Bollywood Film Fame Canada - January 2021 Online Issue by Bollywood Film Fame Canada

BollywoodFilmFame.com

"Never been more me than now"

January 2021

SHAMITA SHETTY, SWASTIKA MUKHERJEE

on women taking back power - A conversation about

Black Widows

Rohit Saraf An exclusive conversation with

the man who everyone is talking about.

Hope is what

Torbaaz

is all abouT Chatting with

Producer Puneet Singh Director Girish Malik Actor Rahul Dev

A new year always comes with tons of promise but what if we told you that 2020 came with so much promise in the Arts that there is a certain amount of love that 2020 deserves, even with it being collectively the most challenging year for the human race with the current pandemic all of us find ourselves in. Hope and love is found in artists such as our cover story actor, Rohit Saraf, whose genuine ability to make one smile with his perception is refreshing. He is candid and loves love. Who wouldn't want him as a friend in their lives? We speak to him about his acting journey, his proudest moment, and more. Black Widows cast members Shamita Shetty and Swastika Mukherjee catch up with us about women taking power back and being a part of stories in which women begin to take control of their lives. That brings them hope. And be it sport or a pen, Torbaaz hopes to bring hope to the world as well as I sit down with Girish Malik, Puneet Singh, and Rahul Dev about their film. In the music world is the multi-faceted and talented, Taaruk Raina, who talks to us about his debut single, "Sukoon" (who also plays a pivotal part in the Mismatched series). We also have hit-maker, Aastha Gill, talk to us about her new single "Crazy Lady" and what it means to own your craziness. Twinjabi talk to us about their style of music and their hope to be the biggest in the world one day. Rumana Molla talks to us about hope through the lens of shooting through the pandemic and bringing her own lived experiences to widen her horizons as an artist. Joining us in conversations are also acting powerhouses Krishna Bharadwaj, Digangana Suryavanshi, and Saadhika Syal. All in all, this is a power-packed issue with a look back at some of the best in 2020 and promise for 2021. Here's hoping our 2021 will bring some light, laughter, and an emergence of joy. Until Next Time, Armin S.

Shubharna Shu Mukerjee

Wearing @bloni.atelier Styled by @ruhani_s| Assisted by @marziatyeby Hair by @milankepchaki Make up by @vickysalvi22 Photos by @nehachandrakant

Cover Credits:

COVER PAGE: Rohit Saraf

"Never been more me than now"

Rohit Saraf

COVER STORY

“NEVER BEEN MORE ME THAN NOW”

ROHIT SARAF Exclusive Interview by Armin S.

16 BollywoodFilmFame.com

COVER STORY

remember speaking to him during TIFF 2019. I remember thinking, he is going to make waves one day. Rohit Saraf had a nervous but fresh energy as he arrived for his interviews for The Sky is Pink. We had a fifteen minute conversation and I remember specifically asking him about his train station scene (those who haven’t watched the film and this scene, you’re missing out). Even before The Sky is Pink, Rohit has been a part of major projects such as Dear Zindagi and Hichki. But what we saw in 2020 was an even bigger rise in his fan following, after his stellar performances in both Ludo and Mismatched. I sat down to chat with him via video on a weekend morning and I remember leaving the interview feeling good. Feeling good – it’s a rarity to describe yourself feeling that way after a conversation. But that truly was the way I felt. Rohit had a way of speaking that was honest, but with a level of sincerity and hope that I rarely come across in chats. There was no filter, no mincing words, and just a level of sheer gratitude and respect that he attached to his words. I found myself completely engrossed in our conversation and I hope you will too be engrossed as you read on.

COVER STORY

“what Iʼm doing right now is what my father envisioned for me when I was four.” WHAT IʼM DOING RIGHT NOW IS WHAT MY FATHER ENVISIONED FOR ME WHEN I WAS F O U R .

COVER STORY ROHIT, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TAKING THE TIME OUT TO SPEAK TO ME. WHEN YOU WERE ON THE RED CARPET FOR THE SKY IS PINK, YOU HAD THIS BEAUTIFUL, NERVOUS ENERGY AROUND YOU. TODAY, POST-LUDO AND POST-MISMATCHED, WHAT IS YOUR HEADSPACE LIKE AND WHAT WAS YOUR HEADSPACE LIKE BACK THEN?

I think that one part, the biggest part of the headspace is being grateful. I think that is something that I had after The Sky is Pink and now, after Ludo and Mismatched. That hasn’t changed and I hope to God that that never changes. Before The Sky is Pink happened, before the premiere at TIFF, I was nervous about how the audiences will receive me and my performance. I was not let down at all when the film came out. I think what happens is, with each film, the nervousness, I speak for myself, increases with each project. I feel like The Sky is Pink, I had a certain number of scenes and I tried to do my best. That worked fine with the audiences. As the screen space and projects get bigger, it comes with a lot of responsibility and I do not want to make the mistake of taking that lightly or taking that for granted. So that headspace is very similar to where I’m at right now. I was nervous about The Sky is Pink at that time, I’m now nervous about picking up my next project. But there is also an insane amount of excitement with the kind of opportunities out there and there is so much to look forward to. All in all, it’s a very good headspace to be in.

IN THIS EIGHT YEAR LONG JOURNEY YOUʼVE HAD AS AN ACTOR, IS THERE A CERTAIN MOMENT THAT MAKES YOU VERY PROUD OF YOURSELF, OR SOMETHING YOU ARE BEGINNING TO CHERISH?

In the journey I’ve made in the last eight years, one thing that makes me very proud is that what I’m doing right now is what my father envisioned for me when I was four. It gives me chills down my spine – even when I’m talking to you right now, it gives me goosebumps. I can’t believe that he had that vision and I’m actually working towards turning that into reality. Another part of it is that there is one thing I’ve heard after every performance I’ve given and that is that they connect to me as a person – this is from those who have followed my journey to those getting to know me now. They connect to me as a person no matter what character I play. That’s the most rewarding feeling ever – that I could play somebody very loveable or somebody who you despise but I feel like if I can form a connect to no matter who is watching me, without knowing me, without meeting them, that’s so rewarding. There is no bigger reward than having that space in someone’s heart.

LETʼS TALK ABOUT RELATABILITY THEN, ESPECIALLY THROUGH THE LENS OF MISMATCHED. WHAT A BEAUTIFUL SERIES, DEVOID OF ASCRIBING STEREOTYPES TO ANY CHARACTERS, AND OF COURSE, MAKING EACH CHARACTER VULNERABLE, IS THE STRENGTH OF THE SERIES. WHO WERE THE CHARACTERS YOU COULD RELATE TO THE MOST IN THE SERIES?

There are two characters I could relate to a lot. It goes without

saying that the first character I got to know about and his existence is Rishi because I was approached for that. Obviously, before you sign a project, you read the script and I was reading from Rishi’s perspective – whether I want to do Rishi or not. When I read his part, and I say this with utmost honesty, I’m absolutely in love with the feeling of love. I feel that love is this one big umbrella which has all of these other feelings under it – love encapsulates many other feelings. I’m in love with love. If I could give Rishi another name, one feeling, it would be love. The moment I got to know about him, I wanted to play him because of how hopeless he is when it comes to romance. I fell in love with how old school he is with his idea of romance and relationships. We are in 2021 now and nobody believes in that kind of love. Of course there are people who believe in love from the 60s – but I think that would be the minority. In my head, the most ideal relationship would be my mom and my dad’s. My mom was 16 when she got married to my dad who was 23 or 24. They lived together for the rest of their lives. My father passed when he was 48. My mom is still as madly in love with him as she was when she got married to him. That’s the most beautiful relationship I’ve ever come across so it just took me back to that time. I also related to Namrata’s character. I have a best friend named Priyanka who lives in Australia. I met her some seven/six years ago and she is one of the greatest joys of my life. Namrata reminded me of Priyanka – of what a best friend should be like, what a best friend is. I refuse to believe that I can’t have a soulmate because my soulmate is my best friend. I am so close to Namrata’s character. It’s all heart, and that’s why I loved the two characters so much.

“One thing you need to be, and should remain a constant, is to be honest.” WHAT THAT SHOW HAS TAUGHT YOU ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS OR DID YOU BRING SOMETHING FROM YOUR OWN REALITY TO THAT SHOW?

Wow…What I can say for sure is what I understood about humans, and not necessarily relationships. I think one is a by-product of the other. The biggest thing anyone should imbibe in their lives is acceptance. The reason why the characters are going through whatever they are going through is because they actually have not accepted themselves – be it Dimple, Rishi, Namrata, Celina, Anmol, Harsh…that’s one thing common between each character, which is why they have such strange and messed up relationships.

COVER STORY

“The biggest thing anyone should imbibe in their lives is acceptance.”

COVER STORY With 2020 and the pandemic, it has been a strange and yet a very whole year. Ironic because we were all stuck at home and couldn’t do anything but if there is one year which brought us closest to who we are as humans, it is 2020. I can speak for myself when I say that – I have never been more me than I am today. I am grateful for that. Acceptance is what Mismatched taught me a lot. We are trying to normalize each character – someone confused about their sexuality, insecure about losing hair – we are not trying to make it over the top. This might sound really funny but I’ve been in this business for eight years and we use hair products in our hair every day practically and I lose hair and it’s a real issue. So I know what Krish’s character goes through. I know Simran’s problem when she wants to touch up all the time because as actors, how we look is where it starts. Then, it goes on to everything else right. Without trying to sensationalize it, but still talking about it, is important. This show gave me a lot more thanI could ever imagine, starting from experiences and learnings about humans and individuals and of course, the growth I’ve seen in my professional life. The love, the reassurance I’ve received. The numbers are a testament to how much we have been loved. I think this is a project that will remain closest to my heart for years to come.

“In my head, the most ideal relationship would be my mom and my dadʼs.” AND, OF COURSE, IT ALSO LOOKS LIKE THE ENTIRE CAST WAS GETTING ALONG WELL!

Yes, absolutely. That’s what our directors said to us. We were all living in Rajasthan for 39 days. It happens that you get close to people on sets and people move on to other projects after. But we are all still together in a way. With this project, we were all on the same boat and fighting the same battles – to be heard, to be seen, to be given a chance to showcase who we are as people. We all just bonded over the same headspace as individuals as well. We are also very, very driven towards what we want in our lives. We also had an immense amount of respect for each other. Aakarsh (director, Akarsh Khurana) sir and Nipun (director, Nipun Dharmadhikari) said that their jobs were easier because we all just got along. I also knew Taaruk who is playing Anmol and I knew Muskaan who is playing Celina – from before and they knew a couple of people from before, so we all just gelled really well together.

LETʼS TALK ABOUT LUDO. I UNDERSTAND THERE WERE SOME DAYS YOU DIDNʼT EVEN KNOW WHICH SCENE YOU WERE SHOOTING AND YOU WERE ALSO, AT ONE POINT, BACK AND FORTH BETWEEN MISMATCHED AND

LUDO. WHAT WAS THE EXPERIENCE LIKE WORKING WITH ANURAG BASU, WHO CAN CREATE BEAUTY IN CHAOS WITHOUT MUCH DIALOGUE? SPECIFICALLY IN RELATION TO CHANNELING YOUR OWN FEELINGS WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO USE WORDS, BECAUSE YOUR CHARACTER HAS VERY FEW DIALOGUES IN THE FILM?

So, it was a very strange journey and I say this in the best possible way. When it started, it was frightening to know that you are A.) going to be with such brilliant actors and you have to be at par, and not because you think they will overshadow you but because you cannot be the reason why the film is let down. The bigger your part, the bigger the responsibility now. I mean, I was practically carrying a story on my shoulders with Pearle. B.) It was like, okay, great, I will perform and I don’t have dialogues so how will I perform? Like, I hadn’t done anything like that before. I have never trained professionally as an actor before. Everything I have learnt, has been from practical experience of being on set, with each director I’ve worked with. I’m a mad, curious person and I love asking a lot of questions to my directors about everything. I had not done anything like this before, portraying a character without any dialogues. Of course, that was frightening but I guess, that’s where Anurag Basu’s expertise comes in. I think the only way to do this was to completely trust him. Also, he made sure he gave me the environment which felt safe, safe enough to make mistakes, but also he knew that he would make sure the end product does not suffer. I fully trusted him with anything he wanted me to do – there were times when he told me he did not want me to do anything – “I just want you to come and stand in front of the camera and look. It’s a big screen, the camera catches everything. If you feel the way the character is feeling, you will not have to move a muscle on your face and the camera will capture it all.” And that was the most exciting part for me – that there was so much going on in my head, but there is nothing on my face and it will reach the audiences. His only direction to us was to know your characters and know them so well that if tomorrow somebody asks you a question about your character, you will be able to answer that like it’s your own life. That was the process of becoming Rahul. To know what he’s feeling. What also really helps is – there is this activity he did with us – Who, What, Where, When, Why? (5Ws). If you know these 5 Ws about your character for each scene, you are home with your character. Initially, I would go on set and do a shot and Anurag Basu (dada) would call cut and I would not know if he was livid with my shot, or happy with it. But soon after, I let go of any inhibitions I had and just enjoyed myself, and that’s when the magic really started happening. That was Ludo for me.

EIGHT YEARS IN THE MAKING, AND SOME HUGE PROJECTS ALONG THE WAY. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST LEARNING LESSON SO FAR, THROUGH YOUR JOURNEY?

I think, if there is one thing that you need to be, which remains a constant and should remain a constant for the rest of your life, is to be honest. If you are honest, the audiences will connect with you. That’s been my biggest learning lesson. Earlier I used to try to act like a character, now I try to be a character. But you have to be honest.

INTERVIEW

INSIDE

TORBAAZ

IN CONVERSATION WITH

PRODUCER

PUNEET SINGH DIRECTOR

GIRISH MALIK ACTOR

RAHUL DEV Interviews By Armin S.

magine having the producer, director, and principal actor of a film in one conversation and getting their respective perspectives on the same kind of conversation. That’s what happened when I sat down over video with the team of Torbaaz – director, Girish Malik; producer, Puneet Singh; and actor, Rahul Dev. I spoke to them about the theme of hope explored through Torbaaz, the initial reviews contrasted with audience reactions, and the overall experience and learning lessons through the film. 22 BollywoodFilmFame.com

THE THEME OF HOPE THROUGH TORBAAZ GIRISH MALIK: This entire journey has not been easy. I wanted to give a voice

to this new generation of children, who can live in hope within full destruction and war. I was sent a very beautiful message by one of the viewers and reviewers from Canada, in fact. Yes to bats, pencils – I realized people understood the metaphor. It’s not just cricket. Cricket is some way of hope for the children. The audiences have begun to view the film with a noble cause, the way it has been projected to them. In a nutshell, I think that I really wanted the audience to view the film to understand the noble cause. The film is about rescuing innocence and gathering the courage to do this. That is the whole objective and I think we are pretty much.

RAHUL DEV: You should be left with the feeling that all will be well – I think that

define hope as well. Whatever may be the journey, you will know that all shall be well. I’ve been working consistently since June 24th, 2020, and except for my shoulder injury from being on set which caused me to be off work for 3 weeks, I have been working. When I was off, I was going to the hospital for physiotherapy in the midst of the pandemic, when people were even afraid to step out. I was in the hospital, and I saw people suffering there. I think you just have to think about the solution, and that is what hope is all about. 2020 has probably been one of the busiest years of my career – with four releases. So although the year was grim for the world, I looked at hope and the way people are working through it.

PUNEET SINGH: I’m somebody who is, good or bad happening in life, very positive about things happening. Anything negative coming towards me, I put it on rest and I think about how to tackle it. The way the film is tackling terrorism, looking at the impact on children, and through the lens of sport – the film has all three components that connect the world together. I think that’s why the film is doing so well worldwide. These are the common components that people would be connecting to. You take potential negative energy such as terrorism and you divert that into positive energy, like using sport to help children through tough times.

(Middle) Dire

RAHUL DEV: T

another new But everyon the deciding been trendin worldwide in

GIRISH MALIK:

ing it, they a talk about h Runner. And review talks ers should setting is so me, that is v events, and Opinions wo media – the ed with Gre realized tha first day, my audiences h

INTERVIEW

(Above) Producer Puneet Singh and Director Girish Malik on the sets of Torbaaz

Actor Rahul Dev

ector Girish Malik, (Right) Actor Sanjay Dutt on the sets of Torbaaz

AUDIENCE AND CRITIC REACTION

The reviews were mixed, a leading newspaper gave it 4 stars, wspaper gave it 2 stars…So you wonder which one to believe? ne’s viewpoint is out of your control. See, at the end of the day, g factor is the audience. The platform is Netflix and the film has ng at #1 in India, Pakistan, UK for a time, and Bangladesh, and n the top ten, alongside some of the biggest Hollywood films.

: I’ll just add that when people are watching the film and revieware giving it whatever stars they are, 4 stars or 2 stars, but they how in first forty minutes, the film reminds them of The Kite d, I’m like, this is the biggest compliment I can get! Then, the s about the last thirty minutes and says, anyone fond of tearjerkwatch this film. Another review said that the actors and the o realistic that it almost looks like a docu-drama, and again, for very commendable. For me, this is a fictional story based on real d these kinds of comments are actually a huge deal to me. orldwide differ. Everyone has a voice especially through social e audience worldwide has given it so much love – it has resonateece, Vietnam, Cyprus, Lebanon, the Middle Eastern world. I at it is heartfelt and it has struck a chord with the audience. The y heart was sinking but as time has gone on, I’m thankful that the have opened up their hearts to Torbaaz.

EXPERIENCE & LEARNING LESSONS GIRISH MALIK: The last concluding word would be that I hope and I pray that children in this conflict find a voice. I hope that the world comes closer together and people from other parts of the world find some connectivity to this world that I’m showing in Torbaaz. That was my objective in writing the film as well. I think this film has become very close to me, but not taking away from the senior actors, Rahul Dev, Sanjay Dutt, Nargis Fakhri, and the newcomers – all of them have just done so well in the film. I’m thankful for the support through a very difficult film. We have gone through so much to make this film and I just want the film to resonate with the audiences. PUNEET SINGH: I would just ask Girish ji, who is a brother to me, who under-

stands the miseries of being a director – please don’t always shoot in -15 degrees or +50 degrees (chuckles). He always chooses to do that.

GIRISH MALIK: (Laughs) I’ve done this with both brothers – one is in +50

degrees and one is in -15 degrees. I must say, Armin, in both of their respective films, I don’t know what the connection is, they were just so natural in the setting (laughs). I’ve somehow done this to both the brothers.

RAHUL DEV: It is quite simple and I think it is about learning. I remember the

documentary Girish was nice enough to share with me about a journalist who stayed with terrorists for some thirty/thirty-five days. I got an insight into their world and you always think of them as bad people but nobody thinks about why they are doing what they are doing.

INTERVIEW

SHAMITA SHETTY & SWASTIKA MUKHERJEE ON

‘BLACK WIDOWS’ Exclusive Interviews by Armin S. Photos Courtesy of ZEE5 Global

lack Widows (A ZEE5 Original) on ZEE5 Global is definitely watchable and primarily because of the bond between the three primary characters: Swastika Mukherjee, Shamita Shetty, and Mona Singh. When I had the opportunity to speak to Swastika and Shamita about their characters in Black Widows and the importance of women taking power back, it was pure fun but also insightful.

YOUR CHARACTERS ARE INTERESTING. THERE IS A POWER IMBALANCE WITH YOUR SPOUSE AND YOU TAKE BACK THAT POWER. BOTH OF YOUR CHARACTERS ARE INTRIGUING IN DIFFERENT WAYS. SWASTIKA, YOURS HAS SUFFERED BUT IS A LEADER, IN A WAY. WHAT INTRIGUED YOU ABOUT HER?

SWASTIKA MUKHERJEE: I think, given the trying times we are all living in, and in 2020, we saw so much domestic violence happening around us, I’m sure it was always there. But in 2020, it sort of triggered to an irreparable height and everywhere, news was flooding in and people sat up and and took notice that this is a recurring problem in our society. Women also fit into very casually and there is almost this mindset that we are okay with the way society looks at women. I wouldn’t say I was happy but I felt it was important to speak up and take a stand. Also, as an artist, I think it is that we incorporate what we believe in into our work. We can’t just talk about social media and then practically do nothing. I’m not comfortable with taking up projects where I give in to the regressive ideas into society but in my personal space, I stand up for things I believe in. It’s very important that we work in an all-inclusive environment. We should play characters, sometimes, who we really believe in. We can be voices of people who cannot come out in the open and speak or share what they are going through or how they feel. It is important to protest or do something that will make you feel that you are finding justice in some way. I could really relate to my character, Jayati Sardesai, who constantly, throughout the episodes, was trying to get her friends to focus and not give into another man who may encroach their space again. I really thought it was an important story though it has its humour and

24 BollywoodFilmFame.com

though it is fiction.

SHAMITA, WHATʼS YOUR FAVOURITE PERSONALITY TRAIT OF YOUR CHARACTER?

SHAMITA SHETTY: I think she is funny. I think she adds that humour that is needed in some tense scenes and situations. I love that about her. She does it unknowingly. She is so convinced with what she is saying or doing that she ends up being really funny, unknowingly. I love that about her. There is a certain innocence as well to her. She is also very vulnerable. I love that too. Yes, she is impulsive, immature, all of that, but deep down, she is just a girl that wants to find love and wants to be loved. She will do anything to get that love.

INTERESTING RIGHT, BECAUSE YOUR CHARACTERS ARE UNAPOLOGETIC. BUT WHY DO WE HAVE TO APOLOGIZE? WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO SHOW THESE CHARACTERS ON SCREEN?

SHAMITA SHETTY: People are coming up with a lot more women-centric films which is a welcome change. We are living in times that are different. Women are speaking out and are no longer taking what is given to them; they want what they want and they are going out there and grabbing it. So the content has changed with time. The audience is a lot more accepting of these kinds of subjects where they want something that is real, new, and relevant. It makes me very happy to see that change. I don’t think it’s just women. I think society, in general, has changed. We are speaking out about things we don’t want and don’t like.

WHAT IS ALSO IMPORTANT IS THE CHEMISTRY BETWEEN THE THREE PRINCIPAL CHARACTERS? TELL

INTERVIEW

US ABOUT BUILDING THAT CHEMISTRY.

SWASTIKA MUKHERJEE: I think at the end of the day, all of us could relate to our stories and each other’s stories. I saw the vulnerability and the strength that Shamita’s character had and also, what was leading Mona’s character into stupid decisions and falling into the same trap with her husband – I think as women, even if it hadn’t happened to us personally, we had seen things happening around us, with friends or relatives. You read things, you follow the news. It is not something very alien to us. We also bonded very well on a personal level. That bonding kind of showed in front of the camera. We spent so much time on sets and we had lots of scenes together so we were spending a lot of time together. Given the pandemic situation we were working in, we started shooting in August – so lockdown and the severe restrictions during work, so the entire unit was staying in one place. So we were staying there and we used to meet up after work. You talk about your personal space and get to know each other better and you bond. We took that forward when we were on location and in front of the camera. That sisterhood was there. I personally bonded with Shamita a lot and we still talk to each other every day. She will put in the effort and send me a message. She also gets angry at late replies! I told her she behaves like a jealous boyfriend at times. We usually do not make new friends at this age at work, but in Black Widows, between the women, friendship really did happen. SHAMITA SHETTY: I think we ended up becoming genuine friends. I think that was the one thing the director was really nervous about because the series would not have worked if we did not get along, if we were not comfortable with each other. That friendship had to show. We hit it off from day one. It just naturally happened. I think the director was at ease. Eventually, we had to be separated (chuckles).

Mona, Swastika, all of us – both of them have a great sense of humour. Swastika is like me in manyways. Mona is always laughing. It was three mad people coming together (laughs). All of us had a blast!

HAVE YOU TAKEN BACK ANY LEARNING LESSONS FROM YOUR CHARACTERS?

SWASTIKA MUKHERJEE: I’ve been in this profession for almost two decades now and it is only recently that people on a national level have sat up and taken notice of me. I always feel that as an actor, if you give so much to a character and you are with the character for so long during shooting, during dubbing – as an artist, I think you always take from the character but you also give a lot. It’s like a barter system. Vulnerability and the rawness that each character has and the mistakes they were making at each turn because these women are not pros, not criminal-minded – all of this made them very relatable. They wanted to get away from the daily humiliation in whichever way you put it. I could relate to Kavita’s character who really wanted companionship and someone to take care of her. It makes you realize to love yourself and not depend on someone else for your happiness. As women, we give too much power to others to feel happy or sad all the time. SHAMITA SHETTY: For starters, this was not a character I could relate to at all. It took a lot of work. For me, the other characters were easier, this one for me was really difficult. I could have come across like I was over-acting. I had to subtly portray this character and she is loud in her own way. She is so unpredictable. You don’t know what she can say or do. I really had to start thinking like Kavita. Everyone actually started to enjoy Kavita, like it became a thing to say that this or that was a Kavita thing to do. She became a thing. Towards the end of it, I really started to enjoy portraying this character. She was just so funny.

INTERVIEW

Aas a Gi OWNING “CRAZY” Interview by Armin S.

“DJ Wale Babu” was played at every single party that I went to in Toronto a couple of years ago. “Abhi Toh Party Shuru Hui Hai” was the song of the year at many parties. And the person who has brought hit after hit, including “Buzz”, “Naagin” and of course, “Crazy Lady”, is none other than Aastha Gill. Her energy is contagious, her smile is just so genuine, I couldn’t help but smile throughout our entire conversation. I spoke to her about getting started, realizing music was her passion, and turning “crazy” into a compliment. 28 BollywoodFilmFame.com

INTERVIEW

AASTHA, LETʼS TALK ABOUT THE FACT THAT YOU HAVE SOME OF THE BIGGEST SONGS TO YOUR CREDIT. “ABHI TOH PARTY SHURU HUI HAI”, “DJ WALE BABU” – OBVIOUSLY, TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE TODAY, YOU HAD TO GO THROUGH SOME SORT OF STRUGGLE, FINDING OUT WHETHER MUSIC WAS WHAT YOU WANTED TO PURSUE. WHEN DID MUSIC BECOME YOUR PASSION?

Music was with me since I was a kid. Everyone on my dad’s side is into music, and my dad himself is a music director. Music was always an integral part of my life. I learnt the piano until the 4th grade. Then, after that, I was focused on my studies, but I was really good at the piano, although now I’m a bit out of practice. But I had played at concerts, when I was about 15 or 16 years old. I have dubbed a couple of songs with my dad as a child artiste (chuckles). I never thought I would pursue it as a career though because I saw my dad struggling in music sometimes. It’s not easy. But now, I realized nothing is easy. I started working in advertising before this and I remember I got a call from Raftaar bhai for a Bollywood song, so he called me and he asked me to reach the studio as soon as possible. That was the day I actually left my job in advertising; well, I actually got fired because I had to leave to dub my first Bollywood song! I was introduced to Badshah bhai and I was introduced to so many opportunities. I signed with Sony Music India, which I never thought would happen. It was just a leap of faith I took, and it worked for me, so I was probably destined to be in this field – so thank you, God!

OBVIOUSLY, MUSIC IS A CHOICE YOU HAVE MADE AND IT COMES WITH A LOT OF STRUGGLE. BUT WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FOR YOU?

The biggest challenge I think was, after giving a hit, like “DJ wale babu”, how do I follow up with something else? People will have expectations. That was the biggest stress. I wanted to come back with a bang. It did also take quite some time to make my place in the industry because obviously, a lot of people would agree, it is a male-oriented industry. I didn’t realize this until recently. I feel that it is true. It is very difficult for a female to make a mark because everyone is out there to just judge you. That is also a challenge. But I realize that challenges are a part of every field. If I was in advertising, I would have had different challenges. I guess now I have glamourous challenges (laughs)! That’s the good part about my profession. I take them very positively and I try to work harder on myself as an artist to overcome those challenges.

SO WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT TILL DATE?

My proudest moment would be after “Buzz” because I was super stressed but when I saw the love I got for the song, I was like, wow, I’m getting so much love! Because I wasn’t the face in “DJ wale babu”, I didn’t know how it felt. The other thing is that shoot for “Buzz” was very difficult so I felt like my hard work paid off. That was, I think, that was a huge proud moment.

LETʼS TALK ABOUT “CRAZY LADY” BECAUSE I THINK IT IS AN ANTHEM. WE CAN ALL RELATE TO IT. ALL OF US HAVE BEEN CALLED CRAZY AT SOME POINT IN OUR LIVES FOR CERTAIN DECISIONS WE HAVE PROBABLY MADE, THAT WERE OUTSIDE OF THE BOX – SPECIFICALLY, WOMEN, WE ARE TOLD TO ALWAYS FIT INSIDE A BOX. HOW DID “CRAZY LADY” COME TO LIFE FOR YOU?

You know, this is my personal opinion, you have to be a little bit crazy to make it big in life (laughs). I was just thinking, if I had not taken that leap of faith walking out of that office, I wouldn’t be here. A lot of friends of mine were like, “are you crazy…you got fired because of one song and you don’t know where you are going?” I can call it crazy now – at the time, I was weeping and crazy (laughs). I honestly think it is so important to own your craziness, your decisions – irrespective of what others think about it. The song is completely based upon my own personal experiences in life. I was just reading my DMs and comments on pictures – people will randomly call me “pagal” or “crazy” – and I was just thinking that, “okay, fine, I am crazy. I made it big.” It’s better to be crazy, right? I’ve co-written the lyrics as well, so I’m super proud again. When I was sitting with Charan and Kanika, my brief was I want a crazy song…and I was like, I’ve already named the song!

“It is very difficult for a female to make a mark because everyone is out there to just judge you.” YOU MADE IT EXTREMELY COMPLIMENTARY. YOU TAKE WHAT PEOPLE HAVE SAID, FLIPPED IT UPSIDE DOWN, AND MADE IT SO POSITIVE. SO KUDOS TO YOU FOR DOING THAT, ESPECIALLY BECAUSE OF THE MESSAGE OF SELF-LOVE. WHEN DID YOU REALIZE THAT YOU HAD TO OWN YOUR CRAZY?

It has happened a lot of times I would say. Like, I just do whatever I feel like, no matter what people say. Even sometimes, my parents are so fed up! I have to own up to my own self. Every now and then, I realize I am crazy, but I just got to do what I got to do (laughs)!

INTERVIEW

A HOPE TO WATCH FILMS IN THEATRES AGAIN IN 2021

â&#x20AC;&#x153;OTT platforms are the new content playground, whereby creators get access to a worldwide audience for their content.â&#x20AC;?

Interview by Armin S.

hile many industries have faced increased challenges due to the pandemic and various lockdowns, what has been apparent is the increased consumption of entertainment within our homes and our reliance on artists, creatives, and technicians to bring us content in our living rooms. But things have not been easy for the world of entertainment, as artist and creatives alike grapple with the new reality of shooting, a shift in the way in which content is consumed, and hope for a return to some sort of normalcy in cinema. We speak to Siddharth Anand Kumar, Producer at Yoodlee Films, on the biggest challenges in 2020, the increasing popularity of the OTT platform, and what he hopes 2021 will bring.

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Photo Courtesy of Yoodlee Films

INTERVIEW 2020 HAS BEEN RIPE WITH UNCERTAINTY FOR FILMMAKERS AND ALL THOSE INVOLVED IN THE INDUSTRY. WHILE MANY HAVE GONE BACK TO WORK, IT IS STILL A SITUATION WHERE MOST CONSUMPTION CONTINUES TO HAPPEN INSIDE HOMES. WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE AS A PRODUCER THIS YEAR?

The challenge for Yoodlee Films lay in assessing release windows for some of our films. And then came the bit about continuing shooting with all the varied but necessary restrictions. While there was a cost implication, it is also about creatively finding solutions during shoot.

WHAT DOES THE OTT PLATFORM MEAN TO YOU TODAY VERSUS WHAT IT MEANT FOR YOU PERHAPS A YEAR AGO?

For us, now and even a year ago, OTT platforms are the new content playground , whereby creators get access to a worldwide audience for their content. It is liberating to a filmmaker in the sense that he is freed from the mandates of a box office economics and therefore has the opportunity to explore a variety of subjects that can be risquÃ© and otherwise considered commercially unsafe .

WITH SHOOTINGS ONGOING NOW AND LOCATIONS AND TRAVEL RESTRICTED, ARE YOU FINDING YOU HAVE ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES AS A PRODUCER?

The responsibility is to ensure safety of each and every cast and crew member. Rest is all creative responsibility.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES FOR 2021?

That there is a sense of normalcy of watching films in theatres at some point. While OTT platforms will have its share of followers and will be on the rise - I do think that we will need audiences to go back to theatres to enjoy and experience movies for the industry to find its feet.

WHAT DOES THE SLATE OF YOODLEE FILMS LOOK LIKE IN THE NEAR FUTURE?

An absolutely unique zombie horror comedy: the first of its kind for Marathi cinema - Zombivli. We have a Tamil film lined up readying for release and an edge of seat thriller with Jimmy Sheirgill. This apart, we have at least 7 scripts in various stages of development which we want to take to the floor.

INTERVIEW

FROM

CORPORATE TO CAMERA

Saadhika Interview by Armin S.

Saadhika Syal started off her acting career in 2017 and made a huge impact in the world of theatre, being a part of a renowned theatre show Aadhe Adhure. You will also recognize her from her role in 4 More Shots Please – Season 1 and RejectX – Seasons 1 & 2. She continues to make her mark with web series such as It’s My Pleasure and a short film named Smile Simi. I chat with her about challenges, her proudest moment, the impact of the digital platform, and being creatively fulfilled. 32 BollywoodFilmFame.com

Artist @saadhikasyal PR & Coordination by @shah.dev.22 & @aesana0710

INTERVIEW SAADHIKA, YOU STARTED OFF YOUR CAREER IN 2017. HOW WOULD YOU CHARACTERIZE YOUR LAST FEW YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY? WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU FACED AND HOW HAVE YOU OVERCOME THEM?

It’s been a beautiful journey so far. I think I’ve come a long way & there’s still a long way to go. I’m just thankful for finally being able to gather the courage to pursue my childhood dream & I am filled with gratitude for all the baby steps being taken in the right direction. That’s all I think about, to keep myself focused on my end goal & to keep going ahead.

THEATRE, 'FOUR MORE SHOTS PLEASE SEASON 1" AND REJECTX (LIST IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE OF COURSE)…WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT ALL THE PROJECTS YOU HAVE TAKEN ON, WHICH HAS HAD THE MOST PROFOUND IMPACT ON YOU AS A PERSON? AS A PROFESSIONAL?

It’s going to be difficult to select one character. Each role left me with something special & has added to my growth in some way or the other. However, the one closest to my heart has to be Binni from Aadhe Adhure. It changed something inside me as an actor & human, which can’t be described in words. The entire credit goes to my director Mr. Ashok Pandey, who made me go through a beautiful journey with this intense character.

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT TO DATE?

I think the day I decided to quit my corporate job & join acting school. It’s been a life changing decision for me.

“Every time I’m in front of the camera, there’s a fulfilling feeling.“

IN THIS WORLD OF STAYING AT HOME INCREASINGLY, WEB SERIES ARE REALLY COMING OUT IN TOP. WHY DO YOU THINK THE OTT PLATFORM IS WORKING SO WELL, BESIDES THE FACT THAT OUR WORLD SITUATION FORCES US TO STAY HOME A LOT MORE NOW?

It’s definitely working well because of the interesting, varied & different content that OTT makers are putting out there. Content is king at any given point of time.

AS AN ACTOR, HOW DO YOU FEEL THE MOST FULFILLED CREATIVELY?

Every time I’m in front of the camera, there’s a fulfilling feeling. Be it a tiny role or big, it’s always fulfilling to finally be doing what I love the most.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR UPCOMING PROJECTS.

The Jail Plan on DishTV is my next release. I play the lead protagonist - Baby. Her character has a very interesting arc & is one of the most meaty characters I’ve got to play till date.

INTERVIEW

Taaruk Raina A POWERHOUSE of TALENT with a Grounded Perspective

Interview by Armin S.

aaruk Raina is a familiar face and as 2020 was ending, he hit us with a stunning single, “Sukoon” (which is currently my go to song in the car!) and then stunned us as Anmol in the super-popular series, Mismatched. With so many eyes on Taaruk (literally, as “Sukoon” has over 4 million views on YouTube), one wonders where it all started from. From the web to our television, to singing, Taaruk is a force to reckon with in so many mediums and that isn’t a feat many can attempt, let alone accomplish. With so many talents including acting, signing, writing, composing, I wondered what he would be like as I got ready to speak with him. And what a delight he was. Down-to-earth, grounded, and just very easy to converse with, Taaruk Raina is one I would certainly ask everyone to keep watching for, on all fronts.

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INTERVIEW A DOUBLE CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU, TAARUK – “SUKOON” – YOU CAN LISTEN TO IN THE CAR, GETS YOU INTO A CERTAIN TYPE OF MOOD, AND IT IS GREAT TO WATCH; AND OF COURSE, MISMATCHED HAS BEEN DOING SO WELL, TRENDING AT #1 ON ITS DIGITAL PLATFORM.

Thank you so much. I don’t really know what to say. Both just happened back to back and it’s kind of overwhelming. I’m just glad people liked both the song and Mismatched (chuckles and crosses fingers).

HOW DID BOTH ACTING AND SINGING HAPPEN?

You see, I’ve always loved performing, from when I was a kid. I came to Bombay about six, six and half years ago. I wanted to do music and I wanted to act too. I wanted to do music more. But I got the opportunity to act before I got the opportunity to sing. The music business is a tough business, so is acting, but you just can’t have both come up at the same time. You have some serious luck if that happens. Acting came about and I got a chance to do it. I’m no rich kid so I kind of had to work so I did it (chuckles). Two or three years later is when I figured out how to do my music as well and I met the right people. Sony Music has honestly been incredible. They believed in my vision and supported my song. The way it worked out, it was just worth it at the end of the day. I kept writing and making music throughout my acting as well. I was just waiting for the day that I could put it out.

WHAT GOES THROUGH YOUR HEAD WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO MAKE YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE AND IT IS NOT HAPPENING YET BECAUSE IT IS A TOUGH INDUSTRY TO CRACK, YOU NEED TO SUPPORT YOURSELF, AND YOU KEEP WRITING?

A lot of things go through your head, to be honest. When you are an actor, or a singer, or an artist, you do tend to have a lot of time to yourself. It’s kind of dangerous sometimes because your mind wanders all over the place. What I try to do is keep myself busy in whatever I can do. When I came to Bombay, I had no work, nothing…so I started helping out in theatre productions, maybe doing a two minutes role in a production or just a walk-by (chuckles) – whatever made me stay at the auditorium for that time. Then, I started assisting Aditya Chopra for a year, year and a half and it was a good chance for me to figure out the ropes of filmmaking. It was one of the biggest learning

experiences I’ve ever had and now I kind of know how a film is made from a technical perspective from start to finish. Then, I got into television hosting and all of that, I did a film, I did a musical – I wouldn’t say that I didn’t know what I wanted to do; more like I wanted to do a lot of things. I just wasn’t as fixated on one medium or one thing. Fortunately, for me, I got the chance to explore all of them: TV, web, stage, film. I mean, it worked out well for me. Now, music. It’s been great. I’ve learnt a lot from all my experiences and I find myself lucky to be able to put all of those experiences into play so that’s how making this video, song, working out the technicalities of it, and get that output – everything played a part. It feels strange, but it feels good.

If I’m affected so much by positive feedback, I’ll be doubly affected by the negative feedback. LET’S TALK ABOUT MAKING “SUKOON” AND BEING A PART OF THE PROCESS. “SUKOON” IS AN INTERESTING CHOICE FOR A DEBUT SINGLE, BECAUSE THERE COULD HAVE BEEN MANY ROUTES YOU COULD HAVE TAKEN, AND I THINK THE VISUAL TREATMENT OF THE SONG MAKES IT THAT MUCH MORE INTERESTING. WHY “SUKOON” FOR YOUR DEBUT SINGLE?

It’s a song that is very personal to me. It’s a song that I feel doesn’t need a specific situation. You can listen to it at any time. Not that that is important to me. Every song has its own place. “Sukoon” is the type of vibe and song I identify with personally. This is the kind of music I love and enjoy making. I felt that if I give a version of myself as the first product out, for people to know me as an artist and what I’m about, it would be easier to establish who I am. I wouldn’t have to try to be someone else. In the next few things then, I can do something different. The core of me is in “Sukoon”. I also really liked “Sukoon” in the current situation in the world because I don’t really see the point of a party song (laughs). Not that I had a party song to release, but if I did, I wouldn’t – like what was I going to do with it? At a time when everyone is discovering themselves and spending time with close ones, maybe they want to listen to some new music. So, a song

that says something, I think, is the right way to go.

SO, WHO WAS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION GROWING UP THEN?

My biggest inspiration in music, not just music but otherwise, was Justin Timberlake. Even as a performer, he is amazing. There is not one thing he gets wrong. I guess I can admit, I kind of want to be like him one day (laughs). I won’t lie. I’ve always kind of looked up to the guy to see how he balances things and just everything he does is good. If it’s not good, he won’t do it. I’ve never seen a substandard product from the guy.

HMM, I THINK I MAY HAVE TO AGREE WITH YOU. I AM COGNIZANT OF MY OWN BIAS BECAUSE I WAS A HUGE BACKSTREET BOYS FAN BUT I AGREE, ESPECIALLY IN HIS INDEPENDENT CAREER, HE HAS BEEN PHENOMENAL.

Who wasn’t? (chuckles) But honestly, you could be walking by on a crowded street and you could hear “bringing sexy back” and you will be singing that song all the way home! I mean, his music kind of brought about a change in sound, from producing with Timberland, his albums from 2006, 2008, they are still so different.

TELL ME ABOUT THE CONCEPTUALIZATION OF THE VIDEO THEN, BECAUSE I DO THINK THE VISUAL TREATMENT ENHANCES THE SONG.

The video was basically created and conceptualized by my director, Ishaan Nair. He had this vision that he wanted to make this edgy visual, almost sci-fi, very different but at the same time, intriguing and add some heat to it as well. This video has been shot cinematically. It gives the song a good motion and rhythm to follow. Your video is never at a different pace than your song. Both the tempos match.

WITH “SUKOON” OUT, WITH MISMATCHED RECEIVING THE LOVE IT IS, DO YOU PINCH YOURSELF AND THINK, WOW, I’M GETTING TO DO IT ALL?

You know, I try to drown the noise out but I don’t want to get ahead of myself. I have a lovely set of friends and family who keep me level-headed and treat me the way they have always treated me. At the same time, if I start thinking about the reactions too much, I will stop thinking about the work I want to do next. Right now, I’m getting a lot of positive feedback but feedback won’t always be positive right? If I’m affected so much by positive feedback, I’ll be doubly affected by the negative feedback. I just don’t want to take it too seriously. I definitely am thankful, but keeping calm and carrying on.

INTERVIEW

“I HAVE LEARNT TO BE FULL OF ZEAL AT ANY TIME”

KRISHNA BHARADWAJ Interview by Armin S.

rishna Bharadwaj recently won the The Best Comedy Actor Male Award at the International Iconic Awards and rightly so. An actor who has won the hearts of so many, that he has numerous fan clubs dedicated to him. After spending over 800 episodes in Tenali Rama, Krishna Bharadwaj has established himself as an actor loved by the masses. In our interview, he speaks to us about learning lessons, gamechangers, and more.

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Photographer - Swapnil Trivedi @officialswapniltrivedi Artist - Krishna Bharadwaj @kriish_bhardwaj Makeup by Surya, Styled by - Harshwardhan Purohit Coordinated by @shah.dev.22 @aesana0710

INTERVIEW WHEN DID YOU FIRST REALIZE YOU WANTED TO BE IN FRONT OF A CAMERA?

“I feel empty after portraying Tenali Rama for such a long time.”

I first realised I wanted to be in front of the camera at the age of 4.That was the time I first auditioned in a radio station post which I did a lot of radio dramas. I gradually reached a point where I knew I wanted to be an actor.

TENALI RAMA WAS BASED ON HISTORY. HOW DID YOU ENSURE AS AN ACTOR TO BALANCE YOUR CREATIVITY BUT ALSO KEEP YOUR CHARACTER AUTHENTIC?

I think I relate to Tenali Rama a lot on personal level. The knowledge this character had was always inside me & while playing it I knew the character well for somewhere we held similar traits. I have always done what I feel is right for my role and have given every character of mine a lot of input. I think balancing the inner essence of character with grit & determination works best in keeping a role authentic.

THE SHOW HAD CROSSED OVER 800 EPISODES. WHAT DID IT FEEL LIKE WHEN IT CAME TO AN END?

Having completed 805 episodes precisely, I feel it has left a void in me. I feel empty after portraying Tenali Rama for such a long time. I feel blank at times for I now feel there’s nothing to do. The things I used to crib about are the ones I majorly miss. I feel that no other character can fill this void anytime soon. I miss Rama!

WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM YOUR CHARACTER?

The first thing I learnt from this character is how to be happy in every situation life brings across. Rama would be sad for an instance of a second or two but would be back with an electrifying energy almost instantly. I have been the opposite in this trait but this quality of Rama has stayed in me. I have learnt to be full of zeal at any time.

WITH THE PROJECTS YOU HAVE BEEN A PART OF, FILMS AND TV, ASIDE FROM TENALI RAMA, WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST GAMECHANGER FOR YOU PROFESSIONALLY?

Tenali Rama & my first Gujarati film “Chal Mann Jeetva Jaaiye,” where I was a co-writer, assistant director & lead were the strongest game changers in my life. Both influenced each other’s success to some extent making 2017 my year of success. They made me achieve endless love, fame & money & I am grateful to be a part of both. Every project has been a milestone in itself & I equally treasure all of them.

WHAT'S NEXT FOR YOU?

The sequel of my film “Chal Man Jeetva Jaaiye” is next for me. I am working on achieving the appearance similar to first one. I look forward to starting the shoots for the same in 2021.

INTERVIEW

NO PRETENSE WHEN PERFORMING

RUMANA MOLLA Interview by Armin S.

umana Molla is well known for her work in Irada, Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2, Trail of Satyam Kaushik, Virgin Bhanupriya, and of course, her outing with Aahana Kumra called Bawri Chhori, the trailer of which just released recently. An actor who grew up with a love for performance, she indicated to me in our chat that she feels the most free and the least amount of pretense when she is performing, which is such an interesting perspective.

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“IʼVE ALSO LEARNT OVERTIME TO HAVE CLARITY OF THOUGHT AND NOT TO COMPARE.”

INTERVIEW THE WORLD IS KIND OF STILL IN A STANDSTILL BUT SHOOTING RIGHT NOW, WHICH IS KIND OF NICE, BUT YOU PROBABLY THINK ABOUT ALL THE RESTRICTIONS AND SAFETY. WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE RIGHT NOW?

It’s a mixture of different feelings and different thoughts. On the one hand, you want to be careful and cautious and follow all the measures. All of that is in place. People are trying their best to be safe and the environment is safe. On the other hand, you do tend to get carried away. After all, it’s a shoot. You cannot think about that all the time; you can’t micromanage every little thing you do. After a point, you have to have faith and let go and try as much as you can be, but I think it is better to not obsess over that and continue to think about it. It can then affect your mental well being. Then, you won’t be in the right headspace to do your work.

I UNDERSTAND YOU SPEAK FIVE DIFFERENT LANGUAGES, YOU WERE BORN IN THE STATES, GREW UP IN BELGIUM, AND NOW YOU ARE IN INDIA. YOU HAVE SUCH DIFFERENT, LIVED EXPERIENCES AND CULTURES. HOW DOES THAT SHAPE YOU AS AN ARTIST?

You know, I have not known anything else so I don’t know how it is different from other people. But it has definitely shaped me as a person and as an artist. I think I am more open to a variety of things – when I approach a character, I have a wider perspective on the kind of people that can be out there. When you are not exposed to different people, and may be in one environment, it may make one restricted – I don’t know. I do think it has enriched me personally as a person. Although I was born in the U.S., I have no memories of living there. I was there until the age of 5 or 6. I spent most of my formative years in Belgium. It has widened my horizons and opened me up.

WHAT WAS IT LIKE GROWING UP AND WANTING TO BE A PART OF THE ARTS?

Interestingly, I knew since the age of 7 that I wanted to be an artist, not necessarily an actor. I used to perform. We used to have a lot of the Indians in the community for Diwali and Holi and we would dance on stage. Being a shy kid and being somebody who generally has a hard time expressing herself, people thought I had a split personality because when I was on stage, I would be a completely different person. It was a reflection of the fact that I could be free, I could just be when I was on stage. Ironically, it is the only time when I feel like I’m not pretending. When I’m performing, I actually feel that I’m not pretending because I’m hiding behind somebody and I’m free.

WHAT AN INTERESTING PERSPECTIVE. LET’S TALK ABOUT BEING ON STAGE. THEATRE IS SUCH A DIFFERENT MEDIUM THAN BEING IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA, AND YET SOME OF THE BEST ACTORS ON SCREEN HAVE TREMENDOUS THEATRE BACKGROUND. WHAT HAS THEATRE DONE FOR YOU TO EXPAND YOUR BANDWIDTH AS AN ACTOR?

I think the one thing that theatre does is it inculcates discipline. It teaches you to be ready, to be prepared and to approach the entire thing as a whole. When you are shooting, you tend to do fragmented work – you may shoot the ending at the beginning. But theatre gives you that perspective of having the outlook of the entire thing. Also, your speech and projection gets better, from a technical perspective. So the basics are in place. You are quicker to learn and adapt.

DO YOU EVER LOOK BACK AT THE WORK THAT YOU HAVE DONE, WITH SOCIAL MEDIA SO PREVALENT (VERY WITTY CAPTIONS BY THE WAY), AND REFLECT BACK ON WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?

Yes, I reflect back on that a lot. I do take a moment to pause to look at what I’ve done and what I want to do in the future. I think it’s very important to keep in mind what you came to do. I’ve also learnt overtime to have clarity of thought and not to compare. Any person who comes to Mumbai makes the same mistake – to compare. We make the same mistake and fall into that same trap. When I reflect and think back, I try to remember that I started from scratch and I started from nothing. I try to keep gratitude in mind. When I got to work with Naseer sir, it was huge. I remember the first Hindi film I got to watch was Masoom – ever. That was the first time I was exposed to a Hindi film. When I watched him, his discipline, his approach, I thought – that is how it is supposed to be. I try to remember how I felt at that time. That’s what matters and that’s what is important. As for social media, I struggled with it a lot initially. I am trying to find my way around it. It is indispensable, I guess, that’s what I’m told. I’m just trying to navigate that.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST THANKFUL FOR THEN, NOW?

I think the most gratifying thing is that, in a way, it was to make a living by being an actress, and that’s what I’m doing. I did not give up or get bogged down. I saw my emotional stamina grow overtime. And to take everything in a positive way. Just have to be grateful for what I have. That’s what I hold very dearly.

INTERVIEW

FIRST TIME FACING A CAM Oh, wow, I don’t remember that clearly but I’m told this by my parents that I was always very comfortable in front of the camera. I never had the feeling that, “oh, what am I going to do?” I think it may be difficult for me to express myself when people are around but when I am in front of the camera, I am just super casual. There was an incident with my parents that I was dancing all over a set. I was super restless and excited. I wanted to greet everybody. I asked to see every single shot. I asked my dad to record everything. I think it was just me being super excited as a kid. You can imagine a kid dancing on set, not caring about the rest of the world.

DIGANGANA Interview by Armin S.

heʼs been working since the age of 7 and has the kind of mindset that one can really admire. But getting into that mind is what I wanted to explore, as I asked Digangana about her firsts. Firsts are such a great way to explore the journey of a person and how the person deals with certain situations – and this interview was an insight into the journey of Digangana as well.

Stylist @styleitupbyaashna, Assisted by @rajshree_fashion26 Photography @akshayphotoartist, Assisted by @ganeshphotoartist Outfit @miraya_by_pooja_khosla, Jewelry @devanshi_renu_jewels Makeup @rukhsanamakeupartist

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FIRST TIME FACING REJEC AND HOW YOU DEALT WIT I don’t think I faced rejection as a kid. I think that came into the picture much later, maybe when I was 14 or 15 and people would tell me that neither was I grown up but nor was I a kid. I didn’t fit into either. People were looking for somebody really, really young, or if they were looking for someone for a titular role, they were looking for older. Even when I was 16, I looked much younger than that. So that was the phase when I was in a solid figuring process.

FIRST TIME FEELING ACCOM I have yet to witness that. I did feel amazing when my first show, first episode came out. That was a beautiful feeling but I don’t think I get that feeling that, “oh! I’ve done it!” I don’t think accomplishment is perhaps a feeling I’d like to address because I wouldn’t accept it, to be very honest. Even when I feel content, I try to neutralize it in some way or another. That’s how I process information.

MERA

CTION TH IT

MPLISHED

INTERVIEW

FIRST TIME YOU TRULY FELT HAPPY IN THE PROFESSION My first time on set (chuckles). I’m happy, because it is so fulfilling and interesting at the same time. Of course there are things that upset me, they could be professional like maybe things aren’t happening on time or I’m not happy something...I just like everything to be proper when it comes to work. That’s like a constant I want. I just like being able to be on set and do my job and that makes me very, very happy.

THE FIRST PERSON YOU CALL WHEN YOU GET GOOD NEWS I don’t have to call them. They are always around – my mom and dad (chuckles). If I had to make a call, it would be them. And my grandmother, of course.

THE FIRST THING YOU DO WHEN YOU GET BAD NEWS I call the same people up. I just feel like I discuss so much with my parents and I have that safe, comfortable space. When I’m really, really sad, I still want to share with them. That comes from a place where I’m really secure and I know that these are the people who truly care and can do something about the way I’m feeling. If I’m really frustrated, I know they are the only people that can get me out of it. My mom and dad, my grandmother, they can help me. Professionally, I deal with everything by myself, just by myself. Even if I misfire sometimes, I’m the type of person that changes responsibility of things. I’ve never gotten my family involved in my professional life, they have their own professional lives. But they have been a great support system.

YOUR FIRST REACTION WHEN YOU LANDED ʻTHE BATTLE OF BHIMA KOREGAONʼ When I heard it and was called it for it, I was super impressed because this is being made, and I was absolutely I was impatient. I was so impatient for it to start. I was literally like, when are we starting? Who is doing what? The crew at the time was not set. It took much longer for it to go on floor and all that time I was super impatient.

INTERVIEW

INTERVIEW WHAT WAS THE CATALYST IN MAKING MUSIC YOUR CAREER ESPECIALLY AMONGST NAYSAYERS?

TWINJABI

Neil: “Our first big turning point had to be when ‘Bombay’ crossed 1 million views. Shortly thereafter, the video was picked up by VH1 India, and our family in India began seeing us on TV. Another one is when we got on the cover of Spotify’s Bridge To Bombay playlist; and we’re still on the cover. It’s a popular playlist for a lot of people all over the world. A third one is being the first International artists to grace the cover of India’s iconic Fablook magazine. These were all very proud moments for us.”

Making their own SOUND and WAVES Interview by Armin S.

NEIL

The Twinjabi duo has been making news ever since their debut album was launched. With the “Desi Dons” music video recently launched and receiving a tremendous amount of love, the brothers know there are not boundaries in music and try to personify this statement to the tee. The twin brothers, Neil and Kush, have gained popularity worldwide and they hope to ensure quality content and music continues to be delivered in 2021.

42 BollywoodFilmFame.com

KUSH

WORKING TOGETHER MUST BE REWARDING, CONVENIENT, BUT TOUGH AT TIMES TOO. WHO BRINGS WHAT TO THE TABLE? HOW DO YOU TWO COMPLEMENT EACH OTHER?

Kush: “Like any brothers, we fight but we love each other. The hardest part is that we are hard on ourselves and hard on each other too, and maybe it is not what the other person wants to hear but they have got to realize it comes from a good place. We are pushing and challenging each other, because I know Neil will kill his part so I have to do the same.”

I UNDERSTAND YOU HAVE SAID BEFORE 'BOMBAY' WAS PROBABLY YOUR TURNING POINT. HOW HAVE YOU CHANGED PERSONALLY SINCE THAT TURNING POINT?

Neil: “We’re just more hungry. We have a great foundation, but it’s time to work harder. We believe we can be the biggest artists in the world one day, we are just getting started.”

WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST MUSICAL INFLUENCES?

Kush: “I would say collectively it would be Michael Jackson. Michael Jackson was a trailblazer. He was inspired by artists of the past when he was out there, but he didn't let that define who he was; he was inspired by them. But at the same time, he created his own swag, his own sound, his own dance, his own everything and he took over the world. He was fearless. He was the first black person on MTV, like, people don't realize that MTV didn't want to allow Michael Jackson to be on MTV. And he's still forced through that and became the biggest ‘best artist of all time’ and he had so many barriers he had to overcome and Twinjabi in the same respect you know, we have our little barriers that we're trying to overcome. If Michael Jackson could do it, we feel like we can do it; no matter what barriers come our way we're here to break them down.”

Neil: "And then another artist living I would say is Kanye West. You know, just look at his catalogue with ‘Love Lockdown’, ‘Heartless’, ‘Runaway’, that's 2008-2009-2010 that's when we were in high school growing up on that. And then the music he's releasing now. You know, ‘Life of Pablo’ is 2016 and then this new stuff. So Kanye West for sure. And he's just a real artist man. And we respect people that don't just do what the status quo is doing. We respect people that are against the status quo and you know, innovate and push the culture forward. The great thing about Kanye West is that he's an independent thinker and he will think for himself and he's not afraid to be himself. And even if he says something that may be unpopular, he's not scared to do that. He's fearless. So we really respect that and, you know, a lot of people are followers in this world but Kanye West is an independent thinker. We know if Kanye West ever heard one of our songs, he would love the job we boys are doing and he would do a song with us. We know that for sure, top two I would say Michael Jackson, Kanye West for sure.“

“We believe we can be the biggest artists in the world one day” YOU ARE OBVIOUSLY MAKING WAVES INTERNATIONALLY. HOW DO YOU KEEP YOURSELF AUTHENTIC TO YOUR MUSIC STYLE?

“Be yourself. When we go to the studio, and we create, we’re just ourselves. It sounds simple, but it’s a great mantra. We never try to imitate or mimic another artist. We’ve created a new vibe - and the Twinjabi sound is something we are very proud of.”

WHAT'S THE PLAN FOR THE FUTURE?

“More music, more videos, and more live shows. 2021 is going to be the year of Twinjabi, enjoy the ride.”

RECENTLY YOU GUYS LAUNCHED “DESI DONS” AND IT RECEIVED AN ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF LOVE. AND YOU GUYS ARE DECLARED AS ONE OF THE WORLD'S BEST TWIN SINGERS, WHAT'S YOUR SAY ON THE SAME?

"It’s a really cool feat and we’re just grateful to be recognized for our music. As twins, we want Twinjabi to be a legitimate force in the global music space. And we feel we’re only getting started on our journey."

INTERVIEW WHAT WAS THE CATALYST IN MAKING MUSIC YOUR CAREER ESPECIALLY AMONGST NAYSAYERS?

KUSH

WORKING TOGETHER MUST BE REWARDING, CONVENIENT, BUT TOUGH AT TIMES TOO. WHO BRINGS WHAT TO THE TABLE? HOW DO YOU TWO COMPLEMENT EACH OTHER?

I UNDERSTAND YOU HAVE SAID BEFORE 'BOMBAY' WAS PROBABLY YOUR TURNING POINT. HOW HAVE YOU CHANGED PERSONALLY SINCE THAT TURNING POINT?

Neil: “We’re just more hungry. We have a great foundation, but it’s time to work harder. We believe we can be the biggest artists in the world one day, we are just getting started.”

WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST MUSICAL INFLUENCES?

“We believe we can be the biggest artists in the world one day” YOU ARE OBVIOUSLY MAKING WAVES INTERNATIONALLY. HOW DO YOU KEEP YOURSELF AUTHENTIC TO YOUR MUSIC STYLE?

WHAT'S THE PLAN FOR THE FUTURE?

“More music, more videos, and more live shows. 2021 is going to be the year of Twinjabi, enjoy the ride.”

RECENTLY YOU GUYS LAUNCHED “DESI DONS” AND IT RECEIVED AN ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF LOVE. AND YOU GUYS ARE DECLARED AS ONE OF THE WORLD'S BEST TWIN SINGERS, WHAT'S YOUR SAY ON THE SAME?