Wonderla Holidays PBT Surges 22% in the financial year 2017-18
Recommends a dividend of 15% to the share holders

Bangalore – 26th May, 2018: Wonderla Holidays Ltd. – India’s No.1 Amusement Park operator; has announced its financial results for the Fourth quarter and the Financial year ended on 31st, March 2018.
Highlights:
• Gross Revenue for the Financial year ended March 31, 2018 stood at Rs.278.34 crores, against Rs 274.99 crores in the previous Financial Year 206-17. Gross revenue for the Fourth Quarter, ended March 31, 2018, was at Rs 56.38 crores; against 61.98 crores in the corresponding period last financial year.

• Profit before tax recorded a growth of 22% (Rs 59.24 crores) over the last financial year (Rs 48.53 crores) as a result of series of strategic initiatives taken by the Management to optimize costs. We believe that such initiatives need to be strengthened for sustained savings in the future

• Profit after Tax for the year ended March 31, 2018 stood at Rs.38.62 crores, increase of 13.60% over last financial year (Rs 33.98 crores). Similarly the profit after tax for the Fourth Quarter, ended March 31, 2018, was at Rs 3.74 crores; an increase of 9% over corresponding period last financial year (Rs 3.43 crores).

• Revenue from the three amusement parks – Bangalore, Kochi and Hyderabad were Rs. 267.23 crores, as against Rs 263.02 crores over last financial year2016-17.

• EBITDA grew 23% to 96.95 Crores from 79.14 for the year ended March 31, 2018 and 50% to 16.75 crores from 11.15 crores in the Fourth quarter ended 31st March 2018 over corresponding last financial year’s quarter.

• The Resort division had an occupancy rate of 43%.

• Business Outlook:

Commenting about the performance during the quarter, Mr. Arun K Chittilappilly, Managing Director, Wonderla Holidays Ltd. Mentioned, “Despite a very challenging business environment, we are happy with our performance during Quarter 4 and the financial year 2017-2018. We were able to reduce costs and the GST reduction for our sector is a welcome change. We recently launched Mission Interstellar, our latest ride in Hyderabad Park and we are confident that footfalls will revive in our older parks in the coming quarters. We continue to be optimistic about our prospects of growth in the sector.”

About Wonderla Holidays Ltd:
Wonderla Holidays Limited is India’s largest and most popular amusement park operator. The company currently owns and operates three amusement parks in Kochi, Bangalore and Hyderabad and a resort at the Bangalore facility named ‘Wonderla Resort’. Wonderla is unique in that it designs and creates its own attractions, and has an R&D facility to design and manufacture rides for its own amusement parks. Many of its rides have been custom made and imported from reputed international suppliers, making them unique in India. Wonderla parks have been visited by over 3 crore people since 2000 making them the most visited amusement parks in India. Wonderla is ranked India’s No.1 amusement park and Asia’s 6th best amusement park as per Trip Advisor ranking for the fifth consecutive year.Wonderla also has the best safety record for its parks, and are ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 certified. Wonderla stands for an energising and memorable outing for guests of all ages and help them #GetCloser. For further information on Wonderla, visit www.wonderla.com

His own brand of cinema was about human relationships entangled in social issues, but veteran writer-filmmaker Gulzar believes the present generation of movie makers have more courage to express things in an open and bolder way.

In a discussion titled ‘Kal Aaj Aur Kal’ at the 13th Habitat Film Festival, Gulzar, dressed in his trademark white kurta-pyjama, sat down with filmmakers Vishal Bhardwaj and Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, to discuss the era gone by, the present and future of cinema in the country.

Looking back at the time when the new wave cinema had started, Gulzar reminisced: “Shyam Benegal, Govind Nihalani and films of Sahni sahab (Balraj Sahni) did it… This was there in that era that there was a desire to say something, and the anxiety to be like, ‘If you get a chance, say it, express it’. This bechaini (restlessness) had taken birth for all creative people… Whether it was literature or cinema.

“A political comment had started coming in….There was also a fear as there was strictness of the censor board and government….That has been there and that strictness and we have seen it up to date. But today’s common man, he raises his voices.

“I got a chance to work with with Vishal in ‘Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola’, which was on land grabbing….It’s an open expression which started coming in with this generation. I say I am with this generation holding their hands. Earlier it was that I was walking ahead, and now I am walking with them.

“Today’s cinema is an expression…. this kind of cinema happens far and between, but making a musical on land grabbing and making it like that, is great. And Rakeysh’s ‘Mere Pyare Prime Minister’ is on sanitation issues….This generation is saying it openly and saying it boldly. I salute your generation.”

Gulzar’s own directorial credits include films like “Mere Apne”, “Aandhi”,”Koshish”, “Ijaazat”, “Angoor” and “Maachis”.

On the changes he has observed in Indian cinema over the years, the 83-year-old writer said: “When I came into cinema, films were about storytelling….I was very verbose, and used to have very exaggerated dialogues… But today’s generation relies more on visuals and they trust it to convey what they intend to.”

He said even the cinema halls were full of noise either of the food and drinks vendors or the projectors.

“Technically, our cinemas were handicapped,” he said, adding how today’s generation of filmmakers don’t have to grapple with such issues because of how advanced the techniques and equipments have become.

Touching upon how people keep brooding over the difference between old and new melodies in Indian cinema, Gulzar pointed out how it only — like the films — reflect life.

“People listen to old melodies and say they have a ‘thehrav’ hai which is beautiful… But that was there in the life back then and in the stories of life. It can’t be that your life’s pace changes, and the music remains the same. It will be out of sync.

“So, it will have to change with time and with the pace of life, and I feel it has changed beautifully.”

However, he said to have physical presence of music in some form — as LPs, EPs, cassettes, CDs and now even pen drives are going out of fashion — lends a sense of nostalgia to the experience of listening to it.

The session was organised in association with HarperCollins India.

Having risen from an actor who began his career with small bits in various films, Nawazuddin Siddiqui has clearly reached a point where he has shown not only his versatility, but also the ability to hold films on his own. The actor, who will be seen playing writer Saadat Hasan Manto and late Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray in separate films, says he’s done with cameos.

Here for his film “Manto”, which features in the Cannes Film Festival’s Un Certain Regard section, Nawazuddin was all praise for the film’s director Nandita Das’ “impeccable research”.

He shies away from naming a favourite director or even sharing his wish list.

“If I take names, the others will feel bad about it. As an actor, I only look at stories, script and most importantly my character in the film. There is also a selfishness that works and I think it’s quite normal that I look for characters that will challenge me and push me to the limits,” Nawazuddin told this correspondent.

He is clear that there is no room for any more cameo appearances for him.

“No, I will not do it anymore (laughs). It’s as simple as that, why will I do them? I am done with my quota of small roles,” he said.

Nawazuddin is also venturing into production, taking on projects such as “Manto” as a co-producer.

“There are some upcoming films that I am co-producing as well. My brother is very much into this doing the scouting for me. I definitely want to produce films as well,” he said.

He rules out exploring foreign shores for roles, saying he is content with India and the diversity of roles he is getting to do.

“For the time being, I am satisfied that all my directors in India are giving me characters that are pretty challenging and I am happy doing those.

“Just for the sake of a branding that I am an international star, I would not do that. How many films in the world are like ‘Manto’? Very few. So, I have no such predetermined affiliation for international projects. I am proud of Nandita and a film like this is no way less than any international film.”

On him getting typecast, Nawazuddin said: “I think it’s completely a wrong conception. If I am doing (playing) Bal Thackeray and Manto at the same time, how can one say that I am typecast? The Bollywood heroes are typecast, they do the same thing all their life and they are never asked these questions.

“Now the films made in India are allowing actors like us to step in the shoes of lead characters and that makes us versatile. So, those who are still doing this (stretches his hand) are typecast, not me,” he said.

The heavy downpour that accompanied the interview perhaps reflected the emotional response of the viewers to “Manto” at the screening here in Cannes.

The actor says the period film clearly touched a chord with the audience at Cannes.

“I have seen people crying in the audience, there were people who came out with a very satisfied face. And the best part was I think the film has tried to hit the conscience of people very hard. There were many who came up to me and said that the film was very well timed,” Nawazuddin said.

That should not be surprise as the film’s director, Nandita, has always found a warm reception at Cannes, where she has had her films screened and also been a part of the jury.

Nawazuddin said a lot of hard work and impeccable research has gone into the making of “Manto”, which was not the typical rapid production in Bollywood style. He compliments his director’s attitude towards the script and the film.

“See when Nandita told me that the film is just not the stories of Manto but his life as well, I was hooked to it.

“Manto’s life in itself is very interesting. This was perhaps four years back and we tried all these years to make the concept that she was building come true. I just understood that this character will let me achieve a lot and will take away a lot of things that I always wanted to give as an actor.

“Nandita’s research was impeccable and what I got in my hands was almost half baked. It was a pleasure working with her,” he said.

On his own preparation for the role, he said he had already read Manto’s stories and had also enacted one of them, which made it easier for him to cast himself in the role.

“I am not a writer, so I can only behave like a writer…It’s not possible to be a writer. What I could do was create an impression of a writer on-screen. I have tried to that. I have always tried to portray the ground reality of a character whenever I acted.

“Manto’s writing in itself is depiction of truth in every form and Nandita has always told us to exercise that in our performances. Not only had I, but each one of us tried not to be a cliche when portraying their parts in the film. I can’t specifically say one I like all the stories of Manto.

“I read them and I love them. I had done ‘Toba Tek Singh’ maybe twenty years back, so I relate to it. Otherwise, stories like ‘Khol Do’, ‘Kali Salwar’ or ‘Thanda Gosht’ are all my favourites.”

Karan Johar Introduces 6 Pack Band 2.0

Karan Johar recently introduced a 6 Pack Band named 2.0 for mental disability awareness with Y-Films & Brooke Bond Red Label. India’s 1st transgender band, the Brooke Bond Red Label 6 Pack Band exploded on to the scene in 2016, winning millions of hearts across the globe and became India’s most awarded campaign ever. The band had special collaborations with Anushka Sharma, Hrithik Roshan, Sonu Nigam, Asha Bhosle, amongst others, that became huge talking points.

In its 2nd edition, the 6 Pack Band 2.0 focuses on the important theme of Mental Health & Disability. Celebrated Producer & Director – Author – Host Karan Johar joins this cause to change the way we perceive children with different abilities.

India’s 1st isspeshal band, the 6 Pack Band 2.0, comprises of 6 teens between the ages of 13 to 18 (3 girls & 3 boys) with special needs but incredible music skills, drive & passion. Their spirit, their infectious energy, their resolve & their life stories are extremely inspiring. The band has been conceived & produced by Ashish Patil, Head of Y-Films, the youth wing of Yash Raj Films & curated by Shameer Tandon. They’re here to show the world that no disability can hold you back if given the right kind of love & support.

Given the extensive research he’s done on Autism for his film My Name Is Khan, Karan Johar is deeply invested into his support for the cause. As the month of April is also “Autism Awareness Month”, the band’s launch becomes even more special. Karan avers, “It’s so wonderful to see these young & super talented kids come together to create something so epic. I’m excited to be a part of something I know will not only change you & me but also have the power to change the world. I can’t wait to see what these kids will do next; they are here to conquer the world with their talent!”

Head of Y-Films, Ashish Patil adds, “Y-Films has always created content that does more than just entertain. Be it for gender equality, LGBTQ support or Sex Education, we’ve been at the forefront in getting these important messages across in the most fun manner. Being a special needs parent myself; the theme of mental health & disability is very, very close to my heart. I know what one goes through as the world judges these kids day in & day out. But I’ve also learnt from my son how to take that with a smile, to accept everyone as they are & to spread happiness unconditionally. With 6 Pack Band 2.0 we really hope to show everyone how these kids are the missing puzzle pieces this world needs to complete itself!”

The band’s curator Shameer Tandon adds, “I am elated to be part of this path breaking journey of 6 Pack Band 2.0 with Y-Films. Last year along with Ashish Patil, we set out to enable a life altering experience for the LGBT community which took us the entire way to perform at the Cannes festival. This year our focus is mental health awareness. Rarely does one get an opportunity to nurture innocent & raw talent in these truly special children. Music is a universal language they say; these kids beautifully connect the notes with their voice. There’s lot one can learn about life from them, like the ability to stay immersed in every task with a smile.”

Shiva Krishnamurthy, General Manager, Beverages, Hindustan Unilever adds, “Brooke Bond Red Label stands for inclusiveness. We encourage people to overcome their prejudices & find common ground with fellow human beings over a steaming cup of chai. A delightful way of doing this has been our partnership with YRF. Encouraged by the overwhelmingly positive response that India’s 1st ever transgender band received, we are back with India’s most special band. We hope that our talented band members receive similar love this time around as well.”

Prasanth Kumar, Mindshare CEO South Asia, Middle East & Africa adds, “Brooke Bond Red Label 6 Pack -The journey needs to go on. And that’s exactly what we have been working on post the 1st ever phase of “Brooke Bond Red Label – 6 pack initiative”. As we continue this journey, we are back with “6 Pack Band 2.0” – collaboration between the Team Mindshare & Y-Films. This would continue to focus on some important & pertinent social issues and how the world needs to be more accommodating & inclusive. We as Mindshare have believed in this journey and we are at it working together to make this another delightful experience. It’s been motivating for all of us as we also saw many of the global recognitions (Glass Lions Grand Prix at Cannes) blessing all of us. The work for Brooke Bond Red Label “6 pack 2.0” is in resonance with the brand ethos of Brooke Bond Red label that has always stood for inclusion & partners the campaign. BBRL 6 Pack band 2.0 addresses social ostracism of people with mental disability, thereby making the world a more welcoming place for all. Power & full throttle to the “#ISSPESHAL6!”

The band’s 1st single, “Jhakkad Pakkad Dance” celebrates life. It showcases how we all need to shed our ignorance & our inhibitions. And learn to accept everyone as they are and dance like no one’s watching. Shot all over the city, it shows the band having a blast as they perform without a care in the world. The song has been written by Kumaar and the video has been directed by ace choreographer Adil Shaikh.

Mental health & disability is a matter of critical importance as World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that almost 20% of the world’s population needs some or the other form of medical intervention. And almost 80% of cases go untreated for at least the 1st ever 12 months due to the stigma associated. Specifically, 1 in 68 children are affected by autism with the condition being 5 times more prevalent in boys than the girls. This campaign hopes to create much more awareness, conversations & hopefully impact about this important theme over the 6 songs & 6 music videos that it will release over the next 6 months.

The Brooke Bond Red Label 6 Pack Bandmates are Ananya Halarnkar, Anjali Ramesh, Maitreya Matale, Paarth Padhye, Prerna Agarwal & Rishaan Patil.

The music Credits include Composer & Music Director Shameer Tandon, Lyricist Kumaar, Intro Written by Ashish Patil, Music Supervisor: Ahan Shah, Music Assisted by: Tushar Wader, Talent & Project Manager Harsh Pandya.

Shamir Tandon’s Entertainment & Music Boutique Team include Prakash Nair & Ria Shah, Arranged & Programmed by Emon Goswami, Guitars & Bass Shon Pinto, Rhythms Arun Solanki, Rhythms Recorded by Alok Punjani, 208 Studios & Mix & Mastered by Rupjit Das, Posthouse.

Music Video Credits include Director & Choreographer Adil Shaikh, Cinematographer Ujwal Gupta & Zack Fenwick, Assistant Director & Assistant Choreographer Islam Paco, Assistant Choreographer Pavan Shetty, Kajal & Aquleem, Editor Nitin FCP, Costume Designer Chetna Rawat, Costume Assistant: Tanushka D’Silva, Costume Department Mohammed Salim Ansari & Production Company: Shake Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.

(IANS) Sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan, veteran playback singer Asha Bhosle and veteran actor Anupam Kher were among the prominent personalities who were conferred the ‘Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Smruti Pratishthan Awards’ on the occasion of his 76th death anniversary here.

Bhosle was conferred the award for life achievements, while Anupam was acknowledged by a Special Award honouring his contributions to cinema and theatre, at a glittering function presided over by Union Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari in the Shanmukhananda Hall late on Tuesday.

Besides, Dhananjay Datar was awarded for social entrepreneurship, the Vagvilasini Award went to poet Yogesh Gaur for literature, Shriram Gogate Award to Rajiv Khandekar for journalism, Mohan Wagh Award to ‘Ananya’ as the Best Drama of the Year, the Asha Bhosle Award for social work to Mery Behlihimji of the Central Society of Education for the Deaf.

“I feel blessed and humbled receiving this award. For musicians of India, especially for me, this is the greatest and most prestigious honour of my life. The legendary Master Deenanath Mangeshkar gave the revered Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle (Mangeshkar), Usha Mangeshkar and Meena Khadilkar (Mangeshkar) and Pandit Hridayanath Mangeshkar to the music world,” Khan said on the occasion.

Bhosle said: “This award is really special for me as it is in my father’s name. But more than that, I feel honoured as it has been conferred upon many stalwarts over the years. I feel blessed.”

The pre-eminent Mangeshkar family has been celebrating Master Deenanath Mangeshkar’s death anniversary since the past 75 years, and it became public in 1988 with the awards ceremonies.

“In memory of our father, whose monumental contributions as a singer, musician and stage artiste have inspired people of Maharashtra and India, the Mangeshkar family organises the annual awards ceremony to honour legends from different fields,” said Hridayanath Mangeshkar.

The awards night, organised jointly with Hridayesh Arts, included a classical programme with a kathak performance by exponent Birju Maharaj and Saswati Sen, thumris rendered by Ajoy Chakraborty and Anindo Chatterjee on the tabla, in the presence of a large number of celebrities from the entertainment world and the extended members of the Mangeshkar family.

Rana Daggubati doesn’t see any project as a risk and likes to keep his creative spirit busy. The “Baahubali” star says he didn’t set out to be a regular hero as his mantra is to keep trying new things.

His career graph is filled with diverse projects — something he is proud of.

“I didn’t set out to be a regular hero. My mantra has always been, ‘Give me something new and I’ll do it with all my heart’. That is what I truly believe and look for in every project,” Rana told IANS in an email interview.

The actor says he loves to entertain people.

“I get restless if I don’t do something. I love to be in the entertainment space, and my aim is to create new content and entertain people, whether it’s in movies or on TV.

“I truly believe that cinema is a collaborative effort and as long as I get to tell, and be part of, interesting stories, and work with genuine people, I don’t see any project as a ‘risk’,” he added.

Rana is known for his portrayal of an evil king pitted against his cousin brother in the “Baahubali” franchise, and as a naval officer in “Ghazi”. He has also lent his voice to the character of supervillain Thanos for the Telugu version of Hollywood film “Avengers: Infinity War”.

Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Infinity War”, which features an ensemble of superheroes, will release worldwide on April 27.

The actor, who has worked in the southern film industry as well as in Bollywood, found dubbing as Thanos exciting.

“I felt the sheer power of Thanos while dubbing and tried my best to bring it through the voice. It was fascinating because the entire story is told from the point of view of Thanos. It is also good to be associated with one of the most successful film franchises in the world.”

The tall and handsome actor was ecstatic with the offer as he got associated with the Marvel Cinematic Universe .

“I have grown up reading Marvel Comics and (watching) Marvel movies with their intricately woven story lines… They have been some of my favourite movies to watch. My early memories would perhaps be reading about Iron Man and watching that film first,” said the actor.

Be it “Baahubali” or “Avengers: Infinity War” — he is the main villain. So, what attracts him towards dark characters?

“Each character, be it the antagonist or the protagonist, brings with himself his own personality… and I have tried to stay true to each one of them; each is enjoyable in their own way! Be it ‘Baahubali’ or Thanos, what draws me towards the character is the way they have been etched out,” he added.

Explaining the psyche of Thanos, the actor added: “Thanos is undoubtedly the most powerful entity and villain the world has ever seen — he is virtually indestructible. Imagine a villain so menacing that all the Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy and their allies have to come together in a hope to defeat this one guy; such characters come to you once in a lifetime!

“Apart from being fun, it was fascinating because the entire story is told from the point of view of Thanos.”

What’s next?

“I have two movies — ‘Haathi Mere Saathi’ and ‘Hiranya Kashyap’ coming up.”

(IANS)

Danish director Lars von Trier, who has been barred from the Cannes Film Festival since 2011 over his controversial comments about Adolf Hitler, will make a comeback at the gala in May.

Festival general delegate Thierry Fremaux has revealed that Avon Trier, 61, will return in 2018, reports theguardian.com.

Fremaux told a French radio statement, “There will, maybe, be an announcement…”

The filmmaker’s “The House That Jack Built”, which stars Matt Dillon and Uma Thurman, has been linked with a slot at the festival for a long time.

The psychological thriller centres on the life of a serial killer in Washington over the space of a dozen years.

The director hasn’t been invited to Cannes since 2011 when his movie “Melancholia” screened in the festival’s main competition.

When he was asked about his German roots and his interest in the Nazi aesthetic at a press conference, Trier had delivered a controversial response.

He said at the time, “I thought I was a Jew for a long time, and I was very happy … But it turned out that I was not a Jew. And then I found out that I was really a Nazi because my family was German. Which also gave me some pleasure. What can I say?”

During the press conference, the movie’s star, Kirsten Dunst, urged the director to stop talking, but he continued with his explanation.

He said, “I understand Hitler. I think he did some wrong things, absolutely, but I can see him sitting in his bunker at the end.”

“I think I understand the man. He’s not what you call a good guy, but I understand much about him, and I sympathise with him a little bit,” he added.

Basking in the glowing reviews of “October”, Varun Dhawan says he wants to continue seeking roles that are unique and “tear” the envelope.

Excerpts from the interview:

Q. Hello, am I speaking to the Supertar Varun Dhawan?

A. (Laughs) No, this is Dan (the character from “October”). I still haven’t come out of my character. This is that kind of an experience which I can’t just leave behind.

Q. Dan is not heroic in the filmy sense. What made you play such a character at this stage of your career?

A. This is what I was asked when I did “Badlapur”. I hope this question keeps coming up in my career.

Q. You will continue to seek out roles that push the envelope?

A. Not just push the envelope, but ‘phado’ (tear) the envelope. I am not interested in doing unconventional roles that don’t go all the way. I don’t want to take sides as far as doing mainstream and unconventional roles are concerned.

Why should off-beat roles not be popular? When we made “October”, we knew it won’t get the audience of a “Judwaa”. It was made within the required budget. And we were not disappointed with the results.

Q. The collections have increased manifold.

A. Yes, a day after the release, the audience began to increase considerably. That was very reassuring. People have connected with the film. What we see in “October” is what everyone goes through in life.

Q. Would you be doing more such ‘tearing the envelope’ roles?

A. Yes, absolutely. But it has to be a character like the one in “October” who is completely honest even about his dishonesty. We all lie to others and to ourselves. But how often is the hero allowed to admit his weaknesses on screen?

(Screenwriter) Juhi Chaturvedi has written the character as flawed and yes, quite annoying in the way he pushes his opinion about everything on others. Dan is quite overbearing. Yet he redeems himself finally. It proves there is a sensitive human being inside him. I loved my character’s journey.

Q. I didn’t like the way the journey ended?

A. I know. A lot of people have told me it shouldn’t have ended the way it did. But this was the only way it could end. If we changed the inevitable, we would be cheating.

Q. You’ve had cent-per cent success so far. Even your awful “Dilwale” is considered a hit. Do you think “October” will not interrupt your success spell?

A. About “Dilwale”, even today you will be surprised at how many people tell me they love that film. When I decided to do “October”, I put my entire soul into it. After “Badrinath Ki Dulhania” and “Judwaa 2”, I could have done another blockbuster kind of film. But I wanted to do a character who was not so high on self-confidence.

Dan is a bit of an upstart. He isn’t your average hero at all. When I heard about the role, I insisted that Shoojit Sircar cast me, although he had a completely different cast in mind. Dan is just 21-22. Much younger than me.

Q. How old are you?

A. I am 30. So I am actually not as inexperienced in things like illness and grieving as you might think. I’ve watched both my parents lose their parents and how it affected them. And I saw how my mother did the seva (tending) of her parents when they were ill.

Somewhere, I had stored all those memories and I used it in “October”.

Q. I believe you took a massive remuneration cut in “October”?

A. I wasn’t even thinking about money when I got the chance to do “October”. I just wanted to be part of this film.

Q. What is your biggest takeaway from this film?

A. It has definitely taught me to be more considerate towards others. It is not just important to feel for someone. It is also important to express that feeling. This film has also taught me to be sensitive about what goes on around me.

People die, people have accidents, but Life goes on. Nobody cares beyond a point. That’s really sad. Most importantly, now after doing “October”, I want to spend more time with my family.

Q. And yet you’ve moved out of your family home into your own place?

A. That’s because I needed more space. And my own private space.

Q. Did you buy your home as preparation for marriage?

A. Nothing like that. Of course it will happen in good time.

(Ians)

Do yourself a favour. Don’t make the mistake of writing off Kapil Sharma, although the entertainer who brought so much cheer into our lives has nothing to smile about at this point of time.

But then tough times, as we all know, don’t last. Tough human beings — and good ones — do. Hang me for saying this, but I truly believe Kapil is a good human being. Simple, straightforward, he always tells it like it is. The deep connect with the masses is not a put-on. With him, what you see is what you get. You won’t find him mincing words.

No one cares to see the pain that Kapil is going through. They only see the rude, obnoxious and abusive tweets he had sent out to a journalist last week. If only they would see the provocation behind these unsavoury outbursts of truancy, they would understand him better. No, it is not arrogance. It’s just the opposite. Kapil is an extremely vulnerable man who was unequipped to handle the superstardom that hit him, and Indian television, like a meteor. We didn’t see it coming. Neither did he.

Now that he has achieved stupendous success, he doesn’t know how to handle it. I’ve known him before he became a big star and he has never been anything less than warm and affectionate and seemingly vulnerable — sharing with me his inner-most fears and insecurities.

When I spoke to him after the Friday fireworks that eroded his reputation even more, he was not the least apologetic. On the contrary, he told me things related to the incident that further exposed the hollowness of this whole sham and shindig that we call showbiz.

In a world of make-believe where there are no real friendships, Kapil looks for genuinely unaffected and caring people. When he doesn’t find them, he recoils and hits out at those who use his superstardom for gains.

While it would be unethical of me to reveal the shocking details that emerged from Kapil’s heartfelt outpouring on Friday night, I can say this much without breaching his trust: Kapil is very much hurt by the betrayals that he has gone through in the past few years.

“How would you respond if you went through the same things? Wouldn’t you be angry? We all have our way of expressing anger. I do it with gaalis,” Kapil told me.

Kapil’s is a sordid saga of backstabbing and treachery. But it’s not an unusual one in our entertainment industry where opportunists get a free run. But Kapil doesn’t know how to cope with it.

Let me not mention the names of his colleages on Comedy Nights who turned his life into a nightmare. They know very well the “naatak” that they are carrying on in the press to make themselves look like martyrs and paint Kapil as an arrogant, self-destructive entertainer who allowed his talent to be smothered by his insecurities.

This reputation is ill-earned. The tales of Kapil’s drinking and ill health — though not untrue — are highly exaggerated and planted in the media by some of his colleagues who wanted to become bigger than him.

A post-script: Kapil has promised to marry the very devoted, very intelligent and sorted Ginny — the mysterious girlfriend about whom no one knows, and to whom, Kapil says, he is “already married in his mind”. Making it official would be just the kind of formality that is abhorred by the informal, unassuming and unpretentious boy-man from Amritsar.

The man who brought abundant laughter into our lives, I am sure, would continue to do so.

See you, Kapil, after the break.

(IANS)