Summit Dutt is amongst most popular names in the Music Video industry today. Summit has given Music Videos a complete facelift with videos for some of the biggest Indian artistes like Asha Boshle, Hard Kaur, Harry Anand, Daler Mehndi, Gurdas Maan, Amaan Ayaan etc. He has brought finesse and sophistication to Videos making and brought them to international class. He has been instrumental in adding fuel to the Punjabi music revolution that is sweeping across the world. Recipient of various Indian awards, most recently he got the nomination for the prestigious SXSW Awards of Texas, USA for his video ‘Ohm Karma’. Sumit has also produced and directed a number of Television Commercials for prominent Indian and international clients like Levers, Tatas, McDonalds, Godrej, Nokia, ITC, Warner Lambert, RPG, Sharp, etc. Recently we met with Sumit Dutt, here are some excerpts of an interview with him:

How did you turn up to Video album making?

Actually I had started my career as child artist on DD, later on I joined Theatre and after my applied arts graduation I had joined Lintas Ad Agency as a visualizer. That time I had strong urge to do something different and creative. In 1999 I left the job and went to USA to do diploma in film making from New York Film School. After completion of my diploma I had opportunities to stay in USA but I choose back to India. As a first assignment I got opportunity to make a 3 minute musical film and then... I am here.

How do you evaluate your videos?

Any director primarily wants to make a video which people will acclaim. Every Producer and Music Company’s first concern is market selling. But the sell also indicate how many people actually saw the video. I realized that there are album makers who don’t have the feeling and sincerity during album making. To get to every nook and corner of album it is essential to converse in its language. Every album had different audiance group and maker should have a very good sense of its audiance group. I want to bring to the regional albums the same high standards too. And yes, we raise the standard with every album. Moreover, I am from Punjab so why not to start at the roots and make a start with Punjabi album. I have worked with most of celebrities and directed more than 50 albums.

How was the experience when you were called for Asha Bhonsle’s album?

Ashaji’s Album was an intense musical album and one of the finest album ever made. It was a memorable experience and I can’t express. I always tried to maintain the dignity of celebrities accordingly. Since Aashaji is a legend and I had a challenge to present her accordingly, people can’t expect a “Dhoom Dhadaka” for her. So I tried to give her a totally different look and maintain soberness for the video. She gave me the complete support and you will be surprised that she walked more than a younger artist for shoot in the forest of Aurngabad, why? Because she knew it that I am not shooting the album only, I am going to represent her bequest of music in this album.

How you managed Salman during “Hello”?

Laughs, Believe me when I met with Salman I shown him my video in which I had used duplicate Salman and was expecting a reaction… but Salman appreciate the work. I believe that if you are honest towards your work everybody will co-operate and give you a complete support for your dream and you can find my words in Hello, Salman is looking totally fresh and even all the artist are in mood.

What is the vision of your company “Mise En Scene”?

Mise En Scene is a media production stronghold with a global network in India, Austria and Dubai. Working in the areas of Television Commercials, Music Videos and Documentaries, it caters to a national and transnational clientele.. Our main aim is to cater positiveness to the fast growing media boom. Album making is an area we thought good to start with. We will strive to make internationally recognized albums which will have a universal appeal.

Mise En Scene has produced TV Commercials for various national and international prominent brands like McDonalds, RPG, Godrej Sara Lee, Sharp etc. and has produced Music Videos for all major music companies like Sa Re Ga Ma, Universal, T-Series, Times Music, Tips as well as Moviebox & Oriental Star (UK). Also, it has provided production support services to international media companies like Swiss Broadcasting Corporation, BBC, VHQ (Singapore), Pumpkin Films (Switzerland), CMD (USA) as well as to various independent producers, for clients such as UN AIDS, Lonely Planet, Discovery Channel, Mercedes Benz etc.

Let’s talk about award winning album Bombay Deewana?

Well, Hard Kaur’s album is a reflection of the way things are internationally. It has an international quality with simple but sensible efforts. And mind you, this is conveyed keeping the commercial frame work of the album in mind. Hard Kaur has exacted excellent performance in this album.

Are you looking for a film to direct?

I don’t mind… Yes, as you know I haven’t directed any film till now but I am getting offers. I have rejected 4 scripts because I am not in hurry to direct a film, whenever I will find the script of my choice I will be in film direction too.

Rituparna is a well-known name in the Bengali film industry but she has been fighting 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 bad 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.

What attracted you to KIDNAP?

The moment Sanjay (Gadhvi) narrated the first line of the film; I knew I had to do it. It's something I haven't done in all these years. There was a sense of identification with the character - a father who deeply and immensely cares for his daughter and will go to any extent for her safety and happiness.

What was Sanjay Gadhvi like as a director?

He's tremendous. Sanjay (Gadhvi) is very focused and he knows what he wants. He is very clear in his vision and has the knack of getting the best out his actors.

Did it help that he was the maker of the DHOOM series?

To be honest I had not seen DHOOM 1 or DHOOM 2, except their promos when he approached me. I believed in the subject and in him and decided to do it.

Tell us more about KIDNAP?

My producers, director and co-actors went through a lot of anxiety during the shoot of KIDNAP because of my trial. But all's well that ends well. I am happy the film is complete, ready and looking good. It is my first release in 2008. I play a father to Sonia (Minissha Lamba) who is kidnapped by Kabir (Imran Khan). It's an edge-of-the-seat thriller, which everyone is bound to enjoy. It has some great action and emotion and has been well written and directed. I hope my audience goes out and watches it.

Was it difficult playing a father?

No, why should it be? I have played father to Hrithik Roshan earlier.

You mentioned at the press conference that KIDNAP is very close to you, as you identify very closely with the character of Vikrant Raina!

I could relate to the father in the film. I love my daughter Trishala immensely and during the making of this film I kept thinking about what I would do or how I would react if Trishala ever got kidnapped. There was a lot of real-life emotion that came into my character in the film.

Who will KIDNAP appeal to?

I think the beauty of KIDNAP lies in the fact that besides being an engaging thriller cum drama it concurrently captures the softer emotions and relationships - father-daughter, husband-wife, girl-boy. It's a thriller with a heart, and on the whole, an entertaining commercial product, which will appeal to everyone. Also, it has Imran Khan who has become very popular after JAANE TU...YA JAANE NA.

How was it to work with the industry's hottest youngster, Imran Khan?

We got along well. He's a humble, conscientious and hardworking boy. He's into his craft. He'll go a long way and I hope and pray that success doesn't change him.

Anything else you can recount during the shoot of KIDNAP?

I enjoyed the action. It had my adrenaline rushing. I felt a teenager again! (Smiles)

Which are your forthcoming films?

EMI, ALADDIN, BLUE and MUNNABHAI 3. I am starting my own production house next year and hope to make good films.

What do you cherish the most in life?

The fact that I was born to great parents and have a great set of fans, friends and well-wishers.

What do you regret the most?

The days when I was into drugs and my time in jail. But that was destiny..... Source : www.glamsham.com

Pakhi Hegde, awarded as the Best Popular supporting Actress in ETV Cinema Awards 2008, and Face of the year in Gori Gori Award, is busy in all fields of film making. She is also working in a film made in two lanuages, Marathi and Bhojpuri, simultaneously. I had the opportunity to talk to her at her dubbing of Khiladi No.1 where she talked about being averse to purchased groom.

You were busy with TV serials and theatre, but now it seems you are dedicated to Bhojpuri fllms.

It is all a matter of changing times. I have not forgotten anything and am giving time to Hindi serials, and Hindi, Bhojpuri, Marathi, Kannad, Telugu films. Due to the high affection shown by the Bhojpuri viewers I do give more time to Bhojpuri films, but let me assure you that you will find Pakhi in all fields related with films.

Please tell me something about Khiladi No.1 of which you have recently completed the dubbing.

Khiladi no.1 has been produced by the south based producer B.Obul Subba Reddy under the banner of Rahul Movie Maker under the direction of M.Ramanna. Dineshlal Yadav Nirahua is my hero in this film. This is going to be the costliest Bhojpuri film till date. Before this I have worked in another Bhojpuri film produced at Hyderabad, Kaise Kahi tohra se Pyar Ho Gayeel, and that filmed run for silver jubilee. I do hope Khiladi No.1 too will prove to be a running success as we have worked for that. Hyderbad too has a Bhojpuri craze. My role in the film is of Ganga, who runs an eatery. She loves Chandan (Dinesh lal Nirahua) who seems to run after Bhairavi ( Abhinay shree).

Will you tell something about Vidhaata too? It recently had a grand music release function.

This is the story of a girl who refuses to marry against dowry system and says that she cannot marry a purchased groom. This film has been directed by Harry Fernandes and produced by Pratibha Singh of P.K.Creations. This film has two Bhoojuri super stars, Ravi Kissen and Dinesh Lal Nirahua, playing the role of friends commited to each other. But a wall rises between them. Who is that wall? Who turned these friends into bitter foes? This film is going to be released shortly.

What about Bhumiputra? This is said to be a present day story.

Ya! It is right. This is the story about present day politics. Ravi Kissen, my hero in this film, is a Bihari youth who loves a Marathi girl. Bihari Marathi issue crops up in the film. But the film shows that this is vested interest issue and the people love each other in reality.

Are you also working in some Marathi film?

O yes, but that is not only in Marathi, but in Bhojpuri too. In the Marathi version, Ghar Sansar, directed by famous Director Mohan Ji Prasad Bharat Yadav, super star of Marathi films, is hero whereas in Bhojpuri version Ravi Kishan, super stars of Bhojpuri films, is the hero. This is a family comedy and my role is that of a naughty girl.

Dont you feel it difficult to work in films of defferent languages?

No. My family belongs to Karnataka. Marathi and Kannad are spoken in my family. I grow up in Mumbai so naturally I have occasions to know and speak Hindi and Gujrati as well. Bhojpuri is very close to Hindi so I have no trouble in doing Bhojpuri films. Bhojpuri films have given me the identity and awards both. Till date seven of my Bhojpuri Films have been released. Nirahua Rickshawalla was a super hit film which is going to celebrate Golden Jubilee at many theatres. Recently this film was released in Orissa too.

Any filmmaker primarily wants to make a film which people will acclaim. The collections are more the Producers and Distributors concern. But the collections also indicate how many people actually saw the film. Does one feel that the film has served the purpose because a few individuals like the Print & Television critics say it is good or is how many tickets audience bought? Without batting an eyelid even the most award savvy Director would say that it is the audience buying tickets which is important because it will at the end of the day it will be his primary objective to see that as many people as possible watches his work.

In the year Satya released "Godmother" got the National Award and Satya was completely ignored. Godmother ran for 2 weeks and Satya ran for 25 weeks in the same theatre and 10 year later Satya is remembered as a cult-film and the jury members of the National Award committee would have forgotten both Godmother and its Director; and worse they would not have been even bothered to follow that Director's career.

I always knew that it is the audiences not the critic's reviews which made Satya work so tremendous. They gave as much or better reviews for Maqbool, Khamosh Pani, etc and we all know their box-office fate. Khalid Mohammed mentioned in his review when Raat released that time, that it is an unintended comedy. Apart from him most reviews to trashed it. 15 years later many critics of present times term it as a cult-classic. That's not because Raat was ahead of times but the critics of today were just audience at that time and hence unbiased.

Anyway to cut a long story short, not to undermine the other films or its makers who received raving reviews compared to "Phoonk" I just would like them to answer sincerely from thier hearts whether they would have preferred the critic's reviews and opinions of their films or the collections of "Phoonk".

Dinesh Lal Yadav Nirahua is the only Bhojpuri Artist who has established his credentials as a successful star in a short time span. He has given the maximum number of superhit Bhojpuri films, many of which are running beyond their Golden Jubilees. After doing solo films he has no qualms in working in multi starters too. Nirahua sees himself in every upcoming artist and believes that every artist has a right to advancement. After starting his career as a singer he established himself as Bhojpuri Super Star and now also has started producing films. Recently the author has an opportunity to meet him at his residence. Here is a portions of his interview :

Let us start talking about with your soon to be released film Vidhaata.

- First of all, not one but two of my films, Vidhaata and Khiladi No.1, are going to be released within nes\xet fortnight. Khiladimay get released on 8th Aug. It is upto the producers, whether they are going to release these films simultaneously or one after the other. Lagal Raha E Rajaji is also running to packed house. I am acting solo in Khiladi No.1, whereas in Vidhaata Ravi Kishan and Pankaj Keshari are also in the film. Khiladi No.1isthe story of a commonmanwho helps the law and demolishes crime and brutality. Pakhi is my heroine in the film produced by south based producer of Rahul Movie Maker B.Obul Subba Reddy and directed by Harry Fernandes. Vidhaata is the story of changing relationship of two friends from friendship to enimity. Bringing the old friendship back requires to loose many things.

Chalat Musafir Moh Liyo Re, a film of producer Sudhakar Pandey, was your first film.Now you are in his another film Rang De Basanti Chola. What are the changes during this interval?

Productivity and quality of a producer improves with time.Sudhakar Pandey is doing hard labour in this film. Shooting has been completed and post production work is on. This is a story based on youth crime, how the younger generation is misled by the politicians and they indulge in crime. To get out of the crime world they have to suffer a lot of hardship. Director Vishal Verma has done a magnificent job in this film to bring forward every seen in its ultimate best.

Your another film Bahubali is being talk about, what is so special in this film?

You cant tell all about this film. Whatever you tell something remains untold. This film is produced by AbhaySinha and directed by AnilAjitabh who has worked with Prakash Jha. My role in this film is of a singer Arjun who wants to get a big name. His father is in police force, who wants his son to follow his foot steps. The son hates govt. jobs in his fondness for becoming a singer. Mantu Gop, acted by Ravi Kishan, is a local don who cant bear the happiness of this family. He destroys it. Then arjun joins the police force in distress and fights back with Mantu Gop. However as the law makes it difficult to demolish the don, Arjun becomes a Don himself. The film then depicts the war of upmanship between these dons. Director Anil ji is utilizing his experiences of working with Prakash Jha.

Which are your next films?

At present I am shooting for NarSanhar directed by Rajkumar Pandey, who had directed Lagal Raha RajaJI. I am also working in Pratigya.

Is that the reason of your becoming a producer?

More or less, Yes! We are going to produce five films under Nirahua Entertainment. First one is Nirahua Tangewala which is being produced by my younger brother Pravesh Lal Yadav with Senhur Entertainment. Songs are being recorded and shooting will start soon. I am in this film with Pakhi Hegde directed by Ajeet Shrivastava. We have signed up Ajay Sinha, Farooq Siddiqui, Rajkumar Pandey and AnilAjitabh for next films by Nirahua Entertainment.

Have you remember super hit Bhojpuri film "Banke Biharee MLA"? after a long break Director Babloo Soni is now ready with his second venture "Biharee Maafia". Again subject relates to Bihar. Film is being produced by Ravi Kisan's Mahadev Production Ptv. Ltd. Recently we met with Babloo Soni. Here are some excerpts of an interview with him:-

From where you got idea about “Bihari Mafia” ?

- How an educated man become a Mafia. After superhit film “Banke Bihari MLA” I got many producers to make a film for them but still was looking for a good script. Till a very long period I gone through many script but was not satisfied with script finally I decided to go on holiday to my town Patna. When I was holidaying one day I came to know that all the Bihari Mafias are well educated but the circumstances made them Mafia. I decided to know the reason why they chosen to be a mafia while they are educated, why they didn’t did any job or business. I started research, tried to contact some mafia, when I met some of them and found that yes most of mafias are well educated, they used Hi-tech for

their activities, then question was, why they are in this position? They revealed their story, how policies, Gundaraj and other abnormal circumstances made them mafia. I was sad, didn’t have any clue or word to say, I got back to home and that night I didn’t sleep, early morning the idea clicked to show their trauma to publicly. I started work on the story.

How Ravi Kisan agreed to play a negative character ?

- After finalization of the story for Bihari Mafia I was looking for a face who is playing positive characters in Bhojpuri movies and have clean image to play the role of Bihari Mafia. I met to Ravi Kisanji, when he heard about the story he got excited and was ready to play the character in very first meeting not even he nods to play the character but also decided to produce the film. And Bihari Mafia went on floor.

You took only NSD artists in the film ?

- I am working silently on film which is very serious about the underworld. A thriller with high emphasis on characters, so much so that the hero also is not being promoted as a hero. To make a sound I did it only with NSD artists.

Film has starring – Ravi Kisan, Namrata Thapa, Vallabh Vyas, Prakash Jais, Brijesh Tripathi. There are 3 item songs in Bihari Mafia and people will see 3 item dancers in a single item no. Film is being scheduled to release in 1st week of September 2008. FameBollywood wishes him for a grand success.

Producers Dr. Medha Mehandale and Manasi Mehandale are soon coming up with their first Hindi film ‘Daughter’. They are also introducing an eighteen-year-old sweet and bubbly girl Rucha who they are sure of winning the audience’s heart. Rucha has been very fortunate to be working with Vikram Gokhale, Reema and Padmini Kolhapure in her debut film itself. Along with being the co-producer of the film, Dr. Manasi Mehandale has also given her voice in one of the songs. Recently we met the main lead of the film Rucha during the promotion of the film. Here are some excerpts of an interview with her:-

How did you develop an interest in acting?

- Director Viju Mane, known to our family, was making a film in Marathi by the name ‘Gujiri’. He proposed me to do a special appearance in this film. I was not too sure of taking up acting that time. I was only 15 years old and thought of giving it a try. Acting excited me a lot even though I had a lot to learn. I thoroughly enjoyed acting and that’s where started off with it.

Which are the films that you have done after ‘Gujiri’?
- As I mentioned earlier, I had never understood acting that well, hence never took it very seriously. Also I didn’t want acting to be my career. I did it as my hobby only. I always wanted to become a doctor and even today I am busy with my related medical studies. That’s how I did not take up any film assignments after ‘Gujiri’. Even today my first preference is to become a doctor.

Since your mother is also a doctor, is that why you wish to become a doctor?
- My mother is definitely my role model and I have received all my inspiration from her. I strongly aspire to become a doctor and have my dream come true.

How did you get an opportunity to work in ‘Daughter?’
Again through Director Viju Mane. He approached me with the script of ‘Daughter’ when I was in college. Even then I was too confused whether or not to do the film. Later when he narrated the script of the film to me, I was very happy and decided to do it. My passion of being a doctor and my hobby of acting met together through the film. Today I can proudly say that I am a part of a film like this.

What have you felt in and through the film ‘Daughter?’
‘Daughter r’ is a very unique film. It is very different from the normal league of films. This film is based on adoption of those infants who are left alone by their parents due to various reasons. It is a story of such kids who spent their lives in ashrams and grow up with people who they understand to be their parents. The film has various emotions along with being a very fun filled one. It is a very beautiful message that the film is giving to its audiences.

In this film you have worked with stars like padmini kolhapure and ayub khan along with Vikram Gokhale, Reema, and Arun Nalawade and Vinod singh. How do you feel working as a lead along with these stars?
- In the film ‘Daughter’ I play an orphan girl whose name is Rucha. A girl whose grand father leaves her to live in an ashram since a very tender age of an infant. As she is growing she is adopted by Vikram Gokhale’s family and she goes and stays with them as a trial of 20 days. She gets love and affection from some and hatred and in affection from the others. The story is about how this young and innocent girl copes up with all the circumstances that she is put in. The character of Rucha is very strong by itself. Hence playing the same was not very difficult. Also the director always inspired and supported me for doing better. It became an easy job to do in the midst of these stars as my colleagues.

As an actor what are your aspirations?
I am only 18 and ‘Doctor’ is ideally my first film. I have got a great experience working in this film. It is a unique film with a very challenging role for me to do. I wish to do more of such challenging roles in other films as well. But as I mentioned earlier that I wish to become a doctor, I need to first fulfill that dream of mine. Mean while my acting career will keep going.

It was Manoj Tiwari and Ravi Kissen who have been ruling the Bhojpuri films till now, but last year both were without a super hit. On the other hand new comer Nirahua’s ‘Nirahua Rickshawwala’ and Sudip Pandey’s ‘Bhojpuriya Bhaiya’ and ‘Bhojpuriya Daroga’ created ripples over box office. With their super hits films both have not only challenged Manoj Tiwari and Ravi Kissen’s monopoly in the Bhojpuri films, but created fanfares of their own.

Sudip Pandey started with super hit ‘Bhojpuria Bhaiya’ and continued the success streak with ‘Bhojpuriya Daroga’. His both films were liked and appreciated by everyone. Nirahua came up with many a film but most of them did not do much on box office. Sudip Pandey is very selective about his films… and his track record speak volume. If he continues this way he is surely to become new Bhojpuri’s no. 1 star. Talk with Sudip Pandey:

You have given two hits – Bhojpuriya Bhaiya and Bhojpuriya Daroga – in a row. What do you attribute your success to?

Both were well made films. They had right ingredients of every thing. Story, dialogue, action, direction, music, lyrics were just perfect. Both films owe their success to the team work of our unit and love of Bhojpuri film lovers.

Why did you assign direction of Bhojpuriya Daroga to a new direcor Manjul Thakur?
He has directed Chhatisgarhi films and ads before. I like his work, his attitude and cordial nature. He had talent but lacked a break… which I gave him. He is talented director… and he will make a niche for himself.

You cast your self in both of your films. Why?
People still consider Bhojpuri films as worthless. I am trying to change perception of Bhojpuri films. I want to raise the bar of standard… very soon Bhojpuri films will be at par with Hindi films. I wanted to establish myself as an actor, too, so I used my production to launch myself.

Ravi Kissen, Manoj Tiwari, Nirahua are your competitors. Who do you want to beat in the race?
I am not in a race, nor any body is any body’s competitors. I just want to act and prove myself as a good artist. Only the better one will survive here. Bhojpuri film industry is big enough for all of us. It is each other’s presence that motivates us to do better. There is no fun in running alone…

What are your coming films?
I am trying to release Bhojpuriya Daroga in Mumbai. I am hopeful that it get the same response as it got everywhere. I am working on Bhojpuri films Chakram Lalu, which is a comedy flick. Besides there is a “Driver Babu, I love you” and a film with Ravi Kissen “Natwarlal”. Very soon I will be doing a Hindi film also.

Shadow India Records has released singer Vibhav Krisha’s debut album “Sitara… reaching for the love star”. Sudhakar Shetty and Bharat Shah presented this album has Music Director Prakash Ashish and Lyricist Faaiz Anwaar.

Vibhav Krishna is lawyer by profession and a singer by vocation and passion. His clienteles’ list comprises of Bombay’s colorful who is who. Madhuri Dixit, Bharat Shah, Shahrukh Khan, Mallikavat, Amisha Patel, Koena Mitra, Shilpa Shirodkar, Nitin Manmohan, Vikram Bhatt, Mahesh Bhatt, Pradeep Sarkar, Sanjay Dutt, Puja Bhatt are just a few…

His association with stars from tinsel town spurred him to give his passion a shape in form of music album “Sitara… reaching for the love star”. His effort has been very much fruitful… which is bringing him accolades from all corners. Excerpts from the same are as follows:-

Tell us about yourself. Where are you from and how come you are here in Mumbai ?

I am from the cultural city of Allahabad. I completed my LLB from Lucknow University. On my brother’s advice I chose Mumbai for further activities. Mumbai was the only city which could give platforms for my profession and my vocation alike. I started my practice at Mumbai High Court with Shiraz Rahimtulla. I learnt a lot from him.

If singing was your passion, why did you choose law as your profession?
My family is of layers. My grand father Ramnama Prasad and father Triloki Prasad are renowned lawyers. My uncle was a judge at Allahabad Court. So, family’s atmosphere turned me toward lawyer’s profession, but I was always passionate about singing. I would take my guitar and spend a lot of in singing. I would Hindi and English songs… and my friends liked them. I always found solace and peace in singing.

We have a Radha Krishna temple there… where my uncle used to organize classical music programme every two or three years… in which many famous artists participated. So, I can say that it was our family’s deep association with music that gave me enough impetus to follow my heart, besides my profession. My Sitara… is just realization of my dream.

What is your album Sitara all about? How does it come into being?
You know romance rules the world… at least in the music world. It is about falling in love…, following the love … and then having the love in your heart. It all started when Mahesh Bhatt introduced me to Faaiz Anwaar. One meeting followed the umpteenth other meetings. He liked my voice and he got me to learn nuances of song recording. When he thought I was ready for recording… we went ahead with Sitara. I am very grateful to Faaiz Anwaar and music director Prakash Ashish, whose relentless efforts and unmatched talents made the Siatara possible.

Some incident during the making of Sitara you would like to share…
During initial days of my recording Faaizji overlooked my flaws or mistake… and kept praising me… it gave me confidence to sing better… and when I was good enough he recorded those flawed portions. During the same time Faaizji wrote a Punjabi song which to which I gave my voice. Unfortunately it was leaked from the studio and we heard this song in Kunal Ganjawala’s voice. His song has words … Dupatta Tera Satranga…. and we had … Dupatta Tera Navranga…. Music and beats were also almost same. We didn’t follow the case as we were simultaneously busy with Sitara.

What do you see of yourself in the future,a singer or a lawyer?
Music is my passion…not profession. As a lawyer you grow in status and fame with every passing year. I love fighting a case in the court and the feeling of winning I enjoy the most. People relax by playing, by watching movies or by other means… I relax by pursuing my hobby and passion … that is singing. So, by profession I will continue to be a lawyer but by vocation and hobby a singer… so I will continue to be a singing lawyer.

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