Playing it gay: On the sets of Dostana

Playing it gay: On the sets of Dostana
Monday, November 17, 2008 17:40 IST
By Steven Baker, Santa Banta News Network
/> I am in the Miami office of style and fashion publication Verve. The interior, a palette of flamingo colors, is populated by sleek staffers clutching design sketches. It is a typical day on a busy magazine. That is, until a voice booms out, 'Cut'.

The voice belongs to director Tarun Mansukhani. We are not in the US after all, but in Mumbai's Film City on the sets of Dostana.

It is mid-July, four months before the movie's release date, and the cast and crew are back from an outdoor shoot, to wrap the last few interior scenes. Outside Studio 16, monsoon rains act as a reminder that the first Bollywood film to be set entirely in Miami, Florida is shot in part in India.

The lavish blow-the-budget sets are Karan Johar's Miami vice, but there are no complaints from me, as I happily perch on an expensive sofa next to Neha Melwani (Priyanka Chopra).

Sharing screen space with PC prompted a string of out of the blue phone calls from long lost friends. 'Is she beautiful?' Yes? 'Is she as beautiful in real life?' Yes. 'Is she more beautiful in real life or on screen?' Cut. What is this? 20 questions?

My first dialogue in the flick announces the arrival of M (Boman Irani) to the office. Fans of The Devil Wears Prada, will be familiar with the inspiration for this scene, as my character delivers a panic-stricken direct-to- camera, 'He's here'.

In a film considered to be the first mainstream Hindi release on same sex relationships, the element which appears to be missing from Dharma Productions gay rom-com, are gay characters.

With so much pre-release speculation as to which characters are gay and who is simply pretending, it was a surprise for most to discover that Boman Irani's M (absent from the promos) was the only one lusting after the guys.

In what is a strong contender for possibly the most non-gay gay movie ever, my character is that rarest of rare things.

When Abhimanyu Singh (Bobby Deol) first comes in front of the camera, the 'God he's hot' aside my character mouths to Neha (Chopra), leaves no doubt as to which side I'm on.

It may seem like a throwaway line, but I would like to think it was this gay best friend comment, which prompted Neha to see Abhimanyu as potential boyfriend material.

Sadly, John Abraham and Abhishek Bachchan were not required for this schedule. The A-list actors made just one social visit to Film City, for Dostana reasons only.

Music directors Vishal-Shekhar, and choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant, did however stop by to complete patchwork shooting which remained on tracks 'Khabar Nahi' and 'Kuch Kum'.

Farah Khan, who stamped her trademark steps onto chart buster 'Desi Girl', also dropped by. At one point, director Tarun appeared to lose his temper, in imitation of Khan's tough task master approach; before revealing it was a prank.

Critics have intimated Karan Johar changed the climax of debutante Mansukhani's project. However, he came onto the sets just once in the whole week of shooting.

In a stylish monochrome black and white outfit, KJo cut a contrasting figure against a sea of Miami spice wardrobes. In Hollywood, while the Devil may wear Prada, in the Dharma camp, it is reserved strictly for the producer.
Death Threats to Shah Rukh Khan: Lawyer Arrested in Chhattisgarh for Extortion Attempt!

In a shocking turn of events, a man identified as Mohammad Faizan Khan has been arrested for issuing death threats to Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. The accused, a lawyer by

Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Bigg Boss 18: Vivian Dsena and Chahat Panday's Coffee Banter Steals the Show; Frenemies Turn Friendly Over French Coffee!

In the latest promo of Bigg Boss 18, contestants Vivian Dsena and Chahat Panday, known for their heated arguments and on-screen rivalry, showcased a lighter side of their relationship

Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Varun Dhawan Praises Pooja Hegde's Stunning Look; Sparks Excitement for Upcoming Film!

Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan recently showered praise on actress Pooja Hegde, who made heads turn with her stylish and edgy outfit in her latest Instagram photoshoot. Pooja shared a

Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Half Love Half Arranged S2 Trailer Unveiled!

Get ready for an exciting and drama-filled journey as Amazon MX Player, Amazon's free video streaming service, and Dice Media's much-loved rom-com series Half Love Half

Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Model Sifat Sehgal opens up about her battle with Anorexia!

In a candid and courageous revelation, model and reality TV star Sifat Sehgal has opened up about her harrowing journey with anorexia and her recovery, offering an unfiltered

Tuesday, November 12, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT