Showing posts with label Vijay Varma. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vijay Varma. Show all posts
Sunny Deol to film Ramayana 2 in April after completing first schedule of his untitled actioner in Mumbai
10:31 AM
Sources say Sunny Deol is currently filming his action thriller in Mumbai and is expected to shift to Ramayana 2 next month
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; March 28, 2026)
Sunny Deol is in no mood to slow down after the strong start to 2026 with Border 2. In the first week of March, the senior actor kicked off his yet-untitled next, an action thriller produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, at Film City. Sources have told us that director Balaji Ganesh has almost wrapped the first schedule of the project, which also stars Jyotika and Vijay Varma.
Designed as an out-and-out action entertainer, it sees Deol play a cop. Apparently, the actor sports a distinct look — think a moustache and beard.
A source told mid-day, “Over the past three weeks, the unit has been shooting all across Mumbai. They began with an action sequence, featuring Sunny and Vijay, in Film City, where a huge set depicting a carnival was erected. Over the past fortnight, they shot at a bungalow in Bandra, then in a college near Churchgate, followed by a stint at Marol Police Camp in Andheri East.”
As soon as the director calls it a wrap on the first leg on March 30, filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari will come calling for Ramayana: Part 2. The source added, “Sunny wants to complete his portions of Hanuman by April-end. In May, he will resume his cop role in Goa.”
The film will reach the finish line by July.
Vijay Varma-starrer gambler drama Matka King to release in April
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Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; February 18, 2026)
In June 2024, Vijay Varma announced that he had begun shooting for filmmaker Nagraj Manjule’s web series, Matka King. The crime drama was included in Prime Video’s slate of projects for 2025, but was a no-show throughout the year. So, where does Manjule’s series stand over a year-and-a-half since it went on floors?
mid-day has learnt that the drama — which is set in the 1960s and tells the story of a cotton trader in Mumbai, who invented a form of gambling called ‘Matka’ — will première in April 2026.
A source revealed, “Matka King’s shoot was wrapped in 2025, and the top bosses at the streamer were keen to release it the same year. But a show of this scale needed time to get the best result. It will present Bombay of the 1960s authentically, and marks Nagraj’s first attempt at a period drama. The director doesn’t believe in rushing things to fit a deadline. The show is now ready and set to drop online in April.”
We used to stay in rooms that cost Rs. 50 per night and watch around four films a day at IFFI Goa-Vijay Varma
9:31 AM
Kimberly Colaco (BOMBAY TIMES; January 19, 2026)
From staying in rooms that cost just Rs. 50 a night during his early visits to the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) to returning to Goa years later for the premiere of his own film, actor Vijay Varma says his journey has come full circle. Speaking to us, Vijay recalls attending IFFI between 2005 and 2008 as part of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) tour.
“We used to stay in rooms that cost Rs. 50 per night and watch around four films a day. This is where I learnt about cinema,” he says, adding, “Going back to Goa for the premiere of my own film, Gustaakh Ishq, where I play the lead, truly feels like a full circle.”
‘OTT IS BENEFICIAL FOR EVERYONE INVOLVED’
Known for his intense roles in films and series, the actor also shared his thoughts on the growing OTT space.
“OTT is a win-win situation for both viewers and makers. When a new avenue opens up, it creates more opportunities, especially with streaming, which offers the freedom to tell stories that may not traditionally make it to the screen due to budget, subject or star power.”
He added that OTT platforms have ushered in a new wave of storytelling and audiences. “It has created a strong fandom and opened doors for actors, writers, directors and technicians alike. It’s truly beneficial for everyone involved,” said Vijay, who was recently seen in Gustaakh Ishq with Fatima Sana Shaikh.
Your lives are being scrutinized every single day; I did need a gap-Vijay Varma
8:28 AM
Vijay Varma says his 14-month gap wasn’t planned but became necessary as paparazzi attention and constant scrutiny overshadowed his work
Akash Bhatnagar (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 9, 2025)
The intrusive pap culture has been a hot topic of discussion, especially after actor-MP Jaya Bachchan’s recent remarks. Actor Vijay Varma, who returned with Gustaakh Ishq after a 14-month break, says the gap feels bigger because he once had frequent releases — and the pap culture is one reason behind the break.
Ask him if he took the gap deliberately avoid to the media overexposure, Vijay agrees: “The work wasn’t coming out, so the conversation was about everything else.” His relationship with actor Tamannaah Bhatia had also dominated headlines.
He says, “I would have liked complete silence but that’s not possible… I have not spoken to the press since IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack (2024), not given a single interview, yet the presence is all over and it’s beyond my control.”
Calling it a generational issue, he adds, “Your lives are being scrutinized every single day… I did need a gap, I needed more silence. But that’s something I didn’t have any control over.”
The actor—who started off his career with minor and antagonistic roles before becoming a leading man, and now is a romantic hero with Gustaakh Ishq — laughs when told he’s in his “lover boy” era. He says, “It was a by-product of being in the spotlight for being in a public relationship. People saw me in a certain way.”
Reflecting on his journey, Vijay says, “I never worried about being in any box... even when supporting or negative parts were what people were remembering me by, I knew I would grow out of it. I have a lot more to offer. I spent a few years without work or doing minor parts. Because of my sincerity and the relentless pursuit I have for the craft, I knew I deserved to be a leading actor and I worked towards it.”
Ever since I came to Mumbai, I haven’t missed a single play that Naseeruddin Shah has done-Vijay Varma
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Vijay Varma discusses how he turned down several conventional romantic dramas before saying yes to his first love story in ‘Gustaakh Ishq’
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; November 24, 2025)
Enough of embracing dark and intense characters — be it in Darlings (2022), Jaane Jaan (2023), or Dahaad (2023). Now, Vijay Varma is in the mood for love. The actor attempts his first love story with director Vibhu Puri’s Gustaakh Ishq, opposite Fatima Sana Shaikh. To the audience, his switch from brooding characters to a lover boy may seem like an aberration. But to Varma, it feels natural.
“I wasn’t surprised that Vibhu offered me this part. I came from a stage background, the memories [of being part of romantic dramas] are living within me. When the announcement happened, it looked like an anti-casting because Mirzapur, Dahaad, and Darlings came back-to-back and [gave me] the intense tag. That tag won’t be dropped even with this film,” he says.
Gustaakh Ishq isn’t the first romantic script to have been offered to the actor. A lot of nos were said before he lost his heart to the period love story. “Many romantic films came to me all these years, but I didn’t see myself in them. I don’t want to dance a lot in movies. I don’t want to sing and dance because they are not my forte. So, I needed to pick the script that works for me.”
There was another reason to say yes to the movie — Naseeruddin Shah. Varma starred with the veteran actor in IC 814 (2024), but they didn’t share screen space. To finally face the camera with Shah is a moment of pride in Varma’s 17-year career. “He was my teacher [at Film and Television Institute of India]. I have worked backstage in his theatre productions. Ever since I came to Mumbai, I haven’t missed a single play that he has done. I’ve idolized him. I feel like patting my own back because as a boy in Hyderabad, I wished to meet him. And here I spent two months with him in the winter of Amritsar, enjoying delicacies together,” he marvels.
Starring in a romantic drama? Check. Sharing screen space with your hero? Check. Does Varma have any more wishes? “I have to do a comedy, not because I want to break an image, but because I want to do every kind of film. It’s just a matter of time with the right script,” he smiles.
Ten people placed their trust in me because Irrfan Khan, Manoj Bajpayee etc paved their way-Viineet Kumar Siingh
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‘Rangeen’ actor Viineet Kumar Siingh says the rise of Manoj Bajpayee and Rajkummar Rao, who pursue craft over commerce, empowers artistes like him
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; August 4, 2025)
A jilted husband-turned-gigolo is a role that Viineet Kumar Siingh had never been offered before. Naturally then, given his pursuit of novelty, the actor was immediately drawn to Rangeen. “I love to experiment. Just reading three episodes of Rangeen, I was sure I wanted to do it,” he smiles.
But before he said yes, the actor wanted to ensure he could trust the makers. The series, which also stars Rajshri Deshpande and Taaruk Raina, is created and written by debutants Amardeep Galsin and Amir Rizvi. “The subject is so sensitive that I needed to consider the people associated with it. I saw that Kabir Khan sir [producer] was there, as was Amazon Prime Video,” he says.
Rangeen tells the story of a woman who is stuck in an unfulfilled marriage and gets involved with a gigolo, which in turn makes her husband reevaluate his life. With the show examining the loneliness of the three prime characters, we ask Siingh whether he experienced loneliness over his two-decade career. “When you come to a city like Mumbai, your beginning itself is with loneliness,” he candidly shares. But to him, it’s not a disadvantage. If anything, he believes the sense of isolation can become an armour for an artiste.
“That emotion remains alive inside you and gives you strength. Your spirit will break, and so will your trust every day. This field shines from the outside, but there is emptiness, loneliness, and unemployment, until you create an identity as an artiste. You have to fight that fight alone. There are times when a role that you could do passes you by, but you have to be happy and headstrong.”
Evidently the actor speaks from his personal experience. Having started with smaller roles and finally landing a leading part in Mukkabaaz (2018), he enjoys a stronger position in the industry today with mainstream entertainers like Jaat and Chhaava behind him. He credits the actors before him, who made their craft their singular focus and rose to prominence, for making his path easier.
“It’s a long list — Irrfan [Khan] saab, Naseeruddin [Shah] saab, Nawazuddin [Siddiqui], Manoj [Bajpayee] bhai, Rajkummar [Rao], Vicky [Kaushal], and Vijay [Varma]. Ten people placed their trust in me because these actors [paved the way]. If such actors — whom the audience trusts and finds relatable — have gone ahead in their careers, they’ve helped me knowingly or unknowingly.”
Anil Kapoor, Vijay Varma to star in Hansal Mehta's business drama, shoot to begin in Sri Lanka
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Sources say Hansal Mehta to roll his next, a business drama, in Sri Lanka this month; Anil Kapoor and Vijay Varma play rivals in the series about power and betrayal
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; June 4, 2025)
What’s Hansal Mehta’s next after Gandhi, said to be his most ambitious work to date? Murmurs over the past few months suggested that in a departure from his penchant for real-life stories, the filmmaker was set to explore a business drama (New show on the cards, Feb 21). Now, mid-day has learnt that Mehta is ready to take the web series on floors in Sri Lanka this month. The Netflix offering, starring Anil Kapoor and Vijay Varma, tells the story of power, money, and morals through two business rivals whose ugly clash sends shockwaves in the financial world.
Last month, Mehta apparently headed to Sri Lanka for a recce for the big-budget drama that is produced by Vikram Malhotra.
A source reveals, “Hansal and Vikram are keeping everything under wraps. With Anil and Vijay playing high-flying business magnates, the series will be shot across Mumbai, Sri Lanka, Serbia, and Georgia. The series — written by Niren Bhatt, Ankur Pathak, and Nikhil Nair — is an incisive look at the cut-throat nature of today’s financial world, where money, manipulation, and greed are part of the game. Anil and Vijay’s characters, though ruthless in their individual pursuit of power and wealth, are shown to have contrasting ideologies and work ethics. That sets the stage for a showdown, and the story follows how they take on each other. If things go as planned, it will be shot in a straight schedule from June to September.”
Joining the male leads in the drama are Neha Dhupia and Raima Sen. “Hansal is bringing together an eclectic ensemble cast. Neha and Raima portray strong women who wield power in their own way and exert influence in the big boys’ club,” adds the source.
From Shahid (2012) to Aligarh (2015), from Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story (2020) to Scoop (2023), Mehta has created an enviable filmography based on true stories. However, the source says that this time, the creator-director has built a fictional world, one set in a field rarely seen on Indian screens.
“While the West has had sterling business dramas, Indian OTT entertainment hasn’t quite explored the genre. Hansal and Vikram wanted to tap into the genre by weaving a tale of ambition and betrayal.”
mid-day reached out to Malhotra and Mehta. Both remained unavailable for comment.
You don’t write ‘OTT actor Vijay Varma’ or ‘OTT actor Jaideep Ahlawat’-Karan Tacker
11:20 AM
Ready with his web show Bhay: The Gaurav Tiwari Story, Karan Tacker rues that the industry typecasts and looks down on actors from television
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; May 10, 2025)
Please tell me you are not scared of ghosts,” is the first thing Karan Tacker was told before he was offered Bhay: The Gaurav Tiwari Story. The actor, “petrified” of supernatural elements, was about to turn the show down when the makers suggested that he read the material before making up his mind. “I was instantly hooked,” laughs the actor.
The upcoming Amazon MX Player show is based on the true story of Gaurav Tiwari, a paranormal investigator, and his unusual death. Tacker says he found Tiwari fascinating. “Gaurav came from a well-to-do family in Delhi, left his father’s business to pursue acting in Mumbai unsuccessfully and became a pilot eventually. It was when he had an incident [while flying] that his curiosity on the paranormal was piqued,” he shares.
At a time when the industry is going through a slump, Tacker counts himself lucky to have projects lined up, including the web series Special Ops 2, and a film. The actor says his battle is of a different kind.
“To date, I have to keep fighting to prove that I’m not just an actor from television and I have more to offer. It’s sad that TV is looked down upon in the entertainment industry. If I want to do an article, my first insistence to my PR is, ‘Please make sure they don’t write TV actor Karan Tacker’. You don’t write ‘OTT actor Vijay Varma’ or ‘OTT actor Jaideep Ahlawat’. I don’t know why television actors get slotted so terribly. A casting director once told me, ‘I have 40 actors from film families that I need to cast. Where will I put a TV actor?’”
Splitsville it is for Vijay Varma, Tamannaah Bhatia
10:06 AM
HINDUSTAN TIMES (March 6, 2025)
We didn’t see this coming! The latest development in actors Vijay Varma and Tamannaah Bhatia’s relationship is surely going to leave their fans heartbroken. As per reports, the couple has decided to end their relationship and move forward as just friends.
While they are yet to comment on the rumoured split, a source confirms that the news is indeed true.
Until recently, the rumour mill had been hinting at a possible wedding, which makes news of their breakup even more shocking.
Another source had earlier told us that the former couple had been scouting for hotels for a destination wedding, but that’s no longer the case.
Vijay and Tamannaah started dating in 2023 and quickly became pap and fan favourites. They came close during the shoot of their episode of web show Lust Stories 2, and fans hailed their chemistry when they finally confirmed their relationship. “Our relationship began after Lust Stories. First, we met as co-actors, very professional, then I asked her out,” Vijay had told Mashable India in June 2023.
Triptii Dimri and Vijay Varma’s Afghan Snow goes missing from Netflix India slate announcement
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After Afghan Snow is absent from Netflix’s 2025 slate, sources say producer Karnesh Ssharma delivered the Triptii Dimri series over a year ago; streamer is apparently considering re-editing the thriller
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; February 5, 2025)
On Monday, Netflix India unveiled its star-studded slate for 2025 that includes Aryan Khan’s directorial debut The Ba***ds Of Bollywood, Dining With The Kapoors, and many anticipated offerings. But Triptii Dimri and Vijay Varma’s Afghan Snow was conspicuously missing from its roster. The spy thriller, produced by Karnesh Ssharma’s Clean Slate Filmz, was reportedly delivered to the OTT giant in December 2023. So, why is it nowhere close to reaching the audience yet?
According to multiple industry insiders, Netflix has assumed control of the project from Sharma and is now considering making some changes to the thriller that has been directed by Anshai Lal, who previously helmed Phillauri (2017) and Mai (2022).
An actor from the show, on the condition of anonymity, said, “Afghan Snow has been given to Netflix, and the team is contemplating re-editing the show and even shooting additional parts as they deem fit. I’m told it will release later this year. Many titles will be added to the streamer’s slate beyond the ones announced on Monday.”
After its successful collaborations with Netflix on Bulbbul (2020) and Qala (2022), Sharma’s production house had greenlit Afghan Snow for the OTT platform. Sources say that after the series was completed in December 2023, there were some creative differences between the makers and the streamer. With the project in limbo over the past year, crew members apparently also struggled with delayed payments.
A unit hand revealed, “Our payments took very long to get cleared. While some got the full payment eventually, for many of us, the final tranche will come upon release. We were expecting the show to be announced on Monday evening.”
With this series stuck and Sudip Sharma—who had made Kohrra (2023) with Clean Slate Filmz—announcing its second season independently, rumours about the production house undergoing major changes have gained credence. An insider said, “The production house has been practically defunct for the past year. It will be re-launched soon with a new name.”
Mid-day reached out to Netflix and Clean Slate Filmz for a comment on Afghan Snow’s fate. Both didn’t respond till press time.
I have always thought of myself as Irrfan Khan’s Eklavya-Jaideep Ahlawat
8:13 AM
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; October 18, 2024)
Acting is about teamwork, and Jaideep Ahlawat strongly believes in that. “As Naseerbhai (Naseeruddin Shah) rightly says, acting is about reacting. It’s teamwork. Selfish hona bahut kharab cheej hoti hai ek actor ke liye. It’s not about overpowering a scene or hogging all the lines for yourself because that shows. The greatest actors are not selfcentric. Look at Irrfan sir, he always stayed true to his character.”
Recalling his meeting with Irrfan, he said, “I met Irrfan sir at the FTII (Film and Television Institute of India) briefly. I never got a chance to work with him, nor did he teach us at the institute, but his work taught us everything. He was so connected to his characters that no matter what he did, it always felt isse better koi kar hi nahi sakta. He made every role believable because he loved his craft so much. If you look at any of his films, what stands out is that he never had this thought of overpowering a scene. There was no selfishness, he was just true to his character and the story is what mattered the most to him. Chota muh badi baat, but I felt like I was his Eklavya. He never taught me, but I learned a lot just by watching him. Vijay (Varma) and I would scream his movie dialogues while bathing from across the common bathrooms of our respective dormitory wings that faced each other at the FTII. Hum unke Haasil ke dialogues chhilate thhe.”
Jaideep added, “I remember when I met Irrfan sahab at FTII and we were going to click a picture, we were told lambe ladke peeche khade ho jao. But I fought to sit close to him in that group photo.”
I don't have much knowledge about the IC 814 controversy-Rajiv Thakur
7:57 AM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 4, 2024)
Actor-comedian Rajiv Thakur left viewers surprised with his recent role of the antagonist, named Chief, in filmmaker Anubhav Sinha’s IC-814: The Kandahar Hijack. While the web series gave him a chance to break out of his image as a comic, the raging controversy might just overshadow it all.
The series has been hit with allegations of distortion of facts about the real identities of the hijackers and has drawn criticism for naming the two terrorists Bhola and Shankar, instead of using their real names, while the other three are referred to as Chief, Doctor and Burger.
Thakur admits that he didn’t get much time to prepare for his role and doesn’t “have much knowledge about the controversy”: “It was such a big show and I should have done some prep. When I met the other actors who played the hijackers, they had read books. I am thankful that Anubhav Sinha sir, the associate director and the writers explained my character to me. In the series, I was only associated with Vijay Varma (actor) and (the character) Doctor.”
Thakur, 40, who played the mastermind behind the 1999 hijacking, is certain that his work will be noticed: “When someone does good work, it can’t be buried. I’ve got such good reactions for my role. My friends and Insta followers are sending me messages. Some said I was unrecognizable.”
Netflix changes disclaimer
After a meeting with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the streaming platform issued a statement. “For the benefit of audiences unfamiliar with the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814, the opening disclaimer has been updated to include the real and code names of the hijackers. The code names in the series reflect those used during the actual event. India has a rich culture of storytelling — and we are committed to showcasing these stories and their authentic representation,” said Monika Shergill, Vice President, Content at Netflix India.
A woman told Captain Devi Sharan, ‘You saved our lives and both my kids are pilots today’-Vijay Varma
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Vijay Varma discusses his experience working on IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, stating how opportunity to collaborate with a stellar cast made project irresistible to him
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; September 1, 2024)
It doesn’t happen every day that a project ticks every box. But IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack proved to be exactly that for Vijay Varma. The Netflix thriller, created by Anubhav Sinha, offers a retelling of the 1999 hijack of Indian Airlines Flight 814, which was carrying 173 passengers from Kathmandu to Delhi. To bring this chapter of Indian aviation alive, the creator-co-director roped in some of Hindi cinema’s finest actors, including Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Kumud Mishra, Manoj Pahwa and Dibyendu Bhattacharya.
“Even if I tried, I didn’t have a reason to not do the show. The fact that I would get a chance to work with him and this royal rumble of a cast was tempting enough,” smiles Varma.
That the subject is a part of India’s modern history became another motivation for Varma to say yes. “The script is a page turner. I knocked out 200 pages so quickly. It’s based on an incident that is modern history for us. It changed the way the aviation industry works.”
The actor plays the pilot in the six-part series. To embody his character and the delicate nature of events that transpired inside the aircraft, he spent a lot of time with the real-life captain, Devi Sharan.
Recalling a moment that became his biggest reward for working on the series, Varma shares, “We were in Delhi with the real-life captain. A lady showed up and said that she was in that flight. At that time, she was 24 or 25; now, she has two kids. She was deeply emotional when she expressed her gratitude to the captain, saying, ‘You saved our lives and both my kids are pilots today.’ I thought that was something—to choose to make your kids into somebody, who was in such a difficult situation. The kids were beaming with happiness as they met the captain who saved their mother’s life. I can never forget this.”
My skin condition used to worry me when I was an out of work actor-Vijay Varma
8:36 AM
Vijay, who has vitiligo, says it has never been an obstacle professionally
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; August 29, 2024)
At the recently concluded St Xavier’s College’s annual event, the Malhar Festival, Vijay Varma opened up about his skin condition, vitiligo (which causes patches of skin to lose their colour). In a chat with us, he elaborated on how he has dealt with it, given that he is part of an industry where physical appearance is a crucial factor, and actors often face scrutiny for it.
“See, I didn’t make a big deal out of it,” says the Dahaad actor, adding, “It is just a cosmetic thing, and it is not really anything that can change the course of your life. We make it a big deal because it is something which is out there, but I have never really made a big deal out of it.”
Ask Vijay whether, over the last 12 years in the industry, he has faced any setbacks because of his skin condition, and he replies, “It used to worry me when I was an out-of-work actor. I would wonder if this would become an obstacle. But ever since I have been working and seeing a lot of success, it hasn’t bothered me.”
The actor says that he covers it up only when he faces the camera. “I have covered it up for my movies because it just distracts, and I don’t want my audience to look at anything else except for what I want to show them, so that is the reason I hide it. But for all my public appearances, for all these years, I have never bothered to cover it up. People these days are very intelligent, and I feel that today’s generation has an innate sense of responsibility. I have never been spoken about loosely for my skin condition. Maybe if it was some other time, then this could have possibly become a topic of discussion.”
Halfway into proposing the role, Naseeruddin Shah said yes-Anubhav Sinha
10:27 AM
Bringing together heavyweights in IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, director Anubhav recalls how roping in Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur and Vijay Varma was easier than he had thought
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; August 28, 2024)
Getting acting heavyweights like Pankaj Kapur, Naseeruddin Shah, Arvind Swami, Manoj Pahwa and Kumud Mishra in one room can be an uphill task. Anubhav Sinha is surprised that the stellar cast — which includes Vijay Varma, Dia Mirza and Patralekhaa — has come together for his maiden series, IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack. The upcoming thriller traces the 1999 hijacking of the Indian Airlines Flight 814, in which a group of militants hijacked the Delhi-bound aircraft carrying 173 passengers and flew to several locations before landing in Kandahar.
Sinha knew his working relationship with Kapur, developed on Dus (2005) and Bheed (2023), would give him an advantage. “Pankaj bhai said, ‘Main nahin karunga,’ but I knew he would,” says the filmmaker, who has co-created, co-written and directed the thriller. Despite his faith in the material, Sinha was skeptical about getting the nod from Shah and Swami. He was pleasantly surprised on both occasions.
“I had thought it would be difficult to cast Naseer bhai because he does less work and is more interested in doing theatre. I was halfway into proposing the role to him, and he said yes. As for Arvind, we got on a conference call, and he said, ‘Okay.’ But I was [still unsure] whether he was doing it. But how do you ask [again] if the person has said okay?” he laughs.
Varma, who plays the pilot flying the ill-fated aircraft, also said yes more easily than Sinha had assumed. The director recalls, “When he left [the meeting], I thought we’d send him the script, he would read it and tell us if he wanted to do it. But two hours later, they were already talking dates. I wasn’t on such terms with him that I could call and say, ‘Script toh bheji nahin maine!’”
When Netflix approached Sinha to retell the story of the Kandahar hijack, he realized he was unaware of many details of the chapter. That motivated the director to probe further.
“The plane landed in Kandahar on the morning of December 25, the Indian negotiation team reached on December 26. On a conversation level, you’d say, ‘Why did it take them [so long] to reach?’ But there was so much going on at home. [They] had to know what they could offer. There were moral, ethical and political questions that the government was dealing with.”
The series shows the attack could have been averted. So, have we learned from history? “The human mind doesn’t learn from history; we make it worse. Nine months after this, 9/11 happened. So, that was the time when militants were toying with the idea of using an aircraft as a weapon. So, one has to think ahead of them and make sure this doesn’t happen again. But [such events] are still happening.”
Ibrahim watched Murder Mubarak and said, ‘Aapa jaan, I think you’re looking extremely hot’-Sara Ali Khan
3:54 PM
The cast of the upcoming film entertained fans with juicy tidbits at Mumbai’s first-ever HT City Stars In The City
Compiled by Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 14, 2024)
You’ve heard shaadi mubarak, janamdin mubarak and saal mubarak, but hearing chants of murder mubarak ringing out in a room? That’s what happened when the cast of Netflix’s Murder Mubarak, starring Sara Ali Khan, Pankaj Tripathi, Vijay Varma, Karisma Kapoor, Tisca Chopra, Sanjay Kapoor, Suhail Nayyar and director Homi Adajania met the winners of the first-ever Mumbai edition of HT City Stars In The City contest.
In conversation with Sonal Kalra, Chief Managing Editor (Entertainment and Lifestyle), Hindustan Times, Homi kicked things off by sharing how he got this “whacky” cast together. “These guys are all a bunch of nuts. It was quite difficult to control them,” he joked and added, “We didn’t even do a table reading, I just chucked them together. For directors, it’s pretty boring to keep watching the same film, but I’ve watched it 30 times and there was always a different character for me to watch.”
‘IBRAHIM CALLED ME HOT’
Excited about her character, Sara said, “It’s been a while since I played an urban, glam girl. My brother, Ibrahim (Ali Khan), watched the film and said, ‘Aapa jaan, I think you’re looking extremely hot’. I have a difficult family to impress.”
Tisca can’t wait for audiences’ feedback: ”I don’t think they’ve seen me play a character like this that’s semi-comical.”
Vijay had the audience in splits. He pointed out that he’s been on a spree of working with the ‘Kapoor khandaan’: “My last few outings were hectic for the audience, I played twisted men. But I got to act with Bebo (Kareena Kapoor Khan) in Jaane Jaan (2023), now Lolo (Karisma’s nickname), of course Alia (Bhatt, actor) in Darlings (2022). I am doing tambola with the Kapoor family!”
Glad to be a part of a multi-starrer after many years, Karisma said, “The way of working has changed. We didn’t have table reads or bound scripts. Here everybody knows exactly what they are doing. The last multi-starrer I acted in was Hum Saath-Saath Hain (1999).”
A game to reveal secrets
A round of ‘True or False’ left their fans clutching their sides, while the cast also revealed some juicy secrets — Tisca grew up in Kabul, Afghanistan; Homi is a trained diving instructor, but the most shocking information was Pankaj having spent time in jail. “Main ek hafta jail mein tha. Criminal nahin, student leader tha, aur politics mein jail jaana achhi baat hai,” he responded, cheekily.
FANS ASK, STARS ANSWER
The fans got an opportunity to ask a few questions to their favourite actors. As a part of the filmy parivaar, Sanjay was asked if they talk films at home as well, to which he responded, “Filmwale film ki hi baat nahi karte. I talk about education with my children, health, too. But like any normal family, our conversations are about normal things too.” Suhail feels like a kid in a carnival as he gets to work with his on-screen heroes. “When I saw Sanjay sir, I recited his dialogues from Luck by Chance (2009) and when I saw Dimple Kapadia ma’am, I said, ‘Ma’am aapne jo film mein frustrated kutti bola na...’”
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It’s been a while that I played an urban and glam girl. It’s not something I associate myself with. I’m the kind of person who would rather leave her hair jhalla and go out in a salwar kameez.
- Sara Ali Khan
My last few outings were hectic for the audience, I played twisted men. But I got to act with Bebo (Kareena Kapoor Khan) in Jaane Jaan (2023), now Lolo (Karisma’s nickname), of course Alia (Bhatt, actor) in Darlings (2022). I am doing tambola with the Kapoor family!
- Vijay Varma
Sara Ali Khan and I finished the hot scene and went back to goofing around immediately-Vijay Varma
3:45 PM
Teaming up with Sara for the first time on Murder Mubarak, Vijay says their on-screen passion is at odds with their goofy equation off camera
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; March 14, 2024)
A crafty whodunnit with many suspects—that’s Murder Mubarak for you. But director Homi Adajania has also woven an unrequited love story in it. His win lies in the casting of Vijay Varma and Sara Ali Khan as the star-crossed lovers. For the director, it was important to bring two actors, who have not been seen together, and play on their chemistry.
He says, “Their characters have an intense backstory. They play childhood sweethearts grappling with an unrequited love story. Often, the anticipation of making or professing love is sexier than the act itself, and the characters constantly find themselves in this state.”
The two actors make for not only a fresh on-screen pair, but also a fascinating creative collaboration as they hail from dramatically different schools of cinema. Khan, who plays Bambi, a wealthy girl about town to Varma’s human rights activist Akash, credits her co-star and director for making it look so easy.
“Working with Vijay was a privilege. He is an effortless actor and brings so much spontaneity to every scene. It wasn’t difficult to have chemistry with him because of the ease that Homi sir created on set. The chemistry that people are appreciating is just us trying to do justice to what Bambi and Akash feel for each other. As soon as we heard action, we’d go from being Vijay and Sara to Akash and Bambi.”
After Dahaad (2023) and Jaane Jaan (2023), Varma hopes to continue his dream run with the Netflix film. He says shooting for the murder mystery, based on Anuja Chauhan’s book, Club You to Death, was a riot. “On paper, it is a simmering, unspoken romance. But on set, Sara and I were always cracking jokes and goofing around. So, I never imagined that we could have sizzling chemistry.” The actor was surprised by the intensity of one of their sequences.
“During one passionate scene, Sara was so deep into her character, she pulled me in as well and we gave a hot take. Only when two actors share a comfortable bond and let go of their inhibitions can they create passion. We finished the hot scene and went back to goofing around immediately,” he laughs.
The film also stars Karisma Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi, Dimple Kapadia, Tisca Chopra and Sanjay Kapoor.
I would like to see some actors being papped outside an acting class too someday-Vijay Varma
4:38 PM
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; February 22, 2024)
No one does dancing-on-the-grave-derange better than Vijay Varma. Dahaad was a testament to his ability to take you to the darkest corner of the human psyche. While he excels at nailing unhinged parts, it was his big-hearted Moeen (Gully Boy) that made him a household name. From being overlooked at the red carpet to being stopped for a photo, he shared his journey with Bombay Times in a heartfelt chat on a quiet afternoon in his quaint seaside apartment in Mumbai. Excerpts..
Gully Boy put you on the map and it was a gamechanger for you. But it takes years of hard work to be an overnight success, isn’t it?
I belong to a Marwari family, born and raised in Hyderabad and we are into business. We don’t believe in education as that’s for people who want to do jobs and we do business (laughs). Before Gully Boy, there was a lot of trial and error, waiting, false starts, misstarts and non-starts. I was cast for something but that didn’t take off, did a film but it didn’t release, far too many defeats than victories. It was a tough 7-8 years of wait. Right before Gully Boy I was at my lowest low because I was waiting for some films to release. They finally released and did nothing for me. They went unnoticed. I felt I don’t stand a chance in the film industry. When Gully Boy casting happened, I went in all jaded thinking even if I do this film, no one is going to notice me anyway. I was so used to not being looked at. I had a small part in it (Moeen) and to my great fortune, it did wonders for me. It changed the course of my career. People didn’t want to know my name or look at my face before that. They didn’t care. It took me a decade just for casting directors to recommend my name to someone and that someone to know it. On the contrary, those who belong to film families, everyone knows them already and that’s a massive advantage.
How does it feel to be acknowledged and recognized today? You have come a long way.
It feels like insaaf hua hai. Justice has been served. This was in the works for long. It’s heartening to see that a lot of brilliant actors are getting the spotlight today. You need to up your game as well. From being a supporting actor to a leading man, it’s been quite a journey for me and it’s not a common graph. Irrfan was a massive inspiration for me because his journey was also tough. He became a pioneer of sorts, a role model for people like me. Also, you don’t always need to look outside. You need to have that insatiable hunger for work, and I have that even now. No appreciation should stop you from wanting to do more work.
The definition of a hero has also evolved over the years, isn’t it?
When we went to the film school, I remember there were people who taught horse riding, action etc because that was the making of a hero. Before that the focus was on voice and speech. Today it’s about ‘actor banna hai toh gym ja beta. Get the body and shed your clothes’. If you are someone who enjoys the gym, please go. If you think that it isn’t one of the main requirements for an acting job, you don’t need to. I would like to see some actors being papped outside an acting class too someday! It should be made fashionable to get papped outside an acting school.
As someone who excels at playing a range of dark characters, does the impact of a film or series on people weigh on your mind or do you view these roles as characters that exist in society, and hence deserve to be portrayed?
I want to act. I don’t want to be a role model because that’s a lot of weight on my shoulders. I am not a leader. I don’t want to change people’s lives. I want to have a great life myself. I am very clear about that. I want to make something of my life, and I have no other means to do that except through the work that I do. A role model is someone who is willing to take charge and be responsible for others’ choices and wellbeing. I don’t want the baggage of being a role model. I don’t have great leadership qualities either.
Isn’t cinema a catalyst for change though?
I was part of a film called ‘Pink’. It sparked a dialogue on ‘consent’ and made it a household conversation. ‘No means no’ became a thing so yes, cinema can be effective, but does it have the power to change the world? I don’t think so. Policies have the power to change the world. If you are a gullible vulnerable person who can be affected by certain content, you should be careful about what you watch. For someone like me who has an appetite for watching all kinds of stuff, I don’t think that can affect my life in a way that it can change me. It can give you an insight. It opens a door to looking at something that maybe I wasn’t looking at before but that’s about it. What I do with it is my choice, whether I act on it or not.
Glorification of negative characters has been an ongoing debate. Do you set any boundaries when you essay these characters?
I’ve played all kinds of men. Men who are terribly broken, evil, suffering, or torturing others. The projects that I have been a part of, never glorified these men. It has to do with how a director perceives the world. It’s their take, their moral and ethical graph. Actor is a medium for that story to be told and thus needs to be a blank slate or a canvas on which anything can be painted. If we start questioning the morality of each character, I don’t think I would be a part of any stories that I did. If I was too scared to play a serial killer or the wife-beating abusive husband, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to play a deranged person, which is a lot of actors’ dream (role), to portray that unhinged side of human psyche. If I was trapped in the idea of masculinity, I wouldn’t have agreed to play a man who gets beaten by his wife and mother-in-law (Darlings). You must break these notions and step out of your comfort zone.
When people like you for taking the risk, it’s a different high. I also want to do roles where people say, “Isn’t he the sweetest” (laughs)! Kaalkoot is one of my favourite works. ‘Jaane Jaan’ was also quite refreshing for me as an actor. I am drawn to characters that surprise me. The reason I stay away from run of the mill roles is due to their predictability. I need to discover something new and discover myself through my roles.
Do you fear being stereotyped?
I did Pink at the time because I didn’t know the repercussions of playing a negative role. But soon after, I realized everyone wanted me to play a negative character. I was inundated with those offers. That was a wakeup call for me. People do start seeing you a certain way if something has worked. That’s when I chose to do different roles and not let that perception get to me. It just takes one good performance to break that stereotype and I knew I had that in me. I wasn’t worried because I knew I had Darlings, Jaane Jaan and Kaalkoot coming my way, too.
As I grew older, I realized I can’t restrict and limit myself, says Tamannaah Bhatia on breaking her no-kissing rule in 2023
8:03 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; December 29, 2023)
Tamannaah Bhatia feels that 2023 has been a year that saw her pushing her boundaries as an actor. From her viral song Kaavaalaa in Jailer to making bold career choices with her digital projects like Lust Stories 2 and Jee Karda and doing South action films like Bhola Shankar and Bandra – 2023 has been a mixed bag for her. In a chat with us, she looks back and reflects on how the year panned out.
‘I wanted certain things, and I just went for them this year’
Tamannaah says, “2023 was probably the most conscious year of my career in terms of decision-making. My song from Jailer, a full-on commercial dance number, was in contrast to any of the characters I played in Jee Karda, Aakhri Sach or Lust Stories 2. Each project was set in a different world. So, as an artiste this has been the most rewarding year of my career so far. I wanted certain things, and I just went for them.”
‘People’s perception matters a lot’
Tamannaah shares that she manifested this shift in 2022 and it all began with her film Babli Bouncer. She says, “That film was my first step towards the entire shift I was trying to make. It made me understand that people are watching you, and they have a very different perception of you – that is what matters the most.”
‘It took me a while to come to this place’
While many appreciated Tamannaah’s choices, she also faced some trolling online for the intimate scenes in the anthology Lust Stories 2 and web show Jee Karda. “I think it is very natural that when people have always seen you a certain way on-screen,” she says, adding, “The moment they see you in something they don’t identify you with, there is a certain amount of shock, which leads to such reactions. But, essentially, you are trying to play a part in a way that justifies the role. It took me a while to come to this place. For many years, I wasn’t comfortable with certain things, but then I decided to push my boundaries as an actor. Projects like Jee Karda, Lust Stories 2, Aakhri Sach and the song Kaavaalaa helped me do that.”
‘When we play a character, we don’t judge it’
Tamannaah also broke her no-kissing policy on screen that she had followed in her 18-year-long career. Has the evolving content in the digital space pushed her to do that? She answers, “I started off very young as an actor at 15, so I did certain things to ensure my parents were comfortable. Also, I catered to a certain kind of audience and wanted to stand by their sentiments. As I grew older, I realized I am an artiste and can’t restrict and limit myself. I couldn’t confine myself and expect something new to come my way.”
‘Movies are a common ground between Vijay and me’
2023 also brought a lot of focus on Tamannaah’s personal life. The actress opened up about her relationship with Vijay Varma. She tells us that the two bond over movies. “Movies are a common ground between us. We enjoy watching movies in theatres and exploring content on OTT. But I must say, I watch a lot more movies than him.”
Vijay Varma talks about Tamannaah Bhatia: "Our values and beliefs are the same, and that’s what matters the most"
8:08 AM
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; December 6, 2023)
For many, Vijay Varma and Tamannaah Bhatia’s relationship came as a pleasant surprise. Reason? The two actors gained popularity for very different kinds of cinema, and onlookers wondered how the two of them, belonging to different schools of cinema, found a common ground.
Tamannaah is largely known for her glamorous commercial potboilers in Bollywood and South films, while in recent times, Vijay made his mark through edgy characters and unconventional stories.
Recently at an event, talking about the same, Vijay said, “I feel I have a lot to learn from her, and there are so many things that I know that she understands, which perhaps makes her look at things differently. That makes this equation interesting.”
Vijay said, “It’s so shocking and new for people to see these two very different worlds coming together, but between the two of us, we are very similar as people. Our values and beliefs are the same, and that’s what matters the most.”
When asked whether they discuss films when they spend time together, Vijay said, “We both are very hard-working actors and when you approach each role with vigour, you end up celebrating things together. It’s a good feeling to have somebody who you can share that joy with.”
Vijay, who has stunned the audience with his recent performances and has won a huge fan following for his work, said that he is confident of his abilities but has a long way to go. “I don’t feel that I have arrived yet, but I know that I have worked really hard and had a long journey to get to where I am today. So, I am exactly where I am supposed to be and it’s a good feeling. I am in the middle of my journey, and I have miles to go and much more to achieve, so it’s an ongoing process and I am enjoying it. Along the way, I met some incredible people, filmmakers and actors, whom I could collaborate with. It’s been an honour to be a part of stories like Darlings and Dahaad,” he signed off.
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