Instead of following up Special Ops with a sequel, creator-director Neeraj Pandey is set to present a prequel of sorts that will unravel the formative years of agent Himmat Singh, essayed by Kay Kay Menon. Where Special Ops 1.5: The Himmat Story will depict how the protagonist waded through red tapism and corruption to become the efficient RAW officer we know him as, the espionage thriller will also show why Delhi police officer Abbas — portrayed by Vinay Pathak — became a devoted aide to Himmat.

Pathak says he was initially surprised by his character’s backstory. “Neeraj and I had our differences when the first draft was written. Abbas was not supposed to be what he is in the inception,” states the actor. 

Even though he did not fully agree with the character arc, he went by his faith in Pandey’s vision — a decision that he is pleased with today, as Abbas has shaped up on screen as a well-rounded part. “Abbas has been written so beautifully that he became endearing and fascinating. There is a profound backstory to [him],” says Pathak, refusing to divulge further details about his role.

The Disney+ Hotstar offering also sees Aftab Shivdasani and Gautami Kapoor in key roles.

As the long-delayed What Are The Odds drops online, Yashaswini Dayama reflects on her first lead role and how her craft has evolved
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; June 2, 2020)

Off camera, Yashaswini Dayama comes across as a goofball. But once the camera rolls, she can slip into dramatically different roles effortlessly. After being part of several prestigious projects, the actor is seen in Netflix's latest outing, What Are The Odds? Like any newbie, Dayama says she was nervous about playing the protagonist. "I was overwhelmed and exhausted," admits the actor, as she discusses her first lead role, shouldering the responsibility and more.

Edited excerpts from the interview.

What Are The Odds was made in 2019, but dropped online only now. What happened in the interim?
This was my third project, right after Phobia [2017] and Dear Zindagi [2016]. I did the film because it was a golden opportunity to be the protagonist despite being relatively new in the field. The film travelled to festivals, [but then there was talk of] re-editing it to convert it into a series. Since the story is divided as chapters, it would have been easy to make it episodic. There was some amount of re-writing done, but eventually, they [the production house] realised that the film was great and should be released as is.

How did you bag this role?
Director Megha [Ramaswamy] found me on YouTube where I had posted a ukulele rendition of a popular song. When she narrated the film about two kids who skip school and spend a day together, I was blown away. I didn't think anybody in India would make something like this.

How does it feel to be the star of the film alongside Abhay Deol?
I have always been recognised for the work I have done, even for the small role in Made In Heaven. The series featured so many amazing performers, yet I was remembered. That was an achievement. I was shooting for What Are The Odds, my first feature film as a lead, at the same time as I was working with Zoya Akhtar and Vinay Pathak. That was a magical time.

Considering you've grown as an artiste in the three years since the film was made, how do you reflect on your performance?
During my first viewing, I felt [my performance] was silly at several instances. The way I cried in the climax bothered me; I could see that I was trying hard to shed tears, thinking it would [look authentic]. But now, when I look back at it, I can't accept it. The film came my way fairly early on in my career. Post that, I have worked with so many different filmmakers and actors, and have evolved so much. My understanding of the craft has also changed. That said, I am quite proud of what I have accomplished.

Did you feel there were too many clichés in the film?
When I read the script, I completely accepted the [whimsical] universe. Everything was so beautifully odd, like the sequence of me running into a bird mob. Even when [fairy tales] are adapted to current times, like what they did with A Cinderella Story, they have magic and fantasy. You can't question it all the time. The script didn't feel clichéd. And even if it was, there is always some truth to a cliché.

The frontrunner for Best Creator gong for Made in Heaven in the upcoming mid-day and Radio City Hitlist Web Awards, Zoya Akhtar says two Delhi weddings provided fodder for the show
Sonia Lulla (MID-DAY; February 28, 2020)

Zoya Akhtar believes that the blend of traditional practices and modern trends as seen in Indian weddings provides sufficient drama for the creation of a promising show. "You'll see rituals that are completely traditional, but everything is [uploaded on] Instagram. This massive clash of the modern generation with [practitioners of] traditional [rituals] is beautiful. It's a hotbed for drama," says the Made In Heaven co-creator, who has been nominated in the Best Creator and Best Writing categories at the upcoming mid-day and Radio City Hitlist Web Awards.

The consecutive weddings of two of her Delhi-based friends came as manna from heaven for Akhtar and co-creator Reema Kagti, who were in the process of developing the script. "We interviewed people, and attended the events. The conflicts depicted in the show were [inspired by things] that have happened to friends and family. The instances are drawn from real life, from what we read in newspapers. But the nuances — like the characterisation, the things people spent money on, or how they live — came from [that experience]."

The powerful tracks and wonderful visual imagery aside, Made In Heaven was an enjoyable watch owing to the beautifully cast actors. "We just lucked out," exclaims the director, knowing that it made leading lady Sobhita Dhulipala an overnight sensation. "We [were certain] we wanted some of them, like Arjun [Mathur], who Nitya [Mehra, co-director] and I knew. We put him on tape for Amazon [Prime Video], and they said, 'He's the one'."

As the vulnerable landlord, Vinay Pathak breathed life into one of the most poignant sub-plots of the show, earning a Best Supporting Actor nomination along the way. "We knew we needed a sensitive actor who could evoke a sense of sympathy in a story like this. Vinay is a genius. We didn't go to anybody else," says Akhtar.

More About Made In Heaven
- Designer Aparna Chandra and casting director Nandini Shrikent's weddings served as fodder for the show.
- The second season of the drama will have two additions to the cast.

- Cast Your Vote For The Hitlist Web Awards

- Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti have been nominated in the Best Creator category for Made in Heaven (Amazon Prime)

The other nominees are:
- Raj-DK (The Family Man)
- Vikramaditya Motwane (Sacred Games S02)
- Biswa Kalyan Rath (Laakhon Mein Ek S02)
- Richie Mehta (Delhi Crime)

- Made in Heaven enjoys seven nominations, including Best Series, Best Actor (Male), Best Actor (Female), Best Supporting Actor (Male), Best Supporting Actor (Female) and Best Writing.

- There are 14 categories that the public can vote in. Log on to www.hitlistwebawards.com to cast your vote.

- You can also vote via SMS. Send HITLIST <space> category name <space> your choice (a/b/c/d as on the website) to 57575.

- Voting lines close on March 8

Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; February 18, 2020)

In the months since he announced his digital debut, filmmaker Neeraj Pandey has been hard at work giving shape to his ambitious show, Special Ops. Pandey, who is helming the series along with Naam Shabana director Shivam Nair, spent the better part of last year perfecting the material. While there have been murmurs that the Hotstar Special is based on the 2001 Parliament attack, a source says, "The spy thriller is based on events of national significance spanning 19 years. Neeraj has woven a fictional story set against the backdrop of real-life events. The series went on floors in August last year, and has been shot across Turkey, Azerbaijan, Jordan and India." The cast includes Kay Kay Menon, Vinay Pathak, Divya Dutta, Saiyami Kher and Sharad Kelkar.

Pandey, who has turned to real-life episodes for his films Special 26 (2013) and Rustom (2016), remains tight-lipped on the chapter of Indian history that his show traces. However, he confirms that Special Ops has its root in true events, as he says, "We have tried to recreate real-life events that have affected our lives over the past few years."

Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; December 13, 2019)
Mira Nair is currently giving shape to the screen adaptation of Vikram Seth’s A Suitable Boy. Even as she has zeroed in on Tabu, Ishaan Khatter and Tanya Maniktala to play the central characters, the expansive world of the novel implies that the director is constantly adding more actors to the ensemble drama.

The latest addition to the cast is Aamir Bashir, who is enjoying his moment in the sun, courtesy his act as Bhaisaab in Inside Edge 2. The actor, who will portray the role of the pious Nawab Sahib of Baitar, is ecstatic to add a Nair project to his résumé. “To be a small part in Vikram Seth’s magnum opus, a piece of literature that drew comparisons with the works of Leo Tolstoy, is an honour. That Mira, who I have always admired as a filmmaker, found me worthy enough to play the Nawab of Baitar is a privilege,” he says.

Vinay Pathak will slip into the role of Agarwal, the conservative Home Minster of Purva Pradesh, for the BBC series. Looking forward to reuniting with Nair, Pathak says, “Mira has a keen eye for the conflict in the story, but the most wonderful [aspect] is the way she works with actors. I have done one short film with her before, and can’t wait to get back in the same room as her!”

The ensemble cast includes Vijay Varma of Gully Boy fame, Vijay Raaz, Rasika Dugal and Mahira Kakkar, among others.

Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 25, 2019)

After Badla, Anurag Kashyap’s next with Taapsee Pannu and Rahul Dholakia’s untitled film with Kriti Sanon, another thriller is set to hit the marquee. Filmmaker Preeti Singh’s Aliya Basu Gayab Hai is a romantic thriller that features Vinay Pathak, Raima Sen and Salim Diwan.

It tackles different sexual orientations and complexities of human emotions. Preeti, who shot the film in two schedules in February and April, says, “We talk about how difficult society can be for people who identify as gay and lesbian, whose love has only been perceived in the context of sex. There is no difference between members of this community and heterosexuals. They feel emotions arising from vulnerabilities as well.”

She met Salim during a shoot. “He plays a drug peddler struggling with life choices. Vinay sir plays Vivek, an ex-cop. It’s a dark character. Initially I’d thought he wouldn’t want to do it, but he just went for it. When I met Raima, I instantly knew she was my Aliya,” Preeti informs.

She reveals that Vinay suffered an injury while shooting for an action scene. “He hurt his back with an iron rod. This film needs a lot of physical acting so I thought he wouldn’t be able to shoot but he has delivered a delightful performance,” she signs off.

BOMBAY TIMES (March 31, 2019)

Lara Dutta has always lived life on her own terms. “From the day that I entered the industry, I’ve hated being labelled. So, all my efforts have always been about doing something new,” she tells us. The actress, who forayed into production a while ago, has now turned entrepreneur with a beauty range that she soon plans to expand. Excerpts from an interview with BT on her plans...

Of late, you have been very selective about your acting assignments. Are you planning to turn full-time producer?
Life has changed over the last few years; my priorities have changed and things have been different on the professional front as well. I have moved from being just an actor to being a producer, and it’s not your usual ‘actress-producer’ tag. I didn’t want to make films in which I was acting. The move to be a producer was triggered by the fact that there was so much incredible material available. I’ve loved reading all my life — I have vociferously read books, newspapers and magazines and in the process, I came across these incredible stories that I felt strongly about. That’s why, in the past two years, I have curated material in an attempt to find the right medium for every story. I won’t say that I am just a producer; once an actress, always an actress and even at the age of 60, if you put me in front of the camera, I would be happy.

As an actress, is the transition also happening in terms of the platform where you perform? You have worked on Gurinder Chadha’s international TV show Beecham House...
That opportunity came out of the blue, when Gurinder asked me if I would be interested in playing Begum Samru. It’s a character I have followed and loved for many years. I shot for the show in Jaipur last year and we will premiere internationally on April 7. It’s the first time I’ve done something in English. Though most people thought that my orientation was there rather than in Hindi cinema, it took me 14 years to get there (laughs!). Working in a medium and set-up that’s different from films has been very interesting.

Does that mean that you will not act in Hindi movies now?
Of course, I will. In fact, we had planned a sequel to Chalo Dilli, titled Chalo China. Eros and I owned the IP on that project equally, and we had completed a lot of work on that film, but because of some unavoidable reasons, it got buried for a while. But now, the project has been revived. I hadn’t thought of starring in a movie this year, but Chalo China is happening and it's a fun film, especially for the loyal fans of Chalo Dilli. To put it simply, Chalo China is like Chalo Dilli on steroids (laughs!). Both Vinay (Pathak) and I are reprising our roles and it’ll be a bigger and more entertaining experience.

Are you also looking at platforms like TV and the digital space as a producer?
I was lucky enough to step into production even before the digital revolution began, so my company already had content that could be formatted for different platforms. Currently, we have a fantastic series that we are doing internationally, in collaboration with a big production company in the US. Its subject is sensitive and also relevant to the current global scenario. We’ve got the rights to the book, The Meadow, written by two award-winning journalists, Adrian Levy and Cathy Scott-Clark. The series has been a huge learning experience for us as small independent producers from India. It’s been a whole new world, the way they work in the West. In Bollywood, work relationships are very personal, and everyone adjusts, but overseas, everything is done by the book. Timelines are sacrosanct, and you have to have your paperwork in place before you begin shooting. Apart from production, I am also doing a series of interviews with new-generation, pathbreaking and influential young entrepreneurs for a UAE-based network. The shoot for that chat show will kick-start this month.

Apart from the Chalo Dilli sequel, is there any other film that you’re looking to produce? There was news last year that you are producing a film on the women’s basketball team from Chhattisgarh…
Yes, we have the rights to that project and we’re attempting it as an international film, the same way Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire was made. Basically, it’s stories that originate from India, but are meant to reach a wider audience around the world. We also have another film, Kahin Door, which is being directed by Sushil Rajpal, who is a National Award-winning filmmaker. It was meant to be a smaller film, but it’s become bigger now. We now have a bigger actor attached to the project.

Women are constantly working towards breaking the glass ceiling, especially in cinema. As a producer, what is your career aim?
In Bollywood, everybody waits for an announcement of actors signing films with top production houses. So, my focus is to make a production house that slowly builds itself and becomes that big. At some point of time, it won’t be about who I am working with or signing on for a movie, but about our production house creating acclaimed content and building that kind of prestige in the industry. That’s what I want to build my way towards. Also, maybe be it’s a little premature, but I know from within that I want to be a director. I feel that’s going to happen sooner or later.

Are you on a quest to reinvent yourself?
The quest isn’t about reinvention as much as it is about growth. Every new decade in your life will bring you new goals. I don’t see myself as reinventing the old Lara. I just never looked back. I have never rested on the laurel that 19 years ago, I won the Miss Universe title. For the last five years, I’ve been mentoring beauty pageant contestants with the Times of India, to help them achieve their dreams and goals, but I’ve never rested on past glory. What I like about myself the most is that I’ve changed considerably in the last 19 years as a person. Today, when I look back, it feels like that was somebody else’s life. From the day that I entered the industry, I’ve hated being labelled. So, all my efforts have always been about doing something new. I may be articulate, but if my opinion doesn’t add value to a situation, I see no point in opening my mouth. I would rather focus on things that make a difference to me and my life. That is why I spent the last few years creating my own brand, Arias. It’s part of something I am doing with Mahesh (Bhupathi, husband) and it’s part of a larger plan. Arias Skin Care is something that I’ve worked on for the last few years, making sure that we formulate the best products that we can give the Indian market. The idea essentially stems from the fact that international cosmetic and skin-care brands don’t create anything specific for Indian skin types or climatic conditions. I have used products from around the world and I know that there’s nothing tailormade for us. Arias is going to be launched at the beauty world trade fair in Dubai, in mid-April, corresponding with my birthday. But that’s just the beginning of the brand. In the consequent months, Arias will encompass other products like clothing, furniture and more. It’s a bit scary because there is massive amount of input that goes into creating something like this.

You recently posted about your eighth marriage anniversary on social media. Does personal life take a backseat when you dedicate time to your entrepreneurial dreams?
It doesn’t feel like eight years at all. Actually, it’s been eight years of marriage and two years of knowing Mahesh before that, so it’s been 10 years in total. I think it was a shock for both of us that we’ve been together for a decade. Time has flown by and it’s been good fun being by Mahesh's side. Our little kid, Saira, takes up all our energy that’s left... Life’s busy and it’s all good as both Mahesh and I try to be good parents.

How valuable is the support of your husband and family, especially when you’re out there pursuing your ambitions?
I come from humble beginnings. I didn’t have a dad who had bags of money and the disposition that, ‘Jao beta, jo tumhe karna hai karo. I'll finance whatever you want to do in life’. Not having that creates a hunger within you to succeed at all cost. I also married a man who was self-made and came from a similar background. Mahesh has always pushed me hard to achieve more. He sees my potential and what I am capable of doing. I always tell him and myself that I never want to sit at home doing nothing, because I would drive him and myself mad. I love challenging myself and putting myself in situations which seem to be beyond my capabilities. I never saw myself being an entrepreneur; in fact, I wanted to be a journalist. I wanted to be a war correspondent just like my idol, Christiane Amanpour. That’s the kind of stories that I wanted to tell and now, that’s what I am doing.

Last year, when the #MeToo movement took Bollywood by storm, you and Mahesh were vocal in your support of the campaign...
Last year saw some great conversations in the film industry. The #MeToo movement and the discussions on gender disparity, in terms of remuneration and opportunities, have brought many truths out in the open. Talking about these things also brings a lot of backlash, because at the end of the day, the film industry operates on personal equations. So, taking a stand on such subjects can fetch some amount of backlash, but when Mahesh and I took a stand on the #MeToo movement, we were supported by most quarters. When it comes to pay parity between men and women, there are girls in the industry who can initiate conversations and make a difference, but they don’t do so. My only request to all the women in the film industry is that when you take up a cause, whether it’s #MeToo or pay parity, we should follow it regardless of where the stick falls, on our side or the other. It’s important to support the cause regardless of the outcome.

The family drama is scheduled to go on the floors this November in Lucknow
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 2, 2018) 

Seema Pahwa who caught the audience’s eye with her spirited performances in Bareilly Ki Barfi as Kriti Sanon’s mother and in Shubh Mangal Savdhaan as Bhumi Pednekar’s is set to make her directorial debut with a film titled Pind Daan. The film rolls in November in Lucknow, where a large part of it will be shot, with a short schedule planned for Mumbai. The family drama is expected to wrap up by early next year.

A source associated with the project reveals that besides directing it, Seema will also be acting in the film which also features Naseeruddin Shah, Konkona Sen Sharma, Vikrant Massey, Vinay Pathak and Parambrata Chatterjee. Seema’s actor-husband, Manoj Pahwa, also plays a pivotal part. “Seema has been planning it for months now. She has directed plays in the past,” added the source.

The actress confirmed the news but remained tight-lipped about details. “Yes I’m directing a film but I’m still finalising details so I cannot speak about it yet,” she said.

Interestingly, Naseer and Seema are currently working together in theatre. Their play Aurat Aurat Aurat, based on selections from Ismat Chughtai’s autobiography, is running to packed houses. It has an all-female cast and Naseer as the director. It is produced by his production house Motley. Seema began her acting career with the iconic TV show Hum Log in 1984. She played the elder sister Badki and went on to be part of films like Zubeidaa, Dum Laga Ke Haisha and Wazir.

Naseer and Konkona have previously worked together on films like Omkara, 7 Khoon Maaf and Mixed Doubles. The actress also featured in Naseer’s directorial debut, Yun Hota Toh Kya Hota.

Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; May 16, 2018)

Before she plunges headlong into the shoot of the Shakeela biopic, Richa Chadha is returning to her first love — theatre. The actor, who had received rave reviews for her rendition of White Rabbit Red Rabbit in 2016, has given her nod to A Life In Telling, the latest production by QTP. The play will see her share the stage with Vinay Pathak and Ashwin Mushran.

Directed by Quasar Thakore Padamsee, the play will apparently see Chadha essay three characters in keeping with the three parallel tracks of the story. A source says, "The script is such that the tracks are intertwined and culminate into a common end."

Scheduled to open in Mumbai by the end of this month, the play will have two shows each in Mumbai and Delhi. Richa Chadha says, "I love being able to perform on stage whenever I get a chance. There is something about the stage that one just cannot replicate on screen."

Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; May 15, 2018)

As an actor, Harsh Chhaya has witnessed the highs and lows of the profession for over 20 years. Now, he has chosen to direct a film because he was not comfortable with the kind of work that was being offered to him as a performer. The film, Khajoor Pe Atke, which the actor has also penned, is a dark comedy that revolves around a family dealing with the failing health of a close relative. In an interview with BT, Harsh tells us why he is exploring a genre considered niche in Hindi cinema and the paucity of good roles for talented actors in showbiz. Excerpts:

You’ve been acting since the 1990s. What prompted you to take up direction after all these years?
I am a professionally trained filmmaker and have worked behind the camera for around five to six years. The acting bug was so strong that I decided to postpone film direction for many years. I wasn’t offered good roles in the last 10 years or so, and I did not want to do something that I didn’t enjoy. The last time I enjoyed doing a film was Jolly LLB (2013). Otherwise, the kind of roles I got made me feel like a glorified extra. It never helped me professionally and because I was choosy about films, I was suddenly out of work. I spent a long time feeling frustrated and so, it was important to put my mind to better things than just waste my energy.

Your directorial debut Khajoor Pe Atke is a dark comedy. This isn’t a genre that is easy to crack and it’s still being explored in Hindi cinema.
My film is inspired from a few incidents that I have experienced. When you observe peculiar things around a situation multiple times, you start wondering if there’s a story there. So many times, in a serious situation, people observe or say something that’s off the mark and that becomes funny. My film explores such situations in life. I have always been inspired by films like Chupke Chupke (1975), Khoobsurat (1980), Khatta Meetha (1978) and Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983). They don’t make films like that anymore. I want to stress on the fact that there is a market for all kinds of films, whether it is India or abroad. I wanted to explore the genre of dark comedy because I won’t be able make a slapstick or sex comedy. I am no one to judge here because I just made my first film, but slapstick comedies in India are mainly about jokes forwarded on your phone.

You have an ensemble cast with talented actors like Vinay Pathak, Seema Pahwa and Manoj Pahwa in your film. Do you feel that there is a lack of opportunities for such actors in our film industry that’s always hankering for big stars?
In our industry, there is a general lack of opportunities for talented actors. We can clearly say that there is a lot of talent in the film industry, but unfortunately, good actors have to often play merry-go-round around the stars in our films. The comedy genre has taken centre stage for sure, but the ‘Yeh toh comedy actor hai’ kind of labels have still not disappeared. We have actors like Manoj Pahwa, Seema Pahwa, Vinay Pathak and Dolly Ahluwalia, who have great comic timing, but they are often labelled as comedians. They can deliver so much more. Also, I feel, once you have a script that works, it automatically finds its way to good actors.

Since this is your first film with an ensemble cast of good actors but not big names, was it difficult to get a producer on board?
I waited for a long time, and then I came across some incredible producers who did not ask me, ‘Poster pe kaun hoga’. They were keen to hear the script. We also toyed around with the idea of roping in a star to sell the film. A couple of stars we spoke to were even happy with the script and suggested some changes. But the producers weren’t keen on changing the script, so we let go of the idea of having a star.

What were the challenges of donning the director’s hat, after having been on the other side of the camera for so long? Do you want to continue making films or would you want to go back to acting?
Most of your job is done when you work with talented actors. When I used to act, it was all about being in your space and following the director’s instructions. As a director, I was not just handling the actors, but looking after an entire unit of 100 people. To me, direction was a happily tiring and satisfying experience for me. As an actor, you can emotionally switch off once you come home from the set, but as a director, it is an emotional process that keeps going on for many months. I have made an honest film and I hope the masses will like it. I would love to continue acting, too, if there are good offers.

Reza Noorani (BOMBAY TIMES; May 12, 2018)

Vinay Pathak loves Mumbai, and there are no two ways about it. Even a 10-year-stint in New York doesn’t compare to the life that he has made for himself here. The actor, who got to know Mumbai through Bollywood films says, “I knew the difference between Dadar Chowpatty and Juhu Chowpatty even before I came to Mumbai.” As a Mumbaikar, Vinay has seen several shades of the city including a visit to a dance bar. In his latest film, Khajoor Pe Atke, where he plays a quintessential penny-pinching, middle-class guy, the actor talks about where he drew inspiration for his role. He also shares his experiences of visiting Pakistan to promote Indian cinema.

Khajoor Pe Atke is about a dysfunctional family. Were there any characters in your own family that you drew from?
The only dysfunction that I remember from my childhood was that I never lived with my family. My father was a Deputy Superintendent of police and a controversial figure. He was honest and diligent, which was a problem, because an honest police officer in Bihar is a casualty. He sent me to a boarding school at a very young age so I could get proper education. I would see my family once a year during vacations, but I have a huge extended family. My father was the oldest of eight brothers and five sisters. My mother was the oldest among three sisters and four brothers. You can imagine how many aunts, uncles and cousins I have. Today, if I bump into my first cousin, I would not even recognise him because there are so many and they’re still being born as we speak! Whenever I am in an ensemble film with a family, I don’t have to look outside for a reference. I have all the characters in my life already.

In the film, your character comes to Mumbai along with his family and is wowed by the city. Do you recall any similar experiences from the time when you freshly relocated to the city?
I came to Mumbai for the first time after living for 10 years in New York, but my wow factor never dipped because I grew up on Hindi cinema. Even though I lived in Ranchi, Allahabad and Dhanbad, I knew every nook and corner of the city and I could name every film, song or sequence that was shot here. Mujhe yahan ki galiyaan jaani pehchani lagti thi. Footpath jaane pehchane lagtey the. I knew the difference between Juhu Chowpatty and Dadar Chowpatty even before coming to the city! I knew about Madh Island from scenes where the narcotics shipments were shown docking at the Madh jetty! Honestly, I am still fascinated when I see a shoot happening on the street. I always stop to see what it’s about. Even though I am more often on the other side of the camera, my fascination of watching a shoot has not waned. Mumbai has adopted me so warmly. My children were born here. So, for me, it is my city. I am a Mumbaikar. I think Mumbaikars are the most wonderful bunch of people in the whole world. I used to think that New York is cool. But I now know that Mumbai is the coolest.

The people of Mumbai transcend the divisions of caste, creed, colour and ethnicity or even nationality. I feel very fortunate that I found my home here.

In an earlier interview, you mentioned that there wasn’t a lot of interesting work for you in Bollywood.
I was asked why I was not seen more often on screen. To which I replied that I read scripts and take up only those which excite me the most. It’s not that I look down upon any script, but I can do only one movie at a time and I like to work that way. I have never said that I wanted to work in art cinema or in mainstream movies. For me, a wonderful script transcends boundaries of art, parallel or commercial cinema. For example, how would you categorise Bheja Fry? It made a huge amount of money for its producer and people call it a commercially successful film. It was made in 54 lakhs and it made over 25 crores; a ratio that’s unheard of. But I have always been associated with films like that, be it Khosla Ka Ghosla, Dasvidaniya, Chalo Dilli or Gour Hari Daastan. These are the films that I am proud of. But I got those films after reading 50 scripts. I said no to other films, not because they were bad, but just that I cannot do all of them. For some, I felt I wasn’t qualified enough and didn’t have the talent. I believe the most wonderful and essential thing you can do as an artiste is to learn about your limitations. I think I would look ridiculous doing a song and dance film. I have a great regard for those who can pull it off with panache though.

A few characters in Khajoor Pe Atke visit a dance bar in Mumbai. Have you ever visited one during your time in the city?
When I came to Mumbai, the dance bars were still around. My friends told me, ‘We will show you something in Mumbai that you won’t find anywhere else in the world’. I said, ‘What are you talking about, man? I’m from New York and nothing can surprise me’. So, I visited a dance bar on a friend’s birthday in South Mumbai and I was truly astonished. It was all so civil inside, including the people and dancers. Some of the girls were actually very good dancers. Nobody was crossing anyone else’s boundaries. I realised then, that Mumbai is a place where you are respected for your work. Nobody looks down upon you. My regard for those dancers never dipped. I mean, you are in a city that hosts the film industry. If you talk about other cities, like New York or LA, there are strip clubs where women are butt-naked. But here, we didn’t need to do that. The song and dance of seduction doesn’t have to be crude or lewd. They danced so well that some of them were celebrities in their own right.

You recently went to Pakistan for a film festival. Tell us about your experience there.
It was a great experience. I have said this before and I will say it again, our friend Subhash Kapoor (filmmaker) was also there, and he said a wonderful thing at one of the functions. He said, ‘Pakistan is the only country in the world where you get treated specially because you are an Indian.’ Nowhere do you get special treatment because you are an Indian. There is something in the warped history that we share. I think that people’s love for each other is still prevalent. I did not feel like I was in a foreign country when I went there for the first time. Karachi is like Mumbai and Lahore like Delhi. The Lahoris speak in Punjabi very much like people in Delhi or Chandigarh. So, I did not feel alienated at all. Plus, cinema is a bridge. I saw huge hoardings of Kapil Sharma’s show in Lahore and I wondered if I was in Mumbai.

MUMBAI MIRROR (April 9, 2018)

Sony Pictures Networks Productions (SPN Productions), the film production arm of Sony Pictures Networks India Pvt Ltd (SPN), announces its upcoming film, Abhi Toh Party Shuru Hui Hai (ATPSHH), written and directed by Anubhav Sinha.

The film is a satirical ride into the circus of coalition politics. The biggest highlight is the cast of highly acclaimed actors coming together in one film for the first time. The cast includes Saurabh Shukla, Pankaj Tripathi, Vinay Pathak, Pavan Malhotra, Divya Dutta, Kumud Mishra, Manoj Pahwa, Richa Chadha, Dilip Prabhavalkar, Cyrus Broacha, Prateik Babbar and Shriya Pilgaonkar.

Sony Pictures Networks Productions is all set for an entertainment packed year with Soorma, T for Taj Mahal, and Abhi Toh Party Shuru Hui Hai in the pipeline and other announcements to follow in the coming months.

“This story is very close to my heart and when I started writing it, I finished in one go. I narrated it to SPNP and I am glad Sneha Rajani (right) and her team instantly fell in love with the subject. I think the casting has been a great asset to this film as it’s impossible to imagine all these supremely talented actors coming together in one frame,” director Anubhav Sinha said, while Sneha Rajani, Deputy President and Head, Sony Pictures Networks Productions, added, “Anubhav Sinha has created such wonderful characters for this film. Who would have thought of seeing such great actors sharing the screen space? This speaks volumes about the script that has managed to attract such great talent. I am certain that the madness of the script and the fantastic cast will leave a longlasting impression on the minds of our viewers.”

ATPSHH is being produced by Sony Pictures Networks Productions and Anubhav Sinha.

Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 19, 2017)