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Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Sarzameen' director Kayoze Irani: 'I don't think acting is for me'' talks about return to big screens, direction
, who is popularly known for his role of Kaizad Sudo Sodabottleopenerwala in the superhit film 'Student of the Year', admitted that "acting" is not made for him. After a brief stint as an actor in the Bollywood industry, Kayoze switched to filmmaking with the anthology series 'Ajeeb Daastaans' on OTT in 2021. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Sarzameen role He directed the segment titled 'Ankahi', which starred Shefali Shah in the lead role. After gaining experience in filmmaking by serving as an assistant director in Kartik Aaryan's 'Dhamaka', Kayoze decided to put his directorial skills to the test with the recently released movie 'Sarzameen'. It stars Kajol, Prithviraj Sukumaran and Ibrahim Ali Khan in the lead roles. It is jointly produced by Karan Johar, Hiroo Yash Johar, Apoorva Mehta and Adar Poonawalla under the banner of Dharma Productions. While Kayoze is quite busy with his directorial projects, many fans wonder about his return to acting after his show-stealing debut performance in 'Student of the Year'. While talking to ANI, Kayoze admitted that he has no plans of returning to acting, disappointing his fans who were long waiting for his return. Kayoze said that he is more "comfortable" behind the camera and acting is not made for him. "I don't think you can see me acting again, because I enjoy filmmaking and it's what I have always wanted to do. I am comfortable behind the camera, and that is my intention. So sorry to disappoint, but I don't think acting is for me," said Kayoze Irani. Apart from his role in Karan Johar's 'Student of the Year', Kayoze has also starred in films including 'Youngistaan' and 'The Legend of Michael Mishra'. Kayoze Iralso shared his experience of working with stars, including Kajol and Prithiviraj Sukumaran in his debut movie directorial 'Sarzameen'. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He called it a "humbling experience", saying that he never felt like a debutant among the two veterans. "As a debut director, the two of them (Prithviraj and Kajol) never let me feel that I am a debut director because they are both veterans. So when they were with me on set, they would always give me that respect. They would always take my opinion. Always listen and make me feel like I am part of them. I could stand with them and talk to them. So it is a genuinely humbling experience," said Kayoze Irani. Kayoze's latest directorial, 'Sarzameen', is currently streaming on OTT.
Mint
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
'I dont think acting is for me': Kayoze Irani on his return to big screens, direction, Sarzameen experience
New Delhi [India], July 29 (ANI): Kayoze Irani, who is popularly known for his role of Kaizad Sudo Sodabottleopenerwala in the superhit film 'Student of the Year', admitted that "acting" is not made for him. After a brief stint as an actor in the Bollywood industry, Kayoze switched to filmmaking with the anthology series 'Ajeeb Daastaans' on Netflix in 2021. He directed the segment titled 'Ankahi', which starred Shefali Shah in the lead role. After gaining experience in filmmaking by serving as an assistant director in Kartik Aaryan's 'Dhamaka', Kayoze decided to put his directorial skills to the test with the recently released movie 'Sarzameen'. It stars Kajol, Prithviraj Sukumaran and Ibrahim Ali Khan in the lead roles. It is jointly produced by Karan Johar, Hiroo Yash Johar, Apoorva Mehta and Adar Poonawalla under the banner of Dharma Productions. While Kayoze is quite busy with his directorial projects, many fans wonder about his return to acting after his show-stealing debut performance in 'Student of the Year'. While talking to ANI, Kayoze admitted that he has no plans of returning to acting, disappointing his fans who were long waiting for his return. Kayoze said that he is more "comfortable" behind the camera and acting is not made for him. "I don't think you can see me acting again, because I enjoy filmmaking and it's what I have always wanted to do. I am comfortable behind the camera, and that is my intention. So sorry to disappoint, but I don't think acting is for me," said Kayoze Irani. Apart from his role in Karan Johar's 'Student of the Year', Kayoze has also starred in films including 'Youngistaan' and 'The Legend of Michael Mishra'. Kayoze Irani also shared his experience of working with stars, including Kajol and Prithiviraj Sukumaran in his debut movie directorial 'Sarzameen'. He called it a "humbling experience", saying that he never felt like a debutant among the two veterans. "As a debut director, the two of them (Prithviraj and Kajol) never let me feel that I am a debut director because they are both veterans. So when they were with me on set, they would always give me that respect. They would always take my opinion. Always listen and make me feel like I am part of them. I could stand with them and talk to them. So it is a genuinely humbling experience," said Kayoze Irani. Kayoze's latest directorial, 'Sarzameen', is currently streaming on Disney Hotstar. (ANI)
News18
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Boman Irani's Son Kayoze Irani Makes Directorial Return With Kajol's Sarzameen
Boman Irani's son made his acting debut with Student of the Year alongside Alia Bhatt, Sidharth Malhotra and Varun Dhawan. Kayoze Irani, son of veteran actor Boman Irani, is now stepping into the spotlight as a filmmaker with his full-length directorial debut, Sarzameen. Backed by Karan Johar's Dharma Productions, the film stars Kajol, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and Ibrahim Ali Khan, and is slated to premiere on JioCinema on July 25. But before turning to direction, Kayoze was known for his charming on-screen debut in Student of the Year (2012), where he played the lovable Sudo alongside Alia Bhatt, Sidharth Malhotra, and Varun Dhawan. Born in November 1987 in Mumbai, Kayoze grew up watching his father, Boman Irani, rise from running a bakery on Grant Road to becoming one of Bollywood's most respected actors. Raised in a middle-class Parsi household deeply rooted in the performing arts, Kayoze was exposed to theatre and cinema from a young age. He pursued his bachelor's degree in Film, Television & New Media Production from Kishinchand Chellaram College in Mumbai. And this academic degree laid the foundation for his future in direction. From Onscreen Debut to Direction Kayoze began his career in the film industry as an assistant director on Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu, starring Kareena Kapoor Khan and Imran Khan. But it was his breakout role as 'Sudo' in Student of the Year that brought him mainstream attention. Though a supporting character, his natural comic timing and warm screen presence made him a fan favourite. After a brief stint in acting, Kayoze shifted focus to filmmaking. He made his directorial debut with Ankahi, a critically praised short film in Netflix's Ajeeb Daastaans anthology, which explored themes of love, silence, and emotional disconnect. About Sarzameen Set against the backdrop of a volatile Kashmir, Sarzameen follows the life of Colonel Vijay Menon (Prithviraj), a man of unshakable duty and integrity. Kajol plays Meera, a resilient wife and mother, while Ibrahim Ali Khan appears as the lead antagonist in the complex role of Harman, a young man struggling with shadowed memories and truths. Location : Mumbai, India, India First Published: July 01, 2025, 18:16 IST
Express Tribune
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Saba salutes Shehnaz's spark
Saba Hamid surprised and charmed fans during her appearance on a local channel's night show with a candid confession: she is "jealous" of none other than Shehnaz Sheikh. "If there is an artist that I am a fan of and would want to copy, it has to be Shehnaz Sheikh," Saba said with an affectionate grin. "She has no match in Pakistan when it comes to situational comedy and its timing. I'm such a huge fan that I am actually jealous of her." The revelation delighted audiences, especially fans of classic Pakistani dramas, who remember the magic Shehnaz brought to television screens in the 1980s. Whether it was Tanhaiyaan or Ankahi, Shehnaz carved a space for herself as a powerhouse performer known for her expressive face, sharp timing, and lovable characters. Saba fondly recalled a scene from Ankahi, where Shehnaz's character accidentally staples her boss's tie. "It was brilliant," Saba said. "No one could've delivered that moment with such effortless charm." And coming from Saba, that's saying something. With a career spanning more than three and a half decades, Saba is no stranger to unforgettable performances herself. From the beloved sitcom Family Front to more recent hits like Mere Humsafar, Noor Jahan, Ae Dil, and Mann Mast Malang, she has proven her ability to move between drama, comedy, and social commentary with grace and impact. 'Comedy is my first love' In the same interview, Saba was asked why she hasn't returned to comedy, especially considering how beloved her sitcom Family Front remains. Her response revealed a bittersweet truth. "I want to do comedy," she said. "It's my favourite genre, and I would love to do more of it. But it has to be situational and not slapstick or farce. Unfortunately, such projects just aren't made anymore." For someone whose comic timing once lit up family living rooms, this felt like a quiet lament. Saba made it clear she isn't interested in broad, over-the-top humour. "It has to be rooted in the scene, in real emotion," she emphasised, just like Shehnaz's legendary performances. Saba also reflected on the evolution of Pakistani dramas, noting that while the industry has grown in production scale, it has lost the emotional resonance and originality that made earlier work so impactful. "In the '80s, delivering dialogues written by writers like Ashfaq Ahmed, Bano Qudsia, Amjad Islam Amjad, and Noorul Huda Shah was a joy," she said. "Their words were powerful, engaging, and deeply human." She compared the rawness of that era with the current system, where actors now have entire teams deciding their wardrobe and look. "Back then, actors styled themselves, prepared their get-up, and brought their own energy to the set," she said. "There was nothing artificial, no pretentiousness. That's why older dramas still feel original." Interestingly, Saba also shared that her true passion these days lies in direction. "I enjoy direction more because it carries more responsibility," she said. "An actor focuses on one character. A director builds the world." Her directorial venture Jaisay Aapki Marzi (2023) was a ratings and critical hit, further solidifying her role as a creative force behind the camera. When asked about fellow actor Naumaan Ijaz, Saba had nothing but praise: "He's a gem of our industry. Time has only refined him."
Mint
06-05-2025
- Business
- Mint
Radico Khaitan eyes 30% growth for luxury spirits, plans two new products in FY26
Radico Khaitan Ltd., the maker of Rampur single malt, will focus on luxury brands in the ongoing fiscal even as its volumes rose in the fiscal ended March on the back of both premium and mass-market brands. The company expects to launch two new luxury products, both in the brown and white spirits segments, targeting the Indian and international markets, managing director Abhishek Khaitan told Mint. These will be in addition to luxury liqueur, Ankahi, which it launched in March. 'We will enter the super-premium whisky segment within the first half of the year in these high-growth categories, which will continue our premiumisation journey,' he said. 'Our craft luxury gin, Jaisalmer, now has 50% of the market share in its category and Rampur single malt, similarly, is also doing very well." The company, which also makes Magic Moments vodka and 8PM whisky, sold 31.36 million cases of Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) during the year, up 9.2% over FY24's 28.7 million cases, according to its exchange filing. The company generated a revenue of ₹ 340 crore in FY25 from its portfolio of luxury spirits, starting at ₹ 4,000 per bottle and going up to ₹ 5 lakh for certain single malt variants. Khaitan said the distiller is targeting a topline growth of more than 30% to reach ₹ 500 crore revenue in this segment in FY26. 'The luxury is a segment where a lot of Indian companies aspired to be,' he said. 'In 2016, we first launched our single malt range and we're seeing the returns of that now, about 7-8 years later.' Radico Khaitan's consolidated revenue stood at ₹ 17,098.5 crore in FY25, up 10.4% over FY24's ₹ 15,483.9 crore. Its net profit rose 31.86% year-on-year to ₹ 345.61 crore. In the ongoing quarter, Radico Khaitan also launched its 8 PM branded Premium Black, a grain-blended Indian whisky, as part of the company's broader strategy to strengthen its portfolio for consumers looking for premium offerings. Next, the company will launch two luxury brands—these projects have been in development for the past two years, the company said. "In the last five years, we have surpassed the industry and have grown higher than it. We feel the trend will continue and we will grow our 'prestige and above' segment by 15% or more in FY26,' Khaitan said. 'Volumes in the regular range have come back, and this will grow 12-14% as well, as cost pressures on grains, etc., are easing. Our luxury business will lead the charge at 30%." The higher-priced prestige and above brands accounted for 13 million cases—a 15.5% increase—and contributed nearly 70% of its total liquor sales value, according to the company's filings. In the January–March quarter, Radico Khaitan recorded the highest-ever quarterly volume at 9.15 million cases, up nearly 28% from a year earlier. The alco-bev sector reported a revenue growth of 8-10% in FY25, fuelled by consistent demand and a growing preference for premium products, according to Icra Ltd, a credit rating agency part of Moody's Investor Service. Operational profit margins remained steady at 12-13%, supported by reduced packaging costs, despite the upward pressure from rising grain prices, it said.
