Priyanka’s a shoe addict

Lipika Varma | 20th March, 2013

The In My City girl Priyanka Chopra is all set to promote her item song Babli Badmaash. The multitalented actor-singer is also quite a multitasker.

While she was busy promoting her new song the shoe-crazy Piggy Chops also did a commendable job of promoting the luxury shoe brand Christian Louboutin, which has opened a store in Mumbai recently. “To look like a real Babli Badmaash I chose this Christian Louboutin pair. These are my favourite shoes,” she said pointing down at them.

However, her love for shoes is quite genuine. Priyanka simply cannot go out shopping and not buy a pair of shoes. “Whenever I decide to go on a shopping spree, I have to buy at least one pair of shoes. Without picking up a pair my shopping is incomplete. I have a great fetish to hoard different pairs of shoes in my shoe rack. For me any colour that suits my attire is my favourite,” she said.

The shoe fetish comes with a certain degree of pain. “The pair of shoes that I am wearing today was bought to supplement my clothes in my international debut single In My City. They unquestionably added to my style statement but these shoes surely add pain to my toes. I planned to put these on today merely because they adhere to my style statement,” pointing to the exquisite Christian Louboutins which reportedly cost Rs 2,65,000. 

Amrita Rao praises her ‘Satyagraha’ co-star by lipika varma Published: Fri, Mar 15, 2013

Posted by: AVS Newsroom

Start talking to Amrita Rao about her ‘Satyagraha’ co-star Amitabh Bachchan and you might not be able to stop her. “It is a privilege for me to work with a legend like him. I have worked with him right from the first scene to the last,” says Rao. Bowled over by Bachchan, Amrita says she noticed that the actor would sit on the sets through most of the day, taking a short break to rest in his vanity van. “In my entire career I have not met a single actor as dedicated as Amitabh Bachchan. He works so hard at getting the dialogues perfectly right,” she gushes

The YRF war, and how Kajol survived

DC | Lipika Varma | 5 hours 31 min

Even after two decades in the film industry, actor Kajol had always steered clear of controversies. That is, until the recent Diwali 2012 face-off between hubby Ajay Devgn's film Son of Sardar and best buddy Shah Rukh Khan's Yash Raj film Jab Tak Hai Jaan. In fact, a hitherto favourite of the YRF camp, Kajol was not even invited to the premiere of JHJ, which also happened to be the late Yash Chopra's swan song.

What does the star-turned-yummy mummy have to say about it? "Look, such controversies remain for one day and go away the next day. So I guess we need to take it in our stride," she says non chalantly.

How is her relationship with YRF now? "My relationship with YRF? You're asking me as though YRF is my boyfriend or something!" Kajol remarks in her inimitable style, adding, "Well, whatever happened is in the past now and we share a very cordial relationship. Whenever I meet them at an event or exclusive get-together we definitely exchange greetings. After all, we all belong to the film fraternity."

Having reinvented herself after being away from the world of glitz and glam our for a while, she shares, "I go to the gym regularly as well as go for walks. Thanks to Karan Johar, I have also realised the importance of staying touch with fashion."

Known for her exuberant performances, the actress shares, "In some scenes of mine, I see flashes of my aunt Nutan but not always. Many people have also told me that.“ Is she open to doing television shows? “Yes, if something alluring comes my way then I shall definitely take it up. But I am not open to reality shows, especially dance reality shows," she says.

Kareena ‘inaugurates’ FICCI function on tardy note by lipika varma Published: Thu, Mar 14, 2013

Posted by: AVS Newsroom

She was supposed to light the ceremonial lamp at the 14th annual FICCI Frames that was kicked off in Mumbai on Tuesday. However, Kareena Kapoor arrived late. While she did light the lamp with a smile on her face, Kapoor did not provide any excuses for her tardy behaviour. Tsk tsk. Meanwhile, filmmaker Karan Johar, who was hosting the function saved the day by allowing the speakers to take the stage before the official inauguration. FICCI chairman Naina Lal Kidwai addressed the crowd stating that this year the organization’s cultural and media partner would be Korea. She added that there has been a tremendous growth in Southern films being dubbed by the Hollywood makers. “With the 3G and 4Ggrowth (in internet), undoubtedly the digital participation too has foreseen a huge growth,” said Kidwai.

How Shorey saved the producers’ money By lipika Varma Published: Thu, Mar 14, 2013

Posted by: AVS Newsroom

It’s not often that one finds actors going out of their way to save a director and producer’s skin. But Ranvir Shorey did just that. During a shoot for this film ‘On The Ramp’ in Bangkok, Shorey would ensure that the nine models and co-star Urvashi Sharma rehearsed their lines while the production unit was busy fixing the sets. The end result was that when director Imraan Khalid shouted ‘action’ the actors would deliver perfect dialogues in just one take, saving everyone around a lot of time and effort. A source from the unit says, “Everyone loved Ranvir’s gesture.”

Vishwaroopam 2 is on By Lipika Varma Published: Thu, Mar 14, 2013

Posted by: AVS Newsroom

A few weeks ago, Kamal Haasan was livid with the treatment meted out to his film ‘Vishwaroopam’ by the people and the government. Now that the film has done well even in the overseas market, he is back in the Zen mode. Asked about the cuts that the Central Board for Film Certification enforces in films, he smiles, “We are all subjected to good and bad certifications. There are a few cuts from the films which spoil the interlinking of the story. It is happening not only to me but to others as well. It is not an individual experience but a collective one.” On the sequel to his controversial film he says, “We are doing ‘Vishwaroopam 2’. We are working on it. The film will come in 3D.”

Home » Entertainment » Bollywood

Sajid’s Himmatwala nothing like original

DC | Lipika Varma | 26th Feb 2013

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After the hype around the Naino Mein Sapna song in Sajid Khan’s Himmatwala, everyone is talking about Sonakshi Sinha’s performance in the disco number, Thank God It’s Friday, and the director can’t stop talking about the Dabangg girl’s prowess on the dance floor.

“In 1983 when the (original) film released I was a little boy. I remember that discos were in vogue then and we would like to visit discos as they were the newest mode of entertainment. During the same time sexy, peppy and foot-tapping songs were very famous and films would definitely incorporate these numbers. Thank God… cannot be referred to as an item number. Dancing comes very easily to Sonakshi and she has given a wonderful performance,” says Sajid.

About the inspiration behind the song Sajid adds, “The first look has been inspired from Parveen Babi’s look in Shaan and the second is close to Sridevi’s look in Chaalbaaz.”

As Thank God It’s Friday is about the days of the week, we ask Sajid which was his favourite day. “Well! For us filmy folk all days are working days. There are no Sundays for us. But yes we look forward to a Friday as our films release on this day. For us it is working round the clock.

“However, let me clarify once again that my Himmatwala has nothing to do with the story of the original Himmatwala; It is a different film altogether,” he concludes.

"Big B doesn’t rest": Amrita

by lipika varma

DC/ Agencies | 22 hours 57 min ago

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Amrita Rao cannot stop raving about megastar Amitabh Bachchan who she is working with in Prakash Jha’s Satyagraha. “It is a privilege for me to work with a living legend like Mr Bachchan — I am bowled over by his talent. At the end of the shoot, I spend some time thinking about the refreshing moments with him and find myself unable to sleep,” gushes the actress.
Amrita continues, “I noticed that Amitabh Bachchan is one actor who comes on the sets and sits from the first to the last scene. He goes once in a while to his vanity van to freshen up and then is back in position. I have not met a single actor like him. His involvement, reading and mugging up the dialogues just to deliver a perfect performance has me in awe of him.”
She adds, “We would discuss certain issues like rape, etc and I would be amazed to see how well versed the star is even on current issues despite his busy schedule.”

New fitness guru in action

Mar 07, 2013 - Lipika Varma

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You’re used to seeing her with a tennis racquet but now, Sania Mirza looks all set to be splashed across posters with dumbbells and gym equipment.
A club in Hyderabad has signed on the tennis star, who they believe is the perfect mix of “fitness and family values” as its ‘fitness guru’ as part of expansions in the health business.
During a chat after she took on the new role, Sania even explained the importance of fitness and why we shouldn’t be known as a fat nation.
“When I’m not touring or training, I do admit a liking for cakes. But then, I strictly avoid those to maintain my health regime. There are no set rules, but I spend time on the treadmill and I enjoy running in the early hours. This is how I keep myself fit. Indulgences are allowed, but you need to take care of yourself.”
There was a message to her country too. “I don’t want the rest of the world pointing fingers at Indians and discussing obesity levels. Also, I want to give back something for my people in return for all the love they have extended to me. And signing up as ‘Fitness Guru’, will hopefully allow me to do just that.”
What about films or TV serials? After her appearance in Nach Baliye, rumours were rife that Sania will hit the screen for good.
“Well, I have not given thought to turning to films. I’m still the sportsperson and I’m happy that I have been representing the singles and doubles for Indian tennis. I’ve kept this up for eight years only because I’ve kept my energy levels intact with rigourous practice.”
Helping her throughout are hubby Shoaib Malik and the in-laws. “As a professional woman, I maintain that my husband’s support has been instrumental. He has been helping me strike a balance between my personal as well as my professional life. My in-laws, too, understand my passion, and that’s why, even after marriage, my time spent on tennis, has remained the same.”
Also discussed was Sania’s friendship with Tollywood hunk Rana Daggubati — a subject which she avoided with a smile.

Home » Age on Sunday » Cover Story

Memories from a royal past

Mar 03, 2013 - Lipika Varma

Amma did not want to rebel. She was passionate about her ideas, but she would always give in to Abba’s wishes.” With her distinctive lineage — her father, the late Mansoor Ali Khan was the Nawab of Pataudi and an exemplary cricketer while mother Sharmila Tagore was among the most popular actresses on the silver screen during her heyday — anything that Soha Ali Khan says about her parents is bound to spark interest.

She gives us a sepia-tinged peek into her royal upbringing, when she talks about horse-riding and family guns and the Pataudi haveli in Bhopal — and contrasts it with her everyday life in a two-bedroom flat in Mumbai. “Now, even if I visit my folks at our Jaipur home, I have to behave in a certain way. I have to say khamhagani when I greet anyone. We still carry the culture that we imbibed during our childhood in our hearts,” Soha says.
The deep respect she had for her parents’ wishes meant that she didn’t immediately venture into films. “I took up a bank job just because dad did not want me to work in films,” Soha says. “But finally, I did convince him to let me pursue a career in Bollywood. I think all parents do come around in the end, because they want their children to be happy,” she adds.
And although the box office run of her films has been chequered at best, the petite actress says she has no regrets whatsoever. “I was solely responsible for choosing the films I worked on — whether or not they did well at the box office. They are my own mistakes, my own decisions. I do not dwell on those bad films, I look forward to a better future,” Soha says.
And does that future include a film with big brother Saif Ali Khan? “I would love to work with bhai,” Soha admits, adding, “If the project is not a marketing gimmick, and the role suits us, then why not?”
Displaying a flash of humour, Soha beats us to talking about the possibility of the Pataudi parivaar getting together for a project: “Now Kareena is part of the family too, so if any director writes a good script for us, then surely, we’ll all work together. Hum saath saath hain!”
Soha says in her filmi career, she does pay heed to mom Sharmila’s advice. “Amma always told me to work in accordance with the director’s wishes,” she says. “Sometimes she gives me style advice. Working with her on Life Goes On… was a great learning experience. She always says, ‘This is my last film.’ So I thought why not work with her if this was indeed her last film!”

Badmash not paid Rs 2.8cr

DC | Lipika Varma | 03rd Mar 2013

Wild rumours are doing the rounds that Priyanka Chopra apparently charged a mind boggling Rs 2.8 crore for Babli Badmash, an item number for Shootout at Wadala.
“Priyanka managed to take some time from her busy shooting schedules — for Zanjeer and Gunday — for the Shootout At Wadala item number. But yes! She did it in one sizzle!! Unquestionably then she gets this exorbitant amount for a full time role in a film,” said a source.
Tanuj Garg, Chief Executive Officer of Balaji Telefilms, however, rubbishes the rumours.
“Whatever amount has been quoted is absolutely untrue. Also, we will begin our promotions soon with this song. “We do not reveal the remunerations of any actor or the expenditure for different aspects of filmmaking. They are to be discussed within the production house,” he says.

• Article rank 
• 27 Feb 2013
• Deccan Chronicle
• LIPIKA VARMA

Virtual jhalak of Madhuri

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Fans of the B-town diva can now log on to her online dance academy to not only shake a leg like her, but also to improve fitness

Bollywood’s very own dancing queen, Madhuri Dixit, recently launched the Dance withMadhuri online academy with her husband, Dr Sriram Nene. And for the star, it was almost a natural progression.

“Yes, dance has always been my passion. I decided to give away something connected to dance to all my fans. The steps have been kept very simple for my Indian as well as global fans,” says the dhak-dhak girl adding that her husband had to be thanked for the technical minutiae of the online project.

“The simplified dance steps will cater to all age groups. The academy will also be great for overweight women. It will not only help them lose weight but will also enable them to showcase their talents at marriages etc.”

For starters, Madhuri has chosen two of her hit numbers as accompaniments. “Mai Ni Mai and Ek Do Teen are the two hit numbers from my own films. I have divided each song into detailed lessons. While Mai Ni… comprises 16 lessons, Ek Do… has been divided into 19. Dancers can monitor their progress. Their videos will be voted and ranked by other members of social networking sites and badges and stamina points will be given away. The top five will get certificates signed by me,” adds the star.

It’s been over a year since she relocated to India from the US. Asked whether her fans in the US would miss her, she says, “Why will they miss me? I am there for them. All they need to do is to log on to www.dancewithmadhuri.com and remember me while learning my dance steps.”

“Dance is very close to my heart and this is my way of saying thank you to my fans for appreciating my dance numbers. My husband also loves music and dance. He enjoys dancing himself and my children love watching him dance.”

The star laughingly adds, “Now I have to handle two production houses, one for my work and the other my home production, i.e. my lovely kids.”

“I am a multi-tasker. I handle my diet and I am responsible for my health. Having started the online dance academy for my fans I am sure this will be a stress buster. Also dance on a daily basis is an excellent exercise regime,” she concludes.