BOMBAY TIMES (March 16, 2020)

In Fiji, ‘Bula’ is more than just a greeting. It’s a wish for happiness, good health and the energy of life. This archipelago of more than 300 islands in the South Pacific Ocean is known as one of the friendliest places on Earth. And what’s more, it is welcoming Indian tourists with open arms. The country treats India as a visa-exempt nation, having simplified their immigration process, which means Indian tourists can apply for visa on arrival for a stay of four months or less.

Fiji has provided cinematic backdrops to famous Hollywood hits like Cast Away, The Blue Lagoon and the recently released sci-fi feature film Fantasy Island, which was produced by Blumhouse Productions. It has also provided a canvas to Bollywood creations like Table No 21, Warning, 3G and Santa Banta Pvt Ltd. After the recently launched film incentive, Indian filmmakers are being wooed by Fiji with an enticing 75 per cent film rebate on the overall expenditure at Fiji — a free 14-day working visa upon arrival, experienced crew and extras, picture-perfect locations, and most importantly, a comprehensive Hindi-speaking population.

If you thought there was nothing much to Fiji beyond picturesque beaches, think again! This is one country that you shouldn’t rush through. Not only does Fiji lure travellers to relax and unwind, but it is also a place known for adventure. The endless stretches of colourful reefs around Fiji are home to more than 1,500 species of fish and fascinating sea creatures, making it one of the most popular spots in the world for diving. Fiji also has thrills in store for hikers, birdwatchers, forest lovers and nightlife enthusiasts in the folds of its many islands.

With its picturesque locales — be it rugged landscapes, sensational palm-lined beaches, thriving coral reefs with clear lagoons and the famous Fijian hospitality — the country invites you to experience its exotic locations and rich multi-cultural heritage that makes it a filmmaker’s paradise.

Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; November 29, 2019)

Director Aditya Datt’s last outing was Table No 21 (2013), which was a thriller. And now, he is set to explore action genre with Commando 3, starring Vidyut Jammwal, Adah Sharma and Angira Dhar. In a chat with BT, he talked about starting his Bollywood journey at the age of 20, his days as an assistant with filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, and how his grandpa, late lyricist Anand Bakshi, has influenced him. Excerpts...

You started off as a director with Aashiq Banaya Aapne (2005). Since then, you have directed half a dozen movies. Your last film was Table No 21 (2013), and now, Commando 3 is releasing. What do you have to say about your journey so far?
When I started off with Aashiq Banaya Aapne, I was 20 years old. So, I learnt filmmaking by making films (smiles). My first film got me recognition, but what unfolded later taught me a lot. When my second film, Dil Diya Hai (2006), became a complete disaster, I realised that I can’t take narration of stories and the audience for granted. I then decided to up my game. Out of the many films I directed later (Good Luck!, 2008; and Will You Marry Me?, 2012) I was looking forward to Chai Garam, which got shelved. It had all the actors who were doing well at that time — Govinda, who had just delivered a hit (Partner), Anupam Kher who was appreciated for his performance in A Wednesday, and Jaaved Jaaferi, who had featured in Dhamaal. The film also starred Suniel Shetty, Esha Deol, Celina Jaitley and Rajpal Yadav. Due to some technicalities and fall-out with the producers, it got shelved in 2008-09. That project took up a lot of my time. I was glad that Table No 21 happened soon after, and I got a lot of appreciation for it.

You began way too early, how did you prepare yourself for the role of a director, which comes with a lot of responsibility?
I dropped out of school after Class X and started preparing myself (to become a director) from the age of 16. The plan was to study filmmaking in New York. However, when I shared the idea with my grandfather (late lyricist Anand Bakshi) he suggested that I meet Bhatt saab (Mahesh Bhatt). For the next six years, I was part of Bhatt saab’s team. I learnt a lot from him and also Tanuja Chandra and Vikram Bhatt. I am glad that my grandfather was from the industry and he was there, in the initial days, to guide me.

Are you saying that being an industry kid helped? Also, what are your views on the nepotism debate?
Frankly, I don’t know how it would have been had my nana (mom’s father) not been Anand Bakshi. My father is not from the film industry, he is a businessman. I think that I got my first film because of my grandfather’s reference. Having said that, I had to prove myself, as no one was ready to invest that kind of money in a 20-year-old. As far as nepotism is concerned, industry connections can only you provide you with an introduction card, the rest depends on your talent.

Commando 3 is your first action film. How did it happen?
Vidyut reached out to me after watching Table No 21. It was very gracious of him, as he did not know me personally. We started talking and one day, he asked me about my thoughts on action as a genre. I showed interest and he made me meet Vipul Shah (producer) and we went ahead.

You were very close to your late grandfather Anand Bakshi. What are your fondest memories of him?
I have sweet memories of the music sittings, that culture isn’t there any more. I was present when a song from Pardes (1997) was being recorded. Sometimes, I would walk into the house and see Ajay Devgn or Anil Kapoor attending a music sitting. Things were different back then. There used to be a mehfil, which used to go on for five or six hours for one song. Along with the orchestra, actors, producers and directors would be present… I also remember Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan coming to our house for a party. These celebrities would visit each other’s houses jaise apna hi ghar ho.