Actor Varun Dhawan on his girlfriend, and chemistries on and off screen
Jitesh Pillaai (TIMES LIFE; June 2, 2019)

Did October influence you with regard to relationships?
It moved me as far as relationships are concerned. It made me realise you never know what’s going to happen next.

The grapevine suggests that you’re getting married to Natasha Dalal this year.
It’s not going to happen this year. I’m not saying I won’t get married but it’s not this soon. If I’m doing all these movies, I need to find the right time for that.

Natasha’s often spotted with your parents. She seems to have become part of the family…
She and I went to school together. So, she knows my parents since ages. She’s been attending functions with my parents before also but it wasn’t photographed then.

What does she add to your life?
She’s my rock, she’s my anchor. She’s the stabilising factor in my life. It’s pretty much like family.

What kind of a boyfriend are you?
In the last couple of years, I’ve been really good. I’ve understood what it’s like to be in a relationship and the whole love vibe. I’m enjoying it. I’m having a great time.

How were you before?
I was much younger na. So, I didn’t understand it completely. But now I’m probably enjoying it more than her. The one who experiences it knows how it feels.

Being the hero of the masses – is that your dream?
Yes. That’s been my aim since the start of my career. I do mass entertainers to please my audience. Having said that, I love my films – Badlapur, October and Sui Dhaaga: Made In India. They taught me a lot. They helped me get in touch with things I feared I’d lose.

Alia Bhatt and you share unbelievable chemistry...
There’s definitely some magic and we both know that. That’s the reason we keep coming back and working together. Otherwise, I can’t work with anyone so many times. We get along as people. Our passions are the same. We both are competitive with each other. As passionately as we care for each other, we fight also. But what’s great is that ours is an honest relationship. It’s not a fake one like, ‘Okay, pack up. See you tomorrow.’ Or ‘How am I looking? Oh very pretty’. Instead, with us, it’s like if you’re not looking good, you’re not looking good and if you’re looking good, you’re looking good.

Is there any film you wish you should have done?
I loved Stree and its concept. I loved what Rajkummar Rao did in the climax because generally everyone thinks of him as a serious actor. I’m happy for him.

Apparently, you were offered 21 crores for Street Dancer 3D. How important is market value for you?
Actually, it’s more than that. The money is coming and it’s good. Though you don’t need that much money to live. Main kya karunga usska?

Do you want a marriage like that of your parents?
One person’s marriage cannot be like that of the other. It has to be in accordance to who you are as a person. What’s on my mind right now is my niece (Rohit and Jaanvi Dhawan’s daughter). I saw her after a while. She pulled my T-shirt and recognised me. I got so excited. I want to go and play with her now.

You would probably make for a fantastic father in the future…
That I don’t know. But I’m a superb chachu right now. You’ve no idea how my family is tripping over her. People just melt when they see her. She’s ruling us. 

Varun Dhawan on his crackling chemistry with Alia Bhatt, using mind over body to emote better, dealing with failure and working with daddy David Dhawan
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; April 21, 2019)

Had Shhuddhi not been shelved, Kalank would have been your fifth film with Alia Bhatt. Was it purely coincidental that both of you have been approached for the same projects? 
Our careers have been a play of destiny. Alia was not part of Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania (2014) initially. In fact, Kalank was planned before Badrinath Ki Dulhania (2017), but we couldn't lock the rest of the cast. Things have never been in our control, but this helped us develop an organic relationship. There's some magic [in our on-screen chemistry], that's why filmmakers cast us together.

Do you train to build this on-screen chemistry that people rave about?
Some things just happen over a period of time. While we are aware that the audience likes to see us together, we don't take [the adulation] for granted. In all our collaborations, our focus has been to outdo the previous performance, which is a lot of hard work. We try to change the [flavour] of the chemistry and since Alia knows her craft well, as a co-actor, it helps me up my game.

Was Kalank an emotionally draining film for you?
Abhishek [Varman, director] is obsessive about his work. He has a unique process. Physically, this has been the toughest character of my career. Although I didn't have to look like a bodybuilder, I was breaking my body day and night to get it right. I dislocated my shoulder and had a tear in the hamstring during the bull-fight scene. Abhishek told me to ignore the body and emote with my eyes. I sat with him for two hours to discuss Zafar's [his character] childhood and to know where he comes from. While I was ready for the shoot physically, I wasn't prepared emotionally and mentally. Abhishek didn't want to do too many readings and rehearsals, but I was just consumed by the film when I came on the set of Heera Mandi [locality shown in the film].

Were you anxious about shooting with Sanjay Dutt and Madhuri Dixit-Nene?
I am not nervous about shooting with any actor. This is mainly because of the advice my father [David Dhawan] gave me when I was shooting for Main Tera Hero (2014). I had to narrate page-long dialogues to Anupam Kher, and I was nervous back then. So, my dad put a stand with a ball on it and told me, 'Think of this as Anupam and tu kar apna acting. He is a senior actor and I can't waste his time because you want to do rehearsals.' That exercise helps me regain my confidence. I had a great time working with Sanjay sir and Madhuri ma'am, with whom I share some of my best scenes. Abhishek would say, "Man, she's demolishing you."

Your last two releases, October and Sui Dhaaga: Made In India, had an average box-office haul. Comment.
I am aware that the films didn't work in comparison to my other projects, but I am aware that it struck a chord with the audience. The fact that you are talking about these films makes me feel content. I am still earning the royalty on that film through people's praises. I am grateful that characters that require such intensity came my way.

Do you constantly feel the pressure to deliver every Friday, given that none of your films have tanked?
Alia has just one unsuccessful film [Shaandaar, 2015]. When we got chatting at that time, she told me, 'I wish it never happens to you, but at the same time, it needs to happen as it will help you grow.' It's not that I am not invincible. No matter how big a star I am today, I know that whenever I do a bad film, no one will see it. My primary goal is to entertain the audience. I don't differentiate between multiplex and single screen [the audience]. There are certain expectations when people come to see my film and I don't want to cheat my audience.

At the same time, do you fear slipping into a comfort zone or becoming complacent?
Whenever I feel I am being complacent, I will take a step back, or it will translate into bad work. It has happened to me in the past. When I am doing live events and have been unable to catch up on enough rehearsals, I improvise. I am good at live interactions and that helps distract in between my performances. When I don't enjoy something on set, I get agitated and irritate my directors. At times, I trouble my father and he, in return, abuses the hell out of me [laughs]. I can do it with Shashank [Khaitan] and Remo [D'Souza], as we are friends.

Working with Daddy Dhawan
After collaborating with Sr Dhawan in Main Tera Hero and Judwaa 2 (2017), Varun will be back in the camp for Coolie No 1. While rumours float that it is a remake of the Govinda, Karisma Kapoor-starrer, the actor clears the air around the film and says, "It is not a remake. The film is an adaptation, while the screenplay remains the same. We are changing a lot of things, and it will be different from the original. I have not seen such a wholesome entertainer in the last 15 years; so, I am doing it because I loved the screenplay. And being directed by dad is always great. I am aware that there will be comparisons, that is why I have taken it up."

Meena Iyer (DNA; April 11, 2019)

Meeting Varun Dhawan is always a delightful experience. Unlike many other superstars who wear their most amicable face during film promotions and go back to hiding behind ‘dark glasses’ otherwise, Varun is transparent. He always wears his best profile, knows what he wants and is fully tuned in to what he is selling, whether it is his film or his talent. With him, what you see is usually what it is. For this alone, you have to give him hundred on hundred.

Over to Gen-Now’s sweetheart; yup, he has a huge draw at the box office and he knows it. Excerpts...

Is Alia Bhatt your best friend?
I wouldn’t say Alia is my best friend. My best friend is Aman Malhotra, who lives three buildings away from me. I met him at the age of two. And I have another friend called Ankit. So, if I take Alia’s name, they will get upset (smiles).

But she is definitely a very close friend of mine. Rarely do you form a close connection with someone you work with. But in her case, my relationship with her goes beyond work. We have formed a successful pair having begun with Student Of The Year (2012)  and then Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania (2014) and Badrinath Ki Dulhania (2017). We’re here today with Kalank that releases on April 17. Whether I work with her or not in the immediate future, it doesn’t matter. She and I share a bond.

Did you really mean it when you said earlier that Kalank is your last film together?
It was a joke. We won’t be working together for some time now. That’s the way life has it. Her forthcoming movies (Brahmastra, RRR, Insha Allah) and my next slate of projects (Coolie No 1, Street Dancer, Shashank Khaitan’s next), will take a lot of our individual time. In fact, the one I’m doing with Shashank (Khaitan), titled Rannbhoomi, will actually take a year to make.

Is Alia not in it?
The makers haven’t started the casting for Rannbhoomi yet. It’s got a lot of VFX and we’re trying to do something new in terms of technology as well. I don’t know when we (Alia and I) will work together next.

Considering we won’t see Alia and you together for a while now makes Kalank even more special, doesn’t it? There is a certain screen chemistry between the two of you.
I think it’s something that just kind of happened. Definitely, we did work hard on it, we knew we were on to something special.

Alia and I knew people love watching us on the big screen. I think what they recognise is the drive that we both have towards our work, we don’t take it for granted. We are very passionate about what we do. It’s not that we meet, get along and that translates on screen. Of course, that’s also a part of the whole thing, but the other part is the hard work, the practice, the rehearsals and the focus. If we call each other, it’s about work. Whether it’s 8 am or 2 am, we’re discussing how we can do better. She is someone who is my equal as far as our collaborations go. I’m slightly arrogant when it comes to my films and knowledge of cinema. But she is superior to me in terms of craft. Drive-wise, I won’t say she is better, but she is equal. And she will also agree with this. It’s like a line in our song in Kalank, ‘Hazaaron mein kisi ko taqdeer aisi mili hai, Raanjha aur Heer jaisi.’ That kind of sums up our relationship, which translates into our onscreen chemistry.

The film also stars Sanjay Dutt, Madhuri Dixit, Aditya Roy Kapur, Kunal Kemmu and Sonakshi Sinha. Then, why are people rooting for just the two of you?
Honestly, this is an ensemble and the biggest I have done so far. It’s the biggest ensemble that people will get to see on screen in a long time. Also, I believe, everyone should root for Abhishek Varman’s hard work and dedication. And I’m not saying this because he is the director. I’ve never worked with such an obsessive filmmaker, who wants to be involved in every aspect of the movie. Even if a picture or a line about it is being released, he wants to be involved. That’s the level of obsession Abhishek has as far as this film is concerned. Usually, when my movies release, I am the most obsessed and I can go to any lengths for it, but I must say Abhishek beats me.

He (Abhi) is like a tigress guarding her cub. He has put everything on the line for Kalank. There are so many things that have gone on in Abhishek’s life and there is so much he is going through. But he won’t be happy if I say anything about it. Trust me, he’s gone through hell and made this film. But his focus hasn’t faltered even for a second. He is my friend and I love him. Kalank is his baby and I’m protective about it.

Abhi and you were assistant directors at a point. Did your friendship help your working equation?
I think I was the only one who made him laugh on the set. I would do certain things and he would burst out laughing, ‘Why are you doing this, Varun? Don’t disturb me.’ I know him as a friend. When he was shooting the Heera Mandi portions with someone else, there was the Munshi quarter where I would go in for my shots and lie down on one of the cots. He would say, ‘What are you doing? I’m making a film here.’ And I would tell him, “You direct, I’m not disturbing you. I just feel like lying down here and seeing what you’re doing.” During the 35 days we shot there, I’ve pretty much stayed on the set. He’s the only director who would leave the set at 2 am and be back at 6 am. So, I would tell myself, ‘The director is giving so much to the film, even I want to be around. Aur yeh dost bhi hai.’ I think he shouted at me the most!

Shouted the most at you in yaari-dosti?
I don’t know about that. I’m a little dheeth (stubborn, thick-skinned) also. If I have a certain take on the scene, I like to perform it that way. Alia and Abhishek would gang up against me. They have worked together before on 2 States, so they have a certain wavelength. He really gets what he wants from her. I have the habit of doing every scene ulta. He has retained certain things that I did. But there are many things that he has removed. There would be a little sparring going on between us.

You got appreciation for October and Sui Dhaaga: Made In India. But those were films that weren’t too mainstream. Did you have a reason for doing them?
Those films were made for a reason and the fact that you are talking about them today makes me happy. October just struck a chord. When Shoojit (Sircar) sir spoke about it, it hit something in my heart. I felt I was becoming selfish as a human being. After two back-to-back big hits (Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania and Judwaa 2), I was becoming something I wasn’t. When I heard October, I wanted to be like Dan and the only way I could be like him was to play him. I learnt a lot. As for Sui Dhaaga, it was a fun script. My character is a family man. The film explored the father-son relationship, too. Getting to team up with Aditya Chopra sir, who was super-passionate about it, was also a draw. In fact, I keep asking Maneesh (filmmaker Maneesh Sharma) when is it releasing in China. The film did pretty much the business I expected it to do. All in all, I’m quite happy with it. Even now, when it comes on satellite television, people talk about how they liked the film.

Do you ever feel that you’re a commercial actor and you have to prove your acting chops with subjects like October and Sui Dhaaga? Or you can show that in films like Kalank, too?
That opportunity is there 100 per cent in Kalank, too. But actors have to work equally hard, whether the film is commercial, middle-of-the-road or just plain art. Even when it comes to a Street Dancer, I need to pour everything I have within me into it. People may believe it or choose to ignore it but jab aapko ek chhota sa emotion milta hai aur uske saath khelna padta hai, toh ek actor hi khel sakta hai. If you don’t know acting, then you’ll fall flat on your face. Every scene in a film must hold. I’m acting to be a good dancer among great dancers. I’m acting to dance as well as Prabhudheva. Actually, I’m not in his league. Obviously, he is better than me. But if I can make people believe that I can give him a takkar, then that’s acting. There is a lot of hard work and talent in it, but there’s also performance in it to make people believe that.

Varun Dhawan on fronting a multi-starrer, reuniting with father David Dhawan on a challenging comedy, why he won’t be seen in a sports film anytime soon and his next with Shashank Khaitan
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 10, 2019)

Varun Dhawan is as unassuming in real life as his happy-go-lucky screen turns. Before settling down for an interview at a suburban five-star, the 31-year-old actor summons a photographer and requests him to take some “candids”. What follows is a freewheeling chat on his upcoming films, the impending wedding and everything in between. Excerpts:

In early 2000s, Karan Johar wanted to make Kalank with Shah Rukh Khan. How did you react when he came to you with the film?
He (KJo) let Abhishek (Varman, director) approach me and I was blown away by the script. The film celebrates love, pain, tragedy and romance, and the premise has ample twists and turns.

Since the idea came from Karan’s father, Yash Johar, does that increase the sense of responsibility?
Of course, it does. I also feel responsible because of its budget. And I not only have to bring in the numbers (at the box-office) but also ensure that the audience loves it. In a way, both the producers and the audience have put their trust in me given how much is invested in the film.

How do you react when films like Sui Dhaaga fail to reach expected numbers?
Films today are not celebrated till they do a business of Rs 100 crore. But you can’t sign a film thinking about the money it will make. Articles about the box-office make for an interesting read but soon all this will cease to matter. Films should be fun. I loved (Sohum Shah’s) Tumbbad, but I don’t know how much money it made.

Kalank’s release was advanced by a couple of days to April 17. Was it to get a nine-day run before Avengers: Endgame arrives?
We are releasing at a time when there is constant flow of films, both before and after. But today, there are enough screens to accommodate two big films and hopefully, we will get some shows in the second week too when Avengers arrives. It has a run-time of three hour and three minutes, ours is much shorter, so that will help us get some shows. That aside, April 17 is a partial holiday and we would benefit from it. We want to make as much money as possible before Avengers arrives.

You have grown up watching Sanjay Dutt and Madhuri Dixit, how was it sharing screen time with them?
I’ve got many challenging scenes with Sanjay sir and Madhuri ma’am. Working with them is one thing but getting to do powerful scenes with them is another.

And what’s the equation like with Alia Bhatt given that this is your fourth film together?
I don’t think my bond with Alia has changed much. Both of us are here because of films and that’s why we get along well.

How relevant are big-scale family-dramas today?
The audience hasn’t seen a film like this in a while, which makes Kalank exciting. We revealed only a part of the story in the trailer, there is a lot still under wraps. It’s a simple film but will evoke a lot of emotions.

Was the shift from comedies to intense dramas a conscious move?
It wasn’t planned. I am not trying to shift gears and I don’t think people feel that way either. I want to be an actor who can excel in all kinds of roles. Yes, there have been back-to-back intense films but now there are some lighter ones ahead.

Like Coolie No 1 with your father, David Dhawan…
(Beams) I’m dying to do a comedy again and this one has lots of dance. With dad, it’s going to be exactly the way it was during Main Tera Hero and Judwaa 2. He will kick my ass on the set. But I plan to start learning my dialogue rightaway as the journey ahead will be challenging.

We don’t see as many coolies now as we used to…
(Cuts in) I think it’s still an active profession at railway stations. We did a lot of research before deciding to make the film. The original screenplay was outstanding, so is this one. Our film is not a remake but an adaptation with the same title.

Will we see you take the No 1 franchise forward with adaptations of Biwi No 1, Hero No 1…
(Laughs) For now, it’s just Coolie No 1.

How does it feel to be a star?
I honestly don’t know how to be a star, I am still the same person I was back in school. I don’t try to be important.

But Alia and you are spearheading Kalank despite an ensemble cast...
I wouldn’t say Kalank is spearheaded by anyone, it is an ensemble film with interesting characters. Some of them are more out there than others because of their personalities, my Zafar is one of them.

What’s happening with Shashank Khaitan’s Rannbhoomi?
It’s a prep-heavy film and Shashank is still working on the script.

A lot of actors are doing either sports-based films or real-life stories. When will we see you in that zone?
They make for interesting stories but as a lot of people are already dabbling in them, I won’t. ABCD 2 was based on a real-life story. Even Street Dancer has a lot of real instances, but it is a masala film. I am into swimming, cricket, football, and hockey. At present, I am practicing Mixed Martial Arts but there is no sports film on the horizon for now.

How has it been shooting for Street Dancer?
It’s shaping up well. It’s physically exhausting but I can’t wait to start the next schedule on May 5.

Buzz is, after Badlapur, you team up with Sriram Raghavan for Ekkis…
Sriram is one of the best directors of this generation and there is always a possibility of us teaming up. Whenever he is ready with a script for me, I will be ready.

A fan recently tried entering your house and made death threats to your girlfriend Natasha Dalal…
Unfortunately, I can’t speak about this because the police are involved.

But you can tell us if marriage is on the cards this year?
It’s not happening right now as I am busy with all my releases. When I decide to get married, I will send out a picture. 

Movie-goers also miffed with other multiplex chains across the country; exhibitor insists that prices have reduced but are dependent on ‘movie categories’
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 12, 2019)

The reduction in Goods and Services Tax (GST) - 18 per cent from the original 28 per cent for movie tickets costing more than Rs 100, and from 18 per cent to 12 per cent for those up to Rs 100 - was expected to bring a smile on the face of movie-goers. However, Mumbaikars are miffed because the national multiplex chain, PVR, have yet to pass down the tax relief to the audience.

“Till last year, the morning shows at PVR Juhu were priced at Rs 150- Rs 170. On Friday morning, I was shocked that tickets for both Uri: The Surgical Strike and The Accidental Prime Minister were priced as high as Rs 185 and as a mark of protest, I decided not to watch either of the two films,” says trade analyst Amod Mehra, adding that the industry should look into the matter so viewers are not cheated.

He was justified in feeling shortcharged because the Anushka Sharma-Varun Dhawan-starrer, Sui Dhaaga, which had opened on September 29, 2018, had been priced Rs 15 lower than Uri. When this was pointed out to Kamal Gianchandani, CEO, PVR, he explained the reason for the discrepancy in the pricing, saying, “We follow variable ticket pricing in Mumbai. Depending on the curiosity and excitement around a film, we categorise them as ‘blockbuster’, ‘popular’ and ‘ordinary’. Uri is carrying fantastic reports due to its topical subject, so we have placed it in the popular category whereas Sui Dhaaga was in the ordinary category. One shouldn’t compare the rates of the two films.” He argued that it is not “fair to compare two films that released in different periods”. “The best way to see the GST benefit is by comparing the ticket prices of Simmba on December 31 and January 1, as that would show a clearer picture. The benefit has been passed on to the patrons across the country and there is absolutely no ambiguity on this,” he maintained and also shared the reduced ticket price chart of Simmba.

The chart above shows that there is reason for viewers like Mehra to be upset given that tickets for the same film at various multiplexes differ. “Though the tax benefit is huge, there doesn’t seem to be a decline in ticket prices across the spectrum. The distributor association should sit down with the multiplexes and fix the rates for big and small films and this should be done at the earliest,” he states.

Despite the tax slabs coming down from 45 percent in 2014 to 18 per cent in 2019, there has been a surge in the average ticket rates across national multiplex chains. Ticket prices have gone up from Rs 280 to Rs 400 for evening shows at key city multiplexes which, according to industry experts, is one of the reasons for the audience to stay away from theatres.

Bobby Singh, a cine goer in Delhi groused on Twitter, that Cinepolis (West Delhi) is yet to pass on the benefit of GST reduction. “Cinepolis (West Delhi) charged Rs 190 for morning shows before Jan 1, and they are still charging the same for morning shows of Uri,” he complained.

DHADAK had the top premiere on television in 2018 though the year was dominated by TIGER ZINDA HAI, GOLMAAL AGAIN and BAAGHI 2 which have has continued to rate very highly post the premiere. These films have all crossed 5 crore impressions in 6-7 viewings and are films having a great innings post the theatrical release.

These three films were the huge BLOCKBUSTER on television while DHADAK and STREE were SUPERHIT and all the others on the list were HIT barring PADMAAVAT, GOLD and RAAZI. PADMAAVAT has not done well at all post release which pretty much ascertains that the theatrical business had a lot to do with the controversy as never has such big grosser performed so badly on television post release. It was premiered on digital before satellite but so were others on the list like STREE and PARMANU but they still found an audience. It means seventeen Hindi new releases scored on television in 2018.

Below are the top twenty films on television. The number is the impressions which is basically the number of television sets which viewed the film.
1. Dhadak - 1,83,16,000
2. Golmaal Again - 1,63,52,000
3. Baaghi 2 - 1,61,45,000
4. Tiger Zinda Hai - 1,37,04,000
5. Stree - 1,23,29,000
6. Pad Man - 86,42,000
7. Parmanu - The Story of Pokhran- 79,10,000
8. Sanju - 77,95,000
9. Raid - 74,71,000
10. Yamla Pagla Deewana Phir Se - 69,76,000
11. Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety - 64,97,000
12. Sui Dhaaga: Made In India - 64,00,000
13. Hichki - 63,60,000
14. Genius - 63,01,000
15. Badhaai Ho - 60,86,000
16. Secret Superstar - 60,41,000
17. Padmaavat - 55,23,000
18. Fukrey Returns - 53,05,000
19. Gold - 50,66,000
20. Raazi - 48,79,000

Meena Iyer (DNA; December 19, 2018)

Ranveer Singh has dominated 2018. He began the year with Padmaavat, which earned him accolades for his inimitable take as Alauddin Khilji, the antagonist. His popularity has witnessed a meteoric rise and this is validated by the fact that he endorses nothing less than 26 brands! Be it Rohit Shetty, Karan Johar or Kabir Khan, everyone has a script ready for this ‘lion cub’. And though he is too modest to actually spell it out, his contemporaries have been feeling ‘the heat’ from his growing stardom. Last month, the 33-year-old hit a personal high when he got married to his sweetheart and Bollywood’s numero uno actress Deepika Padukone. And even as he readies himself for his first ‘in and as’ role, the Young Turk gives us his undiluted view on why masala movies are what he always craved. Excerpts from our conversation:

Who is more energetic, Ranveer Singh or Simmba?
Simmba definitely has more energy. I have poured the best of me into him. It was a big one for me when Rohit Shetty offered me this part as it’s my first ‘in and as’ role. ‘Ranveer Singh in and as Simmba’ is a big high (smiles). To be Rohit’s leading man is a huge opportunity. I always wanted to do a film in the masala space. However, I didn’t want to do it with anyone other than him because no one can do it quite like him. So, I waited patiently. And I’m happy that my first foray into this space is with the Master himself. I always knew that Rohit sir had this intention of wanting to make a franchise like this one. This is the first one. That’s why, the character gets established here. You can’t just wake up one day and be a leading man in a Rohit Shetty film. You have to earn your stripes. You need to have a certain amount of equity to qualify and be in that position.

But you had done three Sanjay Leela Bhansali movies — Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram Leela (2013), Bajirao Mastani (2015) and Padmaavat (2018) — before this. Don’t you think those films had already added to your equity?
Of course, they did. It was only because I was coming from there that I got this opportunity. Actually, it was after Bajirao Mastani that Rohit sir offered me this film. We had worked on a commercial when he felt this kid (me) had some potential and spoke to me about Simmba. I jumped at the opportunity. I had always told him, “Sir, if you ever have anything for me, I would love to do it.” For me, this movie is the Holy Grail in terms of pleasing the patrons. It’s a front-footed, mass entertainer. Because his cinematic language is so viewer friendly, Rohit sir has this ability to encompass a wide spectrum of the audience. He is a grounded man, so he’s connected to the grassroots. He is aware about it because he also understands the mass medium of television as he is a big TV star himself. He’s able to entertain and his track record is so consistent because he has an understanding of the common man. Like he had this dialogue in Chennai Express (2013) that said, ‘Don’t underestimate the power of the common man.’ So, he’s someone who believes in giving the people what they want.

Rohit said something similar about you being grounded and absolutely down-to-earth. 
I thank Rohit sir (smiles).

Did you observe changes around yourself in the last two years? After all, you’ve been riding the wave. 
Post the release of Padmaavat, it’s been amazing. Everything that followed it has been magical. I could sense a change. I felt it immediately after Padmaavat because of the kind of character (Alauddin Khilji) I played and the kind of film it was. So, it did change a lot of things for me. Suddenly, I saw a spike in everything — in terms of appreciation and popularity. Padmaavat was a major turning point of my career. It was a shot in the arm. I played a character who was vastly different from anything I had done before or anyone from my generation had done and the film achieved what it did. It was a huge boost. I will not deny that I could feel the change almost immediately as I started getting better offers. Business-wise, too, my value had increased. Everything changed after Padmaavat and I’m eternally indebted to Sanjay Leela Bhansali sir for this. After my debut in Band Baaja Baaraat (2010), Lootera and Ram Leela released in 2013. This was followed by Dil Dhadakne Do and Bajirao Mastani in 2015. Now, there’s Padmaavat and Simmba in the same year. So in a way, all of these have been turning points.

The year has been amazing in many more ways. You get to go home to one of the prettiest girls in the world…
For me, the highlight of this year is my marriage to Deepika (Padukone). She has liked whatever she has seen of Simmba. She loves Aankh Marey. On my birthday (July 6), my family and Deepika visited me on the sets in Hyderabad and Rohit sir was kind enough to show them some portions, which she loved. Usually, she is extremely critical of my work, but she liked what she saw of Simmba. She said, ‘This is masala done really well.’ Deepika doesn’t like every look of mine. In real life, she wasn’t sure whether this moustache with its twirled edges would work for me, but she knew it worked wonderfully for the character of Simmba. She thought I was looking fit and hot. And I was happy to hear that (smiles).

Ranbir Kapoor, Varun Dhawan or Ranveer Singh, who is the biggest star currently?
I have no idea. It’s not something I mull over. This is not something I will or should comment on. This is more of a question for analysts or media experts. I appreciate the work that both these fine actors are doing.

I thought Ranbir was amazing in Sanju and Varun did a fantastic job in October as well as Sui Dhaaga: Made In India. It’s important that this generation of young actors delivers quality performances. Each of us must be a part of quality films that are credible and do well commercially because all of us collectively are the new guard. It’s important that we start notching numbers in order to sustain the business. At the same time, we have the responsibility of ensuring that our cinema evolves. You must remember that any one of us — Ranbir, Varun, Tiger Shroff, Ayushmann Khurrana, Rajkummar Rao or Vicky Kaushal and me — or all those talented actors out there are going to do it on our own. It is a collective process and it will be done by all of us. I have had the fortune to see what Tiger can do. He is an outstanding artiste and he is a mass-oriented phenomenon. The way he fights or the way he dances is unique. I appreciate and applaud what he does. There is a whole new bunch of actors who are committed to doing good work. And that’s a positive sign for the future of our industry.

The filmmakers with whom you have worked and your co-actors say that Ranveer spells excitement. Why is that?
I am extraordinarily enthusiastic about my work. That could be the reason why my directors kindly say that I’m exciting. I approach my work with zeal irrespective of the scene. It could be an action scene, a comic one, a song or a dramatic one, I just go for it. I love the creative process of cinema. I feel energised by it and perhaps that’s the reason they feel I’m excitable or excited (whichever word you choose to describe me with). I never go to set jaded. I look forward to each day and wish to make the most of it. My goal is simple — I believe in giving my film all I have.

Every day you do something different on set and the beauty of it is that’s such a refreshing thing. It keeps me invigorated, stimulated and charged. I’m glad that despite doing films back to back, there is so much variety in the work that I’ve been offered.

Will you write or direct?
I will surely explore other avenues of my creativity. However, as of now, just being a performer is so exciting that I am realising that firstly, the craft (acting) is limitless and secondly, I hardly know anything about it as yet. I am constantly exploring to see what is next. Even I do not know what I have to offer. I’m always asking myself what more can I give to this role? What else do I have in my arsenal as an actor? How much more versatile can I be?

How many different characters can I play? Right now, it’s an exciting time in the gamut of acting itself. I eagerly look forward to working with Kabir Khan on ’83 and with Karan Johar for Takht. Just the thought of what I will get to do in these films and the characters that I’ll essay blows my mind.

Hiren Kotwani (DNA; December 5, 2018)

This month, Anushka Sharma completes 10 years in Bollywood. Coincidentally, the actress, who made her debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, marks the culmination of a decade in the movies with the superstar in Zero, which releases on December 21. Over the years, she has not only consolidated her position as an actress to reckon with, but also forayed into production halfway through her journey so far. Her ventures like NH10, Phillauri and Pari not only earned critical acclaim but also fared well at the box-office.

Post her wedding to Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli, her movies like Pari and Sui Dhaaga: Made In India have broken the oft-quoted belief that marriage affects an actress’ career. Now, after impressing critics and audiences with her acting chops in the horror thriller and the romantic social drama, Anushka will be seen as a scientist suffering from cerebral palsy in the upcoming Aanand L Rai directorial.

We catch up with the star at Bandra’s Mehboob Studios for a chat. Excerpts...

This year, your films have not only been different, but your characters also have been dynamically unique and deglam..
Looks are dependent on roles. This year has been important, exciting and successful, performance-wise. Pari was appreciated, while in Sui Dhaaga, my character, Mamta, was liked by viewers. Zero also has an interesting role. Overall, 2018 has been challenging for me as a performer. As an actor, you’re trying to constantly create a different mould for yourself. In my case, I’m striving to break boundaries. I want to reinvent myself with every film. I want people to see and think that I’m doing something different than what I’ve done before. It’s important to stay relevant by doing that. I’ve always chased good roles and performances.

What were your first thoughts when Aanand L Rai offered you the role of Aafia Bhinder, a scientist with cerebral palsy, in Zero?
The film is larger than life and celebrates love as well as life beautifully. Writer Himanshu Sharma and Aanand sir share a good equation. They had a certain vision and I wanted to come on board and submit to it. My character is different, she has cerebral palsy. Himanshu and Aanand sir had done a lot of research as they knew how they wanted their character to be portrayed on screen. I surrendered to their vision completely.

Please continue... 
They had appointed an occupational therapist and an audiologist for me to learn about this condition. For me, as an actor, I understood the responsibility that it has to be explained and presented truthfully, the way it is. I spent three months to learn, research and understand how to go about this role. And that was crucial.

I met the therapist who works with kids battling cerebral palsy. The way the character was written, it wasn’t easy for us to find someone with this condition. As an actor, observing someone and then essaying the role wasn’t right. The therapist didn’t want me to observe and play the part. He wanted me to understand this condition and its restrictions. The character is brilliant and a highly-accomplished person. So, finding a person with this condition to observe and play the role accordingly was not possible. The therapist suggested that I should understand the motor skills, while the audiologist helped me with the speech.

Katrina Kaif said that she would have loved to do your role. Did you ever want to play her role — the supertsar Babita Kumari or you felt Aafia was a better part for you?
I was interested in this part since the time I heard the narration. Yes, Katrina would often tell Aanand sir and me that she wanted to essay this role. It was extremely challenging for me to play Aafia. It’s interesting because you see the spirit of her character, which is so amazing. And, of course, it also inspired me to push the envelope as an actor.

This is your fourth film with Shah Rukh Khan. How different is it each time you work with him, from Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi to Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Jab Harry Met Sejal and now Zero?
Having worked with him in four films, I’ve found an equation with Shah Rukh. This is my 10th year in the industry and I’m doing a film with him in the same month when my debut movie opposite him had released. So, it’s quite cool. I’m comfortable with him. He’s an interesting person to talk to, he’s passionate and driven. That’s an important quality one should have. When he comes to the set, you see that every shot is important to him. He doesn’t have an attitude like dekhenge, chala lenge. The passion and drive, even after all these years, is something to learn, for any actor.

This is your first film with Aanand. In an interview to this paper, he said that he found friends in you and Katrina.
He has made films that people have loved and warmed up to. This is a huge project for him, it’s his, Shah Rukh and Himanshu’s baby. The three of them have been a big part of making this film, and the passion they have put into it. I’m happy to go on this journey with them and follow their vision for my character in the movie. Aanand sir can make friends with anyone. He’s a happy person who is warm as well as strong.

How do you look at the year gone by? 
I’m in a happy space. For me, the acting assignments as well as the production aspect has been quite exciting. My brother Karnesh and I are making films for Netflix and a series for Amazon. I’m happy that people are seeing value in our production house as content creators. We are also working with new writers and directors. When you’re not acting, you have to take out time to be involved in projects. That’s what I’ve been doing as a producer. As an actor, I’m in the midst of making a decision. This has been a hectic year with distinct films. It’s important for me to decide what I’m taking on next. Five years ago, it was a different situation. Now, I’m secure and can take time. If you continue working the way I have in the past three years, you burn out. That’s why you need to take time to understand what you want to do.

How do you unwind after a long hard day?
Either I’m working or spending time with my loved ones. Otherwise, there’s no time like people say, ‘Hum ghoomne chale gaye’. When I have a break, my husband is working. When he has a break, I’m working. So it’s not like normal people taking a holiday. Now, I’m trying to be with my parents.

So what’s next for you as an actor? Any kind of role or film on your wish list?
I don’t have a wish list of the kind of roles or films I want to do. The story has to be interesting to start with.

After your wedding last December, you seem to have set off a trend in B-Town... Sonam K Ahuja, Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra have followed suit.
It’s a cool trend to start (smiles). Marriage is a beautiful institution. I believe in its sanctity. I tied the knot at the age of 29. Usually, actresses are expected to settle down later in life. I’ve never been conventional and I’ve never made conventional choices. I’ve never been like let me do something tried and tested... I started producing when I was 25. I chose to marry because I felt it was the right thing to do. It’s nice to see people who are in love and committing their life to each other.

Rinky Kumar (DNA; November 11, 2018)

In his career spanning over three decades, Paresh Rawal has given several memorable performances. The versatile artiste has portrayed villainous, comic as well as powerful character roles with equal aplomb. Now, he is happy that the younger lot of actors are breaking the barriers when it comes to their roles. They aren’t shying away from portraying character roles as well as those with grey shades.

The 63-year-old is appreciating artistes who are making intelligent choices. He says, “I salute young actors like Rajkummar Rao, Ayushmann Khurrana and Varun Dhawan who are doing exceptionally good work. Take the case of Varun, for instance. He has managed to strike a balance between commercial and not-so-commercial movies. He did October, along with Sui Dhaaga: Made In India and Judwaa 2. Earlier, actors would never have so much courage.”

Likewise, Rajkummar, who started out as a character artiste, has been shining bright in movies such as Newton, Bareilly Ki Barfi and Stree. Ayushmann, on the other hand, has acted in films such as Shubh Mangal Saavdhaan, AndhaDhun and the recently-released Badhaai Ho.

In fact, Paresh was all praises for the Amit Sharma directorial on his Twitter account. He had tweeted, “Badhai Ho is like a cool breeze on a hot humid day — an endearing n delightful family entertainer -congrats @iAmitRSharma for the magic superb performances (sic).” Ask him, if today’s actors are uninhibited due to content-rich movies lapped up by viewers, and he replies, “The audiences were always ready for such kind of movies. But we weren’t offering such fare to them. Now that we are giving it to them, they are loving it. It has proved that irrespective of how big a star you are, you have to play a character. A star can no longer pull off a film on the basis of his star power, he has to play a solid character.”

‘SANJU WASN’T WHITEWASHED’
Earlier, this year, Paresh was seen in Rajkumar Hirani’s Sanju as Sunil Dutt, while Ranbir Kapoor played Sanjay Dutt’s part. While their performances were appreciated, many felt that it ‘whitewashed’ Sanjay’s chequered past.

However, Paresh is quick to dismiss such feedback and says, “Sanju (referring to Sanjay) has completed his sentence. He had served his time, after which the film was made. Had it been made before the completion of his tenure, then we could say that it was whitewashed. Whatever is there in the public domain has been depicted in the film. Every person has an emotional thread and when it snaps, it propels him to commit a crime. So, how can anyone say that the movie has ‘whitewashed’ him?”

‘URI IS A BRAVE FILM’
Now, the Padma Shri recipient is looking forward to his next project, Uri: The Surgical Strike, which opens in cinemas in January 2019. The military drama is based on the Indian Army’s surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the Line of Control (LOC). In this film, the actor plays Ajit Doval, the National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of India.

Quiz him about this movie, whose teaser has got a positive response, and the actor says, “I’m excited to be a part of it. It showcases the indomitable spirit of the armed forces, who show a lot of grit, courage and determination in the face of adversities. It’s difficult to make a war film that is truthful and authentic, but writer-director Aditya Dhar has managed to do so.”

Sui Dhaaga - Made In India, as expected, turns out to be a badhiya entertainer! The film is simple, sweet and makes an interesting comment about self-reliance and entrepreneurship. The characters are very well written and fleshed out. Sharat Katariya’s direction is neat and does total justice to his well-written plot. Few scenes are extremely moving and watch out for the pre-interval sequence. It’s outstanding! Same goes for the climax – it is a bit convenient and predictable. But it works big time and that’s what matters. Varun Dhawan delivers a yet another stupendous performance. He looks every inch a village simpleton and the way he is shown cycling, walking miles and going to insane lengths to succeed in his endeavour is seen to be believed. Anushka Sharma gives a powerhouse performance and has such an excellent part. She takes few scenes to dizzying heights. Raghubir Yadav,, Yamini Das, Namit Das and Puja Sarup also do very well. As for the songs, the title song and ‘Chaav Laga’ make an impact. All in all, Sui Dhaaga - Made In India is one of the must watch films of 2018. Don’t miss!

My rating - **** out of 5!

WILL SUI DHAAGA ENSURE THAT SEPTEMBER ENDS ON A GOOD NOTE?

The month of September has been disappointing. The last day of the August saw the release of the much-loved Stree. But the subsequent three weeks of September saw a lot of films releasing and none of them have been hits. Even art films like Manto and Love Sonia got limited critical appreciation and were box office disasters.

Now all eyes are on the last major film of the month, Sui Dhaaga. There’s tremendous excitement for the film despite that it’s not a usual entertainer. Lead actor Varun Dhawan however calls it his ‘most massy film till date’. He is paired opposite Anushka Sharma and this pairing has grabbed eyeballs. What’s also been talked about is the various memes of Anushka that flooded the internet like crazy. Sui Dhaaga is directed by Sharat Katariya and produced by Maneesh Sharma under the Yash Raj Films banner. This is the same team that delivered the surprise 2015 hit, Dum Laga Ke Haisha. Sui Dhaaga trailer has been loved and it looks like a rooted film. It also speaks about self-reliance and is in sync with Mahatma Gandhi’s teaching. This will help since the film is releasing in the Gandhi Jayanti week. Moreover, the film also promoted the Make In India initiative of the government.

The album is melodious but hasn’t worked well. Also, in the last 2 weeks, the film didn’t pick up much in terms of buzz. But with no other film around and thanks to the presence of Varun, the film is bound to bring audiences. The opening would surely be in double digits, in the Rs. 10-11 crore range. If the word of mouth is positive, it can pick up very well since it’s a family audience. It won’t be surprising if Sunday collections touch the Rs. 25 crore mark! Also, since Tuesday October 2 is a holiday, the collections on Monday October 1 evening would be strong. And on October 2, the film can again collect very well. Hence, Sui Dhaaga has high chances of crossing Rs. 100 crore mark in the second weekend itself. The target will be to cross the collections of Dilwale, which stand at Rs. 139.97 crore. This would enable Sui Dhaaga to emerge as Varun Dhawan’s highest grosser. Needless to say, all this will happen only if the film is an entertaining fare and enjoys a good word of mouth.

The other release of the week is Pataakha, directed by Vishal Bhardwaj. It stars Dangal girl Sanya Malhotra and TV actress Radhika Madan along with Vijay Raaz and Sunil Grover. The trailer has found no takers and looks unexciting. The idea of two girls fighting like animals is not something that would excite audiences. Even the songs haven’t got noticed. The desperate makers released one more trailer few days ago and it almost gives away the entire plot of the film. It was a last-minute ploy to generate some hype but has failed. The opening might be less than Rs. 1 crore and the film will struggle to reach the Rs. 10-12 crore mark. Only if the word of mouth is extraordinary will this film work.

WHICH FILM WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE AND WHY? DO LET ME KNOW!

Stating that he has a finger on the audience's pulse, Varun Dhawan promises that his upcoming film, Sui Dhaaga, will cater to the masses
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; September 26, 2018)

Having won applause for his restrained act in October earlier this year, Varun Dhawan is ready to explore the other end of the spectrum with Sui Dhaaga — Made In India, a project that he describes as "my most massy film to date." Ahead of the movie's release, Dhawan says that it has piqued the audience's curiosity.

"I have been in the movies long enough to know when a film has generated pre-release buzz. We did no media spends on this movie, but it has still resonated with everyone." He credits the realistic tone of the Sharat Katariya-directed movie for striking a chord with the masses. "The idea of heroism has changed over the last 10 years. Mauji [his character] is the hero of his family because he is able to rise to the occasion."

From the younger crop, Dhawan is one of the few actors who can seamlessly alternate between mainstream and middle-of-the-road cinema. He attributes it to his innate understanding of the audience. "I am intuitive about what people want. An actor has to know what people expect of him. Alia [Bhatt] and I often discuss this."

After churning out eight films in four years, he emphasises that he will take it slow hereon. "I have consciously chosen movies that require me to invest longer time in creating a different world. Kalank will take 100-plus days to shoot. Rannbhoomi too will be a tough one to film owing to its action sequences."

Meena Iyer (DNA; September 21, 2018)

Anushka Sharma’s film trajectory needs to be stolen. She is one of the few fortunate heroines who has featured in three Rs 300-cr plus films — PK (2014), Sultan (2016) and Sanju (2018). She has also earned herself the reputation of working around each of her movies with quiet dedication and dogged determination. Right now, she is nurturing a film that seems to have its heart in the right place — Sui Dhaaga: Made in India. Even as she is stitching up loose ends, she takes a short break to answer our questions. Excerpts…

How was it working with Gen-Now star Varun Dhawan for the first time?
It was great. We didn’t know each other at all. So, we didn’t have the camaraderie that you have when you engage socially. We did have a few common friends, but we didn’t spend time together in a personal setting. He was a revelation. He’s a genuinely nice guy, well brought up and totally driven. He’s crazy, I love him (smiles). The good thing about him is that he has no ego as an actor. Varun does not portray something that he is not, which is something I really like about him. The fact that we did not ‘know’ each other helped as in the film, our respective characters — Mamta and Mauji — discover each other over a period of time.

You’ve been balancing your career with middle-of-the-road cinema and pure commercial fare. After Sui Dhaaga, you have Aanand L Rai’s Zero with Shah Rukh Khan. You had an interesting cameo in Sanju, too. Is this by design or is this how you intend to continue?
I always wanted to do more accessible cinema and balance that with films which have a different voice. I think Sui Dhaaga and PK are a good balance. My upcoming film doesn’t have lip-sync songs just like Dangal. I’m not comparing it to Dangal, I’m just talking about these films in terms of their content and how they speak to a wider audience. Also, movies like Sui Dhaaga allow you to engage with filmmakers who have a different voice. This, in turn, helps you to take that understanding and evolution that you might have experienced as an actor to another film, even if that is of a more commercial nature. Also, I can’t keep doing one thing. The luxury of an actor is to keep on reinventing. If I’m doing the same thing again and again, then it’s no fun.

When I get a different character to play, or work with a director who has a diverse vision, it’s exciting. You spend a lot of time on a film, away from home and family. So, you want to be excited about going to the set every day.

Had you taken up embroidery before the film?
I can’t recall. Perhaps, when I was in school, but not properly. My mom has done interiors and fashion designing. In fact, she used to do these wide embroidery designs that we had put up in the living room of the home we grew up in. I observed her body language closely, which helped me. But I did learn embroidery for the film and would practise on the sets, in between shots.

Did you create something for your husband (Virat Kohli), like his name or put his initials on a handkerchief?
Not really. I’d be constantly practicing embroidery on a handkerchief, or a pillow cover or a pocket square but I can’t remember doing something specific for him. I used to call the costume department and keep asking for more dhaaga (thread). After a point, they were irritated and would run away from me (laughs).

It seems like you’re doing less work now.
Do you know how many releases I have this year? Four. Starting with Pari in March, then Sanju in June, Sui Dhaaga and Zero later this December. Last year, I had three. In the last few years, I’ve only been working.

Do you plan to continue doing three-four films a year?
I’ve not decided that yet. In the past three-four years, I’ve portrayed different roles that demanded a lot from me. Ideally, I’d like to do two films a year, so I could plan and focus on them. If a third film comes my way, I’ll think, ‘Haan, mujhe woh bhi karni hai.’ That’s not something you can control as the excitement about a script and working with a director are other aspects that prompt you to take up a film.

Would you equate that as ambition or a drive?
Ambition is when you’re working towards the end goal. I’ve been working since I was a teenager. I enjoy my work. I’m in a profession where I do one project and then move on to another. I’m self-employed, so I can control what I take up. For the last 10 years, I’ve only been working. The month-long break this year is the longest I’ve had in a decade.

Did you not take a wedding break last December?
No. Until two days before my wedding, I was shooting. I don’t consider it a break because that is a milestone in my life. I needed a break from work to relax. The one I took this June-July was the longest one in my life. I also realized that it’s not good to keep working continuously. On my return, I felt energised and my creative juices were flowing better. When you’re working every single day, you are going from one set to the other and straddling films, ads and interviews. People get a kick out of that, but it doesn’t work that way for me. I need a proper work-life balance. At the same time, the films I take up are the subjects I choose to do, not because I’m working towards an end product or someone is telling me that I’ve to act in a certain number of movies. I’m in a secure position in my career. I enjoy the different kind of work that I’m offered. It’s testimony to the fact that directors are seeing that versatility in me, which is something I’ve always strived for.

Most of your co-actors say that you are a straightforward person. Are there any disadvantages to that?
Yes, you are misunderstood a lot when you’re straightforward! When people don’t say what they mean, and I say what I mean, the others are looking for another meaning. The order of the world is that no one is having transparent conversations with one another. That really frustrates me. So, I surround myself with people who understand me the way I am.

In your case what you see is what you get, right?
Yes. I’m not doing anything wrong that I need to hide. I’m comfortable in my skin and I don’t need to project an image of what I’m not. And whatever my issues or shortcomings are, I’m owning them and working on them. I’m not going around hiding or camouflaging them with a big smile on my face. I don’t want to be liked by everyone because it’s extremely strenuous to lead that kind of life. When you understand that the other person is struggling as much as you are in trying to create that image, and you start being yourself, the people around you relax. That is something I’ve discovered and I find it more peaceful. Once someone asked me what makes me take decisions and I said that I do things that make me peaceful. All my decisions are related to that. You have to be true to yourself.

Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; September 21, 2018)

Varun Dhawan will be shooting for the weekend episode of Bigg Boss 12 today with host Salman Khan. Since he will be the first celebrity guest on the show, the makers have planned a number of special activities with the young actor. To begin with, he will make Salman stitch his initials ‘SK’ on a scarf. Dabangg Khan and he will also be rapping on Tamma Tamma (Badrinath Ki Dulhaniya) along with a band, which has been introduced this season.

A source says that the Judwaa 2 actor will go inside the house where he will divide the contestants into two groups and give them the task of stitching pillows. “Varun will be monitoring the chore and whoever stitches the maximum number of pillows will be declared the winner. Also, this time, since there are a few singers in the house — like Anup Jalota among the celebrities and Deepak Thakur-Urvashi Vani from commoners — there will be a lot of singing, with Varun taking the lead, crooning his hit tracks,” says the source.

Not only that, during this episode, the makers are planning to introduce a ‘khaas’ room where Jalota and his rumoured girlfriend Jasleen Matharu will be sent on a date!

Refuting rumours of conflicts with Aditya Chopra, Maneesh Sharma says Sui Dhaaga is an example of the artistic liberties he is afforded
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; September 19, 2018)

Having produced much-loved films like Meri Pyaari Bindu (2017) and Dum Laga Ke Haisha (2015), Maneesh Sharma is set to treat the audience to another heartfelt story with Sui Dhaaga — Made In India. So deeply was he moved by the script of the Varun Dhawan and Anushka Sharma starrer that he claims to have greenlit it within 10 minutes of narration.

Crediting writer-director Sharat Katariya for exploring the theme of self-reliance in an entertaining way, Sharma says, "Sharat and I both jumped into the idea because we knew we had something substantial to say. When Sharat started scripting it, the characters started unfolding beautifully and that is what we want the audience to discover. The timing of our film is perfect, too — prime minister Narendra Modi is trying to empower the people of the country, and that is precisely what our film is about."

In his 12-year-long association with Yash Raj Films, Sharma has risen from being an assistant director to a producer under the banner. He praises YRF head honcho Aditya Chopra for giving him complete autonomy. "I understand that in the outside world, we have clear demarcations about one being the director and the other being the producer. But Adi always encourages conversations because he knows the brightest idea may come from the unlikeliest place."

Quiz him about rumours of creative disagreements between the duo and he says, "It's news to me. I wonder if I should even bother defending it. I am the only one to be given a producer tag in this company so far. So, I have a lot of respect for this company. I don't see any reason for such rumours to arise."

Playing a small-town character in her next, Anushka Sharms says actors are increasingly gravitating towards roles rooted in reality
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; September 17, 2018)

She may have had her share of glamorous roles, but Anushka Sharma says she often finds herself drawn to characters that have their roots in reality. Case in point being her next, Sui Dhaaga — Made In India, which sees the actor essaying the role of a small- town embroidery artist Mamta.

Pointing out that more and more actors are greenlighting films that may not be necessarily mainstream, Sharma says, “Commercial actors are lending themselves to off-beat films because of the audience’s demands. Viewers today are exposed to various web platforms; they are able to sample diverse content. Since there is so much awareness about the kind of content on offer, people are looking for good stories and realistic cinema.” In an industry that is largely driven by glamour, Sharma has not shied away from picking up roles that required her to go de-glam — be it in the gritty drama NH10 (2015) or Phillauri (2017).

She credits the audience for embracing actors who are true to their on- screen characters. “Actresses are playing characters that are adapted from society. I don’t think every woman wears make-up or hair extensions. Films like Dangal [2016] and Sultan [2016] went on to do terrific business, and actresses in these films weren’t dolled up the way we usually see them. This is happening only because the audience has evolved. They are concentrating on stories and not on the actors’ looks.”

DNA (September 13, 2018)

Varun Dhawan and Anushka Sharma, who will be seen together for the first time in Sui Dhaaga: Made In India, which highlights the skills of Indian artisans, are promoting the idea of eco Ganesha. Varun says, “Our Ganpati is made of clay and vibrant threads in truly Sui Dhaaga-style. It’s beautiful and I love how colourful it is.”

Anushka adds, “The artist (Abhishek Sawant) worked tirelessly and has created a beautiful idol that is truly representative of how immensely talented the craftsmen of our country are.” Both the actors spoke to After Hrs about how we need to use environment-friendly means to celebrate the elephant-headed God.

Over the last few years there is a huge emphasis on green Ganesha but what new measures should be taken?
Anushka: It’s important that while we celebrate the festival, we also take social responsibility in doing so. The environment gets polluted due to the non-biodegradable idols. It is not good for the aquatic life and hampers their well-being. We should take an oath to not harm the environment because the very deity we pray to is here to protect all species over here. So as human beings, we should also save nature.
Varun: I think the awareness is spreading. We can’t harm nature anymore. The Sui Dhaaga team has taken an initiative of making a Ganpati out of clay and thread, which is biodegradable. I think that’s the way we should ring in Ganesh Utsav.

Varun, since you are a Mumbai boy, what does the festival mean to you?
It’s an event that brings the entire country together. I live near Juhu beach and have seen the festivities growing every year.

Anushka, what are your recollections of the festival?
There were a lot of people who celebrated Ganesh Utsav in the army colony where I stayed. It was also a huge event in Bengaluru where I spent a major part of life. I’ve visited my friends’ houses to see the idol and play the Manjira (during the aarti). My mom’s best friend is a Maharashtrian. We would go to her house for the festival. It’s a day of celebration where family and friends come together.

Meena Iyer (DNA; September 10, 2018)

With his boyish charm, lopsided smile and unconventional choices, Varun Dhawan has emerged as a teenage heartthrob. When I meet him on a sunny Monday morning, the 31-year-old is nursing his ankle that he has hurt. He winces in pain, but his spirit is indomitable.

Biting into an omelette (after he asks us whether it’s okay for him to eat while we speak), the Gen-Now superstar tackles this interview with as much enthusiasm as he devours his egg preparation. That’s Varun for you... he’s gung-ho about food, films and family.

Perhaps that’s why he’s in an enviable position today. In a no-holds-barred interview, the award-winning actor talks about setting new goals for himself, working with his dad, David Dhawan in the near future and showering his niece with unconditional love. Excerpts...

Your career is at an interesting stage. You keep surprising your audience with a happy mix...a Sui Dhaaga: Made in India with a Kalank, or a Badlapur with a Badrinath ki Dulhania. Some would think you’re following a pattern similar to that of Ranbir Kapoor, who also mixes and matches commercial cinema with some quality films.
There’s no pattern. My primary goal is that the film should be liked by the janta. I’m not discriminating that this is my multiplex subject or a single-screen one. The idea is to take the movie as wide as possible. Sometimes you can’t do that, but then you can’t make that film on a Rs 100-crore budget. My biggest concern is that I don’t want anyone to lose money. Among all the films that I’ve done so far, no producer has lost any money. That is my conscious attempt. As for comparing it to Ranbir’s pattern, if these films had failed, then there would be no such observation. It’s only because they’re working that you wonder if it’s well thought out.

When I started watching films, I realised that our cinema is repetitive. It follows the herd mentality. Now, in 2018, everyone is doing diverse kind of cinema, giving the audience what they want and also surprising them every once in a while. With international OTT platforms and Hollywood movies like Avengers and Fast & Furious becoming huge hits, we have to give our audiences different stories.

When you did Badlapur, you were a pleasant surprise. Before that, you did some kitsch comedy. No matter what the genre is, one gets the feeling that you’re up for a challenge...
This is so in tune with Sui Dhaaga: Made In India. One reason I did the film is that everyone was saying, ‘Aap yeh nahin kar sakte. You’re a chocolate boy, so you can’t do this. You’re a mass hero, so don’t go beyond that.’ I’ve heard these statements a lot. One director even told me that if you do comedies, you’ll be typecast. I’m glad people said such things. Because, later, when I went on to do other stuff, I knew I could pull it off. I believe in the human spirit... no matter what the obstacle, if you want to do something in life, you will find a way. That’s the only thing I tell myself.

Among my 10 films, I never worked with the top three directors of the country. Instead, I was blessed to collaborate with cool directors who changed my career — like Shashank Khaitan, Sriram Raghavan, Remo D’souza, my brother Rohit (Dhawan), my dad and Karan (Johar), who, obviously, has played a pivotal role in my career. I wasn’t working with the successful directors of Dharma Productions. For the Dulhania franchise, I worked with Shashank, a new director who came from Nashik but both the movies (Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania and Badrinath Ki Dulhania) went on to do well. I do things when people say I can’t do that... I’m like a wounded tiger.

Sui Dhaaga is your first film with Anushka Sharma. How was the experience?
Unbelievable! She is superb, she is such a good actor and a lovely person. I know that my character (Mauji) will be one of my most remembered roles. Once Paresh Rawal sir told me, ‘When you youngsters do films, you’re so scared. Why do you have to be afraid? Have faith in your talent.’ When Badlapur was about to release, I had told him, ‘Sir, woh film aa rahi hai’ and he was like, ‘Why are you getting scared?’

Some people have seen the film and we’ve got a sense of what they thought of it. I’m feeling very confident about it and my character. I know how Mamta (the character played by Anushka) has impacted Mauji to look amazing in the film. Like a wife plays an important role in her husband’s life, as a co-actor, Anushka had a big hand in making my character. Yash Raj Films (who has backed this production) does an amazing job with love stories and in 2018, you will see how they are redefining the genre again.

Apart from Kalank, which are the other films that you’ve signed?
I’m doing one with dad, though I don’t know what it’s going to be.

Long ago, your mother had once told me that both you and your brother don’t like your father’s films.
In fact, my brother would always say that in dad’s movies, there were guys like Munnu and Bunnu, who always failed in school and did all naughty things because of me. I would feel bad about that. He would take digs at me and say I would never do anything in life. I was like the black sheep of the family; I was a very naughty kid.

Your parents sent you abroad to study. But, ultimately, you came back to the movies.
I always knew that I wanted to be an entertainer. I was pretty much obsessed with wrestling, until a certain age. But I couldn’t pursue it because of my height. Today, you no longer have to be so tall and huge in order to be a wrestler. I don’t know if I still have a chance (smiles).

What’s next?
Only Kalank for now. I won’t start anything till that ends. That’s my promise to Abhishek Varman. For his second directorial, he’s making a massive film. I want to be there 500 per cent till it’s done.

You also have Rannbhoomi with Shashank Khaitan that has been announced.
I’m doing something with Shashank for sure. He’s in the midst of scripting. There are a lot of people I want to work with like Dad, then there’s something being planned with Remo. I don’t want to rush.. I tried in between, like ek saal mein meri teen filmein aani chahiye. While growing up, I’ve seen Akshay Kumar, Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan doing three films a year at one time. Even Aamir Khan has done three films at a time. I did Badlapur, ABCD 2 and Dilwale. Now, so much time goes into promotions (almost a month) that films take longer. This year, I had October and now Sui Dhaaga. I’ve begun filming Kalank. It takes a toll on you. It’s not easy. Not that I can’t do it. But if someone says I can’t, then I will do five films. But if I want to do successful movies, then I can’t do that.

What do you do when you’re not shooting?
I chill with my friends, watch a film and play with my niece (Rohit’s daughter) which is one of the best things in the world. As a kid, I’d always tell mom, ‘I know why I love you; because you keep doing things for me, whether I want to buy something or I have a fever, you’re taking care of me. But why do you love me? What am I doing for you?’ She would say, ‘When you have a kid, you don’t have to do anything, just your existence is reason enough.’ I never understood it then but since the birth of my niece, I understand it. As an actor, you know the nine rasas, but this love and emotion are beyond that. The moment I saw her, I said I’m always going to protect her. It’s an amazing feeling, something that I can’t describe. How we bring the child up will be the biggest success. That is also why I love doing family films. Earlier, I was a teenager and wanted to move out. Now I understand the essence of family. I’ve pretty much grown in front of the audience, and I’m realising how our country thrives on these values and why such films do so well. Whether you’re rich or poor, when you go home and know your parents and brother are there that gives you the strength. Somewhere it speaks, through what you say and do. That importance of husband, wife, mother, father, nephew and bahu connect is all there in Sui Dhaaga.

Among your contemporaries, whose work do you find exciting?
Rajkummar Rao. I’ve heard that Stree is good. Many of my friends like Dinoo (producer Dinesh Vijan) and Shraddha (Kapoor) are associated with it. It’s directed by a debutant and is a success. What Raj is doing with his career is pretty cool. Ranbir (Kapoor) obviously is doing wonderful work. Ranveer (Singh) is amazing. I think a lot of the others, everyone for that matter, is doing something different. Like Arjun (Kapoor), who has begun working on Rajkumar Gupta’s India’s Most Wanted.

Arjun and you share a great friendship. During a recent fashion event, he said he was going to cheer for you.
Arjun and my relationship is beyond cinema, we are pretty chilled out. I also like his line-up of movies. It is diverse and interesting. I’m excited about Sriram’s forthcoming film AndhaDhun with Ayushmann Khurrana. And I’m kicked about the fact that my chacha (Anil Dhawan) is acting in it.

Anyone else who you think is doing super work?
Without a shadow of doubt, it has to be Alia Bhatt. Her choices make her the most exciting young actor on the scene today.

Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; September 10, 2018)

In keeping with his character of a small-town tailor in Sui Dhaaga - Made In India, Varun Dhawan can be seen travelling on his cycle in the film. During the shoot of a particular scene that sees him and co-star Anushka Sharma travelling down the highway on the cycle, the two ended up having a minor accident.

A unit hand reveals, "The sequence required them to cycle as a truck overtakes them. During the fourth take, Varun lost his balance and the two tumbled down. Anushka suffered bruises on her arm."

Director Sharat Katariya decided to incorporate their accident into the script. "When Sharat saw the take, he felt that the fall symbolised the leads' struggle. So he added the shot in the story."

Dhawan says, "The shoot was exhausting as it required me to cycle for long hours in the scorching heat in Chanderi. We fell off the cycle and landed right near the cliff. The crew immediately rushed to check on us."

As Papon well and truly puts a child molestation charge behind him to tour and make music, the industry calls #metoo a media preoccupation
Aastha Atray Banan (MID-DAY; September 9, 2018)

Last Friday, Angarag Mahanta, popularly known to his fans as Papon, tweeted about his latest song from the Richa Chadda-starrer Ishqeria. He has both, sung and composed Toofani Hawa. A day prior, he spoke of headlining Chandigarh's Lager n Barrel Festival, and thanked organisers for the vibe at the Chalo India Convention in New Jersey, a three-day event hosted by The Association of Indian Americans in North America. Last month saw him heap praise on the team of veteran composer Anu Malik and writer Varun Grover, with whom he had earlier collaborated on the hit track Moh Moh Ke Dhaage in 2015. The trio is back with Chaav Laga, from Varun Dhawan/Anushka Sharma-starrer Sui Dhaaga. "So much love coming our way for this song," he wrote about the track that has enjoyed 11 million views, since it released a week ago.

Malik, with whom he also worked in the Qarib Qarib Singlle track, Daana Paani, refused to speak and his manager suggested we reach out to Papon himself. An abrupt break in the singer's Twitter timeline after February 24 until he resurfaced in June to discuss Qasam Kha Li from Bhavesh Joshi Superhero, speaks of why Malik prefers to distance himself from the discussion.


Papon posted a picture from the Chalo India convention he played at in New Jersey, on his social media handles. Pic/Instagram

After a video surfaced online showing Papon kissing a minor female contestant of a reality singing show on which he was judge, Supreme Court lawyer Runa Bhuyan filed a sexual assault complaint against the singer. Following a media blitzkrieg, Papon shared a lengthy post where he argued, "to show affection for an 11 year old child who I have been mentoring for a while is not an alien concept for me…However this is not to say I haven't made a mistake… I am sorry for that." A day later, he announced that he was stepping down as judge and disappeared from social media.

When Ye Tishnagi, a song from the film III Smoking Barrels, a story set in the North East, released last month, observors said it was Papon's comeback from the doldrums. Speaking to a news website, the film's writer-director Sanjib Dey said, "We got Papon to sing the song because he is not just an extremely talented singer but also because he connects with the North East as much as the rest of the country. It was a great experience collaborating with him."

A talent manager from a leading record label insists that it's Papon who decided to lie low. "He is actually one of the smartest music directors around, that's why people like working with him. He understands indie and commercial needs and operates accordingly. He gives you what you want." A friend who has known him since his early days in Delhi agrees. "He sees it [the incident] as water under the bridge, and doesn't want to come across as a sob story."

But his 'comeback' may have in fact, happened earlier in June when he performed at a music festival back home in Assam, his first gig after the controversy broke. An organiser, who didn't wish to be identified, said that she saw a different person. "He came across as mellow. He was of course, excited about the performance. It was as if he felt that if he performed here and was accepted, people would forget what had happened."


A grab from the controversial video

The organiser team was prepared for the worst, and was expecting protests. "But a surprise lay in store. Fans from all over the North East turned up after travelling in buses and trains overnight. They had Papon tattoos and T-shirts on. The energy was immense and the show was fantastic. They were sentimental about seeing him perform after so long." Fan pages like Papon Army (7,590 followers) and Papon Universe (9,564 followers) actively supported the festival and pushed for attendance on their forums.

"So many of us from the industry couldn't believe he did it, although the video was before us and we had watched it repeatedly. He is one of the nicest people around, and sure, he may have made a mistake, but most of us feel he didn't intend to do it," said a live sound engineer, who has known Papon personally and toured with him. He says there was talk of the singer having lost a few film songs and tours right after the controversy. "If he did five gigs before, he may be doing one now."

But a popular young singer, who has had his fair share of hits last year, says that the industry doesn't care for ethics. "It's ruthless here. I have given some big hits in the last year, but the recognition hasn't been all that much. It's because I don't network. But Papon, that guy is influential. I have met six different people, all of whom claim he is their best friend. He has built some strong relationships, and whether you get work depends on it. It [the sexual assault case] may have dented his personal confidence, but, it has not affected the work he gets."

And that brings us to the age-old question — can you separate the artiste from the person? How many of us stopped watching Woody Allen films after his adopted daughter accused him of sexual exploitation, or dropped House of Cards when Kevin Spacey was accused by 15 men of sexual misconduct? A popular music director-singer says, "Papon is a genius. Of that, there is no doubt."


Toofani Hawa from Ishqeria, has been sung and composed by Papon

An accomplished music writer explains it in detail, "He's definitely a pioneer in the Indian folk-fusion music scene and one of the brightest stars to have consistently put out quality work in the field even after branching into Bollywood. His fame has dimmed after the incident but only slightly." Nirmika Singh, Executive Editor, Rolling Stone, said that if she was asked to be on a panel with, or moderate a discussion that involved Papon, she would turn it down.

"In India, we are so star-struck by celebrities that we ignore criminality. We worship anybody and everybody seen on a big stage, big screen or TV, and think they can do no wrong," says the singer-songwriter, who once said in an interview that she would love to write lyrics for Papon. "But I can't say that now. In music, the student-mentor relationship is considered sacred. If a mentor is found guilty of sexual harassment, or if there's compelling evidence that suggests criminality, he/she should be subjected to the harshest punishment by law and also boycotted from the fraternity. Unfortunately, that hasn't happened. And that crushes my faith in the music industry."

Tarsame Mittal, founder of TM Talent Management, the firm that organised the All About Music conference in Mumbai last month, told us, "it's only the media that's asking these questions". "Isn't it the case in court? Aren't you innocent until proven guilty? I have known Papon for long and like him, I am from Guwahati. The subject of discussion at the conference was non-filmy music. It was right up his alley, and honestly, we didn't even think about the controversy when we invited him."

A poster for Lager n Beer festival