BOLLYWOOD
Chef Vikas Khanna on his decision to direct a film based on his book, The Last Color
He’s one of the first Indian chefs to be conferred the Michelin Star in the US. So, when Chef Vikas Khanna turned filmmaker with The Last Color, it naturally created curiosity among his peers and fans. Based on the book by the same name, which Vikas has himself written, the film will be shown at the Palm Springs International Film Festival 2019 in the US in January. The story of Chhoti, a nine-year-old tightrope walker and Noor, a 70-year-old widow and their friendship, is a tale of the triumph of the human spirit that unfolds on the banks of River Ganges. Working with Neena Gupta, who plays the role of Noor, was a dream come true for Vikas. “She was extremely patient with me,” said the first-time director, who was on his way to the Golden Temple in Amritsar when we spoke to him. He was taking the film’s Blu Ray with him to seek God’s blessings, ahead of the film’s showing at the festival. “There will be three screenings of the film, which I’m told does not usually happen. So, I’m quite happy about that,” he said. The chef-turned-filmmaker spoke to After Hrs about his shooting experience...
I had no idea that this book would become so big. I had only written food books and children’s books off and on, but never a work of fiction. I used to come to India and interview the widows in the ashrams at Varanasi. That’s a back story, the main story is about the tightrope-walker. The little girl, who plays the role of Choti, was found by me after auditioning 1,800 girls. I had the memory of a little girl who inspired me to write the novel. She was a tightrope walker, who I had met at the Kumbh Mela a couple of years ago. When I asked her why she doesn’t go to school, she told me that she won’t be able to survive without working and making money. She wanted to become a lawyer when she grew up. This was around the time my father had passed away and I was spending some time in Varanasi. I was looking for a closure after his death, but I didn’t know I would be inspired to write.
I had narrated the dialogues to a guy I had shortlisted to direct the movie. I was narrating it and crying, but this person wasn’t even feeling it. I couldn’t be dishonest with my thought process. It was hard for me to give my baby to someone else. I don’t care how wrong the movie is in the technical department, I just wanted to maintain the honesty and emotions. Like cooking, filmmaking is also about observation. I understand the framing part. I have shot all my books myself. I thought, even if the film is technically weak, it will not be emotionally hollow.
Making a movie is possibly the most difficult thing I have done in my entire life. That’s the reason filmmakers are so revered everywhere. It’s so hard and challenging.
Indian doctor claims THIS about paneer, milk, prompts debate on social media, netizens say...
Every home of THIS town owns a private jet, has unique street names, it is located in...
'Delight to meet Elon Musk's family...': PM Modi after call-on by Tesla CEO accompanied by his kids
Meet IAS officer, who cleared UPSC exam after getting inspired by Virat Kohli, her AIR was...
Happy Valentine's Day 2025: Wishes, WhatsApp messages, images, quotes to share with your partner
DNA TV Show: World Records in Mahakumbh 2025
Vidya Balan enjoys Sanam Teri Kasam in theatre, pens special note for team: 'Mawra aap kamaal ho'
Meet woman who owns Delhi's most expensive home worth Rs..., not Nita Ambani, Priti Adani
Samay Raina to perform in Mumbai on March 27 amid India's Got Latent controversy
Little girl's adorable dance to 'Khadke Glassy' wins hearts online, WATCH viral video
'Whole India in one coach’: Viral video shows chaos in first-class train to Mahakumbh, WATCH
Chhaava Movie Review: A groundbreaking epic that redefines the blockbuster experience
Gautam Adani pulls out of BIG Rs 8684 crore power project in THIS country due to...
Group of musicians perform iconic theme of 'Tom & Jerry' but here's a twist! WATCH viral video
ICC punishes Shaheen Afridi, two Pakistan stars for doing THIS vs South Africa
President's Rule imposed in Manipur days after N Biren Singh resigns as CM
Ramadan 2025: When will the holy month of Muslims begin in India? Know all details
Good news for India's richest banker, RBI lifts ban on his Rs 392000 crore company, allows it to...
WPL 2025 Opening Ceremony: Performers list, date, time, venue, live streaming - All you need to know
Meet man, aka coolest grandpa, who still works as actor and model at 89, he is from...
Meet IAS officer, who cracked UPSC exam in 2009, now promoted to key post in GOI as...
Honda, Nissan call off Rs 521825 crore merger, the reason is…
Valentine's Day 2025: Why do we celebrate this day? Know here
Ne Zha 2: Everything you need to know about the Chinese animated blockbuster
How I Can Make Your Child into an Ivy Leaguer: A Parent’s Guide to Success with Caroline Linger
Meet China’s newest billionaire, who runs bubble tea business, his net worth is Rs...
Top Government Schemes for Farmers, Artisans, and Students You Should Not Miss!
Why did RCB chose Rajat Patidar as captain over Virat Kohli? Team director Mo Bobat explains
Valentine’s Day 2025: Perfect last-minute gifts ideas for your partner
Man who saved Rishabh Pant's life in 2022 car accident, attempts suicide with girlfriend, she dies
FASTag New rule: All you need to know to avoid extra charges from February 17
Throwback: How did Rohit Sharma propose to Ritika Sajdeh? WATCH viral video
Did Ram Charan unfollow Allu Arjun after his father took a dig at Game Changer? Here's what we know
Who Are The Top 5 Most Influential Astrologers In India In 2025?
Delhi-NCR schools holiday: Are Delhi, Gurugram, Noida schools closed on Feb 14? Check here
THESE cricketers unfollowed Ranveer Allahbadia on social media amid India's Got Latent controversy?
‘Broke in 50 days’: Accenture employee-investor loses Rs 8 lakh in a day, his net worth is Rs…
Microsoft inaugurates new campus in THIS Indian city, plans to hire...
Shah Rukh Khan once bought laptop for Aamir Khan but he did not open it for...years because...
New Income Tax Bill 2025: FM Nirmala Sitharaman tables the new income tax bill in Lok Sabha
Emirates flight attendant's BTS video sparks firing rumours, airline responds, see post here
Anupam Mittal asks Namita Thapar to quit Shark Tank India because...: 'If you're...'
Meet comedian who was slapped, kicked out of film set by...; his net worth is now...
Top 3 iconic cricket rivalries
Couple recreates dance with same friend squad for sangeet after 10 years, watch viral video
Meet actor who served during Kargil War, put his career on hold for..., he is...
RCB captain announcement LIVE Updates: Rajat Patidar to lead team in IPL 2025
Ranveer Allahbadia cries in viral video over..., the truth behind it will shock you
Meet actress who is queen of Rs 500 cr club, set to enter again with..., she is...
Rohit Shetty teases 'biggest love story of 2025' feat Ranveer Singh and.., fans react
Hajj 2025: You can't take your children to Hajj this year due to...