Sanskrita Bharadwaj, Titas Chowdhury and Naina Arora (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 25, 2020)

With no new theatrical shows, open-mics or gigs due to the outbreak of Covid-19, life has been drastically different for people across the country. The performing arts have always suffered challenges, financially. And now, the Coronavirus scare has come as a severe blow to the entire industry, including artistes and technicians. Manav Kaul who was all set to stage Giving Up On Godot, a play directed by him at Mumbai’s Prithvi Theatre, says, “It was a little heartbreaking that it didn’t happen. We had finished the final rehearsals, and just two days before we were about to go on stage, we came to know that the show has been postponed.”

Ask him about the loss of money and he explains, “A play won’t go waste and it’s here to stay. I’ve got a script, we’ve got actors and we’ll open it in November. The money put in is all mine and so it doesn’t matter. The staff involved in plays are being taken care of.”

Shikha Talsania, who has co-directed the play, wants to concentrate on the silver lining and hopes that the audience turnout will be more post the crisis. “Maybe, once this ends, we will get more audience, who will be bored of watching television and would look forward to watching a live performance,” she says.

Gujarati actor-director Pratik Gandhi, who is popular for his plays Mohan No Masalo and Hu Chandrakant Bakshi, believes that the coronavirus crisis is a “big blow” to the already struggling theatre industry but some “path breaking innovation” might come out of it. “With shows being cancelled, a lot of theatre people who are completely dependent on it are suffering a huge loss, too. But being an optimist, I want to believe that we’re all getting time to introspect,” he says.

Comedy gigs which are a regular in Mumbai and Delhi, have suffered a big blow as well. “All my shows were cancelled, including public, corporate, and private,” says stand-up comedian Rahul Dua (right), adding, “Quarantine can be boring. Even if all of this is over, it’ll take some time for people to be comfortable sharing an auditorium room with 300 people.”

Musicians, too, are bearing the brunt. Delhi-based singer Sonam Kalra, says, “This has been hard on the global economy. A lot of musicians including myself had shows that have got cancelled but I do believe it is necessary for now as it is better for us to be safe and responsible.”

Actor Sonali Kulkarni (below), who was supposed to travel to the US for a play, early this month, cancelled her travel plans. She says, “This is going to hit the industry for long term. All the technicians are going to face problems because we are shut.”

Stage actor and producer Denzil Smith (below) echoes similar thoughts. “Let’s assume that we are able to get out of this, even then people will not want to invest in the arts because many people would think about resurrecting their financial situations,” he explains, adding, “Perhaps, the art will see a resurgence and some mind blowing stuff will happen when we start over.”

Director Atul Satya Koushik whose shows were cancelled, says, “Even if normal services start opening by mid April, entertainment would be the last priority of the government as it’s not an essential commodity. I am telling my team that art is practised in isolation, and executed in public. So, the practise must continue, writers must write new scenes, and directors must revisit their shows and redesign them.”

However, theatre organisers are hopeful. Anasuya Vaidya, from Akshara Theatre, Delhi, says, “We’ve had to cancel and postpone a whole lot of shows. Classes and workshops are suspended as well. We are waiting to get back on stage.”

While Asmita Theatre Group is keeping the action alive on Facebook with a 10-day online theatre festival called the Quarantine Theatre Festival. Founder Arvind Gaur says, “Our live shows were affected so we thought of doing an online festival till March 31,” he says.

Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; November 25, 2019)

Inarguably among the female-led films to acquire notable attention in the recent past, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Sonam K Ahuja starrer Veere Di Wedding is set to return with a second instalment. A source close to the development confirms that the next edition of co-producers Rhea Kapoor and Ekta Kapoor's offering is in the scripting stage.

"The first film did well at the box office. Discussions about a sequel have been on for a while, and the makers wanted to take the story forward from where part one ended. The second instalment will explore how the girls' relationships evolve," says the source of the film that also featured Swara Bhasker and Shikha Talsania.

The four actors are expected to make a comeback in the next edition. "Once the script is locked, they will be approached for their dates. The makers plan to roll by mid-2020."

Shikha Talsania joins cast of David Dhawan’s Coolie No 1 remake, 25 years after father Tiku starred in the original
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; September 7, 2019)

“I did a lot of research for the role and followed it up with few workshops,” says Shikha Talsania — the latest to join the cast of Coolie No 1 — with a poker face. Before we can do a double-take, she bursts out laughing, “I’m kidding! The only training I did was flex my comedy muscles. Being on set of this film is an extended workshop of how to have fun with what you have and the only research I did was willingly watch all the David Dhawan entertainers again.”

Shikha’s father and one of Bollywood’s favourite comedians, Tiku Talsania has been a constant fixture in David Dhawan’s films. She is glad to take the association forward by joining Varun Dhawan in the remake of the 1995 hit. “As an actor who devours comedy, being in a David Dhawan film was on my bucket list. With Coolie No 1, I am glad to tick that off. Dad was thrilled that I was going to be part of a film that he starred in, originally, and that I was going to be directed by his friend and long-time collaborator.”

While Shikha — last seen in Veere Di Wedding (2018) — clams up when prodded about her role, she is happy to rattle off how she had a “blast” during the film’s first schedule in Bangkok. “It’s been a month since we started shooting but feels like it was yesterday.”

Ask her if her father shared precious words of wisdom before she reported to Dhawan’s set, and she says, “The only advice my father gave me was — go, have fun!”

Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; July 7, 2018)

There is much more to actress Shikha Talsania than playing the distressed Meera Sood, who is bogged down by household responsibilities after having a baby in Veere Di Wedding. She has to her credit not only interesting films like Wake Up Sid (2009), Midnight’s Children (2012) and Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji (2011), but has made a place for herself in theatre and recently made her debut as a co-director in the play Dekh Behen.

Shikha says, “I have grown up with theatre around me. My parents (Tiku Talsania and Dipti) are still doing plays after so many years. I always knew I wanted to be on stage. The feeling is exquisite. There is a different high in performing live and the audience is breathing with you.”

The actress finds the theatre scene in Mumbai to be a vibrant one. She dismisses the notion that people here spend more money on watching a film than a play. “Theatre has always been running to full houses for years now. All those who feel that people in Mumbai don’t have the sensibility for theatre are ill-informed,” she says.

Shikha says, “Mumbai has a vibrant theatre culture, especially for youngsters. Gujarati and Marathi theatre are flourishing. From childhood, I’ve been seeing people flock to watch Gujarati plays in Mumbai, so I wonder why people think that the crowds here only watch films. All those who love theatre go and watch plays, but they also watch films. It is not vice versa. I have acted in so many plays with varied content — One On One, Internal Affairs, The Ugly One and they are happening at different venues around the city. In fact, John Steinbeck (US author) once said, ‘Theatre is the only institution in the world which has been dying for 4,000 years and has never succumbed’. That can be applied to Mumbai as well.”

Ask the actress about the theatres she loves to frequent in the city — be it on stage or off it as an audience — and she has many interesting things to share. “As someone who likes watching plays, I have some great memories associated with Tejpal Auditorium and Bhaidas Hall, as I grew up watching my parents perform at these places. In fact, I have some wonderful backstage memories at Bhaidas Hall. I also love the YB Chavan Auditorium,” she says, adding, “Having said that, my favourite venue is Prithvi Theatre anyday. It has been a dream to perform there. I have also loved performing at the NCPA and Jamshed Bhabha Theatre at Nariman Point. I have had the privilege of performing at most of the popular theatre spots in Mumbai — whether it is the new places like the Cuckoo Club in Bandra or eateries, I have performed at numerous places in the city and each time the experience was unique.”

Shikha gets to watch plays from other cities when she is travelling for plays. She says, “We travel like crazy for our plays in the country. What is common to all the cities — Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore is that if the content is good, there’ll be no dearth of people coming to watch it.”

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.”

Roshni Olivera (BOMBAY TIMES; June 8, 2018)

 As Veere Di Wedding continues its successful run at the box office, impressing audiences across the globe, one person who’s receiving a lot of accolades is producer Rhea Kapoor. She was the force behind the film and was confident from day one that this story about four women, their lives and friendship, would appeal to women and men alike. In a candid chat with BT, Rhea talks about her journey with the veeres...

Everyone associated with Veere Di Wedding calls this film your baby. How do you feel, given the response that the film has got so far?
I am very proud of my baby. I feel like my child’s report card has just come! It’s been a long journey and today, I am relieved and at peace. Now, I feel like I need a holiday!

When you set out to make the film, did you expect this level of acceptance from the audience?
I always knew this film would connect with people. There was something special about it; it’s not a sensational film, it’s a very honest film. The incidents that unfold in the movie are not there just for shock value.

There have been films on male bonding, but this is the first film on female bonding, headlined by A-list stars. The casting of mainstream actresses like Kareena Kapoor and Sonam really worked.
Yes! Talking about the cast, Swara is used to doing things that are unconventional, Shikha is a theatre actor and this was her venture into mainstream after a long time. But Kareena and Sonam are so much in the public eye and have a lot of pressure on them. I told Kareena that you’ve trusted me and I will never forget that. At the end of the day, she is Kareena Kapoor and she didn’t need to do a film with other actresses. It’s a big leap of faith to do a film with a producer whose sister is also a part of it. Sonam has been an amazing partner. She is at the peak of her career, and she did this only because she believed that something good will come out of it. I will always be grateful to both of them for trusting me.

During the promotions, the team kept reiterating that Veere Di Wedding is not a chick flick. Was this because you were worried that the film would attract mostly female audiences?
What we were trying to say is that don’t put us in a box, don’t judge us by the cover before opening the book or watching the film. Every film that predominantly has women in it, is labelled a chick flick. That alienates audiences. I genuinely believe ours is a cross-genre film, which has comedy, drama and many layers to it. Veere... is a mainstream entertainer and it just happens to have girls in it.

Madhureeta Mukherjee (BOMBAY TIMES; May 25, 2018)

She has always lived her life with confidence, spunk and style. She’s not the kind to harp about feminism and gender debates, but her actions speak volumes. The actress tied the knot when her career was smooth sailing and eyes rolled and heads turned disdainfully. But firebrand Kareena Kapoor Khan proved the cynics wrong. Years later, she unabashedly posed for the paps with a baby bump, glowing with pride. And now, while 17-month-old Taimur is wowing everyone with his boundless cuteness quotient, mommy is slaying it in the upcoming buddy film, Veere Di Wedding, which is about four babes and their life, love and friendship. At this point, Kareena seems to be like an unstoppable force of talent. In a chat with BT, she talks about her various roles in life — as a super actress, proud wife and doting mom. Read on…

Veere Di Wedding took off and you got pregnant. The makers didn’t budge and waited for you to resume work. That must be quite flattering for an actress…
When I shared the news of my pregnancy with Rhea (Kapoor, co-producer), I told her that they should go ahead and cast someone else to play my part. I explained to her that I am in a different phase of my life, and that they should just make the movie with another actress. But Rhea was adamant and she told me that she would wait for me. I think that was very brave on her part. At first, when I heard the story, Rhea was apprehensive if I would be interested in doing a film about four friends. I said, ‘Let me just read it’ and when I did that, I totally loved it.

You have not done as many multi-starrers, and reportedly, you had turned down a huge star cast movie like Dil Dhadakne Do (2015), too. And here you are today, doing a film with four ladies. Has there been a change in your thought process when it comes to choosing a film?
Well, Veere… is different as the focus is on four women. It’s something that I have not attempted before. When I read the script, I realised that I wanted to be a part of this world and this style of storytelling. The thing is that you have always seen me in big commercial movies with big heroes, and this is nothing like that. And that is what makes it look so fresh. Today, the audience is ready for a fun and entertaining film; it doesn’t have to be rocket science. Four of us are dramatically different actors and we are also very different people. I’ve known Sonam (Kapoor Ahuja) for really long. I keep teasing Swara (Bhasker) and I tell her that she’s intellectualizing a commercial movie. I tell her, ‘You are such an intellectual’ and she turns around and tells me, ‘Kareena ji, kahan aap aise bol rahey ho.’ Working with all these girls has been so much of fun. Swara’s character in the movie is lovely and she’s a fantastic actress. Shikha (Talsania) is from theatre, she’s also an incredible actor.

In Veere… you girls are swearing,talking about sex, men, et al. Probably, a few years ago, you wouldn’t have done a film like this. Now, with the changing audience, is it easier to take these chances, without fearing scrutiny or being put on a morality meter?
Yes, but this is the kind of audience that we are catering to. Isn’t this how real people and women talk to their friends? When my friend Amu (Amrita Arora Ladak) and I sit down to chat, we casually swear about things, this is just how we converse. I have been in the industry for 18 years, if I have done a film like Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015), I have also done a film like Udta Punjab (2016). As an actor, I have always tried to dabble in different kinds of films. A mainstream commercial actress will always think twice before being a part of a film with four girls. She will think… do I have three songs and couple of action scenes? I never thought like that when I read this script. I said I want to do it.

After your pregnancy, you got back into shape and how! Were you ever worried that you would slip into a comfort zone after the baby, hence, you pushed yourself quickly to shed the weight?
I got back into shape, but that has nothing to do with having a baby. That is my nature, I have always been into yoga and fitness, and it’s not new to my life. If you place a plate of pizza and a plate of karele ki sabzi, I will most likely pick the latter. Also, I don’t think I got back into action so fast; my son is 17 months now. I wanted to live my life and I did it. About people talking and criticising… today, people have an opinion about everything. It really doesn’t matter. I don’t live my life for people; I live my life for myself. I don’t care about what they say, so it doesn’t affect my life.

The film subtly focuses on various subjects; one of them is body shaming. Do you think that way too much time is spent discussing and judging women on grounds of physicality? A woman has to look a certain type before marriage, after marriage, while she is pregnant or after she has delivered. It is a constant pressure…
I think women should embrace themselves however they are, whatever size that they are and do what their heart desires. I don’t bother about these trolls and social media. Logon ka dimaag kharab ho gaya hai…with this social media madness. There is this urgency to post this and post that, and then there’s also this need to use beauty apps to look prettier in posts. I think it has all become a big mess and it is a sham. You can’t live your life like that. Your life can’t be about a social media post. It has to be something deeper than that. You need to connect with people and have conversations with them. I am probably more traditional in this respect, but I can’t understand this craze. Even for movie promotions, I am told to wear this and that and click pictures for media promotions. I have to look fabulous for my screen character, right? I ask them why they can’t click a picture of me in my jeans and a tee. How does it matter? I guess that is the way it is now. When you and I are sitting and talking, this is a real chat. Otherwise, how will you even get to know and understand an actor, if we are constantly sitting with our make-up and great clothes, like our on-screen avatars?

In this film, your character Kalindi appears to be commitment-phobic. Usually, men are depicted to be in that situation, and it’s a general belief that men get more anxious about commitment than women. In real life, have you ever been commitment-phobic?
Of course, even women feel the pressure of marriage. Even they have doubts on how it will work out and if they need to follow family rules and things like that. I have never been commitment-phobic in my life; I am quite a sucker for love. In that sense, I am very traditional and different from my character in the film. We have some common traits, too, like she is outspoken, speaks her mind and makes her choices, like I do. But I have never had commitment issues.

For quite some time now, a lot has been spoken about feminism. Everyone seems to have their own version of what feminism means. What’s your take?
I think it’s about believing in equality. Women don’t need to prove that we are superior; of course, we are superior in many ways to men. But that’s not the point here. The whole idea is to talk about equality. I don’t have to scream out loud for women’s rights to prove that I am feminist.

True. The fact that you went back to work after having a baby, or the fact that you are a working mom makes you as much a feminist, as a woman who chooses to be a homemaker, right?
I love being at home and being a homemaker, and I love being on the set as well. When I am at home, it is my time and my space. I don’t want to meet anyone, as its precious time with my family. I love entertaining friends at home and being a wife to Saif, I think that is an amazing feeling. I like travelling the world with him and meeting all his friends. I am proud to be his wife and I’m also proud to be a successful actor. These are two different sides to my life. When I am entertaining friends at home, I am not a star and I don’t always have people from Bollywood over. When I am at home, I’m not an actor, and I am very happy to be known as Mrs. Saif Ali Khan. I will be proud to be that all my life. At the same time, when I walk out of this door where there are photographers waiting for me, I am also Kareena Kapoor Khan. So it’s lovely. This is the way I am and this is the way I am always going to live my life.

Do you find that new-age fathers are more involved with their children and share the responsibility in raising the child, beyond just providing for the family? Saif also seems very involved as a dad…
I think today it is all about supporting each other. Saif and I are both working actors and at times, it gets tough. When I was doing Veere… he was also shooting, but he would try to get back home to be with Taimur. Now, he’s busy shooting for Navdeep Singh’s film, so I know that I can’t shoot a film until he wraps up his in October-November. We have to balance it out and I think it is a great way to do it. Of course, he does get irritated sometimes when I am not home by 6.30 in the evening because he believes this is family time. It is something that we’re both particular about. Sometimes, even he’s shooting till late and I understand, because that is how our profession is. But as long as we can support each other, we know that it will work out fine.

Taimur is a superstar on the internet, there is so much of focus on him now. We guess he will draw more attention as he grows up. Does that perturb you?
We want him to have as normal a life as possible; we can’t take that away from him. It’s his right to have a normal life. We feel awful about the fact that he gets clicked everywhere he goes, but we can’t keep him confined to our house, right? He’s just 17 months old; he shouldn’t be given that kind of focus and attention all the time. Now he reacts to the paparazzi when they call out his name. I know this is reality and I can’t run away from it. In time, he will understand what this is all about, and hopefully, Saif and I will be able to keep it as normal and balanced as possible.

Shikha on slipping into a swimsuit for Veere Di Wedding; says size has little to do with acting
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; May 25, 2018)

After making her big-screen debut in 2009 in Ayan Mukerji’s Wake Up Sid, Shikha Talsania went on to act in films like My Friend Pinto (2011) and Midnight’s Children (2012). It is her upcoming venture, Veere Di Wedding, however, that brings her to the fore as one of the four protagonists. Talsania admits that being a plus-size actor in the industry can be daunting, but she doesn’t let it hamper her selection of films.

So confident is she in her skin, that even the notion of slipping into a swimsuit for the comedy drama, did not daunt her. In fact, she did not even hope to become an inspiration for women like her when she decided to do so. “If seeing me in a swimsuit in the film is aspirational, then that’s great. But, that wasn’t the intention. Actors are actors, what does size has to do with anyone’s ability to perform?”

The society can play a vital role in amending the way women look at themselves, she alludes. “We’re fascinated with having a certain body type, a certain look. As a society, we need to appreciate people for the way they are. It’s easy to judge others, but everyone is beautiful.”

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."

Shikha Talsania on her wedding comedy that also features Sonam Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, Swara Bhasker
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 18, 2018)

Shikha Talsania, one of the four protagonists in the upcoming buddy comedy, Veere Di Wedding, along with Kareena Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor and Swara Bhasker, comes from a film family. Her parents, Tiku and Dipti Talsania, are popular faces on TV, film and theatre and she recalls travelling with them as a child when they were doing a Gujarati play, Sakha Sayara, which also featured Dilip and Sarita Joshi.

“I thought it was natural for people to grow up and become actors. The family also expected me to join the industry, but I decided to also explore other options, producing TV shows before I landed a role in Wake Up Sid in 2009. It took time and a lot of existential angst for me to figure that acting is what I really enjoy doing,” says Shikha.

Talking about her soon-to-release film, she reveals that she had no idea about the cast but the story about real women connected with her. “The rest was just icing on a beautiful three-tiered cake. And when I learnt who the producer and director were, well, that was sone pe suhaga,” she smiles.

Songs were new to her, but exciting nonetheless. “When I was lip-syncing the first song I was really nervous. An encouraging ‘fab’ from Kareena made me really happy and after that I loved every sweaty bit of it, rehearsing diligently in my vanity van,” she reminisces.

You wonder if filming with fashionistas like Kareena and Sonam was unnerving and she admits it did “but when you enjoy your work it’s all a part of the deal”. While a section of the audience loved the trailer, others were shocked by the bold dialogue. Any apprehensions? “Some like coffee, others don’t, you just continue doing what you like. It’s an entertaining film that people would connect to,” she states confidently.

Sonam recently tied the knot with Anand Ahuja and Shikha admires the way she has balanced her personal and professional commitments. “The Kapoor family is always on fire. I haven’t met such successful multi-taskers in my life. The wedding happened between promotions and we went crazy. Sonam is a perfect example of a fierce and independent women,” she says.

Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; April 25, 2018)

Since they can’t turn up at your doorstep to personally invite you to the ceremony, the cast members of Veere Di Wedding are set to connect with you through social media to ensure you put your name on the guest list. As part of promotions for their upcoming comedy drama, Kareena Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor, Swara Bhasker and Shikha Talsania, among other cast members, are set to interact with fans as part of a Facebook live segment today. Following the trailer launch that will take place at a city multiplex, the cast members will head to the Facebook headquarters in the city to be part of the live event, which will see participation from 25 different pages on the platform.

The film’s spokesperson tells mid-day, “This will be the first time that Kareena, Sonam, Swara and Shikha will go live on any social media platform together. This visit also marks their first time at the FB headquarters. A first-ever simultaneous live session involving 25 pages is being scheduled in order to reach as many as 50 million people.”

While a Facebook live session demands that the person shoot the video in real-time while being present at the location, special arrangements are underway to ensure that those handling the pages can access and air the event via a private link. Apart from the film’s brand partners and producers, digital publishing houses and fan pages are also set to be part of the group of 25 that will live-stream the event. “The followers of these pages will get a notification inviting them to the live launch. Never before has an event been live-streamed across 25 pages simultaneously. The cast will interact with fans as part of the session. Few lucky fans will also be invited to the Facebook office for an interaction with the cast.”

The Facebook live-streaming event will be followed by one on micro- blogging site Twitter as well, the spokesperson says.

Shravan Shah (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 12, 2018)

Four months after Shashanka Ghosh’s Veere Di Wedding featuring Kareena Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor, Swara Bhaskar and Shikha Talsania wrapped up in Phuket, the film’s team is reuniting to shoot for a song titled “Tareefan”. The gender-bending song, which marks Sonam Kapoor’s reunion with rapper Badshah after “Abhi Toh Party Shuru Hui Hai” from Khoobsurat, will see the protagonists parody roles typically reserved for men, and is choreographed by Farah Khan.

“Tareefan means compliments in Punjabi. The song will have an urban vibe. I will not only be rapping but also singing for the first time. Qaran Mehta is the music director while I have co-written the lyrics. The treatment of this dance number is completely different from the ones I have done before,” Badshah informed Mirror.

While the film’s girl gang shot their parts on Wednesday in Film City, the rapper is set to join them today to wrap it up. “We have tried to keep the song very commercial. This time I wanted to sing and Rhea (Kapoor, who’s producing the film with Ekta Kapoor) showed confidence in me,” Badshah added. When asked about sharing screen space with the film’s leading ladies, he said that he is expecting nothing short of fireworks. “I feel lucky to be a part of it.”

Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 4, 2017)

After wrapping up a fun-filled Delhi schedule, the ensemble cast of Veere Di Wedding — Sonam Kapoor, Swara Bhaskar, Kareena Kapoor and Shikha Talsania, along with producer Rhea Kapoor, are taking off to Phuket for a 10-day shoot, during which a song will be picturised on the girls. The romcom revolves around Kareena tying the knot with Permanent Roommates-star Sumeet Vyas, and what the four girls do during the run-up to the wedding. “It’s all about a woman’s emotions and a special film,” says Kareena, who is jetting off to Thailand on November 5.

The gang of girls were dining, travelling and living together during the recent outdoor in the capital with Kareena pulling Sonam’s leg when the 32-year-oldactress admitted to being confused over whether to have dessert or not. “She shouldn’t be eating dessert because she just ate a box of Pringles,” the begum had revealed and while a guilty Sonam sulked adorably, everyone else had burst out laughing.

The friendship isn’t restricted to workdays. After the first schedule ended and the actresses were back home for a month-long Diwali break, Kareena sent Sonam an air purifier after reading reports of how Mumbai was experiencing the worst air quality this season owing to vehicular traffic and crackers. Sonam had been wheezing and developed bronchitis.

The quartet has shot a wedding song, followed by emotional sequences between Sumeet and Kareena. The duo also shook a leg. The next song will be different with the actresses trading wedding wear for beach wear and donning party hats. This marry-go-round promises to be a riot.

Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; October 19, 2017)

Working with Sonam Kapoor has its perks. Not only does producer-sister Rhea Kapoor double up as Santa Claus, bringing in bulk of food regularly on the set of Veere Di Wedding, her rumoured boyfriend Anand Ahuja too pampers her colleagues. Ahead of Diwali, Ahuja treated Kareena Kapoor Khan, Swara Bhaskar, Shikha Talsania and the rest of the team to a bagful of goodies.

A source from the Delhi unit reveals, "An all-girls crew was working round the clock to ensure that the schedule finished in time. Noticing how hard they worked, Anand gifted the cast and crew outfits from Bhane [Ahuja's line of apparels] as a token of appreciation." The gifts also included sneakers from Veg-Non Veg, Ahuja's multi-brand sneaker boutique.

One of the actors working on the chick flick adds, "Anand has his own way of making the girls feel special. No wonder Sonam is so smitten with him. Everyone was thrilled with the gifts. Rhea gifted us a wonderful goodie bag when we started [shooting] and now, Anand pampered us." While Kapoor remains mum about her relationship, her co-star is forthcoming. Ask her if the Kapoor-Ahuja alliance is official and she says, "Of course it is. But then, let Sonam talk about it first."