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.
Red Chillies Entertainments Pvt Ltd and Rohit Shetty Productions are bringing Dilwale to UK cinemas on 18th December 2015.
Directed by Rohit Shetty, the film stars Kajol, Shah Rukh Khan, Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon, Varun Sharma, Johnny Lever, Boman Irani and Sanjay Mishra.
Check out the trailer here:
Rohit Shetty said, “The great response that we got from our association after Chennai Express, Mr. Khan and me wanted to gift our audience something special. Dilwale is not just an another film for me and my team but a soulful journey that’s being helmed by courageous hearts to create magic on screen.”
Shah Rukh Khan said, “Dilwale was a wonderful filmmaking experience and the results will show on screen. Never enjoyed myself more while shooting for a film, right from reuniting with Kajol after a long gap to shooting the heavy duty action sequences, it was all a delight. I’m glad to be sharing the trailer with you guys as it will give you a perfect taste of the fun family film that Rohit Shetty has made!”
Kajol said, “Dilwale is an extremely special film. Not only for what it offers but also because of the people I have worked with here. I had a great time working on the film most specially with Shah rukh and of course Rohit as well and I think everybody is gonna have a great time watching it as we had a great time making it.”
Varun Dhawan said, “I have always been a big Rohit shetty fan. But never did I expect to do a Rohit shetty film with Shah Rukh sir and kajol ma’am. They are amazing actors and to work with them is something no one has done in my generation. Dilwale is a coming together of all generations. It’s the biggest family film ever made in Indian cinema. And I feel lucky to be a part of it.”
Kriti Sanon said, “I feel blessed to have gotten such a big opportunity so soon in my career. Now that we have put up the first look, I can’t wait for Dilwale to release. It has been a great learning experience for me and I truly wish all our efforts are paid off upon the release of the movie.”
Dilwale is a family entertainer with a perfect blend of action, romance and comedy. The film is produced by Red Chillies Entertainments in association with Rohit Shetty Productions. The film will release in UK cinemas on 18th December, 2015. The music of the film is composed by Pritam.
Red Chillies Entertainments Pvt Ltd (RCE) headed by Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan is a company that is surging ahead in the global entertainment industry. Founded in 2002 as a film production house, RCE has branched itself into other spheres of production, starting from setting up a path breaking Special Effects studio, VFX, which brought Hollywood’s slick sophistication to Indian cinema.
Its latest venture Dilwale is a film directed by Rohit Shetty. For over a decade, Red Chillies Entertainments has witnessed success in several genres, from huge blockbusters like ‘Happy New Year’ ‘Chennai Express’, ‘Ra.One’, ‘My Name is Khan’, ‘Om Shanti Om’, ‘Main Hoon Na’, ‘Chalte Chalte’, ‘Asoka’ and ‘Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani’ to critically acclaimed films like ‘Billu’. In 2005 ‘Paheli’ was India’s official entry to the Oscars. Since its inception, the movies produced by Red Chillies have also won several popular and critical awards.
Famous YouTube blogger Superwoman (Lily Singh) is currently in India and met up with director Rohit Shetty and actor Varun Dhawan on the sets of their new film DILWALE in Mumbai
The film has an ensemble cast which includes Kajol, Shah Rukh Khan, Kriti Sanon, Varun Dhawan, Varun Sharma, Boman Irani, Vinod Khanna, Kabir Bedi, Sanjay Mishra, Johnny Lever, Chetna Pandey, Mukesh Tiwari and Murli Sharma.
Red Chillies Entertainments Pvt Ltd’s (RCE) and Rohit Shetty Productions’ DILWALE is slated to release this Christmas. A UK distributor has not been confirmed so far.
Red Chillies Entertainments Pvt Ltd’s (RCE) and Rohit Shetty Productions’ film Dilwale’s shoot kicked off yesterday in India.
Directed by Rohit Shetty, Dilwale has an ensemble cast which includes Kajol, Shah Rukh Khan, Kriti Sanon, Varun Dhawan, Varun Sharma, Boman Irani, Vinod Khanna, Kabir Bedi, Sanjay Mishra, Johnny Lever, Chetna Pandey, Mukesh Tiwari and Murli Sharma.
Directed by Rohit Rohit started the first day of the shoot with all boys brigade of the film; Varun (Dhawan), Varun (Sharma), Sanjay and Johnny. The rest of the cast will soon join the shoot.
Written by Sajid – Farhad, the film’s music has been given by Pritam and the cinematographer of the film is Dudley. The film is slated to release this Christmas. A UK distributor has not been announced yet. Here’s to another Rohit Shetty Style flick!
Bollywood’s chocolate hero Varun Dhawan made his Hindi film debut with Karan Johar’s last directorial Student Of The Year a few years ago in 2012. He has since starred in Main Tera Hero and Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania. Many may not know that Varun in fact studied at Nottingham Trent University before he joined the glamorous world of movies and was a pretty normal young lad, and to some extent still is.
The 27-year-old actor, son of prominent film-maker Dawid Dhawan (Raja Babu, Biwi No.1, Mujhse Shaadi Karoge), managed to charm audiences worldwide with his boyish smile and his energetic funky dance moves. Varun was also lauded for his acting skills and was the only actor from his debut film to receive a special Tweet from Mr. Amitabh Bachchan, who called his acting in the film ‘exceptional’.
It is no wonder then that the young actor is experimenting with his roles and not playing it safe by only acting in rom-coms in order to expand his fan base, which young actors tend to do.
Dhawan returns to UK cinema screens this month with the dark noir-drama Badlapur, releasing nationwide on 20th February 2015. Some may call it a risky film for the actor do to so early in his career.
Excited and nervous at the same time about his next project, the actor opened up to our Bollywood correspondent Sunny Malik and talked about the much-awaited film and much more…
How do you look back on last year? It was amazing. I feel it has been a very long year too because it started with Main Tera Hero. It was my second film and I was really scared and nervous. Then going into a film like Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania was different. I just feel a better connection with the audience now. I just don’t want to let them down.
As you made your debut with Sidharth Malhotra and Alia Bhatt in 2012, there are always comparisons with the two regarding film choices, box office collections etc. How do you deal with that? I just find it really silly that directors, producers and actors are compared. There is no reason to compare us because we all work in a very creative field. I don’t feel it is correct to compare us to others. I am not really bothered when I am compared with someone else. I don’t take it very seriously. What I take seriously is criticism towards my work. I hear that and it inspires me to do better.
Badlapur is a risky film for you… Many people did say that. At the end of the day, I try to hear the audiences’ voice. I signed Badlapur after my debut film Student Of The Year. After my first film released, there was a certain section of audiences that were saying that it was a children’s film and that these actors have baby faces. I was told that I sound like a child. In a way, I took that criticism and heard what the audience wants. Badlapur is not your regular Hindi film. I can guarantee you that we have filmed things that you would not have seen in Hindi cinema before. We have been true to the film and the genre. Whether the film is good or bad, the audience has to decide that. We have not held up our punches back. We’ve gone for it.
There were reports that you were depressed while you were making the film… Yes, I was to a certain degree. I was not clinically declared depressed but I was heading there. I was to a certain degree very sad. I don’t want to use the term ‘depression’ loosely because it is a serious illness. It definitely did affect my mental health. I was prescribed and did see a doctor for it as well. It took a toll on me. Maybe because I am young and I saw things I haven’t seen before. Maybe that is why it hit me harder than it would someone of an older age.
Deepika Padukone also recently opened up about her battling depression… At the end of the day, it’s all about your emotions. Regular people go through something like this too. But they have a perception in their head that actors are super humans. It becomes very aspirational in our country. I don’t think it should happen. They should know that we get affected as well. We do bleed when we get cut. I always say that I want my fans to see me as their friend. I openly talk about these things because I want my audiences to connect with me.
Badlapur was earlier supposed to be produced by Saif Ali Khan’s production house, Illuminati Films… It was completely irrelevant to me because when I signed on to do the film, I signed onto Sriram Raghavan. Dinesh Vijan is creatively a very intelligent producer. I have got to know him better during the making of the film. I was only concerned with the fact that I want to work with Sriram Raghavan, someone I respect. I didn’t care about the other aspects.
Kissing scenes get a good share of media and audience attention. Do you believe that is why producers or directors include them in their films even if they are not needed? I guess so. I wouldn’t deny that this doesn’t happen. I don’t actually understand what the big deal is really. Film makers give the audience what they want. I feel that it is better if one doesn’t make much noise about it whether it’s the media, the actors or the film makers. Everyone is responsible. I am not going to point out one person. If you are in love, then kissing is a natural thing.
I remember you were quite shy when doing intimate scenes for Main Tera Hero because your father was directing the film… Main Tera Hero was different ballgame because my Dad was directing it. It was also a comedy. Whereas Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania was a love story and it was different. When it comes to Badlapur, it’s been the most comfortable. There is a very huge emotional base between Yaami Gautam and my character because we play husband-wife on-screen. That is a very pure relationship. Yaami and I also struck a chord as actors. We both were very comfortable with each other. It was a lot of fun shooting with her. However, I don’t know why it’s a big deal that I kissed Divya Dutta in the film. We did the scene as actors and professionals. I hope the audiences don’t just take away that from the film. I am sure they will not. I am confident but in a nervous way (laughs).
You launched the audio track of Jee Karda almost three months before the release of the film on Bigg Boss 8. Was it important to create awareness in advance because Badlapur is a different film? We had just launched the audio track of Jee Karda because everyone liked the beat in the trailer. It was mainly because of demand. I hardly even danced on Bigg Boss. We didn’t really promote it or publicised it much. We released the video much later.
Dinesh Vijan, the producer of the film, is very involved in the music of his movies. What is your take on the music? When we started the film, I told Dinesh that I hope the music is good because he is known for selecting good tracks. Dinesh told me that he will make sure that the soundtrack of Badlapur will be considered my best soundtrack yet. Jee Karda has been received really well. Atif Aslam’s Jeena is a gem. There is also a track by Arijit Singh called Judaai, which I am excited about. I am very happy.
There are rumours that you have sung an unplugged version of Jee Karda… (Laughs) No, No. The pictures of me in the studio were posted online and everyone thought that I was singing. I was actually just there to hum. I was required to do that. I do sing like every other normal person. When I sing, people laugh at me (laughs).
You also recently filmed in Las Vegas for ABCD2, which was your first outdoor shoot in the US. How was that experience for you? We are working with an amazing crew along with many talented dancers from India who are in the film. We have become a group, a big family actually. Las Vegas as very good. My Mom joined me and we just had a really good time.
Recent rumours suggest that you are finally doing a movie with Parineeti Chopra… That is, unfortunately, a rumour. I am currently only working on ABCD 2. Badlapur is up for release. I will also be starting my brother Rohit Dhawan’s next directorial. That’s about it at the moment. I also don’t want to do too many films. I don’t have dates to do more films at the moment. There were some news reports that I was doing about new eight or nine films. How is that even possible? I shoot one movie at a time. At least I try that. I am coming out with two movies a year and I believe that is pretty decent.
Badlapur is released in UK cinemas on 20th February 2015.
( A version of this article was published in Asian Sunday Newspaper on 8th February 2015.)
Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone has pledged to create awareness about depression, anxiety and mental health this year. The 29-year-old star decided to do so after experiencing the same last year and also recently spoke out in detail about battling depression and receiving treatment for it, which she says helped her get back on track.
Now young actor Varun Dhawan opened up to UK Bollywood journalist Sunny Malik about being depressed during the making of his forthcoming release, Badlapur.
When asked whether the Main Tera Hero actor was depressed while making the dark noir-drama, Dhawan said, ” I was depressed. I was not clinically declared depressed but I was heading there. I was very sad to a certain degree. I don’t want to use the term ‘depression’ loosely because it’s a serious illness. It definitely effected my mental health. I was prescribed and did see a Doctor for it as well.”
Speaking about what triggered feelings of depression in him, the actor said, “I don’t know. But maybe because I am young and I had not seen the things I got to see during the making of Badlapur. I think, that is why it hit me harder than it would affect a person older than me.”
Varun also said that people have a perception that these things don’t happen to stars. “They should know that we are also normal people.”
Varun Dhawan will next be seen in Badlapur, releasing worldwide and in UK cinemas on 20th February through Eros International.
There is no denying the fact that Varun Dhawan’s popularity has been on the rise for a while now.
Over the past one year Varun has proved there is more to him just good looks. The actor has a huge fan following because he has been able to connect with them. His humble nature and wit have added to his appeal.
Everyone knows that Varun is a sports enthusiast that’s why it comes as no surprise that he has been chosen as the brand ambassador for FC Goa. Incidentally, the co-owner of the Goa team is Virat Kohli. The perks of being the brand ambassador of FC Goa is that Varun got to meet Robert Pires recently.
Varun is currently working on ABCD 2 with Shraddha Kapoor.
As Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhaniya gallops towards 80 crores, we’ve heard that the young, talented Varun Dhawan has fast become a much in demand star! Sources tell us, that, after wrapping up the intense thriller from Sriram Raghavan, Badlapur, and the dance drama ABCD 2, Varun will act in, Rohit Dhawan’s forthcoming film. And the ace in his kitty, is giving a nod to a film with Mohit Suri, the 100 crore hit maker.
In each of his films, Varun has successfully shown a new side of his acting skills. Having won over teenage hearts with his debut in Student of the Year, Varun proved his grasp over comedy with Main Tera Hero, and further showed his ability to emote in Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhaniya. In his own words, ‘Badlapur is challenging me like no other film, it makes me learn a lot’. He calls ABCD 2 his ‘rehab’, because this nimble-footed actor loves to dance!
Now, he will get to showcase more of his acting skills, and his ability to deliver more successful films, Between all his films, though, we just hope the superbusy star gets some time for himself!
Bollywood star Parineeti Chopra spoke to BollyNewsUK ahead of walking the ramp for Manish Malhotra’s show in London last month.
You studied in Manchester before joining the film industry in Mumbai. How were your days here? (Laughs) I still miss my days here. I love what I do right now; acting. My university days were just really special. The time I spent here was my first interim independent life experience, which I really loved. I was lucky enough to be in a great city. Manchester is very student friendly and I every time I come back, I have to go there because I have great memories of the place.
Did you have to keep it a secret that you are related to a well-known Bollywood star (Priyanka Chopra)? All my close friends knew that I am related to Priyanka because I showed it off proudly. At least all mt best friends at University always knew it. There was not any problem. But yes, it did spread after a while and people would ask me questions about her. However, when I come back here now, it’s very different because they used to say that my sister (cousin) is an actress and today I am an actress. It’s very different but still exciting.
You are in London to walk the ramp at Manish Malhotra’s charity fundraiser for The Angeli Foundation. How did that come about? I am one of the few lucky actresses to be associated with Manish Malhotra. I have walked for him thrice, in three different shows, in Dubai, Delhi and Mumbai. I am also associated with the Mijwan foundation in India, which also helps the girl child. Malnutrition and girl children are two causes that I am associated with, in India. When The Angeli Foundation show happened, Manish called me for it. I did not have to think about it because it is a cause I completely support and a designer I know and always works for good causes. It was also in a city that I love (laughs). I decided that I have to be here.
Are nervous to walk the ramp in London? No, I am not nervous (laughs). I am very excited. I never thought I will come back here for work. I never thought I will be recognised here. It is winter and I am wrapped up, but still there were a few people who recognised me. Last time, when I came to London in summer, it was just surprised that so many people recognised me. I used to walk these same streets four years ago in a very different world and frame of mind. Today it’s very different but positive. I thank God for that. I was living here alone and whenever I came to London it was with my friends or family. I did everything without thinking. Today, there are certain places I have to think twice about, before visiting. I have to always think about how I am dressed. But if these things would not happen, I would be very depressed. As an actor, you look for recognition. If I would not be recognised, I would be very depressed.
Ishaqzaade did not release in the UK. Were you disappointed? Of course, you should ask YRF why they did not release it here (laughs).
An international cut was to be released in the overseas market. It has not happened so far. What is the update on that? Frankly, I am not in a position to say what is happening with the international cut. I am aware that there was supposed to be a second release. However, with newcomers like Arjun and I, it was a huge risk to release it in the overseas market even though it was a big budget film in the same week of release as India. Hence, Aditya Chopra, Avtar ( YRF – International) and the international distribution team decided not to release it here. Why the international cut has not come out, only the international distribution team will be able to tell you (laughs). If I think selfishly, only as an actor, I would have loved it to release everywhere. The film has done extremely well in India and people abroad have managed to see it either on DVD or legally online, which is great. If there have been releases with newcomers after that, they had more confidence to release them abroad. I think, Ishaqzaade started that and I am very proud of the fact (laughs). I hope the international cut is released very soon.
The title of your next film with Sidharth Malhotra is quite fun and unique; Hasee Toh Phasee (If she smiles, she is mine) (Laughs) Yes. They are talking about me obviously.
It should be the other way around because you have a lovely smile. (Laughs) So it should be him when I smile. I think, I’ll be doing that in the film (laughs). I think, titles always need to create interest because that is the only thing out there before anything else. Everybody is saying good things about it and it fits into the film really well. I wish I could tell you more about the film but I am not allowed.
What other films are you currently doing besides Hasee Toh Phasee? I have a three film deal with Yash Raj Films. I am currently shooting the third film, directed by Maneesh Sharma with Sushant Singh Rajput. His film Kai Po Che just released. I am shooting for the film immediately when I go back to India. I start Hassee Toh Phasee in mid-April and finish it in in July or August. I then start Shaad Ali’s film in August. There are two more films that are locked but I can’t talk about.
The film directed by Shaad Ali is with Ali Zafar right? Yes, Ali Zafar plays the second lead but I am paired opposite Ranveer Singh. There will be two guys and me (smiles).
You turned down a film with Akshay Kumar.. Yes, that film was offered to me but it was not a script I wanted to be a part of. It was not something I wanted to do because there was not much to do for the girl. I want to work with Akshay one day because he is also one of my favourite actors. I will work with him one day.
Your cousin sister Priyanka Chopra has made her foray into music as a recording artist. I saw a video of yours singing a song from Ishaqzaade. Is singing something you want to pursue later on in your career? You know, sometimes I love singing more than acting. I have been singing since I was three. She came into the music world in a big way. If I get an offer like hers, if that ever happens to me, I would definitely take it up. I would love to playback for myself one day. Singing is my passion.
Ekta Kapoor is bringing the father-son duo David Dhawan and Varun Dhawan together for a new project – the Hindi remake of Telugu hit Kandireega.
“I am doing a film with Balaji Motion Pictures, for which work has already begun,” Varun told IANS, without revealing any more about the project.
A teaser of the new movie was floated online on Monday. It featured an actor with back to the camera, and holding a poster reading: “Mafia Don Kidnaps Girl!”.
“The film is a remake of Telugu film Kandireega,” Girish Johar, head of acquisition and distribution, Balaji Motion Pictures, said. “We are remaking it with Varun under his father’s shadow,” added Johar.
Varun made his Bollywood debut in Karan Johar’s Student Of The Year, released in 2012. He earned rave reviews for his fluid expressions and flexible dancing ability.
Karan Johar’s last directorial venture, My Name is Khan, went on to become the biggest blockbuster overseas of all times. Now, Johar is currently busy with preparations for his next film titled Student of the Year. Dharma Productions released the first look of the film earlier this year in January, at a time when the script of the film was not even finalized. The film stars three debutantes Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan and Siddharth Malhotra in leading roles. Karan went on several trips to London and New York to write the script of his new film. However, Karan was facing writers block, and revealed to a tabloid: “I wrote one page and it ended there as three different ideas came into my head. I couldn’t write any more as I am confused now as to which idea I should develop for my next film.”
Rensil D’Silva, who directed the Saif-Kareena starrer Kurbaan for Johar’s company, then came on board to bring more creativity to the script. According to a source close to the production, the film will primarily be shot in India. But there might also be a schedule at a European resort.
The stars of the film have been trying to keep a low profile since SOTY was announced. Alia Bhatt, daughter of Mahesh Bhatt who has just finished school has already been linked to Varun Dhawan, son of veteran director Dawid Dhawan. Alia was introduced to Johar by Niranjan Iyengar, who has written dialogues and lyrics for Johar in the past. Iyengar described Alia as “a star waiting to happen.”
Varun and Siddharth Malhotra assisted Johar in My Name is Khan. Siddharth was an ambitious model from Delhi and somehow made his way into Dharma Productions. While Varun was recently holidaying while his brother shot his debut film Desi Boyz in London, there is not much known about what Siddharth is up to these days.
Karan Johar wanted to direct a fun film after MNIK, which was “emotionally exhausting” for him, and SOTY being a musical is the perfect choice. The first schedule of the film starts on the 16th of August 2011 with a lip-sync wedding song. The Kuch Kuch Hota Hai director was quoted saying, “if I am nervous I wonder what the 3 first timers are feeling?”
I certainly can’t wait for this one to come out on the big screen and for the actors to come to London to promote the film.
Bollywood’s chocolate hero Varun Dhawan made his Hindi film debut with Karan Johar’s last directorial Student Of The Year a few years ago in 2012. He has since starred in Main Tera Hero and Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania. Many may not know that Varun in fact studied at Nottingham Trent University before he joined the glamorous world of movies and was a pretty normal young lad, and to some extent still is. 
As you made your debut with Sidharth Malhotra and Alia Bhatt in 2012, there are always comparisons with the two regarding film choices, box office collections etc. How do you deal with that?
Deepika Padukone also recently opened up about her battling depression…
You launched the audio track of Jee Karda almost three months before the release of the film on Bigg Boss 8. Was it important to create awareness in advance because Badlapur is a different film?
You also recently filmed in Las Vegas for ABCD2, which was your first outdoor shoot in the US. How was that experience for you?
Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone has pledged to create awareness about depression, anxiety and mental health this year. The 29-year-old star decided to do so after experiencing the same last year and also recently spoke out in detail about battling depression and receiving treatment for it, which she says helped her get back on track.
Bollywood star Parineeti Chopra spoke to BollyNewsUK ahead of walking the ramp for Manish Malhotra’s show in London last month.
Are nervous to walk the ramp in London?
It should be the other way around because you have a lovely smile.
Ekta Kapoor is bringing the father-son duo David Dhawan and Varun Dhawan together for a new project – the Hindi remake of Telugu hit Kandireega.
Karan Johar’s last directorial venture, My Name is Khan, went on to become the biggest blockbuster overseas of all times. Now, Johar is currently busy with preparations for his next film titled Student of the Year. Dharma Productions released the first look of the film earlier this year in January, at a time when the script of the film was not even finalized. The film stars three debutantes Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan and Siddharth Malhotra in leading roles. Karan went on several trips to London and New York to write the script of his new film. However, Karan was facing writers block, and revealed to a tabloid: “I wrote one page and it ended there as three different ideas came into my head. I couldn’t write any more as I am confused now as to which idea I should develop for my next film.”
Karan Johar wanted to direct a fun film after MNIK, which was “emotionally exhausting” for him, and SOTY being a musical is the perfect choice. The first schedule of the film starts on the 16th of August 2011 with a lip-sync wedding song. The Kuch Kuch Hota Hai director was quoted saying, “if I am nervous I wonder what the 3 first timers are feeling?”