20th Century Fox UK will release Kalank starring Sanjay Dutt, Madhuri Dixit, Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt, Sonkashi Sinha and Aditya Roy Kapur in UK cinemas on 17th April 2019.
One of the most-anticipated films of the year, Kalank, the saga of love set in 1940s, has been in the news ever since its announcement. The first teaser of the film was launched in Mumbai this week. The cast came together for the event with Varun Dhawan flying in from London for a day, where he has been filming for Street Dancer 3.
Helmed by Abhishek Varman, the film is close to Karan Johar’s heart, as it was his father, producer Yash Johar’s last project that he conceptualised 15 years ago. Karan wanted to direct the film himself following the release of Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003), but unfortunately, it got pushed to the back burner.
With screenplay & directed by Abhishek Varman, the film is produced by Karan Johar, Sajid Nadiadwala, Hiroo Yash Johar and Apoorva Mehta & co-produced by Fox Star Studios.
The star cast of KALANK at the teaser launch in Mumbai this week.
Alia Bhatt is riding high on the success of her recent release, Raazi, a spy drama based on true events but is currently neck-deep with work on her upcoming films, Kalank and Brahmastra.
Kalank is produced by Karan Johar and was incepted fifteen-years ago by Johar’s late father and will bring a mammoth of stars together on-screen. The film also stars Sanjay Dutt, Madhuri Dixit, Sonkashi Sinha, Varun Dhawan and Aditya Roy Kapur.
The star cast is especially exciting for fans as Sanjay Dutt and Madhuri Dixit will reunite on-screen after a gap of 21 years. The actors were rumoured to be a pair back in the days but are happily married to their respective partners now.
On the other hand, Bhatt has been entertaining fans by sharing photos en route to the Kalank set almost every single day on her Instagram Stories. Giving us an exclusive update, she told BollyNewsUK: ‘The filming is going really well. I measure it by how hard I’ve got to work on the film. That’s usually a good way for me and it’s a lot of hard work. It’s a long way to go as it’s an epic drama and will take up much of my time,” added the 25-year-old actress.
She is also set to star in another epic Bollywood trilogy with Ranbir Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan and is currently filming in Bulgaria. “I’ll be filming for Brahmastra now . My whole year will be taken up by these two films.”
The Highway actress is currently hitting headlines on Indian tabloids as she is rumoured to be dating Bollywood heart throb and her Brahmastra co-star, Ranbir Kapoor.
Kapoor was earlier in relationships with Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif. While Bollywood lovers on social media and forums are pointing out that this supposed relationship between Alia and Ranbir may be a publicity stunt for their upcoming film, only time will tell what’s really going on between these two.
If one says that Rishi Kapoor is a perfectionist then that will be an underrated sentence. Rishi Kapoor spent five hours every day for a month on make up for his new look in his upcoming film.
The Kapoor actor is not at all shying away from experimenting with his looks. The actor is playing an 85 year old grouchy, bullying old man in his upcoming film, Kapoor & Sons and this is what he’s going to look like.
According to a source, “Greg Cannom is a Hollywood special makeup effects artist done make-up for him. Cannom has been nominated for nine Academy Awards and has won three times for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button ( 2008), Mrs Doubtfire ( 1993) and Dracula ( 1992). He has also been nominated for seven Saturn Awards and received one.”
During the shoot, he had to sit for five hours every day for almost a month and he had to wake up at 5 am. He is a drinking man and people say he has no patience, but for him to wake up early every day and sit for five hours straight was a bit
“When Karan (Johar) and the director Shakun (Batra) came to meet me, I suggested that they take Cannom because I had heard of him. I was not sure about this suggestion being agreed upon since it would be a costly affair, but Karan agreed even though he knew that this would cost him around Rs 1.5 to Rs 1.75 crore,” said Rishi Kapoor.
“Shakun and I met up with Cannom and discussed the look and we decided that it would be a mix of Rishi Kapoor and A K Hangal’s look”, added the actor.
Director Shakun further added, “Rishiji’s character is extremely integral to the storyline. Since he is playing a grandfather, we wanted him to look the part.”
Kapoor & Sons will release in UK cinemas through 20th Century Fox on 18th March 2016.
Dharma Productions, Fox Star Studios along with Phantom have released the romantic track Nazdeekiyaan from ‘Shaandaar’ featuring Alia Bhatt and Shahid Kapoor.
Directed by Vikas Bahl, Shaandar releases in UK cinemas on 22nd October 2015.
Shahid Kapoor and Alia Bhatt recently launched their latest song, Shaam Shaandaar, from their forthcoming film, Shaandaar, at the famous Mithibai college in Mumbai, amidst a young and enthusiastic crowd of more than 1,200 students.
The song is an upbeat, high tempo number, replete with the signature dance moves of Shahid Kapoor, with Alia Bhatt matching his steps with equal gusto. The song reflects the energetic verve and celebratory spirit of the film and is shot with a riot of colours, boasting a grand scale.
The duo of Shahid-Alia or ‘Shalia’ presented an energetic dance performance of the track live, before opening the stage for a casual and informal interaction with the students. The lead pair fielded questions, indulged in lighthearted banter with them and had the crowd cheering and whistling at their every move.
While Alia excitedly spoke about her customised outfit that displayed some cool fan art she received recently on social media, Shahid nostalgically bonded with the students of the college, that happened to be his alma mater. The evening ended with Shalia having a selfie moment with the students, truly making it a Shaam Shaandaar for everyone present.
Actors Alia Bhatt and Shahid Kapoor launched the first song from their upcoming movie, Shaandar, recently at an event in Mumbai. Check out the song and photos from the launch here:
Fox Star Studios invites audiences to witness 2015’s most awaited Bollywood romantic comedy, Shaandaar, releasing on 22nd October, presented by Dharma Productions and Phantom Films.
Fox Star Studios will release 2015’s most awaited Bollywood romantic comedy Shaandaar onto the silver screen on 22nd October, presented by Dharma Productions and Phantom Films.
Marking Indian cinema’s first destination wedding film, Shaandaar is the next outing by maverick director, Vikas Bahl, following the runaway success of the critically lauded and commercially successful Queen – 2014’s most celebrated Bollywood film that consequently swept up award season. Set to surpass the plaudit generated by his last cinematic offering, Bahl’s Shaandaar has been highly anticipated by audiences and critics alike since its announcement, with its trailer release generating in excess of five million views in four days.
Principally filmed against the charming backdrop of Leeds and the sweeping Yorkshire countryside, Shaandaar will appeal to cross-generational audiences, representing feelgood Indian cinema at its finest. Stylish, sassy and exuberant, Shaandaar is a breezy rom-com featuring two of India’s most accomplished artists – understated Bollywood beau, Shahid Kapoor, and the industry’s most celebrated new gen talent, Alia Bhatt. Supporting the pair onscreen is a seasoned ensemble featuring Pankaj Kapur, Sanjay Kapoor and veteran actress, Sushma Seth. Bearing the hallmarks of an evergreen, feelgood screen gem and emblematic of contemporary Bollywood filmmaking at its best, Shaandaar will charm cineastes for years to come with its loveable and timeless narrative, delightful mise en scene and polished performances. The film is complemented by a magical soundtrack courtesy of composer Amit Trivedi, who has crafted a collection of anthemic tracks that are sure to champion the airwaves.
Synopsis: A big fat, “Shaandaar” Indian wedding, which is actually a business merger between two of the biggest business families of India, is taking place at a castle in Europe. Mrs. Kamla Arora, the grandmother and matriarch of the Arora family and the sole owner of the billion-dollar family business and property, has planned the wedding herself. Kamla Arora treats everyone like her servants including her three sons, Bipin, the eldest, Vipul and Vinay. Mr.Fandwani, the groom’s father, is a brash, Sindhi businessman and the counterpart equivalent to Kamla Arora. The conspicuously ostentatious Fandwani’s dress in gold, accessorise in gold and even consume gold.
Brewing against the backdrop of the Shaandaar wedding is a love triangle between our protagonists Alia and Jaginder Joginder, and Bipin, Alia’s father. Bipin believes no man is good enough for his daughter. Alia is a dreamer. Her dreams are wholly out of touch. Jagjinder Joginder is a pragmatist and doer. He can make anything happen. For obvious reasons, Bipin hates Jagjinder Joginder. The journey of Alia, Jagjinder Joginder and Bipin during the chaotic and lavish wedding forms the narrative of Shaandaar. A fairy tale, or nightmare, that everyone has dreamt of!
Fox Star Studios, Dharma Productions and Phantom Films present Shaandaar, releasing in UK cinemas on 22nd October.
Presented by Fox Star India, Dharma Productions in association with Phantom Films, has released the first trailer of Vikas Bahl’s next directorial, Shaandar.
Shaandar was extensively filmed in the UK last year and stars Alia Bhatt and Shahid Kapoor along with Pankaj Kapur. The trailer has already been viewed over 4 million times on YouTube.
Synospis: A big fat “Shaandaar” Indian wedding, which is actually a business merger between two of the biggest business families of India, is happening at an exotic castle in Europe. Mrs. Kamla Arora, the grandmother of the Arora family, the sole owner of the billion-dollar business and the property, has planned their wedding. Kamla Arora , treats everyone like her servants including her three sons, Bipin (the eldest), Vipul and Vinay. Mr.Fandwani, the groom’s father is a loud Sindhi businessman who is the counter to Kamla Arora: The Fandwanis dress in gold, accessorise in gold and if possible they drink and eat gold.
Based against the backdrop of the Shaandaar wedding is a love triangle between (our protagonists) Alia and Jagjinder Joginder and Bipin ( Alia’s father). Bipin believes there’s no guy that will be good enough for his daughter while Aliya is a dreamer but her dreams are whacked out and Jagjinder Joginder is a doer, he can make anything happen! …And for obvious reasons Bipin hates Jagjinder Joginder.
The journey of Alia, Jagjinder Joginder and Bipin in the chaotic and lavish wedding is the story of Shaandaar. It’s a fairy tale love story that everyone has always dreamt of…
20th Century Fox will release Shaandar in UK cinemas on 22nd October 2015.
Karan Johar has confirmed that Karan Malhotra’s next, SHHUDDHI will star Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt.
The announcement came from the producer on social media website Twitter. Salman Khan, who was confirmed to play the leading actor in the film last year, also posted a tweet confirming the new cast.
This will be the third outing for the pair after Student of the Year and Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania, both films produced by Karan Johar as well.
Co-incidentally, it is also the third outing for the producer-director duo. Karan Malhotra starts work on the film immediately after Brothers, slated to release worldwide on 14th August. The director has previously made the blockbuster film Agneepath under Dharma Productions.
Veteran actress Shabana Azmi will soon celebrate the 5th year of the annual Mijwan fashion show by Manish Malhotra. The theme for the show this year is Mijwan – The Legacy which epitomises the continuing realisation of Kaifi Azmi, the legendary poet and father of Shabana.
While this fashion show is always packed with the biggest stars from the film industry, this year mother-daughter duo Alia Bhatt and Soni Razdan will be seen walking together
Namrata Goyal says “We are very humbled that Soni Razdan and Alia Bhatt are also the part of the Mijwan Welfare Society. We truly feel that’s its going to be the great show and we are very thankful to the industry who have agreed to support the Mijwan Welfare Society by walking the ramp and they have been very forthcoming. We are happy that they all will be the part of Kaifi Saab’s legacy and are helping us to take it forward…”
When we contacted Shabana seeking for a confirmation on the news, she said, “I believe the film industry is like a large family. We come together in joy and sorrow. I am overwhelmed that Shatru (Shatrughan Sinha) is walking the ramp with Sonakshi (Sinha) for the very first time. Anil (Kapoor) and Sonam (Kapoor), Javed (Akhtar) Saab and Farhan (Akhtar) have never walked together before neither have the Bachchans. Shankar and Sidharth Mahadevan are singing live. What would be more befitting for our theme this year Mijwan- The Legacy! A legacy Kaifi Saab has passed to me and I to my god-daughter Namrata Goyal. Manish Malhotra’s creations this time are going to be different. We have 5 people coming from Mijwan. I cannot even begin to tell you how empowering is it for them to watch their craft being showcased by the film industry’s leading stars. I am deeply deeply grateful to all my colleagues.”
Actress Alia Bhatt left her fans stunned when she made her singing debut with Samjhawaan for Karan Johar’s Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania.
She also received tremendous applaud for the same. Having had a passion for singing, recording the song meant a lot to her and a recent award for the same has made her happier than ever.
At the Radio Mirchi Music Award held recently, Alia won the Make it Large Award . This comes as no surprise as Alia’s Samjhawaan has not only touched souls but has also left a mass impact on the audience.
Alia is elated with her recent victory and says, “I am really happy to get this awards it means a lot. Thank you Mirchi for the award.”
Bollywood sweetheart, Alia Bhatt, who also made her big-screen debut in the Karan Johar production Student of the Year and received widespread critical acclaim for her role in Highway and 2 States, convincingly plays the main female protagonist, sealing her position as one of Bollywood’s most sought after leading ladies.
Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania is directed by debutant director Shashank Khaitan and is produced by award-winning film-maker Karan Johar,whose banner Dharma Productions recently brought you such hit films as 2 States and Hasee Toh Phasee.
How would you describe ‘Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania’? Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania is the quintessential romantic story. No matter how unromantic you may be in your personal life, it’s a film that we can all relate to. Everyone always wants their love story to be a ‘story’. I would call it a tribute to the typical filmy love story.
How would you describe your character in the film? Kavya Pratap Singh is a simple girl, and doesn’t have many wants or needs in life. She definitely clashes with the title character, ‘Humpty’, because she’s a lot more practical and no nonsense, even though she sometimes likes to dream big.
Your character in the film is a huge fan of Kareena Kapoor. You have often been compared to her in real life, so would you consider yourself a fan? Like my character, I am a huge fan of Kareena [Kapoor] and I definitely consider her one of my biggest inspirations. I find the comparisons very flattering, but not at all true. There is only one Kareena Kapoor out there, and I think it’s very important to carve out my own niche in the industry.
She also mentions how she wants to wear Kareena Kapoor’s wedding dress. Are these things you think about regularly in your personal life? I think every girl dreams of their ideal wedding, and would like to get married in the grandest way possible. When we see our favourite actresses in these beautiful gowns, it is only natural that we start thinking about our own wedding and what we’ll wear on our special day.
Is it true that you were the inspiration behind the posters of the film? Yes, that’s actually something I’m quite proud of. During filming, we were constantly saying that we needed to do something innovative for the posters, and I was very fond of taking selfies at the time, so I suggested we implement that. At first, people weren’t fond of the idea but as time went on, they definitely warmed to the idea. I think everyone was delighted with the end result, and it made for a fun and fresh poster.
Your career has had a very interesting trajectory, with every film being different from the other. How do you choose your roles? When it comes to the roles I choose, I am not very calculating. It’s important for me to stay versatile and not be typecast into any particular role. I hope with Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania, people continue to see a different side of me.
Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania – A Reliance Entertainment release in the overseas markets, in cinemas 11thJuly 2014.
In what is billed to be one of the most lovable films to hit Indian cinema screens this summer, the must-see romantic comedy Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania weaves the classic ‘boy-meets-girl’ tale into a unique and quirky youth drama for the modern generation. The film is produced by renowned filmmaker Karan Johar’s production banner Dharma Productions and released in UK cinemas by Reliance Entertainment on 11th July 2014.
Bollywood hearthrob Varun Dhawan (Student Of The Year, Main Tera Hero) plays hopeless romantic ‘Humpty Sharma’, an eternally optimistic young man, who is amiably searching for his ‘Dulhania’ (bride). Enter strong-willed, no nonsense Delhi girl ‘Kavya Pratap Singh’ (Alia Bhatt – Student Of The Year, Highway, 2 States). What ensues is a sweet and amusing story, as the ever simple loser in love ‘Humpty’ deploys every means at his disposal to convince ‘Kavya’ that he is her soul mate.
Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania stars Bollywood’s new-kid-on-the-block Varun Dhawan, who made his successful debut with the breakthrough Dharma Productions film Student Of The Year along.Famed for playing the sentimentalist and also renowned for doing his own stunts, Varun is set yet again to show why he is one of Indian cinema’s rising stars in Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania. With charisma and acting talent in abundance, the young actor has already won awards, including the Star Gold and Lions Gold awards, and has been nominated for several ‘newcomer’ accolades.
Bollywood sweetheart, Alia Bhatt, who also made her big-screen debut in the Karan Johar production Student of the Year and received widespread critical acclaim for her role in Highway and 2 States, convincingly plays the main female protagonist, sealing her position as one of Bollywood’s most sought after leading ladies.
Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania is directed by debutant director Shashank Khaitan and is produced by award-winning film-maker Karan Johar, whose banner Dharma Productions recently brought you such hit films as 2 States and Hasee Toh Phasee.
Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania promises to be a quirky, sentimental and hilarious tale about the pleasures and pitfalls of young love.
Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania – A Reliance Entertainment release in UK cinemas, in cinemas 11th July 2014.
The opening weekend for 2 States has opened to double digits in India and has taken impressive opening at the UK BO too.
Sajid Nadiadwala and Karan Johar are overwhelmed with response to their first co-production 2 States, starring Alia Bhatt and Arjun Kapoor. On Friday the film opened to 12.42 cr, Saturday was steady at 12.13 cr, Sunday was 13.51 cr. The film earned a total of 38.06 crore in India on its first three days.
The film opened at number 11 on the Official Box Office Charts, earning £208,579 from 63 screens.
Karan Johar says, “In my experience, a love story always receives its own share of love from everyone concerned. I can rightfully say this because we, at Dharma Productions, have personally witnessed this.”
“I started my career with Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, a love story, then we had Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani in May 2013 and now with 2 States — we have put out a bouquet of love stories that have found a strong resonance with the audience. They get the scent of a film from the very start and I now have proof in my hands that they are just loving this Alia-Arjun romance,” added the My Name Is Khan director.
Karan says there is a lot to celebrate on the account of 2 States as it is his first outing with producer Sajid Nadiadwala which he enjoyed. ”Touch wood, there were no glitches whatsoever throughout the making. The journey on 2 States was seamless and another reason is the fact that debutant director Abhishek Varman, who got his break with this film, is from Dharma’s core team.”
“My faith in Chetan Bhagat’s book and in Abhishek’s adaptation stands validated. I had an instinct on Abhishek right from the start. And now that he has delivered, I feel like a proud parent,’’ said Johar.
Alia Bhatt and Arjun Kapoor were in London recently to promote their upcoming movie, 2 States.
Bollywood Reporter Sunny Malik caught up with the duo and spoke about the film, an adaptation of the best-selling novel of the same name by Chetan Bhagat.
UTV Motion Picture releases the Dharma Productions and Nadiawala Grandson production in UK cinemas on 18th April 2014.
This is the first time you are promoting a film in the UK. How is it going? Arjun: I am just meeting people one by one in the room here just like I do when I promote my films in India. It doesn’t feel like I am in London and I am going to take it up with my distributors as to why they didn’t make the interviews happen out in the open (smiles). But it feels really nice to come here as an actor for the first time. I have travelled to London many times in the past as an assistant director or pleasure as I have many friends here.
You both are meeting fans at Cineworld Feltham later. Did you tell Arjun of what he should expect? Alia: I have been there once before my first film, Student Of The Year, released and nobody really knew us. But the fans were very warm people (laughs).
Arjun, you don’t seem impressed… Arjun: It’s not that I am not impressed. I just find it very surreal that people will take out the time to come and meet me. I have seen it happen with stars like Salman Khan. I have seen him not able to take one step forward because of huge crowds who were there to see him. That is true stardom and I find it surreal when something like that happens to me.
Arjun, the co-producer of the film, Karan Johar, said that Sajid Nadiawala was taken aback by his suggestion to cast you in the film. How did everything fall into place? Arjun: Sajid Nadiwala was always passionate about making 2 States into a movie. A lot of A-list actors and directors showed interest but nothing ever materialised. When my debut film, Ishaqzaade, released Karan Johar loved it and so did the director of 2 States, Abhishek Varman. I was called into the Dharma Productions office and I read the script. I loved it and I was on board from that day. Sajid Nadiwala has seen me growing up and hanging around at Salman Khan’s house. We have taken holidays together and know each other well. I think, he was just taken aback that “Oh the time has come when Arjun is going to act in a film produced by Nadiawala Grandson.” More than anything, it was an overwhelming feeling for him that this boy he has seen growing up, will be starring in his production. I am really happy that both producers, Karan Johar and Sajid Nadiwala, showed faith in me.
Alia, were you always the first choice for the film? Alia: I am sure I wasn’t (laughs). I was still filming for Student Of The Year and I was very young at that time. I was called in for a look test for 2 States and I really thank Abhishek Varman, the director, for having that faith in me. When I read the book, I never thought that I will be playing this character on-screen eventually. It’s his faith in me as an artist and performer that got me onto this film.
Alia, were you bothered that people were criticising Karan Johar’s decision to cast you in the film? Many fans felt that you don’t look Tamilian… Alia: No, it didn’t bother me at all. People can be sceptical or think it’s great. At the end of the day, when I am in front of the camera, I am not Alia Bhatt, I am Ananya. I try as much as possible to be her and stay true to her. Also, being a fan of the original book, I never took it granted even for a minute that this role came to me. It was up to me to deliver my best and now when the film releases, it is up to the audience whether they accept me or not.
Arjun, fans usually get disappointed when their favourite book is turned into a movie. How do you think this film will come across to the die-hard fans of 2 States and to people who have not read the book? Arjun: Our director, Abhishek Varman knows that there is a huge fan following of the book and he kept the script very close to the source. He himself loved the book a lot. There is an old saying, ‘If it aint broke, don’t fix it’. He pretty much followed the flow that Chetan Bahagat wrote. Also for people who have not read the book, like me, you have to find a correlation so that people relate to these characters. He has balanced that really well and intelligently. He made it for a universal audience. 2 States is eventually a love story about two families. Two people can be in love but in our culture it is very important to be accepted by your families. The film is very relatable for someone who has not read the book and also for someone who has.
Alia, you get really irritated when people ask you about the kissing scenes shown in the trailer. Why is it such a big deal if you are kissing? Alia: The minute you are candid and honest about how it doesn’t matter that suddenly becomes the centre of attention. They say it’s refreshing for you to be honest and not say ‘I did it because it was a part of the script’. But now every newspaper is only writing about the kiss. It is annoying because 2 States is not just about the kiss. It’s a family film and not about these two people constantly making out. We have to show the kiss in the film because it’s important in the book. Also, when people live together they kiss. How prudish can you be if you are living together but you don’t kiss? Arjun: When two people are in love, they kiss. It’s really normal. The fact that we treat it so normally, is absurd for people. Alia: There were rumours about us dating and journalists want to confirm the rumour by writing that they enjoy kissing each other which means they are a couple. I mean, if we were dating why would we say something like that? Arjun: If we had said, we hated kissing each other, even that would be the headline. Eventually, when you use the word kiss, it will make it to the headline. It doesn’t matter if I have given 17 other answers as the kiss question will be the focus of the interview.
Don’t you both feel that when the press is focused so much about the kiss and the trailer shows intimate scenes, it can put off family audiences, especially here in the UK? Alia: The families are on the poster and the film is not just about two people. The film is whole different world altogether and not about just about intimacy. Arjun: Any sensible viewer, who watches the trailer, will know that the film is not just about kissing for three hours. It’s an aspect that comes and goes in the film. Trust me, all that you see in the film, is already out there in the trailer. I don’t think our audiences are so naive to believe the headlines that are being written about the film being all about kissing scenes. I trust our audience.
How do you feel this film will do at the UK Box Office now that films with newcomers are releasing more frequently here and some do well like ‘Highway’? Alia: Highway was trending in the UK on Twitter on the day of release. I was very happy. I hope 2 States does well and I hope that book fans add to our audience. Arjun: The UK has always been a very family oriented audience. This film truly represents that audience base. It is made for that audience. For me, Gunday was my big international release. I think, there is hope now that people are coming to cinemas to watch new faces now. With films like Highway, Hasee Toh Phasee or Gunday doing well here. It is a very star driven industry anyways and you need to keep working to change the audiences’ mind set to come and watch it. I am very hopeful that people will come out of the suburbs of England to the cinemas to watch the film.
This interview first published in Asian Sunday Newspaper (13th April 2014)
Bollywood’s rising stars Alia Bhatt and Arjun Kapoor together with award-winning author Chetan Bhagat wowed the media and their fans on Friday, 4th April when they flew into London for a set of exclusive events. They visited the capital city to promote their forthcoming film 2 States, which releases on 18th April 2014 through UTV Motion Pictures.
The celebrity trio attended a specially convened press junket at London’s five-star The Courthouse Hotel, where they met media and conducted a series of in-depth interviews. After a full day of press interactions, Alia Bhatt, Arjun Kapoor and Chetan Bhagat headed to the popular Cineworld multiplex in Feltham, south-west London, for a unique meet and greet with several thrilled fans. It was an extra special treat for a few fans in particular, as these lucky competition winners got up close and personal with their idols, when they met Alia and Arjun in person!
2 States is a stirring romantic comedy film about a young couple from different states in India (Punjab and Tamil Nadu), who meet at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (India) and fall in love. However, their relationship is riddled with obstacles as they try to convince their traditional families to accept their relationship. The film stars Alia Bhatt and Arjun Kapoor in lead roles. It is directed by Abhishek Varman and produced by Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment and Dharma Productions.
The film brings together some of Indian cinema’s most accomplished and talented actors from North and South. The lead stars are Arjun Kapoor, who plays the intelligent, dreamy, duty-bound Krish Malhotra, and Alia Bhatt, who plays the feisty and beautiful Ananya Swaminathan. Both are supported onscreen by a stellar cast, including, Amrita Singh (Aaina, Betaab), who plays the prejudiced, battleaxe Punjabi mother Kavita Malhotra and Ronit Roy (Midnight’s Children), who turns in an impressive performance as the alcoholic, down-trodden father Vikram Malhotra. There are also worthy performances by Revathy (Molly Aunty Rocks) and ShivKumar Subramaniam as the devoted but long-suffering Tamil-Brahmin parents.
2 States is the compelling, humourous and emotive story of young, contemporary love across the chasm of the community divide in India. Will Krish and Ananya overcome the odds and win their families’ approval for their relationship? Will their respective families attend their wedding? Watch 2 States to find out.
2 States releases worldwide through UTV Motion Pictures on 18th April 2014
The leading actors of the forthcoming Dharma Production 2 States, Alia Bhatt and Arjun Kapoor, along with the best-selling author of the novel: 2 States – The Story of My Marriage will greet fans at Cineworld, Feltham on Friday, 4th April 2014.
The trio will meet and greet fans at the venue in west-London from 19:00.
2 States releases in UK cinemas on 18th April 2014.
Alia Bhatt is riding high on the success of her recent release, Raazi, a spy drama based on true events but is currently neck-deep with work on her upcoming films, Kalank and Brahmastra.
Synospis: A big fat “Shaandaar” Indian wedding, which is actually a business merger between two of the biggest business families of India, is happening at an exotic castle in Europe. Mrs. Kamla Arora, the grandmother of the Arora family, the sole owner of the billion-dollar business and the property, has planned their wedding. Kamla Arora , treats everyone like her servants including her three sons, Bipin (the eldest), Vipul and Vinay. Mr.Fandwani, the groom’s father is a loud Sindhi businessman who is the counter to Kamla Arora: The Fandwanis dress in gold, accessorise in gold and if possible they drink and eat gold.
Karan Johar has confirmed that Karan Malhotra’s next, SHHUDDHI will star Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt.
Veteran actress Shabana Azmi will soon celebrate the 5th year of the annual Mijwan fashion show by Manish Malhotra. The theme for the show this year is Mijwan – The Legacy which epitomises the continuing realisation of Kaifi Azmi, the legendary poet and father of Shabana. 
Actress Alia Bhatt left her fans stunned when she made her singing debut with Samjhawaan for Karan Johar’s Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania. 
Your character in the film is a huge fan of Kareena Kapoor. You have often been compared to her in real life, so would you consider yourself a fan?
Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania stars Bollywood’s new-kid-on-the-block Varun Dhawan, who made his successful debut with the breakthrough Dharma Productions film Student Of The Year along.Famed for playing the sentimentalist and also renowned for doing his own stunts, Varun is set yet again to show why he is one of Indian cinema’s rising stars in Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania. With charisma and acting talent in abundance, the young actor has already won awards, including the Star Gold and Lions Gold awards, and has been nominated for several ‘newcomer’ accolades. 
The opening weekend for 2 States has opened to double digits in India and has taken impressive opening at the UK BO too.
Arjun, fans usually get disappointed when their favourite book is turned into a movie. How do you think this film will come across to the die-hard fans of 2 States and to people who have not read the book?
Don’t you both feel that when the press is focused so much about the kiss and the trailer shows intimate scenes, it can put off family audiences, especially here in the UK?
