Nagpur News: With his gallant personality, straightforward words and chivalrous approach, the yet so young Sandeep Singh has made his way oozing through good bad times, and now is the CEO of Sanjay Leela Bhansali Films!
One who shares his birth date with dynamic freedom fighter Bhagat Singh, Sandeep happens to possess a lot of his bravery traits. He has strong viewpoints I realize, and a unique ability to address each issue coming his way with benevolence.
Today’s Rate
Saturday 23 Nov. 2024
Sandeep with Director Producer Farah Khan
Sandeep was firm on what he has to be- a filmmaker! He started his career as a journalist cum film critic and wrote for a few Hindi/ English newspapers of Mumbai. Later, his knowledge and understanding about film industry lead him to become the entertainment head at Radio City, Radio Mirchi and Big FM in Mumbai, turn by turn. Life kept pushing him closer to this Industry, and his work got noticed by most in here. Sandeep after a breather emerged as the producer of Dance Reality Show ‘Dancing Queen’ on ‘Colors’. Later he did a show ‘Tere Mere Beech Me’ with famous Director Producer Farah Khan.
His horizons started broadening further when he wrote and directed an extraordinary Hindi play ‘Kaash’ that was staged by 1980’s endowed actor Padmini Kolhapure along with Himani Shivpuri, Prakash Bharadwaj and Abhijit Lahiri.
By now he has successfully grabbed the title of being the co-producer of famed flick ‘Mary Kom’ and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s first TV Series ‘Saraswati Chandra’. Now he is all set for his new project with SLB Films- Ranvir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra Starrer Bajirao Mastani!
On his visit to Nagpur Today Office, Sandeep’s warm interaction made us know more about him…. With benevolence, charm and vision, CEO of SLB Films Sandeep Singh gets candid with Nagpur Today about his life..
When asked about his favourite films, he mentioned…
There is no particular genre of films that I like; to name a few, I like Lagaan, Guzaarish, Satya, Chandni Bar, Trishul, Jewel Thief, Bombay, City Lights, etc.. I mostly happen to appreciate realistic movies..
When asked about his hobbies, though a few obvious ones came forth, an unusual one grabbed attention! He said..
I love listening music obviously, watching them, writing them (with a smile)! However, I even love to socialize, and feed people with delicacies as and when I meet them (laughing)!
What is the major goal of your life?
To direct movies!
How was your experience with Sanjay Leela Bhansali?
I happened to meet him, when he thought I’m a fan who wishes to assist him, which wasn’t the case. I put my words before him, that I wanted to be the CEO of his company. He is one such person, who doesn’t fancy a ‘company’, he wants a ‘cinema’! And there I was, as the producer for his directorial film!
I was on board and we first started with television show ‘Saraswati Chandra’, which immensely got appreciated. Before we started, Sanjay ji had made 6 films in 18 years and after I joined, we did 6 films in 3 years. We started off with Rowdy Rathore, Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi, My Friend Pinto, Mary Kom, Gabbar and now we have in hand Bajirao Mastani!
On the sets of Ram-Leela!
Later, when discussions about Mary Kom came up, Sandeep excerpted..
In my view, Priyanka this year would be grabbing all the major awards for Mary Kom, she was extraordinary. I feel Priyanka is the only actress whose acting is diversified to a great extent, and a dear friend as well!
What is your call on TV artists?
Though, might sound harsh, but I hate the mentality of TV artists! They are just ‘per day’ artists. They lack vision, and I would really avoid TV artists.
Then how did you manage things with your TV series Saraswatichandra?
To tell the truth, initially the channel dint interfere much. But gradually, Ekta (Kapoor) informed that film mentality cannot work with serials, it shall become difficult for us to sustain them. A back-step somehow was taken then. To me, channel artists seem to be doing their duty, just for the sake of doing it, no pairing it with vision!
Please tell us about your experiences in Nagpur!
It’s the 3rd or 4th time that I’m visiting Nagpur. For me, Nagpur is Anubhav Sinha, a very dear friend to me! My experiences in Nagpur have always been serene, people in here are simple who possess quality vision for almost everything. They are spiritual, and appreciate simplicity, which I like. Not to forget, the roads in here are better than in Bombay!!
Nitin Gadkari and Sandeep Singh
Moving out of the box, I happened to ask Sandeep his views over Nagpur, and what message would he give to the our recent Nagpur-based CM Devendra Fadnavis, he replied..
I would request the CM to make the most important landmark, the centre this city ‘Zero Mile’ the ‘Aathva Ajooba’, which is worth it! It’s not being given the respect which it should get. It should become as noteworthy as Burj Khalifa for Dubai!
And finally, a message to Nagpur from Sandeep…
I would request the Nagpur people to get inspired by people like Nitin Gadkari and CM Devendra Fadnavis, who are striving hard for development. Please trust your leaders and these politicians, and follow the system. If this shall be done, the day when Nagpur would be the finest city of India is not far away! Best luck…
Ranvir Singh and Sandeep Singh
A candid moment with Kangana Ranaut
— Ritu Walia
