Showing posts with label Suparn Verma. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Suparn Verma. Show all posts
Manoj Bajpayee would often sit in our script reading sessions-Deepak Kingrani
4:45 PM
Winning praise for Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai, writer Kingrani on how Manoj played a key role in fine-tuning the social drama’s script
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; June 15, 2023)
In 2017, Deepak Kingrani left his cushy corporate job in the Netherlands to pursue writing. Six years on, the screenwriter is flooded with congratulatory calls for penning Manoj Bajpayee’s powerful social drama Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai. From earning in euros to moving to a creative job in Mumbai wasn’t a difficult shift, he says, as his passion for writing kept him going.
“I got to write Special Ops [2020], which was a fantastic experience. There wasn’t a single day when I regretted leaving my job for this,” smiles Kingrani.
Apoorva Singh Karki’s directorial venture, which sees Bajpayee as a lawyer, is based on the 2013 rape case against self-styled godman Asaram Bapu. Through the ZEE5 film, both Karki and Kingrani wanted to focus on sexual abuse involving godmen.
“Being a father to a daughter, I personally connected with the story. For us, the story began with the idea that we know [there are] bad guys. But when someone you worship and consider god-like breaks your trust, the betrayal and pain is far more. We are all spiritual people, and we don’t like how [faith] gets a bad perception because of these people,” says Kingrani.
What makes him happier about the success of Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai is that the screenplay was a collaborative effort, with the leading man bringing in his years of expertise. “Manoj sir has a rich experience of working with several directors and reading scripts. He’d often sit in our script-reading sessions. Sometimes he would tell me, ‘I need a strong dialogue here to convey the emotion,’ while Suparn [Varma, creative producer] would play the devil’s advocate.”
I connected with Kalyan; Salman is ruthless and malicious-Abhay Verma
8:12 AM
Playing Kalyan in The Family Man 2, Abhay says makers helped him perfect part
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; June 10, 2021)
It’s not easy to hold your own when surrounded by established actors like Manoj Bajpayee and Samantha Akkineni. But Abhay Verma, all of 22, makes it seem like a cakewalk in The Family Man 2. The actor is winning praise for his portrayal of Salman, who uses the alias Kalyan to get closer to Bajpayee’s on-screen daughter in the show. “I connected with Kalyan; Salman is ruthless and malicious. My character is in constant conflict; should he follow the mission or his heart?”
The actor adds that creators Raj-DK (Krishna DK, Raj Nidimoru) and co-director Suparn Varma took him under their wing after he was selected from the auditions. “It was because of their inputs that I was able to pull off the subtle differences between Kalyan and Salman.”
Quiz him on sharing screen space with Bajpayee, and he says that he hopes to imbibe the senior actor’s ability to shake off a character. “Before we were to shoot a scene, he was jolly and chatty. But as soon as the camera rolled, he transformed. As I am new to acting, I need 15 minutes before an intense scene to get the hang of it,” says Verma, who will next be seen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali-backed Mann Bairagi.
Viacom18 Motion Pictures to make web-series on Radia Tapes, Burari killings
8:17 AM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 6, 2020)
With their films hitting a roadblock due to the lockdown, production house Viacom18 Motion Pictures has sped up work in its digital wing, Tipping Point. The studio has signed on directors Suparn Verma, Kanishka Verma, Anand Tiwari, Vijay Lalwani of Karthik Calling Karthik fame and Milind Dhaimade to create five web series. "Some stories lend themselves better as series," says CEO Ajit Andhare, citing the example of Third Eye, which was pitched as a feature film to the studio, two years ago. "It is an intriguing series around hypnosis and repressed anger, developed by Vijay."
The line-up includes a political thriller inspired by the Radia Tapes controversy. For the unversed, the Indian income tax office had tapped political lobbyist Niira Radia's telephone conversations with politicians, senior journalists and corporate houses between 2008 and 2009. It was alleged that some of the conversations outlined Radia's attempts to broker deals in relation to the 2G spectrum sale. "Suparn Verma is writing and directing The Tapes, an adaptation of Neelima Kota's book, The Honest Season," informs Andhare.
A retelling of the Burari case, where 11 members of the Chundawat family were discovered dead in 2018, is also on the cards. He adds, "Kanishka Verma is developing it as an investigative series with paranormal undertones. Dhaimade of Tu Hai Mera Sunday fame is writing a situational comedy, and Tiwari is working on the adaptation of the book, Boots, Belts and Berets."
Former telecom minister A Raja; Radia
My parents keep saying, 'Darpok ko bana diya queen of fear'-Bipasha Basu
11:40 AM
Meena Iyer (BOMBAY TIMES; October 31, 2015)
Talk about your small screen debut with Darr Sabko Lagta Hai (DSLH).
I had plenty of offers in the last five years to foray into television. Most of them were to judge and participate in reality shows that dealt with singing, dancing and what-have-you. I love reality shows and enjoy watching them too. However, when it came to making a television debut, I wanted it to be unique. The money offered to me was big but I didn't wish to give in to temptation. I wanted to take on a show that is in sync with what I stand for. I was focussed on making a fitness show because that is what I'm known for. But when we studied the viability factor, we realised that reaching out to the masses through such a show on a general entertainment channel (GEC) wouldn't yield big results. However, when &TV reached out to me with this idea, I was bowled over. These are short episodic films made by different directors who are creating really good content. The slick production values and the actors in the films are fantastic. I'm not a stereotypical host in the show. In DSLH they (Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK, better known as Raj and DK) have integrated me beautifully with the short films in every episode. They have retained the element of my being Bipasha Basu. I'm not reading from a teleprompter or being a typical host. I find it very boring. I'm definitely a crusader of horror. I believed in horror as a genre and I gave it a fillip on the big screen, so why not on the small screen?
Incidentally, there is a huge audience for horror on TV, but the horror on our show is going to be nothing like Indian television has ever seen before. It is slick and Indian television is evolving, so there are many different ideas. From the way Raj and DK have projected me, to the way the show is packaged, everything is contemporary. It is definitely going to scare you.
Do you agree that there was a time when television actors moved to Bollywood, but now it is vice versa?
Television is growing as a medium. The divide between TV and cinema is slowly diminishing. Superstars and the biggest actors from Bollywood are moving to the small screen because it is an intelligent move. Not only in terms of the money it pays but also because you, as a celebrity, get to reach out to a much bigger viewer base. The audience reach is so wide that this will, in some way, help you with the work that you do in cinema. Also, the content has improved by leaps and bounds. TV shows allow you to speak of things that matter to you and get it out there in front of a huge audience. There are so many perks of working on television.
What is your reaction to be being called Queen of Fear?
Oh, I just love it. Since the time Hindi cinema was conceived; from that zamaana until now, no one has been conferred with such a title. It is a space that I have created for myself. It is so unique. By getting horror into the television medium, I think I have conquered the space. It is my zone. Horror is a genre that needs a lot of push. I did a lot of horror films in recent years (Raaz 3, Aatma, Creature 3D, Alone) and the equity that I earned out of their success is what has added up and now I'm here with good horror content on TV. I did those films because I liked the scripts. I didn't think in terms of them being 'horror' or anything like that. And when they did well, I was happy that the genre was working. It is a good time for the horror genre to get respectability and be accepted like comedies, drama, etc. It is not looked down upon. Worldwide, fear is such a big emotion. In the West, horror films are huge hits. Horror TV shows internationally are the biggest hits. Whether it is supernatural or simple scary, dare or aliens, they work in a big way. We are trying to touch that level. We are moving away from gimmicky stuff. Our show is going to be a step ahead.
Is there anything that you are afraid of?
I'm scared of everything. My parents keep saying, 'Darpok ko bana diya queen of fear' (Laughs). From the time I was a child until now, nothing has changed. Every day someone at the gym startles me. If you tap me on my shoulder from the back, I get startled. I'm afraid of lizards and heights. I'm scared of all those things that cannot be explained. I dread sleeping alone. If I have to, I always leave a lamp on. I have a lot of fears, I have not combated or figured them out yet.
How did you prepare for this show?
I didn't have to do anything. They already had fabulous films ready. However, not all of them are fully ready. But the stories are there and the directors are in place. There are individual directors for each film. All of them are getting a chance to showcase their talent in a limited time slot. Everyone is gung-ho because our attempt is to take TV content several notches higher. I love the way Raj and DK have integrated my presence in the series.
How was it being directed by Suparn (Verma)?
He is superb. Shooting with him is always a breeze. Both of us are mad and like doing a lot of crazy things on set. In the name of fear we do the most grotesque things. He is a nice man and I love his energy on set. He has a heart of gold. When you have a good director who is upbeat, the entire unit wants to work. He is a director who is pushing the boundaries in the contemporary zone of fear in India. He is not so traditional. Both Vikram Bhatt and Suparn are very dear to me. While the former has a traditional approach, the latter follows the modern route. Right from their shot-taking, to their vision and idea of fear, everything is different. It is the same genre but I have worked with two directors whose approach to it is different. There are going to be 26 directors and all of them will be giving their take on the horror genre. So, it is all very exciting.
Darr Sabko Lagta Hai starts tonight, every Saturday and Sunday at 10 pm on &TV.
I had plenty of offers in the last five years to foray into television. Most of them were to judge and participate in reality shows that dealt with singing, dancing and what-have-you. I love reality shows and enjoy watching them too. However, when it came to making a television debut, I wanted it to be unique. The money offered to me was big but I didn't wish to give in to temptation. I wanted to take on a show that is in sync with what I stand for. I was focussed on making a fitness show because that is what I'm known for. But when we studied the viability factor, we realised that reaching out to the masses through such a show on a general entertainment channel (GEC) wouldn't yield big results. However, when &TV reached out to me with this idea, I was bowled over. These are short episodic films made by different directors who are creating really good content. The slick production values and the actors in the films are fantastic. I'm not a stereotypical host in the show. In DSLH they (Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK, better known as Raj and DK) have integrated me beautifully with the short films in every episode. They have retained the element of my being Bipasha Basu. I'm not reading from a teleprompter or being a typical host. I find it very boring. I'm definitely a crusader of horror. I believed in horror as a genre and I gave it a fillip on the big screen, so why not on the small screen?
Incidentally, there is a huge audience for horror on TV, but the horror on our show is going to be nothing like Indian television has ever seen before. It is slick and Indian television is evolving, so there are many different ideas. From the way Raj and DK have projected me, to the way the show is packaged, everything is contemporary. It is definitely going to scare you.
Do you agree that there was a time when television actors moved to Bollywood, but now it is vice versa?
Television is growing as a medium. The divide between TV and cinema is slowly diminishing. Superstars and the biggest actors from Bollywood are moving to the small screen because it is an intelligent move. Not only in terms of the money it pays but also because you, as a celebrity, get to reach out to a much bigger viewer base. The audience reach is so wide that this will, in some way, help you with the work that you do in cinema. Also, the content has improved by leaps and bounds. TV shows allow you to speak of things that matter to you and get it out there in front of a huge audience. There are so many perks of working on television.
What is your reaction to be being called Queen of Fear?
Oh, I just love it. Since the time Hindi cinema was conceived; from that zamaana until now, no one has been conferred with such a title. It is a space that I have created for myself. It is so unique. By getting horror into the television medium, I think I have conquered the space. It is my zone. Horror is a genre that needs a lot of push. I did a lot of horror films in recent years (Raaz 3, Aatma, Creature 3D, Alone) and the equity that I earned out of their success is what has added up and now I'm here with good horror content on TV. I did those films because I liked the scripts. I didn't think in terms of them being 'horror' or anything like that. And when they did well, I was happy that the genre was working. It is a good time for the horror genre to get respectability and be accepted like comedies, drama, etc. It is not looked down upon. Worldwide, fear is such a big emotion. In the West, horror films are huge hits. Horror TV shows internationally are the biggest hits. Whether it is supernatural or simple scary, dare or aliens, they work in a big way. We are trying to touch that level. We are moving away from gimmicky stuff. Our show is going to be a step ahead.
Is there anything that you are afraid of?
I'm scared of everything. My parents keep saying, 'Darpok ko bana diya queen of fear' (Laughs). From the time I was a child until now, nothing has changed. Every day someone at the gym startles me. If you tap me on my shoulder from the back, I get startled. I'm afraid of lizards and heights. I'm scared of all those things that cannot be explained. I dread sleeping alone. If I have to, I always leave a lamp on. I have a lot of fears, I have not combated or figured them out yet.
How did you prepare for this show?
I didn't have to do anything. They already had fabulous films ready. However, not all of them are fully ready. But the stories are there and the directors are in place. There are individual directors for each film. All of them are getting a chance to showcase their talent in a limited time slot. Everyone is gung-ho because our attempt is to take TV content several notches higher. I love the way Raj and DK have integrated my presence in the series.
How was it being directed by Suparn (Verma)?
He is superb. Shooting with him is always a breeze. Both of us are mad and like doing a lot of crazy things on set. In the name of fear we do the most grotesque things. He is a nice man and I love his energy on set. He has a heart of gold. When you have a good director who is upbeat, the entire unit wants to work. He is a director who is pushing the boundaries in the contemporary zone of fear in India. He is not so traditional. Both Vikram Bhatt and Suparn are very dear to me. While the former has a traditional approach, the latter follows the modern route. Right from their shot-taking, to their vision and idea of fear, everything is different. It is the same genre but I have worked with two directors whose approach to it is different. There are going to be 26 directors and all of them will be giving their take on the horror genre. So, it is all very exciting.
Darr Sabko Lagta Hai starts tonight, every Saturday and Sunday at 10 pm on &TV.
My parents love Harman Baweja more than they love me-Bipasha Basu
8:37 AM
Upala KBR (DNA; August 25, 2014)
Bipasha Basu is battling to find herself, both at work
and in her personal life. The actress who is promoting her next film,
Creature is clearing the air about her engagement and impending wedding.
In a candid chat, the actress opens up about her film, her inner fears,
and her supposed fiancé Harman Baweja. Read on...
Creature is your second horror film. Comment.
If you break down my filmography, you will see that I have done an equal number of different genres — love, thriller, drama, comedy, action, realistic films. It’s just in comparison to any other actor or actress, I have done the maximum number of supernatural films.
Do you watch horror films?
Yes, but in a very weird way. When the scary scene is on, I shut my eyes and ask people around me what’s happening! My sisters want to kill me because my younger sister is a big horror film fan. She has seen every horror film in the world and hates watching them with me because by chance, if somebody touches me from the side, I will jump around and shriek so much! Then I will torture my sister to sleep next to me with the lights on. I am terrified of watching horror films. I felt by doing horror films, I’d become braver, but I am just getting worse. My three favourite horror films are The Shining (an all-time favourite), The Others and The Ring.
Ever encountered spirits?
Once in Mukesh Mills when I was shooting for Gunaah. I kept forgetting my lines and felt claustrophobic. No one was in the room except me. After 15 takes, a caretaker from Mukesh Mills came and told the unit member, ‘Madam ko yahan se nikaal do.’ Nobody told me this. Everybody said, ‘Abhi baad mein bulayenge shot ke liye’ and I went back to the van. They packed up the shoot and later I found out that one of Saroj Khan’s dancers got possessed there and she died of high fever after a month. The next day, there was a puja at that spot and the pandit who did the puja had an accident. I never went back to Mukesh Mills. My condition is that if anybody tells me to go and shoot there, I will never do it. Suparn (Verma) tried to take me there as a challenge, holding my hand, during Aatma and he pulled a prank. He made a girl in a white saree hide behind a tree. I almost murdered him... I could have died.
Do you believe in spirits?
There must be something... But I would ask them to stay in their world and far away from me (laughs). I respect them and I don’t want to discuss them.
What scares you?
Lizards, darkness and becoming unhealthy.
In real life, what personal demons have you overcome?
I’ve become stronger with time. I am strong physically but am a phattu in most aspects in my life. I believe that when you fall into a tough situation, go through it — there’s nothing else to do. When you are drowning, you have to swim to save yourself and if that’s called being brave and strong then, I’m that.
Who is ‘your person’?
If I have to be very honest about it, it’s my sisters — Munai and Rini, and my two friends Deanne (Pandey) and Rocky S who actually are my strength and support system. They never give me advice but if I am tilting, they will just come around me and I will stand straight. They never tell me what to do and that’s what I like about them. They don’t judge me and they never fail me. I get my strength from them and I will not be able to do without these four people. I don’t confide much in my parents because seeing their child’s pain can really hurt your parents. At this age, I don’t think they deserve it. I involve them more in the happy times. When I dip, I pull myself away from everything and go into my shell till I sort things out in my head, deal with it and then I am back.
Where does Harman figure?
I don’t know... Time will tell. I am just in a very happy space now. I just want to get fitter. I am fighting my own battle in terms of health and fitness. Right now I feel I am flabby in some areas and I need to get stronger and leaner.
Is there pressure to maintain the hot, sexy bombshell image?
I don’t take my sexy image so seriously but then I definitely must not be that bad (laughs). It gets me a lot of attention so I would be a liar if I said I don’t like the sexy tag! It’s a good thing to be sexy as I would find someone who is not sexy, boring. There has to be some sex appeal and it’s not about your looks but mannerisms, way you carry yourself etc. I don’t want to be not sexy – it would be very sad! (laughs).
Why are you doing so few films in a year?
That’s the way I am going to be seen. This was my decision. Six years back I decided I am going to do what I like to do. When I do things, that I don’t like, it’s a very frustrating process for me. I don’t want to kill the excitement of going to a set. If I go to a set, I have to be excited like a child, the way I always used to be. So I would rather do things that will fulfill or satisfy me. I don’t want to do bullshit anymore. I do what makes me happy.
Lets talk about your engagement rumours.
People saw my diamond ring and started speculating. That’s my own diamond ring and I have been wearing it for months at events. Engagement rumours have happened to me in my past relationships too.It just shows our society’s way of thinking - a woman will be complete the day she gets married. It’s so sad... I love marriage as an institution. I respect it. My parents are very happy and still so much in Love... I idolise a love like that and yes, if that’s what I acheive in my love life I will get married. But to just think that’s all I would have in my life is not fair.
So you are not engaged?
No I am not. Firstly, I don’t even understand engagements so let’s not discuss that. For me when you connect with someone, you connect. The rest is all legal. It’s just a piece of document that you need to get married and that big event in your life where you have to look very pretty and blah blah blah... But for me, if I am involved I am involved. there’s no engagement which will change my thought process. Marriage might because then you actually have to start living with the person you love. I am not prepared for it in my head yet... Let me put it this way - I am still growing up. It will happen some day. There’s no other choice. As much as I would like to think I am a kid, I am not (grins). People think I am sorted in my head but I am not. These are things I have never done. Marriage is a completely different experience. Anybody who works with me or knows me well, like my friends, finds me goofy. Most of my friends call me a blond. I am goofy, funny and take lot of shit. I don’t think so much but speak from my heart. I make people laugh.
Buzz is that you are getting married this year...
From whom do you hear these rumors? Shaadi aisi na thodi ho jaati hai... You have to spend time, invest energy and so much! It’s not just two people getting married but taam-jhaam and exhausting for the kind of work that I do. So for that I need some time and I don’t have that kind of time right now honestly. Once the promotion of Creature is complete and the film releases, I go to Kerala and finish Alone. I come back, promote that film and release it in January next year. And in between I am launching some other professional commitments. That’s the other aspect of my life. I don’t have the time to get married right now! When I have some time, I would like to get married in luxury araam se. I get stressed when I have to plan something. I am a perfectionist and control freak. If I get married you don’t know what kind of a Bridezilla I willl be! I will want to control and do everything.
What’s your idea of a dream wedding?
I am always in a fairytale world so I have always dreamed of a fairytale wedding. In my head I am a fairytale princess. It ‘s just that reality strikes quite often. But when I get married I would like to be married in the traditional Bengali style with the sindoor, white and red bangles, blowing of conch shells. My mother will kill me otherwise or give me lot of emotional grief. I used to tell her earlier that I will have a beach wedding one day where only fit people will be allowed in bikinis. You all are so fat that you can’t come. I torture my mother all the time (laughs).
Are you ready to label Harman Baweja as the love of your life?
I am still very private about that. I am not ready to talk about it. I feel it’s still so private that I don’t want it to become public yet and be discussed about what I feel and the man in my life and what it is... He’s a fabulous guy with a great heart. For once I feel I am in a relationship where the man is a better human being than me. And I am a very good human being and I respect that about myself. I am with a man who is very nice but more than that I am not ready to speak. I am a little protective about my feelings now... I have changed... Maybe grown up more now.
Both your parents have met and you party together so why the secrecy?
Yes, our parents have met but how does matter whether they have or haven’t? Finally it’s about two people. My parents LOVE him. They have never liked any of my boyfriends till now but it’s weird sometimes, how much they love him. They love him more than they love me. That irritates me. Naturally it would no? (smiles) Because I am the pampered child of the house and suddenly I lose my importance in front of my own parents. I have met his family too. They are lovely people. Very cultured. I think the way he is, is because of his upbringing as that’s beautiful. He is a very well-brought up man who respects women. Not just his woman but every woman and that most men don’t.
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