National Award winning actor Manoj Bajpayee, whose forthcoming release is Neeraj Pandey's AIYAARY, says the craft of acting can be taught but it needs relentless passion from the learner.

Can acting be taught or does it come from the experiences of life?

Manoj, whose application to the National School of Drama (NSD) was rejected multiple times, told IANS: "I think the craft of acting can be taught. Yes, there's a lot we embrace from the experience of life and to a certain point, there is an inborn talent. But acting is a mix of talent and craft.

"I know many average actors, who learnt the craft rightly and with the years of practice, they have managed to find their way. That is why we go to some of the great institutes in our country like NSD and Film and Television Institute of India. Some of the greatest personalities of the craft visit there to teach youngsters about acting.

"Having said that, I believe one can only teach you the art of acting if you are passionate about it… This art form comes from passion."

In AIYAARY, Manoj shares the frame with young actor Sidharth Malhotra. He is impressed by Sidharth's interest in learning.

"I love to share my experience with youngsters, especially with those who have an interest to learn the craft. I have been conducting acting workshops from the age of 26 when I learn it from Barry John. When Sidharth called me and showed his interest to know more about the craft of acting, I was more than happy to share.

"While shooting, I do not try to correct anybody because that is the director's area. But off the set, if a youngster like Sidharth is willing to learn, for me, sharing becomes all the more enjoyable," Manoj said.

Giving a glimpse into the story of AIYAARY, he said: "The story revolves around a mentor and protegee and the ideology between two different generations. The journey of these two characters that I and Sidharth are playing is the life of the story.

"Yes, there are some look changes in the film which comes in some of the crucial parts of the film, but moreover, the story is very interesting. It is not about soldiers fighting for the country on the border, but within the country."

In the past, Manoj has worked with director Neeraj Pandey in films like "SPECIAL 26", SAAT UCHAKKEY and NAAM SHABANA. So how has their relationship evolved?

"I think my bonding has evolved with Neeraj film to film. Off the set, we meet many times and talk a lot about sharing ideas and opinions. We are on the same wavelength intellectually and as creative people," Manoj replied.

Starting his career in 1994, Manoj has struggled through his life and most of his content-driven films were not well-promoted. Now that he has opened up with the media and indulges in promotional activities, how does he find the change?

"Well, it is something that needs to be done and to an extent all, we actors are happily doing it. There are some conversations with our media friends that I find interesting. At times, it is not exactly boring, but yes a little monotonous. But I think promoting a film is a good thing.

"Earlier in my life, when I started acting in films, there was a constant struggle to get visibility of those films. Now it has changed," he said with a smile.

"Now, every film finds its audience. Therefore, it is a great time for actors. There are so many opportunities and one has to be fit-and-fine to do justice to the performances. When I am staying fit, it does not mean building up the body, but being mentally and spiritually fit enough to act. Mental health matters a lot when you are performing, because you are emoting emotions," he shared.

AIYAARY is releasing on February 9.

[By Arundhuti Banerjee]

FRY DAY director Abhishek Dogra is confident Govindas dry phase will end with FRY DAY as he has tried to incorporate all elements that the actor is known for.

The superstar of comic timing, the maestro among crowd pleasers, Govinda has been going through a lean phase for the past few years, his career touching an all-time low with his last release AA GAYA HERO.

For Govinda, who turned 54 in December, things are just not going right. Dogra decodes why.

"It's because some filmmakers wanted to cast Govindaji against his image… Which is like going to Agra and not visiting the Taj Mahal. You can't cast Govinda and not use his exceptional comic timing or his mastery over a rapid fire flow of lines," he said.

In FRY DAY, Govinda has been cast as a theatre personality in Delhi.

"It is something he has never done and yet following all the rules of Govinda-ism that we as his fans have grown up watching," said Dogra, who as a fan-boy is beyond ecstatic working with his idol.

"I've been a Govinda fan for as long as I can remember. I've grown up revelling in and copying his dialogue delivery and his comic timing. I had decided that one day I would direct Govinda in a role and film tailor-made for him. In my FRY DAY, audiences would get to see an updated version of all the things that Govinda has come to be known for."

Dogra said signing Govinda was a joy and a cakewalk.

"I had heard about how difficult and inaccessible he had become of late. I faced none of that. I was able to meet him without any hitch. And when he heard the idea for FRY DAY, he immediately agreed to do my film. From then onwards, he was on-board.

"I had heard of his latecoming and other problems. I admit I was a little nervous. But I faced no problem at all. On the contrary, Govinda has gone out of the way to complete my film. We're almost done and I am already missing shooting with this amazing actor."

It helped that Govinda's co-star is also his fan.

Dogra said: "Varun Sharma is a major Govinda fan. He plays an unsuccessful salesman. His tuning with Govinda has to be seen to be believed."

With the success of FUKREY RETURNS, Varun is on to the new spell of success in his career. Dogra feels this is the best time catch the two actors together.

"Govinda and Varun come from different schools of acting. And yet they are one in their endeavour to generate laughter through spot-on comic timing. It's so much fun watching Varun's vibe with Govinda. I hope the chemistry shows in FRY DAY."

The film is being readied for release in April.

"We've seen in 2017 that audiences go to the movies for laughs. JUDWAA 2, GOLMAAL AGAIN and FUKREY RETURNS were all comedies. I feel laughter will remain in favour in 2018."

[By Subhash K. Jha]

FRY DAY director Abhishek Dogra is confident Govindas dry phase will end with FRY DAY as he has tried to incorporate all elements that the actor is known for.

The superstar of comic timing, the maestro among crowd pleasers, Govinda has been going through a lean phase for the past few years, his career touching an all-time low with his last release AA GAYA HERO.

For Govinda, who turned 54 in December, things are just not going right. Dogra decodes why.

"It's because some filmmakers wanted to cast Govindaji against his image… Which is like going to Agra and not visiting the Taj Mahal. You can't cast Govinda and not use his exceptional comic timing or his mastery over a rapid fire flow of lines," he said.

In FRY DAY, Govinda has been cast as a theatre personality in Delhi.

"It is something he has never done and yet following all the rules of Govinda-ism that we as his fans have grown up watching," said Dogra, who as a fan-boy is beyond ecstatic working with his idol.

"I've been a Govinda fan for as long as I can remember. I've grown up revelling in and copying his dialogue delivery and his comic timing. I had decided that one day I would direct Govinda in a role and film tailor-made for him. In my FRY DAY, audiences would get to see an updated version of all the things that Govinda has come to be known for."

Dogra said signing Govinda was a joy and a cakewalk.

"I had heard about how difficult and inaccessible he had become of late. I faced none of that. I was able to meet him without any hitch. And when he heard the idea for FRY DAY, he immediately agreed to do my film. From then onwards, he was on-board.

"I had heard of his latecoming and other problems. I admit I was a little nervous. But I faced no problem at all. On the contrary, Govinda has gone out of the way to complete my film. We're almost done and I am already missing shooting with this amazing actor."

It helped that Govinda's co-star is also his fan.

Dogra said: "Varun Sharma is a major Govinda fan. He plays an unsuccessful salesman. His tuning with Govinda has to be seen to be believed."

With the success of FUKREY RETURNS, Varun is on to the new spell of success in his career. Dogra feels this is the best time catch the two actors together.

"Govinda and Varun come from different schools of acting. And yet they are one in their endeavour to generate laughter through spot-on comic timing. It's so much fun watching Varun's vibe with Govinda. I hope the chemistry shows in FRY DAY."

The film is being readied for release in April.

"We've seen in 2017 that audiences go to the movies for laughs. JUDWAA 2, GOLMAAL AGAIN and FUKREY RETURNS were all comedies. I feel laughter will remain in favour in 2018."

[By Subhash K. Jha]

Despite all the hurdles, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus PADMAAVAT has roared the Indian screens all over India with a cumulative 114 crore collection in its weekend run. 

Opening on the evening of 24 January 2018, in some select centers with paid previews, the movie began its magnificent run by collecting 5 crores from the paid previews.

The opening day all over India on Thursday 25 th January saw the movie fetching 19 crore and on the occasion of 26th January, the movie cashed on its positive word of mouth and holiday with a whooping jump of 32 crores from 19 crores.

On Saturday day two, the movie continued its winning run by collecting 27 crores and on Sunday it consolidated its position with a collection of 31 crores.

The Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh starrer was not released in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Goa owing to the protest, otherwise the collection could have been more by at least 12 – 15 crores.

Looking at the trend, the movie is likely to reach the 200 crore mark.

According to market estimates, PADMAAVAT produced by Viacom 18 Motion Pictures and Bhansali Productions is made with a budget of around 180 crores. Before its theatrical run, the movie has already collected 150 crores ( 25 crore digital, 75 crore satellite, and 50 crores from music/ overseas)

The Sanjay Leela Bhansali helmed period epic is based on poem ‘Padmavat’ (1540) by Malik Muhammad Jayasi.
Note : The box office figures are presented as shared by Viacom 18 Motion Pictures

Cinema halls in Bihar capital Patna on Monday began screening Bollywood movie PADMAAVAT amid heavy security arrangements, officials said.

The screening in the state capital started a day after two petrol bombs were hurled at a cinema hall — where PADMAAVAT was running — in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district.

"We will not allow anyone to create trouble for screening of PADMAAVAT," Patna Senior Superintendent of Police Manu Maharaj said.

According to police officers, screening of PADMAAVAT has started in Cinepolis and Mona cinema hall in Patna.

Sources close to a cinema hall owner told IANS the decision to screen PADMAAVAT was taken following a secret settlement with Shree Rajput Karni Sena which was against any compromise to run the film.

Last week, when PADMAAVAT was officially released across the country, the film was not screened in Patna and across Bihar due to widespread violent protests by Karni Sena and other Rajput organisations against the Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial.

In Patna, cinema halls did not take advance booking of tickets and the online booking was stopped following protests and threats by Karni Sena activists.

According to reports reaching here, the screening of PADMAAVAT began in Gaya, Vaishali, Muzaffarpur and other districts in the state on Sunday.

In Muzaffarpur town, two petrol bombs were hurled at Shayam cinema hall on late Sunday evening for screening PADMAAVAT. There were 400 people inside the cinema hall.

Muzaffarpur Superintendent of Police Vivek Kumar said no one was injured in the incident.

Ten days ago, a group of Karni Sena activists attacked a cinema hall in Muzaffarpur, tore up the film's posters and threatened to set ablaze the hall if the film is screened.

Last week, a group of protestors in Nalanda district's Bihar Sharif town attacked a cinema hall, tore up posters, damaged vehicles and threatened to set afire the theatre if PADMAAVAT is run.

Karni Sena has been staging protest against PADMAAVAT across the state for the last two weeks.

Cinema halls in Bihar capital Patna on Monday began screening Bollywood movie PADMAAVAT amid heavy security arrangements, officials said.

The screening in the state capital started a day after two petrol bombs were hurled at a cinema hall — where PADMAAVAT was running — in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district.

"We will not allow anyone to create trouble for screening of PADMAAVAT," Patna Senior Superintendent of Police Manu Maharaj said.

According to police officers, screening of PADMAAVAT has started in Cinepolis and Mona cinema hall in Patna.

Sources close to a cinema hall owner told IANS the decision to screen PADMAAVAT was taken following a secret settlement with Shree Rajput Karni Sena which was against any compromise to run the film.

Last week, when PADMAAVAT was officially released across the country, the film was not screened in Patna and across Bihar due to widespread violent protests by Karni Sena and other Rajput organisations against the Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial.

In Patna, cinema halls did not take advance booking of tickets and the online booking was stopped following protests and threats by Karni Sena activists.

According to reports reaching here, the screening of PADMAAVAT began in Gaya, Vaishali, Muzaffarpur and other districts in the state on Sunday.

In Muzaffarpur town, two petrol bombs were hurled at Shayam cinema hall on late Sunday evening for screening PADMAAVAT. There were 400 people inside the cinema hall.

Muzaffarpur Superintendent of Police Vivek Kumar said no one was injured in the incident.

Ten days ago, a group of Karni Sena activists attacked a cinema hall in Muzaffarpur, tore up the film's posters and threatened to set ablaze the hall if the film is screened.

Last week, a group of protestors in Nalanda district's Bihar Sharif town attacked a cinema hall, tore up posters, damaged vehicles and threatened to set afire the theatre if PADMAAVAT is run.

Karni Sena has been staging protest against PADMAAVAT across the state for the last two weeks.

Actress Deepika Padukone, who faced threats over PADMAAVAT, says she remained confident throughout the row due to the upbringing she got from her parents, who were full of pride after watching the movie.

At a select media meet over a Marwari thali here on Saturday, Deepika looked calm, content and relaxed after the release of PADMAAVAT. She is counting her blessings.

"My parents are immensely proud. I saw that pride on their face. Mom and dad made a video call after their screening finished late at night and I was in my pyjama and going to bed. So for them, they just saw the film and then me… So, their expression was like, 'Is she our daughter?' I saw their expression and they were both brimming and glowing with pride," Deepika said.

The film PADMAAVAT went through a lot of turmoil as Shri Rajput Karni Sena objected to its making and release over alleged misinterpretation of the Rajput community's history.

However, Deepika exuded confidence at any press conference of public interaction she attended, thereby dealing with the situation gracefully.

Where does she gather the confidence from?

"You know, my parents never once had asked me if they should come and live with me during that whole phase because they were confident about the fact that I can handle this. That is my spirit, that is how we (my sister and I) have been brought up. We have learnt that what is right is right, what is wrong is wrong," said Deepika, daughter of former badminton player Prakash Padukone.

Deepika plays Rani Padmavati in PADMAAVAT, based on 16th century poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi's poem "Padmavat".

"Playing the character fascinated me about how her personality is very relevant in the present time. She is like me — a strong, intelligent and elegant woman… And when I played her on-screen, I saw a little bit of myself there.

"But her character was so deep, she is a queen who doesn't speak very much but conveys everything in her way. That was a challenge to play," she said.

While drawing out the difference between Rani Padmavati and Mastani of BAJIRAO MASTANI, Deepika said: "She is not a warrior like Mastani, so she is not picking up the sword and fighting, but her silent strength leads her to the right direction to deal with the toughest situation.

"She is a queen, and under any situation, she never lost her poise, her elegant and calm self. But I feel she is a warrior in her way."

With PADMAAVAT, Deepika has clocked a trilogy of films with Bhansali after GOLIYON KI RAASLEELA: RAM-LEELA and BAJIRAO MASTANI.

Not one to usually keep a track of the number game, Deepika said: "This time, I am talking about it because I feel a sense of responsibility. The character Padmavati is so strong and inspirational that it touches your heart.

"When I was working on the film, I did not expect this kind of appreciation. Of course, we knew that it is going to be a very special film as it's my third film with Sanjay.

"There was an apprehension due to that as well… That how differently he can present me, but now after the release of the film, there is a feeling of sheer blessing. I think I am very fortunate," said Deepika, who was overwhelmed with joy.

Actress Deepika Padukone, who faced threats over PADMAAVAT, says she remained confident throughout the row due to the upbringing she got from her parents, who were full of pride after watching the movie.

At a select media meet over a Marwari thali here on Saturday, Deepika looked calm, content and relaxed after the release of PADMAAVAT. She is counting her blessings.

"My parents are immensely proud. I saw that pride on their face. Mom and dad made a video call after their screening finished late at night and I was in my pyjama and going to bed. So for them, they just saw the film and then me… So, their expression was like, 'Is she our daughter?' I saw their expression and they were both brimming and glowing with pride," Deepika said.

The film PADMAAVAT went through a lot of turmoil as Shri Rajput Karni Sena objected to its making and release over alleged misinterpretation of the Rajput community's history.

However, Deepika exuded confidence at any press conference of public interaction she attended, thereby dealing with the situation gracefully.

Where does she gather the confidence from?

"You know, my parents never once had asked me if they should come and live with me during that whole phase because they were confident about the fact that I can handle this. That is my spirit, that is how we (my sister and I) have been brought up. We have learnt that what is right is right, what is wrong is wrong," said Deepika, daughter of former badminton player Prakash Padukone.

Deepika plays Rani Padmavati in PADMAAVAT, based on 16th century poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi's poem "Padmavat".

"Playing the character fascinated me about how her personality is very relevant in the present time. She is like me — a strong, intelligent and elegant woman… And when I played her on-screen, I saw a little bit of myself there.

"But her character was so deep, she is a queen who doesn't speak very much but conveys everything in her way. That was a challenge to play," she said.

While drawing out the difference between Rani Padmavati and Mastani of BAJIRAO MASTANI, Deepika said: "She is not a warrior like Mastani, so she is not picking up the sword and fighting, but her silent strength leads her to the right direction to deal with the toughest situation.

"She is a queen, and under any situation, she never lost her poise, her elegant and calm self. But I feel she is a warrior in her way."

With PADMAAVAT, Deepika has clocked a trilogy of films with Bhansali after GOLIYON KI RAASLEELA: RAM-LEELA and BAJIRAO MASTANI.

Not one to usually keep a track of the number game, Deepika said: "This time, I am talking about it because I feel a sense of responsibility. The character Padmavati is so strong and inspirational that it touches your heart.

"When I was working on the film, I did not expect this kind of appreciation. Of course, we knew that it is going to be a very special film as it's my third film with Sanjay.

"There was an apprehension due to that as well… That how differently he can present me, but now after the release of the film, there is a feeling of sheer blessing. I think I am very fortunate," said Deepika, who was overwhelmed with joy.

Bollywood playback doyenne Asha Bhosle will be given the 'Yash Chopra Memorial Award', the jury announced here on Saturday.

She will be the fifth winner of the award. Previous recipients are Asha Bhosale's elder sister and Bollywood playback singer Lata Mangeshkar, and actors Amitabh Bachchan, Rekha, and Shah Rukh Khan.

Evergreen Asha Bhosle has been giving playback in Hindi films for nearly seven decades, earning her an entry into the Guinness World Records for recording over 11,000 songs in 20 different languages.

The jury comprising late filmmaker Yash Chopra's wife Pamela Chopra, filmmaker Boney Kapoor, singer Alka Yagnik, actress Padmini Kohlapure, director Madhur Bhandarkar, script writer Honey Irani, and Anu and Shashi Ranjan came together for a press conference to announce the winner.

"This is a very prestigious award. It is given to the (one of the) pillars of our industry. This is the 5th year and the jury decided it is high time we acknowledge Ashaji's contribution to the Indian cinema," said Alka Yagnik.

Bonney Kapoor, who has been closely associated with Asha Bhosle, said: "My association with Ashaji has been since childhood — she sang songs for my father's films, for my films. Besides, we have always had very good relations. I think it is befitting that she receives this prestigious award."

The award will be presented to Asha Bhosle on February 16.

The award has been instituted by the TSR Foundation of T. Subbarami Reddy in memory of producer-director Yash Chopra, who died in 2012.

Bollywood playback doyenne Asha Bhosle will be given the 'Yash Chopra Memorial Award', the jury announced here on Saturday.

She will be the fifth winner of the award. Previous recipients are Asha Bhosale's elder sister and Bollywood playback singer Lata Mangeshkar, and actors Amitabh Bachchan, Rekha, and Shah Rukh Khan.

Evergreen Asha Bhosle has been giving playback in Hindi films for nearly seven decades, earning her an entry into the Guinness World Records for recording over 11,000 songs in 20 different languages.

The jury comprising late filmmaker Yash Chopra's wife Pamela Chopra, filmmaker Boney Kapoor, singer Alka Yagnik, actress Padmini Kohlapure, director Madhur Bhandarkar, script writer Honey Irani, and Anu and Shashi Ranjan came together for a press conference to announce the winner.

"This is a very prestigious award. It is given to the (one of the) pillars of our industry. This is the 5th year and the jury decided it is high time we acknowledge Ashaji's contribution to the Indian cinema," said Alka Yagnik.

Bonney Kapoor, who has been closely associated with Asha Bhosle, said: "My association with Ashaji has been since childhood — she sang songs for my father's films, for my films. Besides, we have always had very good relations. I think it is befitting that she receives this prestigious award."

The award will be presented to Asha Bhosle on February 16.

The award has been instituted by the TSR Foundation of T. Subbarami Reddy in memory of producer-director Yash Chopra, who died in 2012.