Latest news with #DearMeSeason2
Indian Express
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Ridhi Dogra says she needs another film with Shah Rukh Khan as a redemption for Jawan: ‘They just didn't want to call Deepika Padukone the mother so I became Kaveri Amma'
Actress Ridhi Dogra has portrayed some strong roles on TV and carried that same presence onto the 70mm with Jawan. In the Shah Rukh Khan starrer, Ridhi played the popular role of Kaveri Amma, who was SRK's godmother in the film. While the role was special, it is something that Ridhi has still not managed to come to terms with. On SCREEN's Dear Me Season 2, the actress spoke about landing the role and revealed how her inner fangirl reacted around Shah Rukh. Talking about working on Jawan, Ridhi said, 'SRK is eternally young and I am like a mother to him, that's ridiculous, that's the stuff nightmares are made of. I was directly called to meet Atlee on the sets of Jawan. I was very happy, but I didn't know where I was going and what was happening. After reaching there, I realized that they were shooting Jawan, the whole set was ready. Atlee explained the role to me, and I was like, 'No, what makes you think I am this person?'' Also Read: Ridhi Dogra reveals no phones were allowed on Jawan set, admits she was skeptical about playing 'old to Shah Rukh Khan' She added, 'There is a younger part in the movie, and I am not his mother. I think they just didn't want to call Deepika the mother, so I became Kaveri Amma, but Deepika was the mother. I was the guardian. For me, it was like, what the hell. I was also in a funky headspace at that time. I thought it's just one life, and I shouldn't let go of this opportunity. I was getting to be on a set with Atlee, so I thought I should just do it.' Ridhi Dogra also shared how it was being around Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone. 'For me, it was more like being on the set and seeing how Shah Rukh works. I didn't realize that I would be there acting with him. It was painful. I need to do a project with him in this lifetime to erase this memory. I need that redemption. Deepika is fantastic; she is very empathetic, and I took that from her. Just looking at her, you could tell that she is very present and grateful for what she has through her demeanor. If you work in an environment like that, it is gratifying for everyone.' Also Read | Ridhi Dogra checked if she was legally allowed to work with Fawad Khan before signing Abir Gulaal: 'I wouldn't have done it if…' Revealing that her anxiety levels were at the peak throughout Jawan, Ridhi shared, 'I was very nervous to play Kaveri Amma, very scared. Throughout the shoot, my anxiety was hitting the roof. I was having a panic attack every day because I just couldn't understand how it was going to make sense. It was not like a project that would come and go; it was a massive film. I never questioned my decision, but I had a lot of nerves.' One thing Ridhi Dogra regrets is that she didn't get to meet Shah Rukh Khan properly. She says, 'Having SRK around added to the nervousness. I don't think I have spoken to him. I am not proud of it. I went to his house. He had a little party after the release, and it is ridiculous how I couldn't go up to him. Now, when I look back, I had friends over there, people who knew him, I should have just told someone to take me to him. I met his wife, mother-in-law, and his kids, but him…I need a reset.' On the work front, Ridhi Dogra was last seen in the web series Kull. She also had Abir Gulaal with Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor releasing. However, the film was later banned following tension between India and Pakistan. Talking about Abir Gulaal's ban, Ridhi said, 'Right now it is more important to stand by our Government and by our military forces. Everything we say or do, entertainment is honestly not so important. How can I, as a mere civilian, contribute to the country, and this is a very small price. While there is money at stake, that is for the producer. It's hard for them.'
Indian Express
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Deepshikha Nagpal was offered Karan Arjun, later worked with Shah Rukh Khan in Koyla: ‘I would not talk to him, was very scared'
Actress Deepshikha Nagpal recently looked back on her early career, including turning down a role in Rakesh Roshan's Karan Arjun and eventually sharing screen space with Shah Rukh Khan in Koyla. She also shared fond memories of working with the superstar. In the latest episode of SCREEN's Dear Me Season 2, Deepshikha clarified that she never rejected Karan Arjun. Sharing what happened, Deepshikha said, 'I cannot say I rejected the role. I am too small to say that. I didn't reject the role. I was new and didn't want to do films. One day my mother took both the sisters to Rakesh Roshanji when he was casting for Karan Arjun. Rakeshji said he wanted to cast me, and I said no. My sister wanted to be an actress, so I thought if I said no, he would cast my sister. That didn't happen, and I forgot about it.' Also Read: 'Shah Rukh Khan called me during Om Shanti Om, I couldn't gather the courage to go…': Baadshah actor Deepshikha Nagpal She added, 'I was doing a serial for Bobby Kent, and Rakeshji had come for the muhurat where he told me, 'I offered you a film, and you are here doing TV.' I realized later why he wanted to cast me, because Mamta Kulkarni's role was very tomboyish. I wish I could have done that. It all hit me after the lockdown that I have missed so much. Life would have been so different.' Deepshikha Nagpal later worked with Rakesh Roshan in Koyla. Talking about bagging the role in Koyla, Deepshikha said, 'Bagging a role in Koyla is also thanks to Rakeshji. Earlier films would be made in five years and only Amitabh Bachchan, Rajesh Khanna were considered A-listers. Shah Rukh Khan, Salman, everyone was new. So when I was doing films, I was saying yes to every film I was offered. I didn't consider it as a B grade film or anything. I did a few films like those that appeared in the trade magazines, and because of that, others stopped signing me, saying that I was doing small films.' 'I was doing a serial called Scandal, which was produced by Satish Kaushik. He wanted to launch me, but didn't have any film, so he took me in the show. The first episode froze on my frame, and Rakeshji saw that. He called Satish and said he wanted to meet me. That's how I was in his office. He narrated the entire script of Koyla, and I said yes. In Koyla, he never made me feel like I was a small actress or less than Shah Rukh or Madhuri. He had once told me that when he signed me, people told him not to do so. He was told that the project's value would fall, as I was a new girl who had signed a few small films, so it wouldn't look good. But because Rakeshji had his journey as an actor, he went ahead and signed me,' she added. Talking about working with Shah Rukh Khan in Koyla, Deepshikha shared, 'I was very nervous in the scene where I die in SRK's arms. DDLJ had released, and I was in love with his character. That scene is not in the film anymore. It was the first day of the shoot. We had a 4 pm shoot, and SRK was shooting somewhere. He thought it was 4 am, so he came early morning. While we waited, they decided to take my silent shots, and I did those. When Shah Rukh came on set, Rakeshji made me meet him and praised me, saying she is a very good actress. Shah Rukh was smoking, and he said, 'Let's see.' I found that very insulting.' She added, 'Then we did our scene, and I got up and walked away. I would not talk to him. I was very scared of SRK. We were staying in the same building, but I would not talk, even though I loved him. One day, I went to his room to say hi. He asked me to sit, and I didn't. I told him what he had done with me, and he apologized, saying that he believes in giving space. SRK is a very quiet person; he doesn't talk too much. He has his gestures.' Deepshikha Nagpal also recalled shooting Koyla song 'Ghunghte Mein Chanda Hai' and Baadshah with Shah Rukh Khan. Deepshikha said, 'My film Ajnabee was a hit, and one day in the evening, after packing up, there was a crowd hooting for me. Everybody had left, but SRK waited for me, and he gave me his hand because he saw that a girl was alone. He then asked me why they were hooting for me. He was very respectful and a thorough gentleman. Then we used to talk about each other's lives. I was doing the song 'Ghungte main chanda hai.' The shoot went on for 10 days, and SRK is very naughty. He would joke, asking me that when I am sitting with my face covered, why do I need to put makeup.' 'He recommended my name in Baadshah. I got to know about it once the film was over. When we met on the sets of Baadshah, he used to keep joking, but I would never reciprocate. He was newly married to Gauri, so he would keep inviting me home, and I used to not go because of my complex. I used to think they were big stars,' she added. Don't Miss: Deepshikha Nagpal files physical abuse case against ex-husband Kaishav Arora Deepshikha Nagpal lastly recalled being involved in a car crash right after Koyla shoot finished. 'Koyla was not as big a hit as Karan Arjun. It released first from my other films, but I was typecast because of the negative role. However, the entire industry was talking about me. I was shooting for another film when I met with an accident, a car crash, and had 27 stitches on my shoulder. This was right after Koyla's shoot was completed. So when trials happened, I was told everyone was praising me, and I was sitting there with my problems and a broken hand. By the time Koyla was released, I had gotten married. Because Koyla flopped, I was not getting films. The roles that came were not something I wanted to do, and I thought I was a one-movie wonder.' Nawaz Kochra is an enthusiastic entertainment journalistic for the last 9 years, he has been a known face and successfully worked with some big publications. At Nawaz majorly covers TV and OTT and also does video interviews. Having the best conversations with celebrities is what Nawaz loves. ... Read More
Time of India
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Nimrat Kaur recalls facing financial hardship before 'The Lunchbox': 'I would get worried where my next pay cheque would come from'
Nimrat Kaur recently shared her journey and past financial struggles She spoke openly about the anxieties of an uncertain income and the emotional toll of not knowing when her next paycheck would arrive. Nimrat also admitted that she is not a "thick-skinned" actor and often finds herself affected by public judgment. The unending nature of struggle During her appearance on SCREEN's Dear Me Season 2, Nimrat spoke about the ongoing nature of struggles in an actor's life. She recalled her early days in Mumbai, marked by uncertainty about whether she would succeed or even manage to earn a living through acting. The fear of not knowing if her dreams would take shape was a constant challenge in the beginning of her journey. The actress further shared that while she quickly secured music videos and numerous ad films, and performed in theater for 4-5 years, it was The Lunchbox that eventually became a turning point. She acknowledged that different phases of her life presented different struggles, emphasizing the continuous nature of challenges in her profession. Navigating financial precarity and self-doubt She also reflected on a difficult phase in her life when she was financially unstable and plagued with self-doubt. She questioned her abilities, whether audiences appreciated her work, and even considered returning home. This period of deep uncertainty, she shared, came just before her breakthrough with The Lunchbox, a time when her future in the industry felt especially unclear. During her theatre days, Nimrat faced a severe financial crunch that left her deeply anxious. With her bank balance running dangerously low, she struggled to see where the next source of income would come from. The fear of failure and the thought of returning home under such circumstances felt humiliating. Despite feeling sad, lonely, and overwhelmed at times, she drew strength from within. Through it all, an inner voice kept encouraging her to hold on and not give up. Choosing battles: vulnerability and public scrutiny When asked about being strong-headed, the actress explained that although she doesn't openly show her struggles, it doesn't mean she hasn't faced difficult times. She emphasized that sharing one's vulnerability is a privilege and not something everyone should or can access. Nimrat acknowledged that her profession naturally puts her in the public eye, often exposing her in ways she'd rather avoid. She described her careful, measured responses as a 'self-defense mechanism,' especially in today's internet age where words can be twisted or misinterpreted easily. While she accepts that audiences have every right to express opinions about her work, she admits that personal judgments do affect her deeply. Far from being thick-skinned, Nimrat confessed she is quite sensitive—a trait rooted in her childhood. Over time, she has learned to pick her battles wisely, choosing not to engage with things beyond her control. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Indian Express
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Nimrat Kaur opens up about financial struggles before The Lunchbox: ‘There were days when I was very sad'
Actress Nimrat Kaur, who was recently seen on Jio Hotstar's show Kull, appeared on SCREEN's Dear Me Season 2. During the conversation, Nimrat reflected on her journey and opened up about her struggling phase. She spoke about dealing with uncertainty and the anxiety of not knowing when her next paycheck would come. Nimrat also admitted that she isn't a thick-skinned actor and often finds herself affected by judgments directed at her. Looking back at her struggles, Nimrat shared, 'Struggles are unending, and they will exist lifelong. Back when I started, the struggle was different. There was no surety that the reason for which I came to Mumbai would fructify. Will I be able to earn some money through acting? These were the initial questions. After I came here, I got some music videos in 2-3 months. I did a lot of ad films, and then Lunchbox came my way. I also did theater for 4-5 years. At different points in life, I had to struggle with different things.' Also Read: Nimrat Kaur says people are 'unsettled' in marriages that are a front; recalls family pressure to 'settle down' during her struggling days Nimrat Kaur also spoke about a phase when her finances were running low. The actor said, 'Sometimes I would get worried where my next pay cheque would come from? Am I good enough? Should I go back? Do people like seeing me in what I do? Before Lunchbox, there was a point where I didn't know what I would do ahead. While doing theater, there was a time when my bank balance had fallen very low. It was very difficult to understand where money would come from. There was a lot of fear, and returning home in a situation like that is a different kind of humiliation.' 'There were days when I was very sad, low, things were very difficult, challenging. I would cry, feel lonely, but there was a voice inside me that said, 'Don't give up,'' she added. When asked whether she had always been strong-headed or merely appeared that way, Nimrat responded, 'I don't do it publicly, but that doesn't mean I don't go through a hard time. To be in on somebody's vulnerability is a privilege; it's not something anyone can and should have access to.' A post shared by SCREEN (@ieentertainment) 'Anyway, the profession I am in puts me out in ways that sometimes I don't even want to. It's not something I wish for. It is a self-defense mechanism. I choose not to react, flare up, or express myself in an unwanted way. Some things remain forever, and thanks to the internet, it's like a landmine you are walking on. Anything you say can be blasted at any time. It can be made to look a certain way, and whatnot. As the audience, everybody is entitled to an opinion on my work, but everything else. It's not like I am completely immune to it or strong about it, or thick-skinned; in fact, I am the opposite. The complications of a childhood has made me a certain way. I choose my battles now. I don't want to take on issues that I have nothing to do with or that I can have no control over,' added Nimrat, during the interview held at Angry Sardar Restaurant in Andheri, Mumbai. Nawaz Kochra is an enthusiastic entertainment journalistic for the last 9 years, he has been a known face and successfully worked with some big publications. At Nawaz majorly covers TV and OTT and also does video interviews. Having the best conversations with celebrities is what Nawaz loves. ... Read More
News18
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Sooraj Pancholi Recalls Salman Khan's Support During Tough Times: 'He Was My Messiah'
Last Updated: In a heartfelt conversation, Sooraj Pancholi opened up about his deep bond with Salman Khan, revealing how the superstar supported him during the lowest phase of his life. Sooraj Pancholi was barely holding himself together when he was launched into Bollywood with Hero in 2015 — a time when his personal life was clouded with controversy. Facing accusations in the Jiah Khan case, Sooraj found himself in emotional turmoil. But it was during this storm that Salman Khan stood by him like a rock — an act of support Sooraj still holds close to his heart. At the trailer launch of Hero, the overwhelmed newcomer couldn't stop his tears as he embraced Salman in front of the cameras, a moment etched into Bollywood memory. In a recent appearance on SCREEN's Dear Me Season 2, Sooraj looked back at that crucial period and opened up about the deep bond he shares with Salman Khan — one that was forged not on glamorous red carpets but behind the scenes, as an assistant director on Ek Tha Tiger. 'He came into my life like a messiah when I had no hope left," Sooraj shared. 'I was in a place where I couldn't see any scope for happiness, and yet he stood by me. It was on the sets of Ek Tha Tiger that we got close. I was the last AD on that film, so I spent a lot of time with him. I still don't understand why he took a liking to me — maybe it was something he saw in me — but he stuck by his word. Whatever I am today, it's because of that push from him." One of Sooraj's fondest memories with Salman happened in the remote, chilly mountains of Mardin, Turkey. 'It was 4 am, and I was asleep. My roommate woke me up saying Salman sir was at our door. He called us to his room, sat me down, introduced me to Reshma Shetty and said, 'She'll manage you from now on.' Then, he handed me the contract for Hero and wished me happy birthday. That was his gift to me — my first film." He added, 'Salman sir isn't close friends with my father. They know each other from the industry, but they're not particularly tight. Still, he helped me in a way that goes beyond explanation. Sometimes I still ask him, 'Why me?' And he just smiles." Sooraj Pancholi's latest film Kesari Veer, featuring Suniel Shetty and Vivek Oberoi, released this Friday. And while he continues to make his mark on screen, the shadow of Salman's support and belief in him continues to guide his path. First Published:
