Superstar Aamir Khan says he takes a higher cut in films’ profits because he risks his time on projects. But he does so only after the cost of each film is recovered in every aspect.

The actor-producer gave out the information on the inaugural day of the fifth Indian Screenwriters Conference here on Wednesday.

During an interactive session on the topic ‘Writers VS Producers: Can they never be allies?’, Aamir was asked: “There is a worrying trend that now the star has started taking about 80 per cent of the film, not profit but actually as his fees. Even though he is letting his fees go, it ultimately comes to the actor taking away 80 per cent. In 20 per cent how are we going to make a successful film?”

The actor replied: “My first rupee comes to me when the film’s cost is recovered in every aspect, after the producer’s and everybody else’s money is recovered. That’s the model I work with, and certainly, I take a higher cut in the percentage because I am risking my time on that, and I think producers are happy with that too.”

Explaining the model, he shared: “The model that I work on is that, say a film costs Rs 100 crore to make. It consists of everything – cast, crew, production cost, post-production cost and everything comes in that. I don’t take any money in that. I take nothing.

“So, when the film releases, I get zero money. And as it starts earning money, that money goes into P and A (Promotions and Advertising), which is over and above Rs 100 crore. Say P and A is Rs 25 crore, it then goes into recovering that.

“Once P and A is recovered, the producer has recovered his money, and everybody has got their fees…then I go into the percentage of profits. This way, there is no way that the producer can lose any money. And if for some reason, the film has not recovered the money, that it didn’t do well, then I don’t get any money,” he said.

Being part of some of the iconic films like “Dangal”, “PK”, “3 Idiots” and “Lagaan”, Aamir believes that the script plays an important role in the success of a film.

“I think the script is the foundation (of a film) and I make sure that once I love the story and the film is in the making, people who are investing money should not be in loss. I don’t allow the producer to shoulder the responsibility alone,” he said.

He believes that sharing the responsibility of making the film commercially successful also secures his career and builds trust with the producers and financiers of films.

“I think this is the best business model for film and our business because in most of my films, if producer is not losing money, it is but obvious that he will sign me for the next film. That is why I always ensure that if I am signed in a film, there is no loss,” he said.

Citing the example of the 2001 film “Lagaan”, Aamir said: “Since that film was one of the expensive films of that time and was breaking a lot of rules of mainstream Indian cinema and that is why I felt the importance of taking the responsibility.

“That apart, I know when I come on board, producers and financiers do not question me on the subject I chose for a film because they trust me, they have faith in me. That is why I want to ensure the profit.”

{4th December 1924 – 31st July 1980}

‘Woh jab yaad aaye, bahut yaad aaye’. Yes indeed and this year 31st Jul, 2018 heralded the 38nd death anniversary of Mohammed Rafi, Rafi Sahab for one and all, who incidentally was born on 4th Dec, 1924. So by now it’s 3 decades down the unforgettable golden memory lane, time and again reminiscent of his everlasting crooning glory tinged with incidents and anecdotes galore, since his soul had departed for the heavenly abode on 31st Jul, 1980 and more so when it is the case of an eminent and a legendary singing personality like him. Not to forget that he was truly known as “Aawaz Ki Duniya Ka Shahenshah” a phrase which was coined by none other than Ameen Sayani, India’s first ever Radio Jockey, on Radio Ceylon during his most popular broadcasting days of the “Binaca Geetmala” series.

THE BEGINNING

Since his early childhood, Rafi Sahab had an undyingly passionate penchant for singing. But his strictest disciplinarian and a bit orthodox father was dead against his choice. Yet, later on, it was his uncle who on realizing his ardent desire started imparting the most essential vocal as well as instrumental musical training to him. Once the training session ended his uncle personally introduced him to Feroz Nizami the then managing director of Radio Lahore. The groundwork was laid and soon enough after a brief stint out here the millions “Chahita Fankaar” {beloved singer} got his first ever playback singing break in a made in Lahore Punjabi film titled Gul Baloch. And the year was 1944.

JOURNEY FROM LAHORE TO BOMBAY

The year was the same, 1944. Gul Baloch numbers had hit the roof in the chart bursting track record on Radio Lahore. Rafi Sahab had then confidently packed up his bag, baggage and his Radio Lahore job and landed up straight in the “Jadunagri of Bambai ki filmi duniya” as it was more popularly known then. No doubt the Lahore success had preceded him and he instantly got his first ever Hindi film playback singing break in a film titled Pehle Aap with no other competitive new or old crooner then to pose a serious threat of the “Lucknowi” tradition of “Pehle aap, pehle aap”. The next thing one knew was that he had shot into instant limelight, his very first starry brush with stardom was with the memorable number Yahan Badla Wafaa Ka from a runaway hit film titled Jugnu. And then the rest as they say was a melodious history written in golden words in the annals of the history of Indian Cinema in general and Hindi Cinema in particular.

TURNING POINT ANECDOTE

Camp business in the entire filmic arena was prevalent even then. So in spite of gaining instant recognition with Jugnu Rafi Sahab had to wait for his time to enter the big time musical league. And soon enough such an opportunity did come his way. In his heydays his major breakthrough was courtesy a strange incident that had insinuated his foray into the musical giant Naushad Sahab’s music room at Mehboob Studio. It so happened that during the recording of Babul, another eminent singer Talat Mehmood had ended up infuriating him by daring to smoke in his presence. And due to the stringent contract system Talat Mehmood did end up singing all the songs of Babul much to his chagrin. But of course Naushad Sahab had vowed that he would never repeat Talat Mehmood in any of his film. So when he scored the music for his next film Baiju Bawra it was Rafi Sahab who got a laid out on a platter golden opportunity to sing all its songs including the very symbolic, heart touching and scintillatingly naughty number Maan Mera Ehsaan Arre Nadaan Ke Maine Tuhse Kiya Hai Pyaar from Mehboob Khan’s film Aan.

HIS UNIQUE STYLE HIS FORTE

In this regard it was the then Rafi Sahab’s arch rival the Late Kishore Kumar, who in spite of being a versatile and prolific crooner in his own right had to borrow his playback for one of his own acting role in a film titled Raagini, who had gone on record speaking volumes about his vocal virtuosity, It sounds unbelievable yet true that all of a sudden Mohammed Rafi’s volcanic talent had emerged like a “Towering Inferno” on the Hindi based Indian musical scene from the 50’s phase onwards. His main forte was his stylish slurring, his mast murki’s, the feel and the tease in his voice in Toto with his excellent ability to mould his voice differently to match all the actor’s voices of their times. Then, of course, his perfect knowledge and understanding of every nuances pertaining to Urdu words in league with the Persian poetry too. While the added bonanza was his unmatched, unparalleled and flawless diction which he often used to infuse with an immeasurable yearning to bring out the exuberant light heartedness in his extremely popular Shammi Kapoor style of songs.

HIS CAPTIVATINGLY INTOXICATING NUMBERS

To attempt the chronological enlisting of Rafi Sahab’s endless number of hit songs would be strictly unfair as millions, billions, trillions and zillions of his fans hum them all over and all the time even to this day! Yet there is no one on par with him as far as the crooning of the captivatingly intoxicated numbers were concerned, like Choo Lene Do Naazook Hoton Ko, Chalkaye Jaam Aaiye Aapki Aankhon Ke Naam, Maine Pi Sharab Tumne Kya Piya, Yeh Duniya Usiki, Jo Unki Tamanna Hai, Mujhe Duniya Walon Sharabi Na Samjo, Mujhko Yaaro Maaf Karna Main Nashemain Hoon et al.

HIS HEARTWRENCHINGLY SAD NUMBERS

No doubt the ever smiling Rafi Sahab was equally versatile while crooning the pathos ridden melancholic numbers, like Yeh Duniya Yeh Mehfil, Babul Ki Duaen Leti Jaa, Mile Na Phool To Katon Se Dosti Karli, Aaj Purani Rahon Se Koi Mujhe Aawaz Na De, Yaad Na Jaaye Beete Dino Ki, Hum Ne Wafaa Na Sikhi et al.

HIS LIVELY & PEPPY NUMBERS

Indeed how can one forget his lively, peppy and outstandingly foot tapping numbers, like Tareef Karoon Kya Uski Jisne Tumhe Banaya, Badan Pe Sitare Lapete Hue, Jiya Ho Jiya Ho Jiya Kuch Bol Do, Jaan Pehchaan Hai, Na Rootho, Rootho Na Rootho Meri Jaan, Chahe Koi Mujhe Junglee Kahe….Yahoooooo, Uff Yu Maa, Uff O Khuda et al.

HIS EVERGREEN ROMANTIC NUMBERS

In this arena he was aptly titled as the “King of Romance” by Indian Cinema historians like the late Firoze Rangoonwalaa, the Late Bunny Reuben, Rajiv Vijaykar, Ritu Nanda et al albeit in their musical references making a special mention of Rafi Sahab and his evergreen romantic numbers, like Nisultana Re, Chehre Pe Giri Zulfein, Baharaon Phool Barsao, Teri Pyaari Pyaari Soorat Ko, Yeh Mera Prem Patr Padkar, Mere Mehboob Tujhe Meri Mohabbat Ki Kasam, Bekhudi Mein Sanam Uth Gaye Jo Kadam, Aankhon Hi Ankhon Mein Ishara Ho Gaya et al. Well! The list is never ending and even reams and reams and endless reams of paper-mâché would be in suffice to enlist them all.

IN CONCLUSION

And then finally the voice that had enthralled and entertained the global music lovers was silenced forever on 31st Jul, 1980. Yet his diehard fans all over feel, “Mohammed Rafi Sahab is not lost, only his physical presence is missing, but his heart, his soul and his voice still belongs to all of us.” Yes his was the most recorded voice of the bygone era and even now not a single day passes by without a Rafi number being aired on either Radio or Television. Indeed Rafi Sahab, who did face a declining lean phase, a slow and steady easing out phase in between, still remained the unchallenged musical supremo from the year 1960 to the year 1969. Besides he never gave up his riyaz, never compromised and never ever changed his outlook. While as per his son Shahid Rafi, “There can never be another Mohammed Rafi. Yes clones are galore including me in the earlier phase but Mohammed Rafi was Mohammed Rafi. By the way Baba has sung thousands or rather unlimited, uncountable songs in Hindi as well as varied other languages but till his last days his favorite personal choice were only two songs, like Ek Haseen Shaam Ko Dil Mera Kho Gaya Pehle Apna Hua Kartha Tha Ab Kisika Ho Gaya and Main Zindagi Ka Saath Nibhata Chala Gaya, Har Fikr Ko Dhuaen Mei Udata Chala Gaya. Which he did! Indeed!”

THE GRAND FINALE SALUTE

Comes from his contemporary colleague Mohammed Aziz aka Munna Aziz’s song, which he croons in all his globetrotting and Indian musical concerts galore till this date which will keep on reverberating everlastingly thereby refreshing his memory till “Qayamat” {eternity}, Na Insaan Tujhsa Tere Baad Aaya, Na Fankaar Aisa Tere Baad Aaya, Mohammed Rafi Tu Bahut Yaad Aaya.Aameen!

American actor Theo Rossi, popular for playing the bad guy with scalp tattoos in “Sons of Anarchy” and supervillain Hernan “Shades” Alvarez in Marvel’s “Luke Cage”, says he has always been attracted to faults as they are “very human”. He is also interested in playing Batman as he is one of the superheroes who has a “lot of baggage”.

Asked if playing a bad character comes naturally to him, Rossi told IANS in a telephonic interview from Austin, Texas: “I wish I could say no, but yes it does. It’s always easier to play a bad character or a villain you might say because usually they have way more depth. You learn a lot more about them. There is a lot more history.”

“Whereas in the case of heroes, you usually don’t really learn so much about them. They are just the heroes…just the good guys…we all have issues and we all have things that are wrong. It depends on what level. I have always been attracted to faults because faults are very human.”

But he feels “really lucky because if you look at my three biggest projects – ‘Sons of Anarchy’, ‘Luke Cage’ and ‘Lowriders’, the characters that I have played are being loved in the end by the fans so even though they are portrayed as the bad guys, they are actually the most liked characters in the project”.

Elaborating more, Rossi said: “Juice was the most loved character on ‘Sons of Anarchy’. People love Shades. They feel for him. Then Ghost in ‘Lowriders’. They understand him and feel bad for him.”

“So even though they might be the bad guys in theory, they are actually the good guys that people like. I have been very fortunate that I don’t get to play just straight black and white guys. I play kind of the ones that are questionable. That’s the best kind of character to play.”

What about playing a superhero?

“Yeah. I mean only if he had a lot of like depth and maybe one like the Punisher or Batman…the ones that have a lot of baggage with them. They are kind of dark to begin with. I think those are the best heroes,” said Rossi.

He is playing a supervillain in a Marvel show but wants to play DC Comics’ superhero!

“You know when I grew up, there was no such thing as difference (between the two comics). We just read them all. So I treat them all the same,” said the actor of “Lowriders”, which will soon air on Sony PIX in India.

Meanwhile, Rossi is excited about “Vault”.

“One of my films is coming out…’Vault’. It’s my first movie where I kind of carry the project. It is a really special movie to me. It is based on a true story. My company is involved in producing that. It is set in 1972. It’s something that my company is involved in..in a small role producing and I am also starring in. That I am really excited for.

“We have another film coming out called ‘Ghost of War’ by the director (Eric Bress) of ‘The Butterfly Effect’ and ‘Final Destination’. I am really enjoying the moment of everybody really loving ‘Luke Cage’ season 2,” he said.

Anuradha Paudwal To Be Honored At The House Of Commons

Mother Teresa Award-winner Padmashri Anuradha Paudwal, recently added another feather in her overcrowded cap as she was honored at UK Houses of Parliament for not just her outstanding contribution to music, but for her charitable initiatives as well. The function was held by Members of Parliament from the lndo-British All Party Parliamentary Group, Houses of Parliament. Also in attendance were Politicians & Journalists from Asian Radio, TV & print media, together with leading representatives of Indian Music Industry in UK. Anuradha Paudwal, who has to her credit, over 1500 songs in several Indian languages over a period of 4 & half decades is humility personified when asked about her feelings, “Awards & acknowledgments matter to an artist. It is the love of the people that goads us to grow at every stage. It is touching to know your efforts have reached the corners of the world”! Currently, besides her world tour, where she has traveled to UK & Australia thus far, and traveling to Sri Lanka & United States of America. Anuradha Paudwal is working on a major devotional project.

Shemaroo Entertainment Rebrands With A New Logo

Shemaroo Entertainment has been a household name for more than 5 decades now. It was not just a medium through which movies reached Indian households… it was the very reason why countless Indian families enjoyed a lifetime of unforgettable moments together. Hiren Gada, CEO & Atul Maru Joint MD, Shemaroo Entertainment along with Kunal Jeswani, CEO – Ogilvy India showcased a new brand identity to the world. Shemaroo has always provided its viewers with refreshing & engaging content. But the needs of the fast-paced modern generation are different from what they used to be. The new logo combines the needs of a digitized age with the nation’s culture of vivacity to give rise to a fresh brand identity.

Sunny Deol starrer Bhaiaji Superhit To Hit The Theaters On 19th Oct 2018!

Bhaiaji Superhit also stars Preity G Zinta, Arshad Warsi, Shreyas Talpade & Ameesha Patel. Bhaiaji Superhit starring Sunny Deol, Preity G Zinta, Arshad Warsi, Shreyas Talpade, Ameesha Patel, Sanjay Mishra, Brijendra Kala, Jaydeep Alahwat, Mukul Dev, Pankaj Tripathi & Pankaj Jha will be releasing on 19th Oct 2018. The action comedy directed by Neeraj Pathak will see Sunny Deol playing a double role for the 1st time ever. Bhaiaji Superhit comes across as very funny, hilarious, colorful and larger than life yet an emotional film. It showcases the coming together of 2 vastly different worlds of Bollywood & UP’s underworld. Presented by Hanwant Khatri & Lalit Kiri, produced by Chirag Mahendra Dhariwal & directed by Neeraj Pathak, Bhaiaji Superhitt will hit the theatres on 19th Oct, 2018.

The Makers Of ‘Sonchiriya’ Have Released The First Look Poster Of The Film!

Sonchiriya produced by Ronnie Screwvala’s RSVP in association with MacGuffin Pictures, Directed by Abhishek Chaubey starring Sushant Singh Rajput, Bhumi Pednekar, Manoj Bajpayee, Ranvir Shorey & Ashutosh Rana. The film is slated to release on 8th Feb, 2019.

Springfit Unveiled New Lookbook Catalogue With Glamorous Sophie Choudhry

Sophie Chowdhry unveiled Springfit’s 2018 mattress collection & lookbook, at the 7th annual edition of the HGH Trade Show in Mumbai. Springfit has associated with the all-rounder celebrity for the grand launch of its all-new lookbook & new mattress collection. Sophie has shared her personal experience using Springfit mattress with viewers visitors & media at the Springfit booth and discuss the benefits of quality sleep. She also talked about how 6 hours of complete sleep helps her stay fit, active & energetic, despite a hectic schedule that keeps her on her feet all day. Besides the exhibition at HGH India, Springfit is also educating consumers on sleep-related topics through social media posts, emails & online chat available through the website. Springfit mattresses are available in all sizes & thicknesses, while customizable mattresses are also available. According to S. K. Malhotra, Sales Director at Springfit, this is pure because of commitment to quality, affordability & prompt service.

Nandita Das To Speak At The Prestigious “Les Napoleons” In France

Nandita Das’s film, Manto, is a liberal voice in these divided & turbulent times, hence it comes as no surprise that the filmmaker was invited recently to a special edition on “Truth” by ‘’Les Napoleons’’ in Arles, France. An innovative communication network, “Les Napoleons” gathers players of the communications industries, culture, architecture and other fields to discuss & debate crucial issues. Given that Manto wrote about the truths that no one dared to talk about, the film continues to remain relevant to our times and who better than filmmaker Nandita Das to discuss the subject at such a prestigious platform to initiate a dialogue & participation on the importance & relevance of truth in art & cinema. The actor-director is participating in 2 sessions.

J P Dutta Signs A 3 Film Deal With Harshvardhan Rane!

Harshvardhan Rane, who is eagerly anticipating the release of his forthcoming war drama, J P Dutta’s Paltan, feels blessed to have got the opportunity to work with the veteran filmmaker. Having closely worked with all the actors on Paltan, the veteran filmmaker is highly impressed by their talent, hard work & dedication, especially Harshvardhan. Taking their association to the next level post Paltan, the handsome hunk & filmmaker will be joining hands for not one but 3 films. The veteran filmmaker has offered Harshvardhan a 3 film deal under his banner.

No Body-Double For Sonu Sood For ‘Manikarnika’!

After playing a historical role in Ashutosh Gowariker’s Jodhaa Akbar, Sonu is excited playing yet another one in highly-anticipated movie, Manikarnika, also featuring Kangana Ranaut. Being a historical drama, Sonu is quite excited to be part of it since it gives him the opportunity to do lot of action & sword-fighting sequences. Sonu is known for his chiseled physique and he is always in his best shape. The talented actor, who maintains a healthy & disciplined life, likes performing action scenes on his own. He has done the same for most of his films, including his Indo-Chinese production, Kung-Fu Yoga. Since the actor will be seen performing heavy-weight sword fights & hand-to-hand combat besides death-defying stunts, the makers suggested him to opt for a body double. Interestingly, Sonu has pulled off dangerous action stunts while shooting for the film in Mumbai & Hyderabad, much to the surprise of the makers & his co-stars.

Kubbra Sait To Play A Transgender In ‘Sacred Games’!

Kubbra Sait, who made her Bollywood debut with Salman Khan’s Ready in 2011, followed by Jodi Breakers in 2012, & Sultan in 2016 amongst others, will next be seen in Sacred Games alongside Saif Ali Khan & Nawazuddin Siddiqui. The actor-anchor who has the penchant for portraying challenging characters will be seen playing a transgender in the highly anticipated web series, Sacred Games. Ever since the trailer of the web series has been unveiled, Kubbra has received praises galore for her character and her striking unique look, attempted by very few actresses before. Kubbra was highly appreciated for her performance in her last web series Going Viral with Kunal Roy Kapoor. Interestingly, since it was a challenging character, Kubbra had worked rigorously to make it look & sound relatable and also understood the gestures & mannerisms to pull it off with great conviction. The actress had to spend hours for the makeup session for what she believes is one of the toughest roles to execute. Kubbra’s forthcoming projects include Zoya Akhtar’s Gully Boy alongside Ranveer Singh & ALTBalaji’s web series, A Family.