Priyanka Chopra exclusive interview

Priyanka Chopra exclusive interview: Priyanka Chopra is running late but that doesn’t stop her from sharing hairstyle tips with college students or posing for photos with excited fans, while also finding the time to do interviews and shoot for promotions.

The 28-year-old admits this is what her typical day is like and that she sometimes works for 20 hours a day without a break. All that hard work may be paying off as Chopra is one of Bollywood’s most successful heroines today, bagging prime projects and carrying films on her own shoulders.

Chopra spoke to Reuters about her new film “Saat Khoon Maaf”, roles for actresses in Bollywood and why she doesn’t mind male actors getting paid more in the film industry.

Q: Traditionally, leading ladies in Bollywood are pretty strait-jacketed. What made you want to play a woman who marries seven times and then kills all her husbands?

A: “Because I pave my own path and I don’t like following rules. I don’t like convention. I want my own space. It’s a small space, but I’m very possessive about it.”

Q: Do you think roles for actresses in Bollywood are changing?

A: “I hope so and I am hoping that I have something to do with it.

That’s what people say -- that I spearheaded it with ‘Fashion’ where a film with a heroine in the lead took a good opening. I’m so glad that films like ‘No One Killed Jessica’ did so well, because it shows that good movies are appreciated and the gender of the protagonist doesn’t matter at all.”

Q: But no matter how well these films do, male actors do get paid a lot more than female actors do. Do you grudge that?

A: “But their films also make that kind money. I don’t grudge them that at all. Their films make 150 crores, 300 crores, so they deserve to get paid what they get. The day my films start making that kind of money, I will also get paid that much. I have started slowly and my films are creating a niche of their own. At least we are getting opportunities now, so we have to make the best of them and learn to accept that we are in a male-dominated society. We live in a male-dominated country, forget the film industry. So, the fact that we can create a space of our own is good enough.”

Q: When you are playing a woman who kills her husbands, what is the toughest part about a character that seems so negative?


A: “That, at heart, she is a good girl. She’s a good girl. You feel bad for her, for her life. To convey that was difficult for me.

‘Saat Khoon Maaf’ is not a thriller -- it’s a black comedy thriller.

It’s not a ‘Dostana’ or a ‘Golmaal’ -- it’s a sinister comedy, which is a space India is not familiar with, which is why everyone is slotting it. So you may not guffaw with laughter, but you will come out thinking ‘they deserve to die’. That’s the quirkiness of the film.”

Q: Can you think of any other contemporary actress playing this role?

A: “Umm…I really can’t. For me, Susanna’s me. I can’t imagine her as anyone else. Actually, maybe… I have absolutely no idea. You should ask Vishal (Bhardwaj) this.”

Q: You recently had income-tax raids at your house. Why aren’t financial dealings in Bollywood transparent as yet? Have things changed since the time you came in?

A: “I don’t know. But yes, things have changed. We have become more corporate. But film stars do make news, we are always spoken about. We earn above a certain line of income, so it is natural that we attract attention. But there is a lot of transparency now, because you cannot be any other way.”

Madhuri Dixit interview: my kids realize that i am a star!

Madhuri Dixit interview: my kids realize that i am a star! She has mesmerised millions of Indians with her screen performances, but Madhuri Dixit’s US-brought up kids realised their mother was a big Bollywood star only when they visited the sets of a dance reality show recently.

‘They didn’t know, but they are kind of realising now

when they visited the sets of ‘Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa’ and saw everybody praising me and talking about me. They ask like, ‘Oh, so you are a big star in India’,’ Madhuri told IANS in an interview.

Madhuri lives in Denver, Colorado, with her husband Sriram Nene and two sons – Arin, 7, and Raayan, 5, and is in India as the judge of the fourth season of the show.

Madhuri became a national craze in the 1980s and the 90s with her scintillating performances in superhits like ‘Tezaab’, ‘Ram Lakhan’, ‘Tridev’, ‘Dil’, ‘Saajan’, ‘Khalnayak’, ‘Hum Aapke Hain Koun’, ‘Dil To Pagal Hai’ and ‘Devdas’.

The actress took a sabbatical after 2002 and made a come back with ‘Aaja Nachle’ in 2007, but the film bombed at the box office.

The failure, however, didn’t affect the star aura surrounding her. She got a warm welcome by her fans and colleagues. Whether it’s award functions or other public events, Madhuri’s charm swept one and all.

The actress is touched after receiving such an overwhelming response from everyone and calls herself very fortunate.

‘It always feels wonderful. I feel blessed. There is not a single day when I don’t thank god that he has given me so much. I have received so much love from everyone wherever I have gone that I feel I am very fortunate and thank everyone for that,’ she said.

Her on-screen simplicity, acting prowess and elegant dancing style have made her an icon for many, especially youngsters.

So, how does it feel to be called an icon?

‘It feels really nice that people love you so much, they appreciate your work and consider you an icon. It’s always good to have compliments. It makes you feel nice. It makes your face glow,’ she said, flashing her evergreen smile.

She was recently honoured with a special award for completing 25 years in Bollywood at the 56th Idea Filmfare awards where she set the stage on fire with Shah Rukh Khan.

They danced together on hit songs like ‘Are re Are’ from ‘Dil To Pagal Hai’, ‘Maar Daala’ from ‘Devdas’ and ‘Tere Naina’ from ‘My Name Is Khan’.

‘This was my first ever stage performance with Shah Rukh anywhere in the world and I really enjoyed working with him after such a long time,’ she said.

Both have previously worked in films like ‘Koyla’, ‘Dil To Pagal Hai’, ‘Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam’ and ‘Devdas’.

For those eagerly waiting for Madhuri’s return to the big screen will have to wait for some more time as she will be going back to the US to be with her kids and husband after ‘Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa’.

‘It was great to be back to work after I had taken time off to be with my kids. This is a nice change for me. I miss my kids very much; so I’ll be back (to the US) in a month,’ she said.

As for her next film Madhuri said, ‘I have been going through a lot of scripts, but nothing has been finalised as yet.’

She is currently in talks with Anil Kapoor to star in a Bollywood remake of Hollywood film ‘Freaky Friday’.

Akshay Kumar Interview: It was time to change focus

Akshay Kumar Interview: It was time to change focus: Akshay Kumar is in the mood for intense and dramatic roles and will be seen as a Sikh guy trapped in the patriarchal family system in “Patiala House”. He says he accepted the offer as it was completely opposite to his real life story and also because he is keen to change his funny guy image.

"It was a conscious decision to do a serious role because it’s been three years since I’ve done something like this. The last was ‘Namastey London’. I’ve been away from it for quite sometime now and was concentrating on comedy. So I thought of changing focus and doing something serious,” Akshay told us.

“While playing the character, I felt that I’m playing what real people go through in life, what circumstances they face. I’m not playing just a role, it is a culmination of the lives of common people out there,” added the 43-year-old.

Akshay showed his funny side in his first hit comedy “Hera Pheri”, but his comedies like “Action Replayy” and “Tees Maar Khan” bombed at the box office.

Set in London, “Patiala House” sees Akshay Kumar’s character Gattu trapped between his dreams and his father’s aspirations for him.

The film has been directed by Nikhil Advani and co-produced by Bhushan Kumar, Mukesh Talreja, Krishan Kumar and Akshay along with his wife Twinkle Khanna.

Akshay says what attracted him to the role was that his life story was completely opposite to his character in the movie.

“My father supported all my dreams. He worked double shifts so that I could train in martial arts. So this situation was completely alien to me. I grew up with love and support from my parents. So that’s why it was so endearing to play a son, who forgets his dreams for his father’s,” he said.

The film that also stars Anushka Sharma and Rishi Kapoor among others will see Akshay sharing screen with his real life mother-in-law Dimple Kapadia. The senior actress plays his mother in the movie and the actor said he had fun filming with her.

“Me and my mother-in-law are quite inseparable. I have more things common with her than Twinkle. Twinkle and I are totally opposite, whereas me and Dimpleji are quite similar,” said the actor.

“During the entire schedule, we played cards, fooled around on youtube, she taught me sudoku (number game) and I took her to various places with my son. So it was fun. She is a fun lady,” he added.

This is his first film with Anushka and he said: “Anushka has a very vital role to play in the film. She is my shoulder, my brick wall and my unconditional support in the movie. She shocked me on the sets with her expertise. There is no doubt that she will go very far,” he added.

'Dabangg's Music Director Sajid-Wajid gives award credit to Salman Khan

'Dabangg's Music Director Sajid-Wajid gives award credit to Salman Khan: The composer duo Sajid-Wajid are on cloud nine after winning a series of awards for their music in last year's blockbuster " Dabangg" and the two give credit to Salman Khan for their success.

They bagged best music director awards at Star Screen Awards, Apsara Awards, Zee Cine Awards and Filmfare Awards for the funny cop drama in which Salman Khan played the lead role.

"I am on cloud nine and it's really fun. If we have worked hard, god has acknowledged it. Out of 101 percent, I would give 100 percent credit to Salman bhai and keep the rest with me for the success. Salman is like a godfather to us. When no one gave us a chance, he believed in us," Sajid told us in an interview.

Wajid said: "I give 100 percent credits to Salman Khan. He stood by us when nobody believed in us, he believed in our music, so certainly whatever we are today, a major part of the credit goes to him. If he had not been with us, our journey would have been more difficult."

The duo was introduced to Bollywood by actor-director-producer Sohail Khan with "Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya" in 1998 and since then they have given music for almost all Salman films and with "Dabangg" they have struck gold.

This film fetched Salman too his first award in the best actor category.

"No one can underrate Salman Khan. One's ability can't be measured by whether he is awarded or not. People make their position with their work; awards are just an extension of it. As a human being, Salman has garnered so many awards from normal people. As a human being he is far ahead," said Wajid.

As of now they are not associated with any Salman film, but they are sure to remain loyal to him.

"Certainly! We always look up to him. We are his loyalists and would always want to work with him," said Wajid.

Anushka Sharma Interview: I was initially scared to shoot with Rishi Kapoor

Anushka Sharma Interview: I was initially scared to shoot with Rishi Kapoor: Anushka Sharma reveals she was initially scared to shoot with veteran actor Rishi Kapoor with whom she shares the screen in her latest film ‘Patiala House’.

‘His (Rishi’s) demeanor was such that he was very intimidating. But I realised that actually he is a very cool person. He cracks lots of jokes and used to keep pulling my leg all the time,’ Anushka told IANS in an interview.

‘Later on, the ice was broken, but initially I was very scared because he comes across as a very strict person,’ she added.

With three successful films under her belt, Anushka is happy to claim that she is regarded as a bankable actor.

‘After ‘Band Baaja Baaraat’, people are viewing me differently. I have been seen as a bankable actor. So, a lot of good things, a lot of appreciation. I am feeling comfortable in the industry,’ she said.

‘Band Baaja Baaraat’ completes her three-film contract with Yash Raj Films that gave her the first break opposite superstar Shah Rukh Khan in ‘Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi’ in 2008 and then her role in ‘Badmaash Company’.

For ‘Band Baaja Baarat’, Anushka shared the best actress trophy at the Apsara Awards 2011 with Vidya Balan, who won it for ‘Ishqiya’.

The model-turned actress consciously avoids to be typecast and feels lucky that she got to do distinctly different characters in all the four films, including ‘Patiala House’, she has done so far.

‘Right after my first film, I went and signed ‘Badmaash Company’, which was right opposite of my debut character,’ Anushka said.

‘That was exciting because I know my value and I know that I am capable of doing a lot more. So I only choose and work with people who have faith in my capabilities as an actor,’ she added.

‘I don’t want to work with people who would take me in an easy way and cast me in something which I have done before. So far I am lucky that I have worked with people who have given me different kinds of films,’ she added.

Asked what exactly she looks at while choosing a film, the actress said: ‘When I read a script, the first thing I see is whether I would be watching this film and be entertained.’

‘Then I see my role in the film. Is it challenging enough? Is it going to make any difference in my career?’ she added.

The 22-year old trusted the same instincts while signing ‘Patiala House’, where she plays actor Akshay Kumar’s muse.

Directed by Nikhil Advani, ‘Patiala House’ shows how a second-generation Sikh Guttu (Akshay Kumar) and his siblings in London held back their dreams out of love and respect for their authoritarian father (Rishi Kapoor).

But Guttu meets Simran (Anushka) who gives him the strength to stand up once again to fulfil his dream.

This cross-generation drama is about second chances.

Anushka personally never had to bear any such family obligation while either choosing modelling or acting as a profession. But she said she could easily relate to it.

‘I wanted to be a model, my parents were okay with that. I wanted to be an actor, my parents were okay with that too. That way, I have been lucky. But I know someone who has (strict parents) so I can empathise and relate to it,’ she said.

Working with Akshay was a learning experience for Anushka.

‘He is super professional. He does very small, small things, which are subtle and funny. That is something I learnt from him – to be aware of small things, not only of big things,’ the actress said.

Shazahn Padamsee Interview: very tough to impress my dad

Shazahn Padamsee Interview: very tough to impress my dad: Shazahn Padamsee managed to win praise from director Madhur Bhandarkar and her “Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji” co-star Ajay Devgan, but says it is difficult to impress her “perfectionist” father, theatre veteran Alyque Padamsee.”My dad is my biggest critic. It is very tough to impress him… he is such a perfectionist!” Shazahn told us.

However, the 22-year-old feels her father provides constructive criticism and she has learnt to takes his comments in her stride.

“When I have to go out, and I ask him - ‘Dad, how am I looking?’, he just nods. He is never like ‘wow’ or ’stunning’ the way others compliment me. My dad is very strict and critical and I understand that he does it because he wants the best for me. I really appreciate that about my dad.

“It’s nice to have a dad who is in this profession, who knows what acting is, who knows what good films are… he has a great taste in cinema and it’s really good to have someone who can give intelligent opinions about the kind of films I should do and what look suits me. I go to him for a lot of advice and I believe it’s always the correct thing to do,” she said.

Theatre is in Shazahn’s blood and she enjoys the medium, but Bollywood is what enamours her most.

“My main focus is Bollywood. I do enjoy theatre, but honestly there’s no time. I love doing plays, but it takes way too long to develop them. Doing theatre is a way of life… you go and rehearse from 10 a.m.-10 p.m., have chai (tea), work at your own pace… it is an art form and very personal. So unless there’s time, it’s tough. But right now, films is what excites me. Nevertheless, when I have some time, I would love to do theatre,” she said.

Shazahn was seen on the big screen in “Rocket Singh - Salesman Of The Year” and in just released “Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji”, she is seen as a 21-year-old bank intern June Pinto, who charms a much-older senior colleague, played by Ajay.

She does not want to be choosy at such an early stage in her career.

“I am very new and I can’t really sit on a high pedestal and start demanding the kind of stuff I want. God willing, I will be there one day because I know I am very ambitious. But right now, the reality is that I am a newcomer. I am getting good offers as of now, and I do want roles that I can relate to and would be happy to do roles to which I can bring something unique.”

Aamir Khan Interview: Ranbir Kapoor is a better actor than Imran Khan

Aamir Khan Interview: Ranbir Kapoor is a better actor than Imran Khan: Well, he's unabashedly made politically incorrect statements in the past, and made headlines for it, but when it comes to calling a spade a spade – Aamir doesn't step back. And he doesn't spare his friends and family too.

Not even his favourite bhanja, Imran. Whether you like it or not, in the creative space, Aamir has no biases, and he surely cares a damn about being diplomatic. It was evident when zoOm caught up with the actor for an exclusive interview. When asked who is better actor – Ranbir on Imran, he promptly said, "I love Imran, but Ranbir is a better actor."

Ouch, did that hurt too much, Imran? C'mon, you can't sulk for too long with Mamu now. And remember...he'd also said that you're a lambi race ka ghoda. That's not too bad for a compliment, right?

Shahid Kapoor Interview: My beginning was very humble!

Shahid Kapoor Interview: My beginning was very humble!: Shahid Kapoor, who turns 30 a month later, says that he's done movies in the past because his girlfriend was in it, but not anymore

You turn 30 next month. How different are you from the time you entered Bollywood seven years ago?
Thank you for reminding me (smiles), but it hasn't really sunk in yet. I really believe that the best years of my life are starting now. I've worked enough now to feel at ease with what I am and who I am. Also, God has been very kind. I've done some very good work, and whether or not my films do well, I always get offered good work.

The work comes because of luck or hard work?
I feel very proud of the fact that I have pretty much done all of it on my own. When I look back, I feel fortunate to be where I am. In this profession, it's not easy to make it on your own as it's very unpredictable, and has its ups and downs. It becomes easier when you are from the industry, but my father, even though an actor, was very much away from it. So, I wasn't exposed to people. My beginning was very humble.

You had no advantage then and struggled like any other person would?
Oh yes. I believe I've made a lot of mistakes. I have done some things right but I have committed a lot of mistakes. But even after making those mistakes, to be where I am, I am fortunate. So, am really happy doing what I am doing and I have survived 7 years, and am hoping to survive another 17, probably 20 years, and do work that I am proud of. In fact, it's in the recent past that I've done work that I'm really proud of, actually in the last 3-4 years, that I am doing work that I like, love, enjoy, and am proud of. Till then, I was finding my own identity. It's a very interesting phase, the best years from a work point of view are yet to come and the best years from a personal point of view are yet to come, and I think I am my own person now and I am comfortable with who I am. I think it's only when you are comfortable with who you are that you can have stability in your personal space or in any relationship.

Yes, we've noticed that you are now quite comfortable being spotted with a certain someone who you are being seen with. You also said that in a recent interview, right?
The question that was posed was that the media is linking you with people and you're not responding, and my answer was that I would never be governed by what the media says about my personal life because it would be a very restricted and scary place to be in. I will live my life the way that I do and I've learnt that it's a part of the profession and that things will be written about you and people would want to speculate. And I am not going to get scared or get worried about that and not live my life. I think that I am answerable to the people that I am answerable to and not to the media as such regarding my personal life. I think professionally, there's a huge amount of interaction happening with people...

Yes, you are less uptight now.
Yes, everyone tells me that. You know, I was very scared and very shy and people thought I was uptight, maybe it came across like that and I am very sorry if it did. Abhi toh I know everybody in the media, so I have a personal equation with people, and I have reached that point of comfort where I can open up and say what I feel and not feel any pressure. There used to be a point at which I used to feel a lot of pressure maybe because I was very new and I was still finding my ground, professionally. And it was very upsetting to constantly answer about your personal life. Then one day I just decided that I am not going to answer, write what you want. Life became a lot simpler after that and I think it became simpler for everybody, even for the media and for me.

What mistakes were you referring to earlier?
Lots of mistakes ya... I had no experience, so I used to do films for different reasons. At times I would do a film because I was excited about working with a certain director, sometimes I would be insecure about sitting at home, sometimes because my girlfriend (We assume he means Kareena!) was in it, different reasons, sometimes even because people used to tell me to.

You did movies because your girlfriend was in it?
Ya, and I am very honest about it. Sometimes I did a movie because everyone told me that you must do this film and you cannot say no to these people and then over time I realised that you know success is really periodic. It'll keep changing. What matters is satisfaction. And what's most important is to find success where you are happy and not run after it. So, I stopped. Three or four years ago I stopped running... of course, it's most important in this profession to be successful. But the idea should not be to run after that. Do work that you believe in and that makes you happy. That's what I am doing right now – trying to work with likeminded people, trying to work with people who I think I can talk to about films , who I think think similarly.

No emotional decisions anymore?
I wouldn't say those were emotional decisions, I just think there was lack of experience, so I was trying everything. Acha yaar aisa bhi try kar lete hain... waisa bhi try kar lete hain... Then, it's only over a period of time that you discover yourself as an actor and the person, which I think I have in the last few years. So, I feel comfortable now taking decisions.

You struggled because you were Pankaj Kapoor's son?
Maybe even worse because there were more expectations and I think when you are Pankaj Kapoor's son, everyone's like yaar isko acting toh aani chahiye. I had no advantage of getting a free launch or anything.

You came without a free launch, but were declared a superstar in the making. Unfortunately, you've always been a step or two behind that title...
That's ok, I don't live my life by titles. I feel terrible about the comparisons with everybody because I feel I am really undeserving of being compared to someone like a Shah Rukh Khan or Aamir Khan or any of these people who have had such achievements. There's a long way for me to go and I don't want that pressure on me, frankly. Like I said, it's not easy when you don't have anyone backing you.

Even without the backing, have you achieved everything you wanted to by the time you are 30?
I have a lot more than what I had expected. But there's too much more that I need to do and I am ready to work day and night for it. I remember, Will Smith said this one very beautiful sentence, which for me has become my mantra. I was watching his interview sometime after "Hancock", when he was being touted as the biggest star in Hollywood and that's very surprising with actors like Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt around and he said, "You can be better looking than me, you can have a better body that me, you can be a better actor than me but when you run with me on the treadmill, I will outrun you." That was very beautiful, he said that I work harder than anyone else and that's what makes me what I am. That's my mantra – I'm ready to work harder than anyone.

Priyanka Chopra Interview - The toughest Playing was 40

Priyanka Chopra Interview - The toughest Playing was 40: From a 21-year-old to a 65-year-old, Priyanka Chopra portrays almost every crucial stage in a woman’s life in her new thriller “7 Saat Khoon Maaf”. But she says stepping into the shoes of a 40-plus character was the toughest as she couldn’t connect to the age group.

"The 20s was my age, so it was fine and not so difficult; 30s was something I could expect and somehow imagined. The 50s and 60s were still easier to do because you become a lot more older so your body language is like that.

“But the 40s was the middle period, so it was very difficult. You are not very old but you are not very young either. So to get that correctly was a task,” Priyanka, 28, told us.

The film, which will be showcased at Berlinale, is the big screen adaptation of Ruskin Bond’s short story “Susannah’s Seven Husbands”.

When Vishal Bharadwaj, who had earlier adapted “Blue Umbrella” by the grand old “sahib” from Landour in Mussourie, decided to make a movie on it, the author expanded the few-page short tale into an 80-page novella and then into a 200-page full-length Hindi movie script.

“It’s a very entertaining and wicked movie. It’s amusing and not serious. It’s a satire which makes it very interesting,” said the mainstream actress who proved her versatility as a highly ambitious model in issue-based movie “Fashion” and won the National Award for her performance. She was a delight to watch in “Kaminey”.

“7 Saat Khoon Maaf” is slated for a Feb 18 release. This is Priyanka’s second film with Bharadwaj after the 2009 release “Kaminey” and the actress has no qualms in saying that the director knows how to exploit her potential.

“Vishal has always brought out the best in me and this time too he has given me one of the most challenging parts an actor can get. I’m really grateful that he thought I was capable enough to do it and pull it off,” she said.

“There is a lot of responsibility on you when you work with a director like him. He is the kind of person who gives you the scene and says ‘okay, do it now’. No instructions. After I give my first take, he tweeks it a little bit. So the responsibility as an actor is completely on you, which is very scary,” she added.

The film’s promos hit the screens some time back and have created enough curiosity thanks to Priyanka’s sinister look and menacing tone.

The actress says the role demanded a lot from her.

“It was emotionally and physically very draining and I used to take out all my tantrums on Vishal. We used to fight like anything. He used to yell at me and I used to yell back. But then we used to make up,” she said.

The former Miss World jumped on to the Bollywood bandwagon in 2003 with “The Hero: Love Story Of A Spy”. In eight years, she has done commercial as well as author-backed sensitive roles too.

She is happy that people offer her powerful roles.

“The films that come to me are like that. Nobody offers me films where I don’t have a good role. All my films have very power-packed parts for me. I’m grateful that people say that I’m the only one who can do those roles. It’s never been a conscious effort, but obviously if I’m doing a film, I would want a good role in it,” specified Priyanka.

The actress will be seen in a different avatar in Anurag Basu’s “Barfee”, which also stars Ranbir Kapoor.

Aamir Khan feel so proud on her wife Kiran Rao

Aamir Khan feel so proud on her wife Kiran Rao: Tonight, Aamir Khan returned to Toronto where he sat down with CBC’s George Stroumboulopoulos for a one‐on‐one interview. The two discussed everything from Aamir’s latest film Dhobi Ghat to the changing face of Hindi films.

“I fell in love with the script...and I fell in love with her once again.” Aamir said lovingly of his wife Kiran Rao and director of Dhobi Ghat. He went on to talk about the film explaining that he was sucked in from the very first scene. “I feel so proud of Kiran,” he blushingly revealed. If anything is understood about this man, it’s that the mention of his wife brings a smile to his face.

Aamir was very honest on the show, explaining that he not only thinks in English, but he has never read a book in Hindi. He also said that he has a lot of influences in him that are not purely Indian, which happens when growing up in a big city. Much of the interview brought out a very candid Aamir, which we are rarely privileged to see.

When asked about the changing face of Indian cinema, Aamir made it clear that Hindi films are just one facet of Indian cinema, among films made in 22 languages across the country. He also tried to define today’s mainstream cinema. “What is mainstream cinema? No one can define it.” Adding to this, he explained that the young filmmakers of India are making films that are breaking molds. We completely agree. Go see Dhobi Ghat. You’ll agree too.

Kirti Malhotra Interviews: I never thought of acting

Kirti Malhotra Interviews: I never thought of acting: Her three-year long association with the Indian film industry as a costume designer never led her to face the camera, but Kirti Malhotra couldn’t say no when she was handpicked by Kiran Rao to play an important role in her directorial debut “Dhobi Ghat”.

"I never thought of acting. When the question came whether I want to do this film or not, it was clear to me it’s the kind of film I would always go and watch. I think I was really, really lucky in this case. There are newcomers every day in the masala films and you rather be in a film that stands out than be lost in the crowd with all these films,” Kirti told us.

Kirti is not the absolute fresh face as she’s done costume designing for “Sarkar Raaj”, the dream song in “Delhi 6", “Action Replayy” and recently “No Problem”. “The acting kept happening in between. And then there was dubbing, but I continued with my costume designing until last month,” said Kirti.

Kirti has portrayed the character of Yasmin in “Dhobi Ghat”.

Though “Dhobi Ghat” is a film where emotions are expressed more through action, Yasmin has most dialogues in the film, said Kirti.

“Yasmin is one character who has a lot to speak. It’s about her perspective of the city and people and how they have affected her. The whole character graph you get only through her voice,” she said.

Director Kiran Rao also identifies most with Yasmin’s character. Kirti said, “I think Yasmin is her closest character. Other than Munna (Prateek Babbar), which is one author-backed character. She knows Yasmin so well that when we were acting out the scenes, she knew how Yasmin would say a line, how she would look, how she would pause between two sentences. In fact, I didn’t have to do much.”

Apart from Kirti and Prateek, Monica Dogra (Shai) plays an Indian-American banker who is in the city for a photographic expedition.

Aamir Khan, who is producing the film, played the character of Arun, a seclusive modern art painter, but he was yet to come on board when Kirti was selected for the film.

“When I got on to the film, Aamir wasn’t in the film yet. He was, I think, still in the process of convincing Kiran that he can play a role. When I got on to the film it was going to be the small film festival kind of film.

“When Aamir came into the film my reaction was ‘Oh my God, now everyone is going to watch the film’ because immediately your audience space becomes that huge,” said Kirti.

Talking about her experience with Aamir, she said, “Nothing can prepare you best when you are acting in front of Aamir Khan. He is literally an artiste within acting. When we were doing the reading, he acted out his first scene in three different ways, just to give options to Kiran how differently the scene could be done. I felt that my voice even wouldn’t come out while shooting the film.

“He is super intelligent, very sharp, very perceptive; so I think once you get over the fact that superstar Aamir Khan is in front of you and be normal, he is very normal.”

Asked if the feeling of being an actor has sunk in her by now, she said, “Of course in the Toronto International Film Festival I had the whole fairy tale experience. But in the last three weeks, when the promos have started coming out, there are posters around, friends and parents have started talking about it, it has started sinking in.”

Kirti isn’t sure which way her acting career would head after “Dhobi Ghat” is released.

“Since I have been given this opportunity on a golden platter, I want to see how it goes with the reaction of the film, my performance and everything and then I can pursue this. Acting career can go anyway. The kind of film this is it could go to crossover films. I am not too sure about the typical masala film, may be one I have to do in my life,” said Kirti.

Shazahn Padamsee's confidence rise up after work with Ajay Devgan

Shazahn Padamsee's confidence rise up after work with Ajay Devgan: She is a novice; he is a veteran. She is just 22; he is 41. Shazahn Padamsee was apprehensive about matching up her performance with Ajay Devgn, whom she romances in Madhur Bhandarkar's first comedy Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji, but says her "zero confidence" level shot up when he praised her acting skills.

"When I met Ajay sir for the first time...I wasn't nervous, but I was just hoping that there were no complaints. I felt so junior suddenly...and it was like 'My god! I am working with someone so talented!' Shazahn told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

"I just hoped that I could impress him with my talent. So, when at the end of the shoot he came and patted me on the back and said: 'Well Shazahn Padamseedone!', my confidence level went from like zero to 100."

In Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji, Shazahn plays June Pinto, "a happy, bubbly young girl who is child-like, very cute and innocent". The film will release on January 28.

The actress said it was simply "inspiring" to be around Ajay, who has been active in showbiz for the past two decades.

"I remember watching him in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and his performance was so good. He was so awesome in Raajneeti. Ajay sir chooses his films so carefully and all of them are so different, because of which he is among few actors who are not typecast and that's what I love.

"The journey that he has taken in his career is so inspiring because he is not someone who says 'I am an action guy' or 'I am the lover boy', he is someone who does so many different roles. That, for someone new like me, is very inspiring and one feels to be like him," she said.

Shazahn, daughter of noted theatre artiste Alyquee Padamsee and singer Sharon Prabhakar, loved being in Ajay's company not just because she got to learn a lot from him but also due to his sense of humour.

"People think Ajay sir is a very serious kind of person, but he is not so! He is very witty. Many people know that my dad has a very good sense of humour, very tongue-in-cheek, very sarcastic. And I found Ajay sir very similar with the tongue-in-cheek humour.

"I love people who are funny, so I loved being on the sets because he would always keep me in splits," she said.

For a girl as young as her, the box office fate of her debut Hindi film Rocket Singh - Salesman Of The Year, in which she had a blink-and-you-miss role, could have shaken her confidence. But Shazahn has no regrets.

In fact, she is more than happy that she has got the chance to work with formidable names like Ajay and Bhandarkar so early in her Bollywood career.

"I think if I wouldn't have done Rocket Singh, I wouldn't have got Dil Toh.... In life, everything happens for a reason. I don't believe in living with regrets, it's quite a waste of time. I am a super-optimistic person and very positive. It was my first film; so it will always remain special.

"Butm, of course, Dil Toh... has been a great learning experience. I just adore Madhur sir. For a newcomer it is very comforting to have someone who believes in you - and it was very satisfying to know that Madhur sir, who is such a big name in the industry, believed in me. He was confident that I have the potential to do a role opposite someone as big as Ajay Devgn in his film," she added.

Kiran Rao interview: Aamir do not take bath regularly

Kiran Rao interview: Aamir do not take bath regularly: Now that's a disadvantage of having a celebrity wife. Dhobi Ghat director Kiran Rao leaked Aamir Khan's best kept secret in one of the interviews.

In an interview to Live India, Kiran Rao said, “The one thing that I don’t like about him is the fact that he doesn’t take a bath. And trust me when I say this that his bathing habits are not very regular.” To this the actor jumped in to his rescue and said, “I do take bath when I go out for work.

And considering most of the time I step out for work, I take bath most of the time. It is only when I am not stepping out or when I am on a holiday when I don’t take a bath.”

But Kiran is relieved with the fact that she has someone in the house that she can count on to understand her in and out. “We are really happy together. We are both strong minded people but till now we haven’t faced any problem and it has been six years so far. We are more of friends, so we collaborate our ideas. There are no ego clashes; in fact it is purely enriching to be with each other.”

Kiran Rao admits that she puts across certain points firmly when she's directing a movie, and Aamir is acting. “I do tell him that I am doing a certain thing because I am the director of the movie.” To this Aamir added smiling, “And I give her a suggesting and say that I am the actor of the movie.”

When quizzed about the recent patch-up wave in the industry (SRK and Farah patching up), this is what the couple had to say. “See I don’t have any grudges against anyone in the industry. So I really don’t want to comment,” says Aamir. Adding final twist to the tale was Kiran’s answer to the same question, “I am so new to the industry that I am really no one to comment on this. But I must confess that sometimes what SRK says makes no sense to me.”

Katrina Kaif Interview: I will not happy if i am not married in five years!

Katrina Kaif Interview: I will not happy if i am not married in five years!:
A lot of people are comparing Sheila Ki Jawani to Munni Badnaam Hui – what is one thing that Sheila has that Munni doesn’t, and vice versa?
I have no idea and it’s not really my job to compare and analyse the differences and similarities between the songs. Malaika has done a fabulous job and Dabangg was a great movie. I, on the other hand, have done the best I could in Sheila Ki Jawani. As long as people love them both, I am happy.

Do you feel the media is unfair to you?
Not at all. The media has played a huge role in the recognition I get and has helped me become the person I am today.

I attribute my fan base and other accolades like ‘the most searched person on Google’ to the media. If they speculate and print what they do, it is because it is their job! It’s been done to everyone, right from Marilyn Monroe to others… so why blame them really?

Why did you choose 2012 for marriage...
One morning, I just said, “Who knows?” It could happen in two weeks if I meet the right person. If I am not married in five years, I will be very sad. Everyone wants a companion in life – I have worked very hard from a young age and find that the harder I work, the more I crave that stable home, with a partner. Unfortunately, my family lives outside India and I miss them … well, all I can do is hope that marriage, love and happiness comes to me at the right time, in the form of the right man.

Ranbir Kapoor-Imran Khan-Ranveer Singh now in Akshay's favorite list

Ranbir Kapoor-Imran Khan-Ranveer Singh now in Akshay's favorite list: After completing two successful decades in the Hindi film industry, Akshay Kumar is now definitely into the senior bracket and is counted amongst the top stars of Bollywood, despite the recent setbacks. The actor picked his favourite new generation of actors who he feels come closest to him.

The first name that Akshay chooses does not spring a surprise. It is Ranbir Kapoor, who Akshay feels is doing a fine job. Ranbir is not just a future super star but with super hit films like AJAB PREM KI GHAZAB KAHANI and RAJNEETI, he is already a force to reckon with and amongst the top five actors of Bollywood.

Then Akki picks up Imran Khan who has already made his presence felt in the industry with hits like JAANE TU...YA JAANE NA and the runaway success I HATE LUV STORYS and is certainly counted amongst the most promising future stars of Bollywood.

The third and last name does surprise and in fact we are sure that the newest entrant in Bollywood, Ranveer Singh, who made such a terrific debut via BAND BAAJA BAARAAT will be thrilled to bits when he comes to know that Akshay finds him very good and is amongst his choice of promising talents.

Subhash K Jha talking about 'Tees Maar Khan' Movie

Subhash K Jha talking about 'Tees Maar Khan' Movie: You have to hand it to Farah Khan. The zany spirit never leaves her side. Tees Maar Khan (TMK) is a goofy oddball of a film, replete with the most outrageous takeoffs on the dreaded Hindi Film 'formula' seen in recent times.

The film, we understand, is inspired by a 1966 Peter Sellers comedy After The Fox. But the foxiness of this feisty farce comes entirely from Farah Khan's own sensibilities as a storyteller.

The laughter never deserts the belly of the plot. In TMK, she pulls out all stops to tell a tale that never grows pale under the gaze of the camera.

The plot is the kind of kinky concoction that one associates with the literature of P.G Wodehouse and the drama of Sheridan. As hard to put down on paper as it is to pin down on camera, Farah Khan manages to just about hold the myriad madcap characters into a firm comic grip. The clasp of the comic is strong and engaging.

The grin ever slips off. The spirit of a spoofy satirical homage to the larger-than-life hero-giri of the Formula Fillum never slips up. Yes, some parts of the takeoff refuses to take off. At times the storytelling becomes a casualty of its own parodic intentions. You never know when the narration slips into a parody of its own parody. That, you realize, is a part of this film's chirpychalu charm.

The energy-driven narrative propels the parody from one gag to another. The gasbag narration is never short of tricks to seduce us into a state of helpless laughter.

When the dialogues fail to lift the satire(and this fuel-shortage happens frequently), Akshay Kumar steps in to do his number. No stranger to comedy, Akshay turns in one of his zaniest performances since Priyadarshan's Hera Pheri. To say his comic timing is impeccable would be stating the obvious. Akshay just blends into the no-man's-land ambience of the film with unquestioning sincerity.

Tees Maar Khan Akshaye Khanna as the Oscar-crazy superstar comes up with a comically compelling performance. We've never seen him having so much fun before. Maybe it's the company he 'quips'. Katrina Kaif's airheaded eyelash-batting makeup-splashing item-girl act gets its rippling rhythms from her lately-honed comic aptitudes. Her 'Sheila Ki Jawani' item number which was the film's selling-point before release is performed with a gusto and elegance that could have easily overpowered the film. Happily TMK manages to hold its own right up to the crazy chaotic finale.

The plot is crammed full with empty-headed and moronic characters. Farah Khan's vibrant vision encompasses the entire gamut of giggles chuckles and guffaws in one swift confident sweep. You are hooked from the word go.

The supporting actors too furnish the hectic hilarity with enormous zaniness.Particularly notable are Aarya Babbar (fully in form as a boorish slightly dimwitted cop), Apara Mehta(endearingly nutty as Akshay's filmy mother) and Ali Asgar(as one of Akshay's sidekicks).

Tees Maar Khan is a kind of subverted homage to the cinema of Manmohan Desai. There are no lost-and-found kids in this 'ever-grin' film. But there's plenty of that spirit of daring destiny to do what it can.

Yup, MKD would've smiled on watching this one. Go for Tees Maar Khan. Ignore all the negative comments you've been hearing about. It's great unpretentious fun. To actually put so many IQ-challenged characters into an intelligent piece of comedy couldn't be easy.

So who said being the new-age Manmohan Desai was easy?

Akshay shares titbits about 'Kat' from behind the scenes of TMK

Akshay shares titbits about 'Kat' from behind the scenes of TMK: Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif return again to the big screen this Friday with Farah Khan’s much-awaited film Tees Maar Khan. As expected, the duo had a lot of fun while shooting the film.

During the shoot of the song ‘Bade Dilwala’, a funny incident happened when Katrina accidentally hit Akshay.

“We were shooting for the song Bade dilwala and Katrina got so involved in her dance that she actually hit me hard with her elbow. The impact was such that the shooting had to be stalled for two hours,” Akshay told reporters while promoting the film in New Delhi. He was accompanied with Katrina and Farah Khan.

When asked if he isn’t worried about being typecast as a comedy hero, Akshay said he did comedies because that what audiences want to see.

“I don't think I have lowered down my experimentation level as I am only doing what the audience wants. Audience today only want full entertainment which can be provided only through comedy,” Akshay said.

To everyone’s delight Akshay and Katrina also danced to the tune of ‘Sheila Ki Jawani’ at the promotional event.

“When we shoot for any song, there are often many cuts but I enjoy performing in front of live audiences because the response makes me feel good,” Akshay said after the dance.

Katrina too talked about her raunchy song in the film.

“Sheila is a character which will always remain close to my heart as compared to my earlier roles,” she said.

Rani Mukherjee talks about her role in 'No One Killed Jessica'

Rani Mukherjee talks about her role in 'No One Killed Jessica': Rani Mukherjee is coming back with a bang. After a slew of weepy roles, the actress steps into the shoes of a fiery, foul-mouthed crime reporter in No One Killed Jessica which is slated to release on January 7.

The 32-year-old actress said that by playing the role of crime reporter she realized how difficult and risky is the job.

“Through my character in the film I am sure people will respect and salute them for the kind of job they do. It is very fascinating profession where the basic job requirement is to be fearless and brave. I feel great that I am portraying the role of a crime reporter,” Rani is quoted as saying by a news agency.

Stressing on the risk faced by crime reporters, Rani added: “When we see crime reporters on TV we do not understand how difficult and risky their work is. I think in a day-to-day life, crime reporting is more risky as they are unaware of what assignment they would go for. They go to weird and dangerous places. Especially for girls it is tougher.”

The film, directed by Rajkumar Gupta, is based on the murder of model Jessica Lall in 1999 by Manu Sharma, son of a Haryana politician, in a Delhi night club. It has Vidya Balan playing Jessica's sister Sabrina, who fought the case to get justice and Rani plays a journalist in the movie.

“The very fact that I am playing a journalist in the film is also one of the reasons why I am part of it. It is the first time that media is shown in a powerful light in the movie,” Rani said.

Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif and Farah Khan's exclusive Interview

Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif and Farah Khan's exclusive Interview: Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif and Farah Khan flew into London this week to promote TEES MAAR KHAN. From 'Sheila Ki Jawani' to Shah Rukh Khan's casting controversies, the film consistently generated column inches. Our correspondent went head-to-head with the director and stars of the movie, to talk about the production. Trade analysts are predicting it will be the biggest Bollywood grosser of 2010.

What is the USP of this film?
Akshay: The USP of TEES MAAR KHAN is the kind of role that I have been offered in the movie. Also, that I am working with Farah for the first time. On top of that we have 'Sheila Ki Jawani'.

Can you confirm the rumours that the project was first offered to Shah Rukh Khan?
Farah: When it was decided that I was going to direct the film the first person I called was Akshay and he was the only choice. Akshay was fabulous to work with. As a star to have in your film, he is bang on with time. If you want him there at 6am he will be there at 5.30am. He brings 200% and gives everything to the shot. Other than that, he improvises and will give you two or three variations of how to do it.

How did you decide on the casting of Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif?
Farah: For me, it was the first time I was working with Akshay and Katrina both. For a long time I resisted bringing the two of them together as I thought they had been together in too many movies. But I think we have presented them in a very different way, both of them are not doing anything we have seen before, and they look like different actors. When they come together their chemistry is so special, and when the camera goes on, magic happens. You cannot explain two people's chemistry, but for them it is there in abundance. They are also both tall, good looking and they complement each other physically.

What was it like working with Farah?
Katrina: There are a few directors who you want to work with on the basis of their talent and their reputation. In this film it was definitely a case of that with Farah. Luckily for me there were a lot of things that I found challenging in this film, obviously the songs and the level of the dancing expected.

Akshay: She is a very strict director, and if she was only allowed to have a cane in her hands. She loves beating up people.

And working with each other again?
Katrina: (Laughs) I had to be brought to set screaming and kicking.

Did you realize 'Sheila Ki Jawani' would be such a hit?
Katrina: I had not worked with Farah for many years, and her songs are always hugely talked about and they have always been a focal point. Especially the songs the girl have done like Sushmita Sen's 'Tumhe Jo Maine Dekha' in MAIN HOON NA and Deepika's [Padukone] introduction song in OM SHANTI OM. All her movies have that one really special song for the girls and I didn't want to let anyone down. I was very nervous about it and put in those hours to make sure I did the best that I could.

Farah: I knew 'Sheela Ki Jawani' would be a big hit. We composed it, constructed it and choreographed it in such a way. But it is incredible that it has gone onto become this kind of a rage, with people watching it a hundred times on YouTube. What is surprising is that little kids are loving it. Maybe it is a children's jingle. When Akshay saw it, he said in small cities they are going to stop the film and replay the song again.

Akshay: It will be fun watching this song in the interiors of India. I watch each and every film on the theatre, and when I am shooting in the interiors I love to watch films and literally they throw money at such kind of songs.

Farah: And this time I am going to be there right in front to pick up all the money.

How do you feel about the battle that has developed between Munni vs Sheila?
Katrina: I don't think we ever realized it, as when we were shooting the song, DABANGG had not yet released. I don't think Farah and I want to compare or fight or anything like that. It is about doing the best that I can do for this song. In my opinion, it is very different to the songs in DABANGG, which coincidentally Farah has done anyway.

How did Salman Khan come onboard for the project?
Farah: I asked Salman Khan to do a song for our movie as there were rumours already that he was in it. I asked him if he would do it and he agreed. It was as simple as that.

Does the movie show off your comic actor or action hero skills?
Akshay: Well there is not much action in this film. It is more comic, because the way the character is written, if there is any action he doesn't want to fight he just wants to run away, and will come back when there are less people and he can handle then very easily. So the character is like that.

Why is the film releasing earlier in the international market?
Farah: In the UK and US we are releasing earlier because the holidays begin on 22nd, so we get a really long weekend. We want to get the advantage of a bigger opening weekend and we get a five-day weekend this way. In the Middle East we release 23rd because all films release on a Thursday over there.

Monikangana Dutta: I have a boyfriend already!

Monikangana Dutta

Monikangana Dutta: I have a boyfriend already!: The Guzaarish debutante Monikangana Dutta finds it a bit hard to stomach the rumours linking her with co-stars Hrithik Roshan and Aditya Roy Kapoor because she is already dating someone.

"Thank you, I have a boyfriend already," Moni is quoted as saying. Though she hasn’t revealed his name, she does make it clear that she wouldn’t date anyone from her professional line and also that she can never marry an actor. So, who is that lucky fellow whom this lithe lass is dating? He is an entrepreneur, says Moni.

The model plays Hrithik’s beautiful ex lover and assistant in Guzaarish. Moni says she never faced any problem on the sets. Her co-star Hrithik was not only supportive but also helped her during the shoots as the model was new to working in a movie set-up, and she thinks herself lucky because she found Hrithik to be as handsome and gallant as she had imagined him.

Moni is just speaking her mind about Hrithik, so no rumours please!