Kaanchi: Subhash Ghai in talks with Akaash Vani actor for lead role

Filmmaker Subhash Ghai says he is in talks with 'Pyaar Ka Punchnama' actor Kartik Tiwari for his upcoming film 'Kaanchi'. "We have not finalised him at the moment, but we are in talks with him," Ghai told IANS. For now, Kartik will be seen next in Luv Ranjan's 'Akaash Vani', opposite Nushrat Bharucha. The duo was also paired in 'Pyaar Ka Punchnama'.

For 'Kaanchi', Ghai is on the lookout for a lead actress. Even after auditioning several girls, he is yet to find a suitable talent who fits his criteria.

"I have auditioned as many as 400 girls, but have still not finalised the lead yet. If a girl matches the talent, then her face is not ideal. If her face matches, then she doesn't match the character," he said.

The character is central to the film and that is the reason why Ghai wants to be careful while selecting the heroine.

"She is playing a very unique character in the film and that is why it is important that we select the best," he said.

As of now, actors who have been locked for 'Kaanchi' include veterans like Rishi Kapoor and Mithun Chakraborty. Ghai wants to start shooting the project in January.

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I am searching for a Pahadi looking girl

Subhash Ghai is on a nationwide hunt for a new face to play the title role in his next 

Subhash Ghai is presently on a massive search to find a new face for his film Kaanchi. The veteran filmmaker is conducting a hunt across the country to find the right girl for the lead role. 

With Mithun Chakraborty and Rishi Kapoor already signed for the project, Ghai has chalked out an elaborate plan to launch his new find (like his earlier discoveries Manisha Koirala, Mahima Chaudhary, etc). We ask him for details

Why are you keen to find a new face. for the film?
I have visualised Kaanchi in a certain way. I feel I need to give someone an opportunity to be a star. I'm looking for someone preferably in the age group of 18 to 22. The character is of a Pahadi girl so the girl's features have to match that.

You announced the film and the other cast members before you could zero in on Kaanchi?
That's because I have not found the face I have in mind. I plan to roll the film in January, so I have time. I announced that Rishi Kapoor would be in the film. On October 24, I had planned an event to mark the 34th anniversary of my production house, Mukta Arts. But due to the demise of Yash Chopra, I cancelled it as a mark of respect.

I haven't decided when I will host the event. But I've invited all the stars who featured in my films like Tina Ambani, Jackie Shroff, Sanjay Dutt and Madhuri Dixit to honour all of them and celebrate the films they have worked in with me.
Why did it take you 32 years to work with Rishi Kapoor again?
Rishi starred in my 1980 film Karz along with Tina Munim. Later both of us went on to do several more films but never teamed up again. Yes, it took us over three decades to work together. More than an actor, Rishi is a friend.

My association with him is almost like that of family. We have always been in touch. We bond beyond just films. I refer to him as one of the earliest people who helped me as a director.

Karz was one of my earlier ventures with which I tasted success. It was such a big draw, especially the music. It is a film I am still remembered for.

Mithun Chakraborthy also stars in Kaanchi.
Yes, he is an extremely talented actor. I am sure that people have never seen him in the way I will portray him.

Music is the mainstay of your films.
I start working on it as soon as I finish with the script. I have an ear for music and am present throughout the recordings.

It has taken you over four years after your last film Yuvvraj to announce your next project.
Yes, but writing a script takes time. I took my time. From 1992-2010, I have made only four films. 

Was it because your 2008 film Yuvvraj did not do well?
Every film is a learning experience. For me, specifically, it was the 2008 film Black and White. As a filmmaker you are giving your best shot, the rest is for the audience to decide.

Of late you have been more in the news for the controversy surrounding your school, Whistling Woods International at Film City in Mumbai.
I have left it to god. I am thankful for the support the industry has given me. I have been considerate and cooperative about the issue. Whatever I had to say, I have said honestly.
You have planned a project with the Deols (Dharmendra, Sunny and Bobby)?
Yes, it is in the initial stages. I also visited them in London where they are shooting Yamla Pagla Deewana 2. I share a fantastic rapport with them. This project will roll later.

What about your plans to make a sequel to your 2006 production Apna Sapna Money Money?
Sangeeth Sivan who directed the film is currently busy with Yamla Pagla Deewana 2. So the sequel will go on the floors after he wraps up his pending assignment.

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Subhash Ghai may postpone his film to look for fresh faces

In a bid to locate 'fresh' faces for his film, Subhash Ghai is ready to postpone his upcoming directorial venture

His search for fresh faces to cast in his upcoming project Kaanchi could end up in Subhash Ghai postponing his film. While previously the film was supposed to go on the floors on January 15 next year, sources say the project will definitely be delayed.

Ghai is known to select his cast in advance and have them run through several acting workshops. The filmmaker says, My teams have gone to Kolkata, Bangalore and Delhi to locate some fresh faces that can be finalised for my film.

I definitely want new faces and I hope they learn the tricks of the trade fast. Rishi Kapoor and Mithun Chakraborty are the only members of the cast who have been finalised for the project.

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Me and Rishi bond beyond just films: Subhash Ghai

The filmmaker talks about teaming up with Rishi Kapoor again, 32 years after their blockbuster 'Karz'

Subhash Ghai's next directorial venture stars Rishi Kapoor in a negative role. Though the filmmaker has yet to ascertain the rest of the cast that will include newcomers, he was keen that the veteran actor feature in his next. 

The Ghai-Kapoor link goes a long way back. In his 1980 flick Karz, Kapoor had featured as the hero along with Tina Munim. Later both went on to do several more films but never teamed up together. It took them 32 years to team up again.

Says Ghai, More than an actor, Rishi is a friend. My association with him is like family. We have always been in touch. We bond beyond just films. I refer to him as one of the founding fathers that established me as a director. Karz was one of my earlier ventures with which I tasted success. It was such a big draw especially the music. It is a film I am still remembered for.
The filmmaker had planned to announce the venture with Kapoor on October 24. He was keen to share the platform with his Karz hero again. But due to the demise of Yash Chopra, the event was cancelled as a mark of respect. 

I have not yet decided when I will have the event. Maybe at a later date or at the mahurat of the film,  adds Ghai. 

When asked why he had cast Kapoor in a negative role he says, Rishi is a fabulous actor and can do justice to any role. I love to pull his leg and imitate him. I am looking forward to shoot with him again after such a long gap.

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Ghai announces two new films

Filmmaker Subhash Ghai has announced two new films on the occasion of the 34th anniversary of his production house Mukta Arts - comedy "Ishq De Maare" and "Apna Sapna Money Money 2".

Written by Neeraj Pathak, "Ishq De Maare" will see Dharmendra teaming up with his sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol in prominent roles.

"Apna Sapna Money Money 2" is a sequel to the 2006 film of the same name that starred Suniel Shetty, Riteish Deshmukh and Shreyas Talpade.

However, the cast of the new film is yet to be finalised. Sangeeth Sivan will wield the megaphone again for the sequel.

Ghai himself will direct "Kaanchi", a romantic musical thriller. Set to go on the floors soon, it will have Rishi Kapoor in a negative role and is scheduled to hit theatres Aug 15, 2013.

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Subhash Ghai cancels his wedding anniversary celebrations

Due to the demise of Yash Chopra, Subhash Ghai has cancelled his wedding anniversary and the 34th anniversary celebrations of his production house on October 24

Ghai was to announce his new film on the day.

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Subhash Ghai bounces back with Kaanchi

The Maverick Filmmaker and showman Subhash Ghai who gave classics such as Karz, Hero, Karma, Ram Lakhan, Saudagar, Taal was keeping very low profile from last few months. Ghai's last films such as Yaadein (Hrithik Roshan), Kisna (Vivek Oberoi) and last but not the least Yuvraaj (Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Anil Kapoor) sank at the box office very badly.

But now the Showman director has proved nothing can stop him and he is ready to take off once again with a Love-Story cum Musical-Thriller titled Kaanchi. So far it's only Rishi Kapoor who is finalized to play the Villain's role in the film, the other cast is yet to be decided.

The film is expected to hit the floors on August 15, 2013. According to the insiders, Ismail Darbar and Salim Sulaiman has been roped in to score the music of the film. Song recording is also going on in full swing.

As usual, On October 24 which is Subhash Ghai-Rehana Ghai's anniversary, The production house Mukta Arts will celebrate its 34th Anniversary with a documentary that will screen the production house's achievements.

By going with the Teaser Poster and Video Teaser which is slowly circulating the YouTube channel, The film looks more on the Female Oriented side.

One may also can't forget Subhash Ghai has given career boosts to many actresses namely Meenakshi Sheshadri  Madhuri Dixit, Manisha Koirala and Mahima Chowdhary. Sources also adds the main leads in the film will definitely be fresh faces. We hope the showman all the best with our hearts and wait for the film which is planned to hit cinemas next year.

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Subhash Ghai's new film titled Kaanchi

Subhash Ghai has locked "Kaanchi" as the title of his next directorial, a musical thriller with a love story, which is set to go on floors soon and release Aug 15, 2013.

The movie has a new star cast, teamed with veteran actor Rishi Kapoor, who will play the villain, said a statement.

Other cast and credits are in the process of being finalised.

Two songs have already been recorded by Ismail Darbar and Salim-Suleiman for the movie.

Ghai's production banner Mukta Arts will celebrate its 34th anniversary Oct 24. The banner has produced 35 movies, 14 of which have been directed by Ghai.

The 67-year-old's last directorial was 2008 release "Yuvvraaj".

"Karma", "Ram Lakhan", "Saudagar", "Khal Nayak" and "Taal" are some of the memorable films made under Mukta Arts.

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After Karz, Kapoor teams up with Ghai after 32 years as a Villain

They made history together in 1980 with Karz, considered by many to be the best work of producer-director Subhash Ghai and the versatile actor Rishi Kapoor. And now 32 years later Rishi Kapoor is back in Ghai's next directorial venture where Rishi will play an out-and-out villain, though with an unexpected twist. 

Keeping in mind Rishi's immensely popular image of the stage performer in Karz, his character in Ghai's next would be a musician. 

Jee haan, Rishi and I are coming together again. He will play a 'musical khalnaayak' in my film.  Informs Ghai who turned Sanjay Dutt into a very unmusical Khalnaayak in a film of that title released in 1993. 

Reluctant to reveal more on Rishi's role Ghai finally shares some more information. Rishi who played the lovable romantic lover-boy in most of his films has lately discovered his mean bone as an actor. Just look at him in Agneepath!I didn't want to cast him as a conventional evil-man. Rishi is a negative character but a man who is heavily into music. 

Apparently Rishi's character would play several musical instruments in Ghai's new film including the piano. And he won't fake it this time like he did in Karz where playing the rock-star Monty Rishi pretended to pound the guitar on stage. 

Nothing about Rishi's character in my new film would be fake, not his evil streak and not his interest in music, promises Ghai, and is reluctant to shed more light on the film which will be officially launched on October 24, the anniversary of Ghai's production house Mukta Arts. 

We however dug up information on Ghai's new film and came to know that it's the story of a 17-year old girl's journey from the mountains to the city, akin to the journey that Mandakini undertook in Raj Kapoor's Ram Teri Ganga Maili. 
Ghai admits, Yes, it is the story of a young innocent girl's journey from the mountains to the city. She's a girl on a mission. Raj Saab made Ram Teri Ganga Maili about a girl's journey. Back then the heroine was Ganga. Today it's Veronica. I have to draw a balance between Ganga and Veronica. 

The Showman says he has zeroed in on three girls one of whom would finally play his protagonist to Rishi's Kapoor's antagonist. 

Ismail Durbar would compose the music. 

Says the director known for his great musical scores, Earlier I had Laxmikant-Pyarelal. Now I feel Ismail Durbar can create a score where music is the backbone because, as I said, Rishi plays a musician. 

I remember I used to have these heated arguments with Laxmikant-Pyarelal. When they composed Ho ramji tere lakhan ne bada dukh di na for Ram Lakhan they insisted only Lataji can sing the song. 

But she was away, so I argued, 'Why not another voice?' But Laxmikant stood his ground.. When I finally heard what Lataji did to Ho ramji I knew why she was the only voice for that song. I need that calibre of dedication in the music for my new film. 

Ghai is kicked about returning to direction after 4 years. I directed Black & White and Yuvraaj in 2008. Then I got busy with my film school Whistling Woods. Now I am ready to direct again. The other day I attended Mr Yash Chopra's 80th birthday where he announced his retirement at 80. I have to make some more films before I reach that age.

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Showing up not the only way to show respect: Ghai

When Bollywood biggies gave veteran actor A.K. Hangal's funeral a miss, it raised many eyebrows. Filmmaker Subhash Ghai hit back at the criticism, saying the industry does not believe in showing off.

"See, you people can create a tragedy (controversy) very quickly if you want to. Every time whenever someone goes, those people who were close to him or have worked with the person come, " the 67-year-old said at a function organised in memory of late cinematographer Ashok Mehta.

"Today Shabana Azmi has gone to a show that has been organised in his (A.K. Hangal) memory. She is also doing a play there. Don't you believe the industry respects him? They do, but showing up is not the only way to show respect, " he added.

Hangal died Sunday after a prolonged illness and was cremated the same day at Vile Parle crematorium. He was 97.

Ghai also had a few words of praise for Hangal.

"Hangal saab was a very senior actor, to work for 50 years is not easy. We appreciate him - as a character artist, as a person he worked with me in two films, 'Khalnayak' and 'Krodhi.' He was a great theatre personality, " he said.

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Subhash Ghai to direct Salman again

Filmmaker Subhash Ghai and Bollywood hunk Salman Khan will be working together again after 2008 film Yuvvraaj.

Ghai will be returning to direction after a gap of four years and this time with an action-packed masala film.

Confirming the news, Ghai said: "I have signed Salman for my film. It will be an action-masala film. We are working on the script at the moment and will start shooting next year."

Pertinently, Yuvvraaj turned out to be a disaster at the box office.

Salman at the moment is enjoying the success of his spy flick 'Ek Tha Tiger'.

Released on Aug 15, the Salman Khan-Katrina Kaif starrer made Rs 32 crore on the opening day itself.

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For me, he was 'Humble saab': Subhash Ghai

Filmmaker Subhash Ghai, who worked with A.K. Hangal in movies including "Krodhi" and "Khalnayak", says he was a disciplined actor and thorough gentleman who was fondly referred to as 'Humble saab'

Hangal passed away here Sunday following a prolonged illness. He was 97. "He was an undying father figure in the world of theatre and Hindi cinema. He lived for 50 years in this profession only because he was disciplined and a thorough gentleman," the 67-year-old said in a statement.

"An actor who would bring theatre discipline on the sets of a film shoot too. He worked with me in 'Krodhi' and 'Khalnayak' and we used to call him 'Humble saab' not Hangal saab. He was a great soul indeed," he added.

Hangal stepped into the Hindi film industry in 1966-67 and worked in nearly 225 films. Known as a character artist, he is remembered for playing Rahim Chacha in "Sholay". Some of his other memorable movies include "Namak Haraam", "Bawarchi", "Chupa Rustam", "Abhimaan" and "Guddi". He was also seen in Aamir Khan-starrer "Lagaan" (2001) and Shah Rukh Khan's "Paheli" (2006).

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Subhash Ghai to set up film institute in Nigeria

Eminent film-maker Subhash Ghai's Whistling Woods International (WWI), Mumbai, will set up Africa's first world-class film and media training institute in Nigeria, a company official said here Friday.

It will come up in collaboration with Trend Media City Ltd (TMC), a Nigerian development company, for setting up Whistling Woods International Nigeria (WWIN), said WWI President, Meghna Ghai Puri.

The two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding announcing the partnership and setting up of WWIN.

It also details how investments, capital, resources and knowledge would go to develop the new film and media institute in the thriving entertainment hub of Nigeria.

In addition, WWI (Mumbai) will be supervising the operations of the proposed film institute and the studios at WWIN for a minimum period of 10 years.

"WWI strongly encourages cross cultural exchange between film professionals across the globe. We have been aggressively exploring opportunities to expand globally over the past one year so, and in the proposed Trend Filmcity by TMC in Nigeria, we found a perfect partner, " said Meghna Ghai Puri.

Uzo Udemba, Chairman of TUG, which owns TrendTV and TMC, said there is lot of raw talent inherent in Nollywood, the Nigerian film industry, and explained how it is a major source of film and television entertainment content to Africa and the world.

"However, WWIN will become the training ground to train, harness and refine the professionals and technicians who will take the industry to its next level and unlock its enormous economic potential, " Udemba said.

Over the past six years or so, WWI, Mumbai, has sustained international relations with several countries including Australia, Argentina, Bermuda, Dubai, Spain and UK.

In 2009, it was invited by Spain to set up a campus in Alicante within the Spanish Film Industry, followed by WWIN in Nigeria.

WWI is based in the Film City, Goregaon in north-west Mumbai, the country's entertainment and glamour capital.

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