Sooraj Pancholi explains why his musical is delayed, dismisses rumours of a new romance, insists he wants to remain single and focus on work
Hiren Kotwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 31, 2019)

It’s been four years since you made your debut with Hero. Why did it take you so long to return with your second film, Satellite Shankar?
Even before Hero’s release and later, I got many offers but nothing I really wanted to do. So, I waited. Meanwhile, my personal problems grew bigger and compounded the delay.

What’s the status on the Stanley D’Costa musical, Time To Dance, which was to be your second release and would flag off Isabelle Kaif’s career?
That’s for T-Series to answer; we have just seven days of shoot left. When I got back from Time to Dance, I gave my dates to Murad (Khetani) sir and Ashwin (Varde) sir for Satellite Shankar which was not with T-Series at that point. I sport long hair in the musical and had to cut it short for this film. Since I couldn’t grow out my hair and cut it again twice, that seven days’ shoot is now scheduled for December.

Buzz is, the film is almost 70 per cent complete, but Salman Khan didn’t like the rushes and the project has been scrapped.
Not 70 per cent, it’s 95 per cent complete. And he wanted just two songs to be reshot which is about three days of work each. I can only do my job as an actor, everything else is the producer’s call.

In retrospect, do you think starting out with the remake of an iconic film like Hero was a mistake?
At that point, I wasn’t in the position to take my own call because despite my film background, I didn’t know much about the industry. I had professionals taking decisions on the film and I had big shoes to fill as Hero was a big film in its time. I feel blessed to be a part of the film. From here on, it’s for me to prove myself.

The army has been getting youngsters to enlist through recruitment drives and advertisements. Do you think Satellite Shankar will inspire more people to join the forces?
It’s an inspiring story and showcases a soldier’s love for the country and vice versa. I hope more people join the army. Some time ago, I read that 2000 Kashmiris turned up for the recruitment drive in the Valley.

Your film releases on the same day as Ayushmann Khurrana’s Bala. Does that make you anxious?
Competition is healthy. I’m not Shah Rukh, Aamir or Salman Khan or even Akshay Kumar to get my preferred release date though I hope to be in an enviable position in future. If not Bala, it could have been a bigger Hollywood release. Of course, Ayushmann is a big star and Bala is looking good.

What’s next?
A sports biopic to be shot in Haryana which will begin after I wrap up Time To Dance and cut my hair. It’s the story of an unsung hero who won India a couple of gold medals in boxing, but only a few people know about him. No, no names.

Is Salman Khan still micro-managing your career?
He is my mentor and I respect him. His only advice is that I should do a film only if it feels right. I want to make him happy and proud with my work. My family is happy with me anyway.

Your sister was to make her debut some years ago…
She says now that the industry is not for her. She is in the restaurant business.

And what’s your mom, Zarina Wahab, doing?
Her last film was PM Narendra Modi. She enjoys working and could be doing a role in Salman sir’s Radhe. There were talks about her playing my mother in Satellite Shankar, but things didn’t work out.

What about working with your dad, Aditya Pancholi?
We shared screen space in Hero, I don’t know if it will happen again. That chapter is done. I want to work with mom because she is the more emotional actor.

What’s happening on his legal battle with Kangana Ranaut?
I don’t want to discuss that. It’s been very tough for the family, especially my mother and sister.

You were recently spotted with a pretty foreigner. Is there a romance brewing?
I have some friends but just because one of them is white, people assumed there’s a romance. I want to be single and invest all my energy into my career right now.

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 7, 2019)

Mirror was the first to report (April 2, 2018) that Salman Khan will shoot for a recreated version of his 1998 chartbuster “O O Jaane Jaana” (from the film Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya) for Stanley D’Costa’s Time To Dance, which marks Isabelle Kaif’s acting debut opposite Sooraj Pancholi. Now, we have learnt that the song will be shot in the coming weeks and will be choreographed by Race 3 director Remo D’souza.

A source says, “While the team is waiting for a confirmation from Katrina, Salman will soon be shooting for the song at a Mumbai studio. Incidentally, it will be a concert sequence, quite like the one from the original in which he is seen performing on stage. This time, Salman will be joined by a bigger number of back-up dancers. Sooraj and Isabelle will also be a part of the song.”

Interestingly, another version of “O Oh Jaane Jaana” was shot with Sooraj and Isabelle in central London last year. It will serve as the actor’s introduction number in the film and features the hook step from the original. It was also choreographed by Remo.

Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; March 27, 2019)

As much as Salman Khan is known for his stardom and his box-office successes, he’s also known to be a man who provides grand launchpads for his friends (within the film frat and outside of it). For these newcomers, being launched by bhai is a privilege, but it comes with its own set of pressures, too. In a chat with BT, Salman, one of the producers of the upcoming film Notebook, talks about Bollywood’s fresh breed of talent, the challenges they face and how he, as an actor, has reached a stage where he wants to work without a break. Excerpts:

In just a few days, two newcomers Zaheer Iqbal and Pranutan Bahl, backed by you, will make their debut at the movie marquee.
(Cuts in...) Yes, and I will continue to back more kids for as long as I can. Why? Because I was also launched at some point and I think the industry can do with some more fresh talent.

The difference that is evident between you and other producers is that you largely make a sustained effort to make room for children of actors and filmmakers (mostly)... something other producers would not take chances with?
I have seen a lot in my own life. So given my experience, I feel that if a boy or girl can make my head turn, he/she should be launched. That’s the first thing I go by, it is then followed by training which takes a lot of time and effort. Sooraj Pancholi had toiled for five years — he assisted on a few films and groomed himself in every department before we cast him in Hero. Similarly, Aayush (Sharma) worked very hard before we decided to launch him. (Smiling) Actually, Aayush ke saath ek aur chakkar hai. There was a romantic film that had come my way. I thought I had gone past that phase in life when I could do something like that on screen, so Sohail told me about a guy he had seen at the gym, who he felt was perfect for it. Two months later, Arpita brought a guy home and introduced him to us, saying she wants to marry him. He was not coming to the gym for some time, now I know why.

Eventually, Aayush also assisted on Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Tubelight and Sultan — he travelled with me extensively. People liked his dancing skills in LoveYatri, but when we saw him dancing for the first time, we all were all like ‘Dance classes please…’ He practised dance, action and acting for hours every day. He worked out rigorously and his dedication was evident in the film. Likewise, Zaheer was also an assistant on Jai Ho, where he did everything — from giving claps before the scene to rehearsing with actors and running other errands. He also worked on his body and craft simultaneously.

When did you first spot Zaheer’s talent?
His father is a dear friend. I first saw Zaheer at his sister Sanam’s wedding. When Sajid Nadiadwala and I went for the sangeet, his father flagged off the ceremony after we reached the venue. I saw a beautiful dance performance and a video clip, where Zaheer and his cousin put up a play about his sister and brother-in-law. We were watching that, when I just turned towards Sajid and he said, ‘Haan mujhe bhi aisa hi lagta hai’. Almost as if he could read my mind. I thought he was a fine talent and we could give him a chance. I did ask his father if he had purposely insisted on starting the sangeet only after we reach the venue (laughs!) The boy has been with me for five years now and he has blossomed. Sooraj, Aayush and Zaheer chill together at Galaxy. They are always together and stand by each other at all times. They’re happy for one another — no khunnas, no jealousy. I wish it stays that way.

While appreciation for Aayush validates your decision to launch him, people often question your choices in launching your friends’ kids. What’s your take on that?
It felt great that Aayush was accepted, although the film didn’t do as well as we would have liked it to. The thing is, these are the boys I see and meet. They work really hard to get a nod from me. They work on presenting themselves well and everything that goes with it, because it matters. And mind you, I have many friends, but that doesn’t mean I am launching everyone’s kids (smiles!). Shera’s (his bodyguard) son Tiger is being groomed right now and he’s already being considered by so many producers and directors. Shera feels I will be the best judge of a script for his son, so I am now sifting through scripts. I am yet to find something worthy.

There was news about you launching Rinzing Denzongpa (Danny Denzonpgpa's son) and Ashwami Manjrekar (Mahesh Manjrekar’s daughter), but not many knew you were planning to launch Mohnish Behl’s daughter Pranutan with Notebook, too...
The thing is, I had seen her audition —I think she had done something with Mukesh Chhabra (casting director). I called Mone (Mohnish Bahl) and he confirmed that she had auditioned. We didn’t let her audition for LoveYatri as Warina Hussain had already auditioned for it and was perfect for the part. It wouldn’t have been fair on my part to replace her. When Notebook came on to the table, these guys offered the film to several girls until they saw Pranutan’s auditions. I called Mone and told him that it’s a clean film and a good story. I also told him that Pranutan will have to audition for the part. She won’t get it because she is my friend’s daughter. Mohnish agreed that she should get work on her own steam. On the audition day, I got a call — this time to see if she has liked the script and if she would like to do it. I ensured Mohnish got a narration, too. Pranutan and he liked the story and things got going. So, it’s all on merit, entirely. I can’t have people work in a film just like that, because films cost a lot of money. Just because apna brother-in-law hai toh uske saath kar lenge…aisa nahi hota. Atul Agnihotri is also my brother-in-law, but I can’t make him a hero now. He’s made a fantastic film called Bharat. He’s proven his mettle as a producer in the past. I want him to continue doing that.

Today, do you feel paternal towards the new talent that you launch?
Paternal? They call me bhai, so no, they don’t let me feel that way. But I keep telling them that as much as possible, I don’t want to see their faces in my house. I tell them that when I call you to chill at home or for a party, you should be ready with replies like, ‘Bhai I am busy shooting or I have a show or some other work’. I want them to go ahead with that steam in their lives. Of course, like a bhai, I monitor what they’re doing with their overall grooming, but I also make sure they work on their own. Boys like Varun Dhawan and Tiger Shroff are so good with everything that they just set a very high benchmark for the newer actors. When the new boys see their films, they go like, ‘Yaar, aur mehnat lagegi!’ If they’re not as good, or better than Tiger and Varun, how can I launch them? The confidence to surge ahead comes with time, but they also have to work hard to get to the starting point. Maintaining what you achieve is also very tough, which they need to learn.

Sooraj took very long to find his second project, Satellite Shankar. He once told BT that he consults you on every script…
Cuts in... That’s true. Just the other day, he came to me with an outstanding subject for his next film. He’s a sweet fellow, who has gone through so much in the initial years of his career. He’s danced like a dream in Time To Dance with Isabelle Kaif (Katrina Kaif’s sister). I’ve also seen Satellite Shankar; he’s good. These kids do make me feel proud. When people on the social media pull them down and apart, I feel like telling them that when one man works in a film, he ensures that so many others in the chain get their daily bread and butter. No one seems to understand that.

That’s been your mantra for years now. You don’t seem to take breaks between films and move on quickly from one film to another...
I never take a holiday, except that 10-day break in December. I don’t like taking a single day off, and I don’t. So many people find a chance to earn their living when I work. The other day, I was remembering my days when I had just made my debut in Maine Pyar Kiya (1989). There was a time when I just wanted to work. And now, when I am in that position, I don’t see the need to go off on holidays and say that I need breaks. Bakwaas…aise thode hi hota hai. I like working and that is why I keep working throughout. If that pain we go through doesn’t come across on screen, it’s not worth it. People always appreciate the effort you put in to give them that two hours of pleasure. If you get complacent, like I did once, films don’t do well. After that, I decided to do action films because that’s the cinema I grew up with. God was kind and those films worked. When it’s tough for most films to cross Rs 100 crore, my biggest disaster came at Rs 150 crore at the box-office.

Which newcomer is next on your launch list?
While I’m still figuring what happens with Shera ka beta, Tiger, I actually want all these boys to work together in a super dhamaal film, the kind that I have done in my past.

Duo will swing to Kamaal Khan’s track for an upcoming musical, featuring the actress’s sister, Isabelle Kaif, and the actor’s protégé, Sooraj Pancholi
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 14, 2019)

Mirror (March 29) had earlier reported that Katrina Kaif’s sister Isabelle will debut opposite Sooraj Pancholi in first-time director Stanley D’costa’s musical, Time To Dance. Now, we have learnt that the film will feature a contemporary version of Salman Khan’s chartbuster, “O O Jaane Jaana” from the 1998 romcom, Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya. There are two versions of the song, one which forms a part of the film’s narrative and will serve as Sooraj’s introduction. The second is a promotional track featuring Salman and Katrina which will be filmed at a city studio soon. “It’s a modern-day rendition of the original track, and will be shot on lavishly mounted sets,” informed a source close to the development.

Isabelle and Sooraj will also be a part of a promotional track which would be shot in March, once Salman and Katrina have wrapped up their Eid 2019 release, Bharat, produced by Bhushan Kumar and Atul Agnihotri, in a two-day schedule. The reprised version has been composed by Shivai Vyas and sung by Kamaal Khan, the voice of the original song. The original was composed by Jatin-Lalit and is still remembered for Salman’s shirtless avatar and the peppy tunes. “Salman and Katrina’s presence is restricted to the promotional song, the two will not be a part of the film,” added the source.

Time To Dance, produced by Bhushan Kumar and Remo D’souza, will see Isabelle as a competitive ballroom and Latin dancer while Sooraj plays a street dancer. The film features a range of styles. The film, which is set in London, will release in second half of the year.

Actress shot for the recreated version of a ’90s song recently
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 18, 2018)

Last month, Isabelle Kaif and her co-star Sooraj Pancholi wrapped up the shooting of Stanley D’costa’s Time To Dance.

Now, Mirror has learnt that the Bhushan Kumar and Remo D’souza production will also feature a recreated version of the song, “Adayein Bhi Hain,” from the 1991 Pooja Bhatt and Aamir Khan-starrer, Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin. Isabelle and Sooraj recently shot for the new version.

A source reveals, “It was shot over a few days at Dover in Kent. It has been given a contemporary twist with new lyrics and beats and was choreographed by Stanley himself, who has previously assisted Remo D’souza on his songs.”

According to the source, actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh is also on-board the film to give playback to a song, which is picturised on Sooraj and composed by Tanishk Bagchi.

In her acting debut, Isabelle plays a competitive ballroom and Latin dancer, while Sooraj is a street dancer showcasing Salsa, Zumba and Bachata styles. It also features Waluscha De’Sousa and Saqib Saleem.

Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 24, 2018)

Isabelle Kaif’s Kat-walk of fame
Katrina Kaif’s sister Isabelle may be gearing up for her Bollywood debut but the Brit beauty is no stranger to the big screen. After featuring in the 2014 Canadian romcom Dr Cabbie, the 32-year-old debutante kicked off her Hindi launch vehicle, the Stanley D’Costa-directed Time To Dance, in early June with a 50-day London schedule. The film features her as a competitive ballroom and Latin dancer, while her co-star Sooraj Pancholi plays a street dancer showcasing the Salsa, Zumba and Bachata styles. In a recent interview, Isabelle revealed that the best advice she has received from her illustrious sister is “to not get caught up in the hectic nature of the work. To take it day by day, and to give my best every day.”

Isabelle had started making heads turn even before she kicked off prep for her film. After pairing up with Kat for a photoshoot, she’s joined her for several public appearances, the most recent being the star-studded wedding reception of Sonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja on May 8.


Nupur Sanon’s sweet treat
Kriti Sanon’s singer-sister Nupur, who is presently in talks with several filmmakers, is preparing for her big Bollywood launch with acting lessons and hitting the gym regularly. Then, there’s big sister Kriti for guidance. “I was surprised when I saw her in Bareilly Ki Barfi for the first time. I felt that she had become mature as an actor and there was so much honesty that to me it seemed very effortless. I just loved her in it,” Nupur says, adding that she looks up to her actress-sister. “Let’s just say that we’re 80 percent best friends and 20 percent ‘chhoti mom-daughter’. She’s always there to listen to me and goof around with me. But she can also be strict and lecture me about late nights,” says the aspirant.


Aisha Sharma has got it covered
Tum Bin 2 actress Neha Sharma’s younger sister Aisha had started dabbling in modelling while studying engineering in Delhi. Four and a half year on, she is set to make her Hindi film debut opposite John Abraham in Nikkhil Advani and Bhushan Kumar’s action-packed thriller Satyameva Jayate, directed by Milap Zaveri. Aisha says that cinema has always been her first love. “I love watching movies and Neha’s presence in the industry definitely gave me that push — if she can do it, maybe I can as well,” she reasons. Among other things, she considers Neha her style influence.

“She told me not to let success go to the head and failure to one’s heart. She’s fiercely protective of me and didn’t want me to go through the kind of struggles she did,” Aisha says.

Aisha, who plays a vet in her Bollywood debut, loves animals in real life too. “The script is fantastic and has all the ingredients of a commercial blockbuster,” she adds.

Surilie Jasraj Singh and her Yami mummy
After her Punjabi debut with the late comedian-actor Jaspal Bhatti’s Power Cut in 2012, Yami Gautam’s younger sister Surilie Jasraj Singh is foraying in Bollywood with National award-winning filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi’s yet-untitled next on the Battle of Saragarhi. She is playing Havildar Ishar Singh’s (Randeep Hooda) wife, Jiwani, and started shooting for the film.

“Growing up, I did plays and was into singing and dancing, while Yami was the shy one. She was studious and wanted to be an IAS officer whereas I was always clear about joining the film industry. Having said that, she has inspired me in many ways, She is like a second mother to me,” Surilie says, adding that her favourite Yami film is Kaabil. “I was completely awestruck by her performance and had seen her work really hard on that film. I wonder if I would ever be able to perform like that.”

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; July 2, 2018)

Sooraj Pancholi and Isabelle Kaif have kickstarted their schedule for Time To Dance in London. We hear that the leads have been trained in as many as 14 dance styles as part of their prep for the film. Says a source, “It’s a typical boy-meets-girl love story that has dance as its backdrop. The film will be made like a musical with several songs and Sooraj and Isabelle will be seen dancing in several styles like Bachata, contemporary, Latin as well as House, which is an evolved form of hip-hop.

Sooraj tells us, “We have trained under Remo (D’Souza) sir’s team every day for around 12 hours. I hope everyone likes it. This dance film is quite different from the ones seen so far in the genre. Here, we will be showing a lot of new dance forms, too. There are many difficult lifts as well.”

Isabelle adds, “In the film, we both come from two opposite schools of dance. When we meet, our worlds collide. Usually, people need eight-nine years to master these styles, but we had to learn them within months. Both, Sooraj and I, have put in a lot of hard work.”

Some dance forms proved to be easier than other, admits Isabelle. “Hip hop and Bollywood dance are simpler because you can rehearse for just five days and get the moves. But the others can be tough as every dance form is different, technically. There are so many difficult steps, cool drops and spins. I hope Sooraj doesn’t drop me,” she laughs.

The actor plays her love interest in Isabelle Kaif’s B’wood debut
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 30, 2018)

Saqib Saleem has landed two big-ticket projects. While the actor will join the cast of Dabbang 3, which goes on the floors in September, he recently started shooting for Stanley D’Costa’s Time to Dance opposite Waluscha De Sousa in London. The film marks Katrina Kaif’s sister Isabelle’s Bollywood debut opposite Sooraj Pancholi.

A source reveals, “Saqib joined the shoot this week. He plays Waluscha’s love interest. While the model actress, Isabelle and Sooraj play dancers, Saqib will be seen as a lawyer who is besotted by Waluscha. He goes all out to woo her, but she plays hard to get.” The film, which kicked off in early June with a start-to-finish schedule, is expected to wrap up by July-end. It is produced by Bhushan Kumar and Remo D’souza.

Time to Dance director D’costa, when contacted, confirmed the news of Saqib joining the team. Speaking about the ongoing shoot, he said, “Seeing their performances I can safely say that my cast is going to be a surprise package. The other actors should watch out for Isabelle, she is splendid. We are on a 50-day schedule and have been shooting in Central London as well as in and around the city. So far it’s been a blast.”

Mirror had earlier reported (April 30) that Isabelle and Waluscha play sisters in the film who are competitive ballroom and Latin dancers.

Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 1, 2018)

Sooraj Pancholi and Bollywood’s latest import, Katrina Kaif’s little sister Isabelle, were spotted arriving at Mehboob Studio on Wednesday for a late-night meeting with Salman Khan and Kat. On the quartet’s agenda was discussions around debutant director Stanley D’Costa’s upcoming dance-drama, Time To Dance, which marks Isabelle’s acting debut opposite Sooraj and kicks off next month in London. The T-Series and Remo D’souza co-production will be shot in a start-to-finish, 50- day schedule.

Talking about the film, Salman had joked earlier in the evening, “Remo’s most talented assistant, Stanley, without whom he can’t function even for a day, will be directing the film and Remo might be happy, but he’s going to miss his favourite assistant on his set.”

While rumours are rife that Salman will feature in a guest appearance and a special song sequence in the film, the actor cleared the air to Mirror, saying, “I’m delighted about Isabelle’s launch, but no one’s asked me to be a part of the film yet.”

Next week, Sooraj, who has difficult lifts and jumps in the film to master, will be taking off to the UK earlier than the rest of the unit for a workshop. “Sooraj will be training for a special song with London-based acrobats for a couple of days so that he is ready for the shoot,” a source said.

Waluscha De Sousa returns to the screen after two years with a musical which demands a lot more from her as an actor and dancer
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 22, 2018)

Waluscha De Sousa is gearing up for a comeback on the Hindi screen with Stanley D’Costa’s directorial debut, Time To Dance, which also features Sooraj Pancholi and will introduce Katrina Kaif’s younger sister Isabella. The model who turned actress with the Shah Rukh Khan starrer Fan, plays Isabella Kaif’s older sister and a dancer. The musical showcases different dance forms, including the Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep, Cha Cha, Samba, Rhumba, Paso Doble and Jive, and Waluscha has been training hard.

“It’s wonderful working with Stanley and Remo (Stanley was choreographer Remo D’Souza’s assistant and he is producing the film with Bhushan Kumar). I love dancing and am learning Ballroom and Latin forms for the film. It’s something I’ve wanted to do all my life,” exults Waluscha, adding that since they play competitive Ballroom and Latin dancers in the film, it’s not normal Waltz and Foxtrot. “The body language is different.”

She’s trained in Indian classical dance like Bharatanatyam and Kathak but never in Ballroom dancing. She’s still getting the hang of this form of dance and at times co-star Sooraj has to bear the brunt of her fumbling. “I try keeping my heels off Sooraj’s feet as much as possible, but the steps are so quick that sometimes I end up squashing his toes. Poor guy!” she laughs, even as she sympathises with his plight.

Quiz her on her reel life sister and she quips, “I love Isabella’s energy.”

Speaking of her journey in the film industry, Waluscha reveals that she enjoyed her years as a model and wouldn’t change that for anything. But she admits that people still perceive that models can’t act and since she comes with that stamp, she has to prove it wrong. Is she more confident about her acting abilities post her debut turn, you wonder, and she laughs, “I think I’m more nervous now, this film requires a lot more of me as an actor and dancer. Once we start shooting in London, we will know if all the effort has paid off. For now, I’m just glad Remo and Stanley saw potential in me.”

Growing up in Goa, the actress admits she didn’t get the kind of exposure someone living in a bigger city would get and, as a result, things happened to her much later in life. “Everyone’s journey is different and my simplicity helps me keep my balance in this crazy city. But I still have a lot more to learn,” Waluscha acknowledges. Surely, she learnt something working with Bollywood’s Badshah? She smiles, “I was figuring things out back then but I have learnt from Shah Rukh to give your 100 per cent and let the moment consume you, nothing else matters.”

Busy with concert prep, rumours suggest Salman Khan has opted out of special track for Katrina Kaif's sister's debut film
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; May 3, 2018)

Salman Khan was rumoured to feature in a special dance number for Isabelle Kaif's debut film, Time To Dance. However, it has been learnt that the superstar has decided to sit it out.

The Stanley D'Costa-directed movie will see Kaif as a ballroom dancer to Sooraj Pancholi's street dancer. A source reveals, "The protagonists will be seen performing various dance styles including waltz and Tango."

"Salman is not comfortable with these dance forms. Also, he wants to focus on his Da-Bangg Tour, and then, Bharat. Since the movie will demand most of his time, Salman decided to bow out of the commitment." Khan's team remained unavailable for comment.

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; April 21, 2018)

When you meet Isabelle Kaif, you notice that she is similar in some ways to her older sister Katrina Kaif, yet is different in some aspects. While Kat takes time to open up, Isabelle is more talkative. However, both of them are focused on their respective careers.

Isabelle, who was first seen in the Canadian romantic drama Dr Cabbie (2014), is all set to debut in Bollywood with Time To Dance opposite Sooraj Pancholi.

Over a cup of coffee, she talks to us about her film choices, dance and more.

How many projects were you offered after Dr Cabbie?
There were some offers that weren’t so great and others where the makers wanted to start immediately, but it wasn’t possible for me to leave everything and shift here within a month.

There have been rumours about you doing a Hindi movie since a long time. How did you react to them?
I would be so confused about those reports. I would be like, ‘Which are these films that I’m doing and why don’t I know anything about them?’

Was it a conscious attempt on your part to attend an acting course?
I liked acting, but I was always shy. So, Katrina told me I should go to college, take up an acting course and see for myself if I enjoy it. That would help me get rid of the shyness too. Because getting on set and finding out that I don’t want to do this would be a little too late (laughs). So, it was a conscious decision.

When did you finally realise that you wanted to pursue this?
It was after I did my first play. At that point, we were just a week or so into the course. When I acted on stage, it was a different high for me. We were hitting every line perfectly and ended up getting a standing ovation. I just knew this is what I had to do, in whatever capacity I’m allowed to.

Are there any roles that you veer towards?
I don’t think I’m the funniest person in the world, so comedy scares me a little. People laugh at me rather than with me (laughs). I have always veered towards drama, maybe because in theatre, it was so much prevalent. I have done epic love stories, classics and I have enjoyed that space. I’m also drawn towards action.

Just like your sister?
Ya, totally. One of the first classes I had signed up for was action. There was stage combat where they teach you how to fight, sword fighting and stunt training, etc. Katrina is amazing with action.

How did Time To Dance happen?
Discussions started when I was in the US and had sent some audition tapes. The makers asked me to come over to Mumbai. Around the same time, a leading cosmetic brand was looking for a face and they signed me. Later, I met director Remo D’souza and everything fell into place. That’s when I decided to commit full time to the job and shift here.

You are training rigorously in different dance forms now...
Yes, Sooraj and I train for almost 10 hours a day. We are doing 12 different dance forms and each of them has a different musicality and technique to it. I’m excited because we are trying to do some cool drops and spins in this film. And I am like, ‘Sooraj, you better not drop me because if you do, I am going to limp back and kick you!’

How would you rate yourself as a dancer?
As a kid, I was drawn towards Jazz, Modern Ballet, Hip Hop and Tap Dancing. Today, I’m definitely a better dancer as compared to my school days. Hip Hop makes your moves sharper while Bollywood dance gives you fluidity.

Do you agree that now dance films today have a different audience altogether?
Yes. Although we dance in every single film of ours, we don’t have something like the Step Up franchise. It was Remo sir who created the ABCD: Any Body Can Dance series and his movies have done so well that I feel now is the right time. People are interested in the genre, so it’s just about delivering a good film that they can connect to.

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; April 13, 2018)

Sooraj Pancholi’s Hero released in 2015 and though several projects have been offered to him since then, he has finally picked his second movie. The young actor is on board for Stanley D’Costa’s Time To Dance, which will be produced by Remo D’souza and Salman Khan Films. Sooraj will soon fly to London to begin shooting and has been training rigorously to get his look and moves right.

In a candid conversation with After Hrs, he reveals what prompted him to choose this dance film and why he wants to dedicate it to his mother, Zarina Wahab. Read on...

Why was there such a long gap between your debut film and second project?
The first film always chooses you, but you choose the second one. That’s one of the reasons it’s taken me so long. I didn’t just have to take care of movies. There were a lot of other things going on in my life, including the court case. So, I needed time. I’m actually happy that I did not take on any work that was offered to me. Had I accepted a film, I would have got lost. I needed some time to fight my own battles.

Now, you have signed a dance film, which you begin shooting for next...
Yes, Time to Dance is happening, so I am extremely happy. I have forgotten the past and have moved on. See, no matter how hard you work, perception is something that rules this industry. Talent comes much later. That’s why I am cautious about what I say and whom I meet. Once a perception is built around you, even if you do bad work, people will forgive you for it.

Did you always like to dance?
My first dance class was with Shiamak Davar when I was seven-eight years old. My mom insisted that I start learning to dance early because she’s a trained classical dancer. My father’s too tall to maneuver his body around. I want this movie to be a surprise for everyone in my family. I want to prove to my mom that I’m an amazing dancer.

Why is it so important to you?
When I was young, I was a huge Michael Jackson fan, but I would dance only in front of the mirror, alone in my room. I got a wig for myself and a hat, too. My dad’s friend had also made me a black shiny MJ costume. I would watch the King of Pop’s songs on those big laser discs and dance. Whenever my mom would come to my room, I would stop. She always used to tell me ‘Beta, mujhe bhi dance dikhao’. I never used to do it because I was so painfully shy. As she always wanted me to be a dancer, I’m extremely conscious when I’m in front of her. Also, I hated going to dance class back then. I would prefer karate. So, this film is for my mom.

Would you like to dance with your mum someday?
I have never danced with her but I would love to, one day. Maybe, once I get as good as her.

Tell us how Time To Dance actually happened.
Remo sir and I have been in touch. I was supposed to work with him, long back while I was shooting for Hero. It was a project on car racing. I don’t know what happened to it. We were supposed to start it right after A Flying Jatt. After a few months, he called me to his house and offered me this film. He narrated the story and I fell in love with it. He wanted to start a new franchise like ABCD. Since then, I have been dancing with my trainer at his office. At that point, the female lead hadn’t been decided. Things started rolling and then, Isabelle Kaif was introduced to Remo sir. It’s a beautiful romantic dance film which the audience hasn’t seen before and it’s a difficult one.

What are the different types of dance routines you are training in?
During Hero, I was a decent dancer. But now, I’m 10 times better. We are putting in 10-12 hours of rehearsal every day. We have about a few weeks to go on floors, now. We started at maybe 10 per cent, now we are at 70. We have just two weeks to get to a 100. We are doing Hip Hop, Bachata, Contemporary Latin, and, of course, Bollywood. Along with that, we also have House, which is a new form of Hip Hop and I haven’t done that before. There are over 15 different styles of dance that we will showcase in the film. Isabelle is a super fun and hard-working girl. As we have several lifts in the movie, we have to be muscular enough to hold each other. She makes my job easier because she’s a great dancer.

Do you believe that now there’s a huge audience for dance flicks in India?
Films have changed today. Actually, when it comes to the dance genre, it’s TV that changed the whole game. There are so many reality shows and majority of them are dance based because the audience also enjoys the space. Even a dadi or a nana would now know what Hip Hop or Contemporary means. There’s a huge audience base for these films. Look at the number of dancers we have today. We have the best in India and now, a dance film has more scope than a sports movie, I feel.

Is there a particular strategy you are adopting henceforth?
I am taking each film as it comes. There’s not a particular genre I want to stick to. Yes, it’s true I only want to do commercial films but it can be action, drama or romance, with romantic films being my top priority.

So, will we see you in more movies now?
I’m not taking a break. I’ve had my time. I needed my family, but now, I’m raring to go. We will  shoot in London for 50-60 days and will wrap the film by June.

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 2, 2018)

Mirror had earlier reported (March 29) that Katrina Kaif’s sister Isabelle is to debut opposite Sooraj Pancholi in Stanley D’costa’s directorial debut, Time To Dance. The film is scheduled to roll in April in London with a 50-day schedule. Now, we have learnt that the launch vehicle comes armed with a surprise — a recreated version of Salman Khan’s chartbuster “Oh Oh Jaane Jaana” from the 1998 romcom, Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya.

“The singer of the original, Kamaal Khan, returns for the new version while the music has been composed by Shivai Vyas who is also currently working on Race 3, also featuring Salman with Jacqueline Fernandez, Bobby Deol, Anil Kapoor, Saqib Saleem and Daisy Shah. While the feel of the original has been retained for a nostalgia trip for Salman fans, the score will be more contemporary and catchy this time around,” a source close to the development told Mirror, adding that there are plans to build a lavishly mounted set for the pictursation of this number.

The song will have Salman in a special appearance, shaking a leg with Sooraj and Isabelle. The debutante plays a competitive ballroom and Latin dancer to her co-star’s street dancer. The original song had music by brother duo Jatin-Lalit and had grabbed eyeballs for Salman’s song-and-dance turn in ripped jeans on stage.

Isabelle’s acting debut, which is produced by Bhushan Kumar and Remo D’souza, is a dance-based film with a love story woven in, featuring a range of styles, from Salsa, Zumba and Bachata to a mix of ballroom dancing like Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot and Quickstep. There will also be Latin dance forms like Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble and Jive. Sooraj and Isabelle have already begun their training. Director D’costa, previously worked as an assistant to Remo D’souza on films like Faltu, Anybody Can Dance 2 and A Flying Jatt.

Katrina Kaif’s sister’s film takes off in April-end with a 50-day schedule
Shravan Shah (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 29, 2018)

Mirror had earlier reported (February 6) that Katrina Kaif’s sister Isabelle is to be introduced opposite Sooraj Pancholi in Stanley D’costa’s directorial debut, Time To Dance. Now, we have learnt that the film is scheduled to roll in the second half of April in London.

A source close to the development revealed to Mirror, “The film has been in the pipeline for more than a year and it is finally taking off. Isabelle and Sooraj have been practicing for their turns as it will test their dancing skills in different forms, from Salsa to Paso Doble.”

In the film, the debutante will be seen as a competitive ballroom and Latin dancer, while her co-star will play a street dancer showcasing the Salsa, Zumba and Bachata styles. “I can’t wait to start work on my first Hindi film. We will be in London for around 50 days and will shoot in a start-to-finish schedule,” Isabelle informed.

Confirming the news, Bhushan Kumar, who is producing the dance-drama alongside Remo D’souza, told Mirror, “This is the first time a Hindi film will showcase so many dance forms. Stanley has been working rigorously with Isabelle and Sooraj for the last two months. We are looking at releasing the film in the last quarter of 2018.”

D’costa is all praise for his leads. “The dance forms are not easy to pick up but Sooraj and Isabelle have made immense progress. They look fabulous together in a dance film with a love story woven into it,” he said.

Sooraj informs that Time To Dance also features a mix of ballroom dance styles like Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep as well as Latin dance forms like Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble and Jive and describes it as a challenging film. “I have fallen sick after training for 10-12 hours every day but now my body is getting used to it. It has been around three months since Isabelle and I started training for the film. It feels like going back to school,” he smiles.