logo
Kay Kay Menon returns as Himmat Singh in 'Special Ops 2', calls it an unforgettable ride

Kay Kay Menon returns as Himmat Singh in 'Special Ops 2', calls it an unforgettable ride

Time of India19-07-2025
Versatile actor
Kay Kay Menon
has once again returned to the screen with another powerful performance as R&AW officer
Himmat Singh
in the second season of the espionage thriller, "Special Ops".
Showing his gratitude to the entire team for a memorable ride, Menon said that he will fondly remember each and every moment from the making of the show.
Dropping a pic as Himmat Singh on his IG, Menon wrote, "Thank you, Team Special Ops - what a ride! Every moment on this one will be fondly remembered."
He further revealed that Himmat Singh's watch, which is an integral part of his rustic charm, enjoys a separate fan base.
"And yes, Himmat's watch... couldn't take my eyes off it.
It had its own fanbase. Big thanks to
Neeraj Pandey
for bringing this world to life again. Grateful to be a part of it."
Menon concluded.
On Tuesday, before the premiere of "Special Ops 2", Menon, Parmeet Sethi, Karan Tacker, and director
Shivam Nair
paid a visit to the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
While they were there, they witnessed the Change of Guard ceremony, a striking display of ceremonial precision and tradition.
Sharing his experience, Menon said, "As someone who plays a character deeply involved in the system, it was surreal to be present at one of the most important places in India.
The ceremony, the energy, the space - it was an experience unlike any & it all felt very real and aligned with the world of Special Ops 2".
Tacker added, "Returning here for this extremely prestigious ceremony was an absolutely surreal experience. The grandeur, discipline, and sheer energy of the moment gave us all goosebumps".
Prior to this, the team even visited the I4C (Indian
Cyber Crime
Coordination Centre) in Delhi, and spoke about cyber crime with Shri Rajesh Kumar, I.P.S. - CEO, I4C;
Nishant Kumar
, Director, I4C and Roopa M, Director, I4C.
"Special Ops 2" premiered on JioHotstar from July 18.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

'I want to bring same disruption, charm like Shah Rukh Khan': Tahir Raj Bhasin on ushering change in cinema
'I want to bring same disruption, charm like Shah Rukh Khan': Tahir Raj Bhasin on ushering change in cinema

Hindustan Times

time4 hours ago

  • Hindustan Times

'I want to bring same disruption, charm like Shah Rukh Khan': Tahir Raj Bhasin on ushering change in cinema

As the Hindi film industry stands at a crossroads—navigating fierce competition from South Indian cinema, the rise of OTT platforms, and shifting audience preferences—actor Tahir Raj Bhasin sees this moment not as a setback, but as a turning point. Drawing inspiration from icons like Shah Rukh Khan, who redefined stardom and genre in the '90s, Tahir, in a candid interview with Hindustan Times, hopes to bring a similar blend of charm and disruption to today's cinematic landscape. Tahir Raj Bhasin, who is currently enjoying rave reviews for his villainous role in Special Ops 2, embraces the duality of cinema and OTT as complementary storytelling mediums. Tahir on bringing SRK-like disruption in Hindi cinema Tahir is currently enjoying rave reviews for his performance as 'Collector', the antagonist in Neeraj Pandey's Special Ops 2, alongside KK Menon. The actor is one of those rare talents in the Hindi film industry who has managed to remain relevant and respected without the traditional support of a film family or "Godfather." Tahir opens up about the evolving landscape of Indian cinema and the influences which continue shaping his artistic journey. "90s SRK was disruptive. It was the villain in Baazigar and the charmer that we saw in DDLJ. SRK today is an icon, but what he was doing in the 90s, were all the kind of heroes like Kabhi Haan Kabhi Na, who were flawed and had an element of charm to them. And so comes the idea to me that I would lend my skill to stories that are disruptive and drive them as entertainingly as possible," Tahir said. Reflecting on the current state of the Hindi film industry, especially amid comparisons with the booming South Indian cinema, Tahir describes Bollywood as a 'living organism.' 'It evolves and has to change and adapt to the time and to the audience,' he says. For him, this moment of flux isn't one of crisis but of opportunity. 'Only in times of change can new experiments and new things be tried out,' he insists, viewing the disruption as a fertile period for creative innovation. On OTT vs Cinema Tahir believes that cinema and OTT platforms aren't in competition but are complementary media. 'There's a charm in seeing a film in a theatre with a large community in a dark room and great surround sound,' he explains. 'But then there are some stories that are better told in an episodic format on OTT.' He sees this duality as a win for audiences, offering more choices and richer storytelling. On getting adulation from female fans for Special Ops 2 His recent role as 'The Collector' in Special Ops 2 earned wide appreciation, surprisingly from a large number of female fans. 'I thought the genre would appeal more to a male audience because of the action and espionage. But the response has been very balanced,' he says, adding that such feedback makes him hopeful about exploring the character more. 'You always want to leave the audience feeling like they want to know more. Curiosity is the best way to engage with your audience.' Tahir's future plans On the professional front, Tahir recently wrapped a mystery thriller for Netflix alongside Parineeti Chopra, directed by Renzil D'Silva and produced by Siddharth P. Malhotra. Though tight-lipped about his role, he reveals that it's a genre he's exploring for the first time, adding another feather to his diverse acting cap. When asked whether audiences will see him on the big screen soon, Tahir responds enthusiastically. 'Absolutely. We're looking at a bunch of scripts. It's always about finding the right part.' He feels fortunate to be part of a generation where actors can move seamlessly between cinema and digital platforms. 'The audience accepts you, whether you're playing a hero or an antagonist. They relate to the story.' A self-confessed Bollywood romantic, Tahir grew up during the golden era of 90s cinema. 'I'm a hardcore Bollywood buff. Any 90s kid is a romantic at heart, especially if you grew up watching a lot of Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan,' he says with a smile. While fans have loved his intense villainous roles, many now want to see him play the quintessential lover boy on screen — a shift he's more than open to, provided the script is right.

Tahir Raj Bhasin on playing a politically charged antagonist in Special Ops 2: ‘I look for lead parts that are disruptive'
Tahir Raj Bhasin on playing a politically charged antagonist in Special Ops 2: ‘I look for lead parts that are disruptive'

Indian Express

timea day ago

  • Indian Express

Tahir Raj Bhasin on playing a politically charged antagonist in Special Ops 2: ‘I look for lead parts that are disruptive'

In Neeraj Pandey's Special Ops 2, which recently premiered on JioHotstar, Tahir Raj Bhasin plays an antagonist, yet again. But, as always with Bhasin, there's a twist hiding somewhere. There's something about his screen presence, about his script selection, about finding the unconventional within the conventional, that always makes him rise above what's written on paper. Here, too, he might be playing a so-called villain, who just like all the villains he has portrayed, is smarter, quirkier, and more fun than the protagonist. And as with many of his past roles, his character taunts his nemesis over phone calls, constantly teasing a physical showdown. But again, with Bhasin, this isn't your regular villain. If you read between the lines, he's actually more of an anti-hero: a character who brings much-needed political depth to an already exhaustive genre of espionage. In an exclusive chat with SCREEN, Tahir Raj Bhasin breaks down his character in depth. He also talks about working with Neeraj Pandey and Kay Kay Menon, how he goes about choosing his scripts, his first-ever interaction with his on-screen idol Shah Rukh Khan, and how he always manages to be disruptive, while staying within the same mold. Excerpt edited for clarity and brevity How you go about choosing your scripts. Is there anything in particular you look for? Choosing scripts, for me, is like starting a new relationship. You have to be very picky because you live with a character for months. What matters most is: how is your character driving the story forward? Do they move the plot? For example, in Mardaani, my debut, I come in around the 27th minute, but the energy of the story shifts once I enter. Another example is Chhichhore, where my character Derek shows up close to the interval and changes the direction of the narrative. So I look for characters that are plot twists in themselves. And of course, who's directing and writing it matters a lot. I've been lucky to work with some incredible filmmakers, right from the late Pradeep Sarkar in Mardaani, to Nandita Das in Manto, Nitesh Tiwari, Kabir Khan. And even in series, I've worked with showrunners like Milan Luthria, Siddharth Sengupta, and now Neeraj Pandey. But if I had to sum it up in one line: I look for lead parts that are disruptive. You also kind of answered my next question about choosing directors. I was listening to Ranbir and Shah Rukh talk about how they look for a deep, almost romantic connection with the filmmaker. Do you relate to that? Absolutely. There needs to be synergy between the actor and the director. Sometimes you get to workshop together, and that helps with familiarization. But other times, you figure each other out during the shoot. It's then when you have to grasp the mannerisms, energy, rhythm. So yeah, it's like a platonic relationship. And it's interesting when you work on a sequel, say, like with Siddharth Sengupta on Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhein 2, it's like reuniting with an old friend. You already have a shorthand, and that helps immensely. What I really liked about your character in Special Ops 2 is that he's almost a larger-than-life antagonist, almost filmy. And you've performed him with a pinch of panache, which makes him unconventional from your previous antagonists, who were rooted in realism. That's a spot-on observation. For me, Neeraj Pandey's work has always represented a blend of style with realism. The characters are pitched with realism, but there's always a stylistic way he tells the story. That really resonated with me. As I've evolved in my craft, I've realized that I want to stay grounded in realism, but not let go of the style. And when I heard the narration of The Collector, I thought it was incredible that his opening scene has him listening to classical music. That's so unusual, not what you expect from a spy-espionage thriller. That moment got me. Then his backstory, being an orphan and deprived of material possessions, gave me a window into his current behaviour. Now he hoards all the things he couldn't have. That's where his psychological makeup comes in. As you said, it's unconventional. What I liked is that he's disruptive. He's part gangster and part tech tycoon. There's a moral complexity to his character which got me thinking. It reminded me a bit of Jim from Pathaan, who was a new kind of antagonist who doesn't believe in borders and just happens to be on the other side. Yeah, that's called moral relativism in philosophy. He truly believes he's right. I love the fact that he's a guy with principles, and it's up to the audience to judge those principles. But he truly believes in them. Every time he interacts with someone, he does it through a philosophical lens. I call it 'Collector Philosophy.' Like he says at one point, 'We're both in cybersecurity, just on opposite sides.' Or when he tells the doctor character, 'I'm actually the good guy.' That's what makes him fascinating. The way he's written, it's like he's a reformer. Yeah, in a way it's borderline Nolan-esque. Derived from that kind of sensibility. That's a big comparison, but I get what you mean. As a kid, you grow up fantasizing about Batman. But when you grow up, you realize the Joker was making a lot of sense. There's a point in the show where he says something like: 'The government takes tax and fools people. I just take a little tax and run my business.' He says things the protagonist can't. He operates outside the system, while the protagonist is confined within it. Exactly. I was even thinking of writing that The Collector is the political spine of the show. He brings nuance and becomes a sort of voice of reason. You can almost imagine him becoming a character like one of Prakash Raj's, if he were in the system. Totally. And that goes back to your first question, does the character speak to the audience in a new way? The Collector does. There's a moment in the first episode where Kay Kay's character says something that sums up The Collector's entire philosophy. So, in many ways, they're two sides of the same coin. Speaking of Kay Kay Menon, can you talk to me about the phone call scene with him in the final episode, what was it like filming that? It was actually a huge challenge. Kay Kay and I shot our parts in completely different locations. I was in Georgia, and he was in Mumbai. So the performance had to land purely through voice and timing. When I finally saw the scene after the show was released, I felt it came together beautifully. I loved how both the characters complemented each other. Even our glasses were symbolic, his conventional frames vs. my large, stylized ones. It subtly hinted at generational and ideological contrast. I even called Kay Kay and said, 'Phenomenal man! We need to do something together soon.' You've played antagonists before, but never quite the same way. Still, do you worry about being typecast? That's always the challenge, to do something different, break the mold, and then move on. After a dark part like The Collector, I'll probably look for something lighter or completely different. And I love flawed characters. That's the cinema I grew up in. Think of Shah Rukh in Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa or Aamir in Rangeela. Both of them were highly imperfect, yet so lovable. You've now done at least three major long-form projects. Do you think we've hit a saturation point with streaming? Recently, even Anurag Kashyap was talking about how we're heading back toward the era of bad television. I think after Sacred Games, there was this burst of experimentation. We saw shows and characters that would've never made it to Indian screens otherwise. But soon it became mass-produced, shows dropping every week. Now I think that excess is wearing off. Financing and greenlighting are getting more aligned, which I think is a good thing. It's quality control. We're moving toward more curated, higher-quality content. You've been doing this for almost a decade now. What's the most memorable compliment you've received? I remember it was from Aamir Khan, right after Mardaani. He even tweeted about it, invited me to his green room, and later called me also. That was huge, especially being new to the industry. It meant a lot. Also, after Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhein, Ram Madhvani called and said he loved the performance. Coming from someone who's such a perfectionist, that really stayed with me. You're from Delhi and a Shah Rukh fan. Any stories? I remember meeting him at the screening of Fan. There's an aura when he enters the room, but he also focuses so intently when he's talking to you. He gives you his energy, and that's so rare. Since we briefly mentioned Nolan, what's your favorite Nolan film and screenplay? Hmm, as a screenplay, I think Oppenheimer was interesting. Dunkirk was also really well written. But my favorite film would have to be Interstellar. If you woke me up and said, 'Pick one Nolan film to watch in IMAX,' I'd choose Interstellar. It's so complex yet beautifully distilled. Also, it has this filmy, almost Bollywood-like heart, especially in the finale, where he goes back for love! It doesn't get more cinematic than that. Lastly, what's next for you? I'm currently working on a mystery drama with Parineeti Chopra, directed by Rensil D'Silva. It's a Netflix series, we just wrapped shooting. Also, Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhein Season 3 is being written as we speak.

Kargil Diwas 2025: A Powerful Watchlist Honouring India's Armed Forces
Kargil Diwas 2025: A Powerful Watchlist Honouring India's Armed Forces

News18

time2 days ago

  • News18

Kargil Diwas 2025: A Powerful Watchlist Honouring India's Armed Forces

Last Updated: A powerful watchlist on discovery+ honours India's armed forces through untold stories of courage, conflict, and commitment. On the occasion of Kargil Diwas (July 26), discovery+ brings together a gripping slate of real stories that honour India's armed forces from the icy heights of Siachen to the untold aerial heroics of Kargil. This curated watchlist revisits historic battles, frontline experiences, and the human grit behind some of the military's most defining moments all streaming now on discovery+: Discover the innovation, resilience, and courage of IAF bravehearts as they revisit their triumph in one of the world's highest aerial battles. Amid numerous accounts of the Kargil War, this story remains largely untold — a tale of wit, valour, and victory during Operation Safed Sagar. As we mark 26 years since the Kargil War, IAF officials and experts recount a mission that helped shape India's modern military legacy. Experience life on the world's highest battlefield — the Siachen Glacier — where Indian troops brave sub-zero temperatures and constant danger. This raw, on-location documentary captures the resilience, hardship, and survival instincts of those guarding India's coldest frontier. Lakshya 1971 (2024) Host Harman Singha revisits defining moments of the 1971 Indo-Pak Liberation War, uncovering stories of bravery, military strategy, and sacrifice that shaped the birth of Bangladesh. Mission Frontline with Rohit Shetty (2024) Rohit Shetty swaps film sets for field ops as he trains with Jammu & Kashmir's Special Ops units. From tactical drills to real-time missions, he experiences the discipline and pressure that frontline soldiers live with every day. Kargil: Valour & Victory (2024) A vivid retelling of the 1999 Kargil conflict, brought to life through the voices of soldiers, commanders, and their families. It's a story of courage under fire and emotional resilience as India reclaimed its strategic peaks. Revealed: The Line of Control (2024) Take a closer look at the complex realities of the 740 km-long Line of Control. This documentary explores both the political tension and personal experiences of soldiers stationed at one of the world's most volatile borders. Mission Frontline with Farhan Akhtar (2024) Farhan Akhtar dons combat boots and trains with India's elite troops. Beyond the physical intensity, the show captures the emotional strength it takes to stay mission-ready in high-risk zones. Mission Frontline with Rana Daggubati (2024) Join Rana Daggubati as he patrols with the Border Security Force along the Indo-Pak border — where vigilance is constant and the nation's safety is a 24/7 commitment. Breaking Point (2024) top videos View all Witness the grueling transformation of young cadets into future soldiers. Through punishing drills, mental endurance, and moments of breakdown and breakthrough — this series offers a raw, inside look at the making of India's armed forces. About the Author Swati Chaturvedi Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she's a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 More The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 26, 2025, 07:37 IST News lifestyle Kargil Diwas 2025: A Powerful Watchlist Honouring India's Armed Forces Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store