Showing posts with label The Great Indian Laughter Challenge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Great Indian Laughter Challenge. Show all posts
I’ve just begun to understand life properly, too early to make a biopic on me-Kapil Sharma
9:00 AM
Vinay MR Mishra (BOMBAY TIMES; February 11, 2026)
For years, Kapil Sharma has been the face of laughter in Indian homes – a comedian who turned everyday observation into prime-time television. In one of his most candid conversations yet, Kapil opens up about family, loss, fatherhood, depression, and the quiet need to do work that will one day make his children proud. He also puts an end to the rumours of a biopic on him.
‘Everything in my life has reached people – the good and the bad’
While reports suggested that a biopic is being made on Kapil’s life, the comedian refutes the speculations. “Those people are actually our friends, the producers. They wanted to make it. But I feel I’ve just begun to understand life properly. What biopic will they make right now? So no, I don’t think so – not at this point. Maybe someday in the future,” he clarifies.
He is equally unguarded about what such a film would or wouldn’t hide. “Once you become a public figure, whatever happens in your life reaches people anyway. Everything in my life has reached people – the good and the bad,” he adds.
‘I think the only certainty in life is uncertainty’
Looking back, Kapil sees his life not as a rise-and-fall graph, but as a series of phases, each with its own meaning. “Every phase had its own charm. Childhood was different. When my father was there, that phase was different. After he passed away in 2004, life went completely off track. Then I got another chance on TV and came back on track. At 36, depression hit me hard and I went completely down. People started saying, ‘He’s finished.’ Then I got married. Then the show came back. Then I did 300+ episodes again,” he recalls.
Perspective, he says, came with time. “I think the only certainty in life is uncertainty. You just keep working with good intentions, and good things keep happening,” he explains.
‘I miss my father everyday’
Talking about his father, Kapil gets emotional. “The past never changes. Those who have gone won’t come back. When I won the trophy (The Great Indian Laughter Challenge Season 3) and got a cheque of Rs. 10 lakh, I cried thinking… If my father were here today,” he says.
He remembers a quiet moment soon after his show (The Kapil Sharma Show) became a nightly ritual. “When my show started, I remember standing quietly outside my house at 9 pm. In every house in the society, TVs were on, and I could hear people’s laughter. I thought to myself, if papa were alive, how happy he’d be. I miss him every day, but some moments hit harder,” he shares.
‘I came here to be a singer’
Kapil’s career, he says, was never mapped out in straight lines. “I came here to become a singer. Then somewhere along the way, I thought, let’s become an actor. I did serious roles, then came into comedy almost by accident. An actor always has that hunger – that another side of him should also come out. But our industry, or maybe human nature is such that people see you doing one thing and assume that’s all you can do. Comedy is acting, and honestly, comedy is more difficult,” he says.
Ask him about what lies ahead and he says, “Life has been long, difficult, fun, messy. Work-wise, I feel blessed. My hobby became my profession. What bigger gift from God can there be? I’m excited about what lies ahead.”
‘My kids shouldn’t feel that their father spent his life doing meaningless things’
Fatherhood, Kapil admits, has changed how he makes his choices. “Sometimes I think that I want to do a certain kind of work so that when my children grow up, they can see that I didn’t just do light or superficial things all my life. Like the film, Zwigato (2022), that I did with Nandita Das, it made my heart feel good. I knew commercially it wouldn’t do anything. But it was a good subject, and I did it because tomorrow when my kids grow up, they shouldn’t feel that their father spent his entire life doing meaningless things – he also did work of substance,” he says.
Masses mein meri image comedian ki ban gai hai; that’s what I have to change-Gurpreet Ghuggi
10:22 AM
Deep Saxena (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 12, 2023)
Comedy star and Punjabi actor Gurpreet Ghuggi asserts that for now he is focusing on performance-oriented roles and be part of meaningful cinema.
The Cuttputlli (2022) actor says, “I started in 1998 with the launch of comedy audio cassettes and then featured in the first The Great Indian Laughter Challenge. It’s due to TV that a larger audience knows me more as a comedian. In Hindi films also, people have seen me in comic roles like in Khiladi 786 (2012), Singh Is Kinng (2008) and Singh Is Bliing (2015) with my friend and superstar Akshay (Kumar). So, masses mein meri image comedian ki ban gai hai... that’s what I have to change.”
The actor says, “Comedy is no longer the focus for me. It surely has given me a lot but for now, I want to explore the serious genre. Since I come from a theatre background, so the actor deep inside me, is craving to do serious roles. I’m no longer solely doing comedy. I have done a cameo in (director) Rajkumar Hirani’s Dunki starring Shah Rukh Khan.”
A big name in Punjabi cinema, he feels his regional industry was not picking subjects that could appeal to the audience pan-India.
“We are stuck with making films in our comfort zone. We need not stick to rom-coms and comedies but pick subjects rooted in our rich culture and history like Southern filmmakers do. We need to make big budget films to showcase our history and make a period drama on a relatable scale,” he ends.
Akshay Kumar plays cupid for Twinkle
8:04 AM
Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; December 11, 2017)
Akshay Kumar is the one who played cupid between his friends Asin and her husband Rahul Sharma. And now, he’s taken his love-guru avatar to his TV show as well.
The superstar, who’s currently the judge on The Great Indian Laughter Challenge, did something special for a girl in the audience. Says a source, “The whole team was shooting an episode. When Parvinder Singh, one of the contestants, came on stage, one girl in the audience went ballistic, screaming his name. Akshay noticed it but didn’t say anything at the time. The crew members asked her to calm down and she waited till the performance got over.”
It was then that the superstar did the unthinkable. A crew member reveals, “Akshay called the girl and asked her why she was screaming. The girl told him that she loves Parvinder and started blushing. The actor called Parvinder and made him exchange his number with the girl. Today, Parvinder is seeing that girl. The superstar played cupid for them!”
But that’s not all. There’s something rather interesting that the crew member told us. “The girl’s name coincidentally was also Twinkle. So everyone had a good laugh about that as well. People on the set started saying Akshay played cupid for Twinkle.” How cute!
Akshay Kumar gives a pep talk to Kapil Sharma?
7:56 AM
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 23, 2017)
Mirror had
earlier reported (November 15) about Kapil Sharma standing up Akshay
Kumar, Sajid Khan and Shreyas Talpade for an episode of The Great Indian Laughter Challenge,
which was eventually shot without a guest. On Tuesday, he made amends
by turning up for another episode and ensured that everything went as
planned.
A source reveals, “Kapil went to Akshay’s room to greet him before the shoot, where Sajid and Shreyas were also present. Before the creative team could brief them about the episode, Akshay asked for 15 minutes alone with Kapil to ask after his health and other issues and give him a pep talk.”
Mirror had reported (November 22) about Kapil’s next film, Firangi, being stuck at the censors for a certificate ahead of its December 1 release.
In the episode, a video tracing Kapil’s decade-long showbiz journey, which had incidentally begun as the winner of the show’s third season, was showcased. Whiel Akshay hailed him as the king of comedy, Kapil joined the 50-year-old actor for a performance on “Teri Yaad Saath Hai” from Akki’s 2007 drama featuring Katrina Kaif, Namastey London.
A source reveals, “Kapil went to Akshay’s room to greet him before the shoot, where Sajid and Shreyas were also present. Before the creative team could brief them about the episode, Akshay asked for 15 minutes alone with Kapil to ask after his health and other issues and give him a pep talk.”
Mirror had reported (November 22) about Kapil’s next film, Firangi, being stuck at the censors for a certificate ahead of its December 1 release.
In the episode, a video tracing Kapil’s decade-long showbiz journey, which had incidentally begun as the winner of the show’s third season, was showcased. Whiel Akshay hailed him as the king of comedy, Kapil joined the 50-year-old actor for a performance on “Teri Yaad Saath Hai” from Akki’s 2007 drama featuring Katrina Kaif, Namastey London.
Now Kapil Sharma made Akshay Kumar wait on The Great Indian Laughter Challenge & eventually didn't show up?
7:59 AM
Fresh
off a two-and-a-half-month hiatus, during which he was at a healthcare
centre, the actor-comedian has landed in new controversy
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 15, 2017)
Months after dropping off the radar for treatment, Kapil Sharma recently returned to the public eye and is already making news again. On Tuesday, the team of the comedy reality show, The Great Indian Laughter Challenge, which is judged by Akshay Kumar, Sajid Khan and Shreyas Talpade, was in for a rude shock. Kapil, who was up for a guest appearance on the show, kept them waiting for four hours, and eventually didn’t show up on the sets on account of ill health.
A source from the sets reveals to Mirror, “Akshay prefers to shoot early in the morning but after discussing the schedule with Kapil’s team, the schedule was slotted for 11am. Everyone, including Akshay and the others, arrived on the sets by 10.30 am and were waiting for Kapil. But the shoot was halted till 2 pm while Kapil remained unavailable over the phone.
At around 2.30 pm, Akshay suggested that the team start shooting without Kapil and add his bit whenever he arrives. An hour later, they were informed that Kapil will not turn up as he is unwell and his doctor has advised him rest.”
Months after dropping off the radar for treatment, Kapil Sharma recently returned to the public eye and is already making news again. On Tuesday, the team of the comedy reality show, The Great Indian Laughter Challenge, which is judged by Akshay Kumar, Sajid Khan and Shreyas Talpade, was in for a rude shock. Kapil, who was up for a guest appearance on the show, kept them waiting for four hours, and eventually didn’t show up on the sets on account of ill health.
A source from the sets reveals to Mirror, “Akshay prefers to shoot early in the morning but after discussing the schedule with Kapil’s team, the schedule was slotted for 11am. Everyone, including Akshay and the others, arrived on the sets by 10.30 am and were waiting for Kapil. But the shoot was halted till 2 pm while Kapil remained unavailable over the phone.
At around 2.30 pm, Akshay suggested that the team start shooting without Kapil and add his bit whenever he arrives. An hour later, they were informed that Kapil will not turn up as he is unwell and his doctor has advised him rest.”
Subsequently, the show’s
team had no choice but to make last-minute changes in the script due to
Kapil’s absence and cancel his integration.
Kapil remained unavailable for comment.
Earlier this year, just before the actor-comedian embarked on an indefinite hiatus, several star guests on The Kapil Sharma Show were miffed for being stood up on the sets of the show. Shraddha Kapoor and Aditya Roy Kapur had to wait for five hours before they could shoot for their film OK Jaanu’s promotions, while Shah Rukh Khan and Anushka Sharma left without promoting Jab Harry Met Sejal, while Ajay Devgn, Ileana D’cruz, Emraan Hashmi and Esha Gupta couldn’t do a promotional episode for their last film, Baadshaho.
When Mirror reached out to Akshay’s co-judge, Sajid, the filmmaker said, “I heard about Kapil’s ill health. It is sad as we were looking forward to jam with him.”
In an interview to Mirror on September 7, Kapil had revealed that he was in damage control mode and had checked into a healthcare centre in Bangalore to undergo treatment for “anxiety, blood pressure and sugar problems”.
Kapil remained unavailable for comment.
Earlier this year, just before the actor-comedian embarked on an indefinite hiatus, several star guests on The Kapil Sharma Show were miffed for being stood up on the sets of the show. Shraddha Kapoor and Aditya Roy Kapur had to wait for five hours before they could shoot for their film OK Jaanu’s promotions, while Shah Rukh Khan and Anushka Sharma left without promoting Jab Harry Met Sejal, while Ajay Devgn, Ileana D’cruz, Emraan Hashmi and Esha Gupta couldn’t do a promotional episode for their last film, Baadshaho.
When Mirror reached out to Akshay’s co-judge, Sajid, the filmmaker said, “I heard about Kapil’s ill health. It is sad as we were looking forward to jam with him.”
In an interview to Mirror on September 7, Kapil had revealed that he was in damage control mode and had checked into a healthcare centre in Bangalore to undergo treatment for “anxiety, blood pressure and sugar problems”.
Chunky Panday joins Akshay Kumar, Shreyas Talpade, Sajid Khan on The Great Indian Laughter Challenge
7:46 AM
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 7, 2017)
The Housefull gang of Akshay Kumar, Shreyas Talpade, Sajid Khan and
Chunky Panday will reunite on the small screen this weekend. Chunky has
been roped in to cohost the comedy show, The Great Indian Laughter
Challenge, with Elli AvrRam. Akshay is the super judge on the show with
Sajid and Shreyas as the co-judges. Chunky plays the long-lost cousin of
his popular Housefull character, Aakhri Pasta.Confirming the news the actor told Mirror, “How could Pasta resist this lure? I begin shooting today and I think my Housefull gang has some surprises in store for me. This new character is lethal and Sajid’s brainwave. Whatever he can’t do, he makes me do. The look will be retro and he has been licenced to kill, with laughs.”
Akshay Kumar learns the ropes of ventriloquism
7:51 AM
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 25, 2017)
Three years after hosting a TV reality show, Dare 2 Dance, Akshay Kumar has returned to the small screen as a super judge on the comedy show The Great Indian Laughter Challenge with Sajid Khan and Shreyas Talpade set to join in as replacements for co-judges, comedians Zakir Khan and Mallika Dua and actor-writer Hussain Dalal. And recently the actor was so impressed with comedian-ventriloquist Vignesh Pandey, who came on the show, that he will be learning the craft from him.
“Vignesh and his rebel puppet doll Anna are really popular and Akshay is fascinated by the way he changes and throws his voice to speak for Anna. He showed an interest in learning ventriloquism and Vignesh agreed to give him some lessons. Akshay will be spending a few hours every week with him depending on his schedule and if he picks up the art quickly, he may even perform on the show,” informs a source close to the development.
Producer Ashvini Yardi, who has earlier collaborated with the Khiladi Kumar on Umesh Shukla’s OMG – Oh My God! and Prabhu Dheva’s Singh Is Bliing, confirmed the news, saying, “I have known Akshay for over a decade and his interest in learning new things never fails to fascinate me. Vignesh will be starting his lessons from this week.”
Earlier too, Akshay had learnt magic from a contestant on another talent-based reality show and performed some tricks live at the trailer launch of Kabir Sadanand’s Fugly in 2014.
Sajid Khan, Shreyas Talpade to join Akshay Kumar as co-judges on The Great Indian Laughter Challenge
7:53 AM
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 16, 2017)
Akshay Kumar’s comedy show, The Great Indian Laughter Challenge, with him as a super judge, will have director Sajid Khan and actor Shreyas Talpade stepping in for previous judges, comedian Zakir Khan, actress and comic Mallika Dua and actor-writer Hussain Dalal. The trio will bow out after the top 12 contestants are announced.
Having directed Akshay in films like Heyy Baby, Housefull and its sequel, and with Shreyas in the Housefull franchise, Sajid is gung-ho about reuniting with the actors. “There is tremendous talent on the show. Akshay and Shreyas are like brothers and our bond will be evident. We won’t have to worry about the laughter because whenever we are together, we end up laughing,” chuckles Sajid, adding that Akshay is the right judge for a comedy show because his comic timing is unmatched in Bollywood. He recalls a moment from the Housefull shoot when he told Akshay he’d be wired up to climb up to the building’s first floor. “I looked away to talk to someone and when I turned, he was on the first floor. For him it was a breeze but I was terrified. He told me not to worry and asked me if I’d like him to stand on one foot on that parapet,” Sajid shudders.
I am not competing with Akshay Kumar or Salman Khan-Shah Rukh Khan
8:16 AM
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; October 6, 2017)
TED Talks India: Nayi Soch, which has been a rage on the Internet, is coming to India in the form of a television show. It's only fitting that the show, which aims to give a platform to innovative ideas and success stories, will be hosted by one of India's biggest success stories - Shah Rukh Khan. On why the concept has been redesigned to suit the model of a TV show, the actor says, "It may seem that we are going the old route by picking the med-ium of television. But this is the first time that TED Talks is happening in Hindi. The language will [help us] cater to a huge audience."
With Khan coming back as a host after his stints in Kaun Banega Crorepati and Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain, comparisons with his peers – especially Salman Khan (Bigg Boss 11) and Akshay Kumar (The Great Indian Laughter Challenge) are inevitable. "I'm not competing with them. They are in a league of their own. This show has a very different sensibility. It is meant to inspire people. We are not restricted by TRPs and ratings."
Describing it as a show "that's closest to my heart", Khan says it is the sheer idea that encouraged him to come on board. "I've not charged as much as most actors do," he smiles, before adding, "Money has never kept me going. With the grace of God, I'm well to do. I've never really done anything for money." The superstar, who is known for his eloquence, has also been approached to write and contribute for the TED Talks book. "It is a huge honour because this is so creatively satisfying. Of all the things I have done in my life, this show makes me feel alive."
I get very upset when people abroad feel that India is not safe for women-Elli AvrRam
7:52 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; September 30, 2017)
Elli AvrRam is no more the
bubbly, wide-eyed girl we saw on Bigg Boss four years ago. From being a
reality show contestant, she is all set to host one now -the stand-up
comedy show, The Great Indian Laughter Challenge. For Elli too, there's a
big 'challenge' involved in the task - she will be required to speak in
Hindi, and that too, fluently. So, is she up for it? In an interview
with BT, the actress answers that question and also confesses her love
for India and Bollywood. Excerpts...
Not many Bollywood actors take up work on TV at the onset of their careers. So, what made you turn host with The Great Indian Laughter Challenge?
Well, you must not forget that I was on Bigg Boss just before the release of my debut film. Back then, many people dissuaded me from participating in the show. I, too, was nervous, but I had a lot of fun during my stay inside the house. That's not all; the stint also resulted in more work. I believe that actors shouldn't be prejudiced against any medium. Many actresses have qualms about performing item numbers, as they fear getting typecast, but I have no such apprehensions. This show is a new journey for me; hosting in Hindi seemed like a huge challenge, but it will enable me to grow as a person.
Are you prepared to take jokes on yourself, which is a norm on such comedy shows?
All of us joke about and with each other. It's in a fun space and not demeaning at all.
You said that you like stepping out of your comfort zone. But don't you think language will be a major impediment?
Hosting is not just about talking - it's about becoming a medium between the judges, mentors, contestants and the audience. Having said that, my Hindi is much better now. I actually speak the language on a daily basis, though I become conscious when some one says, 'Chalo, ab Hindi mein baat karo'. Fortunately, this show leaves me with no option except getting rid of that fear.
What about your Bollywood career? You have done just two films in four years...
For me, whatever I have done so far is amazing. I come from a small town in Sweden and my biggest dream was to come to India and act in at least one Hindi film. Today, I have done so much more than that. So, it's all about perception - some will say bas itna kiya, while others will think I have done a lot.
But one can't deny that showbiz is extremely competitive. Don't you worry about other foreign actresses surging ahead in their careers?
I feel happy, as their success gives so much hope to other foreign aspirants. Bollywood has many fans abroad; I, too, feel a strong connect with India and Indian films. Talking about feeling insecure, I don't compete with anyone because we all come from different backgrounds and have different journeys. I have always focused on my own journey and happiness. Of course, there will be roles that you wish you had played, but that's normal.
You were Salman Khan's blue eyed girl during your stay in the Bigg Boss house. Did you ever discuss the possibility of working in a film with him?
I respect him and share a beautiful relationship with him, which I don't wish to dilute. Also, I am hardworking and have confidence in my talent to get work on my own. Salman is generous and I know he'll be there if I need him.
You are a single girl, who has been staying alone and working here for several years now. How safe do you feel in Mumbai?
Honestly, I feel extremely, I feel extremely safe in Mumbai. In fact, I get very upset when people abroad feel that India is not safe for women. What they don't realise is that such incidents happen in other countries as well; it's just that they don't talk about it. Obviously, the numbers will be higher in India because of the population. I believe that every woman should empower herself - physically, emotionally and financially. Talking about physical empowerment, I practise martial arts.
You seem to be happy professionally, but what about your personal life? Is there someone special?
I am in love with myself at the moment (laughs). Beyond that, I don't wish to divulge much about my personal life. I prefer being a mysterious girl about whom people don't know much.
Not many Bollywood actors take up work on TV at the onset of their careers. So, what made you turn host with The Great Indian Laughter Challenge?
Well, you must not forget that I was on Bigg Boss just before the release of my debut film. Back then, many people dissuaded me from participating in the show. I, too, was nervous, but I had a lot of fun during my stay inside the house. That's not all; the stint also resulted in more work. I believe that actors shouldn't be prejudiced against any medium. Many actresses have qualms about performing item numbers, as they fear getting typecast, but I have no such apprehensions. This show is a new journey for me; hosting in Hindi seemed like a huge challenge, but it will enable me to grow as a person.
Are you prepared to take jokes on yourself, which is a norm on such comedy shows?
All of us joke about and with each other. It's in a fun space and not demeaning at all.
You said that you like stepping out of your comfort zone. But don't you think language will be a major impediment?
Hosting is not just about talking - it's about becoming a medium between the judges, mentors, contestants and the audience. Having said that, my Hindi is much better now. I actually speak the language on a daily basis, though I become conscious when some one says, 'Chalo, ab Hindi mein baat karo'. Fortunately, this show leaves me with no option except getting rid of that fear.
What about your Bollywood career? You have done just two films in four years...
For me, whatever I have done so far is amazing. I come from a small town in Sweden and my biggest dream was to come to India and act in at least one Hindi film. Today, I have done so much more than that. So, it's all about perception - some will say bas itna kiya, while others will think I have done a lot.
But one can't deny that showbiz is extremely competitive. Don't you worry about other foreign actresses surging ahead in their careers?
I feel happy, as their success gives so much hope to other foreign aspirants. Bollywood has many fans abroad; I, too, feel a strong connect with India and Indian films. Talking about feeling insecure, I don't compete with anyone because we all come from different backgrounds and have different journeys. I have always focused on my own journey and happiness. Of course, there will be roles that you wish you had played, but that's normal.
You were Salman Khan's blue eyed girl during your stay in the Bigg Boss house. Did you ever discuss the possibility of working in a film with him?
I respect him and share a beautiful relationship with him, which I don't wish to dilute. Also, I am hardworking and have confidence in my talent to get work on my own. Salman is generous and I know he'll be there if I need him.
You are a single girl, who has been staying alone and working here for several years now. How safe do you feel in Mumbai?
Honestly, I feel extremely, I feel extremely safe in Mumbai. In fact, I get very upset when people abroad feel that India is not safe for women. What they don't realise is that such incidents happen in other countries as well; it's just that they don't talk about it. Obviously, the numbers will be higher in India because of the population. I believe that every woman should empower herself - physically, emotionally and financially. Talking about physical empowerment, I practise martial arts.
You seem to be happy professionally, but what about your personal life? Is there someone special?
I am in love with myself at the moment (laughs). Beyond that, I don't wish to divulge much about my personal life. I prefer being a mysterious girl about whom people don't know much.
Money matters: Here’s what the Bollywood stars are charging for their TV stints
8:05 AM
Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; September 18, 2017)
The third quarter of the year will see several top Bollywood stars vying for your attention, not on the big screen, but on the small one. Salman Khan will be back to host the 11th season of Bigg Boss in October, Akshay Kumar is returning to TV after three years as the super judge of comedy show, The Great Indian Laughter Challenge, Shah Rukh Khan is making a comeback to the small-screen with TED Talks India as its host, Shilpa Shetty Kundra continues to be the judge on Super Dancer 2, and an assortment of B-Town actors will be battling it out on Farah Khan’s show Lip Sing Battle.
Amitabh Bachchan with his deep baritone voice and inimitable hosting style is already drawing the viewers to his game show Kaun Banega Crorepati, which is back for its ninth season and has dethroned the Rohit Shetty hosted Khatron Ke Khiladi as the numero uno last week, while Sonakshi Sinha is judging a devotional music show Om Shanti Om.
These stars, however, come at a hefty price. They charge anything between Rs 1 crore to Rs 6 crore for one episode! And, yet, channels go all out to rope in the biggest stars for their non-fiction shows because their mere presence elevates the brand value of the show. And if the combination clicks, then there is no looking back. Salman has been hosting Bigg Boss for seven seasons now, Bachchan is the face of KBC since the beginning except for one season where Shah Rukh had taken over. And it goes without saying that with every season, the remuneration has increased. Here, we take a look at the money these stars are pocketing for lending their names to shows.
Salman Khan
Show: Bigg Boss 11
Paycheck: Rs 11 crores per day (two episodes)
The superstar has hosted seven consecutive seasons — he started with the fourth season of the controversial reality show that has so far aired a total of 10. The promos of the 11th season with Salman have already raised curiosity on what it will entail for its fans. Meanwhile, we hear, Dabangg Khan, who earned nine crores per day for two episodes in the last season will take home Rs 11 crores this time. He shoots only once a week, every Saturday in which the makers record two episodes. His irreverent style of hosting, wry sense of humour and banter with the contestants, even when he pulls them up in case of wrongdoing, have endeared him to the viewers. No wonder, the channel refuses to let him go, despite the huge remuneration. It’s a different thing that every year, there are murmurs of him not doing the show and another actor replacing him, but Salman remains the big boss!
Shah Rukh Khan
Show: TED Talks India: Nayi Soch
Paycheck: Rs 30 crores for 10 episodes
King Khan returns to television with the Indian version of the international format Ted Talks as the host. A source says that Shah Rukh was the first and last choice to host the show. Says a source, “The original makers of the show were clear that they wanted only SRK to host the show. Not only that, he is the only Indian film actor to have delivered a TED Talk when he flew to Vancouver early this year. His motivational speech was heartwarming, inspiring and peppered with a dash of humour. Who better than him to curate the show here?” Needless to say, the channel was ready to dole out whatever the superstar demanded. Also, it will be a niche show, informative and motivational unlike the other reality shows and will have limited episodes.
Amitabh Bachchan
Show: Kaun Banega Crorepati 9
Paycheck: Rs 2.75 to Rs 3 crore per episode
He was the first A-list actor to host a TV show, KBC, back in 2000. The show revolutionised television viewing, and Bachchan’s charisma and warm banter with the contestants made it a winner. Even in its ninth season, it’s Bachchan’s unbeatable energy and enthusiasm that continue to be the highlight of the show and it’s not surprising that Big B charges around Rs 3 crore for it. Earlier, the millenium star would get Rs 2 crore, but now that the show is back after three years, the fees have increased.
Akshay Kumar
Show: The Great Indian Laughter Challenge 5
Paycheck: Rs 1.65 crore per episode
The Khiladi returns to TV after three years with this comedy show and the busy actor will be shooting eight hours a day, once a week. Says a source, “The makers wanted a big name from Bollywood to judge the show and among the A-list actors he is the only one with several comedy films to his credit. So, he is apt for the show.” The superstar has so far hosted an action-adventure show, Khatron Ke Khiladi, a cookery show, MasterChef India and a dance adventure show Dare 2 Dance. On TV, this is his first stint with comedy, and the channel is counting on this entertainer for eyeballs.
Sonakshi Sinha
Show: Om Shanti Om
Paycheck: Rs 75 lakhs-Rs 1 crore
She made her TV debut as the judge of Indian Idol Junior. She was next seen on the panel of Nach Baliye 8 and now the actress is judging a bhajan reality show. Says a source, “It was when she was approached for Nach Baliye that the makers had spoken to her about this bhajan show. It was to be aired on the revamped Life OK channel and at that time only, she had agreed.” Considering her last few releases haven’t fared well at the box office, Sona has found the best way to be in the limelight as well as make money.
Ranveer Singh
Show: Om Shanti Om
Paycheck: Rs 2 crore for a day
No, he is not hosting or judging the show, he was only the sutradhar in the opening two episodes. This, however, was his first show and the makers had no issues with his huge remuneration as they were banking on him to pull in the audiences.
Shilpa Shetty Kundra
Show: Super Dancer 2
Paycheck: Rs 50 lakhs per episode
This Bollywood actress is a veteran when it comes to TV. From judging to hosting to being a contestant, Shilpa has done it all. She was on the panel of several shows including Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, Nach Baliye — she even hosted Bigg Boss 2, and later participated as a contestant on Celebrity Big Brother. Shilpa, who judged Super Dancer last year, is back as part of the jury in the second season. The glam diva is sought-after on the small screen and makes the most of it.
It is the writer who makes the film a hit, not an actor-Akshay Kumar
8:01 AM
Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; September 15, 2017)
There’s been a lot of speculation about who is essaying the role of mathematician Anand Kumar in a biopic on him. Earlier, Hrithik Roshan was slated to do it, but he has opted out and reports suggest Akshay Kumar is doing it. However, the Khiladi denies it saying, “So far I haven’t been approached for it; I have no idea.”
Action again?
The actor, who is almost done with the shoot of Padman, will soon be revisiting his action avatar after Brothers. He will be getting into the fighting mode with a film based on the Battle of Saragarhi. Tell him that Ajay Devgn also is planning a film on the same subject and he says, “I have no idea who is doing what, all I know is that I will start shooting for this yet-to-be-titled film in December.”
‘It’s about the connect’
Akshay’s last few releases like Jolly LLB 2 and Toilet - Ek Prem Katha were based in small-towns with him playing characters from the heartland and they turned out to be big hits. Even his next film Pad Man will see him playing a small-town guy, who invented the low-cost, sanitary pad-making machine. When asked if he is choosing small-town films and heartland characters because they have a bigger connect with the audience, he says, “It is not about the connect, it is about the story. There have been so many heartland films that haven’t connected. A film like Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, which wasn’t a heartland film, connected with the audience. It doesn’t matter where the film is based — Bihar or Brazil — the story has to connect. I have been lucky in the sense that the last four-five films have connected and I got good stories. The most important aspect is the writer. They (the writers) are the main people, who make the film a hit, not an actor. The director and actor come in later on. But it is your writer, his screenplay, the script that makes the actor a big actor, it is not because his acting is good. Pehle ye toh bata tu acting karega kis pe? For me, that is the number one priority. Then comes who is directing it, who is producing it, who is the co-star, etc. What is important is whether the story has touched me, and if it has, I do it,” says the actor.
Laugh out loud
Unlike most actors who have just one or two releases a year, Akshay has multiple releases as he shoots for several films through the year. This year, he has also made time for a TV show. He will be seen as the super judge on The Great Indian Laughter Challenge. Ask him how he manages it and he says, “When it comes to films, I am a producer’s actor and don’t want to waste their time and money. I try to be on time always for shoots hence they happen fast. As for this show, I find it relaxing. I get to sit down quietly and watch people coming from different places like Bihar, Odisha, and Bengaluru with the mindset to make you laugh. It’s the most difficult genre. To make someone cry is easy — Ek dukhbhari kahaani bol di. This is challenging and I find myself laughing all the time when I am on the sets.”
Genre, no bar
Interestingly, unlike Salman Khan who is associated with Bigg Boss and Amitabh Bachchan, who is the face of Kaun Banega Crorepati, Akshay has not remained with any one show for long. He started as the host of Khatron Ke Khiladi, then did Masterchef followed by Dare To Dance. And now it’s comedy for him. “Yes, I have never been associated with any kind of genre. I don’t want to be stuck with a certain image. This has happened to me in the past. Early in my career I used to do so much action that I got stuck with that image and nobody would cast me in a different film. That time I learnt my lesson, never to cast myself in one image. So I started doing films in different genres and that’s how I want it to be on TV, too,” reasons Akshay.
Shah Rukh Khan’s TV show pushed ahead from October to mid-November or December?
7:59 AM
Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; September 14, 2017)
Shah Rukh Khan’s TV comeback show, Ted Talks — India, was to launch in October during Diwali, but now we hear, it has been pushed ahead. The Indian version of the international show, to be hosted by SRK, will go on air either in mid-November or even
December. According to sources, the channel has invested hugely in the show and a lot of post-production work needs to be done. Also, right now, they have two celebrity-studded shows coming up — Akshay Kumar’s The Great Indian Laughter Challenge, on which he is the super judge and the other is Farah Khan’s show Lip Sing Battle. Both the shows will be aired on weekends (Saturdays and Sundays).
Says a source, “Shah Rukh’s show is also slated for weekends, and they want a very good slot for it — either in the morning or evening. They are looking at building it up like Aamir Khan’s Satyamev Jayate, as Ted Talks is also very informative. They want to open it in a big way. Even SRK is not in a rush. His last few releases haven’t fared very well at the box office and he is very particular about his comeback show. So, they have decided to wait it out and take a call on it later.”
Interestingly, last month Shah Rukh and Akshay were all set to clash on the big screen with their films Jab Harry Met Sejal and Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, respectively. Both movies were to release on August 11, but at the last minute, SRK shifted his date and released the film on August 4, instead. However, this time around it’s not Akshay who has caused the shift.
Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan reunite after nine years for The Great Indian Laughter Challenge
8:36 AM
Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan have joined forces to pack a punch on a show
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 12, 2017)
After working together in around eight films between 1994 and 2008, Main Khiladi Tu Anari and Tashan being the most notable of the lot, Saif Ali Khan is reuniting with Akshay Kumar on the latter’s upcoming comedy show, The Great Indian Laughter Challenge. Akshay, who plays the super boss on the show along with mentors, comedians Mallika Dua, Zakir Khan and writer-actor Hussain Dalal, will welcome Saif as a star guest in the first episode.
A source associated with the show informs Mirror, “Tech rehearsals kick off on Wednesday while the episode featuring the duo will be shot on Thursday. The idea is to recreate fun moments from their films, especially the 1990s potboilers. They are expected to shake a leg to the title track of Main Khiladi Tu Anari and share anecdotes from other films.”
Akshay and Saif were last seen together on screen in the end credits song of Bombay Talkies, back in 2013 an anthology of four short films by Zoya Akhtar, Karan Johar, Anurag Kashyap and Dibakar Banerjee.
After working together in around eight films between 1994 and 2008, Main Khiladi Tu Anari and Tashan being the most notable of the lot, Saif Ali Khan is reuniting with Akshay Kumar on the latter’s upcoming comedy show, The Great Indian Laughter Challenge. Akshay, who plays the super boss on the show along with mentors, comedians Mallika Dua, Zakir Khan and writer-actor Hussain Dalal, will welcome Saif as a star guest in the first episode.
A source associated with the show informs Mirror, “Tech rehearsals kick off on Wednesday while the episode featuring the duo will be shot on Thursday. The idea is to recreate fun moments from their films, especially the 1990s potboilers. They are expected to shake a leg to the title track of Main Khiladi Tu Anari and share anecdotes from other films.”
Akshay and Saif were last seen together on screen in the end credits song of Bombay Talkies, back in 2013 an anthology of four short films by Zoya Akhtar, Karan Johar, Anurag Kashyap and Dibakar Banerjee.
Comedian Sunil Pal lashes out at All India Bakchod
7:56 AM
Subhash K Jha (DNA; September 9, 2017)
Sunil Pal is on a warpath against stand up comics. He disparagingly calls them ‘YouTube comedians’ and considers it the denigration of comedy. His main target is the group of outspoken AIB people, who he feels would be the main beneficiary of the closure of The Kapil Sharma Show.
Says Sunil emotionally, “For what Kapil did to stand-up comedy and comedy as a genre in India, I am a fan. Not a word of vulgarity could escape Kapil’s lips. He made entire families come together for laughter. And now because his show is in trouble, guess who is the happiest? The YouTube comedians who will now bring their filth to Indian television.”
Sunil Pal was horrified when he received a call inviting him for The Great Indian Laughter Challenge. “I was told that members of the All India Bakchod would be the judges on the show, and would I be interested in performing. Then they asked me about my experience. Can you imagine? They don’t know that I’ve been doing stand-up comedy for decades now! Do I want to be a part of shows on television being taken over by YouTube comedians whose names families can’t say, let alone watch together?”
Sunil lashes out at AIB’s infamous roast (AIB Knockout) where Karan Johar, Ranveer Singh, Arjun Kapoor and a host of top Bollywood names had participated. “Their antics on stage that evening would never be forgotten. They ‘roasted’ stand-up comedy that evening. I’ve nothing against homosexuals or any other community of people. But when you go on stage and indulge in cheap lines and action you bring down the name of your community.”
Lashing out at Karan Johar, Sunil says, “Why doesn’t he promote good clean comedy instead of associating with YouTube comedians like AIB who represent maybe 10 per cent of the youth who talk in English and do their comic act in English, so they represent the so-called elite.”
Not that Sunil has any problem with English-speaking elitist comedy. “But why do they have to indulge in so much vulgarity? Do your comedy in English by all means. But why can’t you keep it clean like Charlie Chaplin or Mr Bean?”
Akshay Kumar takes a pregnant pause for The Great Indian Laughter Challenge
8:12 AM
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 2, 2017)
After spreading awareness about open defecation with his last release, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, Akshay Kumar takes on a genderbending challenge with his stint as the super boss on the comedy show The Great Indian Laughter Challenge.
The 49-year-old actor will be seen rocking a baby bump in the upcoming promos of the show. “I immediately gave the nod to the show because of my love for the genre and had no qualms in being called the first ‘pregnant man’. The show is returning with a fifth season after nine years and I am all set to ‘deliver’ the next generation of comedy superstars,” Akshay said.
Scheduled to be launched by the end of this month, The Great Indian Laughter Challenge features popular comedians Zakir Khan, Mallika Dua and Hussain Dalal as mentors.
Mirror had earlier reported about Akshay, who was last seen on TV as the host of the action-reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi in 2011, is taking an active interest in his telly comeback and had even commissioned a workshop (August 23) for the show’s three mentors.
Akshay Kumar commissions workshops for Mallika Dua, Zakir Khan, Hussain Dalal for upcoming TV show
7:31 AM
Akshay Kumar, who was last seen on TV as the host of the action-reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi in 2011, is set to return with The Great Indian Laughter Challenge. And while work on the comedy show doesn’t kick off before the month-end, Akki, who is currently shooting for the Reema Kagti’s sports-drama Gold in London, is taking an active interest in its run-up. At his behest, internet sensations Zakir Khan and Mallika Dua, and actor-writer Hussain Dalal, who serve as mentors, are undergoing training with Akshay keeping tabs as he wants everything to be perfect.
“Yes, we are taking workshops being conducted by theatre experts, which is great for me as I come from a stage background as well,” Mallika told Mirror.“We’ve had two sessions so far, one of which was conducted on a one-on-one basis.”
According to the comedienne, who’s raked up over three lakh followers on Instagram alone with caricatures and sketches, the trio brainstorms their roles as judges-to-be, and how they will mentor contestants in the workshops. “At the end of the day, it’s about making them better, not about criticising and/ or evaluating.”
Zakir Khan, Hussain Dalal roped in for Akshay Kumar's comedy show
7:38 AM
The actor’s comedy show, which airs from September, has roped in stand-up comedians Zakir Khan and Hussain Dalal
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 14, 2017)
Mirror (July 3) had earlier reported that Akshay Kumar is all set to play super judge on The Great Indian Laughter Challenge which goes on air towards the end of September.
The actor had long, detailed
discussions with the channel before flying off to the UK to shoot for
Reema Kagti’s sports drama Gold.Now, Mirror has learnt that two of the three mentors for the show have been finalised. These include popular stand-up comedians Zakir Khan and Hussain Dalal. The channel is still scouting for a third mentor, who will be a woman.
Confirming the news, Zakir said, “Yes, I’m onboard as mentor. It was a huge challenge for me to transform comedy, which was a passion, into a full-time profession. This show offers comics a platform to create their own identity through their content.”
He admitted that it would
not be easy churning out fresh content so quickly. “Comedy involves two
things —punchline and presentation. Even a mediocre joke can be
hilarious depending on how you tell it. We are looking for comedians who
can make people laugh not only while the joke is being told but even a
couple of hours later where you remember it,” he informed.Hussain Dalal, who has written the dialogues for films like Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and 2 States added that in a country like India humour is everywhere.
But, he rues, over the last few years, we have been more impressed by the west. “Comedy has become a rich man’s sport. It’s all about going to the bar and with a half-drunk audience listening to demeaning jokes about India in English,” he grouses. “We aim to change that with this show and are looking for talent who can talk about real Indian problems and still be funny.”
The comedy show will replace Remo D’Souza’s Dance Plus 3, on Star Plus, in a weekend slot as its format is somewhat similar to the talent hunt show which is on air currently. Akshay being the judge will have the final say on who goes ahead in the competition.
Akshay Kumar's comedy show The Great Indian Laughter Challenge to go on air September-end?
8:08 AM
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 3, 2017)
Akshay Kumar had been busy
wrapping up a schedule of R Balki's Pad Man, the inspiring story of
Arunachalam Muruga
nantham, a social entrepreneur from Coimbatore who invented a low-cost
sanitary pad-making machine, jumping into the promotions of his upcoming
Independence Day satirical-comedy,
Toilet - Ek Prem Katha, before he kicked off Reema Kagti's sports-drama
Gold in Bradford on Saturday. Now, Mirror has learnt that the actor was
also simultaneously prepping for his television show, The Great Indian
Laughter Challenge, which goes on air by September-end.
The 48-year-old actor, who plays the super judge, had long and detailed discussions with the channel before flying off to the UK. “Once Akshay is done with the international shoot of Gold, his comedy show will replace Remo D'Souza's Dance Plus 3 on Star Plus as its format is somewhat similar to the talent hunt show which is on air currently. Besides Akshay it has three popular comedians playing mentors to the contestants but he will have the final say on who goes ahead in the competition. Discussions are on with leading comedians who will play mentors but no names have been finalised yet,“ informs a source close to the development.
The 48-year-old actor, who plays the super judge, had long and detailed discussions with the channel before flying off to the UK. “Once Akshay is done with the international shoot of Gold, his comedy show will replace Remo D'Souza's Dance Plus 3 on Star Plus as its format is somewhat similar to the talent hunt show which is on air currently. Besides Akshay it has three popular comedians playing mentors to the contestants but he will have the final say on who goes ahead in the competition. Discussions are on with leading comedians who will play mentors but no names have been finalised yet,“ informs a source close to the development.
Akshay Kumar to judge upcoming edition of The Great Indian Laughter Challenge?
7:56 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; May 27, 2017)
A part from his high octane
action sequences, Akshay Kumar is also known for his comic timing. And
the small screen audience will get a taste of his funny side soon. After
hosting the first two seasons of Khatron Ke Khiladi (2008, 2009) and the
dance reality show Dare 2 Dance (2014), Khiladi Kumar will soon return
to the small screen with the upcoming edition of the stand-up comedy
show, The Great Indian Laughter Challenge. Informs a source associated
with the project, “Akshay will be the main judge and he will be called
Super Boss on the show.“
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