Film Industry

Such is the image of Rani Laxmibai that it evokes a sense of unbridled enthusiasm and patriotism in the hearts of Indians. Now, actor and director, Kangana Ranaut is all set to bring alive the extraordinary story of the fearless warrior queen in Manikarnika: The Queen Of Jhansi. Here’s all the reasons that make this period drama special...

KANGANA’S POWER-PACKED PERFORMANCE


Kangana Ranaut will be seen in a never-seenbefore avatar in the film. It will not only showcase the extraordinary life of Rani Laxmibai, but will also show her as a doting wife and mother. The actress has performed all the stunts in the film and has even directed it. Talking about playing the inspirational character, Kangana says, “Manikarnika is a national hero. Her tales of valour are something that the whole nation admires, no wonder then that so many women aspire to be like her. Her legend is the USP of our film.”

SOUL-STIRRING MUSIC

The terrific trio Shankar-Ehasaan-Loy have composed the music of the film. Shankar Mahadevan, who has also lent his voice to the album, says, “A film like Manikarnika can be considered a landmark in any musician's career. It’s truly a dream project, which is challenging and at the same time has also been a musically enriching experience. I think we have been lucky enough to be offered projects like these that are milestones in our career. Even fifty years from now, we’ll be able to look back and say that we were the proud ones to create the music for this kind of a historic, magnum opus.”

HIGH-OCTANE ACTION

The makers have roped in Hollywood action director Nick Powell to choreograph the action scenes of the film. Most of the action revolves around horse riding and sword fighting. All actors in the film will be seen performing some terrific stunts. Shariq Patel, CEO, Zee Studios says, “Manikarnika celebrates and salutes the extraordinary journey of India’s fiercest warrior queen. Rani Laxmibai, sacrificed her life fighting for freedom, and Zee Studios is proud to bring her epic journey to the screen and inspire future generations, too.”

AN ICON’S EXTRAORDINARY STORY

Rani Laxmibai was bold, strong, courageous and is considered to be India’s greatest warrior queen. She has inspired generations and showcased unparalleled courage and bravery when she fought for her motherland, Jhansi. Her name has been synonymous with honour and pride. And now, Kangana will bring this magnificent, historical icon alive on the big screen. Acclaimed poet, lyricist and writer Prasoon Joshi, who has also penned the songs and dialogues for the film, says, “The extraordinary life of Rani Laxmibai has always inspired every Indian and it was the reason for all of us to work together on this project. The entire team has worked hard and I hope that will reflect in the film, too. But, I believe for any project to be truly successful and touch people’s hearts, it needs to be blessed. I hope our project is, too.”







SENSE OF PATRIOTISM

Rani Laxmibai was one of India’s first warriors who fought selflessly for the nation. The story should fill every Indian’s heart with pride as they witness the sacrifice that Manikarnika made for her country. Producer Kamal Jain says, “I am extremely proud of the film. We have collectively put our heart, blood and sweat into making this magnum opus. I hope our movie will make every Indian proud.”

Produced by Zee Studios and Kamal Jain, Manikarnika: The Queen Of Jhansi will release this Friday.

Vaidehi Parshurami

Simmba actresses talk about safety & equality for women
One of the highlights of director Rohit Shetty’s Simmba will be the focus on women’s safety. The film, which features Ranveer Singh and Sara Ali Khan in the lead, talks about the need to respect women and ensure that they feel safe. The movie has a strong female cast and every actress contributes significantly to the story and the social cause discussed in the film.

The main ‘sheroes’ of the film discuss their roles and reveal their thoughts on respecting and protecting women’s safety and dignity. Here’s what these actresses have to say...


We must ensure that all women in the nation feel safe because that’s the only way forward to secure a bright future: Sara Ali Khan

In the film, my character Shagun manages a catering service, which is located very close to the police station, and my father used to be a police officer, too. The handful of girls that run this catering service are quite attached to the police officers. We are very well aware of what goes on in the police station, so much so that we have a very interesting dynamic with the cops. As you have seen in the trailer, Simmba, even asks the ladies for what their course of action would be in a particular case. That’s what makes our roles pivotal, because it is us women who help Simmba and the other officers in the police force.

Being a girl from contemporary India, I have strong opinions on women’s safety and gender equality. As daughters of this country it is our responsibility to ensure that India and its people give equal opportunity to both genders. But foremost, we must ensure that all women in the nation feel safe because that’s the only way forward to secure a bright future.

Including topics of women’s safety and respect in a mainstream movie should be an eye opener for a lot of people: Ashwini Kaleskar

Women safety and dignity is, was and will always be of utmost importance regardless of where you are in the world. These subjects have been presented very well in Simmba and with a lot of respect. Including these topics in a mainstream movie should be an eye opener for a lot of people and it will hit their emotions very hard.

I play a session’s court judge in the film, who is very honest and upright. Her court sees the case of Sangram Bhalerao, which leads to a lot of drama and puts the narrative into perspective.

Simmba, does well to put a perspective on women’s safety, without being preachy: Vaidehi Parshurami

I really think that a commercial film like Simmba, does well to put a perspective on women’s safety, without being preachy. We generally talk about instilling good values in our boys where they should learn to respect girls and ensure their safety, but that hasn’t quite become a part of our social fabric, yet. A lot of men still take a woman’s integrity for granted and end up disrespecting her. The day we won’t have a need to talk about these topics is the day that we will truly succeed in ensuring that women are safe and protected.

I essay the role of Aakruti Dave in the film, who is a modern girl. She’s a strong, independent woman and she cannot tolerate wrong being done to anyone. She’s very protective of the kids she teaches in the film and out of this protectiveness, she sets out on a hunt to find the people who are responsible in messing up the lives of a few kids. It’s on this mission that she teams up with Simmba, developing a bond of sibling love with him.

Men should inherently feel a responsibility towards respecting women: Suchitra Bandekar

In today’s society, it’s become important that boys are given the right upbringing. When they grow up to be men, they should know how to respect women and not take her rights for granted. It’s very important to educate young boys and adults on why women’s freedom needs to be safeguarded and respected. Also, men should inherently feel a responsibility towards respecting women, it shouldn't just be an external obligation.

My role in the film is that of a cop’s wife. She has a young daughter and it is definitely a key role in the story.

Crimes against women take place because of a lack of dialogue and education: Neha Mahajan

I play Kavya, a daring young girl who risks her life for a friend, who is murdered and raped. Problems like women’s safety will be eliminated the day men start treating women as equals. We need to understand that we are all human beings and we should treat each other with respect.

I feel, crimes against women take place because of a lack of dialogue and education. We need to strive to make a better society that supports gender equality. We can send out these messages by making films and advertisements that don't objectify women.

Our film endeavours to start a dialogue around women’s rights and respect: Ronjini Chakraborty

My role in Simmba is that of a girl working with Shagun (Sara) at the catering service. She works closely with Shagun and is always by her side. She is a strong woman who supports Simmba in standing up against the perpetrators of a rape. She gives her testimony in court and takes part in the fight against the convicts.

Our film endeavours to start a dialogue around women’s rights and respect. After years of regressive practices, it’s become hard for women and men to speak out against gender exploitation. But with more awareness and open conversations, there’s a change in the offing. Women should not be subdued, they should be encouraged.

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK 2018













2018 has witnessed some of the most confident and talented debutante actors making a mark on the big screen. Gone are the days when actors would learn on the job. Today, actors making their first ever outing on celluloid have to be well groomed, must be trained in the craft and are required to get their dancing skills bang on. It really doesn’t matter if B-town's new crop has grown up in the lap of the industry, they could be rank outsiders, or even TV stars making a transition to cinema. There’s room for regional stars making a crossover to Hindi films, too. Here’s a list of female debutantes who made a winning start this year in Bollywood. Read on...

WARINA HUSSAIN


This gorgeous beauty graced the screen in LoveYatri, which also marked the debut of Salman Khan’s brother-in-law Aayush Sharma. While she didn't win as much praise for her acting chops, she has the glamour quotient down pat. Following her debut, she got an opportunity to showcase her dancing talent in singer Badshah’s music video.

MRUNAL THAKUR

A popular face on the television show Kumkum Bhagya, Mrunal Thakur chose an offbeat film like Love Sonia for her debut. The actress won rave reviews for her role as the girl forced into sex trade.

She now has two films coming up in 2019 including Hrithik Roshan starrer, Super 30 and John Abraham's Batla House.

JANHVI KAPOOR

The legendary Sridevi and producer Boney Kapoor’s elder daughter, Janhvi Kapoor starred as the leading lady in the Hindi adaptation of the Marathi blockbuster, Sairat. Tragedy struck just months before the release of her film, when her mother and one of the biggest superstars of Hindi cinema breathed her last. Taking it all in her stride, the actress delivered an impressive performance in Dhadak. Quiz her if she had a dream debut and she says, “I think in a way, I got more than I could have ever imagined. It’s been a learning experience, because I understood what I should do more of and what I should do less of.

The best part is that most people learn through failure, but my lessons have been thankfully through success. I don’t really have a plan.

But I know that I’m willing to give it all and work my hardest. That’s all I know. I need to keep my head down, keep doing honest work, learn and grow, because I’m in love with what I do.”

Prathamesh Bandekar

MALAVIKA MOHANAN

Cinematographer KU Mohanan’s daughter has been a part of the South film industry for close to five years. Having done films in Malayalam and Kannada; she made her Bollywood debut with the internationally acclaimed director, Majid Majidi’s film Beyond The Clouds, alongside Ishaan Khatter, who was also making his debut. The actress was appreciated for her turn as a slum-dweller who faces adversities.

ALANKRITA SAHAI

Yamaha Fascino Miss Diva Earth 2014, Alankrita Sahai made her debut in Arjun Kapoor and Parineeti Chopra starrer, Namastey England. While the actress impressed with her screen presence, confidence and looks, she should choose more meaty roles to showcase her talent.

RADHIKA MADAN

She showed promise as one of the warring sisters in Vishal Bhardwaj’s comedy-drama Pataakha and she also features in Vasan Bala’s comedy, Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota, which is yet to hit the screens.

KRITIKA KAMRA

The star of Kitani Mohabbat Hain on television, Kritika Kamra acted in her first ever Hindi film Mitron this year. The film didn’t rake in the numbers and the actress might just have to wait for a big ticket film to come her way. The debutant shares, “I don’t want to do films just for the heck of being a film actor. I want to do films because I believe that’s where better content is today. I don’t have a game plan. I believe that my work will speak for itself.”

AISHA SHARMA

Model-turned actress Aisha Sharma made her Bollywood debut with John Abraham starrer,

Satyamev Jayate.

The masala potboiler didn’t offer the actress enough scope to showcase her acting prowess. While it’s a memorable debut, she is a looker no doubt.

SARA ALI KHAN

If there was one other debutante who was being as closely watched as Jahnvi, it was Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh’s daughter Sara Ali Khan. The actress’ first film Kedarnath faced its own share of hurdles. However, the tide turned in Sara’s favour, and she won rave reviews for her performance. In fact, even before the film’s release, the young actress was praised for her sheer confidence and ability to field the toughest questions from scribes. She is among the few debutantes who already has a second film, Rohit Shetty’s Simmba, with Ranveer Singh. And in the words of her co-star Ranveer, “Sara is a born star.”

BANITA SANDHU

While the nepotism debate still rages on in Bollywood, actors who have no connection with the industry also managed to find their space in the sun. Shoojit Sircar cast Banita Sandhu, a London based modelturned actress in his critically acclaimed film October opposite Varun Dhawan. Currently, she’s back in London waiting for interesting roles to bring her back to the city of dreams.

MOUNI ROY

She is undoubtedly one of the most sought after TV actresses and made her Bollywood debut in the sports drama Gold, opposite Akshay Kumar. Known for her histrionics, the role in the film didn’t do justice to her talent. The fantasy drama Brahmastra, with Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Amitabh Bachchan, will hopefully give her enough scope to perform.

AISHWARYA DEWAN

The actress, who represented the state of Maharashtra in fbb Colors Femina Miss India 2017, made her Bollywood debut with Sharman Joshi starrer, Kashi — In Search Of Ganga. While her first film didn't grab eyeballs, hopefully she will bag more roles and make her presence felt.

Costume designer and stylist Navin Shetty, who has worked in many films, including Singham (2011), Singham Returns (2014), Golmaal 3 (2010) and Golmaal Again (2017), has been part of director Rohit Shetty’s team for over a decade. And now, he has styled the Ranveer Singh for the cop drama, Simmba.

Ranveer’s look in the film is touted to be different from those sported by actors in previous cop films. His larger-than-life character — Sangram Bhalerao — required a lot of styling and experiments. Donning quirky colours, sunglasses and stylish watches, Sangram Bhalerao promises to be the newage cop, who will do fisticuffs, but in style. Navin had to keep Ranveer’s personality and his personal style in mind while creating his look in the film.


On working with Navin, Ranveer says, “To me, the one thing that stands out is his work ethic. He stays low profile and works quietly and diligently, without making a big fuss about himself and his contribution. With Simmba, I think that he’s done his best work till date. The costume designs are so authentic that one unconsciously begins to invest in the world of the film. You start believing that these characters are real because they are styled in a way that makes it all look seamless. Navin anna’s work helped me immensely in building the character as well. The minute I put on the clothes, I started walking and behaving differently. That’s testament to his attention to detail — a constant that makes his work truly stand out.”

Over the last few months, Arjun Kapoor and Malaika Arora have become increasingly visible in public places with each other. After making appearances at fashion shows and house parties, the couple was seen dining out together on Wednesday, December 26. The couple, dressed in casuals, looked pretty chilled out together and seemed comfortable even though the paparazzi continued to click. They were spotted outside a restaurant in suburban Mumbai. Prior to this, the couple was seen at Anu Dewan’s Christmas bash, Ritesh Sidhwani’s party and Anil Kapoor’s birthday celebrations earlier this week. A few weeks ago, Malaika had even shared a photo on social media where she flaunted a pendant with the letters ‘AM’. The couple don’t shy away from appearing together at public places and it won’t be too long before they make it ‘official’.

All a protagonist does on television is apply glycerine and shed copious tears: Gulki Joshi


Actress Gulki Joshi, who was last seen on Piyaa Albela, has been signed on for a film, Nakkash. She says, “I play a supporting and loving wife to a sculptor (nakkash). The production house had previously backed a film, which was critically acclaimed, but didn’t do well commercially. That could be the case with this film as well, but I am prepared for it. I want to act, rather than behave like a star.”

Though Gulki became a household name with Phir Subah Hogi (PSH), the show’s success didn’t materialise into anything bigger. She agrees, “I didn’t get the kind of offers I had expected after PSH, but I am also very selective about work. Besides, I want a work-life balance. I like to travel, and agar poora time kaam karungi, toh life kab jeeyoongi? I may not have turned out to be the next big thing on TV, but I know that eventually, I will be there.”


Ask her if the lack of offers could have something to do with her unconventional looks and Gulki replies, “Before I bagged PSH, I would be told at auditions that a role is not for me because I am dusky and I look unconventional. Though I developed selfdoubts, I got rid of that feeling soon after. Now, I am glad that I am not doing what many fair-skinned girls are doing on TV. I don’t fight to fit that bill, I want to be offered characters that no one else can pull off. I played the protagonist on a couple of shows and was bored of it. All a protagonist does on TV is apply glycerine and shed copious tears. I am open to doing strong character roles. Sadly, in India, acting-oriented roles are labelled as character roles and actors get slotted in that category. Fortunately, the perception is changing for the better now. As opposed to my initial days, I am getting offered different roles and I am happy about it.”

Gulki says that she is confused about taking up a TV show now. She shares, “I really don’t know what to do with all these daayans, chudails, crocodiles and makdis on TV. I am confused. I was offered the role of a shape-shifting crocodile in an episode of a show, which I turned down. I will do such a show only if I am offered insane amount of money.”

He’s had a successful year and his slate of films from next year looks choc-a-bloc, too. Rajkummar Rao believes that content has finally emerged as king in Hindi cinema. He says, “I have always believed in content-driven movies, right from my first film. It’s heartening to see that audiences are welcoming films driven by good stories. They are also open to actors playing characters on screen more than just playing heroes. Finally, content is getting its due.” Ask him what seems to have brought about this change and he adds, “Today, audiences have access to all kinds of films from all over the world. They are exposed to international standards of filmmaking. That’s why they expect the same quality from Hindi cinema as well. They look forward to something new and different and when that’s offered to them, they welcome it with open arms.”

He’s going to share screen space with Sonam Kapoor, Kangana Ranaut, Mouni Roy and Nushrat Bharucha in his upcoming films and talking about his leading ladies, he says, “Today, scripts have scope for both the leading man and woman to perform as parallel leads. The leading ladies are charting their own path and rewriting the rules. More power to them. You can no longer say that the film industry is dominated by just the male stars.” He also adds that the film industry’s perception towards him has changed for the better and that has resulted in more opportunities for him. A notion quite common within the film industry suggests that actors should be concerned about the producers, too. But Rajkummar offers a contrasting view and says, “I work for the team and I don’t have an identity that’s different from that of the crew that works on the film. I am a producer’s actor, a director’s actor, the cinematographer’s actor, as well as, an artiste who wants to be a co-star’s actor as well.”


For now, Rajkummar is firmly focussed on his upcoming holiday. “I’ll be in London for ten days and this is a much-needed break,” he signs off.