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Posts tagged naseeruddin shah
Kundan Shah speaks about Ravi Baswani
Jul 28th
Kundan Shah (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 28, 2010)
Ravi Baswani was a rare talent. I remember being in the pre-production stage of Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, scouting for actors. That’s when I saw a play called Vallabhpur Ki Roopkatha at Prithvi in 1982, in which Ravi acted. I had already watched Chashme Buddoor and was hugely impressed by Ravi’s performance. But the play reconfirmed my belief that Ravi would be lucky for Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro.
Then he was living in an apartment called Tudor in Santacruz East, which had developed a cult status for struggling talent in Bollywood: Alok Nath, Rakesh Bedi, David Dhawan were all residing there. I went over to that apartment. I wasn’t expecting Ravi to accept the film but I knew that he was struggling despite the success of Chashme Buddoor.
Working with Ravi and Naseer was like magic. Ravi brought to life a theory I had conjured about directing comedy. I called it the ‘comic cement’. If one actor has it in him, the other will follow. In this case, I always believe that it was Ravi Baswani whose stellar performance goaded Naseer to shine as well, for Naseer I never thought of as an out-and-out comic actor. Ravi though was.
At a pre-release screening of Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, famed playwright Vijay Tendulkar told me that it was Ravi’s stupendous performance that stood out. And it was true. But there was no denying the hard work Naseer and Ravi had put in as a team. During the making of the film, the two of them would keep improvising, re-working their dialogues at a perturbing regularity, the professional chemistry between the two actors was incredible, no matter what.
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| A still from Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro |
Those were socialist times and there was a funding structure based on hierarchy. At first Ravi’s fees had been slotted higher up on the ladder; later we felt the need to reduce this because we had to pay some extra crewmembers. Ravi was informed of this and he took it in his stride.
Given the unbelievable success of the film, we even starting working on a sequel, which was supposed to be a commissioned project. I tried to write a script but never actually got around to doing it.
Ravi was keen on making cinema; he became in the later years more preoccupied with the social aspect, the responsibility that comes as an actor and a director. “You can only be what you want to be if you give up your past,” he would often say to me. I would wonder if this was some nostalgic reference to his most recognized success in the film Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro.
But I never asked him, considering this could have been quite an emotional for him. And now I never can.
What a fine and unique gentleman he was.
Naseer abuses errant theatre-goer
Jul 27th
Hurled four-letter abuses at her for having trespassed his performance of Waiting for Godot. The stage is sacrosanct for the thespian…
Kunal M Shah (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 27, 2010)
During a staging of Waiting For Godot in Bangalore, Naseeruddin Shah lost his cool when a lady landed up on his stage. Our source said, “The play was going on and Naseer and Benjamin Gilani were in the middle of an extremely serious scene.
Randeep Hooda who plays the God was also on the stage. Just then a lady accompanied by an old man landed up straight on the stage. The lady started shouting and complaining that someone had parked a car right outside her house.
Everyone in the audience was shocked about how someone could interrupt a play this way. Naseer completely lost it and was very angry. He started abusing the lady and the audience agreed with him.
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| A still from Waiting for Godot | |
Not only Naseer but also a few people from the audience abused the lady, who quickly hurried away from the scene. Naseer abused her with four-letter words and the lady didn’t know what happened.
Naseer always says that the stage is his temple and no one is allowed to enter when he is performing. The audience also agreed that no one has the right to disturb when an actor is performing on the stage.”
When contacted Randeep Hooda, who plays God on the show, said, “Yes such an incident occurred. The lady accompanied by an old man had to face the brunt from everybody.
However the funny part was that no one in the audience got up as they also would have had to face the brunt.
Naseerbhai now jokes about the incident and says that she might be a struggling actor who came for her audition and I might cast her in one of my next plays. However it was really ridiculous and she had her 15 minutes of fame.”
Naseeruddin Shah’s 60th in Bali
Jul 23rd
Subhash K Jha (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 23, 2010)
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| Naseeruddin Shah with wife Ratna Pathak |
Naseeruddin Shah brought in his 60th birthday on 20 July with a family holiday in Bali. This was the first time that he was with his entire family on his birthday.
“The 60th year coincided with my health scare. It was almost like a wakeup call for me to become more deeply appreciative of what I value,” says Naseer.
In Bali, the family had a secret pact. “Everyone was told to switch off his or her phones. This was time meant for just us. “
Naseer has recovered from his recent health scare. But he admits that he has to work on regaining his energy. “I find myself getting tired too soon. And the worst thing is that I am unable to play tennis as I did every morning.
I tried and I couldn’t. I guess I’d have to wait a while before I can go back to my normal life.” The vacation will help Naseer, don’t worry.
I may consider being an Aiyyash wife-Priyanka Chopra
Jul 14th
Priyanka Chopra says her priorities are different
Meena Iyer | TNN (BOMBAY TIMES; July 14, 2010)
Priyanka Chopra has a birthday coming up on July 18. “Please don’t remind me of the fact that I’ll turn a year older. I’m a girl and it is my prerogative not to be asked my age,” says the superstar. Even though the actress has completed a decade in Bollywood, she has a hungry glint in her contact lenses.
She is in character for Vishal Bhardwaj’s Saat Khoon Maaf where she romances seven men ranging from the sublime Naseeruddin Shah to the beefy John Abraham. “Saat Khoon Maaf will be another career-defining film. And believe me, I feel I have worked the hardest on this one. Fashion got me the National Award, Kaminey got me notices, and I’m hoping SKM will get me both awards and accolades.’’
She admits that at 28 (oops that just slipped out!) she’s hungry for meatier roles. “I wish the year had 500 days. I could have accommodated four films more. Believe me, there are six offers on hold at this point.’’
But PC says she’s happy. “I’m in my 20s and I’ve done some terrific work. I just love being single. I’m not the kind who goes out looking for love. Being unattached has its perks. What’s the hurry? I’m not in my 30s and I don’t have to worry about who I’m going to get hitched with. Perhaps five years from now, I may consider being an aiyyaash (spoilt) wife indulging in diamonds and debauchery… but right now I like chilling.’’
The coming months are going to be a flurry of activities for PC. She has Anjaana Anjaani this September with Ranbir Kapoor and her first season of Khatron Ke Khiladi. “I can’t see myself sitting idle for even a month. My manager had kept a month off for a vacation but I filled up the days with some more endorsement work and prepping for another film. Vacations have to be forced on me.’’ She admits that there is a sense of insecurity amongst actors. “But in my case, the insecurity is more to do with my desire to keep raising the bar continuously. I look at every actor and actress as my serious competitor and when I’m on board a film, I want to be the best,’’ she says.
And unlike her colleagues, who are planning to get into production, writing autobiographies or extending their equity to clothes lines and cosmetics, PC just wants to concentrate on acting. “If I attempted an autobiography, it would end in two chapters,’’ she laughs.
meen...@timesgroup.com
Movie Review: RED ALERT by FENIL SETA
Jul 10th
This year, two thorny disputes of India reared their ugly head full throttle-one, the honour killings and the other, the Naxalite movement. After the CRPF officer’s massacre at Dantewada in April and the Jnaneshwari Express accident, the Red movement has become the most burning issue of our country. Red Alert, dealing with this menace, comes at a perfect time when there is considerable awareness and know-how about the ‘revolution’ among the common man. Exceptionally treated and performed, Red Alert throws light on the stark realities of the people involved in the movement and also offers a ray of hope to all those poor who are unnecessarily engulfed in the battle. One of the finest films of this year, without doubt!
The story of the movie: Narsimha (Suniel Shetty) is a poor farm labourer in a backward district of Andhra Pradesh. One day, when he is assigned the task to deliver food to a Naxalite group in his region, hell breaks loose and before he could realize, he’s sucked into their revolution and movement. He goes with the tide, expecting that whatever he’ll do will result in his family getting two decent meals a day. However, the truth was darker than was expected. On one hand are the Naxalites who are fighting for the poor and for a good cause. On the other hand is the system comprising of government and the police and in other words, the enemies of these Naxals. Narsimha fails to understand-arent the police, the government a part of our country too? How can they be enemies? Finally, after a chance confrontation, Narsimha, instead of being a puppet of Naxalites, decides to take matter in his own hands.
Everything in the film right from the beginning-location, setting, treatment, script and performance makes you forget that you are watching actors on screen. Everything is so realistic that soon they actually seem to be the characters they are playing. The film wins from the first scene itself when Narsimha gets entangled in a cross fire between Naxals and police. The film maintains its flow well and that too right till the end. The intermission point was terrific leaving a painful question with no definite answer.
If the first hour was great, second half was even better. Vinod Khanna’s entry and the attack on a school were wonderfully treated. Narsimha’s confrontation with Velu (Ashish Vidyarthi) gives a solid twist to the tale and takes the film to a high. But from here, the film might seem predictable but lo! The climax turns out to be the most unexpected too! It was good to see that the makers didn’t opt for the beaten path and instead come up with something fresh and new. Also, the film strikes a neat balance and gives a nice overview about both the Naxals and the system. Naxals are not anti-India and as Ashish Vidyarthi says at a point in the film which sums up all-“We are revolutionaries and not terrorists. Terrorists are against the country, we are against the system!” At the same time, the government is also shown in a positive light towards the finale. Maybe this was done to appease them but whatever be the reason; the film turns out to be brilliant, gives a nice message and offers a ray of hope to all the landless and poor.
All those who make fun of Suniel Shetty and his mannerisms, it’s time to watch Red Alert and change your mindset! The actor gives the best performance of his career in Red Alert! The way he slips into his character so effortlessly and comes up with an outstanding performance is truly incredible! This act, undoubtedly, deserves a National Award and also a nomination in other awards (that might not happen though!)! For me, this is one of the most brilliant performances ever!
Sameera Reddy shines in her deglam avatar and was absolutely natural. Here’s another actor who is a great performer and should be taken seriously! Ashish Vidyarthi gives a terrific performance. It was great to see him after a long period of time! Seema Biswas, like everytime, comes up with another intense performance. Makrand Deshpande (as Raghavan the journalist) and Sunil Sinha (Murli) leave considerable mark. Vinod Khanna was a delight as usual while Zakir Hussain was amazing as the Home Minister. Naseeruddin Shah, like Raajneeti, is seen in this film in a miniscule role! Bhagyashree, Ayesha Dharkar and Gulshan Grover play their part well. Others lend able support.
Lalit Pandit’s music fails to make impact. Actually, a film like Red Alert doesn’t require songs at all. However, Monty Sharma’s background score was exhilarating. Allan Amin’s action was believable but at the same time not too gory. Yet, unfortunately, the film was awarded an Adults-only certificate! K. Rajkumar’s cinematography was very nice but too shaky in the action scenes. Locations were breathtaking.
Aruna Raje’s screenplay was watertight, making the film completely engrossing. Hats off to her for coming up with such an intense script inspired from a real life story (as claimed by the makers)! Ananth Narayan Mahadevan’s direction was brilliant and this is easily his most accomplished work till date. It requires guts, knowledge and confidence to come up with a film like Red Alert and Mahadevan truly comes out with flying colours! Just like Red Alert, his another offbeat film, Staying Alive, is also stuck since more than a year and it’s high time it gets a release too!
Some of the best scenes:
1. The first scene
2. Lakshmi (Sameera Reddy) rescued by the Naxals
3. Narsimha learns to shoot
4. The failed attack at the minister’s house
5. The intermission point
6. Krishnraj’s entry in the narrative
7. Foreigner’s kidnap
8. The attack on the school
9. Narsimha’s confrontation with Velu
10. The last 25 minutes
On the whole, Red Alert is a brilliant peace of cinema. It gives a true and justified portrayal of the Naxalite movement, an unsolved and most prevalent issue of country. As expected, this grim, serious film has kept most of the audiences’ away inspite of getting considerable acclaim. But here’s a request-give this film a dekko and that too in theatres! Let’s encourages films like Red Alert so that we can have more of such meaningful cinema in future! Satisfaction is fully guaranteed!
My rating-**** out of 5!
Movie Review: RED ALERT-THE WAR WITHIN by TARAN ADARSH
Jul 9th
By Taran Adarsh, July 9, 2010 – 10:28 IST
In most Hindi films, the first thing you notice at the very start is a disclaimer which states that the film is a work of fiction and bears no resemblance to any person living or dead. But RED ALERT – THE WAR WITHIN admits that it’s based on a real story. Even otherwise, the issue it dares to portray — the Naxalite movement — is topical, piping hot and an issue that has been dominating the front pages of newspapers for quite some time now.
Come to think of it, who’d be interested in knowing what happened in the life of a poor villager, living a hand to mouth existence in a hamlet in Andhra Pradesh? Aren’t these stories covered on news channels and forgotten the next day itself?
| BY BOLLYWOOD HUNGAMA.COM |
But the written material [screenplay: Aruna Raje] of RED ALERT – THE WAR WITHIN is so powerful and the execution of the subject so rivetting that you can’t help but keep your eyes wide open as the story unfolds. You gradually realize that you aren’t merely watching a film on the Naxal movement, but also the heart-wrenching story of a simpleton who gets embroiled in a mess only because he wants to feed his family and send his kids to school.
Final word? Give this realistic film a dekho. It’s worth it!
RED ALERT – THE WAR WITHIN tells the story of Narsimha [Suniel Shetty], a farm labourer, who desperately needs money to fund the education of his children. He suddenly finds himself in the midst of Naxalites, when he goes to deliver the food in the jungles. From being a mere cook to actually training in weapons to being involved in shootouts and kidnapping, Narsimha finds himself in the thick of life he had never bargained for. A confrontation with the group leaders turns his life upside down; he is now on the run from both law and the militants.
Almost a decade ago, LAAL SALAAM [2002], starring Nandita Das and Sharad Kapoor, tackled the Naxal movement quite effectively. RED ALERT – THE WAR WITHIN is real as well and though it stars well-known stars who’re known for their work in hardcore masala films, immense care has been taken to present them as characters, instead of capitalising on their star status. This is evident at the commencement of the film itself, when Suniel Shetty, who has played a toughie in film after film, runs for cover and loses consciousness when the cops and Naxals indulge in gunfire. He’s as helpless as you and I would be, if caught in a hazardous sitaution like that. That’s not all, even Sameera Reddy is minus makeup and as shattered as any woman would be, after being gang-raped.
The characters apart, RED ALERT – THE WAR WITHIN keeps you engrossed in most parts, more so towards its second hour. However, its ending, talking strictly in terms of impact, isn’t as strong and impactful as the rest of the film.
RED ALERT – THE WAR WITHIN is director Ananth Narayan Mahadevan’s best work to date. It overshadows his previous works and proves that he has genuinely evolved into a fine storyteller. His handling of the difficult subject — a complete contrast to what he has attempted earlier — is simply first-rate. Aruna Raje’s screenplay is watertight, save for the climax that tends to get predictable. Action scenes [Allan Amin] are as real as real can be. K. Rajkumar’s cinematography is top notch. It must’ve been so tough to shoot this film in dense forests!
Every actor in RED ALERT – THE WAR WITHIN delivers a splendid performance. Suniel Shetty delivers his most sensitive, most amazing performance that can easily be called his career-best. It makes you realize that there’s a reservoir of talent that hasn’t been tapped to the optimum. Sameera Reddy is a complete revelation, a complete shocker. She leaves a hammer-strong impact. Like always, Seema Biswas is excellent, while Ayesha Dharkar is supremely efficient. Ashish Vidyarthi is outstanding. Why don’t we see more of him these days?
Gulshan Grover leaves a mark. Bhagyashree is effective. Makrand Deshpande underplays his part very well. Zakir Hussain is super. Aditya Lakhia is perfect. Sunil Sinha and Ehsaan Khan are good. Vinod Khanna, in a brief role, and Naseeruddin Shah, in a lone sequence, are superb.
On the whole, RED ALERT – THE WAR WITHIN is a well-made film that portrays realism effectively. It may not lure the audiences in hordes or set the box-office afire, like a typical entertainer generally does. Nonetheless, it will leave a strong, indelible impression on those watching it. Watch it for the sake of encouraging thoughtful, relevant and truly scorching content!
‘Red Alert’ will open in four versions simultaneously
Jul 6th
By Taran Adarsh, July 6, 2010 – 08:18 IST
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That RED ALERT – THE WAR WITHIN tackles a topical, burning issue is well-known by now. Realising the topicality of the film, its producers, T.P. Aggarwal and his son Rahul Aggarwal, have decided to take the film forward and have dubbed it in three languages — Telugu, Chhattisgarhi and English. In fact, the producers have decided to release all four versions simultaneously this Friday — Hindi, Telugu, Chhattisgarhi and English.
The English version will be released at select screens internationally in the first round. “We are releasing it as art house cinema at select screens in the Overseas market. We’re not doing a mainstream release there,” Rahul Aggarwal confirms. In fact, every actor in the film, which includes Suniel Shetty, Vinod Khanna and Naseeruddin Shah, have dubbed their lines themselves, which only goes to show how excited they are about the film.
BOLLYWOOD HUNGAMA.COM
Konkona to play cameo in Saat Khoon Maaf?
Jul 2nd
One call from Vishal Bhardwaj and Konkona Sen Sharma agreed to come on board
Sonal Chawla (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 02, 2010)
Vishal Bhardwaj has made his fondness for the versatile actress Konkona Sen, very apparent. The director who had Konkona play a pivotal role in Omkara, has now cast her in a cameo role in his next film Saat Khoon Maaf. The film has Priyanka Chopra playing one of the lead roles.
A source from the unit of the film reveals, “Konkona Sen is doing a guest appearance in the film. She plays a pivotal role where she forms the link between Priyanka’s character and her two consecutive husbands. Konkona is a very crucial link in each of the two relationships Priyanka has in the film.
Konkona shot for a span of two days in Pondicherry but didn’t share any screen space with the lead actress, Priyanka.”
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| Konkona Sen Sharma |
Like her role in Omkara, this cameo too has a lot of scope for improvisation, something Konkona has acquired expertise in. Guess it runs in the family.
The source adds, “Konkona’s role is very small but adds substance to Priyanka’s character. Konkona plays a character who each one of us is bound to empathise with. Vishal sir always had Konkona in mind for this role. He described the character to Konkona over the phone.
Without giving it another thought, Konkona immediately agreed and flew down to Pondicherry to shoot for this role. In fact, after the shoot, the cast and crew had a small get-together, where Konkona was the main guest.
Priyanka was missing from the gathering as she had flown back to Mumbai by then. Also present, was veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah, who plays one of Priyanka’s husbands in the film.”
Both Vishal Bhardwaj and Konkana Sen Sharma remained unavailable for comment.
Another Shivaji movie on the cards
Jul 1st
This film has the blessings of politico Malojiraje, a descendant of the legendary Maratha king
Kunal M Shah (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 30, 2010)
While there are reports that Sanjay Dutt will be playing the role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in an upcoming film by Soham Shah, another filmmaker Guru Sharma has decided to produce a film on the same subject and has started work on it.
The film will be made in Hindi and Marathi and will have stars like Naseeruddin Shah, Ashutosh Rana and Milind Gunaji in lead roles. A newcomer (yet to be finalised) will play the title role.
Guru Sharma said, “Yes, we are going on floors in September. A descendant of Shivaji Maharaj, Malojiraje, is backing the film and it will be shot in real-life locations.
We have been researching on the film for the past five years and Vinay Apte, who is known for his play on Nathuram Godse will direct the film. All the actors are in place and we will make an announcement soon.”
Priyanka’s dad fails to recognize PC in oldie get-up
Jun 23rd
When Priyanka Chopra donned the look of a wrinkled 65-year-old, so good was the make-up that her father failed to recognise her
Sonal Chawla (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 23, 2010)
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| Priyanka Chopra Yogen Shah |
While shooting for Paa, Vidya Balan had a tough time recognising Big B in his Auro avatar. Priyanka Chopra found herself in a similar situation recently when her possessive father Dr Ashok Chopra failed to recognise her in her get-up as an old woman.
In Vishal Bhardwaj’s upcoming film Saat Khoon Maaf, Priyanka plays all the different stages of a woman’s life from age 18 to 65 years. Professional make-up artists have been flown down from Australia to create all these varied looks.
A source confirms that while shooting for the film in Coorg recently Priyanka had been stranded for long without any network on her phone. “Priyanka had been missing her parents. So, she asked them to come for a small visit to spend sometime with her. Her parents decided to go and meet her on the sets of her film. On that particular day, Priyanka was shooting a scene with Naseeruddin Shah in which she had played a 65-year-old woman. The make-up on the actress was so unusual that her father failed to recognise her.”
When contacted, Dr Chopra recounted his experience in utter bewilderment, “I was stunned to see Priyanka. I could not recognise her. I actually went up very close to her to ensure she is the same Priyanka.
The make-up artist had done such a fabulous job with her that she looked much older than her mother. Right from her face to her wrinkled hands and feet, she had been transformed into an old woman.
While actors attempting geriatric roles often overact, Priyanka has a proud father who added, “My daughter was a natural and even spoke like a typical 65-year-old.”
