Vishal Bharadwaj is a dangerous director: Shahid Kapoor (Film Snippets)

MUMBAI - Shahid Kapoor says it a challenge to work with Vishal Bharadwaj but at the same time he admits that the director brings out the best in an actor.

“Vishal is a very dangerous director. Working with him is no less than undertaking dangerous tasks because he brings you out of your comfort zone and asks you to perform stuff that has never been done by an actor in his life or career,” Shahid said.

The two teamed up for the just released dark thriller Kaminey. Shahid plays a double role in the film. The film also stars Priyanka Chopra.

It’s a challenge for an actor to work with him but at the same time it’s very fruitful too… he brings out a new talent in you every time he takes a shot. He is multi-talented and very supportive and I’m very thankful to him, he said.

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How Rajinder became David Dhawan

Bollywood celebrities are mostly known by their nicknames. But not many know that director David Dhawan is one of those whose sobriquet actually became his official name on paper.

My original name was Rajinder but when I was growing up, my neighbours, who were Christians, used to randomly call me David… and as time passed, I was known by my nickname and even my parents stopped calling me by my real name, Dhawan told IANS.

When I got through Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), it was my dad who surprisingly asked me to get my name officially changed to David from Rajinder… he said that I had grown up with the name and it had become my identity.

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No real-life inspirations for ‘Sikandar’ character: Sanjay Suri

Bollywood actor Sanjay Suri has dismissed rumours that his character Mukhtaar Mattoo, a political leader, in suspense thriller Sikandar is based on real-life politicians in Kashmir.

Sanjay plays a religious leader who aims to bring peace in the Valley by striking negotiations.

It’s a fictional character and not based on any person in general. I’d also like to point out that neither my character nor the film has any as such real-life instances, Sanjay told IANS.

‘Sikandar’ is not a documentary-feature of historical events like ethnic cleansing or mass migration as commonly perceived for a film set in Kashmir… but the elements are there, he added.

Releasing Aug 21, the film has been directed by Piyush Jha and stars child actors Parzan Dastur and Ayesha Kapoor in leads.