Latest news with #Niharika
Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Niharika Bijli, Lead Strategist, PVR INOX: ‘Box office success of re-releases shows theatres are not dying'
The eulogies of theatrical cinema in India have been written every decade. First, it was the VHS boom that threatened it. Then it was cable television. And the newest Boogeyman is the streaming world. But theatres are still alive, at least in India, where housefull boards may have become less common, but they haven't vanished. And as Niharika Bijli, Lead Strategist at PVR INOX, argues, the success of re-releases alone is proof that theatres are here to stay. Niharika Bijli, Lead Strategist at PVR INOX, talks to HT about re-releases and more. On Umrao Jaan re-release We meet Niharika on the sidelines of the grand re-release of Muzaffar Ali's Umrao Jaan. Many in the audience saw it in theatres for the first time ever. Talking about the re-release, Niharika says, "We can't take solo credit for this at all. Something like this is a collaboration with the NFDC, the film restoration committee. They have been absolutely amazing. They made it their mission to bring certain films back to the big screen. We are delighted to be able to host these films. And then there are the filmmakers themselves. So a lot of people come together." When asked if she and the PVR-INOX group consider themselves facilitators of this trend, she responds, "We consider ourselves facilitators but also movers. Ever since this entire strategy of re-releases became more than just festivals, a lot of people have also been encouraged to bring films back." How the re-release became a trend The trend of re-releases began last summer in India. For years, Tamil and Telugu hits have re-released on important anniversaries or stars' birthdays. But they were sporadic. It was only the summer of 2024 that made it a widespread trend, even in the north. Talking about how it all began, Niharika tells us, "In Delhi, we did have a period in time where we showed this one-off show in an Anupam (now PVR Saket), or Priya. This was a classic being re-screened. It ranged from a Bollywood movie to Hollywood hits, but in a very limited capacity. We did these experiments, but at that time, none of these properties performed. The genesis of this happened last summer, with Laila Majnu. We did it as an experiment in one property. The kind of response that it got made us take a step back and turn that experiment into a strategy. But it's too early to just even figure out what this beast is. It's still growing." As films like Tumbbad, Sanam Teri Kasam, and Laila Majnu outdid their original runs upon re-release, the industry took notice. Many films shed the 'flop' tag and became profitable after re-release. That a film which is available on streaming still manages to do well in theatres is no mean feat, something Nihariks points out. "It's a testament to two things. Firstly, these films are a major testament to the makers because they have made pieces that are transcending time. There's that nostalgic pull. But it's not just them. New people are discovering these. So definitely it's a testament to the big screen experience, because these films are available everywhere. There is something about experiencing them in this format with people, with other people in this shared space that is doing something," she says. Theatres are not dying This success and feedback are what convince her that she does not need to respond to the 'theatres are dying' jibe. "Theatres are not dying. There are a lot of people who are putting their effort and their entire might behind theatrical - a lot of brilliant producers, actors, etc, who have devoted their careers to making theatrical films, not just within Bollywood, but across India. And a lot of the films are doing well. So I think it's not a statement to really feel. And I really think we're in a place where theatrical and OTT can co-exist and it should," she says. Niharika adds that some of the classics have worked because of how the 'social media generation' functions. Giving an example of the Raj Kapoor Film Festival, she says, "We live in a generation of social media. So basically, it is somewhere FOMO. But it's also this curiosity that 'Why are the previous generations still talking about these movies?'" The business of re-releases But are re-releases just about nostalgia, or does it make business sense too? "It is definitely a combination of both," responds Niharika, adding, "It's not that there is no business in it. If you look at the footfalls of some of our highest-collecting films, like Tumbbad, they are unbelievable. It is a big number, especially for a film that is widely available (on streaming). So that is where we are encouraged in our drive to keep this going." Niharika informs that collections from re-releases account for 8.5% of PVR-INOX's total revenue."It's not a very big number, but it's also very decent," she says, adding that it was just 4% a few years ago. "It's a market that's growing, and people are enjoying this momentum," she concludes.
Hans India
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Tribute to Kuchipudi guru with classical dances
Vijayawada: Onthe auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima, Hamsadhwani Kuchipudi Nrityalaya, Vijayawada paid rich tributes to Dr Ch Ajay Kumar, a renowned young Kuchipudi dance guru, through a grand Guru Puja held on Thursday evening at Gokaraju Laila Gangaraju Kala Vedika, Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao Government Music and Dance College here. Continuing the revered tradition of honouring gurus on this sacred day, the disciples of Dr Ajay Kumar expressed their deep gratitude and reverence for their mentor. The event was marked by both devotion and celebration, with more than 200 dancers participating in the tribute. Among the participants were several of Ajay Kumar's senior disciples who have themselves grown into accomplished dance teachers. Notables among them included Niharika, Sushma, Padusha, Chaitanya, Vighnesh, Utpala, Sailaja, Pranathi, Divya, Kundanika, Sandep, Navya Suvarna, Prasanna, Surendra, Mohita, Monika, and Gayatri, all of whom once trained under Dr Ajay Kumar and are now imparting Kuchipudi to the next generation. The evening featured a vibrant lineup of classical Kuchipudi dance performances by current students including Abhinaya, Lasya, Vokaua, Pushkara, Saranya, Jyothika, Hussin, Bhargavi, Yamini, and Nikita. The dancers presented a repertoire of traditional compositions such as 'Swagata nrityam', 'Ganesh Stuti', 'Cheri Yashodaku', 'Chandana Cherchita', 'Alarulu Kuriyaga', 'Ananda Tandavam', 'Kattedura' and 'Tiruveedhulu', leaving the audience spellbound with their grace and precision. The event was further enriched by the presence of esteemed guests: K Lakshminarasamma, Principal of the Music and Dance College, along with prominent dance gurus Ch Srinivas, 'Padmasri' Hemath, and Usha Madhavi, who graced the occasion and lauded the dedication of both guru and disciples. The programme was meticulously organised by senior disciples including Niharika, Sushma, Divya, Vighnesh, Taniya, and Pranathi, whose efforts ensured the success of the event. The celebration not only highlighted the guru-shishya Parampara but also stood as a testimony to the growing legacy of Dr Ajay Kumar in the field of Kuchipudidance.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Exclusive – Niharika Chouksey reacts to 27-year age gap with co-star Sharad Kelkar in Tum Se Tum Tak; says, 'Sharad sir always made me feel very comfortable'
Sharad Kelkar and Niharika Chouksey's new show Tum Se Tum Tak, which recently went on air, has already been winning hearts with its unique concept and engaging storyline. While many have expressed their love and admiration, some have questioned the age gap between Sharad and Niharika. The actress has now reacted to working with Sharad Kelkar, netizens' reactions to the age gap, and more in an exclusive chat with Times of India TV. The show explores the unconventional romance between Anu (played by Niharika Chouksey), a 19-year-old middle-class girl with big dreams and deep-rooted values, and Aryavardhan (played by Sharad Kelkar), a 46-year-old self-made business tycoon known for his discipline. Ever since the first promo of the show came out a few months ago, netizens have been questioning the age gap between lead actors Sharad and Niharika. However, Niharika has opened up about working with her co-star and expressed how he always ensures her comfort before shooting any scene. Talking about the same, Niharika said, 'I've never felt uncomfortable while doing the romantic scenes with him. My past co-actors have also had at least a 10–15 year age gap. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Drink 1 Cup Every Morning – See What Happens A Week Later! Health Watcher Undo I've never done any project with someone of my age. Talking about Sharad sir, I never felt anything weird, and Sharad sir always made me feel very comfortable. When I do a scene, I look at it as Anu, who's in love with Aryavardhan, and I leave Niharika in the vanity van and come—so I've never felt uncomfortable. ' She further shared, 'Earlier, I used to get really affected by these things. However, over the years, I've realised that I can't really help these things, and all I can do is take constructive criticism. If people randomly start writing anything, I can't take it seriously, and I think every actor has to go through such things in their lives. Also, why should I care about what someone with a fake ID on social media is writing on my page? If my producer or someone says something, only then am I obliged to listen to it. '
Hindustan Times
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Niharika Chouksey on being scammed: I paid ₹30,000 for a role's casting and then they blocked me
Niharika Chouksey, who made her television debut with popular daily soap Yeh Hai Mohabbatein where she had a cameo followed by, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai (2021), shares how she became a victim of fraud in the race of making a name for herself in the showbiz industry. The actor tells us, "I became a victim of fraudulent casting schemes during the early days of my career." Niharika Chouksey Sharing about the incident, Niharika says, "There were times when I was asked to pay registration fees for auditions. I come from Burhanpur (Madhya Pradesh). When I came to Mumbai, I came with only one dream and that was to act. But along the road, there were people who tried fooling and scammed me." Adding further, she says, "They would take the money with the promise of getting you a role, an actor card and more. Once they got the money, they would block me.' Elaborating further, she recalls how she was nearly caught in a web of deceit simply because she didn't know anyone in Mumbai. 'I didn't have industry contacts, and I was new to the city. You become an easy target. Once I paid ₹30,000 to a casting institute for auditions. I even paid ₹3,000 for an actor card, as I was told that with that, getting work will become easier," says Niharika. Unfortunately, the issue didn't stop at fraud. The actor mentions there were times when she received inappropriate offers sometimes disguised as opportunities. 'There were instances where people tried to take advantage in the name of giving work. My mom has been my constant. She would accompany me for all my auditions," says Niharika, adding, 'Casting directors used to often ask me, 'Why do you get your mom along with you?' that was one of the signs that I choose to not associate with such directors.' 'My parents have always supported me. When I decided to step into the industry, they told me — if you're comfortable, go ahead. If not, step back,' she says. The actor, whose latest show Tum Se Tum Tak recently went on air, wraps up by saying, "I am actor who just wants to work. Even thought I have lost work to people who had over a million followers, as the makers wanted someone with numbers, I am okay with it. I have never wanted to be an Instagram star.
Pink Villa
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Tumm Se Tumm Tak EXCLUSIVE: Niharika Chouksey reacts to criticism of 27-year age gap between her and Sharad Kelkar's character
Niharika Chouksey is one of those talented actors who has made a name for herself in the industry at a very young age. After impressing fans in numerous shows, she is now seen in a new show titled Tumm Se Tumm Tak. Here, Niharika's co-star is the entertainment industry's popular actor, Sharad Kelkar. The storyline of the show focuses on a mature love story. While Sharad portrays the role of a 46-year-old businessman, Arya, Niharika plays Anu, a 19-year-old. When the promos were released, Tumm Se Tumm Tak received backlash from the audience for the 27-year age gap between the two lead characters. In an exclusive conversation, Niharika broke her silence on Tumm Se Tumm Tak being trolled for the age difference. She also spoke about her experience of working with Sharad Kelkar. Niharika Chouksey reacts to Tumm Se Tumm Tak getting trolled for 27-year age gap While exclusively speaking to Pinkvilla, Niharika Chouksey was asked if the trolls regarding the 27-year age gap between her and Sharad Kelkar's character affects her. Answering this, she said, "Not actually." Further, expressing her thoughts on trolls, the actress quoted, "Any publicity is good publicity." Niharika Chouksey explained, "Jinko nahi pasand aaya hai voh log sirf trailer se judge kar rahe hai. I am sure jab voh episode dekhenge first, unko bhi Anu aur Arya se pyaar ho jayega (Those who don't like it, are judging by watching the trailer. I'm sure when they watch the episode, even they will love Anu and Arya)." Niharika Chouksey opens up on working with Sharad Kelkar Talking about her experience of working with Sharad Kelkar, Niharika expressed, "Sharad sir senior hai. Unhone itna time diya hai iss craft ko. Jitni meri umar bhi nahi hai utna unhone craft ko time diya hai toh mai roz unse kuch na kuch sikhti hu (Sharad sir is very senior. He has given a lot of time to the craft. I'm not even of that age. So I learn every day from him). She elaborated, "Barikiya sikhti hu and he is so down to earth, so ye sikhti hu ki itni uchayi pe pohoch ke bhi aap grounded reh sakte ho (I learn small things. He is so down-to-earth. I learn from him that after reaching heights also you can stay grounded)." Niharika Chouksey reveals facing casting couch 'slightly' When asked if she ever faced the casting couch while being approached for work, the 20-year-old revealed that she never faced any such situation because her mom accompanies her most of the time. However, the Faltu actor cited, "Casting couch maine slightly face kiya hai jab kisine phone pe kuch thoda sa baat karne ki koshish ki ho but I never faced this (I did face casting couch slightly over call when someone said something and tried but I never faced it)." Niharika continued, "Kabhi South ke project ke calls aate hai, unn sab mei I experienced this. Indian Television I feel is the best medium kyuki aapko yaha aapke Talent se kaam milta hai (When I get calls for South projects, there I experienced this. Indian Television I feel is the best medium because here you get work through your talent)." She added, "I think most of the calls are fraud." Discussing her show Tumm Se Tumm Tak, Niharika expressed her excitement for its release and stated that she is confident they have created a quality program that the audience will enjoy.
