LAST WORD BY JITESH PILLAAI
Kapoor, Diana
T
he Tea Valley
Filmfare
Glamour &
Style Awards,
which took
place recently was a star-
studded affair. These
awards give me the least
worry as they aren’t
about performances by
the stars but about their
style and fashion quotient.
The divos and divas of
tinseltown turn up in their
sartorial best and give
fashion watchers plenty to
talk about. It’s all fun and
games where the stars let
their hair down and send
envy out for a stroll.
I’m mostly found
backstage at events,
steering the show from
afar, fighting fires, nursing
egos and praying fervently
to all Gods to make the
proceedings go smoothly.
Deepika Padukone
Penty and Pooja Hegd
The stars make it a habit
to drop in and say hi.
Through their reactions
I can gauge how things are
going. This time, everyone
who dropped in was in
a chirpy mood. Warmth
and bonhomie reigned
supreme and I was happy,
happy, happy.
Filmfare’s association
with Shah Rukh Khan
goes back a long, long
way. I first met him when
I was a rookie reporter
and he an emerging star.
Over the years, a sort of
bond blossomed between
us. Meeting him has
always been an uplifting
experience because his
observations, his insights
are out of this world. He
has the knack of seeing
something out of the
ordinary even amongst
the most mundane of
, Shah Ru kh Kh an, Preity Zinta, Karisma Style Awards
mfare Glamour &
e at the Tea Valley Fil
things. And he has few
equals when it comes to
recounting stories. It was
a pleasure that Shah Rukh
came to meet me. My
already buoyant spirits
went spiralling like a
rocket. We talked nineteen-
to-the-dozen about every
topic under the sun. It felt
like old times. His last few
films may not have been
critic-friendly. However,
as they say in cricket,
talent is permanent, form
is temporary. Those who
are mistaking his current
form for his talent please
take note. His witty parting
shot at the event was an
absolute ace.
I was tickled pink
when a bevy of beauties
including Rekha, Sonam
Kapoor and Deepika
Padukone chose to pamper
us with their love and
blessings. Diljit Dosanjh
was sweetness personified
when he thanked Filmfare
on stage and later sent
me a straight-from-the-
heart message about
how much he loved the
proceedings. He’s such
a simple man at heart
despite being a superstar.
May he never change.
I’d like to take the
opportunity to thank
everyone, from the
youngest recruit from the
events company to the
biggest star, who turned
up to make the event a
success. Every little bit
helped. And let me not
forget my team, who
stood by me once more
like proverbial knights
and gave more than their
hundred percent.
jitesh.pillaai@wwm.co.in
Twitter: @jiteshpillaai
March 2019 `60

UNSTOPPABLE
ANIL
SRK KAPOOR
TO DO
DON 3

s ta r
A n
b or
is i khan
a Al
S ar
 Volume 68 # March 2019 / ISSN NUMBER 0971-7277

28
March 2019 `60

COVER
UNSTOPPABLE
STORY
SRK
ANIL
KAPOOR
Sara Ali Khan gives some
TO DO
DON 3 Kangana
reunites with
straight-from-the-heart
Aanand L Rai
answers
r
A s ta n
r
is bAloi khan
Sara

PHOTOGRAPHS: ROHAN SHRESTHA

STYLING: LAKSHMI LEHR
HAIR & MAKE-UP: BIANCA HARTKOPF
DESTINATION PARTNER:
KENYA TOURISM BOARD
HOSPITALITY PARTNER: &BEYOND
Swimsuit: Flirtous | Belt: Shivan Narresh
Dress: Savio Jon @begborrowsteal
Earrings: Rara Avis
Bracelet: Deepa Ghurani

Editor’s Choice
Sara Ali Khan is the
04 IT girl in town
The backstage buzz
86 from the recently
concluded Tea Valley Filmfare
Glamour & Style Awards

Masala Fix

07 Varun Dhawan all set

for an Aanand L Rai
film, Shah Rukh Khan
to start Don 3 soon,
Ranbir Kapoor may do
Saare Jahan Se Achha

10
09
68 64
46
20 Vicky Kaushal caught
64 in a colourful
photoplay

70 Rapid fire with the hot

Jim Sarbh

72 Shubha Khote looks

back at her life with
affection

your say
77 Readers send in their
rants

78 Readers send in their

reviews

54 84 Shatrughan Sinha’s
wacky witticisms

fashion
& beauty
20 Style quotient of the
stars decoded

exclusive
46 Anil Kapoor is still as
eager as a debutant

50 Manoj Bajpayee is
gung ho about life

54 Yami Gautam’s josh is

on an all-time high

60 60
Emraan Hashmi has
no regrets about
anything 84
23
 Letter from the Editor
Que sara sara
I remember her as a precocious kid, who used to plonk herself
next to the Bachchans at the Filmfare Awards, knowing it’s the
best seat in the auditorium to watch the ceremony. Her super
confidence, her go-getter ways were visible even then. She’s
grown up to be a girl, who has got the best of both the worlds.
The fierceness of her mother, Amrita Singh, and the panache
of her father, Saif Ali Khan, are to be found in her in equal
measure. Despite them being separated, she’s close to both,
sharing a healthy equation with both. She holds no rancour
against them and has accepted her reality. It takes a lot of
heart to assimilate all that at such a young age and kudos to
her for that.
In an industry known for its covert ways, her straightforward
manner is both heartening as well as charming. She has
no hang-ups about anything or anyone. The maturity and
confidence at her age is amazing. She’s truly the product of her
age, where kids are born with an inward compass that keeps
pointing towards correct things. She’s a torchbearer for the
millennials alright.
Her debut film, Kedarnath, was a cross religion love story set
against the backdrop of the Uttarakhand floods, which affected
five lakh people. She was the brightest spot of sunshine in
the film. You simply couldn’t take your eyes off her. It was no
mean feat to hold her own against a seasoned performer like
Sushant Singh Rajput. She not only did that but made the film
her own in the process. Her next vehicle, Simmba, was a cop
drama where she didn’t have much to do. Yet, she made sure
that even the arm candy role would be remembered because
of the spiciness she brought to it. She reminds people of her
mother, thanks to her teekhapan. I’ve been told people also see
glimpses of a young Karisma Kapoor in her.
There will be comparisons galore all her life but she’ll grow
beyond that and will come to be known as her own person.
She’s destined for that. We took the young firebrand to Masai
Mara and she set the forest on fire with her scorching good
looks. She’s on our cover this month and the photos look bright
and sunny, as are her replies to our questions. Turn the pages to
know the gamechanger better...

For more on tinseltown’s news and updates

find me on Twitter @jiteshpillaai
 Chief Executive Officer Deepak Lamba SUBSCRIPTIONS
subscriptions.wwm@wwm.co.in
Chief Community Officer & Editor Jitesh Pillaai
Executive Editor Anuradha Choudhary ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER
(RMD MAGAZINES)
Managing Editors Farhana Farook Suparna Sheth
suparna.sheth@timesgroup.com
Devesh Sharma
SUBSCRIPTIONS CENTRES
Regional Editor S Thangadurai (Chennai)
North +91 8800794795
Senior Assistant Editors Ashwini Deshmukh East 033 39898090
West 022 39898090
Raghuvendra Singh South 080 39898090
Junior Assistant Editor Suman Sharma SMS: FFSUB to 58888
To subscribe online, visit
Junior Assistant Editor & Digital Editor Rahul Gangwani mags.timesgroup.com
Multimedia Executive Kajol Mathur
BRAND SOLUTIONS
Deputy Production Manager Ashwini S Pote BUSINESS HEAD-FEMINA & GOODHOMES
& SALES DIRECTOR-FILMFARE
Senior Creative Director Meetesh Taneja Jyoti Verma
Design Director Sujitha Pai WEST
Associate Art Director Nikesh Gopale VICE PRESIDENT & BUSINESS HEAD-
FEMINA SALON & SPA
Gautam Chopra
Assistant Art Director Sanjay Kanavje gautam.chopra@wwm.co.in
Brand Head Rukshaar Deboo MUMBAI
ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT
Assistant Brand Manager Faarah Sarkari Reena C Dave
reena.dave@wwm.co.in
Marketing Administration Manager Sabina Gomes
Leena Bhandari
leena.bhandari@wwm.co.in
Chief Financial Officer S.Subramaniam
Sriram Krishnan
Head-Human Resources Meghna Puthawala sriram.krishnan@wwm.co.in
Head-Experiential Marketing Aakash Mishra PUNE
Ekta Dang
Content Studio Vice President Vidyut Patra ekta.dang@wwm.co.in
AHMEDABAD
Publisher Joji Varghese Kamal Rajput
kamal.Rajput@wwm.co.in
General Manager-Digital Revenue &
Marketing International Brands Priyadarshi Banerjee NORTH
VICE PRESIDENT &
SALES HEAD - LONG FORM CONTENT
Anjali Rathor
anjali.rathor@wwm.co.in
DELHI NCR
Sachin Saxena
sachin.saxena@wwm.co.in
JAIPUR
Pushpesh Sood
RNI No. 1619/1957. Price Rs 60. Printed and published by Joji Varghese for and on behalf
pushpesh.sood@wwm.co.in
of owners Worldwide Media Pvt. Ltd, (CIN: U22120MH2003PTC142239), The Times of India
Building, Dr D N Road, Fort, Mumbai 400 001 and printed at Rajhans Enterprises No: 134, SOUTH
4th Main Road, Industrial Town, Rajajinagar, Bangalore 560044, India. VP-SOUTH & BUSINESS HEAD-FEMINA TAMIL
Processed by BCCL Production Prepress and published at Worldwide Media Pvt. Ltd, Pravin Menon
The Times of India Building, Dr D N Road, Fort, Mumbai 400 001. Editor: Jitesh Pillaai pravin.menon@wwm.co.in
Filmfare takes no responsibility for unsolicited photographs or material CHENNAI
Rajeshkumar Jagdish
ALL PHOTOGRAPHS, UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED, ARE USED FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY
rajeshkumar.jagdish@wwm.co.in
HYDERABAD
THE NATIONAL/REGIONAL EDITION OF FILMFARE IS NOT FOR SALE OUTSIDE INDIA Sen Thomas
sen.thomas@wwm.co.in
DISCLAIMER FOR PROTECTION OF PRIVACY AND INFORMATION EAST
Any information received by us through responses by Users/ Subscribers to the Short Messaging Services (SMS)
Key Codes or such other subscription service of ours will be used in whole or part, in our publications (other KOLKATA
than contact information), for our research, individual marketing, strategic client analysis and for other internal ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT
purposes and all copyrights in such information will vest with us. Your contact information shall not be sold, Alka Kakar
traded, rented or in any way divulged to anythird party unless we are legally bound to do the same. alka.kakar@wwm.co.in
a bird’s-eye view of show town’s happenings

LOVEBIRDS
He’s B-town’s handsome prince. And she a
princess of many talents. Seen here at an event,
Akshay to star in
Kanchana remake? pg 
SRK to play Don
Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt cut a beautiful once again? pg 
frame. Well, such is the magic of love. Touchwood! PHOTOGRAPHS: YOGEN SHAH
 MASALA FIX

Rumours&More AKSHAY
TO STAR IN
KANCHANA
REMAKE?

Raghava Lawrence

Bollywood seems to be warming up to

the horror comedy genre. Now, a Hindi
remake of the Tamil superhit Kanchana
(2011), directed by Raghava Lawrence,
is being planned. In all probability,
Akshay Kumar will be seen playing the
lead in the film, which originally starred
R. Sarathkumar, Raghava Lawrence
and Lakshmi Rai. The Hindi version
will also be directed by Lawrence. This
will be Akshay’s second South outing
after Shankar’s 2.0, which also starred
superstar Rajinikanth. Katrina Kaif
may be considered to play the female
lead. The film will be y
VARUN FOR Shabina Khan.

AANAND L RAI?
Varun Dhawan is one actor, who can straddle
both mainstream and meaningful fare, with consummate ease. His
A BIOPIC
arty outings like Badlapur and October prove his desire to delve into
unknown territory. The ambitious actor, who’s always been keen to
FOR SARA
explore his range, is now said to be in talks with producer/director
Aanand L Rai for a project. If all goes well, Rai plans to roll the
ALI KHAN?
Newbie Sara Alli Khan is going
film by the year end. It’ll be interesting to watch this talented places as far ass her career is
actor-director duo come together for a rocking film. concerned.After making a mark in
films like Kedarrnath and Simmba,
the trade buzz ssuggests that she is
GUESS WHO? now going to bee cast in a biopic to be
So this much-loved B-town couple left colleagues from the industry produced by Dhharma Productions.
absolutely shocked. A team of filmmakers and actors had travelled together The film is in the planning stages.
to meet an eminent personality. During the visit, onlookers couldn’t help If all goes well, w
we shall see Sara
but notice the actor dominate his girl. He’d snub her, ask her to keep quiet playing a real-life character on the big
and even spoke rudely to her on more occasions than one. While the girl screen. She will be shooting this film
seemingly didn’t mind the treatment and even toed the line, the unpleasant once she’s finisshed shooting Imtiaz
behaviour left his colleagues quite disappointed. Ali’s Love Aaj Kal 2.
 FATIMA-
SAIF IN
TANTRIK?
Apparently, Saif Ali Khan has
been approached to play the
lead in a film called Tantrik,
earlier titled Bhoot Police by
Fox Studios. The production
house is also considering
Fatima Sana Sheikh to play
the female lead. Meanwhile, Ali
Fazal has already been signed
for this film.The film will be
directed by Pawan Kripalani.

AFFECTION APLENTY: Veteran Rekha’s bond with Tiger Shroff goes a long way. In fact, years ago at a
Filmfare Awards show, father Jackie Shroff had carried li’l Tiger in his arms when he went on stage to receivee
his award from Rekha. Here, she’s seen sharing a warm moment with Tiger, who’s now a much-loved star.

DEEPIKA THIS GORGEOUS Badshah to

SET FOR SUPERSTAR IS IN debut in Sona’s
s
TROUBLE. KNOWN Khajanchi
CHHAPAAK TO DO BIG BUDGET
Come March, and Deepika MOVIES, SHE’S
Padukone will join director Meghna NOW LOOKING
Gulzar on the set of Chhapaak. The DESPERATELY FOR
actor’s turning producer with the
film, which tells the inspiring story of
SOME MEANINGFUL
acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal. SCRIPTS. ESPECIALLY,
Fifteen-year-old Laxmi was attacked SINCE HER LAST FEW
by a man in Delhi, whose advances MEGA FILMS WITH
she had thwarted. Laxmi today is an BIG STARS TANKED Popular rapper Badshah is all seet
advocate for acid attack survivors. The to make his acting debut opposite
AT THE BOX-OFFICE.
biopic will also star Vikrant Massey. Sonakshi Sinha in Khajanchi.
Vikrant has been asked to put on 10 HER TEAM IS MAKING The film is being shot in Punjab.
kilos for his role. SURE SHE
S MEETS Varun Sharma is also part of it.
FILMMA AKERS IN THE Incidentally, Badshah was earlierr
HOPE OF
O BEING PART offered Dharma Productions’
OF INTEERESTING Good News but he declined it.Ass
is known, Diljit Dosanjh is now
CINEMA A. playing the role.

GUESS WHO?
So, this young, talented and budding actor is in great form in front of
the camera. But off it, there are numerous unpleasant stories about his
arrogance dooing the rounds. Especially, with his staff and assistant directors.
One such stoory was about his misbehaviour with a stylist, who also styles
a reputed name in the film industry. When the senior celebrity got to know
of this misconduct, he reprimanded the young actor and asked him to
apologise to the stylist.
 THAT ‘90S SHOW: Beauties Urmila Matondkar, Karisma
Kapoor and Tabu engage in girly chatter at the same event.

ACCORDING TO FOR THE LOVE OF LAW: Ajay Devgn,

Akshay Kumar, Rohit Shetty and
REPORTS, ROHIT Ranveer Singh get jiggy at an event held IN AUGUST COMPANY: Aamir Khan, Anil Kapoor and Aditya
SHETTY IS PLANNING in honour of the Mumbai Poilce. Roy Kapur seem to be enthralled by veteran Dharmendra.
YET ANOTHER FILM
AFTER HE WINDS UP
SOORYAVANSHI WITH
AKSHAY KUMAR.
NO ‘SPACE’ FOR SRK
Reportedly, Shah Rukh Khan has opted out of Mahesh Mathai’s Saare Jahaan
Se Achha, the film based on astronaut Rakesh Sharma. He was the first Indian
APPARENTLY, HE’S IN
to travel in space, aboard Soviet spacecraft Salyut 7 in April 1984. Though an
TALKS WITH SALMAN official announcement of the same hasn’t yet been made, it’s believed that SRK
KHAN FOR THE SAME. opted out of the film because his last outing, Zero, also had him venturing into
WELL, IF THIS IS space. And King Khan didn’t want to repeat the ‘space’ angle. Interestingly, it
TRUE, IT LOOKS LIKE was Aamir Khan who had urged SRK to do this film. There were reports that
A BLOCKBUSTER IS IN the producers, Ronnie Screwvala and Siddharth Roy Kapur, were considering
actors Vicky Kaushal and Kartik Aaryan after SRK stepped out. However, Kartik
THE OFFING! Aaryan has denied being approached for this project.

MEANWHILE…
The rumour that
SRK TO PLAY DON
has grown stronger ONCE AGAIN?
is that Ranbir For Shah Rukh Khan fans, there’s some good
Kapoor is also being news coming in. Sources reveal that SRK mightt
considered to play soon do the action thriller Don 3. Farhan
Rakesh Sharma in Akhtar had directed the earlier SRK
Saare Jahaan Se films - Don: The Chase Begins Again
Achha. But he has and Don 2. He’s been working on
yet to give his nod to the script of the third installment
the project. Currently, for a while now and aims to
the actor’s busy with soon get the cameras rolling
Dharma Productions’ for the same. The Don remakes
Brahmastra opposite have been inspired by Amitabh
Alia Bhatt. Bachchan’s superhit Don (1978).
 HIDE ‘N’ SEEK: Hottie Kartik Aaryan and the lovely Ananya Pandey are said to be the latest
lovebirds in B-town. Whether Kartik hid his clean-shaven face to cover his look from thheir
upcoming movie, the remake of Pati Patni Aur Woh, is anybody’s guess.

Ayushmann in RAJKUMMAR-
Anubhav Sinha’s JANHVI TO
cop drama? DO HORROR
RROR
If all goes well, ‘it’ actor,
Ayushmann Khurrana, will
be teaming up with Anubhav
Sinha for a film tentatively
titled, Kanpur Dehaat. After
shooting for Mulk and Abhi Toh
Party Shuru Hui Hai in Lucknow,
Anubhav plans to shoot
Kanpur Dehat in Uttar
Pradesh as well. The film is
said to be a cop drama
inspired by real-life incidents.
The maker is said to be in
advanced talks with the actor
known for his quirky films.
Right now, Ayushmann is
busy shooting for Ekta
Kapoor’s Dream Girl.
If all goes well, Yami
Gautam will play the female
lead alongside Ayushmann
in Kanpur Dehaat.
After Rajkummar Rao’s horror comedy,
Stree, received great response at the
box-office, producer Dineshh Vijan and
Rao are all set to do another horror
comedy. According to insideers, Janhvi
Kapoor is also being considered to play
the lead role in the film.
MEANWHILE...
Rajkummar Rao and Kanggana
Ranaut, seen together in Queen
Q
and Mental Hai Kya, have also
a
paired up for Anurag Basu’s
romantic film, Imli.
Reportedly, Kangana
will also be helming
her biopic, to
be scripted by
Baahubali writer
K.V. Vijayendra
Prasad.

EKTA KAPOOR’S ALT BALAJI IS ALL SEET FOR ITS

UPCOMING WOMEN-CENTRIC WEB SH HOW ALSO
STARRING KARISMA KAPOOR. APPA ARENTLY,
IT’S ON THE LINES OF THE SERIES BIG LITTLE LIES.
 STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP
Statement about the ownership and other particulars about
newspaper entitled FILMFARE as required to be published in
the first issue of every year after the last day of February.

FORM IV (See Rule 8)

1.Place of Publication: The Times of India

Building,
Dr. D. N. Road, Fort,
Mumbai 400 001
2.Periodicity: Monthly
3.Printer’s name: Mr. Joji Varghese for the
Proprietors, Worldwide
Media Private Limited
ROCKING THE TURBAN: Saif Ali Khan has begun shooting for the Nationality: Indian
second season of the hit web series Sacred Games. The actor was
Address: The Times of India Building,
photographed doing a rocky trail in his police inspector Sartaj Singh
Dr. D. N. Road, Fort,
avatar. Directed by Anurag Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane, Sacred
Mumbai 400 001
Games is a celluloid adaptation of Vikram Chandra’s critically acclaimed
bestseller of the same name. 4.Publisher’s name: Mr. Joji Varghese for the
Proprietors, Worldwide
Media Private Limited
Shiney Ahuja case on reel Nationality: Indian
It seems, the Shiney Ahuja Address: The Times of India Building,
controversy, will replay itself. But Dr. D. N. Road, Fort,
this time on the big screen. A film Mumbai 400 001
is being planned on the alleged 5.Editor’s name: Mr. Jitesh Pillaai
rape case that destroyed the Nationality: Indian
actor’s career. While Akshaye
Khanna and Richa Chadha are Address: 20B Flat No 33/34
Takshila Society, Mahakali
apparently on board, producer
Caves Road, Andheri (East)
Kumar Mangat is scouting for the Mumbai – 400 093
rest of the cast mainly to play the
roles of the wife and the maid.
And it’s proving to be quite a task
according to insiders. SHAREHOLDERS

6. Names and addresses of individuals who own

the newspaper and partners or shareholders holding
more than one per cent of the total capital as on
February 28, 2019 in the company -
Worldwide Media Private Limited (Owner),
The Times of India Building, Dr. D. N. Road,
Mumbai 400 001
SOUTHERN SIREN AMALA Bennett, Coleman & Co. Limited (Shareholder holding
PAUL IS NOW GOING more than 1% of total capital), The Times of India
TO MAKE HER HINDI Building, Dr. D. N. Road, Mumbai 400 001
DEBUT OPPOSITE ARJUN I, Joji Varghese, hereby declare that the particulars
given above are true to the best of my knowledge
RAMPAL. THE FILM, and belief.
A THRILLER, WILL BE
DIRECTED BY NARESH (Joji Varghese)
MALHOTRA AND Signature of the Publisher
APPARENTLY BE SHOT Date: March 1, 2019
IN THE HIMALAYAS.
movies on the block, set-talk,
talent-buzz, hotties to watch out for

GLAMOUR
PRINCESSMALVIKA SITLANI
X FACTOR: SOCIAL
MEDIA SENSATION

Malvika Sitlani may have been born

in Dubai but she couldn’t resist the
call of the Bollywood shores. After
moving to Mumbai, she completed
her education and participated in
beauty pageants. She was crowned
Femina Style Diva (2013). That was
her stepping stone to the world of
glamour. After a period of financial
ennui, Malvika decided to create a
buzz about herself. Soon, she was
one of the most followed beauty
influencers on YouTube, given her
expertise with pancake and
brushes. She graced the runway
for eminent designers like
Falguni and Shane Peacock,
Masaba Gupta and Vikram
Phadnis. She then grabbed a
ticket to filmdom with Yash Raj
Films’ Meri Pyari Bindu. She
enjoys immense popularity with
her vlogging even as she
waits for her movie career
to take flight.

First look of Mental

Hai Kya pg
Meet Mohit Raina pg
 PREVIEW

Love showers:
Rajkummar Rao and
Kangana Ranaut

MENTAL HAI KYA

Release Date: Banner: Director:
March 29, 2019 Karma Media and Entertainment, Prakash
Balaji Motion Pictures Kovelamudi
Producer: Music: Cast:
Shailesh R Singh Tanishq Bagchi Kangana Ranaut and
Rajkummar Rao

Hand in hand: Rajkummar Muscle power: Rajkummar

My way or the highway: Rajkummar and Kangana

The Plot
Mental Hai Kya is touted to be a quirky psychological thriller. The film
celebrates the beauty in imperfections and emphasises that in today’s world,
‘sanity is overrated’. Set in both Mumbai and London, it’s a cat and mouse
game between Keshav (Rajkummar Rao) and Bobby (Kangana Ranaut).
Spotlighting an eccentric pair and the edgy relationship they share, this one
promises to be an insane entertainer.

Shady avatar: Kangana Street smart: Rajkummar

 FUTURE STOCK
HOW’S
THE
JOSH!
RAGHUVENDRA SINGH
MEETS TV HOTTIE
MOHIT RAINA, WHO WON
HEARTS IN URI: THE
SURGICAL STRIKE
he josh and
T jubilation is more
than evident in
his tone. Mohit
Raina’s portrayal of Major
Karan Kashyap in Uri:
The Surgical Strike, the
first blockbuster of 2019,
has won him accolades.
In response to a terrorist
attack on an army camp in
Uri in Jammu & Kashmir
on September 18, 2016, the
Indian Army conducted
a surgical strike on
militant camps in Pakistan
occupied Kashmir (POK)
11 days later. Director
Aditya Dhar presented a
cinematic version of this
real-life operation in his
debut film Uri.
Born and bred in
Jammu, Mohit has seen the
jawans at close quarters
and is aware of the tough
conditions they face. In
though the screen time was
limited. For an actor, such
a compliment means a
lot,” he says. “We knew we
were making a film with
which the audiences would
connect. But this amount
of love is unimaginable,”
he adds.
Incidentally his parents,
both professionals, wanted
Uri: The Surgical Strike him to become a chartered
accountant. But luck had
People said,‘We connected with your something else in store.
character in Uri even though the screen time When the good-looking
was limited. Such a compliment means a lot. Mohit sent his pictures for
We knew we were making a film with which the Grasim Mr India contest,
audiences would connect. But this amount of he got selected. He came
love is unimaginable to Mumbai in 2007. “My
family was nervous for
fact, after the Kargil war, circle for him. As Captain me. But they supported
young Mohit wanted to Karan Kashyap, who loses me. They gave me time
join the army but being his life in the ambush at to explore my dreams. It
short-sighted he was not Uri, Mohit’s portrayal was was the search of fame and
qualified for it. By playing brief but moving. “People money that brought me to
an army-man on screen, life said, ‘We connected Mumbai,” he says. “But
somewhere has come a full with your character even I wasn’t comfortable being
 My name entered the
Limca Book of Records for playing
around 60 characters in three
years in one show (Devon Ke Dev
Mahadev). People found me hot
and sexy. They got tattoos of my
image done
a model. I wanted to
express myself. The camera
was my calling.”
e began his stint
H on television with
the sci-fi Antariksh
(2006). But it was
his portrayal of Lord Shiva
in Devon Ke Dev Mahadev
(2011) that made Mohit
Raina a popular name. “My
name entered the Limca
Book of Records for playing
around 60 characters in
three years in one show.
People found me hot and
sexy. They got tattoos of
my image done,” he smiles.
He became the natural
choice for the same part in
Mahabharat (2013). He also
starred in the web series
21 Sarfarosh: Saragarhi
1897 (2018), a show based
on 21 valiant soldiers, who
fought Afghan intruders.
“It was not like I was dying
Devon Ke Dev Mahadev
to see myself on 70mm
screen. An actor works for
name, fame and money.
I was getting all these
things in good amount.
I was in no hurry,” he
explains why he took time
to move to films.
In 2008, Mohit did try his
luck in films. He starred
in the Shakti Samanta
produced film, Don Muthu
Swami, which featured
Mithun Chakraborty.
“The film’s fate left me
disheartened,” says he.
However, a chance call
by Aditya Dhar’s team for
a role in Uri changed his
life. “I realised the kind of
prep the team was doing.
They had already begun
training on ground. In fact,
I went to meet Aditya on
the ground. An instructor
was yelling at them while
the actors were running,
sweating...,” he recounts
adding, “I wondered
whether they were actually
going to war.” Soon he was
part of the Uri team.
Mohit, who was
reportedly in a relationship
with actor Mouni Roy,
insists he’s now single.
“Mouni liked the film and
praised it,” he says. He
too is all admiration for
her. “She’s hardworking.
She’s one of the most
beautiful and talented
actresses we have,” he
gushes. The actor declines
to talk about his upcoming
projects though his web
series Bhaukaal will
release soon. “Uri has
opened avenues for me,”
he claims. Rounding up
the conversation, he adds,
“People are attempting
different subjects on the
digital platform too. You
don’t have to play the
lead; you can have your
own space and enjoy
the limelight. Actors are
greedy. I too work for
creative satisfaction.” „
They are hot, they are cool.
Meet our trend makers and breakers

BLACK
BEAUTY
KAREENA KAPOOR KHAN
WHERE: FOR THE FINALE OF
THE LAKME FASHION WEEK SR 19
THE X FACTOR: SIMPLY SEXY

She may claim to love pink – be it

on her cheeks, lips or outfits. But
Kareena Kapoor Khan can rock
bloodshot lips with a black dress
and set the mercury melting.
Keeping the tradition alive,
Kareena walked the ramp for the
finale of LFWsr19 and proved
why she’s the star showstopper.
Her perfectly fit black dress with
crossed leather straps on the
bodice was a trailblazing moment
on the dais.
COMPILED BY: ANALITA SETH
PHOTOGRAPHS: YOGEN SHAH PHOTOGRAPH: VAIBHAV NADGAONKAR

Gorgeous and
green pg 
Red alert! pg 
Shoe-down pg 
 FASHION & BEAUTY

Amrapali

KAJOL
RAVEENA
TANDON

DEEPIKA
PADUKONE

GO
GREEN!
KANGANA
RANAUT

Give your outfit a

contrasting pop of
emerald

MALAIKA
ARORA

Eshvi

This season greenlight a new trend. Emerald

jewellery is dominating the style books of divas. It’s
the one accessory that rocks both - Western and
Indian outfits. From sundresses, elaborate gowns,
lehengas of any hue, shades of green jewellery will
PARINEETI fill onlookers with awe and envy.
CHOPRA

Katerina
Makriyianni

Amrapali

SWARA Green is the prime colour of the world ESHA

BHASKAR and that from which its loveliness GUPTA

arises. - Pedro Calderon de la Barca

 FASHION & BEAUTY

Fashion is
about dressing #GET THAT MSGM

according
to what's
fashionable.
Dolce &
Gabbana
LOOK
Sonam K Ahuja does
Style is more it all together and does
about being it all so well
yourself.
-Oscar de la
Renta

Blumarine
PANTS
AND
PANACHE

Michael
Miichael Kors

STYLE
FILE

Fendi

Just Cavalli

SONAM K
AHUJA
Gucci
Saaint Laurent

Take a pair of refreshing printed sep

parates or
a sundress. Then pair it with a contrasting yet
complementing pair of heels. You may even layer it
with a solid colour blazer. Go ahead and finally
f belt
your ensemble to show off those perfecct curves.
Yes, it may sound like a lot of work, but
the result is too spectacular to let go of
the opportunity. Take inspiration from
Sonam K Ahuja for whom style is about
being smart and also thinking smart.
FASHION & BEAUTY

“Fashion is
about dressing
according
to what's
fashionable.
NO ROOM Style is more
FOR GREY
about being
yourself." -
Oscar de la
Renta

STARK
AND
STYLE
Deepika Padukone’s newest obsession is
DEEPIKA
PADUKONE

black and white casual wear

We’ve seen her rocking red, green, blue, pink
and literally every colour from the palette. But
making a statement with her recent off-duty
looks, Deepika Padukone has been spotted
wearing a series of black and white athleisure
outfits that look both comfy and chic. From
high-waisted jeans to long overcoats, the
power girl showcases a variety of ways to pull
off the stark with sass.
 CRIMSON
TIDE
Here are six
ways to make
the perfect red
DEEPIKA
PADUKONE
dress your
go-to outfit for
a night out
POOJA
HEGDE PRINT IT
If not a
fan of solid
SHIMMER SHILPA colours, you
SHETTY
Go bling or can opt for
go home with an attractive
an overall print on your
embellished claret dress.
ruby dress Go floral and
like Deepika cutesy like
Padukone. Pooja Hegde,
With so much or go retro with
shimmer, you classic polka
don't have to dots.
worry about heavy
jewellery or chunky SEXY SLITS
shoes. The gleam Fabrics that work
is a winner in itself. their way around
KATRINA your curves are
PLAIN & KAIF always a good
PRETTY choice. Figure-
Shilpa Shetty's hugging silhouettes
scarlet attire is the
e can work perfectly
kind that can hold the e like they do for
place of pride in youur Katrina Kaif. Add that
wardrobe. Perfect ffor ALIA sexy slit if you're ready
a day out with girlie
es, BHATT to slay.
it can be a gorgeo ous
SONAKSHI
choice for a date night SINHA PRINCESS-Y
P
as w
well. Go all out with a
G
ermilion gown like
ve
OMBRÉ A
AWE Alia Bhatt. Keep it frilly,
Add a compleme enting keeep it chic, keep it flowy
pop to your cherry dress RED andd feminine. You can
with a dash of a diffferent RAGE o go creative with quirky
also
colour like Sonakshi Sinha. sleeves and unique
s
White, pink or orange would waist cuts.
be a cool choicce for an
ombrré effect.
 SHRADDHA
KAPOOR
Jill Stuart

KATRINA
KAIF

Natasha Zinko

HOT
TREND

JW Anderson

JUST SLEEVE IT
Take your raglan t-shirts a step further with
contrasting sleeves...

What started as a rare spotting has become a blazing trend over

just a couple of months. Puffy unmatched sleeves are making their
way to every diva's wardrobe. They are fun without the addition of
unnecessary layering, quirky without adding heavy accessories and
fulfill the purpose of less is more in the world of style.

“In character, in
ALIA
manner, in style,
BHATT in all things, the
supreme excellence
is simplicity." -
Emilio
Pucci Henry Wadsworth
Delpozo
Longfellow
 Wouters & Hendrix

RIVIERE
KANGANA
RUN
RANAUT
Red Valentino
Junk the
chunk… go for
the delicate
and layered

KRITI
SANON
DIA
MIRZA

MORE IS
BETTER
We’re moving away
from heavy junk jewellery
and danglers. This season
we’re rooting for the delicate yet
eye-catching layered necklaces.
Oscar De Dainty and exquisite, they make
La Renta even a simple outfit stand
AMYRA out. Talking of ethnic wear, a
DASTUR
layered diamond necklace with
kaleidoscopic stones would be a
Camila perfect tribute to spring.
Klein

Isabel Marant

Rosantica

“Trends come and

go, and style evolves.
AISHWARYA RAI It's important to have
BACHCHAN
pieces of jewelry that are
timeless and look chic
despite ever-changing
fashions." -Karen Elson
 Ditcch the regular
neakers for a
sn
zaany twist on
your feet

SIDHARTH KARTIK
MALHOTRA AARYAN

SHAH RUKH TIGER

KHAN
SHOE - SHROFF
OFF

KARAN
JOHAR

Philipp Plein

Dolce & Gabbana

Versace Harvie and

Hudson

Dolce & Gabbana

Gucci

Dress shoes may talk of a gentleman but dressed-up sneakers speak the jargon of a diva. Trailblazers across the globe
will vouch for the newest shift in the world of sneakers. Chunky, printed and glittery... everyone on the fashion boulevard
is putting their quirky foot forward. The transition from classic to cool has finally happened and is here for the long run.

"A shoe is not only a design, but it's part of your body language, the way you walk.
The way you're going to move is quite dictated by your shoes." - Christian Louboutin
 what’s on their mind?

Starry
insights
‘‘I want to do every kind of film.
I’m lucky to have had films
like Kedarnath and Simmba
simultaneously because they helped
me explain myself as an actor.
Mujhe Ganga mein dupki lagana hai,
mujhe ‘Aankh maare’ par nachna bhi
hai… I want to be able to position
myself as cute, hot, funny, niche, arty,
commercial… everything. I’m here
to act… Personally, I don’t believe in
stardom... Now everyone has become
a little common. You can see me
singing with Ranveer (Singh), you can
see me fooling around with Sushant
(Singh), you can see me dancing
alone... all on Instagram sitting on
your pot. Where is the stardom?”
Sara Ali Khan on acting
vs stardom
PHOTOGRAPH: ROHAN SHRESTHA
 Wild

PHOTOGRAPHS: ROHAN SHRESTHA

STYLING: LAKSHMI LEHR
HAIR & MAKE-UP: BIANCA HARTKOPF
DESTINATION PARTNER: KENYA TOURISM BOARD
HOSPITALITY PARTNER: &BEYOND
AIRLINE PARTNER: QATAR AIRWAYS
Jacket & skirt: Gavin Miguel
Bralet: Herve Leger | Earrings: Misho
Child Intellect and instinct. Sara Ali Khan has an
abundance of both. She’s ready to rewrite the rules of showbiz.
And as Ashwini Deshmukh notes, a star is born
 er genepool is rich and lush. Granddaughter of ace cricketer,
the late Nawab of Pataudi and the renowned Sharmila Tagore.
Daughter of the suave Saif Ali Khan and the spunky Amrita Singh.
Sara Ali Khan has an ancestry rare and privileged. To her royal
sensibilities, she brings in self-awareness. An early realisation that
not only is she to the manor born but she is also to the manner born.
A degree in law and political science at the Columbia University in New
York in 2016, was a follow-up to the nerd that she is. But her dreamy
romance with razzmatazz had begun way before her ardour for books
got legitimised. And that ‘first love’ could no longer be denied. Her
countdown to fame kick-started when the scale dipped from a whopping
96 kilos to a svelte 55. The delay in her debut vehicle Kedarnath was
a blessing of sorts. Because December 2018, showcased Sara scaling
the extremes of the spectrum within a matter of days. If Kedarnath
had viewers swept by her prodigious histrionics, Simmba serenaded
her as the masala queen. Imtiaz Ali’s Love Aaj Kal 2 opposite ‘crush’
Kartik Aaryan promises to woo the beauteous Sara all set to surrender.
Aristocracy may be her inheritance, her ambition is her own. Here’s
celebrating the princess who’s now ready to sway the showbiz court…
 Top: H&M
Pants: Deme
Earrings: Outhouse
Shoes: Christian
Louboutin
Jacket & skirt: Fendi
Top: Clover Canyon
Earrings: Rara Avis
Bracelet: Deepa Gurani
Belt: Zara
While Kedarnath revolved
around you, your presence
in Simmba was limited. So,
what attracts you to a film?
It’s a different reason
each time. I’m a huge
commercial cinema
fan, a huge Rohit
Shetty fan, a huge
Ranveer Singh fan.
I got the opportunity
to be Ranveer’s
heroine in a Rohit
Shetty film. So, why
wouldn’t I do it?
In Kedarnath, the
character was written
so beautifully,
so wonderfully
nuanced. There are
some projects that
you just want to be
part of. There has
to be a fine balance
between being
creatively satisfied
and commercially
successful.
Is there any strategy you Is superstardom your aim
intend to follow? or you just want to be
As a newcomer, known as a great actor?
what’s utmost I don’t want any
important is filmmaker to turn
conviction. I need to around and say,
be convinced about ‘Yeh Sara nahi kar
my director, the payegi’. That’s my
script or the role or aim. Personally,
preferably all. People I don’t believe in
talk about that one stardom. I find it all a
Friday. What they bit funny, a bit weird.
don’t realise is how I don’t mean to
many Mondays, ridicule the concept
Wednesdays and because our country
Sundays, are spent loves stars. We
shooting. You live worship them and
in a world, far we celebrate them.
away from home, I’ve been a huge fan
in an unfamiliar of Sridevi. I believe
environment, she’s the last star our
working towards country will see.
something. The only Now everyone
way I can work is has become a little
honestly, purely and common. You can
with conviction. see me singing with
So that’s the only Ranveer, you can see
strategy I will follow. me fooling around
 with Sushant, you the best for myself.
can see me dancing But I’m also real
alone…. all on and I don’t beat
Instagram sitting myself up if I don’t
on your pot. Where achieve something.
is the stardom? It’s I’m aware of my
become so accessible. shortcomings. I’ll
I believe the only work on them.
way forward is doing
meaningful work that What reactions have you
people connect with. received from your fans,
That’s my endeavour. especially the guys?
I want to do every I haven’t received
kind of film. I’m any adulation from
lucky to have had the males. I swear.
films like Kedarnath It’s a fact that mom
and Simmba and I laugh about.
simultaneously I guess I’m a bit
because they helped intimidating. I’m a
me explain myself bit boisterous, a bit
as an actor. Mujhe gregarious, a bit loud,
Ganga main dupki toh ladke dar jaate
lagana hai, mujhe hain. I’ve figured it.
‘Aankh maare’
par nachna bhi But you have a ‘girly’ vibe.
hai… I want to do You’ve been spotted in
everything. I want salwar kurtas, distributing
to be able to position prasad outside temples…
myself as cute, So they must be
hot, funny, niche, thinking I’m the
arty, commercial… . behenji type.
I’m here to act. I guess, guys today
don’t appreciate
How ambitious are you? girls in salwar
I’m very, very, kurtas. I should
very ambitious. meet guys after the
Dhirubhai Ambani gym sessions. I’m
International School, as comfortable in
where I studied, is hot shorts outside
a competitive place. the gym as I’m in a
Columbia University white salwar kameez
is in the Ivy League. distributing prasad
Bollywood is not on Saturday outside
Bollywood is not relax, chillax, put on relax, chillax, put on the Shani temple.
weight, wear your And they’re both
weight, wear your pyjamas and all will pyjamas and all important to me. I
will be fine. I don’t wear them both with
be fine. I don’t believe that you can believe that you can equal confidence.
ever be ready to be But no, boys se
ever be ready to be part of B-town... part of Bollywood. zyada attention nahi
But if you’re in it, mil raha hai.
But I’m also real and I don’t beat you cannot not be
ready either. I’ve So, where do you think your
myself up if I don’t achieve something. found my comfort sex appeal lies?
zone. I’m okay I don’t think about
I’m aware of my shortcomings. in my own skin. sex appeal. I don’t
Yet, I’m extremely believe I’m sexy.
I intend to work on them ambitious. I want That’s too much.
COVER STORY

Let’s just use the

word attraction.
What would make
Bralet: H&M
me attractive is the Top & jacket: Seema Khan
fact that I’m real. Earrings: Outhouse
That’s what people Bracelet: Deepa Ghurani
connect with. At
least, that’s what
gives me confidence.
Whether it’s on a set,
at a party, in a studio,
or in a meeting,
I walk in wearing
my own skin. If that
connects with you,
then we’re home.

We hear your beauty

regime is also full of
‘Dadima ke nuske’...
I don’t believe in
chemicals. Rather, if
you apply fruit, fresh
cream or honey on
your face or if you
use almonds or oats
as a natural scrub,
your skin glows.
Aloevera is great
for the hair. People
will laugh at me but
methi and onion
are superb for the
hair too. (Chuckles)
Your DOP will be
happy with you for
the lustrous hair but
your co-actor will
hate you for it. Pick
your bet. But I did
apologise to Sushant
and Ranveer for
being unprofessional
and showing up with
onion-smelling hair.

Did they complain?

(Laughs) They did.
But I’d go to them
and say there’s onion
in my hair and we’re
shooting a song so
please bear with me.
They’d be like ‘Why
have you done this?’
and I’d be like ‘It’s
looking nice na?’
Ranveer introduced
I haven’t received any kind of adulation from the males.
I swear. I’m a bit intimidating. I’m a bit boisterous,
a bit gregarious... toh ladke dar jaate hain... I guess
guys today don’t appreciate girl in salwar kurtas.
I should meet guys after the gym sessions. I’m as
comfortable in hot shorts as I’m in a salwar kameez
distributing prasad outside the Shani temple
me to Kailash Jeevan. us. If at all, I find it a as I can remember, in fact distracted
He applies it when little funny. I guess, this is what I always from showbiz.
he has a rash. But it would have been wanted to do. Reason being I was
I began applying it irritating for Janhvi heavy – weighing
every day. Initially, before my film How did your parents react 96 kilos. I had no
he was surprised. released. She’d done when they learnt about confidence about
Then he said, ‘Yeah, a film and I hadn’t. your desire to join films? my looks. But I was
actually why not.’ At least now the The shocking thing decently smart in
comparisons make for them was the fact studies. Teachers
You seem to share a warm sense because we’re that this nerd, who like you because
bond with fellow debutante both actors. enjoys studying, your marks are
Janhvi Kapoor too… wants to do films. good. Friends
I’ve known Janhvi Looking back, when was When I was going like you because
since I was in that moment when you to Columbia, people you’re funny and
college. Those days realised you wanted to be cautioned my can help in their
I had shed a bit of an actor? parents, ‘Yeh ladki homework. So being
my weight and was Honestly, there topi phira rahi hai, an overweight but
at 86 kilos. I’ve hung wasn’t any moment yeh paise dubake smart girl studying
out with her in Los of epiphany as aayegi. She’ll attend in Columbia
Angeles, in Bombay. such. If I go back in college, obtain a University was not
I’ll always wish the memory, I remember degree but will come a deterrent to being
best for her. I haven’t singing and dancing back and do movies. an actor, rather it
hung out with her to Bollywood music But my parents are distracted me.
recently, since we’ve when I was around not hypocrites. This I grew comfortable
both been busy. four or five. I used industry has given being fat. That
But whenever I see to mimic ads at them everything they was the worst
her, there’s mutual home. I couldn’t have.They’re aware thing hormonally,
admiration for each even say ‘Nirma’, and appreciative of emotionally and
other’s work. I used to say ‘Mirma’. that. They love this physically for
The last time we I couldn’t say job; they believe the profession I
met, someone had ‘bungale ke peeche’, it’s the best thing to wanted to be in.
put up a comparison I’d say ‘bungeke do. But a sense of Because I was fat
of us in sarees on peeche’. When we balance is required and intelligent, I got
Instagram. I asked went for admission when you’re part away with bad logic.
her, ‘Did you see in a school, mom of this world. They It was like, ‘I’ve got
the latest?’ We’re said ‘Ab aap adab knew that given their seven A grades. So
comfortable in our se, tameez se kuchh support, I’d be able why can’t I eat five
own skins and boliye.’ I went ahead to maintain that. pizzas?’ I began
respect each other. and sang, ‘Dama thinking lawyer
Also, we understand dam mast kalandar, Being a brilliant student, ban jaoongi, doctor
the industry. I Alida pehla number’. weren’t you deterred by ban jaoongi, ya
understand that it’s (Smiles) Everyone the thought of choosing White House chali
inevitable for the understood that I was showbiz? jaoongi. That was
media to compare a crack child. As far I wasn’t deterred but my attitude.
 COVER STORY
From 96 kilos to the svelte
star you are today… that’s
quite an achievement!
Yes. I’m 55 kilos now
but I guess I’ll be 54
soon. I don’t relate
to that girl anymore.
I look at my past
pictures and go,
‘What the hell was
I thinking?’ I’m
a foodie. So, it wasn’t
a joke to lose weight.
But when you want
something badly,
then it’s all good.
I’m lucky to be
doing what I so love.
I never thought
I could love anything
more than besan
laddoos but today
working out is above
that. My work comes
first whether it’s
acting, performing
at events or doing
photo shoots.
Your parents separated
when you were a kid.
Do you carry any scars?
No.
How was it for you
as a kid?
I was a kid, who
understood that her
mother and father
were happier that
way. I can’t change
how they are when
they’re together.
But you must
know the option.
I could have been
brought up in an
I don’t believe I’m sexy. Let’s just use the word attraction.
What would make me attractive is the fact that I’m real. That’s
what people connect with. At least that’s what gives me confidence.
Whether it’s on a set, at a party, in a studio or in a meeting, I walk
in wearing my own skin. If that connects with you, then we’re home
extremely unhappy, family lunch?’ He’s always a phone Who are you closer
unstable and toxic Every day after call away. He’s to – mother or father?
household. But the gym it’s like always available for Mom. She’s my
today I live with a girl’s day out dinner, for coffee. whole world. I can’t
the world’s best for mom and me. So why would I feel function without her.
mother in the most Every night is like a like that? I have two From should I wear
secure, happiest pajama party. I love happy homes with this, how did you
and healthiest space it. And as far as my two happy parents. like the trailer, is this
ever. People even father is concerned, That’s a win-win boy good enough...?
used to ask me, he’s never ever let situation as opposed Her opinion matters
‘Don’t you miss the me feel that we to a massive loss in everything. I’m
idea of a Sunday don’t live together. for everyone. a homely mother’s
girl. Mom and I are
hysterical together.
We’re just a riot at
home. People have a
blast looking at us.
Which of your father’s
films do you like the
most?
Hum Tum is a film
that I enjoy. A touch
of the urbane, suave
and finesse… that’s
what dad brought
on the screen.
Objectively, no actor
since has been able
to do that. Whether
it’s Salaam Namaste
or Hum Tum, there’s
this ease with which
he appears so real
and funny. When
I watched him in
Omkara or recently
in Sacred Games, it
was so reassuring.
Apart from being
so easy in front of
the camera, he’s
also an exceedingly
talented actor, who
can play difficult
characters with such
conviction.
Dress: Deme
Shoes: Fendi
Necklace:
Rara Avis
Swimsuit: FlirtATIous
Dress: Savio Jon @begborrowsteal
Belt: Shivan Narresh
Earrings: Rara Avis
Bracelet: Deepa Ghurani
 In college, because I was fat and intelligent, I got away with
bad logic. It was like, ‘ I’ve got seven A grades. So why can’t
I eat five pizzas?’ I began thinking lawyer ban jaoongi, doctor
ban jaoongi, ya White House chali jaoongi... So, it wasn’t a
joke to lose weight. I never thought I could love anything more
than besan laddoos but today working out is above that

What about your mother She’s as spontaneous or her irritation… cultivate. If I can I’ll have to work hard
Amrita Singh? as a human being it’s all out in the conduct myself with to be the way she is.
I didn’t watch mom’s too. From Betaab open. That she’s also the intelligence, the
films while growing to Two States, hugely talented is her worldliness and the What do you have to say
up because she there’s a consistent biggest asset. knowledge with about your stepmom
wasn’t shooting then. spontaneity and which my father Kareena Kapoor Khan?
But recently, I’ve innocence. That’s The best you have inherited does and if I can I’ve been an avid
watched a lot of her because she’s a child from your parents... sleep the way mom Kareena Kapoor
films. I’ve watched at heart. She’s the I have my father’s sleeps, I’ll be good fan. So even today
her songs as well. most genuine and mind and my to go. She doesn’t there’s an element
She was never a most compassionate mother’s heart. have a single blob of surprise that Poo
dancer but if you see person. And she’s That makes me a on her conscience. from Kabhi Khushi
Mere pyaar ki umar real. So much so cool chick. What While I already have Kabhie Gham (K3G)
(Waris), she’s so cute. that be it her anger I don’t have, I will a couple of them. So is my stepmother.
 COVER STORY

People say I willed

it to happen. I must
have. After Sridevi,
I’m a Kareena Kapoor
fan. As far as our
personal equation
is concerned,
I was clear from
the beginning that
anyone who makes
my father happy
– not specifically
Kareena – makes
me happy. Anyone,
he loves, I love.
I don’t need to know
who that person
is. It’s about my
father. Having said
that, Kareena and
I became friends
and have a healthy
equation regardless
of the fact that we’ve
conducted ourselves
with dignity. It’s also
easy for me to love
and accept Kareena
because I have a
mom, who makes me
feel everything’s fine.
She got me ready for
my father’s wedding
with Kareena. So
when you have a
mother saying, ‘Yeh
earrings mat peheno,
doosri chandbali
peheno’... and if
that’s the vibe at
home, then you’re
comfortable enough
to take anything on.

Did you ever feel Dress: Swapnil Shinde

possessive of your father? Jacket: Beg Borrow Steal
No. It didn’t matter Jewellery: Masai Mara
Belt: Zara
who it was. If I was

I was a kid, who understood that her mother and father were happier
that way… I could have been brought up in an extremely unhappy,
unstable and toxic household. But today I live with the world’s best
mother in the most secure space ever. My father’s a phone call away.
I have two happy homes. That’s a win-win situation
 possessive about
him, then I’d want
him to be happy
even more. Because
he’s my father. His
happiness matters.
It’s possible to be
possessive about him
and therefore accept
whoever is in his life.
Your brother Ibrahim and
you escaped the kind of
media attention your step-
brother Taimur is enjoying…
Those times were
different. You cannot
control the change.
Can I change the
paparazzi culture?
No, I can’t. The only
intelligent thing I
can do is to mould
myself accordingly.
So now, I will not
visit the gym with
oil in my hair. I do
sometimes because
I honestly don’t
mind. I will not walk
into the airport in a
night suit. I’ve got to
live my life a little
more warily because
of the scrutiny. So,
Swimsuit: H&M I carry it in my bag
Top: Beg Borrow and wear it on flight.
Steal
You can take the
paparazzi culture
and social media
as seriously as you
I was clear from the beginning that want. If a comment
is going to ruin your
anyone who makes my father day, then that’s sad.
happy - not specifically Kareena- Girls coming from film
families are protected from
makes me happy. Anyone, he loves, the casting couch. Agree?
I don’t know about
I love... Kareena and I have a healthy the casting couch but
I definitely believe
equation It’s also easy for me to love and that knowing people
in the industry does
accept Kareena because I have a mom, help. That’s not a
fact that I can run
who makes me feel everything’s fine. She away from. I’ve
often admitted to
got me ready for my father’s wedding the fact that the
biggest advantage of
nepotism, is the fact
that we have easy
access to people.
I can call up Karan
Johar without doing
any film. I can go
to Rohit Shetty’s
office. So these are
privileges I’m well
aware of. There’s also
a level of protection
that we enjoy. Not
that we’ve asked for
it, not that we choose
our parents and not
that we need to work
any less hard. But
anyone who denies
this isn’t cool.
How prepared are you
about the flipside of the
profession? The scrutiny,
the insecurities...
Every industry has
its flipside. I have
parents, who love
me dearly. A mother
who’s the most
protective, powerful
and strongest woman
I know. She has
my back. If I keep
my head on my
shoulders, if I strike
a balance between
my personal and my
professional life, if
I can live for each
Friday knowing that
by Sunday I am
Sara irrespective
of what happened
on Friday, if I can
read a flattering
comment and still
have dinner humbly,
or read a comment
saying ‘she’s looking
like a clown’ and still
laugh… I guess I’ll
be fine. Every world
has a flip side. Do
you love that world
despite the flipside?
The answer is yes
yes yes! „
 BEHIND THE SCENES

CALL OF THE WILD

Filmfare shot the exotic Sara Ali Khan in the equally beautiful and magical Kenya

or Sara Ali safari capital of the

F Khan’s first
ever cover
shoot, we
wanted a place
as unexplored as
world. It has it all,
from the Big Five to
lesser creatures that
can only be found
in this part of the
her talent and as world. The plains
breath-taking as her and conservancies
beauty. Kenya fit are home to some of
the bill perfectly. the most exotic and
Undoubtedly, it’s spectacular wildlife,
a gorgeous African you will ever see in
country with lush their natural habitat.
plains, awe-inspiring From balloon safaris
mountain ranges, that give you the
impossibly beautiful most gorgeous bird’s
weather, a coastal eye view of the
region that rivals plains and actual
the Caribbean and game drives that
gracious people take you so close to
to boot. the wildlife… the
Even though surreal experience
Kenya can boast of will leave you
many eye-catching thrilled. During
places like Nairobi our shoot too, we
city, Mt. Kenya, enjoyed an amazing
Laikipia region spotting of wildlife.
or the scenic Kenya is also an
landscapes in the ideal getaway for
Great Rift Valley, families, especially
we chose the if you have young
absolutely stunning children. The
Masai Mara as our destination offers
location. There luxurious wildlife
is a reason as to experiences through
why Kenya is the forest expeditions,
 KENYA IS FAMED FOR ITS MAGICAL BEAUTY COUPLED WITH Tented Camp and
Bateleur Camp
SUPERLATIVE SCENIC AND ROMANTIC VIEWS FIT FOR FILMING are situated in the
Kichwa Tembo
private conservancy
at the foot of the
scenic Oloololo
Escarpment, which
neighbours the
Masai Mara - the
renowned site of the
Great Wildebeest
Migration with an
astounding year-
round concentration
of animals. Kichwa
passengers in Tembo steeped
adjoining seats to in the aura of
create their own classical safari,
private room, a first boasts of having 12
of its kind in the classic tents and 20
industry. superior tents out
Kenya has steadily of which eight are
grown into a popular superior view tents.
destination for While all the tents
filmmakers with look out onto the
readily accessible open grasslands,
wildlife, spectacular the superior
landscapes and view tents boast
traditional cultures of exceptionally
trips to elephant the no-visa policy travel option when making it a cinematic beautiful,
orphanages and for children aged travelling to Kenya. destination. It is uninterrupted views
giraffe sanctuaries. 16 and below. For Qatar Airways famed for its magical of the Masai Mara.
Another fun option any traveller, apart flies into Nairobi beauty coupled with With so many
to weave into from the destination, and Mombasa. superlative scenic things to love, is
your family safari ease of mobility is Qsuite, a patented and romantic views there any wonder
itinerary is a camel a primary concern. Qatar Airways fit for filming. And why Kenya is
trek in dry, Northern Thus, the presence product, features we couldn’t agree perceived as a
Kenya. Alongside of leading airlines the industry’s first- more. cool, enthralling
convenient flight operating within the ever double bed Another highlight destination that
commute, one of country is a bonus. in Business Class, of our shoot in offers luxurious
the best advantages Airlines such as as well as privacy Kenya was our host and adventure
of visiting Kenya Qatar Airways, offer panels that stow camp. &Beyond experiences all year
with your family, is a swift and suave away, allowing Kichwa Tembo round „
PHOTOGRAPHS: THE HOUSE OF PIXELS
VAISHNAV & APEKSHA
INTERVIEW
 18 Till I

DIE
IT’S ALL ABOUT LOVING WHAT YOU DO. ANIL KAPOOR REVEALS THE SECRET OF HIS
ROCKING CAREER TO RAGHUVENDRA SINGH

Anil Kapoor recently completed 40 years in Bollywood. And his inexhaustible repertoire was well
summed by daughter Sonam Kapoor on her Instagram handle. She wrote, “40 years and counting...
#lookingbackmovingforward #ontothenextdecade”. What’s more, recently when social media went ballistic
digging out old photos for the #10YearChallenge, Anil gave it a special twist. The superstar shared video
clips of his four films, spanning four decades, from Ram Lakhan (1989), Taal (1999), Slumdog Millionaire
(2009) to Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga (2019). He wrote, “Forget the #10YearChallenge, take the
#AKChallenge!” Truly, Anil Kapoor, at 62, is his own competition. Fit and fabulous, he’s a one-shot edition.
Excerpts from an interview with the actor, who can still create Total Dhamaal at the box-office.

Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Story in 1994).

Aisa Laga (ELKDTAL) and
Total Dhamaal… released in
the same month yet again
proving your timelessness…
It’s just a coincidence. It
wasn’t planned. If I like
a story, I just do it. It’s a
blessing in disguise that
people got to see two
different characters back to
back. Ek Ladki… is special
because I worked with
Sonam (Kapoor) for the first
time. I worked with Vidhu
(Vinod Chopra) after a long
Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga time too (after 1942: A Love
Every film is special
or else I wouldn’t do it.
Sometimes, it’s special
because I’m doing
something, which I’ve
never done before,
sometimes because I’m
doing it for a friend,
sometimes because I’m
working with actors I’ve
never worked with before.
I find reasons to stay
motivated and excited on
the set and in front of the
camera. That’s been my
aim always.
 INTERVIEW

What message does Ek

Ladki... give?
The film makes you laugh,
smile, brings a lump in
your throat and makes
you think. For me that’s
enough. I never view things
thinking whether they’re
politically right or not.
I just try to do my best
and make my character
as watchable, as real, and
as believable as possible.
Firstly, my director has to
be happy and then it goes
to the audience. If they’re
happy then that’s it.

How did you approach

your character Balbir in Ek
Ladki…?
Balbir is the opposite of
the person I am. I’m a
liberal, secular person. I’ve
never been judgemental. I
have friends belonging to
different religions. My best
friends have been Muslims
and Christians. I’ve some
great gay friends too. I’m
equally excited to visit
a church, a mosque or a IT’S NOT ABOUT
temple. I’m equally excited ENERGY, RATHER
to eat Christian cuisine, ABOUT THE LOVE
Peshawari biryani. I enjoy
Gujarati, Punjabi, Bengali…
FOR WHAT I DO.
dishes. I love wearing I BELIEVE IN STAYING
Pathani suits and kurta- POSITIVE AND NOT
churidaar just as suits. GETTING BORED.
Balbir, on the other hand, is
a moderate. But ultimately YOU SHOULD ENJOY
he listens to his heart and EVERY MOMENT OF
does what’s correct on a LIFE. YOU CAN’T
human level. He might be
living in a small town. But
FAKE THE ENERGY.
he’s someone with whom MORE SO, FOR 40
anyone, anywhere in the YEARS!
world can identify.

How was it working with

your daughter Sonam for the
first time in Ek Ladki…?
I was waiting for an
opportunity to work with
her. Being in the same
profession, if you get
an opportunity to work
with your daughter, it’s a
blessing. Father and sons
have worked in the past but
a father-daughter working
together is rare, at least in
India. Sonam and I spent a
lot of time together on the
set. We were also planning
her marriage during that
time. So, the timing was
perfect. In between shots,
we’d go to the van and
discuss things. (Smiles) No
one knew that the wedding
planning was running
parallel to the shooting in
Chandigarh.
Okay, what did you learn
from Sonam?
Sonam’s so giving, so
generous and spontaneous,
WE’VE BROUGHT UP OUR CHILDREN TO FOLLOW THEIR OWN DREAMS, MAKE MISTAKES
AND LET PEOPLE MAKE FUN OF YOU… HARSH HAS CHOSEN A TOUGH JOURNEY. BUT THE
END RESULT WILL BE SOLID… ALSO, WHY DOES EVERYONE HAVE TO BE A SUPERSTAR?
JUST DO GOOD WORK AND STAY HAPPY
which is wonderful.
Everyone likes her.
Everyone whom she’s
worked with has great
things to say about her. It
makes me proud of her.
And the credit goes to…
Well, it goes more to her
mother (Sunita Kapoor).
Are you excited to work
with son Harshvardhan
in the Abhinav Bindra
biopic too?
Yes, I’m looking forward
to it. It’s an exciting story
but it has to be planned
correctly. I’m waiting for
the script to be done right.
As an actor Harsh is making
unusual choices. Do you
advise him?
No no, you can’t.
Everyone has his own
way of handling things
depending on the
person you are. That’s
the way we’ve brought
up our children – to be
fearless, independent,
individualistic and follow
their own dreams, make
mistakes and let people
make fun of you. People
make fun of everyone.
That’s their joy. He has
chosen a tough journey.
Total Dhamaal With son Harshvardhan and daughter Sonam Kapoor
But the end result will
be solid. Because he’s
doing something which he
believes in. People keep
telling me ‘Arrey usko bol
na yaar commercial picture
karne ko, we want to work
with him’. I say approach
him, if it’s good he’ll do it.
That’s true...
By the way, what’s
commercial and what’s not
commercial? What could
be more commercial than
Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra
after Bhaag Milkha Bhaag.
Mirzya too was commercial
on paper. It didn’t do well.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s
Saawariya too couldn’t
have been more
commercial. Anyway,
water finds its own level.
It takes time. It’s easy to
go the common path but
it’s not easy when you’re
individualistic. Also, why
does everyone have to be
a superstar? Just do good
work and stay happy.
It must have been a
pleasure working with
Madhuri Dixit in Total
Dhamaal again…
This again is a coincidence,
not planned. It just
happened. When I work
with a co-star after a long
time, I realise how much
I actually missed working
with him/her. Otherwise,
everyone is busy with
family, work and everyday
issues. When I worked with
Madhuri I felt, ‘Oh God,
our chemistry! Working
with her is so special’.
As an actor you’ve managed
to blend well with the new
generation.
I don’t want to get into this
‘old’ and ‘new’ discussion.
(Laughs) It makes me
sound dated. I don’t think
about these things nor
do I analyse them. I take
things as they come. It’s
organic. You just have
to move with the times.
Be it professionally or
personally. But when
you move with the times,
it doesn’t mean you forget
your old friends and
colleagues. My guest list
is the same. It’s not
changed with time. Few
new guests may have been
added that’s all.
So, how do you explain your
inexhaustible zest?
I guess it’s not about
energy, rather about the
love for what I do. I believe
in staying positive and not
getting bored. You must
remain grateful for your
family, friends, work… and
then everything falls into
place. You’re energised
automatically. Sometimes
the energy may dip when
things go wrong as while
playing chess or solving
a jigsaw puzzle. So,
when you feel positive,
understand that things
around you are going
correctly. You can’t fake
the energy. More so, for
40 years. I pray it remains
like that. „
INTERVIEW
 JUBILEE
THERE COULD BE NO BETTER CELEBRATION OF HIS 25 YEARS IN CINEMA
THAN BEING CONFERRED WITH THE PRESTIGIOUS PADMA SHRI.
RAGHUVENDRA SINGH CONGRATULATES MANOJ BAJPAYEE ON HIS SILVER RUN
From Belwa, a hamlet in Bihar, to the Bollywood metropolis, Manoj Bajpayee’s HOW DOES IT FEEL TO
journey is not that of chance but of conviction. A triumph of unrelenting passion BE ADDRESSED AS
PADMA SHRI MANOJ
and unremitting art. An actor, who refused to kowtow to the diktats of survival and BAJPAYEE?
stereotyping. In the bargain he lost many friends, encountered a few enemies but (Smiles) It’s an
entered the chronicles of cinema as an actor, who introduced new idioms. Bandit honour conferred
Queen gave a cursory glimpse of his talent while films like Satya, Shool, Zubeidaa, by the Indian
Aks, Pinjar, Gangs Of Wasseypur and more recently Aligarh, Satyameva Jayate, Love government and
the President of the
Sonia and Gali Guleiyan revealed the 40 (and more) shades of his sensibilities.
biggest democracy.
The iconoclast, who ‘stuck to his guns’ refusing to play the ‘sidekick’ to the star, is I feel humbled. It
now the ‘hero’ of those actors, who choose neither to conform nor confirm to the only says that I’ve
prototype in Indian cinema… been right in the
manner in which
I’ve conducted
‘‘I’ll never play a sidekick myself. My family,
to a hero.You have to my friends… are
elated.
offer me a parallel lead,
which is as good as the THE HONOUR
COINCIDES WITH YOUR
lead. It’s better to be COMPLETING 25 YEARS
the Prime Minister of IN THE INDUSTRY. HOW
DO YOU REVIEW YOUR
Mauritius than be the JOURNEY?
junior aide of the US Though Bandit
Queen (1994) was
President’’ a significant film,
the next five years
were bad for me. But
Sonchiriya Satya (1998) was
 INTERVIEW

a revolution. Ram then I went up and 2 or Satyameva HOW DID YOU PREPARE
Gopal Varma gave nosedived again... Jayate are offered, FOR IT?
a new hope to the Any other actor in I do them. But I’ll By maintaining
industry. Basically, my place would never play a sidekick complete aloofness
Satya, Shool (1999) have committed to a hero. You have and not meeting
and Kaun (1999) suicide. to offer me a parallel anyone for a month.
changed things lead, as good as the One day I asked
for me. In a small WHAT HELPED YOU lead. It’s better to be Dipesh to please
way, I contributed SURVIVE? the Prime Minister wrap up the shoot
to the content- I’m still here due of Mauritius than be as I feared I’d lose
driven movement to my passion and the junior aide of the my mental balance.
in cinema. But conviction. It was US President. Films I took a break post
post Satya, I kept hard to manage like Satyameva the shoot. It took
getting offers of because the kind of Jayate and Raajneeti me time to become
masala films where films I did didn’t build my market normal.
I had to play the bring enough money. credibility, which
hero or the villain. People assumed I helped in the release HOW DID YOUR FAMILY
I wasn’t keen to do owned a bungalow, of my independent COPE WITH IT?
such stuff. After a car… but it wasn’t films. My wife (Shabana)
Pinjar (2003) a so. Yet, I’m glad I knows I’m not an
lot of my films, stuck to my guns. WHAT MADE YOU DO easy person to live
despite having good Today, it has paid GALI GULEIYAN? with. I’m not a bad
content, didn’t do off. My journey has Director Dipesh Jain guy; it’s just that

‘‘Awards do excite me. I’d be lying if I say they don’t... Imagine

one night I won two Filmfare Awards. Getting an award for
Aligarh, was a validation for the film.Taandav getting an award
was also an endorsement of the short-film film platform
platform’’

well. The industry been a turbulent one, sent me the sccript

started ignoring me. a journey, which on email. It’s one of
earned enemies the most com mplex
WHAT WAS THE easily but friends roles of my caareer.
TURNAROUND? the hard way. Yet, The characterr’s
Raajneeti (2010) it’s heartening that (Khuddoos)
was the turnaround. people credit me for psychologicall
Then Gangs Of some good things journey is bafffling.
Wasseypur (2012) too. As an audience,
registered me in the you find it
minds of the new WHAT MADE YOU TAKE difficult to come
generation. Getting TO MASALA FILMS? out of it. This is
a Filmfare Award You have to respect what happenss
for Aligarh and the the genre. I don’t to Khuddoos as
short film Taandav, look down upon well. He’s nott
both in the same masala films. This only trapped in
year (2017) was a is the kind of films the bylanes off old
high. Amitabh Bachchan Delhi but he’ss also
Recently, Gali did, films we’ve trapped in thee lanes
Guleiyan has grown up watching. of his mind. HHe’s
brought me respect It’s the sheer lack lonely but doesn’t
in India and of imagination that like much human
outside. Looking puts me off at times. contact. He’s a
back, I realise I went When roles like the mentally confflicted
up and nosedived, ones in Tevar, Baaghi guy.
With wife Shabana and
daughter Ava Nayla
 I’m a serious actor relationships and
when it comes to my family. It will stream
craft. My daughter around May or June.
(Ava Nayla) is too
young to understand AS AN ACTOR ARE
anything. As long YOU STILL HUNGRY TO
as she gets her dolls PROVE YOURSELF?
and her Papa takes The hunger will
her out to the park, never diminish. I
she’s happy. like to keep doing
new things in
YOU PLAYED A DACOIT terms of content,
IN BANDIT QUEEN. HOW my craft… I like
WAS IT PLAYING ONE my characters to be
AGAIN IN SONCHIRIYA? more difficult than
Bandit Queen the previous ones.
started the trend of
realism in cinema. DO AWARDS STILL
Being part of the EXCITE YOU?
same world in Definitely, they do
Sonchiriya, is like excite me. I’d be
living the past. lying if I say they
The name of my don’t. But do they
characters in determine the offers
both the films I get? No. You’re
‘‘Any other actor in is Maan Singh. From happy to receive
my place would have the real Maan Singh them because you
committed suicide… in Bandit Queen to
the fictional Maan
get a chance to
thank everyone on
My journey has been Singh in Sonchiriya, a huge platform.
a turbulent one, a it’s a celebration
of those 25 years.
Imagine one night
I won two Filmfare
journey, which earned I’ve done a special Awards (for Aligarh
enemies easily but appearance in this
extraordinary film
and Taandav).
Getting an award
friends the hard way. because I’m a fan of for Aligarh, was
Yet, it’s heartening director Abhishek a validation for
Chaubey. the film. Taandav
to know that people getting an award
credit me for TELL US ABOUT YOUR was also an
endorsement of the
some good things UPCOMING WEB
SERIES? short-film platform.
in the industry’’ The Family Man for
Amazon is being HOW HAS THE
directed by Raj and INDUSTRY CHANGED
DK. I’m not against YOU?
nudity or intimate It has changed me
scenes. I’ve done for good. But it
them in the past. couldn’t change the
But most web shows child in me. Rather,
have so much sex I changed a few
and violence. It’s things about myself.
disturbing. Anurag One is learning
Kashyap handled the craft of being
such sequences an extrovert when
well in Sacred needed. Otherwise,
Games. The Family I like to be in my
Man will focus on shell. „
INTERVIEW
 I am a
closet
brat
HER CRAZE FOR CHAI EQUALS
HER PASSION FOR THE
CAMERA. SUMAN SHARMA
TELLS WHAT’S BREWING IN
YAMI GAUTAM’S LIFE

S
he’s the mountain girl from Himachal, who wanted to reach for the stars. Bred in
Chandigarh, she came to the industry without a godfather but reserves of talent and
tenacity. Her first film, Shoojit Sircar’s Vicky Donor, tackled an offbeat subject and
underlined her propensity for the uncommon. Sriram Raghavan’s Badlapur further proved
that here was a performer unafraid to walk the path less taken. Prabhudheva’s Action
Jackson and Divya Khosla Kumar’s Sanam Re were her attempts to blend into the mainstream, while
Kaabil celebrated her sensitive synergy with Hrithik Roshan. After a noticeable performance in Shree
Narayan Singh’s Batti Gul Meter Chalu, she won praise for her act in Aditya Dhar’s superhit film Uri: The
Surgical Strike,0 based on the operation carried out by the Indian Special Forces.
Unusual Yami Gautam surely is. In the restraint she displays as a person, in the quiet confidence she
exudes as an actor. And just as she’s grown at ease with the camera, as a celebrity too she remains
unnerved by the stalking spotlight. She’s learnt to take rumours in her stride, to sieve the relevant from
the ‘irrelevant’ and continue her romance with the camera…

I CANNOT BEFRIEND A simple girl from where I’d travel in autos

ANYONE JUST TO GET
A FILM. IT’S YOUR WORK
THAT GETS YOU WORK.
AFTER VICKY DONOR,
I’D FEEL SHY TO CONVERSE
BEYOND A HELLO.
EVENTUALLY, YOU REALISE
THAT YOU CAN BE YOURSELF
AND STILL BE PLEASANT
AND FRIENDLY
PHOTOGRAPHS: ARJUN MARK
STYLIST: AKSHAY TYAGI
HAIR: AMIT THAKUR
MAKE-UP: ROSARIO BELMONTE
Bustier: Hunkemoller
Jacket: Dhruv Kapoor
Skirt: Nidhi Munim
Boots: Truffle Collection
Chandigarh to an actor –
how has the journey been
so far?
I’ll always remain a pahadi
(being born in Himachal
Pradesh). I was brought up
in Chandigarh. But what
Mumbai has given me no
other place can. It’s hard to
put my journey in words.
I started with Vicky Donor
(2012). Since then I’ve
evolved as a person and
as an actor. I’m constantly
trying to reinvent myself
and break the stereotypes.
How were your early days
in Mumbai?
It was like a filmi scene
and visit offices in Aaram
Nagar, Andheri, carrying
my portfolio. Some ads
required you to dance.
I wasn’t tall. My dad would
wonder, ‘Are you visible
in the frame?’ Those days
were full of rejection.
(Laughs) I presumed that
on seeing me, people
would say, ‘Wow! Where
was she hiding till now?’
But on coming here,
I realised that there were so
many talented people.
Initially, you came across
as a shy person…
Yes. I still am. I’m reserved.
But with people whom
 I can have a conversation, doesn’t mean I’m content. leave everything behind

Rapid with them I can be myself.

just the way I am with
With Vicky Donor, success
came suddenly. I didn’t
and not let anyone know.
That switch off is not easy.

Fire
 What’s the real Yami like?
I’m quiet and a believer.
I let my work be my words.
 Besides acting you enjoy…
Travelling. I’m an adventure lover.
 What gives you joy?
Sleeping with peace of mind.
 What gets to you?
A pessimist puts me off.
 What makes you angry?
Lies. I can’t stand them.
 An idea that changed your
life...
The 3.50 pm flight from
Chandigarh to Mumbai.
 One person you will
happily forget...
Anything that’s irrelevant doesn’t
stay with me for long.
 What quality should a girl
possess to survive here?
Strength and honesty.
 What has been the best
thing told to you?
Someone called me ‘a diamond
in the rough’ after watching my
performance in Vicky Donor.
 An annoying habit?
Chai is my weakness. It’s a typical
North Indian habit, which I’m
trying hard to give up.
friends. I cannot befriend
anyone just to get a film.
It’s your work that gets you
work. After Vicky Donor,
I’d feel shy to converse
beyond a hello. Eventually,
you realise that you can
be yourself and still be
pleasant and friendly.
Being an outsider was it
difficult to make a place
in the industry?
You’ve got to stop telling
yourself that you’re an
outsider. Finally, we’re
working under one roof
and in the same industry.
There’s room for everyone.
Yes, there are challenges.
I don’t have a godfather.
You may not get the kind
of role or film you want
easily. Whatever the
choices, you pick them
as per your sensibilities
and instincts. You keep
working till you get the
right work.
Your career has been
steady but slow…
Slow or fast, I’m in a
happy space. Though it
understand the importance
of a manager or a PR team.
Here, it’s not just about
being an actor. You’ve got
to manage other things too.
My films Total Siyappa
and Action Jackson didn’t
work. But I don’t regret
any of the choices I made.
I won’t call my career
slow-paced. It’s a process
of learning and discovering
yourself. Like I did Ram
Gopal Varma’s Sarkar 3.
It didn’t work. But it will
always be special because
the whole idea was to be
a part of that franchise.
How it shaped up is not in
my hands. Kaabil gave me
huge creative satisfaction
too.
What’s the tough part of
being an actor?
There are days when you’re
emotionally low and you
need space. But when
you’re facing the camera
or the media you have to
keep aside those emotions
and just turn away from
whatever is happening
within you. You have to
What has the industry
taught you?
It’s still teaching – the
power of strength and
emotional endurance.
Otherwise, I’m a sensitive
girl. No matter what’s going
on in your heart, when
you’re facing the world
or addressing your work,
you’ve got to navigate and
control your emotions.
Does scrutiny over your
personal life disturb you?
A celebrity’s life is on a
public platform. I do have a
private side. There will be
few things, which I’d love
to keep for myself. That
doesn’t make me less of a
public figure. It just makes
me a normal human being.
All this comes with the
territory.

 A theme song for your life?

Shine bright like a diamond…

 Your sex-appeal lies in?

My eyes and smile.

 Three things we don’t know

about you…
I am a closet brat, a closet dancer
and a closet fitness freak.

 One thing you dig in a guy? Uri Batti Gul Meter Chalu
Someone who can prepare chai.

 Are you a romantic? THERE ARE DAYS WHEN YOU’RE EMOTIONALLY

Everyone is if you find the right
person.
 Your idea of love...
I guess, it’s like chai, the
more you brew it, the stronger and
tastier it turns.
LOW AND YOU NEED SPACE. BUT WHEN YOU’RE
FACING THE CAMERA OR THE MEDIA,YOU HAVE
TO KEEP ASIDE THOSE EMOTIONS AND TURN AWAY
FROM WHATEVER IS HAPPENING WITHIN YOU.THAT
SWITCH OFF IS NOT EASY
 Sanam Re Kaabil

ANYTHING THAT’S What do you have to say

IRRELEVANT, DOESN’T AFFECT ME.
THIS WAS IRRELEVANT (RUMOURS
OF HER LINK-UP WITH PULKIT
SAMRAT). I’M HERE TO WORK...
NOTHING ELSE MATTERS.
RUMOURS ARE PART AND PARCEL
OF EVERY PUBLIC FIGURE’S LIFE
about rumours linking
you with your Sanam Re
and Junooniyat co-actor
Pulkit Samrat?
Anything that’s irrelevant,
doesn’t affect me. This was
irrelevant. I’m here to work.
If I’m working well and in
a good spirit, nothing else
matters. Rumours are part
and parcel of every public
figure’s life, not just an
actor’s. It’s the harsh truth.
I could say a thousand
things right now. But it’s
not required.

What was your parent’s

reaction at that time?
There is always a right
time for some answers.
I don’t want to speak
anything which, would
take away from my work.
I’m fortunate to have the
strongest family by my
side. That’s why nothing
negative can touch me.
That’s also what keeps me
going ahead.

Your aim in life?

I want to excel in whatever
I attempt to do. I want to
put my best foot forward
and be where I deserve
to be. I believe in destiny
and it’s nothing but an
opportunity given when
Jacket: Sameer Madaan you’re prepared for it. It’s
Bralet: Flirtatious
Boots: Truffle Collection up to you to recognise it
Shorts: Fila | Eyewear: Bershka and take it further. „
INTERVIEW

TIMES
of
CHANG
THE EX-DENTIST WANTS TO SINK HIS
TEETH INTO MEATY ROLES. ANALITA SETH
ENJOYS CHATTING WITH SINGER-HOST-
ACTOR MEIYANG CHANG

Of Chinese descent, Meiyang Chang, was born and bred

in rustic Dhanbad in Jharkhand. His lineage demanded
he acquire a degree in dentistry but his leanings
brought him on Indian Idol season 3 in 2007. Later,
his oriental features and immaculate Hindi caught the
late Yash Chopra’s discerning eye and his acting career
began with YRF’s Badmaash Company, where he played
the alcoholic Zing. If in Dibakar Banerjee’s Detective
Byomkesh Bakshy! he appeared as the opium trader
Kanai Dao, he lent dignity to his gay character, Nischay
Baruah, in the web series Untag. Life’s truly been all
about ‘untag-ing’ for Chang, who quit a staid but secure
career to chase showbiz dreams. The glory of singing
Tukka laga for Ranbir Kapoor in Jagga Jasoos behind
him, he’s now hosting the new talent show Love Me
India. Well, the title couldn’t be more foretelling for the
multi-faceted artiste…

FROM BEING A DENTIST, sheep. I’ve broken the

A VJ, A SINGER AND NOW
AN ACTOR... WHAT’S
BROUGHT YOU SO FAR?
I used to be an introvert
before I joined the
industry. Being an
outsider, you don’t
have anyone to fall
upon. So, I approached
everything with an
unfiltered approach.
That innocence perhaps
endeared me to people.
No one in my family
has been in showbiz.
(Smiles) I’m the black
tradition of the family,
where we had dentist
after dentist. But my
parents have always had
my back. Also, reality
shows give you a big
platform. To see that
much money and fame
suddenly after Indian
Idol was unbelievable.
So, without the people
who kept me grounded,
my family, my friends...
I’d have become a
difficult person to
deal with.

PHOTOGRAPHS: VINAY JAVKAR

 My dream role should take me out of my
MY comfort zone. I’d love to do what Govinda did in his
movies. Woh chichorapan karna and to be that
FAVOURITE mad is not easy. In current times, Ranveer Singh’s
READS like that. He’s besharam and if you’re not so,
acting kya karoge?
HOW TO WIN FRIENDS
AND INFLUENCE
PEOPLE WAS ACTING ALWAYS like God! It’s all in the Also, how to look for
- By Dale Carnegie ON THE CARDS? moment so little goof- work, how to make
It happened once ups are forgiven. The things happen, what
THE JEEVES OMNIBUS I started anchoring stage has its own magic to say, what to avoid,
- By P.G. Wodehouse TV shows. From a shy and madness. While that was a challenge
introvert, I had to be the studio has calm, too. I’m usually in Zen
HARUKI MURAKAMI’S chatty. I hosted the silence and isolation. mode. But in front of the
BOOKS second season of IPL, It’s like meditation. The camera, I love the person
which involved speaking studio is a controlled I become.
ALL OF GULZAR’S Hindi. Parmeet (Sethi, environment, so
BOOKS AND POETRY director) and Yash you may believe it’s WHAT WOULD BE A
Chopraji happened to easier as you work at DREAM SONG AND
GRAPHIC NOVELS watch me during one of your own pace. Yet A DREAM ROLE…
AND COMICS the matches. Soon, it becomes daunting When I fall in love I’d
I was asked to audition at times. Especially, love to sing All of me
for Badmaash when you’re doing a by John Legend. It’s one
Company (2010). playback for Pritamda of the most romantic
I’ve not come across and for Anurag Basu to songs because it talks
any oriental actor, apart be picturised on Ranbir about loving someone
from Danny Denzongpa, Kapoor. I was asked to with their flaws. As
do mainstream cinema. sing this Jagga Jasoos for my dream role, it
But having got the song as Anuragda should take me out of
opportunity to do and Pritamda wanted my comfort zone. I’d
During a live Badmaash Company, someone, who could love to do what Govinda
performance, Detective Byomkesh both sing and act. did in his movies. Woh
Bakshy! and the web Someone, who could chichorapan karna and
the energy of series Untag gave me bring in the expressions to be that mad is not
the audience confidence. Gradually, required in the song. I’m easy. In current times,
you start evolving. You proud I nailed it. Ranveer Singh is like
makes you feel start appreciating both, that. He’s besharam and
like a king, the art and the trash. You LOOKING BACK, FROM if you’re not so, acting
realise art mein bhi trash SMALL-TOWN DHANBAD kya karoge?
like God! The hai our trash mein bhi TO THE MAXIMUM CITY…
stage has its art hai. HOW HAS IT BEEN? YOUR UPCOMING
Mumbai is not new to PROJECTS…
own magic HOW DID YOUR FIRST me. My grandmother is I’ve finished the second
and madness. PLAYBACK SONG TUKKA from this city and my season of the web series
While, the LAGA FROM JAGGA mother was born here. Love, Lust & Confusion.
JASOOS HAPPEN? HOW So, I visited Mumbai as a I’ve rendered a song
studio has DIFFERENT WAS IT child. But the challenge in the series. I have a
calm and FROM SINGING FOR was to evolve while cameo in Salman Khan’s
A LIVE AUDIENCE? keeping your morals Bharat. A couple of
isolation. It’s During a live intact. This city is an songs are on the way
like meditation performance, the energy awesome place, which I’m also doing something
of the audience makes gives you everything, with the National
you feel like a king, including temptation. Basketball Association. „
PHOTOGRAPHS: ROHAN SHRESTHA
 INTERVIEW

MILY
MAN
EM HIS
REINV SON
AYAAN, WRITES RAGHUVENDRA SINGH

In the past two decades he’s hit both - troughs

and triumphs - stealing life pearls from both.
Emraan Hashmi took up acting as a summer
job and settled comfortably into uncle
Mahesh Bhatt’s productions, his mandatory
‘kissing scene’ in the films scorching the box-
office. Murder, Raaz: The Mystery Continues,
Jannat, Gangster, Kalyug, Awarapan… his has With son Ayaan Why Cheat India received
been an emblematic brand of cinema. a mixed response. What
He hit a new curve when he rediscovered made it worthwhile for
himself in films like Shanghai, Once Upon you?
A Time in Mumbaai, The Dirty Picture… and I wanted to talk
the recent Why Cheat India for which he even about how the
turned producer. He’s also dabbling with the education system is
cheating students
digital platform with the Netflix’s upcoming
and how the cheating
thriller The Bard of Blood. mafia is fooling
His personal awakening has quietly run them too. The poor
parallel to his professional jaunt. The young students, who are
father was devastated when his four-year-old smart, write exams
son, Ayaan, was diagnosed with cancer. His for the rich, who
definition of life, happiness and achievement then get fake degrees.
underwent a complete overhaul. To demystify The ones who
the disease and narrate their story, NO SUCCESS COMES CLOSE TO THE deserve degrees and
Emraan came out with the book, The Kiss of VICTORY OF AYAAN BEING HEALED. NO jobs are deprived of
Life: How A Superhero and My Son Defeated NUMBER OF HIT FILMS CAN MATCH THAT both. I’m glad I could
Cancer. And just recently, he shared the news FEELING OF TRIUMPH. SUCCESS AND put that across.
’S
that Ayaan has finally beaten cancer after a FAILURE ARE TRANSITORY IN A PERSON E
LIFE. YOU SHOULDN’T LET EITHER DEFIN
What do you have to
fight of five years. Through it all, what Emraan
YOU… YOU’RE WAY BEYOND THAT. JUST AS
say about Why Cheat
learnt was to dwell in the moment and India director, Soumik
celebrate each day without the encumbrances I’M MORE THAN JUST BEING AN ACTOR. Sen, being accused of
of the past – a winning formula he attributes I’M A FATHER, A SON, A HUSBAND, sexual harassment in the
to his li’l hero Ayaan. Excerpts… A FRIEND... #MeToo movement?
 INTERVIEW

I applaud the had to take care of parent’s life to have Success and failure
#MeToo movement. costs, maintain the their son diagnosed are transitory in a
I’m glad that girls schedules in keeping with cancer. But person’s life. You
are coming out and with weather and yeah, the worst is shouldn’t let either
speaking about this. time constraints... behind us. He has define you. You tend
It was long due. But I loved the completed five to become pompous
Sexual predators at process. My next years. It’s a huge and arrogant with
work places should production will be milestone for the success. That can
be taken to task. But Father’s Day. family. It’s been a destroy you. You’ve
the movement is tough journey for all got to remain
still in a grey zone. Are you ready to take of us. But it’s been grounded and adopt
Several names have on the uncertainties toughest for Ayaan a neutral way of
been revealed on that come with being a and Parveen because looking at things.
Twitter. I’m not producer? when he was being You’re way beyond
saying that the I’m loving the treated in Canada, success and failure.
accusations are not current chapter. she was with him. Just as I’m more than
true but there’s a I don’t know what’s It was she who took just being an actor.
possibility that a few there for me, how him to the hospital I’m a father, a son, a
could be false. When much acceptance each time. She has husband, a friend...
ÈWith Shreya
Soumik Sen’s name I get in my other seen everything If you recognise Dhanwanthary in
came up we took the ventures. But this is closely and has been these as part of Why Cheat India
first step, we did an the step I have taken. hands on during the
investigation on our I don’t regret it. treatment. I was there
set. We found that in the beginning and
no woman had been The good news is that towards the end of
mistreated by him. your son Ayaan has been his cure. In between,
If the said girls have declared cancer free. I had to come here
proof and avail of What did you learn from for work.
the judicial system, him?
then the matter will Oh I learned a lot How did Ayaan’s illness
go ahead. Soumik from him. I learnt to change you as a person?
excused himself get up after the fall, I just live each
from the promotions. not carry any baggage day at a time. But
He apologised and just move on. yes, I’ve turned I’M NOT THE SAME
saying, ‘Maybe, I Kids stay in the more responsible. PERSON ANYMORE.
did something that present. Ayaan’s Knowing that your your identity, you I CAN’T GO BACK TO
was misconstrued incredibly resilient. child has been will live a happier DOING THAT (KISSING)
by these women. I’m He didn’t show diagnosed with the life. Unfortunately, ON SCREEN. IT JUST
sorry and I won’t any signs of being dreaded disease is a lot of people DOESN’T FEEL RIGHT
do it again’. I don’t bogged down by the more shattering than just become their NOW. IF EVERY PAGE
know what exactly treatment. We adults being told that you profession. That’s OF A BOOK HAD THE
happened behind find it difficult to have the disease. Just the only thing that SAME THING WRITTEN
closed doors between fight with a smile. dealing with that for defines them.
ON IT, WHAT A BORING
the women and him. five years has made
So I can’t play judge The tough phase must us stronger. In a way Professionally too, we
BOOK IT WOULD BE!
and pass verdict. have strengthened your it makes you believe see a mellow Emraan,
EVERY CHAPTER
relationship with your that you can tackle an actor who’s moved SHOULD OFFER
How was your experience wife, Parveen… anything now. beyond ‘kissing’ on SOME THING NEW
as a first-time producer? Our relationship screen...
I’ve always definitely evolved. Has the ordeal also I’m going to complete
had respect for Parveen, my changed the way you look 18 years in films. But
producers. Theirs family and I have at success and failure? I’ve changed a lot
is a tough job. They grown closer. The No success comes in the course of the
have to do disaster catastrophe made close to the joy of past five years. I’m
management on us come together Ayaan being healed. not the same person
the set and behind and figure out how No number of hit anymore. I can’t go
the scenes. As a to overcome it. It’s a films can match that back to doing that. It
producer, I too huge trauma in any feeling of triumph. just doesn’t feel right
now. If every page of
a book had the same
thing written on it,
what a boring book
it would be. Every
chapter should offer
something new.

On a lighter note, if later

in life Ayaan asks you
about your onscreen
kissing spree, what would
you have to say?
I won’t be awkward.
We’ll have a mature
conversation. He’s a
smart kid. He might
not even mention it.
Gen-next is going to
be smarter than us.
They won’t look at a
kiss like that. For our
generation, it seems
shocking. For them
it will be just like a
handshake.

Have you consciously

kept him away from the
paparazzi…
It’s hard not to get
clicked. The fact that
other kids are getting
papped so often is a
bit bizarre. I wonder
what kind of effect
that could have on
a child. I wouldn’t
know if a false
sense of entitlement
creeps in, which
makes him/her
already feel like a
star before having
done anything. So,
I’m a bit careful in
that department. I
tell Ayaan that none
of this is yours; this
is what I’ve earned.
And you aren’t some
king, who’s going to
inherit the throne. To
achieve something,
you’ve got to work
hard. Above all, he
doesn’t have to be
an actor. „
 PHOTOPLAY

RED IS FOR...
non-stop fun of course.
What were you thinking?
Suit: Zara | Waistcoat: The Theatre Group
Eyewear: Opium
 A
suitableSTYLE IS A MANY-COLOURED
THING. VICKY KAUSHAL PROVES
THAT IN OUR PHOTOPLAY
PHOTOGRAPHS: MEETESH TANEJA
boy
STYLING: LEEPAKSHI ELLAWADI | LOCATION: DRINKERY 51
MAKE-UP: MAHENDRA KANOJIA | HAIR: TEAM HAKIM’S AALIM
WEARING BLUE...
is like draping your body
with a bit of the sky
Jacket: Robert Graham
Turtle neck: Ermenegildo Zegna
 IT MAY BE DARK...
but a dash of gold fills you
with the promise of spring
Jacket: Label Karrtik D | Tie pin: The Tie Hub-
Trousers: SS HOMME
 WHAT’S LIFE...
but a series of black and white
patterns entwined together
Suit: Zara | Pocket scarf: The Selected
Shoes: Adidas
 TURTLENECKS...
look good on those who
were born cool
 RAPID FIRE

20
QUESTIONS WITH
JIM
SARBH
ANALITA SETH FIRES A RAPID ROUND OF
QUESTIONS TO JIM SARBH.
THE ACTOR TAKES ON THE CHALLENGE…

He’s passionate, he’s crazy and above all

enigmatic. No one can demystify the intrigue
that surrounds the avant garde Jim Sarbh. An
actor, who creates a new benchmark each
time. An actor, who debunks every definition to
create his own with every role. We know him as
the terrifying terrorist, Khalil, in Neerja. As Zakir
Merchant, the menacing business magnate
in the reincarnation love tale Raabta. As the
Anglo-Indian Brian McKenzie in A Death In The
Gunj. As Malik Kafur, the homosexual slave-
general in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmaavat.
And more recently as Jim Mistry – a drug
peddler-turned-real estate baron in Sanju…
But do we know him as a person? Here,
the multifaceted performer reveals hitherto
unknown facets about his layered persona…
PHOTOGRAPH: HELLO MAGAZINE / KEEGAN CRASTO
 Your nickname 11 Lyrics that mean
1 in school/
college…
a lot to you…
A lot of them. But right
Jimbo. now, To Ramona (written
by Bob Dylan for his album,
2 Your naughtiest Another Side of Bob Dylan)
childhood memory… comes to mind.
Once I got together a group of
kids to play an elaborate chor WHAT
police game resulting in me
knocking over an extremely
12 ACCORDING
TO YOU IS
expensive heirloom vase. THE BEST WAY TO
SAY GOODBYE?
3 Three lesser known Sobbing
facts about yourself… uncontrollably.
z
My face has been artificially
created by plastic surgeons. 13 What won’t you ever
zI am an alien. be heard joking about?
z
If you press the right spot Nothing.
on my back my true form
reveals itself. 14 The biggest turn
on in a girl...
IF YOU HAD It’s the air about them, it’s
4 TO APOLOGISE
TO SOMEONE,
a look in the eyes.

WHO WOULD IT BE 15 Your wildest fantasy...

AND WHY? An interesting
I am sorry for my questionnaire.
answers.
THE BIGGEST
5 Your favourite part…
Brain.
16 TURN OFF…
Body odour.

6 A strange thing you’ve 17 Your go-to song when

put in your mouth... you’re feeling blue…
Brain. Girls Just Want To Have Fun.

The last time 18 A movie

7 you lost your
temper…
you’ve
watched the
Four days ago at my maximum number
roommates. of times…
The Big Lebowski
8 A book you’ve read the (1998).
most number of times…
I loved the Animorphs series 19 The worst pick-up
as a kid. line that’s been used
on you...
9 WHICH IS THE
SEXIEST WORD
‘My thoughts about you are
as dirty as your feet.”
IN THE ENGLISH
LANGUAGE? If you were to be
Yes! 20 reborn as someone,
who would it be?
10 What do you never get A leading marine
tired shopping for? biologist exploring
T-shirts. the Mariana Trench.
 NOSTALGIA
ANOTHER
DAY,
ANOTHER
TIME
TOUCHING 80, SHUBHA KHOTE CREDITS HER LONG INNINGS TO HER HAPPY-GO-LUCKY PERSONALITY.
FARHANA FAROOK REPRODUCES THE BREEZY CONVERSATION WITH THE VETERAN
GAME TO PLAY
The world of entertainment
was not alien to the sporty
Shubha Khote. Her father,
Nandu Khote, was a stage
actor, who had also acted
in silent movies. Young
Shubha made her stage
debut at the age of four.
But cycling and swimming
remained her passions.
“When I went for my first
ver cycling race, my father
With daughter Bhavna Balsa declared, ‘If I have to
take you back home on a
She’s synonymous with smiles and laughter. But Shubha Khote, very early stretcher, it’s okay. But you
in her career, had Sahir Ludhianvi’s classic break-up ode – Tum mujhe have to win the race’. And
bhool bhi jaao toh yeh haq hai – filmed on her in Didi (1959). She played I won the inter-state race,”
the dejected-in-love heroine to a handsome Sunil Dutt in the K. Narayan
she beams.
Kale film. But being the queen of tearjerkers was never her ambition.
She had no ambition
The all-India cycling champ and the inter-collegiate swimming title
to become an actress
holder, recognised as a tomboy amongst peers, was averse to the soppy
perception of the heroine in Hindi cinema. She dared to take the path less- back then in the early
ventured and went on to win accolades for her ease with humour. Before ’50s. “I did a Marathi
we begin the interview, she ushers me in a special room that hosts her film just for fun during
numerous trophies. She asks, “How can I choose my best film? Every film is the vacation, while still
special.” Then she points out to a picture of her favourite actor James Dean. in college (St Wilson).
“At the age 25, he played a 75-year-old man,” she remarks revealing why A still from the film
she revels in a sense of adventure. The almost 80 Shubha, in a 60-year-old with me on a cycle was
career, has straddled films, television and theatre. She credits her untiring published in a newspaper,”
zest to ‘thinking positive and staying positive’… she says. Seeing that
PHOTOGRAPH: YOGEN SHAH
noted filmmaker, Amiya
Chakravarty, signed her
for Seema (1955). Shubha
played Putli, an orphan
and a confidante to Nutan’s
character, Seema. Towards
the finale, the film had
a bicycle chase, which
required Shubha to display
her talent. “I was supposed
to chase a thief. There was
rubble on the road and
I fell and crashed my face.
The left side of my face was
ruined. I feared this was
the end of my career,” she
shares.
In the next 11 months,
she hurt her leg while
shooting for a Marathi film
and developed gangrene.
“Thankfully, I overcame
that too. I attended the
jubilee function of Seema
straight from the hospital.
Luck has always been with
me. I’ve faced seven major
accidents during my career
of six decades,” she reveals.
After Seema, she received
 “I NEVER GAVE
IMPORTANCE TO MY LOOKS.
I NEVER BELIEVED I WAS
PRETTY. MERI SHAKAL
SOORAT WAS NOT THAT OF
A HEROINE...
I ENJOYED DOING COMEDY.
I’M A HAPPY-GO-LUCKY
PERSON”
 MEMORABLE
SONGS OF
SHUBHA
KHOTE-
Godan MEHMOOD
› Main rangeela pyar With Manoj Kumar in Kanch Ki Gudiya
ka rahi
(CHHOTI BEHEN)

›
Jana tumhare pyaar
(SASURAL)

›
Ja ja re ja deewane
(GRAHASTI)

›
Woh din yaad karo
(HUMRAHI)
On the set of her Marathi directorial Chimukla Pahuna
›
Main tere pyaar mein
(ZIDDI)
With Asha Parekh in Kahin Aur Chal
I DON’T THINK NUTAN WAS ›
Gori chalo na hans
PARTICULARLY HAPPY... ki chaal amount of fan letters and Dhumal became
ONCE I HAPPENED TO (BETI BETE) myself,” she says. huge grossers. These
MEET HER AT FILM CITY. She also encountered included Bharosa,
SHE WAS WAITING FOR › Ajhun na aaye balma the unpleasant Ziddi, Chhoti Behan,
(SAANJH AUR SAVERA)
HER SHOT IN THE MAKE- kinds. “One of them Sanjh Aur Savera,
UP ROOM. I TOLD HER threatened to throw Love In Tokyo,
› Main tere pyar ka
WHY DON’T YOU COMPLETE With Nutan acid on my face. Grahasthi, Humrahi
(LOVE IN TOKYO)
The police had to and Beti Bete.
YOUR SHOT AND GO HOME. SHE be informed,” she “Mehmood, Dhumal
SAID,‘I’M MORE COMFORTABLE HERE ›Pyaar ka lekar uran
khatola recalls. and my track would
THAN AT HOME’ (TUM SE ACHHA It was L.V. Prasad’s be running parallel
KAUN HAI) Chhoti Bahen (1959) to that of the lead
with Mehmood, pair’s,” she smiles.
so much recognition was not that of a which established “Mehmood was a
that she was forced heroine,” she says her as a comedienne. jolly person. He’d
to buy a car and with candour. “I enjoyed doing always be cracking
give up the cycle, She counts 1958 comedy. I’m a jokes. He was
even though she as her golden year, happy- go-lucky fond of perfumes
could hardly afford where she gave back person. Amiyaji once and cars. We were
it. She went on to to back hits told me, ‘You have so close, that I’d
play a tragic role in including a fantastic sense observe the Ramzan
Champa Kali (1957), Anari, of timing. Stick to rozas with him,
the vamp in Paying Gharana comedy’,” she says. while he’d do the
Guest (1957) and a and Sasural. She adds that she Shravan vrats with
romantic heroine She even won was inspired by me. Sometimes,
in Heera Moti the Filmfare actress Ramola Devi even Dhumal would
(1959). But she was nominations in the (Khazanchi, 1941), join us,” she shares.
never interested in Best Supporting who had a lively To rumours linking
playing the leading Actress category screen presence. her with Mehmood,
lady. “I never gave for her roles in the she says, “I was
importance to latter two. Her fan MEHMOOD AND ME never involved
my looks. I never following increased For the next six in affairs. Being a
believed I was pretty. manifold. Says she, years, films starring sportsperson, I was
Meri shakal soorat “I’d answer the huge Shubha, Mehmood more of a tomboy.
 With Rajendra Kumar at the mahurat of a film

With Mehmood in Sanjh Aur Savera

“MEHMOOD AND I WERE SO CLOSE,

THAT I’D OBSERVE THE RAMZAN
ROZAS WITH HIM, WHILE HE’D DO
THE SHRAVAN VRATS WITH ME...
MEHMOOD AND I CALLED EACH OTHER
‘BHAI’. WE WERE BUDDIES”

After that I stopped “But I wouldn’t

calling her. I didn’t have been able
want her to face to act in front of
any repercussions. him – so great he’s
My co-stars regarded MY PEERS and guide. She’d I’d meet her on as an artiste. He’s
me as a tomboy. Shubha worked advise me on my the sets,” says she. Bhagwan to me.
Mehmood and I with Geeta Bali in clothes, my make- Nutan passed away Even when his
called each other Goyal Productions’ up,” she shares in 1991 due to back is facing the
‘Bhai’. We were Nai Raahen (1959). adding, “She was a cancer. “During her camera, you can
buddies.” She adds, “Geetaji was the natural beauty. She last days, I’d talk to grasp his emotions,”
“You can’t stop only actress, who looked beautiful her on the phone. she points out. She
people from talking. excelled in comedy,” from any angle you I don’t think she narrates an incident,
I took the rumours she says adding, “In shot her.” was particularly “Once I met Dilip
in my stride because recent times, we had After Nutan’s happy,” shares saab at Rajji’s
you know what’s Sridevi. She was marriage, Shubha Shubha. “Once I (Kapoor) party. He
in your heart.” a quiet person but says she stopped happened to meet addressed me as
She concedes that on camera she was visiting her home. her at Film City. She ‘pori’ (endearment
heroines often felt magic. She made “Once I called her was waiting for her for girl in Marathi)
unnerved by her faces; she did all that to wish her on shot in the make-up and placed his
presence. “Some her role required.” her birthday. Her room. I told her why hand on my head.
heroines would One actress she husband (the late don’t you complete I didn’t wash my
insist on wearing the considers as her Rajnish Bahl) picked your shot and go hair for days. My
costumes reserved ‘dearest friend’ was up and said, ‘She’s home. She said, ‘I’m mother said, ‘Wash
for me. As I’d been the late Nutan. “We sleeping. She has more comfortable it or you’ll get lice!’”
into sports, I had clicked from the asked to be allowed here than at home’.” she laughs at the
a good figure. So word go in Seema. to sleep at least on Shubha regrets memory. “I worship
clothes would fit me She remained my her birthday. Do you not having worked him. He’s my Guru
well,” she says. friend, philosopher have a message?’ with Dilip Kumar. bhai. His first film
 Dil Hai Ke Manta
Nahin. Recently, she
featured in Toilet
Ek Prem Katha and
the Madhuri Dixit
starrer Bucket List.
She has also
directed comedy
plays like Hera
With husband Dinesh.M. Balsaver With Jagdeep in Barkha Pheri, Hum Dono
and Let’s Do It. Her
home production,
MY MOTHER (LEILA KHOTE) WAS DEAD AGAINST MY MARRIAGE... MY Bachelor’s Wives,
SECRET PHERAS WERE TO HAPPEN ON JANUARY 24. BUT SHE GOT A WIND had more than 40
OF IT. SO WE GOT MARRIED ON JANUARY 21 INSTEAD...YEARS LATER, shows in Mumbai.
I PLAYED MY MOTHER IN EK DUUJE KE LIYE’ She also did the
Hindi adaptation
of the play No
Jwar Bhata was fanthom the reason. informs. “Years marriage, she Sex Please, titled
with Amiyaji. My Perhaps, because later, I played my produced and Hangama Ho Gaya.
first film, Seema, he was a widower mother in Ek Duuje directed the Marathi “Theatre keeps me
was with the same with two sons. Or Ke Liye,” she says of film Chimukla focussed,” she says.
filmmaker.” because I was at the her iconic character Pahuna (1968), in Her hit TV shows
peak of my career. of a villain with which her husband include Zabaan
MARRIAGE AND ME Or maybe, she comic shades in the appeared in a Sambhalke, Baa
Marriage was just wanted me to marry film. cameo. “I told him Bahoo Aur Baby
as unplanned as her someone else,” she Shubha is close chalo kar lo,” she and Mangalam
career. “Suddenly, says. “She locked to her two stepsons reminisces. Her Dangalam, which is
you fall for someone. me up in a room. – Parmanand and husband has a farm currently on air.
Yeh pyaar jo cheez I then took sleep- Ashwin. “Until in Kamshet. “We get Through the six
hai… it can’t be inducing pills. My the younger was vegetables and fruits decades she stuck to
controlled,” laughs dadi (grandmother), seven, I didn’t have from there. He visits her dictum. “I never
Shubha, who who was like a my own. Bhavna us every fortnight.” asked for work and
married Dinesh. M. rock, supported me. was born later,” I stayed away from
Balsaver, then an So did my brother she says. She was a BREAK AND negativity. I don’t
official with Burma- (actor Viju Khote), hands-on mother. “I BEYOND like playing negative
Shell. She chuckles my father and the never had an ayah Between 1966-1975, roles either. I didn’t
as she narrates her rest of the family.” for my children. Shubha continued watch Paying Guest
‘marriage drama’. Anyway, her father Parmanand later to be seen in films because of that.
“My mother (Leila and brother whisked studied at Scindia like Love in Tokyo, Years later, my
Khote) was dead her away to their old School in Gwalior. Tumse Achha children forced me
against it. I still can’t home in Chowpatty Ashwin, who’s a bit Kaun Hai, Mili and to watch it,” she
from her bungalow emotional, couldn’t Badlatey Rishtey. says of the Subodh
in Santa Cruz. “The adjust being away There was a lull in Mukherjee film.
pheras were fixed from home. He came her career when she What brings her
for January 24. But back,” she says. accompanied her joy are the simple
my mother got a Today, Ashwin is husband to London, things. “I enjoy
wind of it. So, we a sound-recordist, given his posting seeing birds on trees.
got married on who’s worked for there. She regards I love observing
January 21 instead,” shows like Kaun Ek Duuje Ke Liye the peculiar, the
laughs the actor who Banega Croprepati as her comeback unusual about life,”
just celebrated her and Dus Ka Dum, film. “Though my she says adding,
55th anniversary. while Parmanand is role was negative, “Bhavna and I try to
“Thankfully, after in the US. it was funny,” she catch the first day
my daughter Bhavna Shubha’s all praise smiles. Between the first show of a film.
(Balsaver, actor) was for her husband, ’80s- ’90s, she was She comes all the
born, my mother who encouraged seen in films like way from Chowpatty
cooled down,” she her to work. After Coolie, Sagar and for this. It’s fun.” „
 reader’s reviews, box-office, celebrity column & more

INSTA LIKE Moments and memories

Check out what your favourites are upto on Instagram...

@aliaabhatt:
Luls & Tuts
Here are the
newest adorable
BFFs in town,
Luls and Tuts.

@shahidkapoor:
Cause she knows
she can do it all
better.
Some mushy daddy
love from Sasha to
@priyankachopra: Home. cute Misha.
Home’s not a place but a feeling and Priyanka
and Nick have surely come home to each other.

@adityaroykapuryaitsme:
Just got convinced to
do the impossible by
these two lovely ladies.
#helloinstagram
Aditya’s gym mates did
a good job of getting him
on Twitter! Splitsvilla
@anushkasharma: contestant, Scarlett M
You’re only always Rose, is one of them.
one breath away
from Bliss...
Sun-kissed
Anushka Sharma Readers send in their feedback pg 
is at her prettiest
and happiest best.
Shatrughan Sinha’s racy rejoinders pg 
 LETTERS
February 2019 `60

SRK
stays
unbeatable
Your chance

IN THE MAIL
to vote!
Filmfare Awards
ANUSHKA Punjabi 2019
polling form inside
hits new highs Filmfare Awards
East 2019
polling form inside

40 IS THE
NEW SEXY
VIDYA BALAN ON GROWING
MORE DESIRABLE
READERS WRITE AND BITE BACK... WITH LOVE AND AFFECTION

AYUSHMANN –
A REAL HERO
Ayushmann Khurrana’s
enjoying a glorious
period in his career
right now. In recent
times he’s enjoyed
hits like Bareilly Ki
Barfi, Shubh Mangal
Saavdhan, AndhaDhun
and Badhaai Ho. But
in his personal life,
he’s facing a tough
challenge. As wife
Tahira Kashyap is
bravely fighting cancer,
the devoted husband
is unflinchingly by her
side. Real heroes are
Vidya Balan made of this.
Aftab Patel, Mumbai
st VIDYA BALAN – A BEAUTIFUL SOUL
1Prize
The Filmfare February 2019 issue is particularly close to my
heart because Vidya not only transformed herself beautifully
1500 into the retro look but she also opened up her heart. Every
woman sometime or other has faced a backlash for her
weight, be it being underweight or overweight. When a celebrity like Vidya
opens up about her struggle with weight, it gives women the spirit to take on
body-shamers. She’s a brilliant performer and having met her I can say she’s
a beautiful soul too. So, more power to you Vidya, because you have become
the poster girl for those who’re struggling to be themselves in this world that is
constantly pushing us to be someone else.
Manali Gharat, Palghar
Ayushmann Khurrana
Kader Khan
MISS YOU
KADER SAAB
Kader Khan saab was
a multi-talented artiste.
He provided scripts
and dialogue for many
blockbusters. Manmohan
Desai’s Amar Akbar
Anthony and Desh Premee,
Raj Sippy’s Satte Pe
Satta, Mukul S Anand’s
Sultanat and Aziz Sejawal’s
Baap Numbri Beta Dus
Numbri remain some of
my favourite ones. But
the 1989 release, Vardi,
directed by Shri Umesh
Mehra, remains my most
watched one. Here, he
portrayed the characters
of twins Lalchand and
Balkishan wonderfully. May
his soul rest in peace.
K. Dilip, Hyderabad

STORY nd
2Prize
office. If a film can Facebook, Twitter and
OVER STARS provide good content, it YouTube may hype a
It’s mandatory it will run successfully film. But these can also
to promote a
film by having
1000 even by word-of-
mouth promotion.
bust the build-up as
easily. What matters at
the star cast appear Recently, Thugs Of the end of the day is a
on most TV shows and Hindostan flopped good story well told.
visit different cities. miserably despite the Our filmmakers should
Despite massive superstar cast and take note of that. It’s
promotions, many films huge promotion. Social high time.
have failed at the box- Thugs Of Hindostan media like Instagram, Laeeqa Urooj, Hyderabad
DEEPIKA PADUKONE – AN ICON FATIMA –
FACT AND FANTASY
Justone
From the badminton court she trained her eyes
on the glamour ring. First as a supermodel and
then as Shah Rukh Khan’s ladylove in Om Shanti
Playing real-life Geeta
Phogat, India’s first
Point
Om, Deepika Padukone was at the right place female wrestler to win the
at the right time. What worked for her apart gold medal at the 2010
from her beauty was her quiet hard work. She Commonwealth Games,
survived flops and failed relationships to finally in Dangal, she became
find her niche as an actor and her identity as an actor to reckon with.
a woman and now wife. After her marriage to She starred once again
Ranveer Singh, she’s poised for a new journey. with mentor Aamir Khan Vicky Kaushal
A journey of new roles and new responsibilities. in the fantasy tale Thugs Vicky Kaushal is the man
And she will excel here too. Of Hindostan. The YRF of the moment. Whatever
Brinda Mathur, Navi Mumbai Deepika Padukone film crashed and so did he touches turns into gold.
her dreams. Now, it’s a Varun Singh, Gwalior
DEE-LIGHTFUL GIRL sensational personality, be it at the red tightrope walk for Fatima
Deepika Padukone has been aptly carpet at Cannes-2018 or marrying her Sana Shaikh, who will When our actresses have
described as the ‘Newsmaker of dream man. She’s the best blend of art have to prove her mettle nothing much to talk
the Year’ in your January issue. The and heart. in the Anurag Basu film. about, their PR team
Padmaavat star remained the most MPS Chadha, Mohali Ranjeeta S, Rajkot ensures they’re clicked at
gyms during the day and
at parties at night.
LONG LIVE THE ZARINA’S OLD- Rajat Sen, Pune
KHAN KINGS! WORLD CHARM
The year 2018 may Family entertainers, Smita Patil left behind
not have been great made by Rajshri a void none could fill.
for the Khans – Productions, Parallel cinema has never
Soumitra Chatterjee Salman, Aamir and Hrishikesh Mukherjee, been the same.
Shah Rukh – with their Basu Chatterjee and Aruna Deshmukh, Goa
SALUTING SOUMITRA CHATTERJEE respective films Race others, between the
It was heart-warming to read the interview by Bengal 3, Thugs of Hindostan ‘70s – the ’80s, gave Filmfare should have
legend Soumitra Chatterjee. Apart from his life and and Zero failing at the us actors like Jaya Bollywood memes that
times with master Satyajit Ray, the Feluda actor also box-office. But you Bhaduri, Amol Palekar, are not offensive but bring
spoke of the recent tragedy in his life. His grandson, have to grant it that Zarina Wahab, Vidya a smile on the faces of
actor/musician Ronodeep Bose, met with a tragic the three have ruled for Sinha and more. readers.
bike accident a few years ago that has left him nearly three decades Zarina, a FTII graduate, Yogita Kheskani, Kanpur
incapacitated. At 80 plus, Soumitra is dealing with the and entertained a star- enthralled audiences
financial and emotional demands that this calamity struck nation. While in films like Chitchor, Why is it that our married
has necessitated with rare dignity. He’s a great Aamir has dabbled Gharonda and Sitara. male actors happily get
performer but a far greater person. with mature roles She continues to be involved with their co-stars
Ratnadeep Bose, Kolkata in the recent past seen in TV shows and but never stand by the
(Dangal, Taare Zameen has aged gracefully. lady?
QUE SARA SARA Par), thereby moving Her marriage with a Rasha, Hyderabad
Sara Ali Khan is a beauty with brains. The daughter of beyond the hero-mould, much younger Aditya
Amrita Singh, she has her mother’s beauty and fire Salman and SRK Pancholi has also Filmfare should hold
and dad Saif Ali Khan’s cool and poise. If Kedarnath should also opt to play weathered many retrospectives of artistes
showcased her emotional intensity, Simmba endorsed mature characters. storms. Respect like Meena Kumari,
her flair for dance and song, a prerequisite, in masala It’s time for them to for the fine lady, Sanjeev Kumar, Smita Patil
movies. Sara seems to be a complete package. Watch graduate… to mellower who survived the and others.
out Alia Bhatt! You have competition. pastures. challenges. Soumya Singh, Amritsar
Nandini Uttam, Raipur Zeba Shah, Jaipur Arvinder Kaur, Mohali

Send us your views, opinions and suggestions to: SMS: FI PAA <space>
Post your Email: filmfare.gallery@wwm.co.in Fax: 022 - 22731585
Mail: Reviews, Filmfare, The Times of India Bldg., or <your review> <your name>
reviews to 4th floor, D N Road, Mumbai 400 001, INDIA
(Please mention your full name and address)
to 53636

Terms & conditions: Any letter addressed to Filmfare will be the property of Filmfare and all copyrights for the same shall be vested with us. Filmfare reserves the right to use such
letter/material/jokes for any purpose including commercial in the magazine or otherwise.
 Uri: The Surgical Strike The Accidental Prime Minister

WAR CRY
Patriotism and nationalism sell… That’s what explains the rousing success of
Uri: The Surgical Strike and Manikarnika: The Queen Of Jhansi

st URI: THE SURGICAL STRIKE 10-year period from 2004 till May 2014

1 Major Vihaan Shergill (Vicky TWIVIEWS
Kaushal) wants to leave the Fans and readers tweet their
Prize army as his mother is suffering mini reviews to @filmfare
from Alzheimer’s. But his
brother-in-law, Major Karan Kashyap (Mohit @prasanthp2007
Raina), gets killed when terrorists strike Uri. Watched #Uri: The
Vihaan offers to lead a counter strike across Surgical Strike@ Dubai
Nova Movies. Good
the border. Uri is high on emotional connect. movie… looks more real
But instead of a patriotic film, it appears like than any other war movie.
a revenge drama. Also, there are technical @sonikasdutta Uri:
glitches. The commandos make more noise The Surgical Strike is
in the jungle than a tribe of elephants. They a tribute to the Indian
Army. Well-directed and
wear night-vision goggles and yet stare at a well-written by Aditya
light source, their rifles are without silencers, Dhar. Vicky Kaushal has
they don’t wear masks... But Vicky Kaushal done a terrific job as an
army man.
compels you to forget the goof-ups.
Shubhangi Kadam, Kalyan @captsanjayab
#AccidentalPrimeMinister.
Big Flop @AnupamPKher
URI: THE SURGICAL STRIKE Don’t think it’s Oscar
Uri, a war film is peppered with patriotism, worthy.
sautéed with jingoism and garnished with
@bunty_1112 I have
propaganda. Unfortunately, Uri, despite being a feeling that this
in the ‘war genre’, is saddled with such tags. election is going to
To put it in a Floydisqe way: Critics, leave the be all about movies.
#UriTheSurgicalStrike
‘war films’ alone! All and all it’s just another #AccidentalPrimeMinister
brick in the wall. #ThackerayTheFilm
Prakash Gowda, Gujarat
@JondhalePD
AccidentalPrimeMinister
THE ACCIDENTAL PRIME MINISTER thought A. Kher was an
Not many would be aware that as Finance actor but he’s a mimic!
Minister in 1991, Dr Manmohan Singh, @the_utpal_dutta There
pioneered economic liberalisation, which is no business bigger
changed India forever. Unfortunately, than education, paid
service without guarantee
The Accidental Prime Minister based on #WhyCheatIndia
Sanjaya Baru’s book, only showcases the
when Manmohan Singh served two terms
as India’s Prime Minister. The film depicts
the politics within the Congress where
Singh (Anupam Kher) is held accountable
for scams committed under the regime.
Sadly, the Gandhi family is portrayed as
mere caricatures - Suzanne Barnert as Sonia
Gandhi, Aahana Kumra as Priyanka Gandhi
and Arjun Mathur as Rahul Gandhi fail badly.
Sumeet Nadkarni, Mumbai
THACKERAY
Bal Keshav Thackeray, popularly known as
Balasaheb, formed the radical party Shiv
Sena, which voiced the ambitions of the
Marathi youth. The film follows his rise from
being a political cartoonist in 1959 to pushing
his party to power in 1995. Director Abhijit
Panse shows him as a sympathetic leader yet
someone, who has the last word. Nawazuddin
Siddiqui plays Thackeray brilliantly. The
casting coup was to get actors, who looked
exactly like Manohar Joshi, Madhukar
Sarpotdar, Pramod Navalkar and others.
Damodar Sharma, Powai
MANIKARNIKA: THE QUEEN OF JHANSI
Rani Laxmibai, the Queen of Jhansi, is one
of our foremost freedom fighters, who took
on the British. Manikarnika is written by the
writer of Baahubali films, K. V. Vijayendra
Prasad. So, Baahubali-like motifs abound
in the film. The film’s original director,
R. Krishna Jagarlamudi, left in a cloud of
controversy and Kangana Ranaut took over
 Thackeray Manikarnika: The Queen Of Jhansi

the reins. Yet, any discrepancy in direction
is not evident. Kangana channels the spirit TWIVIEWS
Fans and readers tweet their
of the warrior queen. She’s aided by Atul
mini reviews to @filmfare
Kulkarni as mentor Tatya Tope, Jisshu
Sengupta as husband Gangadhar Rao and @015_aijaz @
Ankita Lokhande as Jhalkaribai, who helps emraanhashmi Why
her escape. Mandakini, Gwalior Cheat India is a must
watch movie and your
performance is mind-
WHY CHEAT INDIA blowing. A great job of
Rakesh Singh (Emraan Hashmi) runs a scam, raising an issue.
wherein he gets bright students to give @ihrithook
engineering entrance exams for not-so-bright #Manikarnika film is
but rich students for a fee. Director Soumik a great work of art and
it deserves all the love
Sen questions a system with corrupt practises. and appreciation from
But it just skims the surface. audience. The story of
Rajesh Kataria, Thane nspiring.
ZERO @Sanpals93 Kangana
Anand L. Rai reportedly said that Zero is his Ranaut is Manikarnika
‘graduation film’. Truly, he sets Zero in his of B-town! She has
surpassed all historical
comfort zone of a ‘small-town’ and then goes roles.
beyond the skies. Shah Rukh Khan
(Bauua Singh) lives every moment of his role.
Zero can be dubbed as SRK’s ‘Mera Naam
Joker’, where different characters come into
his life, only to teach him certain truths. Joker
tanked when it was released but is considered
a classic today.
Prakash Gowda, Ahmedabad
CABARET
This direct to digital platform film fits into the
‘so bad that it’s good’ category. A love story
of an alcoholic journo (Gulshan Devaiah) and
a cabaret dancer (Richa Chadha) turns into
a sloppy thriller with cricketer-turned-awful
actor S. Sreesanth. Cabaret, co -produced
by Pooja Bhatt, was lying in the cans until
Zee acquired it for an online premiere. If
you expect a desi Moulin Rouge, banish the
thought! The dances look like leftovers from
Madhur Bhandarkar’s Chandni Bar (2001).
Sumeet Nadkarni, Mumbai

Send us your views, opinions and suggestions to: SMS: FI PAA <space>
Post your Email: filmfare.gallery@wwm.co.in Fax: 022 - 22731585
Mail: Reviews, Filmfare, The Times of India Bldg., OR <your review> <your name>
reviews to 4th floor, D N Road, Mumbai 400 001, INDIA
(Please mention your full name and address)
to 53636

Terms & conditions: Any letter addressed to Filmfare will be the property of Filmfare and all copyrights for the same shall be vested with us. Filmfare reserves the right to use such
letter/material/jokes for any purpose including commercial in the magazine or otherwise.

The
First Prize Lavie
Bag

Wins a
LAVIE Lavie
Clutch
BAG
Terms & Conditions Apply
z Winner will bear all applicable taxes z Original products may differ from the one shown in the picture & will be as per supplier’s/manufacturer’s terms & conditions
z The magazine will not be responsible for the product.
 BOX-OFFICE

PATRIOT GAMES
Uri: The Surgical Strike, based on the much hyped border strikes, rode the
patriotic wave to victory and emerged as the highest earner of the year so far,
earning 213.70 crores till now. Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi also earned
big through the patriotic fervour it generated. Its collections stand at 87.90
crores so far. The Thackeray biopic managed to garner 18 crores. Comedies

E
RAG
Fraud Saiyaan, Bombairiya, Rangeela Raja and The Fakir Of Venice couldn’t

AVE
collect much. Only Why Cheat India managed average fare. Ek Ladki Ko Dekha
To… Aisa Laga, which talked about same-sex relationships lured moderate
footfalls. The lone horror film, Amavas, too couldn’t entice viewers.
WHY CHEAT INDIA
COLLECTION ` 8.45cr
FIRST WEEK

DIRECTOR: Soumik Sen

CAST: Emraan Hashmi, Shreya
Dhanwanthary
RELEASE DATE: January 18, 2019
RAPID REVIEW: A satire on the Indian
education system
VIEWER'S VERDICT: “The
film did raise some
relatable points.”
-- Mosine Shaikh, 28, IT
professional
IT
ERH
SUP

URI: THE SURGICAL STRIKE

COLLECTION ` 70.94cr
FIRST WEEK

DIRECTOR: Aditya Dhar VIEWER’S VERDICT:

CAST: Vicky Kaushal, Paresh Rawal, “The action scenes
Yami Gautam, Kirti Kulhari, Mohit Raina were impressive.”
RELEASE DATE: January 11, 2019 -- Yogesh Doshi, 30,

P
RAPID REVIEW: A fictionalised account of the systems architecture FLO
surgical strike by the army in P.O.K. manager

BOMBAIRIYA
FRAUD SAIYAAN
COLLECTION ` 14 lakh
FIRST WEEK

COLLECTION ` 52lakh
FIRST WEEK
DIRECTOR: Pia Sukanya
DIRECTOR: Sourabh Shrivastava CAST: Radhika Apte, Siddhanth Kapoor,
CAST: Arshad Warsi, Sara Loren, Akshay Oberoi, Adil Hussain, Ravi Kishan
Flora Saini, Saurabh Shukla, Nivedita Tiwari, RELEASE DATE: January 18, 2019
Peeyush Suhaney RAPID REVIEW: A comedy of errors
RELEASE DATE: January 18, 2019 revolving around an assassin
RAPID REVIEW: A film VIEWER'S VERDICT: “A
revolving around the life of a disjointed effort that
polygamous conman nevertheless had its
VIEWER'S VERDICT: funny moments.”
“Worth a few laughs.” -- Rakesh Ranavat, 28,
P
FLO

-- Manoj S, 25, marketing businessman

 H IT
MANIKARNIKA: THE
P
F LO

P
FLO
QUEEN OF JHANSI
COLLECTION ` 58.95cr THE FAKIR OF
FIRST WEEK
RANGEELA RAJA
DIRECTOR: Kangana Ranaut, Radha VENICE
COLLECTION ` 19 lakh
FIRST WEEK
Krishna Jagarlamudi
` 85 lakh
FIRST WEEKEND
DIRECTOR: Sikander Bharti CAST: Kangana Ranaut, Atul Kulkarni, COLLECTION
CAST: Govinda, Mishika Chourasia, Jisshu Sengupta, Suresh Oberoi, Danny DIRECTOR: Anand Surapur
Anupama Agnihotri, Digangana Denzongpa, Vaibhav Tatwawaadi, Ankita CAST: Farhan Akhtar, Annu Kapoor,
Suryavanshi Lokhande, Richard Keep Kamal Sidhu, Mathieu Carriere,
RELEASE DATE: January 18, 2019 RELEASE DATE: January 25, 2019 Valentina Carnelutti
RAPID REVIEW: A comedy with Govinda RAPID REVIEW: A film based on the folklore RELEASE DATE: February 8, 2019
in twin roles surrounding the brave queen of Jhansi RAPID REVIEW: : A satire on the art world
VIEWER’S VERDICT: VIEWER’S VERDICT: VIEWER’S VERDICT:
“It’s way behind “Kangana Ranaut “Farhan Akhtar
times and fails to makes Rani and Annu Kapoor
make its mark.” Laxmibai come elevate the film with
-- Sudhir Vaidya, alive.” -- Hari G, 46, their acting.”
51, engineer businessman -- Raj Sutar, 25, student

E
RAG
AVE
AGE

AGE

OW
VER

R
AVE

BEL
VE A
ABO

EK LADKI KO DEKHA AMAVAS

THACKERAY TO( AISA LAGA
` 2.35 cr
FIRST WEEKEND
COLLECTION
COLLECTION ` 15.20cr COLLECTION ` 17.19cr
FIRST WEEK FIRST WEEK
DIRECTOR: Bhushan Patel
DIRECTOR: Abhijit Panse DIRECTOR: Shelly Chopra Dhar CAST: Sachiin Joshi, Nargis Fakhri,
CAST: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Amrita Rao CAST: Anil Kapoor, Juhi Chawla, Sonam Mona Singh, Vivan Bhatena, Ali Asgar,
RELEASE DATE: January 25, 2019 Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao, Akshay Oberoi, Navneet Kaur Dhillon
RAPID REVIEW: A primer on the life of the Regina Cassandra RELEASE DATE: February 8, 2019
strong-minded leader RELEASE DATE: February 1, 2019 RAPID REVIEW: A horror film and
VIEWER’S VERDICT: RAPID REVIEW: A sensitive film about a murder mystery
Nawaz’s same-sex relationships VIEWER’S VERDICT:
performance in VIEWER’S VERDICT: “The idea was there
the title role is “More such films but the execution
impressive.” should be made.” was slipshod.”
-- Vignesh M, -- Kartik Momya, -- Vikram Wadhane,
28, IT professional 35, business head 21, student
 BEST OF SAWAAL JAWAAB
Shatrughan
Sinha’s
Rapid
fire
Should religion be in our
heart, mind or home?
Sunil Melwani, Pune
Religion should be
nowhere. Rather love
PHOTOGRAPH: MEETESH TANEJA
of mankind should be
everywhere. Let kindness
prosper in your soul
and then you’ll find true
religion within you.
You look trim and smart
as a hero even at this age.
What is the secret? How
do you maintain yourself?
Vijayalakshmi Vijay, Mumbai
You’re too kind my dear
Vijayalakshmi. Positive
people like you have
kept me going. However,
it would be immoral for
me not to mention my
wife Poonam (Sinha)
here. She keeps me on
my toes, controls my diet,
chooses my wardrobe and
generally keeps me sane.
Why do we adopt our father’s surname and
not our mother’s, when it’s she who gives
birth and looks after us?
Roop Mirpuri, Pune
That has been the tradition but it’s not the norm. You can
well adopt the name of your mother if you so wish. No
one should or would object to that.
Power Girl: Kangana Ranaut
Or you can say I have
no option but to behave
sanely in her presence.
When will filmmakers
stop showing women as
attractive showpieces?
Why don’t the so called
male superstars protest
against it?
Dibyasha, Bhubaneswar
It will change. In fact,
it’s changing slowly but
surely. We do have films
showcasing real women.
The problem is that
superstars aren’t doing
such films. But once
both male and female
superstars come to terms
with the fact that they
don’t have to be gilded
lilies all the time and
be characters in a story,
change will come about.
The male stars don’t have
to protest. The can just
continue practising their
craft the way it should
be done. Of course, the
trouble is that the masses
are so enamoured with
escapist fare that they
might not easily take to
the change. That’s why
perhaps it’s taken so long.
But we live in hope.
What is life’s sweetest
reward?
Seema Sabharwal, Chandigarh
In your younger years,
it would be one’s own
success. In the older years,
it would mean the success
of your children and
their happiness. The best
reward would be peaceful
coexistence with everyone
always.
Whenever something
goes wrong, the popular
tendency is to blame
the woman. If the child
is spoilt, blame the
‘mother’, if the man has
an affair blame the ‘wife’,
if the man leaves the wife
and family, blame the
‘mistress’. When will all
this end?
Richa Katiyar, Ranchi
To get the correct answer,
please don’t stop at
worshipping the most
revered Maa Durga, Maa
Laxmi and Maa Kali. Treat
the women around you
with reverence as well.
Why are women judged
when they are ambitious?
Amit Jain, New Delhi
Because men are not as

Dear Dost: Amitabh Bachchan
Winking star: Priya Prakash Varrier
ambitious. They have been
taking things for granted
since centuries and are
now afraid that power
could be taken away from
their hands.
Did you ever realise that
a wink can make a star?
Sudip Das, Kolkata
Mark my words, Priya
Prakash Varrier isn’t going
to be just a twinkling star
but she has the makings
of a superstar. She can
become one soon. Till
then, keep enjoying her
social media posts.
What is the importance
of religion in politics?
Puneet Chadha, Haryana
Send Your
Question to
YOUR QUESTIONS WILL BE FORWARDED TO: Shatrughan Sinha, who insists his answers do not reflect his political and social views.
z Winner will bear all applicable taxes z Original products may differ from the one shown in the picture & will be as per supplier’s/manufacturer’s terms & conditions
Sinha, who have been
successful politicians at
the national level.
You have proved how true
friendship is precious
and priceless in movies
like Dost, Samjhauta,
Khudgarz and Dostana.
Who is your oldest and
best friend in real life?*
Haresh Lalwani, Bangalore
Well, I’m truly blessed with
quite a few like Amitabh
Bachchan, Subhash Ghai,
Pahlaj Nihalani, Danny
Denzongpa... who have
shared my journey and
have been around me
through ups and downs.
Which actor has never
played by the rules yet has
made a name for himself
like none other?
Renu Jain, Kolkata
Apart from yours truly
Shatrughan Sinha, I’d like
I wish we had religion in to name Kangana Ranaut.
politics. Religion of the She’s a complete outsider
right kind that is. Religion and yet has made a career
that teaches tolerance and on her own terms. She’s
empathy, which believes played some refreshingly
in humanity. But sadly, different characters, which
there is politics in religion weren’t run-of-the-mill and
these days instead. has excelled in them. She’s
hardworking and talented
Why are South Indian film- and isn’t been afraid to call
stars more successful in a spade a spade.
politics as compared to
their Hindi counterparts? In India people still
Avijit Singha Roy, Hooghly accept or give dowry
Don’t live in the past. during marriages. Is this
I hope to remind you of practice good? How
stalwarts like the great does it affect today’s
Sunil Dutt, the charming generation?
Raj Babbar, social Sulekha Samanta, Mumbai
activists Shabana Azmi This question doesn’t
and Javed Akhtar and have to be asked at all.
yours truly Shatrughan It has only one answer –
Readers may send in their questions to:
Email: filmfare.askme@wwm.co.in Fax: 022-22731585
Mail: Sawaal Jawaab, Filmfare, The Times of India Bldg, or
4th floor, D N Road, Mumbai 400 001, INDIA
(Please mention your full name, contact number and address)
z The magazine will not be responsible for the product.
no! It has affected every
generation, sometimes,
making people not want
to have a girl child. While
those who have boys,
believe they are superior.
Dowry makes a marriage
a mere transaction. The
beautiful relationship
is marred by this evil.
Swachhata Abhiyan
against this evil is a must.
Girls these days seem
to be smarter and
bolder than those in
the past. Is this due to
wider exposure, social
media, freedom and self-
confidence?
Choodamani Vasudevan, Madurai
Girls are girls. In the era
of women empowerment,
we shouldn’t be using
words like ‘bold’ and
‘smart’ for girls. Rather, let
them just be themselves.
Comparison with the
bygone era doesn’t matter.
Bold and smart are just
labels. We should respect
women without ascribing
any labels to them.
What’s the difference
between trust and blind
faith?
Om Prakash Srivastava, Lucknow
Your wife believes you’re
working late. That’s trust.
You have an affair with a
woman believing no
one will find out. That’
blind faith.
(Feature co-ordinated by
DEVESH SHARMA)
Please note: The column doesn’t
reflect Shatrughan Sinha’s political
or personal views. His answers are
given in jest and humour.
SMS: FI <space> SJ <space>
<your question> <your name>
to 53636
Terms & Conditions Apply