A beaming ensemble cast of Mubarakan made its way to Dubai, with the positive reviews of the Anil Kapoor and Arjun Kapoor starrer adding that bit of energy to perhaps one of the final promotional events for the Bollywood film.
Joining the real-life uncle and nephew pairing were the film’s lead actresses, Ileana D’Cruz and Athiya Shetty; director Anees Bazmee was also in attendance.
Speaking at a press conference for the film, the older Kapoor, who owns a home in Dubai as well, spoke about the cast’s “homecoming” to the emirate.
“I have been coming to Dubai for more than 30 years now and there’s a positivity here that is indescribable,” said Anil.
Feeling "positive" appeared to be the heightened emotion for nephew Arjun as well, who spoke at length about working with his uncle, saying: “I have always wanted to work with Anil chachu (uncle) and be affiliated with him in some way. It was his faith in me as an actor that he recommended my name to play a double role in Mubarakan. It meant a lot because he is known not to mince words when needed.”
Arjun plays Karan and Charan in the family entertainer, who enlist the help of their reel-life uncle, played by Anil, to marry the women of their dreams.
The ladies in question, namely D’Cruz and Shetty spoke about working in the film, with the former saying: “I see quite a bit of Sweety [name of her character] in me; she’s a bit of a firecracker. I think that instantly drew me to playing the role."
“Earlier, people have asked whether playing a small role in an ensemble cast leaves you overshadowed. But I think such negativity has more to do with your own insecurities than the size of your role.”
Shetty, who is seen in her second film after Hero, confessed it was only one word that convinced her to sign on.
“Anees Sir said I would be playing a girl called Binkle and I was sold right there. I didn’t need to hear the rest of the narration. I knew the film would be a blast,” Shetty said.
Mubarakan is currently playing across UAE cinemas.
