The last two years saw the Hindi film industry incur huge losses, with shoots being stalled and theatres shutting down due to the pandemic. It was only in September that things resumed in full swing. But now, with the threat of the Omicron variant of Coronavirus looming large, the industry has once again come face-to-face with the big question: How to not let history repeat?

Sharing his concern, filmmaker Anees Bazmee says, “The budget for most films has increased by 40% due to the adoption of several SOPs and facilitation of vaccination for everyone. The very thought of a third lockdown is giving me jitters. We will all be in a mess.”

Asserting that the third wave will severely impact show business, producer Amar Butala, says, “There’s no way to measure the loss of opportunity, given that the Christmas and New Year window sees huge footfalls in cinemas, and if we lose this window, it’d mean we’ve pretty much lost 2021.”

Producer Shaailesh R Singh, who is currently shooting in Omicron hotspot South Africa, says, “We don’t feel the looming fear of the Omicron variant, since we’re in a protected environment.”

And, for actor Nushrratt Bharuccha, health comes first. “No one can be prepared for another wave. However, even if work comes to a standstill, we’ll eventually bounce back by working double shifts.”

Actor Shruti Haasan, who was working throughout the pandemic phase, adds, “Some people think I’m mental. Many people don’t wear masks on set. But I tell myself I rather be paranoid, as we have to work and be safe at the same time.”

Trade analyst Atul Mohan feels the industry is more prepared: “Though much precaution isn’t taken in the smaller production houses, the big ones are making sure that they carry shoots forward only after all cast and crew members are vaccinated.”

Known for her daily soap outings, Shweta Tiwari has managed to strike a fine balance between fiction and non-fiction genres. She has participated in almost every reality show, including Bigg Boss and Nach Baliye. So, when she was offered Fear Factor: Khatron Ki Khiladi, she lapped it up. She says, “I have participated in every reality show possible. Khatron Ke Khiladi is a unique show in which you face your fears and attempt stunts that you don’t in your normal life. So, I decided to participate in it because of the element of adventure. Also, my daughter told me that if I didn’t take it up now, it would be too late for me to participate in this show in the future.”

The actress is shooting for the show in Cape Town, away from her children — Palak and Reyansh. She tells us that she misses them a lot and they are in constant touch with each other virtually. She shares, “At night, we sleep with our video calling app switched on so that we can see each other every time we wake up. We talk at every opportunity. I talk to my daughter before every stunt and after it to tell her how I have fared. My son wants me to get him a hippopotamus, which he calls ‘hippomonatus’ from South Africa to India for him. So, if in an episode I get to meet a hippopotamus, I am going to take him home, because my son wants it (laughs!).”

While many are struggling to find work, Shweta feels fortunate to be getting work during these challenging times. She says, “It has indeed been a difficult time for all of us. While I am grateful for the quality time spent with my children and family, I realised ki kaam karte rehna kitna important hai. Agar kaam ruk jaaye toh sab kuch ruk jaata hai. Your income may stop, but expenses don’t. You have to pay the EMIs and other expenses. So, it was very important to work. I thank my stars that today I have work and I can look after my kids.”

Post Khatron Ke Khiladi, she plans to get back to the fiction genre provided the concept is good and shows her in a never-seen-before avatar. “Whenever I am offered a show, I look at the graph of my character to ensure that it’s interesting so that I am not bored before the show has ended. If something interesting comes my way, I’ll take it up, be it a negative or a positive character, naagin ho ya daayan ho. I am a daily soap actress.”

On the personal front, Shweta has in recent times been in the news for her ugly public spat with her estranged husband, Abhinav Kohli. The latter has accused her of not allowing him to meet their son and leaving him alone amid the pandemic while she has gone abroad to shoot for the reality show.

Refusing to comment on her personal life, Shweta says, “Look, everyone faces some problem in their life. Ups and downs are a part of life. But if you keep your goals, priorities and responsibilities aside and run after those problems or those creating those problems, then you will feel lost in life. My priority is my kids. I will focus on them and keep working because only that’s going to help me in the long run. I don’t owe any justification or clarification to anyone because I know what’s good for my children. No one knows it better than me. I know how to keep my kids physically and mentally healthy, give them a better life and take care of them. Logon ke sahi ya galat se meri zindagi nahi chal rahi hai. Meri zindagi mere sahi, galat aur jisme mere bachhon ki bhalai hai, uss se chal rahi hai. I am fully dedicated to my kids and my work, which is why I keep working and forging ahead. If people want to forget their responsibilities and problems and make me the centre of their lives, they are most welcome. But meri zindagi mein aur kisi ke liye koi jagah nahi hai siwaai mere bachhon and meri family ke.”

Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; February 28, 2020)

Gabriella Demetriades came to Mumbai from South Africa to fulfil her dreams of starting a fashion line. Little did she know that this city would become her home, and she would comfortably settle down here with a partner and child. While she made a splash in the modelling world, she even did brief roles in a few Indian movies. In the midst of this, she met Arjun Rampal and their relationship blossomed over time. Around April 2019, they surprised everyone when Arjun posted a lovely picture of him with Gabriella showing her baby bump, with the message, “Blessed to have you and start all over again…thank you baby for this baby.” Now, while Gabriella is busy expanding her clothing line, she is also a hands-on mommy to seven-month-old baby boy, Arik. In a candid chat with Bombay Times, she talks about how she met Arjun, her thoughts on marriage and the way she’s made India her home. Excerpts:

What prompted you to pack your bags and move to India?
I’ve always had this ambition to be a successful fashion designer, like my mother. I began as an assistant stylist in South Africa. Later, a photographer spotted me and told me that I should try modelling. I looked at it as an opportunity to make money which I could use to fund my business. It was also a gateway to make contacts with people associated with the business, like models, photographers and other designers. During the process, I happened to meet someone from an Indian modelling agency in South Africa. He told me that I should come down to India as I would get great modelling opportunities here.

So, your prime motivation was to set up your fashion line, and not make your way into Bollywood as an actress? In the past, women from other countries have come to India to pursue a career in the movies...
Acting and Bollywood were never my aspiration, but fashion was. When I came to Mumbai, I didn’t even know what Bollywood was. While I was doing modelling here, my agent suggested that I try acting in a Bollywood movie. I had heard about the creepy side of Bollywood with women going through bad experiences. I was aware of it and was careful. When I was offered Sonali Cable (2014), I took the plunge. I liked the treatment that I received from the Sippy family (Ramesh and Rohan Sippy, the makers of the film). I had a great time with my co-stars on the set, too. I loved being in front of the camera, but the glitch was the language. I am very bad at learning new languages. Getting my lines in Hindi right, with hundreds of people staring at me, was very scary. I thought that maybe, this is not where I was supposed to be. But before deciding to quit movies, I wanted to be sure. So, I did a film down South with Nagarjuna and Tamannaah (Oopiri, 2016). It was an amazing experience, but language continued to be a big barrier. Finally, I bid adieu to movies. I am a creative person and I like to keep myself busy. So, I soon started my clothing line, which grew over a period of time.

While you were busy building a career here, how did you happen to meet Arjun Rampal?
We have a few mutual friends, so, I ended up meeting him at social occasions along the way. The first time I met him was in 2018. We hit it off from there, and with time, the relationship blossomed into something meaningful. Arjun is a gentleman. Our love for work, creativity, ambition and fitness are the things that we have in common. We both are also very family oriented.

Arjun is an actor and a producer, has there been any discussion on you getting back to the movies?
He tells me that I am a bad actor (laughs!). I doubt he has seen any of my movies. In fact, he has been very supportive towards my fashion endeavour. He has been a supermodel himself for many years and is incredibly stylish. He has a great taste in fashion and is always on the lookout for what I am creating and wearing. I value his opinion. Having said that, we don't mix our workspace or interfere in each other’s profession.

How has Arjun helped you in adapting to the culture and life in Mumbai?
Since I am from another country, I would feel lost and left out during the festive season, as I couldn’t understand what was going on. Arj is a proud Indian and he celebrates all festivals. It is only after I started spending time with him that I celebrated Holi, Diwali and other festivals. Before that, I was clueless about these celebrations. What I like about India is that it embraces and accommodates people from all over the world.

You fondly call him Arj, what does he call you?
(Laughs!) This is a South African thing. We kind of abbreviate everything. Back home, my family and friends call me Gab. Arjun doesn’t call me Gab, as he loves my name, so he calls me Gabriella.

Arjun and you decided to have a child without tying the knot. This is still a rarity in our country. Weren’t you worried about societal pressures?
We wanted to keep things private. Also, I am very different in that sense. I don’t think you necessarily have to get married. I think there is no ‘one way’ to always do something; to each their own. Yes, there is societal pressure, but personal choices are important. When it comes to deciding what gender you want to be, who you want to date or marry, it should be left to the individual or individuals concerned. Just like in other parts of the world, people here, too, are opening up and accepting others’ choices. I have always been accepting of others and their choices, so hopefully, the world will accept mine.

What do you think about the institution of marriage?
I don’t have a strong opinion about it. It is just my choice. I don’t think we need to be so serious about everything. I don’t think love is something that needs a definition or a rulebook. Times are changing and people are more accepting today. I don’t think that people are categorising any one particular way of living as the right way anymore.

What are Arjun’s thoughts on this? Have you discussed the idea of tying the knot, if not right away, but probably someday?
It is a topic that doesn’t really come up between us.

You named your son Arik, who came up with that name?
In Sanskrit, Arik means ruler of rulers. We were looking for a name that’s easy to pronounce. I think it is a very strong name that is short and easy to pronounce for my family and friends who are not from India. I wanted to name him Ari, which is a Hebrew name. Then, Arjun came up with the name Arik.

Are both of your very hands-on with him?
Motherhood is a full-time job, and I am happy about how Arjun and I divide the work when it comes to the baby and help each other out.

Travelling across multiple Mumbai sets of the sequel to world’s most watched Indian web- series, Sacred Games
Mayank Shekhar (MID-DAY; August 11, 2019)

"I can give you the script [to read]," says director Anurag Kashyap, lounging after the day's gruelling shoot. He's of course not referring to the script of Sacred Games (SG) season two, the tightly guarded sets of which we are at, in Mumbai Film City's Reliance studio.

"We're bound by such contracts that there'll come a time when I may have to look into it, even before saying hi," says Kashyap, revealing precious little about a dark 'warehouse sequence' he's just shot. But the script he's willing to privately share is still SG, although a different version that was offered to him to direct in 2013, by the American Scott Reid Productions.

Kashyap had flatly said no to it then, primarily because that script, sticking completely to Vikram Chandra's novel of the same name (unlike the Netflix version), was to be shot entirely in English. And he could never do that. The authenticity would've been completely lost.

The fact that the 'universal is specific first' is a model that Netflix has followed to global success with subtitled super-hits like Narcos (Spanish), Fauda (Hebrew), and so many others. There is in fact an English-dub of SG available on the web-platform as well. Those who have seen it say it completely destroys the experience. Deeply rooted in the Mumbai milieu, characters in SG speak the city's language that, as writer Salman Rushdie once described it, is HUGME—Hindi, Urdu, Gujarati, Marathi, English.

Add to that Punjabi, since the lead, Cop Sartaj Singh, is Sikh, played by Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan, in blue turban, who we met earlier in the day in Malad—shooting an 'interior sequence' of an ashram, that he says "explores the 'sacred' part of Sacred Games, which wasn't so much there in the first season; but it comes in now."

Khan appears a much leaner Sartaj Singh (SS, on the set), from before. "The worn-out look, for someone less sedentary, mostly running around, is closer to how the character is described in the book. Also, with a clock ticking and all that, we're getting into more of an 'action series'," he says.

Khan's portions in the second season are being directed by Neeraj Ghaywan (Masaan), who took over from Vikramaditya Motwane from the first part, since Motwane was finding it hard to balance directorial duties with the job of the showrunner—who looks at the "macro-picture"; supervising for months, before and after production, with writers (led by Varun Grover), and editor (Aarti Bajaj); putting together 15-hour shoots, between multiple locations, time-lines, over 200 days, into seamless, eight episodes of a series. Phew!

Motwane doesn't normally visit the sets, he says. He doesn't need to since he implicitly trusts the two directors, Kashyap and Ghaywan, respectively filming parallel stories of Don Ganesh Gaitonde (Nawazuddin Siddiqui), and Sartaj, alongside. Both tracks, not just visually, even pace and performance-wise, play out, if you carefully observe SG season one, like two totally separate films.

Motwane agrees. And this isn't simply because the directors are different. So is the setting. "Gaitonde's world [a series of flashbacks], is a personality-led fable. Sartaj's is a more private space, of tension, and [building] mystery," he explains. From a technical/visual point of view, this is achieved through the use of different kinds of lenses—"anamorphic, with more saturation for Sartaj's [world]; and spherical, with less saturation, for Gaitonde's." While there is no "show-bible" as such, the template is more or less set.

Lay viewers are hardly going to notice these technicalities. What they will/have is, according to Khan, the reason he was instantly drawn to SG as the first Indian Netflix series going out to the world: "Besides an international sensibility in filmmaking, it [the subject] is very Indian. And by that I mean it's got mafia and cops, whose equations are unique. Then you've got religion, politics, God-men, and Bollywood, all thrown into the mix of what's a very psychological mind-game."

True. Can't wait! New season drops on August 15. Two-thirds of SG season one audience, Netflix reveals, has come in from outside India, making it truly a global show. Khan has been around as a Hindi film-star for over two and half decades, with 60-plus movies, and a strong audience-base among South Asians and other Bollywood fans abroad. One wonders if the demography eyeing/approaching him at international airports has broadened/changed a bit since SG. He gently shrugs, making little of that remark, "No... I don't know...Maybe they expect a Sardar with a beard!"

Couple of days after SG dropped, Siddiqui, on the other hand, felt a bunch of locals weirdly staring at him on the streets of Rome while he was there for a film with actor Tanishtha Chatterjee: "Saamne gora dekh raha hai. Matlab, Sacred Games dekha hai," he whispered. The filmmakers shooting the second season seem to have equally benefitted from the prequel's success.

Kashyap recalls, "We've shot the sequel all over—Croatia, South Africa, Kenya… We shot on the same boat from Free Willy. There was an incredible riverside bungalow in Kenya. The moment the owner got to know Gaitonde was going to be there, he just let us do whatever we wanted."

Which brings us to, well: Where is Ganesh Gaitonde? In his village, as we speak. Or a village, aptly created as a set, in Goregaon! Stepping into the refreshment-tent outside the makeshift mud-hut, after a late-night shift, you can tell, Siddiqui has clearly shed Gaitonde behind, to reveal his usual, painfully shy self. Chameleon-like transformations have pretty much defined Siddiqui's career.

But the longest he's ever been with a character is obviously the Marathi gangster's: "It's become too internalised, I can't switch on-off like a computer." And he's evidently developed some empathy for him as well: "For one, he [Gaitonde] loves Mumbai. Two, he's very trusting. And, he doesn't ever discriminate over religion."

For character-study, interestingly enough, Siddiqui points to his own brother as personal inspiration: "I have several [brothers], but only [a younger] one remained uneducated and stayed back in the village. People talk shit about him. I used to as well. It's only when I began to look deeper, I realised, he's essentially over-sensitive and over-reacts. If there's a galat baat (a wrong utterance), people might calm down. He can't. He became bad, because of the bad happening around him."

Extending that example, Siddiqui adds, "Take Dawood [Ibrahim]. People say he has a sharp mind. But it's twisted. If he'd applied his acumen in the right direction, he could've been a great businessman." Hmmm… Got it, Gaitonde.

As Bharat earns praise in overseas markets, Salman Khan takes Dabangg tour to new territories
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; June 13, 2019)

Banking on the success of his last Da-Bangg The Tour Reloaded, and the subsequent acclaim that recent release Bharat continues to earn, Salman Khan is set to embark on a longer tour this year. With Ali Abbas Zafar's directorial venture performing well in East Africa, Indonesia, Fiji Islands and Malaysia, Khan will apparently enthral his new fan-base at these venues.

A source tells mid-day, "His fans in Africa and Fiji have been requesting that his shows be conducted there and Salman is keen to oblige them. The success of his previous gigs in the US, Canada and New Zealand implies more performances will be conducted. Apart from Salman, frequent collaborators Sonakshi Sinha, Jacqueline Fernandez, Katrina Kaif, Prabhudheva, Maniesh Paul, Daisy Shah and Guru Randhawa are expected to join him this year as well. There may be some new faces too."

Tour managers Sohail Khan Official Entertainment and JA Events are considering places like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, South Africa, Singapore, Nepal and Malaysia. "The team is also working on a Europe tour. Dates are being chalked around the shoot of Bigg Boss 13, which is hosted by Salman. The tours are expected to begin in August."

Given Ajith's passion for car racing, Boney Kapoor plans schedules across Budapest, Africa, Middle East
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; June 8, 2019)

After having revealed that he would exploit South superstar Ajith's passion for racing in his next Bollywood offering, producer Boney Kapoor, we hear, is set to mount his film on a mammoth budget. A source tells mid-day that the filmmaker will take the offering across three countries. "The places that they are expected to explore include Budapest, South Africa and the Middle East. The film will be shot over four schedules," says the source of the offering that pairs Aijth with Kapoor for the second time after the upcoming Tamil thriller Nerkonda Paarvai, a remake of Pink (2016).

Set to go on floors in August, the currently untitled action drama is created against the backdrop of car racing, and marks the South actor's Bollywood debut after a bit-sized role in Asoka (2001). "Ajith has participated in motorcycle racing championships. His inputs have been valuable to the story," the source says. The unit, we're told, will leave for a reccee this month.

Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; April 14, 2018)

A week after being granted bail by the District and Sessions court in odhpur in the  1998 black buck poaching case, Salman Khan has resumed work on his actioner, Race 3. If sources are to be believed, the actor’s conviction has affected the schedule of the Remo D’Souza-directed multi-starrer. It has been learnt that the final schedule was to be shot in South Africa, but was apparently called off after the court ordered that Khan can’t travel out of the country without its permission. Now, the team is said to have zeroed in on Leh instead as the final destination.

A source close to development says, “According to the original plan, South Africa was going to be the second last schedule followed by the Mumbai leg. After the court sentencing, certain changes had to be made in the schedule. The makers felt it would be feasible to wrap up the Mumbai schedule first, so that they didn’t lose out on time. Towards the month-end, they will head to Leh to film the song that was initially meant to be canned in foreign locales.”

When mid-day contacted D’Souza, the director informed that the team — including Anil Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez, Bobby Deol and Daisy Shah — is flying to Leh in 10 days. Preferring to stay non-committal on what led to the last-minute location change, he said, “We were scouting for locations, and finally decided on Leh and Ladakh. It’s going to be a week-long shoot during which we will film a song.”

Producer Ramesh Taurani added that Leh would be the perfect setting for the song. “Leh will add to the aesthetic value of the number.”

Akshay Kumar plans to pursue hobbies this year alongside shoots; happy with his producer-wife Twinkle and adventurous kids
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 2, 2018)

Akshay Kumar, with wife Twinkle and children Aarav and Nitara, has taken off to South Africa to ring in the New Year and are expected to return later this week. “Festive times call for festive measures. We kicked off celebrations in Cape Town with Christmas which is all about family and loved ones. This year, my family and friends came together to join Tina and me in our paradise away from home. There was fun and games, food and festive cheer. We have done nothing but eat and chase all the kids around the mountains. People think I’m lucky because I’m famous, but there’s nothing more fulfilling than being an average dad doing average things but still bringing the biggest smiles to the ones I love,” the actor told Mirror from the Rainbow Nation, adding that he brought in 2018 celebrating his better half’s birthday with the same passion that they do every year, with madness and laughter, with friends and lots of good will.

However, the fun and frolic will end soon as the actor has a busy schedule ahead with his home production Pad Man, the Rajinikanth starrer sci-fi 2.0 and the sports drama Gold gearing up for release. He is also set to kick off the fourth instalment of Housefull, Kesari that recreates the Battle of Saragarhi and the Gulshan Kumar biopic. But Khiladi Kumar is determined to also make time for some hobbies. “Sword fighting and paragliding are on the cards for sure. One is for pain and the other for pleasure, both to be enjoyed equally as my passion for them is off the charts,” he maintains.

The Housefull franchise returns after a year with original director Sajid Khan. Akshay is gung-ho about doing a comedy after a string of socials with a message. “There’s no excitement like working on one of my favourite franchises with our nutty Housefull family. It’s like a kid made to work in a sweet shop as punishment. It will be so good for me because I need to laugh in order to survive. Knowing that every day I come to work I will be cracking ribs laughing is the biggest pleasure anyone can get from their work place. I’m looking forward to finding out who will be the new team to join us in our memorable antics,” he exults from miles away.

Twinkle turns producer with Pad Man based on a short story from her bestselling novel The Legend Of Lakshmi Prasad. The film is inspired by Tamil Nadu activist Arunachalam Muruganantham whose mission was to make sanitary napkins available to poor women in rural areas. The actor jokes that he did not dare give any tips to his first-time producer-wife. “I’m a clever man or at least a clever husband so I didn’t dare give my opinion. Never underestimate the power of your producer. The best thing about this venture is that I genuinely feel it has brought us even closer. To understand and fulfill each other’s wants and visions on such a professional level has been one of the greatest experiences I’ve had with my wife.”

Twinkle is known to voice her opinion unabashedly while Akshay is more measured. Has the opposite’s theory worked for them? “It has worked like a blessing in disguise. We may be chalk and cheese, but we complement each other off screen in a way you couldn’t imagine,” he reveals.

The proud father then goes on to talk about daughter Nitara who though just five, loves adventure just like him. “My kids, they can be doing anything they wish, but as long as I’m in their vicinity, I’m happy. Aarav loves adventure and even my little princess likes to get mucky just as long as she’s wearing pink or purple when she’s doing it,” he chuckles, admitting that he’s always tried to give his kids a normal upbringing. “I’m not a star at home, I’m a son, husband, brother and father first. And my kids have been brought up knowing I’m just like every other man trying his best, the only thing they witness out of the ordinary are the paparazzi. They come to see all my films with humble hearts and never with an attitude of supremacy. That comes from teaching them that everyone is equal and only opportunities changes the outcome of people’s lives not momentary status.”

On the professional front, he’s happy with his choice of films over the years, admitting that he has more say in what he does now, rather than taking up everything sent his way. “I really get to sink my teeth into subjects I can’t wait to be a part of,” he says, reveling in the fact that last year’s risks, Jolly LLB 2 and Toilet-Ek Prem Katha, worked well for him. “Meaningful films have definitely become a part of my life now, there is so much that needs to be said and done, and these films can bring a lot of awareness. Last year was humbling as I was honoured with my first National Award after 26 years in the industry. I’d say it’s been one of the best years ever, and I can’t wait to give my audience even more.”

What’s the biggest challenge he faced with Pad Man, you wonder, and he says that it was thinking about how he was going to make others, specially men, come to terms with the fact that sanitary pads and menstruation are not taboo subjects but topics that not only need to be addressed but bettered for all the women in our lives. “I prepped by spending time with the true Pad Man, Aruchnachalam Muruganantham, the most devoted husband I have ever come across. His story is so intriguing I can’t wait to show you his journey,” he says, signing off with some advice for new colleagues. “Be a producer’s actor and a good human being. No job is too small and no person too little to be nice to. And hits don’t make a star, fans do, so treat them with the same love and respect that they give you.”

Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; July 25, 2017)

While no one 'officially' spoke about Govinda's ambiguous ouster from Anurag Basu's film Jagga Jasoos, the talk finally began when the actor posted his clarification on social media, a week before its release. The filmmaker then sounded apologetic about the incident, but there was no closure. It was Rishi Kapoor, who finally took the onus of mentioning the incident in a recent interview and blamed Anurag for his unprofessional behaviour. Govinda, who chose not to escalate the matter beyond a brief social media tweet, did it solely for his love for the Kapoor family. The actor is thankful that Rishi Kapoor stood by him. Now that the film has released, when asked, he told Bombay Times, "I want to say, 'Thank you Rishi sir. At last you showed concern. Good blood never speaks wrong'."

After a brief pause, he added on an emotional note, "I didn't react much because I have huge respect for the Kapoor family. Also, I truly feel that it's the director's (Anurag) call to do what he wants to do with his film, but a little professionalism is expected. I had no clue what they were up to. They were busy with their own things and I wasn't even informed about it (his ouster from the film). This, despite me doing the film without even charging for it. I was unwell and on drips, but I still travelled to South Africa for the shoot as I didn't want people to feel that I am unprofessional or making excuses. After doing all that, what I got in return has made me realise that I need to be more frank from now on. I shouldn't be sensitive or emotional when it comes to work. I should make changes in myself as this is how the world functions."

On why he didn't go to town explaining his take, he said, "If I had said something, it would have been perceived as a complaint. They did what they thought was right and I didn't want to interfere. I am not here to fight. If Anurag offers me a film again, I might still do it as we all are professionals. But this was petty and I no longer get affected by all this as I have seen this kind of behaviour for a while now. I don't want to wallow in self-pity, but when you are going through a rough patch, you tend to get used to this. My bungalow is close to (Manmohan) Shetty saab's in Juhu. So many filmy parties happen there, but no celeb even bothers to say hello to me. Log mujhe dekh kar avoid karte hain. Har kisi ka time hota hai. I am content with the fact that the public still likes me and mobs me wherever I go. That is what I have earned over the years."

Speaking of his love for the Kapoor family, he explained, "I have utmost respect for the Kapoor family, as I can never forget the love that the legendary Raj Kapoor saab showered upon me when I was just a newcomer. I can never forget the time when he invited me and my mother to one of his parties and touched my mother's feet when we entered. He treated us with so much love and respect. He was indifferent to my social status. I lived in a Virar chawl and at that time, I was nobody. I don't look at individuals when I see the Kapoor family. I look at them as one and I look up to Rishi sir and Raj saab. I respect my seniors. These are the qualities that I have imbibed from my mother and I will always stand by them."

When asked if he will be more careful when it comes to doing special appearances henceforth, he concluded, "There might not be a second time as I might only do it for the Kapoors or Salman Khan's family. Not that I don't think the others are less important, it's just that these families are special for me and I hold them in high regard."

Filmi families who are spending Christmas and New Years away from home this year
MUMBAI MIRROR (December 7, 2016)

Holiday season typically sees the Bollywood brigade pack off to exotic locales for partying or some serious downtime. But while several stars are dusting off their Christmas ornaments to light up their swanky homes this year, four actor-dads are set to fly out to foreign locales for some one-on-one time with their kids.

Sources report that Akshay Kumar along with wife Twinkle Khanna and kids, Aarav and Nitara, is set to leave for South Africa, the family’s preferred holiday destination, after their Diwali trip there just a month and a half ago.

Hrithik Roshan whose sons, Hrehaan, 10, and Hridhaan, eight, love adventure sports, will celebrate Christmas with their actor-dad by skiing in the Swiss Alps. The 42-year-old actor, who is known to plan trips with his sons with meticulous care to ensure maximum fun, has reportedly taken a break from Kaabil promotions from December 19 to January 2 to spend some alone-time with his two boys.

Meanwhile, Ajay Devgn who is in Jodhpur currently shooting for Baadshaho will fly to the Queen’s City on December 22 with actress-wife, Kajol, and their kids, daughter Nysa and son Yug. “I’m on a family vacation till January 2,’’ said the actor whose second directorial Shivaay released in October.

“London is home for us. We are looking forward to a white Christmas but since the English weather is so unpredictable one never knows how it will turn out. Nevertheless, Christmas and New Year in London are regular fixtures on our holiday calendar. I love the cold and I want nothing more than to spend time with my family there,’’ Ajay beams.

Then, there’s Tusshar Kapoor who is kicked about taking his six-month-old bundle of joy, Laksshya, to Dubai, the toddler’s first trip abroad. While the actor had earlier revealed that he is going to the UAE city with his mother Shobha and some of their close family friends who are making a week-long trip to their favourite shopping and recreation destinations, it has surfaced that Tusshar intends to stay there for just four days.

Arjun Kapoor on negotiating hinterland angst with urban funk and how his cousin Harshvardhan has a right to his opinions
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 26, 2016)

Arjun Kapoor has just returned from South Africa where he was filming Half Girlfriend and admits that he's never been so homesick. Over the last three months he's been in and out so often that Mumbai feels like a transit point.Next month he flies off to New York for another shoot. "Half Girlfriend has turned me into a full-time traveller," he puns on his film title.

The actor is not complaining though as this "amazing" job has not only given him a chance to live different lives but also travel to different countrie and imbibe their culture. "But there are moments when I miss my home, family and sister. I even missed Raksha Bandhan this year and I know my sisters will not let me get away with it. I haven't figured out yet how to make it up to them because I've been on a date with my bed for last 24 hours," a jetlegged Arjun yawns.

He applauds South Africa's work-friendly people and picture-perfect locations. "I didn't get time for sight-seeing, we were filming an intense portion and I was completely into the character," says Arjun who's playing Madhav Jha, a small-town Bihari boy who falls in love with a Delhi girl whose world is so far removed from his he can only refer to her as his "half girlfriend".

Arjun insists that the phrase has been treated with appropriate gravitas. "All of us have our chapters of unrequited love...You feel something for someone that you are unable to convey," he asserts, all praise for his "involved, encouraging, open to suggestions" director Mohit Suri who has given him the time and space to develop his character, giving it layers Madhav didn't have in Chetan Bhagat's novel. "I connected with him instantly when I read the book."

The empathetic bond extends to Madhav's struggle to express himself in English. Arjun surprises you by admitting that because of his grandparents and friends, Hindi has been his first language. "Even when I'm acting I think in Hindi.Unfortunately in our country, the general perception is that someone who speaks English is more intelligent," he rues, quick to add that the film is about the language barrier one faces if English is not their first language. He's also brushed up on basketball which he played in school. He trained with NBA coaches for over two months, building up his stamina so he could match up to the energetic 18-year-olds in the film. "We won't let down the sport which has been portrayed in a cool, believable way," he insists, adding that along with Mohit, he's found a friend in co-star Shraddha Kapoor who he has known for years but realised only now after romancing her through a three-year reel life journey just how chilled out, hardworking and professional she is on the sets.

Next up Arjun is looking forward to sharing the screen with uncle Anil Kapoor in Anees Bazmee's comic caper. "Yes, I'm doing Mubaraka. This is the first time I'm saying this formally. I was waiting for the producer to make an announcement, but there have been too many speculations," he shrugs, describing his Anil chachu as an energetic, forever-young actor who's been an inspiration to youngsters, both as a person and an actor.

What can he tell us about his chachu that no one knows? "He never holds a plate but will polish off what's on your plate while chatting with you and then pretend he's not eaten anything the whole day so he feels fit and fine," Arjun laughs Anil's son Harshvardhan, who's gearing up for Bollywood, mentioned that Arjun is more of a mainstream actor, doing the kind of films he'd never be able to carry off. "I have done my share of non-filmi films like Aurangzeb and Finding Fanny. As a viewer I love masala movies and summer blockbusters, but my viewing tastes don't dictate my choices as an actor," Arjun argues, pointing out that he's grown as an actor. "Three years ago, I may not have been excited about a Mubaraka but today I am raring to do a com mercial comedy with the jodi that gave us No Entry and Welcome."

He believes Harsh's choices too will change depending on how he grows as an actor. "For now he should focus on his work and not think too far ahead into the future. Yes, he is inclined towards a certain kind of cinema which I am not. But I'm sure he'll do commercial films too when the time comes. I'll continue doing a variety of roles regardless," he avers.

What are Harsh's strengths? Arjun points out that like him he is passionate about acting and cinema."He has a mind of his own and opinion too which is good. He has all these qualities, hope this translates on screen as well," he signs off.

BOMBAY TIMES (June 15, 2015)

MUMBAI MIRROR (January 28, 2015)

Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; December 30, 2014)