Star kids say a film industry background may guarantee a headstart, but not box-office success
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 9, 2020)

The nepotism debate rages on, but the box office has always shown there’s only one arbiter of an actor’s fate: the audience. While some star kids such as Hrithik Roshan, Sanjay Dutt and Kareena Kapoor Khan made it big, for many others their film backgrounds didn’t translate into showbiz success.

For instance, Harman Baweja, son of producer Harry Baweja, was launched in Love Story 2050 (2008), and went on to do Victory and What’s Your Rashee? (both 2009), but didn’t find commercial success. Sooraj Pancholi, son of actor Aditya Pancholi, and Athiya Shetty, daughter of actor Suniel Shetty, were launched by actor Salman Khan in Hero (2015), but don’t have a big hit.

Adhyayan Suman, son of actor-host Shekhar Suman, debuted with Haal-e-Dil (2008), got some success with Raaz- The Mystery Continues (2009), but then his career hit a low. “I was talking to dad about this, this debate is wrong. It is actually groupism,” he says. “As even Sushant (Singh Rajput) said, the problem is only when star kids are being pushed ahead. My point is if that was the case, we wouldn’t have Ayushmann Khurrana or Rajkummar Rao. And Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan — they must have got it easy for a couple of years, but if today, someone tells me Ranbir is not a good actor, I will slap them. They have the X-factor,” he adds.

Hard work works?
Sikandar Kher, son of actors Kirron Kher and Anupam Kher, doesn’t deny nepotism, but feels hard work triumphs. “When I go and ask for work, I’ll get a meeting with filmmakers. Millions come to the industry, they might never get one. But everyone I met hasn’t given me work. I don’t think anybody is going to put money on you just because you are somebody’s son or daughter, it’s a business. My first film Woodstock Villa (2008) was offered to me by Sanjay Gupta. That is probably because of where I come from. But as you go on, you just work at it,” he tells us.

Pranutan, daughter of actor Mohnish Bahl and granddaughter of yesteryear star Nutan, was also launched by Salman, in Notebook (2019), but it didn’t do well. Bahl says his daughter bagged the film on her own. “People say ‘Salman ki dosti hai’, they don’t want to believe that,” he says, adding that Pranutan has bagged another film, Helmet, and auditions even today.

Audience rules
Late actor Amrish Puri’s grandson Vardhan didn’t have it easy either. “I was young when my grandfather passed away. When I wanted to start as an assistant director, I had nobody to make calls for me. I gave 25-50 interviews, till I met Aditya Chopra and begged him for a job,” he tells us. He recently made his film debut with Yeh Saali Ashiqui (2019).

Agrees Mustafa, son of filmmaker Abbas of the Abbas-Mastan duo, who debuted with Machine in 2017, but didn’t strike gold. “It doesn’t help being the child of a famous parent. The audience makes you what you are,” he says.

Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; November 22, 2019)

Shivaleeka Oberoi, who is all set to make her acting debut with director Cherag Ruparel’s romantic-thriller, Yeh Saali Aashiqui, has previously assisted filmmaker Sajid Nadiadwala on Kick (2014) and filmmakers Sajid-Farhad (Samji Brothers) on Housefull 3 (2016). Interestingly, even before her film opposite debutant Vardhan Puri opens in theatres, she has bagged her second film with Vidyut Jammwal. The actress spoke to BT about her journey so far and what lies ahead. Excerpts...

With your debut film hitting the theatres in a few days, are you nervous? It’s interesting that you chose a romantic thriller for your maiden outing. Also, the past couple of years have seen a lot of new faces in Bollywood. Are you apprehensive about the competition that lies ahead?
Right now, I’m just overwhelmed that people have appreciated the film’s trailer and first song. Even with two newcomers in the lead, people have been generous with their appreciation. For Vardhan and I, this movie is a big responsibility. Yes, I am nervous, but I’m also happy about what we’ve pulled off. As for the new faces on the scene, I don’t feel any pressure, as competition is a part of every profession. To further answer your question, I chose a romantic thriller because I felt that it would help me showcase my range and potential as an actor in a content-led film.

Your grandfather, Mahavir Oberoi, was a producer. Did the fact that you are an industry kid make it easier for you to make inroads in Bollywood?
Well, I have never met my grandfather. He passed away when my father was really young, and no one else in the family was in the business of cinema until I decided to become an actor. I was all of five years when I started imitating Kareena Kapoor’s scenes from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001) at home (laughs!). My mother, who was a teacher in the same school where I studied, was a little scared to see me like that because koi apparent filmi connection nahi tha. I led a life away from cinema, but it still found its way to me. During my college days, I decided to join Anupam Kher’s acting school, and my mother was quite supportive. For my ‘admission test’, I had to enact a scene before Anupam sir, and even there, I did Kareena’s train sequence from Jab We Met (2007). At 16, I was the youngest in my batch. Eventually, I landed a few commercials, and then, at a social gathering, my grandmother spoke to Sajid sir’s mother about me. Hearing what I wanted to do, she asked me to see Sajid sir. When I told him about my acting aspirations, he asked me to first prepare myself by becoming an assistant director. Post Housefull 3, I got a call for auditioning for Yeh Saali Aashiqui. Everyone, insider or outsider, has their journey before finding his/her debut film. If someone comes from a prolific film family, like Vardhan (late actor Amrish Puri’s grandson), they have to live up to that name and still work hard to make a mark. So, we’re all in the same boat, albeit, on different sides. Everything depends on how well people take to your work.

So, who do you consider your mentor in the industry?
Sajid Nadiadwala is someone I look up to. If I hadn’t assisted him on Kick, I would not have been here. Being behind the scenes has helped me learn so much. While shooting Kick, I was assigned to give claps before the shot. When I saw Salman Khan on the set for the first time, I started shivering. Eventually, I was assigned to take the scenes to him and so on. That is how I studied films — by working on them. As an AD on Housefull 3, I figured how nuances matter a lot. Akshay sir (Kumar) casually hangs out on the set, but the moment the camera rolls, he’s in character. I also understood the pressures producers face, how actors and crew members work together, and why there’s never a minute to waste on a set. It’s important to have such exposure before starting off as an actor.

Apart from you, this is also Vardhan’s first film. How did you break the ice with him?
His family has a big name in the industry. I was nervous when I met him for the first time, but Meenaji and Rajeev ji (producers Rajeev Amrish Puri, Meena Rajeev Puri) took good care of me. Vardhan was also kind and understanding as a co-star. A week into the look tests, we bonded with each other. We even figured that we were friends on social media for years, and had lots of common friends. Eventually, we became good friends in the real world, too.

It is often said that landing your second film is more difficult than making a debut. But, in your case, even before Yeh Saali Aashiqui releases, your second film (Khuda Hafiz) has rolled. That must be a relief...
Deep in my heart, I wanted my second film in my kitty before my debut releases. And, God answered my prayers. I was called to audition for Khuda Hafiz. When I heard the brief, it ticked all the boxes — a great story, a talented co-star and a good team. I was happy that I got a chance merely on the basis of my audition. Kumar Mangat ji (producer Kumar Mangat Pathak) put his faith in me even without seeing my first film.

On the personal front, there were rumours that you are engaged to TV actor Karam Rajpal...
He’s one of my closest buddies. I’m very focussed on my career right now. My mother and I were both surprised when news about Karam and me made the rounds. I’m a romantic person, but this is not the time to fall in love. It’s time to work.

Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; November 19, 2019)

Vardhan Puri will make his debut with Yeh Saali Aashiqui that releases this week. Not only is he playing a character with grey shades in his first film, but he has also penned the story and has been a part of the film’s production journey. Even though he is veteran actor Amrish Puri’s grandson, he’s not had it easy so far. In a conversation with BT, he relives the road travelled and what lies ahead for him:

Despite being in and around the film fraternity, how did you skip the paparazzi radar?
My father is not really a member of the fraternity and doesn’t hang out with the film folks. He has a different line of work and his circle has people from the world of finance. My parents are not even social in that sense; they rarely party. Fraternity parties are where you meet people from the industry, but I seldom went to those. I worked at a film studio and was busy learning the ropes of filmmaking. I still don’t have an industry friend though I know people. My buddies are the ones who’ve been with me since my school days. The reason the paps never spotted me was that I was never at the parties. I was behind the cameras on a job. It’s important to find your film; the paps will automatically find you. No sensible casting director in the business casts you because he bumped into you at a bash. He or she will chase you if you’ve knocked it out of the park at an audition. Theatre teaches you to be focussed on the prep and rehearsals, so when the time comes, you don’t have to think too much. I worked on that without compromising on my focus.

With a lineage of strong character actors like your grandfather Amrish Puri and his brother Madan Puri, the industry and the audience expects a lot from your debut film. Do you feel that the pressure you face is different from that of a star kid, like Sunny Deol’s son Karan for instance?
I think it’s a responsibility which I take very seriously. People love them both, especially daadu (Amrish Puri). I want people to love me, too. I can’t be Amrish Puri, I don’t want to be him and I can never be him. We look and sound different. However, our core values, drawn from theatre, are the same. So, our understanding of cinema is quite similar. Veteran filmmaker Yash Chopra had once told me that if I ever decide to be an actor, I should refrain from aping my grandfather. He had also told me that the reason my grandfather became successful is that there was no one like him. Gaanth baandh li maine unki iss baat ki. A superstar is someone who lives in the minds of cinegoers forever. Amrish Puri is an eternal superstar who is in people’s minds even now. Sunny sir is a brilliant actor, and I am sure Karan will live up to his family’s name. Our job as actors is to deliver great performances. I will upset my grandfather if I don’t do that. I’m following his principles. He believed in the work he did, which is the reason you will never find his performance below par even if the film was not all that great. Daadu’s taken my family’s name to a certain level and I have to work thrice as hard to keep it up.

You have co-written your debut film and played a big role in getting the project off the ground…
I’ve been a theatre actor since I was five years old. I was trained by theatre veteran Satyadev Dubey, who was also my grandpa’s coach. After graduation, I started working with a studio where I assisted on Ishaqzaade (2012), Shuddh Desi Romance (2013) and Daawat E Ishq (2014). That’s where I decided to learn film acting because it’s different from theatre. I had picked up things while assisting filmmakers and I also learnt it formally, and then, I started auditioning. There were two films that I could have made a debut with, but they didn’t take off. I was upset and emotional with what had happened. Around that time, I met Dr Jayantilal Gada while I was auditioning and he was keen to launch me. I had an idea that I decided to develop with my friend Cherag Ruparel (director of the film). The reason we decided to write and pitch on our own is that no one wants to give you a chance. As an actor, people saw my auditions and were willing to cast me, but they didn’t want to hear my stories. A writer is the most important member of a team; it’s that content that takes the shape of a film. Also, once, Yash ji had told me that if I ever make my acting debut, it should be somewhat like Shah Rukh Khan’s role in Darr (1993). I pitched my idea to my father. He liked what Cherag and I had put together. We met Jayanti uncle soon after and things got going. It may all sound very easy today, but it was a long ride and wasn’t planned. It was destined to play out this way.

Wasn’t production, writing and acting a lot to handle for a newcomer?
This film is my baby. I did a lot of work on this project, not by choice but by chance and majboori. I needed to find something exciting and good to work on when my first two outings didn’t take off. My father is a businessman and he wouldn’t have made a decision purely on the basis of emotions. Making this film was like going to a film school three times over. Handling a 200-member team is tougher than handling babies.

While children from film families do have an advantage when it comes to getting a break, do you think that the story of your struggle might change the perception of those who think the industry is too nepotistic in its approach?
I don’t know about that, but I just feel that this struggle was a real blessing. I wouldn’t have learnt anything if all of this had fallen into my lap. I would not have appreciated things so much. When I was turned away from offices, rejected at auditions I remembered Satyadev Dubey, who had told me that rejections and humiliation teach you the most. There’s no actor who hasn’t faced rejection. I would give three auditions in a day. People were fed up of seeing my face at the auditions every day, but I was persistent. I remember that on one particular day when I didn’t turn up for an audition, one of the casting guys called to check on me. It was funny.

Talking about your debut, it has a strong romantic angle and it taps the grey side of romance. Was it one of your own experiences that pushed you to write this?
Yes, in some way, it does stem from one of my relationship experiences. There was something crazy that I went through, and funnily enough, even Cherag went through something similar. We started questioning the very emotion. Gradually, I realised that one should never give anyone the power to influence emotions so much. Sometimes, we have these forbidden experiences where we fall for people we should not be with. The idea behind this film is to drive home the point that it’s a double-faced world, and one should be careful while choosing a companion.

Do you still believe in love?
Of course, I’m old-school when it comes to that. Main romantic aadmi hoon. If I love someone today, I will think of a life that we can make together; I’d like to marry her. I’m not the one-night-stand kind or a hook-up type of a guy. I have been in love before, but right now, I’m single and gladly so. If I was dating someone, I would not have had the time for her, which would’ve been unfair. I will be happy to tell the world about the woman I’m with. My father and grandfather should get the credit for this. Despite being a busy actor, there’s not one scandal about my grandfather. He loved being with his family when he was not at work. My parents have been together since they were in their late teens. They’re best friends.

Lastly, while you play a cross between a hero and an anti-hero, your grandfather often played characters which were pivotal to the story. Do we see you going that route, too?
I would be lying if I say that I don’t want to lead the cast in my films, but every actor wants to play a great character today, because everything is driven by that. Sometimes ensemble cast films have a lot to offer to actors. So, if a film with a great character ticks certain boxes for me, I’ll be game for it.

Vardhan, Amrish Puri’s grandson, on why the title of his debut had to change, and an ode to his dadu in the film
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 12, 2019)

Mirror (August 8, 2018) was the first to report that taking the legacy of his late grandfather, Amrish Puri forward, Vardhan Puri will make his acting debut with director Cherag Ruparel’s Yeh Saali Aashiqui. Last week, he unveiled the trailer of his romantic musical thriller and admitted that he couldn’t sleep the night despite going to bed early, at 11 pm. “At 7.30 am, I gave up and started exercising. More than nervous, I was excited. Aur yeh toh sirf trailer tha, picture abhi baaki hai mere dost,” laughs the debutant who has been an actor-in-training since he was five, learning the craft under the tutelage of his grandfather’s mentor, National Award-winning actor-filmmaker-writer Satyadev Dubey.

However, Vardhan, who has done over 90 plays, found his first teacher in his grandfather. “Dadu always told me that theatre is my root and I should never forget that. As the saying goes, television is the writer’s medium, film the director’s and theatre the actor’s. Also, for him prep and hard work were key,” smiles Vardhan, whose favourites among his grandfather’s films include Mr India, Ghatak, Virasat and Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. “Dadu is my idol and I am his greatest fan, so there is something special we have done in the film as an ode to him,” he promises, refusing to divulge details.

He plays Sahil Mehra and describes him as a “complex character with experiences which normal people usually don’t face”. “I shared the script Cherag and I have written with a few people for their feedback and while everyone liked it, many questioned my decision to start out with such a character. However, having played complex parts like Sakharam Binder, Muhammad Bin Tughluq and Albert Einstein in plays earlier, I was confident I will pull it off,” says the actor who also aspires to direct at some point.

The film produced by Jayantilal Gada and Rajeev Amrish Puri was earlier titled Paagal but the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) objected to it. Vardhan admits that after the controversy over Mental Hai Kya which was retitled Judgementall Hai Kya, they were anticipating this. “Sometimes as filmmakers we get carried away while making a film. But at the end of the day, we have to be socially and morally responsible. The word ‘paagal’ carries a social stigma which may hurt people. Initially, we were a little disappointed as we had stuck with that title all through the filming, but we agree with the CBFC and after brainstorming for 35 days, we zeroed in on Yeh Saali Aashiqui which the board approved of,” he informs.

Meanwhile Vardhan has been reading two scripts, one of which is a comedy. “Both are fantastic and with established filmmakers. I hope I can sign both,” he says.

Vardhan Puri on carrying grandfather Amrish Puri's legacy forward
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; November 10, 2019)

"'Be original' is what dadu [late actor Amrish Puri] said," says Vardhan, who is foraying into Bollywood with the Cherag Ruparel-directed Yeh Saali Aashiqui. While the newbie is aware of the responsibility, he expresses no fear of comparison. "It's a huge responsibility to have this surname and carry the legacy forward, but I am not thinking about any comparison, nor am I feeling the pressure."

Aiming to stay original, Vardhan explains that he doesn't intend to "mimic anyone". "My personality is different. My aim is to not mimic anyone. I want to create my own identity. It is my responsibility to make my family proud." After exploring theatre, Vardhan started his career as an assistant director with Yash Raj Films. He claims that being part of the film industry has been a life-long dream. "Rather than being an actor, I aspired to become an entertainer. I started performing theatre at the age of five and my parents knew that I'd be engaged in something related to films. I hope the audience accepts me."


Amrish Puri with grandson, a young Vardhan

In an exclusive chat with BT, Vardhan Puri talks about his growing-up years, his debut film and the influence of his legendary grandfather
Rachit Gupta (BOMBAY TIMES; September 25, 2018)

The late Amrish Puri’s grandson, Vardhan, is all set to make his Bollywood debut with Paagal, which will release sometime in the summer of 2019.

About his dream of being an actor and the long build-up to his debut, Vardhan says, “I have been an actor and entertainer in my home since the age of five. In my free time, I used to wear my grandfather’s wigs and roam around the house in his size-12 shoes, speaking out lines from his films at the top of my voice. That was when my family realised that I would be an actor. My sister Sachi, her friends and my domestic help were my audience back then. In terms of my debut, I was initially supposed to do something in the historical genre, but I fell in love with the story of Paagal and my character, when I heard it.”

Vardhan, a graduate in business management, has been involved with theatre since a very young age — both as an actor and a backstage hand. He adds, “I read a lot of Freud’s works to understand the human mind, because I believe that the mind is where all the ideas of acting come from.”

He’s also been an assistant director with filmmakers like Habib Faisal and Maneesh Sharma. About his internship days, he says, “On the sets, among other things, I used to work closely with all the actors and that taught me a lot. Afterwards, I got trained in acting and watched a lot of world cinema and all of Charlie Chaplin’s films. In fact, Chaplin is my greatest influence. I have had to disconnect with all my friends for over 18 months to prepare for my debut film. That’s something the character demanded.” The young actor says that his grandfather has had a strong impact on his life. He shares, “I feel that my grandfather is one of the most honest and powerful actors the world has ever seen. His contribution to cinema is irreplaceable. For me, Virasat (1997) was one of his best works. I also love Mr. India (1987), Muskurahat (1992), Gardish (1993), Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) and Ghatak (1996). I remember being part of most of his narrations and readings from 1995 till 2005.”

About the qualities he imbibed from his dadu, he says, “I am inspired by his versatility and his sense of discipline and diligence. Most importantly, I learned from him that making films is all about community building. Also, the more authentic you are in real life, the better you will be as an actor.”

After being behind-the-scenes, Shivaleeka Oberoi is ready to face the camera with Amrish Puri’s grandson
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 17, 2018)

Mirror (August 8) was the first to report that late actor Amrish Puri’s grandson Vardhan is gearing up to make his acting debut with a yet-untitled romantic-thriller, which is being produced by Jayantilal Gada, recce for which is presently on in Delhi and Shimla. We have now learnt that the makers have zeroed in on Shivaleeka Oberoi, who had earlier assisted Sajid Nadiadwala on the Salman Khan and Jacqueline Fernandez starrer Kick and Sajid-Farhad on Housefull 3, to play the leading lady.

“I always wanted to be an actor and working on these films only reaffirmed my decision. So, after I got done with Housefull 3, I started going for auditions in pursuit of my acting aspirations. One day, I got a call from a casting director informing me that the producer of this film, along with Vardhan and the creative team, wanted to meet me. I was given the script to read and I was completely blown away by it. Vardhan and I enacted a few scenes during which we realised that we have been Facebook friends for the last seven years and were from the same school,” laughs the 23-year-old actress who immediately bonded with her leading man.

In the film, she plays a college girl, and the role spans a few years. “I’ve been workshopping with Vardhan for almost a year now; we start our action rehearsals in two days and I can’t wait to begin shooting towards the month-end,” admits Shivaleeka.

She has done a three-month diploma course in acting while Vardhan has been an actor-in-training since he was five, learning the craft under the tutelage of his grandfather’s mentor, National Award-winning actor filmmaker-writer-actor Satyadev Dubey. “Soon after college I did a few ads but I was very selective as I wanted to work in films. I’ve learnt a lot while working behind the camera. When I had met Mr Nadiadwala he asked me to start assisting him on a film that he was directing. I was one of the first to come onboard Kick and was a part of the writing process, as well as the prep. I used to mostly handle Jacqueline and Salman’s call time. Being on that set was great exposure. Now I can’t wait to face the camera,” the newbie signs off.

With a theatre stint under Satyadev Dubey and late-night movie binges, Amrish Puri’s grandson Vardhan, who makes his Bollywood debut with a romantic-thriller, has been an actor-in-training since he was five
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 8, 2018) 

Mirror has learnt that another star kid is gearing up for a Bollywood launch. Taking the legacy of his late grandfather Amrish Puri forward, Vardhan Puri will make his acting debut with a yet-untitled romantic-thriller produced by Jayantilal Gada. The film is expected to roll in September and will be shot in North India. The debutant has earlier assisted Habib Faisal on Ishaqzaade and Daawat-e-Ishq, and Maneesh Sharma on Shuddh Desi Romance.

“I was supposed to start off with a period-drama with Jayanti bhai, but for some reason that didn’t work out. He approached me later for this film which I loved and immediately gave my nod to. It’s a performance-oriented role and in terms of treatment it will be in a space similar to (Hollywood director David Fincher’s psychological thriller) Gone Girl’s,” Vardhan informed, adding that he is currently attending workshops and undergoing training for the role. The director and his leading lady will be locked soon, while recce is currently on in Delhi and Shimla.

Vardhan has been an actor-in-training ever since he was five, learning the craft under the tutelage of his grandfather’s mentor, National Award-winning actor-filmmaker-writer Satyadev Dubey. Through the years, he has also been a part of over 90 plays.

“I have a strong inclination toward writing and direction too but acting is my first love. Initially Dubey ji made me work backstage, serving tea to the cast and crew and cleaning the stage, after which I started getting smaller roles. I got to play a lead role when I was in my teens,” the actor revealed, adding that he has also trained with acting gurus like Athar Nawaz, Neeraj Kabi, Vidur Chaturvedi, Mujeeb Khan and Faezeh Jalali.

However, Vardhan, who identifies as a fan of Charlie Chaplin, Kishore Kumar and Puri Sr, had found his first teacher in his grandfather. “Dadu is the God whom I pray to. I was so close to him that I would sleep between him and my grandmother. When he passed away, for me it was like losing the protective cover of an umbrella. It was then, that I decided that if I do something, it would be for my grandfather and this film is an ode to him,” recounted the debutant who counts Virasat, Ghatak, Mr India and Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge as his favourite films featuring the late veteran.

Narrating his earliest memories of his dadu, Vardhan added that he wouldn’t sleep till Puri returned from work. After that they would watch movies till 3 am with little regard for young Vardhan’s early morning tuitions. “We would watch films of Dilip Kumar saab, Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, and also binge on classics like The Godfather and The Shawshank Redemption. Sometimes, I also used to sit with him for reading sessions when filmmakers came home. His films with Shyam Benegal sir and Govind Nihalani sir top my list of all-time favourites. I really miss him,” Vardhan signed off with a sigh.