Heavy on talent

• July 24, 2012 
• DC

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Bollywood, choreographers

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• No H'wood, no politics for SRK

In an industry driven by size-zero mania, it is quite surprising to find people who run behind actresses to lose flab, are on the heavier side themselves. Some of Bollywood’s top-notch choreographers, who have made actresses look like a million bucks for various item numbers, tip the scales a fair bit. Farah Khan, who moved on from being a choreographer to a director and now an actor, is all set to groove to an item number in her upcoming film Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi.

Before you snigger at the idea of Farah Khan doing an item number, spare a thought to those who choreograph most of them. Besides Farah, choreographers like Saroj Khan and Ganesh Acharya are the best in the business and have had to battle with weight issues. Is it lack of a good diet, oily food on sets or the sheer stress of dealing with assistants and stars?

Ganesh Acharya, who made a svelte Katrina Kaif sizzle in the chartbuster Chikni Chameli, says that he loves eating and doesn’t believe in dieting. “And despite all this, I do my riyaaz for more than 12 hours. So this simply states that it is sincere hardwork that has brought success to me as well as the other khate peete types of choreographers,” he says adding, “Dancing is not just about moving your body; your facial expressions and flexibility as a dancer also matter a lot.”

In an earlier interview, popular choreographer Terence Lewis had admitted to working under stress. “As choreographers tend to get busy with assistants, rehearsals, managing every little detail, most of them end up neglecting their workout and eat oily food on sets. Also, due to lack of time, there’s hardly any time to do your own riyaaz,” he says.

Interestingly, Pony Verma, who shot to fame by making a sensuous Vidya Balan dance to Ooh La La, says she put on weight to make an impact in the industry. “When I started out, nobody took me seriously since I was skinny and young and didn’t come across as that authoritative choreographer who was fat. So I literally had to put on weight in order to throw some weight around,” she says.

B’town’s darling choreographer Saroj Khan, who has been around for decades isn’t too pleased with the weight theory being discussed. For someone who has been criticised for her figure, Khan lashes out and says, “As it is we are living with the stigma of being fat. Why do you guys want to do a story on us and hurt us more? Just recently some channel too had the audacity of showcasing my photographs. I am not interested in speaking about being fat and yet being the best choreographer. Let us live with our talent.”

— Inputs by Lipika Varma

Why Farhan Akhtar may not be a part of ‘Don 3’

Ace director-actor feels 2012 will see bigger and better stories

By 

• Lipika Varma/

Published Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Actor and director Farhan Akhtar, actor Shah Rukh Khan (second right) and actress Priyanka Chopra (R) onstage ahead of an Q&A session on day two of the 8th Annual Dubai International Film Festival held at the Madinat Jumeriah Complex on December 8, 2011 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (GETTY IMAGES)

Farhan Akhtar is in a happy phase, both as a director and actor.

While his last few films have done really well at the box office, ‘Don 2’ has also been well received by the audience, the critics view notwithstanding.

The praises from his peers and such is well-deserving too, after all with ‘Don 2’, the actor-director introduced a new style of making films.

But prod Farhan about the date of a trilogy and he is quick to say, “Right now, I have no plans for directing ‘Don 3’, although SRK wants me to get going with the next one as soon as possible.”

The reason behind the denial is Farhan’s ‘acting career’ on which he would like to concentrate at the moment.

However, he is quick to praise the one star that made all this possible, Shah Rukh Khan. Admits the ‘Rock On’ star, “I have a fascination for Shah Rukh Khan.

Once he said yes to the character of Don, which Amitabh Bachchanji had immortalized on screen in the 1978 release, he gave in the best.

With him and the original ‘Don’ as my storyboard reference, it was easy to create my image of 'Don'.

I couldn’t have thought of any other actor other than SRK to essay the role and once he agreed I was relieved. I remember I had taken the blessings of Salim Saab and my father (Javed Akhtar), the co-creators of the original ‘Don’ before I started shooting of the very first scene.

And while I had quite a few people to bless me and help me through the making, till I have Shah Rukh Khan playing the Don, I am sure I can make as many sequels as I can, however not at the moment.”

The actor will be next seen as the Flying Sikh in Rakheysh Mehra’s next offering. Opening up about his role, Farhan says, “The film is based on famous Indian athlete  Milkha Singh.

I need to prepare for the character I am going to essay in the film. So undoubtedly I need to concentrate on my character and need to do my homework thoroughly.”  

But coax the actor, who is training hard for the role, in to choosing his favourite between acting and directing and Farhan quips, “I like directing as much as I like acting. But I can’t do both at the same time.

When I am acting I would like to concentrate on it exclusively, the same is for directing. I believe that when you have the passion and potentials to show something then show it; don’t hesitate as tomorrow will never come.

One must live for the day. Just do your things, even if it may be experimental, you always have the chance to succeed.”

 

Farhan also feels that Indian cinema recently has grown with the times and he is a part of it. “DIL CHAHTA HAI’ is a decade old now and yet every time I watch it I feel alive and fresh.

The same is with ‘ZIDAGI NA MILEGI DOBARA’ (ZMND). My sister and director of the film, Zoya purposely kept the pace of the film slow so that the audience could take in the dialogue and feel the feelings shared between real friends.

It was this ‘feel’ factor that eventually worked for the film and made it a hit. If you ask me to compare films made on friendship then I feel there should be a DIL CHAHTA HAI or ZINMD every time when we feel, good cinema is the need of the hour. Last year, was also about the re-emergence of action films like ‘Singham’ and ‘Don 2’, So I think,

I am going along with the times in Bollywood and am sure 2012 will see bigger, better stories.”

But directing and acting are not the only fields that Farhan excels in.

The actor is an equally good husband and doting father who loves to spend his free time, not partying, but joking with his kids and wife.”I love doing things that my kids and family would enjoy doing.

I never discuss films at home, especially when my kids are around. Also, whenever I find time, I love to read.”

 

• Article rank 
• 29 Oct 2012
• Deccan Chronicle
• LIPIKA VARMA

The KJO fan club

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‘DISAPPOINTED WITH POOJA’S BEHAVIOUR’
‘Need to focus on better films’

SOTY has been a dream debut for me. I couldn’t have asked for anything better. But half our battle was won as soon as we signed the film for Karan Johar. His name itself proclaims success,” she says.

“This first Friday made me realise the anxiety that my father Mahesh Bhatt and my uncle Mukesh Bhatt have to endure. They would be impatient and stressed till the DDay. I, too, felt relieved only when I received praises from everyone. But I was disappointed with Pooja’s (her sister’s) behaviour,” she jokes and adds, “She wished both Siddharth and Varun and embraced them tightly, but she did not even give a second look… probably it is like ‘ ghar ki murgi dal barabar’.”

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• Article rank 
• 10 Nov 2012
• Deccan Chronicle
• LIPIKA VARMA

Finally, a stress free Diwali for Madhur

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This year Madhur Bhandarkar is looking forward to enjoying a stress free Diwali. He is looking forward to doing Lakshmi pooja and celebrating. The director is thrilled to have the rape case against him by Preeti Jain squashed and finally feels that the stigma has gone. After being freed of rape charges by the Supreme Court, he is back to being in a happy place in life.

Madhur says the only reason he could survive the humiliation was because his wife, mother and friends stood by him. “Renu has been with me since my days as a struggling newcomer. Thanks to her and the prayers of my family I survived the ordeal.” Work too played a huge role in keeping him sane. “I did not stop working and always kept myself busy. This prevented me from constantly thinking about the issue.”

• Article rank 
• 2 Nov 2012
• The Asian Age
• LIPIKA VARMA

GIVING LIFE A SECOND CHANCE

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ACTOR VIDYA MALVADE TALKS ABOUT HOW LIFE DOES GIVE PEOPLE A SECOND CHANCE AND ANOTHER SHOT AT HAPPINESS

Vidya Malvade is fully aware of the fact that her career did not follow the graph she had expected it to. “My film career hasn’t taken off as it should have. But I have now got more than I wanted. I believe in miracles and magic.”

She has realised the truth in the maxim “time is a great healer” especially since she had lost all will to live after the death of her first husband. “My parents and sisters were my biggest support. People said time heals and I would wonder if they were mad. But, eventually, time has definitely headed forward and when I look back, I feel that I never knew I was capable of so much happiness. My second hubby loves me crazily.” Vidya believes relationships, especially with your family, matters a lot and she does not want to lose touch with them. “In today’s fast- paced world, your relationship with your folks keeps you going; you can cry on their shoulders whenever you face problems. They are the ones who come to your help always. I die to see both my sisters who are in the US once in a year

• rticle rank 
• 9 Nov 2012
• Deccan Chronicle
• LIPIKA VARMA

THE GREAT KHAN STUMBLES

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The recent outburst of Sapna Bhavnani against Bigg Boss anchor Salman Khan showed the superstar’s tumbling stock among non-filmy people

Not everything is going according to script in this season’s Bigg Boss, especially for the reality show’s superstar host Salman Khan.

While Salman is used to the entire entertainment industry kowtowing to him, contestant Sapna Bhavnani abusing him and calling him a “serial woman beater” (which was edited out of the show) and later Aseem Trivedi siding with her must have really hurt the superstar’s ego. There was strong talk about the actor being very annoyed with the this season’s contestants and wanting to get the show over and done with quickly.

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Son of Sardar gives birth to a Bollywood village belle

Bollywood actress says villagers would bring tonnes of food, enough for the entire unit

By

• Lipika Varma

Published Sunday, November 11, 2012

Ajay Devgn and Sonakshi Sinha, as screen couple, are the rage not only of Bollywood but also a Punjab village near Patiala, where most of the film was shot. “Whenever we felt hungry, the villagers would promise to bring some great chaas for us. But, eventually they turned up with packed food, enough for the whole unit. It was so touching.

They’d get us fresh buttermilk, sarson da sag and all other food items. I really hogged and then had to exercise vigorously to keep the weight off,” says Sonakshi Sinha.

“Working on this Punjabi script makes me feel elite because I have now understood the lavish culture of the north. Also, I identify with it because I have lot of Punjabi as well as Sindhi friends,” she adds.

Sona says she is awe of the state. “We worked through all the different seasons – summer, winter and autumn. The weather is such that you are constantly hungry. But, the season I loved the most was ‘Basant’. I felt energetic and wanted to working all the time.” She can’t stop talking about the music. “I feel Punjabi music and dance are very sexy and peppy. It’s soothing to the ears which is why the music of SOS music is topping the charts.”

It’s been only two years since her debut in Dabangg, but Sonakshi already talks like an experienced actor. “I am lucky to be working with seniors such as Salman and Ajay. I am comfortable working with them. But, working with young actors such as Emraan Khan, Ranveer Singh who are my age is fun too. I am friendlier with them and share a great relationship with them. My seniors have been very good to me. I am lucky to have started with Dabangg and Salman has been like a mentor to me. It’s the same rapport during the shoot of ‘Dabangg 2’.”

She says that Salman is very serious about his work but maintains a jovial and helpful nature. “Ajay is a prankster though. Ranveer Singh,

I feel, is a methodical actor and believes in rehearsing scenes. I am an extempore actor and have learnt many things from him.”

She adds that she gets advice from her parents. “I am open to all suggestions I get from mom and dad. I would love to be a part of all of my dad’s remakes. ‘Khoon Bhari Mang’ is my favourite film even though dad has a short role in it. But, Rekha’s role was great.”

Sonakshi does not believe in the Rs 100 crore mark. “I don’t believe in standing on the roof top and yelling and stating my monetary success. I have just begun my career. When my film does well it makes me happy.” Talking about Joker, which flopped miserably, she says, “I am the one who promoted the film to the maximum. So stories stating that the film did not do well as the actors backed out of promotions is totally wrong. No one makes a film flop. We are here to work and put in a lot of effort. We need the film to do well.”

Talking about future films she says, “I am open to romantic, comedy, serious and thrillers, so long as I like the script. All in all, while okaying the script I always try to think how the audience would react to it.” She is excited about ‘Lootere’. “The look and characterisation is very different and I have learnt a lot. I also enjoyed working on ‘Once Upon a Time…’ very much,” she adds.

 

The Dabangg brothers: Sajid-Wajid Published: Thu, Nov 15, 2012

Posted by: AVS Newsroom

Brothers Sajid-Wajid, known for their sexy, peppy compositions, are excited about their latest project ‘Dabangg 2′. They say that neither Salman Khan nor Arbaaz Khan interfere in their work. “We try our best to give them what they want. Making music is not an easy task but we are tough,” they echo in the same voice.
Talking about Indian cinema music losing its classical touch, the two say, “Actually we try to retain the classical touch whenever we compose a song. We are also good at framing lyrics and if any good lyrics strike our mind, we instantly include it. Work is our pleasure and passion, without which we cannot survive.” And just in case you feared it, the two say that they have retained the ‘Hud Hud…’ line from the first ‘Dabangg’.

I am the anti- heroine in the film

With a debut in YRF’s ‘Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi’ in 2008, opposite Shah Rukh Khan, Anushka turned actress from model. The film was a box office hit and Anushka become the next big thing to watch out for. She speaks to Lipika Varma about her next release, ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’

Anushka Sharma’s innings in Bollywood began with Yash Chopra, and she very well knows about it. Acknowledging working with the legend, Anushka says, “I am delighted that I got a chance to work with him. It’s my biggest accomplishment in the industry. It was a dream come true for me. Yash Chopra is a brand by himself and he has been in the industry for almost 50 years which is double my age. He is known to have made films much ahead of his time. Having worked with the legend and spend time with him before he bade adieu to the world makes me feel happy. But, having known him so closely, I miss him a lot. He is one director who respected one and all on the sets. His passion, intelligence and child-like quality enabled him to make wonderful films on the celluloid.”

Watching Yashji’s films would make even Anushka’s strict father emotional. “My father was a very strict army officer. His eyes rarely turned moist. One particular day, while we were in Jammu and Kashmir; I returned from college a little early. I was surprised to notice tears in my father’s eyes. He tried to hide them from me and I left the room. Later, he told me that he had been watching Yash Chopra’s ‘Veer Zaara’. He said that he liked the love and altruism that had been presented in the film. Now, I got to work with Yashji himself. So you can figure what kind of an achievement it is for me,” she says.

On real and reel differences between army officers, Anushka clarifies, “There is a bundle of difference between what a real army officer is and what one is shown on screen. Shah Rukh’s romantic role is unlike the post of my father in the army. But SRK looked so real that dad was left with no choice but to praise SRK’s looks in the film.”

Anushka says she is unlike other YRF heroines, “I am not the emblematic Yash Chopra heroine. In fact, I am an anti-Yash Chopra heroine. I play Akira Rai who is 21 years old and doesn’t believe in love. She ranks her work above everything. An intern with Discovery Channel, she wants to desperately gain a position out in the world. She is mesmerised by everything around her. The character I play is ambitious and feels men and women are equals. She would, unhesitatingly, be interested in anything. Even covering a war.”

Anushka speaks on the difference in her SRK experience. “Being a debutante in ‘Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi’ I was in awe of him. He is a senior actor and has been around for 20 years. I respect him and he’s a good friend too. He is a happy go lucky man who makes one feel at home at all times. With Ranveer and Shahid, I am on friendlier terms. But, Shah Rukh is very courteous. He has a great sense of humour. He is not fake at all, hence he is misunderstood often,” says Anushka.

On riding a bike for the Diwali release she says, “Actually I feel disgusted riding bikes. I rode a scooty in school and college but I am petrified of bikes. I don’t like to ride pillion either. But in the film, Akira Rai rides a bike, wears leather jackets and hits the roads of Ladakh.” Anushka goes on to add, “However, I love travelling and meeting strangers and talking to them. I am an actress so I get to travel due to my work and also get to meet a lot of new people. I am enjoying it.”

Anushka may not have any best friends in the industry but, says, she has no enemies either. “I know my place in the industry and I am not conniving. I respect Katrina Kaif and she is senior to me. There’s definitely something special about her. Despite not being from India or knowing Hindi, she has made it to the top in Bollywood, which is not easy. Today, she has made a name and place for herself and is respected by one and all. We both fit in our individual roles,” she says.

Being a heroine now Anushka says, “After turning an actress, I have realised that it is a tricky job. Nothing is easy here. I have matured enough now and can take decisions for myself. My parents feel proud about this fact,” as she concludes the wonderful chat.

Glam    November 11, 2012 12:11:31 AM | By FPJ Bureau

I would love to judge a dance reality show

‘Life of Pi’ actress Tabu tells Lipika Varma

Tabu is known to choose films and characters that definitely create an impact on the audiences. Her latest is in director Ang Lee’s film ‘Life of Pi’. “I am happy to have been chosen to work with him. It was an honour to be part of his film ‘Life of Pi’. I am not just playing the mother of Pi (Suraj Sharma), but this mother is an integral part of the story telling. Ang Lee cast me obviously for a worthwhile character. It is interesting to work with directors from different countries. I feel working in a different atmosphere, we imbibe so many good things. We get to exchange views while interacting with people belonging to different cultures and atmospheres and I always love to carry a few interesting experiences back home. Ang Lee is a wonderful director. This film will see 3D of its kind. Also presenting an interesting Indian tale with Indian actors he surely tries to push us all to perfection,” says Tabu.

Beginning her journey here in Mumbai was magical enough for her. “I remember my sister Farah was the typical Yash Raj kind of heroine. We never ever thought of coming to Mumbai and being a part of the glitz and glamour. We belonged to Hyderabad, which was then known as a small town in a way. Having been chosen by Yash uncle, all three women from our family turned to Mumbai and started our filmy journey. I have not worked with the Yash Raj banner but it is like family to us. The banner is known to showcase its heroines as the most beautiful Indian women. Grooming Farah and making her look the most beautiful actress definitely enhanced our association with Yash uncle. I have somehow never been a part of his films, but that’s fine. I cherish the association that we shared with them through my sister,” she says.

Tabu has always represented strong womanly characters. “Yes, I have been related to strong female characters. All this happened per chance. You guys have tagged me as a choosy actor but actually all those roles fell into my lap. I agree that women in today’s world need their space and also have to be strong in everything they do. I have picked up so many things from my mom. Our family comprises of mom, my sister Farah and me. Having carved a niche in the Hindi film industry without any major support and guidance was not an easy task. But I am content with whatever we have in store for us. Hyderabad has flourished now but belonging to those times when it was considered just as any other small Indian village I understand how important it is for a woman to make a strong position in the society in any field. I have always supported the women’s cause. Nonetheless, I don’t like to hold a ‘jhanda’ (flag) and march openly against any corruption women are subjected to. I believe any kind of ‘attyachar’ (atrocities) towards a woman should not be tolerated. Women should put their foot down when abused,” says the actress.

On being influenced by her mom, she says, “Yes, I think at this age I am being too much influenced by mom’s behaviour. I keep asking my friends to keep hogging various things that I offer them when they visit me. I remember when I was a little younger I would not like mom coaxing people requesting them to eat whatever is offered. Then I would tell mom ‘kya hai mom, woh kha lenge na! Don’t force them for heaven’s sake; they will eat whatever they like.’ But alas! I too am following the footsteps of mom, which I have realised and will try to keep under control. As a host, every Indian tries to do that!”

Presenting her thought about life she says, “Life is not easy, one surely does not tread on a bed of roses. But one need not be discouraged by the ups and downs that he/she encounters in life. I have learnt to move forward in life considering all odds. I feel family support is very important. Especially for me, I professes a religion where I had so many cultural impositions to face. Choosing this profession was not at all a cakewalk but with the support of my family I could sail through. I started working in films since an early age. I am, however, content with the cinema I followed. I have no hunger for doing various roles now. But yes, if something really comes my way which allures me, I shall surely be a part of that film.”

“Also during my leisure hours, I love to take holidays and travel to different places as I love travelling and learning more about different countries,” she says. Tabu also lets us in on a secret, what she does when not doing films. “I was busy doing a French course. It is an interesting subject. I have developed a liking for it,” says Tabu, who is also open to doing reality shows. “If I get any offers for working on television, I am open to it but I would love to be associated with a dance reality show. I love to dance. Dancing is my passion. Whenever I am happy, I feel like jigging a step or two. Watching the talents on dancing shows, I would love to judge them. I shall unhesitatingly accept the offer of judging all the dancing potentials of our country,” she says.

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