Tahira Kashyap Khurrana is a writer and has exuded grace in every situation that life had to offer. In an initiative aimed towards community building called ‘The Circle of Happiness’, organised by the real estate firm Rustomjee, Tahira Kashyap Khurrana shared the stage with eminent American psychiatrist Dr. Robert Waldinger, who is the director of the longest study on happiness conducted by Harvard, and India’s first paraplegic DJ, Varun Khullar on ‘Finding Happiness through Hardship & Struggle’ in Mumbai.
Tahira says, “It is an absolute delight to share a stage with Dr. Waldinger and Varun. I did have breast cancer. But I cannot say that my problem is bigger than someone who’s having a financial problem or a relationship problem. Problems aren’t bigger or smaller, it all depends upon one’s life state. If a person’s life state is strong, they can brave any situation. I also practice Nichiren-Buddhism where the significance of each life is given a lot of prominence. Of course, we cannot brush the problem under the carpet but we can deal with it in a positive manner with a change of perspective.”
India’s first paraplegic DJ, Varun Khullar, further added, “When I met with an accident, I used to question, ‘Why me?’ But once I accepted everything, things changed.” Dr. Robert Waldinger further added, “We wrongly consider aging as a process of decline but as we grow older, we get better at doing things.”
It is breast cancer awareness month and Tahira Kashyap Khurrana has always championed awareness regarding early detection and continues to emancipate women all around the world to speak up, share and own their journeys.
On the work front, Tahira Kashyap Khurrana has also recently completed directing her first feature film Sharmajee Ki Beti.
Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007) is remembered today for many reasons, be it the super-hit song ‘Hare Ram Hare Krishna’, humour or the unforgettable and thrilling climax. The performances of many actors were memorable from Akshay Kumar to Rajpal Yadav to Vidya Balan. But there’s one more actor who left a huge mark – Jimit Trivedi. His scenes with Akshay Kumar were a highlight and we are not surprised when he told us that even today, people address him as ‘Goti’ as Kumar calls him in the movie.
As Bhool Bhulaiyaa completed 15 years on October 12, Bollywood Hungama exclusively spoke to Jimit Trivedi about the film, working with Akshay Kumar and a lot more.
Did you know that Bhool Bhulaiyaa has completed 15 years?
No. Thank you for reminding me. I am not active on social media for a long time. That’s why I had no idea. Otherwise, I would have known after seeing people tagging me in the anniversary posts.
How did you bag the role?
It’s a long story. I was doing a play called Ba E Mari Boundary. It served as the turning point in my career and was a huge hit. A very close friend of mine, Naushil Mehta, who’s also a writer, called to tell me that we have to do a play for the Prithvi Theatre Festival. The name of the play was ‘Hu Tane Gamu Chu?’. Prithvi Theatre is an actor’s playground. It always gives you creative satisfaction and so, I readily agreed. I was in Rajkot and we adjusted the dates. It was a Wednesday and the show was scheduled to be held on Sunday. I had just 1 ½ days to prepare. It had just two characters and was about their journey from the ages of 10 to 70. We were given to freedom to experiment. So we went all out and decided to essay as many as seven characters. We also incorporated the 2006 Mumbai train blasts track. When it was staged at Prithvi Theatre, viewers loved it. On the second day, I learnt that Neeraj Vora is the play’s producer. Until then, I was unaware! I was so consumed by the creative satisfaction I was getting that I didn’t even bother to enquire who was producing the play, how much will I be paid, etc (laughs).
Nausheel Mehta introduced me to Neeraj Vora. A month later, he called me to inform me that there was a role for me in a Priyadarshan film. He asked me whether I’ll be interested to do it. For me, it was a very big thing as working in Hindi films was a dream. I was like, ‘Neki aur pooch pooch’! I instantly gave my nod. So it’s all thanks to Neeraj Vora that I got an entry into Bollywood. If not for him, I don’t know how I would have managed to enter the industry.
Neeraj Vora told the makers, ‘Yeh waala role yehi ladka karega’. Neeraj Vora then narrated to me the story and explained to me my characters and my scenes with Akshay Kumar. He assured me that I’ll enjoy it. And he was so right. Film kab shuru hui aur kab khatam hui, mujhe pata bhi nahin chala. The rest is history. People still remember me as ‘Goti’ (smiles)!
For how many days did you shoot for Bhool Bhulaiyaa?
I shot for 40 days.
How was it to work with Akshay Kumar?
It was superb. I was amazed to see that he was so professional and grounded. He’s quite the pro at understanding the technicalities of filmmaking. For me, it was a new world. I had seen film stars on the big screen. Seeing them in front of me was a surreal experience.
I won’t say I was conscious or nervous but I was very alert. And the shoot happened in a very disciplined manner thanks to Priyadarshan sir. The shooting used to begin and end dot on time as per the plan.
And Akshay sir made me very comfortable. Even today, when we meet, he greets me very warmly. I remember he had come to see my play with Paresh Rawal sir called Kishan v/s Kanhaiya. I played Lord Krishna in this play and Akshay sir played the same role in OMG Oh My God (2012). He met me and joked with me. He told me, ‘Main tera role karne waala hoon’. I also meet him on the sets of OMG Oh My God. He was so chilled out. He must be meeting so many people. Yet, he remembers me and whenever he sees me, he’ll call me and talk to me. Otherwise, after so many years, several stars might pretend to not recognize you. He’s not like that at all. Hence, I have the deepest respect for him.
You feature in the song ‘Allah Hafiz’ along with Akshay Kumar. You both are seeing dancing on the bus and in the boat. Was there any memorable experience or accident that occurred while shooting this song?
No. Frankly, I had no idea that there was going to be a song featuring me in the film! I assumed the shoot is over. But one day, the production team informed me to report for the song shoot. Again, I had zero idea about how a song is filmed. That also proved to be a new experience for me. And as you said, we shot atop the bus and in the boat. It was a fun experience. Anyway, Akshay Kumar was doing most of the dancing. I was just following him!
You were not present in the film’s climax. Were any of your scenes cut at the editing table?
No, nothing was cut. But maybe, the makers had more scenes featuring me which were not shot. So what happened was that Akshay Kumar had completed the promotions of Heyy Babyy in London and had flown down to Jaipur. This was a time when I was doing a daily soap as well as a play. In the morning, I completed the shoot of the serial and later, also did two performances of the play. The next day, I flew to Jaipur for Bhool Bhulaiyaa’s shoot. By the time I returned, I was dead due to exhaustion. I had to be taken in a wheelchair as I was diagnosed with mumps. I had no energy at all. For a week, I was completely bedridden. I was constantly in touch with Priyadarshan sir and his assistants. Realizing that flying back to Jaipur is not possible for me, they created sets in Mumbai. So, the scenes where I jump into the water, the ‘Goti’ scene and even the sequence where Akshay and I pee together were all shot in Mumbai. Maybe, if the shooting had happened in Jaipur, they might have added a few more scenes of mine.
Did you visit cinema halls to check the audience’s reaction?
Yes, I did. From my family, I was the first one to come on the big screen! So all of us had gone together to watch the movie. We were a group of 50! I remember I was watching the film and also paying attention to the reactions of my family members and that of the audience in the hall. I was constantly interacting with my group and my mind was diverted. I was thinking if I am looking fine in the film. Kyunki pehli baar maine apne aap ko screen pe dekhatha! A lot of such thoughts were going through my mind. Due to these reasons, I couldn’t see the film properly. And it’s been 15 years and till date, I have not watched the film in one go, from start to finish.
But I got a lot of love and it continues even today. A lot of memes of my scenes are going around on social media. Someday, I’ll sit down and watch the film.
Did you get more offers from Bollywood?
I was offered a role in 3 Idiots (2009). I got a call from Rajkumar Hirani. It was the role of the boy who irons clothes in the hostel.
That was the character named Millimeter…
I don’t remember the name of the character. But I was offered that part. Then, before Bhool Bhulaiyaa, I was called for Rajpal Yadav’s role in Vipul Shah’s Waqt – The Race Against Time (2005). However, due to various reasons, I couldn’t do these films. Nevertheless, the filmmakers started calling me for work as they had noticed me. And that was bound to happen as it was a big film, starring Akshay sir. People also enjoyed it a lot. At that time, I didn’t know about PR as I was new.
After the release of Bhool Bhulaiyaa, did people on the streets started addressing you as ‘Goti’?
It still happens! Wherever I go, I am called ‘Goti’. People know me as ‘Goti’ (and not by my real name).
And do you mind?
Not really. Initially, it was a bit awkward obviously to be addressed as ‘Goti’ by people. And some admirers tend to cross the line too. But being actors, we can’t react to it. Or else, it can result in negative publicity. I guess I had to pay the price for being famous. I paid the price and am still getting the returns (smiles). I later came to terms with it as I realized ki log pyaar se ‘Goti’ bularahe hai.
What are your upcoming projects?
My next Gujarati film will go on floors soon. Apart from that, I have finished working on a Hindi web series. It’ll be out next year.
You started your acting journey by working in plays. Would you like to get back on the stage?
In 2019, I had done a comeback play after 8 years, called Aane Bhi Do Yaaro. Iccha toh bahut hai. But it’s tough to accommodate a play, along with my other projects. Hopefully, I’ll do one soon in near future.
The year 2023 will see Shah Rukh Khan return to the silver screen with three massive releases – Pathaan, Jawan and Dunki. In June 2022, his production banner Red Chillies Entertainment officially announced the massive action entertainer Jawan, which will see him headline the project along with Vijay Sethupathi as the antagonist and Nayanthara as the leading lady. SRK was stationed in Chennai for a while to complete major shoot portions of Jawan. He shot for a month before returning to Mumbai on Sunday. Now, it is being reported that the last schedule will commence in Rajasthan.
As per a report in a media portal, Shah Rukh Khan and Nayanthara will head to Rajasthan soon for a 20-day schedule before they call it a wrap. The preparations are underway and the makers are ensuring high-level security for the shoot. As Nayanthara welcomed twins with her husband Vignesh Shivan, the makers of the films are figuring out the dates in order to commence the shoot. The crucial portions will be shot in Rajasthan.
Shah Rukh Khan recently took to Twitter to inform that he had a blast for a month in Chennai. He even had some time to meet Rajinikanth and Vijay. The actor’s tweet read, “Wot a 30 days blast RCE team! Thalaivar blessed our sets…saw movie with Nayanthara partied with @anirudhofficial deep discussions with @VijaySethuOffl & Thalapathy @actorvijay fed me delicious food.Thx @Atlee_dir & Priya for ur hospitality now need to learn Chicken 65 recipe!”
Shah Rukh Khan had shot an action sequence in Chennai with 200 women. The film also have a cameo of Deepika Padukone who was seen with Atlee and SRK during the shoot.
Red Chillies Entertainment presents Jawan, starring Shah Rukh Khan in the lead and produced by Gauri Khan. Jawan will be released on June 2, 2023, in five languages making it Shah Rukh Khan’s first pan-India film.
R Balki is an unabashed Amitabh Bachchan fan. The filmmaker now says he is more than willing to make the Bachchan biopic.
“But who will play the role of Bachchan? There is not a single actor in this country who would dare to step into those shoes. I would love to make the biopic. But there is no one I can get to play Amitabh Bachchan,” said Balki.
Not even AB Junior? “Abhishek? Is he crazy to do something so foolhardy? Of course, Abhishek would never play his father on screen. He knows it’s impossible for anyone to play the Mega Bachchan, not even his own son. Just like Tiger Shroff would never play his dad Jackie. Or Raima Sen playing Suchitra Sen…won’t work!”
Balki is currently working with Abhishek Bachchan in Ghoomer. And yes, that too will have Sr. Bachchan in a role. His condition thereby can be implied that no one but Bachchan Sr. himself can step into that role.
“I cannot make a film that doesn’t have Mr. Bachchan in it,” declared Balki.
Is Sr. Bachchan his lucky mascot? “Calling him my lucky mascot would be very pedestrian. Mr. Bachchan is much more than that. I don’t have the words to describe his place in the history of Indian cinema.”
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan celebrated his 80th birthday on October 11. The celebrations for the actor’s big day happened across the nation. From celebrities to colleagues from the film industry, fans took to social media to wish him on Tuesday. He then later took to social media to pen a thank you note.
Taking to his official Tumblr Blog, Amitabh Bachchan began his note by writing, “Birthday greetings .. and the prayers for happiness ever .. thank you for sharing this day with me .. and for being with me all these years .. am humbled and overwhelmed by all the love and affection .. love you all , my Extended Family …,” and added heart emojis.
He added, “And another 365 .. and another begins .. as do many other begin .. beginnings are required .. they provide ends .. and ends need love and grace and care to be accomplished ..”
He concluded by saying,, “It is impossible for me to even attempt what your love and affection means to me .. so I fold my hands and pray for all in the spirit of generous gratitude .. My love as ever ..”
Amitabh Bachchan celebrated his day with his family. The actor was seen spending time with Abhishek Bachchan, Shweta Bachchan Nanda, Navya Naveli Nanda. On the very same night, Amitabh Bachchan stepped out of his residence Jalsa to greet the fans who were waiting to catch a glimpse of the megastar. It was reported earlier that due to the demise of politician-friend Mulayam Singh Yadav, the actor had opted for a small celebration for his birthday.
On the work front, Amitabh Bachchan was most recently seen in Brahmastra with Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor, Nagarjuna, and Mouni Roy. The actor has an array of line-up. He will next star in Sooraj Barjatya’s Unnchai with Boman Irani and Anupam Kher among several other actors. He has also signed Nag Ashwin’s next with Prabhas and Deepika Padukone which is being shot in Hyderabad and The Intern remake with Deepika Padukone.
Considering that Pathaan is the comeback vehicle of Shah Rukh Khan, the anticipation around the film is humongous. Fans of the superstar are excited to hear each and every update on the news and this time around the music composers Vishal Dadlani and Shekhar Ravjiani have an interesting scoop regarding the music of the Deepika Padukone, John Abraham starrer. Fueling up the curiousity even further, Shekhar has promised that they are going to ‘blow up’ with the music.
On a surprising note, Shekhar Ravjiani took to social media to talk about the music of the YRF film Pathaan. Speaking about the music, the composer-singer shared a photo of him working intensely, sporting a hoodie, and the background and the console in the photo hints that it was taken in a studio. Speaking about the music of the film, he captioned the picture saying, “Back to the musicverse of #pathaan and the electrifying power of @iamsrk It’s definitely gonna blow up! ???? It’s positively going to get you off the floor! Need I say more? ?? #vishalandsheykhar @VishalDadlani @kumaarofficial #siddharthanand @yrf .” Many fans took to the platform to share their excitement and some of them even dropped the ‘Can’t Wait’ comments on the post.
Talking about Pathaan, the film is touted as an action entertainer and is expected to be a part of the YRF spy universe. YRF has also adopted a new promotional strategy where they give fans a sneak peek into the film by sharing glimpses of it on every 25th of the month. Featuring Shah Rukh Khan in the role of a spy, the film will also have Salman Khan reprising his role as Tiger along with Deepika Padukone and John Abraham playing key roles. Directed by Siddharth Anand, the film is expected to release on January 23, 2023.
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