Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; May 16, 2019)

The volatile relationship between Guddu and his love interest Sweety was for all to see in Mirzapur. Only months after they romanced each other in the crime thriller, Ali Fazal and Shriya Pilgaonkar find themselves sharing screen space again in Shashanka Ghosh's House Arrest, a Netflix film.

"Our off-screen friendship makes it easier for us to essay emotions on screen. Since this is our second outing together, there was an inherent comfort level," analyses Fazal, who recently wrapped up the first schedule in Delhi.

The comedy revolves around Fazal's character who has an irrational fear of setting foot outside his home. "House Arrest is a witty and fresh script. Even though it's a comedy, my character is layered and complex. So, I would head to the set every day knowing that I will have something new to do."

Veere Di Wedding director Shashanka Ghosh is now adapting a Hollywood film for the Indian screen with Bhushan Kumar and Vikram Malhotra
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 19, 2019)

While speaking to Mirror (June 21, 2018) earlier, Shashanka Ghosh who last directed the Kareena Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor, Swara Bhasker and Shikha Talsania girl bonding film Veere Di Wedding, had revealed that he wants to direct three films a year. Now, we have learnt that the filmmaker will helm the official Hindi adaptation of John Carney’s 2014 American film Begin Again. The musical comedy-drama had featured Oscar-nominated actors Mark Ruffalo and Keira Knightley. While he is popular as the ‘Hulk’, she is best known for the Pirates Of The Caribbean franchise and Pride & Prejudice. Pop rock band Maroon 5’s lead singer Adam Levine was seen alongside the duo. Scripted by Arshad Syed, the Hindi film will be produced by Bhushan Kumar and Vikram Malhotra. It will roll later this year.

“We want to tell a story about the world of music and fresh voices on the Indian scene, and through that, offer a take on urban relationships that don’t necessarily mean love, marriage and happily ever after. The worlds explored here are deeper—heart, hurt, passion, and above all, music. The only commonality with Veere Di Wedding is that this too has an urban setting,” informs Shashanka, adding that they will start approaching actors once they have locked the script and recorded the score.

The original which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) revolves around Gretta (Knightley) and her long-time boyfriend Dave (Levine), college sweethearts and song-writing partners, who decamp for New York when he lands a deal with a major music label. The trappings of his new-found fame soon tempt Dave to stray. Lovelorn Gretta’s life takes a turn for the better when Dan (Ruffalo), a disgraced record label exec, stumbles upon her performing on an East Village stage and is captivated by her raw talent. From this chance encounter emerges an enchanting portrait of a mutually transformative collaboration, set to the soundtrack of a summer in New York City.

“We are thrilled to adapt Begin Again for the Indian audience. It’s a soul-stirring film with disarming emotional candour and intimacy. The film’s music is brilliantly woven into the story. Aside from being a successful film when it released and receiving rave reviews, it’s the film’s magical take on relationships that works best, and we plan to retain that in our Hindi adaptation,” says Vikram.

The song “Lost Stars” was nominated for the Oscars in the Best Original Song category and Bhushan points out that they have an opportunity to create some outstanding music too. “The original film is a masterpiece, appreciated alike by critics and the audiences. We are still in the writing process but I hope to get together the best soundtracks from our musicians for a unique album,” Bhushan promises. 

Writer Manisha Lakhe feels betrayed that director Shashanka Ghosh and producer Joy B Ganguly didn’t inform her about her book — The BetelNut Killers — being adapted for screen. However, Shashanka claims that Manisha was given the rights of the book with the understanding that she would have nothing to do with the film
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; December 1, 2018)

After it was reported on Thursday, November 29, that director Shashanka Ghosh (Veere Di Wedding, Khoobsurat) will collaborate with Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah and Anupam Kher to bring Manisha Lakhe’s 2010 novel (The BetelNut Killers) to the big screen, it left the author infuriated, as she wasn’t even informed about it.

Manisha told BT, “The report quotes producer Joy B Ganguly saying, ‘The idea came to Shashanka when he was travelling to the US in the late ’90s.’ When did this become Shashanka’s idea? Just because I shared my idea with him, how can I not have any rights over it? How can it suddenly become his idea? It’s basic decency to inform an author that you are adapting her book into a film.”

Recalling her conversation with Shashanka years ago, Manisha explained, “In the 80’s and 90’s Indian food wasn’t easily available in the US. The BetelNut Killers is story told from an NRI’s point of view. When I was based in Portland, Shashanka, who is a friend (we worked in the same ad agency), had come over for lunch. I had shared the idea of a dark comedy revolving around Indian grocery stores in that area with him. I was frustrated with the stores and thought of this fictional-farcical tale on how a Gujju family hopes to kill their young and gorgeous competitor. When I shared this idea with Shashanka, he said he would make a film on it. When I moved to India, Shashanka had already shared the idea with Rajesh Devraj, who wrote a screenplay on it by altering it a bit. However, it didn’t really go with what I had envisioned. They put some S&M (sadomasochism) in it! I later found out that Shashanka had approached a publisher to write a book on it. Since the publisher was a common friend, she asked me why I wasn’t writing it since it was my idea. I didn’t even know that Shashanka had such plans. That’s treachery! After I wrote the book and launched it in 2010, I also heard that Anurag Basu was keen on adapting it, but since Shashanka is a friend, I was keen that he does it.”

When a friend of mine told me that the film was going to be made, I wrote a comment on Shashanka’s Facebook page, ‘Wow, when were you going to tell me?’ I got no response. I wrote to producer Joy B Ganguly in March and in October, and even yesterday, after the news was reported. He replied to me saying, ‘I’m not in the business of robbing anyone else’s work, plus, this is a tabloid piece. You and Shashanka need to talk next time I’m in Mumbai. This project won’t happen before 2020...if at all.”

In the past when Manisha had reached out to Joy, he had sent a message on FB chat saying, “I was not aware of that (the fact that Shashanka’s film is based on her book)... But I believe that the initial script was written by someone called Devraj. Let me get to the bottom of this. If credit is due, it will be given... The film and script are still in the development stage... As far as I know Shashanka, he’s also not the kind of guy who would take someone’s idea and make it his own.”

When BT reached out to Shashanka, he claimed, “She (Manisha) wrote the book based on the screenplay which Rajesh Devraj and I wrote. Also, she was given the (book) rights with the understanding that she would have nothing to do with the film at the end of it.” When asked if it was originally her idea, he replied, “Actually, we came up with one line of the story when I was visiting her and her then husband. But… whatever. She also said she wanted to write the book and promised not to be involved with the film. If she has changed her stance, so be it. She was a friend then.”

Manisha categorically denied Shashanka’s claim, citing, “Neither Shashanka, nor Rajesh have lived in the US. My book is an NRI story and speaks of local Oregon laws and situations. How on earth could they have possibly thought of it! I had pitched the idea to Shashanka for the film, which he shared with Rajesh and then wrote the script. I have read their script and my book came out after that, but my book is not based on their script. It’s my idea to begin with.”

Shashanka Ghosh to join forces with Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah and Anupam Kher to bring Manishka Lakhe’s 2010 novel to the big screen
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 29, 2018)

Veere Di Wedding director Shashanka Ghosh’s next film will be a Hinglish satirical crime escapade titled The BetelNut Killers. The film which is based on Manisha Lakhe’s book by the same name revolves around an NRI Gujarati family that runs into two former American convicts. The film will takes off in 2019.

Producer Joy B Ganguly informed Mirror that Shashanka and he had brainstormed on the project a long time ago. “The idea came to Shashanka when he was travelling to the US in the late ’90s. Over the last few years, we kept discussing it and have now decided to go ahead with the film. The script is being developed at the moment.”

He goes on to add that the film is in the zone of what Shashanka had started out doing with Quick Gun Murugun and Waisa Bhi Hota Hai Part 2. “It needs an ensemble cast and we will be approaching Ratna Pathak Shah, Anupam Kher and Naseer saab (Shah). There are two American actors as well who we are in talks with,” he said, adding that 90 per cent of shoot will take place in New York and the remaining in Mumbai.

The novel, a farcical black comedy, released in 2010, and revolved around the Shahs who run a grocery store in Portland, Oregon. Chimanbhai Shah, the mild-mannered owner, is forced into taking drastic steps after the sexy Supriya draws his customers away to her new store that has suddenly come up in the neighbourhood. Following the downturn in business, the Shahs approach a supari killer from Mumbai to rid them of their competition. 

Actor Shikha Talsania on inspiring people through her Veere Di Wedding character Meera, and exploring every opportunity to perform
Anuka Roy (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 1, 2018)

Not many people remember that actor Shikha Talsania made her debut in 2009 with Wake Up Sid, as Ranbir Kapoor’s chubby friend, Laxmi. It was her turn as Meera, in the recent grosser Veere Di Wedding (VDW), that made people finally take note of Talsania. “Even though my role (as Laxmi) was appreciated and I got a lot of offers, they were all one-dimensional ‘fat girl’ roles — the character was either hungry or horny. And that didn’t interest me at all,” says Talsania, 32. After Sid, Talsania acted in Madhur Bhandarkar’s Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji and Deepa Mehta’s Midnight’s Children, but it was 2016 that proved to be a turning point in her career.

That was when she was offered VDW. “Rhea [Kapoor, one of the producers of VDW] and I have known each other since Wake Up Sid. She was an assistant director while Karan Boolani was Chief AD on that film,” says Talsania. “Boolani suggested my name for Veere Di and casting director Mukesh Chhabra called me in for a screen test. Then I read the script, fell in love with it and met Shashanka [Ghosh, the director] and Rhea. That’s how it all began.”

When her ‘bold’ Meera stepped out in a swimsuit in VDW it inspired many full-bodied women. But that wasn’t Talsania’s intention. “It’s lovely that people find it inspiring. However, for me, I was just playing my character and trying to stay true to it,” she says, matter-of-factly. “If I go to a beach, I would wear a swimming costume. But that’s my confidence and my acceptance of my body.” Talsania believes one needs to be fit to feel happy from within, and well-being is not necessarily related to losing weight. Talsania has embarked on a fitness journey herself after her first film, by eating right and exercising. But she did it for herself, and not as a result of any pressure.

Although Talsania has a strong film connect — her father is veteran actor Tiku Talsania, who is known for his comic timing and wide variety of roles — she has never used her father’s connections to land work. “I’m extremely proud of what my father has achieved, but that is his journey. I believe that my journey will always be my own,” she says. But she hopes to emulate the energy and excitement her father brings to each of his roles, during her journey. When Talsania expressed her desire to become an actor, however, her parents were concerned. As entertainment industry veterans themselves, they sat her down and talked about the ‘erratic’ nature of the profession and gently suggested she explore other things.

And she did give other careers a go. At different times, Talsania has worked as a line producer, celebrity manager and post-poduction for reality shows such as Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa and Indian Idol. But the acting bug had already bitten her.

Talsania’s tryst with acting began in college. “I was in Jai Hind. And, I was offered these two plays — The Graduate, directed by Divya Palat, and a Gujarati play — and it was a great experience,” says Shikha. Her first professional acting gig was Silly Point Production’s Four Square and, since then, she has worked with various theatre groups like Rage Productions and The Patchworks Ensemble. But the production company she has been associated with for the longest is Akvarious Productions. Talsania was a part of the company’s popular play, Internal Affairs. “They have played a huge part in my life. I was introduced to the world of theatre by them and got to meet and collaborate with so many fantastic people,” she says animatedly. This year, Talsania co-directed an Akvarious production called Dekh Behen, with an all-female cast and crew. Set against the backdrop of a big fat Delhi wedding — much like VDW — the play received rave reviews and has completed over 25 shows in less than five months. Asked to pick between films and theatre, Talsania says: “They are very different. For a performer, I don’t think it matters. Both platforms give you a different high. It’s like asking a mother to choose between two of her children.”

Now that she’s found her groove in entertainment, Talsania wants to try it all. “Actor for life. TV, theatre, web series, movies — bring it on. If tomorrow someone says put on prosthetics and play an old lady or become a man, I will happily do it,” she says. “That’s the fun of being an actor.”

Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 27, 2018)

Writer-director Shashanka Ghosh, is penning a biopic on Indian yogi and bestselling author Jaggi Vasudev, better known as Sadhguru. The yet-untitled biopic will mark Shashanka’s third collaboration with producer Rhea Kapoor, after the 2014 romcom Khoobsurat and the recent super-hit, Veere Di Wedding. Shashanka will submit the final draft of script to the Isha Foundation in the next three-four months. The NGO started by Sadhguru offers yoga programmes around the world and is involved in social outreach, education and environmental initiatives.

“I love the concept of a biopic because there is a huge degree of truth already existing through historical events. The story of a human being becomes a biopic when they have done something worthy of sharing, something people have been inspired by,” reasons the director, revealing that Sameer Gupta who had produced his debut feature, Waisa Bhi Hota Hai Part II, had wanted him to work on a biopic on Kishore Kumar 12 years ago but that film never took off.

Sadhguru was conferred the Padma Vibhushan last April. His foundation works with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. In 2012, he was voted among the 100 most powerful Indians and was a part of the 2006 documentary, One: The Movie. The 60-year-old also hosts a series, In Conversations with the Mystic.

Speaking about his association with Rhea, Shashanka asserts that the duo is always in sync with each other. “If a sequel to Veere Di Wedding ever happens, I know Rhea will certainly consider me for the director’s chair. I have watched Rhea grow as a creative producer, she is a gutsy woman,” he says.

Shashanka Ghosh talks about reuniting with his muse Sonam Kapoor and directing three films in 2019
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 21, 2018)

Writer-director Shashanka Ghosh, who’s made five films in 15 years — he debuted with Waise Bhi Hota Hai Part II in 2003 and his last directorial, Veere Di Wedding, released earlier this month — now wants to direct three films a year. His stock has clearly risen after the success of his last film, which features Sonam Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, Swara Bhaskar and Shikha Talsania, and revolves around female bonding. “I’ve been taking four years to make each film as people have said ‘no’ to me all the time. But now, I’m game. I’m too old to take it easy,” says Shashanka.

The filmmaker plans to reunite with Sonam again. “Eight years ago, I had wanted to meet Sonam for a gangster drama with an Alice In Wonderland vibe which would be shot at Ramoji Rao Film City in Hyderabad. It would have showcased her in a never-seen-before femme fatale avatar but the project was put on the backburner. I plan to revive it,” Shashanka says. “I see Sonam as the perfect Alice!”

Shashanka first directed Sonam in the 2014 romcom Khoobsurat, which marked the Bollywood debut of Pakistani actor Fawad Khan. “Veere Di Wedding was supposed to happen after Khoobsurat but Kareena got pregnant and the project was delayed. I was the badmaash in the crew, yelling at Rhea, asking her to make this film,” he says.

The film finally got made but Shashanka stayed away from the limelight during the promotions. “I was editing the film right until two days before the release. I fell sick immediately afterwards and I am still catching my breath. The last two months were really hectic. Now, I finally have time to work on my ideas,” he asserts.

The actress-filmmaker duo has also discussed a Hindi remake of Tom Tykwer’s German thriller, Run Lola Run, with Sonam stepping into the titular character originally played by Franka Potente in the 1998 blockbuster. “Sonam always says that she is my muse and she is right. She is an intelligent woman who understands screenplay well. So, I have to give her a role she can’t turn down. Sonam doesn’t get enough credit as an actor because she has an equally gigantic fashion image,” Shashanka reasons, recounting the time Sonam set the tone for shooting on Veere Di Wedding. “On the first day with Kareena, I was on the ninth take, when Sonam explained something to Kareena. I don’t know what it was but from then on every scene was canned in one or two takes. Sonam just gets me.”


Shashanka hopes to kick off ideation on the screen adaptation of ‘The Calcutta Chromosome’, a 1995 novel by Amitav Ghosh. The medical thriller is set in 1990s Calcutta and New York City at an unspecified time in the future and dramatises the adventures of protagonists brought together by a mysterious turn of events. The book is loosely based on the life of Sir Ronald Ross, the Nobel Prize– winning scientist who achieved a breakthrough in malaria research in 1898. “Interestingly, the hero of the book is also a guy called Murugan (Shashanka has directed Quick Gun Murugan), who calls himself Morgan at times. I’d love to adapt this book into a film,” Shashanka informs.The filmmaker admits that Kiran Nagarkar’s Cuckold will also make for a great film adaptation. The historical novel is set in 16th century Mewar and follows Maharaj Kumar, a fictional character based on the real life Prince Bhoj Raj. “Many filmmakers and writers, including me, have tried to make the book into a film but it’s never worked out as the premise is too expansive,” he trails off.

Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; June 11, 2018)

He had a small role in the female buddy film Veere Di Wedding (VDW), but Sumeet Vyas, who played Kareena Kapoor Khan’s boyfriend, had all the girls in the audience eating out of his palm. As the sweet and supportive Rishabh, he was the perfect foil to the hyper and confused Kalindi (Kareena). And, his understated performance has won him a lot of acclaim.

“The response so far has been overwhelming. From the time I read the story, I knew it would be a fun film to be a part of. I was also excited about working with Shashanka Ghosh, and of course, with Kareena, who is one of the biggest superstars in the country,” enthuses Sumeet, who is best known for his web series Permanent Roommates and Tripling.

‘I WAS A LITTLE NERVOUS’
Since he is an established actor on the digital platform, wasn’t he apprehensive about being lost in a female-centric film?  He replies, “I knew what I was getting into. It’s not just about the four girls; every character has a crucial role. But I was a little nervous because there were a lot of songs and dances in the film — I haven’t done a lot of lip-syncing and dancing. It was nerve-racking dancing with the likes of Kareena and Sonam (K Ahuja). I secretly rehearsed for a good two-three days before I went on the floor so that I don’t make a fool of myself.”

Ask him about the cute chemistry he shares with Kareena in the film and he says the credit goes to her. “The first day of the shoot with Kareena was fascinating. I hadn’t met her before the shoot because she was travelling. We didn’t have time to rehearse or get acquainted with each other. Shashanka just introduced us and asked us to shoot. The brief was — we have been dating each other for three years. He told me to hold her by her waist and I was like, ‘How can I do that in the first meeting with her!’ A huge credit goes to Kareena because she made sure I was comfortable,” gushes Sumeet, who feels both he and Kareena come from the same school of acting. He shares that she is extremely professional, comes on the sets and performs. “She is not interested in gossiping or fooling around. Even I am like that, I don’t like to joke around,” he says.

ROLE CALL
Now that VDW has done well at the box office, Sumeet is hoping it will translate into some good work in Bollywood. “Sometimes, you have a big part in a film, you put your heart and soul into it but it doesn’t do well, then it sort of becomes irrelevant. I am glad VDW is doing so well. When everybody sees your work, it creates more opportunities and gives more confidence to people who want to consider you for their film,” he says candidly.

Sumeet, however, is clear that he does not want to repeat the kind of roles he has already done. No more playing the cute and funny guy anymore! “It gets boring after a point. I want to experiment and explore different genres. I want to do a thriller and experiment with slightly grey characters because for an actor they are a lot of fun,” he smiles adding that he is a huge fan of Hollywood actor Javier Bardem. “I love his work in No Country for Old Men and Casino Royale. He pulls it off so well. He almost makes you sympathise with him even while playing a negative character,” he says.

TAKING A BREATHER
Sumeet will next be seen in the second season of the web series It’s Not That Simple. He is also scripting the second season of Tripling, which will start by the end of this year. Other than that, the actor is listening to scripts. “Many filmmakers want to cast me in a role similar to VDW, but I am done with it. I am taking a breather. Playing a sweet person with a sense of humour is closer to my personality and I want to do something that is far removed from me,” he explains.

JAB THEY MET
Last but not least, the actor was recently in the news for his relationship with TV actress Ekta Kaul. Any plans of taking it to the next level? “Not anytime soon. Right now, we are seeing each other, let’s see how it goes.” Would he work with her if an offer came to him? “I would love to. In fact, we did a pilot episode of a TV show long back, but that never took off. That’s how I met her for the first time, but after that, we lost touch. Last year, we met again and kept bumping into each other (and started dating),” he signs off.

Hiren Kotwani (DNA; May 28, 2018)

Even though she got her first breakthrough role in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Guzaarish (2010), it was Aanand L Rai’s Tanu Weds Manu the following year that shot Swara Bhasker into the spotlight. From then on, there has been no looking back for her. As she gears up for her next, Veere Di Wedding, we catch up with the feisty actress for a quick chat. Excerpts...

For someone who has done films like the Tanu Weds Manu series, Listen...Amaya, Nil Battey Sannata and Anaarkali Of Aarah, what novelty does Veere Di Wedding offer you as an actress?
It offers me an opportunity to play my first lead role in a commercial film. I’ve mostly been in supporting roles till date. It’s a fresh story, something not seen before in mainstream Bollywood. I play Sakshi, a fun, quirky and stylish woman, who took me outside my comfort zone. It was a winning combination for me. Till now, I’ve essayed more rooted and desi characters, different from how I’m in real life. Also, I’ve never been in a film where your look, clothes and style are so important. Producer Rhea Kapoor wanted me to be thin, and I told her that the only acting I was doing in this movie is losing weight and wearing fashionable clothes (laughs). Except for cosmetic surgery and liposuction, I did everything to knock off about five kilos and considerable inches.

You’ve worked with Sonam Kapoor aka Sonam K Ahuja in Raanjhanaa and Prem Ratan Dhan Payo. How was the experience of sharing screen space with Kareena Kapoor Khan?
I had never met Kareena before, so I couldn’t be on backslapping terms with her in our first meeting. But we became friendly. She’s a team player and great fun to be with. She has a positive vibe and I enjoyed working with her. I admire her work ethics. In about eight months after the birth of her baby, she was so disciplined about her workout, diet and fitness. Despite being so experienced, she respects the director and even though she expresses her viewpoint, she listens to the director and follows his instructions.

Tell us about your behind-the-scenes moments from the movie’s shoot.
We had a ball shooting for VDW. We’d be gossiping and having fun. Director Shashanka Ghosh was like our honorary girlfriend, we gave him that title. Kareena and Shashanka kept ribbing me — while she called me ‘Thinking actor’, Shashanka would call me ‘Method Ki Maa’. I was supposed to be on a diet and every time I cheated, Kareena would complain to Rhea. When I asked her why, she said that she has to tell the truth all the time. As for Sonam, we met on the sets of Raanjhanaa and formed our life-long friendship.

The dialogues of VDW have become a talking point among people.
It’s a fun film, with urban realistic dialogues. That’s how young people talk, it’s real to the characters we were essaying. Youngsters who are sitting with their friends over a round of drinks will curse.

What’s next?
I have three web series lined up, of which one is the second season of It’s Not That Simple. The web is an interesting space, it’s the future. It has interesting content, there’s no pressure of TRPs, censorship or box office. Otherwise, I’m being a little choosy. After Nil Battey Sannata, Anaarkali Of Aarah and VDW, I don’t want to disappoint my audience. It’s hard to earn respect and credibility, but easy to squander.

From the directors you’ve worked with, only Aanand L Rai has repeated you.
That’s because I’m his crisis call. When other actresses refuse the role, he calls me (laughs). Of course, everyone has the freedom to cast whoever they want.

You are known for speaking your mind, but your open letter to Sanjay Leela Bhansali came in for some flak.
The flak was expected because it came from a certain section. I don’t think I criticised Sanjay sir himself. I offered a critique of the film and in the way he glorified jauhar. He’s a skilled director, so there’s a danger when you make such a good film and it sends out a dangerous message. Also as a viewer, I have the right. I paid for the tickets and took 10 people to see the film. Most of the industry people were gracious. Those who didn’t agree with me saw my viewpoint. Sanjay sir understood that it was not a personal attack. I think that’s how it should be. If we, as artistes, are not free to say what we feel, then who is free to talk his/her mind. Having said that, I was amongst the few people who stood up for his film and crew when the whole Karni Sena controversy began.

Do you see VDW bringing you roles that you want?
I can only hope so. You cannot control the work that is offered to you; you can only control what you choose. I won’t spend time thinking what I should be offered now, but what should I do about the choices that I get.

Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; May 24, 2018)

Four vivacious, bold, strong and fashionably correct women speak their mind unabashedly in Veere Di Wedding. With this film, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja set off on a journey with her sister Rhea Kapoor, and friends Kareena Kapoor Khan, Swara Bhasker and Shikha Talsania, with able support from producer Ekta Kapoor, to narrate a comingof-age story about women in different stages of their lives. In a conversation with BT, the newly-wed leading lady talks about how a film like this is a step towards changing mindsets, the misconstrued ideas of feminism and how she has made her stand on marriage and work fairly clear.

It’s just been two weeks since your wedding. Now that all the celebrations and ceremonies are done, is the feeling finally sinking in?
Yes, it’s been two weeks aur itne mein toh kuch pata nahi chalta. Meri toh mehendi bhi nahi utri hai abhi tak. Right after my wedding, I also went to Cannes and that was a lot of fun.

After a hectic wedding schedule, you went back to work right away and it seems that you will get a break only after the release of Veere…
Tell me about it; I am fatigued. Imagine my poor sister (Rhea). She was planning my wedding and the release of this film. It’s really exhausting. I have also made my stand on marriage and work pretty clear. Cannes is a lot of work, but it was going back to a familiar territory, which sort of calms you after something distinct has happened in your life. The lehenga that I wore over there was designed for my wedding reception that we didn’t end up having here. It looked good with my mehendi.

The Veere Di Wedding journey has had many ups and downs. How did you manage the production for so long? It must have been exhausting…
My sister had this idea of doing a coming-of-age film with four women, who are friends, across age groups where one of them is getting married and others are at different stages of their lives. About four years ago, after Khoobsurat (2014), Rhea roped in a writer duo to put the script together. Director Shashanka Ghosh was on board too. The film was written with Kareena, Swara, Shikha and me in mind. So, when Bebo got pregnant, Rhea was like ‘now what?’ Bebo said, ‘Take someone else’ which was not possible. We even tried incorporating her pregnancy into the script, but it didn’t work. The film has been through several things simultaneously, but as they say, all’s well that ends well. Look, we set out to make a film about friends and we couldn’t have worked with someone who wasn’t a friend. Since I know the girls so well, we didn’t have to work too hard on the camaraderie. Through this film, we have touched upon a lot of topics, but in an entertaining manner. Firstly, this is about four women who are not chasing the same man. Like men, even women get divorced; have to deal with sexism and commitment-phobia among other things. People should watch the film for entertainment, but also understand what is being said.

It’s not common to see four women leading the charge in a Bollywood movie. There’s no A-list male hero either. In that sense, your film is breaking many moulds…
Like Neerja (2016) and more recently Raazi (coproduction between Junglee Pictures and Dharma Productions), hopefully Veere… too will do well and we won’t have to talk about this anymore. We won’t have to discuss the sex of the lead cast. Unfortunately, it is a point of discussion today because of the way things have been. I mean A-list actresses like Katrina Kaif and Kalki Koechlin were a part of a boys’ film, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011). Preity Zinta was on top of her game when she agreed to a Dil Chahta Hai (2001), but we don’t have A-list heroes in our industry who agree to do good films like Raazi, Neerja, Raanjhanaa (2013), Khoobsurat or even a Veere Di Wedding. No one said yes. I don’t think they have the confidence to do that. My father (Anil Kapoor) did films like Beta (1992) with Madhuri Dixit and Laadla (1994) with Sridevi, but I haven’t seen anyone do that. He’s a different kind of person. He raised me to be a feminist. When I came into the industry, I was shocked with the way things were. I was raised very differently. My parents never made me believe that I was any different from my brother. When I came here, I saw we were not paid the same amount as the hero, and not given the same kind of rooms as the leading man. People had that ‘Woh hero hai’ mentality. In the 11 years that I have been around, things have changed, yet there is a lot of change that needs to happen.

Owing to your upbringing, are actresses like you becoming the game changers in the industry?
You know what? When my sister and I made Aisha (2010), we didn’t even realise that a film like that had never been attempted. If it had crossed our minds, we would have been really scared. Rhea was 21 then and I was 23. No one took us seriously, because they thought we were making a stylish film about three women and no one was even dying in it. To this day, people walk up to me and tell me that they liked Aisha, but at that time, only women gave it good reviews. After Aisha, I saw people react to Khoobsurat with a changed mind set. Today, even men are excited to watch a film like Veere Di Wedding. I know for a fact that even back then, men, however discreetly or in a closeted manner, enjoyed Aisha.

They were just ashamed to say it. Ditto with the intellectual women. It’s like heroines who were scared to admit that they are feminists because they probably think they need to grow a moustache and burn their bra. Some women think being a feminist will make them undesirable. Some people think that a welldressed and glamorous woman can’t be smart. Why is there a difference between being smart and dressing up? There are so many fashionable, beautiful and intelligent women around the world — from Frida Kahlo to Audrey Hepburn to Cate Blanchett. Beauty can be and should be celebrated. Don’t be ashamed of your womanhood because a man has put some ideas into your head.

In today’s time, feminism seems to be a misconstrued concept. For instance, just recently you were trolled on social media for adding Anand’s last name to your name. This is no indication that you are not a feminist; it is just a matter of choice.
Exactly! Having your father’s last name is patriarchal in itself. Anand decided to add my name in the middle of his and I decided to add his last name. I’ve chosen to keep both the family names instead of choosing one over the other. And trust me; this was not an impromptu thought. People didn’t know, but I was engaged for a year and we have thought this through. Why should I explain my choices? Feminism strictly means equal opportunity and the right to make a choice. I understand there are barriers to be broken. The day you stop taking your father’s name is when things will begin to change. But that’s a long way to go.

Do you think films like these will open conversations for men and women on these subjects?
It’s important for women to own up to what they like and don’t like without the fear of being judged. Look, a lot happens around us because of our general conditioning. We ask a woman if she’s slowing down after marriage or having babies. Do we ask a man that? Look at Kareena! We come from different schools of filmmaking, but I respect the fact that she started out in the early 2000s and has done an array of work, including films like Chameli (2003) and Ki & Ka (2016). She’s worked like crazy even after marriage and having a baby. We didn’t ask Shahid Kapoor if his life slowed down because of marriage or babies. I went to Cannes immediately after my wedding, which was just an extension of my state of mind.

"What gap?" exclaims a part-irked, part-amused Kareena Kapoor Khan, who is surprised that her upcoming film, Veere Di Wedding, is being touted as her 'comeback' venture. The actor, who was last seen in Udta Punjab (2016), enjoyed her time off screen. "I was up and about all through pregnancy. And I enjoyed the break from the screen. I love being a mother and that's of utmost importance to me," says Kareena, who is proud to be associated with the all-female film, which got delayed because of her.

"I am glad Rhea [Kapoor, co-producer] waited for me because I really wanted to do the film. People are used to seeing me opposite Aamir [Khan], Shah Rukh [Khan] or Salman [Khan]. Four girls helming a film all by themselves is refreshing," says Kareena Kapoor Khan, adding that Rhea was apprehensive about offering her the movie. "She thought I won't do it because actors either want to play the protagonist or be paired with a Khan." The makers waited for a year-and-a-half for the film to start because of Kareena's pregnancy. While she was ready to shoot with a baby bump, the lack of maternity insurance for actresses in India made her choose otherwise.

"Shashanka [Ghosh, director] and Rhea took three months to rework the script so that I could shoot with a baby bump. They planned to show my character six months pregnant. But since there's no maternity insurance [for actresses] in India, like they have abroad, there was no safeguard against suffering a mishap. So we scrapped the idea of shooting during pregnancy. India has a long way to go in accounting for every facet of a woman's life and challenges on the professional front," says Kareena.

While she asked the makers to approach someone else for her part, they waited for her. "Rhea wanted me on board, even if it meant delaying the film by another year. No one ever put any pressure on me. I knew I would take time to resume because I had to be with Taimur. I returned to the set in Delhi over six months after delivery," she says. Kareena stresses that like the makers of Veere Di Wedding, others in Bollywood also need to be more accommodating of women who choose motherhood. "This team supported a new mother so well. If I had a night shoot, they didn't call me for the next 12 hours so that I could be with my son. And in case of a morning schedule, they'd let me off early."

DNA (May 19, 2018)

Swara Bhasker, who plays a chain smoker in Veere Di Wedding (VDW), swears that she is done with lighting up on screen. The actress, who previously had to smoke bidis for Anarkali Of Arrah, says, “It was horrible because I also had to deal with the after effects like nausea and dizziness. And since director Shashanka Ghosh wanted to ensure that my smoking in VDW looked authentic, he would often tell me that I wasn’t smoking properly. So, that was a big issue as it was part of my character prep.”

Adding to her woes, when the director felt she was smoking right, he had a surprise for her. “Seeing me smoke convincingly, he made me smoke a cigar for a scene. It was gross! It was really the worst thing I’ve tasted in my entire life,” she recalls, adding that while she was sad when the shoot ended as she had a blast with co-stars Kareena Kapoor Khan, Sonam Kapoor aka Sonam K Ahuja and Shikha Talsania, she was more relieved that she wouldn’t have to smoke a cigarette again. Swara sums up, “Now, I never want to play a character who smokes. If someone comes to me, offering a character who smokes, I’m going to be like ‘What! No need’.”

Hope her filmmakers are reading this.

Veere Di Wedding producer Rhea Kapoor reveals how it took a team of 10 stylists to curate the looks for the four female protagonists of the film
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; May 18, 2018)

Given Rhea Kapoor's inherent love for fashion, it isn't surprising that her upcoming production, Veere Di Wedding, reflects her sharp style sensibilities.

Before the project went on floors, the makers invested a fair amount of time in curating the wardrobe for its four protagonists played by Kareena Kapoor Khan, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, Swara Bhasker and Shikha Talsania. Apparently, it took a team of 10 stylists two months to scout for and create distinct looks for each character.

Rhea reveals that the process of styling the four actors was divided into two phases. "When we started off, the brief was to create a young and contemporary wardrobe for each of these women. In the second stage, we had to take into account the style of each character - their outfits had to be unique to their personalities in the film," she says.

While she trusted her personal favourites - Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla - to dress up the ladies for the wedding sequences, the producer headed the 10-member-strong team of stylists for the remaining portions of Veere Di Wedding. The leads, she says, steered clear of interfering. "We were always open to feedback, but they trusted us blindly on this one." She credits director Shashanka Ghosh for being the perfect partner-in-crime. "Having worked together in the past, Shashanka and I can read each other's mind."

Sumeet Vyas on how his first film with A-listers helped him let go of pre-conceived notions
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 4, 2018)

Fifteen years ago, Sumeet Vyas, then a theatre actor and budding writer, had walked into an almost empty theatre in Mumbai to watch Shashanka Ghosh’s directorial debut, Waisa Bhi Hota Hai II. He was so taken up by the crime-comedy that he went back the next day to watch it again. “I didn’t know who the director was, but was amazed to see someone new dare to attempt a one-of-its-kind whacky comedy. I remember telling myself, ‘I’d like to meet this man someday’,” the actor reminisces.

Cut to 2017, Sumeet’s meeting with Shashanka was as curious as his early introduction to the filmmaker’s work. “I knew that I was being considered for a part in Shashanka’s next, Veere Di Wedding, but I’d not been given the complete script. The rest of the cast had already started their fittings when I was finally told that I’d be meeting him,” Sumeet narrates, adding, “And when I did, he started talking about my character right off the bat. I hadn’t even read the script yet. He was stumped and asked me why I’d agreed to do the film. I told him that I was a fan of his work and he laughed. He asked me to trust him with a great part and start shooting.”

So, without reading the script, Sumeet took on the role of Kareena Kapoor’s love interest in the film. “Shashanka is the most non-filmi person I have ever met. I wanted to work with him because I thought he was crazy,” he laughs.

The wedding-comedy, which also features Sonam Kapoor, Swara Bhaskar and Shikha Talsania in central roles, was shot in Delhi, Mumbai and Phuket. “The cast is fantastic but I was really surprised to see everyone being treated equally on set. As an outsider, I had come on board with my own set of prejudices about films with big stars. For me, this was a full-fledged commercial project. I don’t consider myself a star so the inclusive environment on the Veere Di Wedding set felt like a great equaliser,” Sumeet explains. But the shoot wasn’t without hardships. “Kareena is a superstar but very professional and great to work with. I was dancing for the first time, that too alongside her and Sonam, so I was scared,” he adds.

After writing the comedy series Bang Baaja Baraat and romcom Love Per Square Foot for Anand Tiwari, Sumeet wants to get out of his comfort zone by writing and directing a dark film. “I am working on a slightly darker subject with a psychotic protagonist. The idea is to surprise the audience. Writing is my passion and I don’t make money off it, so I like to take my time with it,” he admits.

Like with writing, Sumeet has plans to reinvent his on-screen image too with the Phantom Films production, High Jack, an Akarsh Khurana directorial in which he plays a DJ. “Akarsh and I have known each other since our theatre days and he’d shared this script with me around four years ago. The makers were keen to cast a renowned actor for the part at the time and I was supposed to just give feedback on the script. I remember laughing out loud while reading it and telling Akarsh that the film would be a riot,” he recalls. After Sumeet shot to fame with the shows Permanent Roommates and Tripling, Akarsh offered him the lead role.

For prep, Sumeet worked closely with electronic music producer Nucleya, who has composed three tracks for the film, and attended a rave party to observe revellers. “The film is a big psychedelic mess with rookie high-jackers, drugs on a plane and everybody tripping mid-air. It was an exhilarating experience to step away from seedha-saadha guy roles,” Sumeet says.

Sumeet Vyas (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 24, 2017)

Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; June 8, 2017)

After encountering a few bumps, Sonam Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor Khan-starrer Veere Di Wedding will finally roll out in September. Sources close to the production reveal director Shashank Ghosh recently conducted a week-long recce of Thailand and Malaysia, and has zeroed in on a few locations.

A source close to Ghosh informs, “The locations are almost as significant as the characters. Of all the places he visited, he found Bangkok most appropriate from the story’s point of view. That will be the first overseas schedule. The film is essentially a road trip, so it will also move to a few other locations in Thailand followed by Malaysia and four cities in India.”

While the film was originally slated to go on floors last October, it was postponed following Kareena’s pregnancy. It was rescheduled to December, and then the first quarter of this year, but producer Rhea Kapoor clarified last month that shoot will begin only in August. However, the source explains the principal shoot will kick off only in September. “That’s because rains in the east could affect filming. Before that, individual portions of the four actresses will be shot in Mumbai.”

Sonam and Bebo’s girl gang includes Swara Bhaskar and Shikha Talsania too. The full cast will be announced only next month, adds another insider. “The plan was always to shoot across three countries. However, budgetary constraints required the film to be shot over just one schedule.” The producers, though, have now managed to stretch the budget, allowing the film to be shot on a lavish scale. “It will be a straight 50 day schedule with no breaks in between,” adds the source