It’s back to juggling work within a tight schedule for Tara Sutaria, who’s currently shooting for two films — Ek Villain Returns and Heropanti 2 — simultaneously. The Student Of The Year 2 (SOTY 2) actress, however, is not complaining. “It is exhausting, but rewarding!” she says, adding, “It’s been a while since we shot for a film as there were restrictions due to the pandemic this year, too. I am just happy that my mind is occupied with the one thing I enjoy doing the most — and that’s acting.”

The actioner Heropanti 2 sees Tara reuniting with Tiger Shroff, her first hero when she debuted with SOTY 2. “With every film, the set and your co-stars become your world for a certain period of time. People tend to move on once the project wraps up, but that hasn’t been the case with Tiger and I treasure that about him. We managed to stay in touch over the years. I must say that among all my costars, I am the closest to Tiger,” she says. She elaborates, “I did my first film with him and he is also the first friend I made in the industry. We are similar in many ways.”

What’s common between the two is that they are both shy and reserved. So, how did the two strike a bond and open up with each other? Tara is quick to add, “Personally, I have grown and come out of my shell. I am quite chatty now in comparison to how I used to be. An industry like showbiz brings out that side of you, which you didn’t know existed in you. As for Tiger, we’ve spent a lot of time with each other and that’s how the friendship grew stronger. We are now very chatty and enjoy long conversations. In fact, we have a ball of a time on the sets of Heropanti 2 and are always cracking each other up. Well, the jokes are often lame, if a third person comes to know what we are laughing about they might think we are really silly (laughs!).”

Tara is also discovering a new equation now with her co-star Arjun Kapoor with the film Ek Villain Returns. “We might come across as an unusual pair, but we have an amazing time on the set. Arjun is a very sweet guy,” says Tara. The film also stars John Abraham, who she’s yet to shoot with. Interestingly, in an earlier interaction with BT, Tara had opened up about John being her family friend. She had said, “I remember visiting John ever since I was a kid. He’s often surprised with the filmy conversations we have when we meet now, as we never imagined back then that we’d be working in the same industry.”

How comfortable does she feel to share screen space with the senior actor? “This whole situation is so unexpected,” she says, adding, “It is exciting to be able to work with him as I have seen his films and like his work. I am excited to see what the vibes are going to be like on the set. The coolest part about him is that he doesn’t give the I-am-the-senior kind of a vibe. He is too chilled out.”

While work keeps her busy, Tara misses the family-time she had in the last few months. “There cannot be a bigger blessing than having a roof above your head, food on your table and a family to spend time with in these terrible times,” she says, concluding, “I am sure through these tough days we all have felt lonely at some point, which is why it is always important to have the right people by your side. This period has shown us how important it is to have a wonderful personal life along with a professional life, and that one should not take our near-and-dear ones for granted.”

Before Student Of The Year 2, I had got a couple of film offers but had not taken them up as my parents wanted me to finish my graduation before getting into any profession. I remember meeting Karan (Johar) for the first time at the old office in Bandra around six months before I graduated. He was so sweet and asked me what I wanted to do in the future. I told him that I had been singing all my life but had never acted. I was doing a musical on stage at the time and he asked me to sing for him. I did and then, before I knew it, he was offering me a film. I still remember his exact words, “We have a couple of films in prep, but there is one in particular that will be ready in the next four-five months.” The timing was perfect for me, as by then, I would have graduated.

On finishing my studies, we met again. I tested for Student Of The Year 2 and everything just fell in place. Since it was a light fun film, we didn’t really have any acting workshops. We would just meet with Punit Malhotra (director) for readings, with Tiger (co-star Tiger Shroff) joining in too. The pre-shoot time was spent in deciding the costumes, and Manish (stylist Manish Malhotra) would often come with costumes which built up the excitement.

Ananya (co-star Ananya Panday) and I also had dance workshops for two months to rehearse all the songs. Tiger joined us later. On, the first day of shoot we filmed Tiger and my love song, “Jatt Ludhiyane Da”. It was a five-day shoot at the Forest Research Institute in Dehradun. I remember how thrilled I was when we reached there because though I have been dancing all my life, it felt surreal that I would start my first film with a dance number.

My first shot was really filmy, with my hair flying as my head turned. It was a one-take shot. I was not anxious because everyone from Karan’s team had come to support us. We had the traditional pooja before the shoot started. It’s always nice to start a film with a song as it lightens the mood. Recently, Manish sent me a video of my first shot that he had recorded from the monitor on the set. It was such a high!

The first day was smooth, but on the second day, I twisted my ankle while dancing. I didn’t really know Tiger too well then, but he put my foot up and massaged it. It was really sweet of him, not too many people would do this for a girl who was just an acquaintance. Over the course of the film, everyone became friendlier and soon we were one big happy family. 

(FROM L TO R) RED CARPET GLAM: It’s important to pick a red carpet look that transcends seasons. This gown was timeless, yet dramatic and sexy. A flattering silhouette with a thigh-high slit and trail, paired with heels and earrings, keeping the look clean and glam

ROSE AND SHINE: Sequins are normally tricky to style and look dated if not done right. This rose gold couture piece came from SE Asia. The bow detail made it chic and we paired it with clear heels for balance

PRINT OVERDRIVE: This look was a bold and refreshing choice as we were sticking with solid colours until then. I love mixing prints and designers. Oxidised jewellery completed the ensemble giving it the perfect vibe for a film screening

A TOUCH OF GOLD: Monochrome lehengas elongate the body, so they’re an excellent choice for Tara who is petite. We ensured the embroidery on the dupatta matched the potli perfecting the super chic Indian look

SAYING IT WITH GEMS: When the lehenga is simple, it’s essential to opt for statement jewellery. I chose a choker set crafted in 18K gold with Russian emeralds, pink quartz, uncut diamonds and pearls. A touch of pink makeup was essential and flowers in the hair styled into an updo, completed the ethereal image
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As told to Ankita Chaurasia (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 9, 2020)

I was an assistant working on Tara Sutaria’s looks for her debut film, Student Of The Year 2, when she asked me to style her for the promotional events as well. I dressed her for Manish Malhotra’s party and she got a lot of compliments, with the host telling her to stick to whoever had styled her. That’s how our association officially began and it has been smooth sailing ever since.

We both love the minimal look with muted colours, mostly neutrals. White and black are our go-to colours. We love the ’90s fashion as well and are inspired by Kate Moss, Sarah Jessica Parker and Jennifer Aniston. Tara’s professional style is an extension of her personal tastes, and whatever she wears to events, unless it is high-glam, looks like it’s straight out of her own wardrobe.

We aim to keep every look fresh, not repeat elements and stay away from trends. That’s why all her looks are timeless. Tara also doesn’t like too many colours and too busy patterns. When she does wear colour, it’s usually navy, solid pink, tan and yellows, which we balance out with clean, structured cuts. She experiments with silhouette and fabric and doesn’t shy away from sequins and glitter either.

While her tastes are elegant, we keep the styling young. For example, instead of a polki or a kundan necklace with a lehenga, I’d give her a choker. After wearing poker-straight hair for a long time, she has now begun to experiment with waves, buns and flowers.

Karan Tacker has portraits ready for the cause; explains why he almost disappeared from the screen for seven yrs
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 17, 2020)

During the Coronavirus lockdown, actors have showcased newfound skills online. But Karan Tacker chose to keep his to himself. “I have always enjoyed cooking and sketching so, I didn’t need to Instagram my exploits,” he reasons.

Karan likes to draw faces and his latest muse is his building’s security guard. “I have some portraits ready and want to auction them for charity,” informs the actor, who turned 34 on May 11 with a two-day celebration. “We had a champagne brunch and my sister baked a cake.”

It has been seven years since Karan’s last acting gig, Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai (EHMMBH). There were talks of him featuring in Karan Johar’s Student Of The Year sequel, but he reappeared in a show recently. Why the long break? “I wanted to do something that would make directors and producers take me seriously and that took a lot of time,” he asserts, adding that hosting came out organically for him as it resonated with his Punjabi personality.

EHMMBH also launched Krystle D’souza, Kushal Tandon and Nia Sharma, all of whom became big names. Does that rankle him? “No, I never felt that I had been left behind. I did not want to do TV anymore, so I wasn’t running in the same race as them,” he avers, adding that he doesn’t see himself returning to the medium.

Often referred to as one of the most good-looking men on TV, Karan confesses that it stops people from seeing beyond one’s looks. His Bollywood debut has been talked about for almost five years now. “It is difficult for an outsider to bag the right project since industry kids are predestined to work in them. You have to be careful with your choices. I’m looking out for a good script and director. Till then, I’m okay if my journey is a little slower,” he says.

Ananya Panday gushes over her co-star; admits trolls bother her and promises to try to express herself better in future
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 2, 2020)

This month, it will be a year since Ananya Panday’s debut with Karan Johar’s Student Of The Year 2. “Surreal is the best way to describe it. I still find it unbelievable and, at the same time, exciting that I am an actress now,” she exults, admitting that the audience’s love gets her going. “The fact that young boys and girls are looking up to me is a real high; it’s more important than box office statistics.”

Ananya is a part of Shakun Batra’s next directorial, which also features Deepika Padukone and Siddhant Chaturvedi. Informing that she gave her nod to the film just after hearing Shakun’s name, she says, “I told him that I’d do anything he directs. I am just going to sit there like a student and try to absorb as much as I can.”

Ananya raves about the humility of her co-star, Deepika, saying, “You don’t feel like she is a star overpowering you. It feels like being with a friend. Deepika is more beautiful on the inside than on the outside.”

And what about Siddhant? “We get along well; you’ll see a lot of our banter in the film,” she laughs. During an interview last year, where Siddhant was also present, Ananya had the trolls going after her for a statement on her struggles. She had said, “I’ve always wanted to be an actor. Just because my dad has been an actor, I will never say no to an opportunity to act. My dad has never been in a Dharma film, he never went on Koffee With Karan. So, it’s not as easy as people say. Everyone has their own journey and their own struggle.” Following this, Chunky had laughingly told her to stop taking his name. The daughter is nonchalant, “I have inherited thick skin from him. I won’t lie, it does hurt sometimes because I didn’t articulate what I wanted to say better. I try to be mindful when putting a point across now for people to understand.”

Mention her caption-writing skills on the ‘gram and she retorts, “I work hard on my captions. I write all of them without any help. People make fun of it, but I love doing it and that’s not going to change.” She says she got her wit from her mom Bhavana, and her silly side from dad Chunky. Buzz is, he is playing her dad in an upcoming film. Ananya denies it: “I think we will wait for the right script to come together on screen. It will be special and I don’t want to waste it.”

Meanwhile, Ali Abbas Zafar’s Khaali Peeli is waiting for the Coronavirus lockdown to end before being unveiled. Ananya reveals it was the first film offered to her after SOTY 2 and she fell in love with her character, Pooja. “Playing her has been liberating because I felt that I could get away with anything,” she avers, adding that co-actor Ishaan Khatter’s energy has been contagious. “He has so much positivity and passion for cinema. It’s rubbed off on me. The world is going to see a lot more of Ishaan,” she promises.

Ananya also features in Vijay Deverakonda’s Bollywood debut, Fighter, and a connection has been forged with the South superstar, too. “I loved Vijay in Arjun Reddy. With this film, he steps into Hindi cinema while I debut in South. We are both nervous, but it’s a fun film to be a part of,” she maintains, saying that while one will get to see her do a little bit of action in Khaali Peeli, it is Vijay’s domain in Fighter.

Now, she is eager to pair up with her favourite actor, Ranveer Singh. “I am also looking forward to doing something in the dark space. I’ve been watching a lot of horror films and want to explore the genre,” Ananya signs off.

As told to Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 15, 2020)

Three years ago, I had to audition for Student Of The Year 2, which took place a day after Holi. I couldn’t celebrate the festival as I was afraid to get colour on my face which may not have come off the next day. After the audition, I was in touch with Punit (Malhotra, director), but he never told me explicitly if I made it or not. Naturally, I was nervous and didn’t know what to do. At the same time, I got into college and was conflicted if I should go for it or not.

In July, Karan (Johar, SOTY 2 producer) called me to his office, sat me down, told me I was a part of the film and welcomed me to his (film) family. I first thought I was dreaming and someone was going to wake me up. It was such a big moment for me because it had been a lifelong dream to be a part of that iconic family. Everything I had dreamed and asked for was finally happening.

My first day on the set was two years ago, on April 7. Punit took me and Tara (Sutaria, fellow debutante) to Mussoorie (where the film was shot) a few days earlier than everyone else. It was our first film and he wanted us to ease into it instead of feeling ambushed on the film’s set. Our first shot was supposed to be for the song “Jatt Ludhiyane Da”. Punit had individually promised the three of us (leading man Tiger Shroff, Tara and her) that all our first shots will be solo so that each one of us gets to savour it.

Tiger’s was a dance step, while Tara got a beauty shot. When it was my turn, it started raining. I got upset, thinking I wouldn’t get to shoot, and that my first day was ruined. Everybody got to do their scene except me. Luckily, Punit changed mine into an indoor shot so everything worked out.

For the scene, I was supposed to climb down a flight of stairs while recording myself, singing, on a phone. My mom (Bhavana Panday) and Manish (Malhotra, designer and family friend) were there, and that made it really special for me. Manish has been there for a lot of actresses’ first shot. I just felt elated to be a part of that iconic list.

Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 18, 2020)

Gul Panag is elated and satisfied with the way her career has shaped over the past few months. The actor, who was seen in a couple of films and a bunch of web shows, feels fortunate that good roles have been coming her way even though she has never “gone around looking” for work. “It’s fantastic that people are reaching out to me to play such diverse parts and it’s extremely flattering. I don’t do networking and socialising. I’m not going out there searching and canvasing for work. The work that I’ve done in the last ten months is more than the entire work I’ve done since my first film (Dhoop) in 2003,” she says.

Giving us a glimpse into the last ten months of her career, she elaborates, “It’s extremely gratifying for me that there are so many different kinds of work out there. I played a coach in Student Of The Year 2, a glamorous and modern antagonist in Bypass Road (both 2019), a small supporting part of an army officer in The Family Man that received massive appreciation, a gangster in Rangbaaz Phir Se and a strong woman in Pawan & Pooja. The range of parts is phenomenal and I got the opportunity to lead such different lives in the last ten months.”

The Dor (2006) actor says that it’s her acting career that has enabled her to branch out and don multiple hats. “Acting is just one of the things that I do. I’m not saying that I’m a part-time actor. Acting is very important to me, as my acting career is an enabler for all the other things that I do and I can’t run away from that. I could be an entrepreneur and connect with people because they know me as an actor. As a producer, I’m being able to do projects because of my acting career,” she signs off. 

IN FINE FORM: For the Filmfare curtain raiser in early February, we wanted to go with a sexy vibe with finesse. The pink taffeta bow on this thick crepe number was eye-catching

As told to Nishi Tiwari (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 9, 2020)

Bhavana (Panday, Ananya’s mother), called us up seven months before her first film (Student Of The Year 2) was to release. She asked us to style Ananya for the film promotions, but before that she wanted us to meet and build a relationship. The first time we worked together was for the Bachchans’ Diwali party in 2018. We gave Ananya a beautiful Sabyasachi lehenga. She is a complete clothes horse and looked dazzling. Since she had started out at 19, we could foresee us building on her style trajectory. Together, we have done some amazing looks that are inspiring for young girls in India. It is exciting to see us evolving and taking Ananya to different heights in the coming years.

As a fun, perky person with an amazing sense of humour, she naturally gravitates towards pop colours. We also like to add elements that vibe with her personality, like frills, ruffles, pop colours and short looks. Even if it is a pant-suit, instead of being severe and dark-toned, it can be printed or in a bright colour, it can have a crop-top inside or worn with sneakers.

Ananya looks her best in short skirts and crop tops but sometimes, she takes us by surprise. For instance, we gave her a cream blazer with cropped pants and a bandeau for the promotions of Pati Patni Aur Woh. We weren’t sure if she would look nice in this elevated pant-suit with an edgy twist; she wasn’t ready for it either. But it turned out to be one of her best looks.

We make Ananya stand out by projecting her persona. Every person has an individuality and expressing that is the best way to create a standout look. It also depends on the event; we try to stick to the brief but at the same time, interpret it in an Ananya way without going too off-beat and still making sure that she looks 21. We have some surprises up our sleeves that you will see over time. There are certain silhouettes that she is going to be wearing in the future. We would like to try print-onprint or layering in new and interesting ways. As stylists, we don’t see Ananya as too skinny; her limbs are beautifully proportioned. None of us take trolls seriously. The idea is to always try and create an impact.


PROM QUEEN: This fresh-off-the-runway dress was for the Femina Beauty Awards. The handmade outfit has a lot of metal-wire detailing


LAYERING LOVE: People usually layer on a bustier but for this outfit, which Ananya wore for a TV interview in December last year, we did an apron layering on the skirt. It really caught on

RUFFLE EFFECT: For the Filmfare Style Awards in December 2019, we went with a fitted black leather dress with a pink ruffle. Since this was her first style award, we decided against a predictable gown. It was interesting as everyone else wore long dresses

TULLE PERFECTION: Since Ananya is going to be wearing gowns for the rest of her life, we decided to go down a different route for the Filmfare Awards. Tulle is young and refreshing and the colour vibrant. A skirt with a bra-top is different from what people usually wear on the red-carpet



STRIKING GOLD: Ananya wore this for one of Armaan Jain and Anissa Malhotra wedding events. Because it was a head-to-toe gold-and-lace look, we went light on the styling. There were no earrings, just a simple choker and gold bangles

ON THE EDGE: This is one of her standout looks. It is an elevated pantsuit with an edgy twist—a cream blazer paired with cropped pants (almost the length of cycling shorts) and a bandeau

IN FINE FORM: For the Filmfare curtain raiser in early February, we wanted to go with a sexy vibe with finesse. The pink taffeta bow on this thick crepe number was eye-catching

Working birthdays, strapped for time, but immensely happy, Ananya Panday wouldn’t trade the eventful 2019 for anything
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 21, 2019)

At 21, Ananya Panday thinks she has already seen the best year of her life. and that year would be 2019, for she not only made a big-ticket debut with Student Of The Year 2 (SOTY 2) but also delivered a hit, Pati Patni Aur Woh. Oh wait! She has also signed a film starring Deepika Padukone, and another film with Ishaan Khatter. So, for someone who has always wanted to be an actor, Ananya might be right when she calls this the best year of her life. Excerpts:

A grand debut and a hit film... How would you sum up 2019?
It’s just been everything I could have dreamt of! The fact that I can finally be an actor and work in this industry is such a privilege and a big deal for me. I think that’s why 2019 will be the best year of my life. I actually got to become an actor. I am just so happy to be working every single day of my life. I was supposed to go on a holiday on my birthday, but I worked. Everyone said ‘We are feeling so bad for you’. I said, ‘No, I am so happy getting to work on my birthday’. I hope I get to work on every birthday for the rest of my life!

And you are working on your next, Khaali Peeli, alongside Ishaan Khatter. How is that shaping up?
Really well. I am super excited, it’s completely different from my two films. Pooja, my character, is different from how I am as a person, how I have lived my life, how I’ve been brought up. As an actor, that’s the most exciting and challenging part, playing someone so different.

Since you are fairly new, have you learned the art of saying ‘no’ yet? Or would you consider everything offered to you?
I will obviously listen to everything everyone has to offer to me, because you never know when a new script can come up. My director Maqbool (Khan; Khaali Peeli) is a first-time director. New directors come up with the best work sometimes. So I think we should listen to everything and everyone once. I don’t want to miss out on anything just because ‘Oh, it’s from someone I don’t know’. I, too, was new at one point and people accepted me.

Are there any roles you won’t do?
I haven’t kept any such barriers for myself. But I won’t be drawn to films that are misogynistic or sexist, or hurtful to any gender, or promoting something morally wrong. Though, it’s normal to play grey or negative characters… I don’t think if the message of the film is wrong, I would do something like that. That’s something I would never be drawn to.

What’s the toughest part about being in showbiz at 21?
For me, it’s balancing out my work with my normal life. Sometimes, I just want to spend time with my family and friends who come to Mumbai twice a year, because they are all studying in America. Therefore, I want to spend every possible moment I have with them. Sometimes I miss out on a lot of things but then, at the end of the day, I’ve wanted this my entire life, so I don’t complain about it.

Ananya Panday on collaborating with Khatter in her next film, Khaali Peeli
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; December 8, 2019)

With Pati Patni Aur Woh behind her, Ananya Panday is moving on to her next project. The actor recently began shooting for the Ishaan Khatter-starrer Khaali Peeli.

She says her co-actor is extremely talkative. “Ishaan is like a ball of energy. Whenever he comes on set, it feels like a storm has blown in. If people think that I talk a lot, Ishaan is 10 times worse [laughs].”

Panday raves, “He is a lot of fun to work with. As an actor, he is amazing, talented and people are yet to witness it [his true potential].”

The Maqbool Khan-directorial, Panday says is an “intense thriller and romantic film” but has commercial viability too. Panday, who sports a Mumbai accent in the film, says that she trained on the sets. “I have a Bambaiya accent in the film. Our director Maqbool is good with the lingo, so I kept interacting with him and that has been my learning source.”

After completing the first schedule, Panday still seems to be adjusting to the night shoots. “I didn’t do any night shoots while working on Student Of The Year 2 because Tiger [ Shroff] sleeps by 10 pm. The film has been challenging and interesting in its own way,” she adds.