Family Man 3, the name itself is enough to make web series lovers happy. It has been quite a while since we all have been eagerly waiting for the update on the new season. It feels like it has been forever since we have been waiting for updates about the Manoj Bajpayee starrer. But it looks like we have some happy news for you all. Suparna Verma, the writer of the first season of the thriller drama, has exclusively given us an update about the series. Suparna, who wrote the very first season of the crime thriller, told us that the team of Family Man is planning to kick-start the shoot for the much-awaited series this year. "Raj and DK are the best people to talk about it but I think they are starting filming this year," shared Suparna. Manoj Bajpayee is already pumped to kick-start the shoot and deliver the much-loved thriller as soon as possible. It's easy to be swept away by the frenzy around the much-loved spy thriller. But Bajpayee and the creators stick to the golden rule: take an edition on floors only when you have a powerful script in place. Earlier in a conversation with midday, Bajpayee stated, "The Family Man has now become a kind of a cult series. Fans want to see more of it. If the response is massive, go with the audience and think of a great script for the next one. Write a great script, go through it again and again, and when you are truly satisfied, only then think of making the next part." For the unknown, ‘Family Man’ is an action thriller web series that revolves around Srikant Tiwari, a middle-class man who works as a spy for the Threat Analysis and Surveillance Cell (TASC), a fictional branch of the National Investigation Agency. While dealing with the pressures of his secretive job, Srikant struggles to balance his professional life with his duties as a husband and father. The series explores themes of terrorism, espionage, and family dynamics, offering a gripping storyline with twists and turns. It's known for its intense action sequences, complex characters, and realistic portrayal of espionage operations in India.
18 April,2024 09:12 AM IST | Mumbai | Shachi ChaturvediThe Great Indian Kapil Show, which launched on March 30, has been the talk of the town since the first announcement dropped by Netflix last year. Three weeks in a row, the show has been trending in the Global Top 10 List- Netflix’s weekly Top 10 lists of the most-watched TV and films. And what better way to celebrate this success than to personally thank the fans who have been at the core of it all! For the first time ever, Netflix in partnership with ACT Fibernet, has done something unique and clutter-breaking, delighting fans across the country. Through this partnership, Kapil Sharma, Sunil Grover and Krushna Abhishek surprised fans by travelling all the way to their respective cities, knocking on their doors and waltzing into their homes & hearts leaving their neighbours green with envy. The emotions went from surprise to delight to kya lenge aap in a matter of seconds as Kapil, Sunil and Krushna went knocking on people’s doors. From squeals of “Oh My God, I can't believe it” to “Agli baar bhabhi aur bacchon ko lekar aana' there was a whole lot of love and ‘apnapan’ showered on Kapil & the team. Elderly couples to young adults and kids, all queued up and patiently waited for a glimpse of their favourite artists from balconies and windows- cheering for them, as they walked around the neighbourhood soaking in all the smiles with only and only gratitude in their hearts. Kapil Sharma shared, “When I first heard this idea from Netflix, I absolutely loved it. No further questions asked. I have always talked about the deepest gratitude and regard I hold for my fans and to be able to meet them in person, in their homes, and share a moment with them, is a priceless experience for me. It almost felt like meeting my extended family. I am glad we could do this. It feels surreal when you get treated so warmly by fans and you are privy to their genuine feelings so up close and personal.” Sunil Grover further added, “The expression on people’s faces- the surprise, delight and warmth just touched my heart. I am falling short of words to express myself. I am touched by the amount of love people showered on us. This whole experience has engraved itself in my core memory. I can't stop smiling as I say this.” Krushna Abhishek shared, “Getting an opportunity to be treated not like a guest but like family in the homes of our amazing fans was deeply moving. It has reinstated that we are on the right track and it only motivates us to keep working harder. It absolutely felt great to personally visit societies and homes where people knew so much about us. They asked us so caringly about our family and kids. To know that people are enjoying the episodes with family saying they have a reason to watch something so wholesome together is reassuring and I would like to congratulate Netflix for bringing us together."
17 April,2024 06:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentRewind to the golden age of Hindi cinema, where Shekhar Suman stole hearts and lit up the screen with his magnetic performance in 'Utsav.' Fuelled by passion and determination, Shekhar Suman soared to new heights, leaving a trail of stardust in his wake. With each role, he captured the imagination of audiences worldwide, earning accolades and admiration aplenty. Fast forward to the present, where Shekhar Suman is all set to conquer new horizons with his stellar presence in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus, 'Heeramandi'. Set against the opulent backdrop of the British-India era, this epic promises to be a visual feast, with Shekhar Suman adding his trademark charm and charisma to the mix. In 'Heeramandi', Shekhar Suman steps into the shoes of Zulfikar, the head of a princely state who staunchly affirms his monarchy's supremacy, remaining oblivious to the winds of change. Netflix recently released a character promo wherein the veteran actor can be seen affirming, "Zulfikar kanoon maanta hai toh bas apne khudke," leaving us intrigued! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Netflix India (@netflix_in) Talking about 'Heeramandi,' Shekhar Suman shared, "If you work with the best, you give your best and the best happens. Mr.Bhansali is a phenomenon, an auteur, a virtuoso. It's an experience of a lifetime working with him. An accomplished filmmaker with an illustrious career, he is at par with directors like K. Asif, Kamal Amrohi, Guru Dutt and Mehboob Khan. As an actor, I'm overwhelmed and exhilarated to be a part of this colossus magnum opus." As the curtains draw to a close on Shekhar Suman's illustrious journey from 'Utsav' to 'Heeramandi', one cannot help but marvel at the depth and richness of his contributions to Indian cinema. With each role, he has not only entertained but also challenged societal norms, provoking thought and reflection in equal measure. Netflix recently unveiled the trailer of this year’s most anticipated series from India - visionary director Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar. Offering a spectacular glimpse into the world, every frame is steeped in intrigue, passion, and drama, set to captivate audiences from May 1 only on Netflix. The trailer is packed with impactful dialogues that add power to the fight against the British in the pre-Independence era.
17 April,2024 02:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentNot all wars are won on the battlefield and not all soldiers don uniforms! JioCinema, takes you behind the scenes of India’s largest defence operation with the trailer launch of its upcoming fictional war room drama, Ranneeti: Balakot & Beyond! The show releases on JioCinema on 25th April 2024. The remarkable storyline is lead by a stellar ensemble cast that includes Jimmy Shergill, Lara Dutta, Ashutosh Rana, Ashish Vidyarthi and Prasanna. For the first time, a web series decodes the modern warfare that isn’t simply fought on physical borders but transcends to the domain of social media, digital tactics and covert political moves that have the power to reshape geopolitics. Directed by Santosh Singh, the series is produced by Sunjoy Waddhwa and Comall Sunjay W from Sphereorigins Multivision Private Limited. The high-octane fictional drama, inspired by real-life events that shook the nation, is shot at a grand scale, setting new benchmarks in cinematic excellence for the entertainment landscape. Boasting of some never-seen-before aerial sequences, stellar performances and a powerful narrative that deftly captures every aspect, both on and off the battlefield, of India’s biggest and most sought-after defence operation - the web series promises a cinematic experience unlike any other. Jimmy Shergill shared his excitement on the trailer launch, "This is unlike any role that I have done in the past. It has been challenging to say the least but also immensely satisfying to be part of India’s first war-room-focused series inspired by real-life events that shook the nation. We always read or hear about what happens on-ground during a war-like situation but being a part of Ranneeti allowed me to witness first-hand the strategy, the risk-taking, as well as the emotional trajectory of those who call the shots from inside the war-room. I remember an especially difficult schedule when the entire unit worked for 48 hours with no breaks but not a single cast member complained. We were on no-sleep but the adrenaline rush kept us going and how. It felt like we were right there in the middle of all the action.” Ashutosh Rana further added to the sentiment and stated, “After every challenging show or film, I always feel like I’ve grown as an actor. Doing Ranneeti has been a crash-course in India’s politics and defence philosophy! Chanakya Niti isn’t simply a word but the mantra inside those walls of a war room, when everything is on stake! For a die-hard patriot like me, playing the enemy was not easy. However, its roles like these that challenge us as actors.” Ashish Vidyarthi, spoke about his role and experience of working on the show, “A show and opportunity like Ranneeti comes occasionally. Playing the role of the NSA chief, has been challenging but the meetings with a few members from the defence forces really helped me grasp the nuances of my character. The prep work and workshops took me back to my NSD days! Playing a character of that stature is not easy, but Santosh brought the best out of us as actors. He paid attention to every little detail to stay as true and authentic to the characters as possible. “ Lara Dutta who plays a power-broker, spoke about the shooting experience, “The urgency, the split-second decision making and the pressure in a war-room is unlike any other. As actors, being able to translate those emotions in an honest and authentic manner is a tough task. However, when you work with a brilliant team like that of Ranneeti, you grow tremendously as an actor with every single scene and dialogue delivery. Being from an Air force background, working on the show felt close to home. We cannot wait for the audience to experience national pride the way we did, every single day on the set!” Prasanna, who plays the role of our very own brave heart, Group Captain further added, “It’s been an absolute honour to play the role of a national hero. I just followed the script, but the team who was part of the actual operation created unscripted history with their courage and unmatched love for the nation. I remember feeling actual goosebumps, while shooting the scenes when the Group Captain was captured by the Pakistani forces. Meeting some of the members who were a part of the operation was an absolute fan-boy moment for me that I will always treasure." Watch out for this gripping war-room web series, Ranneeti: Balakot & Beyond, exclusively on JioCinema, streaming from 25th April 2024!
17 April,2024 12:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentJuhi Parmar is one of the most loved actresses in the television industry. Widely known for her role as Kumkum, Juhi has recently played the role of Neerja Awaasthi in the third season of the much-loved series ‘Yeh Meri Family’. Juhi is someone who has worked in television and then made a switch to OTT after closely observing all the difficulties. In an exclusive interview with midday.com, Juhi talked about the problems actors face while making a switch from TV to OTT, getting typecast, saying yes to 'Yeh Meri Family', and much more. The actress kicked-off the conversation with why she said yes to playing the role in a series which is already established as a brand in itself. Juhi, while talking to us, shared that she had no reason to say no to the character. “When it was offered to me, season one had already come out because that was based on a totally different family. It was already a brand, and people had loved it. So I was thrilled to know that now they're coming up with a new family and they want me to play the part. And then when they narrated the story and my character to me, it was so interesting,” Juhi added. Juhi Parmar is quite clear about the kind of work she does and while addressing her approach to choosing characters she shared that she wouldn't do something that her daughter and her family can’t watch. From being someone who has proved herself in the world of the television industry to someone who is gaining love for her work in the OTT space, Juhi has come a long way and has had her share of struggles. When asked if it is difficult for TV actors to enter the world of OTT, Juhi replied, “To some extent, yes. People feel that TV actors are overexposed because they are seen on the screen every day.” Further, she recalled her own experience when she was asked to take a break and said, “About two, two and a half years back, there was somebody who was talking to me about OTT. I was like, ‘I would love to do this on OTT, something like this.’ And they told me at that time that for that, you need to take a break from TV. I was like, ‘but why?’ They said that people who see you every day on their screens need to have a break to see you. They see you in a different character. I don't understand the concept, but yes, I was told that.” Sharing her thoughts on TV actors facing typecasting, Juhi said for television actors, “It is very difficult to break a mold that you fit into. Because if somebody has seen you day in and day out for years, say in my case, seven years, it would be difficult for people to see me in another character immediately. Because you start seeing that actor as that character only. You start relating to that actor as that character, even the name for that matter. So, it is definitely difficult for a television actor to break that mold and it's very easy to get typecast.” Juhi Parmar was most recently seen in Yeh Meri Family season 3. The mini-series is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Videos and Amazon Mini TV.
17 April,2024 10:56 AM IST | Mumbai | Shachi ChaturvediThe delightful and heartwarming trailer for the upcoming young adult drama, Dil Dosti Dilemma was unveiled by Prime Video today. An adaptation of the book ‘Asmara’s Summer’, published by Penguin Random House and authored by Andaleeb Wajid, this intriguing coming-of-age Original series has been produced by Ten Years Younger Productions with Seema Mohapatra and Jahanara Bhargava serving as Creative Producers. Directed by Debbie Rao and written by Anuradha Tiwari, Bugs Bhargava Krishna, Raghav Dutt, and Manjiri Vijay, the seven-part series is a feel-good drama that emphasizes the significance of embracing one's roots, nurturing relationships, and discovering oneself. The series boasts of a talented ensemble cast including Anushka Sen, Kush Jotwani, Tanvi Azmi, and Shishir Sharma in lead roles, supported by Shruti Seth, Suhasini Mulay, Vishakha Pandey, Revathi Pillai, and Elisha Mayor playing pivotal roles. The trailer introduces viewers to Asmara- a witty and charming young girl from a privileged family in Bengaluru, who is excited to spend her summer holidays in Canada. But her plans take an unexpected turn when she ends up at Tibbri Road, the middle-class neighborhood of her maternal grandparents. What she initially views as a punishment soon becomes a journey of new experiences and realizations. Through some mishaps, new friendships, a budding romance, and many heartwarming moments, Asmara begins to understand that there is more to life than material things and luxury vacations. View this post on Instagram A post shared by prime video IN (@primevideoin) Debbie Rao, the director of the series, shared, "Dil Dosti Dilemma is a special project for me, marking my second collaboration with my favorite streaming service – Prime Video, following our work on Pushpavalli. When I came across the script, what struck me was its ability to deliver a wholesome narrative that resonates with everyone featuring relatable characters one can truly connect with. Throughout the making of the series, we tried to stay true to the characters, their emotions, and the bonds between different generations – from teenagers to grandparents. I'm proud of what we've achieved, and I'm confident it will capture the audience's hearts worldwide, in more ways than one." Anushka Sen, who brings Asmara to life in Dil Dosti Dilemma, shares, “Reading the script of this series, was like finding a piece of myself in Asmara's character – she's both familiar and unique in her own way. What really drew me to this story, is that it is a celebration of friendships and the importance of family bonds. I believe Dil Dosti Dilemma is a fresh, relatable story that speaks to people of all ages. I'm grateful to our director Debbie, the producers, and the entire Prime Video team for believing in me and giving me this opportunity to portray such a complex, endearing, and relatable character. I'm eagerly looking forward to the series’ launch on April 25, both in India and in over 240 countries, and I can't wait to see the audiences’ reaction to this beautifully crafted story." “I am so thrilled to make my acting debut as Farzaan in Dil Dosti Dilemma, which will always hold a special place in my heart. This show taught me some important life lessons like the significance of self-belief and staying true to oneself, no matter the situation or consequences. It also showed me the power of love and relationships, which have reflected in my performance, adding depth to my character. I'm excited to see how audiences react to my work in Dil Dosti Dilemma,” shared Kush Jotwani. Tanvi Azmi, who portrays Asmara’s Nani (maternal grandmother) in the series, shared, "Throughout my career, I've always gravitated towards roles that feel real because I believe that authenticity truly challenges an actor. My character in Dil Dosti Dilemma embodies pride in her roots, she embraces change gradually, and is sometimes stubborn but also sees the best in others. I was particularly impressed by the meticulous casting done by the creators and Prime Video, as I believe that it is the most crucial element in bringing a story to life. I have complete confidence that this series will resonate deeply with audiences. It has heart, soul, and relatability that will captivate their attention from the very beginning. I eagerly await the series’ premiere on April 25 on Prime Video and invite everyone to experience this beautiful narrative unfold." Shishir Sharma, who portrays Asmara’s Nana (maternal grandfather) in Dil Dosti Dilemma, shared his experience working on the series, saying, "Dil Dosti Dilemma marks my third collaboration with Prime Video after Made in Heaven and Permanent Roommates. When I was approached for this series, I learned about its origin in the book 'Asmara’s Summer' by Andaleeb Wajid, which immediately caught my attention. Dil Dosti Dilemma serves as a vibrant adaptation of this tale, skillfully capturing its authenticity and relatability while preserving its essence and conveying a touching message about relationships and community. I am confident that audiences, both in India and globally, will deeply appreciate this series for its portrayal of timeless emotions surrounding love, friendships, and embracing one's legacy and roots."
16 April,2024 05:12 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe name is Bond, James Bond. Closer home, it’s Pathaan, Tiger and so on. Movies and series on Indian intelligence agencies are plenty, complete with stylised weapons, complicated espionage tactics, and lots of action. But former Intelligence Bureau officer Prabhakar Aloka says real-life intelligence agencies are far removed from the fiction we see on screen. In order to bring the reality of these unknown heroes to light, he came on board as an advisor for Adrishyam: The Invisible Heroes, starring Divyanka Tripathi and Eijaz Khan. Director Anshuman Kishore Singh and Aloka share their creative journey and how they made Adrishyam a blend of fact and fiction. Genesis Aloka joined the team of the SonyLIV web series nine months before the shoot, aiding them in research and writing. In fact, it was he who suggested the title, Adrishyam. Singh, who previously helmed shows like Crime Patrol, Code Red Awaaz, and CID, says, “I had no idea how the Intelligence Bureau [IB] works. With Aloka sir’s input, we figured out the functioning of the IB. Eijaz Khan as BIA Agent Ravi Verma He gave us [ample] stories. In nine months, my entire perspective and the story changed. In the show, it is a fictionalised agency. It is an amalgamation of the Intelligence Bureau [IB] and the National Intelligence Agency [NIA].” Building a fictitious spy unit, Bharat Intelligence Agency (BIA), gave him the creative liberty to show his actors performing action and having gun-fights. Busting myths Adrishyam tells the story of the BIA’s undercover officers Ravi and Parvati, who track and neutralise terror risks, while posing as employees of the meteorological department to the outside world. The idea behind the show, Singh says, was to depict the working of an intelligence agency and how officers neutralise national threats, without the aam junta knowing about them. Aloka, who worked with the IB for 30 years, says that he wanted to bring the real world to the viewers. “People have different ideas about this world, which is now popularly called the spyverse. People have a very romantic idea of agents. [They believe spies to be like] James Bond, who takes his martini shaken but not stirred, can fight many people, and use gizmos and guns. Seeing that fictional world being propagated in the name of spy world made me feel, having spent about a quarter century plus in this profession, that I should at least try to present what the near truth is,” says Aloka, who has penned two books—Operation Haygreeva and Operation Sudarshan Chakra. Director Anshuman Kishore Singh on the set of Adrishyam However, the ex-officer understands that for a series to be entertaining, it needs to enjoy some creative freedom. “When you are dealing with hostile elements and don’t have weapons in your hand, it’s a very troubling scenario. I wanted to project that, but then there are limitations in modern presentation. You have to have some element of action so that it is commercially viable. Making a true spy movie, where the spies undergo psychological trauma and cognitive disruptions, is difficult.” Echoes of reality in fiction When asked exactly how much of the show is based on reality, Singh pegs it at nearly 75 per cent. He says that the torture sequences to get terrorists and their accomplices to spill the beans are borrowed from reality. “Aloka sir will not agree to it because of his official position, but everything happens. To get information out of a terrorist, a lot of techniques are applied. Yaseen Bhatkal, [a convicted Indian Islamist terrorist who was the co-founder and leader of the terrorist organisation Indian Mujahideen], was given truth serum injections to extract information. In one of the episodes, we introduced Saira, who is a spy in the Pakistani camp. The character is [inspired from] a real person, who spied on Pakistan [as a local] and gathered information.” An episode traces how new hires in the agency are put on the field with some physical and mental training; the rest of the learning happens on the job. Aloka seconds that. “In this trade, the training is different. We have to be mentally and physically prepared. Unless you are physically fit, you can’t be mentally active. When you are on the field, you have to be mentally prepared to take decisions on your own because you don’t have anybody to look back at,” explains the ex-officer, adding that as a spy, one has to use any means to get information. “Sometimes, we have to measure the consequences and then take action. We are not there to take the bull by the horns [every time]. Sometimes, we have to run away.” For Singh, the biggest challenge was to get his actors in line with the concept of the show. “The first thing that we had to do was tell the actors that this is not the police force or the Indian Army. Aloka sir told me that when he had just joined the IB, he had said ‘Jai Hind sir’ to his [superior], with a salute. His superior told him, ‘You have to be casual here because you have to become a common man. You have to become part of the crowd.’” The spy world so far While we have a plethora of movies and shows on spies, none have gotten the audience hooked like The Family Man and Special Ops. Singh agrees that the Manoj Bajpayee-led series takes a close look at the spy world. “I think Special Ops is raw and too stylised, which is not close to reality. The Family Man is closer to how things are. But Adrishyam is different because while the BIA collects intelligence, there will be action too. The backstories of their respective families and their emotional journeys have been well-placed. While in The Family Man, one story runs into 10 episodes, here we end the story in two to four episodes,” shares the director. However, Aloka believes that one cannot make comparisons with any show or film because there is nothing to compare. “I will only point out one aspect of this entire series. [In real life], we are dealing with an adversary who is equally competent, [unlike how they are often picturised], which is what we did in Adrishyam.”
16 April,2024 07:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Letty Mariam AbrahamPirates, ships, ill-fated people—these words always excite us, and Hansal Mehta's son, Jai Mehta, has combined all of these to deliver a spectacular crime drama, ‘Lootere’. The series, which marks Jai's directorial debut, has been receiving a good response from audiences and critics alike. Now, as the series garners rave reviews, midday.com sat down with the producer of the show, Shaailesh R Singh, and the captain of the ship himself, Jai Mehta, to discuss several things—from how Jai decided to make his debut with ‘Lootere’ to any fears of comparison with his father, Hansal Mehta. As we started off the conversation, we learned that ‘Lootere’ is Shaailesh's brainchild, which he entrusted to Jai. When asked why he trusted Mehta to direct the series, the producer of the show said, "Because I've known Jai for almost 20 or 30 years, and I knew he would make a fantastic directorial debut. It's also my OTT debut, so I wanted someone whom I am comfortable and confident with, someone I can trust 100%. I couldn't find someone better than Jai and Hansal. As it's my first time, I really wanted someone I could rely on. So, that's why I approached Jai and asked him to read it and come on board if he liked it." When you have a father who is known for his craft as a director, the fear of comparison often comes to mind, but with Jai, that was not the case, as he never felt like competing with his father, Hansal Mehta. "I don't fear comparison. If I make half of what he makes, it means I have achieved a lot. There is no comparison, no competition, and no pressure. Why would I want to compete with somebody who has taught me? Why would I want to compete with my father? We work together. We are not competitors. Honestly, there is no competition. We constantly share our learnings with each other. Whether I need to get in touch with any actor, I will call Shailesh ji or Suparna or Hansal sir. We are constantly sharing things with each other," Jai said. When we delved deeper into the conversation and asked him about feeling pressure to deliver the best, Jai told us, "When it comes to delivering, you know, a lot of people don't know where we come from. We don't come from a family which has a film background; we are all first-generation filmmakers, sort of. And my relationship with Hansal sir is... I have been working with him for as long as I have also been his son. I have been his assistant for 15 years; our working relation is as long as our father-son relation." He further continued and said, "What is the worst that will happen, yaar? We have been poor before; we will be poor again; there's no big deal; it's okay; at least we tried." To note, Jai Mehta's directorial debut series is available on Disney plus Hotstar. The series has been streaming on the platform since March 22nd. Hansal Mehta is a showrunner for 'Lootere'.
15 April,2024 09:43 AM IST | Mumbai | Shachi ChaturvediRecognised as the first Indian lead singer to feature in Coke Studio Pakistan, Sharmistha Chatterjee is set to present her latest work in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi. Asserting that “the music of the tawaifs” has been an abiding interest of hers, Chatterjee, who rendered Tilasmi bahein, says the music “revolves around the genre that I explore”. “This belongs to [the genre of] world music. The style that we explored is a fusion of elements from the Middle East and Spain. There’s a bit of Arabic or Bulgarian music too. When I first went into the studio, I was told to explore the song as I desired. Initially, the lyrics didn’t sit well, and I had to work on a part of it. But, because I was associated with the song from [the beginning], I could truly enjoy rendering it. The emotions of the character were conveyed to me. I was made to understand that it was about the power of womanhood, and celebrating it.” Sinha stars in the song composed by Bhansali Chatterjee’s association with Bhansali traces back to 2006 when she came on board as a backing vocalist for Saawariya. “That was my first time working on such a large [set], and recording with a large group.” To be “pulled out from a bunch of voices” and chosen as a solo vocalist for his film is certainly a defining moment for her. “For this number, the idea was to completely surrender to the director’s vision. Doing that was important in this case because we didn’t have the visuals before us. The song was shot after I sang it. I am experimental and enjoy world music. And while there may be many people who are skilled in it, adapting the genre to make it appropriate for a commercial Hindi project is something only Mr Bhansali could do. It was his masterstroke. He has an amazing ability to understand the audience, and is extremely passionate about everything that he does, especially the project’s music. Even though he has heard a lot of Bollywood music, he has the mind of an explorer and wants to [know more about] the classical and semi-classical genres. He will use his vision to find something new and extraordinary each time.” It’s perhaps his tendency to introduce a hint of novelty in his work that enables Bhansali to lead singers out of their comfort zone. “In the industry, singers are usually [bracketed] and called for the same kinds of songs. But, because of him, I got the opportunity to do something I hadn’t done before.”
15 April,2024 07:13 AM IST | Mumbai | Sonia LullaBhuvan Bam’s journey probably wouldn’t have started without social media. The content creator became an internet sensation thanks to his hilarious YouTube videos. But to credit it alone to the power of social media is seeing half the picture; after all, it was his flair for comedy that resonated with audiences. As he currently shoots for the second season of Taaza Khabar, he says his talent helped him graduate from YouTube star to an actor. “I believe in being cast for my talent, not for my number of followers,” he says. At a time when the industry is casting social media influencers in acting parts in the hope that their popularity will help their projects grab more eyeballs, Bam asserts that wants to continue building his career on his acting talent. “My social media career, built on sketches featuring multiple characters portrayed by me alone in self-recorded videos, has provided me with invaluable experience in front of the camera. I approach each role with dedication and passion, aiming to earn recognition in the industry based on merit.” Thrilled that his maiden web series Taaza Khabar got so much love, he is enjoying reprising his role in the second edition. “My character Vasya holds a special place in my heart. Exploring his psyche further has been a rewarding journey for me.”
15 April,2024 07:07 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuChamkilaOn: NetflixDir: Imtiaz AliCast: Diljit Dosanjh, Parineeti ChopraRating: 3.5/5 Imtiaz Ali’s Chamkila is a full-on musical—down to translations of songs in Punjabi, flashing across the screen in Hindi, in Roman letters. If I recall right, Ali’s Jab Harry Met Sejal (2017) was the first mainstream movie to use Hindi subtitles in Roman script. Also, in this film’s opening credits, characters break the fourth wall—looking straight into the camera—while the song is on. The tone is sufficiently set. This is also a musical in a western sense, wherein the lead actor is also the lead singer. That is, Diljit Dosanjh, performing live, as the eponymous Amar Singh Chamkila, the most popular musician around the pinds of Punjab. Like Dosanjh himself! Opposite him, as Chamikla’s onstage duet partner, Amarjot Kaur, is Bollywood actor Parineeti Chopra. Leading up to this film, Chopra had been quite badly trolled—catcalled “Lata Mat-gayakar”, “Very talented, but keep it hidden”—as a clip of hers screwing up Fareeda Khanum’s Aaj jaane ki zid na karo, at a full-fledged concert, emerged online. Chopra can sing to save her life, in Chamkila—enough to even reprise the hard life of Kaur. No, she can’t match the hero, of course. But that’s smartly built into the character, as Chamkila works on the voice of his singing partner, later wife—firstly, to rid her of the “shehri lehza” (urban twang). Kaur lost her life, along with Chamkila, to alleged terrorists, right before their concert, in 1988. That’s the opening shot. The picture focusses on his life, until their death; 1977 onwards. Flitting between childhood, chronologically flashing back to his youth, shifting to the present dead-body and those left behind, juxtaposing music, with graphic art, clever sound-cuts... This is a smartly edited film (Aarti Bajaj). It’s hard to figure, though, how many more minutes should’ve been hacked, further, to arrive at a much tighter narrative still. That said, there’s something instantly meditative about the moments, when Dosanjh strums the opening riffs of a ditty on the single-stringed toomba, before a live audience, in a village of a finely preserved, ’80s Punjab, that’s looking on, the same way, as those before the screen on Netflix! As if experiencing Chamkila himself. To begin with, this is hardly possible with desi flicks, when a song so weirdly modulates between actors and their playback voices. But that’s not all. It’s also the naturally sweet, innocent Dosanjh, so seamlessly transferring his soul to an imagined star, Chamkila, a fellow-singer, he probably himself grew up idolising. Feels as authentic as it gets. Chamkila wished to see himself on the screen once, his character says in the movie. So does the fellow he’s speaking to: “It’s a Punjab thing, I guess!” Dosanjh has over 80 credits on IMDb, many of which are blockbuster-budget music videos he’s starred in. Like most top Punjabi musicians. Among films, his other biopic in Hindi, Shaad Ali’s Soorma (2018), also set around Punjab violence, remains his most underrated/under-watched. I’m tempted to click on Ali Abbas Zafar’s Jogi (2022), that’s showed up on my Netflix timeline. Certainly not Dosanjh’s Jodi (2023), also based on Chamkila! Couldn’t even sit through the trailer. And that’s fine. Seldom do so many things fall into place, so aptly. The subject matching the star. AR Rahman delivering music, that’s totally as per the script’s milieu/brief. Rather than a generic, multi-genre soundtrack. Irshad Kamil on the writing keyboard—no lyricist could exude the earthy, ’80s pind better. And of course, Ali, co-writer (along with brother Sajid), and director—fully in control of the material—who’s similarly delved into vital questions of art vs artiste, fame and its pitfalls, within the phenomenal musical, Rockstar (2010), inspired by the Punjabi legend, Heer Ranjha. Ali’s had a strangely cold streak, aforementioned Jab Harry Met Sejal onwards—in particular, Love Aaj Kal (2020), or even stuff helmed as producer, Thai Massage (2022), series such as She (2020), Dr Arora (2022). Maybe he had little/nothing to say, besides the thought of getting on set, per se. Through the folk singer, Chamkila, known/derided for his vulgar lyrics—such a common motif of folk music, after all—Ali gathers a courageous voice to question, who defines obscenity, anyway? Apart from religious fanaticism and violence, the caste angle—although only briefly touched upon—lends Chamklia’s story an added layer. Dhani Ram, aka Amar Singh, aka Chamkila, belonged to the low/chamar caste. Something that must’ve permanently defined his position in a pind. Intense popularity, from sheer talent, helped him transcend his circumstances. The world is what it is. He learnt to be. And then they didn’t let him be. Honestly, I don’t know what to make of “sexila, tharkila, ganda banda” Chamkila—whether to see him as Ismat/Manto kinda iconoclast, or simply a chart-busting Bhojpuri, Lollyop singer, providing visceral joy to a willing public. I’m glad the film doesn’t influence you either way. Besides to see him in the context of a musician, dealing with stuff in his 20s. He died, 27, like the infamous 27 Club (Hendrix, Joplin, Morrison, Cobain). I didn’t know Chamkila, growing up in Delhi, when Gurdas Maan, Malkit Singh, were more popular. Punjabi music itself has only lately become immeasurably western mainstream, where Dosanjh gigs at Coachella, or jams with Ed Sheeran. That we access Chamkila through him should give this precious piece of pop-culture history an even greater global relevance/appeal.
14 April,2024 03:51 AM IST | Mumbai | Mayank ShekharADVERTISEMENT
