HINDUSTAN TIMES (July 29, 2020)

Producer Mahendra Dhariwal has produced more than 40 films so far. Maa Tujhe Salaam (2002), Nehlle Pe Dehlla (2007) and Bhaiaji Superhit (2018) are some of his notable works. His most recent work has been a comedy-drama titled Virgin Bhanupriya starring Urvashi Rautela in the lead. The film was recently released on Zee5. “It is a different concept. It is about a girl’s journey, who believes in her horoscope, which states that she would always be a virgin. It is a fresh concept according to me,” he says.

The film stars Rautela in the lead role along with Archana Puran Singh, Delnaz Irani and Brijendra Kala, among others. Ask him if he plans to release the movie in the theatres, and he says, “Yes, once theatres reopen, we will release this again on the big screen.”

About his future projects, he says, “I am doing a horror-comedy film with Sunny Leone. It is almost ready. We need to shoot just two more songs. Besides, I also have 006 Victoria and Poison which are set to hit the floor soon.”

Bollywood A-listers missing from Union Minister Piyush Goyal's meeting to discuss the myths and realities of CAA at Grand Hyatt in Kalina, Mumbai. Invitees Kangana Ranaut, Farhan Akhtar and Dia Mirza skip the event; Urvashi among the first to arrive
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; January 6, 2020)

Exactly a year after Bollywood's A-listers huddled around PM Narendra Modi for a selfie — that became the symbol of the industry's eagerness to kowtow to the Centre — they were called upon again for a pro-Citizenship (Amendment) Act discussion in Mumbai.

The meeting was called by Piyush Goyal, the Minister of Railways and Commerce, and Baijayant Panda, who wanted "to discuss the myths and realities of the Citizenship Amendment Act". The response from the industry was, at best, tepid. One can only guess if the events that transpired in the interim may have something to do with the industry's biggies staying away from the do that was held at the Grand Hyatt in Kalina.

A source told mid-day that the list of invitees included Farhan and Javed Akhtar, Kangana Ranaut, Ashwini Iyer Tiwary, Dia Mirza, Kabir Khan and Ritesh Sidhwani, among others.

When mid-day reached out to Mirza last evening, the actor asserted, "I am in Hyderabad for an event, and will not be attending the meeting."

Interestingly, one of Modi's biggest cheerleaders, Ranaut, too was not Kalina-bound last night. A source close to the actor said, "She has a busy schedule." Unsurprisingly, she was spotted outside a dance class in Bandra in the evening. Farhan, who was a no-show at the meeting, did not respond to our repeated calls and texts. Kabir Khan could also not make it to the meeting.

While the agenda of the meeting was to have a "discussion around all the possible dimensions of the issue", the invitees' list unsurprisingly left out several film personalities who have critiqued the CAA, including Anurag Kashyap, Swara Bhasker and Richa Chadha. Among those from the industry who kept their date at eight included T-Series head honcho Bhushan Kumar, Kunal Kohli, #MeToo accused Anu Malik and Kailash Kher, and Urvashi Rautela, among others. Hitesh Jain, Vice President of BJP Mumbai, described the meeting as an "outreach programme where we are reaching out to all segments of society to explain the rationale of CAA."


(From left) Kunal Kohli, Urvashi Rautela and Kailash Kher. pics/shadab khanKunal Kohli, Urvashi Rautela and Kailash Kher. Pics/Shadab Khan

BOMBAY TIMES (December 9, 2019)

Actress Urvashi Rautela, who was recently seen in Anees Bazmee’s Pagalpanti, is happy about the latest development in her career. She has been signed on for the official Hindi remake of the Tamil superhit, Thiruttu Payale 2 (2017). The film will be directed by Susi Ganeshan, who had helmed the original as well.

Urvashi, who had been reading scripts post Pagalpanti, says that she instantly connected with her character — that of a simple, girl-next-door from Varanasi.

The movie will see her in a de-glam avatar for the first time. She says, “I have worked in most genres, including comedy, thriller and romance, but I have never explored a character like this. I was looking for good content and I fell in love with the story. People will definitely get to see me in a new avatar and I am really excited about this film.”

The yet-to-be-titled movie will see her sharing screen space with Viineet Kumar Singh and Akshay Oberoi, among others. With this, Urvashi is hopeful that she will be able to prove her mettle as a performer.

Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; November 23, 2019)

Urvashi Rautela, who started her career with Singh Saab The Great (2013), believes that her histrionic skills are still untapped. Her upcoming movie, Pagalpanti, she believes, is a stepping stone to the bigger picture. “With Pagalpanti, you’ll see me in a new avatar. I hope things keep getting better from here on out,” she says.

The comic caper has been a learning curve for Urvashi. She shares, “I saw Pagalpanti as a learning opportunity without thinking about what I’m doing in the film. With time, I’ve learnt that life is short and it’s important to maintain friendships with everybody. I developed a good bond with all my co-stars in the film.”

When asked about speculations surrounding director Anees Bazmee recreating a yesteryear track for her in the film, she says, “It’s great if you heard that,” adding, “In the past as well, directors and producers have incorporated songs only for me. It feels great to know that they believe in me. When Anees ji told me he would be remaking an iconic song from ChaalBaaz (1989), which featured Sridevi ma’am, I was overjoyed. Not many people know that I’m a big fan of hers. It’s a tribute to her from me.”

Talking about working with Anil Kapoor, she says excitedly, “He fills up the entire set with so much positivity. Every actor should work with him at least once in their lifetime. You get to learn so many things from him. He’s an amazing human being who supports upcoming talent. My younger brother is a pilot and lives in Portugal. He was overjoyed when he found out that I had signed a film with Anil sir.”

Urvashi says she wants to be known as an established comic actor as humour comes naturally to her. “Apart from gymnastics and action sequences, they’ll see me doing comedy for the first time. I want to be like Sridevi ma’am, Madhuri (Dixit Nene) and Juhi Chawla. I believe I’m a comedienne in real life. I love making fun of myself. And making others laugh makes me happy. I love bringing joy to people’s lives,” she says.

So, what’s next for this actor? “I want to break Anil sir’s record of doing 13 films with Anees ji,” Urvashi signs off with a hearty laugh.

Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; November 16, 2019)

Multi-starrers are not new for Urvashi Rautela. Back in 2016, she was seen in the adult comedy, Great Grand Masti. And now, she is part of the upcoming film, Pagalpanti, which too, features an ensemble cast. However, the actress says that this time around, her outing is on a bigger and grander scale.

Ask her if it was intimidating to share screen space with an actor like Anil Kapoor, and she replies, “Anil sir made me feel totally at home. He also he gave me a lot of tips and guided me throughout the film.” She adds, “He is a legendary actor. I have been a big fan of his. While growing up, I enjoyed watching his movies like Mr. India (1987), Ram Lakhan (1989) and Beta (1992). I also loved his performance in Slumdog Millionaire (2008).”

Urvashi bonded well with John Abraham, too. “I connected with John. I could relate to him as he has a modelling background. Also, like me, he, too, started off with a pageant. John, Anil sir and I are fitness enthusiasts. So, we all used to work out together at the same gym, during the shoot of the film.”

The comic caper also features Pulkit Samrat and Arshad Warsi, and Urvashi says that the boys were quite a riot on the sets. “They used to play pranks. Arshad was extremely funny and used to pull my leg a lot. He used to make fun of me in front of everyone. By the end of the shoot, I was used to it,” she recalls.

The actress, who is known for her dance moves and has been a part of songs like Daddy Mummy (Bhaag Johnny, 2015) and Haseeno Ka Deewana (Kaabil, 2017), is happy that she got a chance to groove to Bimar Dil in Pagalpanti. The song is the recreated version of the Sridevi-starrer, Tera Bemar Mera Dil from Chaalbaaz (1989). Urvashi says, “Sridevi ma’am has always been my idol. I am extremely thankful to director Anees Bazmee for making the song with me. I was already a part of the cast when he told me one day that he wants to do that song with me. It is a recreated version and the steps are different from the original. I hope that the viewers don’t compare me with Sridevi ma’am.”

While she is known for her moves, doesn’t Urvashi crave to be known as an ‘actress’? “I am sure things will change once people see Pagalpanti. I have some good comic scenes in the film. Today, acting is definitely my main focus. I am happy that with this film, I am getting a chance to prove my acting abilities,” she signs off.

Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 6, 2019)

A day full of interviews might seem tedious for some actors, but Pulkit Samrat finds the experience “therapeutic”. He goes on to talk about the Fukrey franchise, being a part of Anees Bazmee’s team, his equation with Kriti Kharbanda, everything except…

Why Pagalpanti?
Every promo or song ends with ‘An Anees Bazmee Film’, and that’s what appealed to me. I grew up watching his No Entry and Welcome, and today, I’m a part of his film’s poster. It gives me goosebumps.

What’s special about Anees?
Most senior directors don’t give you a script or a narration personally, but Anees sir sat me down and gave me a proper narration, twice. Once we started shooting, Kriti (Kharbanda) and I were the only new entrants as Anees sir has worked with the rest before. I was intimidated about doing a film with Anil Kapoor, John Abraham, Saurabh Shukla and Anees sir. But John and Arshad treated me like a kid brother—covering for me and protecting me, advising and appreciating me. It was an addictive, productive team and none of them made Kriti and me feel like raw, uncooked rice.

Weren’t you apprehensive about being a part of a multi-starrer?
As a viewer, while watching a film, I don’t count how many scenes or dialogues an actor had, it’s the impact of the scene that matters. As long as I’m convinced about my part, the length or the genre doesn’t matter. My character, Chandu, thinks he is smart but he is actually dumb.

That would make him different from Vikas Gulati aka Hunny. What’s the status on Fukrey 3?
(Laughs) Ask Ritesh (Sidhwani), Farhan (Akhtar) and Mrigh (Mrighdeep Singh Lamba). We’ve told Mrigh we’ll lock him in a room and throw away the key until he comes out with a script. A good portion has been written. We are being careful as we don’t want to mar the franchise. It has been seven years of highs and lows. There was a phase just before the release of Fukrey Returns, when things were not working out for me. I was disturbed, wishing I’d played my innings differently. But I’m happy now. I still remember my seat number in the theatre where I watched No Entry and the scenes that made me laugh. To be a part of that team is an out-of-the-world feeling. The idea is to keep moving forward, irrespective of hits or flops.

You’re reuniting with Kriti after Veere Ki Wedding and with Urvashi Rautela after Sanam Re. Has your equation with them changed since?
I’m happy to be paired with Kriti, she’s a spontaneous actress and endearing on screen. We are together in Taish also though not opposite each other. It is difficult to find this kind of comfort level with co-stars and I am lucky to have found it with her. She is my best friend…

And Urvashi?
Hello… Hello… Hello…

The connection breaks and Pulkit since has gone missing. 

Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; September 9, 2019)

Non-film songs are in vogue and artistes are dropping them with much alacrity. Tony Kakkar is the latest to come up with a new track, Bijli Ki Taar, produced by Bhushan Kumar. The peppy club banger will feature the sensuous Urvashi Rautela alongside him. Composed and sung by the Coca Cola Tu hitmaker, the video has been shot in Georgia and directed by Shabby. A source says that it showcases the instant connect a young boy feels on his brush with a beautiful girl face-to-face. And when the girl makes a dashing entry on a bike, the boy’s heart races and he experiences a current, akin to one from a bijli ki taar. “Tony knows what young party-goers will like. With that in mind, he has created a single that’s going to be lapped up by his target audience. We are happy to have come together with him on Bijli Ki Taar. Urvashi takes the song a notch higher with her zestful energy in this dance number,” says Bhushan.

Tony enthuses that he had a blast creating the song. “It’s a complete fun number and I hope it strikes a chord with the audience. Bhushan ji has a great music sense and has been supportive throughout the making of this song,” he gushes.

While Urvashi, who has some scintillating dance moves in the video says, “I take time to decide projects I want to be part of. When I heard the song for the first time, I loved it. I got to try out different types of dance forms — such as Locking and Popping. Although it was a hectic shoot that stretched for 19 hours on a particular day, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I had an amazing time working with Shabby and the rest of the team in this song where I got to be a biker.”

Director Anees Bazmee's upcoming comic caper rolls from February 17 with a night sequence in a jungle
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 13, 2019)

Almost two years after the release of his 2017 multi-starrer Mubarakan, featuring Arjun Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Ileana D’Cruz and Athiya Shetty, Anees Bazmee is back in London for his next, a laugh riot titled Pagalpanti. He will be joined by his cast, including John Abraham, Ileana, Arshad Warsi, Pulkit Samrat, Kriti Kharbanda and Urvashi Rautela. The film will roll from Sunday, February 17. Anil and Saurabh Shukla will join them three days later.

“It’s cold and fabulous out here,” exults the director from the Queen’s City. He arrived a few days earlier with his art director, cinematographer and assistants for the final prep. The actors arrive on February 15 for readings and rehearsals. “Shooting will start two days later with a night schedule in a jungle close to Carlton Gardens which, in the film, is supposed to be haunted leaving the actors terrified of the ghosts,” Anees informs.

They will also be filming at Allerton Towers, a 35-acre park in South Liverpool. Why did he go back to London after filming his last film in the city? “I had gone on a recce for Mubarakan several times and identified some fabulous locations which I will capture on screen this time. We also have a brief stint in Leeds,” says Anees. The film is produced by Bhushan Kumar, Kumar Mangat and Abhishek Pathak.

Quiz the filmmaker on the characters and he says John plays a common man and has some great lines. “He’s been wanting to do comedy and is really excited, he has some action scenes as well,” he says.

Pallabi Purkayastha (BOMBAY TIMES; August 21, 2018)

Almost two decades later, he’s still identified as the director of the iconic Gadar: Ek Prem Katha. Anil Sharma is now set to launch his son Utkarsh, who played Sunny Deol’s son in Gadar, in the action thriller Genius. In an interview with BT, Sharma stresses upon the importance of telling stories that are raw and real. He also explains why his movies are a reflection of his personality and why he loathes people who tarnish the reputation of this industry with debates like nepotism. Excerpts...

How did you zero in on a concept like Genius to launch your son Utkarsh in Bollywood?
I did not write this film for Utkarsh. I was in the US, holidaying for months and then I thought it’s high time I made a film. I decided to make something that would revolve around the youth. Somehow, the word ‘genius’ came to my mind and I thought let’s go and register the title first. Usually, we think of a genius as someone who is a little offbeat, like someone who has long hair, at least that’s the picture that Hollywood has painted for us. But genius is not essentially someone who has invented something. Genius toh woh hai joh life ki har ladai ladta hai. Any individual, and there are millions of them, who fights for his survival and emerges victorious is a genius and my story is about that. Whenever I make films, I keep my country in mind. I don’t try to inculcate that in me; it is innate and that’s what (a sense of patriotism) reflects in my films. Jaisa hoon, waise hi filmein banaunga.

And my biggest problem is that I have never remade films because I just cannot do that. I have never lifted any story, not even a single song, because I have come to this industry not to copy others but to narrate my own stories. People adapt great stories; nothing wrong with that, but I cannot bring myself to do the same. In fact, Godfather (1972) was an adaptation and so were 3 Idiots (2009) and Mother India (1957). But, when I try to do that, my heart doesn’t permit it. I tell myself, ‘Nahin yaar… main apni kuchh kahaani banauga’. Achhi hai, buri hai, jaisi bhi hai, meri hai.

Since you mentioned adaptations, what’s your take on sequels? Have you ever contemplated making a sequel to Gadar: Ek Prem Katha (2001)?
I have no issues with sequels. In fact, if things go fine, I will make a sequel of Genius, as I have already thought about making a trilogy out of this. But whenever I think of making a sequel to Gadar, I think about stories but end up getting stuck in the creative process. When a film becomes a mega hit, the story of its sequel has to be just as hard-hitting. There’s a reason why iconic hits like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) don’t have sequels. If you have already finished the story in the first movie, then the second part looks fake and forced.

When did you decide that you would launch Utkarsh in Bollywood?
As a father, it was my responsibility to launch my son and when I went to his university in the US and saw him bag an award for his short film I thought about giving him his first break. He assured me that he was ready for it and that’s when I thought I would make Genius for him, once he comes back to India.


How did you cast Nawazuddin Siddiqui?
This story is about two geniuses. One is played by Utkarsh and the other by Nawaz. In the film, there is a five to six minute monologue, which is a brilliant scene where the character tells the story of his entire life with the help of just his facial expressions. Whenever I thought about that scene, I could only imagine Nawazuddin Siddiqui doing justice to it.

Although Gadar is cult classic, some people have accused you of having a jingoistic approach towards writing your films. What do you have to say about that?
(Laughs!) See, even Krishna and Lord Rama were not spared and I am just a human being. Trolling people has become a common occurrence these days and a daily habit. Internet pe baitho aur kuch bhi ulta seedha bolo, purane zamane main bhi yahin hota tha.

A few days back you commented on the nepotism debate, where you said something to the effect of, ‘we’ll ask this question to Kangana Ranaut, when she has her own kids’. You went on to add that she got work in this industry despite being an outsider. What is your opinion on this entire discussion?
I wasn’t upset, I was asked a question and so I answered. Maine mazaak main bol diya tha. Nepotism is that tiny black stain on this industry that we have blown out of proportion. When I started making films, do you think I did not struggle? Those who talk about nepotism, came from small towns and villages and still made it big in showbiz, right? Ours is the only industry that gives you a chance solely on the basis of your talent. Actors have to face the camera and filmmakers have to run a thousand errands behind it. You have to do it all, by yourself. Acting is a profession where you cannot survive without talent. There are so many filmmakers whose kids have not been able to make it in the industry, because they had no or very little talent. Likewise, there are so many kids from outside who have made it big in the industry by virtue of their talent alone.

When an established filmmaker like you launches their son in a big production, does that fan the nepotism debate even more?
In Genius, I have given 18-year-old Ishita Chauhan a break. She has no godfather in the industry but she still got work right? How did she get it? Agar koi ladki bolti hain ki nepotism ke wajah se role milta hain, toh yahaan kahaan nepotism hain? I have launched seven to eight actresses – from Priyanka Chopra to Urvashi Rautela and Divya Khosla ji too. They had no one in the industry but they still got to work because they had the talent. If you have it in you, you will rise and shine. Faltu log jinke paas time hain, yah joh log bematlab ki publicity chahte hain, woh iss tarah ki baatein karte hain.