Where Bollywood Comes Alive
Posts tagged Director
Is Vipul Shah the only one?
Aug 31st
His next production is the only film in Bollywood to have gone on floors in the month of August. Is the recession truly over?
Mauli Singh (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 31, 2010)
Vipul Shah’s untitled next, a remake of the Tamil hit Kakha Kakha directed by Nishikant Kamath and starring John Abraham and Genelia, is the only film that went on floors in the month of August. For an industry that is known to churn out films like machines, this comes as a surprise. Is recession really over? Is this lull in Bollywood just a passing phrase or indicative of something serious?
Vipul Shah, whose film went on floors on August 24, sounds surprised and yet relieved too. ‘It’s a kind of a record. I’m shocked that only my film went on floors in the month of August. But I am glad that at least mine went on the floor.”
Commenting on the current scenario in Bollywood Vipul adds, “I feel everybody is a bit cautious right now. Though all actors and directors are busy doing films, they have slowed themselves down to carefully select the projects. Everyone has a cautioned approach now after what we saw in the past one year.
We hit crazy numbers, then the economy fell and now, it is the correction time. The whole industry is now trying to gauge what the right budget should be for films to be made.”
Trade Analyst Amod Mehra dismisses the scare and says, “Frankly it is not a scary situation. Firoz Nadiadwala and Yash Raj Films are launching some movies. It’s just a matter of time. You will hear big announcements in next few months. There is no recession. Coincidently, some films have been delayed with big stars. And small star films are not working, so there is a lull.”
Mehra feels the issue is more to do with what stars are prices at now. He adds, “Shah Rukh, Aamir and other big stars are not signing new films at present. The price has not yet set in properly and that’s why people are shy of launching films.”
Another trade analyst, Taran Adarsh says, “I think films are being made but are not being announced. There are various factors. Earlier, producers used to announce movies just to attract distributors but that has changed. Secondly, all actors have turned producers. So the question of having star-driven films is more scarce.”
Taran is convinced that the bad days are over. “The industry is back on its feet. Today satellite rights have come as a saviour for the film industry.”
King of Comedies strikes again with ‘No Problem’
Aug 24th
By Taran Adarsh, August 24, 2010 – 08:31 IST
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That Anees Bazmee has an impeccable track record as a writer/director is known to all and sundry. No wonder his films are eagerly awaited. The King of Comedies, who has three solid Hits behind him [NO ENTRY, WELCOME and SINGH IS KINNG], is all set to unleash his new laughathon NO PROBLEM, which, like his previous films, also boasts of an impressive star cast and is aimed at tickling your funny bone.
The expectations from NO PROBLEM are humungous and if one goes by the promos of the film, Anees seems to have pulled it off yet again. This writer had the privilege of watching the promos [rough cut] and also an entire song ['Mast Punjabi'] from this keenly anticipated film and I have to confess, the goings-on are truly funny. The song, filmed on the entire cast, is sure to be a rage with not just Punjabis, but also non-Punjabis.
Looks like Anees and Anil Kapoor [who produces the film] have a sure-shot winner on hand. NO PROBLEM is in post-production stages and is slated for release in December this year.
BOLLYWOOD HUNGAMA.COM
I have gone through sexual innuendo in Bollywood-Eesha Koppikhar
Aug 23rd
By Devansh Patel, August 23, 2010 – 12:14 IST
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It’s a lucky day. Eesha Narang invites me to her residence in Bandra’s Pali Hill. I arrive on time expecting a superb, well managed modern decor with half a dozen maids running up and down. But the first glance makes you forget your expectations. It just doubles it up. From the outside, it looks like a colossal palace. More like the Buckingham Palace. It’s retro in style. It’s traditionally white and it’s got about a dozen chefs cooking some special courses for the day. BMWs, Mercedes and Toyotas are seen entering the spacious parking lot to attend the obvious function. I enter the reception area and ask for Eesha. But to no avail. I call her and she calls back and guides me to come on the first floor where she is busy eating her hot served lunch. She offers me some but I insist on ‘no thanks’. Next up, “Will you have Tang?” I reply in affirmative. And then the best part, “Will you have it with soda or water?” the maid asks. Eesha can’t stop laughing when I reply, “Isn’t Tang suppose to be had with water?”
What followed next was unimaginable. Eesha reveals one of her darkest secrets. Yes, it was tough but the time was so right for her as Hello Darling is just around the corner of seeing itself on the big screen. My jaws drop down when Koppikhar turned Narang throws up, “I want to tell you something that’s a shocker. During my early days in Bollywood, I’ve been hinted by an established actor to make compromises with him so he could help me climb the ladder of success. What happens next – I don’t get the film. That’s how our industry is sometimes.” She gulps down a bit of water as her maid clears the plates. I insist on the name of the actor who asked her such a disgusting question but Eesha answers, “I don’t want to name him as it may spoil a lot of lives today. But I learnt something, being a part of this industry – Never bow down, no matter what. In our line where there is cut throat competition, there maybe two nice girls but you’ll also find eight out there who are willing to do anything to climb the ladder of success. I’ve got producers and directors telling me ‘Khud photographs dete hai aur kehte hain ki hum kuch bhi karne ke liye tayaar hai.’ I can tell you that I have gone through sexual innuendos during my early days in Bollywood and it’s tough to survive here.”
And no matter what, it is this courage and commitment of ‘not bow down’ that makes Eesha Koppikhar do fewer films but importantly….gain more respect.
BOLLYWOOD HUNGAMA.COM
Apoorva Lakhia-the antagonist in Knock Out
Aug 17th
By Subhash K. Jha, August 17, 2010 – 10:09 IST
It looks like recession has given Bollywood directors a chance to live out their acting fantasies. The season of directors turning actors is upon us full-blast. After a full-fledged debut as leading men by Farhan Akhtar and Rituparno Ghosh and cameos by Sudhir Mishra (Traffic Signal), Karan Johar (Luck By Chance) and Anurag Kashyap (Luck By Chance), it is Apoorva Lakhia’s turn.
Unlike his colleagues, Lakhia will be seen as a villain in buddy Sanjay Dutt’s film Knock Out. Ironically, he plays the guy who wants to kill Dutt.
He plays what a source from the film’s unit describes as, “The villain, a highly scientific very precise killer who uses a combination of killer squads, sophisticated technology and razor-sharp mind to locate and liquidate Sanjay Dutt…Lakhia’s character turns the tables on Sanju so quickly and with lethal efficiency. His character is volatile and unpredictable. Lakhia takes the audience to a gripping climax where he fights it out with Sanju.”
According to sources from Knock Out, Lakhia’s is one of the best villainous roles seen till now. When asked about it, the director, currently keeping low because of recession and the ensuing aridity of movies on the floors, says, “Where did you hear about this? I’m really not at liberty to talk about it. Before my character kills Sanju, my producer will kill me if I squeal.”
Director Mani Shankar too chooses to remain tight-lipped. But a source says shooting with Lakhia was not easy. Apparently, the shooting got cancelled three times when Lakhia was to give his first shot for Knock Out.
Says the source, “There was rain thunderstorm and strong winds every time director Mani Shankar tried to take Lakhia’s first shot. Yes, the shooting got postponed three times, almost as if nature was conspiring to keep Lakhia off camera. Finally the director decided to shoot the scene despite the bad weather. Although he had spent so much time behind the camera, it took a while for Lakhia to figure out how merciless a close-up lens could be. There were lots of intense off-camera discussions between Mani and Lakhia before every shot.”
After the experience Lakhia was heard telling the director, “Direction is so much easier.”
Incidentally, Apoorva Lakhia’s cousin Aditya Lakhia is an actor. He played Kachra in Lagaan.
BOLLYWOOD HUNGAMA.COM
Is Karan directing portions of Ra.One?
Aug 10th
By Taran Adarsh, August 10, 2010 – 08:34 IST
Is Karan Johar directing portions of RA.ONE? Ever since Shah Rukh Khan tweeted that Karan visited him on the sets of his film in U.K., the rumour mills have been working overtime. There were reports in a section of the media that Karan was directing portions of the film and had also consented to direct the songs. There was talk that SRK and Anubhav Sinha had agreed to take Karan on board as the second unit director of the film.
So what’s the truth? The truth is that Karan was present on the sets of the film, but in the capacity of a friend, as a good luck charm. Also, all talk of Karan being the second unit director is absolutely false, for the project is SRK and Anubhav Sinha’s baby entirely. They have worked very hard on it and it would be unfair to SRK and Sinha both if news like this is taken seriously. In fact, Karan was in his hotel room almost every single day, which wouldn’t be the case if he was co-directing the film.
Also, the talk about Karan ‘directing’ the songs of the film is equally baseless. Sure, Karan is a multi-faceted personality, but not a choreographer. At least not yet!
BOLLYWOOD HUNGAMA.COM
I always enjoyed entertaining-Omkar Das
Aug 8th
Theater actor Omkar Das has come a long way from Bhilai to Mumbai bringing raw folk talent to the fore
Divashri Sinha (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 08, 2010)
Omkar Das, aka Natha, brings his raw and rustic charm to the Mumbai screens, courtesy Peepli Live. Given his pedigree in theatre, he almost sets the tone of his first feature film.
How did you start out in theatre?
I started theatre full-time in the year 2000. Until then, I was a folk singer and used to travel with my troupe of 30-odd singers in Chattisgarh. I always enjoyed entertaining, so theatre came naturally.
How did Peepli Live happen?
I was auditioning for another project in Bhopal when the writer and director saw me and wanted me to audition for Natha. I got the lead role immediately. I never expected it.
How did it feel being on a film set, with untrained actors and a big crew?
Oh, that was something! From street performances and folk songs to big lights, cameras, etc; I was very intimidated. But the director was very helpful.
She asked me to ignore the cameras and be as natural as possible. After the first day, I concentrated on everything else except the camera and soon got over the hesitation.
How popular is theatre in villages now? How much has Bollywood managed to influence its style and subject?
People usually enjoy the song and dance routines much more than staged drama.
Even though the issues may be relevant, naatak is expected to have more entertainment than anything else. There are a few mainstream songs and actors that are popular, but regional artistes and cinema have a much wider appeal.
You have been associated with Habib Tanvir, whose work has been politically charged. Are the subjects of your plays also similarly influenced?
We draw from very basic subjects: droughts, famine, dowry, infanticide, low yield of crops, poor sale of seeds… just about anything that impacts a farmer’s life.
But like I said, if we don’t balance it with folk songs and dance, people won’t watch. So we balance it out with Dadariya, shringar and cheda-chadi songs.
There is an upsurge of naxals in Chattisgarh. Does the issue influence your content in any way?
Fortunately, their activity in our state is restricted to the very interiors, deep in jungles and remote villages. So while political issues are a large part of our content, we try and stay away from this subject. It’s easy for villagers to get scared and worried.
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| Omkar Das plays the lead role of a depressed farmer in the movie Peepli Live |
Naya Theater focuses on encouraging the use of local dialects and styles… tell us a little about them.
Yes, we have been using Urdu since Habib saab’s time and Chhatisgarhi as our medium. We prefer using the local language and train youngsters in getting the dialect and tenor right. It always has maximum impact when one communicates with the audience in their own language and tone.
We usually have people coming in from Lucknow, Delhi, other big and small towns and cities in addition to regional folk artists who we work with. Our theater performs throughout Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh.
What was your experience of working with Habib saab?
He was a brilliant writer and teacher. He understood that people who come into this profession, regardless of age, are bound by the same passion. We learnt by improvising. He gave each artist their own space and pace to learn and perform. We learnt a lot by just watching each other.
What do you have to say about the treatment of farmers’ suicide in Peepli Live? Do you think it’ll resonate with the masses?
I was very happy with the end product. It looks like people will be able to associate with the story. It’s simple, honest and innocent. The subject is serious and touching; and the city audiences will be educated, I feel.
I have been exceptionally unlucky in my love life-Kangna Ranaut
Aug 7th
Indu Mirani (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 06, 2010)
Dressed in a wispy Stella McCartney dress, relaxed at home surrounded by family and dog, Kangna Ranaut basks in the success of her latest film. With her legs folded under her, she looks like a little girl but comes to life and is all-woman when our photographer enters the room. That’s typically her, an actress who can change mood and look in seconds as she talks about her life and where she sees it going.
• Could you ever submit yourself and your career totally to one man the way your character did in Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai?
Gosh no, the thought is scary. Thank God we don’t live in those times when we could be told that if we did or didn’t do something we would be shot. I am very happy to be living in the times I do when things are cool and we can date whoever we want to without fear of repercussions. I am in Mumbai because here I have freedom. If I have to be told what to do I would rather live in Manali, with its social pressures.
• So much of freedom and you aren’t even dating?
Trust me I am exercising my freedom but because I am surrounded only by married guys, I don’t get a chance to go on dates. Freedom is not about walking into a club and saying hey, I’m single. I always say that I am late by 10 years in the industry because all our best heroes, directors and producers who I deal with daily are married and have children. Unfortunately, I never meet any businessman, investment banker or engineer, and even if I do all they want is an autograph.
• This seems to make you sad…
Yeah, it is sad at times. I am young and all my friends are dating or getting married but I have been exceptionally unlucky with love. None of my relationships have really worked.
A lot of my friends have been in love for 10 years and are now getting married. But I didn’t meet any guy in school; I grew up and just randomly dated. That’s why I say I have been exceptionally unlucky. Today, I am totally open to somebody match-making for me.
• What have your characters taught you about yourself?
It is weird that whatever I have learnt about myself, my life or other people, it has been through my work. I am not well educated. And though I read a lot even more than that I observe people, see their expressions and emotions and every script and every story tells me so much about life and people. During Gangster itself I realised that I am exceptionally talented. So now I don’t underestimate myself.
The other thing I have learnt about myself is that there are many sides to me. I can be extremely aggressive and I can be extremely tender. And because I have been subjected to the most difficult circumstances at a very young age, I tend to behave like a man most of the time. When I meet a man I act so much like him that I evoke more competition than desire in him. But when I emote romance, a very soft and feminine side to me emerges.
• And from being a part of the film industry…
There is one thing about the film industry that hurts me very much. And that is that the industry on the whole is very partial to its own people. I know that if Gangster had flopped, then, despite my performance, I would have never been given another chance. But I am God’s favoured child so no one can do anything about it. I have a success percentage of 99 per cent which sometimes surprises me too.
Actors who belong to the industry are given chance upon chance till they make it, which is ok, but when there is an exceptional talent, the industry should be kinder to them. It should not be all about babalog and babylog.
There is no doubt that our work is given not only less appreciation but also less respect. Otherwise why would I have been jobless for a year between Life in A Metro and Fashion?
• You were not offered any roles?
I was offered roles but they were all B-grade or C-grade films. Today people are very kind but I remember a time when they would do everything to keep me out of the big league.
• And are you being selective now?
No. I don’t want to only have two films a year. I am in the process of experimentation. I will keep doing comedy, thriller, dancing singing roles, intense characters and romantic love stories so that by the middle of 2012 or so I will know my forte. I am probably the actress working on the maximum films. I have seven releases coming up and am working on five films. If I have signed 15 films, you can figure that I must have been offered at least 25.
• What are your securities and insecurities at this point?
My biggest security is my talent, my passion, my enthusiasm. My inspiration comes from within and I totally ignore people who are negative. When I am low and my father tries to be supportive and says, “You don’t need to do this. Why are you crying and feeling bad? Don’t forget we have a beautiful house, we can go back to it” I am like, “Can you please go from here?” Whenever I am upset my inspiration comes from within. My spirit is all I have.
Like any other person I feel extremely insecure, sometimes. Today I am on my way to doing things that will take me to my goal, the things that will make me happy and feel complete.
But my biggest fear is that what if I get there and then don’t get that feeling? What if I feel this is not what I should have done. Is this the meaning that everyone is looking for in life? That really scares me.
Bollywood reacted late to ‘Udaan’, says director
Jul 28th
Vikramaditya Motwane wrote the script for the critically acclaimed ‘Udaan’ in 2003, and is now happy with the reception of the film
Anupriya Jolly | TNN (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 28, 2010)
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| A still from Udaan |
With his directorial debut Udaan receiving critical acclaim, director Vikramaditya Motwane is flying high on success. And what could have been a bigger compliment for him, than the Big B himself blogging about the movie. He called ‘Udaan, a fresh breeze of air.’ Agrees Motwane, “Who doesn’t like appreciation. But I am happy that Mr Bachchan saw the movie and appreciated it.”
From the time when actors refused to walk the red carpet for his movie Udaan at Cannes to this point, the director has seen a leap in acceptance. “My movie is not about stars. It has taken a lot of time for the Bollywood fraternity to react but I am happy they have appreciated my film.”
When asked if prominent stars could have got his film better noticed, the director begs to differ. “Udaan is about performances, not about stars. All my actors embraced their roles so well. No one else could have taken their place.”
Vikramaditya rubbishes rumours that Udaan was inspired from his real life, “No, it is not about my life. This is a story I wrote, that is all.” Incidentally, Udaan was his first directorial project. So how was the transition from a writer to a director, “I was always trained to be a director, writing happened happened by chance,” he adds.
The film was written in 2003 and Vikramaditya struggled for two years before he could find someone to produce it. Thereafter, it took a lot of time in completion. “In retrospect, this struggle actually helped. Even though they were the most frustrating years of my life but they helped me attain clarity about my movie. I wrote more and became sure about my film,” says the writer turned director.
Ask him about one thing that he would like to change about his film and he replies, “I would write it differently because I am a different writer today. But that doesn’t mean I want to change anything,” he adds quickly.
David Dhawan’s son in KJo’s film?
Jul 22nd
Meena Iyer | TNN (BOMBAY TIMES; July 22, 2010)
It is set to be a dream launch. Varun Dhawan, younger son of former Bollywood box office pasha David Dhawan, has been signed by Karan Johar for a project that will take off in 2011.
Trade sources say that David was always clear that his older son Rohit will be a director and younger son Varun an actor. Rohit is meant to be directing Akshay Kumar, John Abraham, Chitrangadha Singh and Deepika Padukone in Desi Boyz. And Varun was waiting in the wings till KJo discovered him.
Karan says, “The banner will launch two new boys in the same film. The details of the boys and the director are still in the process of finalisation there are no confirmations as yet.”
However, it is almost certain that Varun will be one of those boys. Incidentally, the director too will be a Dharma faithful. There was a time when David could have been the ideal filmmaker to launch his own son. He was ruling the BO with super-hits like Biwi No 1, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, Coolie No 1 and many of those critically-spurned puerile super-hits. However, post Partner (again a huge hit) David is in semi-hibernation. In fact, after his Do Knot Disturb fiasco, the trade has been sceptical about DD’s box office prowess. The filmmaker has been signed for Sanjay Dutt’s Rascals with Sanju and Ajay Devgn in the lead.
I’ve no rules for picking my heroes-Sonam Kapoor
Jul 14th
Sonam Kapoor talks frankly about wearing bikinis and kissing, only if the role requires it and of acting with Ranbir post their suspected link-up
Vickey Lalwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 14, 2010)
• What do you play in Aisha?
I play a naive girl who has a very narrow view of life and does not understand what is going on in the outside world.
• At 26, how would you describe yourself?
Quite like Aisha (laughs). I am still trying to figure out a lot of things and finding my way.
• If still confused, who do you look up to?
Both, my dad and my mum. Also, I have a few friends I trust completely.
• You said you have strong views on selecting films. Do you have a list of dont’s like not wearing a bikini or not kissing?
No. I am talking about roles. But as for your question, well, I won’t do anything provocative. I won’t do anything for the heck of it to sell a film. If it’s taking the story forward, then it’s fine. It’s an ethical stand, I believe.
• Filmmakers have to go through your dad before they come to you.
Not really. My dad is not going to play my role in any film. They come to me. I take a call. I do have strong views in this aspect. But after a certain point, my dad does get in. I don’t want to concentrate on the details that follow.
• Do you check with him before doing a particular role?
Of course. What is the point of having him as my dad? I think that every child looks up to his parents.
• Did you and your sister Rhea argue on the sets of Aisha?
Rhea is very practical and pragmatic. I am very emotional and impulsive. So that makes a good head and heart combination. Such things work, don’t they?
• Are you ready to work with Ranbir after your link up with him in Saawariya?
I have no rules for who my hero is. If my role is good, why not?
• You and Deepika Padukone are not the best of friends, right? You tried to patch up but things didn’t fall in place…
Ranbir and I have been friends. Deepika was Ranbir’s girlfriend. That was the only connection. Right now, I don’t have the time to meet all my friends.
• You once said, “I wish I had a body like Deepika’s”.
Oh, that was just a random statement.
• Ranbir came to you on the sets of Aisha and told you to take him back in your life. Correct?
Not true.
• Is your father strict?
He is definitely protective about me. He doesn’t want me to do anything wrong. I am not allowed late nights. But then, even I am a very responsible girl.
• Who is your worst critic?
My mum, who doesn’t want me to lose my head.
• You dress up rather well. Is it a self-acquired skill?
(Laughs) It stems from my mother’s side. My mom has been into fashion designing. I love her style. Even my masi is very aesthetically inclined.
• Why is it that you wear so many branded clothes? Industry people say so…
That’s not true. I do wear many vintage clothes too. If required, I will wear a simple sari. I pick up tees and jeans from streets as well.
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| Jatin Kampani |
• Correct me if I am wrong but did you ever wish to be a beauty queen?
Yeah (laughs) I even wanted to be a detective. And then I wanted to be a teacher. At 16, I decided that I want to be a writer. And then, I ultimately felt that I wanted to be an actress.
• Have you met Aishwarya Rai after last year’s fiasco during the Cannes festival?
Yes. I met her at a party and she was extremely gracious and kind. At the end of it, it was all a big misunderstanding
• Shahid Kapoor has got linked up to Amrita Rao (Dil Vil Pyar Vyar), Vidya Balan (Kismat Connection), Priyanka Chopra (Kaminey) and Anushka Sharma (Badmaash Company). How have you avoided that (so far)?
(Laughs) I think that depends on who your producer and director is.
• Are you dating anybody though? There was so much talk of you dating Punit Malhotra during I Hate Luv Storys?
I am very much single. But I wouldn’t like to elaborate.
• The interview would be incomplete if you don’t name your favourite Anil Kapoor film.
That’s the toughest one. I really can’t choose between Woh Saat Din, Tezaab, Beta, Ram Lakhan and Slumdog Millionaire.
