Bright blue skies, smooth roads and eye-catching architecture... shooting in Uzbekistan for Tolly heart-throb Dev’s film Hoichoi Unlimited threw up loads of happy vibes, bonding time, picture-perfect frames and rides in cars and airplanes for the cast. With the road film — also starring Puja, Koushani, Saswata Chatterjee, Koneenica Banerjee and Kharaj Mukherjee — already creating a buzz, we decided to do some hoichoi by joining Dev and Koushani around town for a fun ride! A t2 chat and snapshots...
Dev, what was your first impression of Uzbekistan?
Dev: I did not know whether it would be possible for us to shoot there. Shooting in Uzbekistan was in the script. The place is beautiful and the architecture is amazing. Place the camera anywhere, and you’ll get a beautiful frame. There are beautiful lakes and snow-clad mountains. We shot inside and on top of a plane in an airport.
Koushani: There are so many amazing locations one can shoot countless romantic songs.
Dev: The cast and crew of 66 people were in Uzbekistan for around 27 days. But there were a few challenges. Of course, the people there were very warm and cooperative.
Koushani: I had heard about the snow-capped mountains but we shot in humid temperatures!
Dev: People were very inquisitive there. They love Bolly films. They sang Shah Rukh Khan songs for us.
Koushani: And we have danced to that.
Dev: It was so hot. This is a road film, and we shot a lot in the scorching sun for hours. Once, for two shots, I think we travelled for two hours. And then we had to catch a train and again travel for eight-nine hours.
South City was the place for the two to begin their journey on a Sunday Photo Credit: Pabitra Das
They wrapped up at boutique hotel AltAir in Sector V Photo Credit: Pabitra Das
Spotting Dev in photoshoot mode on the road, these two little ones walked up to him for a quick picture. Photo Credit: Pabitra Das
What were the challenges of shooting on the road?
Dev: The roads were smooth and it was not that crowded. However, sometimes we had to make some of the local technicians see reason and adapt to our rhythm of the shoot.
For example, we have our lunches on location, but they wanted to go back to the hotel, have lunch and come back. That would take time. We had to make them understand that we were racing against time.
Koushani: Kharajda (Mukherjee) and Apuda (Saswata Chatterjee) were a complete blast on set. The moment you feel low, they’ll get your spirits up. Especially Apuda.
Koushani, how is Dev as a producer?
Koushani: He is very cool.
Dev: When we reached Uzbekistan with our team, very few things were ready. We had to get everything done. We just got saved by the sunlight... it was there till 9pm! Sunset happened at 9pm, and we managed to can our shots on time. We travelled extensively — Tashkent, Bukhara and Samarkand.
I remember, for Khokababu, we travelled from Italy to Switzerland to Paris. My only responsibility then was to look my best and be part of films with great foreign locations. Now, as the producer, I take care of everyone, make sure everyone is well-rested. The idea is to have fun-filled, hassle-free shoots. I love to pamper my actors.
Koushani: We could only go out for dinners for two-three days. We had such a tight schedule.
Koushani, who was your friend on the sets?
Koushani: Rukmini, who is the co-producer on this film. I got to know her well. We chatted about everything, from shoot experiences to food. Rukmini is amazing. The way she takes care of everyone.
How did Rukmini become a co-producer on this one?
Koushani: She has the same qualities…
Dev: ... that Dev has (smiles)!
What is the one question you’d like to ask Dev? Tell t2@abp.in
Dev and Koushani pose for the t2 camera with the Biswa Bangla Gate in the background. “This film is a full-on entertainer and I loved the story and the characters. The script is so funny that I started laughing while reading it… it was very difficult to keep a straight face,” said Dev. Photo Credit: Pabitra Das