Genelia Deshmukh on Sitaare Zameen Par's success: I thought people would forget me, but they have surprised me
'I didn't do much work for the last 10 years, maybe for friends, a song here and there. I did two-three films for OTT. I thought people would forget me and I didn't think I mattered. But it's refreshing to hear people say all this, that they want to see more. It's an Aamir Khan film, so of course it would have had a lot more eyeballs. I didn't think that somewhere in that takeaway, I also exist. It's been the best compliment, that people want to see more of me. As an actor and human being, if someone wants to see you a lot more, it's a very special place that not everyone gets, ' quips Genelia, as she meets up with us in the Capital.
It was Aamir Khan, her co star in the film, who wanted to cast her, 'He met Riteish somewhere, and asked 'Is Genelia working nowadays?' to which Riteish said yes she is. Then Aamir asked me to meet RS Prasanna, the director. I auditioned for the role and got it. I know most actors will feel that after 20 years 'why audition?' But I think it's a great way of getting a film so I am very excited that I did it. '
Sitaare Zameen Par revolves around a group of specially abled adults, who are mentored for a basketball tournament by an arrogant coach, played by Aamir. Genelia plays the role of his headstrong, supportive wife.
As for the film's success, Genelia , whose next film opposite Emraan Hashmi has just been announced, adds, 'The way the collections just went from the release day till Sunday, that's got a lot to do with the word of the mouth. I think if you make a good film, it eventually finds its audience. I am happy that the film did what it did, more so for the sitaares. I would have really wanted it to be a blockbuster for them, and I am glad it picked up. It's the first time I have been part of a film that talks about inclusion.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
‘Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan' Box Office collection day 3: Shanaya Kapoor and Vikrant Massey's romantic drama draws lukewarm response; earns Rs 41 lakh on Sunday
Shanaya Kapoor 's big Bollywood launch in 'Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan' was expected to make quite a splash. But three days into its release, the film's numbers show it has a long way to go. Despite the fresh pairing of Shanaya and Vikrant Massey and a unique love story, the romantic drama is finding it tough to pull crowds to cinemas. Box office collection after three days As per early estimates on Sunday, 13th July, by sacnilk, 'Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan' managed to earn only Rs 41 lakh on its third day. This pushed its total collection to just about Rs 1.2 crore. The film had opened with Rs 30 lakh on its first day (Friday) and saw a slight growth on Saturday, collecting Rs 49 lakh. Though the weekend usually gives films a good boost, Shanaya's debut hasn't enjoyed that big jump yet. Occupancy on day 3 On Sunday, 13th July, the film's overall Hindi occupancy was recorded at 16.90%. Morning shows were quite empty at 7.40%, afternoons were a bit better at 20.09%, evenings touched 23.84%, but the night shows again dipped to 16.25%. This means not many people are stepping into theatres to watch this new love story. Facing tough competition Another reason why 'Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan' is struggling is the strong competition at the box office. Rajkummar Rao 's 'Malik', which released on the same day, has already earned over Rs 14 crore in just three days. Meanwhile, the Hollywood biggie 'Superman' is doing even better, collecting more than Rs 25 crore in the same time. Older releases like 'Sitaare Zameen Par' and 'Metro… In Dino' are also still pulling audiences, leaving little room for Shanaya Kapoor's first film to grow. About 'Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan' Directed by Santosh Singh , 'Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan' offers an unusual plot. The film is set in the peaceful hills of Mussoorie and follows Saba, a theatre artist on a solo trip. In a surprising choice, Saba decides to stay blindfolded for more than two weeks, putting all her trust in a stranger she has never even seen. She meets Jahaan, who hides his impairment from her. For him, Saba's company brings a lovely sense of normal life, without pity or sympathy. This bond becomes the heart of their gentle romance. 'Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan' review 'The Times of India' gave the film three stars, praising some parts while pointing out its flaws. The review reads, 'A theatre artiste on a solo trip to Mussoorie, blindfolded for over two weeks and relying entirely on a stranger she hasn't even seen, does stretch believability. Jahaan hides his impairment from Saba, finding in her company a rare sense of normalcy, free from pity or preconceived sympathy.' The review went on to say, 'The premise is offbeat, and if one looks past the implausibility, director Santosh Singh and writer Mansi Bagla 's film unfolds as a feel-good romance set against the serene beauty of Mussoorie in the first half. There are several light-hearted moments and poetic lines, but not all the comedy lands, and the narrative occasionally becomes repetitive.'
India.com
an hour ago
- India.com
Who was Bollywood's first graduate heroine? Worked with Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand, was the first film star to endorse…, her name is…
The film industry has been a place where many prefer to leave their education to become actors. We have come across many actors who hold PhDs, Master's Degrees, and Doctor's degrees before entering the world of cinema. Many had quit their profession to become successful actors. Right from Sai Pallavi to Sreeleela, many of them may know that these divas are doctors. Many such divas possessed such prestigious designations before they became huge stars. However, today we will tell you about Bollywood's first actress to complete her graduation. You'll be surprised to know her name? Who was the first Bollywood actress to complete her graduation? The actress whom we are talking about inspired many people during her era. Bollywood's first heroine to complete her graduation was none other than Leela Chitnis. During her early days, Leela ventured into the film industry when the roles of heroines were limited. The divas were featured in the films to either attract the audience with their beauty or to portray emotional depth in demanding scenes. However, when Leela Chitnis entered Bollywood, she changed the dynamics of the roles offered to heroines. How did Leela Chitnis's education have an impact on Hindi cinema? Leela was the first actress to shatter such taboos of films, and it was through her that the Hindi cinema saw an image of an educated, self-reliant and sensitive woman for the first time. In her autobiography, 'Chanderi Duniyat', Leela revealed how she adapted to situations over time. Even before the great heroines like Nirupa Roy or Sulochana, Leela Chitnis was delegated to play the role of a compassionate mother on screen. Due to which she was honoured with the title of 'Duchess of Depression' and the first graceful mother of Hindi cinema. Leela Chitnis was graciously presented on screen, her impact was such that the audience sitting on the other side of the room was swept away by her performance. Leela never gave up a moment to leave a lasting impression on the people; her roles were such finely played that the audience stood in awe of her. Not only that, Leela nailed the role of sacrifice and human dignity. Did Leela Chitnis transform her personality after becoming famous? Leela Chitnis remained a down-to-earth person, despite her immense popularity in Hindi cinema. Leela never transformed herself. However, during her last years, Leela lived in an old-age home in America. Leela started living a life where there was no camera around her, and she died alone in the darkness of anonymity. How did Leela end up becoming a heroine? In her autobiography, 'Chanderi Duniyat' it mentions every detail about Leela Chitnis. Starting from her birth, family, her first meeting with her husband in college. She was born on 9 September 1909 in Dharwad (present-day Karnataka) in a Marathi Brahmin family. Her father was an English professor, and this family environment made her conscious of education. Leela Chitnis was married at a young age. She went abroad with her doctor husband. She gave birth to four sons. Later, when she got divorced from her husband, she returned to Mumbai. After coming to Mumbai, Leela again started working in a school. But she had the responsibility of four children, and it was difficult to make ends meet. It was during such times that she started Marathi theatre. Through her plays and films, she raised questions on casteism, the status of women, and social pressures. Did Leela fail as a director and producer? Despite this, Leela made her presence felt as an extra in films, and she struggled and became an actress. Then came films like 'Kangan', 'Bandhan', 'Jhoola', where she appeared as a modern, self-reliant woman opposite Ashok Kumar. In the films of that time, her character spoke, thought, and fought. This was a new heroine who was showing a mirror to society by going beyond flowers and saris. Many may not know this, but Leela tried her luck in directing and producing films; eventually, she failed at it.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
‘Sitaare Zameen Par' Box Office collection day 24: Aamir Khan and Genelia Deshmukh starrer crosses Rs 160 crore mark; mints Rs 3 crore on 4th Sunday
Aamir Khan and Genelia Deshmukh 's latest film 'Sitaare Zameen Par' is proving to be one of the year's big hits. Released on 20 June, this sports drama kicked off with a bang and is still pulling crowds into theatres. Now, after completing its fourth weekend, the film has crossed the huge Rs 160 crore mark. 'Sitaare Zameen Par' collection According to early numbers from Sacnilk, 'Sitaare Zameen Par' earned Rs 3 crore on Sunday in India. This pushed its total domestic collection to a healthy Rs 160.75 crore. Though it saw a slight dip on Friday, collecting only Rs 90 lakh when it began its fourth week, it bounced back nicely over the weekend. On its 23rd day, which was the fourth Saturday since release, the film collected Rs 2.50 crore. What the film is about Directed by RS Prasanna, 'Sitaare Zameen Par' is a heartwarming mix of sports, comedy and emotions. In the film, Aamir Khan plays a basketball coach who is suspended and asked to do community service. His new job? To train a group of players with disabilities for an upcoming tournament. The film stands out because it features ten neurodivergent actors who are making their acting debut. They include Aroush Datta as Satbir, Gopi Krishnan Varma as Guddu, Vedant Sharmaa as Bantu, Naman Misra as Hargovind, Rishi Shahani as Sharmaji, Rishabh Jain as Raju, Ashish Pendse as Sunil Gupta, Samvit Desai as Karim Qureshi, Simran Mangeshkar as Golu Khan, and Aayush Bhansali as Lotus. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Do you have a mouse? Desert Order Undo Their performances have brought honesty and freshness to the story, which has touched many hearts. Facing new competition Even with its strong run, 'Sitaare Zameen Par' has had to tackle fresh competition. Several new films have come out, giving audiences plenty of choice. Anurag Basu's multi-starrer ' Dino', Shanaya Kapoor 's first film opposite Vikrant Massey called 'Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan', and Rajkummar Rao's much-awaited 'Maalik' have SZP a good fight at the Box office. On top of that, Hollywood's 'Superman' also arrived. Still, Aamir and Genelia's film has managed to hold its own and keep fans coming. Review 'Sitaare Zameen Par' has received decent reviews too. The Times of India gave it a 3.5-star rating. Their review said, 'The film mixes sentiment with spunk, avoiding overly preachy tones. ID (intellectual disabilities) is described through relatable lines like, 'Humaari kismat haathon pe nahi, chromosome pe likh ke aati hai (Our destiny isn't written on our palms — it's written in our chromosomes).' While the underdog sports narrative and troubled-coach arc feel familiar, the film's heart and humour keep it engaging. ' But it wasn't all glowing. They also pointed out, 'That said, the story does wander. Subplots involving his mother, Preeto (Dolly Ahluwalia Tewari), and their butler Daulatji (Bijendra Kala) contribute little to the core story. A few other sequences feel stretched, and pacing suffers in parts. The climax gets overly sentimental in parts. Some scenes, like the team managing airfare and accommodation for the final match, come across as convenient and trite. '
