Showing posts with label Tadap. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tadap. Show all posts
Ahan Shetty to headline Vikram Bhatt's horror film, 1920: Cold Winter
9:31 AM
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; July 23, 2026)
Border 2’s success ensured that Ahan Shetty had a great start to 2026. Now, the actor is carefully choosing his next projects. While director Tinu Desai’s Sanki will be his next, it looks like Shetty is adding a horror outing to his kitty. We’ve learnt that the actor has given his nod to Vikram Bhatt’s 1920: Cold Winter, the sixth instalment in the 1920 franchise.
Sources have told us that the film is currently at the scripting stage. “This will be Ahan’s first brush with the supernatural genre. He wants to do a variety of roles, after being launched in the romantic action drama Tadap [2021]. That’s why he is carefully choosing movies that belong to different genres,” said a source.
Bhatt and producer Anand Pandit are hunting for the female lead. If things go as planned, the director will call action on the project by November. The source added, “They are looking for a reasonably known actor, not a fresh face. Soon, the producer-director duo will head to Scotland for a recce. Some portions of the film will also be shot in Shimla.”
The ‘1920’ franchise has had five instalments so far:
- 1920’
- 1920: Evil Returns
- 1920: London
- 1921
- 1920: Horrors Of The Heart
Ahan Shetty’s next with Tinu Desai titled Sanki; Sajid Nadiadwala parts with the title
4:34 PM
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; April 20, 2026)
Some professional relationships are less about business, more about bonds. Like the one between producer Sajid Nadiadwala and actor Ahan Shetty, whom he launched in Bollywood with Tadap (2021). The actor, who is set to kick off his next with director Tinu Desai, was keen that his film be named Sanki. There was only one hurdle — the title was owned by Nadiadwala. mid-day has learnt that as soon as Shetty reached out to Nadiadwala and expressed his wish, the producer readily parted with the name.
In 2024, Nadiadwala had announced Sanki as an action romance drama with Shetty and Pooja Hegde. Unfortunately, the film was put on the backburner.
A source revealed, “Ahan’s film with Tinu Desai was being developed under a different working title, but he had his heart set on Sanki. Knowing that Sajid held the title, Ahan reached out to him. The producer had no hesitation in letting go — no negotiations, he simply gifted the title to him. The Nadiadwalas and Shettys have been close for decades, with Sajid having worked with Suniel Shetty. The producer is also fond of Ahan, who, in turn, holds immense gratitude and respect for the man who launched him.”
Ahan Shetty to star in Shaad Ali's intense romantic drama after Border 2
9:10 AM
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; February 2, 2026)
With Border 2, Ahan Shetty got a well-earned second shot at movies. As the war drama continues its strong run at the box office, the actor is not only relishing the fruits of his hard work but also building his line-up of projects.
He revealed to mid-day that he has signed three films, including one with director Shaad Ali of Saathiya (2002) fame. “It’s an intense action love story, something I’m returning to after Tadap [2021]. I like such intense characters and the depth they carry,” he shared.
Work on the yet-untitled project is underway, with Ali aiming to take it on floors by summer. “We should start filming around March-April. But dates are flexible right now. We’re sitting on the script and music,” revealed Shetty, adding that he is looking forward to surrendering to Ali’s vision.
“Shaad sir knows exactly what he wants. I’m excited to work with him because we understand each other. I think he’ll get a great performance out of me. I believe in completely surrendering to my director.”
Ahan Shetty says he couldn’t sign movies due to Sajid Nadiadwala’s contract after Tadap: "I was tied down"
10:26 AM
Feeling vindicated after ‘Border 2’ success, Ahan Shetty recalls how he hit a low when producer Sajid Nadiadwala’s contract barred him from accepting offers after his debut film
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; January 31, 2026)
One Friday can change everything. That’s a reminder Ahan Shetty would hear frequently from actor and his father Suniel Shetty. A week after the release of Border 2, as Ahan got on a call with us, flushed from the war drama’s success, he opened the conversation with, “Last Friday changed everything for me.”
Border 2, also starring Sunny Deol, Diljit Dosanjh, and Varun Dhawan, is Ahan’s second feature in a five-year career. He forayed into the movies with Tadap (2021), backed by Sajid Nadiadwala. While the romantic actioner underperformed at the box office, the newcomer hit a low — not so much by the film’s fate, but the events that transpired after the release.
“Tadap made Rs 40 crore at a time when films weren’t crossing Rs 10 crore. People said that the film did horribly in terms of numbers, but we made profit. That said, the film came with expectations. After that, it was difficult. I was very low on confidence during that period. I was tied down to a contract with Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment. So, I wasn’t allowed to sign any other movie for four years. A lot of offers came my way, but you can’t [breach] a contract,” he recalled.
Good things come to those who wait. For the actor, it came in the form of producer Nidhi Dutta’s offer. “J P Dutta sir and Nidhi didi were home for dinner. Nidhi didi turned to me and said, ‘How would you like to be a part of Border 2?’ I told her that we’ll talk about it when it happens. She laughed and said, ‘Ahan, it’s happening now.’ For a couple of days, I was skeptical, because I couldn’t believe they wanted me, a newcomer, to be a part of such a big film. I had not been able to do anything for four years and was fighting certain battles in my own head. So, being a part of the film means a lot to me.”
I don't interefere; I didn't even see one frame of Border 2 during its making-Suniel Shetty
10:06 AM
Madhureeta Mukherjee (BOMBAY TIMES; January 24, 2026)
When Suniel Shetty and Ahan Shetty sit down together, the conversation is as much about cinema as it is about courage and strength — to be vulnerable, to withstand judgment, and to allow each other the freedom to fall, rise, unlearn and recharge. On the Bombay Times Lounge, Suniel brings his trademark candour and talks about the dangers of both success and failure, while Ahan reflects on carrying a celebrated surname without letting it define or confine him. The full, unfiltered conversation drops tonight on the Bombay Times YouTube Channel, offering a rare, intimate look at what it means to stand tall together under the spotlight. Excerpts:
Ahan, the industry knows your dad as this rock-solid pillar — someone who speaks his mind and stands his ground. But who is Suniel Shetty at home? Do you get to see his softer, more vulnerable side?
Ahan: Dad shows his vulnerable side, not just at home, even outside. He shows his emotions; he is who he is, and that’s why people love him.
Suniel: You have to be vulnerable, as that’s the side of you that your kids see, else you will be putting up a façade. At the recent Border 2 event, if I got teary-eyed, that was the father in me. That moment mattered to me most when Ahan came next to me and placed his hand on my back – that’s when my emotions flowed. When it comes to your children, I think parents are most vulnerable and become a completely different person.
Suniel, you’ve seen box-office ups and downs, dealt with criticism, have seen films being announced and quickly shelved, and even signed over 30 films at a go. You are well-versed with the ways of the industry, but how hard is it to watch your son go through judgment and criticism, and we know how harsh it can be at times.
Suniel: That is the scary part. I have told my kids that I know you’ll see success and handle it, but will you be able to handle failure? Because it’s a ruthless world out there. It’s a virtual world. Abuse is abuse. And being first and not right is what news is often all about. And that can destroy an individual. So, I tell my kids to be ready for that. Make sure that notifications and approval are not what your life is all about. Cut off when you have to. Engage, let people know what you are up to and then disconnect.
Ahan, isn’t that the hardest part – disengaging?
Ahan: It is hard. But I think we’ve grown up in an environment where dad kept us away from everything, so Athiya and I had a world beyond movies. A lot of my friends are not from the industry, and I think that is very important to have before you step into a career like this. You need to be grounded. You need to have those friends who tell you, “Hey, relax!”
Today, there’s an overwhelming pressure to validate yourself almost instantly — to prove very quickly that you belong and deserve to be here. Suniel, do you think actors from earlier generations were given more time and space to grow, experiment and discover their path?
Suniel: That’s the sad part about sports, cinema and politics. You’re in the public eye and have to constantly prove yourself. We’ve got another kid at home (K L Rahul) who is a cricketer and has to constantly prove himself. They (Athiya, K L and Ahan) sit together and share things. It’s important to have a family that can actually tell you what it is to handle the highs and lows. We talk about individuals and freedom. I think what we need is the joint family system, where the family can help you handle the highs and lows in life because both could be dangerous at times.
Ahan, you share an extremely close bond with Athiya, right?
Ahan: She’s my go-to person for anything and everything. I’ve seen her grow and mature so much more throughout this journey of motherhood. It’s surreal for me to see her in that way.
Suniel, is it hard to see Ahan stumble, make his own mistakes, learn and move on, instead of stepping in to protect him?
Suniel: It is tough. It is his journey, his choice of films and I’m absolutely fine with that. But apart from that, if you’re going to take a potshot at my son, I’d sit down once, I’d sit down twice, then I’m a Shetty boy and old school is old school. I will not let go. I will take you on. I will take you on the way you want me to take you on, because I’m clean and honest here, and also fearless. It’s only when you are honest that you are fearless. That’s the way it is going to be. I didn’t interfere during his debut film, Tadap, even once, nor did I say I want to see even one frame of Border 2 during its making. For this film, only when they told me to be there at an event, I was there. It’s my son’s film, so it’s my film and I’ll do it. It’s his journey, of course, I will keep guiding him whenever he needs me, as my years of experience have taught me a lot.
Ahan, when your father takes a stand or speaks out on something he strongly believes in, do you ever find yourself feeling protective of him?
Ahan: At times, I do, even Athiya does, and we tell him. I think she is more assertive. We know how far he can go for someone, and we know how much he can do for a person, so it’s like we have to hold him back.
Have both of you imagined being on the big screen together?
Ahan: We definitely have, maybe it will happen when the time is right. I’ve taken that step in a way, by being a part of Border 2, and being a part of an iconic film franchise that my father was a part of.
Ahan, how important is it for you to carry your father’s legacy forward? Does the pressure to live up to his name get a bit intense at times?
Ahan: Carrying my father’s legacy forward is very important to me. Obviously, I have his name, and I want to carry forward that name. The pressure is there and will always be there, but I try not to focus on that. A lot of people on social media say, ‘You’ll never be like your father.’ I know I’ll never be like him. I can’t compare myself to him and I won’t. This is my journey. I just hope that I can be true to myself and be honest in terms of my performances and with the people around me.
Ahan Shetty says reports of high entourage cost ‘not true’
8:16 AM
Akash Bhatnagar (HINDUSTAN TIMES; November 17, 2025)
The high entourage cost debate has been the central focus in the film industry for some time now. And actor Ahan Shetty was reported to have lost out on projects due to his costs, including Sajid Nadiadwala’s Sanki.
Breaking his silence, Ahan says, “I know there were articles saying my entourage cost was high, and that’s why certain films didn’t happen. None of that is true. The people close to me and my producers knew that. You just have to be thick-skinned in this industry.”
Four years after his debut in Tadap (2021), he will next be seen in Border 2 and a film with Shaad Ali. In the interim, Ahan admits to moments of self-doubt: “When Tadap came out, there was still lockdown. We were at 50% occupancy in theatres, and after four days, we went down to 25% capacity. For the year after that, it was very up in the air — films weren’t working, people weren’t going to theatres. So, a lot of self-doubt crept in.”
Reflecting on his current phase, the actor says, “I’m taking it as Ahan 2.0. It is like a new beginning for me. There was quite a long gap for me for various reasons. But this is definitely a new beginning and I am very excited for it.”
'83 is the top overseas grosser of 2021; beats Sooryavanshi
8:33 AM
Box Office India Trade Network
The Overseas market was dull in 2021 like the Indian market as only '83 and SOORYAVANSHI managed to collect well but this is two films doing well as compared to one in India. The standout performance was SOORYAVANSHI although '83 collected a little more that came over the Christmas and New Year period which is easily the most lucrative period for the box office in Overseas with a prolonged holiday period.
Also SOORYAVANSHI was that film for the mass circuits like Maharashtra, Gujarat and CP, CI. So an $8 million plus overseas total is actually more impressive than its India business. SOORYAVANSHI became the second highest Akshay Kumar grosser in Overseas after GOOD NEWWZ but that was a more overseas friendly film and released over the New Year period.
The rest fared poorly though TADAP surprised in United Kingdom as it beat the likes of BELLBOTTOM, ANTIM and CHANDIGARH KARE AASHIQUI. Overall TADAP could not do much in Overseas but UK has done pretty well as it has collected £187k till date and is still running after 9 weeks of release. It might add another £3-5k and a £190k final total which is not much less than films like BALA and DE DE PYAAR DE which released pre-Covid in 2019.
The top ten grossers Overseas ins 2019 are as follows.
1. 83 - $8.5 million (expected)
2. Sooryavanshi - $8.35 million
3. Bellbottom - $1.92 million
4. Antim - The Final Truth - $1.8 million
5. Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui - $1,060,000
6. Bunty Aur Babli 2 - $1,000,000
7. Tadap - $620,000
8. Mumbai Saga - $470,000
9. Thalaivii - $380,000
10. Chehre - $320,000
Sooryavanshi is the only hit of 2021, the worst year ever for the industry
8:28 AM
Box Office India Trade Network
The year 2021 was the worst ever seen in history for the Hindi film industry with SOORYAVANSHI being the only HIT film and no other successes. There were BLOCKBUSTER films like SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME and PUSHPA: THE RISE - PART 01 but they were from Hollywood and the Telugu film industry respectively.
There were 57 releases from the Hindi film industry in 2021 compared to 59 releases in 2020 and the 57 films cumulated around 490 crore nett while in 2020 it was 745 crore nett from the 59 releases. The disaster year was due to the Coronavirus pandemic but also the films that did releases at the fag end of 2021 were not up to the mark.
The year was so bad that becoming a FLOP was actually a minor achievement. SOORYAVANSHI was a HIT while ANTIM, TADAP and ROOHI were the flop films and every other single film was a DISASTER. The problem with these films was they did okay for a week or so but could not do anything after. The saving grace was the revenue from digital rights which meant that despite very poor theatrical results, the losses were not huge. 83 lost a record amount of money while SATYAMEVA JAYATE 2 also lost a reasonable amount but most others got away with it.
There were releases like BELLBOTTOM which had high costs and CHANDIGARH KARE AASHIQUI which had reasonably high costs but did not suffer much due to good prices for digital. This is despite very poor theatrical performance. Going forward things will get better as Covid now looks behind us though you can never be 100% sure.
It will probably take time to get back to pre-Covid levels as the content has to adjust to the new box office scenario post pandemic. The larger Hindi film audience is in the states and not in the metros while most films were targetting metros pre-Covid. The footfalls were dropping pre-Covid and a change in content was going to be needed anyway to hold footfalls and all Covid-19 has done is accelerated this need for change.
The classifications for 2021 is as follows.
All Time Blockbuster
-
Super Blockbuster
-
Blockbuster
-
Super Hit
-
Hit
Sooryavanshi
Semi Hit
-
Average
-
Below Average
-
Flop
Antim - The Final Truth
Tadap
Roohi
Disaster
The Rest (53 films)
Ahan Shetty addresses rumours about his marriage
8:18 AM
Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 28, 2022)
A few days back, the rumour mill was abuzz that actor Ahan Shetty is all set to tie the knot with his girlfriend, fashion designer and influencer Tania Shroff, this year. But he tells us that there’s no truth to the story. “Right now, my focus is on work, and I’m working on my second film. When I feel like I need to share something about my personal life, I’ll do so and not hide it,” the 26-year-old shares.
Quiz him if headlines about his love life bother him, and he says, “No, because it’s something I brought into the light. I don’t hide anything from anyone; I’ve been very honest. Having said that, sometimes [I feel] it’s not fair that such articles [involving rumours and speculations] come out, but you can’t really control that.”
The actor goes on to share that speculative items such as these have never affected his equation with Shroff. “We know and understand each other well. If a third person says something and [that ends up affecting the bond], then one has to question their relationship. Communication, I believe, is the most important aspect of any relationship,” he elaborates.
On the work front, Shetty, who made his acting debut with Tadap last year, received praise from industry heavyweights, such as actors Amitabh Bachchan and Mohanlal. But he says he doesn’t want all the praise to go to his head and cause him to become complacent.
“I want to be on my toes and keep challenging myself because it makes me feel uncomfortable. I also want to give 150% to everything I do. I want to go into every film telling myself that I’ve got to prove myself. And then, maybe 10-15 years down the line, I will tell myself that I’ve arrived,” concludes the actor.
Ahan and I making our debuts with actioners is a coincidence-Suniel Shetty
8:14 AM
Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 8, 2021)
Actor Ahan Shetty recently made his acting debut with Tadap. His action hero avatar has received a thumbs up from the film fraternity. And, his father, actor Suniel Shetty, is beaming with pride: “I never realised he’s such a thinking actor. You always feel ghar ki murgi dal barabar. As a father, we always try correcting them because you feel you know more. When I saw my boy on the big screen, it hit me that [even] after doing 120 films, I haven’t been able to deliver what he has.”
Suniel marked his acting debut 29 years ago with Balwaan (1992), an actioner. “Ahan and I making our debuts with actioners is a coincidence,” he says. But the 60-year-old adds it was a call that his son had to take to start his career with a deglamorised role.
“There are a lot of negatives that he began with. He came as an angry character, with a face that is distorted and not pretty all the time. He didn’t shave, had under-eye circles, burnt lips and messed up hair. But his gamble has paid. His confidence and self-belief has worked wonders for him,” shares Suniel.
The senior actor’s Malayalam film, Marakkar: Lion Of The Arabian Sea, hit the screens a day before Tadap’s release. Talking about how a box-office clash with his son upset him, he says, “I wasn’t aware that they are releasing the film. Though I wished well for the film, I knew where my priorities were. It was my son’s debut. You see my posts on social media… they were only about Ahan. As a father, I don’t think I was wrong. My priority was father Suniel Shetty and not actor Suniel Shetty.”
(Crisp) Movie Review: TADAP by FENIL SETA
8:31 PM
Tadap has a very ordinary story and the first half ends very quickly. The second half also has some scenes that might put off viewers. But the twist in the tale saves the day. What also works are some scenes in between that are very well directed by Milan Luthria and written by Rajat Arora. The original film, RX 100, was lengthy and here, the makers have reduced the narrative neatly and also toned down the violence. Speaking of performances, Ahan Shetty is a bit raw at places but in the second half, he shines. If he improves a bit and signs some good films, he is here to stay. Tara Sutaria is a surprise, especially in the later part of the film. Saurabh Shukla is adorable and his fashion sense is spot-on. Kumud Mishra is dependable as always. Sumit Gulati (LOL) fails to raise laughs. Saurav Chakrabarti (Guthli) dominates the pre-climax. The songs also help in creating an impact. 'Tumse Bhi Zyada' will keep lingering in your mind and it’s a pleasure to hear such a good song in ages. 'Tere Siva Jag Mein' is also great and beautifully shot. All in all, Tadap is an average fare and worth a watch for Ahan Shetty’s debut, soundtrack and the twist.
My rating - ** ½ out of 5!
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 702
10:10 AM
WILL TADAP TURN OUT TO BE A SUCCESS?
The month of November has been a great one for Bollywood in a long, long time. The much awaited film Sooryavanshi turned out to be a huge success. Its final lifetime collections are expected to be around Rs. 195 crore. Though Bunty Aur Babli 2 and Satyameva Jayate 2 emerged as flops but Antim, meanwhile, is a surprise hit. The film is holding very well and its lifetime earnings might be in the range of Rs. 38-40 crore or even higher, which is a solid result for this film that doesn’t have Salman Khan in the lead.
Now all eyes are on December and the first release of the month is Tadap. It is the launch vehicle of Suniel Shetty’s son Ahan and is produced by Sajid Nadiadwala. It is directed by Milan Luthria and also stars Tara Sutaria. Tadap is the remake of the Telugu hit, RX 100. The trailer is decent and the film looks like a commercial entertainer. The song ‘Tumse Hi Zyada’ has become a hit already. What has helped the film is that reputed people are associated with it, from Sajid Nadiadwala to Milan Luthria (of Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai and The Dirty Picture fame) to music director Pritam Chakraborty. Since Sajid is the producer, the film’s promotion has been great. Sajid Nadiadwala had launched Tiger Shroff successfully 7 years ago and now it remains to be seen if Ahan becomes as huge.
Tadap is getting a solo release. With Antim being the only competition, the film will have a huge screen count. Though the buzz is there, its limited. Most viewers would adopt a wait-and-watch policy. These are strange times and no one can exactly predict the collections of a film or even approximately, like in the pre pandemic days. Hence, one can only assume that Tadap will open in the range of Rs. 1.50-3.50 crore range. If it manages to open above Rs. 2 crore mark, it’ll be a huge feat. And if it manages to collect Rs. 4 crore on day 1 as expected by some in the industry, then the producers should ideally throw a success bash immediately!
Both Ahan and I had to leave Suniel Shetty behind-Milan Luthria
7:58 AM
Knowing that Ahan will be compared to actor-father Shetty, Tadap director Luthria says his brief to star kid was to be himself in front of the camera
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; December 1, 2021)
Launching a star kid can be a big responsibility. Director Milan Luthria, however, is not feeling any pressure as he is days away from introducing Ahan Shetty to the audience with Tadap. He says the assurance comes from his faith in the youngster’s potential. With his brooding presence and bulky physique, the star kid instantly reminds one of his actor-father Suniel Shetty. The nature of the business is such that comparisons will be inevitable.
“With due respect, both of us had to leave Suniel behind [when we started working on the film],” states the director. “Ahan, as an actor, is different from his father. He has a mind of his own and performs instinctively. My only brief to him was, ‘Be yourself because there is only one Ahan Shetty in the world. Don’t try to be somebody else.’”
The popular notion that star kids get their Bollywood break relatively easily may not be entirely wrong. But Luthria asserts that he screened the junior Shetty before roping him in. “I liked Ahan, but I tested him. I gauged his potential before I agreed to do the film. I tested Tara [Sutaria] as well. So, I knew I had two good actors on board. I was looking for things that challenge me, and [helming a film with] two new actors is challenging.”
A remake of the Telugu film RX 100 (2018), Tadap is an intense love story of two star-crossed lovers Ishana and Ramisa. The filmmaker often gravitates towards tragic love stories for their poignant take on romance. “In Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai [2010], Ajay [Devgn’s character] dies in the end. Ditto for Vidya Balan’s character in The Dirty Picture [2011]. Tragedies leave you with a strong emotion. Films like Sadak [1991], Hero [1983] and Ek Duuje Ke Liye [1981] are great examples of action romantic entertainers. I wanted to go down that path rather than attempt a typical college love story. To me, Tadap is more a shocker than anything else.”
My first cheque came from Sajid Nadiadwala, and three decades later, he has given my son his first cheque-Suniel Shetty
6:36 PM
In a freewheeling interview, their first together, Ahan and Suniel Shetty talk shop: Hard work, good acting, thumping success. And yes, humility
Aastha Atray Banan (MID-DAY; November 28, 2021)
At the end of the interview, this writer whips out her phone to message a friend: If this is what 60 can look like, we needn’t be afraid.
Camel cargos, white tee, and a chic man bun, actor Suniel Shetty is on time, ready to handshake hello at Bandra’s Mehboob Studio. His generation remembers him as the soft-spoken action star, having found fame with movies like Mohra, and later as the Supandi-style funny man in Hera Pheri, and the dark lover to Shilpa Shetty in Dhadkan. These days he is experiencing an excitement not very different from those days. Ahan Shetty, 25, debuts in Bollywood this Friday with Milan Luthria-directed Tadap. Produced by Sajid Nadaidwala, it stars Tara Sutaria opposite him in a love-gone-sour tale.
Ahan takes a seat beside his father, the Tulu genes shining bright. Ebony haired, he is strapping but smiles readily; he looks sure of himself without being cocky. Together, they make the unlikely celebrity dad and unusual star kid. In a freewheeling interview, their first together, they speak of living the “un-Bollywood life”.
The industry that Ahan has stepped into must seem radically different from the one you have worked in since 1992.
Suniel Shetty: I don’t think there is that massive a change. But yes, numbers have become more important. We used to have a ‘house-full’ board back then, now box office returns are important. There is a lot more transparency. The kids [making their debut] are more prepared, and this is not true of just my son, but for all young people. It took me 25 films to achieve the quality of work they are putting out in their first movie. I ask Ahan, ‘How do you guys do it?’ I think we came in as professionals to become stars, they have come to become actors, and deliver to the expectations of the audience. That’s what makes it so exciting.
Ahan, you have been training for a film career since you were 11, taking classes in acting, dancing and action. You say, you landed this film on merit.
Ahan Shetty: I think there is more visibility because my father is an actor, and I have met directors and producers in an informal setting [because of him]. I don’t want to say it’s harder [if you are a star kid]. It’s hard. Period. There is [extra] pressure. They do want to see me do the same thing he did. But I cannot let it get to me. You lose your sense of direction, and start listening to other people. You have to keep your head down, and keep the noise away.
There was an interview of Harrison Ford where he says he meets Reese Witherspoon in the parking lot when he drops his kids to school. Your parents are like that too, aren’t they? It was a “normal “ childhood?
AS: Absolutely. Athiya and I went to the American School, so it didn’t matter who my father or mother was. They would come for the football games and every other school event. Dad was extra supportive; he’d walk down to the field, and I had to tell him, “calm down”. Despite a long career in the industry, he hasn’t been part of Bollywood in a sense. He wanted us to stay away from the limelight.
SS: The intention of putting them in the American School was not to prove that we are a cut above the others, but to make it clear that nobody there cares about who you are. You miss PTA, you are on the watch list. I had to know what was happening in my son’s life. I went to school like any other parent would. That’s in my lineage. We are simple. Everyone [in the family] was interested in art and architecture... normal people. There is a reason why he has grown into who he is.
AS: Dad took us to the 2003 Cricket World Cup, and school was on at the time. They allowed me to go, but after asking me to write a report on my experiences.
How have you maintained this balance between freedom and discipline?
SS: We were always their friends. And we befriended Athiya before Ahan. There was no distinction. She was busy looking at schools, and then she said she wanted to be an actor, and it took me five minutes to tell her, then follow that dream. Even with Ahan... [I told him] don’t do what you don’t want to. My dream was to play for the country; his inclination was towards art and drama. He took up drama as a major in high school, and travelled with his drama teacher all over the world.
What if Bollywood doesn’t work out? Do you have a Plan B?
AS: No. This is the only plan. If I had an alternative, I wouldn’t be as committed or dedicated.
The industry is top light, and bottom heavy. The same few stars, and the serious actors, and then some newcomers. As a fresher, are you ready to do it all, even if it’s a gig on OTT?
AS: Definitely. I am happy that my first film is going to a theatrical release, but I am totally open to acting in a web series. It gave a lot of people work during the last few years. I want to do it all; it’s all only about the performance.
In Tadap, you play a dark character. How did you view this experience?
AS: It was great to play a character who displays contrasting personalities. It was almost like a double role. When I challenge myself, I do well. I was very thankful to Milan and Sajid for that.
SS: I am an extremely emotional person, and it hasn’t sunk in [that he’s making his debut]. It’s not a typical star son launch—there is no dancing, beautiful clothes or martial arts. He plays a normal guy. My first cheque came from Sajid Nadiadwala, and three decades later, he has given my son his first cheque. And then there is Milan. Ahan needed a guru, and Milan is that. I watched the movie and asked Ahan, “Are you uncomfortable with romance?”, and he said “No, dad. This boy is a small town guy. He has never touched a girl.” I knew then that he had got into character.
The film industry has been under intense scrutiny recently over ethics. Has Suniel passed on a lesson or two?
AS: He told me never fear Fridays. Don’t be scared. You learn from failure. When I decided to be an actor, he told me if you can’t be known as a good actor, be known as a good human being. Just be who you are.
SS: Honestly, I think that kids watch and learn. It’s about how I have led my life, respected my directors, producers, or the light men and spot boys. People have always told me, oh this one is so big, that one is so big! I say, if you really want to know who is big, ask the fighter boy who just got hurt: who is the one who asked him if he is fine? In the past, actors like us interacted with our unions; that’s not the case anymore. That’s why when someone is banging and hammering you, no one stands up for you. They did for Sanjay Dutt and Salman Khan. When they were going through hell, people stood up.
OTT screening platforms were like oxygen for the industry in the last two years. But the father [of entertainment] is cinema. We shouldn’t take it for granted, and we need to deliver good content consistently.
Athiya told me it's pointless going to New York Film Academy as...-Ahan Shetty
8:12 AM
Foraying into Bollywood amid the raging insider-vs-outsider debate, Ahan asserts he bagged Tadap after proving his merit to producer Sajid Nadiadwala
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; November 20, 2021)
Every time a star kid is launched in the industry, it reignites the insider-versus-outsider debate. Things aren’t too different for Ahan Shetty who is Bollywood-bound with Tadap.
Naturally, we start our chat with the obvious question: Did actor-father Suniel Shetty help him bag his debut film? “Not at all,” exclaims Ahan, before adding, “I had uploaded a few dance and action videos on Instagram. Sajid sir [Nadiadwala, producer] saw them and reached out to one of my dad’s friends. He, in turn, called my dad to say that Sajid sir wants to meet me. When I met him, he wanted to know if I could act. I sent him a few clips that had me performing scenes, which he liked. That [led to my] signing the contract.”
Even as he narrates the events, it isn’t lost on Ahan that being a star kid has its advantages. “Being Suniel Shetty’s son does put you [on the map]. But I feel I got this film because I worked hard and proved myself to Sajid sir. After the film releases, I will understand if I deserve to be here.”
Tadap, a remake of Telugu film RX100 (2018), is an intense romantic drama of two star-crossed lovers, played by Ahan and Tara Sutaria. As someone who swears by tragic love stories, the actor was thrilled to be part of one. “The Vow [2012] is one of my favourite movies. This is the type of film I want to do. There isn’t a sense of fear because I like to take on challenges. This film was difficult because given the two different personalities my character has, it was almost like playing a double role.”
Seeing himself on the big screen was Ahan’s aspiration since he was 11. “I am an introvert, so acting helped me bring out my emotions through different [roles]. Athiya [sister] had gone to the New York Film Academy. [When I was considering going there], she said it was pointless as the things they teach there are different from what we do [in India]. So, I focused on martial arts and weapon training, working on my physique and Hindi [diction].”
My dad’s advice is to ‘be known as a good human being even if you are not known as a good actor’-Ahan Shetty
7:45 AM
Kavita Awaasthi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; November 19, 2021)
Ahan Shetty is ready with his debut film, Tadap, which releases next month. Obviously, the 26-year-old is “super excited” about his movie, which also stars actor Tara Sutaria.
Actors with families in the film industry often are launched by their star dads but Ahan’s dad Suniel Shetty isn’t launching him. Ask him why and he replies, “I didn’t feel comfortable with dad producing my debut film as I didn’t want to pressure him. I wanted to be an actor for myself. So, I wanted to train as hard as possible and thought that if I got an opportunity, as I did with Sajid Nadiadwala (filmmaker) sir, I’d take it.”
Ahan got interested in dramatics in sixth grade, and four years later, he knew he wanted to become an actor. “As I am an introvert, portraying different emotions through my performances felt like freeing myself, and was therapeutic,” Ahan says and adds that he trained in diction, martial arts, dance, etc., for two years prior to the movie.
Explaining why Tadap took five years from signing to release, Ahan says, “While I signed the film in April 2016, the shoot started in 2019 but we had to stop shooting in March 2020 due to the pandemic. It was a huge gap between shoots. I was confused, angry and anxious about things taking so much time. I had lost 14 kilos during the lockdown, and regaining the physicality was a challenge. Covid-19 took a lot from everyone, not just me. “
In the film, he will be seen as an action hero, which adds a slight pressure because he is Suniel Shetty’s son, who is known for his action films. “But the idea is to not let that get to you. I don’t want to be labelled as an action hero. I want to do all kinds of films with good content, and my main focus is on my performance. I’ve been on dad’s sets but never paid any attention as a kid, and at home, we hardly ever talked about films. My dad’s advice to me is to ‘be known as a good human being even if you are not known as a good actor’,” he shares.
Often, young actors aren’t open about their relationships, but Ahan has not hidden his relationship with Tania Shroff (fashion designer and influencer). “I will never hide my relationships. We have been together for 10 years,” he concludes.
It’s one life, I want to do everything-Saurabh Shukla
8:05 AM
Deep Saxena (HINDUSTAN TIMES; November 10, 2021)
Having dabbled in acting, writing and direction in his long career, veteran artiste Saurabh Shukla is not yet ready to be tied down to any particular genre and is constantly looking forward to exploring new opportunities. “It’s one life, so I am not going to settle for one! I want to do everything and not restrict myself to just acting, writing, directing, doing theatre or playing table tennis. I try to do whatever I want to,” says the National Award-winning actor, who is currently shooting for his upcoming web series, Bindiya, in Lucknow.
He adds, “I try to compartmentalize and concentrate on things that are going on and are in hand. Jis waqt jo cheez aap sehej tarah se kar paa rahe hain, woh kariye… it’s as simple as that. We all try to balance out things as much as we can.”
After the second wave of Coronavirus, he shot for Siddharth Sen Gupta’s series Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein and another project, titled Fear. “In between, I directed a film. And two of my big films — Karan Malhotra’s Shamshera and Milan Luthria’s Tadap will hopefully get a theatrical release,” he says.
The Raid (2018) actor is of the view that some films are made for theatrical experience and should be viewed only on the big screen. “What we call quintessential Bollywood cinema has its own idiom with panache, songs, fanfare and collective cinematic experience. On the other hand, on OTT, it’s more about realism and edgy content, touching upon things and issues that cinema had skipped (to avoid controversies and censorship) all this while,” he says.
Talking about the pandemic, Shukla admits that it did trouble him a lot, but couldn’t slow him down: “In the first lockdown, I became restless. So, with the help of my cinematographer friends, I learnt operating cameras. With trial and error, I started shooting on my own, sans any script, and after months of shooting, I made a 90-minute film that I wrote, directed, acted in and even edited myself.”
I think we needed that jolt and this pandemic has given us that-Tara Sutaria
8:20 AM
Juhi Chakraborty (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 31, 2020)
This has been an unusual
year for everyone, with the Coronavirus pandemic crippling the world for months,
and the effects of it are still wearing off slowly. For actor Tara
Sutaria, 2020 made her count her blessings in more ways than one. “This
year has been hard in so many ways that we could not even imagine. It
has made me look at life very differently. It is a good thing for our
generation to have gone through this. One thing that we have learnt from
this is patience. It is something that as a generation we could really
do with,” shares Sutaria.
The actor says she got the time to introspect, and adds, “I think we needed that jolt and this pandemic has given us that. It’s taught us a lot of lesson we would not have leant had this not happened.”
Her films may have skipped release owing to the pandemic this year, but the 25-year-old says she didn’t lose motivation. “What kept me motivated despite all the low and terrible days was just having friends and family. It is a real luxury that we shouldn’t take for granted. During the pandemic when everything seemed bleak and all of us were confused, what kept me going was people I can count on. It is a real blessing,” explains the Marjaavaan (2019) actor.
Sutaria, who has resumed shooting of her next film Tadap in Mussoorie and Rishikesh, is happy to see things getting back to normalcy in the film industry. “Everyone is back to filming, very safely and responsibly. I think we have handled it very well. Coming out of this, we will have to find our way. It’s a first for all of us, there will be a lot of firsts and newness. Things will be a bit iffy but we will come out of it stronger than ever,” she concludes.
I can’t wait to add my own spin to the music of the Ek Villain sequel-Tara Sutaria
7:59 AM
Tara Sutaria on playing a singer, and an unconventional character, in upcoming films
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 8, 2020)
Tara Sutaria was shooting for the last leg of Tadap, the RX 100 remake, which marks the debut of Ahan Shetty, when filming was abruptly halted following the Coronavirus-triggered lockdown. While most people missed being on the set, Tara and the team of her film are waiting for the situation to improve before commencing work. “Covid cases have been on the rise and we want to be in a safer place before we shoot again. I’m waiting for a go-ahead from Sajid sir (producer, Sajid Nadiadwala) and Milan sir (director, Milan Luthria),” says the actress.
The 2018 Telugu original was written and directed by Ajay Bhupathi and featured Kartikeya Gummakonda and Payal Rajput in the lead. Based on a true-life story, the film revolves around a village lad who falls in love with the daughter of a local politician. They get intimate, but then, are separated, purportedly by their parents, and he turns aggressively violent. But there’s a shocking twist in this familiar tale.
“Anyone who has watched the Telugu original knows how unconventional the girl’s character is. It’s unlike any love story and people will get to see a different side of me,” promises Tara, all praise for her director who has films like Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai and The Dirty Picture to his credit.
Getting back to the forced break, Tara got the time to do things she had missed out on over the last two years owing to back-to-back films, Student Of The Year 2 and Marjaavaan. “It’s been really nice spending so much quality time with my family, in particular my twin, Pia. I got back to singing rehearsals, painting and sketching. I’ve also been cooking a lot,” she informs. And does she wish to have an exhibition someday to showcase her works? “I definitely do want to, at some point of time. But right now, I’m only painting for myself,” says the actress.
After wrapping up Tadap, Tara will move on to the Ek Villain sequel from January. She plays a singer in the Mohit Suri-directorial, Do Villain, and is paired with Arjun Kapoor. The action-thriller also features John Abraham and Disha Patani. One wonders if the singing rehearsals are part of her prep for her upcoming film and she admits, “Yes, I will be singing in Do Villain, but the rehearsals are for my personal growth too.”
Both Tara and Pia have trained in classical ballet, modern dance and Latin American dance. Tara has been singing professionally since she was seven, in competitions and even the opera. She was a video jockey and has recorded music in India and abroad for films, advertisements, concerts as well as original works like “Slippin’ Through My Fingers” which featured in Bharat Dhabholkar’s play, Blame It On Yashraj. She’s performed with Louis Banks and Mikey McCleary and has been a soloist for the Stop-Gaps Choral Ensemble and was one of the top seven finalists of the 2008 Pogo Amazing Kids Awards as a singer.
Says Tara, “Since my debut, I’ve been waiting to do a film in which I could give my own playback. It will be so much fun because Mohit sir has had iconic music in all his films and this one will be no different. I can’t wait to add my own spin to the music of Do Villain and hopefully, people will love it as much as I do.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)