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LOVELEEN TANDAN
Co-Director & Casting Director of Slumdog Millionaire
Q) You worked as Casting Director in Films like Monsoon
Wedding, Vanity Fair, the Terminal, Brick Lane. Now
Director Danny Boyle's Slumdog Millionaire is in t he
line. How did you get into this film?
A) I was approached by Tabrez Noorani, the line producer of
SDM from LA, and he set up a meeting between me and the
producer of SDM, Christian Colson for casting the film.
They were familiar with my work and wanted me to get
involved. I loved the script…it reminded me of the fantastic
Salim –Javed characters from the 70's…and the fact that
Danny Boyle had agreed to direct it, made it a very
interesting prospect for me. I came on board within a day of
reading the script.
Q) Apart from spotting Freida Pinto & casting her in Slumdog
Millionaire, what makes casting for this film special?
A) It's the most unusual casting ever. I had the best time
looking for three characters (Jamal, Salim and Latika) in
three age groups…so 9 people play 3 parts and all with
almost equal screen time. So you see three 6 year old Bombay
slum kids grow into 12 year olds and then 18 year olds. We
found Dev Patel, the eldest Jamal, in London. Freida Pinto
and Madhur Mittal are the eldest versions of Latika and
Salim who we found right here in Mumbai…and I'm really proud
of their work in the film. And of the 9, two are real slum
kids and most of the others, are first timers in film. Apart
from these nine heroes of the script, I was thrilled to
bring on board some of the most amazing talent from our
industry – Anil Kapoor, Irrfan Khan, Mahesh Manjrekar,
Saurabh Shukla and Ankur Vikal. All greats…. and they've
made me look so good!
Q)In the Previous films you worked as Casting Director. How
did you get into Co-Directing in this Film?
A) I've never looked at Casting as a "career", the reason
why I don't do everything that comes my way…. I've always
seen it as a movement towards directing my own films.
Casting has allowed me to work with directors whose work I
admire, and to learn the most vital element of filmmaking –
working with actors. When I started casting Slumdog, I
suggested to Danny and Simon Beaufoy, the writer of Slumdog,
that it was important to do some of it in Hindi to bring the
film alive (One third of the film is in Hindi). They asked
me to pen the Hindi dialogues which I, of course, instantly
agreed to do. And as we drew closer to the shoot date, Danny
asked me to step in as the Co-Director. It was, and always
will be, the honor of a lifetime for me to work alongside a
visionary genius like Boyle.
Q) How did you select the lead characters of the film "Slumdog
Millionaire"? How was the experience?
A) It was a phenomenal experience! I started casting the
film in April 2007 and I think I must've been casting till
the last day of shoot early this year – that's the number of
characters in this film! But I have to say searching for the
three key players in three different age groups,
particularly at 6 and 12 years, was the most challenging
part. They had to feel alike in so many ways but more than
anything, in spirit.
Q) How Indian is "Slumdog Millionaire"?
A) For me, it's fully and totally Indian! It's set here,
it's about our world and it feels "apna". I think a lot of
it comes from the fact that Danny embraced the script in a
complete way. He wanted to tell the story as an insider. And
I think he has succeeded in a way that's inspiring to all of
us in the film world who fear doing anything outside our
familiar comfort zones.
Q) How was working with Danny Boyle in "Slumdog
Millionaire"?
A) Like I just said, working with Danny Boyle has been truly
inspiring. His energy is infectious and brings out the best
in everyone around him. I've had an amazing fortune of being
able to learn from a master. I sometimes feel like I'm the
off-screen "millionaire" to come out of Slumdog Millionaire
– I feel so enriched from this experience!
Producer should not
chase stars only
- Durga Prasad Majumdar
Durga prasad
Majumdar is famous name in film finance circle. The Banaras
born Musician trace his roots to many musical families of
U.P. He was the first to have his own digital Recording
Studio and became producer with his banner Aadi Shakti
Entertainment. In music world he is known as ‘King of
Pakhawaj’. A short interview with him.
Tell us something about yourself ?
I was born in Benares. I am oldest among 5 brothers and
sisters. From 1971 we are living in Mumbai. My father Dr.
Bhanu is a famous painter and flautist. I studied music from
Padmavibushan Pt. Kishan Maharaj. My younger brother Ronu is
a famous flautist.
You worked on tabla?
I worked for R. D. Burman who hired me from Alag Alag to
1942 A Love Story. I played the tabla for Laxmikant Pyarelal,
Ravindra Jain, Bappi Lahiri, Anand Milind and T Series for
devotional album. I gave music in the name of Durga Natraj
for film Gautam Govinda and Chaalbaaz. In Bhojpuri films for
Dulha Babu, Hamar Biyah Tohre Se Hoi, Bhaiya Rakhi Senura,
Abad and Narsahar. I prepared rhythm of first Imax fim of
India Matrix India.
What prompted you to start a Digital Studio?
The thought struck my mind when I and my brother were in US
to compose for an album. We noticed the effect was digital.
There and then I decided to introduce digital in Mumbai and
started Trio Digital Studio in 1995. Ronu, my brother Suresh
are partners in the venture. Recording of digital sound for
films Pardes, Taal etc. was done here.
What does it mean to win so many awards?
I am proud to be famous internationally. I still attend a
music class in Chicago since 1988 every year. I am the vice
principal of Sadhana Music School there. I won American
Award of Excellence, 'King of Pakhawaj' title from a music
journal, Mahakal Award and Malabar Award, Pandharpur Award.
Why did you take up financing?
I had curiosity in Bhojpuri films from the beginning. Many
recordings took place from my studio, so I was aware of the
difficulty of Bhojpuri producers. I started to finance from
film Bihoti Chuneri but was not going places. Then it
occurred to me to start Aadi Shakti Entertainments to
produce films. Nirahua Chalal Sasural was the first I
presented. After it I presented “Laagal Raha Aye Rajaji” I
felt I could do something for Bhojpuri cinegoers.
Which films is Aadi Shakti Entertainment involved in?
Ho Gain! Deewana Tohra Pyar Mein, Deewana, Shaherwali Jaan
Mareli, Wah Khiladi Wah, BA Pass Bahuriya and Pratigya.
As a financier what is your advice to producers?
Producers should not chase stars only. They should go for
good scripts, direction and good films. My request is they
should not be after set ups only because they can produce
stars. They should be product minded.
UPCOMING FILMMAKER :
Uday P. Singh
Debutant Director Uday P Singh is ready to make a mark in
Bollywood with his
 Dream
Project PIYA BAVARI . After assisting Sooraj Barjatya &
Vikram Bhatt he realised the magic of Script . Subsequently
he started writing the kind of film he wanted to Debute with
that is how PIYA BAVARI came in existence.While discussion
he opens up his heart.....!
Q. After completing Engineering why you got into Bollywood ?
A. Films have always been inspiration behind the kind of
person what I am today ,so its natural to get into Films.
Actually after losing my mother at the age of 4-5 yrs. I
started feeling lonely.In the mean time I came across
watching movies and the experienced the way to live the LIFE
in true sense.
Q. What was your father's reaction when you shifted yourself
from secured life in Engineerig to uncertain life in
Bollywood ?
A. Well,he got surprised but showed confidence in me by
saying " you are educated enough to think what is good & bad
for your career that is what inspired me to put my worth.
Q. How you can define your journey in Bollywood ?
A. It has been very enriching experience as far as
professional front is concerned .I have been fortunate to
work with Directors like Sooraj Barjatya and Vikram Bhatt.I
recently directed a short film LIVING ON EDGE that
participated in Buzz18 Pritish Nandy Short Film Festival and
couple of music videos.
Q. What is update about your Dream Project PIYA BAVARI ?
A. Casting is almost complete from my point of view and
looking forward an official announcement from the concerned
production house .
Q. Can you disclose your casting ?
A. Wait for the Right time.
Q. Why taking time in official announcement ?
A. It's a producer's take but I am very much concerned about
this and hope you will come to know in near future .
Q. Wish you and your team Gud Luck .
A. Thanks.
Lindsay
Lohan
Lindsay Lohan on her film,
Chapter 27,
with Jared Leto.
Researching Her Role in Chapter 27:
Chapter 27 follows the last few day s
in the life of Mark David Chapman, the man who murdered
music legend John Lennon. Lohan says to prepare for the role
she spoke to Lennon’s widow, Yoko Ono. “I actually sat down
with Yoko Ono a few times to talk to her about it. It’s a
very touchy subject, and no one wanted me to do the movie
that works with me just because John Lennon is a legend –
was - God rest his soul. I was actually really nervous going
into it because I did get death threats and everything. But
the director I believe in, and he’s a good friend of mine.
I saw half of the movie, no music or anything. I’ve never se en a movie like that, while he was editing it, and it really made
me nervous. But I love my character in the movie. She’s just
such a genuine fan of John Lennon and Yoko Ono in the film,
and she’s the light in the movie. She is like the Hitchcock
blonde, but I’m not blonde in it. She reminds me of that."
Lohan added, "Jarrett Schaeffer is a great director and he’s
doing a great job with it. Jared Leto did a great job. It
was interesting to me and I wanted to get the okay from Yoko
and Sean.”
Lindsay Lohan Shares Her Impression of Yoko Ono:
“I nearly died. I walked in; we were wearing almost the same
thing. I swear to God. We’re both wearing all black because
I was like I need to wear something that Yoko would
sanction. We went and had sushi and she was so sweet and
just amazing in the things that she had to say. …I just
think the things that she’s done are wonderful and John
Lennon’s music is very inspirational, as was hers. The
Ballad of John and Yoko is like my favorite song.”
Uday Pratap Singh
Director Uday Pratap Singh ,an alumni of RAJSHRI Productions
was recently in news for
his Short Film LIVING ON EDGE starring CHAK DE INDIA fame
Mohit Chauhan ,Soumya Rajput and Sumeet ,that entered in to
the Buzz 18 Pritish Nandy Communication Short Film
festival.He is all set to embark on his Dream project PIYA
BAVARI ,the details of which are being finalised. Here we
present the hilights of his interview...
Q.Can you brief the journey before entering into the Film
Industry .
A.Well ,at the age of 5 I lost my mother that forced me to
think and see the world with difference,at the same time my
father sacrifices guided me to creat my own identity.
Q.Then how and why you landed in Bollywood ?
A.Although I comleted my engineering I enjoy watching films
to quench my emotional thirst that inspired me to get into
Bollywood.
Q.You are very emotional ,have you been in love ?
A.Emotion is what I can relate with.There was a time when I
was in love with someone special and found love as a panacea
that empowers you to believe in yourself.If you want to
experience GOD then you must fall in unconditional Love.
Q.Oh...really ?
A.You must try to believe me.
Q.Tell me about your initial days in Bollywood.
A.From day one I went through really hard time but never
lost my focus remembering WHEN TIME GETS TOUGH ...TOUGH GETS
GOING and worked with Nadira Babbar ,Vikram Bhatt,Sooraj
Barjatya and realised ACTION SPEAKS LOUDER THAN WORDS.
Q.What about your Independent journey ?
A.I recently directed Short Film LIVING ON EDGE and couple
of music videos .
Q.Can you reveal the latest update of your upcoming film
PIYA BAVARI ?
A.Well ,I am completely engrossed in the pre production of
my debute film PIYA BAVARI .
I want to
become Kishor Kumar of Bhojpuri films-
Praveshlal Yadav
More than a dozen music albums of Pravesh Lal in the market
have created a craze for Pra vesh
Lal Yadav The Younger Brother of Bhojpuri Super Star
Dineshlal Yadav ‘ Nirahua ‘. This has also laid to offers
for acting to him. Chalani ke Chaalal Dulaha is the first
film of Pravesh Lal Yadav made under the joint banner of
Nirahua Entertainment and Sai Entertainment and directed by
Ajay Sinha. But, Pravesh Lal says that singing and music is
still his first love. This writer had a long chat with
Pravesh Lal in relation to his films and music albums.
Presented here are excerpts from that chatting?
How did you thought of acting while you were busy singing ?
- This did not happen overnight. I was getting offers for
more than a year but I was determined to make my slot as a
singer before jumping in the arena of acting. I also wanted
to learn the knitty-gritty of acting before facing the
camera.
Now that you have faced the camera, can you tell me
something about your learnings?
-  Barry
John's school has produced many big stars and me too learned
acting skills there. In addition to the tehniques of acting
I also learned dancing, fighting,action, swimming,
horse-riding, etc every skill required for acting. And only
after spending a year there I faced the camera.
Will your singing career take a back seat now due to your
acting career?
- Certainly not! I was a singer, am a singer and will remain
a singer! Had I failed in my singing no one would have
thought to launch me as a hero. So there is no question of
neglecting my singing. Both will run simultaneously.
How many Music Albums of yours have been produced?
- Nearly a dozen. Some of these are Video Albums too.
Jhunjhunvake Bhauji was my first music albu, after that came
Sato Bhavani ke Rath. Holi me Lagadal Nirahua, Navratri ke
Tyohar Aayee, Basaha Charhike Aeele Bhola, Aeel ba Sevakava
Duar, Devghar Aeel ba Nirahua, Maiya ke Mahima ba Nyari,
Maza Dei Nirahua Holi me, Har Har Bum Bum Bol ke,Dil Uda Le
Gayeel Dilruba, He Ambe Tera Pyar Chahiye, Ego Chumma Pe De
Deb Zaan and the latest alnum is Line Maarela Pravesh. Dil
Uda Le Gayeel Dilruba is a Quwali and I would like to
continuing experimenting in future too.
When will your latest album hit the markets?
- After the grand success of Ego Chumma Pe De Deb Zaan T
series asked me to prepare this new album Line Maarela
Pravesh which will hit the markets in October this year, the
Puza season. After that I am working on Bhojpuria Beta
Nirahua.
You are also doing playback singing in the films.
- Yes. I did three songs in Vidhaata, four in Chalani ke
Chaalal Dulaha which will be filmed on myself as a hero.
Will you tell somthing about Chalani Ke Chaalal Dulaha ?
- My role as a hero of the film is that of a misguided urban
youth who is send to his home village where he gets
reformed, marries a village girl and decides to stay put in
the village itself. My elder brother Dinesh Lal Nirahua
plays the role of my elder brother in the reel life too. The
shining point is that the film isbeing directed by Ajay
Sinha who directed the Bhojpuri Block Buster filme Sasura
Bada Paisa Wala. I am hopeful that some of his charm will
rub my career too in the right way.
So what is yuor ultimate aim?
- I want to become Kishor Kumar of Bhojpuri films!
Priyanka Chopra,
She reveals about fashion and
her future
Q) Many designers are entering
Bollywood today. Is that a healthy trend?
A) Yes , its good and healthy trend
according to me. Bollywood is getting more a nd
more popular today.
Q) Who do you think is the most
well dressed actors and actress?
A) Shahrukh Khan and Saif Ali Khan
are most well dressed actors among male and Kanganaa is the
most well dressed actress in female.
Q) What’s wrong with Bollywood
fashion?
A) May be because the term
Bollywood still conjuxes up images of skin tight churidars,
bright colours and bling.
Q) What does fashion mean to you?
A) Fashion to me is being
comfortable.
Q) Your most favourite accessories?
A) Actually, I’m not a big
accessory person.
Q) Weren’t you comfortable with the
golden swim suit?
A) I was comfortable with the
golden swim suit for Dostana.
Q) Do you agree that fashion today
means exposing ? The more you expose , the more fashionable
you are?
A) Today’s fashion statement is
related to contemporary times. I don’t agree that today a
model wants to expose to look fashionable at any cost. A
model wears the stuff that her designer gives her.
Q) Next after Fashion?
A) Dostana, Kamninay, What’s your
Rashee.
Q) Do you believe in Astrology?
A) Yes, I believe in astrology very
much and there is nothing wrong in it.
SAMIR SONI
He is one man who shines even in a small character Whether
it be Jassi, Baghbaan or Vi vah,
he has made his mark with his work, With Madhur Bhandarkar’s
Fashion, Samir Soni is now all set to hit the silver screen
once again, this time for his bold move to play a gay
designer without any qualms. With research as the key and
the temperament to be as authentic as possible without
offending or hurting any community unintentionally, Samir
Soni is clear that it is his histrionics that should talk. A
tete-a-tete with Samir Soni...
Why did you pick up a role that was rejected by many?
More so as it was a gay character….
I am an actor and any role that comes to me and is
challenging is exciting to me I loved the character that
director Madhur Bhandarkar offered me. The understanding was
clear. The gayness of the character would not override his
personality.
How did you design the look of the character…
It was a very interesting look for my character, Rahul Arora.
He would wear a mascara but would have a stubble. And we had
to draw that healthy balance.
How did you play the character? Was there any particular
person you looked up to for this character?
There was a lot of research that went into the role. Madhur
and I attended as many fashion shows as we could in Mumbai
and Delhi even during the shoot. The pre-show interaction of
the designer and the models and he post-show parties were
very important.
Some designers even allowed us to be there in the rehearsals
to see the relationship between the model and the designer.
Madhur is a stickler for accuracy and that was important.
Even during the shoot, leading ramp choreographers and
models -- someone or the other was always there Every detail
was taken care of. Authenticity was the focus. We do not
want to offend anyone.
Would the designers be themselves when they knew that you
were looking for cues to play one of them?
Well we were quite discreet and never let anyone know that
we were observing and later would exchange notes on how to
shape the character.
What was exciting about playing a gay designer?
It was exciting on several levels. Firstly I had never
played such character before and I don’t think anyone would
expect me to play it. Also, the charectar was so beautifully
etched out that it would be any actor’s dream. But most
importantly, the challenge of playing a gay designer
convincingly, without stereo typing it and hoping the masses
accept him and see beyond his sexual orientation. For the
latter I was lucky to have Madhur guidind me and at the same
time giving me the space to experiment.
He was a designer and just that his sexual orientation
happened to be different. I have friends who are gay and thy
talk of their boyfriends the same way I would talk about a
girlfriend. There is nothing different about them
otherwise. Mean, there are gays that you don’t know are
gays unless you were told. It was the essence of the
character that was exciting And you can say that I got more
than my share of compliments from the females and the males.
How was it working with Priyanka?
To quote her she’s “over worked and under-paid”. Jokes aside
she’s a fine actor and a very sensitive girl. Though, most
of the film I kept my distance, firstly because I’m
comfortable with that and secondly because I thought it
would help our scenes, since my charectar is this successful
fashion designer and she an up coming model. I wanted to
make that equation on screen come out strong. Whenever I saw
her I wanted to see a struggling model and the successful
actress that she is.
You are perceived as snobbish due to your introvertedness?
Yes I am an introvert and that’s the way I have always been
since childhood. From time to time I do make the effort to
be more outgoing and friendly but find it too exhausting and
just cant sustain it, more so at work. I keep a lot to
myself during shoots unless the scene requires otherwise.
Sometimes people do misunderstand that but unfortunately I
can’t help it. Also, I’d rather conserve my energy and give
a hundred percent to my work. I find it difficult to live
with myself if I’m unable to give it all whether it’s a
film, a play or a 30 second add.
How was it working with Madhur Bhandarkar?
Madhur is the warmest nicest guy I have met as a director. I
have never met a director who is so hassle free and easy
going, always open for suggestions. And I have never seen
him stressed or shout or anything on the set. He never says
pack up. He says vande mataram. That is his sign off
statement.
What next?
There is Sanjay Gupta’s Alibaug and an Englsh arthouse film
My Friend Dragonman. But for now, I am awaiting Fashion. I
think I have done a good job in this film and the critic in
me agrees too!
Rituparna Sengupta
Rituparna is a well-known name in the Bengali film industry
but she has been fightin g
for long to make her presence felt in the Bollywood.
Launched in Bollywood with an emotional comedy, Main Meri
Patni Aur Woh, Rituparna is now waiting for her forthcoming
features. She
shares few of her valuable moment with Rajnee Gupta
telling how she is expectant with each of her upcoming
projects.
* Do you still take yourself as an intruder in this
industry?
-. No. It’s how I used to feel previously but now the time
is quite changed and I am also quite easy with the industry.
Previously I had problems understanding the differences
between
Kolkata and Mumbai industries. Now I know that if I wish
to be a part of any film in this industry then I would have
to understand the industry first. So, I have set my mind in
that way only. But don’t take it otherwise. I have not
forgotten my Kolkata which is still my home. I am a brand
name over there and I want the same status here also.
* That means you want to be a brand name in Mumbai, too.
- Absolutely. People in Kolkata know me well for both
commercial and arty films. I want to attain the same status
here also. I think I can get it by a combination of my
approach towards both commercial films as well as art films.
I am trying my best.
* You did your first film in Hindi Main Meri Patni Aur Woh
almost four years back and still you are struggling for your
recognition. What do you think is the reason?
- I have chosen the right film. But it’s not my fault that
it didn’t work at the box office. Take for example, Gauri
The Unborn which is based on the contemporary topic of
abortion. It’s by R Mohan who made a hit like
Chandni Bar. But Gauri didn’t appeal the audience.
Besides a good production value the film had a star like
Atul Kulkarni but it failed miserably. You can also remember
Sirf which is a multistarrer with names like Manisha Koirala,
Kay Kay Menon, Nauhid Cyrusi, Ranvir Shorey, Sonali Kulkarni
and Parvin Dabas. Again I think that I chose a right film
but it didn’t work. I think I have to be doubly cautious in
choosing films.
* Don’t you ever think that despite being a National Award
winner, you are wasting your energy in striving for a good
role in Bollywood!
- No. I don’t think that I am wasting my energy but I surely
feel ba d
about that. Again, such thoughts stay for very short span of
time. I must be happy that despite belonging to some other
place, I am offered with so many films in this industry. I
understand that success is the aftermath of struggle and it
becomes ephemeral for people who get it easily.
* Most of your films show the problems with women. Is it
merely a co-incident?
- Even I don’t know it. Maybe my directors feel that I can
portray such characters better. And not even in Mumbai, the
Bengali movie, Trishna that I am doing now in Kolkata, is
also showing me portraying several shades. It’s a bit like
the John-Bipasha starrer Jism. My character in this film is
named as
Piyasha. Director thinks that only I can play that
character.
* How did you react on getting the film Trishna?
- I have already worked with this director but that
character was not such a bold one. My character in this film
demands both skin-show and acting ability. I am actually
little grey shaded in this film.
* Item songs are quite an easy way to get a place in
Bollywood. Why didn’t you try for any such number yet?
- Because no one has yet offered me with it. If offered,
I’ll definitely do item
songs. I don’t
think there is anything wrong in doing item songs.
* Have you marked any limit beyond which you won’t go for
any character?
- Yeah. I have drawn my own lines. I accept only those
characters that appeal me the most and can satisfy the actor
in me. I am not like other heroines who create tantrums with
things like on screen kissing or appearing in
bikinis. I think of honor in association with glamour.
Dimple Kapadia has gone through most skin-showy characters
but people still honor her.
* It’s very natural phenomena that audiences take actresses
like goddesses. Don’t you think that showing skin can hurt
their feelings?
- I don’t think so. But I am open to any kind of criticism
if they feel like. I think criticism is good because it
helps finding the faults in me.
* Which will be the recent release among your films?
- It’s Warner Brothers’ SRK which is directed by Ajay Verma.
It’s an emotional comedy. I am playing my best ever
character in this film. My character in this film is named
as Vidya who has to face few incidents for which she has
never been prepared. The film starts with comedy and after a
phase it turns into a serious film and again it touches the
comic mode. I am working with Vinay Pathak in this film.
Illaya Raja has given the
music for this film while
Gulzar has written the songs.
* What’s the expansion of SRK?
- That is a secret. I cannot tell you about that. Only the
film will reveal the secret.
* Tell us about your forthcoming films.
- Karan Rajdan’s ‘Mittal Versus Mittal’, Anjan Dutta’s
political thriller ‘BBD’, Shrinivas’ ‘Love Khichdi’, ‘Main
Osama’, ‘Saab Chai Pani’, ‘Paroksh’ and ‘Dard-E-Disco’ are
my forthcoming films. ‘Mittal Versus Mittal’ is based on
marital rape. ‘Love Khichdi’ and ‘Dard-E-Dosco’ are out and
out comedies. I am working as an airhostess in ‘Main Osama’
and in ‘Paroksh’ I am playing the character of an ambitious
corporate woman. Divya Dutta is also working in ‘Paroksh’.
Besides them I am also working in some Bengali films. Suman
Mukherjee’s ‘Chaturango’ is one of them. It’s based on a
novel by Rabindranath Tagore
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