By Subhash K Jha
One got an excessively interesting call from Lucknow from a person claiming to became Arjun Kapoor’s ally while the debutant actor was shooting near Lucknow for Ishaqzaade
The man introducing himself as Avneesh Yadav bragged that he had actually turned Arjun Kapoor from ‘Bamabaiyya’ to a ‘UP Ka Chokra’. That he in truth taught the boy the local dialect, how one can walk, and conduct himself like an area not from Lucknow but even more within the interiors.
The film was shot in a small town called Hardoi near Lucknow.
Avneesh Yadav even claimed to have bagged a job in Ishaqzaade on account of his friendship with the film’s leading man.
While taking Mr Yadav’s proclamations with a bucket of salt one contacted Arjun Kapoor.
And surprise of surprises, a detailed friend of Arjun confirmed that Avneesh was telling the reality.
Says Arjun friend, “Avneesh became Arjun’s ally in UP. Anveesh is a taxi driver whom Arjun met at the Lucknow airport. On the journey from the airport to the hotel Arjun got around to talking together with his driver and shortly they take to each other.
Before Avneesh reached Arjun to his hotel they'd become buddies. Arjun suggested that Avneesh drive him throughout Lucknow and Hardoi throughout his shooting. ”
From that time till the shooting was over Avneesh and Arjun were inseparable.
Says Arjun friend, “Avneesh in truth became a reference point for Arjun’s character in Ishaqzaade. Director Habib Faizal told Arjun to use Anveesh’s mannerisms, body language and spoken language.
In fact Arjun’s performance is finally modelled on Avneesh. You spot Arjun had the entire personality traits of a Juhu boy. Avneesh helped Arjun transform right into a UP ka launda. ”
To top it all, Avneesh finally got to do a job in Ishaqzaade.
Says Arjun’s friend, “Avneesh could’ve never imagined he would really be sharing frames with the hero of the film. He was just happy mingling with the unit. Now he claims to his friends he's a Yashraj discovery. And he isn’t wrong. Avneesh has given an overly confident performance in his cameo. ”
Avneesh and Arjun have remained connected even after his return home to Mumbai.
Avneesh can’t look forward to the film to open. He has decided to book a whole theatre for his friends and family.
