Bollywood couple Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao in an exclusive interview
Jan 30, 2011
Nov 27, 2010
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Akshay Oberoi INTERVIEW |
Vivek’s actor-cousin Akshay Oberoi is Salman’s fan!
Debutant Akshay Oberoi, who happens to be the first cousin of Vivek Oberoi, happens to be a Salman Khan fan!
Cousin of Vivek Oberoi and the new face of Rajshri Productions, Akshay Oberoi is surprisingly a Salman Khan fan! The newcomer even prefers to 'follow' his icon 'Salman Khan' on Twitter and in real life over his own cousin Vivek!
We chatted up the youngster on his filmy lineage, equation with Salman and foray into Bollywood.
Salman Khan has been promoting you and your 'debut' Rajshri film, inspite of you being Vivek Oberoi's cousin!
It feels great. I have always been a Salman fan. I've met him a couple of times and he does guides youngsters indeed. I am always star struck when I meet him. He has encouraged me a lot. Salman has even played a cameo in my forthcoming film 'Issi Life Mein'.
Salman's infamous spat with Vivek is known to all.
The film industry is like a family. Salman and Vivek are like two brothers within the family and differences happen.
So have you replaced Salman as Rajshri's most lovable hero 'Prem'?
Not at all. Nobody can replace Salman as Rajshri's Prem. He is the iconic Prem. I play Vivaan in the film who works in theatre and wants to achieve everything in this very life. His father wants him to be a CA/ CFA but he wants to live life on his terms. My film is a love story.Did Vivek inspire to act in films?
I've been in love with films since I was 10 years old. My filmy lineage did play an important role but Vivek and I have lived our life apart. I was in US, studying acting, theatre at The Johns Hopkins University, US. We haven't interacted much. We don't meet up often either. But I am sure he wishes well for me. I loved his work in Saathiya, Company and Rakta Charitra.How did you get the big break with Rajshri?
I struggled as an actor for a year before I auditioned for this role. I am glad I got selected. They are one of the best production houses we have here.Rajshri receive a lot of flak for their never ending songs in films.
'Issi Life Mein' is unlike your typical Rajshri film in many ways. Though the core Rajshri family values are in place, it's more about dreams and fulfilling your dreams than marriages!
Nov 4, 2010
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Aishwarya Rai Interview |
Chit Chat With Aishwarya Rai Interview
With the recently released Robo making waves, Aishwarya Rai talks about what it was like working for the second time with Shankar who directed her for Jeans and now Robo. As for sharing screen space with Superstar Rajinikanth, she says what struck her was his amazing humility. Aishwarya Rai looks forward to Action Replayy and Guzaarish which are releasing back to back
Excerpts from the interview:
You have three major films — Robo, Action Replayy and Guzaarish — releasing back to back.
It was fun for the last two years while the films were being made. For anyone, that's the most exciting time.
You are the only married actress today who has had a consistent career in Bollywood.
I would like say “thank you” but it won't be right to take delight alone in this compliment. There have been many actors who have continued to work after getting married in different decades. In recent times, it had become a preconceived notion that leading ladies would probably not work after marriage but I never paid attention to this even when I was single. I choose to be in films as a professional
With Rajinikanth playing the title role in Robo, do you have a substantial role?
When I work on a film I am not myopic about my role; I see the film in its totality. Of course, my part is important; as an actor I have to be excited about my role
What motivated you to sign on Robo?
First, it was an opportunity to work with Shankar sir and Rajni sir. So when I got an opportunity to work with both of them and on something as technically advanced as Robot, I was more than happy because my dates too could be worked out.
Was it difficult to romance a robo?
I'm kind of spoilt for choices in the film, you will have to see how things correlate and who I romance and who romances me.
What were your thoughts on robots before doing this film?
We have always been subjected to a particular imagery and stereotypical form like the ones shown to us by the toy stores.
Films with special effects have the actors enacting their roles in front of a green screen. Did you find that amusing?
Shankar had to explain lots of things during Jeans.. It was a first for me and it was fascinating. But over a period of time, I have done so many films where we have acted in front of a green screen.
What did you like best about working with Rajinikanth?
I have seen Rajini sir's work, I have read about it, and seen how enthralled his audiences are with what he does. It was amazing to see him do that everyday and do it so simply. He brings a smile to your face. I recognize him as a superstar. But as a person, he is so humble.
Aishwarya Rai Childhood Photos, Reallife Photos, Marriage Photos
Aishwarya RaiProfile
Mar 8, 2010
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Ajay Devgn about his film Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge? INTERVIEW |
Ajay Devgn talks about giving his bedroom to guest
Ajay Devgn in a quick Q&A about his film Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge?, the inspirations, and a (how to deal with) guests guide.
Everybody knows how touchy Ajay Devgn is about anyone intruding in his private space. We decided to find out how he would react if an unwanted 'atithi' dropped in at his home - like Paresh Rawal does in his latest film Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge? The actor, who is known as the new king of comedy (with his last three releases doing well) speaks...
Have you ever had an atithi like the one in the film?
No, I have been very lucky not to have one like that. And people say I am very fortunate. During the making of the film, everyone on the set had horror stories to reveal about some unwanted guest in their home, in the form of a sasur, a friend or a relative who came over but didn't want to leave.
Have you incorporated any real- life experiences of yours in Atithi?
No, because I didn't have any such experience but a cousin of mine had this unwanted guest who stayed over for three months and I have used bits and pieces of his story as inspiration.
If you had an unwanted atithi, how would you get him to leave?
I guess I'd be blunt and just ask him to leave! In the film, we have tried everything from getting the underworld to calling the cops, lying and requesting but Paresh's character never takes the hint.
As an atithi in someone's house what are the rules you'd live by?
The most important rule is to ensure that you don't cause them any discomfort in their own home. Most of the rime when I am travelling, I prefer staying in a hotel even if I have friends and relatives in the locality. I can spend the whole day with them and at night, come back to my own space. Relations don't get disturbed in this way.
What are the three rules every good atithi should follow?
A good guest should know when it's the right time to leave. Not to invade the host's personal space. And lastly, not to take the host for granted. Some hosts object to their guest treating their personal belongings as their own but I think that depends on how close the friend is.
If you could call three people from history to be your atithi, who would you choose?
No one. I would have loved to meet some people from history but not as guests in my house as I don't know how good they would be as guests. I would like to meet them on a middle ground.
Anyone from the film industry - like Shahrukh Khan?
Why should I name anyone particular? There are many friends in the film industry who I'd love to have as guests. They are all welcome as long as they know when to leave.
Are houseguests in the Devgn home a rarity or a common feature?
A rarity. Many people come for dinner but don't stay over.
Would you ever give up your bedroom for a guest?
No. But then it can depend on who the guest is. The guest and I both have to be comfortable. If there's any discomfort, you shouldn't have guests over.
Who is more hospitable - your parents or you and Kajol?
All of us are equally welcoming when guests come over.
Does Nysa love having guests over, like the child in the film?
Yes she likes people and is comfortable with people around her age group. She also loves having her aunts and cousins coming over.
What's the one thing that a guest could do to annoy you?
Anyone who misbehaves at my home will annoy me! I dislike rude, unpleasant behaviour of any sort.
Who is the one guest who is always welcome in your house? And why?
My whole family - I have a very big family consisting of aunts, uncles, nephews and nieces. Anyone who is close to me is always welcome at my house. My friends don't need to be formal. They can come over any time they want.
source:oneindia.in
Ajay Devgn in a quick Q&A about his film Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge?, the inspirations, and a (how to deal with) guests guide.
Everybody knows how touchy Ajay Devgn is about anyone intruding in his private space. We decided to find out how he would react if an unwanted 'atithi' dropped in at his home - like Paresh Rawal does in his latest film Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge? The actor, who is known as the new king of comedy (with his last three releases doing well) speaks...
Have you ever had an atithi like the one in the film?
No, I have been very lucky not to have one like that. And people say I am very fortunate. During the making of the film, everyone on the set had horror stories to reveal about some unwanted guest in their home, in the form of a sasur, a friend or a relative who came over but didn't want to leave.
Have you incorporated any real- life experiences of yours in Atithi?
No, because I didn't have any such experience but a cousin of mine had this unwanted guest who stayed over for three months and I have used bits and pieces of his story as inspiration.
If you had an unwanted atithi, how would you get him to leave?
I guess I'd be blunt and just ask him to leave! In the film, we have tried everything from getting the underworld to calling the cops, lying and requesting but Paresh's character never takes the hint.
As an atithi in someone's house what are the rules you'd live by?
The most important rule is to ensure that you don't cause them any discomfort in their own home. Most of the rime when I am travelling, I prefer staying in a hotel even if I have friends and relatives in the locality. I can spend the whole day with them and at night, come back to my own space. Relations don't get disturbed in this way.
What are the three rules every good atithi should follow?
A good guest should know when it's the right time to leave. Not to invade the host's personal space. And lastly, not to take the host for granted. Some hosts object to their guest treating their personal belongings as their own but I think that depends on how close the friend is.
If you could call three people from history to be your atithi, who would you choose?
No one. I would have loved to meet some people from history but not as guests in my house as I don't know how good they would be as guests. I would like to meet them on a middle ground.
Anyone from the film industry - like Shahrukh Khan?
Why should I name anyone particular? There are many friends in the film industry who I'd love to have as guests. They are all welcome as long as they know when to leave.
Are houseguests in the Devgn home a rarity or a common feature?
A rarity. Many people come for dinner but don't stay over.
Would you ever give up your bedroom for a guest?
No. But then it can depend on who the guest is. The guest and I both have to be comfortable. If there's any discomfort, you shouldn't have guests over.
Who is more hospitable - your parents or you and Kajol?
All of us are equally welcoming when guests come over.
Does Nysa love having guests over, like the child in the film?
Yes she likes people and is comfortable with people around her age group. She also loves having her aunts and cousins coming over.
What's the one thing that a guest could do to annoy you?
Anyone who misbehaves at my home will annoy me! I dislike rude, unpleasant behaviour of any sort.
Who is the one guest who is always welcome in your house? And why?
My whole family - I have a very big family consisting of aunts, uncles, nephews and nieces. Anyone who is close to me is always welcome at my house. My friends don't need to be formal. They can come over any time they want.
Mar 25, 2009
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Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan Interview |
'My old films embarrass me'
Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan talks of his family being against his entering films, how he has no plans to shake ‘King Khan’ from his pedestal, visiting cinema halls to catch audience reaction and more. Below is the transcript of the interview on CNN’s Talk Asia.
Your most recent film Ghajini is now the biggest Bollywood success ever. Did you have any idea that it would be quite as huge as it is?
Aamir Khan (AK): You can hope that, you can hope that for all of your films. But you can never really tell until you see the film with the audience, how it’s going to play with the audience in the theatre. So I think in Ghajini what we set out to make we were in fact able to achieve that. I realised that I’m making a hardcore mainstream film after really long, which is fine. I guess I’m happy to do that.
After this movie made it so big, people said that you were the real “King Khan”. And that you’d kicked off Shah Rukh off his perch because he appeals to the masses but you’ve managed to do this thing that loads of actors would love to do. In that you’ve had both critical and commercial success in spades. How do you do that? How do you stop from being pigeon-holed in one box or another?
AK: Well, you know I just do work which excites me and which I enjoy doing. I just do work which makes me happy. And I have absolutely no intentions of kicking Shah Rukh off his pedestal. Though I have to say I don’t think he ever was on it. But in my opinion the actor who I really look up to is Mr Amitabh Bachchan. He is someone who’s work I really like and he’s a fantastic actor and the kind of stardom that Mr Bachchan has seen none of us can ever hope to see. So for me he’s the guy.
Arguably one of the most talked about aspects of Ghajini was your physique; let’s have a quick look at how you got quite so buff. Good lord, I hope that doesn’t bring back too many painful memories for you, I mean were there not days you just went “oh for a goodness sake no movie is worth this hell?!”
AK: It was tough, it was really tough, and actually there’s a joke in my family and friends, when you want to get Aamir to do something, make a movie around it and he’ll end up doing it. So, I never thought I would ever train, it’s not something I’m into, but when I had to do it for the film I just went all out, did the best I could. It was really painful and it was really tough and when I look at myself... like the other day, I was looking at the photographs, you know, how it began and then I couldn’t believe it, I just couldn’t believe. So when I think about it now, it just seems like a distant dream, because in the last eight months I haven’t trained, because for the new film that I’m doing, my director looked at my physique and said now I want you to lose all of this. So I had to work towards losing it all for the new film that I’m shooting for.
You’re not only a major actor but you also had your directorial debut in Taare Zameen Par. What was it like for you switching to the other side of the camera, at the same time obviously and starring in it?
AK: It was tough, mainly because I wasn’t meant to direct the film to begin with. So I kind of jumped in a week into the shoot. I just went with my gut. Actually, I didn’t even have time to think, quite honestly. And now when I look back I realize that I had reached a point in my career where I had been wanting to direct a film for really long, and the pressure kept keeping me away from it. The fact that it happened this way didn’t give me a chance to think and decide, you know. I just jumped into it because I had to, and I ended up making the film, you know, to the best of my abilities. So I didn’t really, you know maybe if I hadn’t done that I wouldn’t be directing for the next 10 years more, I don’t know. So I guess I’m glad it happened finally because I’m happy with the way the film turned out and I’m happy with the way the kind of impact it had on people.
Lagaan was nominated for an Oscar back in 2001. And that movie was very much credited at the time with putting Bollywood on the map. How important do you think it is though for Indian movies to be recognized by the West?
AK: Lagaan was made for an Indian audience. That it was appreciated and travelled across the world, and people you know, from different places loved the film, it was great and we were all happy about it, we were thrilled. But if we hadn’t done that, it wouldn’t have mattered as much as what the Indian audience thought of it. If you know what I’m trying to say. So up till now, we have all been making films for our own audience, which is really large and healthy. And we haven’t really looked at an international audience. We haven’t thought of entertaining them, or attempting to entertain them. I think the day we do decide to do that I think we’ll do alright.
Slumdog Millionaire was a huge eye opener, I think, but you know for all the accolades that it got around the world, there were plenty here in India who slammed it. What did you think of it?
AK: It didn’t touch me personally. Emotionally, it didn’t do anything for me. And I suspect it is because I am not used to watching Indians speak English. So you know, all these slum kids talking in English, and the cop...I find it very strange...it didn’t work for me because of that problem.
Aamir... we’ll talk about a side that’s not often seen, but it was a side that broiled over during the terror attacks of your beloved Mumbai. You were extremely vocal in your blog about what was happening. Just take us through what was going on with you personally during that time.
AK: Well, it was really devastating. I mean it was like a nightmare, I couldn’t believe it was happening. And it was also very shocking to see, you know, the audacity with which these attacks were carried out. All the lives that were lost and so many thoughts going through my head at that time. And it was really sad that... that I mean we live in a day and age today where there all over the world there are people, certain number of people at least, who feel that this is how they want to make a point, or want to be heard, or want to hit back, by killing innocent people. Doesn’t make sense to me but I guess, I mean that’s how it is, that’s how it is in the world today.
Certainly, you were speaking to the government in part in your blogs as well, by you know, saying not to negotiate with terrorists. But you also seemed quite critical of what the leadership was doing at the time. Is that how you felt?
AK: No, I wasn’t actually. I wasn’t critical of the leadership at that time. Because I think at that time they were doing the best that they could. But I am critical about how a number of the leaders have been using religion and caste in our politics for decades now. And that only, you know, polarizes people. It spreads a lot of poison and negativity in society.
Your response to the Mumbai terror strikes sort of threw back memories of your 2006 movie Rang de Basanti which was, you know, very political, widely hailed as really getting the youth of this country involved in politics, is it important to you as well to make movies that aren’t just about candy floss?
AK: Yes, of course. I think that the kind of person I am, I get attracted to certain kind of stories. So I can’t help it, I mean, you know. A film like a story like Rang de Basanti comes to me and it actually inspires me first. You know I feel, Wow, this is something I wanna be part of. And you know so first it affects me.
There’s a certain formula that works very well in Bollywood. But back in 2001, Lagaan completely went against any of that formula, you know. It was a film that nobody wanted to take on, a script that nearly died. It was more than three and a half hours long, full of you know, a cast of relative unknowns, compared to you. And yet...
Now you obviously took on that project because you believed that it would work. But did other people think that you were just bonkers?
AK: Yeah. Well, they think that all the time actually. Every time I start a film they’re like hmmm this time he’s going to really mess it up. So it’s really... Everyone who knew me was like, he’s nuts, he’s really done it this time. And then when I did Dil Chahta Hai also, or you know, even Rang de Basanti, Taare Zameen Par they were like hmm childcare and education, ok. But it’s also exciting, you know, when you pick things which are unusual and difficult and are breaking the rules of mainstream cinema.
Nobody would produce Lagaan. So in the end after a bit of convincing, you had to step in and do it. But it sounds like there were major issues with it. I mean, there was one scene where you had to find 10,000 villagers from somewhere and the town wasn’t even built yet. As a producer, you would’ve had to handle that, I guess. So just talk me through some of the hurdles that you had to get over to do this movie.
AK: Well, Lagaan was especially difficult film to do. I mean, period and very large cast, so many actors you know. And just getting everyone ready for the first shot at eight o’clock was, you have to reach there at four and start getting ready it was quite insane.
In the morning?
AK: In the morning, yes. And the cricket was really tough. Because you know the ball and the bat doesn’t do what you want it to do. And the 10,000 day was a big one because we had to put a lot of teams, went into villages, and said listen we’re shooting a film, and a lot of these villagers haven’t seen a film in their lives. Let alone act in it.
The house that we saw in that clip, you spent a lot of time there as a kid, apparently.
AK: Well, not that house in particular but in Pachghani, in that hill station.
What kind of a childhood did you have?
AK: Well, fairly standard actually. I think my parents looked after us very well. We had a fairly sheltered life. I mean my parents were really against me getting into films. I come from a film family. My father and uncle were both filmmakers. And I faced hell at home. It was like there’s no way you’re getting into films. But I don’t usually listen to people. I just do what I feel like. And then when they realized... actually it was more because they were concerned for me, you know. Every parent is concerned for their children. And they had been through this line and this profession is so uncertain. You know one day you’re up there, the next day you’re nobody and...it’s a really harsh profession.
When you look at those clips from the 80s and 90s do you go you know what I’m really proud of that or do you go oh god I just want to die?
AK: No, I just want to die. I get totally embarrassed. Usually you know when I finish a film within six months I feel eh, this is not good enough. This is where we’ve messed up, and we could’ve done this, and I’ve grown so much as an actor and I can do this much better now. I don’t like my work usually after some time, I don’t like it anymore.
That’s gonna be tough because you’re gonna keep seeing it?
AK: Sooner I just don’t see it. I stop seeing my work. I see it a lot when I’m on the film and you know, I see it with the audience, while it releases, that’s one thing I do for all my films. I watch them with the audience. And the audience doesn’t know I’m in the theatre.
How do they not know?
AK: They don’t know because they’re already in there. And then I walk in, I stand at the back, I go into the projection room, those windows there, peep out and I can see everyone, I can hear them. So you can see them shifting in their seats if they don’t like the scene. You can actually see that happen. So when the film is not working, you’ll suddenly hear a lot of chairs you know, chair sounds...shifting, coughing, so you know you’re losing the audience there.
Did you go in to the projection room and watch movies that didn’t do so well like Mela and Mann?
AK: Yes I did. Yes I did. It’s heartbreaking. It’s really heartbreaking. But I think that’s what I’m making these films for, you know. I want, I’m making for the audience and I wanna be there to see how they like it. And if they don’t, I wanna be there to see that.
If you had to name a characteristic of yours that’s gotten you through, that’s helped you to make it to be as big a star as you are now, what would it be?
AK: I think for me it’s been, I’ve always done what makes me happy. I realized very early in my career that you know, whenever I’m taking a decision which I think is the correct decision, or I ought to be doing this. Whenever I’ve done that, I’ve failed miserably. Whenever I thought I was being smart, I’ve ended up making an ass out of myself. But whenever I did what I felt like doing, it worked for me. No matter how ridiculous it may have seemed to others, and no matter how impractical it may have seemed... but whenever I followed my heart and done what makes me happy, it’s worked for me.
source:timesofindia
Your most recent film Ghajini is now the biggest Bollywood success ever. Did you have any idea that it would be quite as huge as it is?
Aamir Khan (AK): You can hope that, you can hope that for all of your films. But you can never really tell until you see the film with the audience, how it’s going to play with the audience in the theatre. So I think in Ghajini what we set out to make we were in fact able to achieve that. I realised that I’m making a hardcore mainstream film after really long, which is fine. I guess I’m happy to do that.
After this movie made it so big, people said that you were the real “King Khan”. And that you’d kicked off Shah Rukh off his perch because he appeals to the masses but you’ve managed to do this thing that loads of actors would love to do. In that you’ve had both critical and commercial success in spades. How do you do that? How do you stop from being pigeon-holed in one box or another?
AK: Well, you know I just do work which excites me and which I enjoy doing. I just do work which makes me happy. And I have absolutely no intentions of kicking Shah Rukh off his pedestal. Though I have to say I don’t think he ever was on it. But in my opinion the actor who I really look up to is Mr Amitabh Bachchan. He is someone who’s work I really like and he’s a fantastic actor and the kind of stardom that Mr Bachchan has seen none of us can ever hope to see. So for me he’s the guy.
Arguably one of the most talked about aspects of Ghajini was your physique; let’s have a quick look at how you got quite so buff. Good lord, I hope that doesn’t bring back too many painful memories for you, I mean were there not days you just went “oh for a goodness sake no movie is worth this hell?!”
AK: It was tough, it was really tough, and actually there’s a joke in my family and friends, when you want to get Aamir to do something, make a movie around it and he’ll end up doing it. So, I never thought I would ever train, it’s not something I’m into, but when I had to do it for the film I just went all out, did the best I could. It was really painful and it was really tough and when I look at myself... like the other day, I was looking at the photographs, you know, how it began and then I couldn’t believe it, I just couldn’t believe. So when I think about it now, it just seems like a distant dream, because in the last eight months I haven’t trained, because for the new film that I’m doing, my director looked at my physique and said now I want you to lose all of this. So I had to work towards losing it all for the new film that I’m shooting for.
You’re not only a major actor but you also had your directorial debut in Taare Zameen Par. What was it like for you switching to the other side of the camera, at the same time obviously and starring in it?
AK: It was tough, mainly because I wasn’t meant to direct the film to begin with. So I kind of jumped in a week into the shoot. I just went with my gut. Actually, I didn’t even have time to think, quite honestly. And now when I look back I realize that I had reached a point in my career where I had been wanting to direct a film for really long, and the pressure kept keeping me away from it. The fact that it happened this way didn’t give me a chance to think and decide, you know. I just jumped into it because I had to, and I ended up making the film, you know, to the best of my abilities. So I didn’t really, you know maybe if I hadn’t done that I wouldn’t be directing for the next 10 years more, I don’t know. So I guess I’m glad it happened finally because I’m happy with the way the film turned out and I’m happy with the way the kind of impact it had on people.
Lagaan was nominated for an Oscar back in 2001. And that movie was very much credited at the time with putting Bollywood on the map. How important do you think it is though for Indian movies to be recognized by the West?
AK: Lagaan was made for an Indian audience. That it was appreciated and travelled across the world, and people you know, from different places loved the film, it was great and we were all happy about it, we were thrilled. But if we hadn’t done that, it wouldn’t have mattered as much as what the Indian audience thought of it. If you know what I’m trying to say. So up till now, we have all been making films for our own audience, which is really large and healthy. And we haven’t really looked at an international audience. We haven’t thought of entertaining them, or attempting to entertain them. I think the day we do decide to do that I think we’ll do alright.
Slumdog Millionaire was a huge eye opener, I think, but you know for all the accolades that it got around the world, there were plenty here in India who slammed it. What did you think of it?
AK: It didn’t touch me personally. Emotionally, it didn’t do anything for me. And I suspect it is because I am not used to watching Indians speak English. So you know, all these slum kids talking in English, and the cop...I find it very strange...it didn’t work for me because of that problem.
Aamir... we’ll talk about a side that’s not often seen, but it was a side that broiled over during the terror attacks of your beloved Mumbai. You were extremely vocal in your blog about what was happening. Just take us through what was going on with you personally during that time.
AK: Well, it was really devastating. I mean it was like a nightmare, I couldn’t believe it was happening. And it was also very shocking to see, you know, the audacity with which these attacks were carried out. All the lives that were lost and so many thoughts going through my head at that time. And it was really sad that... that I mean we live in a day and age today where there all over the world there are people, certain number of people at least, who feel that this is how they want to make a point, or want to be heard, or want to hit back, by killing innocent people. Doesn’t make sense to me but I guess, I mean that’s how it is, that’s how it is in the world today.
Certainly, you were speaking to the government in part in your blogs as well, by you know, saying not to negotiate with terrorists. But you also seemed quite critical of what the leadership was doing at the time. Is that how you felt?
AK: No, I wasn’t actually. I wasn’t critical of the leadership at that time. Because I think at that time they were doing the best that they could. But I am critical about how a number of the leaders have been using religion and caste in our politics for decades now. And that only, you know, polarizes people. It spreads a lot of poison and negativity in society.
Your response to the Mumbai terror strikes sort of threw back memories of your 2006 movie Rang de Basanti which was, you know, very political, widely hailed as really getting the youth of this country involved in politics, is it important to you as well to make movies that aren’t just about candy floss?
AK: Yes, of course. I think that the kind of person I am, I get attracted to certain kind of stories. So I can’t help it, I mean, you know. A film like a story like Rang de Basanti comes to me and it actually inspires me first. You know I feel, Wow, this is something I wanna be part of. And you know so first it affects me.
There’s a certain formula that works very well in Bollywood. But back in 2001, Lagaan completely went against any of that formula, you know. It was a film that nobody wanted to take on, a script that nearly died. It was more than three and a half hours long, full of you know, a cast of relative unknowns, compared to you. And yet...
Now you obviously took on that project because you believed that it would work. But did other people think that you were just bonkers?
AK: Yeah. Well, they think that all the time actually. Every time I start a film they’re like hmmm this time he’s going to really mess it up. So it’s really... Everyone who knew me was like, he’s nuts, he’s really done it this time. And then when I did Dil Chahta Hai also, or you know, even Rang de Basanti, Taare Zameen Par they were like hmm childcare and education, ok. But it’s also exciting, you know, when you pick things which are unusual and difficult and are breaking the rules of mainstream cinema.
Nobody would produce Lagaan. So in the end after a bit of convincing, you had to step in and do it. But it sounds like there were major issues with it. I mean, there was one scene where you had to find 10,000 villagers from somewhere and the town wasn’t even built yet. As a producer, you would’ve had to handle that, I guess. So just talk me through some of the hurdles that you had to get over to do this movie.
AK: Well, Lagaan was especially difficult film to do. I mean, period and very large cast, so many actors you know. And just getting everyone ready for the first shot at eight o’clock was, you have to reach there at four and start getting ready it was quite insane.
In the morning?
AK: In the morning, yes. And the cricket was really tough. Because you know the ball and the bat doesn’t do what you want it to do. And the 10,000 day was a big one because we had to put a lot of teams, went into villages, and said listen we’re shooting a film, and a lot of these villagers haven’t seen a film in their lives. Let alone act in it.
The house that we saw in that clip, you spent a lot of time there as a kid, apparently.
AK: Well, not that house in particular but in Pachghani, in that hill station.
What kind of a childhood did you have?
AK: Well, fairly standard actually. I think my parents looked after us very well. We had a fairly sheltered life. I mean my parents were really against me getting into films. I come from a film family. My father and uncle were both filmmakers. And I faced hell at home. It was like there’s no way you’re getting into films. But I don’t usually listen to people. I just do what I feel like. And then when they realized... actually it was more because they were concerned for me, you know. Every parent is concerned for their children. And they had been through this line and this profession is so uncertain. You know one day you’re up there, the next day you’re nobody and...it’s a really harsh profession.
When you look at those clips from the 80s and 90s do you go you know what I’m really proud of that or do you go oh god I just want to die?
AK: No, I just want to die. I get totally embarrassed. Usually you know when I finish a film within six months I feel eh, this is not good enough. This is where we’ve messed up, and we could’ve done this, and I’ve grown so much as an actor and I can do this much better now. I don’t like my work usually after some time, I don’t like it anymore.
That’s gonna be tough because you’re gonna keep seeing it?
AK: Sooner I just don’t see it. I stop seeing my work. I see it a lot when I’m on the film and you know, I see it with the audience, while it releases, that’s one thing I do for all my films. I watch them with the audience. And the audience doesn’t know I’m in the theatre.
How do they not know?
AK: They don’t know because they’re already in there. And then I walk in, I stand at the back, I go into the projection room, those windows there, peep out and I can see everyone, I can hear them. So you can see them shifting in their seats if they don’t like the scene. You can actually see that happen. So when the film is not working, you’ll suddenly hear a lot of chairs you know, chair sounds...shifting, coughing, so you know you’re losing the audience there.
Did you go in to the projection room and watch movies that didn’t do so well like Mela and Mann?
AK: Yes I did. Yes I did. It’s heartbreaking. It’s really heartbreaking. But I think that’s what I’m making these films for, you know. I want, I’m making for the audience and I wanna be there to see how they like it. And if they don’t, I wanna be there to see that.
If you had to name a characteristic of yours that’s gotten you through, that’s helped you to make it to be as big a star as you are now, what would it be?
AK: I think for me it’s been, I’ve always done what makes me happy. I realized very early in my career that you know, whenever I’m taking a decision which I think is the correct decision, or I ought to be doing this. Whenever I’ve done that, I’ve failed miserably. Whenever I thought I was being smart, I’ve ended up making an ass out of myself. But whenever I did what I felt like doing, it worked for me. No matter how ridiculous it may have seemed to others, and no matter how impractical it may have seemed... but whenever I followed my heart and done what makes me happy, it’s worked for me.
source:timesofindia
Jan 29, 2009
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Bollywood Actor Sonu Sood's, Another Hit Arundhati |
Sonu Sood Interview
Sonu Sood, a familiar face in Hindi movies, has become a huge hit in the Telugu film industry.
The tall and lean actor has had a good 2008 having done Hindi films like Jodhaa Akbar, Singh is Kinng and Ek Vivaah Aisa Bhi.
He is also basking in the unprecedented success of the recently released Telugu film Arundhati, one of the runaway hits in the beginning of 2009.
Sonu was brilliant as Pashupati and especially as aghora (he plays a tantric) he sent shivers down our spine.
The unpretentious, friendly and warm actor talks about Arundhati, his role as Pashupati and acting in Telugu films.
Why Arundhati?
I was on the lookout for a new role. When I met the producer (Shyam Prasad Reddy) and director (Kodi Ramakrishna), the role was that of a bouncer. They wanted me to play an aghora and I did not know who an aghora was. The producer and director then showed me some sketches. The only thing I knew was that I would be working with a team which had done its homework. I signed the role purely on instinct.
Besides the script, weren't you influenced by big names like Shyam Prasad Reddy and Kodi Ramakrishna?
The script was the main reason to sign the film. The names were also important.
The tall and lean actor has had a good 2008 having done Hindi films like Jodhaa Akbar, Singh is Kinng and Ek Vivaah Aisa Bhi.
He is also basking in the unprecedented success of the recently released Telugu film Arundhati, one of the runaway hits in the beginning of 2009.
Sonu was brilliant as Pashupati and especially as aghora (he plays a tantric) he sent shivers down our spine.
The unpretentious, friendly and warm actor talks about Arundhati, his role as Pashupati and acting in Telugu films.
Why Arundhati?
I was on the lookout for a new role. When I met the producer (Shyam Prasad Reddy) and director (Kodi Ramakrishna), the role was that of a bouncer. They wanted me to play an aghora and I did not know who an aghora was. The producer and director then showed me some sketches. The only thing I knew was that I would be working with a team which had done its homework. I signed the role purely on instinct.
Besides the script, weren't you influenced by big names like Shyam Prasad Reddy and Kodi Ramakrishna?
The script was the main reason to sign the film. The names were also important.
My make-up alone took 4-5 hours'
You've put in a high-voltage performance as Pashupati. Did you do any homework for it?
I saw photographs of aghoras given to me by the production unit. I didn't get much reading material on them, though. I was a bit confused on whether to underplay or overplay but the director knew what he wanted. In the end it was spontaneity on the sets.
A role on reincarnation, a tormented spirit wreaking vengeance -- did you think that such a role would work in today's age of science and rationality?
Yes, I did have some hesitation. I did have this question in my mind on how to convince people with the supernatural element. All the people who worked on the script were fully charged and they had the conviction that they could do it. So I believed in that conviction and the supernatural theme connected with the audience.
How challenging was it to play the character?
It was not easy. My make-up alone took 4-5 hours and it was tedious maintaining it too. In fact it was a challenge. At times we used to shoot continuously for many hours without a wink. Physically it was tiring. And I used to have rashes on the body because of the make-up. I suffered from backache as well. All this made me think of never doing something like this again. However after seeing the success of Arundhati, I have to rethink my decision.
I did Jodhaa Akbar and Arundhati simultaneously. And both the characters were totally different. When I returned to Jaipur (for Jodhaa Akbar) after shooting for Arundhati, I would tell Ashutosh Gowarikar (director Jodhaa Akbar) and his team about playing the aghora. I think it's some supernatural force which helped me do it.
You've put in a high-voltage performance as Pashupati. Did you do any homework for it?
I saw photographs of aghoras given to me by the production unit. I didn't get much reading material on them, though. I was a bit confused on whether to underplay or overplay but the director knew what he wanted. In the end it was spontaneity on the sets.
A role on reincarnation, a tormented spirit wreaking vengeance -- did you think that such a role would work in today's age of science and rationality?
Yes, I did have some hesitation. I did have this question in my mind on how to convince people with the supernatural element. All the people who worked on the script were fully charged and they had the conviction that they could do it. So I believed in that conviction and the supernatural theme connected with the audience.
How challenging was it to play the character?
It was not easy. My make-up alone took 4-5 hours and it was tedious maintaining it too. In fact it was a challenge. At times we used to shoot continuously for many hours without a wink. Physically it was tiring. And I used to have rashes on the body because of the make-up. I suffered from backache as well. All this made me think of never doing something like this again. However after seeing the success of Arundhati, I have to rethink my decision.
I did Jodhaa Akbar and Arundhati simultaneously. And both the characters were totally different. When I returned to Jaipur (for Jodhaa Akbar) after shooting for Arundhati, I would tell Ashutosh Gowarikar (director Jodhaa Akbar) and his team about playing the aghora. I think it's some supernatural force which helped me do it.
'I even scared myself when I watched the film in the theatre!'
You were able to induce fear and terror. Your body language and expressions were so apt especially in the scenes as aghora. How did you manage that?
I even scared myself when I watched the film in the theatre! I think the word 'action' did the trick. I think it's destiny which made me play Pashupati in the film. My sister who would come to the sets to watch the shoot told me, 'I couldn't see you bhaiyya; I could see only the character.' In fact the character was so overpowering and strong that I couldn't see anything else.
Did the character haunt you later? Were you able to shed it easily from your mind and body?
It wasn't easy. The character stayed with me for quite some time.
Arundhati is faring very well. Did you anticipate its success?
I believed in the film and knew it would be appreciated. But what I didn't realise was that it would break records. It's been a great learning experience. It has also proved that if you believe in yourself, you can do wonders and create history.
You were able to induce fear and terror. Your body language and expressions were so apt especially in the scenes as aghora. How did you manage that?
I even scared myself when I watched the film in the theatre! I think the word 'action' did the trick. I think it's destiny which made me play Pashupati in the film. My sister who would come to the sets to watch the shoot told me, 'I couldn't see you bhaiyya; I could see only the character.' In fact the character was so overpowering and strong that I couldn't see anything else.
Did the character haunt you later? Were you able to shed it easily from your mind and body?
It wasn't easy. The character stayed with me for quite some time.
Arundhati is faring very well. Did you anticipate its success?
I believed in the film and knew it would be appreciated. But what I didn't realise was that it would break records. It's been a great learning experience. It has also proved that if you believe in yourself, you can do wonders and create history.
'The technicalities I learnt in the Tamil and Telugu film industries helped me in the Hindi film industry later on'
You have been playing the baddie (Ashok) as well as essaying some good roles (Super, Athadu, Mr Medhavi). What challenges you as an artiste? Does playing roles with shades of grey give you more scope as an artiste?
I never wanted to be typecasted. That's why I do different roles. Every role is challenging. It is important for an actor to explore all phases and to learn.
How did you adapt yourself to Tamil and Telugu films? What about the language barrier?
When I started doing these films, there was no choice. I was an engineer who got into acting and the scripts were good. The technicians in the South were brilliant. I learnt the words, then the lines -- the whole process. It was like a new classroom with new teachers. The technicalities I learnt in the Tamil and Telugu film industries helped me in the Hindi film industry later on.
You have been playing the baddie (Ashok) as well as essaying some good roles (Super, Athadu, Mr Medhavi). What challenges you as an artiste? Does playing roles with shades of grey give you more scope as an artiste?
I never wanted to be typecasted. That's why I do different roles. Every role is challenging. It is important for an actor to explore all phases and to learn.
How did you adapt yourself to Tamil and Telugu films? What about the language barrier?
When I started doing these films, there was no choice. I was an engineer who got into acting and the scripts were good. The technicians in the South were brilliant. I learnt the words, then the lines -- the whole process. It was like a new classroom with new teachers. The technicalities I learnt in the Tamil and Telugu film industries helped me in the Hindi film industry later on.
'People say I'm choosy but the role has to excite me'
Are you working on any Telugu projects?
I have done a movie (Bangaru Babu) with Jagapathi Babu where I play a positive role. I am listening to scripts though I haven't signed any films yet.
Will you juggle Hindi and Telugu/Tamil films?
I will juggle between Hindi and Telugu films. I enjoy working in the Telugu film industry. I plan to work in two Telugu releases in a year.
How selective are you in choosing scripts?
People say I'm choosy but the role has to excite me. It has to be a character which makes me get up without an alarm.
Can we know something about Sonu, the man in real life...?
Well I am from a small town Moga (Punjab). I never thought I would get into acting. Thanks to my family's support, I am where I am today in the film world. I am a shy person, I don't party. I play the guitar, watch movies, play with my six-year old son, spend time with my family and also play cricket.
source:rediff.com
Are you working on any Telugu projects?
I have done a movie (Bangaru Babu) with Jagapathi Babu where I play a positive role. I am listening to scripts though I haven't signed any films yet.
Will you juggle Hindi and Telugu/Tamil films?
I will juggle between Hindi and Telugu films. I enjoy working in the Telugu film industry. I plan to work in two Telugu releases in a year.
How selective are you in choosing scripts?
People say I'm choosy but the role has to excite me. It has to be a character which makes me get up without an alarm.
Can we know something about Sonu, the man in real life...?
Well I am from a small town Moga (Punjab). I never thought I would get into acting. Thanks to my family's support, I am where I am today in the film world. I am a shy person, I don't party. I play the guitar, watch movies, play with my six-year old son, spend time with my family and also play cricket.
source:rediff.com
Jan 12, 2009
| [+/-] |
Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan at the Golden Globe Awards |
SRK at the Golden Globe Awards
Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan spoke to NDTV at Universal city in Hollywood just as he was stepping out for the Golden globe awards.
He spoke about the honor of being called on to present an award at the Golden Globes and of the darling of the event the film 'Slumdog Millionaire' thats based in India.
NDTV: Shah Rukh Khan you are usually at the receiving end at such events, today you are giving away the prize, the first time for an Indian actor at the Golden Globes- Hollywood's biggest award night, second only to the Oscars. What does this mean for SRK and for Indian cinema?
Shah Rukh Khan: Now you are making me nervous. I am not being humble, but I truly believe that the Western audience is now looking at Indian cinema. I am one of the faces of Indian cinema at this point of time, and they picked on me and asked me to come and represent the country. It is a great honor. A lot of graciousness on the part of the Golden Globes. I am representing the country. Great honor. I get to present Slumdog Millionaire. It's even more heartening because A R Rehman is there, it is shot in India. I have presented KBC. I would take it as a rehearsals for Indians to present awards here to start with and inshahallah in the future bring some films here and at the Oscars and win some of them during my time so I can come and attend some ceremonies and clap for our own films.
NDTV: What does this mean for SRK the brand after all the golden globes is watched in over 160 countries the world over.
Shah Rukh Khan: I have never understood this SRK brand Every body always asks me that. I am just an actor trying to get some emotions right. I have been working 20 years now. These big events always make me realize how long I have been working It's a good thing. I believe that I can represent the country. I believe in hope, happiness, goodness smiles entertainment, and freedom. If somewhere along my line of work I have to represent my country then I believe my country stand for all that. And I hope I do not let it down. I do not know about my own brand, I am not too much of a net worker a socialize. To be honest, I get I get embarrassed about wearing a suit and going on the red carpet. That is the simplicity that I have always maintained in life. I am just going to go there and do what they tell me to. Personally, I do not know what happenings to SRK brand but the brand of India I think is going to make waves in creativity and the film fraternity as the years go by.
NDTV: And your thoughts on the contenders for best film? On one hand you have the big studio products with big names like Brad Pitt as Benjamin Button, and on the other the underdogs, the small budget indie productions featuring actors many may not have heard of like Slumdog.
Shah Rukh Khan: It's nice to have a mix I think, I've seen Benjamin Button, I love Brad Pitt, for an actor of his caliber to start doing the kind of stuff he's doing now, certainly so different from what you know Brad Pitt for, also the film with the Coen brothers, I think that was really good, he acted fantastically in that, it's very heartening to see stars like him, and on the other hand I think Slumdog Millionaire is a brilliant film itself, it's set in India. So I feel really closer to it, it's got Anil Kapoor, it's got AR Raman, and I think if anyone deserves an award it's AR Raman from our country, so I hope I'm not the only the first Indian on stage for Golden Globes, the second one joins me soon and wins an award inshallah. But yeah, it's always nice to have this mix, and perhaps this is the kind of stuff, which should happen for the awards in India too. You have an interesting mix of cinema and films, and you don't know which one is going to take off that night. Because it keeps you on your toes and also it keeps variety alive. So it's really nice that you have big names, like you mentioned, and you have relatively unknown people who won't be unknown, I think Dev Patel is really good in the film, Danny Boyle is not unknown, I'm a big fan of Danny Boyle, so all that put together is exciting because there's variety and you don't know who's gonna win till the last minute. Something like this should happen in the Indian awards also. The Indian awards I feel run on one level. They become predictable. Thought I win most of them that is the only predictability I do not want to change.
NDTV: the last few moths the world has seen 2 images of Mumbai. One the terror attacks and two at the box office with slumdog millionaire.What do you think of the portrayal of your city/Mumbai in the film?
Shah Rukh Khan: We cannot isolate the attacks only on Mumbai there are attacks taking place all over the world. Different cities get targeted unfortunately at different times. It has happened in Delhi, Gujarat we have suffered everywhere. It is a reality we have to live with and fight. On the other hand cinema gives you hope. Films like slum dog millionaire, within all the grime and the dust and hardships of India and Mumbai there is a lot of hope and love. It seems like a Hindi film to me when I see Slumdog Millionaire and that is what we stand for. The country stands for that despite all the stress and hardship, problems the cash registers will flow because we are warm and loving people .If you want a comparison, Indian cinema stand for just that. Slum dog millionaire stand for that. It leaves you with the thought that what ever happens in any part of the world it is happening all over the world and what we do not let go of is hope and happiness.
NDTV: A R Rehman has been called the Mozart of India but now he has been nominated for a Golden Globe. Is Rehman putting us on the map, finding global acceptance that was long over due?
Shah Rukh Khan: Absolutely, I think some of the miss worlds and universes- Aishwarya Rai and Sushmita Sen, I am talking only in terms of the media, creative world and the modeling
world . We got very far on the world map because of the presence of these two ladies and then further on lots of girls have done very well for us. I think Rehman is a true genius. He has been working hard for years and has been going some really different kind of music. I have been working with him and am very fond of him. I think that is time that some one like Rehman, if he is recogonised internationally it would be rightly so, deservingly so. If there is some one who has to get a golden globe from India for the first time then there is no one better than Rehman to get it so inshahallah. Even if he does not get I think he is the Mozart of the world not just of India.
NDTV: Shahrukh, you mentioned being nervous about going on to the red carpet. The last time Aishwarya Rai was on such an international stage she got a lot of flak for what she was wearing, what designer she chooses etc, is that the same with men?
Shah Rukh Khan:I am going naked, I have decided not to wear any clothes because no clothes means no criticism. I do not know what to wear. I have spoken to Karan. I have a black suit that I have been wearing for the past 7 years. I take it out, get it dusted and ironed and I wear that. It is the safest. There are many wonderful people at the golden globes who are telling me that I should wear Indian clothes but my son does not like me wearing Indian clothes. So I am just going to wear a black suit and a black tie and hope I do not look like a waiter there. I hope that they will recogonise me and I pass off normally. It is the safest thing to do when y0ou are in America and Europe.
source:ndtv.com
Jan 6, 2009
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Bollywood Actor John Abraham Interview |
Interview- John Abraham
In hit film "Dostana", John Abraham flaunts his well-toned body on Miami beaches and when the camera panned lovingly over him, many men and women almost swooned. But the actor says he never shies away from talking about his body.
"I'm never ashamed of talking about my body. Though at times I do feel like a meat shop," John told in an interview.
"I wonder how audiences will react to my physicality in my next release 'Aashayein' where I've lost 30 pounds," he added.
John admits he's quite a family man. He shot in Philadelphia for Kabir Khan's film "New York" and was quite homesick. So he brought his parents over and had a great time.
"My parents were over, but I wouldn't let my mom cook here. I pampered her, looked after her like a little baby. That's what one is supposed to do with one's parents, specially when they get old, no? I think I'll take them to Boston too. Dad is an architect; so he loves to check out the buildings and architecture," he said.
Excerpts:
Q: Correct me if I'm wrong, but the film is called "New York"; why were you shooting it in Philadelphia?
A: Because the topography is similar. A lot of films located in New York are actually shot in Philadelphia. I was shooting for three long months and if it wasn't for my parents and brother and sister-in-law and Bipasha visiting, I'd have gone crazy. When they all came to see me, I stopped feeling homesick. I was away for so long sometimes when I woke up I forgot where I was. Before Philadelphia, I was in Miami shooting for "Dostana" for three months.
Q: Homesick?
A: Now I go to Boston for Abbas Tyrewala's film. When I'm away what I miss most is the home-cooked food. My parents were over, but I wouldn't let my mom cook here. I pampered her, looked after her like a little baby. That's what one is supposed to do with one's parents, specially when they get old, no? I think I'll take them to Boston too. Dad is an architect; so he loves to check out the buildings and architecture. But before Boston I come back to Mumbai to do a film "Hook Ya Crook" with David Dhawan..
Q: You're a good son.
A: I'd really want to believe I'm a good son.
Q: How was the shooting in Philadelphia?
A: Gruelling, but very satisfying. I shot the most emotionally and physically exhausting scenes of my life. Frankly, I haven't done an action film since "Dhoom". It's a genre I really enjoy. "New York" has very effective action. I not only had a lot of running around to do, but I enjoyed myself. At this point of my career I just want to push myself beyond the limits.
Q: By wearing the briefest briefs and giving an interview on why you wore it!
A: Oh, that was an endorsement for "Dostana". And, besides, I'm never ashamed of talking about my body. Though at times I do feel like a meat shop.
Q: So why go on and on about your body?
A: I am proud of my physique. But I feel I'm also good with emotions. In fact, I perform the best when I'm unhappy. I function best when in angst.
Q: Happy to be a gay icon?
A: I've been told that. And I accept it very graciously. But women have reacted as strongly to me in "Dostana" as men. Some have reacted to the sensuality; others to the fitness. But everyone has a query about my body. Very often I don't know how to react. Initially, it was fun to be regarded as a body beautiful. I wonder how audiences will react to my physicality in my next release "Aashayein" where I've lost 30 pounds.
Q: "New York" is your second film with Kabir Khan?
A: I loved doing "Kabul Express" with Kabir. I loved shooting in Afghanistan. I'm a sucker for pain and agony. Now I'd love to shoot in Iraq. My grandfather was from Iran. My mother's cousins are in Iran.
Q: Neil Nitin Mukesh, who's shooting with you in Philadelphia, has great respect for you.
A: He's like my younger brother. I love him for the fact that he dotes on his parents. He's a wonderful kid with a great future. We spend a lot of time together.
Q: Is Deepa Mehta's "Luna" with Rachel Weisz off?
A: Deepa and I haven't spoken about it. As for "Komagata Maru", I'd still be willing to play the other lead because it's as important as Akshay Kumar's role. It's always a pleasure working with Akshay. He's a very positive person. We get along beautifully.
Q: What else have you signed?
A: Only Abbas Tyrewala's film. Beyond that I haven't really opened my account book, I'm happy doing films I'm completely convinced about. I'd love to work with Anurag Kashyap again (after 'No Smoking'). I can talk to him for hours. Like me he's happy doing his own thing. I'm an off-roader while other actors are on the highway.
Jan 4, 2009
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Akshay Kumar's Interview |
Chandni Chowk to China idea was mine: Akki
In another fortnight, Akshay Kumar's much awaited Chandni Chowk To China which also starrs Deepika Padukone will hit the screens. The new star of Bollywood says that the basic idea behind the film was not a story, not an actual idea, but a poster. In an interview to NDTV's Anupama Chopra, Akshay Kumar spoke about the journey from Chandni Chowk to Bangkok and that to China.
Anupama Chopra (AC): Akshay you are going to begin this year with a very exciting project, Chandni Chowk To China and there has been a lot of conversation about this film being autobiographical, but other than the fact that it echoes your journey from Chandni Chowk to Bangkok how is it autobiographical?
Akshay Kumar (AK): That's all. Actually that is the only resemblance. I was born in Chandni Chowk, this character is also born there and he learns to cook. I am playing a halwai in the film by the way.
AC: You are a halwai?
AK: I am playing a halwai, it's just a character. This guy goes from Chandni Chowk to China to learn martial arts. This is another similarity between us.
AC: So was this by design or did they take it from your life?
AK: Yes, I designed the whole thing for them. Before Warner Brothers came in, Rohan Sippy got me a design of me standing like in that pose. The film was called 'Mera Naam Chin Chin Chu'. He said, "Akshay I want to make a film." I said, "Okay, what's the story?" "I don't have a story." "Okay do you have an idea?" I don't have an idea." "Alright, you have a producer?" "I don't have a producer." Sso what do you have?" "I just have this poster, this is the main poster." His idea was this poster he had made in front of me. This is the first film I've done without listening to anything. I told him I wanted to do this film.
AC: Purely on the poster?
AK: On the poster. You know, sometimes it's your instinct. I don't know whether it's going to be right or wrong. That we will come to know later, when the movie releases. This guy is a chef who goes to learn martial art. Bas yehi idea tha (That's all the idea there was). Let's make it on my life and let's do it. Rohan said,"...give me about three months and I'll come back. He didn't come back to me in three months. When he did come he told me that he has a small idea and that he has got Warner Brothers to produce it. And from there it took off.
source:ndtv.com
Dec 7, 2008
| [+/-] |
Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor criticise the terrorism |
I feel little scared as a Muslim: Saif
Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor are the latest Bollywood stars to criticise the government for failing to tackle terrorism and protect citizens.
Both said they were "disgusted" with politicians "who provide no leadership" while arming themselves "with so many security guards".
The actors were busy shooting for Renzil D'Silva's untitled project in Philadelphia when the mayhem broke loose in Mumbai Nov 26. "The government has failed us again. The BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) is advertising for votes while the bodies of the dead have not yet been cremated. Mr (Narendra) Modi had offered Rs 10 million to the widow of Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) chief Hemant Karkare. The news has shaken the foundations of our city and destroyed our already shaky belief in our government's ability to protect us," Saif wrote in a statement circulated to the media and signed by both.
Added Kareena: "I am disgusted with the so-called political leaders who provide no leadership and ironically surround themselves with so many security guards while doing little or nothing for the security of the people who have voted them to power.
Saif also slammed the terrorists for killing "innocent people" in the name of "god" or "religion". "As an Indian and a Muslim, I feel like expressing my condemnation and outright disgust at any party killing innocent people in the name of god, Allah or whatever we choose to call him.
"I am so worried that the whole religion (Islam) will be judged and condemned. There are strong communal feelings running through all strata's of our society and I find it hard to defend the fact that there seems to be a Muslim hand behind every detonator. I feel a little scared as a Muslim now," explained the actor.
The couple offered commiseration for the families who suffered at the attacks and praised the police and media for their endeavours in tackling the situation. "Saif and I would both like to offer our deepest condolences to all the bereaved families and I want to applaud the media for being pro-active and for being the force that is trying to unite the nation," wrote Kareena.
Saif added: "I would like to thank the NSG (National Security Guard) and the Mumbai police who handled the situation so well with so little on their side in terms of equipment and support."
source:ndtv.com
The actors were busy shooting for Renzil D'Silva's untitled project in Philadelphia when the mayhem broke loose in Mumbai Nov 26. "The government has failed us again. The BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) is advertising for votes while the bodies of the dead have not yet been cremated. Mr (Narendra) Modi had offered Rs 10 million to the widow of Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) chief Hemant Karkare. The news has shaken the foundations of our city and destroyed our already shaky belief in our government's ability to protect us," Saif wrote in a statement circulated to the media and signed by both.
Added Kareena: "I am disgusted with the so-called political leaders who provide no leadership and ironically surround themselves with so many security guards while doing little or nothing for the security of the people who have voted them to power.
Saif also slammed the terrorists for killing "innocent people" in the name of "god" or "religion". "As an Indian and a Muslim, I feel like expressing my condemnation and outright disgust at any party killing innocent people in the name of god, Allah or whatever we choose to call him.
"I am so worried that the whole religion (Islam) will be judged and condemned. There are strong communal feelings running through all strata's of our society and I find it hard to defend the fact that there seems to be a Muslim hand behind every detonator. I feel a little scared as a Muslim now," explained the actor.
The couple offered commiseration for the families who suffered at the attacks and praised the police and media for their endeavours in tackling the situation. "Saif and I would both like to offer our deepest condolences to all the bereaved families and I want to applaud the media for being pro-active and for being the force that is trying to unite the nation," wrote Kareena.
Saif added: "I would like to thank the NSG (National Security Guard) and the Mumbai police who handled the situation so well with so little on their side in terms of equipment and support."
source:ndtv.com
Nov 17, 2008
| [+/-] |
Amitabh Bachchan returns to work |
Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan will be back to work finally from today (November 15). He resumes work after a much- needed break in Udaipur.
Confirming his return to the archlights, he says, "I'm starting on the 15th with Leena Yadav's Teen Patti. There isn't much pending work there."
He was in Udaipur taking a break with his personal physician accompanying him. "I needed to get away from home. I needed time to myself, to read and write. And to watch the films that I've been meaning to for a long time. It was so peaceful out here. I should do this more often. But where is the time to take time off?"
They don't call him the Big B for nothing. Generous and considerate towards his fans and well-wishers to the point of self-destruction, the Big B is more than willing to meet the disappointed hordes who were turned away on his birthday after his sudden illness.
"My fans are never a burden. They are welcome any time. I publicly meet them every Sunday and specific ones get to meet me on my films' sets. No issues there."
Big B regrets the fact that his illness took away his fans' excitement on his birthday.
"However, health issues do not wait for an opportune moment. They happen. It is nature. It is biological. We do not have control over them. Yes, this one happened on my birthday. So what?"
He is supremely pleased to be home. "But I do regret not being able to meet the well-wishers who assemble to greet me. I am sure they have understood the gravity of the situation. There will be other moments to make up for the loss."
Family friends like Karan Johar and Sanjay Dutt who are abroad, kept calling to express their concern throughout Big B's weeklong hospitalisation. And he was overwhelmed and embarrassed by the extra attention.
Commenting regretfully on the postponement of Abhishek and Aishwarya's schedule of Mani Ratnam's film, Big B says, "They were to leave the next day but stayed back and rescheduled their programme because of my condition. I generally do not like the idea of attention and of disturbing others with my condition, but I shall respect their decision even if they disagree with me. Particularly so now."
The general opinion about Abhishek is that he's as good a son to his father as the Big B was to his. The Big B says with paternal pride.
"I am grateful that others think so compassionately about Abhishek. My father is not alive to give an assessment of what he thought of me as a son. But I am. And I am happy and full of pride to have Abhishek as my devoted son."
Back to work, a small portion of Shootjit Sircar's film remains to be shot.
"We needed to wait for a particular climate to shoot the remaining work. That is now ready and we shall be finishing the entire shoot soon. I'm also in the process of sorting out the dates for the film to be produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Good to have so much variety thrown in my direction."
In the meanwhile, AB Corp Ltd is ready to resume operations. Big B isn't too pleased by the suggestion that his production company had slowed down.
"I laugh at the constant refrain of 'AB. Corp resuming production'. Resuming? We have been in production all along. Yes, they may not have attracted attention .But we are there. I shall keep you abreast as time approaches on our projects."
Confirming his return to the archlights, he says, "I'm starting on the 15th with Leena Yadav's Teen Patti. There isn't much pending work there."
He was in Udaipur taking a break with his personal physician accompanying him. "I needed to get away from home. I needed time to myself, to read and write. And to watch the films that I've been meaning to for a long time. It was so peaceful out here. I should do this more often. But where is the time to take time off?"
They don't call him the Big B for nothing. Generous and considerate towards his fans and well-wishers to the point of self-destruction, the Big B is more than willing to meet the disappointed hordes who were turned away on his birthday after his sudden illness.
"My fans are never a burden. They are welcome any time. I publicly meet them every Sunday and specific ones get to meet me on my films' sets. No issues there."
Big B regrets the fact that his illness took away his fans' excitement on his birthday.
"However, health issues do not wait for an opportune moment. They happen. It is nature. It is biological. We do not have control over them. Yes, this one happened on my birthday. So what?"
He is supremely pleased to be home. "But I do regret not being able to meet the well-wishers who assemble to greet me. I am sure they have understood the gravity of the situation. There will be other moments to make up for the loss."
Family friends like Karan Johar and Sanjay Dutt who are abroad, kept calling to express their concern throughout Big B's weeklong hospitalisation. And he was overwhelmed and embarrassed by the extra attention.
Commenting regretfully on the postponement of Abhishek and Aishwarya's schedule of Mani Ratnam's film, Big B says, "They were to leave the next day but stayed back and rescheduled their programme because of my condition. I generally do not like the idea of attention and of disturbing others with my condition, but I shall respect their decision even if they disagree with me. Particularly so now."
The general opinion about Abhishek is that he's as good a son to his father as the Big B was to his. The Big B says with paternal pride.
"I am grateful that others think so compassionately about Abhishek. My father is not alive to give an assessment of what he thought of me as a son. But I am. And I am happy and full of pride to have Abhishek as my devoted son."
Back to work, a small portion of Shootjit Sircar's film remains to be shot.
"We needed to wait for a particular climate to shoot the remaining work. That is now ready and we shall be finishing the entire shoot soon. I'm also in the process of sorting out the dates for the film to be produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Good to have so much variety thrown in my direction."
In the meanwhile, AB Corp Ltd is ready to resume operations. Big B isn't too pleased by the suggestion that his production company had slowed down.
"I laugh at the constant refrain of 'AB. Corp resuming production'. Resuming? We have been in production all along. Yes, they may not have attracted attention .But we are there. I shall keep you abreast as time approaches on our projects."
Nov 11, 2008
Oct 21, 2008
| [+/-] |
Bollywood Actor Sharman Joshi Interview |
'I want to give the best to my audience'
The charm on his face says it all; innocence personifies actor Sharman Joshi.
Be it Sukhi in 'Rang De Basanti' or the over-ambitious Rahul in 'Life in a Metro' , Sharman has proved himself in all the characters he's portrayed on-screen. Recently in Delhi for the promotion of his upcoming movie 'Sorry Bhai' he gets up,
You have been tagged as a multi-starrer actor. What is your take on it?
I am hungry for good scripts. No matter whether it is a multi-starrer or not, if I am convinced with the character I am game. Apart from that, such projects give me a chance to work with the finest actors and directors in the industry. A single person cannot make a successful film. It involves the effort and hard work of many involved.
‘Sorry Bhai’ as the caption says is a story of forbidden love. Tell us something about the film?
‘ Sorry Bhai’ is a sensitive film in which I play the role of a young scientist who goes to attend his brother's wedding and falls in love with the bride. The whole story line has been handled in a light-hearted way. It's a romantic comedy, which uses populist language and at the same time it's a little subversive. But love still finds it way. Shabana Azmi and Boman Irani are the fun and the energy quotient of the movie which explores different aspects of a relationship in a very tactful way.
Hailing from a family of actors, was it easy for you to make a mark in the industry or did you still had to fight your way?
Talent is one thing that always gets noticed in the industry, family has not much of a role to play in that. Nothing came that easily or was a cakewalk for me. One has to love what he is doing so that he can give his best. Both my father and uncle hail from the theatre fraternity. And so is my sister who is a well known face in the telly world. Moreover, I have all the options to return to my theatre roots whenever my film career ceases to satisfy me.
After playing Shabana Azmi's truant son in 'Godmother', it was an avalanche of comedies that followed. How come the shift?
After 'Godmother' it was a break for quite some time for me. Then 'Style ' happened and was followed by a series of comedies. It was just the demand of the character, but with movies like 'Life in a Metro' and ' Hello ' I have shown the other side of myself to the audience. At the moment, I am very happy with my position in the industry.
What are the projects that are keeping you busy at the moment?
Right now, I am working on a handful of films like Tho Baat Packki, Allah Ke Bande with Naseeruddin Shah, then I have 3 Idiots with Aamir and Kareena. Whatever it is I do, I want to give the best to my audience
source:timesofindia
Sep 25, 2008
| [+/-] |
BOLLYWOOD ACTORS PROFILES, BOLLYWOOD ACTORS GALLERY, BOLLYWOOD ACTORS BIRTHDAYS, BOLLYWOOD ACTORS REALLIFE PHOTOS, BOLLYWOOD ACTORS INTERVIEWS |
BOLLYWOOD ACTORS PROFILES, BOLLYWOOD ACTORS GALLERY, BOLLYWOOD ACTORS BIRTHDAYS, BOLLYWOOD ACTORS REALLIFE PHOTOS, BOLLYWOOD ACTORS INTERVIEWS,
Aamir Khan
Abhay Deol
Abhijeet Sawant
Abhishek Bachchan
Aftab Shivdasani
Ajay Devgan
Akshay Khanna
Akshay Kumar
Amitabh Bachchan
Amol Palekar
Anil Kapoor
Anupam Kher
Arbaaz Khan
Arjun Rampal
Arshad Warsi
Ashish Choudhary
Ashmit Patel
Ashok Kumar
Ashutosh Rana
Balraj Sahni
Bikram Saluja
Bobby Deol
Chandrachur Singh
Chunkey Pandey
Dev Anand
Dharmendra
Dilip Kumar
Dino Morea
Emran Hashmi
Fardeen Khan
Feroz Khan
Govinda
Guru Dutt
Himanshu Mallik
Hrithik Roshan
Jackie Shroff
Jeetendra
Jimmy Shergill
John Abraham
Kamal Hassan
Kishore Kumar
Lucky Ali
Madhavan
Mahesh Manjrekar
Manoj Bajpai
Manoj Kumar
Milan Somen
Mithun Chakraborty
Nana Patekar
Naseeruddin Shah
Paresh Rawal
Rahul Bose
Rahul Khanna
Raj Babbar
Raj Kapoor
Raj Kumar
Rajendra Kumar
Rajesh Khanna
Rakesh Roshan
Rishi Kapoor
Ritesh Deshmukh
Saif Ali Khan
Salman Khan
Sanjay Dutt
Sanjay Kapoor
Sanjay Suri
Sanjeev Kumar
Shahid Kapoor
Shahrukh Khan
Shammi Kapoor
Shashi Kapoor
Shatrughan Sinha
Shiny Ahuja
Sohail Khan
Sonu Nigam
Sunil Dutt
Sunil Shetty
Sunny Deol
Tushar Kapoor
Uday Chopra
Vinod Khanna
Vivek Oberoi
Zayed Khan
Sep 24, 2008
| [+/-] |
Bollywood Actor Shreyas Talpade Interview |
'I learnt many lessons from SRK when he promoted OSO' - Shreyas Talpade
Be it supporting actor roles in mainstream commercial films, main lead roles in art house movies, or production of Marathi movies, Shreyas Talpade is one of the few actors who has dabbled in so many things within a short span of time. And seen success.
Be it in Om Shanti Om or Dor or his own production Sanai Chaughadi which is running in its 13th week currently, Talpade is raring to go and time is not far when he will also don a director's hat.
Excerpts:
How has life been post Om Shanti Om?
Om Shanti Om gave me two good friends - Shah Rukh and Farah. Post Om Shanti Om life has been wonderful. I have no complaints. Actually, not just Om Shanti Om, if you look at my career graph with films like Iqbal, Dor, Apna Sapna Money Money and Om Shanti Om, I have worked with the best of directors. Now, I am keeping my fingers crossed for Welcome To Sajjanpur and Golmaal Returns.
From working with young people like Shah Rukh and Farah to working with a veteran like Shyam Benegal, how was the transition for you?
You know, even I had similar thoughts in my mind initially. I had a perception that Shyam babu was very strict, but when I went for the shoot on the first day, Shyam ji was shooting with Ravi Kishan and Raajeshwari and he joked with them, I did not know whether he was joking or not. I wondered is he Shyam babu only? But then people on the sets laughed and so did I.
He is extremely chilled out and probably the youngest on the sets. He gives a lot of freedom to improvise and there was always a positive atmosphere on the sets, we always had lunch on the sets and then we would have dinner together every night. Amrita and I often think that the shooting of Sajjanpur got over too soon.
Can you tell us about the movie Welcome To Sajjanpur and your role in it?
Welcome to Sajjanpur is a sweet satire. The film is on the lives of a few people who live in...
Sajjanpur village. I play the role of Mahadev, who is a BA educated boy and wants to become a novel writer, but instead becomes a letter writer. At the crux of all this, there is a love story between me and Amrita, who is my childhood friend in the movie. The film also has a lot of statements on various issues but they have been put across in humorous ways. The movie reminds you a lot of Malgudi Days, where in a village there are a few good and bad people.
What made you select the film?
I signed the film primarily because of Shyam babu. I mean, who would not want to work with him? His passion and enthusiasm is unmatched and unparallel. Also, the subject is unique, fresh and original. I wouldn't say the film is different, because different is a very abused word now. Also the way the character of Mahadev develops in the film is very interesting. And, then UTV stepped in and the going got better.
When and how did you plunge into production of movies?
Production is all thanks to Mr Ghai, he pushed me into it. I want to thank him for it, if it was not for him I wouldn't have done it. Sanai Chaughadi, my first production in Marathi, is running in its 13th week now. Production is a very nice process and I don't want to give it up.
What are you future plans for your production company Affluence Movies?
I want to make films that appeal instantly when you hear a sentence about it. I want to produce more Marathi films and a few Hindi films too. I am looking at a few Hindi scripts, but nothing has been finalized yet. I can take a few risks and experiment with Marathi films, but with Hindi films I know that I want to make light hearted Hindi films to begin with.
Will you also act in the movies that you produce?
I may also act in the Hindi films that I produce, but for the Marathi films, I will only produce them because my commitments with Hindi movies keep me very occupied. I am what I am because of Marathi TV and plays, so I will not stop working for them.
Will all your productions be in association with Mukta?
Some movies will be for Mukta and..
some may be with another company. I do not want to say anything before signing papers.
After working with companies like UTV, have you learnt a lesson or two for your own production house and movies?
As far as marketing of movies is concerned, UTV is undoubtedly the best. I like the way they are promoting Welcome To Sajjanpur. It is a great example. In fact even Subhash Ghai is a one man army and there is so much one can learn from him. For my first Marathi home production - Sanai Chaughde, I learnt a lot of lessons from Shah Rukh and the way he promoted Om Shanti Om. Even I put in a lot of effort for promoting Sanai Chaughde, but with whatever limited contacts and money I had.
Any thoughts on directing a movie soon?
The director's bug has bit me, but my friends are asking me to keep away from direction right now. They say I should concentrate on acting, and then I have also started production. So I have a lot to focus on. I too have to prioritize. But I will direct a movie sometime soon.
source:businessofcinema.com
Be it in Om Shanti Om or Dor or his own production Sanai Chaughadi which is running in its 13th week currently, Talpade is raring to go and time is not far when he will also don a director's hat.
Excerpts:
How has life been post Om Shanti Om?
Om Shanti Om gave me two good friends - Shah Rukh and Farah. Post Om Shanti Om life has been wonderful. I have no complaints. Actually, not just Om Shanti Om, if you look at my career graph with films like Iqbal, Dor, Apna Sapna Money Money and Om Shanti Om, I have worked with the best of directors. Now, I am keeping my fingers crossed for Welcome To Sajjanpur and Golmaal Returns.
From working with young people like Shah Rukh and Farah to working with a veteran like Shyam Benegal, how was the transition for you?
You know, even I had similar thoughts in my mind initially. I had a perception that Shyam babu was very strict, but when I went for the shoot on the first day, Shyam ji was shooting with Ravi Kishan and Raajeshwari and he joked with them, I did not know whether he was joking or not. I wondered is he Shyam babu only? But then people on the sets laughed and so did I.
He is extremely chilled out and probably the youngest on the sets. He gives a lot of freedom to improvise and there was always a positive atmosphere on the sets, we always had lunch on the sets and then we would have dinner together every night. Amrita and I often think that the shooting of Sajjanpur got over too soon.
Can you tell us about the movie Welcome To Sajjanpur and your role in it?
Welcome to Sajjanpur is a sweet satire. The film is on the lives of a few people who live in...
Sajjanpur village. I play the role of Mahadev, who is a BA educated boy and wants to become a novel writer, but instead becomes a letter writer. At the crux of all this, there is a love story between me and Amrita, who is my childhood friend in the movie. The film also has a lot of statements on various issues but they have been put across in humorous ways. The movie reminds you a lot of Malgudi Days, where in a village there are a few good and bad people.
What made you select the film?
I signed the film primarily because of Shyam babu. I mean, who would not want to work with him? His passion and enthusiasm is unmatched and unparallel. Also, the subject is unique, fresh and original. I wouldn't say the film is different, because different is a very abused word now. Also the way the character of Mahadev develops in the film is very interesting. And, then UTV stepped in and the going got better.
When and how did you plunge into production of movies?
Production is all thanks to Mr Ghai, he pushed me into it. I want to thank him for it, if it was not for him I wouldn't have done it. Sanai Chaughadi, my first production in Marathi, is running in its 13th week now. Production is a very nice process and I don't want to give it up.
What are you future plans for your production company Affluence Movies?
I want to make films that appeal instantly when you hear a sentence about it. I want to produce more Marathi films and a few Hindi films too. I am looking at a few Hindi scripts, but nothing has been finalized yet. I can take a few risks and experiment with Marathi films, but with Hindi films I know that I want to make light hearted Hindi films to begin with.
Will you also act in the movies that you produce?
I may also act in the Hindi films that I produce, but for the Marathi films, I will only produce them because my commitments with Hindi movies keep me very occupied. I am what I am because of Marathi TV and plays, so I will not stop working for them.
Will all your productions be in association with Mukta?
Some movies will be for Mukta and..
some may be with another company. I do not want to say anything before signing papers.
After working with companies like UTV, have you learnt a lesson or two for your own production house and movies?
As far as marketing of movies is concerned, UTV is undoubtedly the best. I like the way they are promoting Welcome To Sajjanpur. It is a great example. In fact even Subhash Ghai is a one man army and there is so much one can learn from him. For my first Marathi home production - Sanai Chaughde, I learnt a lot of lessons from Shah Rukh and the way he promoted Om Shanti Om. Even I put in a lot of effort for promoting Sanai Chaughde, but with whatever limited contacts and money I had.
Any thoughts on directing a movie soon?
The director's bug has bit me, but my friends are asking me to keep away from direction right now. They say I should concentrate on acting, and then I have also started production. So I have a lot to focus on. I too have to prioritize. But I will direct a movie sometime soon.
source:businessofcinema.com
Sep 11, 2008
| [+/-] |
Bollywood Actor IMRAN KHAN Interview |
Part 1
He has made a swashbuckling entry into the ‘Hindi film industry’, as he likes to call it. From playing little Aamir in a host of films to becoming Bollywood’s latest pin-up boy, Imran Khan has matured a great deal overnight. Here’s an excerpt from a fascinating one-on-one Tarana had with the star in the making on Let’s Talk.
Tarana: I’m sure you hate being introduced as ‘cute’, ‘chocolate boy’ etc…
Imran: Yes. I get a little embarrassed. I blush a little bit when I’m fussed over like that.
Tarana: What would you like to be referred to as then?
Imran: A good actor.
Tarana: Why?
Imran: Because I will be able to take credit for that. It’s the sort of title one earns.
Tarana: You’re also an accidental actor.
Imran: Yes, I wanted to be a director.
Tarana: Why?
Imran: Because I didn’t think I would be able to become a typical ‘Hindi film hero’ ever.
Tarana: Are you the ‘hero’ in Kidnap, or the boy next door again?
Imran: I’m the hero. I’ve had to put on weight and workout to look bulky.
Tarana: What is your reaction to your first film’s success? People have wanted to watch it ever since the promos went on air, were you surprised by the overwhelming response?
Imran: I’m very surprised. It never felt like we were making a real film. It felt like we were a bunch of friends shooting a home video for fun. Now that the film has released in theatres worldwide and people are actually spending money to watch it and appreciating it, it’s all a little unbelievable.
Tarana: We’ve heard you haven’t received your paycheque yet?
Imran: Nope. Aamir Khan doesn’t pay!
Tarana: Is he a terrible producer?
Imran: Yes, he is.
Tarana: Abbas Tyrewala told us the only reason he chose Aamir as producer was because he was told to never consider the film as a launch vehicle for his nephew. Aamir apparently only wanted to finance a good film. Did you feel bad about that?
Imran: No, not at all. This is how our family is.
Tarana: Unhelpful?
Imran: No, very, very focussed on work. Aamir liked the film, so he picked it up as a producer. But he had to decide if Imran was the right choice.
Tarana: So you had to audition for the role?
Imran: Thrice. I auditioned twice for Abbas, and once when Aamir decided to produce the film.
Tarana: Do you remember what you were required to do at the audition?
Imran: For my first audition I had to do a scene from the film where I’m being interviewed by Aditi’s parents for marriage.
Tarana: Was there a dance audition?
Imran: No, there wasn’t. I’m not a good dancer. Thankfully, there was less choreographed dancing and more freestyle.
Tarana: So, like Pappu, you can’t dance either?
Imran: Abbas has not admitted yet, but I have a strong feeling Pappu’s character is based on me.
Tarana: When this song first aired, everybody said it was based on Salman Khan. Is there a connection?
Imran: None at all. The connection is actually with Aamir Mamu. There is a reference to the song ‘Papa Kehte Hain’ and the guy has been made to dress up like Mamu did in that song. The joke’s on Aamir Khan.
Tarana: But he’s (Aamir) a very serious guy, isn’t he?
Imran: He has a great sense of humour. Nobody seems to realise that.
Tarana: We’ve heard he even analyzes a joke and only laughs after about 10 minutes?
Imran: His humour is very unusual. He has his own style of straight-faced humour. You don’t even realise he’s cracked a joke when he does, the way he does it.
Tarana: Have you taken after him?
Imran: Yes. My humour is like that too.
Tarana: You’re an accidental actor but do you enjoy acting now?
Imran: I do. I’ve always enjoyed acting. The only reason I didn’t want to become an actor is I didn’t think I was right for the industry.
Tarana: Films have been in your blood, with your entire family being a part of the industry for so many years. You went off to study filmmaking as a director. Did you make any films of your own?
Imran: Yes, I’ve made lots of films.
Tarana: Were they good?
Imran: No. If you watch films made by student directors, you’ll notice a common theme. They’re always black and white and depressing. There are people sitting around in half light, smoking. All amateur directors make such films.
Tarana: Cut to Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na. The film was full of colours, people laughing and singing. Were you hesitant about a theme like that?
Imran: A little bit. I would wonder why everyone was so happy and wearing bright colours. There should be more depressing scenes.
Tarana: Apparently, Abbas and you go a long way?
Imran: Only in the context of this film. We didn’t know each other before we decided to work on Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na. That was three years ago. I had heard the project, liked it and decided I want to do the film. We started out with a different producer then, who passed away recently, but it didn’t work out. We were still on the lookout for producers when Aamir Mamu came into the picture.
Tarana: What made Aamir take up the film? You, Abbas or the film itself?
Imran: He said he wanted to hear the script. If he liked it, he would produce it. We were still looking for producers and hadn’t even thought of him. He suddenly popped up and said ‘You know, Imran, I’m a producer too’.
Tarana: Didn’t he ask for a part in the film?
Imran: None of the characters suited him. We’d suggest different characters to him, but he would keep putting it off as he didn’t like any of them. Finally, the film got made without him.
Part 2
Tarana: How much like Aamir are you?
Imran: I’m not like him at all.
Tarana: Why do people draw similarities then?
Imran: I guess our voices are similar. People say I sound a lot like Aamir. They compare our expressions too.
Tarana: Your mum is Aamir’s sister?
Imran: Yes.
Tarana: Is the entire family good-looking?
Imran: Yes. Except for Mansoor Mamu (glances nervously at the camera). But if you see him, even he has a lot of similar traits.
Tarana: The similarities must be intentional
Imran: Yes. We sit at the dinner table and practice our moves.
Tarana: Back to JTYJN. You zeroed in on Genelia D’souza after auditioning 200 girls?
Imran: 400.
Tarana: How is it possible to reject 400 girls?
Imran: Each girl would have a screen test. If it looked like they had any promise, they’d do a screen test opposite me.
Tarana: Is that how you met a few of them?
Imran: Yes. I did the casting myself.
Tarana: So what made you and Abbas go for Genelia?
Imran: Genelia was perfect for the role. Abbas had a very clear image in his head about Jai and Aditi’s characters. When he met me, he knew he’d found Jai. When he met Genelia, we knew we’d found Aditi.
Tarana: Apparently, Genelia can cry at the drop of a hat. So, you and Abbas would make her cry before every emotional scene?
Imran: Yes, she cries a lot. She’s a very emotional person. She cries if you say too many good things, she cries if you say one bad thing. We would use this against her before every emotional scene and the tears would start rolling.
Tarana: Any other fun memories of the shoot? When you’re watching the film, it seems like you guys had a lot of fun shooting it.
Imran: It wasn’t fun at all. It was a lot of hard work. We would shoot for very long hours at a stretch.
Tarana: Did it take three years of hard work?
Imran: Yes. A lot of pre and post production work took place in the three years. But the actual shoot was wrapped up in three months. There were no holidays at all, be it Christmas or someone’s birthday. We had to report to the shoot. In fact, we shot for the Pappu song on my birthday.
Tarana: Oh, did they cut a cake for you?
Imran: Yes, they did and sang for me, but only for two minutes. After that, it was back to work.
Part 3
Tarana: Are you and Harman friends?
Imran: No, we don’t know each other.
Tarana: Have you watched Love Story 2050?
Imran: No, but I definitely plan to. I’m a huge sci-fi fan. I have a collection of all the Star Wars DVDs.
Tarana: Have you ever thought of doing films down south?
Imran: No, I don’t know the language.
Tarana: I don’t think that’s a problem anymore. If Genelia came to you and said she’d use her contacts to get you a good offer in the south, would you do it?
Imran: I believe if you don’t know the language, you shouldn’t do a film. It’s a very false style of acting.
Tarana: When are your next two films releasing? Tell us about them.
Imran: There’s Kidnap, which releases on October 3, and there’s director Soham’s Luck.
Tarana: You agreed to do Luck, even after watching his earlier film, Kaal?
Imran: Yes, honestly, I didn’t like Kaal.
Tarana: Why did you sign Luck then?
Imran: I felt Soham has a lot of talent and is a very good director. He’s a young guy with a spark.
Tarana: Do you have the ‘spark’?
Imran: I do.
Tarana: Aamir doesn’t behave like a star even though he is one. Has he given you any advice?
Imran: Only one: Figure out everything yourself.
Tarana: Any acting advice? Has he ever said you shouldn’t be satisfied until you’ve given 40 to 50 takes?
Imran (laughs): Never, he’s always said acting is very personal. Every actor has his or her own style.
Tarana: I have a list of words for you. Tell us what comes to mind the minute I say, Bollywood.
Imran: I hate that word.
Tarana: Hindi film industry.
Imran: Emotion.
Tarana: Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na.
Imran: Fresh.
Tarana: Genelia
Imran: Chulbuli.
Tarana: Aamir Khan
Imran: Quality.
Tarana: Luck
Imran: Unusual.
Tarana: Filmmaking
Imran: Passion.
Tarana: ‘Pappu can’t dance’
Imran: Hilarious.
Tarana: Pappu
Imran: Me. Pappu is not anyone in particular. Pappu is a type of person. There are lots of well-built guys around who wear tight fitted T-shirts and fancy cologne, but are losers to an extent. They’re called Pappu.
Tarana: Am I a Pappu?
Imran: No.
Tarana: Love
Imran: Love, love, love….
Tarana: You’re supposed to say Avantika.
Imran: Am I? Okay, Avantika. Love as a concept is confusing. As a person, I’d say Avantika.
Tarana: Friendship
Imran: Life.
Tarana: It’s been fantastic talking to you. We hope you’ll be a bigger star the next time we talk.
Imran: Thank you so much.
source:.zoomtv
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