Suniel Shetty
Actor Suniel Shetty is a true businessman. The way he is juggling two careers that of a producer and an actor one will envy him. Right now he is all excited about his recent film EMI, that has been produced by his production house Popcorn Motion Pictures and he is hopeful about the film doing good at the theatres. The actor speaks to our correspondent on his films, production house and future plans.
Imraan Khan
He’s cool…literally. Unlike politically correct Bollywood stars he mouths his mind. After his debut in JAANE TU…YA JAANE NA, Imraan Khan has become the new icon of Gen Y. The 24-year old plays the ‘bad man’ in his second film KIDNAP. Our correspondent catches up with the new Khan on the block during his breezy visit to Kolkata.
So you are all set to be seen as ‘the angry bad young man’ in KIDNAP?
Ya…see, I am not going to say ‘I am so lucky to have such diverse roles’ sort of thing. Bollywood is maturing…now we have refreshing storyline as well as experiment-loving producers who are ready to risk new subjects with newcomers.
But can you deny that being Aamir Khan’s nephew has made things easier for you?
Let me make an honest confession. I found my debut project myself. Abbas Tyrewala, the director of JAANE TU… saw me in a party and we gelled well. He narrated me the script of his new film that Jhamu Sughand was supposed to produce. I said I am interested in doing the film and was selected at the screen test. But for some reason Sughand declined to produce the film. Aamir Khan was looking for a good film to invest his money. He liked the script and produced the film. But of course I will always remain grateful to him for my break.
Did you always want to be a part of Bollywood?
Yes, I wanted to make my career in Bollywood, but not as an actor. I wanted to be a filmmaker. I am trained in script-writing and film direction from New York Film Academy. Actually when I came back to Mumbai, I was meeting people who will be interested to give me a scope to work here. In fact my family even said Aamir is wasting his money in the film because Imraan can’t act.
Tell us something about your character in your second film KIDNAP.
You told that yourself in the beginning of the interview…that I play the ‘angry bad young man’ with an edgy look. Actually my character in the film is not as grey as it looks…after all I am the hero, yaar! But on the contrary, I had to stretch myself a lot to get into this character unlike JAANE TU…that was a comfort zone.
There is a rumour that after JAANE TU… your signing amount has hiked to Rs.7 crore that makes you the highest paid newcomer in Bollywood. Is it true?
I don’t know about the ‘highest paid newcomer’ tag because I don’t have time for market survey. If someone is making a good small budget film, I will definitely ask for a small amount.
There’s another talk of the town that you were not the producer’s choice for KIDNAP …true?
Yes and the full credit goes to director Sanjay Gadhvi. There was an entire list of actors suggested for the role by the producers at Ashtavinayak Films. But I was Gandvi’s choice and after a few meetings with the producers I became their choice too.
You seem to be quite open to discuss your girlfriend Avantika Malik. Is it a new trend of neo-Bollywood?
During the promotion of JAANE TU… a journalist in Mumbai asked me that since Aamir Khan hid his marriage during his debut in QAYAMAT SE QAYAMAT TAK, do I too have such plans. I gave her detailed history of my six-year relationship with Avantika and said if my personal life is the yardstick that determines the success of my professional life, then I won’t have to showcase my talent. The film will sell like hot cake anyway since I am a bachelor. As in mamu’s (Aamir) case, there were reasons for his decision.
Aishwarya Rai
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was in Kolkata to walk the ramp. Our correspondent caught up with the Bachchan-bahu for a candid interview
Abhishek is playing a superman in his recent release DRONA. Don’t you too want to play a superwoman in future?
Why in future? I am already a superwoman in real life. Ask any married woman and she will agree to my answer.
You are just back from The Unforgettable tour. As far as we know, you have been the initiator of this entire idea. True?
Not the only but one of the initiators. Actually way back when Abhishek and I were just co-actors, I kept telling him ‘let’s be a part of a troupe and go on a world tour’. And he kept on saying ‘It’s not the right time’. But I never thought that my wish will be fulfilled in such a grand way and that we will be part of the team as man and wife.
You too are married for over a year. Are you more ‘a Bachchan bahu’ or Abhishek’s wife?
(laughs) Both are the same.
Really?
Okay. See, when Abhishek proposed to me, we were only lovers. But when you are married you can’t expect to remain only a wife. Isn’t it? I am happy that Abhishek gave me such a wonderful and caring family. As for Abhishek, he is everything I wanted my man to be and more.
But has marriage affected your male fan following, and in Abhishek’s case, his female fan following?
For this, you should have come with us to the world tour. Girls went mad screaming for Abhishek. And, well…ask Abhishek to comment on my fans on my behalf.
Coming back to DRONA, what do you have to say about Shahrukh Khan attending the premiere in Mumbai?
What do I have to say…it’s for the media to say and scribble. Jokes apart, see in spite of all our differences we are part of the film fraternity and it’s our courtesy to welcome all fellow-members. It’s not just being good to one person but the entire industry.
Okay, now back to Abhishek.
Oh-my-God…so you are determined to make our personal life public.
So, has marriage changed you a lot?
Not at all. I am what I was. See, we are not married for changing ourselves. But of course when two people settle down together there are little adjustments to be made on both sides. Other than that, we make sure to give each other enough breathing space.
While every one was expecting you two to be a part of a romantic flick, your post-marriage release was SARKAR RAJ-that’s far away from romance. When will the audience see you romancing each other on screen?
In Mani Ratnam’s next. Right now the film is called RAVAN but the title may change. Well, that reminds me, I won’t need to ‘act’ in that film.
During your marriage there were speculations that your marriage is actually a marriage of brands…
What rubbish! Do you think our marriage would have survived even for a day if it was not out of love. Tell me, what can I do if my father-in-law is Amitabh Bachchan, mother-in-law Jaya Bachchan, my hubby Abhishek Bachchan and I am the bahu of the Harvansh Rai Bachchan family!
Are there no competition in the family regarding the profession?
Compete with Amitabh Bachchan on acting! Forget it. And Abhishek is my hubby and I, like any Indian wife, can only be proud of his achievements.
Are you planning a family right now?
I already have a family. (laughs loud) I know what you exactly mean. Do you think I will be able to hide it under my drapes if there is really something right now! And trust me; I won’t even try to hide it.
Amitabh Bachchan is into blogging. Do you have any such plans in future?
Blogging is the best way to communicate with our well-wishers. It’s just like sharing your happiness, worries and achievements will all our fans who make us ’stars’. I have seen Pa’s (Amitabh) blog…how people interact with him with so much ease…as if they are just sitting beside him. Both Abhishek and I would love to blog but don’t have enough time to dedicate to it. So for the time being, we will have the media as our communicator.
Shammi Kapoor
Shammi Kapoor, 77, was recently in Kolkata to cheer one of his favourite directors, Shakti Samanta at the latter’s festival of retrospectives in the city. In a tete-a tete with our correspondent, Kapoor gets into a nostalgic mood
Screen, an esteemed British quarterly on serious cinema, once carried a piece comparing Shammi Kapoor, the dance-master hero, to Elvis Presley. Knowing this independent actor, he would not care for the comparison. Today the ‘Yahoo!’ guy is a net wizard and as sharp as ever.
Tell us something about your famous helicopter song in AN EVENING IN PARIS.
That was one of the scariest experiences of my life. The film was novel because it was a rare occasion in those days to shoot across the world and Shakki (Shakti Samanta) had decided to take us to places like Canada, Beirut, Switzerland, France and many other places. While the song ‘aasmaan se aaya farishta’ was being recorded, I had a brainwave. I suggested to Shakki why don’t we shoot this song from a helicopter so that it brought out the meaning of the song. It was just a joke; I forgot all about it. Then comes this telephone call from Shakti informing me that we were shooting that song with me hanging out from a helicopter! He had hired a helicopter and its pilot for shooting in Beirut. I was so scared that my skin stood out in goose bumps. I had to down two glasses of brandy on the morning of the shoot to keep my spirits up. But when I was high up on the air, hanging precariously off the helicopter, I could not hear the song I was supposed to lip sync to. Shakki solved the problem. He looked up at me and sang out the lines and I followed his lip movements to lip-sync. The song is still a big hit among listeners but no one knows the inside story. I jumped 200 feet from the helicopter right into the sea with no bones broken.
Let’s hear about your Kolkata connection.
I have some fond memories of this city. And I cherish them because these are linked to my first years of growing up. We lived somewhere near Hazra. I used to go to a nursery school with a servant. One day, I got drenched in the rain and my teacher made me strip down completely right inside the class in front of the others. There were girls too and even at that early age, I recall I felt very embarrassed in front of them. Once, my older sister Umi took me to the tramline and left me there, I do not remember why or how. I was scared to death and I do not remember who brought me back. Once, my mother gave us a one-rupee coin because Raj had promised to take our manservant and me to watch GULLIVER’S TRAVELS at Metro cinema hall. He was only seven but very diabolic about money. He asked us to wait while he fetched the tickets. He came back after two hours only to tell us that there were no tickets! Many years later, I realized that it was a trick he had played to watch the film alone and pocket the money for the other two tickets!
I also remember the wonderful Bengali dishes I savour to this day such as chorchori, the mishmash of vegetables you cook with mustard oil, chingri maach and mutton curry. I did a Bangla film called PARAPAR with Tapas Pal and Anup Kumar in 1990. I have worked with Uttam Kumar in DESH PREMI and I liked him very much as a man admired him as a wonderful actor. We shot the climax of Shakti Samanta’s CHINA TOWN with the Hooghly as the backdrop. I met Manik-da (Satyajit Ray) at the silver jubilee celebrations of my film PROFESSOR in Kolkata.
Sanjay Gadhvi
After creating enough DHOOM across nation director Sanjay Gadhvi bounces back with a vengeance with yet another action-packed thriller KIDNAP.
While his superhit DHOOM series were made under Yash Raj banner, KIDNAP would be his first release outside Yash Raj camp, produced under Shree Ashtavinayak Cinevision Ltd banner. And because of that there is a lot of curiosity.
When we asked Gadhvi about working outside Yash Raj, he reminisces about them and also shares his experience working with Shree Ashtavinayak, ”Once you have worked with Yash Raj’s than everything else is not as good comparatively. Having said that; it’s been quite comfortable working with Ashtavinayaks also. We gelled really well as a producer director, inspite of the fact that we were working for the first time. They are very good producers, facilitate well, (in a smiling tone) not afraid of spending money. Working with both the production houses was quite a good experience yet different. It’s just that Yash Rajs have better infrastructure and they have a very smooth functioning which makes your work easy. Whereas Ashtavinayak is relatively new in production and that they are still in learning stage.”
Few days back there were several reports stating that Gadhvi was to make KIDNAP before DHOOM. When we confirmed about the same with the director, he had to say, ”When I made my first film MERE YAAR KI SHAADI HAI in 2002 for Yash Raj, it was a hit, everyone loved it very much. Then Yashji, Adi and I were just mulling over as to what is it we wanted to make next. It was at that time we locked upon the idea of a particular script which was titled as KIDNAP which had the same story. Everything was in place but Sanju (Sanjay Dutt) expressed his inability to shell out bulk dates as he was busy till 2004. So we postponed KIDNAP and started working on some other script for the meantime. We locked on the idea of making DHOOM, a movie on cops and robbers which turned a huge hit. And so DHOOM 2 was the outcome of DHOOM. I had to direct because the demand for a sequel was extraordinarily high. Hence KIDNAP got shelved as by that time my 3-film contract with YRF ended”
Every director has its own lucky mascot or favourite actors with whom they like to work. Likewise Gadhvi is a big fan of Sanjay Dutt. Admits the director, ”I am huge fan of Amitabh Bachchan and Sanjay Dutt too. I grew up watching their films. And at that very time I decided to be a filmmaker. When I saw Sanju’s ROCKY in 1980, I became a huge fan of his. And I saw every film of his from ROCKY till MEHBOOBA. With KIDNAP I have fulfilled my long time dream of working with Sanjay Dutt and I had a very good experience. I hope I get a chance to work with Mr. Bachchan as well someday.”
Talking about other lead of the film, Imraan Khan, the current teen sensation and heartthrob of millions, than KIDNAP happens to be his second outing after giving a blockbuster JAANE TU…YA JAANE NA. When we asked the director how Imraan became a part of KIDNAP, was he Gadhvi’s first choice opposite Sanjay Dutt? On this quite serenely Gadhvi replied ”Yeah, we were looking for a young boy, a youngish actor to play the role of a kidnapper. I was not being able to finalize anyone as such it was then my writer Shibani Bathija suggested me that Aamir Khan’s nephew is looking forward to become an actor, lets meet him. I met him and the moment I saw him, I was sure that he perfectly fit the bill to play the character of Kabir, a kidnapper.”
view THE LAST LEAR PRESS CONFERENCE picture gallery
The Big Boss of Bollywood is just back from his ‘Unforgettable Tour’ and has immediately donned up his actor uniform to promote his recent release THE LAST LEAR. Sreya Basu caught up with Amitabh Bachchan during the premiere of his film in Kolkata.
You are just back from ‘The Unforgetable Tour’. How has the experience been?
Oh! It’s lovely…I still cannot believe that people all over the world love me and Bollywood so much.
Are you satisfied with your performance during the tour?
More or less, yes. The young folks like Abhishek (Bachchan), Aishwarya (Rai Bachchan) and Ritesh (Deshmukh) forced me to take the stage everywhere. But trust me; dancing is not something I look forward to. It’s a pain for a 66-year-old man to shake his waist and dance. Besides I don’t know why but I am frightened of dancing since 1969… and the fear still continues.
Where did you find the idea for blogging? And do you write the blogs yourself, or get it written by someone else like Salman Khan does?
Really? Salman gets his blogs written by someone else! I never knew that. As for my case I am more comfortable writing them down myself. You can come and sit with me every day when I blog to crosscheck. But I am sure you will be bored. As for the idea for blogging, Abhishek and I had been thinking for quite some time to do something for our fans and well-wishers. Abhishek suggested a Bachchan family website since all four of us-Abhishek, Aishwarya, Jaya and me-are actors and have our respective fan-following. But I thought blogging will be more direct and more personal.
We heard that you are a gadget freak as well?
I guess you asked this question eyeing my new iPhone! This is a gift from filmmaker Ravi Chopra after completion of his film BHOOTNATH. Yes, of course I was, is and will always remain a gadget freak. In my childhood I was obsessed with cameras but could not afford one. After much persuasion my father Harivansh Rai Bachchan bought me a box camera which I treasured for years. Initially I clicked trees and nature and as I grew up started noticing prettier things-motorbike, sleek cars and cool girls. But the hamartia of life is when you desire something you cannot afford it and when you are able to afford it you are too old to use it. Now I don’t need all gadgets but it’s satisfying to know that at least I can afford them.
You keep on saying you are growing old. But women folk still find you hot and interesting.
Where are those women? Please send them to me, give their mobile numbers or convince them to blog me.
Saif Ali Khan
The Chote Nawab is in Kolkata on a four-day schedule for his first home production. Our correspondent Sreya Basu caught up with the fourth deadly Khan of Bollywood-Saif Ali-on his film and his love interest Kareena Kapoor.
Your first home production is called PRODUCTION NO 1. Don’t you think it’s a bit weird title for a film?
You see, we still have not been able to think of a title for the film. For the time being we are calling it PRODUCTION NO 1. since this film is my first home production under the banner of Illuminati films.
What kind of a storyline the film follows?
I am totally a romantic person. I swear by love, especially at this point of my life. And so obviously this film too is going to be an out-an-out romantic flick. On a more serious note we are trying to portray love in the past era and as it is now. Earlier emotional attachment was given more priority but now it’s physical relationship that is in the crux of most relations.
Your first home production is a romantic flick but it’s strange to know that instead of Kareena Kapoor Deepika Padukone has been cast opposite you!
That’s the limitation of an actor-cum-producer. You have no option but to obey the director Imtiaz Ali’s decision on the cast. Thankfully Kareena had already worked with Imtiaz in JAB WE MET and they are good friends. So there were no problems. Besides she will be doing Imtiaz’s next under my company banner. In that film she will be romancing Akshay Kumar and that squares the equation.
How is it like to be a producer?
I am pretty lazy, laid back actually. I hate rushing and running around just for the fact that the world demands that. But of course, I love my profession and that’s where my mentality has changed a bit. In the beginning of my career I was just having fun. Then I got married, had kids and settled. I wasn’t even trying to grow. It’s only in the last few years that I started enjoying this film business from my heart. As a result it won’t be wrong to claim that I have grown as a good actor. Now here I am, all set to even make movies and invest in Bollywood.
We heard Kareena drops into the sets of your film whenever possible. Is it true?
Not always but whenever possible. See, we remain so busy with our films that we hardly get to spend time with each other unless we forcibly do so. Only a few days back both of us were shooting in San Francisco where I was shooting for this film and she was for some other. Kareena used to drop in whenever she could and vice versa. But she is too professional to interfere during the shots and even refused to look at the monitor.
It is almost a year that you and Kareena are together. How has the journey been?
Well, we started off like just another couple. But the constant media glare has grown louder with days. As for the personal front I have got a friend and a dream lover in Bebo (Kareena Kapoor).
When are you getting married?
Generally it’s media that decides the dates of our marriage and separation. Jokes apart, nothing is fixed till date. But one thing I can assure you that it’s not going to be a hush-hush affair-every one will be invited as both of us want the grandest wedding.
Interview : Bipasha Basu
She has proved her worth as an actress of substance and now she is ready for her second big release of this year BACHNA AE HASEENO. Bapasha Basu can’t hold her excitement anymore. She shares her experience of working with Ranbir Kapoor and much more with our correspondent.
So you are all excited…
Yes… excited certainly I am. It’s a big film and expectations are high but more than that it’s a good film. I must say this is a great film from Yash Raj.
Yash Raj… Hmm. Your last Yash Raj release DHOOM 2 too was also a hit. Does that add to the expectations?
Big banners always matter. They are always important. I am more excited because I am working with this banner. Yash Raj has always made good films and I am sure this one too will be appreciated by the cinemagoers.
Your last film RACE was a hit. So you have had a good year so far.
I am keeping my fingers crossed. It was a different film and this one is a different film altogether. I do fewer films these days because I have decided that I will only do those films which I would really enjoy doing. I enjoyed doing this film and more so because of a perfect set of costars and a good director.
Which means you liked everything about this film…
I wanted to do a romantic film because I haven’t done one for a long time. BACHNA AE HASEENO had a lovely script…I mean it was perfect from all corners. But what was more attractive was my character ‘Radhika’. It was almost custom made for me. I could relate to it. And not only just me but the entire casting has been perfect including Deepika, Ranbir and Minissha’s character. That makes a lot of sense.
So how does Radhika look?
It is an out and out glamorous role.
You mean like the one in RACE?
You can’t compare the two. It was thriller and this is an out-and-out romantic film. Radhika is a dancer by professional who comes to Mumbai and joins Shaimak Dawar’s dance group. She is smart, intelligent and highly fashionable…in one word she is today’s perfect urban girl. Each character has been given a different kind of look, including mine.
Did you have to work a lot on your look?
No, it was Aki Narula who gets the credit. He has given me a damn cool look. He has made me look as much fashionable as possible. He is simply great at his job.
I believe in eating healthy – Nisha Kothari
Q. Are you a complete foodie or do you watch what you eat?
A. I’m a foodie, but I really have to keep track of what I eat since I’m an actress.
Q. Your favourite cuisine – Continental/Oriental/Indian/others.
A. Indian, dal chawal.
Q. What would your prefer - homemade food or outside food?
A. Actually, I do not eat out much as outside food does not suit me. I like homemade food anytime. My food is cooked in olive oil.
Q. Your preference - vegetarian or non-vegetarian food?
A. I’m a vegetarian.
Q. Drink you like to wash down the food with?
A. I do not like to drink anything. I do take vitamin drinks prescribed by my doctor.
Q. Your favourite beverage?
A. As it is, cold drinks do not suit me, so it’s a hot steaming cup of coffee that I love.
Q. Any hard drink that you take?
A. No, I do not drink.
Q. What about junk food?
A. It depends on how tempting they are and the place and people around me.
Q. Your favourite fast food joint?
A. I’m from Delhi and I do not know Mumbai too well.
Q. Organic aloo or Batata Vada?
A. Organic aloo.
Q. Your take on diet and health food.
A. I do not diet and advise people against it because your body loses strength and skin loses life when you diet. I believe in eating healthy. Eat a lot of salads, green vegetables and things like that.
Q. What would be that one dish which you will not be able to resist?
A. I think fried food, but nothing special. I like vegetable cutlet.
Q. Could you share the recipe with us?
A. For 6 servings:
INGREDIENTS
2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
1 carrot, peeled and diced
1/2 cup fresh green beans, trimmed and snapped
1/4 cup frozen green peas
1 1/2 cups bread crumbs
1/2 teaspoon garam masala
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
salt to taste
1/4 cup vegetable oil for frying
DIRECTIONS
Place the potatoes, carrot, green beans and peas in a pot with enough water to immerse them. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes until potatoes are tender. Drain vegetables, transfer to a bowl and mash with a potato masher, leaving a few small chunks. Mix 3/4 cup bread crumbs, garam masala, cayenne pepper, and salt into the bowl with the mashed vegetables. Make the mixture into small patties about ½-inch thick. Dredge the patties in the remaining bread crumbs to coat. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat, and fry the coated patties until golden brown. Drain with paper towels.
Vivek Oberoi
Vivek Oberoi is far from being written off. He is confident about his future and has bigger plans for a better future. As his latest film MISSION ISTANBUL releases, Vivek comes clean on his career, films and his philosophy towards life in a chat with our correspondent.
You have been missing from the scene for quite some time…
Yes, I was because I was shooting but I am going to bug you people now. MISSION ISTANBUL is releasing. I have been doing quality work and have changed a lot.
Changed a lot?
I am different from what I used to be…now I have changed…completely. My attitude towards life and work has completely changed. And I thank god for all this. I am a happy man today and am enjoying every bit of my life.
So you were not happy?
No, I wasn’t. I have seen a lot and that is why I was also under pressure. There have been a lot of ups and downs in my life. I had hurt many people, at the same time I also believe that there were many who did not give me the right advice at the right time.
Does that hint at your personal life?
It was both personal and professional. (Chuckles) At the same time I have overcome everything and I am happy that I did it all on my own. I self assessed and rectified my faults. I went to all those people whom I had hurt and apologized to them.
And did they forgive you?
I am a god-fearing person. I did my duty. It was my duty to apologize. I believe in karma, so I was never bothered whether they forgave me or not. But I am sure they did. I am right now concerned only about my career and the moment I get success, I will feel that my life has come full circle.
Right… but you had tasted success initially…
Yeah…yeah… but that was for a short period. SAATHIYA and COMPANY were hits but success also turned my head. I now realize that all my decisions and career moves were not right.
Was that why you thought of keeping yourself out of everything?
I wasn’t out of anything. I was just trying to solve all this problems. I am a happy man now…be it life, my family…everything. I take one thing at a time and then take a decision. This is something I have learnt with time.
