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Home , 102 Not Out, Abhishek Bachchan, Ajooba, Anubhav Sinha, Arunoday Singh, Ashutosh Rana

June 2020

Rishi 1952— 2020

...REMEMBERING AND IRRFAN FarewellA SPECIAL 1967— 2020 Volume 69 # June 2020 / ISSN NUMBER 0971-7277

June 2020

Rishi Kapoor 1952— 2020

...REMEMBERING RISHI KAPOOR AND IRRFAN KHAN FarewellA FILMFARE SPECIAL Irrfan Khan 1967— 2020 PHOTOGRAPH: RISHI KAPOOR BY ABHEET GIDWANI, IRRFAN KHAN BY VISHESH VERMA/FEMINA COLLAGE BY MEETESH TANEJA 18

Editor’s Choice The ed remembers 03 Rishi Kapoor and Irrfan Khan The rise of the OTT 68 platform 12

Taapsee Pannu 39 remembers Rishi Kapoor 40 reminisces about Rishi Kapoor 06 42 Irrfan Khan 42 obituary Masala fix Exclusives Best films 44 of Irrfan Khan gets Farewell, Best foreign films of 06 creative in lockdown, 18 Rishi Kapoor 50 Irrfan Khan ’s family The best films of on time in LA, SRK 22 Rishi Kapoor as a 54 Rishi and Irrfan rules the small-screen leading man Profiling again Rishi Kapoor’s 58 30 character roles Fashion and Shiboprosad Your say lifestyle 34 Mukherjee on 10 Rishi Kapoor Readers send in Talking to celebrity on 64 their rants 12 stylist Shaleena 36 why Rishi Kapoor ’s Nathani was special 66 wacky witticisms Letter from the Editor Two tragic! The news that Irrfan Khan had passed away on April 29 came in as a bit of a shock. Yes, he was suffering from neuroendocrine cancer. But we believed that he had beaten the disease after spending a year in Britain. Alas, our hopes were short-lived as the actor died due to complications arising out of colon infection. He was just 53. He was getting the best offers in his career currently when death cruelly snatched him away from us. There was a therav in his acting. One liked seeing him on screen not just for the way he said his dialogue but also for the way he used silences. In , for instance, there’s a scene where he’s asked by ’s character to fix a pump. He doesn’t say yes straight away. With minimal expressions, he comments on the absurdity of it and then resigns himself to pulling the thing apart. Much has been written about his eyes, said to be his distinctive feature. Whether in or in his latest release , his eyes eloquently conveyed it all. His passing away is a huge loss to Hindi cinema because the tastes of the audience are changing and he was a big part of that change. Just a day later… on April 30, came the news that Rishi Kapoor had passed away. He was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2018. He spent a year in New York fighting it. He returned hale and hearty and we assumed that the worst was over. But it wasn’t to be. Rishi Kapoor was my childhood hero. His cherubic good looks and charismatic personality made him an ideal romantic hero. It’s said he introduced some 20 heroines in the . One never got tired of seeing him romancing one pretty girl after the other on screen. That’s the reason he was able to do it for such a long time. Perhaps, his good looks came in the way of him getting meaty roles. But that happened when he started doing character roles later. He was brilliant in as a middle-class math teacher, who wants a four-wheeler of his own. He was honoured with the Filmfare Best Actor Critics’ trophy for it. In the remake of Agneepath, he played a negative character, Rauf Lala, and stole the thunder away from everyone else in his scenes. Rishi and Irrfan appeared together in D-Day. While Rishi played a character inspired by a gangster, Irrfan played a RAW agent, who has been on his trail since long. There’s a scene towards the climax of the film, where they’re seated in a car. One can only imagine them driving towards heaven, sharing a laugh over leaving the ephemeral world behind. Rest in peace sirs. Thank you for the movies and the memories...

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MESSIAH OF MIGRANTS Actor has come out with shining colours in these dark times. Salman Khan’s He’s not only donated to charity organisations but also opened up upset pg 06 his hotel in to feed the needy during the lockdown. Recently, he SRK charms the small facilitated the availability of several buses to help migrant workers return screen again pg 10 to their hometowns. Here, he’s snapped seeing them off... MASALA FIX Rumours&More WHY KRITI GAINED 15 KILOS , will soon be seen in Laxman Utekar’s Mimi, a remake of the 2011 Marathi flm Mala Aai Vhhaychy. The svelte actor gained DHARMA 15 kilos for the role. She plays a PRODUCTIONS’ girl, who aspires to become an BRAHMASTRA IS A actress. However, due to compelling SUPERHERO FLICK. reasons, she agrees to become a proxy mother and hence Kriti REPORTEDLY, THE had to gain weight. The flm also FOOTAGE OF THE features and Sai FILM HAS BEEN Tamhankar. It was scheduled to SENT TO A STUDIO IN hit the screens this July. But due LONDON FOR WORK to the lockdown, the future course ON ITS VFX DURING remains to be decided. THE LOCKDOWN. THE FILM PAIRS WITH . Salman turns creative Giving in to the musical bug that has bitten him, Salman Khan SALMAN IS UPSET has released yet another track, Salman Khan, who’s currently at his Panvel farmhouse with Tere Bina, featuring Jacqueline family and friends, took to social media to release a statement Fernandez with him, on his own clarifying rumours of his company, , casting YouTube channel. The channel for an upcoming flm. “Mat karo rumours par trust,” he cautioned won a million subscribers instantly. saying that legal action would be taken against the offenders. The romantic DIY music video Salman has been spending the lockdown at his was shot at the Panvel farmhouse farmhouse. He’s been spending time there and has been penned by Bhai with his sister Arpita Khan, brother-in- himself. Other than Salman law Aayush Sharma and their kids and Jacky’s chemistry, Ahil and Ayat. Friends including the little girl, who played , Iulia Vântur, their daughter, grabbed Niketan Madhok and actor/model attention. Reportedly, Waluscha De Sousa have also she’s Waluscha De been giving him company. Apart Sousa’s youngest from doing massive charity for those daughter Sienna, who affected by the lockdown, Salman, is quarantining with her along with Hussain Dalal, penned mom at the farmhouse. and sung a track on COVID-19, titled Waluscha’s other children are Pyaar Karona. Chanel and Brooklyn. FEATURE MASALA FIX RANA SUNNY DAYS IN LA DAGGUBATI GETS ENGAGED Hunky heartthrob has been taken. The Baahubali actor has left a thousand hearts broken. Much to the dismay of many girls, Rana recently announced his engagement to girlfriend, Miheeka Sunny Leone celebrated her 39th Bajaj. A professional wedding birthday in her beautiful chalet in planner, Miheeka and Rana had Los Angeles with husband Daniel kept their relationship under wraps Weber and their three kids - daughter so far. Miheeka is based in Nisha and twins Noah and Asher. Hyderabad. Rana’s father, Sunny mentioned that Daniel and legendary flmmaker she felt her kids would be safer there Suresh Babu, given the ‘invisible killer corona virus’. reportedly said that Sunny’s LA home is reportedly in they were looking for Sherman Oaks, a 30-minute drive a December wedding. from Beverly Hills. The beautiful house It may even happen has fve bedrooms, a swimming pool, earlier he added. a deck area and a lush garden. VARUN’S SURPRISE FOR NATASHA Why Shilpa Even though it’s self-isolation chose time, went all out to make his surrogacy ladylove, Natasha Dalal, After Shilpa Shetty gave birth to feel special on her son Viaan in 2012, she had been birthday. An image longing for a second child. But surfaced online – a certain health issues didn’t allow collage of Natasha’s that. Reportedly, she suffers from friends and an auto immune disease called family members, APLA, which disallowed pregnancy. each holding up She even considered adopting an alphabet as a child but it didn’t come about. they spell ‘Happy So her husband Raj Kundra and Birthday Nata’. she opted for surrogacy. That’s how Varun appears right daughter Samisha was born. She’s in the beginning of glad her family is now complete. the collage holding the letter H. Varun AMITABH BACHCHAN’S GRANDDAUGHTER, NAVYA and Natasha have NAVELI , HAS TURNED ENTREPRENEUR BY known each other LAUNCHING A VIRTUAL HEALTHCARE PORTAL FOR since high school. The two were supposed WOMEN CALLED AARA HEALTH. REPORTEDLY, IT to tie the knot at a AIMS TO EMPOWER AND EDUCATE WOMEN AND destination wedding DIAGNOSE AILMENTS IN A CONFIDENTIAL AND in Thailand this year. SAFE MANNER. THE OTHER CO-FOUNDERS OF THE But the corona threat COMPANY ARE AHILYA MEHTA, MALLIKA SAHNEY has put their plans AND PRAGYA SABOO. on hold. FILMFARE READER SERVICE “I’M HERE TO STAY...” ... AGAINST THE ODDS AND WITH A SMILE TELLS MODEL-SINGER-ACTOR SHONA SHARMA TO FILMFARE

Shona Sharma

production houses like T-Series, AltBalaji and ou’re most likely Wizcraft, who gave to recognise Shona her opportunities to Sharma’s pretty flourish. The singer’s also face, as one of the appreciative of music Yleads, from the friendly legend Leslie Lewis, who power cast of Wizcraft’s urged her to believe in Broadway-type musical stewardess though the “Nothing is bigger than herself. “I wouldn’t have Balle Balle. You can also world of performing arts the feeling of performing been here without the recall her as one of the was her dream destination. in front of a packed support of these people. If lovely sopranos in Raell Mumbai took her on a house. I’ve been part of we stay in touch with our Padamsee’s My Fair Lady. journey of self-awareness 200 shows of Balle Balle. strengths and weaknesses, She’s both a gifted singer given the struggles. “I That wouldn’t have been and chanel them and an actor. Mostly, began to understand possible without the accordingly, everything home-schooled, she had myself better. I know what support of my co-stars falls in place,” she reflects. all the time to learn things I want from life today. and the production team,” “I’m here to stay. There’s her way. “I absorbed There’s no room for self- says the actor. The grand no turning back,” avows much from watching doubt,” says a confident musical has 48 artistes the spirited Shona. “Caring films and TV,” she says. Shona. “Difficulties help dancing and singing to 25 and sharing go a long way. Young Shona left you become a better popular songs. This world can be difficult. in 2013 to reach for the person. Everything in life She mentions that But we ’t have to make stars in the maximum city. is a lesson,” she opines. performing fills her it more so.” We agree. She told her parents she She believes her journey soul with ecstasy. She’s Shona can be followed@ wanted to train as a flight has been worthwhile. grateful to mentors from reflecshon on Instagram MASALA FIX SRK rules FINDS LOVE AGAIN Actor/host Pooja Bedi has found love DD again again in entrepreneur Maneck Contractor. The two recently got engaged after Maneck proposed to her in ‘a hot air balloon’. The actor revealed that her children, son Omar and daughter and actor Alaya Furniturewala urged her to settle down AND just like their father and her ex-husband, WIFE KIRAN RAO WERE Farhan Ebrahim. Farhan is was a star on now married to Laila Khan, television before he made it on DEVASTATED AT THE daughter of the late Feroz the big screen. Amid lockdown, SUDDEN DEMISE OF Khan. Maneck and Pooja aired his hit shows THE ACTOR’S LONG- were schoolmates. The two Fauji and Circus. Now, they plan TIME ASSISTANT, reconnected after years to screen his Doosra Keval. In the AMOS PAUL. AMOS on their alumni group. The show, SRK plays a village boy, Keval, HAD WORKED WITH couple plans to marry soon. who goes to the city to pursue higher studies and never returns. THE ACTOR FOR ABOUT 25 YEARS. HE DIED OF MEANWHILE... A HEART ATTACK AT A In a bid to raise funds for daily wage workers, who are struggling to HOSPITAL IN MUMBAI. feed themselves and their families amidst the Covid-19 crisis, Vicky HE WAS 60. AAMIR Kaushal invited his fans to donate for the cause. He announced that DESCRIBED IT AS AN the three lucky winners would have a virtual games night with the star, ‘IRREPLACEABLE’ where they would get to know each other, play some dumb charades LOSS. and have a great evening. VILLAGE BIG B’S FIRST NAMED DIGITAL RELEASE AFTER Given the ‘lockdown’ of theatres, the IRRFAN directorial, Gulabo Sitabo, A small village near will now be available for Igatpuri in Nashik streaming June onwards. The district has named a ‘quirky dramedy’ features neighbourhood as ‘Hero Chi Wadi’ as a and Amitabh Bachchan. tribute to late actor The story is set in Irrfan Khan, who and revolves around the passed away on April legendary glove puppets 29. Incidentally, Irrfan named Gulabo and Sitabo owned a farmhouse from UP. The Big B is seen near Tringalwadi sporting a long beard, fort in Igatpuri. The round glasses and neighbourhood was earlier a prosthetic nose. called Patryacha Wada. He plays the role Irrfan had gifted the villagers of an eccentric an ambulance, computers, landlord, while books, raincoats and sweaters Ayushmann essays for the kids. To express their the role of the gratitude towards him, the tenant. The flm spins villagers have now renamed around their love-hate their locality after him. Sweet. relationship. They are hot, they are cool. Meet our trend makers and breakers

Stylist Shaleena Nathani STYLE SECRETS ‘‘Style is what you make of fashion. That’s what our job is. To take a colour, a trend and use it appropriately in your own way. I don’t blindly follow trends. It has to work with the occasion, the actor, his/her comfort while wearing it. We do try new things but if it doesn’t work, it’s okay.’’

Celebrity stylist Shaleena Nathani on why style is about sensibility and more... INTERVIEWALL THINGS

She’sSEXY! a celebrity stylist, who’s a stunner herself. Analita Seth meets glamour goddess Shaleena Nathani

She styles the beautiful and the best. , Shah Rukh Khan, , , Radhika Apte, , … Shaleena Nathani is the creative mind that puts together starry ensembles. Outfts that not only mirror the individuality of her clients but her own personality as well. Chic, comfortable and sexy… is how she’d like to defne her outfts. An athleisure model herself, with a passion for running, this ftness junkie is an Instagram sensation – her sartorial adventures refecting her passion... WHEN DID YOU DECIDE TO We’d make jewellery. I’ve STEP INTO THE FASHION grown up watching two INDUSTRY? beautiful women being Fashion was something passionate about dressing I was always passionate up.That’s where it all about. I love dressing started for me. up and putting things together. Choosing to HOW DIFFERENT IS work in the industry did EDITORIAL STYLING FROM cross my mind a few STYLING A CELEBRITY ON A times. But I never thought REGULAR BASIS? of it as a possibility. I During an editorial shoot, thought I’d have to study you can experiment or do something special to much more with fashion, get into the field. Having layering and colours. A said that, things in my piece of clothing might be life happened organically. Deepika I started working with STYLE Padukone an export house. Then Anushka FILE I got a call to intern at Sharma a prestigious fashion magazine. It all just fell into place. I’ve been lucky. A LOOK DONE BY WHEN WAS THE FIRST TIME ANOTHER STYLIST YOU REALISED YOU ENJOYED THAT YOU LOVED? STYLING? I loved the way I know this sounds like a Allia Al Rufai cliché. My grandmother styled and mother have always Anushka been fond of dressing up. Sharma in a My grandma would take gold and black four hours to get ready. blazer and She’d plan her outfit trousers. I like since morning - match what she does her jewellery, choose with Anushka. the perfect blouse for She puts her her saree, zero in on the looks nicely. perfect bag to go with the outfit... It was a process. Even my mother was ONE CELEBRITY extremely fond of clothes. STYLIST WHO I’d go shopping with mom INSPIRES YOU? to choose her fabrics. New York-based celebrity stylist Mimi Cuttrell. Everything she “Deepika Padukone’s hands-on in a does is so way that she gives me proper time for effortless. She takes something fttings. After alterations are done, she that’s already again tries them out. She likes to know there and puts beforehand what we plan to do with in on Bella or Gigi Hadid and it the hair and make-up. There’s a lot of becomes trendy. time and effort that goes into a look… That’s what style The best thing about her is she’s open is all about. to trying new things” Bella Hadid INTERVIEW

“There has to be an element of cool in my outfts. I have to be sexy, no matter what I wear. I love jeans and tank tops. Even when I dress up, it should appear casual. That’s my style”

IF YOU HAD TO PICK ONE LOOK YOU LOVE OF DEEPIKA? The black suit (designer Marie-Christine Statz), the Prada (stripe on stripe) look and the Alex Perry gown at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

HITS & MISSES

uncomfortable to wear but DO YOU FEEL THE PRESSURE HOW WOULD YOU LEND AN would be required for WHILE STYLING ONE OF OUTRAGEOUS ELEMENT the theme of the shoot. THE MOST DOCUMENTED IN A REGULAR LOOK FOR A You can work around the CELEBRITIES, DEEPIKA CELEBRITY? piece to make it look good. PADUKONE? Style is what you make of Styling for an event has to There’s immense pressure fashion. That’s what our job be occasion-appropriate when I dress Deepika is. To take a colour, a trend depending on whether it’s Padukone. But I guess, and use it appropriately for an awards function, an I work best under pressure. in your own way. I don’t interview or promotions. But most of it is the follow trends blindly. It has It has to be practical and pressure I put on myself. to work with the occasion, SOMETHING YOU REGRET? work from all angles. With I’ve learnt not to get the actor and his/her sense What I gave her for editorial styling, you can swayed by what people say of comfort. We do try new the VMA (Video Music go all out with make-up and everything that’s put things but if it doesn’t Awards). I’d do it and clothes. You can even up on social media. work, it’s okay. The attire differently today. wear a bizarre pair of I don’t worry about things should make Deepika feel I don’t hate it though. shoes because it will work going wrong. I follow my fine. If she’s uncomfortable for the shoot. instincts. then it will fall flat. DESIGN BIENNALE JAIPUR EDITION CURATED BY SHANTANU GARG

TO PARTICIPATE, COLLABORATE AND KNOW MORE...

DM US OR WRITE TO US AT d/[email protected] ‘‘I work best under pressure. But most of it is the pressure I put on myself. I’ve learnt not to get swayed by what people say and everything that’s put up on social media. I don’t worry about things going wrong. I follow my instincts” LOOKS IF YOU WERE TO PICK ONE I LOVE PERSON, DEAD OR ALIVE, TO STYLE, WHO WOULD IT BE? I love Michael Jackson. I love Elvis Presley. Even Marilyn Monroe. They had an iconic sense of style. I hope we don’t lose that. If someone wore a jacket, black pants and white gloves, you would BLAST FROM know it’s MJ. Similarly, I wish to style people, THE PAST who have an identifiable sense of dressing and personality. IS DEEPIKA HANDS-ON WHEN PICKING A LOOK OR DOES ANY HACKS TO FLATTER SHE GO WITH WHATEVER YOU ONE’S BODY? CHOOSE? I love high-waisted stuff. It’s a mix of both. She’s It flatters all kinds of hands-on in terms of figures. If you’re curvy, it when there’s an event, accentuates your waist- we discuss the attire. I line. In today’s day and recommend what can age, where we are finally work for her. She always appreciating all sizes, asks for my opinion. She’s which is beautiful, you hands-on in a way that she shouldn’t restrict yourself gives me proper time for to clothes of a specific fittings. After alterations cut. Today, almost all are done, she again tries actors are comfortable in them out. She likes to their skin. You have to know beforehand what we flaunt what you have and plan to do with the hair celebrate your uniqueness. and make-up. There’s a lot of time and effort that HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE goes into a look and we YOUR PERSONAL STYLE? don’t wish to hide that fact. There has to be an element Many professionals put of cool in my outfits. their minds together. I have to be sexy, no matter The best thing about her what I wear. I love jeans is she’s open to trying new and tank tops. Even when I things. That makes our dress up, it should appear jobs exciting. casual. That’s my style. n what’s on their mind?

INSIDER OUTSIDER One was flmdom royalty. The other wanted the screen in Nikkhil Advani’s D-Day was a to play down his royal lineage in Jaipur. One watershed moment for cinema lovers. Two cake-walked into flms being the son of the men. Two missions. One fate. Both killed back- Showman. The other, moulded at the National to-back. In real life too, both battled cancer School of Drama, had to rough it out for since 2018. Both died within 24 hours of each decades before turning into a scene-stealer. other. Both will live on eternally. Filmfare pays One was spontaneous. The other studied. tribute to the late Rishi Kapoor and Irrfan Khan But both sensitive. The two actors sharing in a special issue dedicated to the legends… PHOTOGRAPHS BY MEETESH TANEJA INTERVIEW

PHOTOGRAPHS: ABHEET GIDWANI IN MEMORIAM FAREWELL RISHI

KAPOORDEVESH SHARMA OFFERS HIS RESPECTS TO THE LATE RISHI KAPOOR, WHO PASSED AWAY RECENTLY (SEPTEMBER 4, 1952 - APRIL 30, 2020)

ishi Kapoor actors 420 (1955). Rishi over the financial belonged and Kapoor made his debut as loss incurred by R to the too are considered a child artiste in Joker. He made the illustrious icons in the film ’s Mera teenage romance, Kapoor lineage. industry. Naam Joker (1970), Bobby (1973), His grandfather, Like most Kapoor playing his father’s starring son Rishi , is men, Rishi’s screen younger self. The and newbie Dimple counted as one of the life started quite film was feted by Kapadia. Bobby pillars of Indian early. He appeared the critics but was a turned out to be one cinema. The stature as a toddler along commercial disaster. of the biggest hits of of his father, Raj with his siblings in The story goes that the RK banner, not Kapoor, is no less the song Pyar hua Raj Kapoor needed only clearing away exalted. His uncles, iqrar hua in Shree a quick hit to tide debts but turning in RISHI KAPOOR DREW CLOSE TO DURING KHEL KHEL MEIN. SHE BECAME HIS CONFIDANTE. THE COUPLE TIED THE KNOT IN 1980. THEY WERE BLESSED WITH DAUGHTER RIDDHIMA AND SON RANBIR

Neetu Kapoor and Ranbir Kapoor offer prayers for the late Rishi Kapoor a handsome profit BOBBY TURNED as well. The teen OUT TO BE ONE sensations, Dimple and Rishi, were OF THE BIGGEST flooded with offers HITS OF THE RK but she gave up all BANNER, NOT that for marriage ONLY CLEARING with superstar Rajesh AWAY DEBTS Khanna. Rishi won BUT TURNING the Filmfare Best Actor trophy for his IN A act in Bobby. He HANDSOME came to be counted PROFIT as a saleable star. AS WELL Filmmakers wanted to cash in on his

Bobby chocolate boy image and wrote roles for him. Hits like Khel Khel Mein (1975), Rafoo Chakkar (1975), based on Hollywood’s Some Like It Hot (1959) and (1977) bolstered his image. The star was linked to his heroines like Shoma , Ranjeeta and Neetu Singh off-screen too, which added to his lover boy charisma. He drew close to Neetu during Khel Khel Mein. She became his friend and confidante. The couple tied the knot in 1980. They were blessed with daughter Riddhima and son Ranbir. They had an enduring marriage of 40 years. ishi tried to He tried his hand at were denied to him a Filmfare Best break his direction with Aa Ab earlier. He played an Supporting Actor R chocolate Laut Chalen (1999) infamous gangster trophy for his role boy image with but the film starring in D-Day (2013) in Kapoor & Sons films like Subhash and appeared as (2016). He was Ghai’s Karz (1980), and Aishwarya Rai Amitabh Bachchan’s bestowed with the a reincarnation failed to make a 76-year old son in Filmfare Lifetime drama and Ek profit. Rishi finally 102 Not Out (2018). Achievement Award Chaddar Maili Si said yes to character Both Amitabh in 2008. (1986), directed by roles and showed and he did a film Rishi Kapoor Sukhwant Dhadda, his mettle in films together after more was diagnosed with an arthouse film, like than 20 years and cancer in 2018 and based on Rajinder (2004), Fanaa (2006), it was an emotional went to New York Singh Bedi's classic Dilli 6 (2009), Do reunion for them. City for treatment. novella of the same Dooni Chaar (2010), His performance in After successful name. The book where he appeared Mulk (2018), where treatment for over a

With the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award

The Kapoors with their sons

With wife Neetu

Receiving the Black Lady from

THE ACTOR REVELLED IN AUTHOR- BACKED CHARACTER ROLES, DENIED TO HIM EARLIER... HE ALSO WON THE BLACK LADY FOR HIS ROLE IN KAPOOR & SONS Family selfe

won a Sahitya with wife Neetu he played a Muslim year, he returned to Akademi Award. Kapoor after more lawyer, won him India in September Rishi plays a man, than 25 years. He accolades too. 2019. He had been forced by custom, to appeared in a rare It may be unwell many a time marry his widowed negative role in mentioned that he since then. He was sister-in-law, played Agneepath (2012) won the Filmfare admitted to the by . and was admired for Critics’ Best Actor Sir HN Reliance Despite playing such it. He broke another Award for his Foundation Hospital a complex character, taboo by appearing performance as a in Mumbai on April his lover-boy image as a gay character in middle-aged father 29. He passed away refused to leave him. yearning to buy peacefully on the Rishi continued to (2012). The actor his own car for morning of April 30. romance young girls revelled in author- Do Dooni Chaar He will be missed till Karobaar (2000). backed roles which (2011). He also won for generations. n INTERVIEW

IN MEMORIAM

DEVESH SHARMA RECOMMENDS THE BEST FILMS OF RISHI KAPOOR AS LEADINGTHE MAN

HERORishi Kapoor began his career as a child artiste in the song Pyar hua iqrar hua hai from his father, Raj Kapoor’s film (1955). He was just three. He also played his father’s childhood role in Mera Naam Joker. He made his debut as an adult with Bobby (1973) opposite teen beauty . One of the most formidable romantic heroes was born with the film. He wooed girls on screen for the next 30 years and looked good doing it. His melting charm, his expertise in conveying love, his endearing charisma never faded. Rishi was battling with cancer for the past two years. He returned after undergoing treatment for a year in New York. He passed away on April 30, leaving us bereaved. As a tribute, we present a list of his best films down the years where he played the leading man…

DIRECTOR: Raj Kapoor CAST: Rishi Kapoor, Dimple Kapadia, and Raj (Rishi Kapoor) is the son of businessman (Pran), while Bobby is the daughter of a fisherman (Prem Nath). It’s love at first sight for both Raj and Bobby. But his father frowns upon it, misconstruing that Bobby and her father are after his wealth. The teenagers elope. But they are captured by , who wants to grab the bounty put up by Raj’s father. After being rescued from him, they want to end their lives. They jump into a waterfall. While BOBBY (1973) Bobby’s father saves Raj, she’s saved by his dad. The teen romance became a cult film, given the innocence and chemistry between the pair. Bobby was a musical hit by Laxmikant-Pyarelal. Songs such as Hum tum ek kamre mein, Main to nahi and Mujhe kuch kehna hai remain popular. LAILA MAJNU (1976)

DIRECTOR: Harnam Singh Rawail CAST: Rishi Kapoor, , Danny Dengzongpa and Raza The film is based on the legendary Arabic tale of DIRECTOR: Narender Bedi Laila and Majnu. Laila (Ranjeeta) and Majnu (Rishi CAST: Rishi Kapoor, Neetu Singh, , Kapoor) loved each other since childhood. Their and Paintal love was divinely ordained in the sense that if The film follows the basic plot points of the one hurt, the other could feel the pain. They were American hit Some Like It Hot (1959) and had separated because they belonged to different clans. both Rishi and Paintal appearing in drag. Two After growning up, they meet by chance and fall in out-of-work musicians, Dev (Rishi Kapoor) and love once again. Majnu is exiled when he avenges Salim (Paintal), witness a murder in a graveyard. his father’s death by killing Laila’s brother. She’s They’re spotted by the villains. In order to save married off to a prince. The two lovers look fated to themselves, they disguise themselves as girls and be denied a union in life. Madan Mohan, who was get themselves registered with an all-girl band, the film’s composer, passed away. Jaidev finished which is going to Kashmir. Reetu (Neetu Singh) the rest of the score. The film was a musical hit, is a singer in the band and wants to marry a rich with songs like Tere dar pe aaya hoon, Hoke man. After many misadventures, Dev and Salim mayoos tere dar se, Ab agar hum se and Likh kar are able to save themselves from the clutches of tera naam zameen par ruling the airwaves.

RAFOO CHAKKAR (1975) the villains and also get to serve some revenge.

KHEL KHEL MEIN (1975)

DIRECTOR: Tandon CAST: Rishi Kapoor, Neetu Singh, Rakesh & Ajay (Rishi Kapoor), () and Nisha (Neetu Singh) are collegians. While Vikram is always up to some mischief, Ajay is studious. But slowly he also joins Vikram in his pranks. They write a fake extortion letter to a rich man hoping to pump him for some money. However, in a twist of fate, first the rich man and then Vikram both end up dead. It transpires that Vikram and his girlfriend (Aruna Irani) were running an extortion racket. She also gets killed. Now, Ajay and Nisha are being hounded by the police on one hand and Vikram’s boss on the other. They have to prove their innocence and catch the real killers. How they go about it forms the crux of the story. RD Burman composed frothy numbers like Ek main aur ek tu, Khullam khulla pyar karenge and Hamne tumko dekha.

THE TEENAGE ROMANCE BECAME A CULT FILM, GIVEN BOTH THE INNOCENCE AND CHEMISTRY BETWEEN THE LEAD PAIR. BOBBY WAS A MUSICAL HIT BY LAXMIKANT-PYARELAL. SONGS SUCH AS HUM TUM EK KAMRE MEIN, MAIN SHAYAR TO NAHI AND MUJHE KUCH KEHNA HAI ARE STILL POPULAR RISHI PLAYS THE YOUNGEST DIRECTOR: BROTHER, WHO IS A MUSICIAN CAST: , Amitabh Bachchan, Rishi Kapoor, IN . Neetu Singh, , and HE HAS THREE QAWWALIS, It’s a classic tale of three brothers separated in THE TEASING TAYYAB ALI childhood, brought up to follow different faiths, PYAR KA DUSHMAN, THE getting united upon growing up and exacting ROMANTIC PARDA HAI PARDA revenge on their oppressors. It has romance, action, AND THE SUFI, SHIRDIWALE comedy in equal measure. Rishi plays the youngest brother, who is a musician and hence the onus of SAI BABA, FILMED ON HIM. HIS providing the musical zing to the film fell on his COMIC TIMING WITH AMITABH shoulders. He has three qawwalis, the teasing Tayyab BACHCHAN WAS WORTH Ali pyar ka dushman, the romantic Parda hai parda NOTING AS WAS HIS EASE and the Sufi, Shirdiwale Sai Baba, filmed on him. WITH NEETU SINGH His comic timing with Amitabh Bachchan was worth noting as was his ease with Neetu Singh.

DIRECTOR: CAST: Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi Kapoor, Raakhee, , Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh Poet, Amit Malhotra (Amitabh Bachchan), is in love with Pooja (Raakhee). But Pooja’s parents arrange her marriage to an architect, Vijay Khanna (Shashi Kapoor). A heartbroken Amit joins his father’s business and later marries Anjali (Waheeda AMAR AKBAR ANTHONY (1977) Rehman). They have a daughter Sweety (Naseem). Unknown to all, Anjali has a daughter named Pinky (Neetu Singh) from a previous relationship. Rishi Kapoor plays Vicky, Pooja’s son, who flirts with both Pinky and Sweety but loves Pinky. Meanwhile, Pinky wants to get united with her real mother but Anjali doesn’t acknowledge her,

KABHI KABHIE (1976) fearing for her marriage. What follows is a storm of emotions that threatens to engulf everybody. Rishi brought a touch of fun and froth to this otherwise heavy-duty romance. The film has two of the best of Sahir Ludhinavi, Kabhi kabhi mere DOOSRA AADMI (1977) dil mein and Main pal do pal ka shayar hoon. Khayyam composed the music. The two popular DIRECTOR: songs Tere chehre se and Tera phoolon jaisa rang CAST: Rishi Kapoor, Neetu Singh, were filmed on Rishi and Neetu. Shashi Kapoor and Raakhee The film explored the concept of obsessive love. Nisha (Raakhee), a known name in advertising, accepts young buck Karan’s (Rishi Kapoor) job offer in his new agency because he reminds her of her dead boyfriend (Shashi Kapoor). It would have been alright if Karan was single but he’s newly married and their growing closeness threatens to break his marriage with Timsi (Neetu Singh). The film begins on a high where Karan is seen beating a boy black and blue after he misbehaves with Timsi during Holi. The end, however, has romance seeking a new reality with Karan desperately wanting Nisha to be in his life and she resisting him as she doesn’t want to break his marriage. It was one of the most realistic portrayals by Rishi. (1982)

DIRECTOR: Raj Kapoor CAST: , Nanda, Rishi Kapoor and Kolhapure The film struck a blow against age-old customs and preached that one should move in tandem with the changing times. Devdhar (Rishi Kapoor) is an orphan brought up by Bade Thakur (Shammi Kapoor). He’s sent to Bombay for higher studies and upon coming back finds that his childhood friend Manorma () has blossomed into a beautiful young woman. He falls in love with her. Due to the class difference he’s unable to air his feelings. She’s married off to another Thakur, who unfortunately DIRECTOR: K Viswanath dies a day after CAST: Rishi Kapoor and Jaya Prada marriage, leaving Jaya Prada became an overnight sensation after her widowed. the release of this musical. Her classical beauty She’s raped by her was compared to an Ajanta statue. It was a remake brother-in-law and of K Viswanath’s earlier Telugu film Siri Siri later sent to live Muvva (1976). Rishi plays the lead actor in the with her parents. film. Jaya Prada reprised her role of a mute dancer. Her vibrant She bedazzled the Hindi film audience with her personality takes classical-based dances. Laxmikant-Pyarelal gave a 360-degree turn

SARGAM (1979) many wonderful songs in the film. The Dafli and at this point, wale song, where Rishi apparently played the Devdhar re-enters instrument for real, sung by and her life in order to became hugely popular and bring a smile back hasn’t lost its magic even now. on her face.

LAXMIKANT-PYARELAL GAVE MANY WONDERFUL SONGS IN SARGAM. THE DAFLI WALE SONG, WHERE RISHI APPARENTLY PLAYED THE INSTRUMENT FOR REAL, SUNG BY MOHAMMED RAFI AND LATA MANGESHKAR BECAME HUGELY POPULAR. IT HASN’T LOST ITS MAGIC EVEN NOW

DIRECTOR: CAST: Rishi Kapoor, , Tina Munim, , Prem Nath and Pran This thriller was inspired by the Reincarnation Of Peter Proud (1975). It was a true-blue musical, despite its macabre theme. Laxmikant Pyarelal’s songs such as , Ek haseena thi, Dard-e-dil, Main solah baras ki are still popular today. Rishi Kapoor

plays a pop singer and him dancing on a KARZ (1980) revolving disc-like stage was pure kitsch. The reincarnation theme proved a hit with the audience, as did Rishi-Tina’s jodi and Simi Garewal’s portrayal of a scheming gold digger, who refused to age. The film offers chills and thrills in equal measure. DIRECTOR: Ramesh Sippy CAST: Rishi Kapoor, Dimple Kapadia and Saagar brought the Bobby pairing of Rishi and Dimple back again after 12 years. The film was a love triangle with Kamal Haasan playing the man, who loves her from afar since childhood. Rishi plays the scion of a rich family, who falls in love with her at first sight and vice versa. Dimple is a delight to watch and looked sexy as ever even after a gap of twelve years. There is a tastefully done blink-and-you’ll miss-it topless scene of Dimple in the film. The performances and RD Burman’s sublime music makes it a must-watch even now. SAAGAR (1985)

DIRECTOR: BR Chopra CAST: Rishi Kapoor, , and Deepak Parashar It was a Muslim social, which propagated the rehabilitation of prostitutes in society. Dawood (Rishi Kapoor) is in love with upcoming writer Kaynat (Poonam Dhillon). Due to certain circumstances, he ends up giving shelter to Sultana (Rati

TAWAIF (1985) TAWAIF Agnihotri), who is a prostitute by profession. Soon, he’s asked to claim that Sultana is his wife. She wins everyone over with her charm and intelligence and takes to this new EK CHADAR MAILI SI (1986) role like a duck to water, knowing that it’s not going to last long. She soon develops feelings for the naive DIRECTOR: Sukhwant Dhadda Dawood, who too starts liking her. CAST: Rishi Kapoor, Hema Malini The question is will society accept and Kulbhushan Kharbanda her after knowing her reality? Rishi The film is based on a novella by didn’t play a typical Hindi film hero having the but an ordinary man caught up in same name. Bedi got a Sahitya extraordinary circumstances. Akademi Award for it. It’s based on the practice of getting a woman married to her brother- in-law after the death of her SAAGAR BROUGHT THE BOBBY PAIRING OF husband. Hema Malini played RISHI KAPOOR AND DIMPLE KAPADIA BACK the Bhabhi, while Rishi played AGAIN AFTER 12 YEARS. THE FILM IS A LOVE her young devar. At first, they TRIANGLE WITH KAMAL HAASAN PLAYING THE find it hard to accept the new reality but later adjust to it. It was MAN, WHO LOVES HER FROM AFAR. DIMPLE a film, which went up and down LOOKED SEXY AS EVER EVEN AFTER A GAP the emotional scale and gave OF A DECADE. THERE IS A TASTEFULLY DONE Rishi a chance to do something BLINK-AND-YOU’LL MISS-IT TOPLESS SCENE OF different. The changing equations DIMPLE IN THE FILM. THE PERFORMANCES AND between Hema and him are RD BURMAN’S SUBLIME MUSIC WORKED brought out subtly. CHANDNI (1989)

DIRECTOR: Yash Chopra CAST: Vinod Khanna, Rishi Kapoor, and Waheeda Rehman The film is a classic love- triangle but told with such sensitivity that it doesn’t appear jaded. The exotic Swiss locales and music by Shiv-Hari added to the vibe of the film. Rohit (Rishi Kapoor) meets Chandni (Sridevi) at a wedding and falls for her. He woos her relentlessly.

DIRECTOR: Harmesh Malhotra CAST: Rishi Kapoor, Sridevi, and Prem Chopra India’s fascination with snakes is well known. In our mythology, we come across snakes, who can change form. Sridevi plays one such snake in the film. Rishi Kapoor falls in love with her human form. He marries her and all is well for a while. But then Bhairo, played by Amrish Puri, comes along and recognises the nagin. He wants to enslave her because she has knowledge about a secret jewel, which can make him the king of the world. He captures her and tortures her. But Rishi comes along to rescue and it all ends well. The film was campy as they come NAGINA (1986) but the masses lapped up the supernatural content.

CHANDNI IS A CLASSIC LOVE-TRIANGLE. ROHIT (RISHI) MEETS CHANDNI (SRIDEVI) AT A WEDDING AND FALLS FOR HER... LATER, HE MEETS WITH AN ACCIDENT AND IS PARALYSED. DOES THEIR LOVE FIND FRUITION? THE EXOTIC SWISS LOCALES AND MUSIC BY She finally agrees to marry him. As fate would have it, he meets SHIV-HARI ADD TO THE VIBE OF THE FILM with an accident and is partially paralysed. Realising that he can’t be a good life partner to her any DIRECTOR: Keshu Ramsay longer, he sends her away. She CAST: Rishi Kapoor, ,Danny KHOJ (1989) starts working in a travel agency Denzongpa and Kimi Katkar where her boss, Lalit (Vinod It was a thriller based on the British film Chase Khanna), a widower is smitten A Crooked Shadow (1957). Ravi (Rishi Kapoor) by her. He too pursues her. After comes to Kathmandu with his wife Anita (Kimi much reluctance, she says yes. Katkar) to spend some time together. When his Lalit happens to visit Switzerland wife goes missing, he files a complaint with the where he meets Rohit, who is police. Inspector Balbir (Naseeruddin Shah) undergoing treatment there. They is in charge of the case. Ravi gets a call from become friends. Rohit, upon Father Anthony () telling him getting fit, wants Chandni back his wife is in a convent. Both Ravi and Balbir in his life. But he learns she’s go to investigate. Ravi denies that the woman engaged to his friend. He meets is his wife but all the evidence gathered by with an accident again. Seeing Balbir points towards the fact that the woman Chandni distraught, Lalit realises is actually Ravi’s wife. The whodunit will keep she’s still in love with Rohit. you on the edge of your seat till the end. Rohit and Chandni finally unite. DEEWANA (1992)

DIRECTOR: CAST: Rishi Kapoor , Shah Rukh Khan, Amrish Puri and Wealthy singer Ravi (Rishi Kapoor) falls for Kajal (Divya Bharti) and they get married. They are all set for an ideal life when tragedy strikes. Ravi’s greedy uncle Pratap (Amrish Puri) and cousin Narendra (Mohnish Bahl) plan to get him killed. Kajal becomes a widow and her life seems to be over. Along DIRECTOR Raj Kapoor/ with Ravi’s mother, she leaves the CAST: Rishi Kapoor, Bakhtiar and Ashwini Bhave city and settles somewhere else. The film was conceptualised by Raj Kapoor, who even started Another young man, Raja (Shah shooting for it. After his untimely death, elder son Randhir Rukh Khan) comes into Kajal’s completed the film. It’s a cross- border romance between an life. Raja wants to marry her. She Indian man and a Pakistani girl. Chandra Prakash (Rishi Kapoor) has the blessings of her mother- lives in Srinagar and is to be married soon to Chandni (Ashwini in-law and soon starts a new life. Bhave). On the day of the engagement, he meets with an accident But Ravi isn’t dead. He’s been and falls into a river, which takes him to the occupied searching for his wife and mother

HENNA (1991) portion of Kashmir. He loses his memory and is cared for by ever since. When he realises the Henna () and her widowed father. Henna falls in events that have occurred in Kajal’s love with him. Their marriage is arranged. But on the day of the life, he gives his blessings to the wedding, he regains his memory. The kind-hearted villagers want union. When his uncle threatens to create a safe passage for him to go back. His attempt is foiled to destroy their lives again, he sets by a jealous suitor of Henna, who brands him as an Indian spy. himself up for the ultimate sacrifice Henna gives up her life to bring freedom for her beloved. to bring peace to his loved ones.

AMITABH AND RISHI FIGHT THE EVIL FORCES OF THE VAZIR IN ... FLYING CARPETS, MONSTERS, SUPERNATURAL ENTITIES, MAGIC SWORDS...THE FILM HAD FANTASTICAL ELEMENTS

DIRECTOR: Shashi Kapoor/Gennadi Vasilyev CAST: Amitabh Bachchan, Rishi Kapoor, Dimple Kapadia and Ajooba was a superhero film made with Russian collaboration. The superior CGI work is all thanks to the Soviet wizards. The film has a masked superhero called Ajooba, played by Amitabh Bachchan, who writes against the forces of darkness. AJOOBA (1991) Rishi Kapoor plays his trusted friend, who aids him in every battle. Together they fight the evil forces of the Vazir. Flying carpets, monsters, supernatural entities, magic swords and also a dolphin, whom Ajooba considers as his mother… the film had all sorts of fantastical elements. RISHI KAPOOR PLAYS A DOUBLE ROLE. HE WAS MUCH APPRECIATED AS KISHAN MALHOTRA AND TONY BRAGANZA IN ’S . HOW KISHAN, WITH THE HELP OF BELOVED RADHA (JUHU CHAWLA), OUTWITS THE VILLAINS AND TURNS THE TABLE ON THEM FORMS THE CRUX OF THIS COMIC THRILLER

DO DOONI CHAAR (2010)

DIRECTOR: CAST: Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh The film marked Habib Faisal’s debut as a director. It also had Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Kapoor coming back as the lead pair, albeit mature, after a gap of around 30 years. The film centres around a middle-class school teacher, who wants to buy a car for his family. He is offered money to pass one of his students and almost takes up the offer before conscience pricks him. His honesty earns him the respect of the student’s grandfather, who gives him ‘advance fees’ to teach math to his grandson. That money is now used by the teacher as the down payment for his new car. But there’s a catch. The car gets stuck in the Delhi traffic. He fondly remembers his old scooter, which helped him cut through traffic easily. n

DIRECTOR: David Dhawan CAST: Rishi Kapoor and Juhi Chawla Rishi Kapoor plays a double role in this film. He was appreciated doing a fine job as both Kishan Malhotra and Tony Braganza. Kishan goes to seek business opportunities in a village and falls in love with village girl, Radha (Juhi Chawla). He brings reforms to the village and begins teaching people. When he returns home, he gets the shock of his life. His mother has passed away and worse there is an impersonator in the house. It’s all his cousin Bhanu’s ploy. How BOL RADHA (1992) Kishan with the help of Radha outwits the villains and turns the table on them forms the crux of this comic thriller. INTERVIEW

IN MEMORIAM

DEVESH SHARMA LISTS DOWN THE MEMORABLE CHARACTER ROLES OF IN THE LATE RISHI KAPOOR CHARACTER Rishi Kapoor successfully transitioned to character acting in the early 2000s, going on to appear in diverse supporting roles, such as in Fanaa, Agneepath, Student Of The Year, D–Day and . He bagged the Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award for his work in Kapoor & Sons. His work in Mulk was also well-received. After two decades, he reunited with actor Amitabh Bachchan in 102 Not Out. Jeetu Joseph’s The Body was his last film while Hitesh Bhatia’s Sharmaji Namkeen, co-starring Juhi Chawla, was under production at the time of his demise. It’s a tribute to his versatility that directors made sure that he had something substantial to do in their films. The narratives FANAA (2006) were driven by his characters. He had a ball during his second innings, essaying author-backed roles with much gusto. Presenting a list of the late actor’s films where he shone in character roles... DIRECTOR: CAST: Aamir Khan, , Rishi Kapoor and Rishi Kapoor plays RISHI Zulfikar Ali Beg, Zooni’s P L AYS A N (Kajol) father, in this taut OLD-SCHOOL romantic thriller. Zooni, GENTLEMAN who is blind, is in love IN THE with Rehan (Aamir Khan). SEMINAL She’s heartbroken when DELHI-6, he’s presumed dead. She ABOUT doesn’t recognise him COMMUNAL when he comes back into her life. He’s actually an HARMONY. enemy agent looking for HE’S THE a trigger for a nuclear EMBODIMENT weapon. When Zulfikar OF THE finds this out, he has a BEST tussle with Rehan, who QUALITIES accidentally kills him. OF OLD DIRECTOR: Rishi is shown to be a DELHI... CAST: Waheeda Rehman, , Abhishek kind, supportive father RESPECTING Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor throughout. He takes care EVERY Rishi Kapoor plays an old-school gentleman in of his daughter when RELIGION this seminal film about communal harmony. He’s she’s pregnant out of the embodiment of the best qualities of old Delhi, wedlock. Later, he gets AND LENDING which was all about respecting every religion and her married to Rehan A HELPING lending a helping hand to your neighbour, of sharing as well. But he’s also a HAND both laughter and sorrow. His personality makes an patriot and puts his life TO YOUR impression on Roshan () and DELHI-6 (2009) on the line for his country. NEIGHBOUR helps him get his bearings. RISHI PLAYS ABUTCHER, WHO’S ALSO INTO DRUGS AND PROSTITUTION... Dimple KapadiaandSoniRazdan CAST: , , RishiKapoor, ordered forthefilm. Rishi’s performancewasjustwhatthedoctor and forgetthebiasheholdstowardswhites. father realisesheshouldinvestinhisson’s passion picked uptoplayfortheEnglandcricketteam,his despite himbeingmiddle-aged.Whenhegets She encourageshimtogivethesportanothertry, the effortsofSimranChaggal(AnushkaSharma). Parghat’s interestincricketisrevivedthanksto bowler, totryoutfortheEnglandteam.Years later, Parghat SinghKahlon(AkshayKumar),atalented by pastexperienceandtherebyforbidshisson, Indians aretreatedinEngland.He’s prejudiced Kahlon (RishiKapoor)doesn’tliketheway Sikh communitysettledinLondon.GurtejSingh Rishi Kapoorplaysthestrictpatriarchof DIRECTOR: HOUSE(2011)

AGNEEPATH. THE ROLE WAS SPECIALLY WRITTEN FOR THE REMAKE. LOVE AAJ KAL (2009) RISHI’S CHARACTER, WASN’T RAUF LALA, THERE IN THE ORIGINAL Rishi KapoorandNeetuSingh CAST: , DeepikaPadukone, added acertaingravitastothefilm. of makingthingsbetterforhim.Therole soul andreachesouttohiminthehope never condescending.Heseesatroubled younger selfaswell.Hischaracteris run parallel,withSaifplayingRishi’s story setinthe1960s.Thetwotracks by narratinghisheart-warminglove Saif’s charactertogethislifeontrack hotelier livinginLondon.Heinspires plays Veer SinghPanesar, aSikh one inthisromance.RishiKapoor Imtiaz Aliwovetwotalesofloveinto DIRECTOR: Nikkhil Advani IT WAS PERHAPS RISHI’S MOST GREY-SHADED ROLE EVER

CHARACTER CHARACTER TO THE FILM THE TO IN LOVE AAJ ISHI Y AYS L P I H S RI A HOTELIER STORY. THE NARRATING NARRATING TO GET HIS HIS TO GET IN LONDON ROLE LENT LENT ROLE TRACK BY BY TRACK RVTSGRAVITAS INSPIRES INSPIRES HIS OWN OWN HIS KAL. HE HE KAL. LIFE ON SAIF’S SAIF’S LOVE LOVE Kapoor, andOmPuri CAST: HrithikRoshan, , Rishi ruthless RaufmorethanKancha. performance, werememberthe but thankstoRishi’s power-packed was supposedtobethemainvillain most grey-shadedroleever. Kancha Rauf arerivals.ItwasperhapsRishi’s Dutt). That’s becauseKanchaand get closetoKanchaCheena(Sanjay works forhimasanadultinorderto Roshan) befriendshimasachildand drugs andprostitution.Vijay (Hrithik Rishi playsabutcher, who’s alsointo specially writtenfortheremake. there intheoriginal.Therolewas Rishi’s character, RaufLala,wasn’t DIRECTOR: AGNEEPATH (2012) STUDENT OF THE YEAR (2012) proceedings. of irreverenthumourtothe character andaddedadash at heart.Itwasavastlycampy best interestsofthechildren disciplinarian, whohasthe Year trophy. He’s astrict for theStudentOfThe devises variouscompetitions ().It’s he,who married) footballcoach over thesupremelyfit(and Abraham andalsodrools hots formatineeidolJohn Yogendra Vashishth hasthe character inSOTY. Dean Kapoor alsoplayedagay Lala inAgneepath,Rishi played averymachoRauf The sameyearthathe Malhotra Varun Dhawan andSiddharth CAST: DIRECTOR: Rishi Kapoor, Alia Bhatt,

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D-DAY (2013) performances. of RishiKapoor’s best persona. It’s easilyone suits addedtohis aviators andretro every time.Thepink and gutstogetontop He reliesonhiswits odds andsurvived. always beatenthe someone whohas manipulator supreme, on agangster), (apparently based plays GoldmanIqbal interests. RishiKapoor harmful toAmerican extractions ofpeople executions and and carryingout hostile borders forces landingon depicted American Force dramasthat by allthoseDelta The filmisinspired Haasan Shruti Huma Qureshiand Irrfan, RishiKapoor, CAST: Advani DIRECTOR: Nikkhil , TROPHIES FILMFARE KAPOOR’S RISHI AWARD ACHIEVEMENT LIFETIME & SONS(2016) KAPOOR ACTOR SUPPORTING BEST CHAAR (2011) DO DOONI ACTOR AWARD CRITICS’ BEST BOBBY (1973) BEST ACTOR (2008)

MULK (2018)

DIRECTOR: Anubhav Sinha CAST: Rishi Kapoor, , and How does one prove one’s loyalty for the country? And should this love be questioned in the first place? Mulk asks such questions and more. Rishi Kapoor plays a lawyer, whose

DIRECTOR: IT’S SAID THAT CAST: , , Alia RISHI’S MAKEOVER Bhatt, Rishi Kapoor, Ratna Pathak Shah and FOR KAPOOR & SONS COST A It’s said that Rishi Kapoor’s makeover for WHOPPING TWO Kapoor & Sons cost a whopping two crores. He had to be under prosthetics for long CRORES. HE HAD hours and reportedly threatened to quit the TO BE UNDER film twice because of the discomfort. He PROSTHETICS plays a character, who’s in his late 80s and FOR LONG HOURS. misses his family terribly. His only wish is HE REPORTEDLY to have a photograph, where everyone poses THREATENED TO together. He plays a character, who’s full QUIT THE FILM of spirit and amiable, despite his oddities. TWICE BECAUSE OF The actor won the Filmfare Best Supporting KAPOOR & SONS (2016) THE DISCOMFORT Actor Award for his role.

DIRECTOR: nephew and brother 102 NOT OUT (2018) CAST: Amitabh Bachchan and are accused of being Rishi Kapoor terrorists. He himself Can a film where the screen age of gets accused of aiding the leading men is supposed to be and abetting them. 102 and 75 respectively ever be He’s in his element called a coming-of-age film? Well, as the lawyer, who after watching Umesh Shukla’s 102 believes the law is Not Out, you’ll say it’s possible. on his side. He’s You’ll realise that growing up is an bewildered and ongoing process and it has nothing saddened by the to do with age. Both Amitabh changing attitudes and Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor are on scenario. He serves equal footing in the film. Apart from as the moral compass showcasing genuine chemistry in of the film, refusing their scenes together, each gets a to give in to voices chance to bring to light his individual that preach hate and brilliance. It’s basically a two- division. His pain is character film. Most of it is just them real and so is his faith talking about the past and ruminating that truth will triumph about the present. Yet it’s engaging. in the end. n INTERVIEW

IN MEMORIAM ‘‘SOME STORIES ARE DESTINED TO REMAIN INCOMPLETE’’ BENGALI DIRECTORS SHIBOPROSAD MUKHERJEE AND ’S DREAM TO MAKE A FILM WITH THE LATE RISHI KAPOOR REMAINS INCOMPLETE. RAGHUVENDRA SINGH REPRODUCES SHIBOPROSAD’S HEARTFELT NOTE ON THE DEMISE OF THE VETERAN

Before the first quarter of 2018 drew to a close, it was decided that Rishi Kapoor would play the lead in our Hindi directorial launchpad. The production house in Mumbai had sent across the DVD of our Bengali film to him, which he agreed to do. We were about to begin our meetings when the Rishi enjoying the news of him having Nandita Roy and Shiboprosad Mukherjee Bengali delicacy taken ill surfaced. Rishiji gift shawls to Rishi and Neetu Kapoor left for New York for his treatment. The project was WHEN WE MET HIM IN NEW YORK FOR OUR FILM, pushed back by a couple RISHIJI LAUGHED AND SAID THAT SINCE HE HAD of months. UNDERGONE BLOOD TRANSFUSION, HE WASN’T In February, 2019, when SURE IF HIS ‘ACTOR’S BLOOD’ WAS STILL THERE he was getting better, I texted him. He took no things finalised in New that afternoon. His loud he loved the most - acting. time to reply. His answer York itself. Rishiji was guffaws still ring in my After the work-related was, “Both Neetu and I happy with the idea. ears. He laughed and said conversation was almost have seen the film, not Nandita Roy and I since he had undergone over, Rishiji asked what once, but twice. We had boarded a flight to NY on blood transfusion, he we were doing that tears in our eyes.’’ He told July 2. He said he would wasn’t sure if his ‘actor’s evening. He took no time me he could return well meet us at our hotel blood’ was still there! He to invite us over to his by end-July or August and not the other way said if the role demanded place and even asked (2019). We got in touch round, as that’s what an him to learn something what drink we preferred. with the production actor usually does with new, he was game, as he He pronounced that his house. They asked us his directors. We met at had a lot of free time. favourite was Black Label. to move ahead. It was Hotel Sofitel on July 5. He I could feel that he was We had taken with us two decided that we would get was a bundle of energy dying to get back to what handwoven shawls for cooking, calls started NEETUJI’S EYES coming in by the dozens. WERE ALWAYS FIXED Rishiji was punctual about ON RISHIJI, WHAT time. Once we reached HE WAS EATING, their home, Rishiji was ON WHICH SIDE OF excited like a child. THE ROAD HE WAS… Neetuji said she wanted to learn the Bengali way of LIKE SOMEONE cooking fish for him. PROTECTING A That evening, Kunal CHILD. I COULDN’T Kapoor, son of the late HELP BUT ADMIRE Shashi Kapoor, joined THEIR BEAUTIFUL in. The conversation RELATIONSHIP revolved around the Calcutta of Raj Kapoor and Shashi Kapoor. The that he was a lover of the family has immense famed Bengali mustard respect for the city for and fish. He said we must the connection that Raj work out what to eat Kapoorji shared with it. during the shoot. I told Neetuji also spoke about him my production boy, shooting for Yaraana at Ganesh, is a cook par Netaji Indore Stadium and excellence. the excited Kolkata crowd Once he returned to that lined the streets to India, we resumed talks catch a glimpse of their regarding the rest of the favourite stars. They were cast. Every time I was in surprised to learn from Mumbai, he would ask me us that Fairlawn Hotel in to come over. He told me Kolkata, where Shashiji that a Bengali journalist would put up during his had suggested that Neetuji long stays in the city, still and he should work in has a room named after the Hindi version of our him. It was an evening of film Belaseshe (2015). discoveries. He asked me for the film I was concerned about saying he didn’t know his health after I read that how to browse through Rishiji had taken ill in OTT platforms. Delhi. Every time I heard He also expressed the any such news, I’d leave Neetuji and him. They I noticed how concerned desire to savour some him a message and he’d were happy to accept Neetuji was. Her eyes mustard fish. He wanted reply much to my relief. them at their home in were always fixed on him, to meet my wife, Zinia, Given the bout of illness, New York. He admired the what he was eating, on who’s a good cook. He our film got pushed back kantha stitches and said which side of the road he invited us over to their further as he was already all the raw talent came was… it was as if someone residence, Krishna Raj shooting for one. On from . Meanwhile, was protecting a child. I and asked us to prepare a March 26, we last spoke he poured me and the couldn’t help but admire Bengal rice-fish meal for when he said he’d like rest a drink. I asked for the beautiful relationship them. I had packed Bekti to begin the shoot fast. a smaller one and he they shared. That evening, fillets and a big hilsa cut On April 21, I texted him snapped at me for that. the conversation mostly into pieces in an ice box. saying I wanted to speak There’s nothing called a revolved around Kolkata, Since it was inconvenient to him. That was for the ‘small drink’, he said. We and of to cook in an unfamiliar first time he didn’t reply. then went to an Asian- course, Bengali food. kitchen, Zinia made fish I would be lying if I said Chinese restaurant, where Rishiji wanted to shoot in fries and mustard ilish at I wasn’t worried. Some Rishiji ordered food for Kolkata and was yearning our sister, Indrani’s place stories are destined to 10 though we were just to be in Rabindranath in Worli. Even before remain incomplete. Ours five people. All the while, Tagore’s abode. I learnt we were done with the is one such. n INTERVIEW

IN MEMORIAM

Rishi Kapoor with director Anubhav Sinha on the set of Mulk ‘‘HE’S A HAPPY MAN UP THERE’’ FIRE AND ICE… ANUBHAV SINHA DECODES THE UTTERLY LOVABLE RISHI KAPOOR. RAGHUVENDRA SINGH JOTS DOWN THE DIRECTOR’S MEMORIES… MULK WAS go to. So, in my mind he film. That’s it.” We kept TRYING TO had to say yes for Mulk looking at each other for SWIM AGAINST to be made. I had to give a few moments. It was THE POLITICAL my best shot with the abundantly clear that TIDE OF THE narration because he was that was it. Towards the telling me, “No no… bhai release the film, we did COUNTRY AT I’m not used to reading see some cash strapped THE TIME. I WAS scripts. Our directors months. He happily APPREHENSIVE used to tell us the story postponed a couple of THAT RISHIJI MAY in brief before we signed. his tranches to help us. NOT WANT TO We’d get our scenes every The other most common TAKE A POLITICAL day on the set. So just myth was that he was a STAND. BUT HE tell me the basic idea in a difficult man to deal HAD CONCERNS nut shell.” For a change, with. This is something C O M P L E T E LY I was nervous. The film I was least worried about UNRELATED TO was trying to swim against because years back I had THE SCRIPT. the political tide of the worked with Mr Shammi country at the time. I was Kapoor in my first TV LIKE THERE’S apprehensive that he may show Shikast (1993). I was NO HERO IN THE not want to take a political getting similar vibes from FILM. WHO WILL stand. By the time I Rishiji. His demeanour FUND IT? HE finished, he had concerns would give the impression WASN’T WRONG. completely unrelated to of a difficult man but he IT DID TAKE ME the script. Like there’s no would turn out to be such A WHILE TO FIND hero in the film. Who will a teddy bear. FINANCE TO fund it? He wasn’t awfully After the first shot of MAKE THE FILM wrong. It did take me a the film in Lucknow he politely asked me about the next shot and settled in his chair looking keenly at me. I plonked myself next to him. He said, “I’m judging you. Are you like today’s directors, who take 200 shots or someone, who knows exactly how many shots he wants?” When you’re working with a senior actor for the first time, the first day’s equation tells you how rough or smooth the ride is going to be. Yet there was something about him that didn’t Mulk make me weigh my words before responding to him. “You’re being judged too I had was sitting in front of him while to find finance to sir… Whether you’re that finished with the script. Rishiji make the film. actor, who wants to make writing the looked at the thick script I had heard myths it work better or someone, first half of and asked if I was going about Rishiji. Like he who wants to finish the Mulk (2018) in three days to narrate it to him. “Of doesn’t negotiate his scene and go home.” Both flat – that is over Friday, course!” I replied. price. They were right. He of us had a hearty laugh. Saturday and Sunday. By I was fighting a battle said, “I charge so much. The ice was broken. Days the end of Friday, I knew within. If Rishiji were For this film I will give later he did tell me that I had to reach out to Rishi to say no to this script I you a 20 percent discount I was a mix of the two Kapoor. Ten days later I didn’t know who else to because it’s a different kinds of directors. That the sound team in wearing the mic. I was still hurt and said, “Why sir, don’t wear it na, you said you will not wear it again.” He said, “Kamaal aadmi ho aap. Woh toh tab kaha tha ki nahin pehnunga. Ab pehen toh raha hoon.” That was Rishi Kapoor. His response defines him for me. I’d often chat with him while he was under treatment in New York. Then I sent him the trailer of Article 15. He didn’t think much of it. He believed I was repeating myself. “Arrey theek hai bhai, kuchh happy banao ab.” Weeks later he called me to say his family was raving about the film. “I’m so happy for you, I’ll catch it soon,” he said. Months later, I saw him at Amitabh Bachchan saab’s for some scenes I took too Diwali party. I hugged many shots. But mostly I him from behind. I was knew my edit. I told him so happy to meet him. So that he wasn’t a mix of was he. “Is the shooting the two types of actors. of over? I want He was like a new actor, to do a passing shot in it,” who wanted to do his best he said. We laughed and in his first film. And God hugged each other. He he did. said, “Let’s work again. Anubhav and Rishi Two moments stand Ab aa gaya hoon main.” out during the 27-day HE WAS RAJ KAPOOR’S Our dream of working schedule. Every shoot has SON. PRITHVIRAJ KAPOOR’S together again remains tough days for various GRANDSON. HE BECAME A STAR unfulfilled. I miss that reasons. Sometimes for one more with him in my the money involved, WHEN HE WAS IN HIS TEENS AND filmography. He was Raj sometimes for a rare REMAINED SO FOR THE NEXT Kapoor’s son. Prithviraj resource. The team is 50 YEARS UNTIL HE DIED. BUT Kapoor’s grandson. He aware of that and keep YOU’LL REMEMBER RISHI KAPOOR became a star when he their fingers crossed for FOR HIS OWN LEGACY AND NOT was in his teens and the day. On one such day, FOR THE FAMILY HE CAME FROM remained so for the next Rishiji reported sick first 50 years until he died. But thing in the morning. It half of the day. That was storming off. My sound you’ll remember him for could have cost us a lot nice of him. The other designer, Kaamod, was his own legacy and not of money. He didn’t have thing was that he hated certain that he’d cajole for the family he came much to do that day. But location sound, especially him into wearing it. I said, from. Love you Chintuji. he certainly was needed. wearing the mic. We were “If he doesn’t care about Something tells me he’s He sent me a message, preparing for a scene the film… let him be.” a happy man up there… “If I feel better at all, I’ll when I heard him shout I walked away hurt and laughing, cracking jokes be there.” He did make at the team on the set. He upset. An hour later, I saw with his Black Label. it during the second took off his mic before Rishiji being helped by Keep laughing sir! IN MEMORIAM ‘‘HE WAS A CUTE TEDDY WITH A FROWN’’ TAAPSEE PANNU REMEMBERS THE LATE RISHI KAPOOR FOR HIS ENDEARING AND SEARING HONESTY. RAGHUVENDRA SINGH LISTENS IN… Mulk

t was a hot afternoon tone. His biggest problem RISHIJI’S SENSE OF HUMOUR in while we were with me was why I’d lost COULD BE TAKEN FOR BULLYING. shooting Chashme so much weight between Baddoor (2013). This Chashme Baddoor and BUT IT WAS MOST HARMLESS IF not so tall but largely Mulk. When he saw me YOU KNEW THE MAN. HIS HONEST I intimidating personality, working out in the gym, LOVE AND CRITICISM MADE HIM sitting in front of the while we were in Lucknow THE ONLY ACTOR, WHO COULD monitor with his reading shooting for Mulk, he BE MORE BRUTALLY HONEST glasses resting on his nose, showed me my picture THAN ME ON THE SET looked up nonchalantly from Chashme Baddoor and said, “You’re a saying, “This is how you Sardarni! How come you should be.” His concern of communicating it. His believe he isn’t around. started in the South then?” was so endearing that I sense of humour could be It’s hard for me to believe Anyone who knows Rishiji didn’t want to tell him that taken for bullying. But it I won’t get to work with (Kapoor), knows that my weight hadn’t changed, was harmless if you knew him again after two everything he says can only my age had. the man. His genuine love successful collaborations. sound like an accusation Breakfast with him, at and criticism made him the It’s hard for me to not hear given his assertive Punjabi times, was an aggressive only actor, who was more someone complain about tone. I explained to him affair because he had brutally honest than me me working out too much that I was already 10 films a strong take on things on the set. His stories and or eating too little or not old as we sat talking. and a lot of imposing the way he narrated them drinking in the evenings. Gradually, a warm bond suggestions about my are my most cherished I will miss his big bear hug, developed between us, career. Being around him memories of him. For me the honest compliments which turned sweeter and was like being around an he was this cute teddy with which meant so much. It’s sweeter just like a Punjabi elderly family member, a frown on his face and a hard not to miss that aura dessert. Yes, he didn’t have who meant the best for you joke on his tongue. he brought along in the the obvious complimenting but had an intense way It’s hard for me to room with him. n INTERVIEW

IN MEMORIAM

Juhi Chawla and Rishi Kapoor on the set of Sharmaji Namkeen ‘‘FOR ME HE’LL A L WAY S

Eena Meena Deeka REMAIN

he first time AS A CO-STAR I met Rishiji RISHIJI WAS ALIVE’’ (Kapoor), it WARM AND JUHI CHAWLA GOES INTO FLASHBACK MODE was at the FRIENDLY. HE AS SHE REMINISCES ABOUT HER LATE CO-STAR musicT launch of Qayamat RISHI KAPOOR. SUMAN SHARMA TAKES NOTES Se Qayamat Tak (1988). WAS FULL Producer OF LIFE. HIS he didn’t throw any star The scripts were good too. saab had invited him as a SHARP WIT AND tantrum. He was quick to He was so natural and chief guest that night. He HUMOUR MADE do his job and leave for the made the scenes work. was a top star, while we HIM AMUSING next shift. He was easy to work with (Aamir Khan and I) were C O M PA N Y. Then on, we went on and easy with his craft. newcomers. Aamir and I I GREW to do many films together He’d never get into big were formally introduced E X T R E M E LY including Bol Radha Bol discussions about a scene to him. The first film I did FOND OF (1992), Ghar Ki Izzat (1994) or ask for 200 rehearsals. with him was Kalptaru’s HIM. HE WAS and He’d be like ho jayega Rishta Ho To Aisa (1992). GENUINELY (1994). Rishiji being my sab kuch. His acting was Jeetuji () was part senior, my equation with flawless. He was a secure of it too. We were shooting HIMSELF. him was different from actor. Unlike us younger in Kamalistan Studio. HE NEVER what I shared with Shah actors, he never ran to the I had a scene with him PRETENDED TO Rukh Khan or Aamir Khan. monitor to check himself. at a police station. I was BE ANYONE It was full of respect. Often, I’d check my hair extremely nervous. But ELSE People liked our jodi. and make-up on the Team Sharmaji Namkeen Bol Radha Bol

monitor. Then I’d quickly UNLIKE US, RISHIJI NEVER was a heart-to-heart kind of run back and do the shot RAN TO THE MONITOR. conversation. It was cute. It again. Rishiji would say, OFTEN, I’D CHECK MY HAIR was funny. It had undertone ‘‘FOR ME “What’s this bad habit? It AND MAKE-UP ON THE of emotions. He spoke the shows you’re insecure as MONITOR. THEN I’D QUICKLY lines so meaningfully. He an actor. The monitor is RUN BACK AND DO THE SHOT looked in your eyes and not for all of you. It’s for AGAIN. RISHIJI WOULD SAY, said them. He didn’t merely HE’LL the director.” deliver the dialogue. He As a co-star he was ‘WHAT’S THIS BAD HABIT YOU felt the moment. It was not warm and friendly. He ALL HAVE? IT SHOWS YOU’RE a technical thing for him. was full of life. His sharp INSECURE AS AN ACTOR. THE He flowed with the actual A L WAY S wit and humour made MONITOR IS NOT FOR YOU. feeling. I thought I’d adopt him amusing company. IT’S FOR THE DIRECTOR’ that in my takes as well. I grew extremely fond of Then I heard that he him. He was genuinely was unwell. I sent him REMAIN himself. He never Bijlani, would visit the February. I couldn’t a lifestyle advice about pretended to be anyone hotel for dinner. He’d help observing him. He including beneficial herbs else. Yes, he was short- come alone, eat quietly was so effortless in his in his daily diet. I urged ALIVE’’ tempered and a little and leave. We too would expressions and dialogue. him to practise yoga. He impatient. But it was be having dinner at the He seemed to be getting said, “Hey, but I can’t do always for small things. same time. Rishiji would better and better. Once he your difficult yoga. I don’t Like if a shot took too long, go across and sit with him. mentioned, “I don’t know like complicated poses.” he’d be edgy. That trait He’d call out to me saying, how people do ads. I tried Then in early March, I sent remained till the end. “Come sit here. Let’s give once but I just couldn’t.” him a message asking about At times you felt he him company.” Rishiji I was surprised and said, his health, He replied, was scolding you. But that understood he was lonely. “You’re just expected to “Yeah yeah come to the was actually his warmth. Often, we’d look back and say a line about a product.” hospital.” We went there to Because I’d grown to know talk about Mr Bijlani. Some He said, meet him. Neetuji (Kapoor) him, I’d burst out laughing. time ago, we got to know “I never merely say the was there too. The doctor He was fire without that he’d passed away. lines. I always dwell on came in for a check-up. fury, a missile without the emotion.” I was like That was the first time I destination. At heart, he his last film OMG! I always considered sensed a bit of concern in was a caring person. We that Rishiji the line first and then Rishiji’s tone as he asked would often shoot in Ooty and I shot for the emotion. But for him, the doctor about a few for our films. We used to is Sharmaji emotions came first. That’s things. I had no clue ki yeh stay at Savoy Hotel. During NamkeenT (directed why he was such a natural. sab hoga. It’s so difficult to the time we were shooting by Hitesh Bhatia and The last sequence we shot talk about him in the past Bol Radha Bol (1992), an produced by Excel for Sharmaji Namkeen was tense. For me he’ll always elderly gentleman, Mr Entertainment) this shot in a dhaba in Delhi. It remain alive. n IN MEMORIAM Farewell

Irrfan(January 7, 1967 - April 29, 2020)

IRRFAN KHAN PASSED AWAY ON APRIL 29, AFTER BATTLING NEUROENDOCRINE CANCER. DEVESH SHARMA LOOKS BACK WITH AFFECTION

rrfan Khan was born , in Jaipur on January 7, Sara Jahan Hamara, 1967. He was a talented Banegi Apni Baat, cricketer as a youngster, Chandrakanta, Shrikant Ithough he couldn’t make it and Sparsh. to the national team. Irrfan He made his big- was studying for an MA screen debut with the degree, when he earned Academy Award- a scholarship to study nominated film at the National School Salaam Bombay! of Drama (NSD) in New (1988) directed Delhi in 1984. He moved by . to Mumbai after passing He was also out and acted in numerous seen in the television serials, acclaimed including Chanakya, Ek He became a known face in the West when London-based director, , gave him the lead in The Warrior (2001). It won acclaim at several film festivals abroad

PHOTOGRAPHS: VISHESH VERMA ART DIRECTION BY MEETESH TANEJA COURTESY: FEMINA Films like Haasil and Maqbool brought Irrfan mass acceptance. He won the Filmfare Award for Best Villain for Haasil. He won the Filmfare Best Supporting Actor trophy for Life In A... Metro, Best Actor Critics’ for Paan Singh Tomar and the Best Actor trophy for

PHOTOGRAPH: MEETESH TANEJA MEETESH PHOTOGRAPH: With the Filmfare trophy superhit in both India and earning crores. In February 2018, Irrfan was diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumour. He travelled to London for treatment and returned after one year. He began shooting for the sequel to Hindi Medium, called Angrezi Medium (2020). It was released on March 13 to largely positive reviews With sons Babil and Ayan and wife Sutapa Sikdar The last journey but it fell victim to the lockdown imposed after Doctor Ki Maut (1990). Millionaire (2008), New for Life In A... Metro COVID-19 pandemic. It He became a known York, I Love You (2009), (2007), Best Actor Critics’ had a digital release later. face in the West when The Amazing Spider-Man for Paan Singh Tomar Irrfan lost his mother, London-based director (2012), Life Of Pi (2012), (2012) and the Best Actor Saeeda Begum, on April Asif Kapadia gave him (2015) and trophy for Hindi Medium 25. He could not attend the lead in The Warrior (2016). (2017). her funeral in Jaipur (2001), which won acclaim Films like Haasil He got his first lead due to the nationwide in several film festivals (2003) and Maqbool role in a commercial film lockdown. He was abroad. He went on to (2004) brought him mass with Rog (2005). His other hospitalised due to a act in several prestigious acceptance in India. He commercial hits include colon infection on April projects in the West like won the Filmfare Award (2013), 29, 2020 and died of The Namesake (2006), The for Best Villain for Haasil. (2014), subsequent complications. Darjeeling Limited (2007), Besides that, he has (2014), Piku (2015) and Irrfan is survived by wife the Academy Award- won the Filmfare Best Talvar (2015). His Hindi Sutapa Sikdar and two winning film Slumdog Supporting Actor trophy Medium (2017) became a sons, Babil and Ayan. n IN MEMORIAM THE BEST OF THE BEST DEVESH SHARMA RECOMMENDS THE BEST HINDI FILMS OF THE LATE IRRFAN KHAN

rrfan Khan is no more. IIn a career spanning over 30 years and around 50 films in Hindi cinema, Irrfan Khan received numerous awards, including four Filmfare trophies. Critics, contemporaries and cineastes consider him to be one of the finest actors in Indian cinema. Nothing was conventional about him – his art nor his physicality. He focussed on his acting skills and that combined with his natural flair, he rewrote the rules of acting. He was only 54 when he passed away… but not without attaining immortality as an actor through his seminal work. Looking at his finest performances in Hindi cinema… PHOTO COURTESY: TIMESCONTENT corrupt cops, ( and Naseeruddin Shah) predict that one day Maqbool will rebel and claim the throne for himself. (Tabu), is Jahangir Khan’s mistress and Maqbool’s HAASIL (2003) secret lover. She Director: instigates him to Cast: , Hrishita Bhatt, Irrfan kill Jahangir. One Khan and THE TWO MAQBOOL day, he murders (2004) his mentor in cold aw and violent, Gaurishankar LOVERS, Director: Vishal blood. But murder RHaasil shows Pandey (Ashutosh PLAYED BY Bhardwaj hangs heavy on his the ugly face of Rana) and Cast: Pankaj soul and he keeps student politics, Ranvijay Singh IRRFAN AND Kapur, Irrfan seeing visions of where student (Irrfan Khan). TABU, ARE Khan, Tabu, Om Jahangir’s ghost. leaders often get When he shoots Puri and Nimmi too is power-mad and Niharika’s cousin TRAGICALLY Naseeruddin Shah eaten by guilt become a law accidentally, KILLED WHEN and loses unto themselves. Ranvijay helps THE OPPOSITION he film was her mental Sometimes, the him escape. When Tan adaptation equilibrium. only solution to Anirudh finds UNITES AGAINST of William The two lovers eradicate such out that Ranvijay THEM. TABU Shakespeare’s are tragically people is to become plans to marry . Maqbool killed when the like them. That’s Niharika, he joins AND IRRFAN (Irrfan Khan) is the opposition unites what happens with hands with slain LEND AN right-hand man against them. Tabu Anirudh (Jimmy Gaurishankar’s of Jahangir Khan and Irrfan lend Sheirgill), who brother to UNFORGETTABLE (), a an unforgettable wants nothing eliminate him. SENSUALITY TO powerful don. Like sensuality to better in life than Irrfan’s villainous the three witches their onscreen to get married to turn was much THEIR of Macbeth, two chemistry. Niharika (Hrishitaa applauded. He ONSCREEN Bhatt). He becomes won the Filmfare involved in the Best Actor In A CHEMISTRY IN tussle between Negative Role MAQBOOL student leaders Award for it.

ROG (2005) Director: Himanshu Brahmbhatt Cast: Irrfan Khan, Ilene Hamann and Himanshu Malik

rrfan Khan essayed cop, who takes his process. Things get Ihis first lead role job too seriously. complicated when in a commercial He’s entrusted to she turns out to be set up. The film’s solve the murder alive. The duo has plot is based on the of a supermodel a fling. That sets Hollywood hit Laura Maya Solomon up a chain of (1944). Uday Singh (Ilene Hamann). He events where her Rathod (Irrfan) is a becomes obsessed life is threatened brilliant, overworked with her life in the once again. IN MEMORIAM

LIFE... IN A METRO (2007) Director: Cast: , , Shilpa Shetty, Irrfan Khan, and

et in Mumbai, the film follows a multi-narrative Sformat and presents different facets of love. Irrfan meets a girl, Shruti (Konkana Sen Sharma), through a matrimonial site. He fails to impress her at first but later they become friends. They begin to confide in each other. She tells him she loves him on the day he’s about to get married to someone else. That leads to a merry chase. Through the end credits, we come to know that they do get married and have a kid. Irrfan won the Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award for his performance.

BILLU (2009) Bollywood superstar Director: Sahir Khan (Shah Cast: Irrfan Khan, Rukh Khan) comes , Shah Rukh to the village for Khan and Om Puri a shoot. Billu had shared a friendship he film is director with Sahir when TPriyadarhshan’s they were kids. take on the parable Hence his wife and of Sudama and children, as also Krishna. It was an fellow villagers, urge official adaptation of him to introduce the film them to Sahir. When Kadha Parayumbol. he doesn’t do so, Billu (Irrfan Khan) people dismiss is a poor barber, him as a fraud. On who lives with his the last day, Sahir wife Bindiya (Lara makes a speech and Dutta) and their mentions how Billu two children, Gunja had helped him start PAAN SINGH TOMAR (2012) (Mitali Mayekar) a new life. That’s Director: Tigmanshu Dhulia and Ronak (Pratik when people realise Cast: Irrfan Khan, , Vipin Sharma & Dalvi) in the village their mistake and of Budbuda. His life start believing in Singh represented India man by the police. takes a turn when him again. PTomar is a at the 1958 Asian He’s betrayed by biographical film Games. In the a former gang based on the life film, Paan Singh member-turned- of middle-distance gets involved in police informer and steeplechase a land dispute in and dies a violent runner Paan Singh, his village and has death at the hands who was forced by to take up arms in of the police. Irrfan circumstances to order to defend was praised for become a dacoit. himself. He kills his understated He was a seven- nine villagers performance and time national avenging his won the Filmfare steeplechase brother’s death. Critics’ Award for champion in the Consequently, the Best Actor for the ’50s and ’60s and ‘baaghi’ is a wanted film. SAHEB, BIWI AUR THE LUNCHBOX (2013) to each other and GANGSTER RETURNS (2013) Director: draw close. Ila Director: Tigmanshu Dhulia Cast: Irrfan Khan, and Nawazuddin wants to meet him Cast: Jimmy Sheirgill, Mahie Gill, Irrfan Khan Siddiqui face-to-face but and sensing her relative his is a poignant idea of putting youth, Saajan keeps n this sequel, however is in love Ttale, of two souls notes inside her his distance. She Iwhile Jimmy with impoverished who get united, husband’s (Nakul decides to leave her Sheirgill and Mahie prince, Irrfan. Now thanks to a goof- Vaid) lunchbox. husband and settle Gill retain their roles begins a deadly up by Mumbai’s Due to a mix-up, elsewhere. At the as Sahib and Biwi, game of chess where famous dabbawalas. the lunchbox last moment, Saajan Irrfan has been cast equations keep Ila (Nimrat Kaur) is gets delivered to decides to look for as Gangster. Sahib changing. While a married woman Saajan Fernandes her. The film is is now wheelchair- the plot seems seeking to spice (Irrfan Khan), an buoyed by nuanced bound but still exhaustive, the up her marriage. accountant. They performances by hasn’t given up the film is saved by the She hits upon the both begin to write both the leads. dream of regaining performances of lost grandeur. He the ensemble cast. THE LUNCHBOX IS A POIGNANT TALE OF TWO falls in love with Irrfan, in particular, Soha Ali Khan’s stands out as a silky- SOULS, WHO GET UNITED THANKS TO A GOOF-UP BY character and wants smooth prince, who MUMBAI’S FAMOUS DABBAWALAS. THE FILM HAS to make her his has his own axe to second wife. She grind with Sahib. NUANCED ACTS BY IRRFAN KHAN AND NIMRAT KAUR

PIKU (2015) agrees to take him there. She Director: Shoojit Sircar takes the help of Rana Chaudhary Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika (Irrfan Khan), who runs a taxi Padukone, Irrfan Khan, Moushumi business. As no driver is available, Chatterjee and Rana drives them to Kolkata himself. They experience several iku Banerjee (Deepika misadventures on the way. Rana PPadukone) is an architect is irked by Bhaskhor’s eccentric living in Delhi. She loves her ways but soon begins to see past father Bhaskhor Bannerjee the exterior. He begins to like (Amitabh Bachchan), even though Piku as well. Irrfan gives a natural she’s irritated by his eccentricities. performance as a proprietor, He suffers from acute constipation caught between two different and tends to relate everything in extremes and yet manages to his life to his bowel movements. find a middle way. His chemistry He wants to visit his ancestral with both Amitabh Bachchan and home in Kolkata. Piku reluctantly Deepika Padukone is on point. IN MEMORIAM

HINDI MEDIUM OFFERS A HARSH CRITIQUE ON THE FRAILTIES OF OUR SYSTEM. IRRFAN KHAN WON THE BEST ACTOR FILMFARE TROPHY FOR HIS POWERFUL PERFORMANCE IN THE FILM

HINDI MEDIUM (2017) Director: Saket Chaudhary TALVAR (2015) disgusted by the Cast: Irrfan Khan and Director: Meghna inept system. Cast: Irrfan, Konkona Sen Sharma and He dissects the aj Batra schools. They Neeraj Kabi various layers of R(Irrfan Khan) move to a poorer the case like an is a saree shop neighbourhood alvar is allegedly to the sensational expert and comes owner, who lives and make friends Ta gritty re- murder. Irrfan closest to knowing in Delhi with with Shyam examination of plays Ashwin the truth. But wife Mita (Saba () the Noida double Kumar, the man interdepartmental Qamar). They and his wife Tulsi murder case in in charge of the rivalries kind have a five-year- (Swati Das). While 2008. The film final investigation. of derail his old daughter, Pia their daughter gets treats us to a Ashwin has a investigation. (Dishita Sehgal). admitted to a posh multi-narrative backstory in the Irrfan’s rock-solid Mita wants their school, Shyam’s format and gives film. His marriage performance was daughter to study son doesn’t get all sides of the is on the rocks. He’s much praised by in a prestigious in. When Shyam story with regards also thoroughly the critics. school of Delhi. finds out that But their lack of they were only spoken English pretending to be go of her past and gets them rejected poor, he wants to start dating again. in the interview expose their lie. She lists her name rounds. They hit The film offers on a popular dating upon the idea a harsh critique site and agrees to of getting their on the frailties meet Yogi (Irrfan daughter admitted of our education Khan), a poet and through the Right system. Irrfan won a happy-go-lucky To Education the Best Actor person. In a bid scheme, where Filmfare trophy to impress her, he children from for his powerful tells her that he’s the economically performance in still on good terms backward sections the film. with his past three can also secure girlfriends. She admission in good (2017) wants to test that Director: Chandra and agrees to go on Cast: Starring Irrfan Khan and Parvathy a trip with him to Thiruvothu , Jaipur and . They his was Tanuja a part-road-part- get to know each TChandra’s romantic film. other better on the comeback film of Parvathy plays a way and eventually sorts and the Hindi 35-year-old widow fall in love. Irrfan film debut of South Jaya, who’s urged comes out with actor Parvathy by friends and flying colours in Thiruvothu. It’s acquaintances to let this rom-com. (2018) getting into one Director: Akash Khurana misadventure after Cast: Irrfan Khan, and another. Irrfan had played an unwilling driver eath unites us Palkar) loses her before in Piku. The Dall. It’s when we grandmother during difference here is come face to face the same accident that, along with with the reality of but the coffins get carrying eccentric the final journey swapped. Avinash passengers, he’s that we realise the travels from also carting a dead true value of life. Bangalore to body around this Avinash (Dulquer in friend Shaukat’s time. He gets the Salmaan) loses his (Irrfan Khan) van best lines and his father in a road and picks up Tanya deadpan delivery accident up North. on the way. fetched him great Tanya (Mithila The trio keeps praise.

RADHIKA AND IRRFAN LOOK LIKE REAL-LIFE FATHER AND DAUGHTER IN ANGREZI MEDIUM. THE BOND THEY SHARE IS PALPABLE. YOU ROOT FOR THEM AND WANT THEM TO SUCCEED

BLACKMAIL (2018) Director: Abhinay Deo Cast: Irrfan, , Divya Dutta, , , Pradhuman Singh and Anuja Sathe

he film is a Kulhari) in bed ANGREZI MEDIUM (2020) Tdeliciously dark with Ranjit Director: comedy centring (Arunoday Singh). Cast: Irrfan Khan, Khan, and around crime and He loses it and Deepak Dobriyal punishment. Dev starts blackmailing (Irrfan Khan) is a his wife’s lover, indi Medium (2017) was a London and a father’s (Irrfan man, bored out of leading to Hpath-breaking film about Khan) determination to see his skull, working misadventures for a couple’s desire to get their the dream through. Radhika out strategies for all concerned. daughter admitted to a good and Irrfan look like real-life promoting toilet Irrfan holds the school. They try all sorts of father and daughter. The bond paper. One day, film on his able loopholes to get that done. they share is palpable. You on the advice of shoulders. He’s Angrezi Medium takes the root for them and want them his friend Anand the everyman idea forward and applies it to to succeed. You overlook (Pradhuman Singh), bewildered by higher education on foreign the complete absence of a he returns home what’s happening shores. It’s about a daughter’s plausible plot just because of early from work around him and (Radhika Madan) dream to the emotional quotient they only to find his coveys it all with a study in a premier college in lend to their characters. wife Reena (Kirti subtle touch. IN MEMORIAM

THE DEVESH GLOBAL SHARMA LISTS THE SIGNIFICANT INTERNATIONAL FILMS OF THE LATE IRRFAN KHAN rrfan Khan CANVAS wasn’t just Irevered as an actor in India, he was admired internationally as well for seamlessly getting under the skin of each character he essayed. He burst into the international scene with Asif Kapadia’s The Warrior (2001), which won the Alexander Korda Award for Best British Film at the BAFTA Awards. In 2018, he acted as the romantic lead in The Puzzle. He was never considered a romantic lead in India and it was something he often joked about. As Mira Nair put THE WARRIOR (2001) enough and doesn’t killed and a blind it, “(For Americans) Director: Asif Kapadia want to lead such woman (Damayanti Irrfan’s in the Cast: Irrfan Khan, Anupam Shyam, Puru a life any more. Marfatia), who is realm of Jean- Chibber and Damayanti Marfatia His employer now on a pilgrimage to a Paul Belmondo wants him dead. holy lake. or Marcello t has a Buddhist an enforcer in the With a young killer This was the film parable-like quality employ of a cruel hot on his trail, which introduced Mastroianni or I in the sense that it Raja from . Lafcadia wants to Irrfan to the Omar Sharif... from features a warrior, He’s sent to teach a return to his village West and made some other culture who vows to give lesson to villagers, in the Himalayas. him secure an but having great up the sword upon who don’t pay taxes. Accompanying him international footing. appeal.” A review having a moment of His men kill, rape is an orphaned thief His natural acting of his significant epiphany. Lafcadia and loot. Suddenly, (Noor Mani), whose was much praised international films... (Irrfan Khan) is Lafcadia has had family he may have by the critics. (2008) Director: Cast: Dev Patel, Freida Pinto, Madhur Mittal, and Irrfan Khan

he film is a Hollywood version of Salim- TJaved films. When Jamal (Dev Patel), a youth living in Mumbai slums begins to answer all the questions in a game show THE NAMESAKE (2006) the son begins to with big prize money, the show host Prem Director: Mira Nair miss his father. The Kumar (Anil Kapoor) becomes suspicious. Cast: Tabu, Irrfan Khan, Kal Penn, Zuleikha film ends with the He wants the police to interrogate him. Irrfan Robinson, Jacinda Barrett and Sebastian son reading his plays the police inspector, who listens to the Roché father’s favourite stories behind each correct answer. He finds author, Nikolai them to be plausible and clears Jamal of the his coming- is a university Gogol, after whom cheating charges. Jamal eventually wins the Tof-age tale is professor in he was named. competition and is also united with his long- based on the novel, America. He Apparently, lost love through it. The Namesake, by hasn’t forgotten Irrfan patterned . It his Indian, or his Ashoke on SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE IS A features Kal Penn more particularly, Jhumpa Lahiri’s as Gogol, a teenager Bengali roots. father, a librarian. HOLLYWOOD VERSION OF who’s born to There is a strange He fashioned his SALIM-JAVED FILMS. A BOY (DEV Indian parents in disconnect accent to assume America and who between the father a Bengali flavour. PATEL) FROM THE SLUM TAKES can’t come to terms and son, as he fails The film is also PART IN A GAME SHOW. IRRFAN with his Bengali to understand his remembered for the PLAYS THE POLICE INSPECTOR, roots. Irrfan plays son’s Americanised earthy chemistry his father Ashoke, ways. It’s only after between Irrfan and WHO CLEARS THE BOY OF who has a PhD in his death due to Tabu.. showcasing CHEATING CHARGES AND HELPS fibre optics and a heart attack that the seasons of love. HIM WIN THE COMPETITION

his comedy stars three leads rescue the memory of TOwen Wilson, three young boys their own father’s Adrien Brody and from drowning. funeral. It makes Schwartzman as However, one them visit their three estranged passes away. mother, who has brothers, who agree They bring become a nun in to meet in India the body to the a convent in the a year after their village. Irrfan Himalayas. (2007) father’s funeral. plays the dead The family enjoys Director: Wes Anderson During the boy’s father. They a brief moment of Cast: Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, Jason course of their attend the funeral. reconciliation and Schwartzman, Anjelica Huston and Irrfan Khan adventures, the It takes them to closure. IN MEMORIAM

NEW YORK, I LOVE YOU (2009) her hair before Director: Mira Nair her wedding, as Cast: and Irrfan Khan required by her faith. his episodic merchants. She’s He’s a little Tfilm has some a Hasidic Jewish taken aback. He 11 directors and a diamond broker confides that this multitude of actors Rifka and Irrfan practice is followed offering stories is her supplier, in India as well as that reflect on the Mansuhkbai, a people offer their multiculturalism of devout Jain from hair to God as a New York. India. She has mark of devotion. Irrfan Khan beautiful hair, It’s a tender piece acts in the section which he admires. containing a directed by Mira In between the medley of intimate Nair. It also stars business banter, emotions as they Natalie Portman. she confides that flirt with their Both play diamond she’s going to cut cultural beliefs.

LIFE OF PI (2012) the coast of Mexico THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN (2012) Director: and is rescued. The Director: Marc Webb Cast: Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Tabu, Adil tiger escapes into Cast: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Hussain, and Gérard Depardieu the jungle. The Ifans, Denis Leary, Campbell Scott, Irrfan question is, was the Khan, Martin Sheen and Sally Field ased on a novel Ocean on a lifeboat animal real or was Bwritten by Yann with a Bengal tiger it a figment of the n this superhero origin film, Irrfan had Martel carrying the for company. The boy’s imagination? Ia small but important role – that of Rajit same name, the tiger and the boy Irrfan plays the adult Ratha, who is Dr Curt Connors’ (Rhys film narrates the become uneasy Pi and the de facto Ifans) supervisor. Connors is working on story of an Indian companions at best. narrator of the film. a limb regeneration serum using lizard man named Pi The boy learns that The underlying DNA and is pressured by Ratha to hasten Patel. He tells a caring for the big cat message was of all the process. He injects himself with the novelist about how is helping him keep life being about serum and becomes The Lizard. He wants at 16 he survived a sane. The duo has ‘letting go’ and to convert the whole of humanity into shipwreck and was many adventures sometimes without man-lizard hybrids and plans to release adrift in the Pacific before he drifts off a farewell. the serum into the air. How Spider-Man (Andrew Garfield) and Gwen (Emma THE UNDERLYING MESSAGE IN LIFE OF PI WAS Stone), his love interest and fellow science OF ALL LIFE BEING ABOUT ‘LETTING GO’ AND buff, stop that from happening forms the crux of the story. SOMETIMES WITHOUT A FAREWELL suffering from retrograde amnesia. Irrfan Khan plays Harry ‘The Provost’ Sims, head of a super-secret, privately funded organisation called INFERNO (2016) The Consortium. Director: Khan is in full Cast: , Felicity Jones, Irrfan Bond villain mode Khan, Omar Sy, Ben Foster and Sidse here, dapper and JURASSIC has operated for a Babett Knudsen well-clad, carrying WORLD (2015) decade. The park a variety of Director: Colin plunges into chaos billionaire together a set of vintage knives and Trevorrow when a transgenic A(Ben Foster) clues to help his asking rhetorical Cast: Chris Pratt, dinosaur escapes feels humanity is followers reach the questions to his Bryce Dallas Howard, and goes on a sucking the world secret resting place assistants. He’s Vincent D’Onofrio, rampage. Irrfan dry and wants to of the virus bomb. the real flesh and Ty Simpkins, Nick Khan plays the cull 50 per cent Somehow, after blood character in Robinson, Omar Sy, park’s rich owner, of the world’s his death, the the film, starting BD Wong and Irrfan Simon Masrani, who population. He breadcrumbs end as a bad guy and Khan has learnt nothing rejigs the Black up attracting Dr after realising his from the park’s Death virus to Robert Langdon, mistake, willing to et 22 years history. He orders a get to his final who traipses the make the ultimate Safter the events new hybrid dinosaur solution. Just in Renaissance trail sacrifice for the of Jurassic Park, to be created. This case something in a now-familiar greater good of Jurassic World takes Indominus Rex is happens to him fashion. He outwits humanity. Khan place on the same indestructible. The before he releases the bad guys in plays Sims with fictional Central dinosaur predictably the virus, he gets the end, despite consummate ease. American island goes on a rampage. It of Isla Nublar. It’s takes a combination IRRFAN KHAN IS IN FULL JAMES BOND VILLAIN located off the of the old T-Rex Pacific coast of and the park’s MODE IN INFERNO, DAPPER AND WELL- CLAD, Costa Rica, where Mosasaurus to CARRYING VINTAGE KNIVES AND ASKING a theme park of put a stop to the cloned dinosaurs carnage. RHETORICAL QUESTIONS TO HIS ASSISTANTS

PUZZLE (2018) other’s company. together. They shell and discover Director: His charisma, his kind of complete herself. Though, Cast: Kelly Macdonald, Irrfan Khan, David sense of humour each other. Their in the end, Agnes Denman, Bubba Weiler, Austin Abrams and attracts her and the bond helps her decides not to be Liv Hewson two end up sleeping come out of her with him when he calls her to Brussels his remake of out of her humdrum for an international Tthe Argentine life. Irrfan Khan championship, film Rompecabezas plays a wealthy, choosing to go her (2009), centres eccentric inventor own way. around a bored Robert, who’s Irrfan got a lead housewife named intrigued by her role in a mainstream Agnes (Kelly unorthodox ways American film. Macdonald). He of puzzle-solving. His easygoing discovers that He makes her his chemistry with her passion for partner and the duo Kelly Macdonald completing jigsaw is content to spend was much lauded by puzzles offers a way long hours in each the critics. INTERVIEW

IN MEMORIAM ‘‘RISHIJI WAS FULL OF LIFE’’ NIKKHIL ADVANI FONDLY REMEMBERS ACTOR AND FRIEND RISHI KAPOOR. RAGHUVENDRA SINGH REPLAYS THE EMOTIONAL TRIBUTE IN THE DIRECTOR’S OWN WORDS

trailer hamesha achcha the National School of hi kaatta hai.” I started Drama. Irrfan struggled a laughing. He spoke lot as an outsider to make bluntly. He’d say, “I don’t his mark in the industry. need to be diplomatic.” Rishiji had grown up on After working with father Raj Kapoor’s film Rishiji in Patiala House, sets. He had also seen I grew close to him. So I actors like went to him with the role and perform. of Nassar sir (RAW Chief He believed in the old Ashwini Rao) in D- Day school of acting like, ‘I’ll Nikkhil Advani with Rishi Kapoor (2013). He said, “Pagal stand on my mark. What’s ho gaya hai tu. I’m not a my cue?’ He didn’t like supporting actor. Give me live sound. He preferred first met Rishiji RISHIJI (Kapoor) at RK Studio a leading role!” Then he dubbing. Irrfan loved sync for Patiala House WOULD SAY, showed me some rushes sound. When I told Rishiji (2011). He said, ‘PLEASE STOP of his character Rauf Lala that we would have to I “Achcha so you made REFERRING from Agneepath (2012). do sync sound, he said, To China TO A FILM AS That made me believe he “What nonsense. I’ll dub (2009). After watching the ‘FIRST HALF’ could play Iqbal Seth aka my portions because trailer, I told the whole AND ‘SECOND Goldman (the character I enhance my performance world that this guy is HALF’. IT’S was reportedly based on a while dubbing.” Irrfan the next Ramesh Sippy. ONE STORY. gangster) in D-Day. He did was easy-going. He didn’t It was a mind-blowing THIS ‘FIRST the look test and agreed to take his craft as seriously trailer! But when I saw HALF’ AND doing the film. as Rishiji. your film I was so upset. Irrfan played the role of Irrfan began shooting You made me sound like a ‘SECOND an undercover intelligence for D-Day after Life Of Pi. c*****a.” My relationship HALF’ IS officer Wali Khan, who There was already this began with him on that BECAUSE captures Goldman Iqbal talk of the film winning note. Recently, when he PEOPLE WANT and brings him to India in an Oscar. He was also saw the trailer of Batla TO SELL D-Day. Both of them came associated with films House (2019) he said it’s SAMOSAS.’ from different schools like The Namesake and ‘fantastic’ adding, “Tu of acting. One was from Slumdog Millionaire. Of Arjun Rampal, Rishi Kapoor and Irrfan Khan in D-Day

“MR KAPOOR WAS A BRAT showed his films AND A STAR. BUT HE ALWAYS to people and would ask ACCORDED RESPECT TO for feedback. He believed ACTORS… EVENTUALLY, IRRFAN he made films for people, GOT TO KNOW RISHIJI WELL. not for himself.”Another THEY USED TO HANG AROUND thing Rishiji would say was, “Please stop referring THE BONFIRE AT NIGHT. to a film as ‘first half’ IRRFAN LOVED OLD MUSIC, and ‘second half’. It’s RAJ KAPOOR SAAB’S FILMS…” one story. This ‘first Patiala House half’ and ‘second half’ is because people want to course, Mr Kapoor was fter their his stern, no-nonsense sell samosas.” a brat and a star with demise a demeanour even though Rishiji was a big foodie a certain aura. But he particular he’s captured). Irrfan’s himself. Once in a while always accorded respect scene from biggest contribution as he’d get food from his to actors. There’s a scene D-DayA went viral. We an actor was that he’d house like yakhni pulav, in D-Day where Irrfan’s had taken a three-hour always take out something mirchi ka salan, tawa son asks him on the drive from our hotel to from nothing. Just as this gosht... He loved Chinese phone, “Abba aap aaoge the location in Kutch to delicious moment of irony food from China Garden. na?” Irrfan improvised the shoot the scene. Anyway, between the two great He’d call up chef Nelson scene on the spot. Rishiji we finished the shot, we actors. Like Rishiji, I too (Wang) and say yeh bana was stunned by his take. got into the car to drive tend to be brutally honest. mere liye. He got up and hugged him back to the hotel. The But I haven’t achieved the Be it up-down, hit-flop, saying, “Kya baat hai!” camera was rigged onto kind of success he had. So good times-bad times… for Eventually, Irrfan got to the car. Irrfan said, “Keep the bluntness can come Rishiji it was always about know Rishiji well. They the camera on. Let’s across as arrogance. I have living life to the fullest. Joie used to hang around the see if we get something to be a bit diplomatic. de vivre was his hallmark. bonfire at night. Irrfan interesting between us Another thing I learned I didn’t get the opportunity loved old music, Raj here.” That’s how the from him is that we to meet him often after he Kapoor saab’s films... scene, which went viral, filmmakers should show fell ill. But I believe he was They would talk about came about (in that Irrfan our films to everyone. the same till the end… full those things. laughs as Rishi holds He’d say, “Raj Kapoor saab of life. n IN MEMORIAM

IRRFAN WAS A MODERN-DAY NIKKHIL ADVANI LOOKS BACK WITH AWE AND ADMIRATION AT THE LATE IRRFAN KHAN. RAGHUVENDRA SINGH REPLAYS THE CHAT SUFI IN THE FILMMAKER’S OWN WORDS… y relationship “Dekha, maine bola tha with Rishi na yeh hi Kapoor banayega.” I explained, started as that “Sir, Rishiji is a powerful M between an actor and actor. It will be interesting a director. It gradually to have him because turned into a friendship. nobody expects him to But with Irrfan Khan my play such a character like relationship remained that gangster Goldman Iqbal.” of an actor and director. Irrfan said, “You guys I can’t claim to be his are saying that I’m the Nikkhil Advani friend. What I have for his bloody hero of the film. is overwhelming respect. But the hero of the film is He was one of India’s best Goldman. He’s the hero actors. from the entry to the exit.” the script. He called me Irrfan is the mangoes he I wanted Irrfan to play Then I showed him Rishi afterwards and said, sent me each year from the role of RAW agent, Kapoor’s look test. He “Nikkhil it’s a brilliant the time we did D-Day till Wali Khan, in D-Day liked it and got interested script. But I can’t do it. now. He wanted to be a (2013). But Irrfan knew in the film. Eventually, he I don’t have shoulders farmer. He was interested of me as the director of came on board. broad enough to carry this in organic farming. He commercial films like Kal Few know this. But film. You should make had worked with great Ho Naa Ho (2003), Salam- Irrfan was the first choice this film only with a star.” talents like Tom Hanks, E-Ishq (2007) and Chandni for my production Airlift That was Irrfan Khan. Ang Lee, Mira Nair… but Chowk To China (2009). I (2016). During the last Irrfan was a modern- at heart he remained a didn’t seem to be his kind few days of the shooting day Sufi. He came from rustic guy. of a filmmaker. He had no of D-Day, I took the Airlift simple background, from a The present scenario in idea about my connection script to him. Director simple family. Somewhere politics disillusioned him. with (Mishra) Raja Krishna Menon he discovered the things He’d say who decides bhai and that I had co- wanted Irrfan to play the that he started living by. that I’m a Muslim or a written the screenplay of protagonist. Irrfan loved What I’ll miss most about Hindu. Just because I’m Is Raat Ki Subah Nahin born into a Muslim family (1996) and assisted why make me a Muslim. during the film. Or my He questioned that. That’s creative connections with why he removed Khan and from his name. He kept . only Irrfan for a while. I had to get Anurag and As an actor, his Sudhir bhai to talk to him performance in Haasil about me. Anurag was (2003) was electrifying. also writing portions of As also in Maqbool (2003) D-Day at that point. So and The Lunchbox (2013). I made Anurag speak to It’s said one of the best him. He fixed our meeting shots in Hindi cinema is at his old office in Aram WHEN IRRFAN HEARD THAT RISHIJI WOULD that of Amitabh Bachchan Nagar in . I met dying in the arms of him over there. Both BE PLAYING GANGSTER GOLDMAN IQBAL Dharmendra in of them were rolling IN D-DAY, HE SAID, ‘YOU GUYS ARE SAYING (1975). Yet one of the best cigarettes and chatting. shots I’ve ever seen is of When I told Irrfan that THAT I’M THE BLOODY HERO. BUT THE Irrfan waving out to Tabu Rishi Kapoor would HERO OF THE FILM IS GOLDMAN... FROM in The Namesake (2006). be part of D-Day, he It’s a silent sequence but it immediately exclaimed, THE ENTRY TO THE EXIT’ says it all. n NOSTALGIA

(January 14, 1919 - May 10, 2002) PHOTO COURTESY: TIMESCONTENT

WHAT SET KAIFI AZMI APART FROM OTHER POETS/LYRICISTS WAS HIS SHEER ROMANCE WITH LIFE. FARHANA FAROOK THE PAYS A TRIBUTE TO THE SUBLIME SONGSTER ROMANTICIST Amongst lyricists like Hasrat Jaipuri, Shakeel Badayuni, and , who infused poetry into Hindi lyrics, would also be the late Kaifi Azmi. One of the few realms where Urdu still lives on is retro Hindi music. But that was just one facet that defined Kaifi. His early contempt for oppression led him to join the . The sighs and the sweat of the labourer found resonance in his poetry just as the disdain for religious fundamentalism and a reverence for women. A patriot, his Kar chale hum jaanon tan saathiyo remains one of the most rousing refrains. His socialist leanings led him back to his native village Mijwan in and helped turn it into a ‘model’ with educational and skill-developing prospects for girls. And all this despite having suffered a stroke, which had rendered his left side incapacitated. There was nothing defeatist or cynical about Kaifi. He remained a romanticist, besotted by life, even as he was conversant with its shenanigans. Someone who remained as possessive about his Montblanc pens as he was proud of his Communist Party membership card. “This is my most precious capital,” he would quip of the card that reportedly was buried with the bard…

PRODIGIOUS POET Kaifi was born as Sayyed Athar Hussain Rizvi in January 1919, in the village of Mijwan in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh. At age 11, the remarkable boy, wrote his first Itna to zindagi mein kisi ki khalal pade and recited it at a mushaira. The ghazal became a rage. It was later sung and rendered eternal by legendary ghazal singer, . Born into a Shia family, Kaifi was well-versed with the martyrdom of Imam S D Burman and Kaifi Azmi Hussain in the battle of created the poignant Waqt ne Karbala. That early sense of angst against oppression kiya kya haseen situm. There and injustice veered a was no situation for the track 20-year-old Kaifi into in Kaagaz Ke Phool. But joining the Communist Party of India (CPI). loved the song so Later, Kaifi joined Ali much that he incorporated it Sardar Jafri in writing for in the film Anupama the party’s paper, Qaumi Jung in Mumbai. fundamentalism and for even acted in plays with Chughtai. She urged her A member of the the rights of women. His other leftists such as Balraj husband Lateef to take on Progressive Writers’ first collection of poems, Sahni. Kaifi as he had to keep Movement, Kaifi also Jhankar, was published the kitchen fires burning. worked with the labour in 1943. His best-known LYRICS AND FILMS Kaifi went on to write the union movement. His poems are Aurat, Makaan, Kaifi Azmi wrote his lyrics for Yahudi Ki Beti compassion for the Daaera, Sanp and first film lyric, Rote rote (1956), Parvin (1957), Miss marginalised found Bahuroopni. He was the guzar gayi raat, for Shahid Punjab Mail (1958) and Id expression in his All India President of the Lateef’s Buzdil (1951) Ka Chand (1958). Kaifi’s poetry. He wrote against Theatre thanks to the benevolence big break came with Guru communalism, religious Association (IPTA). He of Urdu writer Ismat Dutt’s Kaagaz Ke Phool NOSTALGIA

Kaifi’s magnum opus was Heer Ranjha (1970), where the entire dialogue of the film was written in verse. The album had hit songs like Yeh duniya yeh mehfil and Milo na tum to hum ghabraye (1959). S D Burman and he created the poignant Waqt ne kiya kya haseen situm. It’s said, there was no situation for the track. But Guru Dutt loved the song so much that he incorporated it in the film. Next came Ramesh Saigal’s Shola Aur (1961), which had melodious songs like Jaane kya dhoondti rehti hain and Jeet hi lenge baazi hum tum. But the film didn’t do well. Hence Kaifi’s efforts met with little recognition. Kaifi began to be considered ‘unlucky’. So (both in 1973), creating His other notable lyrics compelling role in Saeed when filmmaker Chetan enduring melodies. But were for films like Kohra, ’s award- Anand asked him to write their magnum opus was Anupama, Parwana, winning film Naseem the lyrics for Haqeeqat Heer Ranjha (1970), where , , (1995). It was a tale of (1964), the poet reportedly the entire dialogue of the Hanste and a Muslim family that told him, ‘My stars don’t film was written in verse Sankalp (between the witnesses the communal favour me.’ Chetan said – an extraordinary feat by ’60s-’80s). frenzy post the demolition that the same was said Kaifi. It’s said the hours Kaifi also won acclaim of the Babri Masjid. He about him as well and and hours of devoted for the script, dialogue wrote the dialogue for perhaps, two negatives work took a toll on his and lyrics of M.S. Sathyu’s ’s could make a positive. health. The album had hit classic Garm Hawa (1974), (1976) and Sathyu’s Haqeeqat is remembered songs like Yeh duniya yeh based on a story by Ismat Kanneshwara Rama (1977) for songs like the pathos- mehfil, Meri duniya mein Chughtai. Starring Balraj as well. filled Main yeh sochkar tum aayee and Milo na Sahni, the film brought out ’s Arth uske dar se utha tha and tum to hum ghabraye. the alienation of Muslims, (1982) was another the patriotic Kar chale The song Meri aawaaz who chose to stay back in milestone for Kaifi. Sung hum fida, set to tune by suno (Naunihal 1967), post-Partition India. It won and composed by ghazal Madan Mohan. sung by Mohammad Rafi, Kaifi, the maestro Jagjit Singh, the Then on Kaifi and attained immortality when for Best Dialogue, Best lyrics of Arth captured its Madan went on to it was played along the Screenplay (with Shama heartwrenching theme of collaborate in Chetan’s funeral procession of the Zaidi) and Best Story (with faith and betrayal.Tum itna and late Prime Minister of ). jo muskura rahe ho and India, . Kaifi went on to play a Koi yeh kaise bataye are Haqeeqat Arth Hanste Zakhm

Kohra KAIFI AZMI’S FINEST SONGS

Waqt ne kiya kya haseen situm KAAGAZ KE PHOOL Jane kya dhoondhti rehti hai SHOLA AUR SHABNAM Shola Aur Shabnam Pakeezah Kuchh dil ne kaha Garm Hawa ANUPAMA would sit up with her and Shaukat Azmi met Kaifi first at a Yeh nayan dare dare give her cues, while she mushaira in Hyderabad. Kaifi recited KOHRA rehearsed her lines. Their his feminist poem Aurat, which had Main yeh soch kar little cottage in Juhu’s the lines, “Uth, meri jaan! Mere saath HAQEEQAT Janki Kutir was a kind hi chalnaa hai tujhe…” leaving Meri duniya mein tum aayee of a sanctum sanctorum HEER RANJHA for artistes. It witnessed Shaukat mesmerised by the chivalry of the august presence of his thought Chalte chalte poets Josh Malihabadi, PAKEEZAH Faiz Ahmad Faiz, Firaaq not mere ghazals – they Rather Kaifi, in the poem, dil ki Gorakhpuri and singer define the tenor of the viewed his beloved as a HANSTE ZAKHM Begum Akhtar. It was a film. Kaifi’s last song was comrade, a co-traveller. hub where India’s rich Tum jo mil gaye ho for the unreleased Chand After the mushaira, while culture was cherished and HANSTE ZAKHM Grahan (1997). girls surrounded Kaifi for celebrated. autographs, an impish Maula Saleem Chisti As a tribute to their SHAUKAT’S KAIFI Shaukat turned towards GARM HAWA association, Shaukat wrote The late actor Shaukat poet Sardar Jafri instead. Jhuki jhuki si nazar Yaad Ki Rehguzar, an Azmi met Kaifi first at a When she finally came to ARTH account of her life with mushaira in Hyderabad Kaifi, he got back at her Kaifi, which was adapted in 1947. Kaifi recited his playfully by scribbling Tu hi sagar hai tu hi kinara as the play Kaifi Aur Main feminist poem Aurat, some gibberish. The SANKALP (Kaifi and I). It premiered which had the lines, “Uth, romance began on this in Mumbai in 2006 on the meri jaan! Mere saath hi teasing note. Baba Azmi) The children fourth death anniversary of chalnaa hai tujhe (Come, The initial years of their witnessed financial Kaifi and was enacted by my beloved! With me, you marriage were tough. They constraints but also and Shabana. must walk) …” leaving survived on the party enjoyed the security of Shaukat mesmerised stipend and lived in a being loved by parents, MESSIAH OF MIJWAN by the chivalry of his commune-like apartment who loved each other In the early ’70s, thought. It debunked the with three families. They immensely as well. Kaifi suffered a brain patriarchal mindset where turned parents to daughter Shaukat recalled that haemorrhage, which a woman was confined to Shabana (Azmi) and son Kaifi was supportive of rendered his left leg the grime of the kitchen. Ahmer (cinematographer her career as an actress. He and hand incapacitated. NOSTALGIA

LYRICIST ON KAIFI AZMI

"Kaifi Azmi saab's poetry is deeply visual. It conjures up rich images. And what you can visualise, you can remember. He could create a painting with words. Today we have diluted the purity of the language. Earlier lyricists came from a literary background. The producers and the directors understood poetry. Kaifi saab preserved the purity With Shaukat and friends of the language rather than playing with it. He came in when there were legendary lyricists around. But he joined their league because of his earthy writing. If there was a hint of folk in Shailendra’s verses, then Sahir Ludhianvi’s works were steeped in romantic philosophy and Shakeel Badayuni’s verses had imprints of academic With Shaukat Azmi With daughter Shabana perfection… but Kaifi saab remained the poet of the Fighting the sense of Kaifi and Shaukat’s cottage in Juhu’s common man." despair, Kaifi pulled himself together and Janki Kutir was a sanctum sanctorum son Baba Azmi premiered dedicated himself to the for artistes. It witnessed the presence the film Mee Raksam upliftment of Mijwan, his of poets Josh Malihabadi, Faiz as a tribute to the man birthplace. and his message. Shot in He set up the Mijwan Ahmad Faiz, Firaaq Gorakhpuri Mijwan, it’s about a girl, Welfare Society in the and singer Begum Akhtar. It was a whose passion for dance obscure village, which hub where India’s rich culture was is encouraged by a liberal didn’t even have a pin cherished father. code then. In 1993, he set Kaifi may have left up Mijwan Welfare Society the U.P. government Azmi has taken her behind a rich legacy in (MWS) for the girl child named the road leading father’s dream forward. terms of his poetry. But and women in rural India to Mijwan, as Kaifi Azmi The chikankari (hand what’s even more priceless and made education and Road and the highway embroidery of ) is the philosophy he skill training its pivot. as Kaifi Azmi Highway. done by Mijwan’s women practised. “When you’re MWS today runs the Kaifi A train from Delhi to has today reached the working for change… that Azmi High School for Azamgarh was named as glamour world under change might not occur Girls, Kaifi Azmi Inter Kaifiyaat Express. Mijwan the tutelage of Manish within your lifetime… College for Girls, Kaifi stayed Kaifi’s pet project Malhotra. The Mijwan change will come, even Azmi Computer Centre till he passed away, at 84, Fashion Show is a if it does so after you and Kaifi Azmi Sewing on May 10, 2002. hi-profile event held are gone,” he once told and Tailoring Centre. In As the President annually. Shabana. Mijwan is a proof recognition of his efforts, of Mijwan, Shabana On Kaifi’s centenary, of that. n reader’s reviews, box-offce, celebrity column & more The two shining stars have joined the heavens. We go through some memories of the late Rishi Kapoor and Irrfan Khan shared by their friends and colleagues. The legends will remain as timeless as their art... INSTA LIKE Dear Departed Check out what your favourites are upto on Instagram...

iamsrk My friend...inspiration & the greatest actor of our times. Allah bless your soul Irrfan bhai...will miss you as much as cherish the fact that you were part of our lives.

From one Khan to another. Shah Rukh pays an emotional tribute to Billu actor, the late Irrfan.

aishwaryaraibachchan_arb So much love aliaabhatt love you for you...and from you Alia Bhatt shares a great bond with Neetu my dearest Chintu Kapoor. Here, she left an affectionate uncle...ALWAYS... so comment below the Rishi-Neetu retro picture. heartbroken...May your Soul Rest in Peace God Bless ... Aishwarya posts a picture of the time when Abhishek Bachchan and she visited the Kapoors priyankachopra in New York. My heart is so heavy. This is the end of an era. neetu54 #Rishisir your End of our story candid heart and Neetu Kapoor posted a immeasurable picture of late husband talent will never Rishi Kapoor, which be encountered captures him in his true again. Such and cheery ‘spirit’. a privilege to have known you even a little bit. My condolences to Neetu maam, Ridhima, Ranbir and the rest of the family. Rest in peace Sir. #rishikapoor Priyanka Chopra Jonas pays a tribute to the late Readers send in their feedback pg 64 Rishi Kapoor via this picture with Neetu Kapoor and him in New York, where he was being treated. Shatrughan Sinha’s racy rejoinders pg 66 LETTERS

#LockdownSpecial May 2020

SRK, Salman, Aamir, FILMFARE LISTS FILMS THAT FORETOLD Akshay, Hrithik... THE PANDEMIC go all out to donate Kartik Aaryan and for COVID 19 Rakul Preet Singh speak about the highs SHA and the lows of showbiz OO LL T P IS A H S S T

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nd 2Prize 1000 BRAVE NAFISA ALI Cancer survivor and actress Nafisa Ali opened up about her ongoing struggle with leukoderma recently. It’s a type of skin disorder characterised by discoloured patches, possibly an after-effect of Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan chemotherapy. The actor, who’s in Goa, due to the KAREENA’S ‘SAIF’ CHOICE lockdown wrote on social Kareena Kapoor Khan is one actor, who’s enjoying media, “Such is life... every phase of her life. She’s balanced her life st on the You win some and lose beautifully. There’s no desperation to hang on to her cover of the Filmfare e-issue some.” Nafisa joins actors stardom post marriage. Rather, she’s experimented 1Prize such as , with TV and radio along with doing roles that suit her 1500 a fab job for her beau. Lisa Ray and Manisha age. As a mother too, she comes across as ‘cool’ and Thematically apt, Koirala, who have spoken not overprotective. A lot of credit would go to husband TIME IS KING situationally perfect… about their fight with Saif Ali Khan, who seems to have rubbed the wisdom The unique idea of Rajkummar beating the cancer. of his years and his worldview on her. shooting the Filmfare clock and the blues Zain Khan, Mumbai Niyati Ghosh, Kolkata May cover with made a philosophic Rajkummar Rao was statement. The interview, a smart move. The giving insights about how didn’t leave Rishi’s side cover was creatively the duo is spending their from the moment he shot and well styled. Of quarantine, was fun to was diagnosed with course, credit goes to read. Eat, play, love… leukaemia, through his Rajkummar’s ladylove seems to be their motto. treatment in the US Patralekhaa, who did Parineeta Pal, Delhi and finally back home. Irrfan was suffering from neuroendocrine tumour, WOMEN ON TOP for which he was treated The article in the Filmfare May issue on women in Irrfan Khan Rishi Kapoor for a year in Britain. Hindi cinema playing meaningful roles was interesting. His wife Sutapa Sikdar No longer is the Hindi film heroine a pushover. Rather BLACK WEEK April 30 respectively. The too was his pillar of she’s a mover and a shaker. She’s the pivot, who Bollywood had a vacuum is hard to fill. But strength. Both Rishi and drives the narrative reflecting the shifting paradigm and disastrous week amidst there comes a sense of Irrfan have left behind perspective in society. can well be labelled lockdown as two solace from the fact that loving families, who’re as the pioneer, who shed off both inhibition and vanity, stalwarts, Irrfan Khan both were so much loved only richer with their to play authentic characters. and Rishi Kapoor, passed by their families and memories. Devina Goel, Amritsar away on April 29 and fans. Wife Neetu Kapoor Hema Saraswat, Sangli in life, apart from my THE GOOD WIFE one She was a top actress mother (Krishna Raj Just when she quit it all to Kapoor), is because of Point marry her first love – Neetu – my work, my Rishi Kapoor. From the being, my family bonds, devoted girlfriend she I owe it all to her. She’s became the devoted wife. the reason behind my Her cherubic face and mental stability. For an almond eyes may hide actor to remain sane, the roller-coaster life she Neetu and Rishi Kapoor the ambience at home led with late husband has to be peaceful. Rishi Kapoor. But theirs A PRECIOUS quote of his where he I value the way she was a relationship unabashedly praised has groomed my kids MEMORY Salaam Bombay nurtured by commitment I was going through wife Neetu Kapoor. He and her unstinting love and unconditional love. the late Rishi Kapoor’s said, “This is the first towards my family - Irrfan had a big part Leaving the skirmishes old Filmfare interview time I am saying it in especially my mother.” in his debut Salaam behind, Neetu stood when I came across this print… Whatever I am Nayan Chauthela, Delhi Bombay (1988). But rock-like through all the given his lanky frame, phases in Rishi’s life. director Mira Nair She’s a real-life heroine. SEX-ICON ‘thinking woman’s sex-icon’ in Filmfare reduced it to a one- Neetu Kapoor has quietly The late Irrfan Khan, with his intensity saying, “I am flattered. I love it though scene cameo. proved that. and gravitas, was dubbed as the I don’t know whether I am one. I was Julian Pinto, Bindiya Kapila, ‘thinking woman’s sex-icon’. The actor’s deeply influenced by film romance. chemistry with Tabu in Maqbool and It’s engraved in my soul. That’s why Taimur Ali Khan is a The Namesake is worth a mention. I became an actor. But love doesn’t delight to follow on His take with Konkona Sen Sharma happen the way it’s shown in films… social media. A big was exceptional in Life… In A Metro. Romance is a search.” Well said. thankyou to him for He once commented on being a Divya Nathani, blowing away the lockdown blues. Joyce Pinto, Goa Maqbool A PLATINUM INNINGS Online streaming FIERY CHEMISTRY Hats off to Kamini could be an option for On a ridge overlooking Kaushal, who at 90- producers, who can’t the tumultuous sea, plus, gave an inspiring delay the release of Nimmi (Tabu) trains a performance in Kabir their films any longer. revolver on Maqbool. Singh. As ’s The virus has changed She won’t retreat unless grandmother she brought the business of he calls her, ‘Meri jaan’. in a rare sensitivity to cinema. At first scared and later her performance. She Mazhar Khan, Hyderabad enjoying it, he says the loves her grandson, yet words. The passion is cannot carry his burden Salman Khan, hard to miss. Vishal MADHUBALA LIVES ON of suffering. In real life along with beauties Bhardwaj’s Maqbool The late Madhubala is a sensation on social media and too, has Jacqueline Fernandez, unleashed the Irrfan- in the hearts of her fans. Even gen-now is impressed embraced every phase Iulia Vantur and Tabu chemistry like never with her body of work and legendary beauty. It’s with optimism. She’s Waluscha De Sousa, before. Illicit, forbidden, sad that the supposed biopic on Madhubala, to be an actor for all seasons. has been doing a lot of insane… yet authentic. directed by Imtiaz Ali, has been shelved due to familial Wishing her health as charity from his Panvel No one did romance like opposition. Madhubala is a narrative that must be told. she completes 75 years farmhouse. Kudos! Irrfan Khan. Hers is a tragedy of epic proportions. in films. Sohail Pathan, Pune Razia Pathan, Bandra Lizia Gomes, Goa Rana Hijab, Lucknow

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Rapid Man on a mission: PadMan such films but he pulled it off. Films like Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan and Badhaai Ho do have fre the power to change social behaviour. But it’s also up The coronavirus pandemic COVID 19 will affect the to the individual what he/ has brought the entire flm industry as cinema she takes from them. world and political parties halls have been shut. together in a display of The state and central What is one thing Indians solidarity. Why do we governments should give are not tolerant of? need a calamity to show a bailout package to the Karan Nangia, brotherhood? industry as is given to There are several things Kabir, New Delhi the agricultural and other – such as patience, good Don’t you understand sectors. Agree? behaviour and even that it’s human nature to Rishi Vij, Nagpur intellectuals. realise such things only With the logic that PHOTOGRAPH: PHOTOGRAPH: MEETESH TANEJA when there’s a do or die farmers don’t make as Why do politicians keep situation? Then we all much money as the film changing parties like a happily unite to fight it. industry, some may beg game of musical chairs? to differ. But in my view Karan Nangia, Gurgaon Mobiles keep men away when calamity hits and If they don’t, they won’t from staring at girls in every trade suffers, the reach the first position. It public. Do you agree? government should do could be because of their Lalitkumar Kumpalath, Mumbai their best in terms of lust and greed to get that Yes, I do agree. Thank incentives and packages extra pound of flesh. God for your astute to provide relief. I’m sure observation. Well, I’m they’d take care of the film From climate change to sure this seems to be industry as well. data harvesting, rising the easiest and readily nationalism to a slowing available solution and Films like PadMan, Toilet: economy, how will you option. Ek Prem Katha, Badhaai analyse India’s prospects Ho and now Shubh in the decade ahead? Mangal Zyada Saavdhan Abhijit Ghosh, 24 Parganas With women-centric flms like Thappad, Panga, are doing their bit in (North) Judgementall Hai Kya and others not doing well at tackling taboo topics. But If you could add the the box-offce, what would be the formula for such how much are we doing COVID 19 pandemic to flms becoming a hit? as individuals? it… you won’t have to Aftab Alam, New Delhi, Abhijeet Sharma, Faridabad look for answers. You should ask this question to the astrological chart- Kudos to Akshay Kumar makers, who seem to have the pulse of the people. Jokes for making PadMan and has intelligent apart, there’s no formula for making a hit film. Every Toilet: Ek Prem Katha. people, cheap skilled product is a gamble. It’s a huge risk making labour and also abundant 1st Prize Do you have any idea why most people fear death and not God? Rehoboam Lester Makang, Imphal These days they say even the gods seem to be scared. Or gods seem to be avoiding people. All the temple doors are closed. Death seems to be the omnipotent God. 2nd Prize How could religion be kept separate from politics Secular is sacred: Amar Akbar Anthony for communal harmony in India? Hena Jabeen, New Delhi minerals like bauxite in secularism in today’s Preach and practise secularism with sarva dharma Munger, mica in Gaya, times? sambhav. dolomite, glass sand and Santosh , Miraj cement mortar in Rohtas Amar Akbar Anthony and so on. Yet it is one made by Manmohan Desai The men in blue failed because my wedding was of the poorest states in is just one example. There to fre in the World Cup a one-day affair. And also India - why? are many such films and semi-fnals. The women in because I married only Rajesh Ranga, New Delhi stories, which can be blue displayed no fre in one woman at a time. The joke is on the remade and followed as the World Cup Finals. Can politicians, who never an example in today’s you suggest a remedy to Why do some people seem to realise the state’s times. It will greatly get out of these game get arrogant when they potential. benefit our society. blues? become successful? Kamalakar, Hyderabad Pankaj Goyal, Ambala Of late, more flms on In today’s fast-paced The only remedy for Kam, krodh, moh, maya, LGBT themes are made in world, kindly share fve the time being, seems ahankar... success gives Hindi. Has the audience tips for a happy and to be ‘the end’ (of the you the opportunity to become more tolerant healthy life. coronavirus). We have indulge in these vices. and accepting of it as a Nusrat Ara, Arrah bigger problems than But I’m someone, who’s fact of life? For a healthy and happy gaining victory in sports always cool, calm and K. S. Sundaram, on email life: right now. composed. That’s because They have become both –  Appreciate each other’s I practise yoga and tolerant and accepting of individuality In present times, weddings meditation. things with timely social  Have faith in the last longer than marriages. (Feature co-ordinated by awareness. Almighty What has made your DEVESH SHARMA)  Gain a sound education marriage last so long? Please note: The column doesn’t Should Amar Akbar  Practise yoga Lalitkumar Kumpalath, Mumbai refect Shatrughan Sinha’s political Anthony be remade to  Wash your hands Touchwood! My marriage or personal views. His answers are give the message of regularly has lasted for a long time given in jest and humour.

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DIGITAL REVOLUTION war of words has erupted between theatre chains and film producers ever since it was announced that several filmsA would be released directly on the OTT platforms in June. These include Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurrana starrer Gulabo Sitabo and the Shakuntala Devi biopic starring Vidya Balan. Gulabo Sitabo Shakuntala Devi As we know, producers borrow finances with high rates of interest neighbourhood video parlour. business are going against it in the for their projects. With no end in It was the advent of multiplexes current scenario. Like it or not, the sight with regards to the lockdown, that made people return to the coronavirus isn’t going to go away they’re understandably worried theatres again. The seats became on its own. We have to follow the about the escalating costs. Right better and more comfortable, the social distancing norms for our own now, their main aim is to survive. AC system was made mandatory, safety and that of our loved ones. If releasing their films on OTT Dolby and surround sound systems If that means not visiting malls or platforms ensures their survival, were put in place. The better viewing theatres then so be it for some more then they are within their rights to experience made people flock to the time. During that period, if some do so. theatres again. And multiplex meant producers want to go ahead and During the ’80s and the ’90s the better viewing choices. You were release their films on the digital rise of the video-cassette recorder able to watch a Hollywood movie, platforms, then it seems to be the (VCR) proved to be a disaster a Hindi film, even a regional film safest solution for all. What if for the film industry. There was under one roof. And most of these actual profits can be made through rampant piracy. There was even a cinemas were attached to malls. this model? That’s sure going to be black market for popular titles. The That meant you could shop, eat and worrisome for the theatre owners VCR put power in the hands of the watch a movie along with your in the future. America has the viewers. It gave them the luxury loved ones… all under one roof. maximum number of households of watching their favourite films at Movie watching became an extended hooked to digital streaming. Yet its their will. It also meant they could family outing. The single-screen box-office figures are booming more record and make copies of the cinemas kind of suffered because than ever. So maybe it’s possible for films. This became a well-organised of all these changes. But no one both the worlds to co-exist. business. And if you couldn’t afford seemed to mind. Let’s hope for the best. to own a video player - no problem! Well, the same things that made [email protected] You could rent one from your movie-watching into such a huge Twitter: @jiteshpillaai DOWNLOAD YOUR FAVOURITE MAGAZINES FOR FREE!

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Volume 13 Issue 3 June 2020

JUNE, 2020 60 A Times of India publication MIND, June 2020 INSPIRATION HAS NO BODY & Pure EXPIRY DATE! SOUL The Wellness Escapism Makeover

Dream now, travel later! Rishi Kapoor INSIDE Raising 1952— 2020 IN THIS ISSUE: OUT the bar YOUR HAPPY PLACES! Pay closer #LPMIMadeWithYou attention to JACQUELINE those skincare FERNANDEZ ingredients Rewritten

BEOld DIFFERENT: clothes, rules of SPOT THE UGLY RELATIONSHIPS FIVEnew IN lookKENYA PLAN A DREAM WEEKEND IN INDIA STAY TUNED AT HOME STEAL THE SECRETS Would you OF HAPPINESS WITH FROM FINLAND consider a career Bhumi & as a podcaster? TAP INTO THEThe MAGIC Samiksha Pednekar OF MAJULI, ASSAM Food for every mood Simple Dig in!

...REMEMBERING RISHI KAPOOR AND IRRFAN KHAN Life A FILMFARE SPECIAL BREATHE IN DECISIVENESS, Farewell BREATHE OUT Irrfan Khan

THE CLUTTER 1967— 2020

OF MAJULI, ASSAM

TAP INTO THE MAGIC Samiksha Pednekar

FROM FINLAND

Bhumi &

OF HAPPINESS

WITH STEAL THE SECRETS

WEEKEND IN INDIA AT HOME

PLAN A DREAM

FIVE IN KENYA

SPOT THE UGLY

RELATIONSHIPS

BE DIF FERENT:

rules of

1967— 2020

Rewritten

THE CLUTTER Irrfan Khan

BREATHE OUT Farewell

DECISIVENESS,

A FILMFARE SPECIAL #LPMIMadeWithYou

BREATHE IN

Life AND IRRFAN KHAN YOUR HAPPY PLACES!

...REMEMBERING RISHI KAPOOR IN THIS ISSUE:

Dream now, travel later!

Simple

Dig in!

Escapism

every mood

Food for Makeover

Pure The Wellness The

SOUL

EXPIRY DATE!

as a podcaster?

HAS NO

BODY &

INSPIRATION consider a career

Would you MIND,

STAY TUNED

June 2020

Issue 3

Volume 13

new look

INDIA JUNE 2020

Old clothes,

ingredients

FERNANDEZ

those skincare

attention to

JACQUELINE

Pay closer

A TIMES OF INDIA PUBLICATION

NORWAY NEW BOOKS PUDUCHERRY CHITRADURGA l l l

OUT the bar

Europe’s No. 1 Style Magazine A Times of India publication

INSIDE

Raising 1952— 2020

Rishi Kapoor

June 2020

A Times of India publication JUNE, 2020 60