Tag: ACTING

Categories
Lite Blogs Theatre

‘Theatre Enriches an Actor’s Soul’

Talking about the medium of theatre nurturing an actor, he said that the theatre arms up an actor with an acute sense of emotions, the logistics given the backstage work that every junior actor does, and the spontaneity…says Pratik Gandhi

Actor Pratik Gandhi has been deeply connected to the medium of theatre from a young age.

The actor has been a part of Gujarati theatre for the longest time and still continues to work in theatre. While he has seen monumental success with his work on the silver screen and OTT, he feels that theatre is one medium that enriches the soul of an actor.

The actor, who is currently receiving a lot of positive response to his work in the streaming movie ‘Dedh Bigha Zameen’, spoke with IANS about the craft of acting, his first love as an actor — theatre, and the language of his film.

Talking about the medium of theatre nurturing an actor, he said that the theatre arms up an actor with an acute sense of emotions, the logistics given the backstage work that every junior actor does, and the spontaneity.

He told IANS, “For an actor, they get everything from theatre. Theatre enriches the soul of an artiste, solidifies their craft and makes them spontaneous because there’s no retake on stage. Theatre is like a root, it not just keeps you grounded but also helps you to derive the nutrients to nourish your soul.”

As he climbs up the ladder of success with years of his hard work paying off, the Maslow’s hierarchy surely kicks in. Pratik wants to lead the change for theatre as he reaches the top of Maslow’s pyramid.

Pratik said that he wants the perception of theatre being a poor medium to be changed, poor not simply in terms of money but its overall perception.

He told , “I really want the perception of theatre being a not so affluent medium of exhibition to be changed. Theatre sabse ameer medium hona chaahiye (theatre should be the most affluent medium). If people are willing to pay Rs 500 for a film then they should be willing to pay Rs 1,500 for a theatre play. I feel with technological evolution reaching mind-boggling heights and information travelling at lightning speed from one part of the planet to the other, a live experience like theatre will become more exclusive.”

He then quoted an example of Covid-19 which made human touch a luxury.

He said, “During the Covid-19 pandemic, we had everything accessible, food and grocery delivery on fingertips, video calls and messages sorted for communication but, what we craved for was the human touch. Many places started the pets hugging club. Human touch is fast becoming a luxury. So, I think theatre will see a lot of changes over the period of time, and I wish to be a part of this change as a ‘give back’ to the medium.”

When asked about the particular style of speaking Hindi in ‘Dedh Bigha Zameen’, the actor shared the trick that his dialect coach told him about.

The actor said, “The kind of Hindi that has been used in ‘Dedh Bigha Zameen’ has a very melodious texture. I have many actor friends in Mumbai in cinema or in theatre who follow this style of speaking in Hindi. Even the director of the film, Pulkit speaks with the same style. So the ground was already set for me. We also had a dialect coach who told me a trick. He said that I should highlight ‘H’ in the words to set the metre and rhythm for the speech pattern.”

ALSO READ-Neelam Mansingh Chowdhry’s Journey in Theatre

Categories
Bollywood Films Lite Blogs

Anil Kapoor is anxious about every role

Some time back, the news that Kapoor was at first reluctant about his Shelly Rungta role went viral….reports Asian Lite News

 Anil Kapoor, who has clocked four decades in the film industry, says he harnesses his negative feelings, such as reluctance, nervousness and anxiety, and makes something good come out of them.

Kapor was promoting the second season of ‘The Night Manager’ along with co-actor Aditya Roy Kapur and director Sandeep Modi in Mumbai on Monday.

Some time back, the news that Kapoor was at first reluctant about his Shelly Rungta role went viral.

When asked about it, Kapoor said: “I am reluctant for each and every role; it was not that I was reluctant only for my role in ‘The Night Manager’. I am always overcome by this anxiety and nervousness about whether I will be able to do the role or not, and I use that energy to perform better.”

The senior actor continued: “I seriously don’t know how to do a role with over-confidence. Somehow, these little things help me do my role exactly the way my director wants me to do it. I draw energy from my reluctance and anxiety.”

‘The Night Manager’ is a Hindi remake of the BBC television series based on John Le Carre’s novel of the same name.

The series, which will start streaming on Disney+ Hotstar, also has Sobhita Dhulipala, Tillotama Shome, Ravi Behl and Saswata Chatterjee in supporting roles.

ALSO READ-First woman bus driver from Coimbatore gets car from Kamal Haasan

Categories
Films Lite Blogs

Sobhitha : As actors we always want to do something different

Sobhita

She added: “The kind of work I did in this movie is very different from the previous ones. As actors we always want to do something different and this is what I got to do in this film.”…reports Asian Lite News

Sobhita Dhulipala, who’s best known for her part in “Raman Raghav 2.0”, talked about her transition to Tamil cinema and the portrayal of women in celebrated director Mani Ratnam’s period spectacle, “Ponniyin Selvan-2”.

Speaking with interaction with the media in the Capital on Tuesday evening, Dhulipala said: “This is my first Tamil film and the experience has been so exciting. I got a chance to work with Mani Ratnam sir and the amazing cast of the film. I relished every moment of it.”

She added: “The kind of work I did in this movie is very different from the previous ones. As actors we always want to do something different and this is what I got to do in this film.”

In the film, Dhulipala plays the character of Vaanathi, Princess of Kodumbalur. She is a shy but playful princess who is devoted to Ponniyin Selvan, or Rajaraja I, and wants to marry him.

Dhulipala pointed out that the film shows woman in a different light — women “who are soft yet strong and decision-makers too”. To this, her cast mate Trisha added: “Women in ‘PS-2’ are going to be stronger than they were in ‘PS-1’.”

ALSO READ-‘Locations makes actors look believable’

Categories
Bollywood Films Lite Blogs

Suresh Gopi is happy with his acting career

Superstar and Rajya Sabha member Suresh Gopi

On his future in the political arena, Gopi said irrespective of whether he is politically active or not, he will continue to be an ardent fan of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah…reports Asian Lite News

Popularly known as the “angry young man” of Malayalam film industry, actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi’s gradual transformation has left many wondering whether he has mellowed down in real life.

“It’s my silence that has grown louder,” shot back the actor while speaking at his house in the state capital.

He confesses that be it politics or his first love – acting, he is enjoying his time.

Recalling his six-year tenure in the Upper House of Parliament which ended in April last year, he says he is extremely happy to have put his ‘signature’ in the Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 besides a few other important ones like the Abrogation of Article 370.

On his future in the political arena, Gopi said irrespective of whether he is politically active or not, he will continue to be an ardent fan of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.

“I am always in touch with politics and those who matter in politics and will continue to do so, but the thing is, I am doing it the way I like,” said Gopi who is presently very busy in his acting field, with a few hits that has come after a hiatus.

To a question on his role in state BJP politics, the politician said he has already made it clear to people that just being a crowd puller will not help turn the tables.

Suresh Gopi tests positive for Covid.

On his return to his first love-acting which has seen him star in over 260 films and entered the 38th year , Gopi said here too he is happy the way things are panning out for him, since his return after becoming a Rajya Sabha member.

“I am happy with my acting career also but the only difference is, I have decided to be quiet on what’s happening as I feel that’s best,” added Gopi, who at 64 years too, continues to be a fitness freak. His day begins with a 30-minute walk in his private compound followed by some physiotherapy. The only concern he says is the fat that is accumulating around his stomach. “Will soon get rid of that too,” a confident Gopi added with a smile.

ALSO READ-‘Pathaan’ gets nearer to 600 cr

Categories
Films Lite Blogs

‘Locations makes actors look believable’


Randeep says shooting in real locations “immensely” helps actors to make their performance believable…reports Asian Lite News

Actor Randeep Hooda, who is known for lending authenticity to his roles be it in ‘Sarbjit’ or ‘Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster’, is currently gearing up for his next streaming series titled ‘Cat’.

The series, according to its creator and showrunner Balwinder Singh Janjua, has been entirely shot in real locations in Punjab.

Randeep says shooting in real locations “immensely” helps actors to make their performance believable.

Elaborating on the same, the actor tells: “Shooting in real locations enhances the performance because you spend the majority of time in the universe where your content is set.

“Going to sets for the shoot, being there in the moment or coming back from the shoot, you are surrounded by a certain geography, the climate, the cultural setting of the people, the local language or the diction people use there — all these things help you to get into a space and focus your thoughts inline with the traits of your character.”

‘Cat’ is a crime thriller set against the backdrop of the Punjab hinterlands and tells the story of an innocent man, who is thrown into a deep, drug trafficking conspiracy between gang lords, cops and political powers.

The actor further adds, “Like for ‘Cat’ too, a lot of local actors have been cast in supporting roles. It’s so interesting to jam with those actors on the screen and to feed off their energy. It greatly helped me to get a better understanding of my character in the series.”

‘Cat’ lands on Netflix on December 9.

ALSO READ-‘Kantara’ reaches OTT

Categories
Films Interview Lite Blogs

Neetu Kapoor: Acting has become a part of my healing process

Talking about one of such films ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’, the veteran actress said, “It was a special appearance where I played the on-screen mother of Katrina Kaif…writes Arunthuti Banerjee

She made her debut in 1966 when she was just six-years-old. With time, she went on to become a favourite actress of her era.

At the age of 21 when Neetu was at the peak of her career, she got married to the then superstar Rishi Kapoor and majorly discontinued her acting career, even though she appeared in few films later.

Now, at the age of 63, the veteran actress will be seen in multi-starrer Bollywood film ‘Jug Jugg Jeeyo’.

Neetu said: “You see, when I started acting, I didn’t even know that I was doing; as a child, your life was not in your hands.

“It was a situation where I was working as a child artist to support my family. By the time I grew up as a teenager, I felt extremely comfortable in front of the camera and acting was like a part of daily life. I was going with the flow honestly. Then I got married to the man I loved and I was the happiest with my family and children.”

She made her comeback in 2010 with the film ‘Do Dooni Chaar’ alongside her husband Rishi Kapoor.

“The offers for film kept coming and I kept on refusing. In between, I did a few special appearances, only because my husband told me, ‘chal na, ye karte hai, kaam karke maza ayega’. He was my best friend too,” recalled Neetu with a smile.

Talking about one of such films ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’, the veteran actress said, “It was a special appearance where I played the on-screen mother of Katrina Kaif.

“Technically speaking, if we go by the context, my character Pooja was a negative one. She left her daughter and family for her lover. But Adi (Aditya Chopra, producer of the film) sat me down and explained that he wanted to cast a couple who would come across as ‘in love’ even in their middle age. That was the reason why he decided to cast me and Chintuji (Rishi Kapoor) together.”

“Now, I am an actress by choice. Now, acting has become a part of my healing process.”

“It is heartbreaking to lose a partner of 45 years, with whom I have grown up and lived my life. But also, I want to wake up to hope, to a new day, I am looking forward to something. This film ‘Jug Jug Jeeyo’ was exactly that for me,” said the mother of the Bollywood superstar Ranbir Kapoor.

The film ‘Jug Jugg Jeeyo’ — directed by Raj Mehta, produced by Karan Johar, starring Varun Dhawan, Kiara Advani, Anil Kapoor alongside Neetu Kapoor – releases in theatre on June 24.

ALSO READ-Neetu remembers Rishi Kapoor with a note

Categories
Bollywood Lite Blogs

Working on acting skills is a journey that never ends

Trained by different acting teachers, including Mukesh Chhabra, she is currently working with Prakash Bhardwaj, who is also Aamir Khan’s acting coach…Ridhi speaks with Sukant Deepak.

Making a debut with much talked about ‘Lust Stories’ on Netflix in 2018, actor Ridhi Khakhar who is now being seen in ‘The Whistleblower’, streaming on Sony Liv feels that the former got her immense recognition and therefore multiple audition calls and acting tests.

“I didn’t get many before, but people started reaching out after ‘Lust Stories’. In the end, it is all about preparing yourself, waiting for that moment of recognition and making good use of it,” she tells.

Originally from Canada, she started her career in 2016 and continues to model for major fashion designers.

Khakhar says that the crucial reason for signing up for ‘The Whistleblower’ was the fact that the character was not just another pretty face.

“Her character made me delve deep into sibling dynamics, there was so much new to discover. How does each sibling get treated in a family and what kind of a person does that make them for the real world? It is all about getting a character that helps you see the world from a different perspective, which can be very interesting,” she says.

In fact, she was not even in the country when she got an audition call, and sent the team a self-test, and got shortlisted.

“It was pretty smooth. I had a discussion with director Manoj Pillai on the phone and then he confirmed me for the role,” she recalls.

Talking about her character in the show, Khakhar says, “Prachi definitely has the baby sister syndrome. She’s protected and spoilt. People might assume she’s manipulative and controlling but she’s really naive. In fact, she believes she has controlling powers but outside her families boundaries these powers don’t exist. She makes some really dumb decisions and never seems to foresee the consequences involved.”

Trained by different acting teachers, including Mukesh Chhabra, she is currently working with Prakash Bhardwaj, who is also Aamir Khan’s acting coach.

“I love learning new techniques and understanding the way acting is taught by different people. Formal training is important as it not only imparts technique but also goes a long way in confidence building. However, working on your acting skills is a journey that never ends. It is about the classes, doing your own research and studying other actors in your own time.”

Stressing that digital platforms have been instrumental in changing the landscape of cinema in India, the actor feels that there is much space for more content that acknowledges the younger audiences from different regions and cities.

“Not to mention, these platforms have led to great employment opportunities for actors and others in different departments.”

Khakhar also wants to work with directors willing to take the road less travelled. She feels that the time is right for cutting-edge stories told in unique styles.

“There are so many tales out there, just waiting to be explored. I would love to be part of the journey that recognises them.”

An admirer of cinema from the South, the actor says that she would not like to make language a barrier when it comes to good cinema.

“I’m open to films from any industry, it’s all about the character and story for me. I recently watched ‘Super Delux’ and was absolutely thrilled.”

ALSO READ-Parineeti looks back at 2021, a year filled with gratitude


Categories
Bollywood Films

Ranveer explores human being in him through acting

The actor wishes to traverse the path of experimentation in his next decade in cinema, “I intend to continue on this path and continue to explore…reports Asian Lite News

Ranveer Singh, who was most recently seen in sports drama ’83’, considers it his duty to use his craft for entertaining people and telling stories in the most engaging way.

The actor is glad that the profession of acting allows him to explore the human being in him as well.

Ranveer says, “I am really just in the process of exploring myself as a person. To do different characters and present different films that we as people can be proud of, I feel duty-bound to entertain people.”

Reflecting up on his journey, he says, “It’s been an amazing 10 years. I have worked with the finest filmmakers who have shaped me, taught me what it means to be an artiste. I have learnt so much but I feel hungry. My hunger is insatiable, I want to do more films like ’83’ that receive this kind of unanimous love.”

The actor wishes to traverse the path of experimentation in his next decade in cinema, “I intend to continue on this path and continue to explore. I am living the dream. I wake up in disbelief everyday till date that I am an actor. I still can’t get over it and I am grateful for the opportunities. I say a prayer of gratitude everyday, I recognise and value my opportunities and got to play Kapil Dev in the definitive movie like ’83’. It blows my mind.”

Recollecting the memories of ’83’ screening, the superstar adds, “I cannot tell you how fulfilling it was to be in the screening of ’83’. You see people laughing, crying, standing up to applaud and they are feeling this emotion together in a community viewing. They have shared an experience together and that is life. Life is a shared experience and that’s what I want to continue to do.”

ALSO READ-Kriti to try different genres in 2022

Categories
Bollywood Lite Blogs Parenting

Riteish: Parents should know what is best for their children

According to me, that kind of camaraderie and compatibility is important in a relationship…Genelia speaks with Siddhi Jain.

Star couple Genelia and Riteish share their thoughts and pictures on social media frequently. Bollywood duo say that they often spend time discussing how progressive they should be as parents, and what thoughts their children should be brought up with. “We try to imbibe in the importance of religion and not just our religion, but every religion out there. We try to instill the importance of God in them,” the couple tells.

The couple tied the knot in 2012 after dating for almost a decade, and have two sons — Riaan and Rahyl.

Riteish Deshmukh shares: “It’s important for every parent to think about what is best for their children, we cannot judge our upbringing based on how others bring up their children. Having said that, society today poses a lot of questions, situations and points that were looked down upon 20 years ago which only goes to show that we cannot be focused on thinking of today but about what society will be 20 years in the future when our kids are adults.”

He adds that the “one thing” that they focus on is “giving our children the freedom to think for themselves”.

Asked if it’s high time that people move beyond gender roles, Genelia answers in an affirmative.

“Yeah, I definitely do. I think it’s typecast to a large extent, I mean like Ritiesh and myself, when we think about the division of chores, it’s just about who’s doing what at that point in time. If he’s shooting, it would be difficult for him to handle online school, but if I am shooting, he would have to.”

She adds: “According to me, that kind of camaraderie and compatibility is important in a relationship. Often, it’s about women not being able to say no, it’s a societal assumption that there are certain things a woman has to do. Men too assume these things sometimes or expect things to be done in a certain way and we have to move past that.”

“In today’s world a majority of the women work, they have their own careers and when you’re a couple you have to work together constantly to fit your lives into each other’s,” concludes Genelia.

ALSO READ-Genelia Pens Hearty B’day Note For Hubby

READ MORE-Genelia feels less cruel to animals after turning vegetarian

Categories
Bollywood Films Lite Blogs

Abhay doesn’t like stereotyping!

I think stereotyping people is a reality whether it is in Bollywood or Hollywood. Even in our cinema, we stereotype few communities…Abhay speaks with Arundhuti Banerjee.

Actor Abhay Deol has many personal routes in Bollywood as his relatives are actively involved in the industry. He says showcasing Indian men as nerds and women as ‘exotic’ is one of the stereotypes American mainstream cinema should stop, as there are more to explore.

Abhay told : ” I think stereotyping people is a reality whether it is in Bollywood or Hollywood. Even in our cinema, we stereotype few communities. But if we look at mainstream American cinema and television, I would say, we Indians are shown in two extremes. On-screen, Indian men are usually shown as nerds and Indian women are shown as exotic, attractive and beautiful.

This kind of stereotyping puts a community in a pigeonhole which I do not like. Having said that I do not want to look at the past anymore because we are changing the conversation with better roles, better representation and better storytelling. I see no reason on holding on to the past and sulk about it, we are storytellers, we rather should change it.”

Citing the example of Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Manjari Makijany, who recently directed a Disney film ‘Spin’ said, “She is the face of change that we want to see to break the stereotype of representation of south Asian character. Casting actors like her in lead roles whether it is in ‘Quantico’ or in films in which she played a substantial part because of her talent, is the way forward. That is the way forward, instead of casting Indian actors like ‘taxi driver’ etc.”

She went on adding, “I think people also have a tendency of making Indian characters speaking with a put-on accent in western cinema. They think we talk like that all the time. Listen, there is no one Indian accent when we speak in English. People from north Indian speak in one kind of accent in English, which is different from the south. But western cinema stereotyped that for the longest time. Not all the Indian community is loud, that is another stereotype. But I am hopeful that like Priyanka, there will be more role models from South Asia to break stereotypes in the western cinema.”

ALSO READ-Democrats vie for nomination as ideological fissures open

READ MORE-Esha Deol returns to shooting life