Dhaval Roy (DNA; June 25, 2019)

When an actor is offered the official adaptation of The Office, it’s unlikely that anyone will refuse it because it’s such a cult series. However, Gauahar Khan confesses that she hadn’t  seen a single episode of either the Brit or American version of the show. On the contrary, she signed it because her character and the script appealed to her.

“Later, I realised it was so popular and there were so many seasons,” laughs the actress, who will be seen as Riya (the boss) in the Hindi version of the comedy. “She is the only serious and intelligent one in this nuthouse of an office and has to be the one with a strong personality,” the actress describes her role. The Bigg Boss 7 winner talks about her third outing on an OTT platform, why she’s not a regular face on the small screen and more.

What are your thoughts ahead of The Office’s release on June 28?
I’m really excited. We shot two seasons back-to-back; it was such a big set-up and it’s an official adaptation, so there are so many expectations from it. I’m nervous but also confident about the script and performances. Three good directors like Rohan Sippy, Debbie Rao and Bumpy also meant that much more experience. I’m sure even hardcore fans of the original series would love it.

How did you prep for your character if you hadn’t seen the original?
When I came on-board, I decided to not watch the original because the role appealed to me just on the basis of the script. I didn’t need a reference to play her. Also, I didn’t want to be under the pressure that it’s such a big show and I have to play the character perfectly. I wanted to bring my own interpretation and flavour. Thankfully, I got a bit of a leeway since it’s been adapted for the Indian audiences. I will watch the original after our version releases (laughs).

This is your third project on the web. What appeals to you about the medium?
I bagged SideHero when I worked with Rohan Sippy on this show. Parchayee was just one episode on Zee5, so, The Office is my second full-length series. I love the fact that big production houses think I have the capability to pull off roles that require strong performers. I get excited to deliver when someone has a challenging portrayal for me. In films, I have done robust roles but they haven’t been lengthy, while here I get both. Also, actors who shine in their roles on OTT platforms get the credit that is due to them.

In spite of good reviews in Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year (2009), Ishaqzaade (2012), Badrinath Ki Dulhania and Begum Jaan in 2017, why doesn’t one see you on the big screen often?
I don’t know! I’ve been fortunate to get appreciation for my work but that’s somehow not translated into meatier roles. I think people should get together and start a petition (laughs). But, I believe my good work will get me more stuff. Till then, I will be hopeful and patient. I don’t want to take up projects indiscriminately. I’ll wait for the right one.

Is that why you haven’t done fiction on the small screen either?
I enjoy my reality show space on television. When it comes to acting, I’m waiting for a big enough role — I don’t want it just to be a lead but it should be an impactful one.

What else are you working on?
I’m already working on one more series, but I cannot reveal anything about it yet. It will be an amazing show. I’ve signed one more after that and I’ve been busy with my new fashion line that completed a year.

With Kunaal Roy Kapur set to chronicle his struggle for fame in a web show, Side Hero director Rohan Sippy discusses topics that served as fodder for the offering
Sonia Lulla (MID-DAY; September 21, 2018)

In an interview with mid-day to discuss his upcoming show with Kunaal Roy Kapur, Rohan Sippy is quick to highlight an irony — his leading man is set to chronicle the journey of a supporting actor’s life in Bollywood. Side Hero is Eros Now’s first original show, and sees Kapur play himself in a fictionalised role as he attempts to make a mark as a lead actor, but is forced to settle for secondary roles.

An array of topics — including his protagonist’s trysts with bodyguards, producers and writers, apart from nepotism and misogyny — served as fodder for this comedy.

But Sippy reveals that it is an actor’s equation with the media that will make for the opening episode of the series. “It will chronicle how the media and actor work together for [film] promotions. The media’s attempt to bag an exclusive [story], while the actor’s effort to get coverage will also be tackled with. In our first episode, you’ll see our protagonist inspired to be part of an event, merely because the media is set to cover it,” says Sippy of the show that will première on September 24.

Although his offering is a light-hearted take on an artiste’s struggle to achieve fame, Kapur doesn’t hesitate when admitting that today, supporting actors enjoy abundant adulation from cinephiles. “That’s also where this character’s journey lies — in realizing that there’s a joy in being an important part of a movie, whether or not you are the hero. An actor may be more suited, loved even, in a supporting role. Today, many assisting actors have films that see them in the lead. Then, they go back to doing supporting roles. So the lines have blurred,” Kapoor says.

The 10-episode series directed by Rohan Sippy will explore the digital space for the first time
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 30, 2015)

Kunaal Roy Kapur and filmmaker Rohan Sippy, who had previously collaborated in 2013 on Nautanki Saala!, are now reuniting for Side Hero, a sitcom which will air on Eros Now. Interestingly, it borrows from the life of the 36-year-old actor, who plays a fictionalised version of himself.

"I'm a huge fan of comedy greats like Armando Iannucci, Ricky Gervais and Louis CK, and I feel the time is right to attempt this humour of intense discomfort in an Indian setting. And despite the title, it will actually put Kunaal centre-stage. He's a fine comic actor and we share the same sense of humour," asserts Rohan, adding that Kunaal is also a part of the scripting team.

He's excited about exploring the digital space, which he believes is liberating for a filmmaker who wants to narrate stories without worrying about the regulations of TV and the film industry like the Censor Board guidelines. Rohan has already shot the pilot for this 10-episode series. The first episode is likely to air in January and will feature Konkana Sen Sharma playing Kunaal's friend.

"Konkana is one of my favourite actors and is playing herself too. I hope we find a way to keep her for a longer duration," admits Rohan, who will be scripting for the show till November. "It won't take long to shoot since we are looking at half hour episodes."

Meanwhile, Rohan is busy with the post-production of his father, Ramesh Sippy's comeback film as a director, Shimla Mirchi, featuring Hema Malini and Rajkummar Rao. The film is looking at a 2016 release.

Ankur Pathak (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 17, 2014)

Filmmaker Vasan Bala who has assisted Anurag Kashyap on films like Dev D, Gulaal and the yet-to-be-released Bombay Velvet (which he has also co-written), is gearing up to direct his second feature, Side Hero. His debut film as a writer-director, Peddlers, was screened in the Critics Week section at the Cannes Film Festival in 2012.

The script of Side Hero was one of the select entries for the Sundance Screenwriters Lab of 2014. The Lab is a biannual workshop for writers that boasts names of Hollywood stalwarts like Oscar winning directors Robert Redford and Katheryn Bigelow as its creative advisors.

Mirror has it that Vasan is in talks with the Main Tera Hero star, Varun Dhawan, to play the title role in this story of a young man who is a die-hard fan of Kung Fu flicks and lives by the rules of his martial arts heroes. However, when he discovers that he may never get to be the hero, his life takes a dramatic turn.

A source close to the development told Mirror, "Varun was completely bowled over when he read the script. He is the apt choice for the role. Given his commercial viability today he can ensure more visibility for this offbeat subject."

When contacted, Vasan confirmed that he would like the young actor to lead the cast but was quick to add that they were only in the first rounds of narration and the final call is yet to be taken.

"The role is a good fit for Varun and I am confident that he can do justice to it. I will have more clarity on it in the coming months," added the filmmaker.

When contacted, Varun was diplomatically noncommittal: "I can't talk about this as I haven't signed the film. It wouldn't be ethical."

Rachana Dubey (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 8, 2014)

Peddlers director Vasan Bala's next script has been invited for the June edition of the Sundance Scriptwriters’ Lab. Titled Side Hero, it's a coming-of-age action film which revolves around a martial arts expert who is always in the wings. Vasan is in talks with Saqib Saleem for the role. The heroine will be a new face. “I was to start shooting last year but I got busy with Bombay Velvet as the second unit director. In the interim I’ve reworked my script. I’m hoping to get technical help from international experts at the Sundance Lab,” he says.