Showing posts with label The Test Case. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Test Case. Show all posts
A girl told me she was quitting her job to join the Army as my role in The Test Case inspired her so much-Nimrat Kaur
8:15 AM
Nimrat Kaur, who played a lone woman among a group of male Army officers in The Test Case, talks about the increasing representation of women in the armed forces and how gender is irrelevant when it comes to serving the nation
Niharika Lal (BOMBAY TIMES; March 10, 2023)
The 2017 web series The Test Case features Nimrat Kaur as the only woman among a group of Army officers training to join the Special Forces – making her the “test case” for women in combat roles. Since the show released, the representation of women in armed forces has seen a huge leap. As part of our Women’s Day series, Nimrat, who comes from an Army background, tells us about how she prepped for the role and why gender shouldn’t be a deal-breaker for wanting to serve your country.
Nimrat says that the biggest gift of having done The Test Case is that till now, every time she goes through airport security, she receives a lot of positive comments from women uniformed personnel. She says, “So many female CISF officers have told me how they relate to my character and how Captain Shikha Sharma inspires them. I feel women in uniform will resonate with that part. No matter which force they belong to, they all face similar challenges. I met a girl at an airport who told me that she was quitting her job to join the Army because my role inspired her so much. That is a gift that will last for a long time. If there is even a 1% part that I played in furthering possibilities and dreams (of girls joining the Army), I think I am on the right path in life. ”
‘I WAS SO ATTACHED TO THAT CHARACTER THAT I KEPT MY UNIFORM’
Nimrat says that she connected with the series for many reasons. “I got to play an Army officer and wear the uniform because of The Test Case. Through this series, I visited a lot of places physically and emotionally. I am not sure whether I will play an Army officer again, but this will remain very close to my heart. Always. I was so attached to that character that I kept my uniform from the show. That was the only time I kept an entire costume because it was beyond work for me for many reasons,” she says.
Nimrat shares that the show was a way for her to revisit childhood. She says, “I have been so far from the Army life and uniform (in movie roles), although the Army life is second nature to me. On the set, I would keep saying that this is what happens in the Army and this is what we can do.”
Nimrat, whose father served in the Army, says she has always been fascinated with the uniform. “I used to watch my father donning the uniform, and that is one of my most treasured memories. Wearing that uniform for this show was almost too good to be true,” she says.
ACCOMMODATION SHOULD BE MADE SO MORE WOMEN ARE PART OF THE FORCES
When asked if she feels if the Army has been slow to accept women officers, Nimrat says, “I don’t think one can fault the system because it is perceivably a more masculine job to be in the Army. You can’t fault the system for the way it is, but I feel like accommodation should be made, which are being made, so that more women become part of the forces.”
She adds, “The one dialogue from the show (The Test Case) that stayed with me is that ‘I have as much right to die for my country as any other man’. That, for me, was the crux of the story. It is not about trying to be a man, it is that I should have the option, if I choose, as a girl to do for my country what a man is allowed to do. There should be no bias. Decisions should be made on the basis of merit, physical capacity and other parameters, that is fair. But a girl should have the option to serve her country.”
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Last week, the Indian Army’s official social media account posted a training video of officers from Special Forces and what caught people’s attention was that there was a woman officer training with her male colleagues. The officer in question is Captain Deeksha C Mudadevannanavar, a regimental medical officer (RMO) with the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) unit, who has been training with the unit for four months. In her recent interviews, Captain Deeksha has said that everyone treats her like they would treat any other officer.
Capt Deeksha’s pictures and videos caught the attention of Nimrat Kaur, who played the role of a Captain training with Special Forces in The Test Case. “It reminded me of the show, as in our series too, Captain Shikha Sharma is training with the Special Forces, which is the most difficult training,” says Nimrat.
I have never understood the stereotype that ‘women have to be like men in a man’s world’-Samar Khan
8:12 AM
The Test Case creator Samar Khan says that through the show he wanted to address and break the stereotypes about women in uniform without undermining the Army
Niharika Lal (BOMBAY TIMES; March 10, 2023)
Samar Khan, producer and writer of The Test Case (2017), says that he never understood the logic behind the argument that women need to be like men and behave like them to be in the uniformed forces. The writer says that through this series he wanted to address those stereotypes and explain that patriotism is gender neutral.
‘NO, WOMEN DON’T HAVE TO BE LIKE MEN IN A MAN’S WORLD. WOMEN HAVE TO BE WOMEN’
Samar says, “I was in the National Defence Academy (NDA) for three years and I have a lot of friends who joined the Army. We also used to have the debate — Should women be allowed to join the Army? Is it logical? Army is pretty much the last male bastion. Through this series, I wanted to ask — what if something like that happens? The idea of The Test Case was that if a woman faces any kind of hardship or pushback in the male world, will she use the woman card. And our protagonist doesn’t use the woman card. I wanted to convey through the series that she will handle the situation in a gender-neutral manner. The point I wanted to address was that problems in the workplace need to be addressed from a gender agnostic point of view.”
Samar adds that the Army and uniformed forces are so male dominated that everything is from the point of view of men. He says, “We have slogans like ‘we make men out of boys’. It is not their fault either, because till now everything has been about men. The show’s dialogues were primarily written to address the stereotypes that men have about a woman in uniform. I have never understood the stereotype that ‘women have to be like men in a man’s world’. No, women don’t have to be like men. Women have to be women. We had a whole team that worked to address and break these stereotypes through the show. There was one dialogue which caught the spirit of the show — Deshbhakti gender dekh ke nahi aati. You can be patriotic irrespective of whether you are a man or a woman.”
‘FOR THE TEST CASE, I WANTED SOMEONE WHO UNDERSTANDS THE ETHOS OF THE ARMY’
Nimrat Kaur received a lot of praise for her performance in the show. Samar shares that Nimratwas his first and only choice for this role. “I knew that Nimrat’s dad was in the Army and he was a serving officer when he passed away. For this role, I wanted somebody who would understand the ethos of the Army. She worked really hard for it, and spent almost six months to get ready. I would say that for her it was almost like a tribute to her father.”
The writer adds that the audience sees too many male characters in shows and films about the armed forces, and with this show, he wanted to break the mould. “Cinema is a powerful influencer. By showcasing more women officers in the armed forces, there is a possibility that a girl sitting in a small town might watch it and say, ‘I also want to wear the uniform and live that life’.”
Samar says even though when his shows questions some issues, he is extremely mindful to be respectful toward the Army. He says, “More than anything I don’t want to ever let down my friends in the Army. For me, it is important that the Army is portrayed in the right way because most of us do not understand the kind of hardships they go through and the life they lead. I don’t think we have to sugarcoat things (while making shows) but we have to be respectful.”
THE TEST CASE BEGAN A CONVERSATION
The Test Case got good feedback from Army officers and Samar believes that this was possible only because the show didn’t undermine the Army. He says, “We have not undermined the uniform. If there is a problem with an individual within an organization then the organization is strong enough to take action against that person. The Army doesn’t let any bad apples remain there and they take action. In The Test Case also, I have shown that the Army is not an organization that will tolerate any discrimination or behaviour that paints its soldiers in a negative light – be it a man or a woman.”
Samar adds, “Today we are seeing women being given more command roles. I don’t think I have done anything great but I think I can still take a little bit of credit and say ‘Look, we have shown you this six years ago.’ Today, the Army has taken a stand that there will be women in the NDA. These changes are small steps in the right direction.”
When I think of myself as a daughter of a martyr, I feel very proud-Nimrat Kaur
7:54 AM
Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; August 15, 2021)
When Nimrat Kaur tweeted, “The warmest, most valiant, virtuous man, who’s short but large life continues to be a marvel... Late Maj. Bhupender Singh, my handsome, brave father of this lifetime and many before journeyed on 25 years ago today. Your light lives on. Until we meet again Papa..somewhere, sometime,” in remembrance of her father, back in 2019, it spoke volumes about the vacuum that the absence of a loved one creates, especially in the families of martyrs who feel a sense of loss and pride in the same breath. Nimrat’s father was assassinated in Kashmir seven days after he was kidnapped from his place of duty. It was 1994, and her father was 44 years old at that time. Nimrat was on a vacation with her family in Kashmir to visit her father when the incident occured.
Remembering her father with a deep sense of pride, Nimrat told Bombay Times, “I have had a first-person experience of my father being in the Army and losing his life in the line of duty. When you talk about people from the armed forces, you should know that these are the people who will do absolutely anything, including putting their lives on the line if it comes to it, to honour the responsibility of the uniform. They will do everything to protect the country from any and every danger. The Army is a unit that erases all cultural and religious differences. There’s nothing that keeps the men from standing united with one another. I just find all this so incredible.”
Nimrat added, “When I think of myself as someone who comes from that background and a daughter of a martyr, I feel very proud. I also feel a sense of pride to see Subedar Neeraj Chopra from 4 Rajputana Rifles regiment. His feat has made his family and all of us in India just as proud.”
Interestingly, Nimrat featured in the web series, The Test Case, where the protagonist (played by her) trained to be the first test case in a combat role in the Indian army. As a proud daughter of a soldier who laid his life for the nation, in what way does she feel the young generation can show their love and patriotism towards the country? “What we can do at all times is to respect the lives we have, do what we can to give back to society and be responsible, be cognisant of those who can’t look after themselves and be conscientious, and not enable or do anything wrong. If we try to be the best versions of ourselves, we are doing the greatest service to the families of the jawans and to the army officers who don’t see their families for months and years because of where they are posted and the circumstances they live in. We have to be respectful and grateful for the lives we have and the privileges it grants us. The last two years have taught us a lot; as humans, we tend to return to our humdrum and we forget what it was to swim against the tide. That’s the thing we need to avoid,” said the actress.
My gaps in work are unintentional-Nimrat Kaur
8:08 AM
Returning to Hindi cinema after five years with Dasvi, Nimrat Kaur on being unfazed about losing films as she juggles international and Bollywood career
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; February 27, 2021)
With Dasvi that also stars Abhishek Bachchan and Yami Gautam, Nimrat Kaur returns to a Hindi movie set after five years. It’s a shame we don’t see the actor — a delight on screen - in Hindi cinema more often. “I didn’t realise it’s been five years. Time just flew by. After Airlift [2016], I did two international series and one here. It’s been a while since I faced a camera for a movie,” says Kaur.
When we last spoke to her, she was filming Homeland in Casablanca. The actor shone in the final season of the Emmy Award-winning show as Pakistani agent Tasneem Qureshi. Have her standards been set high after the Claire Danes-led series, making her picky about roles? “My gaps in work are unintentional. Sometimes, projects take far too long to come together. Shooting a long-format series like Homeland was a year-long assignment, from February to October 2019. The Test Case was also a long-term project. The stop-gap arrangement is fast getting rectified by the sheer velocity of work. I am not picky, but experimental. The Test Case was an experiment; I did it when web shows weren’t booming [in India]. The desire is to be versatile.”
But with flourishing careers in two industries, she is bound to miss out on work due to date clashes. The actor isn’t perturbed as she says, “I operate from a place of gratitude. As I start Dasvi, I am not wondering what I will lose out on in the US. I am engaging in conversations with suits [of production houses] abroad. As an artiste, I am privileged that I can do diverse work and cater to different sets of audiences. Eventually, if I miss a project, I believe there’s a greater plan.”
While Agent Qureshi’s story reached its resolution in Homeland, one would have assumed that Kaur would reprise her role as Captain Shikha Sharma in the second season of The Test Case. She clarifies, “My journey ended with the first season. I have nothing more to do in that show than what I have offered.”
After Salim-Javed, how many writers does the general public know of?-Nagesh Kukunoor
7:48 AM
Having helmed City Of Dreams, Nagesh Kukunoor on how Indian shows need to take giant strides to match global content
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; May 7, 2019)
There's no mincing words when it comes to Nagesh Kukunoor. During our 25-minute chat, he displays his forthrightness as he argues that a film director is not necessarily the best choice to helm a web series. Or that Mumbai can hardly be a filmmaker's muse. Close on the heels of his show City Of Dreams dropping online, we catch up with Kukunoor to talk about films, web series and everything in between. Edited Excerpts From The Interview:
After a false start with The Test Case, you are ready for your web debut.
I have been wanting to tackle this format for about 15 years. I have been a huge fan of the original HBO shows before Netflix and Amazon took over. When OTT exploded in India, I attempted directing with The Test Case; that was not a satisfactory process. Thankfully, I re-connected with Sameer Nair [co-producer] for this show. It took me from August to October 2017 to finish [writing] it. Post that, I alternated between scripting with Rohit Banawlikar, directing alternate episodes, editing and producing. I wanted to explore every aspect of this format instead of sitting with a random credit of showrunner, which is the new catchphrase now.
What was your vision for City Of Dreams?
In my career so far, I have not written a single story based in Mumbai, or shot here. Visually, it is an unappealing city. The only kind of story that Mumbai lends itself well to is the gritty stuff, which is what everyone, including myself, has been doing. Rohit came up with the idea of writing something that is set in this city. It's a political drama that deals with different strata of society.
Is there a reason behind casting Marathi actors for a Hindi show?
The show is about a Marathi political family in Mumbai. The initial idea was to rope in Hindi actors. But as the discussions progressed, I felt that [Marathi actors] would lend authenticity [by way of] their pronunciation or occasional use of a Marathi phrase. For instance, there is a Muslim cop called Wasim Khan, played by Eijaz Khan. So when he does Salaam waalekum, it is perfect. Hats off to Applause [Entertainment, producer] for supporting me on this decision! Now, I want to trade all my
actors for Marathi artistes - they are disciplined and come to the set prepared.
Compared to international series, where do you think Indian shows lack?
We aren't doing well [in comparison to the West] and it stems from the writing. I don't think the calibre of directors in this country is any less than anywhere else. But we are hampered by the fact that the writing on offer is mediocre to terrible. [So, as a director] there is only so much you can do on set. Sacred Games stands out in that regard.
Do you think writers in India get their due?
They are truly the ignored lot; they have been treated like second-and-third-rate citizens in television. Thankfully, Netflix and Amazon are shelling out enough money for scriptwriters. But there has never been a pool of good writers in India. After Salim-Javed, how many writers does the general public know of? We need to get more writers and need to pay them more. I see that thought gaining ground slowly.
Homeland 8: Nimrat Kaur is waiting for the hatred to return
8:17 AM
Deepali Singh (DNA; February 7, 2019)
A couple of days ago, Nimrat Kaur tweeted, ‘Mean never tasted sohhh gooooood. Statutory warning: Strap up. It ain’t for the faint-hearted...’ She was referring to her role in the award-winning American TV show Homeland. The Lunchbox actress had played ISI officer Tasneem Qureshi in the fourth season of the spy thriller in 2014 and now, she is gearing up to reprise her role in its eighth and final instalment.
From her tweet, we gather that she had quite a blast shooting for it the first time around and can’t wait to sink her teeth into it once more. “Oh, yes, I loved it! In fact, I loved it so much that I didn’t even have to think twice before saying yes to coming back,” says the 36-year-old, about playing the antagonist. The other thing that’s got her excited is the fact that it’s being shot in Casablanca, Morocco, this time. “It’s my first visit to Morocco. I know that Spain is just a boat ride away and I’m waiting to explore all those areas!” she laughs. Nimrat will be travelling back and forth to Mumbai for work and other commitments, but before that, she gives us a lowdown on being back on the espionage series...
Being asked to return for the final season of Homeland is a compliment in itself, but what’s the most special compliment you have received for your role till date?
My favourite one always has been that ‘We loved to hate you’. I have never quite got over that because that’s something I have never heard for any other part that I’ve played. People keep saying that Tasneem is so badass and that while she looks angelic, she is actually so devious and devilish. I got a lot of appreciation for playing such a strong girl in a man’s world and taking tough decisions in a place where you would normally not see women in that position of authority.
What’s going on in your mind as the final season unfolds for you?
The journey will be unpredictable. As I go forward, I will understand how the script unfolds and see what they are going to do with the character. I know it’s going to be an emotional journey for the cast and the crew because they have been on it for such a long time. They will put their best foot forward because the world will be watching. Even people who trail off usually come back to watch the last season of something which has been so successful.
You have acted in three series — Homeland, Wayward Pines and The Test Case. Are there more offers coming your way and would you like to explore them?
I’m only looking forward to The Test Case 2. It’s being written as we speak. There are some exciting propositions that are around, but nothing that I want to take on.
What about Bollywood? Your last filmi outing was in 2016 with Airlift...
I know! I want to correct that soon enough. I really want to get on with something exciting. God willing, I will be able to find a nice story and do something fun this year. There were many interesting scripts that came my way, but things didn’t fall into place. I’m really hoping things work out in a more rapid and dynamic way this year.
We have to respect cultures when we go to peoples' homes-Ekta Kapoor
7:58 AM
Television Czarina Ekta Kapoor backs her apparently frivolous TV offerings as she discusses disparity in content across platforms
Sonia Lulla (MID-DAY; December 10, 2017)
For several years, Ekta Kapoor dismissed accusations of adding to the depleting pool of content on television with a, "Don't like it, don't watch it." Yet, chatter about the offerings on her digital platform being superior to the apparent inanity on TV is testimony to her creative genius. Soon after the release of Bose: Dead Or Alive, which dips into the subject of the freedom fighter's life after his speculated death, Kapoor talks about the lessons she's learnt that fuel the decision for segregated content. What comes to the fore is her unparalleled business prowess. Excerpts from the conversation:
Subhas Chandra Bose is the first public figure on whose life you've decided to make a web series. What about his story inspired you?
I came across news pieces which spoke about these strongly suggested spottings of Bose. There were conspiracies about the crash that apparently killed him. So, I started to Google him. And, each time I read something, I was pushed onto another link. Every link introduces you to another conspiracy. So, I hope this show makes you think and realise that if Bose were alive after his speculated death, what could have happened. If he chose to stay in hiding, why was that?
Bose's daughter, Anita had alluded that it was time people stopped bringing up the possibility of Bose surviving the crash. Did you interact with her as part of the preparations or to seek permissions?
We did not take any permissions from Bose's family. He's a national figure and we haven't spoken about any personal issues that weren't documented. As far as I'm concerned, if you are highlighting a political figure's life, you have to be fearless. You can't worry about who will be offended and who won't. I don't care. This is the simple belief of my life. When I read that Bose met Hitler, I was shocked. I wondered, what was he thinking? He was allowing himself to look bad [before the people of India]. That is unlike what politicians do. The man didn't care how he looked. His aim was clear - independence. In today's world, we need someone like him.
There's a very clear distinction in the kind of content you create for each medium.
Honestly, the first time I made LSD [Love Sex Aur Dhokha, 2010], people were shocked that I even knew the word sex. They thought I was someone who could only make sanskari shows. They forgot that I was a single girl, living in Bombay. The brand, Balaji Studio, is synonymous with family entertainment. [After LSD came out of this brand] people told me they didn't expect this from me. So, we created two brands that were at odds with each other. We have to respect cultures when we go to peoples' homes. When you watch a TV show, your grandmother, nephews and nieces do so together.
So, you have to watch entertainment that doesn't hurt sentiments. When you're alone, you're a different person. The different content is catered to the distinct personas of people. There's communal viewing [TV]. And then, there's personal viewing, which happens on the mobile phone. When you're home alone, you are making a choice for yourself. Thus, we are catering to different audiences. Even the web audience is so distinct. An urban girl living in Mumbai may enjoy a Test Case. A single man, who is interested in political thrillers, will like Bose. My mom will like Karrle Tu Bhi Mohabbat. A young girl from Bareilly, one who is trying to break away from forced moral rules imposed on her, will like Dev DD.
I remember, I had this TV show called Ajeeb
Daastaan Hai Ye, where a woman, whose husband was horrible to her, had a
mental connection with another man. The audience didn't watch it. I was
so upset. Some women said our husbands don't let us watch it. So, I was
like, okay, we'll give you what you want on your phone. Now let's see
who stops you.
There's constantly a discussion on the depleting quality of content on Indian TV.
TV does a lot to promote acceptable social values. It showcases working girls, who also support families. For me, it's very important that all of my heroines be involved with some or the other NGO [on the show]. None of my girls are unemployed. All of them are working girls. Of course, if it's a drama, they're getting kidnapped and all, but there's always a conversation about work in all my shows. We have taken on social issues too. But, I can't show sex.
Is there any other public figure on whose life you'll make a show?
I had wanted to make one on Gayatri Devi, but it didn't materialise.
There's a lot of discussion around the filming of your next, Kedarnath, in the tough terrains. Did you interact with the unit?
I was there for one day and I don't know how they survived. When I reached, I was in shock. There's no civilization. There are four or five stalls of food, and for several kilometres, there's no civilization. There was no food. Keto [diet] was the most impossible thing to do there (laughs). Gattu [Abhishek Kapoor, director] had five people in his room. The heater would be on for five minutes, and would turn off for 10. We'd take turns to sit near it. It was a noisy one, but that didn't matter then. You can't hear a sound after 8 pm. It was scary. If you need medication, and if the helicopter can't reach, what will you do? The pitthoos [porters] were amazing. They were these guys carrying [huge] people. I don't know why people don't pick this up as human labour? Their agility made me jealous.
While shooting for The Test Case 6 months, I thought India would never get women defence minister-Juhi Chawla
7:53 AM
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; September 7, 2017)
Often restricted to playing girl-next-door roles for the better part of her career, Juhi Chawla is set to display her acting prowess in Ekta Kapoor’s The Test Case. The actor will be seen playing the defence minister in the gritty web series based on the Indian Army. What makes her turn as the minister all the more interesting is the recent appointment of Nirmala Sitharaman as the first full-time defence minister. Sitharaman is the second woman to serve as the defense minister after Indira Gandhi.
When mid-day reached out to Chawla for her reaction, she said, “I can’t believe it has really happened.
It’s a matter of pride for all of us.”
The web series also stars Nimrat Kaur as an Army officer. While Kaur expressed her excitement to play the “unconventional role” in several interviews, Chawla revealed that she was in two minds about her role. “When Nagesh [Kukunoor, former director of the show] approached me, I was excited as I haven’t attempted such a character earlier. But, I was apprehensive too.”
Chawla also revealed how she worried if a woman defence minister would be perceived as “a farfetched idea” by the audience. “I asked Elahe Hiptoola [co-producer] if the audience would take the idea of a woman defense minister on the show seriously. She told me it is futuristic. When I was shooting for it six months back, I thought something like this wouldn’t happen in our country. But, I’m so glad it did.”
Ekta Kapoor revives The Test Case with Nimrat Kaur; Nagesh Kukunoor shown the door?
8:04 AM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; September 2, 2017)
Ekta Kapoor’s ambitious web series, The Test Case, which is based on the Indian Army, failed to enjoy a successful run, with the makers reportedly pulling the plug on the show after one episode. midday had earlier reported that creative differences between director Nagesh Kukunoor and Kapoor had been cited as reason to bring the show to a halt. Now, we hear, the team of The Test Case has decided to resurrect their pet project.
A source says that Kukunoor has been shown the door, with Dangal (2016) assistant director Vinay Waikul being appointed to helm the Nimrat Kaur-starrer. A unit hand adds, “While the city was battling with the deluge on Tuesday, the actors shot for the show. Nimrat, who sustained a leg injury on the set, also continued shooting. A major chunk of the narrative is being re-written and Ekta is being much more involved this time around.”
In an official statement, producer Deepak Dhar, MD & CEO Endemol Shine India, said, “We’re happy that the production of The Test Case is on in full swing. It’s a show that is close to us.”
Calling me TV czarina is overrated and hyped-Ekta Kapoor
7:54 AM
Ekta Kapoor says she is doing what everyone else is doing now and she is not afraid of competition
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; July 2, 2017)
Ekta Kapoor does not like being referred to as TV’s czarina. “It’s overrated and hyped,” she says. “Everyone has a few hits and misses. I am doing what everyone else is doing. Everyone has a few hits and misses.” Ekta is all set to start a new show, Ek Mayavi Prem Gatha Chandrakanta on Colors, in competition with Life OK’s Chandrakanta. We caught up with her last week at her Juhu home. Excerpts from the interview:
Chandrakanta’s trailer was launched last year. What caused the delay in its going on air?
It got delayed because I was in the middle of doing several things at the same time. Chandrakanta requires extensive planning; it’s not like a daily soap. Every scene and episode requires detailing. I was busy with Kavachh, followed by Naagin and then the web shows on ALT Balaji.
It’s not the first time Chandrakanta is on television. Doordarshan, Imagine TV and Life OK have had several versions.
I am not afraid of competition. It forces you to do better. The treatment and the plot have no similarity. We’ve given Chandrakanta a different tweak.
The show’s look seems to be inspired by Baahubali and fantasy fiction movies like Harry Potter.
I have not seen Harry Potter. I am more of a Game Of Thrones fan. As for lead actor Vishal Aditya Singh’s costume in, it is not lifted from Baahubali. The amount of hard work he has put in is commendable. We’ve tried to create a fantasy world of ayaaras and magical creatures.
A mega audition was conducted for the show.
We auditioned several people for the lead roles, but Madhurima Tuli had the height and an innocent face. I wanted a 21-year-old looking girl for the role.
You launched the web show, The Test Case, in April, but aired only one episode.
I have been conducting meetings about it. We ran it with a certain amount of budget. There’s a lot that goes into the making of these shows. There were budget constraints, but it is being worked on. Besides The Test Case, there are about four to five more new shows that will come on the app soon. Wait and watch. In fact, I will be coming up with a love story, which will blow people’s mind, besides other shows.
Kumkum Bhagya is having a spinoff.
Kumkum Bhagya has occupied the top 5 spot on the TRP chart. It’s spinoff is titled Kundali Bhagya. Gul (Khan, of Four Lions Films) has already done it. They have Dil Boley Oberoi, a spinoff of their show Ishaqbaaz. I always wanted to do a spin-off, but they beat me to it. It creates a kind of validation for me. Frankly, I have grown up watching American shows and spin offs of their shows are a big hit. So, why not.”
What are the plans for the plot of Kumkum Bhagya?
Kumkum Bhagya has had at least a dozen kidnapping plots and several more murder plans against Pragya. But the show is still getting great numbers. People in the interiors love the drama. In spite of the trolls, the show is doing well. My job is to deliver numbers and if I am able to that, I have no reason to complain, right?
What’s happening on the film production front?
Lipstick Under My Burkha is releasing soon. It is a film about us. I have been waiting for the movie. Some films you do for money, some for your heart, this is one of those. I have another film in the making, Laila Majnu.
Has life changed now that you are an aunt?
Ever since Tusshar’s baby Laksshya arrived, I can’t wait to get home. Everyone in the house has changed their schedule to match it with the tot. I wrap up things as fast as I can to spend time with the little one.
A month since first episode, fans wonder about The Test Case's fate?
7:48 AM
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; June 7, 2017)
Her shows have ruled our TV screens for over two decades, and her recent foray into the digital space set fans’ expectations skyhigh. With her ALT Balaji app, Ekta Kapoor launched five web series; the sixth show, The Test Case starring Nimrat Kaur, was billed as one of her most ambitious projects. However, after a delayed first episode, the show seems to have hit a wall. Creative differences between Ekta and director Nagesh Kukunoor is to blame, informs an insider.
“The show was supposed to be launched on April 24, but the first episode came out a week late. Now, there is no sign of the next one. They had shot for four episodes almost two months ago, but those have been put on hold. Test Case is one of Ekta’s most experimental works on the app and she was deeply involved with it. Nagesh, however, needed his own space,” explains the source.
The show sees Nimrat plays the role of the Indian Army’s first woman combatant. It also stars Juhi Chawla as the minister of defence, Atul Kulkarni and Rahul Dev as commanders and Kaur’s superiors in the training academy.
A cast member attributes the delay to production issues. “Our show has been shot and the next episodes are ready to be out. There could be some production and logistical issues, but no creative differences as such,” says an actor on condition of anonymity.
The show’s publicist refused to comment. We reached out to Ekta and Nagesh via text message, but neither had responded till the time of going to press.
Both Taapsee Pannu & I are Punjabis. Hence we bonded over food-Bhuvan Arora
3:41 PM
He has consistently done a variety of roles over the years. But Bhuvan Arora has been noticed widely after a powerful performance in Naam Shabana. The Delhi-born actor played Karan (pictured above) responsible for killing Shabana’s boyfriend in the film. In this exclusive interview, Bhuvan speaks about the feedback that he received for his performance, his experiences as a student at Pune’s prestigious Film And Television Institute Of India (FTII) and a lot more! He also shares an interesting anecdote that occurred in 2001 thanks to his ‘iconic’ name!
What kind of reactions have you got post Naam Shabana?
Whenever I have done a film, I always get recognition for it for 3-4 months. But Naam Shabana has been an exception. The reactions have been fantastic and something else. This is the first time I have done a negative role. I went to see the film with my friends and they found me convincing.
How was it working with Taapsee Pannu? The action scene with her before the intermission was one of the highlights of the film.
She is very jovial and we bonded as we both are Punjabis. Hence, we bonded a lot over food. Also, she is quite dedicated and it’s commendable how she put her heart and soul into the film. I have done martial arts before and so for me, it was not that difficult. But she managed to shoot some of the difficult action shots in just one go.
How was it working with Neeraj Pandey who has produced and written the film?
Neeraj Pandey was present on the sets though it was director Shivam Nair who called the shots. But for Neeraj, this film was quite special as it’s a prequel to one of his much loved films, Baby. He told me that he doesn’t want my character to talk a lot and that I should express merely with my eyes. Hence, I’ve hardly spoken any dialogue in the film. Also, he gives some very precise instructions which made my life easier. For instance, he explained to me the difference between being intoxicated and stoned. He told me exactly how to perform when my character takes drugs or is high on alcohol.
Were you always interested in acting? And how was your experience at FTII?
I used to do theatre in school a lot. I was mediocre in studies and hence to skip that, I pursued dramatics. It gave me a lot of popularity which was quite a great feeling. At that time, we used to do nukkad theatre in Delhi. We used to enter Central Park and start performing without permissions. Once cops came to shoo us away. But they enjoyed our play so much that they ended up sitting and watching the entire performance! After the performance, they told us how much they loved the play and praised me more since I had directed the play.
Later a friend told me that I should apply at FTII. I had never heard of it and asked him what it is. He replied that it’s the IIT of film studies! I then enquired whether one can get into by simply paying the fees. To which he said that the process of getting into it is quite rigorous. I filled the form and luckily I got into it. It’s only after getting into FTII that I realized that what it’s actually all about. They taught us the craft of acting and this is something I’ll never forget. Even if you bunk, you’ll end up learning something at the institute.
Tell us something about your upcoming film, Bank Chor.
It’s finally releasing on June 16 and it’s a story about three morons trying to rob a bank. I play one of the morons in the film apart from Riteish Deshmukh and Vikram Thapa. The trailer will be out on May 1.
You are also a part of the web series The Test Case. From the promos, you seem to be playing a negative character who’s not happy with Nimrat Kaur’s character. So after Naam Shabana, once again you are creating obstacles for the lead female character I guess?
Well, not exactly. I play a character who feels that men are superior. He respects women but he feels that women should be protected. He’s not someone who would eve tease a girl. His dad is a General in the army and he’s brought up in a family who believe in male superiority. His grouse with Nimrat Kaur’s character is that she shouldn’t be trying for the Special Forces. Otherwise, he has no problems with her joining the army.
What kind of prep did you undergo for The Test Case?
It was a lot as we had to understand what these jawans go through. We were taught how to hold the gun and how to shoot. Also, the research was massive. What we have seen in films is not even 10% of what all happens during the prep for Special Forces. The jawans are tortured. In the end, they have to undergo Stress Test in which they are told to be awake for 36 hours. Then they are dipped in water, garbage and what not. If anybody gives in or faints even in the last minute, he’s out. Moreover, they try to break you psychologically as well – an officer, while you are doing the test, will persuade you to quit and go back to your regiment. But once you pass, you are honoured with a maroon beret which holds a lot of significance and respect. An ordinary soldier can at the most meet his senior to discuss matters. But a Special Forces officer has the authority to even meet the General.
Apart from Bank Chor and The Test Case, which other films or ads are you a part of?
I have done some 20-25 ads and I don’t have time to do more ads now as I’ve been busy with other projects like The Test Case whose shoot is not yet complete. I don’t have any film and waiting for the right project. I have refused a couple of projects but Naam Shabana was something I couldn’t say No to. After all, it was a Neeraj Pandey creation and secondly, I had a very significant role, despite it being there only in the first half.
While talking about nukkad natak, you mentioned that you have directed plays. So any plans to direct films?
Yes, definitely and I keep writing scripts though I don’t show it to the world! Director Maneesh Sharma once made an observation that I could write well. He in fact told me to share my script with him and if he liked it, he’ll like to produce it. I however am waiting to write a great script worthy of being made into a film. Just because Maneesh Sharma gave me this wonderful offer, I’d not like to get excited. I’d rather work hard on a script and then share it with him.
Your name is Bhuvan, which was also the name of the iconic character of Aamir Khan in the classic film Lagaan. How did your friends and family react to it when the film had released?
You won’t believe this but till today, people joke about my name although it’s been 16 years since Lagaan released. The moment I say my name is Bhuvan, majority of the people say ‘teen guna lagaan dena padega’ and I have to pretend that this is the first time I am hearing this ‘joke’! I still remember that I saw this film in Eros theatre in Jangpura, Delhi. We were sitting next to a group of Sardars and we started talking to them and became friends. After the film was over, they asked me my name and when I told them, they couldn’t believe it. They thought I was joking or that I was smitten by Aamir’s character. I had to show them my school ID card and only then they were convinced!
I don't want to repeat the success of The Lunchbox again-Nimrat Kaur
4:22 PM
Nimrat Kaur is wishing for a project that is 'bigger, better, more enriching'
MID-DAY (April 7, 2017)
Venturing into the digital space with an upcoming web series, The Test Case, Nimrat Kaur has said the overwhelming success of 'The Lunchbox' didn't stop from her experimenting in her career. The Ekta Kapoor project will see the 35-year-old actress play an Army officer for the first time.
"I always want to try new things in life. Yes, this (Internet) is a new avenue, but never in my life have I believed in pre-set notions. I really don't think there is need for any actor to be calculative about these kind of things. You connect with something and you just do it," Nimrat told PTI on the sidelines of an automobile event in Delhi.
Nimrat, who has done two international projects Homeland and Wayward Pines, agrees that movie buffs still recognise her for the role of a lonely housewife in The Lunchbox.
"I guess that's a cross for most actors to bear when something works tremendously for them. I want to undo this immediately by presenting myself in different ways, which is actually the real fun of being an actor. I don't want to repeat the success of The Lunchbox again, and what I wish for now is something bigger, better and more enriching," she said.
Check out Nimrat Kaur in Nagesh Kukunoor's digital show The Test Case
8:05 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (April 5, 2017)
When terrorists are at your door, will you trust a woman to shoot them down? Nimrat Kaur's character in the Nagesh Kukunoor-directorial, The Test Case, attempts to answer this question. Here's the actress' first look from the digital show. Download and check out the trailer on April 7, on the the ALTBalaji app and follow their YouTube, Facebook and Instagram handles.
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