64th Vimal Elaichi Filmfare Awards 2019

Pacy thrillers race to fine finish at awards night

Not only does she know the name of the President of India but can also believably represent the country’s Intelligence on cue. This is what one learnt about Alia Bhatt last year from the film ‘Raazi’ in which she plays an accidental Indian spy who must hide stray telegraph wires as deftly as her emotions as a new bride in a Pakistan home. Bhatt won the best actor award (female) at the 64th Vimal Elaichi Filmfare Awards 2019 on Saturday for her performance. Raazi, the Meghna Gulzar film, also took home the black lady for the best film as well as the best director.

Ranbir Kapoor, who ably channelled Sanjay Dutt’s gait in the Rajkumar Hirani film ‘Sanju’, bagged the best actor award. Critics gave a tthumbs-up to Andhadhun, Sriram Raghavan’s black comedy thriller, in which a visually challenged pianist finds himself at the centre of aelightfully weird mayhem. If the movie won the best film (critics) award, it was perhaps the epic scene in which Ayushmann Khurana pretends to be blind even as a dead body is being disposed of while he plays the piano, that won him the critics award for best actor. He shared the prize with Ranveer Singh whose kohl-lined eyes can underline both a gully boy’s angst as well as a king’s savagery. He won critics over for his portrayal of Alauddin Khilji in ‘Padmaavat’.

Held for the first time at BKC’s Jio Garden, the ceremony checked all the boxes: A well-heeled guest list, A-list performances and an overcaffeinated papparazzi. The evening began with the Badhshah of Bollywood spreading his hands, one knee bent in what’s now a patented Shah Rukh Khan shorthand for romance, as debutante heroines of 2018 flanked him onstage. “Aamir, Salman and I have seen all our films of 2018 at least eight times because no one else saw it,” deadpanned host Shah Rukh, hinting at the films ‘Race’, ‘Zero’ and ‘Thugs of Hindostan’.

The bogie of a goods train formed a ruse for actor Rajkummar Rao and SRK to launch into ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya’. Many jibes ensued between the two actors who have both been part of “horror-comedies” (‘Stree’ and ‘Chamatkaar’).

The evening’s highlight reel glowed with powerhouse performances. Kitted out in Elvis-reminiscent rhinestoned pants, Ranveer Singh apparitioned as Chamkesh Kumar—the golden-mic-toting kitschy frontman of ‘Dhinchak Nights Orchestra’. This hammy desi emcee introduced the presenters for all the awards for music.

Then, sporting knee-high pink boots, the tall, lithe Kriti Sanon arrived atop a swanky car and moved to the chartbusting number ‘Coca Cola tu’. As she swayed, Janhvi Kapoor’s face was a pallette of emotions reminiscent of her mother’s expressive prowess. A posthumous hat-tip to the late Sridevi came in the form of the lifetime achievement award. “Dream girl” Hema Malini received the award for 50 years of outstanding contribution to Indian cinema.

While there were no wardrobe malfunctions, the red carpet did see some welcome wardrobe choices. Devoid of his signature scarf, a silver-beard sporting ‘Bhidu’ aka Jackie Shroff fished out a black Nehru topi from his cowboy jeans and completed his black-blazerand-sunglasses look with homegrown headgear, having the overall impact of a cool aam aadmi.

The 64th Vimal Elaichi Filmfare Awards 2019 title sponsor is Vimal Elaichi-Bolo Zubaan Kesari, powered by Joy Beautiful by Nature, powered by Gaursons India, associate sponsor VLCC, exclusive telecast partner Colors, styling partner Manyavar, refreshment partner Rasna Native Haat, ice cream partner Havmor ice creams, outdoor partner Bright Outdoor Advertising, cinema advertising partner Khushi Advertising, radio partner Radio Mirchi, English news channel partner Times Now, music partner T Series, hydration partner Blue Pine Water, beverage partner Living Liquidz, food partner Indigo Burger Project, trophy partner The Award Gallery, invitation partner Ravish Kapoor, venue partner Jio Garden, technical direction & stage management On Cue Productions, acts remixed, choreographed and designed by Shiamak Davar, dancers by Shiamak Davar Institute Of Performing Arts. The 64th Vimal Elaichi Filmfare Awards 2019 is designed, scripted, directed and managed by Fountainhead Entertainment. Show director V G Jairam.

(Exclusive telecast on Colors on April 20, 9pm onwards)The 64th Vimal Elaichi Filmfare Awards 2019 saw high-octane performances by Ranveer Singh, Kriti Sanon, Rajkummar Rao and Janhvi Kapoor; (top right) debutante female actors of 2018 Banita Sandhu, Malvika Mohanan, Mouni Roy, Janhvi Kapoor and Radhika Madan flank Shah Rukh Khan; (above left) Gulzar gave an award to Hema Malini for 50 years of outstanding contribution to cinema; (above right) late Sridevi’s family received lifetime achievement award on her behalf; (below) Shah Rukh Khan and Rajkummar Rao engaged in lively banter

SCROLL OF HONOUR

• 50 YEARS OF OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO CINEMA
HEMA MALINI
• LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
SRIDEVI
• BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE (MALE)
GAJRAJ RAO Badhaai Ho VICKY KAUSHAL Sanju
• BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE (FEMALE)
SUREKHA SIKHRI Badhaai Ho
• BEST DEBUT DIRECTOR
AMAR KAUSHIK Stree
• BEST DEBUT MALE
ISHAAN KHATTAR Beyond The Clouds
• BEST DEBUT FEMALE
SARA ALI KHAN Kedarnath
• BEST MUSIC ALBUM
PADMAAVAT Sanjay Leela Bhansali
• BEST LYRICS
AE WATAN Gulzar (Raazi)
• BEST PLAYBACK (MALE)
ARIJIT SINGH Aye Watan (Raazi)
• BEST PLAYBACK (FEMALE)
SHREYA GHOSHAL Ghoomar (Padmaavat)
• RD BURMAN AWARD FOR UPCOMING TALENT IN FILM MUSIC
NILADRI KUMAR Laila Majnu
• BEST STORY
ANUBHAV SINHA Mulk
• BEST SCREENPLAY
SRIRAM RAGHAVAN, ARIJIT BISWAS, POOJA LADHA SURTI, YOGESH CHANDEKAR, HEMANTH RAO Andhadhun
• BEST DIALOGUE
AKSHAT GHILDIAL Badhaai Ho
• BEST ACTION
VIKRAM DAHIYA AND SUNIL RODRIGUEZ Mukkabaaz
• BEST BACKGROUND SCORE
DANIEL GEORGE Andhadhun
• BEST CHOREOGRAPHY
KRUTI MAHESH MIDYA, JYOTI TOMAAR Ghoomar - Padmaavat
• BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
PANKAJ KUMAR Tumbbad
• BEST COSTUME
SHEETAL SHARMA Manto
• BEST EDITING
POOJA LADHA SURTI Andhadhun
• BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN
NITIN ZIHANI CHAUDHARY, RAJESH YADAV Tumbbad
• BEST SOUND DESIGN
KUNAL SHARMA Tumbbad
• BEST VFX
RED CHILLIES FX Zero
SHORT FILM AWARDS
• BEST FILM (FICTION)
SANJEEV VIG Rogan Josh
• BEST FILM (NONFICTION)
SACHIN BALASAHEB SURYAVANSHI Soccer City
• BEST ACTOR (MALE)
HUSAIN DALAL Shameless
• BEST ACTOR (FEMALE)
KIRTI KULHARI Maya
• BEST POPULAR FILM
PLUS MINUS

Kangana Ranaut to play Jayalalithaa in her biopic

Over the years, Kangana Ranaut has beaten many odds to establish herself as a name to reckon with, in Bollywood. So, it’s only befitting that on her birthday, an official announcement has been made that the actress is all set to portray the late Jayalalithaa, a legendary actress-turnedpolitician, who is fondly referred to as ‘Puratchi Thalaivi’ (revolutionary leader).

Titled Thalaivi in Tamil and Jaya in Hindi, the film will be bilingual and directed by Vijay, one of South’s leading filmmakers, who has made movies like Madrasapattinam and Deiva Thirumagal. Talking about the biopic, Vijay said, “Jayalalithaa madam was one of the most prominent leaders of our country. Making a film on her life is a big responsibility and we are going to do it with utmost care and honesty. I am proud and happy that a talented actress like Kangana Ranautji will portray the dynamic role of this dynamic leader.”


The film will be written by K.V. Vijayendra Prasad, who has also penned Baahubali and Manikarnika: The Queen Of Jhansi, and will be produced by Vishnu Vardhan Induri and Shaailesh R Singh under the banners of Vibri and Karma Media and Entertainment. “This is my fifth collaboration with Kangana. Working with her is always an enriching experience. I’m glad that Vishnu and I are producing a film that is based on an eminent personality,” Shaailesh shared.

When asked about the film, Kangana said, “Jayalalithaaji is one of the biggest female success stories of this century. She was a superstar and went on to become an iconic politician, it’s a great concept for a mainstream film. I am honoured to be a part of this mega project.”

Celebs across India soak in the festive spirit

It’s nice to catch a glimpse of celebs across the country, letting their hair down. Their fun and colourful side came to the fore on Holi, as they celebrated with abandon. Here are some candid moments from the festivities at various parties across India

MAKING IT OFFICIAL: Varun Dhawan with Natasha Dalal

RED HOT: Kartik Aaryan celebrates Holi in Delhi

FATHER FIGURE: Gautam Gambhir and his daughters wished everyone a #HappyHoli on Instagram

IN THE MOOD:
Swara Bhasker

THE TV GANG:
Ekta Kapoor with Erica Fernandes, Parth Samthaan, Vikas Gupta, Pearl V Puri, Arslaan Goni, Urvashi Dholakia, Shubhavi Choksey, Devika, Pooja Banerjee and Karishma Tanna

ONE FOR THE CAMERA:
Sonakshi Sinha with Varun Sharma and friends

FESTIVE HUES: Sunil Chhetri with wife Sonam Bhattacharya

COUPLE CAPERS: Farhan Akhtar and Shibani Dandekar

DIFFERENT HUES: Arjun Rampal

FAMILY TIME: Shikhar Dhawan celebrated Holi at his home in Delhi

HOLI HAI: Kriti Sanon

TOGETHERNESS:
Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar

HOWZZAT:
Virender Sehwag posted this pic online with the words ‘Mamla rangeen hai’

HAPPY NOTE: Singer Shaan with wife Radhika Mukherji

Though she’s the daughter of Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi and Sharmila Tagore, sister of Saif Ali Khan and sister-in-law of Kareena Kapoor Khan — actress Soha Ali Khan

‘My mother’s advice may not be politically correct or gender-friendly, but it still rings true’

Though she’s the daughter of Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi and Sharmila Tagore, sister of Saif Ali Khan and sister-in-law of Kareena Kapoor Khan — actress Soha Ali Khan says her identity is completely separate from theirs. Describing herself as a feminist and, above all, a proud woman, she explains, “As women, our identity becomes subsumed by the fact that we are wives, daughters and mothers, and that becomes our all-encompassing identity. It happens with women because we are naturally driven towards being caretakers and being sacrificing. Between a husband and a wife, it is the woman who is traditionally more likely to give up stuff — though the world is changing now. Our minds are slowly changing and men are taking up larger roles at home, while women are doing the same at the workplace.”

In a chat with the team, Soha talks about her other concerns regarding feminism and the #MeToo movement, her ‘politically incorrect’ mom Sharmila, and more.


ON THE #METOO MOVEMENT

Expressing her dismay over how women who have spoken against sexual abusers have been trolled relentlessly during the #MeToo Movement, Soha says, “It is time we women stand by those who spoke out during the #MeToo Movement. To see these women not finding work is absolutely sad. What has happened is very unfortunate, and I am still waiting to see the results of the #MeToo movement. It is very good that we are talking about it and that discussions are happening, but where are the consequences? Of course, we have to wait for the people who have been accused to be found guilty and there’s a whole process behind that. Having said that, I do believe in consent and I do believe when a woman says ‘no’, it must be respected. Also, in Bollywood, we have women filmmakers and producers who have taken a stand, and vowed to not to work with people who have been found guilty.”

ON MOM SHARMILA TAGORE’S NOT-SOGENDER-FRIENDLY ADVICE

She might be a mother herself now, Soha says she still gets a dose of motherly advice from Sharmila every single day.

“Mom gives me advice every single day, about how I’m not eating regularly enough, not sleeping enough, that I need to look after my skin, I shouldn’t colour my hair, my eyebrows are too thin, etc. Most of her advice I discard, especially the thin eyebrows part,” shares Soha with a smile.

She adds, “On a serious note, the advice she gives me might not be politically correct and not even gender-friendly in today’s day and age, but it still does ring true a little bit. For example, she says, ‘don’t offend a woman’s emotions and don’t offend a man’s ego, and then you’ll have a happy marriage’. Though as a feminist living in the 21st century, I think a woman also has an ego and a man has emotions, still, somehow, I feel that when you manage men and women in a marriage — and if you are sympathetic to that way of thinking, which may be a little old-school – you have a successful marriage. However, not everyone needs to follow the advice.”

ON THE PAPARAZZI CONSTANTLY SURROUNDING INAAYA

Though she is enjoying every moment of motherhood, Soha says that she does feel concerned about the growing paparazzi culture and finds it ‘disturbing’ how Taimur and Inaaya are clicked constantly. “Childhood is all about innocence. Being constantly surrounded by cameras and shutterbugs, makes children lose that innocence. It’s terrifying and worrying, to say the least,” says the Oxford graduate.

The conversation then turns to her niece Sara Ali Khan. “I feel incredibly proud of her. I’m very happy that she’s had such a good start, because I feel it will make her journey easier. I think she chose the best films both, in terms of performance and in terms of commercial success. So, I think she is quite set. And I love the way she conducts herself personally. She is very sincere and forthcoming, and I love her command over Hindi, Urdu and English, as well as her confidence. She’s not trying to be anyone else. She’s not trying to come up with the best answer. She is just being herself and that’s why people are responding to her.”


SOHA ALI KHAN


... with Sharmila Tagore

Filmmaker Rushikesh Bhadane

Creating films that aim to make a difference

Filmmaker Rushikesh Bhadane is proud that he hails from Nashik — the home of the Father of Indian Cinema, Shri Dadasaheb Phalke. A swimming champion and a civil engineer by qualification, Rushikesh decided to follow his passion for cinema while pursuing Masters in Urban and Regional Planning in the US. Soon, he joined the New York Film Academy (LA Campus), and earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in Filmmaking.

In December 2018, the director-cinematographer-editor wrote and helmed the feature film, Rift. The multilingual movie, which has the scenic Bhandardara as its backdrop, is about a distant family coming together. Rushikesh says, “I’m happy that Marathi actor Suhas Palshikar and American actors Derek Phillips and Connor Cain have given one of their best performances in the film. The crew, which had members from across the world, made Rift possible.”


Rushikesh has also set up his own production house, Tale of Hundred Eyes Pvt. Ltd, which aims to create films on social and family-oriented topics. Settled in Los Angeles, he is currently working on multiple projects — feature films, short films, documentaries and music videos in multiple languages.

Debutante actress Pranutan Bahl

‘I want to make it on my own, so that I can feel that I’ve earned what I deserve’

Being on the film set is the ultimate high for me; it’s like living a dream,” says debutante actress Pranutan Bahl, whose excitement is evident from her face and demeanour the moment she arrives for the interview at an Andheri studio. She is an industry kid — the granddaughter of late actress Nutan and daughter of Mohnish Bahl — but the 26-year-old law graduate wants to carve a niche for herself in the industry on her own merit. In a tête-à-tête with BT, Pranutan talks about her upcoming film, Notebook, her learnings from her grandmother and father, the bond she shares with Salman Khan, and more. Excerpts…

Your debut film, Notebook, is all set to hit the theatres in a few days. Are you excited, nervous… what is your current state of mind?


Honestly, I’m feeling a lot of gratitude. Every day, I tell myself, ‘Thank God it happened. I really wanted it’. I have waited for this all my life, and I have spent the last two-and-a-half years preparing to enter films and giving auditions.

You gave auditions? The general perception is that industry kids have it easy...

A lot of people are surprised that I went for auditions. I tell them that if you want to become an actor, then that’s how it works. There’s a particular procedure and you cannot negate that. If you want to become a lawyer, you cannot say, ‘I won’t give CLAT because my dad is a barrister’.


PRANUTAN BAHL

I feel at home when I am on a film set: Pranutan Bahl

Thousands of artistes from across the country come to Mumbai to become actors, how can anyone be an exception? In fact, while going for auditions, I never wrote my last name, because I didn’t want to be shortlisted because of my family background. I want to make it on my own, so that I can feel that I’ve earned what I deserve.

Nepotism is a much-talked-about topic these days. Many would find it hard to believe that your father never played a role in getting you into films…

I don’t know industry kids, because that’s not the group I hang out with. So, I don’t know how they made their way into films. But, I’ve never asked my dad or anyone from my family to make a single call to any of their connections from the film industry to fix up a meeting or an audition. I’ve probably been to every single casting office that exists in the city.

You always wanted to become an actor, but you went ahead and studied law...

I wanted to complete my education before pursuing my passion. I felt that law was a great course to do, and it has made me a different person. For example, if I have to buy a house, I know the technicalities of a sales deed or stamp duty kaise bharni hai. I am a hands-on person. When I studied, I did that with utmost devotion, and I wish to do the same with films as well.

When did you tell your father that you want to become an actor?

It was eight months before I graduated. When I had joined the law college, he told me, ‘It’s good that you’re studying law. If you want to become an actor, you can do that, but finish your education first’.

You are not formally trained in acting, but seeing your father during your growing-up years and listening to stories about your legendary grandmother must have been an acting lesson in itself, right?

While I was influenced by my dad’s talent, our conversations at home were never film-centric. He always taught me to be honest and sincere about my work. He would say, ‘You will hone your skills with time. The camera is your playground, so you’ll be more comfortable in your fourth film compared to the first one. Honesty is your greatest treasure’.

As a kid, did you ever visit his films’ sets?

Yes, a lot. I have visited him on the sets of Hum Saath-Saath Hain (1999), Astitva (2000), Kahin Pyaar Na Ho Jaaye (2000) and Raja Hindustani (1996), among others. I would get upset when he was beaten up, because he was the bad guy in most films. I would cry and tell my mom, ‘Call up papa now. He is getting beaten up’. She would then tell me, ‘He is fine; he is just acting (laughs!)’. I feel at home when I am on a film set. However, that doesn’t mean that I didn’t have to work hard on my craft.

Salman Khan and your father have been close friends for years, and now, your first film happens to be a Salman Khan production. What kind of a bond do you share with him?

I was around seven years old when I had lost my ‘Tweety’ cap at a studio and started crying. He came up to me and asked me what had happened. I told him that I had lost my favourite cap, and, in one hour, the same cap was given to me. He had asked his spot boy to buy a new one for me. From then till now, he has always been my favourite (laughs!).

How encouraging was he when you bagged Notebook, directed by Nitin Kakkar?

He was happy and proud. He told me, ‘Since acting is your passion, work hard and give it your all’.

You recently said that your grandmother’s film, Bandini (1963),is your all-time favourite. Did her talent leave an impression on you?

Any great work inspires you. I’m bowled over by the skill of Bimalda (Bandini director Bimal Roy), my daadi and dadamuni (late actor Ashok Kumar). My grandmother played a murderer in Bandini, but the viewer still feels empathetic towards her. She played her role with such purity.

What is that one quality of hers that you would want to imbibe as an actor?

I would want to imbibe every quality of my grandmother as an actor, but if I have to choose one, it would be her goodness. Every role she played reflected the goodness and purity in her.


Pranutan Bahl


...with her father Mohnish Bahl


... with Zaheer Iqbal in Notebook

Alibaug se aaya kya

‘Kya re, Alibaug se aaya kya’ remark offensive, ban it: PIL


The remark, “Kya re, Alibaug se aaya kya? (Have you come from Alibaug?)”, ridicules the people of the seaside town by projecting them as “illiterates who do not have common sense”, said a PIL in the Bombay high court and sought to stop the comment from being used in film, theatre, television serials and stand-up comedy.


The PIL filed by businessman Rajendra Thakur, a resident of Satirje village and son of former Congress MLA Madhukar Thakur, added: “This sarcastic description of the people of Alibaug is humiliating and insulting, which has the effect of suggesting that the people of Alibaug are good for nothing.” Thakur pointed out whenever he attends any business meeting, “he has to listen to this offending dialogue as if he doesn’t understand business properly”.

“This projection of illiteracy on Alibaug people is always denoted by a dialogue in Hindi language, ‘Kya re, Alibaug se aaya kya?’ and in Marathi language, ‘Kai re, Alibaug varun aala kay?’ in an absolutely derogatory manner which hurts the sentiments of the people in Alibaug,” said his petition. The PIL is reminiscent of a failed plea in the Supreme Court a couple of years ago, calling for a ban on Santa-Banta jokes.

‘Alibaug remark has made us a laughing stock’

The PIL says Alibaug has weekend homes of the “rich and famous”, including top actors, cricketers and industrialists.

It adds, “The petitioner states that this offending dialogue has made the people of Alibaug a laughing stock.” Thakur says he discussed the matter with his relatives, friends and villagers, all of whom said something needs to be done to restrict the remark. He urged the court to direct the state directorate of cultural affairs and the Central Board of Film Certification “to stop the use of the offending dialogue in films, documentaries, TV serials, comedy shows etc in future and pending hearing a final disposal not to grant a certificate”. On Wednesday, a bench headed by Chief Justice Naresh Patil posted the hearing after two weeks.