Nasheman

India's largest selling Urdu weekly, now also in English

You are here: Home / Archives for 2016

Archives for 2016

AAP refuses to accept Amanatullah Khan’s resignation

by

MLA Amanatullah Khan

New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Sunday refused to accept the resignation of its legislator Amanatullah Khan, against whom an FIR was registered a day ago following molestation charges levelled by his sister-in-law.

“We refused to accept his (Khan’s) resignation. It’s a six-year-old family matter and his in-laws are dragging him into it,” Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia told a press conference here.

“We have found out in our investigation that he is being dragged into it,” he added.

On Saturday, a complaint was registered against Khan at the Jamia Nagar police station in south Delhi.

(Agencies)

Protests erupt, prohibitionary orders imposed in Bengaluru after SC modifies order

by

Cauvery

Bengaluru: The Supreme Court on Monday directed Karnataka to release 12,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu instead of 15,000 cusecs.

Karnataka will have to release 12,000 cusecs of water per day till September 20.

“Tell your governments they have to implement the order and maintain law and order,” the court told the Karnataka and Tamil Nadu governments.

The Apex Court had on September 5 directed Karnataka to release 15,000 cusecs of water. Protests erupted in several parts of the state and Karnataka witnessed a bandh on September 9 due to the Cauvery issue.

The modified order issued by the Supreme Court on Monday has created a tense situation in Bengaluru and Mysuru. Protests have yet again erupted and prohibitionary orders have been imposed in the state capital and some areas in Mysuru. Bus service to Tamil Nadu from Bengaluru has been suspended. Several vehicles have been damaged in the violence.

Metro services in Bengaluru have closed down; schools have been shut and children sent home as a precautionary measure. Stone pelting incidents have also been reported in some areas in Bengaluru.

(Agencies)

SC asks Karnataka to release 12,000 cusecs of Cauvery water

by

cauvery

New Delhi: The Supreme Court modified its order on the sharing of the Cauvery water on Monday and asked Karnataka to release 12,000 cusecs per day to Tamil Nadu till September 20.

The Court had earlier ordered Karnataka to release 15,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu for 10 days.

The apex court expressed anguish over “tone and tenor” of Karnataka’s plea.

“Citizens and executive of this country have to accept and obey order of the Supreme Court unless it is modified.” Justice Dipak Misra observed.

Apex court decided to hold a hearing on Cauvery dispute though it is closed for a holiday.

Karnataka Government had asked Supreme Court to suspend September 5th order saying the agony claimed by Tamil Nadu on water crisis did not exist.

It also requested the apex court to reduce the quantum of water to be released from river Cauvery to Tamil Nadu, from 15,000 cusecs to 10,000 cusecs per day.

(Agencies)

WHEN VIDYUT BROKE THE CHEST GUARD

by

Vidyut Jammwal’s name has always been synonyms with action and quite recently the actor took his love for action a notch higher. A while ago when the actor was shooting for his upcoming film, the actor impressed everyone with his action. During the rehearsals, the stuntmen were wearing fiber chest guards which are suppose to be extremely safe and protect one from getting injured. But while performing the stunts, Vidyut’s force was so much that the actor ended up breaking 2 – 3 of those guards while they were rehearsing. Though, the actor ended up breaking those guards, no one was hurt. This really left the entire team stunned and everyone on the set was very impressed with Vidyut’s performance. Well, when it comes to action, no one can do it better than Vidyut!

CHUNKY PANDEY JOINS ‘BEGUM JAAN’ CAST, TO PLAY VILLAIN

Chunky Pandey known for his comic timing is going to be seen in a never seen before avatar. He is all set to play a baddie in Srijit Mukherjee’s BEGUM JAAN starring Vidya Balan, Naseeruddin Shah, Ila Arun, Gauhar Khan, Pallavi Sharda, Rajit Kapur, Ashish Vidyarthi, Vivek Mushran etc. “The ADs were in splits because they had seen HOUSEFULL 3 just the previous night and didn’t think I could play anyone so evil & gut – wrenchingly ugly. I did the audition without much hope of bagging the role but a few days later, I was called over by Srijit,“ Chunky recalls. Srijit told Chunky that he’d have to shave off his identifiable locks. “I came out bald and when I reached home my wife (Bhavna) screamed and ordered me out of our bedroom for the next 2 weeks. She wouldn’t even look at me till I looked like the normal Chunky,“ he reminisces with a laugh, adding that there is a scene in the film where his villainous character kills the Begum’s pet dog and has it served to the ladies of the brothel who even savour it till they learn the truth. “That’s definitely going to alienate my daughter who’s a complete dog – lover. But it’s a side to my acting, no one has seen before”. BEGUM JAAN is a story of 11 fearless women riding against the tide amidst the changing political scenario during Partition. Produced by Vishesh Films, the film that was shot in Jharkhand, Kolkata & Delhi.

SONAKSHI SINHA FELICITATES GIRLS FROM AKSHAY KUMAR’S WOMEN’S SELF DEFENCE CENTRE

The girls who stood stood up against atrocities not only received words of encouragement from Sonakshi but the actress also presented the girls with a token of appreciation. Not just that, she also posed with these brave girls as all of them showcased some self defense moves.

WHEN MR BACHCHAN CONSOLED HIS TEARY EYED ‘PINK’ CO – STARS!

Ever since the shocking trailer of Shoojit Sircar’s PINK broke out, people have been sparking conversations & debates across the country, mainly on Amitabh Bachchan’s explosively provocative dialogues. Also Taapsee Pannu’s never – seen – before avatar along with her friends submerged in mysterious circumstances and varied thrill elements has deepened the curiosity. Well so powerful & emotional was the climax scene & dialogues spearheaded by the magnificent Mr Bachchan, that we hear the 3 girls, specially Kirti Kulhari broke down in tears on the final day of shoot!! In these exclusive images we see Kirti & her co stars Taapsee Pannu & Andrea Tariang becoming emotional & teary eyed, with none other than Mr B consoling them on the last day of shoot. Well if the actors themselves are so overwhelmed by the scenes, looks like PINK is certainly a stirring film to watch out for!

EROS INTERNATIONAL’S MALAYALAM FILM ‘HAPPY WEDDING’ COMPLETES 100 DAYS

Eros International’s Malayalam film HAPPY WEDDING that released on 20th May, 2016 continues its dream run at the box office successfully completing 100 days in theatres in Kerala. The comic entertainer, that marked the return of the cast of the hit Premam — Siju Wilson, Justin John, Sharafudheen & Soubin Shahir, continues to pull in audiences in large numbers to the theatres. Directorial debut of Omar Lulu, HAPPY WEDDING also stars Anu Sithara, Drishya, Saiju Kurup, Sivaji Guruvayoor, Sudhi Koppa, Niyaz Bekkar, Vinod Kovoor, Thesni Khan & Ambika Mohan in significant roles.

SHAHRUKH KHAN TEAMS UP WITH BOLLYWOOD PARKS DUBAI FOR ‘DON: THE CHASE RIDE’

With the launch around the corner, Bollywood Parks Dubai, the world’s first Bollywood inspired theme park and part of Dubai Parks & Resorts, the largest integrated theme park destination in the region, set to open on 31st Oct, 2016, brings yet another 1st with its biggest cinematic association. The park has partnered with Shahrukh Khan to shoot the high speed chase scenes for its immersive 3D ride – DON: THE CHASE RIDE which will premiere at the opening of Bollywood Parks™ Dubai. Shahrukh Khan said, “The park is a mix of rides, excitement & adventure, while staying true to the ethos of Bollywood. Films are a reflection of reality where we strongly believe in our hopes, and the same will be translated to the park where you will have fun!” Commenting on the ride, he said, “This time the chase is in Dubai, on the very famous Sheikh Zayed Road and also other famous landmarks of Dubai.” Directed by Reema Kagti, this ride was completed with the support of over 100 members from the production team. Under the guidance of producer, Ritesh Sidhwani & Shahrukh himself, the team ensured that every aspect of the ride should exude the essence of the original movie. He further added, “A movie star is made by the team, who work’s behind him or her. You feel completely redundant & useless, if you don’t have a good team supporting you. The star of the show carries a lot of his own notion on the set and if it is channeled in the wrong direction, then the whole set or the making goes wrong. But if it is nice, then it permeates to everyone and the hard work required does not seem like ‘hard’ work at all.”

​
POONAM PANDEY BACK WITH EROTIC HORROR THRILLER SHORT FILM TRAILER ‘THE WEEKEND’

Erotic horror thriller THE WEEKEND produced under the banner of The World Networks starring hot & sexy Poonam Pandey was leaked online and is now going viral everywhere with its forthcoming release on 24th Sept, 2016. Poonam looks very voluptuous & dazzling with her appealing body & curves in the film. She has really killed it with her sassy & saucy body appeal in the trailer which is a must watch. Once again Poonam is back with her true sensuous and hotness overloaded avatar which is really going to make audience & her fans crazy this time. She is the only model who has so far killed it with her heat & warmth around and this time even more with her film THE WEEKEND which will be India’s 1st adult movie for mobile lovers. It is the short film which is neither rated nor certified by Censor Board of Film Certification (CBFC board) which makes it quite extraordinary & fascinating. Also, it is a 1st white labeled wapportal with telecom operator billing with its exceptional worth. The movie is available only on mobile so it will be a total cell phone exciting 1st performance.

POONAM DHILLON CURATES POONAMSPOPUPSTORE

Combining the best of craftsmanship & designs, Poonam Dhillon who brings a collection of suits, to decorate the Indian woman for those special occasions says. “My closest childhood friend’s name is Poonam, so we decided to go with the name Poonams & since we don’t have a store, we intend to only have popups as of now. Every woman has her own fashion story but the one through which she epitomizes, tradition, remains one & that is her affair with ethnic wear. Witness a beautiful concoction of fabric, color, prints & patterns at “Poonam’s”. Indian Clothes & their comfort & grace have been supreme. I have seen Indian women all over the world, always well turned out & stylish which inspired me to curate a traditional Indian, as well as Indo – western line of clothing for them. I feel sari is an eternal garment, which makes every women look very graceful, hence I have included that in my collection. Tunics are something we can dress up or dress down according to the need, and I find it a very comfortable item in the wardrobe. I always found high fashion couture catered to super slim, model type figures, so am making sure my collection has enough for a normal figure too, so have kept some semi stitched styles too so ladies can fit them to size. Fashion for me is what one carries off best. It’s always nice to wear latest styles & colors & fabrics as that’s what make fashion special, but adapting your old clothes with new pieces – mix & match is what makes one’s style unique.”

ACTRESS AND SUPERMODEL ELENA
FERNANDES DOES CHARITY FOR ANIMAL & CHILD WELFARE

Did you know Super Model cum actress Elena Fernandes is a law degree holder? Elena Fernandes who made her Bollywood debut with Karan Johar’s KAPOOR & SONS, has always been an academic before she carved a niche for herself in the glamour world. Unlike most model – turned – actors, Elena is highly qualified and holds a law degree though she admits that modeling & acting happened by chance! Elena says, “I’ve already done my law degree from Kings College University of London and now studying LPC which is Legal Practice Course at the University of Law to qualify as a solicitor. I did my practical legal research paper in between shoots and rescuing & neutering cats in Mumbai.”“Model & acting was something that I fell in to. I’ve always been an academic. And I juggle it with my career & animal welfare duties,” Elena adds. Before she made her debut as an actor with Karan Johar’s KAPOOR & SONS, the stunning beauty had been a supermodel and endorsed several popular brands including prominent beauty products & television commercials. She is involved in charity work in India for both animal & child welfare. Interestingly, 80% of her earnings go in taking care of cats which are very dear to her.

NEETU N CHANDRA TO ATTEND FILMMAKER FRIEND VIKRAM KUMAR’S WEDDING IN CHENNAI!

After wrapping up her work in USA, Neetu N Chandra flew back to India to attend filmmaker Vikram Kumar’s wedding ceremony in Chennai. Interestingly, Neetu stepped into the Tamil film industry with a superhit film, YAVARUM NALAM in 2009, which was directed by Vikram. Over the years, the bond that Neetu & Vikram shared has only gotten stronger and the 2 have been good friends. Neetu says, “ I have known him for 6 to 7 years now, seen him deliver hit after hit such as 24, MANAM, ISHQ and more. So when Vikram called and said, ‘you have to come for the marriage.’ ”Neetu also says how happy & excited she was when she 1st got the news of her friend’s upcoming nuptials. “There are very few men who want to settle down in life with their partner; guys are commitment phobic that way I respect men who are not afraid to commit and can be loyal to their partner. I believe in the institution of marriage but I haven’t met someone I see myself spending the rest of my live with. It took me 6 to 7 years to get where I am today. To tie the knot, I need to fall deeply in love with someone. If I feel like I cannot live without that person, only then will I marry him. I’m a true romantic at heart but I am also a strong – minded woman. I know my worth and the day I find a man who truly deserves me, I’ll say my vows to him.”

SOHA ALI KHAN & VIR DAS LAUNCH THE TRAILER OF ’31ST OCTOBER’!

Writer – producer Harry Sachdeva’s 31ST OCTOBER is the 1st mainstream film based on the aftermath of Indira Gandhi’s assassination and its repercussions. The trailer is every bit a peep into the edge – of -the – seat thriller starring Soha Ali Khan & Vir Das in lead roles. Owing to the sensitivity of the subject of 1984 anti – Sikh riots, the film caters to a huge audiences across the globe. The trailer of the poignant thriller was launched at a suburban multiplex amidst a packed house by the movie’s cast including Soha Ali Khan, Vir Das, writer – producer Harry Sachdeva, co – producer Anand Prakash & director Shivaji Lotan Patil. The film’s subject has been a major point of discussion globally since the last 31 years. Harry Sachdeva says, “The film will not just take you to the era of ‘80s but you will certainly live through the moments also and take the story back home.” Soha Ali Khan says, “Though I’ve played a wife before on screen, this is the 1st time I’ve played a mother of 3. It was exciting to share the screen space with Vir Das.” Says Vir Das, “31ST OCTOBER is a small story of a big, eventful day that shook the entire country. It’s an inspiring story of a family – husband wife & their 3 children and how they try to escape from the tragic circumstances they are caught in.” 31ST OCTOBER featuring Soha Ali Khan & Vir Das is scheduled to release on 7th Oct, 2016.

RITESISH TURNS LYRICIST FOR ‘BANJO’

Riteish Deshmukh has penned the lyrics of the song “Raada Raada” from his upcoming musical drama, BANJO produced by Eros International & directed by critically -acclaimed filmmaker, Ravi Jadhav. Interestingly, BANJO, which is based in Mumbai and has been shot at real locales in the city, has got a local Maharashtrian culture associated to it. Being a Maharashtrian, Riteish could relate to the mood of the dance number, “Raada” and accordingly suggested local Marathi words including “Khulla Karaycha”, etc to lyricist Amitabh Bhattacharya. Produced by Eros International & directed by Ravi Jadhav starring Riteish Deshmukh & Nargis Fakhri, BANJO releases on 23rd Sept, 2016.

FREDDY DARUWALA TURNS LAWYER FOR HIS NEXT!

Freddy Daruwala, who became a household name with Vipul Shah’s HOLIDAY – A SOLDIER IS NEVER OFF DUTY, will be seen playing a lawyer in his next, MIA – EK UMEED. Produced by Welcome Friends Production & directed by debutant ​Rajat Mukherjee, MIA – EK UMEED is based on drug abuse in which Freddy portrays the role of a no – nonsense lawyer. To prepare for his role, Freddy had attended several real sessions of the court and also interacted with lawyers inside the court room to observe the way they interact and understanding their mannerisms. In fact, Freddy’s lawyer friend helped him visit court room quite often and also gave him a few case studies & books for reference. In order to make his character real & believable, Freddy felt the court room education & learning is necessary. Without revealing much about his character, Freddy says, “I have watched several movies featuring actors who have played lawyers brilliantly. Since I play a serious lawyer, there are many imposition involved. It’s a challenging role which is integral to the narrative.”

Facebook co-founder donates $20 million to defeat Trump

by

Facebook

New York: A co-founder of social media giant Facebook, Dustin Moskovitz said he was donating $20 million to help ensure the defeat of Republican candidate Donald Trump in the upcoming presidential elections.

“If Donald Trump wins, the country will fall backward, and become more isolated from the global community,” the American internet entrepreneur said in a blog post titled ‘Compelled to Act’ on Friday.

The 32-year-old multi-billionaire said the real-estate magnate’s policy proposals were “so implausible” that they spark concern his White House run may be nothing more than a con game aimed at winning the election and boosting his brand, EFE news reported.

Moskovitz said Trump’s signature plan to build a wall on the US-Mexico border, which purports to “improve the lives of Americans, would in practice hurt citizens and noncitizens alike.”

“So, for the first time, we are endorsing a candidate and donating. We hope these efforts make it a little more likely that (former Secretary of State Hillary) Clinton is able to pursue the agenda she has outlined,” the Facebook co-founder said in the post, which was also signed by his wife, Cari Tuna.

The November 8 presidential election has become a “referendum on who we want to be as individuals, as a nation and as a society,” Moskovitz said.

“Will we be driven by fear, towards tribalism, emphasizing the things that divide us (…) while building barriers to separate us from the rest of the world? Or, alternatively, will we continue in the direction of increased tolerance, diversity and interdependence in the name of mutual prosperity?” he asked rhetorically.

He added that he hoped his support for the Democratic Party sends a message to the Republicans that “by running this kind of campaign – one built on fear and hostility – and supporting this kind of candidate, they compel people to act in response.”

“Like many Democratic voters, we don’t support every plank of the platform, but it is clear that if Secretary Clinton wins the election, America will advance much further toward the world we hope to see,” Moskovitz wrote.

The Facebook co-founder said that, despite “reservations about anyone using large amounts of money to influence elections,” he and his wife were committing $20 million to numerous organisations, including the Hillary Victory Fund, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

(IANS)

Bangladesh factory engulfed by fire, 20 dead

by

At least 50 people were also injured when fierce fire engulfed packaging factory north of the capital Dhaka.

Weak fire protection systems are common in factories in Bangladesh [Mahmud Hossain Opu/Al Jazeera]

Weak fire protection systems are common in factories in Bangladesh [Mahmud Hossain Opu/Al Jazeera]

by Al Jazeera

At least 20 people have been killed and 50 injured after a fire engulfed a packaging factory north of the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka.

The Dhaka Tribune newspaper reported on Saturday that the fire erupted due to a boiler explosion at the Tampako Packaging Factory in the industrial town of Tongi, 20km north of the capital.

Citing hospital officials, the paper said the bodies of 17 people were taken to a nearby hospital while three others succumbed to their injuries while undergoing treatment.

Michael Shipper, the Secretary of Labour and Employment Ministry told Al Jazeera that the death toll stood at 22.

About 100 people are believed to have been working at the building when flames tore through the four-storey factory.

A series of deadly incidents have raised concern over safety standards in the South Asian country’s factories.

Working conditions have been described as notoriously poor, with little enforcement of safety laws, while overcrowding and locked fire doors are common.

A fire at a plastics factory last year killed 13, and in 2013 more than 1,100 people died in the Rana Plaza factory collapse, Bangladesh’s worst industrial accident.

Cauvery issue: Complaint filed against SC judges, CMs of Karnataka, TN

by

cauvery protests

Mandya: A case has been filed against three judges of the Supreme Court for ordering Karnataka to release water to Tamil Nadu at a time when the state itself is facing severe water shortage.

Rajanna from Mandya has filed a complaint against Chief Justice TS Thakur, Justice Deepak Mishra and Justice U Lalit; apart from them, the complaint also included names of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Water Resources Minister MB Patil and Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Jayalalitha.

The complainant stated that the state government had failed in placing the ground realities before the Apex Court. The hearing has been scheduled for September 15.

(Agencies)

As Bakrid draws closer, HC declines to lift ban on camel slaughter

by

Bakrid. Photo

Bakrid. Photo

Chennai: Camel slaughter banned in Tamil Nadu by the Madras high court order dated August 18 cannot be lifted, said the court on Friday rejecting a new public interest litigation that sought a direction to authorities to create slaughter facilities in the state.

The court rejected the PIL a few days before the Muslim festival of Bakrid, during which camels are slaughtered in some places.

The court also directed the state government to ensure that its orders were not violated.

More significantly, the court made it clear that the jurisdictional police officers would be held responsible if camels were brought to their areas and slaughtered.

Reiterating its prohibition order and pointing out that it was passed last month after hearing all stakeholders, the first bench of Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice R Mahadevan said it could not entertain petitions that sought to circumvent its earlier orders.

Earlier, counsel for Animal Welfare Board of India Jayesh Dolia referred to an article published in The Times of India on Friday about arrival of camels in north Chennai ahead of Bakrid, despite the court’s ban.

When the already listed matter was taken up, the judges said they had banned camel slaughter not only due to the absence of slaughter facilities in the state, but also due to other factors such as transportation of the animals from far off places, including Rajasthan where shifting camels out of the state has been banned.

The bench said camel is not native animal of Tamil Nadu, and added, “You cannot insist on sacrificing camel. Nobody prohibits sacrifice, but this animal is not in Tamil Nadu and it is not native to the state.”

It also rejected the argument that camel slaughter came under essential religious practices.

On August 18, the first bench had said: “In view of the stand of the central government and the provisions of the central Act, including Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, at present we cannot have a situation where such camel slaughtering is permitted, especially in the absence of any facility for it.”

(Agencies)

 

Shahabuddin out of jail after 11 yrs, takes a swipe at Nitish

by

Shahabuddin

Bhagalpur: RJD strongman Mohammad Shahabuddin today walked out of prison on bail after 11 years with much fanfare and praised party chief Lalu Prasad while making it clear that there was no love lost between him and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

“For me Lalu Prasad is the leader” and Nitish Kumar is the chief minister “circumstantially”, said the controversial leader, who has been a four-time MP from Siwan, as he emerged out of the Bhagalpur divisional jail and left in a convoy of three hundred vehicles for Siwan.

Shahabuddin, who is a member of RJD National Committee – the top decision-making body of the party- and is known to be close to the RJD chief, said categorically that he never enjoyed good relations with Kumar.

Various pending cases against Shahabuddin were reopened and he was sent to jail after Kumar had assumed power in 2005.

He was, however, quick to add that it was the court which sent him to jail and the court again which ordered his release from the jail.

Shahabuddin had got final reprieve on Wednesday when Patna High Court granted him bail in a case of murder of a witness in the 2004 killing of two brothers in Siwan. He had got bail in nearly 12 other cases earlier.

Shahabuddin was accorded a grand reception by his supporters and RJD workers. He was welcomed by RJD Lok Sabha MP from Bhagalpur, Shailesh Kumar alias Bulo Mandal, at Jehangir Chowk in Bhagalpur and by other supporters at Naughachia in the same district.

Shahabuddin said for him Lalu Prasad is the leader and “We all are standing solidly behind him.” He said after reaching Siwan he would meet the family of journalist Rajdeo Nandan, who was shot dead recently.

Shahabuddin’s close associate Laddan Mian is in jail in connection with the scribe’s murder and though the inquiry into it has so far not named the RJD strongman, he was shifted to Bhagalpur divisional jail from Siwan a little after the incident.

The Nitish Kumar government had recommended CBI probe into the murder on demand of the scribe’s family. Asked by newsmen whether his prolonged jail term had harmed him politically, Shahabuddin said, “A little damage has happened.”

His wife Heena Sahab lost to Om Prakash Yadav of BJP in the last parliamentary election from Siwan in 2014. Asked how he spent his time in jail, the RJD leader said he is an avid reader. “Out of four cartons I am taking back from jail, two are full of books which I read during my stay.”

To a question on senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi’s allegation that the Grand Secular Alliance government had paved way for his release as RJD is the major partner in it, Shahabuddin said, “There is no need to take Sushil Modi seriously.”

“During his early days in Bihar Assembly in the 1990s I remember he used to speak very incoherently leaving deskmen in trouble as to what actually he said. Now he speaks properly and is good in giving news to mediaperson by telling unsubstantiated facts,” he said.

(Agencies)

An Interview With Comedian Rakesh Bedi

by

Rakesh Bedi

Rakesh Bedi is a veteran Indian Film, stage & television actor. He is best known for his comic roles in Chashme Buddoor, Shrimaan Shrimati & Yes Boss. Shaheen Raaj Sahdev met up with Rakesh Bedi who is passionate about theatre as it gives a lot of tangents to his creativity which keeps on itching him to do something new.

Coming to Mumbai for an acting career without a Godfather! Was it an easy decision?

No it wasn’t and it never is for anybody. Because you are going into a black hole and you don’t know whether there is some light at the end of the tunnel. The only thing which you can have with yourself is your talent & confidence. By talent I mean a very hard core & purely self assessed talent. Just because you think that you are a good actor you can act or just because you think that some people have liked your performance somewhere, just because you think you are very handsome and you know acting and you are the king of acting, all those things really don’t work. You have to have a very balanced mind & a pure self analytical mind where you know where you stand.

What challenges you faced in Mumbai?

The challenges initially were many. The basic challenge at that time was that there was only one medium. It was cinema, theatre was not there as such. It was there but not paying so you could not survive on theatre. You can’t survive on television at all. So the only thing was cinema. And cinema was a monopoly of a few big producers and a lot of other people also but then you have to go & you have to meet & you have to struggle. First you have to struggle for role and then struggle to make contacts than you get the role than you struggle to do it and than you struggle to get money from the producers. These challenges were there and then to survive in this city without any external help has always been a very tough task.

You got recognization with the film Chashme Buddoor in 1981? What was the difference before and after it?

I won’t say extremely amazing. See today what happens is that the marketing tools are many. That time there were no marketing tools. Suppose I have done a good film how do I tell people. They have to only see it that’s all. I cannot tell them. Like you send a message across and it reaches millions of people. Put on facebook it reaches millions of people in seconds. That time the only way to show my work was that somebody should come & see my film. So the difference was there. I am not saying not there. But it was not that you know I say something like a rocket, something very sensational. The difference was there. But It was slow & gradual.

Is Media Industry stereotypical?

I think in India that’s how the industry has survived. Over the last 70’s, 80’s, & 90’s decade whatever we have been in this industry that’s how it has survived. Because cinema has slightly changed a bit in the last 1 decade where a lot of new talent has come in now, a lot of new thoughts & subjects are being made which are not stereotyped and which are not stencil cut. The formula films you know hero, heroine, hero’s sister will be raped and the villain, the heroine in the songs around the trees and the climax and the chase and a happy family photograph. There are thousands of films made on this formula. And plus a comedian & a comedian’s girlfriend also. So these were the ingredients which were almost there in so many films. But we got rid of that kind of cinema. I will say somewhere in the middle of 90’s and the early 2000, people were able to make cinema of their mind & of their taste. But still what happens is the media industry preliminary remains stereotyped. Because you know what happens is that everybody wants to make a hit film like a film which has been a hit. If you notice now Sultan is a big hit suddenly you will see some things coming on Kushti, some serials have been made on Kushti. Television has gone into Kushti suddenly. Pehle Kushti kyu nahi yaad aayi abhi kyu yaad aayi. Yeh stereotypical hi hai naa tabhi yaad aayi. Kuch apne dekha kuch chala toh aapko laga ki, Saas Bahu chala tha to so saas bahu was there on every channel. Abhi saap aur sapni chal raha hai uski TRP jyaada aa rahi hai so everybody is trying to make something on snake. So it has always been there in the industry.

How you been able to cope up with stereotyping?

I haven’t been able to cope up with it much. I could not rather. That’s why I do theatre. Because all my feelings, all my emotions, all my talent which is there inside me not only my acting talent even my writing talent my all kinds of energies I can channelize them in theatre I can experiment with myself in theatre. So I know in cinema they will give me a stereo cut role because for my kind of body, my kind of looks they are going to give a role of a hero’s friend or a comedian. They are not going to give me a main lead. So I am aware of these things. So that’s why I have a lust I mean when I came to Mumbai I was doing theatre even before joining FTII not that I started theatre only after coming to Mumbai. I was doing theatre before I joined FTII in Delhi. Then I joined FTII then again came here and joined theatre. So I have never left theatre for a simple reason that it gives a lot of tangents to my creativity.

Theatre gives you nothing as compared to films. So how did you manage your theatre with films?

The kind of theatre we do in IPTA does not give much at all. Much kya it does not give anything at all. It does not even give the conveyance along with all the rehearsals put in together. But it gives a lot of satisfaction. Then there are some kinds of commercial theatre also like my new play “Mera Woh Matlab Nahi Tha” with Anupam Kher & Neena Gupta which I have written & directed. It is doing wonders around the world. Even for IPTA’s play when we do commercial plays for some organisations we charge them reasonably.

Actor, writer, director & teacher. What do you enjoy the most?

All. I can’t say that I enjoy one portion more and other portion less. I enjoy everything in equal proportions. I love teaching also. A lot of people come to me to get trained.

You have worked in diverse spaces? How did you manage your personal life with so many mediums?

There is a famous saying that goes “where there is a will there is a way”. If you just say nahi nahi theatre ke liye time nahi milega, theatre se kya milne wala hai, theatre ke liye time nikalna mushkil hai. Time kabhi nikalega hi nahi. Maine toh apne career mein yeh dekha hai 35 – 40 saal ho gaye mujhe kaam karte hue. I have always been on stage. I don’t think there has been a single month in my life in the last 35 – 37 – 38 years whatever it is or may be 40 also when I have not been on stage for a single month for some play or the other.

What motivated you in delivering performances in diverse spaces?

Creativity. It keeps on itching me to do something new and it keeps on telling me come on go. For example my solo play “Massage”. It’s not a joke to do a monologue. That too something written by Vijay Tendulkar. He is not basically a comic writer. He is a very deep writer with very strong contents messages. And I chose the play because I saw the ingredients in it. So I saw if I give it my point of view it will be a hit. It can run it can appeal to the audiences. That’s what I did. It’s still running for the last 13 years. Just recently I had a show in Delhi. It was a houseful and a rocking show.

Audiences today have less patience level. How do you keep the audiences hooked on to the show?

Exactly! They have less patience level. So the content has to be stronger that’s the only answer. The moment you give them a little bit of lee way, a little bit of gap, a little bit of you know you can say uninteresting portion of the content and they will go away. They have their mobile to go away and they have their entire world in their mobile. They can connect to the data in seconds. So the secret is not to give them time. For example “Massage” is my solo play but I can say with so much of confidence that in 2 hrs time nobody can even see the watch once.

When working on a project as an actor with another director, how does the director inside you cope up?

That’s nothing. That’s very easy. You know who is the Captain of the Ship. So If something comes to my mind I definitely suggest the director. I suggest him this should be done this way. Can I say this line, can I improvise here or whatever it is. You can say it only twice or thrice. If he does not take it he doesn’t want to take it. It’s his call ultimately.

You have done a lot of comedy roles. But you have a much more serious side to you. Tell us about that?

Everybody has a serious side to oneself. I always believe that see what happens when comedy also does not make people laugh. Making people laugh is a purpose with a message with a little bit of pathos which goes deep inside the psyche of the audiences. If there is a play and there is a lot of laughter in it but only at the surface level. Like there are entry, there are exits, there are some mistaken identities. Things like that. A lot of plays running like that. But then they don’t have a life. You can’t go & see them twice. Because you are not taking home anything. The play should be such that where you are able to take home something, where it stays with you. I have people who have seen “Massage” 7 times 8 times over the period of 12 – 13 years. I know people who have seen “Shatranj Ke Mohre” 27 times. I have seen a man watched “Shatranj Ke Mohre” 27 times. Can you beat it? It is running for the past 40 years ofcourse. I know a person who has seen “Mera Woh Matlab Nahi Tha” which is running with the past 1 odd year only around 5 times. Why these plays? Why not other plays because they say something they keep you engrossed and you are not engrossed till the time of the play you are mentally occupied even when you go home, may be when you get up the next day. So it questions you and your mind.

Today stand up comedy is taking centre stage of the national television. What do you feel about this changed media scenario?

It’s okay, change is imperative. Change has to happen. I have nothing against it. It’s fine some people are making money what’s wrong with it but it should be neat. It should be clean. I don’t like making people laugh at the cost of others I don’t like demeaning somebody and than creating a laughter. I feel that it is a short cut to laughter. You can’t think of anything concrete & anything creative you just demean somebody and tries to make others laugh. And such people I have seen in my life, they cannot laugh at themselves if somebody else cracks a joke on them they get very hurt. They love laughing on other people but they cannot take a joke on themselves. Where as my policy is that you should be your own first victim. A good comedian’s first victim should be he himself. He should be able to laugh at himself and make people laugh at himself. That’s what I feel.

Tell us about your latest venture Y. A. R. O. Ka Tashan’? Tell us about your character?

It’s a show on Sab Tv coming at 7:30 in the evening. It’s a very sweet character so I liked the concept. There is one professor. He has a wife and wife doesn’t have a kid. He is a Robotics professor and a scientist. His wife is after him. Please I need a kid so he says okay I create a kid in my lab. He makes a Robo which is almost human. He can think he keeps on uploading his data from time to time making him in sync with the surrounding. He creates this. It’s a happy family. He goes on creating some mischief outside and the professor keeps on correcting him taking the blame on himself.

KNOW US

GET INVOLVED

PROMOTE

Archives