Wednesday, 27 November 2013

Sonal Mansingh on small screen Oct 10, 2013 - Lipika Varma | Age Correspondent Email this page

Sonal Mansingh on small screen

Oct 10, 2013 - Lipika Varma |

Age Correspondent

Legendary danseuse and Padma Vibhushan Dr Sonal Mansingh will be seen as the judge on a new dance reality show to be aired on Doordarshan. The show, called Bharat Ki Shaan — Rum Jhum, is the brainchild of Gajendra Singh, who has previously helmed Antakshari, Sa Re Ga Ma, Voice of India, Music ka Maha Muqqabla and most recently, Sur Kshetra. BKS aims to juxtapose an Indian dance form with a non-Indian one, and will be hosted by Shweta Salve.
“The show will bring together different dance forms on a common platform by juxtaposing an inherently Indian form with a non-Indian dance form,” said Gajendra Singh about his new show. “The idea is to celebrate the commonalities as well as the differences of certain (dance) genres. A competitive element is interwoven with the core themes and lends excitement and engagement. The series will showcase immensely talented dancers of India and some nail-biting competition. Bollywood dance will be combined with classical, regional, folk and Western genres and keep the entertainment quotient on a high.”
Gajendra also confirmed for us that “the very talented and honorable Padma Vibhushan Dr Sonal Mansingh has agreed to be the ‘guru shrestha’ for the show”. “This is the first time that the legendary Sonal Mansingh will be a part of a dance reality show as the judge. We also have Sandip Soparrkar representing the non-Indian dance forms and Sandeep Mahavir representing the Indian dance forms. These two dynamic personalities will captain a team each and their guidance is sure to elevate the show,” Gajendra added.

Akshay says Danny is his lucky mascot Sep 26, 2013 - Lipika Varma | Age Correspondent

Akshay says Danny is his lucky mascot

Sep 26, 2013 - Lipika Varma |

Age Correspondent

Akshay Kumar seems to be in awe of Danny Denzongpa who plays his mentor in the upcoming film Boss. Akki considers Danny his lucky mascot.
“I remember when I wanted to buy my first office as I was launching my production house, I settled on a small office that Danny wanted to dispose off. And since then, there has been no looking back for me. I consider Danny to be very lucky for me. I have learnt a lot from him. He may have opted for fewer films, but he’s always been a successful actor,” Akshay said.
With Boss, Akki is also pinning his hopes on director Anthony D’souza for the second time. “I know his first film Blue did not do well, but I consider that he has a huge amount of potential, and am working with him a second time. He had the strength to make a Blue which no other director would have even thought of. Just because the film did not do well at the box office does not mean he is not a fine director. Many a times, films which we feel are good enough may bomb at the box office. This does not mean we need not go ahead with doing our jobs,” Akki said.

‘I had decided not to make Krrish 3’’ Sep 07, 2013 - Lipika Varma | Age Correspondent

‘I had decided not to make Krrish 3’’

Sep 07, 2013 - Lipika Varma |

Age Correspondent

From acting to direction, Rakesh Roshan has experimented with his roles in the film industry. “I do not have an ego. I debuted as a hero in Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani and when I didn’t do very well as the main lead, I turned to comic roles and then negative ones too. Bollywood is a race and if you stop, you might disappear. I don’t believe in rat races, but my passion for work does allow me to stop,” says Rakesh.
About venturing into direction he says, “Even as a director, I experimented with my films — Khudgarz, Kishan Kanhaiya, Karan Arjun and Khoon Bhari Maang were all different from each other and were made at a time when producers only wanted to take up ‘hit’ subjects.” But things turned around for him completely when he launched his son Hrithik in the year 2000 with Kaho Na Pyaar Hai. It was an unprecedented hit. “It wasn’t planned that way. Neither Hrithik nor I ever felt the need to be number one. We don’t believe in the number game,” he asserts.
About his latest offering he says, “I had decided not to make Krrish 3. When I sat down to script the first draft, nothing was getting finalised. But after a year, Hrithik came up to me and said, ‘Papa you have to take it up as a challenge and do it.’ And everything fell in place in the next three months.”
The toughest part about the film? “The make-up was a Herculean task,” says Rakesh who had hired international makeup artistes for the film. “Not that I don’t trust Indian artistes, but international ones understand the requirements better and have all the material one needs. Shooting the father and son sequences at the same time wasn’t an easy task. We would shoot the father’s part first and continued the son’s part the next day. Just putting the makeup on and taking it off would take a few hours,” he says.
Rakesh admits that Indian audiences need a certain amount of drama. “The villain’s role is also shaped emotionally. I have shown why this villain has so much hatred in his heart. All other characters have been given animal-like qualities — like an ant, which despite its size can carry 50 times its weight or a chameleon (Kangana’s role) that can change its colour,” he says adding, “When I saw Kangana for the first time in her attire, I thought that half my job was done. She matched my vision for the role completely. Vivek has done an excellent job too.”
The film was shot in Hyderabad. “We recreated the streets of Mumbai in Ramoji Film City. I gorged on Hyderabadi biryani a lot. Though I did not get a chance to tour the city much, I was very touched by the honesty and helpful nature of the locals there.” Since the film’s trailer has hit the Internet, the comparison between Indian and Western superhero films has been inevitable for Rakesh. He admits, “Indian cinema is changing for the better, but it is far from being at par with international films. If we keep trying, we’ll be there in the next 10 years.”
The proud father cannot help but praise his superstar son. “Hrithik looks the part as soon as he appears on screen — be it the romantic hero in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai or the emperor in Jodha Akbar. Even in Krrish 3, he looks like a super hero. When all producers/directors want to work with him, why shouldn’t I? I am proud of his humility and sincerity.”
But Hrithik is not his only pillar of strength. His wife Pinky plays a major role too. “Whether we’ve had a bad day or good day, she will always welcome me with a smile. It makes me want to carry on. During Kaho Na..., I had to sell my car for just `1.5 lakhs. She supported me through it. She would either walk down to a place or hire an auto rickshaw. Her support allowed me to stick to my passion and continue my work. She is my strength,” says the director who believes in a traditional joint family system. “But we also believe in giving each member their own space. Every person thinks differently and we cannot force our ideas or thoughts on anyone. Everyone’s free to do what they want. Suzanne has adjusted beautifully in our home. I don’t interfere with Hrithik’s family at home,” he concludes.

What do din, raat have to do with sex? Aug 30, 2013 - Lipika Varma | Age Correspondent

What do din, raat have to do with sex?

Aug 30, 2013 - Lipika Varma |

Age Correspondent

Prior to the release of her YRF film Shuddh Desi Romance, Parineeti Chopra seems to be in a discursive mood. The actress talked about her film, “hot” scenes and co-actor Sushant Singh Rajput, and her take on live-in relationships recently. Excerpts:
On Shuddh Desi Romance
“I loved the script and that’s why I agreed to do the film. Usually, while promoting a film, we tend to say ‘this is a different film/character’. Yes, this film different, but genuinely. It talks about a subject that hasn’t been dealt with until today. Sushant, Vaani (Kapoor) and I enjoyed working together and had a lot of fun.
On live-in relationships
I see no problem in depicting live-in relationships. I feel this subject has been unnecessarily tabooed. Probably, the assumption is that if the couple is living together, they will definitely have premarital sex. But I feel if two people are in love, and do not foresee their marriage and live together, there is no harm. It is ridiculous to believe that sex will happen only if you share a live-in relationship, sex can happen any way. There’s a wrong perception here that says sex can be “legalized” only after getting a marriage certificate; it’s a double standard. Sex can happen during broad daylight, but again, it’s believed that it only takes place at night. Sex has got nothing to do with din aur raat!
Tier-II cities also see live-in relationships
People in Tier-II cities also have live-in relationships. It isn’t covered by the media so it goes unnoticed. It’s all about your thought process. For instance, NRIs in London are so conservative. They’re so careful even about the way they dress. In Ambala, on the other hand, where I come from, people are very modern.
Would she ever live in with someone?
I am single. Let me get into such a situation and then think about it. Also, my parents’ opinion is very important to me. If they won’t like my being in a live-in relationship, then I will not do so. I do not live for the sake of society. I do what I feel like doing. But at the same time, I won’t disrespect its norms or hurt anyone. Personally, I do not like to interfere with anyone nor do I let anyone interfere with me.
Romance in real life
In real life, we’re all so busy that you probably just talk on the phone with your boyfriend and go home and sleep! My father has had a very simple, real relationship with my mom. Until today, he has not told her “I love you!” We have shown everything that happens in real life on celluloid, so nothing feels new. In real life, no one is going to give you a flower everyday!
On the “hot” scenes in SDR
Yes. I have kissed in the film. Ab kiya hai toh kiya hai — but what is a “hot scene”? It’s just a kiss.
— Sanskriti Media and Entertainment

‘I can be stamped as a certified workaholic’ Nov 20, 2013 - Lipika Varma |asianagenov20,2013

‘I can be stamped as a certified workaholic’

Nov 20, 2013 - Lipika Varma |

Age Correspondent

After a string of superhit films, Sonakshi Sinha had got a taste of reality when her film Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai Dobaara sank without a trace. The actor now hopes that her two films that are ready for release, Bullett Raja with Saif Ali Khan and R…Rajkumar with Shahid Kapoor will bring back her winning streak.
Talking about working with Saif in Bullett Raja, she says, “Saif is very jovial. But you can enjoy his high level jokes only after you understand them. I shared a great rapport with Saif. In Bullett Raja I play a struggling actor who is kidnapped as she is in the wrong place at the wrong time… slowly I fall for Saif. ”
Sonakshi was given a ticket to Bollywood on a platter and did not have to struggle. “Yes, I did not have to struggle but I can be stamped as a certified workaholic and get upset when shoots are postponed. I do not know what to do then!”
Coming to Shahid Kapoor, her co-star in R…Rajkumar, Sonakshi says, “It was great working with Shahid. He is dedicated and performs extremely well. It becomes easier when your co-star is talented.” Talking about her favourite roles so far, she says, “I was totally bowled over by the character in Lootera. It has set new standards for me.”
“But my role in R…Rajkumar has become my favourite. Prabhu Sir has made me do action, drama, dance… everything. I have literally turned dabangg. The romance in this film has a fresh feel,” she adds. All that hardwork ensures Sonakshi can afford to indulge herself with fun treats. Talking about her favourite buy, she says, “I bought a BMW with my own money. I love going on long drives, it is a great tension reliever.”
She is also a Bigg Boss addict. Her fitness regime includes two hours on the treadmill while watching Bigg Boss. Coming back to work, she says, “My future films are Holiday with Akshay Kumar, which is a remake of Thuppaki, and Action Jackson. Also I will be doing an untitled film with Arjun Kapoor.”
When asked about the rumours of Salman Khan being upset with her for turning down an offer from Arbaaz Khan, she says, “I have not refused any films of late.” Lastly, on the marriage front she says, “Marriage is far ah

‘I’m not greedy’: Sonam Kapoor DC | Lipika Varma | 15th Jul 2013

Wednesday, Nov 27, 2013 | Last Update : 03:54 PM IST

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‘I’m not greedy’: Sonam Kapoor

The Bhaag Milkha Bhaag star says, “My parents are blissfully married. My father treats all three of us siblings without any distinction. We two sisters and our brother have been allowed to follow our dreams.”
The actor who had to shed quite a few kilos to get to her current runway figure says, “During my childhood no one would talk about me looking beautiful. I was overweight till I was 17-18.”
But she had filmy aspirations then too. “I wanted to direct films. At that time Bajirao happened and I was on the directorial roll. But the film did not take off. Thereafter, director Sanjay Leela Bhansali engaged me for Black. I must thank Rani Mukherjee for making me realise that I could also be an actor. It was then that I started making efforts to train my voice, walk and practice expressions,” says Sonam.
About her role in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag she says, “I opted for this because of Prasoon Joshi and Rakesh Ompraksah Mehra. They have been my pillars; supported me from the beginning of my career. Also, this film is definitely going to go down in history. I would prefer to be a part of such films. I have a pivotal but a small role in the film. However, I hate using the word special appearance.”
“For me, it’s important to do films which I feel are real and make me look real. I would like to be associated with a film which makes an extraordinary mark, with an unusual script, rather than a commercial movie which may bring Rs 100 crore at the box office. I have done this film for free. Not that money does not keep me going… but I am not greedy,” she points out.

Himmatwali South siren Tamannaah Bhatia outlines her ground rules for working in Bollywood Lipika Varma

Himmatwali

South siren Tamannaah Bhatia outlines her ground rules for working in Bollywood

Lipika Varma

Tamannaah Bhatia who is cast opposite Ajay Devgn in Himmatwala says she was a kid when she debuted in the Bollywood film, Chand Sa Roshan Chehra in 2005. "But," as she admits, "I received such good offers from Tollywood that I opted to work there. However, the offer from Vashu Bhagnani was too good to refuse so I came back to Bollywood after a hiatus of eight years."

Asked about comparisons with the original Himmatwala that had Sridevi in the lead, Tamannaah replies, "Sajid [Khan] who has written the film has been its guiding force. But, having said that, the characters are different in this remake, which has been my best break. Ajay is a street fighter for one and as far as equating me with Sri --- I could never come close to her calibre."

Talking about the fact that she’s acted in a lot of remakes --- the Tamil remake Kandean Kadhalai from Imitiaz Ali’s Jab We Met; the Tamil remake Chiruthai from S.S. Rajamouli’s Vikramakudu and now the Hindi remake of the film Himmatwala --- Tamannaah says, "It was not planned. I don’t want to be tagged a remake queen. As an actor you want to try and do all kinds of movies and get into all kinds of roles. Since a role has been done by someone earlier, there is a lot of emphasis on trying to do it differently and that is what I try and instinctively follow."

Tamannaah says she avoids doing steamy scenes. "I have worked with stars like Surya, Vijay, N.T.R. Junior and Ram Charan. I have my boundaries and I am not bothered about the consequences. I will not wear a bikini and I will not do kissing scenes. I will continue to do what I’m comfortable with."

Working in any language does not pose a problem for Tamannaah. "I am a greedy actor," she confesses adding, "I’ve always wanted to act. But I believe acting is a universal profession. We should all be open to doing films from Tollywood, Hollywood or Bollywood. For us it’s the kind of films we do that matter."

When questioned about her concept of love, the actress says, "It has to be perfect, crazy and passionate. I have been through puppy love in school --- it was my friend’s brother." And as for the future, Tamannaah says that her next film is with Akshay Kumar and is being produced by Tips. "But I haven’t made an official announcement as yet because I have a lot of scripts to read and a lot of offers. So, I’m taking my time before making any statement," she says.

Himmatwali South siren Tamannaah Bhatia outlines her ground rules for working in Bollywood Lipika Varma

Himmatwali

South siren Tamannaah Bhatia outlines her ground rules for working in Bollywood

Lipika Varma

Tuesday, 26 November 2013

Prithviraj going north in his career DC | Lipika Varma | 24th Apr 2013

Wednesday, Nov 27, 2013 | Last Update : 12:08 PM IST

Prithviraj going north in his career

Prithviraj and Rani Mukherjee in a still from 'Aiyya'

Not many are given a second chance in Bollywood. His debut as a hero opposite Rani Mukherjee in 'Aiyya' turned out to be a damp squib at the box-office. But Prithviraj has been lucky to bag another film, this time in a Yash Raj film — albeit as a second lead.
“You must watch the film before jumping to conclusions about my role in the film. In terms of numbers, the response has been great. The quality of films too has been attractive enough! I had signed Yash Raj Films, 'Aurangzeb' even before my debut film, 'Aiyya' was released,” says Prithvi.
“Unquestionably, offers are pouring in but I have to pick and choose the right ones.” Having a vast range of films under his belt, he adds, “I am eighty films old down South and have done a gamut of roles as an actor. I have played a variety of characters. I prefer a noteworthy part in a good film, than playing pivotal part in a bad film.”
Inadvertently, it was Rani who turned instrumental in getting Prithvi a role in 'Aurangzeb'. “While shooting the Aga Bai number for 'Aiyaa' at Yash Raj Studios, Shanu Jharna, the casting director, had dropped in to meet Rani. She came up to me and started talking. During our chat, she asked me if I would be interested in doing a film with YRF. She called me up exactly after two weeks and asked me to audition. I went for an audition for the first time, in almost 12 years of my film career!” says Prithvi, adding, “We had many rounds of auditions with Atul Shabharwal and ten days later, I got a call that I was selected for the role. Aditya Chopra gave me a bound script and an unlimited supply of coffee. I read the script twice before accepting it.”
He plays a cop for the 17th time in this film. “I play Arya Forgart, who believes in what he does but doesn’t trust people blindly,” explains Prithvi.
“The script is not a copy of 'Don' or 'Trishul'. It takes you back to the works of Mani Ratnam classics like 'Agni Nakshatram' and Kamal Haasan’s 'Thevar Magan'. I had comprehensive discussions with Atul and found out that he is a great fan of south films. But this film is no remake of any South films.”
Prithviraj is yet another South actor who plans to settle in Mumbai for good, “House hunting, in Mumbai is a herculean task. Agents are showing me homes way beyond my budget — in the range of 30 crore!”
Talking about the supportive role of his wife he says, “She is not at all insecure. In fact, she is the one who always believed that I belong to a bigger league.”
He may be a South Indian but he has unexpected challenges in 'Aurangzeb'. “The challenge in 'Aurangzeb' is not about playing a cop, but Tamilian cop. I don’t know Tamil as much as I know Hindi. I can read and write Hindi but not Tamil. Here I am, a Malayali playing a Tamilian in a Hindi film!”
Prithvi is hoping Bollywood and the audience notice him as an actor, “I don’t know how it works here. I have worked as an actor, not as a saleable star. My first endeavour is to make people notice the kind of actor I am.”
He is politically correct when he talks about the Khans - Salman, Shahrukh and Aamir. “All three Khans are famous down South too. I would love to work with all of them. Even in Kerala we plan our films according to their release!”
Steady Rise
1] Prithviraj is eighty films old in the South and has done a gamut of roles, most of them being pivotal and memorable ones
2] The actor had to audition for the first time in almost 12 years of his film career for the movie Aurangzeb
3] Prithviraj plans to settle down in Mumbai for good and is, in his owns words, undergoing the ‘herculean task’ of house hunting in the price range of 15 to 20 crore

Oh My God

Wednesday, 27 November 2013