Showing posts with label Uttar Pradesh. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Uttar Pradesh. Show all posts
I waited for 34 years for this phase in my career-Ravi Kishan
9:58 AM
Neha Maheshwri (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 3, 2026)
Ravi Kishan is enjoying a rewarding phase in his career after earning acclaim for Laapataa Ladies and the web series Maamla Legal Hai. He is currently seen in Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain: Fun on the Run, the film adaptation of the popular sitcom, by Binaiferr and Sanjay Kohli.
Talking about coming on board the project, he says, “I have always been a fan of the show. The story, the director, and my role all played a big part in my decision. I enjoy making people laugh with a poker face. The character is someone who loves deeply but one-sidedly, and that really excited me. I meet such people almost every day in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.”
Though Ravi has been part of Hindi cinema for decades, wider recognition has come his way only recently. Reflecting on this shift, he says, “I waited patiently for 34 years. At one point, people assumed I had been boxed into a Bhojpuri image, that I had become a politician, grown old, and would now quietly fade away. But sometimes, by God’s grace, just when people think you are finished, a filmmaker like Kiran Rao comes along with a script like Laapataa Ladies, followed by Maamla Legal Hai. Last year showed what I can do when filmmakers believe in me and give me strong material. Meri journey strugglers ke liye ek misaal hai.”
Recounting the phase when meaningful opportunities in Bollywood felt elusive, he says, “After Tere Naam with Salman Khan, I felt exhausted because of the lack of opportunities. I thought yahaan bohot bheed hai, main iss race ka hissa nahi bann paunga, aur koi response nahi dega. Of course, there was frustration and anger, but I channelled that anger into building my own space in the Bhojpuri industry. But I never blamed Bollywood. Hindi cinema ne mujhe pehchaan di hai and taught me everything I later applied to Bhojpuri films.”
Reflecting on delayed success, he adds, “Yeh ugte sooraj ka khel hai, and that is the truth across professions. But there is also a lot of affection coming my way now, and I am grateful for that.”
CBFC rejected Ajey without even seeing it-Ravindra Gautam
10:49 PM
After the Bombay HC cleared Ajey for release, director Ravindra Gautam opened up, recalling how the CBFC originally asked the biopic’s makers for 29 cuts and an NOC from Yogi Adityanath
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; September 2, 2025)
On August 25, the Bombay High Court directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to clear Ajey - The Untold Story Of A Yogi for release without any cuts, thus ending the makers’ month-long battle with the board that originally demanded 29 cuts. The ordeal, however, has left director Ravindra Gautam reconsidering a theatrical release of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s biopic. Instead, the director has initiated conversations with streamers for an OTT release.
When we get on a call with Gautam, he admits that the tussle -- which first saw the Examining Committee rejecting the film has taken a toll on him. “They rejected the film without even seeing it. The committee gave 30 cuts. Thirty cuts which were irrelevant. It is such a beautiful film that we have made. As a filmmaker, I feel it is my responsibility to make a neutral film. A film that does not spark any violence, caste violence, or anything like that. It is a very personal film, the journey of one person. That’s what I liked about it — the fact that only in India can a person born in a remote village, with no political background, no religious backing in the family, rise to become the Chief Minister of one of India’s most populous states. That’s a 360-degree turn that no one had dared to show."
Starring Anant V Joshi in the titular role, Ajey is said to be an adaptation of Shantanu Gupta’s book, The Monk Who Became Chief Minister, and charts Adityanath’s turn to spirituality and his eventual rise in politics. Probe Gautam on the 29 cuts that were handed out, and the director reveals that one of the scenes was set in the protagonist’s college.
“In the men’s restroom, obscene things about women were scribbled on the walls. Ajey goes inside to wipe off the writing. The board objected to this, saying that it would hurt women’s sentiments. But in storytelling, you need to show what is wrong in order to rectify it,” reasons the director.
Aside from the cuts, the CBFC had also asked the makers to obtain a No Objection certificate from Adityanath, an instruction that Gautam found unreasonable.
He says, “We had the book — The Monk Who Became Chief Minister. The producers had all the necessary legal clearances to make the film. Every legal aspect was taken care of. So I don’t know why or how they took this position. Their perspective was simply: 'The film is rejected because of these cuts'. They didn’t even say, 'Bring it back after the cuts'. They just said, 'Rejected'. It is evident from the High Court’s order. In the end, the judges themselves watched the film and ordered the CBFC to release it without any cuts."
Usually, one might cast a star, but the team clearly went for an actor when they brought Joshi on board to headline the film. "As a maker, I believe you should not cast a very well-known face. A star comes with an identity of his own, with baggage that overshadows the character. The producers also believed in this. They put money behind a newer face, someone without that strong pre-set identity. Of course, he has done a lot of work — ads, modelling and so on — but he doesn’t come with the baggage of being a film star or a television star. If it’s a TV star, the audience remembers the roles they’ve played. If it’s a film star, the audience sees the star’s persona. Here, we wanted a fresh face who could embody the role without baggage. Anant connected with the story. He is a very open-hearted, hardworking, and respectful person. I am so happy with him. In recent times, I haven’t seen this kind of passion. Even when we were about to shoot and he had just come out of a tough phase, he internalized the character deeply. You might not always see him on the surface working hard, but he puts in the work quietly, sincerely."
It’s very interesting to make a film on Yogi’s life. But it’s also challenging, because there’s so much public sentiment around him as a figure. How does the film navigate that? "I always feel I should be true to the story and the subject. Yes, there are a lot of sentiments involved, so we have to take care not to hurt them. I believe that if someone has risen to such heights, there must be something extraordinary in him — maybe character, maybe resilience. Hiding that would be wrong. Instead, we should highlight those qualities and make the film inspirational. At 22, when other boys were chasing girls, this man became a sanyasi. What happened in his life that led to that choice? That’s what interests me. My approach is emotional storytelling. Everything else about him is already on YouTube. What isn’t there — that’s what I want to bring to the audience."
A story like Ajey can glorify a figure who is polarising. While many in Uttar Pradesh view Adityanath as an inspirational leader, some minority communities don’t share the view. How does one walk that tightrope? "The view you’re expressing is largely a Bombay view. On the ground in UP, the minority community sees it differently. We researched this thoroughly while making the film. We visited many places and spoke to people from different communities, including minorities — and by minority I mean common people, not political voices. While shooting in Lucknow, Rishikesh and other places, we spoke to them, and surprisingly, the common man is happy with him. You might not believe it, but that’s what we found. The common man isn’t interested in political mudslinging or circuses; he’s interested in daily life. And in their day-to-day lives, across communities, they are happy with him. I’m not saying this just because I’ve made a film on him — we researched it. Any young woman — from any community — is happy because she can now walk alone at nine at night and return home safely. That matters. Even my driver, who belongs to a minority community, told me this. He said, 'We also call him Baba'. Back in 2008–09, when I went to shoot in UP, it was a nightmare. If we were on the road with a unit, shooting on live locations, you would not imagine the kind of filthy comments we were getting. But we had to shoot because the film demanded it. Cut to 2018, when I shot in Gorakhpur. All I needed was one permission from the District Magistrate, and we could shoot anywhere we wanted. Not a single person, not a single local gunda, not a single comment. Before going to UP, I had even told my unit — especially the girls — that they would have to be mindful of how they dressed, how they carried themselves. But while shooting in 2018, I was so relieved. We cannot become so volatile. That was a purely entertaining film, yet the goons still came and harassed them badly. It is very scary."
Mulk 2: Taapsee Pannu shoots intense scene in Bandra church; Anubhav Sinha plans outdoor schedule
3:07 PM
Sources say Taapsee Pannu shooting Mulk 2’s courtroom scenes in a Bandra church; unit to head to UP and Haryana for the next leg
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; May 17, 2025)
In April, mid-day reported that Taapsee Pannu and filmmaker Anubhav Sinha had kicked off Mulk 2, the sequel to their hard-hitting 2018 courtroom drama (Court mein phir se haazir ho, April 14). Over a month on, work on the drama is on in full swing. The actor, over the past two weeks, has been filming pivotal scenes at a Bandra church, which has been transformed into a courtroom for the shoot.
Like Mulk, the sequel will explore themes of identity, faith, and civil liberties. It remains unclear whether Pannu is reprising her role of lawyer Aarti.
A source from the unit reveals, “Taapsee has been shooting courtroom portions over the past few days. The emotionally charged sequences see her delivering lengthy monologues. She is fully prepped, and one can see how deeply she is invested in the material.”
From what we’ve heard, the Mumbai leg will go on for another four days. After that, Sinha is apparently planning an intensive 20-day outdoor schedule in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. Another insider tells us, “Anubhav’s past films are proof that he tells his stories in a gritty and realistic manner. He wants to root Mulk 2’s story in its social and geographical context. Locations have been finalised in Lucknow, Meerut, and Karnal, where the director will film some rally and courtroom scenes. The movie will have another 20-25 days of work before he calls it a wrap.”
After Mulk 2, Pannu will move to Haseen Dillruba 3.
Ali Fazal, Sonali Bendre to lead series on Delhi’s Ranga Billa case
8:13 AM
Yashika Mathur (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 17, 2025)
Actors Ali Fazal and Sonali Bendre have been roped in for an upcoming web series based on the 1978 Geeta and Sanjay Chopra kidnapping and murder case, also known as the Ranga-Billa case. HT City has exclusively learnt that the series is currently being shot in Delhi.
The case, which shook the nation, led to the death sentences of the convicted criminals Kuljeet Singh (alias Ranga) and Jasbir Singh (alias Billa), and execution in 1982. In the series, Sonali and Ali will play investigative officers tasked with cracking the case.
A source close to the production tells us, “The team has been researching the case for several months... Shooting is underway in Delhi and is expected to continue through the end of April. This is the first time a series based on the Ranga-Billa case is being made, and it will explore the events in depth.”
Post the schedule wrap in Delhi, the crew will move to multiple locations in Uttar Pradesh, with the final schedule in Mumbai next month, the source shares, adding, “The story has been treated with sensitivity and aims to show how deeply the case affected Delhi.”
The series is expected to enter post-production in June-July and will reportedly release by the end of the year.
Sonu Sood builds home for senior citizens; calls it Saroj Serenity as a tribute to his mother
8:47 AM
Sonu Sood discusses his plans for homes in Mumbai, Bihar, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh for senior citizens in honour of his mother
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; January 28, 2024)
Sonu Sood is the gift that keeps on giving. After taking the initiative to rehabilitate migrant workers and residents of calamity-stricken areas, sponsoring education for underprivileged children, and empowering women with essential tools to lead productive lives through The Sood Foundation, the actor-philanthropist has taken up another worthy cause. He is building a home for senior citizens and honouring his mother, Saroj, by calling it Saroj Serenity. Aiming to provide a comfortable environment for the elderly, he says that it is a reflection of the values his mother instilled in him. The first home will be built in Nerul, in Maharashtra, and then in other states.
“This project is more than just a building. We will take care of all those parents whose kids are not there to take care of them. My mom used to always tell me that when people grow old, they feel very lonely. And I should do something to support them so they don’t feel lost, alone, or helpless. I have already started Saroj Serenity in Nerul, which will roll out in one and a half years. The homes in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Punjab are in the planning stages,” says Sood, adding that the home will have the best of facilities.
Sood informs that the old age home will have a clubhouse, beautiful paths to walk, and a recreational centre. “It is for those older people whose children are unable to take care of them or are abandoned. It will have gardens, open spaces, and recreational facilities. It will be affordable and free for needy people. The homes will be self-sustainable models,” explains the actor, who is personally taking care of every little detail about the facility’s infrastructure, including the designs and ambience.
The Kerala Story row could set tone for looming 2024 poll battles
8:31 AM
After MP, UP Set To Make Film Tax-Free
Akhilesh Singh (THE TIMES OF INDIA; May 10, 2023)
You won’t be able to watch ‘The Kerala Story’ in West Bengal as it has been banned across the state in a bid to maintain “peace and harmony”. In Tamil Nadu, the film has been taken out of almost all theatres as “a precautionary measure”. However, in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, you can watch it at a discount with the BJP governments in these states making it tax free.
Such widespread polarization on films, rarely seen before, is set to dominate the political discourse in the year which will witness assembly polls in five states in a few months, followed by the general elections next year.
The success of the film amidst the ongoing controversy over its storyline which has given boost to BJP and other saffron organisations’ claims of forced conversions, love jihad and radicalization of the Muslim youth under Islamic State (IS) influence.
Since the controversy erupted, BJP has been vocal about the issues depicted in the film and even PM Narendra Modi made it a major poll issue in Karnataka saying the movie has exposed the consequences of terrorism in a society, especially in a state like Kerala, a beautiful land of hardworking, talented and intellectual people.
His reference to the movie at a rally in Ballari set the tone for other party functionaries as they highlighted the “menace” in Kerala which has a long boundary with Karnataka. Law minister Kiren Rijiju called the ban in some states an “absolutely intolerant act.”
SC to hear plea against HC’s refusal to stall film
The SC on Tuesday agreed to hear on May 15 a plea challenging an order of the Kerala HC refusing to stall the screening of ‘The Kerala Story’. Accepting the request of senior advocate Kapil Sibal, a bench of CJI D Y Chandrachud and Justice P S Narasimha slotted the special leave petition for hearing on Monday. The Kerala HC had last Friday said it didn’t find anything offensive in the film’s trailer.
Producer should be hanged in public: Awhad
NCP leader and former Maharashtra minister Jitendra Awhad has said ‘The Kerala Story’ producer should be hanged in public. “They have not only tarnished the image of Kerala but have also insulted the women of the state,” he said. “They had said 32,000 women from Kerala had gone missing and joined the terrorist group ISIS, but the real figure is three,” he told a news channel.
Didi gets notice for ‘The Kashmir Files’ remarks
Filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri on Tuesday said he has sent a legal notice to West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee for defaming his movie “The Kashmir Files”. Banerjee on Monday banned the screening of “The Kerala Story” and criticized “The Kashmir Files” as a movie made to humiliate one section of society.
Director asks Mamata to reconsider ban
The director of “The Kerala Story”, Sudipto Sen, said he hoped West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee would “reconsider” her decision to ban it. “It is more unfortunate that it is coming from the state which is the champion of human rights, free spirit, free souls,” Sen said.
TIMES VIEW:
Banning a film or a book is never a good idea in any modern, progressive and democratic society. Neither is granting tax exemption to a film on the basis of a government’s ideological affinity. Both moves are avoidable.
Shahid Kapoor’s action comedy with director Anees Bazmee to roll in July; to be shot in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar
8:32 AM
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; May 2, 2023)
It’s a busy 2023 for Shahid Kapoor, who started the year with a bang with his maiden web series, Farzi. In mid-April, he wrapped up the shoot of his yet-untitled romantic drama opposite Kriti Sanon, moving on to producer Siddharth Roy Kapur’s next, helmed by Rosshan Andrrews. After the thriller, it will be time for the actor to shift gears to comedy with director Anees Bazmee.
mid-day has learnt that the big-budget action comedy, backed by Varisu producer Dil Raju, is set to roll in July. In keeping with the narrative, the film will be shot in the heartland of India, including Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Sources tell us that Bazmee, right after the success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 last year, started developing the action comedy.
“When he met Shahid last year, the actor loved the concept and said yes in principle. Anees dedicated the next six months to develop the comedy. Contrary to reports, it is not a remake of a south film, but an original script. Shahid is excited about the project as it not only sees him attempt a light-hearted fare after the intense Jersey [2022], Farzi and the upcoming Bloody Daddy, but will also see him in a double role. True to his style, the director has designed it as a massy entertainer,” reveals a source. The makers will zero in on the leading lady in the next fortnight.
mid-day reached out to Bazmee, who remained unavailable for comment.
Film City revamp takes off after Yogi Adityanath's efforts to lure film units to Uttar Pradesh
8:50 AM
The dream city will be a tourist attraction on the lines of Dubai Miracle Garden; UP CM Yogi’s invite to Bollywood has Maha govt taking the stalled project a step forward
Chaitanya Marpakwar, Chittaranjan Tembhekar & Bella Jaisinghani (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 22, 2023)
The fear of being outshone was the only prod that could get this stalled stallion to trot again. The Maharashtra government’s long-pending plan to revamp Mumbai’s Film City in Goregaon may finally see the light of day after Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath made a proactive bid to lure film units from Mumbai to his state.
Cultural affairs minister Sudhir Mungantiwar has announced that within a year, Maharashtra will float a global tender seeking the participation of American and European architects and studios to prepare a very futuristic design to revamp the existing Dadasaheb Phalke Film City. The state plans to undertake a Rs 4,500-crore project to convert Film City into a global tourist attraction by combining it with the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), he said.
The proposed revamp became a talking point after the recent visit of Yogi Adityanath to Mumbai to attract domestic investors ahead of his Global Investor Summit 2023 in Lucknow from February 10-12.
Adityanath met eminent members of the film fraternity and announced that UP's film policy will soon be amended to offer a 50% subsidy for web series, in line with the subsidy offered to films. It will provide for 25% subsidy for OTT films and another 25% from the state government for setting up studios and labs. Around 67 of 521 acres of UP's aspirational Film City have already been distributed for film-related activities.
Within days, the Maharashtra government announced that Goregaon Film City will be modernized. Mungantiwar promised to construct state-of-the-art studios and tourist attractions similar to Universal Studios of Hollywood. The new Film City and SGNP will combine into a three-day package tour for international tourists to carve the zone into a long-term revenue model along the lines of Miracle Garden in Dubai or the Eiffel Tower in Paris. "Within two-and-a-half to three years the project will break even," he said.
Amit Behl, honorary national secretary of CINTAA, said, "This Film City revamp has been in the offing for the past decade. In fact, in 2015, we had a meeting with Mr Vinod Tawde, who was the minister of culture, and tenders were to be floated at the time. But now it is very nice that Mr Mungantiwar has decided and the plan is finally taking off. Film City has many advantages, it is close to Western Express Highway, and its incredible topography and landscape include various contours, like mountains, lakes, forests, and jungles. Much of the land has already been cleared for studios."
Behl said this revamp will primarily help bring back all those TV production units that have seven-day telecasts and have moved elsewhere to shoot, like far-off Naigaon and Vasai if they are offered concessional rates.
“Even feature film units, and web series that have moved outside Film City – indeed outside Maharashtra – will come back if they are offered proper infrastructure. Most importantly, Maharashtra as a state should start first offering subsidies and support to the Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Rajasthani, and Bhojpuri industries that basically function from Mumbai. They may shoot anywhere,” said Behl.
Behl said the Maharashtra government should follow the module of other states like Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, UP, and Jharkhand which are offering subsidies and discounts, and Delhi and Punjab which provide single window clearance.
Behl said, "It must function like a semi-private body. The red tape should be removed from Film City, and provide single window clearance. Film City authorities should involve maximum participation from film actors, producers, directors, and technicians from the entertainment industry and the Media Entertainment Skill Council, in its functioning, to enable Mumbai and Maharashtra to regain their lost glory and revenue. Then regional and foreign film units will come and stay with us. Also if hotel facilities like lodges and two-star hotels, five-star hotels, like Ramoji Rao Film City has, can be provided, then those actors and technicians that have moved out during the pandemic will come back. It will be a value add. But two things, single window clearance for shooting and losing the red tape, are very important," he said.
Talking to Mumbai Mirror, Mungantiwar said once the concept is prepared another tender will be floated but only after consent of the cabinet led by CM Eknath Shinde and deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis. "The CM and Dy CM will decide how to go about the contract. We are considering all three models of construction, EPC (engineering, procurement and construction), PPP (public-private partnership), and BOT (build, operate, and transfer),” he said.
Before awarding contracts, however, the encroachments on site will have to be removed, he admitted. An ambitious Mungantiwar is looking at roping in reputed international film studios such as Universal, Fox, Sony, and Disney in the project.
Birendra Nath Tiwari, president of FWICE (Federation of Western India Cine Employees), said, "We knew for long that a revamp of Film City was the need of the hour. It is in such bad shape, you cannot take a good photo from anywhere. It is not picture-perfect at all. It looks like the setting for a horror movie, no beautiful film can be made here. We had given a few suggestions to the state government earlier. But we welcome Mr Mungantiwar's decision to implement the plan. Film City's management is zero. Politics and corruption is rife, people are appointed to serve vested interests and MDs are transferred on a whim. The state's idea of bringing in foreign architects is good, but we also have brilliant architects and professionals who build grand sets, they should also be involved in the revamp. Other states like UP, MP, Uttarakhand, and Haryana are all either building or planning a Film City, but Mumbai in Maharashtra, which is the capital of the entertainment industry, is lagging."
Tiwari said, "I welcome this revamp on behalf of lakhs of industry workers. I look forward to the new morning when we can visit our Film City and actually feel that we can complete our film here."
In 2018, the state invited global tenders for Film City, but there was no response. However this time, tenders will be more "bidder-friendly" and a competitive response is expected, said officials.
Meanwhile, reacting to Yogi’s meeting with the film industry, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said that the UP CM would be naive to assume that the industry will shift from Mumbai. "Dadasaheb Phalke started the film industry which then spread to the entire country. It belongs to everyone. If he (Yogi) wants to make a Film City in UP, then he should. But no one can take the industry out of Mumbai," Raut said.
Yogi’s visit shook not just the state but indeed Film City authorities from their slumber. Soon after, following a request from Film City, the state's urban development department wrote to BMC commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal, asking for 15 km of roads within the area to be concretized. And the political quagmire deepened.
As there is no clarity on who will pay for road repair, opposition parties alleged that the government is trying to milk the cash-rich BMC. Samajwadi Party MLA Rais Shaikh said the letter itself mentions that all this is being done for shows like 'Big Boss'. "Why should public money be spent for their convenience? Today, the average cost of concretizing per km of road is Rs 15 crore. This means the authorities will spend Rs 225 crore to concretize these roads which is not going to benefit the public,” he said.
"If the BMC starts constructing roads in areas that are not in its jurisdiction, when will it focus on works it is obligated to do? This is nothing but an attempt by the state government to save face as Yogi Adityanath has tried to woo Bollywood and the UP Film City plans have been announced in a big way. The BJP must not politicize Bollywood or any arts,” said former Congress corporator and opposition party leader Ravi Raja.
Suniel Shetty asks Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to help end #BoycottBollywood
3:29 PM
BOMBAY TIMES (January 7, 2023)
Suniel Shetty on Thursday urged Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to help get rid of the ‘Boycott Bollywood’ trend on social media. The UP CM, who was on a two-day Mumbai visit, rounded off his trip by meeting film personalities such as Shetty, Subhash Ghai, Jackie Shroff, Rajkumar Santoshi, Manmohan Shetty and Boney Kapoor. Though the agenda of the meeting was to discuss shooting and investment prospects in Noida Film City, Shetty took the opportunity to put forward the grievances of the film industry.
‘NOT COST OR SUBSIDY, OUR PROBLEM TODAY IS BRINGING AUDIENCE BACK TO CINEMAS’
“Today if we are facing a problem then it is not about cost or subsidy, but it is to do with the audience. We have to bring the audience back to theatres. It is very important,” Shetty was quoted as saying during the session.
He added, “The hashtag that’s going on Boycott Bollywood yeh ruk bhi sakta hai aapke kehne se. It is important to spread the word that we are doing good work. One rotten apple is everywhere, but just because of that you can’t call the whole industry rotten. Today, people think that Bollywood is not a good place, but we have made such good films here. I was a part of one such film too, when I did Border. I have been a part of many good films. We have to come together and work towards how we can get rid of the Boycott Bollywood hashtag. We have to figure out how we can stop this trend.”
‘FEEL VERY STRONGLY ABOUT STIGMA AGAINST BOLLYWOOD’
“It is of great importance that this stigma that is on us is gone. It’s a very strong emotion for me. Dukh hota hai bolne me ke humaare pe yeh stigma hai because 99% of us are not like that. Hum din bhar drugs nahi lete, hum galat kaam nahi karte. Hum achhe kaam se jude hai. Bharat ko agar bahar ke desho se kisi ne joda hai toh woh hai humaara music, and our stories. So, Yogi ji, if you take the lead and talk to our beloved Prime Minister about still continues it, it will make a huge difference,” said Shetty.
Subsequently, we spoke to Suniel Shetty who told us why he chose to raise the impassioned request at the event. Excerpts:
There were a lot of people attending the event, someone asked for an entertainment park (in UP), someone asked for more theatres etc. All I asked for was some help for our film industry because we are probably at the worst stage that we have ever been in. I asked for help to revive the industry and get our respect back.
Mera ek hi kehna hai ki if I do something wrong, if I project myself wrongly, then hang and ban me, but don’t ban my industry because there are thousands of workers. After all, the film industry is not only about actors. It is about people at various levels and various stages, right from spot boys, carpenters, dancers etc. and all of them are a part of the film industry. I keep praying and wishing that our golden days come back. We have connected the world through music. At birthdays or naming ceremonies, it is our music that is played, and that is what people enjoy.
I didn’t ask for a piece of land, I didn’t say I needed subsidy for one of my movies, I just said help the industry stand on its feet. Yogi ji is someone who wanted to meet the industry and listen to us. We are on the back foot right now and someone needs to come forward. I know I will get a lot of gaali from people who want to boycott Bollywood. They will abuse me and say, ‘Yeh toh flop actor hai, etc. ’ Par woh sab mujhe chalega.
Yogi ji gave a very positive reaction (to my point) and I am happy about that. The new beginning can happen beautifully from a state like UP, because UP and Bihar are the heartland of India when it comes to Hindi movies. Bolte hain ki UP, Bihar mein film chal jaati hai toh all-India mein ripple effect hoke film chal jaati hai. UP has always been a state where we have shot our films and enjoyed them. I became an action hero thanks to UP, Bihar. That love still continues.
— Onkar Kulkarni and agencies
Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor to shoot Stree from March 2023; Varun Dhawan to appear in a cameo
8:14 AM
Sources say Rajkummar-Shraddha to kick off Stree sequel in March 2023 in Delhi; horror comedy to unfold across UP and capital
Hiren Kotwani (MID-DAY; December 14, 2022)
Is the sequel going on floors soon? That has been a constant query of cinephiles over the past four years since Stree (2018) became a sleeper hit at the box office. In some ways, the Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor-starrer brought the genre of horror comedy to the fore in Hindi cinema, and amassed a loyal fan following. While reports of Stree 2 being in development have been doing the rounds since last year, mid-day has learnt that director Amar Kaushik will take the second instalment on floors in March 2023.
Kaushik, who had been busy with Bhediya over the past few months, is now giving his undivided attention to the Rao-starrer. The unit has begun pre-production for the film that will roll in Delhi. “While Stree was shot extensively in Chanderi and Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh, this time around, the narrative moves to Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. The film will be shot in four cities, beginning with Delhi and the outskirts. The team will then move to Uttar Pradesh for an extensive month-long schedule. The final draft of the script is ready, and Amar is currently locking the three cities that will serve as the backdrop,” reveals a source.
Hailed for its themes of gender role reversal and feminism, Stree revolved around a witch who is believed to abduct men at night. Rao’s Vicky and his friends — essayed by Aparshakti Khurana and Abhishek Banerjee — set out to find the truth behind the legend after they suspect a mysterious woman, played by Kapoor, of being the witch. While the quartet will reprise their roles in the sequel, Pankaj Tripathi is likely to give it a miss. But there is said to be an addition to the cast.
The source adds, “Varun Dhawan will make a special appearance. Amar and the writers have woven in his character from Bhediya, thus bringing together the universes of the two distinct horror comedies.”
Increased film shoots in Lucknow gets the moolah rolling in
8:28 AM
Increased venue and local artistes prices and also number of shoots has led to the city getting a good revenue from shoots of films, web shows and television serials in the past year
Iti Shree Misra (LUCKNOW TIMES; October 9, 2022)
Cameras are back in motion in Lucknow as films, web series and television shows shootings are in full swing in the city that continues to be a hot favourite destination for the film makers. Post Coronavirus pandemic, as various sectors are back to work, so is the movie business. After a hiatus of two years, shoots are back in Lucknow with a bang, feel the stakeholders of the industry.
“Although the pandemic was a very dull phase for us work-wise as no shootings were taking place and those which had been planned also were postponed, yet the past year has been a very busy one for us,” says Aroon Singh Dicky, line producer in Lucknow and Uttar Pradesh who’s worked on projects like the web show Mirzapur with Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Rangbaaz with Vineet Singh, films Uunchai with Sooraj Barjatya, Amitabh Bachchan and Bawaal with Varun Dhawan and Jahnvi Kapoor in recent times.
“It’s been a hectic year for us shoot wise,” says Ashish Jain, another line producer in Lucknow who’s managed shooting of Chhatriwali in the city.
With several projects being shot simultaneously, the tribe of line producers in the city has also increased. “Now it is not just films but also regional films, web series and television shows that are being shot in not just Lucknow but across the state. And because of that there is more demand for line producers and technicians in UP. That has led to a lot many people taking up the work of line producers,” says Yogesh Tripathi who has worked on projects like Kanjoos Makkhi Choos with Kunal Kemmu, Gadar 2 with Sunny Deol.
The increase in the number of shoots has also led to an increase in the revenue earned by the city from production houses. “There has been a marked increase in the prices of private properties that we shoot in,” says Ashish Jain. “Although the government has not increased its fees, private players have hiked the amount they charge from production houses,” says Dicky.
If earlier the fees charged for a single day shoot at a house in Lucknow was 20-30 thousand per day, it has increased to around 50,000 per day, depending on the project and the production house, say line producers.
“The fees of the local artistes has also increased in the past couple of years,” says Ashish. “Local actors can now charge anything from Rs. 3000 to 15,000 these day and the fees for a crowd for each person can range from anywhere between Rs. 800-1500,” he adds.
PROMINENT FILMS AND SHOWS SHOT IN LUCKNOW
- Bhaukal 2
- Khuda Haafiz 2
- Jamtara 2
- Bheed
- Chhatriwali
- Mirzapur 3
- Bawaal
- Rangbaaz 3
- Vikram Vedha
- Chhatriwali
- Gadar 2
- Jahan Chaar Yaar
- Dasvi
- Bhool Bhulaiya 2
Ajay Devgn has a crazy gut instinct as an artiste-Aamil Keeyan Khan
8:45 AM
'Bholaa' writer Aamil Keeyan Khan on how Ajay Devgn has transformed the south remake to suit pan-India audience
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; July 31, 2022)
If 'U Me Aur Hum' (2008), 'Shivaay' (2016), and 'Runway 34' are any indication, then it’s not unfounded to believe that Ajay Devgn is much more than an actor and producer, especially when he sits in the director’s chair. With 'Drishyam 2' in post-production, the actor has trained all his attention on his next directorial venture 'Bholaa', a Hindi adaptation of Lokesh Kanagraj’s Tamil hit, 'Kaithi' (2019).
Over half the shoot has been wrapped up, and Devgn hopes to complete the principal photography by August 20. Co-writer Aamil Keeyan Khan, who also served as a writer on 'Drishyam 2' and 'Runway 34', says that the story of 'Bholaa' has been adapted to suit the palette of a pan-India audience and Devgn has been an integral part of the scripting process.
“Ajay has a crazy gut instinct as an artiste. He knows exactly what to tweak, add and subtract to elevate a scene. [Despite the pressure] he remains approachable, which is why working with him is fun,” says Khan.
He believes that Devgn’s love for the craft keeps him “energised and dedicated on set”. “I feel he is in his happiest element when he is wearing the director’s hat.” 'Bholaa' revolves around an ex-convict father, who strives to meet his daughter, after being released from prison.
A source from the unit informed that the adaptation would be different from the original. “While the heart and soul of 'Bholaa' remain the same as 'Kaithi', Ajay and his writers—Sandeep Kewlani and Aamil, have changed and added some characters. They have based the story out of a town in Uttar Pradesh to give it a more all-India appeal. A huge set of UP town has been constructed at the Ramoji studio, in Hyderabad. The lingo used by Ajay and the rest of the cast, including Tabu, is a mix of Hindi and local UP lingo.”
Crediting Devgn for bringing his own “taste and sensibility” to the script of 'Bholaa,' Khan says, “Shakespeare never imagined Othello set in Uttar Pradesh, but Vishal Bhardwaj did, even though the story in its essence remains the same. I could request the same dish from ten different chefs, and they will all taste different even if the recipe is the same. The same is true for stories.”
Brahmastra & other Bollywood shoots come to standstill in Uttar Pradesh amid Coronavirus wave
8:21 AM
Iti Shree Misra (BOMBAY TIMES; February 1, 2022)
Despite the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, 2021 turned out to be quite a star-studded year for Uttar Pradesh in terms of film, web and TV serial shoots. From Saif Ali Khan to Kangana Ranaut, A-listers have been shooting in the state at different times during the year, especially from May onwards. However, recently, owing to the rising Coronavirus cases in the state, most shoots have either been cancelled or postponed. Line producers say the night curfew is also making producers shy away from coming to UP to shoot.
Last year, films, television and web series were shot across the state. This year, too, seemed to hold a lot of promise with several big projects lined up to be shot in the state. Among the actors who were expected in UP were Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Shahid Kapoor, Huma Qureshi, Kunal Kemmu and Shivin Narang.
The shooting of Huma Qureshi-starrer web series, Maharani (below), which was supposed to begin from the first week of January has been put on hold for now. Aroon Singh Dicky, a line producer in Lucknow, says, “The shoot was supposed to go on floors on January 6 in Lucknow, but we are now hearing that the team is wrapping up shoot in Bhopal itself.”
“In Varanasi also, the shoot of three web series and the film Hari Up was to begin in the coming days, but all of them have either cancelled or postponed their plans,” informs Rati Shankar Tripathi, an actor and line producer.
NIGHT CURFEW IS DISCOURAGING
Other reasons why filmmakers are shying away from shooting in UP at the moment is the night curfew and the upcoming Assembly elections. “Recently, we had to wrap up the shooting by 10:30pm,” Dicky informs.
According to Rati Shankar Tripathi, “The remaining part of the Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt-starrer Brahmastra was slated to be filmed in Varanasi in December last year, but it was shifted to January due to the rising cases in Mumbai. And now, the shooting has been indefinitely postponed.”
In Kanpur, too, several projects were lined up for the year, but they have been put on hold for now. Line producer Shaan Khan, who was preparing for the shoot of film Akbar in Kanpur, informs, “Ikram Akhtar’s film Akbar, which is the sequel of film Baabarr was supposed to be shot in January this year. The film features actor Ashmit Patel, Shahbaz Khan and Ankita Srivastava, but due to rising cases, the producers have postponed the shoot.”
Mohammad Rizwaan, another line producer from Kanpur, tells us, “The increase in COVID cases has affected the shoot schedule of film, TV and web series in Kanpur. There was an unnamed film of Shahid Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor that was supposed to be shot at IIT Kanpur from January 17, but has now been postponed.”
NOIDA, GHAZIABAD BEAR THE BRUNT
Similarly in Noida and Agra also, film and web series projects that were supposed to take off this month, have been put on the backburner. Arvind Rajpurohit, a line producer in Mumbai, says, “A few web series which were slated to begin shoot in UP in Noida, Ghaziabad and Agra this month have been postponed to March now.”
— With inputs from Meera Vohra and Sumit Jha
SHOOTS POSTPONED OR CANCELLED IN UP
- Ranbir-Alia film Brahmastra
- An untitled Shahid Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor starrer
- A film of Sonakshi Sinha
- Sunny Deol’s Gadar 2
- Hari Up
- Web series Maharani 2
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 706
9:55 AM
LAST FRIDAY OF THE YEAR TO BE A DISAPPOINTMENT AS JERSEY GETS POSTPONED
All was going well as the Coronavirus cases in the country were dropping steadily. The cinema business, too, had come on track with films like Sooryavanshi, Spider-Man: No Way Home and Pushpa: The Rise - Part 01 emerging as super hits. Sadly, the Omicron variant entered the country, and has led to a significant rise in the number of cases. Nevertheless, the fear of the virus isn’t there like last time and life was going as usual. In states like Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh etc, night curfew was introduced, mainly to avoid gathering of people post evening during the festival of Christmas and during New Year’s Eve. The business was slightly impacted but no one was complaining.
But then on Monday, December 27, the government of Delhi decided to shut down cinemas with immediate effect. Shahid Kapoor-starrer Jersey was all set to release on December 31. An hour after Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal made the announcement, Jersey’s producers revealed that their film has been postponed indefinitely. A few people wondered if this was the right call. After all, just Delhi city was shut; the rest of the country is functioning. However, what’s the guarantee that other states won’t follow suit and shut down theatres in their respective territories? Last year, the producers of Angrezi Medium burnt their hands when they decided to release the Irrfan Khan-starrer in cinemas on March 13, 2020, despite the Covid-19 threat looming over their heads. Within 72 hours, most states shut down the theatres and the business of that film was disastrous.
Hence, it can’t be ruled out that the makers of Jersey must have also feared that if the crucial state of Maharashtra shuts from Thursday or over the weekend and so do the other important states, the film will bomb at the ticket window.
Meanwhile, the Omicron cases continue to increase in most parts of the country. In Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra, the number of cases were around 600 on December 24 while on December 29, the number jumped to around 2500! Such a huge jump has been rare. The good news is that most cases are asymptomatic or mild and don’t require oxygen beds or even hospitalization. A few voices in the medical and scientific community are predicting that Omicron can be a blessing in disguise because though it’s more virulent, it’s also less likely to cause severe illness or even death. Hence, a prediction is made that very soon, herd immunity will be achieved and the pandemic will come to an end.
Sadly, no credible organization or government can afford to put their gear down over these beliefs. One needs scientific evidence and it’ll come in a few weeks. The industry stakeholders do understand that the government will need to put some restrictions in place. They are asking various state governments to not shut down cinemas; instead, they are requesting them instead to reintroduce the rule of 50% occupancy in cinemas in states where 100% occupancy is allowed. Also, they are also requesting that only fully vaccinated individuals be allowed inside cinemas.
Sadly, there’s no guarantee the state governments will listen to the rule, especially the Maharashtra government which has been strict in putting restrictions. Despite cases jumping to 2500+ in Mumbai, the government hasn’t told cinemas to halt operations. However, as seen in the past, if cases continue to rise exponentially, cinemas can be told to stop functioning. If this happens in a lot of states, the fate of the upcoming films can be in limbo. Next week, January 7, sees the release of arguably the most expensive film of Indian cinema, RRR. The makers are going ahead with the promotions as scheduled. However, everyone associated, including exhibitors, are prepared for any eventuality.
It is an established fact that the chances of one getting infected with Covid-19 in a cinema hall is negligible. Also, it’s bewildering to see that political rallies are allowed in a state like Uttar Pradesh, where a night curfew is in place. These rallies attract lakhs of people and where wearing of masks, social distancing etc goes for a toss. Even weddings are permitted and so are restaurants and pubs. Masks are required to be put down in these situations and it can lead to a spread of Covid-19 as compared to a cinema hall where viewers have to wear a mask compulsorily. Hence, the way cinemas are shut in the first sign of rise of cases is highly unjustified but the industry sadly, is yet to develop a spine to question the authorities over this logic.
We helped with two lakh vaccinations in Uttar Pradesh and distributed 100 tonnes of food grains-Shabana Azmi
7:56 AM
Travelling to Mijwan for the first time since the pandemic, Shabana discusses how she has lined up several initiatives to aid the villagers
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; November 12, 2021)
"I have a big paltan with me,” laughs Shabana Azmi, who is set to leave for Mijwan today. The actor, who has been unable to go to the Uttar Pradesh village since the onset of the pandemic last year, will be joined on the trip by brother Baba Azmi, his wife Tanvi and close collaborators at Mijwan Welfare Society, the NGO that works towards empowerment of the girl-child.
Azmi has a series of initiatives to oversee during her week-long stay in the village. “I am travelling to Mijwan after two years, though our work didn’t stop during the pandemic. We helped with two lakh vaccinations in UP and distributed 100 tonnes of food grains. [During this trip], Kakul Hai [Delhi University assistant professor] will interact with the villagers to write a book on the women of Mijwan. Neeraj Agarwal [CEO, Rural Shores Skills Academy] will train them in computer skills while M S Sathyu’s daughter Shaili is setting up a course in life skills and dramatics. My mother [Shaukat Kaifi] believed theatre played a key role in raising awareness on women’s empowerment and social justice. I am excited that Shaili will take forward the work my mother had started.”
After the jam-packed week, Azmi will head to Delhi for the shoot of Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani.
Mijwan always reminds the veteran actor of her late father Kaifi Azmi. Remembering her 2002 trip with him, she says, “The villagers had surrounded me, wanting me to resolve their problems. Suddenly, Abba left with the driver only to return half an hour later. When I went to his room, he said, ‘My villagers are troubling my chidiya. Eat this, and then go out.’ I saw that he had gone all the way to Phoolpur to get samosas for me.”
Income Tax Department surveys premises of Sonu Sood; Arvind Kejriwal backs actor
8:52 AM
Vijay V Singh (THE TIMES OF INDIA; September 16, 2021)
Mumbai: The income-tax (IT) department on Wednesday conducted a survey on the premises of actor Sonu Sood in connection with alleged tax evasion. The survey continued till late hours and officials declined to disclose any information. Sood was unavailable for comment over the phone.
I-T officials also searched a few premises in Uttar Pradesh. They claimed that both were unconnected operations. The UP action is linked to transactions with a contractor.
Recently, Sood was in the news after his meeting with Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal where he was declared brand ambassador of AAP government’s ‘Desh ke Mentors’ programme for guiding students in making career choices.
During the lockdown, Sood had helped migrants reach their hometowns by arranging transportation and food.
----------------
PTI | HINDUSTAN TIMES (September 16, 2021)
Income-Tax department officials descended on the premises linked to actor Sonu Sood in Mumbai and some other places on Wednesday in connection with an alleged tax evasion probe, PTI reported quoting official sources. They said the action is being carried out in at least half a dozen locations in Mumbai and Lucknow. It was not immediately clear if the action was being undertaken at Sood’s residence as well. A real estate deal is under the scanner of the department, they said. The Delhi government had recently said that Sood will be the ambassador of the Aam Aadmi Party government’s 'desh ka mentors' programme under which students will be guided in career choices.
“There are millions of difficulties on the path of truth, but the truth always wins. With Sonu Sood ji, there are prayers of lakhs of families of India who got Sonu ji’s support in difficult times,” Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted.
As a child, I had seen both my parents go through mental health issues-Ali Fazal
7:52 AM
Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; June 8, 2021)
Actor-turned-producer Ali Fazal has always tried to advocate the need to look after one’s mental health. While experts believe that resolving mental health concerns start with accepting and acknowledging a problem, the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have taught us that there is a crying need for infrastructure and understanding to deal with mental health issues that are only escalating with time. In his bid to combat this concern, Ali has roped in medical professionals to conduct a series of free online panel discussions. The objective is to address the need across various groups, as mental health and its treatments could vary drastically depending on age groups, professions and other factors.
Talking about these sessions, which will start in a few days, the actor says, “As a nation, we must start learning from this experience. It all starts with reaching out and acknowledging. That’s the core of mental health. For example, now and at all times, we need to be more empathetic towards doctors, nurses and all other front-line workers because the trauma they’re facing on a daily basis is bound to take an enormous toll on their mental health tomorrow.”
Through these sessions, Ali and the team of doctors plan to reach out to frontline workers, children and those who are treating and taking care of Coronavirus patients. They will also have sessions for those who were COVID-19 positive and are now on their road to recovery.
The actor explains, “Mental health is something that doesn’t work on the concept of one-size-fits-all. Hence, in my initiative, the aim is to help them be aware of various groups and sections of societies that need provisions of mental health and to give them the necessary help and support for it.”
Talking about what inspired him to join forces for this initiative, which a few of his therapist and psychiatrist friends were already discussing, Ali says, “What has driven me at the base level is the fact that I have experienced mental health concerns within close family circles. As a child, I had seen both my parents go through mental health issues, which was considered the thing that one doesn’t speak about. We saw the world going topsy-turvy and the pandemic coming for us in the last two years. My grandpa passed away recently, we had two-three COVID cases in the family, and my uncle could not even be there for the final rites. Even in this insurmountable loss, I find myself in a position of privilege. Bahar kya ho raha hai? Ek hi din mein kisi bacche ke dono parents guzar gaye, kisike paas chhat nahi hai, kisike jawaan bacche shikaar ho gaye iss marz ke. There’s so much pain. We all say that it’s a war against COVID, and we have to win it. But we need to take a moment to think of what war brings with it. There is going to be major PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) that will set in.”
The actor says that he was aware that holding one session wouldn’t be of help, but he knew a couple of therapists and doctors in Mumbai and Uttar Pradesh who were planning to do a series of chats online. He shares, “I am no expert, but I have joined hands with them. I may not be in every discussion, but I will lend it my online space and try to be there as often as possible. It’s a weekly exercise that we plan to do for a prolonged period. Addressing and resolving mental health issues should be a collective effort. We may find cures and vaccines for the virus, but we will have to learn to live with the grief.”
Due to rising Covid cases in Uttar Pradesh, Janhit Mein Jaari to now roll in Madhya Pradesh
7:50 AM
As shooting is curbed in UP due to Covid-19 crisis, Raaj Shaandilyaa to roll Nushrratt-starrer Janhit Mein Jaari in MP
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; June 3, 2021)
If Raaj Shaandilyaa had his way, Nushrratt Bharuccha-starrer Janhit Mein Jaari would have rolled in Uttar Pradesh in late-April. However, with many states going into a lockdown in the second wave of the Coronavirus pandemic, the producer has had to do a rethink. “According to the guidelines, we cannot shoot in Uttar Pradesh. The state witnessed a spike in cases, and things may be improving now, but we cannot venture into the state until further notice,” says Shaandilyaa, who has also penned the script of the comedy.
He now intends to take the film to Chanderi and Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh instead. “It’s a small-town story, so these places serve as ideal locations. We are tweaking the story to suit the new locale.”
Bharuccha plays an executive at a condom manufacturing company in her second collaboration with Shaandilyaa after Dream Girl (2019). Last month, director Tejas Deoskar announced his film that will see Rakul Preet Singh play a condom tester. Shaandilyaa is not worried about the similar themes as he says, “They are different films, and my movie was planned last year.”
Camera is a double edged weapon; if the photos are taken with sensitivity and we are mindful, it can help-Shabana Azmi
8:04 AM
Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 28, 2021)
“It’s very hard to maintain your sanity at a time like this. Every day we hear about a known one gone. But we cannot give in to despair,” says Shabana Azmi. She believes that having her family around is helping her cope with the grim situation as she asserts, “This is the time to pull out all the stops and do whatever we can to alleviate suffering.”
As she is spending the lockdown at her farmhouse in Khandala, Azmi is leaving no stone unturned to make sure that there are no loopholes in the Covid relief work which she is overseeing in the remote areas of Uttar Pradesh. “We’re working in eight districts of Uttar Pradesh. Our Covid Rahat Program entails work related to supplying food, arranging oxygen concentrators and escalating the vaccination drive,” she says.
The veteran actor adds that she is actively involved in spreading awareness about the importance of vaccines to fight Coronavirus among those living in rural areas.
“Javed (Akhtar; husband) and I’ve had considerable experience in the polio vaccination drive which happened a couple of years ago in the hinterlands of UP. Apart from making motivational videos urging people to take the vaccine, our team is taking door to door surveys,” she explains.
With many celebrities receiving flak for posing for a camera while doing charitable work, Azmi opines, “I think that if the photos are taken with sensitivity and we are mindful, it can help. I remember during the Latur earthquake, I took a tour of a hospital in Solapur and was horrified at the way the survivors were asked to relate their tragedy for the benefit of the cameras! The camera is a double edged weapon.”
I want a bikini-fit body this year, says Swara Bhasker
8:15 AM
Kavita Awaasthi (HINDUTAN TIMES; April 9, 2021)
After Holi in Delhi, Swara Bhasker, who has been shooting for her new film in the Capital, will be in Goa for her birthday. The actor, who loves celebrating birthdays and gets excited for not just hers but her friends and family, too, will be on shoot, in Goa. “I like shooting on my birthdays. There is nothing more fulfilling and satisfying to be working, especially after last year,” says Bhasker, who turns 33 today.
The actor has donated diapers at an NGO that takes care of abandoned little girls on her birthday as she was quite moved by their plight after reading about some cases and stories in the media. “I came across some really sad stories of abandonment of girls in Uttar Pradesh while I was shooting there, so I went to Budaun, met the people working in the NGO and heard first-hand about abandoned babies. It is a real issue and there is no census for the real number. Activists say the number is insane and I felt humbled looking at all the work they were doing. So, I decided to do my own small bit,” she says.
In life, for Bhasker, one of the big ticks in her bucket list has been to make it in Bollywood as an actor. Calling herself a “rank outsider and not even a model” to make it is huge is a big deal, she says. “Look at the number of people who come to Mumbai to become actors and for me, a regular college girl, to arrive in the city and give acting a shot — what were the chances for me to succeed? In terms of roles, Nil Battey Sannata (2016), Anaarkali Of Aarah (2017), Veere Di Wedding (2018) are some performances, which stood out. Moreover, shows Rasbhari, Bhaag Beanie Bhaag and Flesh, too, have been well received. I have some exciting films coming up including Sheer Qorma and Jahan Chaar Yaar. But, as an actor, there is always the hunger to do more and perform better.”
Ask about her plans and goals for the next two years and she says, “I have written two scripts and I am working on getting them on the floors. Personally, this year, I want to get a bikini-fit body. I also would like to see some personal growth as well.” Is marriage on her mind at all? “Marriage has to be with the right person and if that happens, sure, why not? I would like a family of my own. I am much more traditional than my social media personality suggests. It is a big thing I have realised in the last year,” she concludes.
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