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Skin show for Mads Dec 23, 2013 - Lipika Varma

5:08 PM, Thursday Jan 23, 2014

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Skin show for Mads

Dec 23, 2013 - Lipika Varma

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Madhuri Dixit has her hands full with films like Dedh Ishqiya and Gulab Gang as well as TV shows and endorsements. In fact, the actress has been receiving lots of positive feedback for her radiant, youthful look in a skincare cream commercial.
Celebrities often come under fire for promoting fairness creams — at the same time, great store is set by a lighter skin tone. Ask Madhuri about this and she says, “What can I say? If people feel they’ll look fairer by using a cream, that’s their take. I have no take on this issue. Here in India, people care about fairness. Abroad, people sunbathe to get a tan! The grass is always greener on the other side.”

‘I am happy for Nandana’ DC | Lipika Varma | 03rd Jul 2013

Saturday, Jan 25, 2014 | Last Update : 04:01 PM IST

‘I am happy for Nandana’

DC | Lipika Varma | 03rd Jul 2013

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The news of Nobel laureate Amartya Sen’s daughter and occasional Bollywood actress Nandana Sen’s marriage to Penguin chairman John Makinson on June 22 in New York City filtered in much later than we are used to with news of celeb marriages.
Before she hooked up with Makinson, Nandana was in a relationship for nine long years with Madhu Mantena, co-producer of the Bollywood superhit Ghajini.
We caught up with a very calm Madhu, who is now busy promoting the upcoming film Lootera which he has also co-produced, and spoke about his ex girlfriend, who had a rather flash-in-the-pan career in Bollywood.
The director revealed that the two had an amicable break-up and he is now happy for Nandana.
“Well, it has been more of a loss for me than for Nandana. It is not true that men are not emotional. But aisa nahi ke maine ro ro kar tub bhar diya (it’s not like I have filled a tub with my tears)…we have moved ahead in life. We were in a relationship for more than nine years and it was beautiful, especially the moments spent together.”
He continued: “It is not that in today’s world getting in and out of relationships doesn’t matter. For me ending a relationship is like undergoing the pangs of a daughter going away to another family. Life has its own designs and we need to make adjustments instead of sitting down and crying over spilt milk,” he said. Madhu also seems to have drowned himself in his Bollywood work and said that he’s happy his former girlfriend “found somebody to settle down with.” “I have moved on but we are still good friends. I am happy that Nandana has found someone and has settled down in life.
“I am enjoying my professional phase at this moment. I am very busy and I do not have the time to mingle with anyone. But If I find someone suitable I will settle down,” Madhu added.

'Why can't we admire a woman's body?' DC | Lipika Varma | 01st Jan 2013

Saturday, Jan 25, 2014 | Last Update : 04:01 PM IST

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'Why can't we admire a woman's body?'

DC | Lipika Varma | 01st Jan 2013

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Sudhir Mishra's 'Inkaar' starring Arjun Rampal and Chitrangada Singh deals with the extremely pertinent topic of "sexual harassment" at workplaces and Rampal, who had been labelled one of the sexiest men in India much before the likes of Hrithik Roshan entered the scene, has some definite views on the topic.
"When the media labels me as 'hot' and 'sexy', what do I say? Should I take it in my stride or get angry? I think I need to take it as a compliment. Similarly, in this film when women are labelled 'sexy' and 'hot', what should their reaction be? Should it be considered vulgar or be taken lightly?
These are the questions our film raises," says Rampal.
He says that the topic of sexual harassment is open to debate. "The film depicts how a woman who goes for an interview or to meet a client, unbuttons the top two buttons of her shirt... now should this not attract the onlooker? If his eyes are distracted then what do you feel?
Do you consider this to be sexual harassment? The film raises these questions on a different level. It is, indeed, good to debate on the topic. Should merely staring at the unbuttoned shirt of a female be considered sexual harassment?" asks Rampal.
With the entire country boiling over the Delhi gangrape and the attitude of the police and some politicians that women bring it on to themselves, Inkaar's storyline might heat up matters further.
"Whether a woman has the right to attract a man and then reject his advances... how far is this right or wrong on the part of a woman... we need to debate on this issue. I think the film's script will surely draw the audiences as it has been depicted in a meaningful manner," says Rampal.
Continuing to tread on dangerous ground, he adds, "If a man goes ahead despite the woman's rejection then should it be treated as violating certain norms?
"Should a woman have the privilege of showing her legs, being attired in a revealing dress in an office?
And if she does, does a man have the right to misbehave with her and if he does, is it right? Why can't a man admire a woman's beauty without lusting after her? If his intentions are good then it matters little," he concludes.

Salim's spanner in Zanjeer DC | Lipika Varma | 25th Jan 2013DC | Lipika Varma |

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Saturday, Jan 25, 2014 | Last Update : 04:01 PM IST

Salim's spanner in Zanjeer

DC | Lipika Varma | 25th Jan 2013DC | Lipika Varma | 

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Co-writer of the original hit, Salim Khan.

Co-writer of the original hit demands Rs.6 crore as royalty from the producers of the remake.
While Apoorva Lakhia's ‘Zanjeer’ starring Ram Charan Tej and Priyanka Chopra is almost complete, word is that the film is tangled in copyright issues.
Sources says that veteran writer Salim Khan, who co-wrote the original Amitabh Bachchan-starrer ‘Zanjeer’ along with Javed Akhtar, has asked for `6 crore as royalty from Reliance Entertainment and Amit Mehra, (the remake's producers). Salim Khan has even taken the issue up with the Scriptwriter's Association demanding a fair share of royalty.
“We are not against remaking of films. Tell me aren't they going to sell their product comprising the script, music etc.? The situational emotional drama showcased in the original is pivotal. It was a valuable film written by us. Film making is a business and it needs to be dealt likewise,” says Salim. “They should have taken our permission. It is not the question of royalty but compensation they need to pay us. We are open to negotiations; we have not mentioned any amount as reported,” he adds.
Talking about the contracts of earlier days, the writer adds, “There was no mention of remaking as such in Hindi films. But we have kept all the rights of remaking our film like ‘Don’, ‘Yaadon Ki Baraat’ and ‘Zanjeer’. But no one has taken any permission from us even for making the film in Telugu. How can they do that?” “And what about the other writers whose families need financial help towards medical aide and education for their children and grandchildren?
Many writers of films that have been remade have not been paid any compensa tion,“ he goes on to add.
Co-author of Zanjeer Javed Akhtar was unavail able for a comment.

Amitabh Bachchan and Kareena made Amrita’s shoot great DC | Lipika Varma | 22nd Aug 2013

Saturday, Jan 25, 2014 | Last Update : 04:01 PM IST

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Amitabh Bachchan and Kareena made Amrita’s shoot great

DC | Lipika Varma | 22nd Aug 2013

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In 'Satyagraha', Amrita Rao plays the widowed daughter-in-law of Amitabh Bachchan, and says the experience of working with the legendary superstar was almost like having a “hangover”. “Bachchan saab’s persona is enthralling,” Amrita told us. “When I’d go home from the shoot, it’d be like I had a ‘hangover’. His voice and conversation would still resound in my head. I learned so much from his simplicity.”
Another co-star Amrita enjoyed working with in 'Satyagraha' was Kareena Kapoor: “I have always been in awe of Mr Raj Kapoor. So Kareena and I shared quite a few good moments talking about her grandfather. She told me about her visits to R.K. Studio, her memories of him. She (Kareena) was very small, just six, when her grandfather died, and this is what she regrets.”
Then where did all those reports about catfights between the two actresses emanate from? “I do not believe in having catfights,” Amrita replies. “I have a few scenes with Kareena in 'Satyagraha' and we shared a good rapport. Kareena is a simple, loving soul.”
While she’s been part of several hit films, Amrita’s career graph has seen quite a few troughs as well, and the actress says she’s learnt to deal with these with equanimity.
“I wouldn’t want to be blinded by the arc lights that we face in the film industry — it’s just a phase. Every human being has to confront tough phases — professionally and personally. I was taught by my elders very early on, that in life, we need to adjust,” she says.
The actress says she’s thankful that she had a chance to work with filmmakers like Shyam Benegal, Prakash Jha and Rajshri Productions. She says, “I did not have to struggle to get any of the roles. Getting work with grace and dignity makes me a contented actor.” 

Deepika in love with her audience DC | Lipika Varma | 08th Aug 2013

Saturday, Jan 25, 2014 | Last Update : 04:01 PM IST

 Deepika in love with her audience

DC | Lipika Varma | 08th Aug 2013

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Deepika Padukone is on a high with the way things are going on in her career and her glowing skin seems to bear testimony to that.
She said at a recent event, "I am in the happiest phase of my life. It is happiness and love that enables me and my skin to shine like never before."
And what about love? To which Dippy replied, "Yeah, I'm in love with my audience. I am getting an overwhelming response from them. I don't plan things. But my films falling in place does keep my skin, heart and mind shining."
So would Deepika describe herself as a mix of beauty and brains? She modestly replied, "Oh! I don't know if I am intelligent or not. If you say so, I'll consider myself privileged. But yes, I must say that I never think from my mind. My heart rules my mind and many times I have fallen flat on my face because of the decisions I have taken. My friends too advise me to keep my heart under the control of my mind."
When complimented on her style statement she said, "I must credit people who work hard behind the scenes in my films. Sometimes I like to adhere to a certain style statement but then my stylist takes me out my comfort zone and I really enjoy that. The half sari I wore in Chennai Express made a homely and yet a contemporary style statement."

What next? For Shah Rukh Khan, it's 'what's new?' 4th nov,2013wirh inputs from lipika varma

Saturday, Jan 25, 2014 | Last Update : 02:39 PM IST

What next? For Shah Rukh Khan, it's 'what's new?'

DC | Natasha Coutinho | 04th Nov 2013

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On his 48th birthday, Shah Rukh Khan got a little emotional while speaking to the media at his bungalow, Mannat, in Mumbai.
Overwhelmed with all the love he received from his fans on his birthday, he said, "I don’t think many people get to see this kind of love wherein so many people celebrate your birthday.
"When I was very young we didn’t have any parties due to the conditions at home. My parents were always working but I never missed it, I was used to not celebrating my birthday."
The superstar also said that he had a lot to be thankful for. "I am indeed blessed professionally as well as personally. Especially the peace that I have is more than enough. I take this opportunity to thank God for all the small mercies bestowed upon me."
"I usually forget to wish friends and near and dear ones on their birthdays but I do like to celebrate the birthdays of my kids… by just taking them out for shopping. I no longer crave for big films and huge awards. At this juncture, the small joys mean a lot. I dedicate this birthday to those small joys that I might have achieved."
At 48, the star looks as fit as people half his age. "My fitness tips are: Muslims sit on the ground and eat their food. Also in yoga we need to sit on the ground. This keeps our stomach in shape. Also, do not overeat, always keep your stomach a little empty," he says, adding, "Do any work that makes you sweat for at least half hour daily."
The actor added that he doesn’t follow any traditions on his birthday. "Like any other day, on this day too I get up and have my black coffee. However, I would like to personally go hug and shake hands with all my fans who keep waiting outside my house for hours together. "The neighbours do get angry with the noise created by my fans. I try to tell them ‘it is my birthday!’ and they in turn say, ‘so what? It’s your birthday, not ours’. So I apologise to them."
He also requested fans to stop smoking and work hard.
He said, "Don’t be too harsh on yourself; don’t forget to pray and thank God"
"The best gift that I have had is my profession. But I am yet not satisfied with my profession. For others it’s always ‘what next?’ For me, however, it’s ‘what’s new?’ I have to go a long way. I would not like to be pompous about my achievements but at every given point of time would love achieve more. I also feel this is the best profession and in the next birth I would love to be born as an actor whether I get the same fame or not."
The star has been busy with shooting for Farah Khan’s 'Happy New Year'.
"The other day I was shooting at the Parsi Colony. Young boys and girls and even 100-year-old aunties came and hugged me. I started crying. I was unwell and wanted to leave but I ended up spending an extra hour and half. People who didn’t know me were sending me food."
He concluded on a nostalgic note, "I have no special gift, but when my mum was on her death-bed she gave me a small pendant which has a picture of her and dad and has a prayer inscribed in it. I always keep this pendant with me in my laptop bag. I do wear it too."
- Inputs from Lipika Varma 

I got no help from Rajinikanth: Dhanush DC | Lipika Varma | 14th Jun 2013

Saturday, Jan 25, 2014 | Last Update : 04:01 PM IST

I got no help from Rajinikanth: Dhanush

DC | Lipika Varma | 14th Jun 2013

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Face to face with the 'Raanjhanaa' star, one realises that he is quickwitted and humble.
Dhanush already has a pan-India presence thanks to the 'Kolaveri Di' song, but this being his official Bollywood debut, he wants to keep it simple.
"I am not here to compete. I am here to make my own identity."
About his character in 'Raanjhanaa' he says, "I instantly agreed to do the film. I tried to remember how it was when I was in love and realised that I was crazy. I picked from my experiences in real life and then enact."
Dhanush had rejected several offers from B-town before 'Raanjhanaa' came his way.
"I have been getting Bollywood offers since 2008, but I could not accept them as I already had my plate full, down South. Then this offer came along."
But he adds that Bollywood was not priority . "It is not at all important for me to make it big here. I just want to be part of a good film. I have almost 24 films to my credit. In five years I finished 10 films."
And what about first love?
"I was about 16 years old when I fell in love with a girl from the neighbouring school. And after she dumped me, I thought that it was just a teenage thing. But three years later, I understood that it was love. Love is different for everyone. For me it is something which makes you forget everything. It changes your priorities. Usually I would call my mom three to four times a day. But once I fell in love I would just hate to take her call."
"I met Aishwarya when my second film had released. While coming out of the theatre she sent me a lovely message and also asked me if I would marry her. How could I refuse such an offer?"
Talking about his illustrious father-in-law Rajinikanth he says, "He has never helped me nor have I taken any help from him. My acting can never resemble his, because my route is different, the choice of my films is different and above all my method. And he's very busy. We don't discuss work at all."
"There are a few regrets. I feel bad that I am unable to give much time to my wife and kids. Though I may not have proved to be a good hus band, I will surely make a good father."
Comparing Hindi films with South, Dhanush says, "The budget of Hindi films is huge while down South we make films with almost a skeletal budget and that hin ders our creativity to a certain extent. But, southern sector has brilliant cinematographers like Sangeeth Sivan V. Chandra and more."

Gippi makes Riya a confident girl DC | Lipika Varma | 08th May 2013

Saturday, Jan 25, 2014 | Last Update : 04:01 PM IST

Gippi makes Riya a confident girl

DC | Lipika Varma | 08th May 2013

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Riya Vij (right) in a still from 'Gippi'.

Riya Vij, the newest entrant into Bollywood with Karan Johar's ‘Gippi’, chats about her debut film, friends, school, life and more...
“I met him (Ranbir Kapoor) once and he asked me about the movie; how it was going and whether I was excited.” - RIYA VIJ
On bagging the role: I was quite surprised. My friend was auditioned but I bagged the role! Thankfully, she is happy for me.
On weighty issues: I didn't have to gain weight for the film. But I did put on some weight during the shoot. I look fat in some scenes and a little slimmer in other scenes.
On choosing to act: I hadn't thought about acting, but the opportunity just fell into my lap, and I grabbed it instantly.
I intend to complete my studies and become a dentist. But if I get a good film, I will definitely accept it.
Her parents: My parents are very supportive; they have no `dos and don'ts'. My mom accompanied me to the sets for the first few days; once she was confident that I could handle it on my own, she left me alone. The 45 days of shooting were during my summer vaca tions, after which all of us had to return to school.
Having chosen to go to a new school: I have never been bullied in school. I did face a few hiccups but that's okay. Earlier I went to Mater Dei School but I have recently shifted to Sanskriti in Chanyakapuri.
On friends not treating her as star: No my friends don't treat me as a star, but strangers come forward and interact with me as they feel I am a star.
On being confident: After the shoot I have become more confident and a better person too.
Now I am sure about myself and what I want.
The message from Gippi: The film has an important message: Do not get influenced by others; always try and be yourself.
On crushes: I don't have a crush on anyone.
On her favourite stars: Deepika Padukone, Kareena Kapoor and Parineeti Chopra are my favourites. And Ranbir Kapoor, of course. I met him once and he asked me about the movie; how it was going and whether I was excited. I met Varun Dhawan too.