By Lipika Varma Priyanka Chopra plays it different

 By Lipika Varma

Priyanka Chopra plays it different

Priyanka Chopra who believes in donning a different role with a unique flair talks about her character in upcoming film, ‘Zanjeer’. It is apparent that after a rather heavy duty ‘Barfi!, she had quite some fun during the making of Apoorva Lakhia directed film, before she moved on to relatively challenging Mary Kom flick.

Talking about her upcoming film, the actress confesses how she likes to push the envelope

“When Director Apoorva came to narrate the story of ‘Zanjeer’, it finished in just one and a half hours. But we went onto discuss about the different aspects of my role especially as I am always keen to perform every role in a different way,” says the actress.
Talking about her styling in the film, she shares how she is particular about sporting a new style to suit her character. “I enjoy working with my hair stylist, her name is Priyanka too. She always tries to bring in different styles for me. And the latest that I have done is a ‘Khajoori’ choti and she preferred doing it loosely for me. This Indian style makes me look different. Also I love to keep a little fringe in front. The blonde streak that she has given me makes me look different,” shares PC who loves to experiment with different hairstyles to make her feel fresh.
Coming back to her role in ‘Zanjeer’, she adds, “Not many will be able to identify the one thing which I have done as a token of my love and tribute to Jayaji. I remove a Swiss knife and try to scare the people who come and attack me. I am Hindi film buff, I hail from New York and suddenly I happen to witness a murder. And henceforth what follows forms the crux of the story.”
On taking on the mantle of doing Amitabh Bachchan’s remakes, she says, “I am proud of the fact that I have done a few remake films of Amitabh Bachchan. I cannot play Vijay! So whatever films belonging to him fall in my lap, I feel honored and it brings in a sense of pride in me as he is my favourite actor.”
Talking about her co-actor, Ram Charan Teja, the southern superstar, she is all praises for him and adds, “The first day when I reached Hyderabad to shoot the film, a huge crowd gathered to witness the shooting of ‘Zanjeer’ as Ram has tons of fans out there. The fans literally blocked the roads. And further adds, “Ram has helped me speak Telugu dialogues. I had great difficulty in memorising dialogues of almost four to five pages. I play Mala who is a garrulous chirpy girl. He is well versed in Hindi; I had a little problem in speaking Telugu. Chiranjeevi, Ram his wife and other family members took care of me.” Highlighting, how she was pampered by her co-star during the shoot, she shares, “In fact, Ram would get delicious dishes cooked from home for the whole team. Especially, he spoilt me as he understood what a foodie I am! He took us to a restaurant, I forget the name but it belongs to one of the actors here and the food there was yummy.”
PC who adores American star Beyoncé Knowles, shares her reasons as to why she wants to be like her. “I like the way she handles her family, personal as well as professional life, so very meticulously. I find it amazing and always want to follow her footsteps and striking the right balance. To be able to handle my family, personal and professional life like she does,” she shares.
Talk about her going global with her music and she says, “It is just making the west taste the Indians culture through my music videos. This keeps me excited and going. I have not sold myself to the west. Indeed, I am taking all the good things of India to the west. I belong to India.” And adds, “I am a creative person. In this short span I have done Tollywood, Hollywood and also being from Bollywood, I always

like to learn and do different stuff. For me any work is worship. I do not have the perception that this work is small while the other is big. An excellent performance is what I crave for and so I always do a lot of homework. It’s just been one year that I have ventured into musical domain. I am trying to learn more and be able to give my best.”
PC who loves to challenge herself constantly, confesses, “I refuse to take up anything which might fall in a safe box. I like to push boundaries, no matter if I have to put in a lot of hard work. Doing different roles in ‘Krrish’, ‘Barfi!’, ‘Agneepath’ has kept me on my toes. I always like to perform any role with utmost honesty.”
Shedding light on her personal take on life, she shares, “I believe in being black and white. But I am a family person and do not like to disclose my personal life. I am also emotional, so any unnecessary controversies do hurt me. Well, I do not like to clarify any controversy merely because I feel that would spread it more. Unless it is something very hurtful, then maybe I shall talk about it. However, I do not like to play hide and seek at all.”
Talking about her next project that revolves around a biopic of Olympic medal winner, Mary Kom, she shares, “It is indeed a challenge. Thank God I am not a boy. Also, Mary does not have any packs or else I would have had to work on them. It is a difficult role to perform. Undoubtedly, knowing a puncher having the interest to wear nail polish and shopping lovely dresses etc is really interesting to know and perform. I am happy to do this biopic as it is just so lively and having the person around also gives a different high altogether.”
“Having studied abroad participating for sports was mandatory, but I am not a sports person at all. Being tall, I was chosen to play Basketball. Swimming is something I loved to do. Running in the field was also a part of sports during the school days. I somehow did not like sports but had to grudgingly participate in it,” shares PC who is all set to push her boundaries.

  Lipika Varma

Bollywood divas: Sridevi, Jaya Prada's rivalry simmers Evergreen actress's rival of yesteryears, Jaya Pradha, skips birthday bash By Lipika Varma Published Saturday, August 24, 2013

Bollywood divas: Sridevi, Jaya Prada's rivalry simmers

Evergreen actress's rival of yesteryears, Jaya Pradha, skips birthday bash

By 

• Lipika Varma

Published Saturday, August 24, 2013

This year definitely seems to belong to Sridevi.

With the stupendous success of her come back film ‘English-Vinglish’ and also having received the Padma Shri award, all her friends came queuing to her doorstep to celebrate her belated birthday bash in Mumbai.

The party was thrown by politician Amar Singh who shares a long lasting friendship with Boney Kapoor.

The who’s who of both Bollywood as well as the political arena attended the glittering birthday bash.

But, it takes no prize for guessing that none other than the yester-year beautiful rival of Sridevi, Jaya Pradha was conspicuous by her absence.
Rivalry amongst the two goes back to Bollywood’s black and white days.

In one of our earlier interviews Jaya had confirmed, “My rivalry with Sridevi was much talked about at one point in time.

“Sridevi was jealous of me and considered me her rival. We would be at the same shoot, but sitting in two different corners.”

She added, “So much so, that in a film with Jeetendra, ‘Toffa’ in which she was to be shown as dying on my lap, her mother told the director, “My daughter will not die in Jaya’s lap. Please change the scene. 

Jeetu locked us in a room and requested her to accept the scene as it is, but in vain.

“At this juncture of my life however, I wish her success and a good life with her family. It would be very mean of me to say low things about her.”
When quizzed why she did not attend Sridevi’s birthday bash, her business manager simply said, “Jayaji is busy shooting for a Telugu remake in Hyderabad.

“The film is being directed by A Raj Shekahar. In this untitled film, Siddhartha being Jaya’s nephew will debut opposite Hansika Motwani.”
Considering the two actresses’ past, the skipping of Sridevi’s birthday bash might have been more than just a busy schedule!
 

By Lipika Varma Arjun Rampal’s favourite things

August 25, 2013 12:03:00 AM | By Lipika Varma

Arjun Rampal’s favourite things

The actor opens his heart about the things that make his life tick

Arjun Rampal did not have the greatest start in Bollywood, but shot to fame with his bravura performance as a rockstar in ‘Rock On!’ and since then there has been no looking back for the National Award winning actor. With his intense performance in ‘D Day’ gaining him adulation, he is also forward to the multi-starrer release of ‘Satyagraha’. The actor opens up about the small and the big things that make his day.

When quizzed about his favourite outfit, the actor actually prefers wearing jeans and T-shirts over his designer wear. But when he has to step out in style, his favourite designers are Rohit Bal and Tarun Tahiliani. But he confesses that he has a fetish for sun glasses and adds, “I have too many shades which I like. All shades are favourites.”
While travelling, he cannot do without his toothbrush, cologne and fresh pair of clothes. But he loves coming home to his wife’s cooking and especially dotes on ‘Dhansak’ which she makes. When it comes to gadgets, he seems to be an apple fan and keeps his i-Phone, laptop, i-pad and head phones always handy. He seems to draw his inspiration from the women in his life, especially his wife and mother.
Currently he seems to be preoccupied with his work and as a stress buster; he does breathing exercise or goes to the gym. Not adhering to any particular religion, he states, “I believe in omnipresent God.”

Lipika Varma

By Lipika Varma Ranveer Shorey’s non-finicky ways with the director

August 25, 2013 12:05:18 AM | By Lipika Varma

Ranveer Shorey’s non-finicky ways with the director

The debut director, Suman Ganguli sheds light on his film and lead characters and defends them too

Writer-director, Suman Ganguli is coming up with sports film with a musical feel on reel, called ‘Blue Mountains’. He shares his vision about it and states that he is happy with the choice of his lead actors.

“Every sport need to be played with enthusiasm rather than having competitive feelings. ‘Blue Mountains’ showcases how a mother is keen to promote the singing capabilities of her son merely because she has been unable to achieve the aim of becoming a singer,” says the director.
Talking about his protagonist he says how he emerges as the true winner. ”My hero does not face failure. His journey of losing is not important. Failure teaches him more about success,” he says and adding about his late start in life, he shares, “I may have not feared losing in life. I am prepared for all eventualities if I want a National Award. I understood the fact quite late when I started writing, that after 100 failures one is able to taste success. I debuted so late as I was preparing with technicality and was also looking to get good subject. It is never too late to begin.”
“Technically it is a well advanced film. My film has been promoted at Cannes film festival.The film is garnering a good reception from international buyers,” shares the proud director.
Talking about his choice of Gracy Singh, he shares, “Undoubtedly she is a known face and has a very gracious look which suits the character. Above all she is a brilliant actor. She is literally dedicated to her character; it was mind blowing to watch her learn the ‘Tanpura’ and a little bit of classical music to be able to live up to the character so well.” And adds that despite being a debut director, the heroine threw no airs at him.
Talking about the lead, he says that Ranveer Shorey contrary to the rumours was not finicky. “Let me tell you one thing he is a very sensible actor. My friends from Bollywood, too were not very happy as I cast Ranveer for my film. They were astounded as they too alerted me about his finicky nature. However, I shared a great rapport with him.”
Ganguly unhesitatingly cast Ranveer though his is recent films have flopped miserably at the box office and he clarifies, “Look even Amitabh Bachchan’s films have flopped and he has given hits too. Similarly any flop or hit does not mean that the actor is not a good performer. The whole team is responsible for flop and hits. Ranveer is a brilliant actor and has done a great job in the movie.”
The film is being readied for November-December release and will enter various international film festivals too.

Lipika Varma

By Lipika Varma Amrita Rao’s rebellious streak

  August 25, 2013 12:06:47 AM | By Lipika Varma

Amrita Rao’s rebellious streak

The actress breaks her onscreen docile image with Prakash Jha’s ‘Satyagraha’

Amrita Rao who plays Amitabh Bachchan’s daughter-in-law in ‘Satyagraha’ is proud of her performance in the film as it challenged her as an actor. After playing docile roles in ‘Ishq Vishk, ‘Vivah’ and ‘Welcome to Sajjanpur’, the actress is gearing up to show her rebellious streak in Prakash Jha’s political thriller.

“I play the character named Sumitra Anand belonging to a small town Ambikapur,” she says and adds, “I have been associated with film makers who have done a lot for our industry by contributing good meaningful films. Working with Shyam Benegal, Rajshri Productions and now with Prakash Jha, I may say I am lucky to have been approached to do these roles. I did not have to struggle to get these roles. Getting work with grace and dignity makes me a content actor.”
Playing a widow in the film, she throws light on the state of widows in our country by sharing, “History reveals that widows have always been subjected to worse treatment. Reforms brought about by Raja Ram Mohan Roy did bring in some relief to the widows system that was prevalent. They were allowed to lead their own life and remarriage was also permitted.” And adds, “I feel there is so much our government can still do for these widows. In foreign countries special facilities are extended to widows and their children so they can live comfortably. I really feel sorry to note the fringe treatment given to army officer’s families too. It is a real sorry state of affairs especially for army personals who lay their lives in protecting the wellbeing of their countrymen to get nothing in return.” She further adds that on a personal basis, she would like to contribute towards these widows’ food, clothing and education facilities that are supported via various NGOs. She further reiterates that unmarried and destitute women need to be helped so that they are not forced to ruin their lives by opting for unwanted professions.
Talking about the state of the middle-class people in India, Amrita shares that she believes that with the government being unable to meet the people’s expectations, our countrymen are facing a great turmoil. “Everything is going wrong in the life of a common man. However, if the ruling government and the opposition share a platform to address the problems of the common man, there can be a better life for them,” shares the 32 years old actress.
The petite actress cannot get over raving over Big B’s persona and says that she was literally in the throes of a hangover whenever she went back home from the shoot. “I really mean it! His resounding voice, his conversation, his sense of humour would always resound in my mind. I have learnt from his simplicity as he just conducts himself like a common-regular person.”
Belonging to the world of glitz and glamour Amrita doesn’t believe in getting blinded by the limelight. “I understand this is just a phase. We need to learn to move with the time. Every human being has to confront emotional as well as mental phases during their life time. Being taught by my elders how we need to make adjustments in our life has really gone down deep with me. Making the best of the present and sticking to my principles, I believe in looking forward,” she shares about the importance of being grounded.
Sharing her equation with
co-actress, Kareena Kapoor, she shares, “I have always been in awe of Raj Kapoor and family. Working with his granddaughter was more precious because she told me how she would go to the RK Studio and remembered a little about her grandpa. She did meet him but was just six when he died and this is what she regrets.” And adds that she does not believe in cat fights and instead shares a good rapport with everyone.

Lipika Varma

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Double celebrations for Priyanka Chopra this Friday by lipika varma

Double celebrations for Priyanka Chopra this Friday by lipika varma Published: Fri, Aug 23, 2013

Posted by: AVS Newsroom

Priyanka Chopra has lent a voice to Ishani in Disney’s ‘Planes’ that released in India today and it coincides with the birthday of her late father. “The film has released internationally. It has done well and I am very excited that I can share this film with the Indians as the film releases now. Also, this day is an extra special day for me, being the birthday of my beloved father,” says the actress. She also says that for the first time being associated with Hollywood animation was a fresh, exhilarating and also creatively different experience. It kept her flying high in spirits.

Double celebrations for Priyanka Chopra this Friday by lipika varma

Double celebrations for Priyanka Chopra this Friday by lipika varma Published: Fri, Aug 23, 2013

Posted by: AVS Newsroom

Priyanka Chopra has lent a voice to Ishani in Disney’s ‘Planes’ that released in India today and it coincides with the birthday of her late father. “The film has released internationally. It has done well and I am very excited that I can share this film with the Indians as the film releases now. Also, this day is an extra special day for me, being the birthday of my beloved father,” says the actress. She also says that for the first time being associated with Hollywood animation was a fresh, exhilarating and also creatively different experience. It kept her flying high in spirits.

Manoj Bajpayee’s twin love by lipika varma

Manoj Bajpayee’s twin love by lipika varma Published: Thu, Aug 22, 2013

Posted by: AVS Newsroom

Every actor has a weakness that can become his strength. For actor Manoj Bajpayee, his heart lies with his daughter and professionally he gains strength from theatre.
“I am working on two theatrical scripts. Very soon, I shall also begin with theatre plays,” he says and adds, “My daughter is just two and half years old. I want her to grow up amidst the theatre background. I feel knowing and belonging to a theatre background gives a lot of learning experiences as well as one turns out to be a good human being.”
Bajpayee further adds about the bond they share, “Whenever she watches me on television, she instantly starts shouting papa. She is very attached to me.”