Sunday, July 1


Heroine (IPA: [ˈhɛroʊɪn]) is an upcoming Indian film directed, co-written and co-produced by Madhur Bhandarkar. Revolving around the life of a once successful film actress, Mahi Arora, whose career is on the decline, the film features Kareena Kapoor as the protagonist along with actorsArjun Rampal, Randeep Hooda and Rakesh Bapat. Additionally, the project also stars Shahana Goswami, Divya Dutta, Helen, Shillpi Sharmaand Lillete Dubey in supporting roles. Heroine is scheduled to release on 21 September 2012.

Contents

  [hide] 
Heroine (IPA: [ˈhɛroʊɪn]) is an upcoming Indian film directed, co-written and co-produced by Madhur Bhandarkar. Revolving around the life of a once successful film actress, Mahi Arora, whose career is on the decline, the film features Kareena Kapoor as the protagonist along with actorsArjun Rampal, Randeep Hooda and Rakesh Bapat. Additionally, the project also stars Shahana Goswami, Divya Dutta, Helen, Shillpi Sharmaand Lillete Dubey in supporting roles. Heroine is scheduled to release on 21 September 2012.

Contents

  [hide] 

[edit]Cast

Originally the first choice for her role, Kapoor was hesitant to take on the project when Bhandarkar approached her with the film's brief initial idea.[4] She explained reservations about the criticism her character might evoke as well as the intimate sequences with several of her co-stars, and was subsequently replaced by Aishwarya Rai.[4] Several days after production began, Rai left the film due to her pregnancy, and Bhandarkar re-approached Kapoor with the film.[4] Once the director reinforced his faith in her, she agreed to do the film when she was handed the completed script.[5] Prior to being cast in Heroine, Bhandarkar approached Kapoor with Page 3 (2005) and Fashion (2008), both of which she could not do due to prior commitments.[5] Kapoor, who described her character as being "bipolar and schizophrenic", refrained from taking on any other projects as she found Heroine to be "very aggressive and tiring".[6]
Bhandarkar, who was keen on casting a well-known actor to essay the lead male protagonist, approached Rampal in May 2011. His character is described as a superstar with "grey shades [who] add[s] twists and turns to the story".[7] In an interview with Mid Day, Rampal explained that he did not want to model his character on a certain individual, but rather borrow various traits from different people.[8]
Hooda was cast by the director to essay the role of a cricketer. Prior to the start of principal photography, actor Arunoday Singh was chosen to play the role, but was later dropped from the film due to unknown reasons.[9] Media reports began speculating the name of several actors (such as Ranbir Kapoor, Imran Khan and Prateik Babbar)[10] though Bhandarkar later confirmed that he had selected Hooda after seeing his performance in Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster (2011). As a way to make his character more believable, Hooda began taking tips and lessons from cricketer Virender Sehwag.[11]
Bapat was cast in November 2011 to play "one of [Kapoor's] lovers".[12] The director announced that Bapat's character would be kept under wraps along with a few other characters such as that of Goswami's and Dutta's.[12]
Goswami was selected to play an important character in the film.[13]
Along with Goswami, Dutta was also selected to play an important character in the film.[14]
Helen was cast by the director to essay the role of a senior actress.[15]
Sharma, who described Bhandarkar as "a family friend" was approached by the director to play a glamorous role.[16] In preparation for the role, Sharma was required to lose weight and sign anon-disclosure agreement.[16]
Dubey was cast by the director to essay the role of Kapoor's mother.[17]
Described as the director's "lucky mascot", Shorey was roped in to make a cameo appearance.[18]

[edit]Production

[edit]Development

Following the completion of his film, Jail (2009), Bhandarkar began toying with the idea of making a project on the film industry. Along with writer Niranjan Iyengar, the director began developing the story about the life of an actress and later approached UTV Motion Pictures with whom he had worked on several occasions. Bhandarkar, who was keen on using the title Heroine for his film, donated INR1 lakh (US$2,000) to Guddu Dhanoa's charity.[19] He later explained that he had been subconsciously preparing for the movie ever since he joined the industry.[20]
Pre-production work on the film was expected to commence during the summer of 2010 but was put on hold due to Kapoor being busy with other commitments.[21] During this period, Bhandarkar announced that he would be making another project while putting Heroine on hold.[21] Though speculated to be based on the lives of yesteryear divas like Madhubala and Marilyn Monroe, Bhandarkar denied the reports saying that the movie is a "contemporary film which reveals the underbelly of the movie industry and its well-kept secrets". In an attempt to prepare his protagonist for the film, the director prepared a three-hour documentary on Hollywood actresses Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Ava Gardner and Vivien Leigh.[22] Designer Manish Malhotra was signed on to design the costumes.[23]

[edit]Filming

Production for the film was marred by the kidnapping and brutal murder of Meenakshi Thapar by a co-star, Amit Jaiswal, who like Thapar, only had a minor role in the film.[24] Thapar was strangled in her hotel room in Gorakhpur and her body dumped into a water tank and head decapitated and thrown out of the window of a moving bus.[25][24]

[edit]Promotion

[edit]Release of First Look (with Aishwarya Rai)

The first look of the movie was released as part of the 64th Cannes Film Festival.[26] A promotional poster was released during a press conference in which Ronnie Screwvala of UTV Motion Pictures, Madhur Bhandarkar, and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan officially announced the movie.[27] The director said, "The movie is a glamorous yet bold story of the internal journey of a superstar. I am certain it will appeal to audiences across the globe and Aishwarya was a perfect choice for the role. In fact, no one could’ve essayed it better." Screwvala stated “With Heroine, we plan to take things to the next level. When you watch the film, you will feel that the role was written with someone as talented and stunning as Aishwarya in mind.”[28] The actress too admitted that she was "looking forward to this new journey in the movie.” It was also announced that Aishwarya Rai will be have a wardrobe of more than 40 outfits designed by Manish Malhotra in the film.[29] Explaining why he was launching the project in Cannes, Screwvala alluded to Rai's star power saying, "She is the brand ambassador for India and for Indian cinema when it comes to the French Riviera." The actress was quick to deny any reference to her personal life being portrayed in the movie and said that the entire idea was a result of Bhandarkar's conceptualization.[30] The Official Press Release distributed as a part of the announcement stated that "The film is based on the life and times of a superstar heroine, Mahi from the dream factory we call 'Bollywood'. The film is a daring, shocking, glamorous, scandalous behind-the-scenes account of the reality behind the world of glitz and glamour that our film stars inhabit. For a country obsessed with films and film stars,Heroine will take audiences on a voyeuristic journey to see what really goes on in the lives of India's sweethearts."[31]

[edit]Music

It was announced that music director duo Salim-Sulaiman, who had earlier worked with Madhur Bhandarkar in his critically acclaimed movie Fashion, will be composing the songs for Heroine.
Bhandarkar revealed that there would be two big item numbers in the film, both to be picturized on the leading lady. One of them being called "Halkat Jawani". [32]

[edit]References

  1. ^ "KJo flies to NY to write script". The Times Of India. 2011-04-05. Retrieved 2011-05-10.
  2. ^ "Heroine to release on Kareena's birthday". Hindustantimes. 7 June 2012. Retrieved 9 June 2012.
  3. ^ "Aishwarya Rai Bachchan bends Bolly rules claiming film profit". India Today. 2011-05-26. Retrieved 2011-05-27.
  4. ^ a b c Bollywood Hungama News Network (2011-08-03). "Kareena Kapoor agrees to play the lead in Madhur Bhandarkar's Heroine". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 2012-05-20.
  5. ^ a b Jha, Subhash K (2011-09-24). "Kareena gets over her reservations in the Heroine script". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 2012-05-20.
  6. ^ Bhattacharya, Roshmila (2011-10-05). "No new films for Kareena till Heroine wraps up".Hindustan Times. Retrieved 2012-05-20.
  7. ^ "Arjun opposite Ash in Heroine". The Times of India. 2011-05-22. Retrieved 2012-05-20.
  8. ^ Jha, Subhash K (2011-06-05). "Rampal gets to play hero". Mid Day. Retrieved 2012-05-20.
  9. ^ BollywoodHungamaNewsNetwork (2011-11-25). "Randeep Hooda replaces Arunoday Singh in 'Heroine'". The Indian Express. Retrieved 2012-05-20.
  10. ^ Adarsh, Taran (2011-05-31). "Ranbir, Imran or Prateik?". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 2012-05-20.
  11. ^ Jha, Subhash K (2011-11-25). "Randeep Hooda to take tips from Virender Sehwag for Heroine role?". Daily News and Analysis. Retrieved 2012-05-20.
  12. ^ a b Maheshwari, Neha (2011-11-30). "RaQesh Vashishth is Heroine’s new hero". The Times of India. Retrieved 2012-05-20.
  13. ^ Misra, Iti Shree (2011-06-22). "Shahana Goswami becomes a heroine!". The Times of India. Retrieved 2012-05-20.
  14. ^ Indo-Asian News Service (2012-03-16). "Working with Bhandarkar was great: Divya Dutta".The Times of India. Retrieved 2012-05-20.
  15. ^ Bollywood Hungama News Network (2012-04-24). "Helen joins the cast of Heroine". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 2012-05-20.
  16. ^ a b Bhatia, Richa (2012-03-12). "Shilpi Sharma signed for 'Heroine'". Mid Day. Retrieved 2012-05-20.
  17. ^ Bhatia, Richa (2011-07-15). "Cinema hasn't given me great roles: Lillete Dubey". The Times of India. Retrieved 2012-05-20.
  18. ^ Bollywood Hungama News Network (2012-04-13). "Ranvir Shorey to do cameo in Heroine". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 2012-05-20.
  19. ^ BollywoodHungamaNewsNetwork (2010-04-29). "Bhandarkar does charity of Rs. 1 lakh to get film title 'Heroine'". The Indian Express. Retrieved 2011-05-10.
  20. ^ The Hitlist Team (2011-05-14). "Ash's 'Heroine' announced at Cannes festival". Mid Day. Retrieved 2012-05-20.
  21. ^ a b Tuteja, Joginder (2011-11-12). ""All concentration on DTBHJ; Heroine is on hold" - Madhur Bhandarkar". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 2012-05-20.
  22. ^ Jha, Subhash K (2010-05-17). "Marilyn over Madhubala". Mumbai Mirror. Retrieved 2012-05-20.
  23. ^ Agencies (2011-09-27). "'Heroine' Kareena's costumes worth Rs 1.2cr". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 2011-05-31.
  24. ^ a b "Bollywood Actress Meenakshi Thapar Beheaded By Costars After Denying $28,655 Ransom, 'Her Body Was Hacked Into Pieces'". Ib Times. 19 April 2012. Retrieved 19 April 2012.
  25. ^ "Bollywood actress kidnapped and beheaded by actors". The Daily Telegraph. 19 April 2012. Retrieved 19 April 2012.
  26. ^ "[VIDEO Cannes Spotlight: Bollywood megastar Aishwarya"]. AFP. 2011-05- 13. Retrieved 2011-05-13.
  27. ^ "Twitter Release of Poster". UTV Motion Pictures. 2011-11- 13. Retrieved 2011-05-13.
  28. ^ "Ash, Bhandarkar launch 'Heroine' in Cannes". Mangalorean. 2011-11- 13. Retrieved 2011-05-13.
  29. ^ "Ash unveils new movie at Cannes". Hindustan Times. 2011-11- 13. Retrieved 2011-05-13.
  30. ^ "I'm not the heroine in 'Heroine': Aishwarya Rai". Asia One. 2011-11- 13. Retrieved 2011-05-13.
  31. ^ "Official Press Release by UTV Motion Pictures". UTV Motion Pictures. 2011-11- 13. Retrieved 2011-05-13.
  32. ^ http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_story.aspx?ID=ENTEN20120194932&keyword=bollywood&subcatg=MOVIESINDIA&nid=178325

[edit]External links

[edit]Cast

Originally the first choice for her role, Kapoor was hesitant to take on the project when Bhandarkar approached her with the film's brief initial idea.[4] She explained reservations about the criticism her character might evoke as well as the intimate sequences with several of her co-stars, and was subsequently replaced by Aishwarya Rai.[4] Several days after production began, Rai left the film due to her pregnancy, and Bhandarkar re-approached Kapoor with the film.[4] Once the director reinforced his faith in her, she agreed to do the film when she was handed the completed script.[5] Prior to being cast in Heroine, Bhandarkar approached Kapoor with Page 3 (2005) and Fashion (2008), both of which she could not do due to prior commitments.[5] Kapoor, who described her character as being "bipolar and schizophrenic", refrained from taking on any other projects as she found Heroine to be "very aggressive and tiring".[6]
Bhandarkar, who was keen on casting a well-known actor to essay the lead male protagonist, approached Rampal in May 2011. His character is described as a superstar with "grey shades [who] add[s] twists and turns to the story".[7] In an interview with Mid Day, Rampal explained that he did not want to model his character on a certain individual, but rather borrow various traits from different people.[8]
Hooda was cast by the director to essay the role of a cricketer. Prior to the start of principal photography, actor Arunoday Singh was chosen to play the role, but was later dropped from the film due to unknown reasons.[9] Media reports began speculating the name of several actors (such as Ranbir Kapoor, Imran Khan and Prateik Babbar)[10] though Bhandarkar later confirmed that he had selected Hooda after seeing his performance in Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster (2011). As a way to make his character more believable, Hooda began taking tips and lessons from cricketer Virender Sehwag.[11]
Bapat was cast in November 2011 to play "one of [Kapoor's] lovers".[12] The director announced that Bapat's character would be kept under wraps along with a few other characters such as that of Goswami's and Dutta's.[12]
Goswami was selected to play an important character in the film.[13]
Along with Goswami, Dutta was also selected to play an important character in the film.[14]
Helen was cast by the director to essay the role of a senior actress.[15]
Sharma, who described Bhandarkar as "a family friend" was approached by the director to play a glamorous role.[16] In preparation for the role, Sharma was required to lose weight and sign anon-disclosure agreement.[16]
Dubey was cast by the director to essay the role of Kapoor's mother.[17]
Described as the director's "lucky mascot", Shorey was roped in to make a cameo appearance.[18]

[edit]Production

[edit]Development

Following the completion of his film, Jail (2009), Bhandarkar began toying with the idea of making a project on the film industry. Along with writer Niranjan Iyengar, the director began developing the story about the life of an actress and later approached UTV Motion Pictures with whom he had worked on several occasions. Bhandarkar, who was keen on using the title Heroine for his film, donated INR1 lakh (US$2,000) to Guddu Dhanoa's charity.[19] He later explained that he had been subconsciously preparing for the movie ever since he joined the industry.[20]
Pre-production work on the film was expected to commence during the summer of 2010 but was put on hold due to Kapoor being busy with other commitments.[21] During this period, Bhandarkar announced that he would be making another project while putting Heroine on hold.[21] Though speculated to be based on the lives of yesteryear divas like Madhubala and Marilyn Monroe, Bhandarkar denied the reports saying that the movie is a "contemporary film which reveals the underbelly of the movie industry and its well-kept secrets". In an attempt to prepare his protagonist for the film, the director prepared a three-hour documentary on Hollywood actresses Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Ava Gardner and Vivien Leigh.[22] Designer Manish Malhotra was signed on to design the costumes.[23]

[edit]Filming

Production for the film was marred by the kidnapping and brutal murder of Meenakshi Thapar by a co-star, Amit Jaiswal, who like Thapar, only had a minor role in the film.[24] Thapar was strangled in her hotel room in Gorakhpur and her body dumped into a water tank and head decapitated and thrown out of the window of a moving bus.[25][24]

[edit]Promotion

[edit]Release of First Look (with Aishwarya Rai)

The first look of the movie was released as part of the 64th Cannes Film Festival.[26] A promotional poster was released during a press conference in which Ronnie Screwvala of UTV Motion Pictures, Madhur Bhandarkar, and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan officially announced the movie.[27] The director said, "The movie is a glamorous yet bold story of the internal journey of a superstar. I am certain it will appeal to audiences across the globe and Aishwarya was a perfect choice for the role. In fact, no one could’ve essayed it better." Screwvala stated “With Heroine, we plan to take things to the next level. When you watch the film, you will feel that the role was written with someone as talented and stunning as Aishwarya in mind.”[28] The actress too admitted that she was "looking forward to this new journey in the movie.” It was also announced that Aishwarya Rai will be have a wardrobe of more than 40 outfits designed by Manish Malhotra in the film.[29] Explaining why he was launching the project in Cannes, Screwvala alluded to Rai's star power saying, "She is the brand ambassador for India and for Indian cinema when it comes to the French Riviera." The actress was quick to deny any reference to her personal life being portrayed in the movie and said that the entire idea was a result of Bhandarkar's conceptualization.[30] The Official Press Release distributed as a part of the announcement stated that "The film is based on the life and times of a superstar heroine, Mahi from the dream factory we call 'Bollywood'. The film is a daring, shocking, glamorous, scandalous behind-the-scenes account of the reality behind the world of glitz and glamour that our film stars inhabit. For a country obsessed with films and film stars,Heroine will take audiences on a voyeuristic journey to see what really goes on in the lives of India's sweethearts."[31]

[edit]Music

It was announced that music director duo Salim-Sulaiman, who had earlier worked with Madhur Bhandarkar in his critically acclaimed movie Fashion, will be composing the songs for Heroine.
Bhandarkar revealed that there would be two big item numbers in the film, both to be picturized on the leading lady. One of them being called "Halkat Jawani". [32]

[edit]References

  1. ^ "KJo flies to NY to write script". The Times Of India. 2011-04-05. Retrieved 2011-05-10.
  2. ^ "Heroine to release on Kareena's birthday". Hindustantimes. 7 June 2012. Retrieved 9 June 2012.
  3. ^ "Aishwarya Rai Bachchan bends Bolly rules claiming film profit". India Today. 2011-05-26. Retrieved 2011-05-27.
  4. ^ a b c Bollywood Hungama News Network (2011-08-03). "Kareena Kapoor agrees to play the lead in Madhur Bhandarkar's Heroine". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 2012-05-20.
  5. ^ a b Jha, Subhash K (2011-09-24). "Kareena gets over her reservations in the Heroine script". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 2012-05-20.
  6. ^ Bhattacharya, Roshmila (2011-10-05). "No new films for Kareena till Heroine wraps up".Hindustan Times. Retrieved 2012-05-20.
  7. ^ "Arjun opposite Ash in Heroine". The Times of India. 2011-05-22. Retrieved 2012-05-20.
  8. ^ Jha, Subhash K (2011-06-05). "Rampal gets to play hero". Mid Day. Retrieved 2012-05-20.
  9. ^ BollywoodHungamaNewsNetwork (2011-11-25). "Randeep Hooda replaces Arunoday Singh in 'Heroine'". The Indian Express. Retrieved 2012-05-20.
  10. ^ Adarsh, Taran (2011-05-31). "Ranbir, Imran or Prateik?". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 2012-05-20.
  11. ^ Jha, Subhash K (2011-11-25). "Randeep Hooda to take tips from Virender Sehwag for Heroine role?". Daily News and Analysis. Retrieved 2012-05-20.
  12. ^ a b Maheshwari, Neha (2011-11-30). "RaQesh Vashishth is Heroine’s new hero". The Times of India. Retrieved 2012-05-20.
  13. ^ Misra, Iti Shree (2011-06-22). "Shahana Goswami becomes a heroine!". The Times of India. Retrieved 2012-05-20.
  14. ^ Indo-Asian News Service (2012-03-16). "Working with Bhandarkar was great: Divya Dutta".The Times of India. Retrieved 2012-05-20.
  15. ^ Bollywood Hungama News Network (2012-04-24). "Helen joins the cast of Heroine". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 2012-05-20.
  16. ^ a b Bhatia, Richa (2012-03-12). "Shilpi Sharma signed for 'Heroine'". Mid Day. Retrieved 2012-05-20.
  17. ^ Bhatia, Richa (2011-07-15). "Cinema hasn't given me great roles: Lillete Dubey". The Times of India. Retrieved 2012-05-20.
  18. ^ Bollywood Hungama News Network (2012-04-13). "Ranvir Shorey to do cameo in Heroine". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 2012-05-20.
  19. ^ BollywoodHungamaNewsNetwork (2010-04-29). "Bhandarkar does charity of Rs. 1 lakh to get film title 'Heroine'". The Indian Express. Retrieved 2011-05-10.
  20. ^ The Hitlist Team (2011-05-14). "Ash's 'Heroine' announced at Cannes festival". Mid Day. Retrieved 2012-05-20.
  21. ^ a b Tuteja, Joginder (2011-11-12). ""All concentration on DTBHJ; Heroine is on hold" - Madhur Bhandarkar". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 2012-05-20.
  22. ^ Jha, Subhash K (2010-05-17). "Marilyn over Madhubala". Mumbai Mirror. Retrieved 2012-05-20.
  23. ^ Agencies (2011-09-27). "'Heroine' Kareena's costumes worth Rs 1.2cr". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 2011-05-31.
  24. ^ a b "Bollywood Actress Meenakshi Thapar Beheaded By Costars After Denying $28,655 Ransom, 'Her Body Was Hacked Into Pieces'". Ib Times. 19 April 2012. Retrieved 19 April 2012.
  25. ^ "Bollywood actress kidnapped and beheaded by actors". The Daily Telegraph. 19 April 2012. Retrieved 19 April 2012.
  26. ^ "[VIDEO Cannes Spotlight: Bollywood megastar Aishwarya"]. AFP. 2011-05- 13. Retrieved 2011-05-13.
  27. ^ "Twitter Release of Poster". UTV Motion Pictures. 2011-11- 13. Retrieved 2011-05-13.
  28. ^ "Ash, Bhandarkar launch 'Heroine' in Cannes". Mangalorean. 2011-11- 13. Retrieved 2011-05-13.
  29. ^ "Ash unveils new movie at Cannes". Hindustan Times. 2011-11- 13. Retrieved 2011-05-13.
  30. ^ "I'm not the heroine in 'Heroine': Aishwarya Rai". Asia One. 2011-11- 13. Retrieved 2011-05-13.
  31. ^ "Official Press Release by UTV Motion Pictures". UTV Motion Pictures. 2011-11- 13. Retrieved 2011-05-13.
  32. ^ http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_story.aspx?ID=ENTEN20120194932&keyword=bollywood&subcatg=MOVIESINDIA&nid=178325
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