Statement from Sanjay Leela Bhansali on Padmavati

Sanjay Leela Bhansali has shot two films in Jaipur and despite his love for Rajasthan, for the safety of his crew, we have decided to stop the shoot and leave the city post the shocking incident where miscreants damaged property and misbehaved with the crew on the shoot of 'Padmavati'. SLB had directed the opera 'Padmavati' to packed houses in Paris and earned worldwide praise for it. He was inspired by the beautiful and courageous queen and is making a feature film on the story. We clarify that there is no dream sequence or any objectionable scene between Rani Padmavati and Allauddin Khilji. We have been carefully researching and making the film. In spite of this, the attack on the shoot and crew was uncalled for and was extremely damaging to the image of the beautiful city of Jaipur. We are grateful to the authorities at Jaipur who responded promptly and limited the damage on shoot. We are confident that Mewar will be proud of the film made on their revered queen. We do not want to hurt any sentiments and would appreciate if the local people support us in making this film and making their queen revered by the world.

Vishal Bhardwaj adds a live orchestra throughout 'Rangoon' to add realism

Vishal Bhardwaj is leaving no stone unturned in making 'Rangoon' look as realistic a film as possible. The song 'Bloody Hell' featuring the feisty Kangana Ranaut riding a horse and vivaciously dancing is creating waves already. 

It is interesting to note that Vishal Bhardwaj has taken realism a notch higher. Instead of getting junior artists to perform in the song as musicians, he has gotten the actual live orchestra to feature in not just 'Bloody Hell,' but throughout the film. This gives much more precision to the look and feel of the songs.

The musicians are definitely an integral part of the film. In fact, 'Bloody Hell' also features the super talented singer, Sunidhi Chauhan singing in the song as it showcases a film within the actual film. The song showcases Kangana lip syncing.

'Rangoon' is a period drama set against the backdrop of World War II and highlights a love triangle among the protagonists Saif Ali Khan, Kangana Ranaut and Shahid Kapoor. 

The trailer has generated a lot of curiosity among the audience, crossing 13 million views already on YouTube and is one of the most awaited films of 2017. 

Vishal Bhardwaj has travelled a long way for his upcoming period drama, Rangoon a Casablanca-like love story set during the Second World War. 

The audience is expecting power-packed performances from the film. 

Rangoon directed by Vishal Bhardwaj and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala under the banners of Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment  and Viacom 18 Motion Pictures is all set to hit the theaters on February 24, 2017.

Bollywood's Angry young man praises Raees

Eclipsing the Era of Male leads playing the conventional good characters, Superstar Shahrukh Khan got curiosity levels soaring high with Raees, a character having shades of grey. 

Raees and SRK's angry man avatar is hailed by none other than Bollywood's original Angry young man, Amitabh Bachchan. 

The veteran actor took to Twitter to share his thoughts on Shahrukh's impeccable performance in Raees. He wrote, "T 2515 - Congratulations Shahrukh .. RAEES .. loved your anger in it !!"   

Shahrukh Khan lives the character on celluloid as he plays the layered personality of Raees,  who is less of a gangster but more of an impresario, garnering reverence,  love and fear,  with utmost ease and perfection.  

It is after more than two decades that Shahrukh Khan is back to playing a grey role on celluloid, with his last being Darr and Baazigar.

The film has proved true to the audiences expectations and has been doing exceptional business eversince its release, with its first day collections being 20.46 cr. 

Raees has been witnessing Housefull theatres in its 2 day old run at the box office, thereby setting cash registers ringing. 

The film has left the audience absolutely entertained and has been growing stronger with tremendous positive word of mouth. 

Red Chillies Entertainment and Excel Entertainment Presents an Excel Entertainment Production,  Raees is witnessing a successful run at the theatres. 

Kaatru Veliyidai trending on social media

The first glimpse of Mani Ratnam's Kaatru Veliyidai has been trending on social media ever since its release 24 hours ago.

The master is back with a classic love story .The arresting visuals and the poem recited by Karthi has gripped everyone's attention, but what has melted everyone's hearts is the look on Aditi Rao Hydari's face. 

The gorgeous star ,became a subject of constant discussion, thanks to her breath taking look in this teaser...looking fresh as a peach.

Her porcelain skin and delicate features drove the internet into a frenzy - The teaser of Kaatru Veliyidai generated almost a million views in 24 hours and is continuing to trend even today.

https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=h-9yyLpz2rE

Monjoy Joy Mukerji Wins Best Debutant Director Award at Rajasthan International Film Festival RIFF 2017

The Rajasthan International Film Festival  RIFF 2017 was a memorable event  as various filmmakers from all over the world had gathered under one roof to showcase their feature films and short films. It was a dream come true moment for Joy Mukerji's eldest son Monjoy Joy Mukerji who won the coveted Award for the Best Debutant Director at RIFF 2017 for his movie Hai Apna Dil Toh Awara which is a rom-com based on modern day relationships of couples.

Monjoy remembered his late legendary father, India's first chocolate hero Shree Joy Mukerji when his name was announced as the Best Debutant Director . When we spoke to Monjoy, he said , " I am thankful to the entire team of Hai Apna Dil Toh Awara (H.A.D.T.A.) movie , my Producers, Actors,Technical crew,Composers and Lyricists. I dedicate this Award to my late father Shree Joy Mukerji . I am extremely grateful to my Producers Deepakk. R. Gupta and Neha. D. Gupta.A special thanks to my D.O.P Anil Singh, composers Ajay Singha and Subash Pradhan(Title Track) and Ranjhu Vergese for doing a wonderful job in choreographing the songs. Pervez Quadir 's Sufi track really stands out well in the film. Mohit Pathak and Pinky Poonawala did a wonderful job with the lyrics of Meheram Mere (Mohit Pathak) and the Title Track Hai Apna Dil Toh Awara (Pinky Poonawala). " 

He was felicitated with this prestigious award for the Best Debutant Director recently at the RIFF Awards Night 2017. Leena Yadav won the Award for the Best Director for Parched movie which also won the Best Picture Award. Monjoy has revived the era of musical romantic movies which were an integral part of Joy Mukerji's movies as he had shot a major part of his film in the picturesque locations of Kashmir. Monjoy is now penning down the script for his next feature film as well as a web series.

Sonakshi Sinha launches Never Seen Before Virtual Reality Immersive Gaming Experience in India for Sony's Resident Evil

Ahead of the hugely awaited Resident Evil: The Final Chapter's 3rd February release, Sony Pictures Entertainment has brought the FIRST ever immersive virtual reality gaming experience with haptic techonology in India, enabling everyone to experience Alice's biggest fight against the undead as she races to save the humanity from complete oblivion. 

The experience, dubbed "The Road to Raccoon City," serves as a perfect complement to the upcoming high octane flick, featuring content from the movie, complete with voice over from Alice actress, super star Milla Jovovich. It features the renowned HAPTIC technology to simulate a zombie attack, as users wear VR glasses and a vest that provides vibration and audio feedback while they shoot at zombies projected on-screen with a gun. 

Launching the phenomenal technology was our very own Bollywood daredevil Sonakshi Sinha who experienced the game live and launched it!

Glamourously dressed to kill, in black leather, bulletproof vest and guns, the dynamic actress spoke about her love for action films, video games and more at the event! 

Sonakshi said she is a "gamer" and if "Resident Evil" is adapted for Indian audience, she would love to be in it and play the role of Milla Jovovich.

Resident Evil: The Final Chapter is all set to hit Indian cinemas on 3rd February, 2017. 

Emma Watson reveals she likes Belle over Cinderella, whose role which she rejected

In a new interview , the 26-year-old Beauty and the Beast actress revealed that she was offered a role in Disney's 2015 live-action Cinderella movie before accepting the part of Belle in Beauty and the Beast --and she prefers Belle over Cinderella!

"I didn't know they were going to make Beauty and the Beast at the time I turned down Cinderella, but when they offered me Belle, I just felt the character resonated with me so much more than Cinderella did," Watson shared, confessing that she thinks Belle is the better role model between the two princesses.

"She remains curious, compassionate and open-minded. And that's the kind of woman I would want to embody as a role model, given the choice," she said.

"There's this kind of outsider quality that Belle had, and the fact she had this really empowering defiance of what was expected of her," the Beauty and The Beast star continued. "In a strange way, she challenges the status quo of the place she lives in, and I found that really inspiring. She manages to keep her integrity and have a completely independent point of view. She's not easily swayed by other people's perspective -- not swayed by fear-mongering or scapegoating."

"The core DNA of Belle is a feminist," the actress explained!

Aditi Rao Hydari fulfills her dream of working with Mani Ratnam with Kaatru Veliyidai

The gorgeous Aditi Rao Hydari who will soon be seen in Mani Ratnam's Kaatru Veliyidai , ticked another wish off her bucket list ,when she was approached for the Tamil film.

The actress who has always wanted to work with Mani Ratnam, considers the experience truly enriching and one that helped her break the complacency within her as an artist.

Says Aditi, "As a kid, I wished to work with Mani Ratnam some day. Years later, I finally shot for a film with himKaatru Veliyidai broke the complacency within me. I took it up because I was moved by the character. By the time I finished reading the script, I was in tears. There are certain roles you want on your resume. This is one of them. Mani sir makes it endearing. He has a natural gift of showing love in a magical way.” 

Aditi took up the challenge of stepping out of her comfort zone,learning a new language and worked hard to fit into the fabric of a new industry .

“I was certain about the fact that I wanted to perfect the language. I didn’t want people to say, ‘Oh, she didn’t know Tamil and still she wasn’t half-bad’.Cinema has no barriers.What drives me is working with the right director. When you like the story and script, the rest doesn’t matter."she adds.​

Abbas Mustan’s film crew to work on Vikram Phadnis Hrudayantar!

For the first time in the history of Marathi cinema, a Bollywood film crew has been hired to work in a Marathi movie.

Fashion designer-turned-director Vikram Phadnis has managed to achieve such a feat for his debut Marathi film, Hrudayantar, launched with huge fanfare in December last year.

Produced by Vikram Phadnis Productions, Young Berry Entertainment (Pratap Sarnaik and his son Purvesh Sarnaik), Hrudayantar is an emotional drama featuring popular Marathi actors including Subodh Bhave and Mukta Barve.

Having worked with the director duo Abbas Mustan in more than 10 films, Vikram decided to take his association with the successful filmmakers to the next level by getting their Hindi film crew on board for Hrudayantar including the DOP (Director Of Photography), the assistants and the technicians.

A source says, “Vikram shares a great rapport with Abbas Mustan and their association goes back a long way. The director duo also attended Hrudayantar’s muhurat launch and gave their best wishes to Vikram.”

Saif's Sense of Humour on the sets of Rangoon

Saif Ali Khan is not only known for some phenomenal performances in his films, but he is also known for his witty sense of humour. People who work with him have always mentioned  how it is a lot of fun to have him around on the set. 

Even on the sets of his next film Rangoon, in which he re-unites with Vishal Bhardwaj after Omkara. The actor was known to spread cheer and laughter. The Rangoon team had a long shoot schedule in Arunachal Pradesh, shooting some really important parts of the film. 

So after pack-up the team would have light moments to unwind & rejuvenate themselves for the next day, courtesy Saif Ali Khan. Rangoon directed by Vishal Bhardwaj and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala under the banners of Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment  and Viacom 18 Motion Pictures is all set to hit the theaters on February 24, 2017.

AKSHAY REVEALS HIS SERIOUS SIDE

The trailer starts with a monologue in which Akshay spells out statistics about the state of judiciary in India

The first trailer of Jolly LLB 2 saw Akshay Kumar (above) at his wittiest, jovially dealing with cases that came his way. But with the movie’s second trailer, Akshay has revealed a completely new side of his character. The trailer starts with a monologue in which Akshay spells out statistics about the state of the judiciary in India. The trailer, which has a patriotic feeling to it, will hit theatres today (January 25), a day before Republic Day. The angry young lawyer is seen taking on Annu Kapoor, who plays a corrupt lawyer who will do anything to win a case. Akshay posted the trailer on his Twitter account, prompting hundreds of replies from his followers.

In his monologue, Akshay says that for a population of 125 crore, India has only 21,000 judges, and 3.5 crore pending cases. The trailer also throws light on how difficult it is to be a lawyer in our country. Speaking about the trailer, Akshay says, “The new trailer reveals a new side of the film. It shows that a common man has it in him to stand up and fight for what is right, and that he can stand up against the corrupt and powerful. The trailer is the soul of our film. We are thrilled that we are getting such an amazing response.”

Directed by Subhash Kapoor, the film releases on February 10.

Majid Majidi's next - Beyond The Clouds goes on floors

Finally, setting all rumors surrounding iconic Iranian film-maker Majid Majidi's next film, here's the real deal. Mr Majidi is all set to roll his first Indian film titled Beyond The Clouds, that dwells on the adoration of love and life.Produced by Zee Studios and Eyecandy Films, the film dwells on nuanced human relationships, an area that Mr Majidi specialises in.

While the leading lady is yet to be finalised, Mr Majidi has zeroed in on his little boy wonder. Making his debut with the legend is Ishaan Khatter actor Shahid Kapoor's younger brother. Music maestro A R Rahman will be working on the score of the project. This is Rahman's second association with the director. 

Going on floors today in Mumbai, the film will be shot at numerous locations in India. Apart from the director and Ishaan, others present and marking the occasion of the first day of shoot were music maestro A R Rahman, producers of the film, Akash Chawla, Business Head - Zee Studios along with Shareen Mantri Kedia and Kishore Arora from EyeCandy Films. Also present were Ishaan's parents Neelima Azim and Rajesh Khatter along with brother Shahid Kapoor.

Talking about his latest project Mr Majidi says, “Filmmakers like Satyajit Ray , whose work I adore, have represented India's culture, rich heritage and the lives of common people to a global audience. These visions and images have stayed in my mind for years and cajoled me to make a film in India. Finally , I'm in Mumbai with a lovely team to narrate a story woven around the lives of common people.“

Akash Chawla, Business Head, Zee Studios, elaborates, “It's our pleasure to associate with a global icon like Majid Majidi. Over the years, he has narrated stories with authenticity and honesty, the vision with which Zee serves content to its audience globally. This film, his first venture in the country , celebrates an India unseen by the world with a heartwarming story .“

Shareen Mantri Kedia and Kishor Arora from Eyecandy Films, further elaborate, “Words can't describe the genius that is Majid. His vision and artistry are unparalleled. As fans, we have been spellbound by his narratives. It's an honor to bring him to India. Working with him and developing this project over the last few years has been an enriching experience.“

Do you know what is Ghazi

PNS Ghazi was the first fast-attack Tench-class, diesel-electric submarine of Pakistan Navy, subleased from the United States in 1963 It was Launched on 1 December 1944 and was commissioned since 31 March 1945.

The Submarine served in the United States Navy from 1945 to 1963 and was leased to Pakistan under the Security Assistance Program for four years. The acquisition of Ghazi was a result of lengthy negotiation between the administrations of Pakistan and the United States.

PNS Ghazi was the only submarine in the war theater in 1965, and was operated by a Navy in the South Asia becoming a serious threat to the Indian Navy

The  unaccountable sinking of Ghazi took place on 4 December 1971 during its hunt to attack the Vikrant  during the mission on the Visakhapatnam Port, Bay of Bengal.

Audiences are soon going to witness an underwater war centric movie based on PNS Ghazi named 'The Ghazi Attack'.

Ever since the makers unveiled the trailer of the film, fans could not help but share their excitement for it

Karan Johar & AA Films Present, India's first War-At-Sea film, THE GHAZI ATTACK, slated to release on 17th February 2017.

Sooraj Pancholi's animal welfare initiative

Sooraj Pancholi, who is an animal lover,has always wanted to better understand the process of food production for animals and the safety of the ingredients used in pet food .

The Gen-X star will now also be collaborating with an NGO in the USA and in India ,to work towards providing better food facilities for strays and creating awareness about food production for animals.

Sooraj will visit the USA ,where the NGO officials will take him through their policies and even arrange a workshop and visit to a factory that produces animal food. The actor will then return to India and start a few activities related to animal welfare in association with an Indian NGO.

Says a source, " Sooraj is in talks with an NGO in the USA, who is involved in providing better food facilities and food production for animals. Sooraj will be travelling to US for 3 days and participate in a workshop, and then visit the factory, where they produce and manufacture pet food to better understand the quality of ingredients used. Based on the information he accumulates ,he then returns to Mumbai to start a few activities related to it. He will be collaborating with an NGO in India for this".

When contacted confirmed Sooraj, “I personally feel that we need to address this (animal welfare) issue. I wanted to do some groundwork on this for a long time. Now, I am glad that I have the opportunity of visiting the factory and working on this personally.”

Rangoon's song 'Mere Miyan Gaye England' is an ode to the evergreen 'Mere Piyan Gaye Rangoon'

After super hit tracks like 'Bloody Hell' and 'Yeh Ishq Hai,' Vishal Bharadwaj comes out with a foot-tapping song, Mere Miyan Gaye England. Mere Miyan Gaye England is a zesty tribute to the popular song of the 1940s, 'Mere Piya Gaye Rangoon,' and Kangana Ranaut is all set to get you grooving with her!

Sung by Rekha Bharadwaj, the song is dramatically entertaining with a desi appeal to it where 'Julia' goes all out in entertaining with her desi thumkas, her exceptional story-telling skills and endearing expressions. 

The visualization has an element of comic relief in a film set against the intense backdrop of World War II. We see Shahid and Kangana sharing fun-filled, playful moments and also notice a suave Saif looking rather anguished as he watches his lady-love shake hands with Shahid. 

Veteran lyricist Gulzar and Vishal Bharadwaj are indeed creating magic with the songs of 'Rangoon' and increasing the audiences' curiosity and excitement for the film. 

'Rangoon' is an intense love triangle among Saif Ali Khan, Kangana Ranaut and Shahid Kapoor. Directed by Vishal Bhardwaj and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala under the banners of Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment and Viacom 18 Motion Pictures, Rangoon is all set to hit the theatres on February 24, 2017.

Raveena Tandon's Dual Appearance

Ravishing Raveena Tandon will make her appearance on popular comedy show "The Kapil Sharma Show" where mast mast girl will soon be seen promoting her next reality show. Her upcoming visit to the sets of the show has stirred up a lot of excitement amongst the audience, celeb guest and the comedians of the show!

According to sources "Raveena Tandon brought some glamour to Jackie Chan's appearance on 'The Kapil Sharma Show'. Audience surely do not want to miss Jackie Chan's camaraderie with Mast Mast girl Raveena Tandon." The actress also did a fun jig with Jackie. Source added

Rana Daggubati had to go leaner from being Bulky for The Ghazi Attack

Rana Daggubati, who is known for his character in Baahubali as Bhalal Dev had to shed weight for his role in The Ghazi Attack to get a leaner body.

Rana left the audiences mesmerized with his physical metamorphosis journey. The actor who had made a glaring body had to go completely vegetarian to lose weight and get leaner for his Ghaki Attack character where the actor is seen playing the role of a Naval officer.

Rana, who is currently shooting for both, 'The Ghazi Attack', and the sequel to his 2015 historic fiction 'Baahubali', is loosing and shedding pounds to meet the requirements of his looks in the films.

The actor had to put on ample weight for his Character in 'Baahubali' on the other hand he had to acquire leaner look for 'The Ghazi Attack'.

Rana is playing role of the great mighty Bhalal Dev in Baahubali: The Conclusion 

simultaneously he is also gearing up for his upcoming film 'The Ghazi Attack' as a Naval officer.

The actor went on a rigorous training for his roles to which he said, 'When we started the preparations for Ghazi, we were still shooting for Baahubali, so there was a large difference in my body weight'.

Rana had to take a long break between the two shooting schedules to alter his look, he also added by saying 'For Ghazi, I had to turn vegetarian for two months to lose the muscles. I had to stop lifting weights and turn to cardio vascular exercises. Since I'm also a licensed scuba diver, and most of the film was shot under water, my training helped me to stay agile and fit'.

Rana's two distinctive bodies will definitely put the audience to think the sort of hardwork the actor might have put to lose and gain weight. 

An interview with Hrithik Roshan - A Kaabil man

स्ट्रार सिस्टीम कोसळत आहे ते ऐका परिने उत्तम आहे - ह्रतिक रोशन

-    हर्षदा वेदपाठक

2016 हे वर्ष ह्रतिक रोशनची परिक्षा घेणारं राहिलं...बॉक्स ऑफीसवर चित्रपट चालत नसताना....कंगना राणावत प्रकरण आणि घटस्फोट यामुळे त्याचे वैयक्तीक आयुष्य देखिल वादग्रस्त राहीले...या सगळ्याला मागे सारत तो काबील या नविन चित्रपटासह तयार आहे....येथे चित्रपट आणि जिवन याबद्दल त्याच्या बरोबर मारलेल्या गप्पा.....

2016 हे वर्ष तुझ्यासाठी कठीण गेलं असं म्हणायचे काय...कारण तुझे चित्रपट आणि वैयक्तिक आयुष्य यात अनेक वादळं उठत राहीलीत ?

अजिबात विसरता येण्यासारखे वर्ष नव्हते ते...बरच काही शिकता आलं त्या अनुभवातुन इतकच काय ते मी म्हणेन. परिस्थितीतुन सुलाखुन ऩिघाल्याशिवाय आयुष्य समजत नाही. आयुष्यातला विरोधाभास हा जिवनाचा शिल्पकार मानला पाहिजे. जेव्हा परिस्थीती किंवा संकट समोर येतात तेव्हा तुम्ही त्या परिस्थीतीमधुन कसे बाहेर पडायचे हा विचार करता....आणि या विचारामधुनच तु्म्ही घडता असं मी म्हणेन.

2016च्या तुलनेत 2017 मध्ये तुला अधिक चित्रपट करताना पाहता येईल काय ?

मला नेहमीच अधिक काम करायाला आवडते. खरं तर मी दररोज काम करत आहे. आणि चित्रपट तयार करणं हे दररोजचे काम आहे. मला किती चित्रपटांसाठी विचारणा होते त्यापैकी, किती भुमिका सुयोग्य आहेत, त्यावरच मी चित्रपट स्विकारणार की नाही ते ठरते. जसं काबीलचं पहा ना...त्या चित्रपटाला दोन महिन्यामध्ये तयार करता आले असते पण मी तिस दिवसात त्या चित्रपटाचे चित्रीकरण पुर्ण केलं. त्यासाठी तु्म्हाला असा निर्मीता दिग्दर्शक पाहिजे असतो जो तुमच्याकडुन काम करवुन घेईल.

काबील या चित्रपटाबद्दल काय सांगशिल ?

खिऴवुन ठेवणारे असे हे कथानक आहे. आतापर्यत केलेल्या चित्रपटांत काबील हा माझा आवडता चित्रपट आहे. ज्याचे कथानक हे सुंदर असं एक सुडनाटय आहे. त्यातही जो मनुष्य अंध आहे तो कश्याप्रकारे बदला घेऊ शकतो ते येथे पाहता येईल.

मागे एका मुलाखती दरम्यान तु बोलला होतास की, होम प्रोडक्शन असल्यास तुझ्याकडुन लोकांच्या अपेक्षा फार वाढतात ?

काबीलबद्दल बोलायचे तर या चित्रपटाचे निर्माता माझे वडील असले तरी ते काम करताना मला सहजता यावी यासाठी सर्वतोपरिने काळजी घेतात. तसेच तयार होणारा चित्रपट सर्वेत्तम तयार व्हावा यासाठी काळजी घेणारयातले ते ऐक आहेत. जेव्हा माझ्या आजुबाजुचे लोकं त्या चित्रपटासाठी जिव तोडुन काम करत आहेत हे मी पाहतो तेव्हा मी देखिल प्रेरीत होतो.

वेळेच्या बाबतीत, राकेश रोशन हे सक्त आहेत असे ऐकले होते...तुम्ही कधी सेटवर उशीरा पाहोचलात असे कधी झाले काय ?

मला देखिल त्याचा फटका बसला आहे...उशीर झाला की, मला का उशीर झाला हा विचारणारा फोन जरुर येतो.

तु तुझ्या प्रत्येक भुमिकेसाठी मेहनत घेतोस. मग काबीलमध्ये तु एक विशेष भुमिका करत आहेस तर ती कितपत कठीण आणि वेगळी वाटली ?

आतापर्यंत केलेल्या भुमिकांच्या तुलनेत हि भुमिका खुप वेगळी आणि कठीण होती म्हणायला हरकत नाही. सुरवातीला चित्रपटाचे कथानक इतके तळातले आहे की, मला माझ्यामध्येच त्या भुमिकेचा तळ शोधावा लागला. मला काही अंध लोकांना भेटावे लागले, काही रिसर्च करावा लागला खरा. अंध लोकं कसे वागतात, तसे वागण्याची मला प्रक्टीस करावी लागली. तर तो अंध व्यक्ती गातो कसा, नाचतो कसा, हाणामारी कसा करेल याचा देखिल अभ्यास करावा लागला म्हणुन मला हा चित्रपट कायम लक्षात राहील. तुम्ही जेव्हा ऐखादी कठीण गोष्ट शिकता तेव्हा तुम्ही खुप काही शिकता. हा चितपट करताना मी, माझ्याबदद्ल, इतर व्यक्तीमत्वांबद्दल आणि अंध व्यक्तींबद्दल खुप काही शिकलो. जिवनात अशक्य असे काहीच नाही आणि ते मी या चित्रपटामधुन शिकलो.

अश्याप्रकारची भुमिका करणे किंवा चित्रपट स्विकारणे हे तुझ्यासाठी महत्वाचे होते काय कारण बॅंग बॅंग आणि मोहांजोदरो हे चित्रपट चालले नाहीत. त्यामुळे काबील सारखा चित्रपट स्विकारणे तुला सेफ वाटले ?

परंतु त्यासाठी मी भरपुर मेहनत घेतली आहे आणि जिव ओतलाय. आणि जेव्हा तुम्ही तसे वागता तेव्हा त्याचा तुम्हाला नक्कीच फायदा होतो. माझी मेहनत मला नक्कीच मला फायदा करुन देईल यात वाद नाही.

तु रईसचे प्रोमो पाहिले असतील आणि लैला ओ लैला...हे गाण पण ऐकलं असेल..तर काय सांगशिल त्याबदद्ल ?

मी तो ट्रेलर पाहिला आणि गाणं देखिल ऐकलं आहे...आवडलं मला ते...

काबीलमध्ये तु अंध व्यक्तीची भुमिका साकारत आहेस. त्या भुमिकेसाठी तु तयारी कश्याप्रकारे केलीस. इतर काही चित्रपट वगैरे पाहिलेस काय ?

मी फक्त एकच चित्रपट पाहिला आणि तो म्हणजे सेन्ट ऑफ अ वुमन. अल पचीनो यांच्या अभिनयातुन मला बरच काही शिकायला मिळाले.

सर्वैच्य न्यायालयाने, दिव्यांग व्यक्तींना राष्ट्रगीताच्या सम्मानार्थ उभे राहण्यासाठी काही आराखडा दिला आहे. त्याबद्दल चित्रपटसृष्टीमधुन नाराजी देखिल व्यक्त करण्यात आली आहे. तु काय सांगशिल ?

जर शक्य असेल तर त्यांनी देखिल राष्टगीताचा मान राखायला काय हरकत आहे.

अंध व्यक्तीवर चित्रपट केल्यावर तु त्यांच्यासाठी प्रेरणास्त्रोत राहशील ?

या विषयासाठी मी नेहमीच भावुक राहीलो आहे. संधी मिळाली तर नक्कीच करेन. मी जेव्हा ऐश्वर्या रायची, नेत्रदान करण्यासाठीची जाहीरात पाहिली होती तेव्हाच मी नेत्रदान करण्याचे योजले होते.

2016 हे वर्ष हिंदी चित्रपटसृष्टीला फारसे काही चांगले गेले नाही. बॉक्स ऑफीसवर फार कमी चित्रपटांना यश आले. खान, कुमार यांच्यानंतर तु शेवटचा असा कलाकार आहे, ज्याकडे स्ट्रार पॉवर आहे. मात्र हल्लीच्या नविन कलाकारांकडे किंवा दिग्दर्शकाकडे त्याची वनवा दिसुन येते. काय सांगशिल त्याबद्दल ?

मला त्याबद्दल काही सांगता येणार नाही. किंवा त्याचे विश्लेषण देखिल करता येणार नाही. स्ट्रार सिस्टीम कोसळत आहे ते ऐका परिने उत्तम आहे असे म्हणता येईल. चित्रपटकर्त्यांना  नविन कलाकार सापडतील आणि नविन कलाकारांना संधी सापडेल. आपल्याकडे नविन कलाकारांना काम करण्यासाठी भरपुर वाव आहे. फक्त चारपाच नावं असणं हे चित्रपटसृष्टीसाठी चांगलं नाही. तेच तुम्ही हॉलीवुडकडे पाहिले तर इतक्या कलाकारांचे चित्रपट तेथे विकले जातात, की तुम्ही त्यांची नावं मोजुन कंटाळुन जाल. आपल्याकडे देखिल तसेच व्हायला पाहिजे आणि ते काही वाईट नाही.

पण लहान नावे बॉक्स ऑफीसवर नफा नाही मिळवु शकत त्याबदद्ल काय सांगशिल ?

त्यावर आपल्याकडे स्पेशलायझेशन येण्याची गरज आहे असं मला वाटतं. कलाकारांना देखिल तसं वाटलं पाहिजे की चित्रपट हा सिरीयस बिझनेस आहे म्हणुन. काही कलाकारांच्या इमेजमुळे, ठराविक प्रकारचे चित्रपट सर्वदुर पोहोचतात तर काही चित्रपटांचे नुकसान होतय ते मी मानतो. मग त्यासाठी पडद्यावर चांगले दिसणे, ठराविक साच्यातले संवाद बोलणे हा अभिनय नाही ना. तर कलाकाराने स्वत काही प्रमाणात वास्तवदर्शी राहणे गरजेचे आहे असं मला वाटतं. म्हणजेच, तुमची भावनात्मकता लोकांपर्यत जशीच्या तशी पोहोचवणे गरजचे आहे. आणि या सगळ्यासाठी सिनेमा शिकणे यासह तुम्हाला तुमचे जिवन समजुन येणे फार गरजेचे आहे.

तु आता हॉलीवुडचा विषय काढला म्हणुन, प्रियांका आणि दिपीका तेथे चांगलं काम करत आहेत. तु त्या दिशेनं काम करण्यासाठी काही विचार केला आहेस काय ?

कदाचित करेन देखिल. हॉलीवुडमध्ये काम करण्यासाठी मला काही वावगं वाटत नाहीय. परंतु अजुन देखिल मला तसा प्लॅटफॉर्म सापडलेला नाहीय. तेथुन मला अनेक स्क्रीप्ट पाठवल्या गेल्या आहेत. परंतु त्यात निवड करण्यासाठी खास असे काहीच नाही. देशी किंवा विदेशी चित्रपट असोत मी कधीच भुमिकांचा विचार केलेला नाहीय, तर मला विचारण्यात आलेल्या भुमिकांनी मला चकीत केलं आणि मी ते चित्रपट निवडलेत. मी माझ्यासाठी ठराविक पातळीवर विचार करण्यापुर्वी दिग्दर्शक माझ्याही पुढे जाऊन विचार करतात ते मला आवडते.

काही वर्षापुर्वी दिलेल्या मुलाखती दरम्यान तु म्हणाला होतास की, क्रीशमधिल रोहीतप्रमाणे तुला बाहेर जाऊन ऑटोग्राफ दयायला आवडेल. आता अनेक वर्षानंतर तुला असे वाटते की, मॅच्युरीटीने अभिनयात वास्तववाद आणता येतो ?

होय नक्कीच. मॅच्युरीटी, अवेअरनेस तसेच तुमच्या कलेने तुम्ही लोकांना आनंद देऊ शकता. त्यातही स्वताचा आवाका माहित असणे. आत्मविश्वास या महत्वाच्या गोष्टी आहेत. यासह तुम्ही जेव्हा अभिनय करता तेव्हा तुम्ही कॉन्शयश होत नाहीत. तुम्हाला एका दृष्यामध्ये जर प्रेक्षकांना इम्प्रेस करायचे असेल तर तुम्ही त्यात नवसर ओतता. परंतु तुम्ही जी भुमिका रंगवत आहात त्याला तश्या ट्रीटमेन्टची गरज आहे काय, ते समजावुन घेणे गरजेचं आहे. यामुळे एखादया भुमिकेत घुसणे आणि एखादया विचारासह भुमिका तयार करणे या दोन्ही गोष्टी आत्मसाद करण्याची गरज असते. मला हे सगळं ठावुक आहे असं मी म्हणणार नाही तर मी याच पध्दतीने काम करतो. आणि दर वेळेला काहीतरी उत्तम देण्याचा प्रयत्न करीत राहतो.

एकाच दिवशी तुझा आणि शाहरुख खानचा रईस प्रदर्शित होत आहे. तुझे आणि शाहरुखचे फॅन दोन्ही चित्रपटांमध्ये तुलना करुन भाकीतं वर्तवत आहेत...काय सांगिल त्याबद्दल ?

गंमत आहे त्यामध्ये... तर करु द्या त्यांना तसे....

यामी गौतमची निवड कशी काय करण्यात आली ?

त्या भुमिकेसाठी आम्ही अनेक नविन जुन्या कलाकारांच्या स्क्रीन टेस्ट घेतल्या होत्यात. मात्र यामीची स्क्रीन टेस्ट ही भुमिकेबरोबर चपखल बसणारी ठरली.

आता हिंदी फिल्म आणि हॉलीवुड यामध्ये फारसा फरक राहीलेला नाही. तर क्रीश या चित्रपटाला ऍव्हेन्चर किंवा आणखीन ऐखादया चित्रपटाप्रमाणे पाहता येईल काय ?

माझी मुलं पण मला असेच प्रश्न विचारतात आणि मी त्यांनी होय हेय उत्तर देतो. आणि त्या दिशने आशा करायला काय हरकत आहे.

                                                     

The city celebrates Jackie Chan’s KungFu Yoga

Cinema legend Jackie Chan was in Mumbai today to promote his upcoming international film, KungFu Yoga, directed by Stanley Tong.

The city welcomed the global action star with much fanfare, fitting for a superstar of his stature.

His host in Mumbai and co-star Sonu Sood , ensured that the day was one to remember with a string of events that paid tribute to him.

Jackie Chan was first welcomed at JW Marriot,Mumbai with a traditional Indian cultural dance and then joined the rest of the cast - Sonu Sood, Disha Patani, Amyra Dastur and director Stanley Lang at the press conference organized at the plush five star.

The trailer of the international action-comedy was screened to a packed house of well-wishers and the Indian media.

On the occasion said Jackie Chan, “I'm sure all of you sitting here have watched my films growing up when your parents took you to watch them...it's my wish now that you take your parents for this one."

Talking about the film said director Stanley Tong, “ In 1993, we shot the film The Myth in India and I fell in love with India. I'm happy KungFu Yoga has brought me back here....it was an amazing experience shooting in Rajasthan ".

Said Sonu Sood, “ When I received a call from Jackie Chan’s office for this film , I just couldn't beleive it. When things were finalised ,the first person I called was my father and we decided to watch the film together .I lost my father before this film released but I'm distributing the film in India now and in a way I see it as honoring my father's memory...he would have wanted this".

Said Disha Patani, “The entire experience of shooting this film was amazing and something I will never forget.We are overwhelmed with all the support and love we have received ".

Jackie Chan made a grand entry in a vintage automobile and was then treated to a special showcasing of martial arts by an Indian troop. He later gorged on the signature Mumbaiya street food as the hotel recreated the typical “khau gaali “ambiance, within the hotel premises.

The eventful day ended with Sonu Sood throwing an honorary private party for Jackie Chan that was attended by some of the biggest names from the Hindi film industry.

KungFu Yoga releases nationwide in four languages – English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu 3rd February, 2017. Presented and distributed by Sonu Sood (Shakti Sagar Sood Productions) in India, the multi-lingual action adventure comedy features international action star and cinema legend Jackie Chan, Lay Exo, Disha Patani and Amyra Dastur and is directed by Stanley Tong