After Badhaai Ho, Neena Gupta and Gajraj Rao reunite to take forward Ayushmann Khurrana’s gay love story, which is being shot in Varanasi
Hiren Kotwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 18, 2019)
After the stupendous success of Badhaai Ho, produced by Junglee Pictures, Neena Gupta, Gajraj Rao and Ayushmann Khurrana have reunited for Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan. The new film, backed by Bhushan Kumar and Aanand L Rai, is a sequel to Ayush’s 2017 romcom Shubh Mangal Saavdhan touching on the hereto taboo topic of erectile dysfunction, albeit with a twist in the tale.
Neena attributes taking ahead their camaraderie from the Amit Sharma directorial which was adjudged Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment by the National Award jury, to their being basically good people which is why it’s easy for them to get along. “We don’t have any ego problems, jo hai, saamne hai. We come to the set, do our work and between shots, guppe marte hain. It’s a lot of fun,” says the actress. She recalls an instance where Gajraj had to tell her not to cry on camera and suddenly started saying lines similar to Badhaai Ho like “Yeh rona achha nahin lagta.” Breaking into peals of laughter, Neena says, “It was very tongue-in-cheek.”
The film is currently being shot in Varanasi. “We’ve been here for 14 days and still have a long way to go. It’s a 40-day schedule,” she informs. Probe her about the plot and she suddenly turns evasive, saying it touches on a lot of important ones in a humorous way. “The script, written by the director (Hitesh Kewalya), has so many layers to it. Hitesh keeps improvising, coming up with impromptu suggestions.” Mirror had earlier (May 9) reported that it’s a social comedy set in a small town, revolving around how a conservative family comes to terms with the fact that their son is gay.
Interestingly, the trio has bonded with the other actors too and Neena admits that when Maanvi Gagroo and Manurishi Chadha went back to Mumbai, they were missed. After three decades in the show business, Neena likes the younger generation’s approach to work. “Today, it’s more about ensemble cast than the hero and heroine. Even the lead actors are not ‘starry’ and are open to ideas,” she avers.
Surely before Badhaai Ho, no one would have thought Neena and Gajraj would become a popular screen jodi and bag another film so soon? “Why not?” she quips. “After a successful film if youngsters can make a hit pair why not us? It’s good working with Gajraj again.”
After a successful film if youngsters can make a hit pair why not me and Gajraj Rao?-Neena Gupta
