Actor Varun Dhawan says for him, India will always represent a nation that is very warm, kind and loved
Prashant Singh (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 26, 2020)

Like millions of other kids, for Varun Dhawan, too, Republic Day always meant waking up early and sitting glued to the TV, watching the colourful parade. And that’s something which hasn’t changed at all. “Even now, I get up early on the Republic Day and watch the parade just as excitedly. That’s like a ritual in our house,” says the actor, who has just had a new film [Street Dancer 3D] release on Friday. As India celebrates its 71st Republic Day, we catch up with the actor for an exclusive photo shoot and interview. Excerpts:

What are your earliest memories of the Republic Day?
My earliest memories are of me waking up early and watching the parade on Doordarshan. I vividly remember how dad [film director David Dhawan] would explain things to me. Then, a big, special memory is from last year when I travelled to Wagah border on January 26 and performed a song for the jawans and about 10,000 other people. Just being able to chant ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ at Wagah was amazing.

What, according to you, is the best thing about India being a republic?
I think India stands as a great example of being a flourishing republic. Over the years, we have functioned very well as a country for many years, while maintaining the love and harmony between people. Personally, I feel there are a lot of good things about our country, and it’s a great day to celebrate all those things.

You are a youth icon. What do you think India epitomises for the young people of the country?
For me, India will always be symbolic of warmth, kindness and love. The ethos of our nation — what our parents have always taught us — such as being nice to everyone, treating everyone as equal and not judging anyone on the basis of skin colour, culture or race, are amazing. These things have been instilled in me. So, I am always going to be like that. There is a very nice ‘humane factor’ in our country which I don’t think many countries have. If any country goes through a problem, India is one of the first nations to offer a helping hand, and I think, that is the greatness of our nation.

And are you a patriot?
Yes, absolutely, and I have been that way since childhood. And why not? It’s an absolutely fantastic feeling to love your country because eventually, we are what we are because of our nation; we are safe thanks to it. The idea of loving our country should be protected. We are all thankful and grateful to our jawans at the border for keeping us safe. But I feel, in a democracy, everyone should contribute. We can’t have the attitude that someone else will do a certain job for us. For instance, if you want the country to be clean, then you should ensure that you don’t litter, and you must also stop others from littering. Likewise, if you want less pollution, then go the car pool way, or ensure that your car emits no/less pollution. That way, everyone can make a difference in their own way by doing small things.

Two days before Republic Day, you had a film release. It must be a ‘doubly special’ feeling…
I just hope that people use this holiday and watch Street Dancer 3D with their families, especially since it’s a complete family film and also talks about what actually is ‘Indian-ness’ of India. Plus, of course, like a typical Bollywood entertainer, there’s a lot of fun and entertainment in the film. We Indians love to dance and celebrate, and what better than this occasion for a celebration. So, I feel that lots of people should come to theatres and celebrate with us (laughs).

What, according to you, is the essence of India that we all should be proud of?
For starters, I feel everyone should be very proud of being an Indian. Plus, we all should use our democratic right to vote, as that’s the most powerful way to make sure that your voice is heard. It’s not enough to just write your views on social media platforms. You must exercise your right of franchise. Another thing we all should vow to do is keep our country clean. That’s why a movement like Swachh Bharat mission, brought in by our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi ji, is very important. I personally believe that a clean country will always be a happy country.

Smita Poojary (DNA; August 7, 2019)

Saumya Tandon aka Anita bhabhi from Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai is on cloud nine as the show completed 1,000 episodes recently. Ironically, she wasn’t keen on doing the comedy series earlier! The actress says, “I had reservations about joining the daily soap bandwagon as I like the seasons concept more. I was also reluctant because the set was far away.” After being in talks for seven-eight months, she came on-board. “When I look back, I don’t see it as a wrong decision. It’s one of the best shows on Indian television currently,” she says.

Excerpts from a chat...

You’ve been on Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai for four years now. Isn’t that a long time?
I hadn’t tried comedy as much as I’ve done on this show. In that sense, I did learn a lot and explored myself as an actor. But I was always sure that I didn’t want to do caricature-ish or loud comedy. I wanted to make it look spontaneous. Also, our helmer is not a typical TV director. He understood where I was coming from and gave me some ideas, too.

The show has on occasion aimed to create social awareness...
Honestly, I don’t think our show is teaching anything at all because imagine, the husband is eyeing another man’s wife, which is not good. So, husbands shouldn’t learn anything from it. There is not much of social awareness, but we have promoted initiatives like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan because we believe in it.

You started as a reality show host. Are you still open to it?
Anchoring is close to my heart and I have not stopped being a host just because I’m acting.

What about the digital space?
Why not? It’s an interesting place to be in. I would not say that everything happening is great, but if there is an interesting script or a powerful concept, I would jump at it.

You welcomed a baby recently. How has life changed now?
There is a lot more hard work now as balancing home and work life is challenging. I don’t have time for any kind of leisure or social life. I don’t go out for coffee or lunch with friends. I sleep and wake up on time; often, I sleep much lesser than what I used to. Things are hectic but I have become more efficient and organised. I feel, women who have babies and are working at whatever level, are real soldiers.

What was the first day away from the baby like?
I was never around my son for all 24 hours. I would step out for two-three hours a day. But to be without Miraan for nine to 10 hours was a little scary.

You’re back in top shape already...
I didn’t do anything drastic. I was consistent and exercised right from the seventh month of pregnancy. I’d recommend it to every woman — walking is especially important. I was extremely regular — not at heavy workouts but whatever is recommended for a pregnant lady. I started walking 10 days after delivering. I did not exercise for a few days but after 40 days, I started Pilates. All small steps added up to the final result.

What kind of projects do you want to do next?
I’d like to be part of a good script, which, according to me, is the winner. There is so much exposure to the world with OTT platforms and foreign films so easily available. So, typical formulas do not work. I’m a sucker for a good script. I would struggle to get the next good script to work on. I’d like to do anything with a good concept, even if it’s a small film.

Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 24, 2018)

Anil Kapoor recently came on-board the upcoming Colors Rishtey show, Navrangi Re, which is set in a small Uttar Pradesh town. It aims to spread awareness about the dangers of unsanitary conditions created by open pits and uncovered drainage system. According to Anil it’s a subject close to his heart and aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Swachch Bharat Abhiyan.

“For the first time, someone is attempting to tell the story of what happens after you have flushed the toilet. It’s a show that is supporting an important cause in an entertaining manner,” he added. The 61-year-old actor, along with the channel, also plans to launch a campaign called #GiveAShit to raise awareness about the importance of hygiene.

According to sources, Anil is also keen to flag off the third season of 24, his thriller show that premiered on Colors. On the film front, the actor will be seen in Total Dhamaal alongside Ajay Devgn and Madhuri Dixit and Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga also featuring Sonam Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao and Juhi Chawla. 

Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; April 24, 2018)

Currently in her second year as the brand ambassador of Swachh Sarvekshan, Shilpa Shetty intends to go the extra mile to highlight the importance of cleanliness. Considering the power of social media in driving change, she plans to launch six videos on the subject. They will be released weekly starting mid-May and shared by Shetty on her social media handles.

A source says, “Every video will focus on different aspects of Swach Sarvekshan like keeping your society clean, steering clear of littering on beaches and in gardens. Shilpa will feature in the two-minute-long videos.”

Shetty credits the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan for raising awareness on a subject that was relegated to the fringes until recently. She says, “Keeping your surroundings clean is as important as keeping your house clean. It’s important for people to understand that having the civic sense to maintain hygiene goes a long way in creating a better country.”

Pankaj Tripathi has been chosen to spearhead the cleanliness campaign in his hometown of Gopalganj in Bihar
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 6, 2018)

Pankaj Tripathi, who rose to fame with his spirited turns in Anurag Kashyap’s Gangs of Wasseypur and, more recently, Amit Masurkar’s critically acclaimed National Award-winner Newton, has been chosen by district magistrate Rahul Kumar as the face of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and will take the cleanliness campaign to his village of Gopalganj in Bihar.

“I guess it’s because I’m really popular in Gopalganj and the youth there are inspired by my talks as they have a connect with me. Not every home in my village has toilets. Water, electricity and roads are also issues that need attention and we are looking to bringing some changes there in the coming months,” says Pankaj, adding that Rahul and the other residents have also shot a video with him to spread the message at local events.

What else would he like to take forward in his new role in the public domain, you wonder, and Pankaj says he hopes more celebrities will come forward to spread this all-important message of cleanliness. “As celebrities, we have a social responsibility too, besides entertaining people. We must make the audience think. I come from a theatre background, so I give more importance to social building than body building.”

On the work front, the 41-year-old actor is currently filming Stree with Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor. “We are shooting in Chanderi and Lucknow. I will soon start filming for Anubhav Sinha’s Abhi Toh Party Shuru Hui Hai as well,” he signs off.

Meena Iyer (DNA; February 7, 2018)

Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar, who is getting ready to impart lessons on menstrual hygiene this Friday with his sensitive film Pad Man, in which he teams up with Sonam Kapoor and Radhika Apte, is also gearing up to help with the Swachh Bharat initiative. He has agreed to partner with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to promote cleanliness in Mumbai as part of the Swachh Survekshan 2018. Quiz him about it and he replies, “I’m just a cleanliness freak (laughs).” On a serious note, he adds, “I’ve agreed to be a part of the local government’s keep-your-environment-clean initiative because I fully believe in it.”

The National Award-winning actor states that it’s everyone’s duty to maintain hygiene in their surroundings. He says, “Earlier today, my wife (Twinkle) and I were talking about how people expect miracles from the Government and local body administration in regard to keeping our cities and country clean. According to Twinkle and I, even people need to be selfless in their efforts,” says Akshay.

He continues, “While driving to work, I’ve seen so many of them littering or taking their garbage out of their homes and throwing it on street corners. If there is a dustbin even a few furlongs away, they will not carry the litter up to the bin and drop it inside. They want the municipality workers to do it. Often, it’s not the garbage but the attitude that stinks. The administration is doing their best but we also must do our bit. Everyone should be made aware that littering is a crime. Unfortunately, they want their surroundings to shine but don’t care if the other side stinks. If the attitude of people doesn’t change, nothing will.”

After being alerted by social media denizens and members of the BJP about anti-government memes floating online in his name
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 26, 2017)

Raju Srivastava has lodged a complaint against an unidentified imposter at Oshiwara police station for maligning his name by sharing derogatory posts/memes against political bigwigs across social media platforms. “I noticed in the last few days that some people were making satirical comments against the government using my photograph. I ignored it in the beginning but it started to seem deliberate. In fact, the latest one was against BJP president Amit Shah. A few people forwarded it to me. It is not just ethically wrong but also illegal. If someone has a bone to pick with a leader, they should do it without involving me,” Raju told Mirror, further revealing that a few BJP members even called him to enquire about the memes.

He adds, “Main bhi netaon ki comedy karta hoon but I do it in a way that even the subjects enjoy it. I don’t take personal digs at anyone. They must have thought, ‘yeh seedha saadha gaonwala hai, kya bigaad lega.’ Or maybe they thought that I am close to Modi ji and that the Prime Minister has made me the brand ambassador for Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Several fake accounts on my name are also functional online.”

Raju also takes umbrage at the rampant misuse of the social media. “They spread rumours of people dying while they are alive. It happened with Rajesh Khanna saab and now with Dilip Kumar saab. Shakti Kapoor, Johnny Lever, Rajpal Yadav and I have also been announced dead by these kind of people,” he thunders.

The comedian can’t wait to have his name exonerated from the meme mess, reiterating, “People are saying that I am giving gaalis to the government in the name of comedy. But I am not someone who would write bad things about someone or hurt them. If I find the person behind all this, I will file a defamation case against them.”
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Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; October 26, 2017)

After weeks of noticing how his picture was attached to disgraceful jokes about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other members of BJP that did the rounds on social media, comedian Raju Srivastava has taken matters into his own hands. The comedian lodged a police complaint against an unknown imposter at Oshiwara police station yesterday. In his complaint, Srivastava claimed that the imposter is maligning his image by sharing derogatory posts.

The grievance has been filed under Section 500 of IPC (punishment for defamation), a copy of which is in possession of mid-day. He stated that the imposter used his name with criminal intention “for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience, insult, criminal intimidation and causing damage to my reputation.”

Speaking to mid- day, a livid Srivastava said, “Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but do not use my name. When the joke is not mine, why should I take the blame for it?”

He added that the jokes circulated with his picture were in bad taste. “The jokes should be clean and should not target someone. Social media is a great platform to spread good word. Why use it to spread negativity? And don’t use my name or photo for the same.”

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; August 10, 2017)

Last year, Prernaa Arora’s KriArj Entertainment made its foray in filmmaking. The production house has grown enormously in just one year and they have announced films with major stars from Akshay Kumar to Anil Kapoor and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to Deepika Padukone. They began with Akshay’s Rustom and this Friday, her second film with him — Toilet - Ek Prem Katha hits the screens. Ahead of the release, Prernaa talks to us at length about the film and reuniting with the Khiladi.

As a producer, you are taking risks...Toilet is an unconventional film.
Any business you start is risky and there’s nothing that will guarantee you 100 per cent protection. Career choices are always risky till you succeed. Our conscious moves began with Akshay sir. I learnt a lot from him while working on Rustom. He’s extremely conscious about what he’s trying to do. Akshay sir is also co-producing our film. So, all my knowledge about films has come only from him. He’s now only making films that are high on content, relevant and those which can contribute to the society to move people in whichever way. It’s not about doing only social films, it’s entertaining, but different films.

Do you think the audience is accepting of such films now?
We have collaborated at the right time because the audience’s mindset has changed now. They want more films like this. It’s about being there at the right time. So many films are not working today, so as a producer, we have to make sure our content is right.

The promos of TEPK gives out the vibe of an entertainer. Was that a conscious move?
Not just as a producer but you have to look at films as an audience too. You cannot make films just for the sake of making them. If you feel you are making a film which you will like as an audience, then you should go ahead with it. That’s what we do with all our films.

How did this film come to you?
While we were shooting Rustom, Akshay sir had already decided that he will do this film. He just gave us a one-line brief, and said that the film is about the importance of sanitation taking a leaf out of our Prime Minister’s Swachh Bharat campaign. He was already on board as a producer and this film is very close to his heart. He told us what the film was about and we jumped to it. Later, I found out, they had gone to several actors who turned the film down. Akshay sir took the bold step to say yes to the film.

How has it been working with Akshay?
For us, our belief in him is more than enough. We don’t need anything; for us, it’s only Akshay Kumar. Period. We trust this man too too much as a producer. He is extremely disciplined and takes very good care of the whole team and his producers. He is a delight on set. People say they are director’s actors. I think Akshay Kumar is a producer’s actor too. There are very few people like him and we are happy we are collaborating on three projects together (Rustom, TEPK and Padman). Hopefully more.

The RDB filmmaker has been quietly shooting his buddy film with four kids
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 18, 2017)

Since May 3, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra has been quietly shooting his next directorial, Mere Pyare Prime Minister, in a Ghatkopar slum. The film revolves around four kids—Kanhaiya (played by Om), Nirala (Prasad), Ringtone (Adarsh) and Mangala (Saina) who is the leader of the group—who live in a Mumbai slum.

“The subject has been simmering on a slow fire for three years. I’m a Delhi boy and all my films—Rang De Basanti, Delhi 6, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and Mirzya—were all set in the North. But I’ve been living in Mumbai since 1988 and seen it transform into a world city. The buildings are taller now but there are still slums around them that have always intrigued me and made me follow the path of Salaam Bombay, Slumdog Millionaire and other stories which have grown out of them,” says the filmmaker.

Wondering about these slums, he ventured into them during a month-long reccee and while hanging out with kids was amazed at how vibrant their life was despite all the challenges. “Your mindset is shaped by your perceptions. Someone living in a taller building would look down on the slums and their inmates without realising that someone living in a high-rise would also be looking down at them. Ditto developing countries viz-a-viz richer nations. My film is not so much about comparisons as it is a story of people and relationships, survival and not giving up, the endeavour to lead a better life. There is no attempt to overplay or undermine, it’s about seeing this world through different eyes and finding beauty and inspiration in it,” he asserts, pointing out that they started out shooting a Holi song with 200 people and by the time it was over there were 1,000 people around and everyone was drenched in colour.

Like his 2006 cult film, Rang De Basanti, Mere Pyare Prime Minister, which makes an appeal to the PM is also a buddy film exploring the theme of friendship through these four kids. It’s evident that he’s having the time of his life as he hangs out with these super smart kids who sit on pipelines with their smart phones, using the free wifi from a nearby luxury resort to learn about WWE, Real Madrid and stay connected with the world.

Three years ago, Mehra, with an NGO from Ahmedabad, which was inspired by Rang De Basanti wanted to bring about change, visited the Gandhi Ashram and after seeing the Mahatma’s model toilets started an initiative to build toilets in municipal schools. “In the first year we built 20, then, over the next two years, we’ve built 800,” says the filmmaker whose eight-year-old protagonist, Kanhaiya aka Kanu wants to build a toilet for his young, single mother Sargam played by National Award winner Anjali Patil.

He goes on to recall that one day when he was looking up at the city’s skyline from the slum and chatting with the kids, they zeroed in on one high-rise and figured that going by the number of floors, the flats on each floor and the toilets attached to each flat, one building would have at least 1,000 toilets while the 5000 shanties around it didn’t have even one. “These 10x10-feet shanties are spotlessly clean with a one-in-all living room, kitchen and bedroom, only no bathroom,” Rakeysh points out.

Was the film inspired by our Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Swachh Bharat campaign? “The idea was with me before the present government came to power and raised awareness about cleanliness. I was just not in a hurry to make it till I hit on the right story,” he says.

Akshay Kumar’s upcoming film, Toilet - Ek Prem Katha, also deals with the same subject. Will that cut into his audience? “Five Bhagat Singh films had been made before but I still made Rang De Basanti. I’m happy another film is being made on this topical subject. It’s a story that needs to be told to a larger audience across the country and the world and the more the merrier,” the filmmaker signs off with a smile.

Toilet - Ek Prem Katha producer defends decision to push release date and take on SRK’s untitled film on holiday weekend
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; April 1, 2017)

Just as memories of January’s bitter box office clash between Raees and Kaabil were beginning to fade, it was announced that Akshay Kumar’s Toilet - Ek Prem Katha will take on Imtiaz Ali’s film starring Shah Rukh Khan and Anushka Sharma.

While Akki’s film was slated to release on June 2, producer Prerna Arora says decision to delay the film was technical, not spiteful. “We had announced Akshay-starrer Crack for August 11, 2017. Due to a few production reasons, the film took longer than expected to go on floors. In the meantime, we had starting shooting Toilet. Initially, we thought of releasing the film on June 2, but the film’s subject is such that taking it to theatres closer to Independence Day makes more sense. The film is a satire on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and has a nationalistic feel to it. It has to be pitched on the right day. We aren’t clashing just for the sake of it,” argues Prerna.

The Neeraj Pandey-produced film follows what happens when a couple cannot be together because their house doesn’t have a toilet. Prerna reasons both SRK and Akki’s films have different target audiences. “From what I know, it (reportedly titled Rehnuma) is not a usual Imtiaz Ali fare. It has a mega star like Shah Rukh Khan to pull the audience. People can watch both and like them. I hear talk about eating into each other’s business, but this is healthy competition.”

Does she intend to meet Imtiaz and SRK to change their release date? “There is no point pushing either dates and we aren’t looking at getting into a conversation on it [with them]. Anushka and I are already working on a project; we will announce it next week and start shoot in June. Expect news on how we are trying to run down each other, but in reality, everything is amicable. Both SRK and Akshay are marketing wizards and know how to reach out to fans.”

The actress will be championing the PM’s Swachh Bharat initiative, focusing on women and open defecation
MUMBAI MIRROR (January 31, 2017)

A day after Mirror, as part of its on-going crusade against open defecation, reported about the city’s municipal body receiving the nod for its questionable ‘Mumbai is Open Defecation Free’ claim, we have learnt that Anushka Sharma has been chosen as the female face of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. The actress will be joining Amitabh Bachchan in championing the initiative founded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlight the women-centric aspects of open defecation as part of the nationwide health and sanitation campaign.

Picked by the Ministry of Urban Development for her popularity among the youth across the country, especially women, the 28-year-old actress-filmmaker has been appointed with a view to sharpen communication with women, especially in rural and semi-rural areas.

“In these places, it’s the men who resist the idea of building toilets while women really need them in light of health and safety concerns in open spaces like fields and farms. In her films, Anushka has always played inspiring female characters so the government believes her voice will resonate with women,” a source informed Mirror, adding that she has already shot for two TVCs themed around an anthem-like song that encourages women to step up against open defecation and for construction of toilets.

MUMBAI MIRROR (July 5, 2016)

The actress­-activist has been appointed as the brand ambassador of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan's new offshoot, Swachh Saathi Program, to mobilise youngsters
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 6, 2016)

DNA (December 17, 2015)

The Dilwale team which is going all out to promote their film has now taken it a step ahead with a youth channel’s Junkyard Project to connect with the youngsters. It’s an initiative to support the Prime Minister’s Swachch Bharat Campaign, an attempt to get the youth to take a stand on ‘cleanliness’ and also aims to take action on-ground through clean-up drives that are built on music and art. Shah Rukh Khan, Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon have joined the movement and will be challenging each other to ‘Dunk That Junk’ through interesting things like dizzy dunk, blindfold dunk, sing-a-song dunk, dialogue dunk, jump and dunk etc, and nominate others to participate in order to drop garbage where it belongs – in the bin. We wonder why Kajol Devgn, who is a part of the UN’s handwashing campaign, child health and Help A Child Reach 5 campaign, is missing from this one!

Subhash K Jha (DNA; July 6, 2015)

It looks like poet-writer Javed Akhtar has decided to put his ideological differences with the BJP and Narendra Modi behind him to work hand-in-hand with the present regime in cleaning out the mess through the PM’s Swachh Bharat andolan. The man who convinced Akhtar to let bygones be bygones is singer-turned-parliamentarian Babul Supriyo, the Minister of State for Urban Development.

Baabul not only invited Akhtar to write a Swachch Bharat anthem, he also convinced the lyricist’s close musician-friends Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy to compose the song.

Mukesh Bhatt has been assigned the task of producing the song. Says Baabul, “We haven’t had a song like Mile Sur Mera Tumhara for decades. I remember as a child that song was taught to us in school. Generations have grown up hearing and singing that song. For a very long time we’ve felt the need for another anthem song that binds the whole nation together. I felt Javed saab was the best person to write a new song that would connect with the youngsters of the nation while retaining a core of poetic quality.” The song will be sung by all the major classical and popular singers of today. including Baabul. So what kind of a song would Akhtar write to inspire and motivate new India? “All I can tell you is that it won’t be anything like Mile Sur Mera Tumhara. We already have that,” quips Akhtar.

DNA (January 28, 2015)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had nominated Salman Khan in the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. The actor has actively been part of the campaign. He along with his team had painted every house in a village Hatluni during the shoot of Bajrangi Bhaijaan. Continuing his campaign, the superstar has revealed his plan to nominate 100 followers every month to carry on the campaign. He posted the following message on Republic Day, “The Honorable Prime Minister nominated me for the Swachh Bharat campaign and I have cleaned and painted three villages in Maharashtra so far. I intend to continue with this initiative, but Swachh Bharat is not about what one of us can do. It’s about what each of us can do. So on Republic Day, I am taking this campaign social. I will nominate 100 followers a month for Swachh Bharat. Please start a sustainable Swachh Bharat initiative in and around your area of work or residence or both. Upload your before and after pictures or videos. Five of the best initiatives will get special mention on my Facebook page and also win a prize each. ” Appreciating his efforts, PM Modi posted, “Once again, @BeingSalmanKhan makes a distinct and appreciable effort towards a Clean India. I congratulate him.”

Vickey Lalwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 28, 2014)

Politics takes precedence over acting in the lives of most actor-politicians. But Manoj Tiwari, the Bhojpuri actor who was elected to Parliament from North East Delhi this year, has continued to churn out potboilers. But Tiwari may soon become less prolific.

Buzz is, Narendra Modi has asked Tiwari to stay away from these low-budget commercial films.

Mirror has it that Tiwari was rather surprised by his wish.

A friend of Tiwari told Mirror, "In his defence. Tiwari told Modi that the films are his bread and butter. But all said and done, Tiwari has eventually taken it in his stride."

When contacted, Tiwari told Mirror, "Modi did have a word with me. He didn't tell me that I should stop doing the typical Bhojpuri films. But yes he did say: 'Please come up with a film which I can watch'."

And what does that mean? Tiwari replied candidly, "You can interpret that as: Mr Modi wants me to do saafsuthri films."

Added Tiwari, "We are pressing for Bhojpuri language to get official status. So, I think Mr Modi wants me to set an example. He wants me to do films which are in line with our party's ideology. He wants me to do movies which have a strong social message. I don't think he is wrong."

Gaurav Dubey (MID-DAY; October 24, 2014)

Salman Khan recently accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invite to be part of his Swachh Bharat campaign and initiated a cleanliness drive in Karjat where he is shooting for Sooraj Barjatya’s Prem Ratan Dhan Payo. Now we hear that he has taken the challenge to another level by transforming a village in the vicinity. A source says, “Salman decided to get every single house in the village painted and is personally bearing the costs.”

Salman has also requested his friends and fans through social media to keep their surroundings free from filth. “Salman, along with his crew, cleaned up the areas dumped with garbage and during the process, he got to know about this village called Gondavli Wadi. The houses there were not painted so Salman decided to put his team on the job. In fact, he painted a few houses himself and the entire village was very happy with his thoughtful gesture,” adds a source close to the actor.

On Gandhi Jayanti, Modi announced the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and nominated eight distinguished personalities, including Salman, to take part in the initiative. He urged the celebs to accept the task and nominate nine others to keep the chain growing.

Salman’s spokesperson remained unavailable for comment.

DNA (October 23, 2014)

Sonali Joshi Pitale (MID-DAY; October 3, 2014)

On October 2, PM Narendra Modi called upon nine personalities from various fields to be a part of the Swachh Bharat campaign.

Priyanka Chopra is one of these celebrities and she will now be doing her bit to advocate the importance of cleanliness. A source says, “Priyanka immediately agreed to be a part of it. Now she will select a place where she can kickstart her cleanliness drive. She will personally take part in cleaning the place and make sure that cleanliness is maintained at this place. Then she will nominate her fellow actors as well as friends to start this drive and give them a deadline to do so.”

Priyanka is likely to return to Mumbai today and she will soon make an official announcement about the area she has chosen to clean. She has been given a week’s time to complete this task. Priyanka says, “I have humbly accepted PM Narendra Modi’s challenge. This is a long overdue idea and there is no time like the present to begin this journey towards change. At the end of the day, we are doing this for ourselves and if we do not get involved, nothing can happen. But if we come together, we can make a visible difference. No initiative is too big or too small. I want a clean India. It’s time we did this.”