The makers of Saand Ki Aankh held a wrap up party at a popular club in Bandra, Mumbai. The bash was attended by the entire star cast, which included Taapsee Pannu, Bhumi Pednekar, Anurag Kashyap, debut director Tushar Hiranandani and Vineet Kumar. All pictures/Yogen Shah
All eyes are on Saand Ki Aankh ever since the makers announced the title of the Taapsee Pannu and Bhumi Pednekar-starrer based on the world's oldest sharpshooters - Chandro and Prakashi Tomar. The drama that marks the directorial debut of acclaimed scriptwriter Tushar Hiranandani, is set in the hinterlands of UP.
In picture: Taapsee Pannu opted for a floral yellow coloured asymmetrical dress for the bash.
When the first look of Saand Ki Aankh was released in April, netizens criticised the makers for roping in Taapsee Pannu, 31, and Bhumi Pednekar, 29, to play the country's oldest women sharpshooters, 60-year-olds Chandro and Prakashi Tomar.
In picture: Bhumi Pednekar opted for a pink metallic dress for the bash held at a popular club in Bandra, Mumbai.
In an industry where roles are unfortunately hard to come by for senior female artistes, detractors opined that the Anurag Kashyap-production should have stayed true to the story and cast age-appropriate actors. Taking the critique head-on, co-producer Nidhi Parmar claims that the team had approached almost 15 senior actors for the role, before tapping the younger bracket.
Nidhi Parmar said: "We approached actors in the age bracket of 55 to 60 since we felt the portrayals would be more convincing. However, most declined the role as they didn't want to be seen in an unglamorous avatar, or felt that they weren't ready for the physical preparation that the film demanded. Even younger actresses had the same concerns. Bhumi and Taapsee have shown a great deal of pluck in essaying a role that's almost twice their actual age."
In picture: Taapsee Pannu and Bhumi Pednekar posed for the shutterbugs at the bash.
Anurag Kashyap snapped at the bash. The producer opted for a white jacket, basic black t-shirt and beige coloured cargo pants.
In an interview with mid-day, Taapsee Pannu says that it takes gumption to age on-screen, especially since Bollywood is obsessed with the idea of young-is-beautiful. "I have played a college kid after turning 30, and no one questioned me then. Instead of making an issue, people should be surprised that we took up these roles, as there are few actors who take the risk of ageing on screen unapologetically."
In picture: Taapsee Pannu and Anurag Basu posed for the shutterbugs as they arrive at the bash.
Bhumi Pednekar also said: "In the past, people have played characters older than their age successfully. Anupam Kher in Saaransh (1984) and Nargis ji in Mother India (1957) are great examples. If we can play characters younger than our age, why can't we play older characters as well?"
In picture: Samiksha Pednekar, Bhumi Pednekar and their mother Sumitra Hooda Pednekar also attended the bash.
After Mukkabaaz and Gold last year, Vineet Kumar seems to have a lot on his plate these days. He's busy with three projects. The actor will be seen in National Award-winning Bengali filmmaker Suman Ghosh's Aaadhaar. The actor features in the Taapsee Pannu and Bhumi Pednekar starrer Saand Ki Aankh. Vineet also stars in the web series, Bard Of Blood. It marks the debut of Shah Rukh Khan as a producer in the digital medium.
In picture: Vineet Kumar Singh was also clicked at the bash.
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