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Indian Express
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Punjabi House was shot for three days with a different heroine before Mohini replaced her, reveals Neena Kurup: ‘They felt the first girl didn't have a Punjabi look'
Some movies never fail to tickle our funny bones and liven up our lives no matter what mood we are in. When it comes to Malayalam cinema, Punjabi House (1998) is one such film that remains the audience's most beloved comedy despite the passage of more than a quarter-century since its release. Although the industry has produced scores of comedies both before and after, it won't be an exaggeration to state that only a few works have managed to match Punjabi House, let alone surpass it. With immense rewatch value and humour that remains fresh even today, the film, crafted by screenwriter and director duo Rafi–Mecartin, remains close to Malayalees' hearts. Starring Dileep — accused of masterminding the sexual assault of a fellow actor in 2017 — as the male lead, the film features two heroines, actors Mohini and Jomol. Revolving around a young man, Unni (Dileep), who unintentionally fakes his death to escape lenders from whom he had borrowed a large sum of money, much of Punjabi House is set in the home of a Malayalam-speaking Punjabi family settled in Kerala, where Unni ends up. Pretending to be speech and hearing impaired, he assumes a new identity there to evade the eyes of creditors. Although his marriage was fixed to his cousin Sujatha (Jomol) back in his native village, at the Punjabi House, he falls for Pooja Kaur (Mohini), who is actually speech-impaired in life. And the movie follows their journey. Interestingly, both Mohini and Jomol received widespread acclaim for their performances, and Sujatha and Pooja became a turning point in their respective careers. However, did you know that Mohini wasn't the first choice for the character? In fact, the makers filmed various scenes with the initial heroine for three days before replacing the actor, feeling that her appearance did not resemble that of a Punjabi. This intriguing behind-the-scenes revelation was shared by actor Neena Kurup, who played Karishma Kaur, Pooja's cousin and best friend, in Punjabi House. In conversation with Milestone Makers, she said: 'Actually, Mohini was not the first heroine. Someone else played that role. They did it for about three days. That girl was replaced, saying she didn't have a Punjabi look. After a day's break, Mohini joined us. The decision was changed at the last minute.' Also starring Lal, Thilakan, Harisree Asokan, Cochin Haneefa, Janardhanan, NF Varghese and Indrans in key roles, Punjabi House is one of the most celebrated movies in the world of Malayalam memes, having contributed richly to pop culture, thanks to its one-liners and comedic situations. Besides becoming a blockbuster success, the movie was remade in Telugu as Maa Balaji (1999), Kannada as Punjabi House itself (2002) and in Hindi as Chup Chup Ke (2006). Starring Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, Suniel Shetty and Neha Dhupia — reprising the roles originally played by Dileep, Mohini, Lal and Neena, respectively — Chup Chup Ke was helmed by Priyadarshan.
Hindustan Times
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Union Minister-actor Suresh Gopi's son clarifies he bought Volkswagen Golf GTI worth ₹67 lakh on loan, not dad's money
Union Minister and actor Suresh Gopi's son, actor Madhav Suresh, recently bought a Volkswagen Golf GTI that he showed off on his Instagram. Many wondered if he had bought it himself or with his dad's money, if the comment section of his posts is anything to go by. In an interview with Milestone Makers, Madhav clarified that he took a loan to buy the ₹ 67 lakh worth car. Suresh Gopi's son, Madhav Suresh, clarified that he bought the new car with his own money. Madhav mentioned in the interview that one of the first comments he saw when he posted about the car was that his father had bought it for him. 'When I bought the car, the first comment I came across was – Did the father or the son pay for it? It would've been better if it were with your own money. So let me make it clear – I took a loan. Now, I'll be working to repay it.' The actor, however, did acknowledge the privilege that comes with being Suresh's son, stating that he would like to stand on his own two feet. 'That's my father's wealth, and yes, I have that security. I know not everyone has that kind of backing. The money my father has saved is not for me to spend on luxuries. It's meant for my parents' retirement and my sister's wedding. I need to work, earn and build something of my own,' he said. Madhav also opened up in the interview about facing trolls, claiming most of the hate that comes his way is political. He claimed many people were 'bitter' towards his father, Suresh, because of his being a BJP minister. The actor, though, said that it doesn't make him 'angry' as it's still 'attention' spent on him. Upcoming work Both Madhav and Suresh star in Janaki vs State of Kerala, which is facing issues over its title from the CBFC. Directed by Pravin Narayanan, the courtroom drama stars Anupama Parameswaran as the lead. The Kerala High Court on Monday questioned the CBFC over its insistence on changing the name Janaki, based on its being an iteration of Sita.
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
'I took a loan for my car': Madhav Suresh opens up on privilege, trolls
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) Madhav Suresh , son of actor Suresh Gopi , is stepping into the public eye with a clear message—he wants to build his life on his own terms. Madhav recently opened up about dealing with online criticism, financial independence, and his deep respect for the values his parents instilled in him. Talking to Milestone Makers, responding to trolls who questioned his purchase of a high-end Golf GTI car worth over Rs 67 lakhs in Kerala, Madhav clarified that he financed the vehicle with a loan, not with his father's money. 'I took the loan in my own name, and now I have to earn to repay it. I wanted to set that straight,' he said with honesty and conviction. Family wealth Is for family needs Madhav emphasized that his father's earnings are not for his personal luxuries. 'My father and mother have saved their money for their retirement life, and for the weddings of my sisters. That money is theirs and has a purpose. If I ever face a crisis, that financial safety net will be there—but I understand not everyone has that privilege, and I don't take it for granted,' he said. Suresh Gopi and Gokul Suresh in Lelam 2 Instead of leaning on his family's name, Madhav believes in building his own identity through effort. 'Privilege exists, yes, but that doesn't mean I can sit idle. I have to work hard and prove myself—for me and my family,' he said. Trolls, politics, and perspective Madhav also addressed the hate comments and online trolling he has received, which he believes are partly because his father is a (Politicial party name) minister. But he carries no bitterness. 'I don't have any anger towards those who troll me,' he said calmly, showing a sense of maturity beyond his years. Looking to the future, Madhav has just one goal: 'Someday, I want my children to look at me and say, 'My father built a good life for us.' That's what drives me.'
