It was a regular evening for movie buffs in the Capital — until it wasn’t. The cast of Bhooth Bangla, which is set to release this week, starring Akshay Kumar, Wamiqa Gabbi, and Rajpal Yadav, turned the latest session of Stars in the City into a truly memorable affair as they dropped by HT City’s office in Delhi to promote their upcoming film.

In conversation with Sonal Kalra, Chief Managing Editor, Lifestyle & Entertainment at Hindustan Times, the trio kept things lively with candid conversations, witty banter, and entertaining anecdotes that had the audience thoroughly involved.

Akshay: He has a great past. Priyadarshan has done almost 98 films and world mein aisa koi aadmi nahi jisne itni films banayi hai and out of that 87 are hit. Agar ek word unke liye aata hai, woj hai ‘genius’. I have seen him work. Actually puri kahaani wo batate hain but jo actual kahaani hoti hai, wo unke dimag mein hai. He is an editor by nature and he edits his film’s so far and so beautifully.

Rajpal: I once saw myself drowning when I was a 6-7 years old. I was saved by someone and I thought I am almost gone. I say I have been given life twice, once by my mother and once by Ganga maiyaa. Just like that main uljha pacchaso baar, dooba kabhi bhi nahi because of you guys (fans).

Wamiqa: There was only excitement. I was very lucky. Yej film mere paas aane se kuch mahine pehle maine saari films (of Akshay and Priyadarshan) binge watch ki thi starting from Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007) and De Dana Dan (2009). I called my management and asked, ‘Why are Akshay sir and Priyadarshan sir not working together?’. I love these films, I laughed so hard. They told me ‘no they are coming together after some 14 years for a new film and abhi casting shuru hui hai’. Right after sometime, I got to know that Balaji Films (production house) se call aaya hai and wo narrate karna chah rahe hain ye film. I got called and it was such an overwhelming experience and I was like, well talk about manifestation!”

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"My son shared recently that after watching Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007), he was scared of (actor) Vidya Balan for six years!"

- Akshay Kumar

When Akshay Kumar and Rajpal Yadav first shared screen space in David Dhawan’s Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2003), little did they know that they would go on to work together in many popular comedies. The upcoming episode of Wheel Of Fortune India, which is hosted by Kumar, served as a platform for the duo to reminisce about their on-screen chemistry and off-screen friendship.

On February 27, the superstar shot the episode with his Bhooth Bangla producer Ektaa R Kapoor, co-actors Yadav and Wamiqa Gabbi. According to sources, Kumar introduced Yadav as the undisputed comedy king of the Hindi film industry.

A source revealed, “Akshay delivered a touching tribute to his co-star. On the show, he attributed his comic timing to Rajpal. Akshay told the audience, ‘Sach bolu toh, inki badolat se meri comedy chalti hai’.”

Yadav returned the compliment by admiring the superstar’s love for fitness as he said, “I’ve known him for so many years. Inki fitness kamaal ki hai, aur khaane mein bhi inka bohot achchha control hai.”

After his shift from content creation to acting in web shows, Bhuvan Bam is set to star in his feature film debut soon with Kuku Ki Kundali. He stars opposite Wamiqa Gabbi in the quirky romantic comedy directed by Sharan Sharma. And we have learnt that the content creator-turned-actor is about to start shooting for the same with a marathon schedule.

A source close to the development tells us, “Bhuvan is going all out currently to prepare for his big screen debut . He’ll be leaving in the first week of February to start shooting Kuku Ki Kundali for almost 50 days at a stretch. In total, he’ll clock close to 75 days for the film. It’s a marathon schedule, but he’s committed to pushing himself as the scale of the project demands that kind of focus.”

Before the shoot commences, Bhuvan dedicated the first month of the year dividing time between laying the groundwork for another project, and his intense prep sessions for Kuku Ki Kundali.

The source adds, “He’s treating this like a full reset. It’s not the usual shoot-break-shoot routine. He’s planning to stay in character for weeks without stepping out of the zone.”

Bhuvan will also star in a period web series The Revolutionaries, directed by Nikkhil Advani, slated for a release this year.

Wamiqa Gabbi and Adivi Sesh in ‘G2’; (right) Mrunal Thakur

Actor Adivi Sesh has wrapped up two upcoming films, Dacoit with Mrunal Thakur, and Goodachari 2 with Wamiqa Gabbi. The two movies may be starkly different, with Dacoit being a romantic action drama, and G2, a spy thriller. But his takeaway from both projects is the same — that his two co-stars have helped him elevate his performances.

The actor shares, “What makes the experience fulfilling is the exchange of ideas and energy that happens between us. We constantly discuss our characters and the emotional motivations behind them.”

Sesh notes that Thakur and Gabbi have different approaches to their craft. What binds them, however, is how giving they are as co-stars.

He elaborates, “Mrunal has this rare ability to listen as an actor. When your co-star gives you something so real, it forces you to elevate your [work]. Wamiqa is unpredictable [as an artiste]. She never repeats a beat, and you have to stay present because you don’t know what she’ll throw at you. That makes the work exciting.”

In the last six months, Wamiqa Gabbi has had a roller coaster of experience in her film journey. The actor had her first big commercial release in 2024 with the Varun Dhawan-starrer Baby John. Though a big-budgeted release, the film failed at the box office. On the other hand, her recent small-budget release Bhool Chuk Maaf turned out to be a commercial success.

Sharing how these experiences shaped her perspective towards work, she says, “I feel every film has its own journey. You never know how any film would work, and if it would resonate with the audience. A film like Tamasha (2015) got recognition after so many years. But a film like Bhool Chuk Maaf working gives you the faith to say yes to original storytelling. It gives you the confidence to put faith in directors like Karan Sharma who are making their first films.”

Considering Baby John was her first big Bollywood outing, she must have had big hopes from it. Ask how she pulled herself up after it failed to connect with audiences, and the 31-year-old says, “It’s up to you what you want to focus on. I didn’t come empty-handed from Baby John. For me, it was all about the opportunity to work with Varun, Atlee (writer) sir and Murad Khetani (producer), and to be a part of their world. That, in itself, was a big thing for me.”

The actor adds, “I can obviously choose to look at all the negatives, but had that film not happened, I don’t know what I’d have done and where I’d be.”

Bringing their hilarious one-liners, killer moves, and warm camaraderie, actors Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi, along with director Karan Sharma, recently visited the HT City office in Delhi to promote their upcoming film Bhool Chuk Maaf. In a conversation with Sonal Kalra, Chief Managing Editor, Lifestyle & Entertainment, Hindustan Times, during the Stars in the City session, the trio entertained fans with witty responses, dancing to Chor Bazari, and weighing in on the ongoing OTT vs theatre debate.

Rajkummar Rao: There is no problem with the theatres, the problem is that we need to raise the bar. Give the audience something unique and fresh. We should make good films and work on promoting it well because people should be aware that this film is there on the screens.

Karan Sharma: Aap ghar par film dekh bhi rahe hain toh usme maza nahin aata. Main uss generation se aaya hun jahan DDLJ (Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, 1995) dekhne ke liye black mein ticket khareedne ke liye dande khaye hain. Aur andar jaa ke jo mahaul milta hai, jo collective laughter aata hai, wo kahin aur nahin milta.

Wamiqa Gabbi: Sirf ek cheez toh nahi thi, bahut saari cheezein thi. Like working with (producer) Dinesh Vijan, Rajkummar, and Karan sir. Aur itni funny script hai ki narration mein main bas hass rahi thi. Aur end mein aate aate, (ye film) itni khubsoorat baatein keh jaati hai... I was very happy that this (film) came to me.

Rajkummar: Certainly my wedding day, because it was the most beautiful experience I’ve ever had. Another one would be the very nice moments with my mother that I really cherish, especially now that she is not around anymore. I’d love to relive those moments.

Rajkummar: Since I was little, (acting) is the only thing I’ve wanted to do and I’ve worked hard only towards this. I’ve never thought of a Plan B. Plan A was there, and Plan B was to make Plan A work. But hypothetically, I think I’d be in the Armed Forces. I get very fascinated seeing soldiers.”

Compiled by Yashika Mathur

Last week, it was announced that Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi-starrer Bhool Chuk Maaf, which was to initially hit the screens on April 10, has been pushed to May 9. Now, mid-day has learnt that director Karan Sharma is making additions, specifically two songs, to the romantic comedy. Sources tell us that while one is a promotional dance number, the other is a romantic track.

What made the director add two songs at the last minute? From what we’ve heard, both Sharma and producer Dinesh Vijan apparently felt they would increase the entertainment quotient of the comedy, which revolves around Rao’s character who is stuck in a time loop a day before his wedding.

A source reveals, “Of the two songs, Rajkummar and Wamiqa filmed one on March 29 at a studio in Mira Road. A set depicting a small-town street was built for the vibrant track. It’s a peppy promotional number composed by Tanishk Bagchi.”

The unit is now prepping for the second song that will be shot in Uttar Pradesh, which is where the film is set. “Rajkummar and Wamiqa will head to Varanasi in mid-April. With the film revolving around the couple’s impending wedding, this one will have a romantic bachelorette party vibe. Both the songs are choreographed by Vijay Ganguly, with costumes by Sheetal Sharma,” adds the source.

Don’t be surprised if you spot Akshay Kumar chanting mantras and casting spells in Hyderabad soon. Come April 17, the superstar and Tabu will kick off the climax of their horror comedy, Bhooth Bangla, in the southern city. Sources tell us that director Priyadarshan has charted out a month-long schedule, during which he will film important sequences, with the thrust obviously on the climax. After the schedule is wrapped up by mid-May, Bhooth Bangla will be nearly complete.

That’s quick progress for the horror comedy that went on floors only this January in Rajasthan. After commencing work at the Chomu Palace in Jaipur, the cast—including Kumar, Tabu, Paresh Rawal, Wamiqa Gabbi, and Mithila Palkar—went on to shoot in Hyderabad and Mumbai. Now, Priyadarshan is ready to call action on the most crucial leg.

A source reveals, “A huge set of a palace has been designed by art director Sabu Cyril at Ramoji Studios for this portion. The principal cast will be part of the sequence that will see Kumar’s magician bust myths about black magic. Though tackling a serious subject, it will be an entertaining sequence, just like the director managed with his psychological thriller, Bhool Bhulaiyaa [2007]. After this stint is wrapped up, the unit along with leads Akshay, Tabu and Wamiqa will head to London for the final leg, in which they will film a song and some talkie portions.”

As the film is high on VFX, Priyadarshan wants to wrap up principal photography by May and give the post-production team ample time before its April 2026 release.

Bhooth Bangla is highly anticipated as it marks Kumar and Priyadarshan’s reunion after 15 years. The movie, backed by Ektaa R Kapoor, blends fantasy, horror and humour to explore the subject of black magic.

The source adds, “With Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Priyadarshan not only tackled the myth of spirits, but also shed light on a mental health issue. This time, he will examine black magic, a practice that many in India believe in. The script refers to some of the oldest Vedas, while making its case against witchcraft, curses and sorcery.”

Director duo Raj-DK’s ambitious fantasy actioner Rakt Bramhand—The Bloody Kingdom has apparently hit a roadblock, forcing the makers to delay its upcoming schedule. Word is that Raj-DK, along with co-director Rahi Anil Barve, were to kick off the second schedule in Mumbai in February. However, the plan has been pushed by two months as the battle sequences of the Aditya Roy Kapur, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Ali Fazal and Wamiqa Gabbi-starrer are being reimagined.

A source close to the production reveals, “Rakt Bramhand has been mounted as a big-budget fantasy series about warring empires. Naturally, the war sequences are crucial to the story. The team wasn’t fully satisfied with how they were shaping up on paper, and is revisiting the portions.”

Rakt Bramhand is among Netflix India’s most ambitious projects. However, given the two-month delay, it was pulled down from the streamer’s 2025 slate that was recently unveiled. Another source says that the show will no longer be a 2025 offering.

“It is being designed as a spectacle, and that takes time. With the latest leg starting in April, followed by extensive VFX work in post-production, the series will release only in 2026,” adds the source.

mid-day reached out to Barve, who didn’t respond till press time.

It’s raining offers for Wamiqa Gabbi, who recently appeared in Baby John alongside Varun Dhawan. She has joined Adivi Sesh and Emraan Hashmi in the thriller G2 and will feature in Akshay Kumar’s Bhoot Bangla. The actor is also the frontrunner to join opposite Ranveer Singh in an upcoming superhero film directed by Basil Joseph, known for Minnal Murali. The project is rumoured to be a Bollywood adaptation of the iconic Indian superhero Shaktimaan. 

Sources reveal, “She has been garnering attention for her versatile performances in Hindi and regional cinema and is also rumoured to be signing a Telugu project opposite Nani. Currently, it’s all dialogue, but if the film materialises, the pairing of Wamiqa and Ranveer in Basil’s film would add fresh energy to the project that has been in the works for five years now.”

While no official announcement has been made, insiders suggest the film is still in its early stages, with pre-production underway. Joseph, despite his limited proficiency in Hindi, has been conducting readings and meetings with Singh in Mumbai.

“Once the script is completed and final dates are worked out, this will be finalised. [Until then], Ranveer is busy wrapping up Aditya Dhar’s spy film. He will shift focus on [the superhero film] only after March,” adds the source.

Wamiqa Gabbi is a proud mother of six dogs — Phoebe, Milli, Julie, Fluki, Gabbar and Momo — whom she has either rescued or adopted. On World Animal Day today, she opens up about her bond with her furry companions and reflects on how they have shaped her understanding of life.

“Animals live with pure innocence, and I try to keep that same spirit alive within me every day,” she says, adding, “It doesn’t matter if you’ve scolded them or if they’ve made a mistake — they never hold a grudge. The next time you call them, they’ll come running back with the same love and affection. That’s something we should all learn from them — they teach you about the art of letting go; how to forgive, forget and move on.” 

World Animal Day aims to highlight the importance of animal rights and encourage better treatment and care for animals worldwide. And Gabbi finds it deeply distressing when she sees cruelty towards animals: “If someone can hurt an innocent animal, how can we trust them to be safe around people or children? There needs to be stronger laws in place.”

Looking ahead, Gabbi, who turned vegetarian four years ago, dreams of one day having her own animal farm: “I often imagine myself lying with my head resting on a cow’s tummy — it’s something I want to experience.”

Take one look at Baby John’s teaser, and it’s easy to gauge that it will be a bloody affair. On April 24, Varun Dhawan wrapped up the action fare that marks Tamil director Kalees’ Hindi film debut. Staying true to Atlee’s Tamil hit Theri (2016), the Hindi adaptation will see the protagonist as a fierce cop in his past, and a doting father in the present day. mid-day has learnt that Dhawan will sport two distinct looks—as a young cop, he will flaunt the khaki uniform and sunglasses, which will be his signature accessory, whereas he will sport long hair, a beard and a lungi for the father track.

Dhawan unveiled this avatar in the teaser itself. Sources say that the two looks have been designed in such a way that they reflect his character’s journey. “The young cop is dynamic, aggressive and stylish. Designer Sheetal Sharma has given him customized sunglasses that he will sport on his wrist like a wrist band. His wardrobe comprises chinos, linen shirts and polo T-shirts. Kalees wanted an intense look for the character after he goes through a personal tragedy and begins life anew with his daughter in Kerala. For this portion, Varun sports white lungis and silk shirts,” reveals a source.

While Keerthy Suresh essays the cop’s wife, Wamiqa Gabbi plays his romantic interest as he begins a new lease of life later.

The portions depicting the character’s present day were shot in Alleppey, Kochi, and the serene backwaters of Kerala. The unit conducted a 20-day schedule in March during which they not only filmed crucial scenes and a song, but also an elaborate fight sequence.

“To make Baby John a no-holds-barred actioner, producers Murad Khetani and Atlee roped in eight action directors. Varun spent three months prepping for the action blocks. One of the most crucial set-pieces was shot in the backwaters. In the sequence, the hero, who has left the police force and leads a peaceful life in Kerala, has to take up arms again when goons attack his five-year-old daughter. It has been designed as a high-octane scene, where Varun takes on 30 baddies single-handedly, performing kicks, punches and lunges in a lungi. Cinematographer Kiran Koushik has shot it as a larger-than-life sequence.”

As soon as you ring the bell at her home, you’re greeted by booming woofs from her five dogs — Gabbar, Milli, Julie, Fluki, and Momo. Wamiqa Gabbi, the proud companion of these five furry friends, welcomes us with a bright smile and adds, “They are my life.”

The minimal aesthetic of her home allows ample space for the dogs to play around. She says, “While it takes time to understand them and manage their individual needs, they are not very high-maintenance. They just need love and food. I make sure to get them checked by a doctor once every month.”

Interestingly, Wamiqa’s relationship with dogs had not always been so amicable. Her earliest memory of a dog was of being bitten by one at the age of eight. She had been petrified of dogs since. However, things took an unexpected turn seven years ago when she was gifted a toy Pomeranian by her then-boyfriend. The small gesture marked the beginning of a remarkable turnaround, where Wamiqa’s fear of dogs gradually turned into love.

The actress bought her first dog Phoebe, a Doberman, five years ago. In her own words, she experienced a deep, almost spiritual, journey with her. She vowed against buying animals again, especially after watching videos and learning about the breeding of dogs. She says she hadn’t planned on bringing home a second dog. But when the pandemic struck, Wamiqa was stuck in Chandigarh and Phoebe was in Mumbai. During that time, one of her friends in Punjab got a street Pomeranian named Gabbar. Since Wamiqa missed Phoebe, she requested her friend to let Gabbar stay with her for some time.

“Gabbar rehte rehte mera hi ho gaya, my friend never took him back,” The actress recounts, adding, “Street dogs suffered a lot during the pandemic and that’s how Mili came into my life. Her mother died in an accident, and she was left to be adopted. Now, all five of them, including Gabbar, stay with me in Mumbai, while Phoebe stays in Chandigarh.”

Talking about people’s preference for pedigrees over Indies, she clarifies that if one is looking for companionship, irrespective of the breed, dogs have a way of making you feel loved, heard, and understood.

She shares, “They just keep giving, right from the day they come into your lives. Spending time with them has made me more sensitive as a human. I have learnt from them their ability to give unconditional and selfless love, being non-judgmental and forgiving. My idea of love has also changed because of them. They have helped me improve my interpersonal relationships.”

Keeping in mind, National Pet Day (11 April), Wamiqa calls for stricter laws against animal abuse and animal cruelty. And before you raise your eyebrows, let me tell you that she walks the talk as well. “I only get oat milk at home and don’t endorse any product that promotes animal cruelty, no matter how lucrative the deal is,” says the actress, adding, “Many people I try to educate about animals get annoyed, but I’ll continue to do my best in raising awareness about them.”

So, what would her message be for National Pet Day, we ask? She answers, “Feed them, even if you can’t really love or treat strays like pets. That’s the least we can do for them. It’s our responsibility to show compassion as human beings, especially since we have encroached upon their lands.”

What happens when a Vishal Bhardwaj and Vikramaditya Motwane heroine steps into Atlee’s cinematic world? A whole lot of learning. Wamiqa Gabbi, who is shooting for Atlee’s production—reportedly titled Baby John—in Kochi, is enjoying picking up the larger-than-life quality associated with his movies.

“That swag you see in Atlee sir’s films is imbibed and learnt, then mirrored on screen. This film nurtures a different side of me as an actor. The aura of a commercial, mainstream actor is different. At this point, I’m looking to be surprised and changed as a person. This film is doing that for me,” she says.

The action fare, helmed by Kalees, also stars Varun Dhawan and Keerthy Suresh. Gabbi agrees that the movie is dramatically different from the projects she has done so far—be it Motwane’s period drama Jubilee (2023) or Bhardwaj’s understated spy thriller Khufiya (2023). Her job, she says, is to assimilate in the diverse worlds created by filmmakers.

“My process has always been to understand the person I have to play. Sometimes, I give feedback to my director and writer, and that brings out more ideas. Working with Atlee sir has been enriching. After he gave a hit like Jawan [2023], I am lucky he chose me for this film.”

Gabbi also considers herself lucky when it comes to her co-star. She praises Dhawan for being a supportive collaborator. “I have seen all of Varun’s films, including Badlapur [2015] and October [2018]. While he is the best of the masala film actors we have, he isn’t just that. Within him is an actor who is relentless and passionate. Our sense of humour is similar, and we are always cracking silly jokes. He is also a kind person. I had an eye infection and was feeling horrible about missing work, but he was so caring. He joked about it and lightened the mood.”

The industry’s perception of Gabbi has changed enormously after the six releases she had in 2023, and she is grateful for the roles being offered. “Everything coming my way today is a result of the work that resonated with people last year. The industry looks at me differently now. It all happened in one year.”

A big-ticket film seems like the perfect way for Wamiqa Gabbi to round off the successful year that she had with Jubilee, Charlie Chopra And The Mystery Of Solang Valley, and Khufiya. The actor, who recently completed her Tamil film Genie, will now begin shooting for the yet-untitled project that is backed by Atlee and led by Varun Dhawan. We hear director Kalees, who has been Atlee’s long-time assistant director, has kicked off an extensive schedule in Kochi with the leading man.

In August, Kalees, who makes his directorial debut with the action fare, had conducted the first schedule with Dhawan in Mumbai. Apparently, at the time, the actor had incurred an injury due to which the stunts had to be left for the next leg in December.

A source tells mid-day, “Now, Varun and Wamiqa will shoot a straight one-month schedule in Kerala. The director plans to call for a break only after January 20.”

Keerthy Suresh is paired with Dhawan in the movie, the working title of which is VD18. The source adds, “Keerthy, along with Radhika Apte, was shooting for Yash Raj Films’ next project in Mumbai. She is expected to join the VD18 unit soon.”

While reports suggest that it is a remake of Atlee’s Tamil hit Theri (2016), little is known about the project, except that the leading man plays a cop. The makers are being discreet about the characters and the actors’ looks in the film.

Gabbi, who shone bright in Vikramaditya Motwane’s Jubilee, has been one of the breakthrough talents of the year in digital entertainment. She is naturally eager for the next chapter as she finds her footing in Bollywood.

Confirming the shoot, she says, “Being part of VD18 is a thrilling experience for me. Collaborating with Varun Dhawan and Keerthy Suresh under Atlee sir’s [guidance] is a creative journey I’m eager to explore. I will always be grateful for 2023, the year that [propelled] new beginnings. To end the year on the set of my next is the perfect curtain call.”

You know you’ve cracked Bollywood when the maker of this year’s biggest blockbuster casts you in his next. Wamiqa Gabbi is in the enviable position of being a part of Atlee’s next Hindi production, led by Varun Dhawan. The yet-untitled film is the remake of Atlee’s Tamil hit, Theri (2016), and will be helmed by his former assistant director Kalees. Gabbi is naturally elated that the Jawan director showed faith in her.

“I feel lucky and excited to be able to explore opportunities across mediums. For Atlee sir, who just gave the industry the [year’s] biggest hit, to trust me with his next is huge! I am overwhelmed. His trust in me has boosted my self-belief. I hope to do action in the film,” says the actor, as she looks forward to the film rolling this month.

The big Bollywood action fare is Gabbi’s first step towards mainstream Hindi cinema. In a way, it’s natural progression for the actor who has struck gold this year with her OTT offerings—beginning with Vikramaditya Motwane’s Jubilee, and following it up with Vishal Bhardwaj’s Charlie Chopra & The Mystery Of Solang Valley, and Khufiya. A fine balance between commerce and creative satisfaction, she says, is the key to be the artiste that she aspires to be.

“Medium is a producer’s lookout. As an actor, I will still work on my character, go to the set and perform. I understand one thing: if I want to do my kind of work, I need to have that [draw]. Otherwise, people will say, ‘We can’t put money on her.’ So, I am making these choices. But even while doing so, I am cautious and not in a hurry. In the name of mainstream cinema, I don’t want to do projects that I won’t enjoy.”

Rising popularity has clearly brought more opportunities. On the flipside, it has also brought people’s opinions on how she should shape her career. But Gabbi, like many artistes, is guided by her heart. 

“Many people tell me how to go about my career, and I do listen to them. But when it comes to making choices, I see whether a project touches my heart or not. I have said no to so many projects that people said would be good for my career.”

It’s easy to get carried away when you’ve fronted two big shows, helmed by Vikramaditya Motwane and Vishal Bhardwaj no less, within months of each other. But Wamiqa Gabbi sounds more grounded than exhilarated.

“Before Jubilee came out, I had started to move towards spirituality. If this had happened four to five years ago, success might have gone to my head. But today, I just feel a lot of love,” she smiles.

So far, 2023 has been Gabbi’s year as she kicked it off with Bhardwaj’s short film, Fursat. Motwane’s acclaimed Jubilee, and Modern Love Chennai followed, before she reunited with Bhardwaj on his maiden series, Charlie Chopra & The Mystery Of Solang Valley. But all this didn’t come easy. The actor says she was ready to leave the world of cinema in 2019.

“I had auditioned for Vishal Bhardwaj’s Midnight’s Children. By then, I had decided to quit movies, do perhaps one or two films, earn whatever money I could, and travel the world to understand what I wanted to do in life. I had lost all interest in acting. I had been rejected so many times that I thought, ‘Why would Vishal Bhardwaj finalize me?’ But I got shortlisted, and we were sent on a workshop with Atul Mongia. Those three days changed my perspective on my career.”

While the filmmaker did sign her on for Midnight’s Children, it got shelved later. “But all good things started to happen after that,” she beams.

Now, the actor is only a day away from the release of Khufiya, her fourth collaboration with the director. The Netflix espionage thriller will see her share screen space with Tabu and Ali Fazal. In her kitty is the Theri (2016) remake featuring Varun Dhawan. “Today, I am in a position to make a choice. Earlier, it was all about getting work; now, I can be choosy.” 

Bhardwaj has been instrumental in shaping her career, but Gabbi believes he has also influenced how she views the film industry.

“My sensibilities have changed because I have worked with Vishal sir, Vikram sir and Ranjan Chandel [Grahan director]. Vishal sir is like a friend now. Initially, when there were some date issues on Khufiya, I was intimidated to call him and tell him so. But he called and said, ‘I understood why you were inhibited to call me. But remember, one chat can save relationships and we need to put in extra effort to save them.’ Now, even when I have to say no to someone, I make sure I make that call to them.”

Months after her acclaimed series Jubilee, Wamiqa Gabbi will be seen in Charlie Chopra & The Mystery Of Solang Valley. Going by the trailer, Agatha Christie’s The Sittaford Mystery gets a dark and atmospheric adaptation by Vishal Bhardwaj. Interestingly though, as dramatically different as they are, the murder mystery shares a connection with the popular comedy, Fleabag. Taking a cue from Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s character who frequently broke the fourth wall in Fleabag, we hear Gabbi’s detective character too engages in direct conversations with the camera, thus communicating her thoughts to the audience.

The actor says she enjoyed adopting this “intriguing” approach for the first time.

“My character breaks the fourth wall to create a connect with the audiences directly. It’s a creative process to get the viewers involved in Charlie’s expedition of solving the murder mystery. The last time I remember seeing this approach was in Fleabag where Phoebe’s character would stare into the camera during awkward situations. I used it as a reference point,” she says.

The Sony LIV series also stars Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Lara Dutta, Priyanshu Painyuli and Gulshan Grover.