Zarine Khan

Updated: May 3, 2021 - 4:38 PM IST After collecting accolades around the world, Mansi and Veers heart-warming tale about embracing love, life and friendship in Hum Bhi Akele, Tum Bhi Akele is set to arrive on Disney+ Hotstar VIP. Actors Zareen Khan and Anshuman Jha portray the role of Mansi and Veer - two strangers and proud members of the LGBT+ community; who have more in common than they realise and chance upon each other at a bar while trying to escape their respective realities. The duo soon embark on a road trip that turns out to be a journey of a lifetime. As they drive from Delhi to Mcleodganj, Veer and Mansi discover that love is truly beyond gender.Hum Bhi Akele, Tum Bhi Akele created big noise globally as it won over several international film critics and enthusiasts, and clinched the Best Film-Audience Choice award at the HBO South Asian International Film Festival, New York. Winning the Jury Award Best Actor (Anshuman Jha), Best Actress-Hindi Films(Zareen Khan) and Best Director (Harish Vyas) awards at the 2020 Rajasthan International Film Festival, Hum Bhi Akele, Tum Bhi Akele was also the centrepiece film at the IFFM Melbourne 2020 and was the Closing Night Gala Film at Kashish 2020, Asia's biggest LGBTQ film festival. Written and directed by Harish Vyas and produced by First Ray Films, the film addresses homosexuality, friendship and love through its lead characters and their humane journey. Hum Bhi Akele, Tum Bhi Akele releases on 9th May 2021 exclusively for subscribers of Disney+ Hotstar VIP and Disney+ Hotstar Premium.Director Harish Vyas said, Hum Bhi Akele, Tum Bhi Akele is a human story of a special friendship that blooms, by chance, between a man and woman - both homosexuals - who are not only polar opposites - think yin & yang, but have had completely different personal journeys so far. My endeavour with this film is to bring forth the warm, positive, loving embrace that is the soul of friendship and to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community which I have been close to. We are grateful to have had a universal audience in New York, Australia and all the festivals where the film was showered with love and several global recognitions. After Angrezi Mein Kehte Hain I wanted to follow up with a light, compassionate journey to re-discover love and friendship. Hum Bhi Akele, Tum Bhi Akele is the culmination of that thought. I am hoping that it also receives a positive response from audiences watching it on Disney+ Hotstar VIP.Actor Zareen Khan said, I was immediately drawn to the depth and emotionality of Mansi's character since the first time that I heard the narration of Hum Bhi Akele, Tum Bhi Akele by Harish Sir and post reading the screenplay - its unique storyline just hooked me. Just like Veer and Mansi's lives change after their road trip, Hum Bhi Akele, Tum Bhi Akele has been a life-changing experience for me and I do hope the film is able to relay the message that love is love - to even more people as it releases on Disney+ Hotstar VIP.Actor Anshuman Jha said, The intent has been to bring forth a Pure' story. The Supreme Court of India has legalised homosexuality, but there is still a section of society that considers it a taboo in India and my character Veer hasnt mustered up the courage to speak openly to his family because he fears that they wont accept it too. With friendship and love at its core, Hum Bhi Akele, Tum Bhi Akele is a movie that will feel like a warm hug and hopefully inspire people to have more open conversations. Encourage Acceptance. We missed the theatre due to the Pandemic but I couldnt be happier that more audiences will be able to watch it on Disney+ Hotstar VIP. It's my last work which my mother saw before I lost her in 2020 and it's therefore even more special for me.

If you feel Ananath Narayan Mahadevan is currently enjoying the success of his performance in the highly acclaimed web series, Scam 1992, youre highly mistaken. The actor, who has also been dabbling into direction since a long time, is hurt and in despair. Thats because he still hasnt been fully paid for Aksar 2. This erotic thriller released on November 17, 2017 and starred Zareen Khan, Gautam Rode and Abhinav Shukla. Fed up with asking producer Shyam Bajaj for the balance remuneration, the veteran artist yesterday put up a Facebook post. He uploaded the poster of Aksar 2 and the caption was CELEBRATING THREE YEARS....OF HUMILIATION by the producers. Not just that, he played with the tagline of the film, How often do you see the trap? by mentioning on the poster, How often do you not get paid??When contacted by Bollywood Hungama, Ananath Narayan Mahadevan minced no words while narrating his ordeal. He said, I was supposed to be paid Rs. 35 lakhs. I have been paid Rs. 20 lakhs till date. They kept promising for 3 years that theyll pay up the balance amount. Every time I contacted Mr Shyam Bajaj, he kept saying that hell pay. And then he tried to avoid it. I ended up as a nervous wreck. It was very humiliating. If somebody would have told me to direct a film for free, I would have graciously done it. But they kept fooling me. They claimed that lets finish the Mauritius schedule. Otherwise the film will get stuck and let me release the film first and then Ill pay. Also, the film is your baby too. You dont want it to get affected in any way. And of course, I did trust. In fact, he didnt even sign a contract with me. He managed to bypass all that very cleverly. Now I realize that it was all very well planned so that they dont have to pay me my remuneration. Very sad state of affairs!This is not the first time that Ananath Narayan Mahadevan has worked with the Bajajs. Earlier, he had directed for them films like, Aksar (2006) and Aggar (2007). Ananth says he was paid well without delay during the making of those films which is why he didnt imagine in his wildest dreams that they wouldn't pay him during Aksar 2. He stated, I have worked with them earlier, with Aksar and even in Aggar. Thats the reason I trusted them. I was paid properly then and on time. So I thought theyll not cheat me. And I had agreed to work for such a paltry sum that its even shameful to tell the public. He added, Every time, they used to give me a small amount through a cheque.So what does he plan to do now so that justice is served? Ananth Narayan Mahadevan says, I have nothing to do. I approached a lawyer but he said that since I dont have a contract, we cant do anything about it. The lawyer went and spoke to them. They then continued with their excuses like well let you know, well talk after Diwali, we are sick etc. They have got a hundred excuses to give me. So finally, I decided to go public. I realized that if they humiliate me like this, Ill humiliate them too. I know I am not going to get the money. So Ill at least hit back and wound them before I die.Aksar 2 was panned badly by critics and viewers alike, unlike the first part which boasted of a great suspense, hit music and fair performances by Emraan Hashmi, Dino Morea and Udita Goswami. On this, Anant revealed, For the producers, sex was the only important factor. If Aksar 2 did not have the sex element at all, it would have been a very slick and intelligentthriller. But all the focus was on the wrong things. Even while making the film, I had to accept this aspect and direct. If they had released the film properly and it had become a big hit, then somewhere it would have lessened the pain. I could have consoled myself by saying, chalo, koi baat nahi. The film is a hit. Ill manage to get some mileage out of it. But shockingly, they didnt even distribute it properly. They ensured that the film folded up in one week. It was a totally disgusting experience.He continued, Aksar 2 had a better story. It had good actors like Gautam Rode. I wonder what their intention was. They didnt want to run the film well, they didnt sell it to any platform. I wonder what they were upto. Is this some way of showing losses so that they can claim some money? They were upto some game which I am not able to decipher.When asked whether the rest of the cast and crew members have been duly paid, Ananth Narayan Mahadevan informed, All the actors were paid. The makers had to; otherwise they wont dub or promote the film. But the director is always left high and dry, and then added, Everybody has been paid except me, the DOP and the assistants.So has the cinematographer Maneesh Bhatt decided to take any action? Ananth said, The DOP also tried to get his money but after a point, even he gave up. They told me and him that theyll pay us once they start their next project. But this was not the condition that was laid before us when we started Aksar 2.What adds to the humiliation for Ananth Narayan Mahadevan is that he went to great lengths for the makers while directing Aksar 2. He confessed, Aksar 2 was made below their budget. They had a budget of Rs. 4 crore but I made it at Rs. 3 crore. You have no idea how much I have gone through during this film. They even admit it that I am the only one who can make a film within a budget, within a stipulated time and ensure profit for the makers. And yet, they are playing this game. I dont understand what's driving them to act in such a manner.He further said, These Rs. 20 lakhs which I have received were given to me over a period of two years. I had asked for Rs. 50 lakhs since I have done films for Rs. 60 lakhs in the past. But they convinced me by saying, Aap paintees lakh (35 lakh) mein kar do hamare liye. They assured me that the film will be done within a period of 4 to 6 months and that Ill be paid by then. So, I agreed. They stretched the film to 2 years. Imagine, Rs. 20 lakhs in 2 years! A per-day-artiste would have got more than what I got paid in the film!For Ananth Narayan Mahadevan, the non-payment of due has given him a huge blow. He stated, The only reason I do these mainstream films so that itll help make the kind of films I strongly desire. There I know I wont get money and theres hardly any budget. Aksar 2 came at a time when I badly needed the money. Despite them knowing about my condition, they did not have the heart to pay me my rightful due.Making independent cinema, however, was not the only reason. Ananth faced many difficulties and even then, the producers didnt budge. He said, I told them to just give me Rs. 1 lakh. I needed it desperately to give it to the contractor so that my brothers house, destroyed in the floods in Kerala, can be rebuilt. My brother was literally roofless and I was begging them to give me the money. They have put me through such mental torture! If this was America, they could have been sued for millions of dollars.Further explaining his condition, Ananth Narayan Mahadevan said, My mother is ailing and is bedridden. I have to pay 2 nurses a minimum Rs. 60,000 a month. I have told the producers everything about my mothers condition and my brothers condition. But these people kept fooling me. Mr Shyam Bajaj, in fact, kept visiting me at studios where I was shooting. He would make assurances and leave. I can literally feel them laughing behind my back. I want to just ask him - why are you not paying an honest director his rightful due? The man who saved you a crore, why are you doing this to him? Thats all I need to know. I am very distressed.Ananth signed off by stating, Let me see how they can reply now that I have named and shamed them in public. I feel they wont have a reply.

This year has brought connecting with people using technology to the forefront, especially due to the lockdown and distancing that the pandemic has caused. Bollywood stars are keeping pace with the ever-changing digital needs of their fans and connecting with them using novel ways.Actress Zareen Khan, who launched her YouTube channel a few months ago, has taken yet another step in digitalization and launched her very own website, where she will be able to share the latest updates on her upcoming projects, songs, news, and all that is going on in her life. The website is called Happy Hippie Zareen, a name that the actress has claimed on numerous occasions best describes her.The website has a fun and colourful user interface curated to suit the actress lively and quirky personality. Sharing her thoughts on the same, Zareen says, I'm really excited to introduce my first official website. It is registered by the name of 'Happy Hippie Zareen' as that's what describes me the best. The website features my works, pictures, and all other facts that my fans wanted to know about me and it will also have first-hand information about all my future projects. I am looking forward to connecting with my fans from across the globe through the website"Zareen has been highly lauded by the industry for being so outspoken and vocal, not just by sharing candid and up close and personal details of her life, but by voicing her opinion on socially relevant subjects. She has also endeavoured to entertain her doting fans with social interactions, live streams, and posts.

Actor Zareen Khan has taken a different route with her next film. For Hum Bhi Akele Tum Bhi Akele, her next release, Zareen plays a homosexual character. The movie, a beautiful story of two individuals Veer and Mansi - a gay man and a lesbian girl - on a road trip, is aimed at challenging the social prejudices and the stigma attached to homosexuality in India. While several mainstream actors - both male and female - have shied away from playing homosexual characters in films, Zareen has taken it upon herself to shed light on the ills in the society.The film, helmed by Angrezi Mein Kehte Hai director Harish Vyas, has been shot completely in and around Delhi, Noida, and Dharamshala. Hum Bhi Akele Tum Bhi Akele has Anshuman Jha playing the male lead Veer and also doubling up as a producer on the project.Zareen shares, "Hum Bhi Akele Tum Bhi Akele is a humane story of two individuals Veer and Mansi - Veer who's gay and Mansi, who's a lesbian. This is the story of their friendship and is about a road trip and how the turn of events changes their lives. It's a story that's close to my heart and needs to come out in society, especially in a country like India. Despite having fought for our Independence and having the freedom, and section 377 being approved, there are still families in which you can't walk up and confess your sexual orientation. So freedom is still not completely there in certain sections of society and in some families, although the Government has approved it."But she adds that the film isn't preachy at all. The film deals with the topic of homosexuality but in a humorous way. It premiered at the South Asian International Film Festival in New York, Manhattan last year November where it won the Best Film Award. The film was also showcased this year in January at the Rajasthan Film Festival, where it won Best Director, Best Actor and Best Actress award.The film is now being readied for a digital release. "It was slated for a March release but the lockdown was announced and we were hoping the lockdown will get over by May but it did not. I don't think it's sensible to wait for more for the theatres to open up and then release it. There's the uncertainty of when that's going to happen. So the makers have decided to release it on OTT platforms as many other films," Zareen signs off.

Bollywood diva Zareen Khan who has films like Veer, Housefull 2, Hate Story 3, to her credit is all set to take over the small screen and be in the driving seat of all the action in AXNs all new show Jeep Bollywood Trails. The actress cum host will travel across the length and breadth of our country in a Jeep revisiting the exact locations where iconic films like 3 Idiots, Jab We Met, Dhadak and more were shot. The series kicks off on 25 th January with Zareen driving to Ladakh in the first episode to revisit Chail Palace, Druk School, Pangong Lake where popular Bollywood movie 3 Idiots was extensively shot. The episode will also showcase a discussion with the director of the film i.e Raju Hirani who talks about his early life and his love for mountains which inspired him to use Ladakh as one of the locations for 3 Idiots.The other locations and directors covered in the series are Manali for Jab We Met featuring Imtiaz Ali , Shimla for Bang Bang featuring Siddharth Anand, Varanasi for Raanjhanaa featuring Anand L Rai and Udaipur for Dhadak featuring Shashank Khaitan.Taking inspiration from the rich history, culture, people and natural landscapes, these Bollywood directors have made each destination worth a visit, giving an identity to the city. Confirming the news, Zareen Khan said, Whenever someone asked me Whats your dream? I did not even have to think before saying To see each & every corner of this big beautiful world. For those of you who dont know much about me , I am quite a traveller, a Happy Hippie! If you have a look at my social media , its more about travel than anything else. Travelling has always been my passion and also an integral part of my profession, lovingly known as Bollywood. Ive always wanted to do a travel show & Jeep gave me the ideal opportunity to be part of a show which has a perfect blend of both, Travel & Bollywood & I consider myself truly lucky because I couldnt have asked for a better show as my TV debut or a better companion than Jeep for my journey. I saw India through the eyes of Bollywoods biggest directors. The culture, food and scenic locations, not only inspired me but also taught me so much more about India. AXNs Jeep Bollywood Trails is an actors dream to relive the iconic locations featured in blockbuster films and its a delight for the audience to see how film directors think of a certain location and make them part of their stories. Its exciting for me to weave together these stories for the audience in a never been seen before way.

Zareen Khan has kicked off the shoot for the film of her next Hum Bhi Akele Tum Bhi Akele that also stars Anshuman Jha. The film recently completed a major schedule in McLeodganj but the entire hard work seems to have drowned in the drain after a technician misplaces two hard drives. The contents in these hard drives included as many as five days of footages and its backup. It seems that the DIT aka Digital Imaging Technician, Hardik Joshi had realized this whilst they were still in McLeodganj and had even informed his cinematographer Faroukh Mistry regarding the same. The matter has now become a legal issue as the makers have registered a missing complaint on the misplaces hard drives. Reports have it that Faroukh Mistry despite being aware of the situation stayed silent regarding the matter. But the cinematographer is said to have denied the same or having any knowledge about the misplaces hard drives. Sources have been quoted in reports explaining the incident wherein they have said that after completing the shoot in McLeodganj, the team returned to Mumbai but DIT Hardik Joshi didnt turn up to the office for a week. After failing to get through him and a few unanswered calls, the team found him at his residence wherein when he was questioned, he revealed about the missing 4TB hard drives. He also added that he had informed Faroukh a week before. The director has confirmed the incident and added that he hopes Mumbai police gets a breakthrough in this case and they find the hard drive.Vyas also mentioned that he has already started making arrangements for the reshoot and have already informed Anshuman Jha and Zareen Khan regarding the same. On the other hand, the leading man of Hum Bhi Akele Tum Bhi Akele Jha too spoke to reports wherein he described it as a nightmare but added that he is hopeful that there will be a development in the case. He has also agreed to reshoot if need be. ALSO READ: Zareen Khan files a complaint against her former manager for maligning her name

Well, Zareen Khan made her Punjabi debut about four years ago with superstar Gippy Grewal in Jatt James Bond.Now, the actress is all set to return to regional films yet again with Pathankot.The forthcoming film will feature the Hate Story 3 actress as the leading lady in this woman oriented drama that is set against the backdrop of real life incidents. In recent reports, it has been revealed that Pathankot will recreate the terrorist attacks that happened in Punjab in 2016. For the uninitiated, the 2016 Pathankot incident was where the Indian Air Force located in the state was under attack by a terrorist group. Directed by Jaivi Danda, Zareen Khan described her character as that of a strong protagonist and how she transforms from a simple vulnerable girl to a fighter owing to circumstances. Although not much details about the plotline has been revealed, we hear that the film will be inspired by true events. On the other hand, Zareen also spoke about her prep for Pathankot which majorly revolves around language. Readers may be aware that Zareen has done only one Punjabi film by far and hence, she asserted that she needs to be much more fluent in the language. Also, yet another thing that Zareen seem to be looking forward to is the warm hospitality of the Punjabis. The actress mentioned in reports that when she was shooting Jatt James Bond , she shot in many small villages of the state and was overwhelmed with the treatment she received from the large-hearted locals. Coming to Bollywood, Zareen Khan was last in the horror film , the fourth instalment of the franchise, alongside Karan Kundra that released earlier this year in January. The film, directed by Vikram Bhatt, is a period film of a pianist who gets the help of a ghost whisperer to ward off the unwanted spirit haunting him. Also Read: Zareen Khan supports an initiative for public hygiene

Amidst a bevy of celebrities who have been supporting varied causes, heres another actress who has extended her support to a campaign related to cleanliness drive.The actress is none other than Zareen Khan who has taken up the cause of ending open defecation. The actress has been invited by the Orissa government to talk to the locals there about the issues that follow with open defecation. In fact, Zareen Khan will be traveling to Orissa this month for a few days where she will conduct special seminars to meet the locals and spread the word about not defecating in public. When asked about the same, Zareen said, It will be a public event where I will explain the locals the benefits of not defecating in the open. The government has already started building toilets but people still prefer to defecate in the open, giving room to endless illnesses and also spreading diseases. In fact, besides Zareen, many other superstars have promoted this cause. Amongst them were Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar.Also, the latter started a major debate on the subject during the release of Toilet Ek Prem Katha which is a film based on a similar social message. Coming to Zareen Khan, she was last seen in the Bhatts popular horror drama , the third instalment of .After the release of the same earlier this year, she is yet to announce her next Bollywood venture. Also Read: Hate Story Throwback: When Daisy Zareen stole the thunder from Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn

Zareen Khan is all set for a different role this time around. She was last seen in and the actress is now gearing up for a film titled One Day.The film in question will be directed by Ashok Nanda. Talking about the film, Zareen Khan will be essaying the role of a cop. Also, it is a known fact that the actress will explore such an avatar for the first time. The film is set against the backdrop of Ranchi and hence, Haryanvi is an integral element. Considering that the language holds importance, Zareen will be learning the same too. From what we hear, Zareen Khan has already started to learn the Haryanvi accent for her film. Sources close to the actress have revealed that she has been dedicating time every day for the same. She has been spending one and a half hour for her training in order to get the right dialect. Besides these, the actress is also expected to leave early for the films schedule. As mentioned before, the film will be extensively shot in Ranchi. However, Zareen Khan plans to leaves two days prior. The actress wants to use this time to interact with the locals there and excel the accent. Zareen Khan confirmed it adding, Yes I am learning the Haryanvi accent. And I am finding it very interesting as it is something I havent done before. One Day is slated to go on floor by the end of this month. The film will also star legendary actor Anupam Kher.Also Read: Why was I not shown Aksar 2 after repeatedly requesting them for the same? Zareen Khan asks producers

Just last week multiple reports surfaced that claimed that the Aksar 2 actress Zareen Khan was at loggerheads with the films producers and director. In fact in a no holds barred conversation with Bollywood Hungama , Zareen even explained her grouse with the makers of Aksar 2.However, immediately post her revelations, the makers of the film and its director Ananth Mahadevan released a statement contradicting what Zareen had said, while at the same time claiming that the actress was informed of everything in advance. But the battle between Zareen Khan and the makers of Aksar 2 seems to be far from over. Now responding to the fresh threat of legal action to be taken against her, Zareen Khan apparently has a very simple question for the makers of the film. Detailing the question Zareen adds, I dont have extra time and energy for these fights that dont hold any value. My question to them is, if everything was so crystal clear and I was aware of everything that was shown in the film as claimed by the makers and director then why was I not shown the film after repeatedly requesting them for the same? Further talking about not being shown the film before its release Zareen Khan adds, How is it possible that the main lead is not shown the film or even invited for her own film screening? I was not informed of the screening and got to know of it from others. In fact I organized for tickets to watch my own movie when it released on Friday night at PVR Juhu for the last late night show. While the battle between Zareen Khan and makers of Aksar 2 and its director will continue to rage, the film itself that released two weeks ago has had a disastrous run at the box office.