As an artist, how did you deal with the shift in psyche, especially while being in and out of a character that has physical limitations, and a completely different personality?

Like I mentioned, my portions were shot while I standing inside a one and a half feet deep pit. There were also boxes, which would move wherever I went. So personally, I never felt short, except while standing next to Anushka or Katrina (laughs). On a serious note, Anushka's character even has a line - 'Relationship barabari ka hoga', which is even a part of the trailer. Because technically, we are the same height in the film, as she is seated on her digitally controlled chair. I never felt any difference, except for a small fact that it was like walking two steps below. 

What about the sets, costumes and props? How did you work around those, considering you could actually see the final look post structural changes?

I'll tell you what was difficult. A lot of times, we would shoot a scene, and after 3-4 months while watching the structure change, we think it looks really good. Sometimes, it would look worse, because when he becomes small, everything feels different. In fact, some scenes even had to be re-shot. If I did something with my own style, it looked wrong on a shorter person. It's a little difficult to describe, but if you notice the romantic track (Mere Naam Tu), his movements are a little child like. Like chest thumps and jumps. He can't do tight moves, so even the choreography had to be a little loose. It was during the look test that I did around 2 and a half years back, that I noticed, something just wasn't right. Even the props were bigger for me. For instance, if it's an iPhone 8 for everyone, then that's X for me. If you read a normal book, mine is a bit bigger. Shirt - trouser fittings had to be kept in mind. We also wanted him to have a slight paunch, which isn't too prominent, but at the same time, he should look attractive. So, those elements had to be kept in mind.

We had to buy a machine called Techno Dolly, and have it sent from overseas. It's actually used for shots in Games of Thrones as well

Tell us a little about the inclusion of aeronautics in the film. Were portions of the film shot in NASA?

Well, there is no mention of NASA as such. We have built our own space research centre. Personalisation was necessary, as NASA only allows one film to use their name per year, and they already had 'First Man'. So, we become the second one. However, we did shoot some scenes there, and we had requested if another name can be used. Especially because we have taken certain cinematic liberties in the film. So, the permissions were necessary.  

We are making the biggest and largest number of films in a year. We assume that we are the best film makers in the world

What are your thoughts of the use of VFX in Hindi films. Do you think it needs a better push in the Indian film industry, with the kind of genres we are experimenting with today?

VFX has to be much more prominent in Hindi films, for cinema to have better story telling. We are making the biggest and largest number of films in a year. We assume that we are the best film makers in the world. But, I think the new influx of audience that will come in the future, that is kids who are now 7-8 years old, they will not be very forgiving about the cinematic sound and visual experience. They are used to watching the latest films and songs in full HD on phones or computers. Some beautiful films with a great overall visual experience have released recently, and have been accepted by the audience. It is only a matter of time that the numbers will increase. These children will grow up watching such films, even in small towns, thanks to the growing connectivity we have today. In the future, they won't accept excuses like, "Arey, Hindi film main kuch bhi chalta hai." That excuse is fine for us, and mine would be the last generation, who would see a tacky film and say - But still, this is the first for India (laughs). 

Go on....

In fact, you are still younger. I was telling someone, how it was 15 years ago that I first went to a multiplex. But, now I am used to that recliner chair, big screens, and flavoured popcorns. But when I was growing up, cinema halls were very rundown, at least most of them. Now, since I am used to the multiplex experience, if you take me back to the old hall, I might not be comfortable. Even if it's another country, I would be like - Arey, yeh kahan aa gaye. Mujhe picture nahi dekhni. So, kids are already used to that world. And when I speak of VFX, it's not just films like Baahubali. There is so much more to VFX than that. It can be used even for the smallest of films, like Zodiac in Hollywood, which is made over a period of 15-20 days. A lot of VFX is used for simple details - like speed, cars, camera movements, and it can't be pinpointed specifically. So, I feel film makers should come forward and make use of this technology to enhance the overall movie experience.

Film makers should come forward and make use of technology to enhance the overall movie experience

When it comes to the use of technology, you and team Red Chillies VFX have always taken things a notch above. But, technology often comes with its own set of challenges. What were some of the hurdles that you came across during the making of this film, and how did you over come it?

While shooting for the track with Salman (Khan), and there are a few scenes as well, where we could not get the moving shots right. The film became very static, as you had to shoot five times - background, actors, crowd among others. So, the layering became difficult. Eventually, we had to buy a machine called Techno Dolly, and have it sent from USA. It's actually used for shots in Games of Thrones as well. But, buying a machine wasn't enough, and so, we had to get a person who could perfectly manage the equipment. So now, they have their own technique of working and understanding, and we haven't worked on that machine before. Hence, the director had to learn how to work on that machine, which by the way, it quite big. Just the other day, we were shooting for some additional scenes for the last bit of the film, and there was a fire. While the fire could be controlled well in time, as it wasn't that big, but the water used to douse the fire went into the machine. So, the whole thing stopped working. Of course, we could shoot in static, but everyone was obviously worried. Also, it was sad, because we bought this expensive machine, perhaps a first in the country. Luckily for us, after keeping it in a silica tank or something, the machine was up and working within two days. So yes, technology does bring along some hitches. Sometimes, you do make mistakes. Of course, there were some good parts too. 

And what about the song with Salman Khan?

So, while shooting with Salman, I had to jump in his arms. We thought he will have to be hooked on something. He was standing at quite a height, and I had to take a jump. Obviously, when I jump, that will have a lot of force. So, we wanted him to be put on to a wire. But, he is so strong, that he didn't move. That solved a lot of problems (smiles). Because if had fallen or moved in a stranger manner, we couldn't have pulled off that shot. Certain shots may start looking a bit weird if not executed properly. Then, in some shots I have to jump into a rickshaw, or even Zeeshan's lap. So, somebody discovered that if a string is put up, I can jump across and reach (laughs). These little things were experimented with. Some look real, some unreal. Certain romantic scenes had to look a certain way. Now, when Katrina bends down to kiss me, she can't touch me too much. That's because my face gets covered and it cannot structured later. So, angles had to be set. Beyond that, we couldn't judge or look at what we have shot. Usually, we are used to seeing our shots on the monitor. It was a lot of hit and trial. That's why, we took a lot of time to shoot this film with complete perfection.

You know, when films bomb at the box office, then it's the best way to call them 'ahead of its time'. That's the best excuse (laughs)

We hope you enjoyed our candid conversation with Shah Rukh Khan!

Read Part I of the Conversation here
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Love,
The Dancebee

After a year long wait (or perhaps, more), he is back with an all new release. After generating maximum curiosity with teasers, posters and BTS shots all year round, Shah Rukh Khan is ready with the much anticipated Christmas release of 2018 - Zero. What clearly looks like India's very own VFX marvel to watch out for, Zero will have Khan collaborating with film maker Aanand L Rai (known for his romantic-dramas set in the heartland of India), for the very first time. While the actor is known to experiment with his avatar in every film, be it Ra. One, Chak De India or Fan, it would be for the first time that he will seen as a dwarf on the big screen. And no, this ain't your regular fare, where a body double or fake tricks are used. Zero is said to be a state of the art VFX film, and Khan's team at Red Chillies VFX promises to leave no stone unturned to turn it into a memorable experience for the cine goers.



On a breezy December evening, while trying to catch up with the peak hour Mumbai traffic, we were invited for a conversation with Khan at a suburban studio. It was a tough week for the actor, what with back to back events, a big fat Indian wedding, and promotions for the film in Dubai. Dressed looking his dapper best, complete with a grey jacket to beat the breeze, Khan walked out of his swanky vanity van and rushed in to greet us. Despite the tough schedule, he looked happy (and handsome as ever) and welcomed us with a smile. What followed was an uninterrupted, long conversation on all things cinema, life, VFX, and of course - being Bauua Singh for Zero. As he continued to sip on hot coffee from his tumbler, we got ready to shoot our questions! And of course, the actor was all ears, as he sat down for a chat, while flashing those legendary dimples. Here's our much awaited interview, an uncut conversation series, presented in two parts. Presenting Part I of our conversation with Shah Rukh Khan:



What went into the conceptualisation of your character - Bauua Singh? What were the key personality traits kept in mind, before the character was actually given shape? 
It's not really experimental, but just a physical difference in a character. As much as growing a moustache, but the technology to create this and the process took very long. Also, the film's basis being that all of us spend most of our time wishing that we could be happier. I wish I had this, or could do that. And, we have so many people around us telling us how we should be. But, we don't realise that each one of us are unique. Nobody is perfect, except I joke - Katrina Kaif (laughs). Jokes apart, we can agree that no individual is perfect, either mentally, emotionally or physically. I think we should accept that fact, so that we don't waste time trying to be someone else, while time passes away. Because I believe that life is too short. You just need to believe in yourself - this is who I am, and this is the best I can be. Look at things, that you otherwise consider as flaws, like your uniqueness. Agar main height main chota hoon, toh woh ek advantage hai. If you are someone who cribs - main lamba nahi hoon, gora nahi hoon, patla nahi hoon, ya mere maa baap vapas nahi aa sakte hain; Just tell yourself - let me enjoy this one life that God has given us. To be able to create that vibe in Zero, we needed some incompleteness in our film. So, we added three - there is a physically challenged person, there is a neurologically challenged person, and then, you have the most beautiful woman, who is emotionally challenged. If we accept our flaws and limitations, we can grow as a human being.

Bauua Singh is clearly portrayed in a natural manner, without the unnecessary dose of emotions or sympathy. Was that intentional and integral as well for the film?
That's precisely why we chose to have Bauua's physicality a certain way. It could have been any of the three characters, but this was integral to the story. In fact, we were worried that this should not become the main stay of the film. Thankfully, from whatever I have seen so far, I feel that you overcome that right after 10-15 minutes. We definitely didn't want his height to be a gimmick. Aanand [director] hasn't shot any sequence where people go 'Arey dekho, chota height wala ghoda chala raha hain.' Even if he is doing that, then it's normal. The idea was to ensure that his character is acceptable. Secondly, when you have characters with special ability, a lot of emotions shift towards sympathy. Hence, we have ensured that the characters don't appear like they are in need of sympathy. It shouldn't be like 'Arey Bechara' or 'Bechari'. Whether it's from their friends, family, those around them or even the audience. We wanted to bring about an equality, and not bank on sympathy. And, I don't think any human being looks for it either. Yes, we look for love, friendship and happiness. But, definitely not sympathy.

No individual is perfect, either mentally, emotionally or physically. I think we should accept that fact, so that we don't waste time trying to be someone else

Considering this was the first time you are essaying the role of a dwarf, did the character come with its own set of challenges for you as an actor?
No, I think VFX made things very easy for me. So, during the first 7-8 days, the process took us much longer than we thought, and then we realised. We took 200 days to make the film, and that was followed by a lot of work on post production. Beyond that, I don't think so. Zero is a very cosy and emotional film. By solely highlighting that this is a VFX film, we didn't want to lose out on the small joys, relationships and elements that make it different. So, the VFX team told us - "Behave the way you are. We will manage the rest." So, I had to be careful of minute things. Like, I can't walk with a longer slide. If I climb stairs, it has to be a ramp, so that my steps looks smaller. Some touch ups during dance. Otherwise, I was more or else asked to behave normally. While shooting, I used to actually stand in a pit most of the times. So, rest of the cast could see me from a certain angle.

Was there any real person who inspired or helped you understand the nuances required to essay Bauua Singh, especially the movements as a dwarf?
Yes! Ashish, who is an actor from Delhi, helped with everything behind the scenes. The idea was not to use a body double, so we didn't want to duplicate. But, Ashish has worked really hard. He would enact every scene before we did the final shot, so that the character has the right perspective. That was a technical requirement. He was extremely helpful and sweet.

For me, the journey is important. I don't focus on the finish line, but look at it from the perspective of a milestone

Zero is considered to a complete number, yet incomplete. What's your perspective towards the number like, and how do you co-relate it to the film? Also, do you perceive yourself as a complete artist?
Zero is a perspective. It is nothing, and yet complete. That's the whole film. Sab nazariye ki baat hain. I'll tell you what, I have never felt complete. As an artist, I still feel incomplete, and if I am not, then I would not like to work. Why else would I wake up in the morning and strive to work harder than I did a day before? I am always thinking whether I can bring in something new within the commercial cinema set up that I work in - be it as an actor, producer or whichever capacity it maybe. So, I am extremely restless. I believe that if you think you are complete, then you are boring. I don't look at things in order to complete them. For me, the journey is important. I don't focus on the finish line, but look at it from the perspective of a milestone. I never plan things, nor do I have set ideas - this is how much I should earn, the number of awards I should win, or how many hit films I should have make. It's all very organic, because once you work in the industry as long as I have, specifics become less important. You can't pinpoint and say, "Picture aisi banao, toh aisi chalegi. Friday ko collection hoga," No matter how big an expert you are, eventually, the business is complete dependent upon the story that you are telling. So, I find myself becoming lesser expert about a film, and I think that's one reason why I am enjoying the process of working on the films that I am doing. I am just very happy, and after working in the industry for 25 years, the only reason you should continue working should be for pure happiness of your art.

You have spoken about the amount of efforts that have gone into the making of this film. Is there any amount of nervousness, especially since you are trying something unique yet again?
I think for this film, I am a little more nervous than the usual. We've been working really hard on all the aspects related to the film since so many months now. Through the process, you get so tired, that you really have no feeling left. You just hope that what you have made is liked and accepted by the audience. And, you never know. Sometimes, people end up liking films that you don't think are that great, and then, some don't like what you think is good. I have worked for so many years, but I can't analyse how a film should be. I guess those who spend money on it are the ones who can analyse it best - the audience. So, I just let things be. Ab jaisi hai, vaisi hai. Uska kuch kar nahi sakte (smiles).

Stay tuned for Part II of our candid conversation with Shah Rukh Khan!

Are you excited to watch Zero tomorrow? Share your excitement in the comment below or Join the conversation on
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Love,
The Dancebee

The headline may have left you wondering, "Didn't Dear Zindagi release last year already?" Well, it sure did. However, I know several folks who missed the chance to watch this acclaimed film on the big screen. But, guess what? The wait is finally over. The film is all set to air on the small screen this weekend, with a World Television Premiere scheduled on Sunday at 12 pm. For those who came in late, Gauri Shinde's directorial venture 'Dear Zindagi' stars Alia Bhatt and Shah Rukh Khan in the lead, and focuses on mental health as the core subject. 

But, you may ask - Why should I spend my Sunday afternoon watching this film, instead of the good ol' drama show or match highlights? Well, we've got more reasons than one to prove why you must tune into Zee Cinema and watch Dear Zindagi this Sunday.

 

Alia - SRK Chemistry: In an industry where romantic on-screen pairs and characters rule the roost, we had SRK and Alia display excellent chemistry as a therapist (psychiatrist) - patient pair. Highlight of the film, of course, has got to be their counselling sessions. The ease and comfort with which they interact is fabulous. Their conversations look real and relatable, which makes it an interesting watch.

SRK in a different avatar: We have seen him steal our hearts as Raj Malhotra in DDLJ, and more recently, he taught us how 'Koi dhanda chota nahi hota' in Raees. Well, that's superstar Shah Rukh Khan for you - versatile as ever. While we have seen him essay several characters ranging from a lover boy to don, street side tapori to a heartbroken professor; his character in Dear Zindagi was a breakaway from everything he has done in the past. Khan plays the role a therapist for the very first time, and that too, with a twist. His character - Jehangir 'Jug' Khan has a unique approach for all his cases. What's it all about? You need to watch the film and find out.

Music: Most of us believe that the soundtrack of a film can make or break it. Fortunately, Dear Zindagi is packed with some refreshingly different and melodious songs. Amit Trivedi's compositions and Kausar Munir's soulful lyrics form a great melange, that is heartwarming, light and easy on the ear. Our favourites have got to be 'Love you Zindagi', sung by Jasleen Royal and of course, the recreated version of 'Ae Zindagi' sung by Arijit Singh. You can't help but fall in love with the OST, slowly and steadily.

Performances: One of the key highlights and strongest pro of this film has got to be the performances delivered by lead actors, and well, our reviewer too agreed. Alia's nuanced performance as the young cinematographer - Kaira, who fights against her inner emotional turmoil, earned her accolades from industry stalwarts. The actress took home top awards for her natural, balanced act. Khan's naturally flawless performance as therapist Jug strikes an instant connect. Minutes into his 'gyan filled session' and you will believe that indeed, this world is a beautiful place to live in. 

The Takeaway: While Dear Zindagi does have its usual entertainment and filmy moments that stay with you, the biggest takeaway from this film has got to be the motivation to live, love and laugh. Today, we live a fast paced life, follow hectic routines and tire ourselves to no end, all in our quest to emerge successful and become the best. The crazy competition out there has got us stuck in a whirlwind, and the way out usually gets quite difficult. The result? We have forgotten to enjoy some of life's most simplest pleasures. Or like a friend of mine likes to call it - 'Theraav'. Enjoying a mango popsicle on a sunny day or watching the raindrops pitter-patter on the window pane with a cup of coffee in hand; we usually ignore these moments because everybody is in a rush to be 'somewhere'. In a bid to follow the herd, stick to routines or live upto societal pressures, most people lose their mental peace. Dear Zindagi explores this very concept in a beautiful way. It has the answers to a 20-something's inner turmoil, and also helps the audience discover a different side to life. A side that he / she may know about, but had to leave behind in order to join the rat race. It's about time we respect ourselves, enjoy the small joys of life and learn to live a little.

 This Sunday, get your family together with a large tub of home-made popcorn (or maybe, some yummy lunch), tune in, sit back and relax. Watch the World Television Premiere - Dear Zindagi, on April 23 at 12 pm IST, only on Zee Cinema.

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