EXCLUSIVE: Gaurav Manwane to make Bollywood debut in Akshay Kumar starrer Khel Khel Mein: “Watching him work is like a masterclass in acting”

1 year ago0

Known for the web show Flames, Gaurav Manwane is gearing up for his big Bollywood debut with Khel Khel Mein, co-starring Akshay Kumar, along with an ensemble cast including Vaani Kapoor, Taapsee Pannu, Ammy Virk, Fardeen Khan, Aditya Seal and Pragya Jaiswal. The movie is directed by Mudassar Azi and is set for Independence Day 2024 release.

Ask him about it and the actor says, “Landing this role feels like a dream come true for me. This is my first film and I am getting to work alongside an incredible cast, including my childhood hero, Akshay Kumar. I have been a huge fan for years, so this opportunity feels magical to me, it feels surreal. It feels like I have almost manifested this opportunity

Gaurav reveals that getting the film was quite unexpected for him but it was director Mudassar Aziz who wanted him on board. “I got a call from an assistant director on the film who told me that Mudassar Aziz had seen one of my previous audition tapes and really liked it. Two days after the audition, I got the call that I was onboard and I was over the moon with the fact that I was going to shoot a film with Akshay Kumar,” he gushes

The actor shot with the entire cast in Udaipur and even bonded with them over food, including the kachoris and Yakhni pulaos that Taapsee Pannu would order and the delicious meal cooked by Akshay’s chef. But it’s working with Akshay that remains the highlight for him.

Raving about his co-star, Gaurav says, “He is not only a brilliant actor but also one of the most down-to-earth people I have ever met. Anyone can approach him and strike up a conversation, it’s that easy. During my first meeting with him, we were in a scene and I was shaking with excitement. Watching him work is like a masterclass in acting. He brings something new to every take, which is wonderful. He is so free and I love his acting style. This whole experience has been really transformative for me; from watching Akshay sir on screen to sharing screen space with him, it’s beyond words. I am excited for what’s to come.”
ALSO READ: SCOOP: Akshay Kumar signs remake of Nana Patekar-Raaj Kumar starrer Tirangaa?

SCOOP: Akshay Kumar signs remake of Nana Patekar-Raaj Kumar starrer Tirangaa?

1 year ago0

Akshay Kumar is a rare actor who loves to act in multiple films a year across genres. Bollywood Hungama has learned that he has signed the remake of the much-loved 1993 patriotic film, Tirangaa.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Narendra Hirawat of NH Studioz has the rights to Tirangaa. They have decided to remake the film as they feel the subject is massy as well as relevant. Since they have the rights, they thought of making good use of it.”

The source also said, “Akshay Kumar was approached, and he greenlit the project. He has also been given the signing amount.” However, there’s no information yet on who’ll direct the film.

Another source told us, “Though the film’s rights are with Narendra Hirawat, he doesn’t have the rights to the title. The title rights rest with Mehul Kumar, who produced and directed the original film. Mehul Kumar, however, hasn’t parted with the title. As a result, the film might have a different title.”

Bollywood Hungama reached out to Narendra Hirawat but he was unavailable for comment. When we contacted Mehul Kumar, he told us, “Yes, I have the title rights. I have even registered another title called Mission Tirangaa. But the film rights are with Narendra Hirawat.”

He further said, “Mr Narendra Hirawat did approach me for the title. I told him that certain landmark films are best not remade. Today, if you remake Tirangaa, people are immediately going to draw comparisons with Nana Patekar and Raaj Kumar. And if the performances are not up to the mark, then people won’t be impressed. I can still understand if they want to remake a forgotten film. But even today, Tirangaa gets viewership. It is shown on television in foreign lands as well. People staying abroad send me pictures of them watching the film!”

He signed off by saying, “Nevertheless, this is just my opinion. It’s up to the rights holder now.”

Tirangaa also starred Mamta Kulkarni, Varsha Usgaonkar and Harish Kumar. It is the story of a brigadier and a cop who attempt to bring down a dreaded terrorist.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar donates Rs. 1.21 crore for Haji Ali Dargah renovation ahead of Khel Khel Mein release