Makes no sense to release films this year: Shilpa

This year was supposed to be a big one for Shilpa Shetty Kundra and her fans as the actor was set to make a comeback in films after a gap of 13 years. And it was going to be double celebration as she had two films releasing. However,

Shreya Mukherjee

The existence of nepotism in the film industry is something that nobody is denying, however, everyone does point the good and the flip side of it. Filmmaker R Balki is of the opinion that many a times, people

the Covid-19 pandemic played quite a spoil sport.

“Man proposes pandemic disposes ,” Shlipa says with a hearty laugh, adding that she isn’t sweating much about it as she has got this time to spend with her daughter, Samisha, who she welcomed via surrogacy on February 15.

“I live in the now, you’ve to take it as it comes. My discuss these topics for entertainment, and it’s not a genuine conversation.

“It’s undeniable that this happens everywhere. Think about the Mahindras, Ambanis, Bajajs… Their father passed on the businesses to them. Does anyone say ‘No I don’t think Mukesh Ambani shouldn’t run this business, someone else should?’ It happens in every strata of society. So, it’s a foolish argument,” he asserts.

Elaborating his point, Balki says, “The question is do they (star kids) have an unfair or reintroduction on the big screen is not more important than health. I don’t want to step out of the house” she shares.

The 45-year-old had almost finished Nikamma and a little of Hungama 2 was left before the pandemic struck. “We had set things up in a way which would have made it easy for me, but I still wouldn’t have got the time with Samisha, like I do now,” she adds.

Calling 2020 a “blur” for everyone, Kundra feels that things will not be normal before next year. “My films are on floors. But it doesn’t make sense for producers to release their films this year,” she says.

Given that many films have taken the digital route, would she be okay if her films, too, followed on the same path? The actor reveals that the filmmakers of both her films aren’t keen about the idea. “Sabbir (Khan; director of Nikamma) would not like to release it on the web. Even Ratan ji (Ratan Jain; producer Hungama 2) doesn’t want to do it. These are not OTT films,” she says.

While films may have taken a backseat, Shilpa is focusing on her health and has turned a vegetarian. “I first gave up meat, then chicken and then fish. I luckily have a spouse (Raj Kundra) who has gone a step ahead become a vegan,” she concludes. bigger advantage? Yes, there are pros and cons. But I’d ask one simple question: Find me a better actor than Alia (Bhatt) or Ranbir (Kapoor), and we’ll argue. This debate on nepotism is unfair to these few people who’re probably some of the finest actors. Understand that audiences don’t like actors without talent. Sometimes, they also want to see star kids on screen. I agree it’s far more difficult for an outsider to make it big in films, but talent gets opportunities.”

While casting for a film, all Balki looks for is “who is best suited for the role” and the person’s availability.

Many have used the ongoing lockdown to churn out fresh content. Balki, however, admits that it’s tough to write during this time. “The situation is quite bizarre. Neither Gauri (Shinde; wife and filmmaker) nor I’ve been able to visit our parents. More than making films, I’m missing not being able meet people. There’s not much free time because we’re busy thinking about a lot of other things given the circumstances,” he ends.

R Balki