Showing posts with label Shaheer Sheikh. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shaheer Sheikh. Show all posts

Makers of Do Patti construct set with a huge chess board and flashing lights for promotional song shoot

Makers of Kriti Sanon's 'Do Patti' construct set overnight for special promotional track shoot

Kriti Sanon goes above and beyond to facilitate a promotional song for her first production film, Do Patti
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; October 13, 2024)

Every first is a cherished memory, whether it’s one’s first love or first job. For Kriti Sanon, the actor-turned-producer, Do Patti marks her debut behind the camera. The National Award-winning actor has joined forces with writer-producer Kanika Dhillon for the direct-to-OTT film, which also stars Kajol and Shaheer Sheikh. Sanon plays a double role in the film. Although the pressures are high, she appears to be ticking all the right boxes to ensure everything is perfect before the release. Earlier this month, they released the song Raanjhan; and have now wrapped up filming another promotional track.

“Kriti has been a hands-on producer, immersing herself completely in the creative experience,” a source reveals, noting that both Dhillon and Sanon have been involved in every aspect from scripting to casting.

“She was involved as much as Kanika in securing Kajol for the project. Do Patti is also Kriti’s first thriller, so she’s particularly excited about it. In fact, she met choreographer Vijay Ganguly a few weeks before the shoot to discuss the finer details of the number, which will also feature Kajol and Shaheer.” Tanishk Bagchi has composed the new track, a lively dance number “with a huge chess board and flashing lights.”

The song captures the deep, dark, and dangerous mood of the thriller. The source further shares that, since the movie is scheduled to release by the end of the month, “a set was constructed overnight at a studio in Juhu by late production designer Rajat Poddar.”

They plan to release the song next week, following the trailer launch on October 14. Do Patti tells a twisted tale about twin sisters who harbour secrets. “Kajol plays a police officer trying to uncover the truth in an attempted murder case set against the backdrop of the fictional town of Devipur in Uttarakhand. The story is narrated from Kajol’s perspective. Shaheer, who is making his Bollywood debut with this film, portrays Kriti’s love interest,” the source continues.

The film, which also stars Tanvi Azmi, is set to release on Netflix on October 25. The principal shooting was completed in December, with only a few songs left to film.

Vicky Jain motivates me to try different things-Ankita Lokhande

Ankita Lokhande on husband Vicky Jain: He motivates me to try different things

Newly wed Ankita on how husband Jain supports her as she returns for a new season of her hit show Pavitra Rishta
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; February 1, 2022)

It has been over a month of revelry and bliss for Ankita Lokhande who tied the knot with Vicky Jain in mid-December. Now, work has come calling. The actor will be seen in the second season of Pavitra Rishta: It’s Never Too Late alongside Shaheer Sheikh. She is glad that Sheikh has been accepted in a role that was immortalised by the late Sushant Singh Rajput. “I was sure Shaheer would slip into the character of Manav because he is a great actor. Be it Sushant or some other actor, what matters is that people should be able to connect [with the actor], and the chemistry [between the leads] should work,” says Lokhande.

The revival of Pavitra Rishta last year was not an easy ride. While a section of the audience had cheered Sheikh on, many were irked to see another actor step into Rajput’s shoes. Did the polarising response upset her? “There will be people who will talk [ill of you], and then, there will be those who like your work. I look at the positive side; there is no point in seeing the negative side.”

The second edition of the ZEE5 series begins with central characters Manav and Archana living separately due to a misunderstanding. Asked how it feels to return to work after marriage, Lokhande credits her husband for encouraging her to take up interesting projects. “Vicky is supportive as a husband. He is the one who motivates me to try out different things in life; he pushes me to go and work. That means a lot to me because you need that kind of support. I truly feel like Archana now. It’s a beautiful space to be in.”

After Sushant Singh Rajput moved to films, people started getting in touch with me to headline movies-Shaheer Sheikh

Shaheer Sheikh: Earlier, nobody would consider telly artistes for movies

Playing the role immortalised by Sushant Singh Rajput, Shaheer of Pavitra Rishta 2 on how late actor opened doors for TV actors
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; September 28, 2021)

Walking into Pavitra Rishta: It’s Never Too Late, Shaheer Sheikh knew of the comparisons that would follow. In 2009, the Ekta Kapoor show had been the launchpad of the late Sushant Singh Rajput, with the love story of Manav and Archana immediately endearing him to the masses. This, coupled with the raging success of the first season, meant that Sheikh had a lot of expectations riding on his shoulders.

He admits that the legacy of the show made him nervous about fronting the sequel. “I was a bit nervous initially because it’s a big responsibility. All the characters on the show have been loved, and I am the only addition to the cast. So, I was not sure [of joining the project] in the beginning. But then, I thought I should at least give it a try, and see how the audience responds.”

With the ZEE5 offering that sees Ankita Lokhande reprise her iconic role of Archana, the makers want to give it a fresh take while setting the story in the same universe. “The character [of Manav] and the way he dresses up is the same. The makers [felt] I had the earnestness and innocence that Manav needs. I had to [be true to the character] mentally and emotionally. I tried to make it as real as possible, and didn’t ham or imitate anyone.”

Quiz him if he was among the millions watching Pavitra Rishta religiously when it aired, and the actor says that his busy schedule didn’t afford him the opportunity. “I was doing a daily soap at that time. Pavitra Rishta went on for more than five years; I had seen some of the episodes. I have clear memories of the show, especially the love story between Manav and Archana.”

With the immense popularity of the 2009 show, Rajput had caught the attention of many filmmakers, eventually foraying into movies with Abhishek Kapoor’s Kai Po Che (2013). The actor’s transition from television to films was an important statement in itself — until then, a wide chasm separated the two industries, with television being considered Bollywood’s poor cousin.

Sheikh says that Rajput, with his success in films, single-handedly changed the perception of TV actors. “Sushant was the one who broke the barriers and started doing films. He became an inspiration for actors like me, and opened new doors for us. Earlier, nobody would consider a telly artiste for a big budget movie. But after Sushant moved to films, people started getting in touch with me [to headline movies]. That’s the kind of effect he had on the industry.”

Over the past decade, Sheikh has become one of the leading actors of the telly world, with several hit shows to his credit. How does he view the content of Indian television, often called out for being regressive? “I disagree [with the notion]. It’s challenging to entertain families every single evening, for years. That said, I agree our TV industry needs to evolve a little more. We had good content about 20 years ago, but it depends on what we choose to watch. We have to choose our content well.”

For me, nobody can replace Sushant Singh Rajput; Pavitra Rishta’s legacy should go on-Ankita Lokhande

Ankita Lokhande on 'Pavitra Rishta 2': Nobody can replace Sushant Singh Rajput on the show

As netizens call for boycott on 'Pavitra Rishta 2' that sees Shaheer Sheikh step into Rajput’s shoes, leading lady Ankita Lokhande says role immortalised by late actor
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; September 14, 2021)

To many, Pavitra Rishta is almost inconceivable without the late Sushant Singh Rajput. The 2009 show had brought the actor out of oblivion and into our living rooms, thus sowing the seeds of what was to be a splendid career. So, it is understandable when his former partner-actor Ankita Lokhande — who reprises the role of Archana in the upcoming Pavitra Rishta: It’s Never Too Late — says that returning to the set was an emotional affair. “When I listened to the title song, Aasman mein jab tak sitare rahenge, it pinched me hard. There are a lot of memories [attached to] the song. I got goosebumps and started crying because I have lived the character of Archana for 12 years,” begins Lokhande.

In the ZEE5 offering, Shaheer Sheikh has the tall order of playing Manav, a role immortalised by Rajput. Lokhande has faith in her co-star’s abilities as she states that he was her first choice for the leading man. “I wanted Shaheer to play the role. I have seen his work; he has the [required] innocence in his eyes. He can convey a lot without uttering a word.”

It goes without saying that reliving Archana and Manav’s journey is not the same without Rajput by her side. “For me, nobody can replace Sushant on the show because he created Manav. Hiten [Tejwani] stepped in later and gave his [own interpretation] to the role. Similarly, Shaheer has created his own [rendition]. People have seen Sushant and me [as the original pair], but we are actors who create chemistry with our co-stars.”

The news of Pavitra Rishta’s revival drew polarising responses. Where some fans cheered it on, many were angry that Rajput’s iconic role would be essayed by someone else. Soon, #BoycottPavitraRishta2 started trending on social media.

Lokhande tries to understand their intent behind the action as she says, “Everyone has [strong] emotions attached to Sushant, and is a true fan. It’s their thought process, and I am no one to comment on it. They are in so much pain. But they have to understand that the show is also my baby, and I am not taking advantage of anybody. I am recreating something that was beautiful. The show’s legacy should go on.”

I am scared to start shooting, but I also have to think about my career-Ruslaan Mumtaz


Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; June 27, 2020)

Actor Ruslaan Mumtaz, who became father to a baby boy in March, is all set to return to work. He will be seen in an important role in Rajan Shahi’s Yeh Rishtey Hain Pyaar Ke.

Ruslaan says, “My character will affect the relationship between the lead pair, Mishti (Rhea Sharma) and Abir (Shaheer Sheikh). I decided to accept this role, because it is like a stroke of good luck after the birth of my baby. These are difficult times when actors are replaced, storylines are changed and shows are axed. I could never say ‘no’ to this opportunity, especially at a time when actors and technicians don’t know when they will land their next big project.”

With a baby at home, is he scared to step out and resume work? He replies, “Yes, I am very scared to start shooting, because along with myself, I am also responsible for every individual in my family. Having said that, one also has professional responsibilities towards oneself and I also have to think about my career. Nobody can say for sure when the Coronavirus crisis will end. So, it does not make sense to keep refusing offers. It’s important that I take the necessary precautions and return to work.”

Ruslaan was last seen in the TV show, Main Maayke Chali Jaungi, in 2019.

For actors, work goes on even in the Coronavirus lockdown


Shivangi Joshi shooting at her home

Be it shooting scenes from home, launching shows or spreading awareness, actors are at their busiest
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 18, 2020)

With no new shoots happening due to the lockdown, life seems to have paused for actors. However, some feel the show must go on even if it means having to do everything on their own.


Actors turn all-rounders
Comedienne Bharti Singh and husband, writer Haarsh Limbachiyaa, have come up with a new show, Hum Tum Aur Quarantine, giving a sneak peek into their lives. “We’re trying to entertain with humour. We’ll enlighten people on the importance of staying at home, washing hands, practising social distancing, etc. Also, for this series, Harsh and I are writing the script, improvising, directing, shooting and editing,” she says.


One for social awareness
The makers of Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai share that the actors have shot special bits from home. Producer Binaifer Kohli says, “Our actors have shot some bytes endorsing those who’re helping us. And it’s been aired with the re-runs. They gave messages like, ‘Bhabi ji ghar par hain, aap bhi ghar par rahiye’.”

Actor Hiten Tejwani shares a short film on the pandemic, starring him, has gone as an entry at the Lockdown Festival of India, along with a music video, which is a tribute to “doctors, nurses, police officers and others”.


New tadka to old episodes
Producer Rajan Shahi has got actors of his daily soaps — Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai and and Yeh Rishtey Hain Pyaar Ke — to shoot some special scenes at home, which are then added to their re-reruns. Shahi says, “We’ve linked these new bytes (to old episodes) and it has come out very nice.”

Talking about his ‘different’ experience of shooting at home, actor Shaheer Sheikh shares, “It felt a little odd to be in the character at home, decide the timing and everything. It was weird to look into the camera and talk. Though we do it on sets, this was different.”

Qubool Hai and Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon director Lalit Mohan calls this an “experimental phase”, and says if it works, “we can do it in the future too”.