. In an earlier interview to mid-day, the actor had stated, "Kabir Singh has pushed back whatever good work we had done since Pink [2016] till now."

Now, it has been heard that the trailer of Pannu's next, Thappad, takes a dig at the film's director Sandeep Reddy Vanga's infamous comment in an interview where he had argued that a couple should have the liberty of slapping each other. A source reveals, "The film and the trailer have a dialogue that questions the notion that thappad is also a form of love. The line is an obvious reference to Vanga's remark that had received severe backlash on social media.

The source further adds, "Since the topic of debate coincided with their film's title, Taapsee, director Anubhav Sinha and writer Gaurav Solanki decided to include a scene that offers a counter-narrative. It was a fitting addition since Thappad explores different shades of man-woman relationships through the perspective of eight female protagonists, with violence against women being one of the themes. The said scene discusses the impact of popular culture on perpetuating ideas of domestic violence. The makers have cut a rough trailer so far, in which the reference remains intact."

mid-day reached out to Sinha, who had not responded till the time of going to press.

Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga reacts to news that TikTok star Johnny Dada, who killed flight attendant he was obsessed with, mouthed hostile dialogues of Shahid Kapoor-starrer
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; October 15, 2019)

As the conversation about TikTok star Johnny Dada aka Ashwani Kumar gathered steam on social media, netizens are again debating the implications of one of the year's most controversial films, Kabir Singh. Kumar — who was known as the TikTok Villain for his angry videos on the platform — had murdered Nitika Sharma, a Dubai-based flight attendant he was obsessed with and who was to wed in December.

As the Bijnor police investigated Kumar's background — who was wanted for three murders in Uttar Pradesh and subsequently committed suicide last week — it came to light that he would often post images of Shahid Kapoor from Kabir Singh. It appeared that the character's aggressive beliefs resonated with him — in one of his videos, the TikTok star mouthed Kapoor's dialogue from the film, "Jo mera nahin ho sakta, usse kisi aur ke hone ka mauka nahin doonga."

When mid-day reached out to Kabir Singh director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, he was shocked at the development. "I feel sorry for the girl and her family. It is unfortunate that people have lost their lives. As filmmakers, we are responsible for our craft and need to consider the repercussions, but never have my films [endorsed] killing anyone. Kabir Singh or even Arjun Reddy [the Telugu original] never [supported] murder," said the filmmaker, who has been battling brickbats since the movie hit theatres.

On its release, critics argued that the Kiara Advani-starrer glorified the destructive attitude of the leading man — a dangerous step for cinema that has the power to influence the public. Point out that Kumar had quoted dialogue from the film, and Vanga says, "The man in question seems to have some psychological issue. Such people often look up to Bollywood celebrities, sportspersons or politicians. If you see Shahid's character in the film, he is a self-destructive person who is harming himself more than anyone else."

BOMBAY TIMES (October 10, 2019)

Their first collaboration, Kabir Singh, which featured the fresh on-screen pair of Shahid Kapoor and Kiara Advani, not only garnered widespread appreciation, but also ranks high on the list of top box-office grossers in Bollywood.

Post the success of the film, the trio behind it — producers Bhushan Kumar and Murad Khetani, and director Sandeep Reddy Vanga — have joined hands once again; this time around, for a crime drama. To be helmed by Sandeep, it will be produced by Bhushan Kumar’s T-Series, Murad Khetani's Cine1 Studios and Sandeep Vanga’s Bhadrakali Pictures. The movie is still at the scripting stage and the cast is yet to be finalised.

Bhushan Kumar says, “We had a great time working on Kabir Singh, and I am truly excited to associate with Murad bhai and Sandeep Vanga for our next, details of which will be officially announced soon. Sandeep is an extremely talented filmmaker and it’s not just this one project, where we are partnering with him. There are many more films in the pipeline, which T-Series is going make with Sandeep. I am really looking forward to it.”

Murad Khetani adds, “I believe that the audience always likes to see something unusual and different on screen, and our next offering will surely take them by surprise. It’s a great feeling to once again collaborate with Bhushan ji and Sandeep. Here’s looking forward to creating history once again.”

Sandeep Reddy Vanga shares, “It’s a pleasure to once again associate with Bhushan ji and Murad bhai. I am happy that my brother Pranay, who produced Arjun Reddy (the Telugu film of which Kabir Singh is a remake) is now associating with T-Series and Cine1. The film is a crime drama, which will be a pan-India project. Bhushan ji and Murad bhai give you complete creative freedom, they believe in good cinema and have great taste for music. I’m looking forward to working on more films with T-Series.”

Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 11, 2019)

After hitting a double century at the box office, Sandeep Vanga, the director of the Shahid Kapoor and Kiara Advani-starrer Kabir Singh, is a man in demand in Bollywood and there have been speculations in plenty about his next film. Now, Mirror has learnt that on Tuesday, Sandeep was in a closed-door meeting with Bhushan Kumar for his next. Bhushan had produced Kabir Singh with Murad Khetani and Ashwin Varde. Buzz is, he will join hands with Murad for this one too. “Sandeep narrated a story idea to Bhushan, who has liked it and will produce the film. They met yesterday to discuss the logistics and casting,” informs a source close to the development.

What’s interesting is that the two already have an actor in mind to play the lead. It’s none other than the hardto-please Ranbir Kapoor. “Ranbir has liked the concept and they will be meeting this week to discuss it further. Of course, even if Ranbir gives the nod, they will not be able to roll immediately because he has to wrap up two films, Brahmastra and Shamshera, first and is committed to a third, Luv Ranjan’s next with Ajay (Devgn) and Deepika (Padukone), which is being produced by Luv and Bhushan,” informs the source.

Kabir Singh, the Hindi remake of Sandeep’s Vijay Deverakonda-starrer Telugu film Arjun Reddy, starts out as a love story in a medical college campus. It goes off-track when the girl’s father disapproves of the match and she is married off to someone else. On a self-destruction spree, the boy, Kabir, turns to drugs, drinks and one-night stands. Within months, the gifted surgeon turns into an alcoholic. When he collapses while performing a complex surgery, his medical licence is cancelled for five years. On a vacation, the reformed Kabir bumps into a pregnant Preeti and learns that she walked out on her husband a day after the wedding and that Kabir is the baby’s father. The love story eventually ends happily ever after.

In an interview to Mirror (June 3), Sandeep had said that he was “scripting a crime drama”. He pointed out that today there is no difference between Hindi and Telugu cinema with Bahubali and KGF having erased the divide. “So, mine will be a pan-India film,” he had stated. This could well be that film.

Smita Poojary (DNA; July 27, 2019)

Kubbra Sait was filming with Saif Ali Khan for Jawaani Jaaneman in London when we had a chat with her about her latest web series, RejectX. The movie is her second project starring the Baazaar actor — she shot to fame after playing Kuku in Sacred Games, which also starred Nawazuddin Siddiqui. The actress spoke to After Hrs about the experience of working with Saif, her new show, upcoming projects and Kabir Singh director Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s slap comment. Excerpts...

What made you sign RejectX?
To begin with, it was director Goldie Behl’s infectious energy and positive spirit towards the project. Working on set in Thailand was the best time I’ve had. It was just a few days but they were amazing.

Tell us something about your character...
Anushka is a counsellor. What I love about the role is that the age-gap between the students and her isn’t much, so it is like two friends talking to each other. While my character tries to help others with their problems, she is personally quite messed up.

How was it working with Sumeet Vyas after Tripling?
This is our third project together. Sometimes it used to be funny as I’d look at him and know he was going to laugh about something. We would both crack up and everybody had to control us for the next 10 minutes. It was great to work with an actor who never forgets that every job he does is different. I love how effortless he is when the cameras roll.

Kuku was a bold character. Do you think the perception of such roles is changing in India?
There are different industries that co-exist. So, just because we do not consume a particular kind of stuff, it does not mean it is bold. But is there a story to the character? As a viewer, does the part move you in any way? If it does, I don’t think I’m doing a bold role or being experimental. I’m just doing my job as an actor and being comfortable with it. This is the time to create such content as the whole world is looking at India. We have so many stories to tell and we should not restrict ourselves.

Are you excited about Sacred Games 2?
More than just an actor in it, I’m a fan of the show. So, I’m waiting for the second season. I want to see what they have done after my death (laughs).

Do you think digital content is taking over films?
No. There is always going to be a universe that exists for experiential viewing. Larger-than-life films are always going to get that audience. You will never want to watch Mad Max, Star Wars, etc. at home but go to a theatre for the experience. The only challenge web series have is creating good content constantly, where people will have an urge to watch the show no matter where they are.

You recently took a dig at Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s slap comment...
I have nothing against the movie being made nor do I have anything against Kabir Singh, the character. I have an issue when the father of the project turns around and justifies slapping each other. The minute you stop differentiating between a character and yourself, we have a problem. More importantly, it may work for you but if you turn around and say this is how it is and if you haven’t experienced this then you have not felt love, then that idea is not working for me.

What can the audience expect from you in 2019?
I am excited about RejectX. I’m pretty thrilled about Jawaani Jaaneman.

How is it working with Saif Ali Khan?
He is a sorted and patient actor. With the kind of experience he has, working with him is like a fun masterclass. It is amazing to see a senior actor like him stay back for the last cue so that his co-actor is comfortable.

As told to Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 9, 2019)

How do I prep for a film? Well, the first thing I do as an actor is to get into the head of the filmmaker I am working with as it is eventually his vision that needs to be interpreted and his world that I must inhabit and represent. This process also gives me the opportunity to learn, observe and create new material which comes from the script and in most cases, is written by the director himself.

Once I have understood that, the second step for me is to work on the physicality of the character, including his hair, body, body language, attitude and the overall personality. As an actor, I try to change my silhouette as often as I can, and that, in fact, is one of the reasons for my choice of films. I don’t feel comfortable if I am too comfortable about how I am going to play a certain character as this means it’s in my comfort zone and so obstructing me from finding and attempting something new.

For my just-released film Kabir Singh, I had to create three different silhouettes, one of which needed me to be out of shape. My normal weight is around 71-72 kg, I had to add on over five kg, going up to 76-77 kg, a lot of it fat, and look destroyed in those scenes. It was challenging but also, I admit, very exciting at the same time.

The part I was apprehensive about was the one in which I had to portray a younger avatar. At 38, I was expected to play a boy of 25. Today’s audience is much evolved and won’t overlook any discrepancies in appearance, knowing that I worked hard to get my look right.

I play a surgeon in the film, and here I must mention that my director Sandeep Vanga who is a qualified physiotherapist himself was of great help. I did my basic R&D too, but beyond that, I wanted to find the character and not just focus on his profession.

Another challenging film was the 2009 caper thriller, Kaminey (right), directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, and my first double role, which had me playing twin brothers Charlie and Guddu with speech defects. While one lisps, the other has a stutter. As a part of my homework, I met people with speech disorders. I was very sure I was not going to mock them, rather I wanted the viewers to feel for the character and spent some time getting it right.

Strangely, I have not needed a coach for any of my films, except for the one that I have for my work-outs, to oversee my physical prep. Only for Abhishek Chaubey’s Udta Punjab, in which I played Tommy Singh, we had a dialect coach on the set. Now that I think of it, I had one for a scene in Kabir Singh too where I speak Punjabi. It was to make sure that I am not mispronouncing anything and that my lines would flow naturally and organically on screen. Being a Punjabi myself, I know and understand the language well, but since I have grown up speaking in English and Hindi, I am not too fluent in it. So, I spent a few hours working on my dialogue delivery before facing the camera.

A film I had to train a lot for was my father’s (Pankaj Kapur) directorial debut, Mausam (left). I played an Air Force pilot in the film and had to go through three-four months of flight simulator training. The flight simulator is a device which artificially re-creates an aircraft flight and the environment in which it flies, for pilot training, design and other purposes.

I also had to be in great shape as one has to be in prime fitness to get into an Air Force aircraft. Back in Mumbai, I used to train three times a week. Funnily, I don’t like flying. I do it as a part of my job, but for me, the sky is not my favourite place in the world. However, once I started training, I had a lot of fun.

Imtiaz Ali’s Jab We Met is still remembered 12 years after its release. I had to play the guitar in one of the scenes and I specifically learnt how to do that so that when I played, it would look believable on screen. It took me around a week to 10 days to get it right. I want to learn how to play a musical instrument for real, also, martial arts. I also want to play more sports, but I don’t get the time to do these things and more. Having said that, I really enjoy my job and I am happy with it. As part of my prep, I learn so many new and different things.

Arjan Bajwa on playing elder brother to the actor in Sandeep Vanga’s Hindi directorial debut
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 19, 2019)

Arjan Bajwa, last seen as an antagonist in Akshay Kumar’s Rustom, is playing elder brother Karan to Shahid Kapoor’s titular Kabir Singh in Sandeep Vanga’s Hindi directorial debut, which is a remake of the director’s 2017 Telugu drama Arjun Reddy.

Arjan admits that he hadn’t seen the original till Sandeep approached him with a part in the Hindi remake. “Sandeep has known me from my Telugu work. He told me about a beautiful scene from Arjun Reddy, where the brothers are arguing about something. He insisted that I watch the scene. I fell in love with the film instantly,” he explains.

And what was it like working with his screen sibling? “We spoke about everything except movies. It’s healthy to discuss life and family. We hit it off from the first day, as I have also known him for years socially. Shahid and I had an easy camaraderie,” he informs.

Prod him on his three-year hiatus from Hindi films and he says it wasn’t intentional. “This is an answer all the producers and directors who almost cast me should give. It’s happened so many times—some thought I was too good looking for a part, others figured I wasn’t very road-side for another role. I was given vague reasons,” he shares.

Buzz is, he is playing a taxi-driver in his next. “That film is directed by Anuradha Tiwari and is still in the works. She is doing something in the international, out-of-the-box space in which I have transformed myself. She is upbeat about me playing something different. I hope other directors follow suit,” he says.
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Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; June 19, 2019)

Arjan Bajwa, who has acted in films like Fashion, Guru and Rustom, will be seen in a pivotal role in Kabir Singh. The actor will play Karan Singh, the younger brother of Kabir Singh (Shahid Kapoor). It’s interesting how director Sandeep Reddy Vanga finalised him for the role.

Arjan says, “I have been part of many Tollywood films, and that’s how Sandeep knows me. He was on the lookout for someone who could play Shahid’s brother, and was adamant that I should accept this role because I resembled him. However, before offering me the role, he wanted me to watch the original Telugu film (Arjun Reddy), which was also helmed by him. When I watched it, I was surprised to see that Karan Singh was mild and soft-mannered, unlike me. I was apprehensive initially, but I finally gave my nod to the film, as I felt that with a few inputs from my side, I would be able to pull off the role.”

So, how was it working with Shahid? Arjan replies, “I have known Shahid for many years, but this is the first time we are working together. Kabir Singh was a wonderful experience and somewhere, Sandeep’s conviction that we resemble each other, helped us bond better.”

Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; June 17, 2019)

So far, it has been a busy year for Kiara Advani. While she will soon start shooting for Shershaah, Laxmmi Bomb and Indoo Ki Jawani, she has two films lined up for release this year, starting with Kabir Singh with Shahid Kapoor, which will be followed by Good News with Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Diljit Dosanjh. The actress, who finds herself in a happy space now, says that she feels like a school student awaiting exam results. Over to Kiara, who talks about handling rejection, getting into the skin of different characters and finding a foothold in show business. Excerpts from the chat:

Though Arjun Reddy was a Telugu film, due to its intense content, it was also watched by film buffs across the country. Given that Kabir Singh is a remake of the film, what drew you to play a part whose graph is already known?
In recent times, we haven’t seen many pure, intense love stories. I am a sucker for romantic cinema. I’m glad that I’ve managed to be a part of one because I wanted this. I loved Arjun Reddy and the graph that Priti’s character has. While working with director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, I realised that he has a unique way of interpreting emotions. He was the biggest asset for this film. Only he could have told the story the way it is because it’s drawn out of his own experiences. There wasn’t a day on the set when he wasn’t meticulous. It’s also a relatable story, and one of the reasons it could be remade is that it has universal appeal.

Do you think that for a love story, which is as intense and passionate as this one, a lot depends on the chemistry and energy that co-stars share?
As an actor, I draw a lot from my costars. When you are performing a scene, you have to listen to what the other person is saying. Often, we’re so caught up with what we’re doing that we don’t pay attention to the other actor in the frame. It’s important to pay attention because it helps you to emote better. Co-stars give you so many cues, which can enhance your performance. Shahid is a terrific co-star, and it’s easy to bond with him. Besides, he’s the only other person I know who gets excited to have lauki ki sabzi in his dabba (laughs!). He’s a warm, lovely family man, who also has that ‘bro’ vibe. He can be parental at times. What amazes me is that he doesn’t smoke or drink, and yet, he plays these vice-laden characters so well. I think the beauty of cinema is that it allows you to bring out your alter ego or an extension of your personality without the fear of being judged. My character, Priti, is so unlike me. I’m expressive, and I talk more when I’m nervous, but she holds back. Her sense of normal is very different from mine. In a way, she’s like my alter ego. This film has brought me closer to my emotions. It has taught me to internalise emotions and get that thehrav and intrigue without using dialogues. While trying to play Priti, somewhere, I started merging Kiara with her. I even contemplated seeking counselling because the part was emotionally draining.

After Kabir Singh,there’s Good News this year, followed by three projects in the pipeline. There was a phase after your debut in 2014 when you didn’t have much on your plate. Have you tried introspecting what is working for you now?
Most people thought that M S Dhoni - The Untold Story was my first film. Not many people have seen Fugly, in fact, they mix it up with another movie. As an outsider in this industry, when you’re starting out, you tend to think that landing the first project will open the gates for you. I realised that for the gates to open, your first film has to do well and your performance has to be noticed. I had no idea that landing project number two, three and four will be tough because my first project didn’t work. That’s the time I sat down to introspect and figure out what was going on. People were not interested in meeting me. It broke my heart. I started thinking about where my career was headed and whether I should consider another line of work.

In that scenario, what kept you going?
The belief that I could act. I decided that I will not let anyone tell me that I can’t act. I decided to plunge into this with determination, even if it meant doing the gym class and ask-for-ameeting routine every day, till I don’t get what I want. Yes, it can be stressful, and those waiting in the wings will know what I am talking about. I kept reading scripts until I found something that I liked. I auditioned for M S Dhoni - The Untold Story, and it took a while before I got the call for it. People noticed me in that 30-minute role. It was a mini-high and it became my identity for a while. A week or two later, all the compliments dried up, life was back to normal and I was back to looking for something exciting. I had a list of directors who I wanted to work with, and Abbas-Mustan were on it. I was happy to work in Machine (directed by Abbas-Mustan). It didn’t do well, and I felt bad, but it made my resolve stronger. Also, I don’t regret doing the film because people in smaller towns still recall the Mast Mast music video that we did for it.

Is that the point when you decided to give South films a shot?
You never know who your audience is and where you might find them. I saw Baahubali, which made me realise that I could give Telugu films a shot. I bagged two big projects with Ram Charan and Mahesh Babu. I didn’t realise that working there will get me such a vast audience base. I got a dream launch and the response to it was fabulous. Now, I want to do one film a year down South, if I can, because the scripts there are quite interesting. Times are changing and it’s the content that decides everything. Language and platform are hardly a barrier anymore. I realised that sitting at home is not going to help me. The competition increases every day. We have five-six new faces in Bollywood every year, and many of them are star kids. When you don’t come from this industry, it takes you time to create a market for yourself. You can either get irritated with the competition, sit at home and wait for something to work out, or you can go out there and find a way through it. I took up Machine and my first Telugu film because of that. Finally, things are shaping up the way I want them to.

Looking back, was it difficult to handle rejection during the initial struggling phase?
It is tough to take that ‘No’ on your chin, but you can survive it if you believe in yourself. If you don’t believe that you can make the cut, who will? When you question your abilities, you also open the door for others to do that. During the toughest times, if I had questioned my ability to act, I wouldn’t have gone beyond one project. I am glad I didn’t give up. Constructive criticism is always welcome, but you should know who to take it from. You have to evolve as an artiste. Today, for me, every day is a work-in-progress. I’m no longer waiting for a destination; I’m just relishing the journey.

With several new faces, including industry kids, entering the business, what do you think works to your advantage?
I was excited to see what Janhvi (Kapoor) does in her first film because I am a huge Sridevi fan. In my heart, I know that we’re all vying for the same roles because there are only that many exciting movies being made. I made my debut a while ago, but I still have that fresh girl look, which works to my advantage. Also, I’ve not been stereotyped or bracketed. It’s inspiring to see peers doing great work because it helps cinema evolve, and in turn, every actor benefits from it.

With a busy date diary, do you think you have the time to be in a relationship, given that you’re a sucker for romance?
I don’t know! Look, I’m single right now. I just want to be with someone who can love me for who I am and vice versa. The relationship has to have a deep emotional connect for both of us. You can’t be in love with calculations attached to it. I’ve seen many people who have settled with their high-school sweethearts. They’re lucky because their relationships lasted, mine didn’t (smiles). I wish I had that high school sweetheart, too. Honestly, I want to see myself settled with someone who I am head over heels in love with. The search is on…

Shahid Kapoor on the challenge of winning loyalists of Arjun Reddy with his act and interpreting Kabir Singh differently from Vijay Deverakonda's treatment of the character while retaining the rendition of the original
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; June 16, 2019)

When we meet Shahid Kapoor, he is sitting on the floor of his suite in a five-star hotel, dressed casually in black pyjamas and a hoodie, finishing his lunch. Evidently relaxed, presumably from the good buzz around the film (Hindi remake of the Telugu blockbuster Arjun Reddy), he talks to us about why he agreed to do this remake, how he altered his process and his production plans.

I am an Arjun Reddy fan, and I am guessing you are too, which is why you agreed to do the film.
I am a big fan of the film. The script didn't come to me. I watched Arjun Reddy and loved it. It ticked most of the boxes for me as an actor. He is an emotionally distraught man. Vijay [Deverakonda] and I had our own take on being a self-destructive surgeon. Because it is a love story, the inherent emotion is very beautiful. It has its dark moments but overall the film gives a viewer a wholesome experience. I went back to playing a college guy after Ishq Vishk [my debut film]. I felt the film has pathos. The texture and the way the filmmaker made it, surprised me. South films have a different tonality usually — it's massy in energy, louder in pitch — which is often a disconnect from how films are made in Hindi. Sandeep [Vanga, director] made the film with great balance and gumption. It felt real and transports the audience to their world. I was sucked in by Arjun Reddy. When I met Sandeep, he was easy to have a conversation with and I knew, he is the only one who could make the transition from Telugu to Hindi effortlessly. Our film is considerably shorter.

Usually cinephiles say cult films shouldn't be touched. Isn't remaking a film like that scary?
Scary, no. But challenging, yes. When you recreate a film like this, the toughest to please are the ones who are loyal to the original film. I wanted Kabir Singh to have a wider reach than the Telugu film. I am privileged to be that actor who is taking the film a notch higher. And the character itself is a tough one to play because he is soaked in a multitude of emotions.

Isn't Kabir/Arjun similar in template and design to Tommy Singh of Udta Punjab?
Tommy and Kabir have a basic difference — the former is selfish and the latter is all heart. Fundamentally, Kabir has the ability to get destroyed in love, something Tommy can't imagine having. The arcs are different. Angst and destruction could be common. Tommy was an empty addict. Kabir is a lover, who has given his all and destroyed himself in the bargain. Kabir loves purely and takes to alcoholism, but Tommy has no clue about love till he meets Mary Jane [Alia Bhatt].

Why does Kabir Singh look like a replica of Arjun Reddy?
It was designed to be that. Re-rendition doesn't always mean the film will be different. Arjun Reddy is a different person culturally than Kabir. The biggest difference will be the performance — Vijay and I have different takes on the narrative and the character. We never wanted to change the film. Changing what's perfectly good is recipe for disaster. Rehashing classics are forbidden only because filmmakers have redone and rehashed them to recreate the impact. The toughest is to not fix something that ain't broke but to make it from scratch again. On paper, it's same, on set, it came alive for the first time again. I forgot Arjun to find Kabir. The interpretation of the story was so beautiful and that was my cue.

Since you were remaking the film, why didn't you work on the criticisms — the physical aggression primarily?
Right now, people are judging the film based on the promos. Don't assume till you watch the film. There is great pathos in the character and you can't depict that without showing the complete picture. His intent is not wrong and therefore, he is behaving the way he is. How it is represented is what should be questioned. He is an alpha male who brings on his own doom. You see his flaws take him down one by one. We could be criticised if we had seen an alpha male who had gotten away with his rage and aggression. He hits rock bottom and then some more.

Did you meet Vijay?
No, I haven't. But we want to show him the film. I loved him in the film.

When you were preparing for Tommy you would lock yourself up. Was it a similar process?
I can't do that anymore. I have two kids [Misha and Zain]. I grew up. I am no longer a boy. I can't say — I will do what I want and everyone has to figure it out around my schedule. I am responsible for them now, so I can't bring work home. I remember it had become incredibly dark and angsty when we started the film's shoot. I had grown out the beard, looked like an alcoholic and the mind space was such. But I categorically can't bring that energy home to the babies. It's tough to emotionally cut off when you are that invested but that's what being a parent entails. When I was doing this film, I realised I was taking myself too seriously before. It's possible to compartmentalise if you have the will for it.

You have the rights of Dingko Singh's life story for a biopic.
Raja [Krishna Menon] and I are in talks to make Dingko among others. It is being scripted, but it will happen next year. Production is on my mind.