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Veteran film journalist Komal Nahta spoke about a recent article that he wrote about the industry’s reaction and response to the blockbuster hit Saiyaara. Starring newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, the movie emerged as a massive hit that many from the industry didn’t see coming. But, Nahta said that all signs were pointing in the direction of a grand success. He mentioned his interaction with a star at producer Bhushan Kumar’s party, where he declared Saiyaara to be a ‘blockbuster’. He said that the star’s face fell. He also spoke about writing an article about a ’40-year-old actor who is insecure about Saiyaara’s success’, and swore that he didn’t make it up.
In a chat with Faridoon Shahryar on YouTube, Nahta was asked about his article. He said, “I didn’t take the actor’s name so as not to embarrass them. But whatever I wrote, that he is spending sleepless nights, that he is constantly on calls asking if the numbers are accurate, every word of that article is genuine, I swear. The only detail that I have misrepresented is the number of films that person has done, but only to save them from embarrassment.”
Recalling his interaction with an actor at Bhushan Kumar’s party, he continued, “I wrote the article not to make fun of that person, but just to tell the world how insecure this industry really is. Even an established star can become insecure because of a newcomer. They have to remember that they were also newcomers once upon a time, they shouldn’t be nervous; there’s enough space for everyone. I was at Bhushan Kumar’s party, and one of his stars asked me about Saiyaara. I told him that it’s a blockbuster. He got up and left.”
He said that he gets phone calls from directors and producers on Fridays, and all that everybody wants to hear is that the new film in theatres isn’t any good. If he praises the film, they excuse themselves, but if he criticises it, they have a long conversation. “At least 20 people called me after Saiyaara, and expressed shock about its opening. But I told them that it was guaranteed; they weren’t paying enough attention to the promotions,” Nahta said.
Saiyaara announced itself as a hit from the first day of its release. The romantic drama has made a stunning Rs 485 crore at the worldwide box office so far, emerging as the second-biggest Hindi film of the year. It has particularly been hailed for reviving the romance genre, and for doing it with newcomers.
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