From acting in itsy-bitsy roles in tele-serials like Diya Aur Baati,Sasural Simar Ka,Saathiya Saath Nibhaana,Pavitra Rishta,Pavitra Bandhan,Saavdhaan India, Crime Patrol,CID,Doli Armanon Ki and lots of others, Vikram Singh Gurjar thought of turning a producer and he dared to make a film GHANTA CHORI HO GAYA which is all set for release on June 9th all over. Ayyer Mohan of COMPLETE CINEMA spoke to the daring actor-producer Vikram Singh Gurjar on 17th May at Q Labs wjhere he was involved in the last stages of the post-production work of the film. Excerpts.

How did you get inspired to turn a producer and also how you managed to make your own team of mostly new actors and  technicians ?

I hail from Indore and I am also the President of Dev Narayan Temple, Indore. The subject of the film GHANTA CHORI HO GAYA surrounded around a temple priest and also the Temple Bell which gets stolen twice which interested me a lot. There were many other subjects in my mind but I was stuck to this one which was brought to me by the director Nirbhay Singh Chaudhary. He also had his own team ready with actors and technicians. I took immediate decision to make this film and since I hail from Indore, I chose the locales for the film from Indore itself as I am very familiar to the place and I could get the locales to shoot the film very easily. I wanted hassle free shooting from Day 1 and luckily everybody cooperated with me to their fullest.I am very thrilled to see the first digital print of the film which has come out after a two-month post-production work which has been handled brilliantly by Shashikant Mena.

How are you planning to release the film GHANTA CHORI HO GAYA ?

I am in talking stages with few well known distributers and I want to release the film in at least 200 cinemas all over India.I am going to Indore for a week’s time and will be inviting several wellknown people from Indore to attend the First Look of the film on 20th May at Aasind,Bhilwara district during the Gurjar Samaj Maha Aadiveshan where over a lakh of people will be attending. Sachin Pilot will be the chief guest during this very big event.Then I will show the film to the media people in Mumbai also during the last week May in Mumbai. I am not overspending in the publicity as I feel it is a complete wastage of money.

What experiences you have gained during the making of the film ?

I was misguided by some of my own people as I was new but once I set my foot in Mumbai and came in touch with Shashikant Mena, thanks to the bosses of Q Labs, I met the right people since the last three to four months. Shashikant Mena has very managed to make the film more crisper than before by bringing down the length to 2 hrs. 17 mts from 2 hrs. 40 mts. He has a 20-year experience behind him, having worked with Nimbus, Ultra,B.N. Tiwari and several production houses.The contribution of Shashikant Mena is the biggest in this film. Also, I found many good-hearted persons from the film industry sitting at Q Labs and finally I have managed to come near the release date of the film. Hopefully, by the Grace of God, I think I will stay for a long time in the film industry and make many more films. I have already planned my next whch will be a comedy  fare titled BHOLA MOHABBAT TOUCH KAR GAYA. Again, I will be shooting the entire film in Indore locales.

What’s more in the pipeline ?

I am planning to produce  a long running tele-serial BHAGWAN SHRI DEV NARAYANJEE for Doordarshan and also a mammoth serial on the scale of MAHABHARAT which is titled BHAGDAWAT BHARAT which will be made on a multi-crore budget. But as of now, I am focussing completey in the release strategy of GHANTA CHORI HO GAYA which I feel will make everyone watching the film in the cinema halls come out happily and contented as I have made a very clean family drama with a daringly different story line, untouched before by Bollywood film makers.

रंगमंच, टेलीविजन व फिल्म के समर्थ कलाकार पवन राजपूत अभी ऊँची उड़ान पर हैं। ग्वालियर पूत पवन सिंह राजपूत सम्प्रति विक्रम भट्ट के वेब सीरिज स्पाटलाईट में काम कर रहे हैं। पवन से इस सीरिज को लेकर हुई बातचीत के अंश :
●  छोटे-बड़े पर्दे पर काम करने के बाद अचानक ये पर्दे के पीछे जाकर काम करने का क्या अर्थ ?
—– जिसे आप पीछे कह.रहे हैं, वही आज हर जगह आगे है। कंप्यूटर आज टेबल से उछलकर पाकेट मेंआ गया है। अब तो फिल्में मोबाईल पर देखी जाने लगी हैं,टीवी धारावाहिक तक लोग घूमते-फिरते देख रहे हैं।अब वेब का ज़माना है।
● ठीक है, पर, ये सब आफर कैसे मिला ?
—– मैंने कुछ टीवी सीरियल्स में भी काम किया है। ज़ी टीवी पर चल रहे कुमकुम भाग्य में काम किया। उसके बाद  ये रिश्ता क्या कहलाता है तथा बड़ी दूर से आए हैं इत्यादि मेंभी काम किया था। इसी पता चला, विक्रम भट्ट एक वेब सीरिज बनाने जा रहे हैं। मैंने भी अप्रोच किया और मेरा चयन हो गया। यही नहीं, वायकाम 18 के एक वेब शो के लिए भी मैं सेलेक्ट हो गया हूँ।

● फिर तो बस वेब स्टार बन के रहना पड़ेगा ?
—– बिल्कुल नहीं, रास्ता सबके लिए खुला है। वेब पर तो अब बड़े-बड़े स्टार काम कर रहे हैं। फिल्म, सीरियल दोनों में काम जारी रहेगा।
● कितनी फिल्में की हैं ?
……… शुरूआत “बीहड़”  से हुई। इसमें एक खबरी की नकारात्मक भूमिका थी। उसके बाद निर्माता विकास कुमार की भोजपुरी फिल्म “बेटा” में काम किया । पूर्वांचल टॉकीज के बैनर तले बनी इस फिल्म में दिनेशजी(निरहुआ)  के साथ सेकंड लीड थी ।

● और टीवी चैनलों पर ?
—– ज़ी टीवी पर “कुमकम भाग्य” में पहला मौका मिला। उसके बाद  ” ये रिश्ता क्या कहलाता है ‘ , “बड़ी दूर से आए हैं’ इत्यादि में काम किया।
● विक्रम भट्ट को फिल्म में काम करने के लिए अप्रोच किया ?
—– अभी वैसा मौका नहीं आया है,। पर, विक्रम भट्ट के कैम्प से जुड़ना भी सौभाय की बात है

Chandrakanth has made a feature film in Konkani language which is titled ME N MY BABY which is based on the theme of women empowerment and Save The Girl Child Theory. Mohan Ayyer had a brief chat with him. Excerpts.

What inspired you to make the film ME N MY BABY ?

The sole Inspiration to make this film “Me N My Baby” is Mr.Mahesh Savani, Head of PP Savani Group (Diamond Merchant), who has adopted 472 girls throughout the State of Gujarat and monetarily helped these fatherless girls to get married. When everyone was criticizing the entire state governments on social media that they have rewarded every Olympic Player(2016) in lakhs of rupees but no one came forward to help the families of Uri Martyred Army Personnel’s, only one person came ahead and met the whole families of Uri attack jawans personally, helped them monetarily and took the responsibilities of their children education is Mahesh Savani (PP Savani Group). He is like my big brother and I would like to thank him for his strong support throughout the tenure of this entire project. Apart from it I would like to thank my brothers P.Prashanth and P.Srikanth who really supported me at each and every step for making this project a reality, and they seriously considered the research that i have done on the declining sex ratio in Goa and as well as throughout India. My best wishes for these three persons who really inspired me to make this feature film.

What were the experiences you encountered while making the film ME N MY BABY ?

The experiences were really in a differentiating manner. If i would take the shooting part of the film, would like to thank Damodar G.Naik (Ex- Vice chairman, Entertainment Society of Goa), Sanjeev Dalvi (Director, Health Services, Government of Goa) and the staff of Entertainment Society of Goa alongwith Government of Goa for providing me their total support for the noble cause. I enjoyed a lot throughout the shoot along with my crew and Goa being a favorite destination for the film shoot. Being a Goan ,i got the chance to shoot at some beautiful locations which have not been explored so far. If i would take the sponsorship part of this film, unfortunately which is the saddest part of this entire project. My own banks(with whom I bank with, and has given lot of business) are nationalized banks has shown least interest in the subject and were really concerned about the commercial returns with respect to the sponsorship. They never tried to understand the seriousness of the ongoing “Save the Girl Child” Issue and the concerns of the Central & State Governments regarding the declining Sex Ratio. At this stage i cant reveal the names of those banks due to some circumstances.

What are the plans to release the film ?

This film was a proper nomination for the forthcoming International Film Festival of India, 2016 at Goa under the category of Indian Panorama but unfortunately has not been selected for the reasons best known to the members of Jury and Directorate of Film Festivals. We are planning for its commercial release in the month of January 2017 with the help of Ministry of Women and Child Development and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting as well.

Is the film sub-titled in English language ?

The film has been subtitled professionally in English for the various National and International audience. However we do have the plans to dub in Hindi so that it can reach every corner of India under the PAN India concept for raising awareness regarding the Save the Girl Child.

What are your plans for your next film? Will you make a Bollywood film this time?

Since my roots are from Bollywood, where in I have started my professional career from the TV Serial Balika Vadhu as an Assistant Director. My absolute concentration is in Bollywood where in i am coming up with some creative scripts for the cent percent amusement of audience with respect to their Entertainment. My upcoming Hindi project is a amalgam of both Pre and Post Independence subject wherein i have included typical experience a UK return girl in India. Being a Writer Director, i am sure that it would stand as a strong nomination for the next National Award Category.

How big is the Konkani film market ?

Konkani language is one of the best languages of India and deserves to be promoted from each and every angle. Although Goa is considered to be a small State but the Konkani Cinema has brighter prospects at National and International level. Since the Goans are spread throughout India and particularly if we speak about Europe, Portuguese is the best destination and if we speak about Middle East, Dubai is considered to be favorite destination for the Konkani Cinema. We do have plans to screen the film in Dubai and Portuguese as well so that the Goans staying over there will be having a comfort to taste the Konkan touch.

Purple Pebble Pictures all set to release “VENTILATOR” on 4^th of November. Many big names of industry are associated with this film….One of those is Beautiful Actress turned producer KunickaaSadanand. Here are excerpts from the conversation…

1. Priyanka Chopra’s 1st Marathi Production “VENTILATOR” is releasing… Many big names of industry are associated with the film and One of those is you… you are associate producer for the film… & now the film is releasing… How is the feeling?

–          The journey was full of learning’s. I met many talented and wonderful people in this journey. Great experience working with Rajesh Sir, Director of the film. It was a tough task shooting in the hospital with a huge cast. But all went well & now we are at the last stage of it. It just feels amazing.

2. We have seen Priyanka as an Actress & now she is entering Marathi Film Industry as a Producer : What you think is better Priyanka Chopra as an actress or Priyanka Chopra as a producer?

– I don’t think there should be any either or… If you are part of Film industry…it’s very important to know the craft completely. I think Priyanka will be a great producer because she is an actress. She knows one side of it & now she is learning the other side. I feel every actor should learn this aspect.

3. Is purple pebble pictures planning to do another Marathi Movie?

– Off course. I am sure, Purple Pebble Pictures… especially Priyanka has this ambition to make films in regional languages & let people see the culture of different Regions in India. If a good script in Marathi comes across…will definitely do a Marathi film too. Now we are doing Punjabi, we have done Bhojpuri, even the Marathi Film “VENTILATOR”which is releasing now. And we are looking at other scripts…if something worth it…Purple Pebble Pictures will surely make it. It just has to be something different just like VENTILATOR.

4. We loved you as an Actress…can we expect you again on Screen? Or now you only will work behind the camera?

– Yes definitely, I would love to act again. At this moment I only can do Cameos as I am occupied with other two projects. Ventilator is releasing… we have to complete our Punjabi Film & even we are working on one more project. So, between all this if I could manage… would love to do something interesting which will match my caliber. Our film industry is growing… & I definitely want to be a part of it.

मेहमूद अली एक लेखक, फिल्म वितरक के साथ ही साथ निर्माता भी हैं, फिल्मी संसार में एक जाना-माना नाम जिनका काम और नाम ही काफी है. फिल्म सोल (आत्म) के जरिये फिल्म निर्देशन में भी उतर चुके हैं. इनकी पेन एन कैमरा इन्टरनेशनल कम्पनी फिल्म निर्माण के क्षेत्र में बड़ी कम्पनियों में शामिल है. कई मुश्किलों और मिन्नतों के बाद उन्होंने अपना समय दिया अपने साक्षात्कार के लिए. पिछले दिनों इनसे छोटी सी एक मुलाकात हुई जिनमें कई बातें हुई, पेश हैं कुछ बातें…

कामयाबी मेहनत से मिलती है, सपना देखकर नहीं – मेहमूद अली

मेहमूद अली एक लेखक, फिल्म वितरक के साथ ही साथ निर्माता भी हैं, फिल्मी संसार में एक जाना-माना नाम जिनका काम और नाम ही काफी है. फिल्म सोल (आत्म) के जरिये फिल्म निर्देशन में भी उतर चुके हैं. इनकी पेन एन कैमरा इन्टरनेशनल कम्पनी फिल्म निर्माण के क्षेत्र में बड़ी कम्पनियों में शामिल है. कई मुश्किलों और मिन्नतों के बाद उन्होंने अपना समय दिया अपने साक्षात्कार के लिए. पिछले दिनों इनसे छोटी सी एक मुलाकात हुई जिनमें कई बातें हुई, पेश हैं कुछ बातें…

लेखक – निर्माता – निर्देशक और वितरक मेहमूद अली

लेखक – निर्माता – निर्देशक और वितरक मेहमूद अली

लेखक  – मेहमूद जी, कहाँ हो आप आजकल ?

मेहमूद अली –  बिहाईंड सोल, यू नो दिस इज़ माई ड्रीम प्रोजेक्ट.

लेखक  – सोल काफी चर्चा में हैं, कब रिलीज़ हो रही है ?

मेहमूद अली –  वर्क इन प्रोग्रेस, अक्टुबर आई अनॉउस रिलीज़ डेट. जब फिल्म का काम पूरा हो जायेगा.

लेखक  – फिल्म वितरण के क्षेत्र में पेन एण्ड कैमरा का काफी नाम था, क्या हुआ ? क्या यह काम आपने बन्द कर दिया ?

मेहमूद अली –  2014 तक पेन एण्ड कैमरा के जरिए 190 फिल्मों तक वितरण किया गया. थोड़ा सा ब्रेकअप ले लिया है. यह समझे कि मैं जिन्दगी जीना चाहता था.

लेखक  – अब आपकी क्या योजना है ?

मेहमूद अली –  पेन एण्ड कैमरा को टॉप पर देखना.

लेखक – मार्केट में आपको लेकर काफी बातें हो रही है. सच्चाई क्या है ?

मेहमूद अली –  बस ये समझे, नींद में था. मीठा सपना देख रहा था, अब नींद से जागा, हकीकत में आकप अहसास हुआ. कामयाबी मेहनत से मिलती है, सपना देखकर नहीं.

लेखक – फिल्म निर्माण और फिल्म वितरण में आपको क्या अच्छा लगता है ?

मेहमूद अली –  फिल्म निर्माण, ये एक बच्चे को जन्म देने जैसा है, वितरण किसी और के बच्चे को पालने जैसा है, पर मैं दोंनो पसन्द करता हूँ.

लेखक  – क्या मेहमूद अली को वापसी करते देखेंगे ?

मेहमूद अली –  हाँ, अब सिर्फ एक मकसद लोगो को अपने काम से दूँ.

Tanver Zaidi is a promising actor with a different kind of an image . He has been busy shooting as a model, TV actor, Film actor, Reality Shows and even Theatre for almost two decades. He wants to be known as an intense actor who can deliver whatever his director wants him to do. He has played the male lead in the forthcoming new film ISHQ SAMUNDAR which is being premiered on 9th September in Allahabad, He had a brief chat with Ayyer Mohan.

You have been an actor from childhood. Comments.

Yes. I have appeared in the play ADRAK KE PANJE which had a world record of running for more than 20 years.I have also acted in many more films earlier viz.GUARDIANS which had released two years ago.Then I played the male lead in Bhojpuri super hit film KAHE GAYE PARDES PIYA. In this film I played a cop whose name was Ansh. In the true sense of Indian culture and family traditions, this film was well reeived in Bihar and UP where crores of people have watched this film. I have also taken part in music videos such as AMMANEH and SHARMILI NAZAR.Then I have acted in one more film BELAGAAM in a negative role and got lots of critical acclaim . Even the audiences loved me in tbis role which was very intense and satisfied me very much as there were lots of shades in the character.

You even won an award for your performance in YE JEEVAN HAI . Comments.

This was another gripping film with a social message. I won the Best Actor Award from the RK International Awards in Mumbai and I played the hero in this film. All my costars Divyaa,Anjali Rana,Nabonita,Ehsan Khan,Ali Asgar and Pappu Polister.The film was based on fashion industry and HIV patient.Alongside, I was also honoured by Reliance Awards for a Reality Show ‘Mele Ka Big Star. I have also taken part in many shows for Reliance Big Magic. Then I acted in the comedy series  JAI MEIN HAIN ZINDAGI with my friend actors Pappu Polister and Deepraj Rana.  Ali Asgar who comes in Comedy Shows with Kapil Sharma acted in this comedy show. The shooting was really fun and a new experience for me and the show was a huge success on National TV.

What is your role in ISHQ SAMUNDAR ?
I am playing the role of a very talented music coach who adores his wife and is very passionate towards his career. He is a man of upright character but then encounters an attractive  young woman who falls for him. What happens later makes an interesting twist in the film which is full of suspense and director Anwar Ali has done a fantastic job as the director.Producer Ashok Shrivastava has also given full cooperation to the whole film and it was fun to shoot the scenes in Allahabad and Mumbai locales. We are having the premiere show of the film on 9th September in Allahabad.The film also costars Tanishq Tiwari,Divyaa in female leads alongwith Pramod Moutho,Ehsan Khan,Raju Shreshta,Tinaa Ghaai,Lilliput Fauuqui,K.K.Goswami and veteran dance master Saroj Khan. The fim is a musical, triangular love story spiced with an abundance of suspense and it is a different family social.