Bipasha Basu

on breakdowns and matters of the heart

Candid paparazzi moments with Imran Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Sonakshi Sinha

SEXY TARGET!

October 10, 2012 ` 50

www.filmfare.com

EXCLUSIVE!
Jaya Bachchan and Abhishek reveal the private side of Amitabh Bachchan

WITH BIG BANNERS TUCKED UNDER HIS BELT, ARJUN KAPOOR IS THE NEW STAR IN TINSEL TOWN
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A STAR IS BORN

Letter from Editor

Jitesh Pillaai

Happy birthday!
too because Neetu Singh picked it up and looked sexy as hell. Then, it was fashionable to sprout long sideburns teachers be damned. Then, his dialogue came easier to us than exam answers. We knew the names and box office statistics of his hit films more than we knew the genealogy of the Moguls. We saved up pocket money to see his films and prided ourselves on our tally of multiple viewings. We all wanted to be as tall as him when we grew up and to have his baritone. He remained my hero even while in college, when I started watching films more objectively, more critically. He was given abysmal subjects but you somehow didnt mind that because he made even his trashy roles larger than life. One wished he got good roles which not only brought out the actor in him but took cinema forward as well. Later, as a film journalist and a student of cinema, I cheered when he did start to get such roles, like in Black or Cheeni Kum or Paa or Aarakshan. One marvelled at his ability to lend a new dimension to each such role; at his power to move you with every such outing. His foray into television through Kaun Banega Crorepati, brought back families into the living room. He wasnt a detached, snobbish host but a man of the masses who wanted each and every contestant to go home with the maximum amount. He brought in the elements of human drama to a quiz show, something we havent seen before or since. Its hard to pinpoint why we all love him so much. What touches us most is his lust for life. Then, hes the sum of all we aspire money, fame, respect he has everything in abundance and yet its not gone to his head. He seems as overwhelmed by his success as we are. And perhaps this humbleness, this humility is one thing that draws us to him and binds. And because we all need heroes and hes been one in reel and real life for us these last 40 years. I extend birthday wishes from everyone at Filmfare and hope that like the North Star, he continues to forever encourage and enlighten us! PS: Our sister publication Grazia goes online. Visit them at www. grazia.co.in for the latest in fashion here and abroad. (jitesh.pillaai@wwm.co.in)

man apart thats the first thought which comes to ones mind when one thinks of Amitabh Bachchan. Hes been part of our nations psyche wittingly or unwittingly since the 70s. His success made us feel good about ourselves as a nation. In a country where the common man suffers different kinds of wrongs at every step, he became a messiah who stood up for peoples rights. As a 70s child, it was hard not be influenced by him. He changed everything he touched. You started ordering longer shirts than usual and tying the ends with a knot in order to be cool like him. And this wasnt the case with the boys. Girls did it

Amitabh Bachchan

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Contents
VOLUME 61 # 21, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012 - OCTOBER 10, 2012 ISSN NUMBER 0971-7277

COVER STORY

64 Arjun Kapoor bares all in a no holds barred interview

Bipasha Basu
on breakdowns and matters of the heart
Candid paparazzi moments with Imran Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Sonakshi Sinha

SEXY TARGET!

October 10, 2012 ` 50

www.filmfare.com

EXCLUSIVE!
Jaya Bachchan and Abhishek reveal the private side of Amitabh Bachchan

WITH BIG BANNERS TUCKED UNDER HIS BELT, ARJUN KAPOOR IS THE NEW STAR IN TINSEL TOWN
Cover Arjun Final.indd 1 12/09/12 4:01 PM

A STAR IS BORN

COVER CREDITS

PHOTOGRAPHS: ABHAY SINGH STYLIST: KUNAL RAWAL HAIR: AALIM @ HAKIMS AALIM MAKE-UP: RAJESH NAG CAR COURTESY: AUDI MUMBAI WEST PRODUCTION: BINDIYA AND NARII Trench coat: Burberry Shirt: Kunal Rawal

PAPARAZZI SPOTTED
07 Who went where and with whom... our eagleeyed photographers spare no one

I SPY
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19 Akshay Kumar flicks Ranbir Kapoors watch, Shahid Kapoors back problem, Karisma Kapoors marriage is in doldrums and other grist from the rumour mill.

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FIRST LOOK SNEAK PREVIEW

26 28 30 32

Exclusive pics of Son Of Sardaar A peek into Chittagong Hot stills from Ajab Gazabb Love On the sets of Aiyya

HOTTIE

38 Bhavna Ruparel and Rishi Bhutani are our hotties

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72 Bipasha Basu says shes all set to reign in the future 76 Ekta Kapoors gung ho about marching to a different beat. 80 Jackky Bhagnanis a poor little rich boy... and proud of it 88 Kamal Haasans ready to blow you away once more 84 Nidhi Subbaiahs all set to sail the B-town waves 96 Nikhil Dwivedi says he isnt afraid of comebacks 100 Director Vasan Bala peddles his craft

INTERVIEWS

GLAMFARE
YOUR LETTERS

103 The lowdown on star fashion

YOUR FILMFARE
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YOUR REVIEWS

116 You play the reviewer

40 On the eve of his Birthday, Filmfare offers you a bouquet of articles on Indias favourite superstar, Amitabh Bachchan 42 Dilip Kumar on Amitabh Bachchan 44 Jaya Bachchan gives an insider track on her legendary husband 50 Abhishek Bachchan on what it means to have a celebrity father. 54 AB tak 70... reasons why we love the phenomenon

AB SPECIAL

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

02 The ed looks with affection on Amitabh Bachchan

EDITORS BLOC

LAST WORD

120 Its the year of newbie actors, says the editor

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SAWAAL JAWAAB

Shatrughan Sinhas racy rejoinders

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PAP ARAZZI
FASHION KA JALWA
To know more turn to page

09
Karan Johar and Priyanka Chopra

Exclusive pictures and candid moments from B-towns most happening fashion event for Shabana Azmis NGO, Mijwan Welfare Society in association with Manish Malhotra

The latest from the gossip racks and the shutterbugs lenses
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Read all about Shah Rukh Khans stay in Kashmir

Rani Mukerjis weighty issues

Turn to see what shocks Ranbir Kapoor

PHOTOGRAPHS: VIRAL BHAYANI, YOGEN SHAH & PRADEEP BANDEKAR

Log on to filmfare.com for latest updates

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Paparazzi: Spotted

IVE EXCLUS

FUNNY MAN

While Punit Malhotra and Imran Khan chatted up and reminisced old times, Arjun Kapoor was in a rather naughty mood. The newcomer was seen bullying all his colleagues in a fun way, obviously!

Punit Malhotra and Imran Khan

Arjun Kapoor

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Priyanka Chopra

GIRL UNINTERRUPTED

Priyanka Chopra was her usual bubbly self at the fashion show. Laughing and giggling away with Karan Johar and Manish Malhotra, she was in her element throughout the evening. Rumours of her supposed fallout with Karan be damned this babe was definitely having the time of her life.

Karan Johar, Priyanka Chopra and Manish Malhotra

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Sonakshi Sinha and Mary Kom

SPORTSTAR STRUCK

Sonakshi Sinha might have been one of the showstoppers at the Mijwan show but the real star was Mary Kom. When Sonakshi heard that Mary had entered the premises, she made it a point to go and congratulate her on making the country proud at this years Olympics.

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Parineeti Chopra and Karan Johar

Kalki Koechlin, Shahana Goswami and Shraddha Kapoor

GANG OF GIRLS

Parineeti Chopra made her presence felt at the fashion show. From the moment she entered, the actress was seen chatting with everyone non-stop. Shraddha Kapoor, Shahana Goswami and Kalki Koechlin became quite the trio at the event as they spoke about movies and more.

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Paparazzi: Spotted

Shabana Azmi and Prateik

...With Shraddha Kapoor

PICTURE THIS

Prateik decided to have his own fun in the green room of the Mijwan show. After he got his hair and make-up done, he took the camera from the inhouse photographer and went on a clicking spree. He captured almost everyone as they got ready for the big show. Psst psst... Prateik and Shraddha Kapoor were also heard discussing their love lives...

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Paparazzi: Spotted

Punit Malhotra, Manish Malhotra, Karan Johar, Rohit Shetty and Prabhudheva

DIRECTORS CUT

Who says actors get to have all the fun. At the Mijwan charity fashion show, Manish Malhotra got Indias top filmmakers to walk the ramp. It was quite a sight to see all of them going through the grooming process. And they sure seemed to have enjoyed it.

Imtiaz Ali, Dia Mirza and Sameera Reddy

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MERA NAAM JOKER

In this picture, Chitrangda Singh left us in splits. Now we know the dusky actress went all out to promote her item number in Joker but must she pose like the alien too? Not only did she match the attire of the alien from the film but his expression too. Rather funny, we say.

SHOT OF THE T FORTNIGH

Deepika Padukone

MS ANIMATED

Look who we spotted -- Deepika Padukone in a rather expressive mood. We wonder whats got her all excited. Maybe she is gloating about the fact that she has an envious line-up of films in her kitty. If we were her, wed be thrilled too!

Chitrangda Singh

EK THA MENTOR

Salman Khan with Vaibhav Anand

Salman Khan has always been known to guide new actors. Whether it was Hrithik Roshan, Arjun Kapoor or the very recent Varun Dhawan -- Mr Khan has mentored them all. So when we spotted the actor with late director Vijay Anands son, we couldnt help but wonder if hed be getting a star launch in B-town soon. Knowing Sallu bhai, he may make it happen. Plus, this Vaibhav Anand is quite the good-looking lad, no?

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OMG MOMENT OF THE FORTNIGHT

Ileana DCruz

TONGUE & CHIC

Ileana DCruz may be effortlessly stylish but the actress still needs to be on her guard while making public appearances. You can disapprove as much as you like but sticking your tongue out is just not good manners, Ileana.

CLICK ME NOT

Now what might look like a rave party bust is actually Preity Zinta exiting the Mumbai international airport. We dont know what the fuss is all about?

Preity Zinta

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Ranbir Kapoor

YOUNG BLOOD
Ranveer Singh

Ranbir Kapoor sure knows how to promote his films. And we arent saying this without reason. His funny expressions in these photographs are taken right out of the Barfi! poster. But we dont know what Ranveer Singhs reason is. Whatever be the reason, we like their over-the-top bindaas ways.

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Paparazzi: Spotted

Kareena Kapoor and Madhur Bhandarkar

DIVINE INTERVENTION

This has to be one of the most unusual ways of launching the music of a film. But not for Madhur Bhandarkar, who has been doing it for for all his films. Kareena Kapoor along with her Heroine director, got the music cds of their film blessed at Siddhivinayak temple in Mumbai. The team created quite a stir on their visit there. Considering her performance in the film has been appreciated, looks like this was a good move.

GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN!

Shazahn Padamsee and Jacqueline Fernandez got rather close after their stint together in Housefull 2. And their close bonding was there for all to see at a recent event. The two girls laughed, joked and gave the cameras quite a field day.

Shazahn Padamsee and Jacqueline Fernandez

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Paparazzi: I Spy

AmitAbh & JAyA go for A drive

Singer Ranbir

A frenzy ensues every time Amitabh Bachchan is spotted in public. He may be 70 but his popularity and fan following can give the younger stars a run for their money. Recently he was spotted driving his Rolls Royce with wife Jaya seated beside him. The actor hadnt rolled up his window. So when his car stopped at a traffic signal, the passersby went berserk and surrounded his car. They almost caused a traffic jam at the signal. Realising that the situation was getting out of hand, Bachchan rolled up the windows and sped away as soon as the light turned green. Now thats a star if ever there was one.

We all know hes a brilliant actor. No doubt on that front. And after singing a small bit for Barfi!, Ranbir Kapoor has turned singer like so many of his predecessors. Whats more, for this Bengali song, music director Pritam made Ranbir rehearse for three days. He made sure the actor got the nuances of the language and the music notes right before he recorded the song. We believe Ranbir was spot on.

Bipashas disturbed workout

That Bipasha Basu is a big fitness enthusiast is a known fact. So when anyone interrupts her workout, it is only natural that the actress will lose her cool. And thats exactly what happened some time ago when she went for her regular workout to a suburban gym in Mumbai. While she was doing cardio on the treadmill, a gym friend came and joined her on the adjoining one and started chatting with her. But what she thought would be a normal five minute conversation, went on for over 20 minutes. Bips got so annoyed that she abruptly stopped her machine and went to the other side of the gym with her trainer. The friend who was talking didnt know what had hit her. Clearly, the actress couldnt fake it anymore. Her exercise regime was being disturbed and she couldnt take it. The friend of course slinked away quietly when she realised her folly. Ha!

KabiR Khan haS become the moSt Sought afteR diRectoR afteR the SuPeR SucceSS of Ek Tha TigEr. heS being offeRed a whoPPing ` 12 cRoRe by leading PRoduction houSeS. will he accePt? well wait and watch

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Paparazzi: I Spy

Male bonding

Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor have signed Yash Raj Films Goonday. A lot has been written about how the two have been giving each other cold vibes over Anushka Sharma. The story goes that when Ranveer and Anushka broke up, Arjun became pally with the actress and that, of course, didnt go down well with Ranveer. But we met the two recently. And there was no trace of any tension between them. Both were cracking up narrating cornball jokes and generally seemed in high spirits. Seeing them on backslapping terms, it was difficult to say that they were giving each other the cold shoulder some time back. Clearly, theyve been friends long before Anushka came on the scene. And they continue to be so.

PRIYANKAS FAN MOMENT

Arshad Warsis airport woes

No, we are not talking about custom problems here. The actor, who was in Bangkok recently, had such a tough time with his fans at the airport that he had to literally run to escape from them. Just before boarding his flight back to India, a bunch of fans came and asked him to pose with them for a photograph. Initially excited, Arshad agreed. But the fan frenzy just wouldnt end. As soon as a bunch of four would go, another four would turn up. And all his fans had just one request, they wanted the actor to pose like Circuit (his character in the Munnabhai series). After clicking over 20 photographs, Arshad managed a quick getaway.

The other day, a teenager tweeted that he was standing outside Priyanka Chopras building waiting to catch a glimpse of his favourite actress. PC and her team got to know about it. They checked and the boy was really standing there waiting for the actress. Priyanka was far away shooting and was scheduled to return home only late at night. So her manager spoke to the boy and convinced him to return home. The last thing they wanted was a boy standing outside their door without food and water. The boy returned home reluctantly. But his happiness knew no bounds when Priyanka met him after a few days. He posed for pictures and got an autograph too.

KAREENA AND SAIF HAVE BOUGHT A NEW HOUSE IN KHAR. ITS BELIEVED TO BE THEIR NEW HOME POST MARRIAGE

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Paparazzi: I Spy

Hrithik to the rescue

SRK chaRmS the valley

Hrithik Roshans manager Ashok Vasodia met with an accident. He fractured a rib and was in a bad shape. Hrithik, who was holidaying in Singapore with his family, immediately offered to come back. But the manager advised him against it. The actor then called up his personal doctor in Mumbai and asked him to call on his manager. Vasodia was hospitalised and Hrithik bore the medical expense. His staff tells us that Hrithik pays for his staffs childrens school fees and also for any other crises they may face. Sweet, na!

The buzz in gossiP circles is ThaT PoliTician ram Vilas Paswans son, chirag, has offered Yash raj films a whoPPing amounT To make a moVie for him. will The PresTigious ProducTion house biTe The baiT?

Shah Rukh Khan was pretty excited about shooting in Kashmir for Yash Chopras yet to be titled film. As a bonus, he even got to spend the night in the same room where Raj Kapoor had shot the famous song Hum tum ek kamre mein bandh ho for Bobby. Shah Rukh was felicitated by the government officials there with a Kashmiri shawl and a copper Samovar. During his stay in the valley, SRK was served Kashmiri Wazwan dishes like rista and goshtab, which he loved. He even requested the hotel to serve him those dishes every day till he was in the valley. Also, the actor only travelled in a chopper from one location to the other for security reasons. After the shoot was over, the actor flew to meet his son Aryan, whos been sent to a boarding school in London. Shah Rukh was missing him terribly and at the first given opportunity he flew off to meet his only true friend as he calls him.

Karismas marriage in doldrums

The rift between Karisma Kapoor and husband Sanjay Kapur is out there. The rumour mills are agog with Sanjay Kapurs relationship with model Priya Chatwal but we hear his family is quite against this relationship. Recently, there was a wedding in the family and Sanjay wanted to bring Priya along with him for the event. His sisters, however, fiercely opposed it. A huge argument ensued between brother and the sisters. The situation apparently got so bad that Sanjay threw a glass of wine at his sister Mandira and walked out of the wedding. Those present told us that the scene was straight out of a Hindi film. Guess his filmi connections had something to do with that.

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Paparazzi: I Spy

Sanju rejuvenated
Have you seen Sanjay Dutt lately? Hes looking rather fresh and young these days. And this apparently is courtesy a cosmetic operation hes undergone. Reportedly, he got the bags under his eyes removed surgically. All in a bid to look young. But the funny thing is, he told everyone around that he was going in for a knee surgery as it had been giving him some trouble of late. But when he returned, the bags under his eyes had disappeared mysteriously. Our sources insist hed been under the knife for his face and not the knee. Ha!

Shahids back injury

Now this one came as a surprise to us too. According to close sources, Shahid Kapoor has been suffering from a minor back injury. A while ago, the actor had gone for a regular check up to a doctors clinic in suburban Mumbai, when a fan spotted him. On being asked what was wrong with him, Shahid sweetly told her that he had a minor back ailment and didnt want to make a big deal of it. Though Sasha seemed like he was in pain, he willingly even clicked a picture with his fan. Much to the fans delight.

Akki flIckS RAnbiRs watch

We were the ones who first told you about how Riteish Deshmukh was dropped from the popular reality show, Indias Got Talent 4, because of the exorbitant fee he demanded. Now that the producers have signed on Karan Johar as the fourth and final judge along with Kirron Kher, Malaika Arora Khan and Farah Khan, Riteish is quite disheartened. Apparently, the actor strongly believed that the producers would give in to his demands. Whats worse, Riteish also thinks taking Karan as the judge on the show isnt a wise decision. Adds our source, Riteish believes that since Karan has already judged a reality show recently (Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa), it made no sense for him to judge a similar show that too within such a short span of time. He even conveyed this to one of the people who approached him. A case of sour grapes?

Riteish upset

Did you know Akshay Kumar has other talents apart from acting? Hes apparently great with the sleight of hand tricks. Recently, he stunned Ranbir Kapoor. The two ran into each other after a play in the surburbs. Ranbir greeted Akshay with a hug and the next thing he knew, his wrist watch was missing. As soon as he noticed it, he yelled, Youve done it again! and the two burst out laughing. Akshay, whose fingers work smoothly, has tried this trick on Ranbir often. Yet Ranbir got tricked once again. Akshay is so good at the tricks that during the promotions of Tees Maar Khan he tried them on many, leaving everyone amazed. Were not surprised actually. Hes the Khiladi No.1 after all.

Rani goes incognito

Rani Mukerji, who was shooting in Pune for Aiyya a while ago, had such a hectic schedule that it hardly left her any time to work out. So she devised a method to get her quota of exercise. She started riding a bicycle to the shooting location. But that came with its set of problems. People spotted her on the roads and stopped her for autographs. It became quite a nuisance. But she didnt want to cut out her exercise routine. Thats when a brilliant plan struck her. She started covering her face. And that did the trick. Suddenly she was incognito. People left her alone and the actress sighed with relief.

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Tabus public fight

Our actresses are known for their calm composure, at least in public. So when Tabu lost her cool on a BEST bus driver recently, onlookers were rather surprised. The actress, who was driving to a suburban theatre in Mumbai, stopped her car in the middle of the road and started screaming at the bus driver for cutting her. Though it wasnt a long fight, a crowd gathered around her car within minutes. An onlooker adds, As soon as he cut her, Tabu screamed and made the bus driver halt. One good thing about the actress was that she didnt abuse. But as soon as the bus stopped, she gave the bus driver a good piece of her mind. And since she wasnt wrong, he had no other choice but to apologise to her. Thats the Tabu we know, always standing up for whats right. Three cheers for the actress.

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kangna breaks up with English boyfriend

We were the first to report Kangna Ranauts relationship with her English boyfriend (Nicholas Lafferty). Now it seems the two have parted ways. Apparently, the long distance relationship wasnt working. Also, the boyfriend wanted to settle down. He wanted babies and a home. All the things that women normally crave. But the idea of settling down was anathema to the actress. The thought of matrimony and motherhood rattled her. She wanted to concentrate on her career. She felt there was enough time for marriage and wanted to do some great work in the coming years. So the two have reportedly called off their relationship.

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FIRST LOOK

Laughing matter
Ajay Devgn in Son Of Sardaar

An exclusive preview of the madcap comedy Son Of Sardaar

A sneak peek into the hottest people and of course movies

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GenNext actors up close and personal. Bhavna Ruparel and Rishi Bhutani spice up our Hottie pages

Our box-office report on Raaz 3 and Joker gives you the latest buzz from showbiz

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First Look Sneak Preview

Son Of Sardaar

Face off: Sonakshi Sinha and Ajay Devgn

RELEASE DATE

November 13, 2012

BANNERS

Viacom18 Motion Pictures, Ajay Devgn Films and Yrv Infra & Media (P) Ltd. Production

DIRECTOR

Ashwini Dhir

STAR CAST

Ajay Devgn, Sonakshi Sinha, Sanjay Dutt and Juhi Chawla

PRODUCERS
Ajay Devgn, NR Pachisia, Pravin Talreja

MUSIC

Himesh Reshammiya
Chak de!: Ajay Devgn

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The Plot
A romantic comedy, Son Of Sardaar takes you straight into the heartland of Punjab and largerthan-life Punjabis. They take pride in their hospitality and are serious about matters of honour and dignity. Jassi (Ajay Devgn) a peace loving, happy-go-lucky Sardar from London falls in love with Meet (Sonakshi Sinha) when he comes to India to sell his ancestral land. A twist of fate and a series of incidents land him on her doorstep where he faces the most unexpected. Enter Billu Paji (Sanjay Dutt) who is the head of Meets family. A cat and mouse game begins. Confusion, drama, comedy and never before seen action that lead to the climax are sure to hold the viewer spellbound.

Indian beauties: Juhi Chawla with supporting artistes

Shades of grey: Sanjay Dutt

Red hot: Sonakshi Sinha

Ride em high: Sanjay

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First Look Sneak Preview

Chittagong
RELEASE DATE
October, 19 2012

BANNERS

NDTV, AKFPL & Bohra Bros Production Pvt Ltd

DIRECTOR

Bedabrata Pain

STAR CAST

Manoj Bajpayee, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Jaideep Ahlawat and Rajkumar Yadav

PRODUCERS

Sunil Bohra, Anurag Kashyap, Shonali Bose and Bedabrata Pain

MUSIC

Shankar Ehsaan and Loy

Manoj Bajpayee has the answers

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Manoj walks a lonely road

Manoj guides Vega Tamotia

The Plot

If you know your Indian history youd know the Chittagong Uprising in 1930 was that violent revolt which almost knocked the British Raj off its perch. Of course it ended up being a tragedy but one that inspired subsequent tales of heroism. One such tale was told by Ashutosh Gowariker in Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Se. Bedabrata Pain, an ex-NASA scientist, is giving the telling of this tale another shot. His film Chittagong will be driven by the intensity of Manoj Bajpayee and Nawazuddin Siddiqui. The film has already received its share of controversies and headlines. The only thing left to do is to sit back and soak in a rustic and honest retelling of an Indian Independence saga.

Nawazuddin and Vega are on the right track

Nawazuddin Siddiqui guns for glory

Rajkumar Yadav is howling mad

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First Look Sneak Preview

Ajab Gazabb Love

RELEASE DATE
October 24, 2012

BANNER

Pooja Entertainment And Films Ltd.

DIRECTOR

Sanjay Gadhvi

STAR CAST

PRODUCER

Vashu Bhagnani

MUSIC

Jackky Bhagnani, Nidhi Subbaiah, Arjun Rampal, Arshad Warsi, Kirron Kher and Darshan Jariwala

Sajid-Wajid
Lovey dovey: Jackky Bhagnani, Nidhi Subbaiah

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All smiles: Arjun Rampal and Darshan Jariwala

Funny man: Arshad Warsi

The Plot

Heir to a billion-dollar automobile empire, Rajveer Grewal (Jackky Bhagnani) has it all. He falls head-over-heels in love with Madhuri (Nidhi Subbaiah), who is a strong advocate of social justice and equality. To his dismay, Rajveer learns that she hates all rich people. So Rajveer decides to pretend to be poor in order to win her love. As Rajveer and his ultrarich family attempt to play the parts of poor slum dwellers, they turn into a dysfunctional bunch of over-the-top actors. The comedy of errors that follows forms the crux of the story.

Why so serious?: Kirron Kher with Darshan, Arjun and Nidhi

Having fun: Jackky and Nidhi

Monkey business: Darshan

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Sets Appeal

Desi tadka
Rani Mukerji is a livewire on any film set. Raghuvendra Singh records the magical moments with unit of Aiyyaa in Lonavala

Film: Aiyyaa Director: Sachin Kundalkar Producers: Anurag Kashyap, Guneet Monga and Viacom 18 Motion Pictures Cast: Rani Mukerji, Prithviraj Music Director: Amit Trivedi Lyricist: Amitabh Bhattacharya

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P
2

4 3

assing through a busy residential area of Lonavala market, I spot a colorful pandal decorated with marigold flowers. The gate is festooned with banana leaves. Like everyone else walking down the road, I too gave it just a cursory glance, taking it to be just another wedding venue. Just then Ranjeet, the assistant director of Aiyyaa, guides me on the phone and made me return to the pandal, do I realise that it was created for an important scene with Rani Mukerji. Aiyya is the love story of a naughty and playful Maharashtrian girl Meenakshi Deshpande (Rani Mukerji) who falls in love with a poised and serious South Indian boy Surya (Prithviraj). Needless to add, theres a twist to the tale. As I enter the set, I spot Rani Mukerji keenly watching the production monitor. Clearly, shes aced her scenes. Were in Savitri Nivas, Meenakshi Despandes home in the film. Talk about being in character. Ive rarely seen Rani look so pretty. Dressed in a golden silk saree, with bright green bangles on her arms and Kolhapuri chappals, shes the typical Maharashtrian mulgi. Rani touches up her makeup as the song Wakda plays in the background. Its hard to differentiate real from reel, the scene looks like it belongs in a film. Wakda created by the famed duo of music director Amit Trivedi and lyricist Amitabh Bhattacharya is pitch perfect. Matching their eye for detail is choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant, who guides the actress through text book dancing steps. Rani is ecstatic about the chance to play this interesting character. She smiles, While working on this film, Ive learnt new things about Maharashtrian culture, food 1. Finishing touches: Rani and lifestyle. Its Mukerji a totally new experience for me. 2. The pandal for the ring ceremony Im impressed with the interiors of 3. Rani checks the monitor with Savitri Nivas, which Prithviraj and are spitting images Vaibhavi Merchant of the home of a 4. Director Sachin middle-class family. Kundalkar okays Just as Im about to the take sing praises of the

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Aiyyaa Trivia

l Rani Mukerji narrowly escaped

5 6

a fire accident on the set. She was wearing a silk saree and right under her chair was a live mosquito coil. Her saree caught fire, but the technicians on the set soon had it in control. l One of the scenes required additional South Indian junior artistes and on Ranis suggestion her PA Amosh and her bodyguard were cast in the scene. Rani supervised their make-up too. l Aiyyaa is a Marathi word. When something unexpected happens, Marathi girls often utter it as an exclamation of surprise. l Aiyyaa has a lot of Marathi and Tamil dialogue. During such scenes the movie may feature Hindi subtitles on the screen

5. The director discusses a shot with his assistant Chinmay 6. Prithviraj, Rani, Sachin and Vaibhavi ready to pack up

PHOTOGRAPHS: RAGHUVENDRA SINGH

art director, Sachin, the director of Aiyyaa reveals, This house belongs to our friend Paresh Mokashi, who made the acclaimed Marathi film Harishchandrachi Factory. The next shot is being canned in the pooja ghar. A tall and handsome young man enters the set. He look attractive in a dhoti kurta and pagdi (turban). This is the first time Im meeting Prithviraj, the star of Malayalam films. Aiyyaa is his debut Hindi film. Prithvi is excited about his first steps in Hindi cinema, I am playing a South Indian boy so the role isnt too difficult for me. I am a bit awkward with the Hindi

When the generator breaks down, Rani proposes a game of antakshari. With every song she jumps to her feet and dances uninhibitedly
language though, but the experience of working in this film is very important for my career. Director Sachin calls for a dinner break at midnight. And unlike most stars of her stature, Rani chooses to have her dinner with the director and crew instead of retiring to the privacy of her vanity van. Next on the schedule is the

scene of the sagai (engagement). Right when the shoot is about to kick off again, the generator breaks down. The technicians inform us that it will take an hour to get it up and running. Despite the delay, the spirits on the sets remain high thanks to Rani Mukerjis improvisation. She proposes a game of antakshari. Sachin, Vaibhavi, Prithviraj, the supporting artistes and the assistant directors all form a circle around Rani. Vaibhavi breaks into Aaj phir jeene ki tamanna hai from Guide and one supporting actor hums Madhuri Dixits Mai ni mai munder pe teri from Hum Aapke Hain Koun...! With every song Rani jumps to her feet and dances uninhibitedly. Its Rani who works the timer when someone cant recall a song. And just like that an hour breezes by. Though the generator is soon back online, the cast and crew seems more interested in their antakshari. Every actor, including Rani and Prithviraj give their shots and then rush back to sing songs. Before we know it, morning dawns on the horizon and Sachin calls for pack up. The junior artistes surround Rani to click pics with her as I bid adieu with memories of a good old fashioned Indian night out with old Hindi songs and impromptu dancing. n

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Visit us at

An update of the films released between August 28 to September 10, 2012

First Look Box office

Shock, horror!
FINAL ANALYSIS

Flop

Everyone was expecting Akshay Kumar to deliver another hit in the wake of Rowdy Rathod. So it shocked the industry when the much anticipated Joker tanked at the box office. Made on an estimated budget of `45 crores, it reportedly garnered around 15 crores. Compare this to Raaz 3. Made on a miniscule budget, it reportedly had a `36 crore weekend collection. Thats a huge cost-to-profit ratio. The Bhatt camp has been known to make intelligently budgeted films and the formula has worked wonders again for them!

Joker

Director: Shirish Kunder cast: Akshay Kumar, Sonakshi Sinha and Shreyas Talpade. release date: August 31, 2012 rapid review: A comedy containing alien encounters. Trade verdict: No reply was forthcoming despite repeated attempts.

Sonakshi Sinha and Akshay Kumar in Joker

Viewers verdict:It did make me laugh in parts but as a whole it went over my head. Anushka Ashar, 16, student

raaz 3

FINAL ANALYSIS

Director: Vikram Bhatt cast: Emraan Hashmi, Bipasha Basu and Esha Gupta release date: September 7, 2012 rapid review: Horror served with a side dish of 3D. Trade verdict: No reply was forthcoming despite repeated attempts.

Hit

Viewers verdict: The money shots of Bipasha Basu and Esha Gupta made up for the lack of horror element. Prasad N, 27, engineer

Esha Gupta and Emraan Hashmi in Raaz 3

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Visit us at

First Look: Hottie

Name: Bhavna Ruparel Age: 24 Place of birth: Mumbai Vital stats: 35-28-36 Qualification: Bachelor in Mass Media Previous projects: Joggers Park, Na Tum Jaano Na Hum Future projects: telugu film Sukumardu and Chal Pichchur Banate Hai Dream role: Manisha Koiralas in Khamoshi Other interests: Cooking and trekking Favourite film: Rang De Basanti Favourite director: Zoya Akhtar Favourite actor: ranbir Kapoor Favourite actress: My sister Pooja ruparel (Chutki, Kajol's sister in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge

SiSter

act

If you would like to be featured as a hottie, send us your bio and pictures

Send us your views, opinions and suggestions to: Email: filmfare.hottie@wwm.co.in Fax: 022 - 22731585 Mail: Hottie, Filmfare, The Times of India Bldg., 4th Floor, Dr D N Road, Mumbai 400 001, India (Please mention your full name and address)

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First Look: Hottie

Name: Rishi Bhutani Age: 29 Place of Birth: Meerut Vital stats: 41-31-35 Qualification: BCA, MSc Computer Science Previous projects: Bolo Ram with Naseeruddin Shah, Tamil film Madisar Mami Madana Mama Future projects: Shyam Benegals Haryana Brigade Dream role: Shah Rukh Khans in Darr Other interests: Martial Arts Favourite film: Karan Arjun Favourite director: Yash Chopra Favourite actor: Govinda Favourite actress: Madhuri Dixit

SMALL

BOY
If you would like to be featured as a hottie, send us your bio and pictures
Send us your views, opinions and suggestions to: Email: filmfare.hottie@wwm.co.in Fax: 022 - 22731585 Mail: Hottie, Filmfare, The Times of India Bldg., 4th Floor, Dr D N Road, Mumbai 400 001, India (Please mention your full name and address)

TOWN
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A M I TA B H

B AC H C H A N

S P E C I A L

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Amitabh Bachchan. We adore the man. We love the phenomenon. Over the years, hes become the symbol of longevity, of brand equity, of resilience. He has everything you can hope for and more. But more than his riches and fame, what draws us to him and what we want to emulate and imbibe is his humility, his ability to retain grace under pressure, his commitment towards his craft which hasnt waned with the passage of years. Hes kind of become a family member. All those who follow him on Twitter feel as if they are interacting with some much travelled grand uncle; full of advice and wit. On the eve of his 70th birthday, we spoke to some people close to him wife Jaya Bachchan, son Abhishek Bachchan and idol Dilip Kumar. Then, we also gathered a bouquet of 70 reasons why we are so much in love with our favourite superstar. We hope, dear reader, that youll gain as much pleasure reading it, as we did while putting it together

WITH LOVE
PAGE NO 74 PAGE NO 76 PAGE NO 86 PAGE NO 90

TO SIR

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b a c h c h a n

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years we have developed, quite unintentionally, our own exclusive mutual admiration club
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Over the

Actor
Dilip Kumar on the mutual admiriation club he shares with amitabh bachchan
vividly remember the shot of Shakti taken at Juhu with the chopper whirring loudly in the backdrop where I am in the helicopter and I land on the sands of Juhu beach where Amit is waiting for me. He walks towards me slowly. It was the mahurat shot and our first contact in front of the camera. Neither he nor I had lines to speak. It was a play of intense emotional expression without dialogue. There were spectators and the entire unit was agog and keen to flag off the start of the films shooting. I could see before me an actor of deep commitment to the work he was doing and a fine sense of restrained acting which was visible in the measured steps he was taking and the eloquence in his facial expression. Later on, when we were chatting informally, he told me how nervous he was as it was his first scene with me. It was sweet and unassuming on his part to say so because he came across as a confident actor capable of conveying an uncommon intensity and authority through his screen presence. It is always a stimulating experience when the actor with you in a scene has as much desire as you have to raise the scene to the

Amit is A complete
i
marked level or play it down to the level demanded by the script and screenplay. All through the making of Shakti it was a pleasure working with Amit who I feel is a complete actor. What I also remember about him during the making of Shakti is his undivided attention to details of the character he was playing and the histrionic demands of the script. As a result, director Ramesh Sippy was able to steer our scenes with ease and clarity. Over the years we have developed, quite unintentionally, our own exclusive mutual admiration club. We keep in touch and it is always a pleasure to meet him and talk to him when I run into him at industry gatherings. Always a man of fine manners and well spoken, respectful towards seniors in the profession, humble about his exceptional achievements, unflinchingly dedicated and disciplined at work, he should be an example to aspirants and rising actors. I am equally fond of Jaya and always remember her with a deep sense of affection when I think of her respectful unaffected ways and the high calibre of her work. n
(co-ordinAted by rAghuvendrA Singh)

shot ofShakti: Dilip On Juhu beach for the muhuratRamesh Sippy Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan and

Sitting: Amitabh Bach Bachchan Standing: Sachan, Dilip Kumar and Jaya ira Banu and Abhishek FF-M1

A M I TA B H

B AC H C H A N

S P E C I A L

ATTRA
I
SAME, SAME YET DIFFERENT IS HOW JAYA BACHCHAN DESCRIBES HUSBAND AMITABH AND HERSELF. SHE TALKS TO MEERA JOSHI ABOUT THEIR FOUR DECADES OF TOGETHERNESS
ts time for celebrations and jubilation in the Bachchan household. Amitabh Bachchan completes 70 on October 11 this year. And on June 3, 2013 Jaya Bachchan and he will celebrate their Ruby (40th) wedding anniversary. Though theyre a private family, news has leaked out that the family is planning a surprise for him. The petite Jaya Bhaduri and the tall, lanky Amitabh Bachchan made an unusual couple. While she appeared peppy and mischievous, he was the quiet, introspective and brooding sort. But both of them are a powerhouse of talent. We decide to get to know the man behind the actor through the lady whos stood by him for 40 years. Initially shes reluctant. Im not the interview giving kind. Hes the talker, Im the doer, she tells me. Besides, were very boring people. We dont have any adventures. But a little persuasion helps and she concedes, I wouldnt do it for any newspaper but you can come and meet me. Delighted, I make it to Janak, the Bachchan office, in time on the appointed day and she tells me: impressed with cinema. I was impressed by him and somewhat in awe as he was Harivanshrai Bachchans son. I definitely felt he was different though people laughed at me when I said that. I voiced my feelings and said hes going to make it big. Even though I was aware he wasnt the usual stereotype hero. I fell in love with him very soon. I used to call him Lambuji till Shweta started calling him by that name too. I realised it was time to stop. After Shweta was born, we had a maid to help during the day but at night wed do everything

OPPOSITES
GIVE VENT TO PENT UP EMOTIONS? WELL, I DONT KNOW WHETHER HE HAS BOXING MATCHES IN THE BATHROOM

DOES AMIT

HE HAS REDEFINED AGE

When you heard someone is 70, you once thought, my God, thats hell of a lot but when you see Amit, interact with him, you think, 70? No, no, cant be. He has redefined age. How time has gone by. The first time I saw him was when he visited the Pune Film Institute with KA Abbas but I was introduced to him on the sets of Guddi. He was supposed to play the role eventually done by Samit Bhanja but Anand released and Hrishikesh Mukherjee didnt want a known face to play the character of a man who wasnt

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CT
PHOTOGRAPH: RAKESH SHRESTHA

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The cover of Filmfare dated November 1, 1974

ourselves. In fact, on Sundays Amit would take over. Hed even bathe her. During Abhisheks time he couldnt be as involved with the family as he was very busy. Hes close to both our children. Whether hes closer to Shweta or Abhishek, well that depends on what were talking about. Abhishek was the baby of the family till he himself became a father. Now I do see Amit and Abhishek sharing a lot more, man to man. He was ecstatic when we got to know Aishwarya was expecting. He could barely hold himself for the first four months but once the doctor said it was okay to make the announcement, he broke the news on Twitter. Aaradhya looked a lot like Abhishek when she was born. She has his features and body structure but now shes more like her mother. Amit depends a lot on Shweta, especially when it comes to his writing or reading.

being fair to all took success What has sorted him and helps him for granted. continue to remain where he has been for so many years is the fact when you've that he takes his success and his experienced a achievements in his stride. When he history of failure, looks out onto the road and goes to you know it can happen again
secret of his success is his humility. I still dont think he realises what he is, where he is or what hes doing. He just does what he thinks is right. Thats such a normal way to do things for someone whos a celebrity. Whatever he does is the way any normal person would. He doesnt think from the point, I Amitabh Bachchan. Never. Hes constantly aware hes Harivanshrais and Teji Bachchans son, Shwetas and Abhisheks father, Aishwaryas fatherin-law and a grandfather. He thinks of all these before he does anything. He deals with situations and addresses problems the same way you or

He never

I would. Being in the position hes in, it could be easy to get carried away and think differently. Success never affected him. In fact, it irritates him. He goes into the Who needs me? No one wants me. Meri picture nahin chalti hai mode. Or hell say, There are so many younger people around. Its annoying when he talks like that. And believe me, hes not saying it for effect. He genuinely believes what he says. And that goads him to work harder, which is amazing. Hes not the sort wholl lie back and say, Theek hai, kar liya. Dont need to do anymore. He doesnt rest on his achievements. He takes whatever he does seriously, not just his film roles. It could be anything. Thats difficult to believe but thats been his big support system. Hes still striving to achieve. People might ask why does he need to? He will listen to every filmmaker who approaches him and genuinely give it a thought. He finds it difficult to say no. Another actor might wonder, If I do this role it might be bad for me. Its not going to help me. But Amit will say, Poor chap is depending on me. He tries his best not to say no. To be honest, I dont have that kind of patience.

secret of his success

Its difficult for me to talk about him because he represents so many different things to different people. But I suppose only the family knows him for the real person he is. The

Singing the Jiski biwi choti verse at a stage show

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meet the crowds outside the bungalow on Sundays, hes overwhelmed. He cant believe that theyre there to meet him. He tries to reason that its all a tamasha and that they dont mean it. Hes not being modest, he really thinks so. Hes worried about the women in the crowd. Hell alert the security to separate the men and the women so no harm comes to them. Hes very conscious of that. What is important to him is not to be unfair to anyone. To be fair to all. Amit is self-effacing. Take the recent Olympics event at London. He never said anything to anyone about

it. When I asked why, he gave a vague, I dont know, lets see kind of answer. He postponed the trip twice, once because of the break-in at home. Then he just hopped onto a flight, did his bit and returned. It was an honour to be invited by the London Olympics Organising Committee to carry the torch on the final leg of the relay. If hes angry or takes a stand you can be sure that required a huge effort on his part. If hes upset with someone he can cut himself off completely. Its over, finished, done. Finito. Giving vent to pent up emotions? Well I dont know whether he has boxing matches in the bathroom. He finds anything negative distasteful. I react and get upset. He doesnt. Hell reason that you have to look at things from the other persons point of view. In that sense both of us are so very different from each other. Later, I sit down and think would I do it like this or would I do it the way he would and I realise my god, yes, beneath it all we think and are so alike in so many ways.

The wedding on June 3, 1973

alert, sincere, honest

File photo from the early 1980s

talent is the least important. it's all about lobbying. amazing isnt it?

Today

When you are absolutely new and face failure, you want that one big chance to prove yourself. You may be a good actor but your films dont work. In the film industry, 60 per cent is luck and 40 per cent is availing the right opportunities. Today I hear the younger generation talking about casting and whos good and whos bad. I belong to a generation when casting the right person for the role was most important. Hrishikesh Mukherjee felt, You may be a star but you dont suit my character so I wont take you in my film. Today I realise that talent is the least important. Its all about lobbying. I didnt do it and havent seen my husband do it. Its all about marketing. Amazing isnt it? If youre lucky your strategies work. When he was struggling and his films werent doing well, it was upsetting as it would be for anyone. But when success came, he never took it for granted. Because when youve experienced a history of failure, you know it can happen again. So he was constantly alert, sincere and honest. And thats what made him a star. And when he reached that position, he needed space, a huge amount of space. Because when you have so many things to think of, if youre

The couple with Harivanshra i and Teji Bachchan

The Bachchans on holiday

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WHEN HE WASNT WORKING HE DROVE US CRAZY. HE WAS BUSY BUYING AN OVEN, WASHING MACHINE
make sure they appear on the table. Having given up eating meat years ago, hes a vegetarian but he eats eggs. Hes religious, spiritual and practices yoga every morning.

INBETWEEN

A FAMILY MAN

PHOTOGRAPH: ATUL KASBEKAR

The Filmfare cover dated January, 2001

Its strange but the only holidays we had when the kids were small were when we joined him on outdoors during the summer holidays. The entire family would go wherever Amit was shooting, my father-in-law, mother-in-law, brother-in-laws family. Once Shweta and Abhishek went to boarding school, they wanted to be home for the holidays. Once youve been away from home for so long, you dont want to go anywhere. Amit loves being at home, he has never been the party-going sort. But we did attend premieres which were huge affairs then. He loves having our grandchildren around Shwetas and Nikhil Nandas Navya Naveli (15) and Agastya (12) and now Abhisheks Aaradhya wholl be one soon. All of them are gadget freaks. Agastya

going to be bombarded by pressures from the home as well it can be tedious and taxing. So I became the man and the woman of the house and he the fund raiser. And he remained one for a long, long time. I got so used to handling things on my own that now even when he has the time and is at home I have to consciously tell myself, hes at home and maybe I should ask him and get another opinion. Im sure he may have had problems with the way I dealt with things but he also gave me space. In between when he wasnt working, he drove all of us crazy. He was busy buying an oven, washing machine which was difficult for me as a

housewife to accept. But he insisted saying, everything was old and to donate or throw them away and buy the latest models. He was trying to run the household which was hilarious and painful. Hes not a control freak but he does like to be in control of his life. And he has great consideration for the feelings of the rest of the family. His strong sense of being fair always surfaces. He never insists on taking decisions for the family. He never wants a say in day to day affairs. Once in a while hell mention that hed liked a particular dish and that could we have it again. Of course we all know his preferences and

A file photo: Amitabh and Jaya with Agastya and Navya Naveli

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Abhimaan

teaches his grandfather how to use any new gadget. And if Amit gets stuck somewhere with his phone or computer, he calls him up and asks, Agastya, how do I fix this? Both of them get onto Facetime and when the problem is solved, you can hear Amit say, Okay, thanks buddy. Today he has more time to spend with his grandchildren than he had when Shweta and Abhishek were

THROUGH ALL THE NEWSPAPERS BECAUSE HE NEEDS TO LAMBAST AT NIGHT ON HIS BLOG

AMIT GOES

Zanjeer

Bansi Birju

Ek Nazar

Abhishek, Aishwarya, Amitabh, Shweta and Jaya

Mili

ONSCREEN MOMENTS

Chupke Chupke

young. He may not constantly play with them or talk to them but his security stems from the fact that they are there. As soon he gets home he asks, Memsaab kahan hai, bhaiyya kahan hai, bahurani kahan hai? If Shweta is here hell also ask, Baby kahan hai, bachhe kahan hai? Once he knows everyone is home safe, he heads to his room to sit and do his own thing. The children complain. Shwetall say shes on a holiday here so why is he sitting in his study. Im not into gadgets, I know what I need to. If theres a problem I call Abhishek or if hes not around then Agastya. I prefer to read the newspaper in the morning rather than check the news on the Internet. I stick to The Times of India in Mumbai and The Hindu when Im in Delhi. Amit of course goes through all the newspapers because he
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham

needs to lambast at night on his blog. I read his blogs regularly and get to know quite a lot from them. Everything that gets written about any of us is marked and archived. Its a shame that we dont give archives enough importance in our country. Were in the process of buying as many of Amits films as we can to restore them as far as possible and preserve them. Its not easy but were trying. I dont think my husband has any plans to pen his memoirs. There are enough people doing that for him. I cant write to save my life. He stays up late to write his blog. Thats the time he can get his thinking machinery going when everything is quiet and theres no one around to distract or disturb him. Because he writes late into the night people have the impression that he suffers from insomnia but far from it. He can sleep anytime, anywhere. Ask the people he works with. He can fall asleep on the set, right on his seat between shots. n

Silsila

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A M I TA B H

B AC H C H A N

S P E C I A L

PA
ON AMITABH BACHCHANS 70TH BIRTHDAY ABHISHEK BACHCHAN LOOKS BACK WITH AWE AND AFFECTION. RAGHUVENDRA SINGH RECORDS THE MOMENTS

THERES NO ONE QUITE LIKE

mitabh Bachchans birthday has always been a special occasion for Abhishek Bachchan. He may be in any corner of the world, but he always tries to be with Pa on his birthday. Walking down memory lane, Abhishek says, The most beautiful birthdays were when our entire family used to be at home together. Dadaji and Dadima were there. Dadaji used to write a poem for

everyones birthday. He never gave greeting cards, he used to gift poems. I remember, during our childhood, we used to wait for Dadaji to come out of his room and recite a poem to us. After a brief pause, Abhishek returns to the present, The best thing on a birthday is to spend time with the family. Everyone sits together and chats; what else do you want? I think Pa is also the happiest spending his birthday this way.

PHOTOGRAPH: SUBI SAMUEL

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TO WRITE A POEM FOR EVERYONES BIRTHDAY. HE NEVER GAVE GREETING CARDS, HE USED TO GIFT POEMS
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DADAJI USED

Bunty Aur Babli

Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna

k and Amitabh frolic: Abhishe Fun &

Family portrait!

Sarkar

TAKE CARE OF HIS HEALTH. I WANT HIM TO BE CAREFUL BUT I ALSO KNOW THAT HE IS NOT GOING TO LISTEN TO ME
An ideal son, Abhishek keeps telling Pa that he should work less now and rest, I am his son; I want him to rest and take care of his health. He has three grandchildrenNavya Naveli, Agastya and Aaradhya he should play with them and teach them all the great morals and principles that he taught my sister Shweta and me. But I am his fan as well, so I also want to see him more and more on the big screen and TV. He goes on to complain, Pa doesnt take care of his health. I want him to be careful but I also know that he is not going to listen to me. Amitabh Bachchans reel and social life is definitely large and colourful. But he has maintained a simple and straightforward personal life. This can be sensed by the way he has brought up his kids, Abhishek and Shweta. Recalling his childhood, Abhishek remembers When I was small, he was Pa for me. He never brought his stardom home. At home he was never treated like, Oh, he is The Amitabh Bachchan. At home, he was only Pa. As a kid, I thought all fathers must be like him. We were never given

PA DOESNT

Sarkar Raj

Bol Bachchan

ONSCREEN MOMENTS

Paa

specials treatment because we were Amitabh Bachchans children. On entering adolescence, Abhishek realised his Pa is somewhat different, but he was still not aware of Pas stardom. According to Abhishek, When I went with him in front of the public for the first time, I saw peoples love for him. But I felt everyones dad must be received that way. It is difficult for people to understand that I have always seen people surrounding him and respecting him. When Abhishek finally became aware of his Pas stature, he felt very proud. He smiles with pride, There is no one quite like Pa and there never will be. Big B was already a grandfather (nanaji), to his daughters children, and now he has become a grandpa (dadaji) once again with Aaradhya. But Abhishek refuses to see him in any other image. For me, he will always be Pa. I cannot see him as anyone else. When my daughter, Aaradhya, grows up, she will see him as a grandfather, but I cannot see him as a grandfather. Right now, Abhishek is thousands of miles away from his Pa, shooting for Dhoom 3 in Chicago. But he will be back in Mumbai on October 11 to make his Pas 70th birthday a memorable one. The 70th year is a big milestone in anyones life. It is a good reason to celebrate. I am coming back to Mumbai on Pas birthday, informs a joyous Abhishek. n

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A M I TA B H B AC H C H A N S P E C I A L

REASONS WHY WE

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Superstar, super actor, supremely humble, supremely humane you run out of superlatives when it comes to describing Amitabh Bachchan. Hes defined what it means to be a celebrity and defied the norms of celebrityhood as well. Hes our gold standard when it comes to acting yet insists he still has much to learn. A man adored by the millions and yet someone who remains unfazed by it all. Hes an opinion maker who takes his responsibilities seriously. Hes been an exemplary son, is an ideal father and belongs to that rare, fading breed called gentlemen. His dignity and poise, his resilience in the face of adversity has been a source of inspiration to all. Hes turning 70 and as a token of our affection, we have compiled 70 reasons why we love him. Read on

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIR! DEVESH SHARMA LISTS 70 REASONS WHY EVERYONE LOVES THE PHENOMENON CALLED AMITABH BACHCHAN

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Because he has shown us that Buddah hoga tera baap isnt just a random phrase. At 70, his energy levels can put people half his age to shame.

Because no one has filled his shoes as yet. Hes really made it large.

BECAUSE SHASHI KAPOOR MAY HAVE MAA, HES GOT PAA.

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Because mercifully, he is neither Rajnikanth nor Chuck Norris. He doesnt need jokes to increase his shelf life.

Because he would have made a great radio star, a great silent era star and a Hollywood great as well. He has transcended Einsteins space and time theory.

BECAUSE HE DOESNT HAVE TO TAKE OFF HIS SHIRT TO BE MACHO. HE MANAGES IT ALL DESPITE THAT, BADE AARAM SE...

Because he made the phrase angry young man a fashion statement. And men still copy him.

BECAUSE BEING HUMBLE OR BEING HUMANE ISNT JUST A T-SHIRT LOGO FOR HIM.

Because he has taught us to have a conversation with our PCs. Hello computerji, lock kiya jaye?

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WHILE OTHERS MAY HAVE ABS, HE DOESNT NEED THE EXTRA S.
Because hes made GK (General Knowledge) cool again and has proved to be an avenger for the bookworms and geeks.

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Because a nation stopped and prayed when he fell ill. His Coolie injury became a national calamity.

Because hes fallible. His political career and ABCL are proof of that. We aspire to make grand mistakes like him.

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BECAUSE HE MIGHT HAVE SPRING IN HIS DNA AS HE HAS ALWAYS BOUNCED BACK AND RETURNED BIGGER AND BETTER.

BECAUSE FOR OUR GENERATION (AND FOR EVERY GENERATION) MOVIES WOULD BE CLASSIFIED AS BEING BA (BEFORE AMITABH) AND AB (AFTER BACHCHAN).
Because hes the original item boy. Songs like Mere angnein mein to Shava shava to Bol bol bol bol Bachchan are testimony to that.

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Because hes more tech-savvy than any teenybopper. When hes not blogging, hes on Twitter, his followers zooming in on every word he writes like crazy. And now hes on Facebook too and suddenly Mark Zuckerberg looks very, very happy.

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Because he has saved millions by saying, Do boond zindagi ke and has made even those living in the interiors interested in Polio Drops.

Because we journos are more interested in covering A-B of the film industry than C-Z.
BECAUSE HE PROVIDED A CINEMASCOPE EXPERIENCE TO TV AND BROUGHT BACK THE MAGIC OF FAMILY VIEWING.

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Because he was a model son to his illustrious parents, Dr Harivanshrai Bachchan and Teji Bachchan, a quality we would like to emulate and imbibe.

Because if you took as many pills as he does, youd get a pharmacists certificate.
BECAUSE IF ONE COULD COMMERCIALISE WILL POWER, HED HAVE BEEN THE BIGGEST POWER COMPANY

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BECAUSE WE ARE ALL IN AWE OF HIS GAADI, BANGLA AND BANK BALANCE.

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Because he gets up at five to do yoga. Thats when some of us go to sleep.
Because Christmas comes early for any brand that he chooses to endorse. Hes the Santa clause of the ad world contracts alright. Because hes a one-man industry, an institution and you dont have to go whistling in the woods to learn from him.

BECAUSE HE MAKES ABSURD LOOK SUBLIME. AND TAKES SUBLIME TO NEW HEIGHTS.

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Because he told us that English is a funny language. As bhairon becomes barron and barron becomes bhairon because their minds are very narrow.

Because you, your father and probably your grandfather know his famous dialogue by heart.

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BECAUSE HE MAKES YOU YEARN FOR HOLI EVERY TIME YOU HEAR RANG BARSE.

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Because thanks to him you can keep a goatee without looking like a minor character from 3 Musketeers.

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BECAUSE DAHI HANDI CELEBRATIONS ARENT COMPLETE WITHOUT MACH GAYA SHOR SAARI NAGRI RE...
Because hes made all of us revise our retirement plans.

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BECAUSE HE LOOKS AS GOOD IN A KNOTTED SHIRT AS IN AN ARMANI.

Because every young director wants to cast him in the hope of being counted as a made man.

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Because hes so punctual one can set the clock by him.

BECAUSE HES KNOWN TO GIVE 110 PER CENT ONCE HE COMMITS TO A PROJECT. ASK RAM GOPAL VARMA. GO SEE HIS AAG.

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BECAUSE HE MAKES YOU CRAVE FOR MONSOON EVERY TIME YOU HEAR AAJ RAPAT JAAYEN.

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Because hes made it okay to fight with God and even give us a kick-ass retort Aaj khush to bahut hoge tum.

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BECAUSE IF GOD WANTED TO MAKE HIM ANY HOTTER, HE WOULD HAVE SET HIM ON FIRE.

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Because we loved him as Supremo. Hes the only B-town actor to have a comic book hero based on him.

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Because hes as hardworking now as he was on the sets of Saat Hindustani.

Because he was an outsider who made it big and started his own dynasty.

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BecAuse every time someone tells you to sign something, you cAn AlwAys procrAstinAte By sAying Jao pehle uss aadmi ka sign leke aao... (fill in your reAsons)...

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Because unlike many other actors, hes Been married to the same woman for 40 years now.

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Because he never stopped making headlines even when he was off the press.

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Because we can safely replace the words complete entertainer with Amitabh Bachchan.

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BecAuse we imAgine gods voice to Be something similAr to his BAritone.

Because he makes us realise that being old doesnt mean you cant learn new tricks. Because mard ko dard nahin hota. hit yourself hard right now to prove your manhood. Because he has shown us that you can say more by raising your eyebrow than by raising your voice.

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Because of his gentlemanly sense of humour. He knows how to pull someones leg and not cross the line.

Because he overtook the phenomenon called Rajesh Khanna and made the superstar tag his own.

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BECAUSE HE KNOWS HOW TO LAUGH AT HIMSELF.

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Because if you want to confuse someone, just say the whole country of the system is juxtaposition by the haemoglobin in the atmosphere over and over again.

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Because the DVDs of even his flop films have become a collectors item.

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BECAUSE YOU WANTED HIM TO BEAT THE BEEFIER, HEAVIER BAD GUYS AND CLEAN UP THE SYSTEM. HE PUNCHED AWAY YOUR BLUES.
Because he has taught us that its possible to apply band aid to the mirror and get better.

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BECAUSE HE INSISTS RAJESH KHANNA WAS THE ONLY TRUE SUPERSTAR.

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Because he gives supermodels a complex when he walks the ramp.

Because he has made acting seem like Zen meditation. Click on the DVD, take several deep breaths... youre calm already, arent you?

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Because he made us conscious of mother love time and again and reminded us that God cant be everywhere so he made mothers.

BECAUSE YOU CAN LEARN HINDI PRONUNCIATION BY LISTENING TO HIS DIALOGUE.

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Because he goes out of his way to extend a hand to the needy but doesnt tom-tom about his charitable acts to the press.

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BECAUSE HIS AFFECTION FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS KNOWS NO BOUNDS. HE LIVES AND BREATHES FOR HIS FAMILY.

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LOVE DOESNT NEED REASONS!
BECAUSE
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Because of his intense brooding eyes. Women find them a great turn on and men have been going squint-eyed for decades trying to copy the effect.

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BECAUSE HIS SLO-MO RUN IS SEXIER THAN PAMELA ANDERSONS AND USAIN BOLTS COMBINED.

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Because mere paas aao mere doston is a cool, scary lullaby. Try playing it in dim light and see the results.

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ANOTHER
Cover story
SUCCESS HAS HELPED ARJUN KAPOOR DISCOVER NEW DREAMS AND NEWER BONDS. ANURADHA CHOUDHARY MEETS THE HOTTEST BET

SON

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PHOTOGRAPHS: ABHAY SINGH STYLIST: KUNAL RAWAL HAIR: AALIM @ HAKIMS AALIM MAKE-UP: RAJESH NAG CAR COURTESY: AUDI MUMBAI WEST PRODUCTION: BINDIYA AND NARII T-shirt: Kunal Rawal I Denims: Citizen of Humanity

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A few years ago, you wouldnt have given him an ice cubes chance in hell of making it here. Chances are you wouldnt even have recognised him. At 140 kilos, he was a far cry from the suave newcomer whos posing before the Hasselblad today. Then his girth evoked mirth, as did his lethargic ways. Youd have probably cracked up if someone told you that one day hed be the toast of showbiz. Not your fault though. He himself would have been in splits at the mere thought of being in front of the camera. Cut to Famous Studio. Arjun Kapoors posing like a professional. Like he was always meant to be here. The fat has melted away. His six pack abs and sculpted biceps could put any fitness freak to shame. Hes even got the movie star looks. And after the success of his debut film Ishaqzaade hes looked on as a total package. Filmmakers are scrambling to cast him. Hes already got Dharma Productions Two States and Yash Raj Films Aurangzeb and Goonday. If the movies hes signed are anything to go by, Arjuns on a roll. It was as much as his talent as good timing that has lifted him from the world of obscurity to prime time. Hes ready to zoom off

Its a time of firsts for me. I walked the ramp for the first time the other day. I did my first action sequence based solely on me for Aurangzeb. Im having date problems for the first time. I got my first car recently. The success of Ishaqzaade is finally sinking in. I like being busy, something I couldnt relate to earlier. People would say they get so tired they just want to hit the bed at night. I know what that means now. There are days you just want to sleep. Im enjoying the feeling of wanting that one day off and enjoying a holiday.

hat have you been up to lately?

Adi said youre not the best looking guy ... It removed all notions from my head that I was suave like Imran and Hrithik

Must be quite a change from your earlier life as an assistant director.

Earlier, I was irrelevant to the scheme of things. I had to look after people who mattered. Today I matter. But I cant take it for granted. Its interesting giving an interview sitting in front of the camera. I know what it feels like to be behind the camera. Thats why I value it. Everything seems like a dream. I dont know what the future holds for me. I just want to soak in the now.

With Parineeti Chopra in Ishaqzaade

Losing weight made me confident. I enrolled in an acting class. After a three-month workshop, I joined Kishor Namitjis classes. Both helped me realise I could face the camera. I met Shanoo, the casting director for Yash Raj Films, who told me my eyes are arrogant. I told her I wasnt arrogant but shy. She said stay dedicated, lose some more weight and look sharp because the Chopras want to launch new boys. Ranveers Band Baaja Baaraat was being made. She asked me if I would audition. My audition was bang on. When Aditya Chopra called me, it sunk in that Im going to become an actor. That was the first time I entered Yash Raj Studio from the corporate side. Adi said youre not the best looking guy but that wont matter. That was his way of saying stop bothering with your looks. It removed all notions from my head that I was suave and a stunner like Imran (Khan) and Hrithik (Roshan). He said theres something in your eyes, the way you conduct yourself, you have potential.

How did the transition from fat to fit happen?

Salman Bhai is responsible for that. I was content being overweight because I wanted to be a director. So I went on the sets of Kal Ho Naa Ho, worked with dad (Boney Kapoor) a bit and joined Nikhil Advani as an AD during Salaam-e-Ishq. Then I met Salman Bhai. He took me aside one day and said, I think you should become an actor. If you dont, youll

regret it all your life. Your father will support you no matter what choice you make. I will help you, come to the gym. When Salman Khan says he will guide you, what else do you want? I thought let me lose weight at least. The weight loss was a three-year process. Id show up at his house at seven in the morning and would be with him till midnight. Id cycle to wherever he was shooting. I got to observe his stardom at its absolute peak.

How did you prepare for Ishaqzaade?

Habib sir (Faisal, director) is a different animal when it comes to acting. The role demanded a certain amount of discipline, understanding of India, not Juhu or Bandra. It demanded an understanding of life in the small towns where people dont really care for rules and regulations, morals and scruples. It was a 40-day journey and Habib sir opened me up. At one point he said you cant act and put me through a rigorous training programme. I did workshops with Dibyendu Bhattacharya who played Chunnilal in Dev D. Habib sir finally

Was it easier to become an actor than lose weight?

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the son fits in the film. It shouldnt be the other way round. Dad was on the lookout for subjects but when I met Shanoo, I found the right opportunity. My father was the happiest, my mother (the late Mona Kapoor) was ecstatic. Being launched by Aditya Chopra makes a huge difference. Today Im an asset to dad. Now when I work with him, there will be no stress that he has to do the best for me. He only has to worry about making a damn good film.

Did you expect this kind of success? The critics did pan the film.
Its a small town film and the people there related to it. For a debutante film to do a business of ` 46 crore is unheard of. Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na had done 50 crores. That shows the kind of appeal the film had. It ran for six weeks. Ranbir gave me the nicest compliment. He said, Youre the actor we should watch out for. I know there was unanimous appreciation for me and Parineeti (Chopra). Certain people did have reservations about the movie. But thats an opinion. We as actors and technicians respect that. The film did well across the country. So no one can say that it was a bad film. I can proudly look back at my first film.

What was your reaction when you saw the film on screen for the first time?
I saw it with Yashji (Chopra) and Pam aunty. In the interval, Pam aunty said, Dont come near me I hate you beta! What have you done to the girl! Women watching the film hate me till the interval. When the film ended I was emotional, I didnt cry but I missed my mom. I missed going back home and sharing it with someone. I hugged Parineeti for a long time, I hugged Habib sir and I thanked Adi for giving me this film. I just wanted to soak that experience. The second time I could only see my mistakes.

Shirt: Kunal Rawal

said theek hai tum kar lo (go ahead and do it). He said it so casually, almost like do it as I dont have anyone else. People get upgraded from economy to business, I got upgraded from Y Films to Yash Raj Films.

You never dreamt of asking your dad to launch you?

Of course! But as a producer you cant get emotional about your business. Many people have made this mistake of saying Ill do the best for my son. What you need to do is whats best for the film. Consider if

Anushka is like one of the guys. You can trouble her, harass her and shell give it back to you

Youve signed Gunday with Ranveer Singh. So are you both the new Imran-Ranbir?
We are both products of Yash Raj Films. Weve both done unconventional roles. We are like chalk and cheese. Im relaxed, hes hyper. Ive seen him dance and Ive tried to match his energy but I just cant keep

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up. Because were doing Gunday we spend time together. He was supportive when Ishaqzaade was being made. I wouldnt say we were friends earlier but we got along well. Now we hang together. Contrary to media reports that we are fighting.

There were reports that you didnt get along

After the films release, I threw a party and Anushka Sharma and Ranveer attended it. Why would they come for my party if we didnt get along? That night we danced together. We had a blast. Some newspaper needed to make a quick buck, so it wrote a story that we dont get along. Nobody asked us. If there was an issue he wouldnt have come for my party. The article was unfair, pure speculation without any quotes.

But you were lining up for Anushka after Ranveer and she broke up
Lining up for Anushka? I am friends with her. I dont know what happened when they were dating or not dating. The media wrote we were spotted together. We were with Habib sir and Namrata, the editor of Band Baaja Baaraat. Adi was meeting us. But everyone else got deleted and only we were noticed and written about.

But you were spotted together at other places too

I went to PVR and she went with her friends. Again it got written that we were alone. Im good friends with her and that is not going to change. I get along with Ranveer too. I was never lining up for her. I genuinely got along with her and that is all it was. Its easy to get along with her, she is as mad as Ranveer. For a person like me with a film background, she comes without any baggage. Wed speak about random stuff that comes with bonding. Shed pull my leg, Id pull hers. Shes like one of the guys, you can trouble her, harass her and shell give it back to you. Shes sporting.
Shirt: Kunal Rawal

Salman Bhai was one of the first to see Ishaqzaade. Why would a person who is upset with me watch my film? The last person my mother spoke to before she passed away was him
Salman Khan. When my mum passed away, they were shooting Dabangg 2 and they stopped the shoot. They were there at my house. I dont know what problems there are. No ones told me. I take it with a pinch of salt because someones trying to sell their news. Its unfortunate. They say we had no time to comment. Salman Bhai was doing Ek Tha Tiger and I was busy with my film. Where was the time to refute? Were both working for the same company and they said that Arjun Kapoor thinks he is equal to Salman Khan. When did I ever say that? I dont even dare speak in front of him. He watched my film and tweeted about it. But the media does

We heard Salman was upset with you

He was one of the first to see Ishaqzaade. Salman Bhai and dad saw the film together. Why would a person who is upset with me watch my film? The last person my mother spoke to before she passed away was

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not pick up that because that does not suit them. Salman Bhais like a father figure. Hes seen me as the grumpy useless guy I was and has inspired me beyond everything. Adi does not have special screenings but he kept one for my father and Salman. I was surprised Bhai didnt criticise me. I could sense that he was proud. This is his victory. Im on the cover of a magazine. This is my way of telling the world what he has done for me.

You lost your mom before the release of the film. How did you cope?
Im trying to deal with it every day. I had a trying time even when I was shooting but my mom never made it difficult for me. She was alone here while I was shooting. She went through her chemotherapy, she recovered and she actually came to Lucknow to watch the shoot. Then on February 20, she fell ill again. She had a seizure and we took her to the hospital. She recovered but we had to shift her back a few days later. The doctor told me she didnt have much time. Theyd managed to kill the cancer cells in the liver. But they showed up in the spinal cord and moved to the brain. And theres no cure for brain cancer. She went away at 48. She didnt get to see the best time of my life for which she sacrificed so much. I miss her but I know shes in a better place. I hope no one has to ever witness a parent go away at such a young age. My rooms next to my moms, when I walk in and out, I see it empty. Thats life.

Whats your equation with your fathers second wife, Sridevi?

Im not sure if I can say its developing because every day is a new experience. Ive accepted the fact that she lives with my dad. My equation with Sridevi is cordial. My mother has taught me never to be disrespectful. I try to be cordial. Ive been through a lot in life lately so its a little difficult for me but I try to give her the respect my fathers wife deserves. No family is picture perfect. Besides, my mother never told us to stay away from them. She has allowed us to develop our own understanding of the situation. Thats why I love her, she never poisoned our minds. The very fact that we can be cordial is an achievement on her part.

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Do you interact with their daughters Jhanvi and Khushi?

Once a month maybe. I go there to meet my father. If they are there I meet them too. After a point you cant be fake. I wish them all the best and happiness. I tell my father dont pressurise yourself to make it a happy family because we are all happy in our own space. Ill always be nice to them. They are innocent kids. My family is happy with them, they are sweet. I dont have a bond with them because Im not of an age where I can bond.

easy it was for her because she never let it show. Dad was working so hed come home late and leave early in the morning. The only memory I have of my father is of him biting my cheeks. Hed be sleeping always. Very rarely did he drop us to school but he had to show up a lot in school because of my mischief. My dad would usually come late for birthday parties and later ate with us. I have memories of happier times when the entire family travelled to the Bahamas, Maldives and world tours. Anil chachus (Kapoor) career was doing well. It was a good time.

My equation with Sridevi is cordial. My mother has taught me never to be disrespectful. I try to give her the respect my fathers wife deserves. No family is picture perfect
Do you remember the time when your parents separated?
It was splashed all over the newspapers. The separation was difficult for us, we were just kids. I was 10. I didnt take it badly because otherwise I would hate my father. There is no hate. There is only pure love. My sister Anshula suffered a bit more because she was younger. Its a little too late in the day to question why. Its best to let everyone be, give them space, behave in a civil manner. Even speaking about it is disrespectful because shes senior in this industry. I dont want to make anyone uncomfortable. My father does not need it at this point in his life. But I have more memories of my dad not being around than being around. We had to deal with things in school.

What things?
The separation must have affected me because I started putting on weight. Id lie that Im not well and hide in the room. My mother tried to reason with me but she was dealing with her own shit. She let me bunk school. Kids would come and ask, hows your new mom? Id get violent. But mom would pacify me and tell me that nothing had changed. That dad may not be staying with us but he was always there for me. I could travel with him. I did travel with him after that. Id go to the office, to film sets to meet him. I think thats why I wanted to be part of the industry to strengthen my ties with him.

As a kid it must have been difficult

My mom made it easy for us. She didnt allow her problems come in our way. She stayed in the house with our grandparents in spite of my father not being there so that we could have an equation with the family. She shifted out after 10 years when it got difficult to live there. Obviously, the family had to be nice to her and my dad too. Things got awkward. In the end, my mother chose independence and a little bit of happiness by moving out. My equation with my family is strong. I dont know how difficult or

What has been your dads reaction to your movie?

His batteries are recharged. Its dj vu for him. First it was Anil chachu and now me. They say a father must be known by his sons name. If I can head in that direction I know hell be happier. Hes excited now. He wants to make more films. Im glad Ive put some positive energy in his life. n

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PHOTOGRAPH: DABBOO RATNANI MAKE-UP: DIVYA CHABLANI HAIR: MADHURI NAKHLE STYLIST: SHYAMLI ARORA

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Bipasha Basu loves treading the dark side. Raedita Tandan delves into the x-files

ipasha Basus laugh is the laugh of a woman who truly enjoys life. She lives it large regardless of the paparazzi, the cell-phone snappers and the newsstands lled with tabloids that have, of late, only been interested in her various link-ups. Its because I am the minister of light, I spread happiness all the time. I dont let all this affect me for long, she grins. As far as her screen performances are concerned, she is slowly turning into the mistress of the dark. After an edgy and successful Raaz 3, Bips is all set to star in another horror lm, Aatma Feel It Around You. Shes condent about her choices and admits theyve helped her do some much-needed soul-searching. Excerpts from a free-wheeling chat
First Raaz 3 and now Aatma Two horror films in quick succession. Youve done a few supernatural films in the past too. What about this genre fascinates you so much?
See, I dont really categorise films according to their genres. I think every film tells a story. Aatma is very different from Raaz 3. While Raaz 3 was dark, Aatma is all about real emotions. In fact, its a

Soul soul
It cant be easy doing such heavyduty movies one after the other?
completely dynamic film. Its just a coincidence that Im doing two horror films back-to-back. According to me, the story is king. And the scope to perform in this film is great.

in this film. I didnt even think I was capable of the kind of emotions I am portraying in this film.

You know, I kind of zone out and listen to music on the sets. Its my way to disconnect from all the intense happenings around so that I can rejuvenate my mind. After performing an emotional scene, I put my headphones on and shut everything else out. You are required to do that with films like Raaz 3 and Aatma But I agree, it can get real and painful sometimes.

Director Suparn Verma recently stated that you accepted Aatma after just one narration. True?
I loved the film the moment I heard it. I have something interesting to do

Are you hinting at your breakdown on the sets of Aatma that happened a while ago?
(Cuts in) It happened while I was shooting for Raaz 3 too. I broke down on the sets of Raaz 3 because the scene was so dark that I couldnt

Everyone is a little anal and crazy on the sets of Aatma... because they all want to do their best. So the environment is charged
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PHOTOGRAPH: JATIN KAMPANI

I am looking forward to taking a break from these dark and edgy films Ive been doing. They drain you emotionally. I want to relax for a while now
believe I pushed myself to do it well. After the scene was over, I burst out crying. I couldnt wait for even a second. While shooting for Aatma, I just flowed into it because it was an emotional scene. I know that we are in a harsh business but we are only human. film, I realised that every woman has a mother in her. I have never done anything so emotional before. I havent even done anything connected to a child, so its all new. You have to have great discipline while working with a child. You have to be more focussed, more patient and absolutely real. Also, the child has to take to you. And Doyel (the child actor in Aatma) has taken to me. She is like my own little baby.

That explains why you are so protective of her.

I would be protective of any child. We have a really nice time even when we are not shooting. She calls me didi and we have a lot of fun together. That has a lot to do with the fact that both of us are big brats. She is one of the cutest kids Ive ever met. I love her a lot.

Aatma has you playing a mother on the big screen for the first time.
When I started working on this

But your close friends have always

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With Aatma... director Suparn Verma

Aatma because it is on those lines. Its not a character that piggybacks on heroes. Its a film where you have something to do.

Piggybacking on heroes seems to have become the trend though. Everyone from Kareena Kapoor to Katrina Kaif is doing it.
I would love to piggyback on Salman Khan too. Since I wouldnt have much to do, Id love to do a film with him. He is Salman Khan, so people are going to watch his films anyway. If I am lucky, Ill get to do one or two such films. But you know, you feel a sense of pride when you play substantial characters. You feel strong, you feel like an actor.

And you get to learn so many things

Yes, and there are so many creative people on the sets and everybody wants to make a good film, which is even better. In fact, people on the Aatma set are also like that. Everyone is a little anal and a little crazy because they all want to do their best. So the environment is charged.
Motherly love: Bipasha and child actor Doyel

maintained that you are more goofy than bratty.

Well, I am a brat in a good way. I mean I am naughty but not bad. Plus, Doyel and I are quite similar. So our chemistry is going to be a lot of fun to watch on screen.

In one of your latest interviews you had said that at this point in your career, you only want to do meaty films.
I have been a fan of the genre of films that actresses like Naomi Watts and Nicole Kidman have done. And I think that slowly women in our industry are also getting to play such parts. I am glad that I got to do

Besides Salman Khan, is there any other hero on your wish list at the moment?
(Laughs) So many of them. Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar basically anyone who makes it safe for me.

with whatever I have done. Yes, I have been foolish at times. I have made mistakes. I have not been smart or sharp about things. Yet I am doing pretty well for myself. So I can safely say that there is a God above who loves me very much. I am happy with whatever work I am doing at present. At least, I am excited to be on the sets.

Besides Aatma what are you looking forward to in the near future?
I am looking forward to taking a break from these dark and edgy films Ive been doing. They drain you emotionally. I want to relax for a while now. n

Do you regret never playing it safe in your career?

(Pauses) God plans things for you. And I think I have been very lucky

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PHOTOGRAPHS: AKSHAY KULKARNI

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You can be lonely even after marriage

Ekta Kapoor rakes in crores even as she kicks up controversies. Suman Sharma decodes the industrys hotshot producer
guts to make a film like this, she defends. Also, the dog in KSKHH, was earlier named Fakhruddin (it happens to be the name of Indias fifth President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed), which had certain sections objecting to this dishonour. In fact, the dog was rechristened Shatru at the Censor Boards behest. I had not named the dog to belittle any particular person. If someone calls his dog Ekta, will I go to his house and protest? I am now used to controversies. Its fine as long as its fun. But if you are personally attacked then its not good. But I must add that my director Sachin Yardi was also whimsical. He did his own thing. Very often, Ekta has creative differences with her directors all for the betterment of her product. I do my work honestly. I want my product to be up to the mark. If someone spends Rs 200 to watch my film or gives me even half an hour for my TV show, then it is my responsibility to ensure that his money and time are not wasted. We havent survived because we

he spunky Ekta Kapoor followed up her small screen success wth big screen blockbusters like The Dirty Picture and more recently Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum (KSKHH). Though she wasnt spared her run-ins with the Censor Board and morality moguls even here. I dont know why this happens with me. When I was doing television, people objected to my serials. If the same things were shown in another serial, they were taken as a social message, she shrugs. People like to pull down what is popular. And its the popular that becomes controversial. Her recent release KSKHH won frowns for its double entendre dialogue, yet the film succeeded at the box-office. The film had the flavour of an adult comedy. We do enjoy naughty jokes in our day to day lives. So whats wrong in it? I also know that adult content comes into the zone of a sex film. People liked Delhi Belly a lot. That was an adult comedy too. Why so much hullabaloo about my film? You need

Riteish Deshmukh in KSKHH

I had not named the dog in KSKHH to belittle any particular person. If someone calls his dog Ekta, will I go to his house and protest?
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Kangna Ranaut and Ajay Devgn in OUATIM

I dont deny the fact that sex sells. But if only sex would sell, then people would serve porn. My films serve entertainment

Tusshar Kapoor, Pitobash Tripathi and Nikhil Dwivedi in Shor In The City

are good people; weve survived because we give good content. Ekta has dabbled in all genres comedy, gangster films or films with strong sexual content. I dont deny the fact that sex sells. But if only sex would sell, then people would serve porn. My films serve entertainment. All my films are different, be it Shor In The City, Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai, Ragini MMS or The Dirty Picture. The credit for showing intimate scenes for the first time on the small screen also goes to her. Her popular serial Bade Achhe Lagte Hain had an intimate act between Ram Kapoor and Sakshi Tanwar that received a lot of hits on YouTube as well. When I started doing television, it was an era where saas

Vidya Balan in The Dirty Picture

bahu stories worked. Now, times have changed and we have to make serials accordingly. Society has two sections, the orthodox and the progressive. You cant keep both of them happy at the same time. But I do make content for both the categories, smiles the producer. In flashback mode she says, I have been doing television since the past 18 years. I was 18 then and no one took me seriously. People wondered whether after producing a comedy (Hum Paanch), I would be able to handle family dramas. Id be polite and say uncle please and get my work done. In 2008, we at Balaji Telefilms decided that if we need to get into films, we would have to create a new identity for ourselves. She goes on to share her success mantra, You have to be strong enought to believe in your decisions. A positive approach is a must. Whatever I did in life, I always kept in mind that I shouldnt hurt anyone or interfere in anyones work. Neither do I like anyone interfering in mine. I dont read the papers, I dont follow the news. On waking up, I watch American comedy shows, which give a positive vibe. Whatever gives me negativity, I avoid. But isnt it lonely being successful and single? You can be lonely even when youre married. If you disagree, youre lying. One can be lonely even after 10 years of marriage. And one can also be lonely without getting married. Life is not perfect. How you want to lead it depends on your attitude. If the glass is half empty, then it is half full too. There was a time when her fashion sense was criticised. But today, shes seen sporting a slim, chic avtar. Is there someone special in her life? She gestures dramatically and says, If only there was. As far as fashion is concerned, I wear what I like or whatever I can get hold of. I dont follow any designer. I cant help it if people are now paying me more attention than they did earlier. Any low moments? I guess youll be happy only if you find me alone and crying, she retorts in jest. But no dear, I am very happy. n

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Visit us at

I AM
HE MAY BE TO FORTUNE BORN BUT JACKKY BHAGNANI INSISTS HES AN UNDERDOG. RAHUL GANGWANI ADMIRES HIS RESILIENCE

I AM WHAT

e was born with a diamond spoon. Glitzy cars and luxurious homes are incidental to his lifestyle. But when you meet Jackky Bhagnani, hes minus any trappings of being a well-heeled producers son. Hes as identifiable as the guy-next-door who just chose to dream big. And hes not had it easy despite a favoured life. That he had enough fire was proved when he shed 60 kilos to get a ripped body for his debut. Not to be bogged down by his shaky start in Kal Kissne Dekha (2009), Jackky proved he was no flash in the pan with F.A.L.T.U last year. Right now, all his energies are concentrated on his next big ticket release, Ajab Gazabb Love. Excerpts from a chat...
reactions range from excellent to very good.

Just a few days away from the films release. Butterflies in the stomach?
Theres so much happening, I dont have the time to be nervous. Thankfully, the theatrical promo has received a good response. The youth has taken to it. The feedback has been positive and encouraging. Everyone is enjoying the Boom boom song. It feels good when your hard work is appreciated. The most lukewarm response to the promo has been it looks nice. Otherwise the
PHOTOGRAPH: ROHAN SHRESTHA

How did Ajab Gazabb Love come about?

The film is a remake of the Telugu superhit Seema Tapakai. My dad (producer Vashu Bhagnani) liked the concept. He believes in South remakes. In fact, hes made about 26 films out of which 12-13 have been remade from South films. The crux of South films is strong

A still from Ajab Gazabb Love

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YOU SHOULD ASK SANJAY GADHVI WHY HE AGREED TO WORK WITH ME. ALL HIS OTHER FILMS HAD SUPERSTARS
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On your knees: Jackky with Nidhi

AMITABH BACHCHAN DEFINES WHAT BEING A DIRECTORS ACTOR MEANS. EVERY ACTOR SHOULD LEARN FROM HIM

emotions. Even in Ajab Gazabb Love the emotional quotient is strong. He shared the idea with me and we got Sanjay Gadhvi on board as director. After that it was his baby. I was just the actor. Even though weve bought the rights officially, I wont call it a remake. Its just an inspired film, a romantic comedy. That is romance and comedy is present in equal measure. Full paisa vasool.

RAPID FIRE
YOUR WILDEST FANTASY?
Lets not go there. Its too wild.

because Im still a junior. All his other films had superstars.

How was it working with Sanjay?

I had heard a lot about Sanjay and Im sure he must also have heard things about me. But when I met him for the first time, he came across as a completely different person. We got along instantly. I had a blast working with him. He knows how to take care of the unit. I had only worked with first time directors before. But after working with an experienced director, I realised how much their craft and experience add to the film. He makes actors comfortable in front of the camera and thats why they perform so well in his films.

DOES UNCONDITIONAL LOVE EXIST?

Absolutely. I believe in unconditional love.

All the recent South remakes have been hits. Are you banking on this trend?
I wish our film adds to that list. Weve worked hard and we want the film to work.

YOUR TAKE ON METROSEXUALITY?

Everyone has the right to be what they want. No judging anyone.

APPLE OR BLACKBERRY?
Technology or fruits? Definitely technology.

Your last film F.A.L.T.U was a hit. Does that add to the pressure?
Its positive pressure. If people have expectations from me, it means Im doing something right. Lets face the truth. Prior to F.A.L.T.U., no one expected anything from me because my first film Kal Kissne Dekha didnt work. So its far better that the audience expects me to deliver rather than regard me as good for nothing. I prefer to look at everything in a positive light.

PREMARITAL SEX...
Nowadays, the marriageable age has gone up. People get married only by 28-30 and you cant expect them to refrain from sex for such a long time. But again, to each his own.

Are you a directors actor?

I have always wanted to be one. I guess I am. But if there is one man who really defines what being a directors actor means, its Amitabh Bachchan. Till today, even if hes working with young directors, he listens to them. Its a fantastic quality. And every actor should learn from him. Also, in a dance sequence, the choreographer is the director. In a photo shoot, the photographer is the director. You have to surrender yourself to them and learn from them. They are hired because they have knowledge. When I sign a film, Im a puppet on the set. To be successful you have to be a directors actor.

BOXERS OR BRIEFS?
Boxers.

CHILLING ON THE BEACH OR TREKKING IN THE MOUNTAINS?

Lolling endlessly on the beach.

Sanjay Gadhvis last film (Kidnap) was a flop. Why was he chosen to helm the film?
Sanjay has done four films Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai, Dhoom, Dhoom 2 and Kidnap. Three of his films have been hits. So that makes him a director with an 75 per cent track record. In fact, you should ask him why he agreed to work with me

AN IDEAL DATE...
A candle-light dinner on a yacht surrounded by the ocean

WHICH HINDI REMAKE WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE A PART OF?

Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar. Its my story, the story of an underdog.

Many believe that you are here only because of your father. Care to comment.
When you see a glass building from

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Ladies man: Jackky

IM FORTUNATE MY SURNAME IS BHAGNANI. IF PEOPLE HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THAT THEY CAN COMPLAIN TO GOD
the outside, it looks all fancy. But do you know how much effort goes into maintaining it? People only see the beauty of the building and dont bother to know about the hard work behind it. But I dont blame them. People dont know how hard I have worked. They dont know I lost 60 kilos to have a body like this. And that I have to prove myself constantly. On the other hand, a non-industry guy comes from nowhere, does little work and people appreciate him. But Im completely okay with it. Every coin has two sides. It doesnt affect me at all.

Do you think its a curse to be an industry kid?

I dont take it as a curse. I am what I am and what I wanted to be. Im fortunate my surname is Bhagnani. If people have a problem with that they can complain to God. My philosophy in life has always been to turn the negative into positive. Im trying hard to change the opinion of cynics. Im sure it will change one day.

FIVE ACTRESSES YOUD LIKE TO BE PAIRED WITH:

KATRINA KAIF
Shes gorgeous!

Judging by the promos, you have built a hot body

Oh yes! My body in F.A.L.T.U. was also decent. People complimented me. But with this film, you can easily say I have one of the best bodies in the business. It was a brief given to me by Sanjay and my choreographer Bosco. They wanted me to go shirtless in the Boom boom song. It was a difficult process though. Workouts, no salt and no carbs was my keyword for months. I became disciplined during that period. The hard work has worked in my favour. n

KAREENA KAPOOR
Shes super talented.

DEEPIKA PADUKONE
Love the way she carries herself.

PARINEETI CHOPRA
Shes spunky and acts well.

KAJOL
I wish I could go back in the 90s and be paired opposite her. Shes a goddess when it comes to acting.

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Rising

Sailor, engineer or actor? Nidhi Subbaiah dabbled with three professional choices to finally come home to B-town. After hitting the jackpot in the South industry, this actress has bagged Ajab Gazabb Love and Oh My God! Nidhi, a gold-medalist in sailing, has plunged deep in the showbiz sea!

star
I used to be a SAILOR. I was really good at that sport. Considering I come from Coorg, Karnataka, I represented the state at the international level and won two gold medals. I did want to take it up professionally. But after hearing my parents and elders out, I realised there wasnt much money in that sport. In India, only tennis, badminton and cricket can earn you money. Sadly, sailing doesnt. So I had to give it up. Now I prefer to keep it as my HOBBY. Fortunately or unfortunately, that bagged me my free seat in an ENGINEERING college. But my interests didnt lie there. In the second year of engineering in

Nidhi Subbaiah is all set to singe B-town. Karishma Loynmoon chats up the South siren

There are so many good-looking and talented girls out there, I better buck up!
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With Jackky Bhagnani in Ajab Gazabb Love

There are so many goodlooking and talented girls out there, I better buck up!

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Bangalore, I started modelling. I also did a couple of advertisements and then came the downpour of movie offers from the South Indian film industry. I got offers from the Mumbai, Kannada, Tamil and Telugu industries. And since I just wanted to break free from my engineering course, I grabbed the opportunity.

I dont see the South as a STEPPING STONE to the Hindi film industry. Id still like to have a healthy balance between the two industries. When I was working in the South, I never thought Id be doing a Bollywood movie. So yes, signing my first Hindi film is something eventful. Bollywood has worldwide recognition. Neither does SUCCESS give me a high nor failure a low. I dont let it affect me, these things never last forever. People praise me, I say thank you and move on. Im critical of my own work.

I dont think I take things too seriously, maybe that helps me. I dont even take myself seriously. Thats the best way to deal with COMPETITION. Its work at the end of the day and thats why Im not vulnerable. I can never be POLITICALLY CORRECT. I didnt have anyone to guide me. I say all the wrong things to the wrong people at the wrong time. (Laughs) Frankly, theres so much more to life than acting. I grew up in Coorg with a lot of books around me. My parents have imbibed reading as a definitive hobby. Maybe thats what ticked the writer in me. Im a BLOGGER and have also written short stories. Eventually, I want to write a book and maybe even a script. (Laughs) But I also want to sail around the world. Besides, my dad has wanted me to be a singer since I was two. I sing too. I also sang at the audio release of Ajab Gazabb Love. But Id love to be like the legendary Suraiya, who acted and also sang in her movies. The world loves a WINNER. So if youre a winner, it celebrates you. And then theres a flipside when you falter. That used to hurt me at times but now Ive learnt to take it in my stride.

Its been three years since I began working in South cinema. I have seven films to my credit today. My first two films were average hits but my fourth film (Pancharangi) was a super hit. From then onwards, things started getting brighter. Whilst working on my seventh film, I signed OH MY GOD! Its a movie thats against idol worship. I believe in that too. I signed it because I wanted to test the waters in the Hindi film industry. And after that immediately Ajab Gazabb Love happened. Stepping into B-TOWN was more a transition than a struggle. It was a natural process. Ive even moved base to Mumbai permanently. It was so much fun doing AJAB GAZABB LOVE. I remember we had to go to Italy to shoot three songs. I especially loved shooting for Boom boom because I had nothing much to do in it. But outdoor locations are ice breakers between the films crew. Everyone bond's big time. I even sneaked some time out to shop at the flea markets. And I sailed in Italy as well! Now you can imagine how big a deal that was for me! Im a BAD PLANNER. I cant plan my future career moves. I dont even know what Im doing in the next two-three months. I know it sounds clichd but I never planned to get into movies either. I havent been to ACTING SCHOOL. Ive learnt everything on the set; in fact even now its a learning process. In my first few films I didnt even know how to face the camera. Those experiences honed me and my art and made me what I am today.

The world loves a winner. So if youre a winner, it celebrates you. And then theres a flip side when you falter

l I dont want my friends and family to treat me like an ACTRESS. Once when I got back home my dad asked me to wash the car. I shouted, How dare you! Im an actress now! All he said was, Oh okay, go wash the car now and take the dog out for a walk too. But this is exactly how Id like it to be. l
Im crazy about KAJOL. I used to watch all her films first day, first show back then. Usually, teenagers my age had pictures of heroes on their bedside and framed on the walls but I had Kajols posters in my room. So doing a film with her would be like a dream come true!

Also, there are so many goodlooking and talented girls out there, I better BUCK UP! n

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Visit us at

Being
Raedita Tandan pubs into the art and craft of the thespian Kamal Haasan
elow the city looks as gorgeous as a newlywed bride. Bejewelled with street lights, smooth roads, structured traffic, architecturally delightful buildings, a lush grand prix circuit and clean environs. Up above on the 25th floor of a five star hotel, I can only stare at the sheer beauty of Singapore. Just then, a strong fragrance envelopes me like a blanket. This is what I would call sensory overload. The perfume enters the room long before he does. Strong and expensive. Like the man himself. I turn around and there he stands. The man, the legend. Kamal Haasan. He apologises for being 10 minutes late. The thought bubble in my head reads that I would have gladly waited forever. Okay, Im turning into splinters just standing before him. God save me. Imagine, he did his first movie long before I came into this world. Dressed in a beige suit, he looks every bit the star that he is. At

I used to be a reluctant actor. I never thought I was meant to be in front of the camera In fact, I was always waiting for the opportunity to start calling the shots. Getting behind the camera has been a very satisfying experience PHOTOGRAPHS:
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KARTHIK SRINIVASAN

Kamal
58, hes remarkably energetic and sharp. Not to mention extremely charming. He has the effortless ability to put you at ease. Within minutes of meeting him, were talking like buddies. Theres ample supply of commercial allure there. Now you know why he has been worshipped by the masses for decades. Anyway, the reason hes here, glad-handing strangers and chatting up journos like me is to promote his new film Vishwaroop. First up, he tells me that he isnt media savvy. Really now. Seeing the incredulous look on my face, he explains, When I work, I cant do anything else. Its not just about the media; its the same for my close

No one has ever made a film like Vishwaroop in India. Its the costliest movie of my career. And I have made some costly films

Kamal Haasan with the cast of Vishwaroop - Pooja Kumar, Andrea Jeremiah and Jaideep Ahlawat
PHOTOGRAPH: YOGEN SHAH

relatives too. Sometimes, when Im busy with a project, I dont speak to them for six to seven months. When I am working, it generally consumes me. Hmmm. An insight into how a genius mind works. Complete focus, shut out the distractions. That has been his mantra for years now. As an actor and as a director. Vishwaroop (titled Vishwaroopam in Tamil) is ready for release and you can see a sense of satisfaction on the actor-turned-directors face. The last few months havent been easy. Consequently, he majored on work and minored on fun. But he has enjoyed every bit of it. He smiles, No one has ever made a film like this in India. Its a oneof-a-kind film. Its the costliest movie of my career. Thats all I will say. And I have made some costly films, he says of the action-thriller. Ask him whether he prefers to act or direct and he surprises you with his reply, I used to be a reluctant actor. I never thought I was meant to be in front of the camera. What? Is he serious? Is he talking about the same Kamal Haasan generations have grown up worshipping? Seems like he is. He explains, I would worry a lot about my acting. In fact, I was always waiting for the opportunity to start calling the shots. Getting behind the camera has been a satisfying experience. Having said that he quickly adds that he cherishes his acting career despite the doubts that have plagued him about his acting abilities. He believes its the star

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Kamal Haasan that actually funds the technician Kamal Haasan. Says he, Its a great feeling to have the star in my pocket. It rarely happens to a filmmaker. Those who have that, have pockets that become deeper and never tear. I want to direct most films. Truth is, most actors want to direct. They just never have the courage to say it out loud. I may not have pictured myself doing anything else in Vishwaroop but I always knew I wanted to direct it. Be that as it may, the fact is that Kamal Haasan has acted in the movie. And those who have seen it cant seem to stop singing praises of the actor. Now that doesnt come as a surprise really. Weve seen him excel on the big screen for decades now. Whats surprising is that the actor has done his own action scenes in the film. His agility on screen is what has left many breathless. I ask him the secret of his nimbleness and he laughs out loud. Theres no secret. And if there was, why would I tell you? Point noted. s he talks about his movie, he says the highlight for him was the opportunity to work with dance maestro Birju Maharaj. The veteran has choreographed some of the most intricate dance pieces for the actor, who thoroughly enjoyed performing them on screen. Says Kamal, I have always been in awe of Birju Maharajji. Picking up a gun and fighting James Bond style is tiring but it doesnt have the intricacies of dance. I had to train vigorously for a month to get all the Kathak movements right. But it was a great experience. His childlike enthusiasm is contagious. That actually is the secret of his success. His childlike enthusiasm. Despite being in the industry for several decades, his appetite for the new hasnt jaded. His eyes light up when he talks about

My daughter Shruti is a star on her own. And Rajkamal Films (his production company) will be happy to approach her. It shouldnt even be that difficult. Like I said, its good to have a star under your banner

Vishwaroop or his other favourite movies. His passion for the movies could put youngsters to shame. No wonder then that hes already planning the sequel to Vishwaroop. He asserts, We hadnt planned it in the beginning. But while making this film, we realised a second part is necessary. After this one releases, we will get to working on the second part. The highlight of Vishwaroop is that he has managed to get director Shekhar Kapur to act after a long time. And he is thrilled about it. He grins, We have discussed about 260 stories. Every time we meet, we talk about 10 new stories. I have been convincing him to make a film with me for 26 years. At least I ended up making one. As far as this film is concerned, Shekhar did it just out of friendship. This time I think I woke him up and got him to do it. Its no marketing strategy. Its just a friendship strategy to get him to work with me. At this point, I wonder why he cast mostly newcomers for such an ambitious project. And he retorts, I wasnt looking for stars. I was only looking for talent. But fact is that he did approach some big names in the Hindi film industry. If industry rumours are to be believed, Sonakshi Sinha and Deepika Padukone refused to do the film. Ask him about this and he neither denies nor confirms the rumours. Instead, he says, There are a lot of names doing the rounds. But I wont mention them. Plus, its a nice thing to refuse a film. It gives you a position. Fact is, we didnt get the dates we wanted. So we had to let them go. The names of a few actresses were suggested by my financier. But I think we should work on the basis of what the script With daughter Shruti Haasan requires. I am

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No one makes a film for themselves. I am quoting another film director here, who got angry when someone asked him about the message his movie contains. He said, What message? I am not a postman that you will find your message in my film
happy working with the people I am. He continues in the same breath. Very few actors know how to choose films. Even I havent done many films because I didnt know they were good films. Thats why there should be a script and everyone should read scripts. There, read between the lines. Go figure. As we chat about the movies, the director is all pumped up. He elaborates on the various theories of filmmaking, discusses the art of movie making and finally pronounces that the audience is the ultimate king. If they like your work, youre on top. Otherwise, it doesnt matter where you are. He also says that he gets offended when people ask him about the message in his movies. No one makes a film for themselves. I am quoting another film director here, who got angry when someone asked him this question. He said, What message? I am not a postman that you will find your message in my film. Through each of my films, I only try and vocalise my love for the audience. He continues, What everyone forgets to realise is that we are the audience. So when some of my filmmaker friends
PHOTOGRAPH: YOGEN SHAH

BARRIE M OSBORNE ON KAMAL HAASAN

The successful Hollywood producer talks about his equation with the actor and gives us a few inside details on their Hollywood project together...
I have known Kamal for a while now. Recently, he came to Hollywood to do some work on his film Vishwaroop. I saw it and was impressed with what he has accomplished. I have seen the film and what I like are the twists in the plot. They are absolutely unpredictable. You may start watching the film with a few preconceived notions but you will be surprised. Its such an honour to know him. His knowledge of history, literature and films is encyclopaedic. He has an impressive background. Kamal presented me with a movie idea that was so compelling that I couldnt resist it. Its about the great tradition and history of India. And we are planning to tell it in Hollywood style. Its an international movie involving the world. The story will have a universal appeal and it will be made in English. We havent decided when we will start it because we want some time to develop the story. So well take it from there.

or money lenders say that they know what the audience will like or wont like, they are bluffing. No one knows. Not even me. So I take the best possible sampling from the audience, which is me and stay true to myself. e change the topic after this and train the arc-lights on his daughter Shruti Haasan. Shruti has been making waves at the box-office. Her Telugu film, Gabbar Singh, has broken all records. She was also critically acclaimed in the movie 3. Naturally, the proud father is all smiles at the mention of her name. And he states that hed love to work with his daughter sometime in the future. Shruti is a star on her own. And Rajkamal Films (his production company) will be happy to approach her. It shouldnt even be that difficult. He chortles, Like I said, its good to have a star under your banner. He moves on to talk about his latest venture with Hollywood bigwig Barrie M Osborne. Barrie, who has produced movies like The Lord Of The Rings and The Matrix, will collaborate with Kamal Haasan for a movie. Kamal is obviously thrilled. The lineage that Barrie comes from is close to my heart. All the heroes I have looked up to, Barrie has worked with. Apart from being a champion, he has worked with directors like Francis Ford Coppola (director of The Godfather). And we keep referring to Coppola every once in a while when it comes to making films, he says, proudly. In addition to acting in this international project, Kamal will also be writing it. And I will also direct it if I need to, he cuts in, adding, I am glad that my entry into Hollywood is through this film. I am sure the subject we have chosen will create an impact. Well, if his relentless determination is anything to go by, were sure it will! n

With Hollywood producer Barrie M Osborne

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borders!
Bangladeshi crooner Runa Laila, famous for gems like Dama dam mast kalandar was in Mumbai recently. Devesh Sharma met her and came away regaled
was selected to represent the school at an inter-school competition. On the day of the competition, Dina developed a sore throat so I was made to participate instead. I was lucky in the sense that people remembered my voice and three years later I got a chance to sing two songs in the Pakistani film Jugnu. Her first song, Gudiya si munni meri bhaiya ki pyari was picturised on a male child artiste and her next, Marna bhi nahin aasan was about unrequited love. My parents weren't sure if I could pull off a romantic song as I was just 12. The director told me to simulate crying and I really started crying. My mother had a hard time calming me down. Her tryst with Indian films came about when she met music director Jaidev in Delhi, at a party hosted by

Beyond

una Laila is one of the finest voices in the Indian subcontinent but thanks to the travesty of Partition and the Bangladesh War, a large number of Indian listeners remain unaware of her genius. Mercifully, thanks to the Internet and YouTube, the youth today are in the process of rediscovering her. Her most famous song, Dama dam mast kalandar, is a newfound rage. Born in Sylhet, East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), in 1952, Runas parents wanted her to be a dancer. Singing, she says, she learned by chance. My elder sister Dina (who passed away in 1976) was learning classical music. I picked up whatever she was taught quite easily and her teacher decided to teach me too. It was chance again which led her to stardom. My father, Syed Mohammed Imdad Ali was a civil servant posted in Karachi. My sister and I went to school there and she

music connoisseur Ashok Khanna. Jaidevji took me under his wing. He even gave me a chance to sing at the inauguration of Doordarshan. I still remember the occassion. Hemant Kumar sang some songs, Dilip saab (Kumar) recited poetry... I was overwhelmed meeting such stalwarts. Jaidev was responsible for such gems as Tumhe ho na ho and Do deewane shaher mein from Gharonda. She remembers Bhupinder, her co-singer in the duet, as an inherently shy person. He was so soft spoken, so shy and yet made magic at the mike. He used to play the guitar for RD Burman then. Music was his everything. Jaidevjis compositions werent easy. We used to record with live

Artistes are like the wind. We dont have fixed abodes, fixed roots. Its silly to put us within boundaries. We belong to whoever accepts us and our art

With Asha Bhosle

With Madhuri Dixit

With Lata Mangeshkar at a recent function, where Lata gifted her a sari

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musicians and I was always afraid Id make a mistake and have to do it all over again. In hindsight one feels its because of all the hard work that went into them that old songs are still remembered. Runa confides shes an all-out fan of Dilip Kumar. I first ran into him at Ashoka Hotel where I was put up. He had just entered the lobby and the crowd had gone berserk. I too ran with my autograph book but hed disappeared. Then as I was going up to my room, he entered the lift. My mother pointed him out and I couldnt believe my luck. My mother was a fan too and couldnt stop staring at him. Later, he invited us to his suite and we had an impromptu mehfil of sorts. Her first recording was with Kalyanji-Anandji for the title song of Ek Se Badhkar Ek. She informs me that Lata Mangeshkar was present at the recording to give her blessings. It was a dream come true when Lata didi came and blessed me and offered me a bouquet. I couldn't have asked for a better beginning. So what about all those rumours we keep hearing which say the Mangeshkar sisters jeopardized her career? She says there is no truth in them. It wasn't as easy to come to India back then as it is now. That's all there is to it. You had to be in Mumbai to make a career in playback and I simply didn't want to migrate to India. She mentions that one of her long time friends in Mumbai is one of Lata's nephews, Baijnath (her brother Hridayanaths son). He met me once and gifted me a painting he made of me from an old record cover. I was flattered that someone belonging to the Mangeshkar clan was my fan. He knew each and every song of mine

With Hariharan

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and still keeps track of my career. We have been friends for decades now. Lataji calls me every time she hears I'm in town and invites me over for lunch or dinner. Ashaji too has become a close friend after our association with Sur Kshetra. I know despite my saying all this tongues will still wag but I cant put a stop to all rumours. Runa was quite beautiful and there wasnt a lack of Indian suitors for sure. She could easily have married and settled in Mumbai and blossomed out her budding career. But sadly for us, she didnt take up any offer. I just didnt, lets leave it at that. And I dont regret my decision. She got many offers to act as well, both in Indian and Pakistani films but she didn't go against her parents wishes. Don't stretch it, young lady that was my parents reaction when they first heard of those offers. Runa mentions that she did feature in a Bangladeshi film called Shilpi.

It was like a dream come true when Lata didi blessed me at my first recording and offered me a bouquet. I couldnt have asked for a better beginning

It was about my life and times, a fictionalised account of sorts. I played myself in the film. There has been hue and cry of late by certain sections against artistes from across the borders. Runa maintains one shouldnt give in to such politics of hate. Ive been coming here since 1974. I was invited here by ICCR to perform in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata and have always been welcomed with open arms. Ive nothing but love for the people of India. I never felt Ive come to a different country. She mentions she met Lata during her first tour too. It was my lifelong ambition to meet Lata didi and I was surprised to see her backstage at one of my rehearsals. She hugged me and sat through the programme as well. Having her in the audience was quite encouraging.

With Lata Mangeshkar

With Rakesh and Rajesh Roshan

part from KalyanjiAnandji and Jaidev, the other composer who favoured her was OP Nayyar, with whom she recorded some private albums. Nayyar saab was a taskmaster. He really made you work but the effort always stood out. He was so pleased with the results that he started calling me princess. I sang all sorts of compositions from qawwalis to bhajans for him. He really brought out my versatility. She shares a close association with Bappi Lahiri too, who had, in fact, recorded a pop album in her voice called Superuna in London. We recorded at the Abbey Road Studios, made famous by The Beatles and I think we were the first people from the subcontinent to have done so. It was a spectacular experience. The songs are still popular and I perform them at my shows even now. The songs were indeed so popular that Bappida used the hit single, De de pyar de in the film Sharaabi (1984). She shows no rancour about it now. It did pinch me then, as Prakash Mehra (director of Sharaabi) said he would like to retain my voice. I dont know what happened and why Bappida didnt call me. Its still not clear. Im happy that Ashaji did such a fabulous job. That made up for all the heartache. I probe her whether this happened

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he was talking about the travails of live recording earlier and hence it is a surprise to learn that she holds the world record for doing the maximum number of recordings in a day. Concorde Records wanted me to rerecord the album Ghazal Aur Geet, which was originally recorded in Karachi. We recorded 30 songs in three days at Western Outdoors. I remember Daman Sood was the recordist. These werent live recordings in the true sense. We could take breaks but yes, it was with live musicians. The music wasnt punched later on, as it is nowadays. Runa has also sung versions of Mehdi Hassans ghazals, which became quite famous. She attributes this to chance as well. I learnt music from Pandit Ghulam Qadir, who was Mehdi saabs elder brother. He gave music to some of his best ghazals and taught me most of them. Hence, the finesse that you see in my rendering

often, that songs promised to her or sung by her were later recorded with other singers. Not to my knowledge, I think it was a one-off incident, she comments.

Prakash Mehra said he would like to retain my voice in the song De de pyar de. I dont know what happened and why Bappida didnt call me

of Ranjish hi sahi is because of his blessings. The singer is saddened by the loss of stalwarts like Mehdi Hassan and Jagjit Singh. Ive sung many duets with Mehdi saab. His last days were quite tragic. He used to have memory lapses but to my good fortune he recognised me when he met for the last time. Runa, he said, Tum Runa ho na. Thodi moti ho gayi ho. (You are Runa, right? You have put on some weight). It thrilled me that he still remembered me as a lissome girl! Likewise, Jagjit bhai was so full of life. He chose philosophical ghazals but he was quite a jovial person at heart. He regaled you with one joke after another. He was a foodie and dinner table conversations continued late into the night as he never tired of food and anecdotes. She lost her mother Amina Laila some time ago and has yet to come to terms with her absence. It happened when we were to start shooting for Sur Kshetra in Dubai earlier this year. Gajendra Singh got to know about it and told me I need not attend. Then Boneyji (Boney Kapoor, the producer of the show) called up to offer his condolences and said hes cancelling the shoot and would only With singer Abeeda Parveen commence when I

was ready. Everyone was so nice and supportive. I was touched by it all. Today, her personal life revolves around her husband Alamgir, a Bangladeshi actor and her daughter Taani (from an earlier marriage) and her grandchildren, Zain Islam (9) and Aaron Islam (5). Shes excited that Zain, who loves football, has been chosen for a football camp by Arsenal. He plays really well and if he continues to shine, he might play for them when he grows up, she beams. She reveals that Taani too is a gifted singer but never took up singing professionally. Both my grandchildren sing well. In fact, I was humming something and the younger one commented that I was out of tune. His mother shushed him but he was right. I didnt know the song well and hence was singing off key. That he picked it up at such a young age was surprising. She was born in East Pakistan, was educated in Pakistan, settled down in Bangladesh after the creation of the state in 1971, has worked in India and travels the world with her shows. Where does she really belong? Artistes are like the wind, she says. We dont have fixed abodes, fixed roots. Its silly to put us within boundaries. We belong to whoever accepts us and our art. I dont feel uprooted because I belong to world. n

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SEX
With Richa Chaddha in Tamanchey

IS A TRUTH
between gangster Abu Salem and then girlfriend Monica Bedi. In fact, Nihkils steamy scene with co-star Richa Chaddha in the film has already gone viral. What is his take on films using sex to draw in the crowds? If sex is being used just as a tool to sell tickets then I dont agree with it. In fact, I dont agree with anything thats put in a film with dishonest

Dub him cocky or plain confident, Nikhil Dwivedi is steaming up the competition. Ashwini Deshmukh meets B-towns hottest poster boy
intent. The primary purpose of cinema is to entertain without of course, ignoring the economics. But this objective has to be achieved with a certain dignity. Sex is a truth and if an honest filmmaker wants to tell a story around it then I think he should have the freedom to do so. Then please for Gods sake do not tear the posters down or ban the film! Nikhil appeals.

B
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etter late than never. Nikhil Dwivedi has finally won the recognition he long deserved. After being noticed in Raavan, Shor In The City and more recently Hate Story, He is busy shooting for Bharat Ratans Tamanchey. The film is reportedly said to be inspired by the real life romance

People say why is he so cocksure of himself? What has he achieved?... What I see as self-belief may come across as arrogance
PHOTOGRAPH: MUNNA S STYLING: JAYATI BOSE

A corporate-turned-actor, Nikhil has approached his career with systematic diligence. With hardly a few years in B-town, he has turned a lot wiser. The industry has taught me perseverance and that theres no substitute for hard work, says Nikhil. His last release, the erotic thriller Hate Story won him praise. The negative lead in Hate Story was offered to

me first. I declined it due to the lovemaking scenes involved. I have a certain shyness. I was to start my career with Vikram Bhatt. But for some reasons that didnt work out. So when Vikram (producer of Hate Story) asked if Id like to do the other part, I couldnt refuse him. Hate Story was more of an emotional decision than a professional one. I had fun working

with director Vivek Agnihotri. His energy was inspiring. He doesnt believe in taking the credit for a films success. I believe no films success or failure is the handiwork of one person alone. Various talents come together to create something unique. When their chemistry is at its zenith, masterpieces are created. Therefore no actor

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should claim credit for any films success. Similarly, no successful film should ignore an actors contribution in its success.

eportedly, co-star Paoli Dam and Nikhil couldnt see eye-toeye during the making of Hate Story. I am an actor. My job is to understand the character and emote according to the directors vision. If along the way I can forge a friendship with like-minded technicians and co-artistes, Id of course do it. But if that doesn't happen, it does not mean that I cannot see eye-to-eye with another co-actor. Ill still perform to the best of my abilities and ensure that the chemistry looks believable. Tell him that offbeat cinema and small films are giving big hope to small-timers and he begs to differ. Thats just a perspective. I do not differentiate between cinema. Cinemas foremost objective is to entertain and if possible make a relevant point about society. For every Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi in the 50s there was a Do Aankhen Barah Haath, for every Junglee in the 60s, there was a Sujata, for every Zanjeer and Sholay in the 70s there was a Garam Hawa and Nishant, for every Coolie in the 80s there was an entire wave of parallel cinema. So nothing has changed. There will always be space for good cinema and an audience for it, declares he. So many youngsters like Ranveer Singh, Ayushmann Khurrana and Vidyut Jamwal have entered the industry. But he denies feeling insecure. Its heartening to see young and talented actors who do not belong to famous families making it on the basis of merit. I have also struggled and am still struggling. So I laud it. Study the history of Indian cinema and youll find in any generation there were perhaps 20 to 30 male actors. The number of films being produced has only increased. On an average
PHOTOGRAPH: VIRAL BHAYANI

we churn out about 250 plus films every year. Even if an actor does four films a year, we need about 60 male actors. So theres no sense of insecurity. He dismisses competition with equal ease. Im not being pompous. But I dont see any actor as competition. I view some of them as idols, some of them as respected seniors, some as dear colleagues,

If an honest filmmaker wants to tell a story around sex... then please for Gods sake do not tear the posters down or ban the film

With wife Gaurie Pandit

some as friends and some who I believe should quit as soon as possible. I am perhaps too selfish, concentrating just on my work. His confidence is often mistaken for arrogance. Honestly, I dont see myself as either headstrong or arrogant. But yes, I have a lot of pride. Id like to believe its not misplaced. Many a time, holding your head high without a certain amount of success is perceived as arrogance. People say why is he so cocksure of himself? What has he achieved? Maybe they are right. But unfortunately, I did not grow up any other way. What I see as self-belief may come across as arrogance. I am ready to work upon it as long as I do not have to compromise on my self-respect. His strength he says lies in his stubbornness. Its tough for me to give up on a challenge. But I am impatient with people who may perhaps lack common sense. I am also impatient with dishonesty or indiscipline. And I show my displeasure easily. I have to learn to be more tactful. Coming back to Tamanchey, he asserts its a special film and credits it to the producer of the film, Suryaveer Singh. He has made it with a crew not exceeding 30 people. And not once was anything lacking on the sets in terms of equipment and manpower. He has brought a certain science to production. In particular, his idea to hire a visual director or a co-director for the film will be borrowed by many. A career on the rise and a sense of security back home, Nikhil is a happy man. Recently married to model Gaurie Pandit, he says, Marriage has brought in the much needed stability in my life. I cant think of any drastic change otherwise. But yes, I am required to keep things in order at home. My wife is strict about that. And yes, I cannot stay out late at night anymore. Earlier, I had no sense of time. Otherwise I am still the same person. And so is she. Thankfully! he smiles. n

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Future Stock

Siddharth Menon in Peddlers

PEDDLER OF
Vasan Bala

DREAMS
Vasan Bala has exposed the new, sexually uninhibited woman in Mumbai in his directorial debut Peddlers. Vivek Bhatia understands why the film has sent ripples across film festivals
hirty-four-year-old Vasan Bala could be termed a late bloomer. But hes undoubtedly ballsy. After switching two well-paying jobs, one in banking and the other in software communications, he suddenly gave up his cushy lifestyle to pursue a career in filmmaking. He was 28 then. And its no mean feat that his directorial debut Peddlers was selected for the 51st Cannes Critics Week - a parallel section at the Cannes Film Festival that discovered filmmakers like Bernardo Bertolucci and Wong Kar Wai. The film, which features

Anurag Kashyap rejected two of my scripts and the reasons he gave were vague. We had plenty of heated arguments and proper street fights
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Gulshan Devaiah, Kriti Malhotra, Siddharth Menon and Nimrat Kaur has also recently toured the Toronto International Film Festival. Vasan says that the audience abroad is looking for original voices from India. They dont want to see rehashed European films. They were taken aback with the way Mumbai is showcased in Peddlers and surprised by the projection of women having drinks and indulging in one-night stands. Theyre used to seeing only conservative films coming from India, he says. After grabbing international eyeballs, Peddlers is all set to release in India.

The audience abroad was taken aback with the way Mumbai is showcased in Peddlers and surprised by the projection of women having drinks and indulging in one-night stands
However, the debutant director is under no pressure as the money has been recovered. Hes also aware of the minimal reach his film would have here as it doesnt cater to commercial tastes. Ive made an individualistic, stubborn film. Im not bothered about how people are going to react to it, says he. I cant put a gun to peoples head and say if you dont like this youve got shit taste. Peddlers is a story of three scarred people living in Mumbai and how their childhood experiences shape them into complex individuals. The film showcases how under a calm demeanour, beneath a civil faade, everyone is a vulnerable ticking bomb, explains Vasan. The trailer of his film raised a debate whether or not the movie had any similarities to Kiran Raos Dhobi Ghat. Vasan dismisses the rumours. Mumbai is treated like a ghost town in my film. So you wont see too many people on the streets. The cacophony and frenetic motion of the city is given a skip. So weve not shot at Mohammed Ali Road or other crowded places, he states. Dhobi Ghat showed us the city that we see today. Peddlers is going to break the aesthetics of how Mumbai is showcased in the movies. Peddlers was shot in 31 days straight, mostly guerilla style sans any permissions and mostly at nights, he says.

ith absolutely zilch filmi contacts, this aspiring filmmaker began his struggle on a blank slate. Other than watching movies I had no other film connection. I started cutting trailers to learn editing. I also started writing for film blogs and somewhere I realised that theres a part of me that could make a film. Shooting one-off corporate videos kept the stove burning at home, until he met Anurag Kashyap. He worked closely with the director on Gulaal and Dev.D (both in 2009). Anurag is known to support aspiring directors but Vasan wasnt going to have it easy. He had written two scripts, both of which were rejected by Anurag. The reasons that Anurag gave were vague. We had plenty of heated arguments and proper street fights, he laughs. Frustrated and impatient,

Gulshan Devaiah in Peddlers

Vasan Bala walks the red carpet at Cannes before the screening of Peddlers

Vasan approached Anurags producer Guneet Monga and she put a plea out on Facebook asking for funds to make the film. When Anurag finally saw the first cut of my film he said, This might go somewhere. That was good to hear, he smiles. Despite their differences, he claims to have learnt a lot from his mentor. I used to be a shy individual. I never thought I had it in me to fight a lone battle. Anurag made me learn the hard way. Thats the best part about working with him. Whether hes there or not, you still learn a lot from him, he asserts. Vasan is currently penning his next film. Its a quirky love story, which he had thought of even before Peddlers. This film is going to be bigger and more expensive than Peddlers, says he. Ill shoot with proper permissions and my team will get proper equipment. Im looking forward to it. n

E FIVE vaSanS FAVOURIT

Mr IndIa Satya BoMBay dharavI ISS raat KI SuBah nahIn

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GLAMFARE

SMOKIN HOT
Indian beauty is all about those mysterious eyes. And the smoky eyed look personifies this aptly. We tell you how to get Kareena Kapoors tantalising eyes

Whats hot, whats not...

Pg

And all that jazz...

Pg

107

108

Pg

104

When in doubt a pure white anarkali never fails to deliver. Even our stars agree
COMPILED BY: KARISHMA LOYNMOON, RAEDITA TANDAN

Check out whats the latest nail colour our B-town sensations are wearing

Parineeti Chopra tells you about her fashion mantras...

PHOTOGRAPHS: VIRAL BHAYANI, YOGEN SHAH

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Glamfare Fashion Play

Style
Parineeti Chopra walks the ramp for Shabana Azmis NGO - Mijwan, styled by Manish Malhotra

talk

She claims she doesnt know fashion. But is aware of what works for her. Parineeti Chopra may be new to the celebrity world but shes got her style statements bang on. Here she reveals her fashion secrets to Karishma Loynmoon

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Ranaut. Every time you see Kangna, shes in a whole new avatar. Even Twinkle Khanna is quite stylish.

What about your sister, Priyanka Chopra?

Woh toh ghar ki hi hai. And everything looks good on her.

If your designer ensemble gets stained while youre on the red carpet, how would you tackle it?

It happened very recently. I went for an event and my dress ripped. I changed my outfit because you dont want to strut around in a ripped or stained dress.

Lots of people look better in smaller sizes... But the trick lies in understanding your body
Heres looking at a few appearances donned by Parineeti

I have my good and bad days. Im not the best dresser in the world, mainly because clothes and fashion are not my forte.

Your worst fashion faux-pas moment...

Who are your favourite designers?

I love Indian designers. Sabyasachi, Varun Bahl and Manish Malhotra are superb. Honestly, I like wearing anything that looks good on me.

Whats your style statement?

Im a ganjis and linen pants person. Im always wearing jersey jackets, university jackets, track pants and flip flops. Also, I like buying one thing in many colours.

Fashion critics think otherwise. Size does matter

Where do you generally shop?

How important do you think it is to be in tune with fashion?

I dont follow fashion at all. But what you wear shouldnt make you look odd. If you have a different personality, dont try and fit in. Its better to stand out.

In Devil Wears Prada, Anne Hathaway had to cut down sizes to fit in. Do you think it is important to do that in this business?
Yes, lots of people look better in smaller sizes. It isnt really pleasant to catch a not-so-skinny person in shorts. But the trick lies in understanding your body. I am neither skinny nor fat. So the secret is to know what doesnt work for you. If you are aware of that, youll automatically know what works for you.

I think its important to respect the fact that most actresses today are not skinny. You write the best things about our acting talent and skill but judge us on our clothes. Everyone from Sonakshi Sinha and Vidya Balan to Rani Mukerji and Sonam Kapoor is judged. Id like to believe that we all perform well. And thats all that should matter.

Mostly abroad. I love picking up linen pants, pyjamas, track pants, chappals, etc. I love Abercrombie & Fitch, I live in them.

I wish I knew! I dont have a body that supports all kinds of clothes. So if I just follow fashion blindly, Id look really bad. I have to always wear something that suits my body type. Lets just say, I make my own fashion rules.

What do you think is really in these days?

Who is your fashion icon?

Colours! A lovely colour really turns me on. I like all colours except brown.

According to you, what is a fashion turn on?

Nobody. I dont care about fashion. But I do appreciate the style sense of a few people. If I ever had to dress like someone, Id probably choose either Malaika Arora Khan or Kangna

What do you think looks the best on men?

I think linen looks really cool on guys. Not everyone can carry it off! n

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Glamfare Fashion Play

WHATS PRINTED MATTERS

When you want some funk, drama or attention in your look, its time to try prints! Check out our bombshells make or break this look

1 1 So much Like Sonam, Chitrangda Singh too dons a Surendri by Yogesh Chaudhary ensemble with pacman earrings. Shes quite a number in this vibrant kneelength dress. And if anything, shes got all that it takes to make this look work. Even her turquoise heels are a safe bet. 2 Drama no more In spite of being a fun print, Tisca Chopra keeps the covered look clean and surprises us pleasantly in this Aartivijay Gupta creation. Wed have gone for dark blue nails, smoky eyes and nude lips; unlike that clichd touch of red. 3 That sinking feeling For a cute face like Ayesha Takias, this Archana Kochchar look doesnt complement her. Maybe a shorter sleeved blouse wouldve saved the day. Wish shed gone conventional instead. Whaddya think?

Its never what and who Sonam Kapoor wears but more how she wears it. Straight off the runway, this pacman-printed sari by Yogesh Chaudhary is totally up her alley. Not bothering to tone things down, shes all for being in-your-face here!

Pacman alert

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Glamfare Fashion Play

WHITE WONDERS
It may not be warm and sunny at the moment but our B-town beauties have certainly taken to wearing the colour of summer that too with a traditional twist. White anarkalis seem to be all the rage this season. Check em out!

1 1 True fashionista Sonam Kapoor makes for an elegant click in this white anarkali by Shehla Khan. We heart the traditional chikan detailing here. Her pretty mojris and heavy chand baalis add to her feminine grace. Stylish as always, arent you Ms Kapoor? 2 Showstopper Dia Mirzas white and gold anarkali has a quiet sophisticated feel to it. The big gold earrings draw attention to her pretty face. And of course, she has always had that beautiful smile to her advantage. We like! 3 Less is more Konkona Sen Sharmas white anarkali may be a little dull for a cocktail affair. We agree her style is on the earthy side but wish she had accessorised some more. For this look, wed swear by an ethnic choker.

Simply stunning
This off white Preeti Kapoor anarkali sits prettily on Bipasha Basu, lending her a soft look. And the simplicity is balanced with gold gota work around the neck and on the sleeves of her outfit. The nojewellery look wins her special points and the simple bindi gives it a nice touch.

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Glamfare Fashion Play

DEEP DARK DESIRES!

Dark nails are the latest fixation -- from bloodshot red to deep maroon and even dark purple. They are the new love on the fashion circuit. We show you four ways to work this look

1 1 Lets get wacky The next time youre in for some fun, this is one look you should definitely try out. Neha Dhupia gets it bang on with her sexy maroon nail shade. Imagine a coral peach or light blue with this quirky ensemble. Wouldnt blend in, right? 2 Stylish as always Sameera Reddy has combined dark and edgy with sensous. Its inevitable that her dark nails are an ultimate hit. Opt for Sams look if you want to look stunning at a classy do. And also go with dark lips like she has, that is sure to get you noticed. 3 Casual chic Shes one damsel who rarely gets it wrong! Sussanne Roshans blackish purple nails are quite the star here! If you thought deep shades were only for the night, think again. Coz you can rock this look in the day too.

Deepika Padukone wows us with this grunge look. And the trending nail colour is quite the icing on the cake. She mixes edge with elegance in those distressed denims and that blazer. Hot pink lips and funky neckpiece adds to her charm.

Nailed it!

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Glamfare Fashion Play

POLKI DIARIES
Want to know why your beautiful polki jewellery loses its lustre so soon? Well, our divas dont seem to have that problem. But you can keep your jewels as sparkly as theirs with just a little care. Check out these tips
Wrap the jewellery in a soft muslin cloth or in cotton wool and store it in plastic bags to protect it from oxidizing. Dont forget to store polki jewellery with a pouch of silica gel to keep it dry. This prevents tarnishing and cracking Dont wear polki jewellery before applying make-up

Gently use an eraser that rubs off pencil marks or a suede cloth to remove surface dust

Don't apply perfume, hair spray, chemicals or water on polki

Never wash polki jewellery in soap water as the chord gets discoloured and jewellery can get dull too. So if in case youre washing hands, make sure you remove your bangles and rings etc beforehand

Madhuri Dixit Nene dons the polki rani haar at the India International Jewellery Week 2012

Store your polki sets in boxes to prevent breakage. Never jam up your one set with another too

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Glamfare Fashion Play

WHATS SMOKING?
SMOKY EYES JUST A FEW STEPS AWAY
1 For smoky eyes, a gel-based eye shadow or

Theyre mysterious, hot as hell and will never go out of fashion. The smoky-eyed look is a favourite with our glamdolls. Want this look? Read on

a cream eye shadow is extremely essential. Especially with Indian weather nothing else works. Maybelline liners are fabulous. But LOreal and M.A.C are good too.

2 Start applying it from your lash line while smudging

it upwards towards the upper lid of your eye. Every time you start applying bit by bit, remember to keep smudging upwards.

3 Do your entire eye socket this way. Keep in mind

the edges of your smoky eye should go from dark to light. Darker around your lash line and lighter towards your upper lid.

4 On your bottom lash line, use a lot of dark black

kohl. With a thin smudging brush take the gel or cream based shadow and smudge going inwards.
Kajol does it with a brown tint

5 Its very important to fill in all the blanks from

underneath. The inner eye lid needs to be filled completely with your kohl pencil. And curl your lashes.

6 Apply 2-3 layers of jet black mascara. And youre

ready to go.

7 Its a mysterious look. Its usually a charcoal

coloured blackish grey look but now you can experiment with browns, greens, purples, blues and the works. In fact the blue rage is on now.
Freida Pinto experiments with metallic shades

8 Dont mistake a cat eye with a smoky eye. Neha

Dhupias is a cat eye. Its a definite thick line unlike the mysterious smudged look that we aim to get!

9 Even the reversed smoky-eyed look is super in.

Its a thick smudged layer of kohl and eye gel or cream-based shadow just at the bottom of your eye. Kareena Kapoor frequents this look.

10 If youve got wide eyes, heavy layers on your upper

and lower lid work fabulously. Otherwise for a smaller set of eyes, just concentrate more on the upper lid. Its all trial and error. If its your first, practice with just a kohl pencil and simple eye shadow. So girls, whatchya waiting for? Get going - NAMRATA SONI, MAKE-UP EXPERT

Kareena Kapoor dons the patent smoky-eyed look with a charcoal tinted blackish grey hue

Neha Dhupia goes for the cat-eyed look

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YOUR FILMFARE

The viewer verdict is out and Joker is far from being funny
Pg

NO REASON TO SMILE
Sonakshi Sinha and Akshay Kumar in Joker

114

Pg

116

Pg

118

Readers recall their favourite stars and forgettable tragedies from cinema history

The viewers verdict on Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi

Shatrughan Sinhas racy rejoinders

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Your Filmfare Letters

Money over matter

Asha Bhosle

Politics of entertainment

` 1500
3 Idiots

1st Prize

It appears there is a mad rush and the race is on among filmmakers to reach the 100 crore club. Cast a big star, add an item number, write in some comedy and you can spend 50 crores making a film thatll earn

double that amount. But have our producers lost sight of the fact that films can be a powerful medium to portray ethics, values, education and eradication of social evils? Put a little effort in the script rather than the

formula and you can still have a blockbuster reaching the 200 crore club. 3 Idiots had a theme, story and entertainment and grossed more than any Hindi film. SS Gattani, Amravati

B-town tragedies
AK Hangal who played important roles in films like Sholay, Shaukeen, Bawarchi, Aandhi and many other movies passed away in poverty despite having worked in films for 45 years and having acted in more than 150 films. Several actors in the past have met with a similar fate. Bharat Bhushan sold his plush bungalows but still died in penury. Bhagwan Dada whose dance style is aped by none other than Amitabh Bachchan, owned seven cars in his prime, one each for a day of the week. He had a plush sea-side bungalow with 25 rooms but he died in a small room in a chawl. Motilal, who many consider as one of Hindi cinemas best actors ever, lost most of his money in gambling and horse racing.
Actresses are no exception.

` 1000

2nd Prize

Time and again objections have been raised about banning Pakistani singers from Indian television. Recently, iconic singer Asha Bhosle was slammed for participating in a music show which hosts eight vocalists from the neighbouring country. This needs to be decried. What kind of censorship is this in a democracy? The veteran singer has rightly gone ahead despite the protest. Why do we mix up the world of entertainment with that of politics? On the contrary, why not use the excuse of cultural exchange to strengthen cordial relations with our neighbour? While several from the film fraternity have maintained an awkward silence, kudos to Mahesh Bhatt for being candid in his stand for keeping political interference away from art and cinema. Mehek Ravi, Kolkata

Unfair to Hangal

Meena Kumari Vimi who debuted in Hamraaz

AK Hangal

died penniless and lonely, even the legendary Meena Kumaris hospital bills were paid after her bungalow was auctioned off. Nadira also died in poverty and same was the case with Meena Shorey better known as the

Laara lappa girl who lived a miserable life in Pakistan. If thats the price of stardom then the industry should know better and make a film artistes association that can take care of pensions or monetary compensations.

The passing away of AK Hangal was tragic. I recall that in his later years, a political group imposed an unofficial ban on the actor. As a result he could not act in films for more than two years and the reason was that he visited Pakistan. More unfortunate was the fact that the film industry chose to remain silent on this ban. Thanks to actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Mithun Chakraborty and a few others, Hangal could overcome penury to meet his medical needs and die peacefully. The Mumbai film industry should have given a fitting farewell to this character actor. But unfortunately, barring a few actors from a theatre background, no stars attended his funeral. KS Sundaram, Bangalore

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Your Filmfare Letters

heroines in the bare minimum. Scenes, item songs and dialogue are incorporated to patronise the female anatomy. Not that the audience is complaining. The voyeuristic male laps up all types of sex. Ashwani K Malhotra, Ludhiana Kumar, Deepika Padukone, Katrina Kaif and Abhishek Bachchan, but pieces about relatively unknown performers like Richa Chaddha, Gauri Shinde, Sneha Khanwalkar, Monica Dogra, Gauhar Khan, Dolly Ahluwalia and Amole Gupte were interesting and revealing too. The articles about performers like Raveena Tandon and Mahendra Kapoor reminded us of their heydays. That is the perfect balance every film magazine should maintain. Surinder Kalia, Haryana

Other side of 100 crores

Ek Tha Tiger

Wrong tha Tiger

So the world is rah-rahing about Ek Tha Tiger and its tryst with 200 crores at the box-office. Salman Khan is undoubtedly the Rajnikanth of Hindi cinema, but even the superstar had his lacklustre moments in ETT. My main problem with the stunts was that Salman was jogging around rather clumsily and his unenthusiastic baby steps were miraculously followed by Olympian leaps across buildings. If that wasnt enough, the film stereotyped its locations too. ETT showed Turkeys Blue Mosque, Cubas montage of people puffing cigars and swaying to Rumba. Its as if the scriptwriter was inspired by a tourist brochure. CK Ramani, Mumbai

has changed. Gone are the days when the dashing hero took centre stage. Nowadays talent precedes everything. All hail the new trends of the industry!

Dayanand Kudari, Pune

Sex was always a USP

While the industry folk are busy gloating over a handful of films that touch the 100-crore mark, they must also remember that throughout the year countless terrible flicks lose money too. Films with weird titles like Impossible Vivek, Vikalp, Utt Pataang, Naughty @ 40, Love Express, Love You To Death, Staying Alive, Will You Marry Me?, Say Yes To Love, Akkad Bakkad Bambe Bo, Happy Husbands, Always Kabhi Kabhi run to empty theatres with neither the filmmakers nor the artistes showing any interest in them. One wonders why and for whom these films are made and released. Sharada Iyer, Mumbai

Just one point

Anita

40-plus leads are a hit

It was refreshing to watch two artistes above 40 playing leads in Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi. As a new brigade of people enters the industry, a notable difference has started to make a mark. Farah Khan was good considering this was her acting debut. Its just not about age, but the dynamics of perfect bodies and lead actors

A few years ago, actress Neha Dhupia had made a famous remark, Shah Rukh Khan and sex sell. She wasnt off the mark. The editorial, Sex is the new love (August 29) reinforces this view. But its also true that in the 50s and 60s we had the vamps upping the sex quotient and the heroines wore skin tight kameez, salwars and churidars to appear sexy. Sharmila Tagore appeared in a bikini in An Evening In Paris and the audiences ogled and clapped while the critics raised an eyebrow. Its only now that filmmakers are featuring their

Filmfares balanced

I admire team Filmfare for getting the magazine out of the clutches of big stars. I have no problem if you talk about biggies like the Khans, Kapoors or Kumars and Bachchans, but focussing on them and ignoring other smaller stars irritates me. In the current issue a balance was maintained. There were articles on biggies like Akshay

I feel shattered. I think Anita Advani should fight for her rights after all she was with Rajesh Khanna in his last few days. Lets not get into the mess of money and fame. But this woman was there when his own family was not with him. Pretty Kt Mirchandani, Mumbai The editorial Sex is the new love, was bang on. A film with sexual themes becomes an outstanding hit and a bold actress becomes a star overnight, we long for both but we still describe them as vulgar. MPS Chadha, Chandigarh At 82, Clint Eastwood still has author backed roles in Hollywood. Why cant Hindi cinema offer its veterans Dilip Kumar and Manoj Kumar roles worthy of their stature? JD Sinha, Rourkela

Corrigendum
In the issue dated September 12, 2012, a photograph with the Filmfare trophy was accidentally featured in Dolly Ahluwalias interview and credited as hers. The error is regretted.

Sharmila Tagore

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Your Filmfare: Reviews

` 500

1st Prize

Twiviews
@sachin_pbs: Shirin Farhad toh theatre se hi nikal pade. @sandesvks: Its a nice, feel-good film.

Fans and readers tweet their mini reviews to @filmfare.

@rimaajmerwalla: Only Parsis will enjoy the movie as they are the only ones wholl get the jokes. @slurymonkey: Its a good film but you need to leave your brains at home. Farah needs to hone her acting skills though. @shivangi1_: Average comedy. But it was great to see Farah Khan as an actress. @bhatimotta: Superb blend of comedy and emotions. @bhatimotta: Superb blend of comedy and emotions. Perfect popcorn entertainment. No awkward moments thatll make you regret taking the family along. However, if youre expecting this Farah Khan and Boman Irani film to be a ribtickling comedy, you may be disappointed. The film is the story of a 40 plus couple that ends rather conventionally. The jokes will keep you smiling throughout the film. Daisy Irani and Shammiji make for adorable Parsi aunties youre likely to bump into at Parsi colony. Director Bela Sehgal manages to capture this small communitys quirks and nuances. The acting is casual, realistic and comes naturally to the cast. The film could have done with some smart editing and then without some songs that seem squeezed in to accommodate the average music. All in all good for a laidback watch on a Sunday. Rajat Gupta, Bangalore

Farah Khan and Boman Irani in SFKTNP

Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi

Refreshing
There are no full stops to love. It doesnt have a shelf life or an expiry date. However, our filmmakers have a blinkered attitude towards love. They seem to think its something that happens only to people in their 20s. So its refreshing to see Bela Sehgal make a film about middle-aged ove. Both Farah Khan and Boman Irani live their parts with aplomb. Its great so see choreographer and director Farah making a foray into acting. Shes as confident and capable in front of the camera as off it. Boman can be counted on to do the right thing in most cases and he comes up trumps once more. More such films should be made soon! Rati Roy, Raunakpur, via email

In bad taste

Its wrong to make fun of minority communities and I was ashamed to see that being done in Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi. What was even more galling is that most of the actors working in the film were Parsis and yet they went along and lampooned their own community. Making fun of stereotypes is one thing but

reinforcing them is something else again and thats what happened in the case of this film. Bela Sehgal, who did make a point saying love could happen at any age, should have taken more care about writing such gags. Directors shouldnt become self indulgent and should learn to exercise restraint. Lets hope someone makes a real film about Parsis in the near future. Sameer Pareek, Jaipur

Breezy fun

Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi is a family entertainer.

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Your Filmfare: Reviews

Twiviews
Fans and readers tweet their mini reviews to @filmfare.
@anilprasad7: Flop film. @chiragsrk: Joker is a documentary made to show why Shirish Kunder deserved a slap from Shah Rukh Khan. @strange_brew: Poor storyline and terrible second half, this Joker is a mess. @canwill: The aliens in the film are the people who died after watching Tees Maar Khan.
Sonakshi Sinha, Akshay Kumar and Shreyas Talpade in Joker

Joker

Its different

To be pragmatic, AkshaySonakshis Joker is a brisk wrap, around a theme which could have done with some dollops of humour. One must give credit to Akshay Kumar for pulling off a role where he has less heroism to show and behave like a literate buffoon at times. In fact, Akshay outperforms Sonakshi who is more content with mouthing the odd dialogue and gyrating on screen. Joker is not astounding but it is not a damp squib either like most daft comedies weve had in recent

years. Joker comes as a breath of fresh air compared to the soppy romances and the fist of fury in every odd film. Chiranjib Haldar via email

Works in parts

Akshay Kumar may have distanced himself from the films promotions but the vegetable resembling aliens in the film got the kids attention. I landed up for a morning show with a bunch of 8-yearolds for company. While I nearly slept through it, the kids seemed to have a rollicking time. While the village name, Paglapur had them giggling, Vindoo Dara Singh and Asrani

as its mad hatter residents left them highly amused. Shreyas Talpades character as the gibberish speaking lunatic had our young audience in splits. As for Akshay playing a NASA scientist, after the film I did hear one kid say hed want to become a NASA scientist, so I guess the character did make an impact after all (if that even counts!). While Sonakshi Sinha is quite prominent on the films posters, her role in the film is similar to the udta firta omlette (UFO) both would not be missed. As for director Shirish Kunder, the less said the better. Only third graders enjoyed his jokes. Priyanka Ashinkar, Pune

Disaster

So what went into making Joker you ask? Well, this seems to be the recipe director Shirish Kunder followed: 1 kg of Koi Mil Gayas alien theme mixed with 250 gms of Lagaans rustic village theme and 250 gms of Peepli Lives social issues theme. Add a cup of Akshay Kumar to hold it all together. Mix in a handful of Shreyas Talpade, Vindoo Dara Singh and Asrani. Add a pinch of Sonakshi Sinha and a some not-funnyat-all jokes. Serve with an udta firta omlette and garnish with a Kafirana item number. Served in cinemas all across the country. Samantha Sequeira, Mumbai

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Your Filmfare Sawaal Jawaab

Shatrughan Sinhas

rapid fire

Ask a n& questioiting win exc s prize

family and themselves which when they are unable to achieve bring disappointment, frustration and desperation that lead to suicidal tendencies. I condemn the act. Wives are funny creatures. They wont sleep with their husbands for weeks but want to kill the woman who does. Comment. JP Singh Kaka, Bhopal Its a clear case of I want my cake and even if I dont eat it honey its not for you. Thats the irony of life. How do I hold a wine glass? Should I hold it by the stem or by the bowl? Rupesh Bhardwaj, Delhi By the stem. Every drink has a different glass and should be held accordingly. Cheers!

again that we are the richest poor country. The fact is yes, we are over populated but at the same time we have enough funds and resources to provide the basic needs of our people. Its just the evils of corruption and mismanagement of funds that keep us from doing so. Nowadays, what is most important: roti, kapda or makaan? Satvinder Kaur, Kolkata In order of importance today it would be paisa, roti, kapda aur makaan. Once you have money, everything else follows. Were you ever in a situation when you felt that the world for you has come to an end? Priyank Gupta, Mahoba Yes, when the priests were chanting the mantras as I got married. And how Ive been able to manage like many other married men is altogether a different story. Marriage is about give and take. Youd better give it to your wife or shell take it anyway... Am I correct? Rishi Vij, Nagpur On a lighter note its fun to make such jokes. But on a serious note, what is wrong in her taking since the wife should be respected and cared for as shes the

Which current political crisis would make anyone sing why this kolaveri di? Dayanand Kudari, Pune The mother of all scams at 30000000000. crores. Need I say more why this kolaveri di? Why has Joker turned into a joke? What do you think went wrong? Zaid Zakaria, Hyderabad Perhaps we are not ready for aliens in our country yet. Jadoo was an exception.

Still, till the time aliens become a rule, it will probably be a joke for all of us. What are the key ingredients of a successful marriage? Sanjeev Kumar, Gurgaon Trust, respect and space in that order. Suicides among students are increasing alarmingly, what do you think is the reason for it? Anshu Kumar, Madhubani Great expectations from life,

Are you a romantic or a realist? Shobha Dhalla, New Delhi Realistically speaking, a romantic. Until now, it was believed India is poor because of its vast population but the example of China does not support this view. What are the remedies which can uplift the country on all fronts ? CA Suresh A Shah, Ahmedabad It has been said time and

Terms & Conditions Apply l Winner will bear all applicable taxes l Original products may differ from the one shown in the picture & will be as per suppliers/manufacturers terms & conditions l The magazine will not be responsible for the product.

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1ST PRIZE
How do you look back on your journey so far? Suraj, Secunderabad Im quite satisfied with my accomplishments, success, name, fame and a little money besides goodwill. Ive created a niche for myself with sheer hard work. Ive a lot to thank the Almighty for. As for the rest, I suggest you watch Paresh Rawals popular play Kishen V/s Kanhaiya or its film version, Akshay Kumars next, Oh My God!

2ND PRIZE
True, rules are for everyone but is it fair to penalise Unmukt Chand, captain of the under-19 cricket team that just won the World Cup, for his low college attendance? Mehul Ramchandra, Mumbai Sports arent given too much importance in our country. Nevertheless, to penalise someone who has brought laurels to the country doesnt give a good impression. After all, even Sachin Tendulkar failed his tenth and now holds an honorary doctorate. Though these days doctorates are given out a dime a dozen to every Tom, Dick and Harry and actor, studies are important. However, the system must make it easy, for those who go through challenges or difficulties to make our country proud.

Akshay Kumar

backbone of the marriage and keeps the family together. Define a wife. Krittika Suchanti, Kolkata Shes the protector as well as the caring, loving, multifaceted woman playing many roles in our lives. In simple terms, a wife is someone who if you treat

well can make your life but if treated badly can make your life hell. When is a wife usually most angry with her husband? Ravi Mahtani, Kolkata When he doesnt follow the rules set by her Im the boss in my house with my wifes permission.

Besides gravity, what other force keeps you grounded? Neha Nathani, Mumbai My normal and humble upbringing in a middle-class family and the morals and values instilled in me at the root level. (Feature co-ordinated by MEERA JOSHI)

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YOUR QUESTIONS WILL BE FORWARDED TO: Shatrughan Sinha, who insists his answers do not reflect his political and social views.

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Last word By Jitesh Pillaai

The young ones

ts been raining flowers buds have blossomed and announced themselves on the biggest stage of them all. 2012 could well be recorded in the history of Hindi cinema as the year of the newcomer. When the debutants have sizzled, held their own at the box office and critics scorecards against the top stars, and kept pace. They have jostled for Twitter comments, rubbed shoulders at film parties and taken home their share of the awards. They have generated Google searches from kids in cinema halls, egged on by their parents who are as keen to know more about someone they had probably not heard of till an hour ago. The sperm of a film that grew into a giant Vicky Donor heralded two of them, Ayushmaan Khurrana and Yami Gautam. Though the two didnt necessarily set the screen ablaze with their chemistry, they did enough for the universe to take note and sent the producers singing all the way to the bank. The chocolate and candy flick of the year, the most eagerly awaited Student Of The Year, directed by the Karan Johar himself, sans superstars, heralds another generation Varun Dhawan, model Siddharth Malhotra and Mahesh Bhatts and Soni Razdans daughter Alia. If promos are anything to go by, another trio will be added to the promising young uns and superstars of tomorrow list. Next: Arjun Kapoor our cover boy has the goods as evidenced in Ishaqzaade. Spunky, wise, worldly yet wide-eyed, the innocence and spontaneity of the next wave of actors is as refreshing as it is breathtaking. The focus is on performance, not only appearance and they are more likely to be doing stunts with their heart than jumping off a cliff in a fight sequence. They have their heads screwed on tight, a maturity beyond their years and an army of common sense and vision when it comes to making decisions on roles. It bodes well for Indian cinema, for on the shoulders of its youth will its future ride. Bang! So while I was writing, Nawazuddin Siddiqui finishes off yet another mobster in Gangs Of Wasseypur 2, with as much fire power in his eyes as his guns. The smoking barrels competing with the imaginary smoke from his head as he essays the role of the reluctant ganglord with consummate ease. One would think that the director had actually found this amazing performer amongst the proverbial gangs, so realistic is his portrayal. Talking of crime and another film that he acted in Kahaani also featured a sweet young policeman who everyone was raving about yet no one knew his name where do you start a Google search? At Kahaani? The man is Paramabrata Chatterjee, well known in the East but a national phenomenon after the brilliance of his performance in the thriller. Who says star kids are all that we have (we do have them but we have more!) And the future does indeed look bright. May every year be the year of the newcomer. n

Ayushmaan Khurrana

Yami Gautam

Varun Dhawan

Alia Bhatt

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