“I wouldn’t be a strict mom”

Kareena Kapoor plays the ‘stepmom’ character in ‘We Are Family’. And it’s a role she’s unofficially playing in real-life too. Kareena’s man Saif has two kids, Sara and Ibrahim, with ex-wife Amrita Singh. And we guess the actress speaks from experience when she gets talking about ‘the need to understand, love and respect’ for both stepmums and stepkids.

Her answer is cautious when we ask her what kind of mom she’d make in real life but her striking confidence gives us a feeling she’ll be fine when the time comes. No false modesty for Bebo, who proudly says she’s the only who could have played Julia Roberts’ part in the B’wood version of ‘Stepmom’. And we love the tossed-off way in which Kareena says she doesn't really see any competition for herself in the ad world. Here’s more with the very candid hottie.

What kind of mom do you think you’d be in real life?
It’s difficult to say. I don’t think one can say without being a mom in real life. And I haven’t thought about this much. But I don’t think I’d be a strict mom, more the pampering kind. That’s how I am with my niece and nephew (Karisma Kapoor’s kids Samaira and Kiaan). I get to spend such little time with them because of work, so I just can’t be strict.

What advice would you give to someone who’s going to be a stepmom?
I think there’s nothing wrong with the term. You need to understand, love and respect the children. There’s adjustment involved of course. A lot of perceptions of a stepmom have changed now, and with ‘We Are Family’, we’re going to change them a lot more.

What’s Kajol like as a co-star? Was it any different working with her all these years after ‘Kabhie Khushi Kabhie Gham’?
Kajol is absolutely amazing. She’s the most exceptional person I know. We got along, we gave each other space, and when we were not together we ended up really missing one another. You know when Karan (Johar) started this movie, he told us that Kajol and I were the only actresses he could imagine in the roles played by Susan Sarandon and Julia Roberts in the original ‘Stepmom’. That was such a compliment to both of us.

Your other co-star from ‘We Are Family’ Arjun Rampal has called you the Tendulkar of Bollywood. What do you have to say about that?
Arjun just likes me and cricket too. So he put us together! (Laughs). It’s a wonderful compliment. And I’m lucky to work with him. It’s great to see that he has come into his own as an actor, his metamorphosis. He’s a true star now.

You’re the most in-demand actress in the ad world for this year. Do you see any other actresses as competition there?
Not really. I think everyone’s doing an equal amount of work. If there are three shampoos out there, they’ll have three different actresses in the ads. The brands I am endorsing, Vaio among them, are international brands with international teams and concepts.

You’ll be working with Imran Khan soon. Any other actors from the newer lot you want to act with?
Well, there’s Ranbir but we’re brother and sister so we can’t be cast together as hero and heroine.

What if you and Ranbir were cast as brother and sister?
Someone has to write such a script!

Have you seen Imran and Ranbir’s recent movies?
No, but I’ve heard good things about ‘I Hate Luv Storys’ and ‘Raajneeti’. Actually, I don’t watch too many movies. The last one I saw was ‘3 Idiots’. I’ve got very little free time, so when I do I’d rather spend it with family and friends, instead of watching a movie. I’ve shot five films in the last one year, so that hasn’t left me free for much else. But I do take time out to travel, which is my passion.

Where did you last travel to?
Switzerland (Saif and Kareena spent his 40th birthday there). I just got back this morning. We make it a point to visit Switzerland at least three times a year. Basically, we love Europe, we’re big fans! It’s so hot in our country most of the time. So Paris and London are always great.

Aamir Khan talks insecurities, hopes and ‘Peepli Live’ dreams

When Aamir Khan enters the room at the Park Hyatt where we’re to interview him, he does so very quietly. He introduces himself and settles down on the sofa. At this point, he seems just like a regular guy. Then Aamir starts to re-touch his make-up. Ah, the star emerges! A star who’s openly nervous about producing an unconventional film with no big stars. It’s plain to see how much Aamir cares about his home production ‘Peepli Live’, a satire on society woven around farmer suicides, that he’s in the city to promote.

It’s also plain to see that he won’t answer a question specifically if he doesn’t really want to. He’ll just smile and say, “I feel awkward talking about that.” Now, don’t go thinking we asked him something offensive! That was actually his reply when we asked him what was the most touching fan experience he’d had! Aamir seems the serious, somewhat reserved sort. The kind of person who prefers reading books to magazines (Yes, he told us so). So we ask him what he’s reading at the moment and he tells us it’s a thriller he bought at New York Duty Free, though he can’t remember the name just then. We’ll put down that memory lapse to the hectic promotional travelling he’s been doing. Meanwhile, here’s the man on himself and what’s driving him right now.

Who is the real Aamir Khan? How would you describe yourself?

I don’t do that actually. I am what I am, it’s for people to decide what they think of me. First of all I see myself as a human being. Then I am a creative person, and as a creative person I work as an actor sometimes, as a director sometimes. I am all of these things. And I am just an average guy with my hopes and fears, insecurities and strengths and weaknesses like everyone else.

We’ve read on your blog that you’ve lost your appetite and sleep as Peepli Live’s release nears. Does this happen to you before every movie of yours or just this one?

(Smiles) That happens to me pretty much for every movie. When a film comes close to release, I get nervous about how people will react to it. I wonder whether the efforts and emotions of the entire team that has made the film, me included, will engage and entertain people; if it will connect with them.

You’ve talked about ‘Peepli Live’ being particularly tough because the movie doesn’t have any big stars. Did you ever think about acting in it yourself?

Very early on Anusha (Peepli Live’s director) and Mahmood (the casting director) and I discussed whether I should play Natha, who is the central character of the film. It was a great part. But for me to pull off Natha I would have had to go through a major physical transformation. I would have done it too if I were playing the part. We thought that we should do a screen test to see if at all I was suitable for the role. So we were flirting with that idea for a bit. Then they found Omkar (who plays Natha in the movie) when they were testing for some other part. And they really liked him. They showed his test to me and I agreed with them completely that we had found our Natha. After that, there was no point of me testing anymore.

When an unconventional script like this comes your way, do you think about the commercial aspects?

I don’t think about the commercial aspects when I decide to do it. My excitement about doing something is based purely on my reaction to the material. Once I’ve decided to do it then I look at the practical side. The film should work, economically it should be viable, and the people investing the money shouldn’t lose out. All these practical points come later.

You said in a recent interview that you only like your own movies because they’re universal.

(Looks surprised) I’ve never said that! But you're the second person to tell me about this interview. I’d like to look this up. I’ve never said that, it’s an inaccurate statement. Please clear the air. Actually when I watch my movies I always feel like I could have done better. Some of my films do have a universal theme, that’s true. And I do feel that less and less films are being made which are universally appealing to audiences across the country, people who live in smaller towns, villages, and cities. India is such a large country with people from so many different cultural and economic backgrounds living together. At one time there were many films being made which were viewed universally, I think less and less of those films are being made today. But no, not all my movies are universal either.

Having said that, has there been a role in recent times that you wish had come your way?

I don’t look at things that way. Occasionally I’ve felt that way but I can’t think of any strong example of late.

What are the projects you’re excited about for the future?

There’s ‘Dhobi Ghaat’, a film that my wife Kiran has written and directed, which I am also acting in. Then there’s ‘Delhi Belly’. It’s too early to talk about them now, we don’t even know when ‘Dhobi Ghaat' is releasing. Probably sometime in January.

Celina in Dubai: “I’m a peaceful rebel!”

Celina Jaitly surprises us the moment we meet her, for two very different reasons. First, we observe that in person she looks young enough to be a schoolgirl. Second, she mentions that Masala! magazine often criticises her style sense. After hearing this, we expect her to follow it up by criticising us. Instead what Celina says is, “I hope I have not offended anyone.”

In the city for Dubai Fashion Fiesta, Celina will be walking the ramp for designer Archana Kochhar’s show later today (July 22). We caught up with the ‘Golmaal Returns’ star earlier at the Hyatt Regency, and got her talking about her Bollywood journey so far, her style faves, and lots more

Do you think you’ve got your due in Bollywood?

(Smiles) You know making it in Bollywood is a continuous process. There have been people who had overnight success and then disappeared. As for me, this November I’ll complete seven years in Bollywood. Before I joined the industry, I had a very different life. The most glamorous thing I did then was go to the Army Club with my parents to play Tambola! Now, I have seven movies lined up for release. I’m here to stay!

What’s your next release going to be?

It’s Subhash Ghai’s ‘Hello Darling’ which takes a comical look at the issues facing Indian women. I’ve always felt that Indian women are multi-tasking machines. They have to look after so many people and do so many things, and this movie traces the journey of such women. I play an Anglo-Indian girl in the film, what people in Mumbai would call ‘Sandra from Bandra’! She supports her boyfriend, is harassed by her boss, and wonders how to change her life. It’s strange because in real life I’m a very strong person.

You’ve always been outspoken about your beliefs. What’s the reaction you get in the industry for this?

I get a lot of silent support. But I’ve lost out with conservative people when it comes to work. That’s what happens when you take a stand. I accept it. Martin Luther King said, “Don’t see the staircase, just see the first step.” So I’ve always been a peaceful rebel.

What made you decide to walk the ramp for Archana Kochhar?

I love Archana’s designs! She’s a dear friend and we have very similar tastes. The collection she’s showing at Dubai Fashion Week is inspired by romance and poetry. It makes me feel really beautiful , like a princess. And I do believe that every woman has a right to be a princess!

CELINA'S CHOICE

Style Watch

Celina was wearing an Archana Kochhar design when we met and she said about it, ‘It makes me feel like a schoolgirl, yet very feminine and womanly’. Check out this picture, you can see she looks gorgeous. As the showstopper for Archana at Dubai Fashion Fiesta, Celina is going to be wearing a pink gown with lots of flounce, very Princess-like. Celina told us, “After wearing the dress, I’m going to go looking for Prince Charming!”

Most stylish people in Bollywood

"Rekha. She puts us all to shame with how she looks. I look at her and think, ‘What am I going to do? I am already wilting!’ I think Aishwarya’s very stylish too. Among the men, I’d say Hrithik Roshan and Feroze Khan."

Fave Dubai hangouts

"I’ve got my maasi and mama and cousins and the Jashn store here. So I’ve always had a great time in the city. And there are all the lovely malls. I love Festival City and Dubai Mall, even though I’m ready to faint after shopping because the mall is so huge."

Being a gay icon is flattering: Imran Khan

Imran Khan in a freewheeling chat with TOI talks about men applying make-up in Bollywood, his love for food and more

Next time? Noida!

Imran Khan had a problem on his hands when he came to Delhi recently. He’d posted online that he was going to be in the capital at an event in Vasant Kunj, and that everyone could come and meet him, Sonam Kapoor and Punit Malhotra, his co-star and director from I Hate Luv Storys. He got a reply from someone saying, ‘But I’m in Noida - what do I do?’

In between getting his make-up and hair done, Imran promised that next time, people, he will come to Noida. But since he was stuck in a hotel room with his stylist putting pancake on his face, we were able to pin him down for a chat with her help. Here are some excerpts:

Doesn’t make-up make you uncomfortable?

Discomfort, no - it’s standard part of the thing. I like to keep it as minimal as possible because you can tell when people are wearing make-up on screen.

Even the male actors?

No, but at one time they did because at the time the way the lights were, the film was, the lens was, you needed to cover up a lot more.

And any lip gloss?

No. My lips are too pink already. People see lip gloss on me as it is, so imagine what’d happen if I actually did wear it!

You’ve said you have a near perfect body in IHLS.

No, I don’t. It’s as near as I can get it. When I say near perfect, that’s what I mean - as near to perfect as I could get it at the time. Maybe in two years, I’ll do even better.

Do you work out a lot?

I change depending on what I’m doing. Right now I’m not working out at all. As a result of that, I’ve lost a bit of weight. I lose weight if I don’t work out, I have to do that to maintain size. If I don’t work out, I remain very, very thin.

Lucky!

Not for guys. IHLS, I think, involved doing the toughest workout that I think I’ve done in my life. That was because of two things - one, a scene where I wake up in the morning without a shirt, and the other, a song where my shirt is open and flying back, and I’m singing to the heavens. I wanted to look as near to perfect as I could for those scenes.

If you were a girl, you’d have been exhausted and grumpy all the time ...

I was. I was a very, very grumpy person at that time. I’m big on food ... and at the time, because I was eating utterly tasteless steamed food, I was a very, very grumpy person.

What sort of food are you big on?

Anything. Everything. Absolutely everything. I go nuts on Indian food when I’m in Delhi.

Have you ever gotten mobbed in Delhi?

No, I’m pretty careful with that. It’s gotten a bit hairy at times while shooting, but you have security so they can keep it under control.

You can’t just walk into any place and get something you want?

Nope.

Except a five star ...

Yeah, you have to be smart about it. If it’s a short way, and if you quickly walk through it, by the time people register that it’s you, you’re already gone. You gauge situations, take calculated risks.

It’s never happened that you walked through a street and no one recognised you ...

No, that you really can’t. For a short while, you can avoid being recognised. It’s a strange thing, like a star aura you can turn on and turn off. I can turn it off and for a long time, people will not notice that I’m there. Or you can actually turn it on and - I can walk into a room and people by themselves just turn around and look. It’s a weird thing, if there is such a thing.

Anything you miss because of all this visibility?

I can’t browse anywhere.

Not even in Mumbai, which is supposed to be less star-struck than Delhi?

There’s a limit na. I can’t spend an hour browsing somewhere. I can’t just walk into a place not knowing what I want and just look at stuff. Everything needs to be a tactical mission - I need to know what I want, so I’ll pull up, I know where my entry point is, my exit point, and my car will be ready and I’ll get into it and be gone.

When we asked Sonam about you ragging her about appearing in those ‘deadly numbers’, she was very surprised, and said that Avantika (Imran’s fiancé) is a pretty cool dresser. Have they met?

Yeah, of course they’ve met. Avantika was there during the shoot in New Zealand.

You like to have her come along when you’re shooting?

Yeah, otherwise it gets very lonely.

Co-actors, directors - they’re not company?

How much company... At some point, you want someone from home - friends, family. If you’re a heroine, you get your mummy along, I can’t do that because it would be weird.

Does your mum also think it’d be weird?

Yeah, it’d be pretty weird.

You’re not very big on talking about Avantika now, are you?

I feel there’s not much left to talk about. It was such a grand topic during the promotions of Jaane Tu ... that now I don’t know what’s left to say. People say, so you’re very open about your relationship. Yes, I am. Ab kya?

But why did you decide to talk about it right from the beginning?

It’s easier than hiding it. Really, if you’re trying to lie or hide something, everyone knows what’s actually going on.

Isn’t she bugged that the whole country knows?

Umm ... er ... she’s never brought that up. I don’t think it bothers her, I’d imagine she’d have told me if it did. Some things you just take as it is. It’s not like we’re hiding from our families.

How did she take the gay icon thing? How did you take the gay icon thing?

It’s flattering, but it’s not a big deal. As an actor, you want people to like you. It’s not like, oh my God, suddenly I have gay fans. That means I have fans, no? It doesn’t make me uncomfortable or anything.

Like having a votebank - and you couldn’t care less who it is ...

It’s not that you couldn’t care less, you just don’t differentiate. When you have fans, you respect and appreciate them, but you don’t differentiate. It’s not like arrey, now I have fans in China, now I’ve arrived!

But it must be a little different having gay fans and being a huge hit in China. Yeah, I think it translates into more tickets sold (laughs).

It was that one particular photo that did it, right?

Yeah, the one with me lying on my stomach. The entire idea with this photoshoot was to push that look a bit, because that ties into what my character and the film is.

How does it tie in with a sarcastic cynic who doesn’t believe in love?

It’s the sexy look. He’s a womaniser, a player. He’s the guy who believes in sex, not love.

You play a womaniser? Was it aspirational for you - I’d like to play a womaniser someday?

I thoroughly enjoyed it. I think it might be aspirational for a lot of guys, a lot of guys are gonna watch it and - in the first half - go ‘yes, that’s the way it is!’ It’s probably not a good thing to be in real life, though.

Big B wants Aamir to direct him in a movie

Lately he has been interacting a lot with Bollywood perfectionist Aamir Khan and even convinced him to join Twitter. Megastar Amitabh Bachchan admits it would be nice to work with the talented actor, but there is no project in the pipeline yet.

"Why would you assume that when two actors meet and have dinner together they would be doing a project together? Aamir was in the same hotel as me. He called, we met and went out for a meal. Just another social evening, nothing more," Big B, who recently dined with Aamir in London, said in an interview.

"Working with Aamir would be a joy, particularly if he were to direct the film," added the megastar who is unperturbed by the negative feedback of his son Abhishek's recently-released ‘Raavan’.

"People pay to go and see a film. If they do not like something, they have the liberty to criticise it... It's filmmaking. Happens the world over. One accepts the public verdict, learns from it and tries again," he said.

Excerpts from an interview:

Q: You have started signing films after a long gap. Please describe the projects.

A: Yes, I had not signed a film for a while. There had been an accumulation of five films one after the other, due to the multiplex strike. All of them have released, barring one. I have signed up with Raj Kumar Santoshi. There are projects on the verge of finalisation with Pritish Nandy Communications, Prakash Jha, Puri Jagannath, Abbas Mustan and of course R. Balakrishnan.

Q: In London, you had dinner with Aamir Khan. Any projects with him?

A: Why would you assume that when two actors meet and have dinner together they would be doing a project together? Aamir was in the same hotel as me. He called, we met and went out for a meal. Just another social evening, nothing more. Though working with Aamir would be a joy, particularly if he were to direct the film.

Q: Any projects featuring you and Abhishek?

A: I hope there will be. There are talks in progress; when they are ready we can talk about it.

Q: Does the criticism Abhishek's solo films ‘Delhi 6’ and now ‘Raavan’ strike you as being unjust to him?

A: No not all. People pay to go and see a film. If they do not like something, they have the liberty to criticise it. I cannot understand why you particularly mention 'solo'. None of my successful films 'Deewar', 'Trishul', 'Muqaddar Ka Sikandar', 'Sholay', etc were solo. Abhishek too has had his share of solo successes and non-successes. Some work, some do not. It's filmmaking. Happens the world over. One accepts the public verdict, learns from it and tries again.

Q: I remember your emphatic support of ‘Guru’. Do you feel as strongly about ‘Raavan’?

A: Yes, but in different ways. ‘Guru’ was straight storytelling and Mani's brilliance in its presentation was very clear to observe. ‘Raavan’ is asking me to study and think and analyse and probe. It's taken a while to comprehend, so it is not immediate. It is driving me to intellectualise something that most viewers are not prepared for when they go to see a film...

Q: Ratnam and Abhishek have worked thrice together and it's about time you got a chance to work with him. Is a film with Mani round the corner?

A: I wish it was true, but there is no such offering. Could you put in a word for me?

Q: I can't help asking...you're tweeting and blogging. Do these means of communication make the press redundant for you?

A: How could you possibly ask this question at the end of this most exhaustive response of mine to the press! No, the media will never be redundant. Yes, I blog and tweet and Vog and soon shall also video blog, but the press shall always have its presence and importance. For me, these mediums are a wonderful opportunity to connect with my fans and well-wishers independently and instantly.

The internet is becoming a vast medium for the future. Most of the requests for interviews have also reduced because the media picks up all the daily news from our blogs and tweets. Look at the vast amount of information that these mediums provide on individuals you would perhaps have never had the opportunity to interact with. It should be allowed to grow and prosper, its use and misuse notwithstanding.

“I’m very passionate in love”

Hrithik shares on-screen chemistry secrets, dancing tips, and more...

It’s my first time interviewing Hrithik Roshan, and I expect the star to be, well, star-like. And sure enough, when he enters the lobby of the Grosvenor House where we’re meeting, he’s wearing a star staple – dark sunglasses. But then he does something surprising; he takes the sunnies off (revealing those gorgeous light eyes), says “Hello” with an oh-so-warm smile, and proceeds to speak with so much genuine humility that we’re quite blown away. We asked Hrithik if he’s had any weird experiences with crazy fans, and he looks mildly upset. “There are no weird fan experiences. I see every fan interaction as a huge compliment. The smiles and love that I get from people are what make everything worth it.” So what else makes Hrithik Roshan tick? Read on to find out.

How close is the character you play in ‘Kites’ (of a dance teacher) to you in real-life?

Any creative exercise has to be a reflection of you. It’s how you interpret it. There’s a lot of me in the character I play in ‘Kites’. He’s very passionate in love and so am I.

You’re an amazing dancer. What’s your tip for someone who wants to dance as well as you do?

Just listen to the music and let yourself go. Unless you’re a professional dancer, dancing is not about looking good. It’s about enjoying yourself, about expressing yourself in the moment. The way I see it, there’s no such thing as a non-dancer. I think everyone can dance. You might think you look as foolish as a monkey while dancing, but if you’re enjoying yourself, I’ll be cheering for you.

You and Barbari Mori look great together in the ‘Kites’ promos. What do you think is the secret to great on-screen chemistry?

In ‘Kites’, it’s due to the brief of Anurag Basu (the director of ‘Kites’). He's a sensitive person who's making a very honest film. Also, Barbara comes from a world of spontaneity. She lets her spirit fly. Even Kangana (Ranaut), who’s in the movie, is a mountain girl. She has a sense of abandon and freedom about her. Barbara has a similar approach. I’ve been lucky to have their influence.

Your fans in Dubai were expecting to see you at the Zee Dubai Mega Mela on Thursday (April 1). Why weren't you able to make it on the day?

There was a miscommunication. As far as I knew I was going to be at the Mela on Friday (April 2) and Saturday (April 3). I was at the Mela yesterday and I will be there today.

You’ve had to put on weight and lose it for ‘Guzaarish’, and you’ve also talked about the many injuries you’ve sustained over the years. With all this, do you feel insecure about your body?

Not insecure, but I am aware that it has taken a lot of beating. My body has been really bruised and battered. So I am conscious that I have to be careful. My boys Hrehaan and Hridaan are two and four now. I want to be able to play football with them when they’re 16.

Do your kids watch your movies? Are they aware of what you do?

Hridaan is too young, but Hrehaan is becoming aware that his dad is different from other dads, that he seems more important than other dads. You know he has a Krrish doll that he plays with. I find that weird, my son playing with a doll of me! Sometimes, when I’m injured or tired and lying in bed, he looks at me almost suspiciously, and asks, “You are Krrish Daddy, aren’t you?” (Laughs)

You’ve just made your singing debut in ‘Kites’. In the future, do you see yourself writing and directing like your dad Rakesh Roshan?

No, I don’t. It takes a lot to be a director. I don’t have that kind of talent. You have to be a leader. There are so many things you have to do, from conceiving the project to inspiring it. Being an actor there’s more personal space. But I might change my mind. Never say never!

Ranbir Kapoor: I hate birthdays!

Says a 27-today Ranbir Kapoor. He feels b'days are overrated but cuts cakes and has havan at home to bring in the day, nevertheless

Ranbir Kapoor doesn't like celebrating his birthdays. Today he will spend his janamdin with close friends, family and of course girlfriend Deepika Padukone at his Bandra bungalow. As he turns 27, Ranbir chats about himself, his life, and his Friday release Wake Up Sid. Read on...

What's your mood like on this birthday?
I'm nervous because Wake Up Sid is releasing this week.

Are you like Sid -- do you hate waking up early?
No. Actually I am the antithesis of Sid in many ways. I like waking up in the mornings and especially when I am shooting I can even get up at 3 am. I am not lazy or aimless like Sid. I know what I want in life.

So today did wake up early?
No way! On my b'days, I like waking up late.

And how do you plan to celebrate it?
I hate birthdays! I think they are very over-rated and a day when everyone is trying to make you feel special. I don't like doing anything on my birthdays. Last night my parents (Rishi and Neetu Kapoor) and sister (Riddhima) went out for a family dinner and my birthday in. Though I am not too fond of it I always cut cakes on my birthday. Today we will have a havan at home and later my friends will drop in to wish me just another day.

Do you want any special birthday gift this year?
I would only wish that the audience come and watch Wake Up Sid. I want to tell them it's a good film. There was something very special about the script, the character Sid and my director Ayan Mukerji. I loved the script as I found he had really something to say through his story. He's one of my closest friends today. I appreciate his vision.

Best wishes
Karan Johar: I wish Ranbir luck, love and happiness on his birthday. I plead to the nation to wake up on Friday and go watch Wake Up Sid. I think Ranbir is totally Sid - he was born to play the character. It's in his DNA and body language.

Ayaan Mukerji: I hope he has a great year ahead. I don't think Ranbir is Sid - he is far more motivated and successful. Sid exists in the moment, and has an appreciation for leisure and knows how to have a good time - which Ranbir does too.

I don't like John too much: Salman Khan

Salman Khan tells Abhijit Majumder he will bid for one of the two new teams and speaks about everything from SRK to Islam.

YOU are there, invisibly pinned to the wall by fear as the massive, bear-like Saint Bernard casually strolls up to you.

"Don't panic, take your fears head on, run into them," advises a grinning Salman Khan, wearing just his blue gym shorts. "Come, let me introduce you to Saint. He's a harmless baby."

For the next hour or so, you have him talking about new films, SRK, Katrina, Islam, close to everything.

He confirmed in this interview at his Bandra Bandstand house on Friday afternoon that he indeed wants to buy an IPL team.

So this is Salman unplugged (just kidding... anybody who has spent some time with him knows an entirely unplugged Salman is too candid, raw and politically outrageous even for our pages). Excerpts of the printable interview:

You haven't had a hit for a while. Does that worry you?
It does bother me like everybody else. But I haven't had too many releases either. With me, there wouldn't be a film for a long time, and then there would be a flurry of them. I just let my films be released whenever they are done. There is no strategy, no game involved.
Also, among many of those that flopped, I had made guest appearances in 10- or 15-minute roles, for a friend, without charging money or anything. But even these films are put on my shoulder.

Are your forthcoming films any different from what you've done so far?
Arey lovely films yaar. These are the ones I have chosen carefully, worked very hard for. The star of the film is the script. Earlier, I would do a film because it's a big banner or name, but many of them didn't do well. Finally, a strong story works. And I have stopped doing films just because somebody has requested me, or is a friend. A large-hearted person is a beokuf, an idiot. Even on planes, they ask you to wear the mask first in case of an emergency before helping others. Till the time you oblige people they'll say Salman is large-hearted etc, the moment you refuse they'll say, Salman badal gaya hain. You get me a good script, I will be a fool not to do it.

What do you think of other stars?
To reach the top, you need to have certain qualities. Aamir is fantastic at his work. Look at how he pulled off an action film, Ghajini. Shah Rukh has the amazing romantic intensity. Amitabh Bachchan is the most professional, most hardworking man even now. Akshay Kumar has tremendous, horse-like focus. Ajay has got his own charm, his own audience. For middle- and lower-middle-class audiences, the only entertainment is cinema. Going to the movies is like a picnic. If we can't entertain them, give them value for their money, shame on us.

Some would say you have been unfair to SRK on the airport controversy. Doesn't racial profiling bother you? Have you never felt that people behaved in a certain manner with you because you are a Muslim?
I don't think Shah Rukh has ever gone through that. He has been politically correct, there are no court cases against him…they still detained him, and he felt humiliated. They were doing their job.

Let me put this directly: what is your problem with the man who lives on the other side of Bandstand? You used to be friends once.
It's just that our thinking doesn't tally. But the world's made of all sorts of people. I did not like what he said once. He respects my family, I respect his. We just don't see eye to eye. Weird things happened one night. It could have been sorted out then and there.
Next morning I came home. But I found that it was blown out of proportion, obviously not from my side.

It was just a joke at a party, wasn't it?
(Looks across, intensely) It was not a joke.
I don't want to talk about it, but as one grows, one becomes magnanimous, more secure…chalo, god has given so much. But not in his case.
I have my family –– my parents, brothers, sisters, everybody. He doesn't have anybody above him. So perhaps it is lack of…guidance perhaps. Or may be some sort of a fear. May be if I were in his place, I would behave exactly like that.

Do you respect Shah Rukh professionally?
He is very effective. Great script sense. He has come up the hard way, from TV. How he has climbed is his problem. But he has climbed a long way up. For me it is not about climbing, it is about growing.

Who are your best friends?
Monish [Behl], but I don't get to meet him often. Sadiq. A couple of my childhood friends have died. Barry, who was in shipping, died in a shipwreck. Dilip was in the US. He died very recently.

Who is the biggest star in Bollywood now?
(Ponders for unusually long) This is the question I want to ask you.

Isn't this your interview?
I want to be really modest here, can't be. It's a difficult question you have asked me and to say the right thing would sound pompous, arrogant. (Ponders again) Chalo I have an answer. Jiski bhi last picture badi hit hain, he's the biggest.
My father says if you want to give your rivals a gift, arrive late for a shoot, sign the wrong films, get drunk, get into trouble…

You have given them quite a few gifts in that case…
(Laughs out loud) Quite a few. But Sanju has given more such gifts than me. If he hadn't, nobody could have dislodged Sanju from the top position. He's a man's man and a ladies' man.

Don't you feel Amitabh Bachchan can still give the big four – you, SRK, Aamir, Akshay Kumar – a run for your money?
He has been there for such a long time, the respect if definitely there as an actor. He was the biggest star there was ever…ever. Among his contemporaries, Dharamji is not interested, VK sir [Vinod Khanna] would do a film once in a while. But Amitji has the passion to go on and on.
Now, we don't have anybody who can play father or god (in God Tussi Great Ho) better than Amitji. Even though Jackie is playing father, he can't do it like Amitji; Jackie is far too young.

Has Salman Khan mellowed down from the wild brat who allegedly had brawls over girlfriends, hunted wildlife and ran over people with his car, to being more of a thinking man?
Nothing has changed.

Are you still as impulsive?
I'm the same guy. Being at the wrong place at the wrong time was part of my destiny. And from there media taking it to a different, negative level was my destiny too, so was going to jail.

Would you still react if somebody bad-mouthed a friend in front of you?
Yes. But I'd ask my friends not to react if somebody bad-mouthed me in front of them.

Have you got more love from your audiences than your contemporaries?
There's no comparison. If people had seen an Aamir or Shah Rukh go through what I went through, they'd have given them far more affection. People have seen me as a real person. For them, Salman 'apna bachcha hain, apna bhai hain'. Also, over time, start doing away with your insecurities, start getting more and more magnanimous, and you will get love.

There are fatwahs against you celebrating Ganpati in your house. Haven't you ever worried that it might alienate thousands of your Muslim fans?
First came human and then came religion. Muslims don't like bad Muslims; Hindus don't like bad Hindus. Fatwa is an opinion. Nobody is allowed to issue fatwas. The relationship is between me, the banda, and god.

Are you buying an IPL team?
Yes, I want to buy an IPL team. I am interested. So is Lalit. He and I have discussed this. It is a long process, involves bidding and all that.

Which team do you want to buy? Kolkata Knight Riders?
No no. I want to buy one of the two new teams that they are going to introduce. People think I want to buy a team because of an ego hassle with Shah Rukh. Suniel [Shetty] put it very well the other day…he said I don't think somebody will put hundreds of crores for an ego hassle.

You like cricket?
My father and brother are crazy about it. I am not that ardent a fan, but once I'm into it, I'll make sure things work.

Is everything fine between Katrina and you?
Ya, ya. Everybody has problems. My parents still have problems, boss. When I get to know that something's not happening, I'll tell you.

Do media reports about closeness between John Abraham and Katrina bother you?
I had asked her to do the film. I don't like him too much. But I asked Katrina to not be influenced by my thinking. He had apparently removed her from a film a long time ago. She was not very comfortable. Right now she is in a position to kick him out. But I told her it is the director's film, she should do it.
Just like with Karan Arjun, Shah Rukh tried to get me out of the film but when we did it, I told him we are now going to play brothers from not one but two births, so let's be like brothers. Ask me for anything.

You are apparently against heroines exposing on screen.
People say I keep on saying 'Don't expose, don't expose.' There's a theory behind this. The audience doesn't want to see you like that. They want you as girlfriend, or want to marry you. They don't want to share you with others.

So your advice doesn't stem from possessiveness?
That also is there. But frankly, exposure doesn't work in this industry. That's why I say, 'Upar se thoda sa upar, neeche se thoda sa neeche.' About clothes, that is.
When the girls come in, the producer or director says, 'iska kapda chhota karo, aur chhota karo.' Then they become established heroines and refuse to bare. And when they are on their way out, they find the younger lot baring, and go back to it. I don't think they should do it.

You still haven't bit the bait, but do you feel marriage still works as an institution?
Of course it does. My parents' marriage has worked beautifully. I would like to get married at some point.

How many kids do you want to have?
I don't know kitne ho sakte hain. Two-three may be.

With whom?
(Laughs) Unless something is confirmed, I can't say anything. If signing a paper means you have married, then sorry I didn't do that. And if signing a divorce paper means you are divorced, sorry I didn't do that either.

What beyond acting?
Being human [his NGO]. There is nothing greater than touching people's lives, addressing their suffering, bringing dignity.

I’m passionate about films: Bips

She’s for real... pulling off glamorous to deglam roles with equal elan. Bipasha Basu in a freewheeling chat.

Do you consider being part of a Rituparno venture an achievement, a milestone or just another film in your careergraph?
All my films are very important. I don’t create a regional or language bias when it comes to work. And it isn’t about arthouse or commercial cinema. I’m passionate about films. Shob Charitro Kalponik is very dear to me because it is a film in my mother tongue. My parents had for long, wanted me to do a Bengali venture and I’m proud of this project. Rituparno is a genius who has extracted the best in me. I am very critical about my work. But I liked what I saw here.

The film was screened at the Panorama section of the Durban Film Festival. In fact, it’s perhaps the first-ever premiere for a Bengali film in the African continent...
I’ve not been part of the festival circuit. It is a zone that I have not experienced. It is Rituparno’s credibility to have pulled it off there. I feel lucky to be a part of this film.

Considering that Rituparno is a National Award-winning film-maker, how hopeful are you of a National Award?
Like I said, I am unaware of the festival circuit. I’ve just been to the Toronto Film Festival. For me though, there’s no such intention attached, whether or not a film will be nominated or win an award, when I take up a project. However, those around me tell me that this film has a possibility of winning such an award. I’m keen to dub for the print that goes for the national selection. My voice would give something more to the character I essay onscreen.

A lot of ink was spent on the dubbing controversy...
Earlier, I was upset that I did not dub the film. I had chased the film long enough. I don’t know why even after discussing with me, someone else dubbed for me. I wasn’t given any reason. When I saw the film, it was difficult to like another voice during the first 10 minutes. But after that, it was the intensity of the film and the
performance that triumphed.

What exactly disturbed you about your dubbed voice?
I have a distinctive voice. And for long, I wanted to do a Bengali film. I CAN speak the language. In fact, I feel, my kind of Bengali is right for the NRI character that I play. What bothered me was that lady’s English. I don’t speak English that way. That’s why, if the film is nominated, I would like to dub for myself. I’ve already told this to Rituda and the producer and they have agreed.

How did your parents react to your performance?
They were happy that I signed the venture. My dad, who doesn’t usually visit my sets, did so here. He loved the way I was dressed up. He has not seen the film yet but my mother and younger sister, who isn’t too much of a film freak, loved it. They also were a bit concerned about the voice. In fact, I’d like to have a personal trial of the subtitle version for my dad, John (Abraham) and my friends.

Seeing you decked up as a bride, did your parents question your marital plans?
My parents trust me. They don’t question me for nothing.

How did John react to your Bengali bride look?
It’s too personal to share.

Would you work with Rituparno again?
For sure, I will. We get along like a house on fire. I was pampered rotten on the sets with a variety of fish that I didn’t have for a long time and sweets. Only this time, I’ll make him and the producer sign that I get to dub my voice (laughs).

Who will be the crowd-puller here — Bipasha doing a Bengali film or Rituparno’s film that features a Bipasha?
Surely Rituparno has made his mark all over. But the Bengalis who like and love me, will certainly come to watch this film.

Finally, what are your Puja plans?
Kono plan nei. Amar chhoto bon London jachhe and I’ll be busy filming. Ekhanei (Mumbai) chhoto kore pujo korbo, ar ki!

Kareena is sweet: Abhishek

Abhishek Bachchan (33) was replaced in films, thrown out of some and suffered the ignonimity of having his films stalled. But he is a survivor. He talks about his journey candidly....

When did you first become aware that you were Amitabh Bachchan’s son?
From as early as I can remember because for us at home it was never like, “I am Amitabh Bachchan’s son”. He was always ‘Pa’ for us. That’s something my mother always made sure of. I was never led to believe that I was the son of this great actor and so I was special.

Did you ever resent being Amitabh Bachchan’s son?
Never never... and I don’t think that will ever happen because I thank god everyday that I have been born into the family that I am born into and that I have the loving parents I have.

Did you ever want to be anything other than an actor?
As a child you have different ambitions everyday. I was no different. But amongst those ambitions, I also wanted to be an actor and acting is the one that stayed with me. As a kid I wanted to be a fireman, astronaut, race car driver, business tycoon. As a kid you are forever dreaming and then I realised that here is a job in which you can be everything at the same time.

What about acting comes easily to you?
I don’t know what comes most easily to me. Maybe just the acceptance of the environment because this is the world I grew up in, this is the world I know.

And what is difficult?
There are certain scenes and emotions that are difficult to tackle. But that is how it should be, you shouldn’t do an easy job.

How do you overcome such moments?
At that moment, it’s sheer desperation. You come up against a road block and you do whatever it takes to overcome it. You dig deep and pull out all the stops, just go for it.

Do you find yourself referencing your dad?
With an actor of his caliber, he is a standard, a reference point for every actor.

Did you ever watch any Rajesh Khanna films?
No, I never really saw his films. As a kid I always saw dad’s films.

In retrospect, how do you react to the flak your wedding invitee list got?
What flak? That was created by the media. I was switched off it. It was my once-in-a-lifetime wedding. I didn’t want anything to alter what I felt at that time period of time. I had no idea what was going on outside my gates. For me I was going to get married to the person I loved and that was going to be my favourite memory. I don’t pay heed to these kinds of things. Do I make a big deal about the invitation list? No. I don’t expect to be invited anywhere and I don’t think anybody said, ‘Oh, I should have been invited.’ Nobody said that to me. If they have a problem they come and talk to me and I will tell them the reasons behind it. The people invited were just very close friends and family. People tend to forget I had an ailing grandmother in the hospital and it was a conscious decision on the part of the family to keep the celebrations to a minimum. I would have loved to call the entire film fraternity. Yes this is where I work, these are my people. Could I? No, and I think people should respect that and if they don’t, then, it’s their problem.

How did you deal with the 17 failures you had at the beginning of your career?
You have to deal with it. You do whatever it takes. I have always been uncomfortable talking about myself because I am not that kind of person. Some people understand it some people don’t, some people accept it, some people don’t. I am fine with it. My only focus at that point of time was to carry on working. The minute you start thinking about the negatives, you become a bitter person. And I am not bitter, I never want to be and I don’t like bitter people.

Was it difficult?
Of course, it was. I was replaced in films, I was thrown out of the films and my films shut down halfway. It’s not a pleasant feeling. Do I make a big deal out of it? No. As compared to the struggle of other people, mine looks small. Many people don’t know that when I decided to be an actor, for a year I didn’t have a job. Some people might have thought that, ‘Oh, he is Mr Bachchan’s son; he would get a job easily. And I know close to 30 directors, who are some of the big directors who said to my face, “No sorry, we don’t want to make a film with you.” It’s not like I had a line of producers outside my house. I have been to a lot of producers and directors requesting them to work with me. Thankfully JP saab came over and said, ‘I want to work with you’ and he was the first person who did and I readily accepted. So how do you deal with it? Try and be positive and keep working hard.

By the grace of God, I have a wonderful family. I was never made to look like an underachiever or a loser. They are very supportive and always encouraging, that is not to say that they are blindly supportive. If they saw a film of mine which didn’t like they would say so and tell me how to improve. They never said, ‘Oh, you are hopeless. Forget it!’ There was a point in time when I thought that about myself because when you repeatedly fail and that too on public platform and you are humiliated on a public platform, Friday to Friday, after a period of time, your zest, your confidence goes flying out of the window and you start believing it. When you have 15-16 flops in a row, common sense kicks in, saying ‘Wait a second, obviously you don’t know anything, you are doing something wrong and maybe you shouldn’t be doing this.’ I had no confidence. I couldn’t go out in public because I genuinely believed that I had failed. Then I went up to my father and said, ‘I think, I have made a mistake and I have paid for it dearly and maybe I am not meant to be actor.’ He said, “I have not brought you up to be a quitter, I have brought you up to be fighter. Keep at it. I am telling you, I am going to be your biggest critic. I am telling you that you are improving with film after film. Do whatever you get. Whatever role, small role, big role, just do it. Spend time in front of the camera so that you get the opportunity to improve and eventually prove your worth.’ And that’s what I did. I dived into work, whatever I got, I did, and thankfully after a while they started accepting me.

How important is marriage?
It’s a wonderful institution. I won’t say I am going to recommend it. If you want to get married, get married. It’s a personal choice. I have taken the step to stay with the woman I love and care for. I am happy I did. It has been a wonderful wonderful journey so far.

When you repeatedly fail and are humiliated, that too on a public platform, Friday to Friday, after a period of time your zest, your confidence goes flying out of the window and you start believing you are worthless

And kids?
Kids are great. I think part of the reason why you want to get married is that you want to settle down and start a family and have kids. I think two should be good. Ham do hamare do.

Are you part of Dhoom 3?
Dhoom 3 is not being made as of now. If Adi (Aditya Chopra) decides to make it, I am pretty sure Ali and Jay would be apart of it. It’s their story, it’s their franchise, unless they want to take a U-turn and change it completely. Dhoom 2 has been my biggest hit and that’s the character I enjoyed working on.

For years numerologists said you should drop your surname and you resisted. Do you feel vindicated now?
I don’t feel vindicated. I think it’s foolish and stupid to even suggest it. Why would I want to drop my surname? I am very proud of being a Bachchan. I am what I am because I am a Bachchan. I don’t understand the theory behind changing my name. I have a name which my grandfather gave me. I carry it with great pride and I am not going to change it because somebody else wants to change it. Your film is not going to work because you change the spelling of your name. Destiny is written for you and you have to aid it by working hard.

Kareena has said that she has always had space in her heart for you ...
Bebo has always said that. She was my first heroine and she will always be special for me. She is not only a very sweet girl but also one of the finest actresses. We started our journey together. So she is always special to me.

So will you work with her?
Of course, I will. People keep saying that I refuse to work with her. The fact is that nothing worthwhile has come up.

Yes, I have a small ‘kamina’ in me

Shahid loosens up in a fun Q&A session

It’s official folks… SPK is a bigger star than SRK, going by the standards of making one wait that is. On Saturday, SPK, i.e. Shahid Pankaj Kapur, made the media jing-bang wait for a whole three hours before he finally appeared sipping a cola, wearing a relaxed pair of denims, white fitted tee and a sporty jacket.

“I apologise for making you wait, was tied up with urgent work,” he tried to make up.

Guess he thought we were all pretty free, with no urgent work. Anyway, ‘We forgive thee’ is all we could say before moving on… to getting him to comment on a variety of subjects, with ‘Kaminey’, of course, topping the list.

On ‘Kaminey’
It’s my most challenging role. I play a double role, twin brothers, one henpecked and the other notorious. Both despise each other. Priyanka is the love interest of the henpecked one. As paths cross, a saga of adultery, distrust and craving begins.

On being a ‘kamina’ (a rogue) in real life
Well, I guess there is a little bit of ‘kamina’ in all of us. We are all humans and no one is perfect... yes, I have a small ‘kamina’ in me, a very small one but.

His look in the movie
The nice guy is called Guddu and he lisps. He is wearing kurtas and loose shirts and has a clean shave. Charlie is the notorious twin and his style is more contemporary with fitted tees and denims. He has stubble. I have worked on my body very hard, almost for a year and it shows in the scene where I am running bare-chested with horses!

His style quotient
On screen it’s what the character demands. I don’t care if I look good or bad clothes wise or feel comfortable when asked to wear something that justifies the character. But off it, comfort is the topmost priority. Jeans and tees mostly. I am obsessed with jackets - sporty, leather, blazers - I have them all (guess he picked this blue one just out of the blue!).

On not walking the ramp lately
Because everyone there is 6 feet and above. My height stopped at 5 feet 10 inches. (Guess he didn’t see SRK do it at 5 ft 8 inches lately!).

On Priyanka coming to tie him a rakhi
(Laughing) Well, if any girl, apart from my sisters, comes to tie me a rakhi, it means my career has gone ‘Dhan-tan-nan’ (meant, down the drain)... so I’ll feel really bad if Priyanka tied me one.

Khan wars — A lot is made up: Karan

India’s most suave, most stylish and wittiest director-producer is in Mumbai after months of living out of a suitcase in London, New York and SFO.

But his travels (and travails) have only made that razor-tongue sharper than ever.

He talks here about postponing My Name Is Khan, his so-called problems with Kajol, comments on Salman, the Bachchans and SRK and how he intends to Wake Up Sid — his newest baby. Read on for the KJo challenge!

The big news is that you’ve delayed My Name Is Khan...
You know, it was beyond our control. Now the film is only releasing early next year. We couldn’t have made it in time, we were very keen to release it this December, but there’s a lot of work on this film. I just felt that rushing it would lead to many compromises on a creative level. So both SRK and I took a combined call to push it to next year.

There were reports that Kajol wasn’t all cooperation for your schedules?
Both Kajol and I have laughed at this absurdity. In December when we were shooting in LA, we read Tanu aunty was objecting to some lines that were cut, and that Kajol and I were having this cold war. It’s so ridiculous that it doesn’t even warrant a response.

My Name Is Khan is your first co-production with SRK. How did that happen?
It’s a powerful project, something we felt very strongly enough about to come together. At the end of day, this is one film that hopefully both of us should always own. Whether or not SRK and I share a film, we own them together in any case. Truly for me, I own OSO as much as SRK owns Dostana.

You’ve cast Konkana and Ranbir in your next film, Wake Up Sid. Most feel they’re mismatched...
I wouldn’t call it a mismatch. I’d call it an ‘unconventional’ casting. Konkana is established and associated with a certain kind of cinema and Ranbir is young, upcoming and attached to a certain demographic as an actor. When you see them, you know they have sparkling chemistry.

There was a report that the Bachchans were upset that you didn’t cast Abhishek in the remake of Agneepath.
Agneepath is not cast at all. It’s an idea Karan Malhotra — my AD on MNIK, who’s directing Agneepath for me, has. He’s still scripting it. We’ve not cast for it at all. Once the script is ready, we’ll think of casting. We had an internal conversation, which leaked out, I have no idea how. Everybody started conjecturing on their own about people in the film.

Salman recently said he’d never do a ‘John act’ in Dostana? Do you take it personally?
Never. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and their thoughts are their prerogative. I’ve had many other stars and directors comment on my cinema. I don’t ever take it to heart.

Your take on the Khan wars?
Let me tell you, a lot of this may be true, but a lot of it is not. Most is created to make it more dramatic. A lot of it is exaggerated and enhanced in print, and sometimes it becomes worse because things sound much worse on paper and people start taking the lie as the truth and that’s when things bother me. I don’t get involved and I don’t fight with people. Actually, I’m bored, I’m seriously waiting for a filmmaker or actor to pick on me, so that I can retort back!

‘I’ve not left any stone unturned’

Saif Ali Khan talks ‘Love Aaj Kal’ and tells what the film means to him

Saif Ali Khan is busy ‘aaj kal’ promoting his debut venture as a producer, ‘Love Aaj Kal’, in which he also plays the lead role alongside the ravishing Deepika Padukone. The film, directed by Imtiaz Ali, is a love story, a genre Imtiaz excels in.

‘Love Aaj Kal’ holds a lot of importance for Saif for more reasons than one. Apart from it being his first production, the film also comes after his two big flops in a row – ‘Tashan’ and ‘Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic’ – hence the need to get this one right.

Here’s what Saif has to say about the film and his choices:

On turning a producer

Production actually is not my cup of tea. But after attaining so many years of experience in this field, I’d like to have a creative niche of my own. You feel proud to have it finally. Since a lot of money is involved in filmmaking your inputs mean something else. I want to learn more about the business. The market earlier was different. Most heroes have moved on and turned directors or producers now. Also, there are not many independent producers left to work with.

On the making of ‘Love Aaj Kal’

Right now I’m nervous since I’m a fresher in production. I’m only learning the ifs and buts. Being the producer I need to look into every aspect of filmmaking, though I’ve not left any stone unturned from my end. We have had a great team, and I have learnt a lot in the process. My partner Dinesh Vijan has been a great help. I was more involved in the creative aspect of the film. All in all, the entire journey has not only been a learning experience but has been equally exciting too.

On picking a leaf or two from friends

I have been lucky to work with many great producers and big, established banners - Yash Raj Films and Dharma Productions majorly. I’ve learnt a lot of lessons in filmmaking from them. Karan Johar and Farhan Akhtar would have always been there to advise me, but I haven’t really called anyone.

On the film

The story primarily is about Jai who doesn’t believe in love and is practical. He believes that long distance relationship is a pain, so why not just be friends and not follow your heart. He comes across a person who tells him what love is all about. Imtiaz has made a simple love story which is not confusing at all as most people believe.

On playing a Sardar

I had meetings with top leaders of the Akali Dal for the look and they have appreciated me. I met them before I ventured into production as I did not want to miff them on anything. I have tried to shoulder all my responsibilities towards the religion. Dolly aunty has done my clothes and I have tried to give it an honest approach. I had to work on the accent. If I could pull off Langda Tyagi in ‘Omkara’, I think I have managed this one too.

On Imtiaz Ali as the director of his maiden venture

Very simple. He had a fantastic script and when you hear a good script and also when the director has the know-how of putting it down on screen just the same, that’s all what you need. The clever thing an actor does is not acting but the ‘listening’ he does in the drawing room as to what the director actually wants. This film is a result of being all ears to Imtiaz.

On Kareena being his first choice for the film

(Laughs) None of the directors listen to me. Imitaz too felt that Deepika suited the role better and hence left me dejected. Are you happy with the answer now?

On working with Deepika for the first time

Ours is an exuberant pair, isn’t it? We look nice and refreshing. Apart from being a new face, Deepika has all the attributes of an Indian beauty. Also, she is very professional and down-to-earth. Rani Mukerji and Deepika’s persona grounds me in real and on reel as well.

On the surprise package of the film – Harleen

The other heroine is going to be a surprise. Her name is Harleen. She’s not here at the moment because we wanted to keep the main focus on Deepika and myself right now.

On the title of the film

The title suits the story of the film which is about the love stories of people today and in yesteryears.

On Kareena's verdict on the film

She has seen the film and has liked it.

I want freedom as my birthday gift

The day I turn 50 is important for me, says Sanjay Dutt

On his 50th birthday Wednesday, Bollywood's troubled star Sanjay Dutt says his only wish is to leave his chequered past behind and move ahead as a free man.

"In the last 18 years, I've been fighting for my freedom and I feel the burden of the struggle now. I want to be free," Sanjay told IANS from Cape Town, South Africa.

"I want to walk into any consulate and get my visa. I want my passport to be with me. I want to visit any country I want. Most important of all I want the court cases to end," added the actor who battled with drug addiction and was also convicted in the 1993 Mumbai blasts under the arms act.

He says now he wishes for his "freedom".

"Can you gift me my freedom for my birthday? Otherwise the biggest gift god has given me is my wife Manyata. I'm very lucky to have her by my side," said the actor who is currently in Cape Town shooting "No Problem"

Friends from different parts of the world have flown in to celebrate the day and Sanjay says he also wanted his sisters - Namrata and Priya - to join him on this special day in his life.

"I've invited them. The day I turn 50 is important for me. And I'd like my family to be near me. I wish they could be here. No matter what misunderstandings we had, I'd like to wash them away on my 50th birthday."

Excerpts from an interview:

In Mumbai, the buzz is that your friends and family are flying in for your birthday?

I don't want any celebrations until Amar Singhji (Samajwadi Party general secretary) recovers. Once he returns to Delhi, I'll have a birthday celebration with him. But I heard from the grapevine here that the unit of "No Problem" are planning a small get-together for my birthday. But when I asked them they said, no party. But my friends are flying down.

Who are they?

Paresh from Chicago. I've known him for the last 25 years. We've grown up together. Then there's Mac from Los Angeles, another old and dear friend. Imran Ismail, who's here in South Africa. These are my three best friends who will be here on my birthday.

And from Mumbai?

Well I heard Bunty Walia is coming. Everything he does is announced on Facebook. So he has announced he's coming for my birthday.

Have you invited your sisters?

Yes, I have. I've invited them. The day I turn 50 is important for me. And I'd like my family to be near me. That's the way my parents would've wanted it. I wish they could be here, but they're busy with their own lives. No matter what misunderstandings we had, I'd like to wash them away on my 50th birthday. It's sad they can't be here. But I'm sure they've more important things to do.

Tell me about your most memorable birthday?

They've all been memorable in their own way, even the ones that came in my worst days. I don't like a big birthday bash. I just want my near ones on my birthday. It's tough to remember my past. But I want to move on.

It's very difficult to imagine Sanju Baba being 50.

At heart I'm still Baba. But when I look into the mirror, it's a reality. And I do feel 50, but not old. I've been in the film industry for so long. Yes, it's been a long innings. In the last 18 years, I've been fighting for my freedom and I feel the burden of the struggle now. I want to be free, Subhash.

I want to walk into any consulate and get my visa. I want my passport to be with me. I want to visit any country I want. Most important of all, I want the court cases to end.

So your mentor is recovering?

He is not my mentor. He is my brother and family. Amar Singhji stands by his friends and we've to stand by our friends. As soon as I get my visa, I'll fly down from here (in Cape Town) to Singapore to spend a couple of days with him.

So this friendship will last?

I've been betrayed by so-called friends many times. But this time I feel I've found a true friend. I've known him for 16 years. He has always stood by me, always been there in the worst situations in my life.

Your one birthday wish?

Freedom. Can you gift me my freedom for my birthday? Otherwise the biggest gift god has given me is my wife Manyata. She has stood by me and supported me unconditionally. I'm very lucky to have her by side.

What about a baby?

If that happens my happiness would be complete.

Very unexpected romance for Deepika!

Filmicafe had a candid conversation with beautiful Bollywood starlet Deepika Padukone. Read on...

Q: You’ve only got three Bollywood films under your belt at this moment, but already you’ve been called a star. What do you think of the status you’ve achieved?
Well I definitely think I have a long way to go, but the one year that I’ve been in this industry has been extremely memorable. And I’m completely enjoying myself. It’s not something that I thought would happen.

Q: Your father was a professional badminton player and you yourself played on a national level. How do you look back at those times?
I think badminton taught me a lot. When I was 12 and 13, I started travelling to play professionally. I’ve lived in the worst of conditions. Sadly, in India, sports are not invested in. So I’ve lived in dormitories, travelled by second class trains and shared bathrooms. I’ve learned to become responsible and independent because of all that I went through.

Q: How do you go from that… to modeling?
When I was in tenth standard, that’s when I decided. I said listen, badminton is not what I want to do and I want to take up modeling professionally. And my parents said okay. I then got a portfolio done. I sent it to Bombay to a couple of agencies. Then, I did a commercial for a brand called Liril and that got me instant recognition. And that led to the music video and the music video led to the film.

Q: You met your current boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor because you were working together on a movie. Tell us how romance blossomed.
Very unexpected and very unplanned. We were friends earlier. And we were two different people. And we never thought that we’d end up being together. It’s only last year when we were shooting for a film together that we really got to know each other and managed to spend some time together.

Q: How did you keep it a secret?
We were like how two co-stars would normally meet or bond. I remember we’d only meet on the sets. And beyond that, everyone as a group would go out with the director, with our choreographer, with the cinematographer. It’s like a family. So everyone went out together. And I think it’s only later, towards the end of the schedule, he realised he was in love with me.

Q: He did say that he’d take a good film role over a relationship.
Yeah.

Q: Isn’t that a little bit offensive?
Not at all! Because I think we’re both at that age now where work and our lives are really beginning for us. It’s great that this relationship happened so early in our lives. And that everything’s fallen into place. But I think beyond that, this is really the time to focus on our careers, there’s time for everything else later.

Q: For all the good things though you do have your critics and there are those who say that you’ve been over hyped and you don’t deserve the status. Do you care?
Someone’s given me that status, I haven’t. I always say I think I have a long way to go.

Q: Most actors and actresses do have a relatively limited shelf-life. Do you worry that for you one day that the party might be over?
Not at all, like I said, I didn’t plan to be a part of this industry. It is something that I wanted to do in a way, but it’s not like that my life would end if I didn’t become a part of the film industry. I’m a family person. So when I think it’s the right time for me to leave and to get married, I’ll do that. And I know that today there’s me, tomorrow there will be someone else. I’m going to work hard and make sure I can be here for as long as I can and that people don’t get bored of me.

I used to be a terrible actress

Priyanka Chopra takes great pride in being where she is today

She is one of the reigning stars in Bollywood, but Priyanka Chopra says she was a very bad actress when she debuted with "Andaaz" six years ago. While the former Miss World has set high goals for herself and is experimenting with roles like never before, she is also clear about what she is looking for in her 'Mr. Right'.

"I think I was a terrible actress when I started off as compared to what I'm today. I still have a lot to learn, but I believe that I have grown as an actress and I evolve constantly. I always had the hunger to learn and become better at what I do - just like a sponge, trying to absorb as much knowledge as possible," Priyanka told IANS in an email interview.

The actress, who won the Filmfare Award for best actress for "Fashion", wants to take her career to greater heights. She has no plans of getting married right now but knows what she wants from her man.

"No plans of settling down at the moment. But when I do... Mr. Right has to match a lot of my parameters... He has to be someone who knows how to make me feel special... make me feel like I'm walking on air...," said Priyanka, who turned 27 on July 18.

Excerpts from an interview:

Having had two hits in 2008 - "Fashion" and "Dostana" - along with several awards... how do you look back at your past year?

I feel like I'm 20 years into my career because I've done so much work in such a short time. When I look back, it's been only five-six years since I've been here. I've never received any formal training in acting or cinema nor do I belong to a film family; so for me, the biggest achievement is that my hard work and my family's support have led me to the place I'm in today. I take great pride in that.

How would you review your performance in Bollywood ever since you made your debut with "Andaaz" in 2003?

I think I was a terrible actress when I started off as compared to what I'm today. I still have a lot to learn, but I believe that I've grown as an actress and I evolve constantly. I always had the hunger to learn and become better at what I do - just like a sponge, trying to absorb as much knowledge as possible.

Your forthcoming movies are "Kaminey" and "What's Your Rashee?" and "Pyaar Impossible". Which one are you more excited about and why?

I have different feelings for different films. I'm very excited about "Kaminey" because it's pathbreaking cinema. On the other hand, I'm equally nervous and excited about "What's Your Rashee?" because it was a huge challenge for me. I play 12 different characters in it, something that hasn't really been done in Indian cinema before and the fact that I'll be a part of history in the making is very scary.

"Pyaar Impossible" is a sweet, cool story where I have a glamorous look and contemporary character. As cliched as it sounds... each one is special...

In "Kaminey" you play a de-glamourised role opposite Shahid Kapur. Were you sceptical about the look because you were seen in ultra-glam roles in "Fashion" and "Dostana"?

Let's put this into context. I chose the role not because she was de-glamourised. I chose it because of the way the character is etched out and not how she looks. That's incidental. With most of my films, especially the most recent ones... I have taken up roles that are interesting and different from what I've done before.

You have always been silent about controversies related to your personal and professional life - why?

Because I firmly believe that all aspects of my life are for public consumption. I learnt early in my career that speculation, rumours and gossip come with the job... a professional hazard. But I'd much rather approach it with dignified silence than to engage in ugly mud-slinging.

What about your multiple link-ups and break-ups news - don't they disturb you?

They definitely do because eventually I'm a girl and have a family - a father, a mother, a brother. It does bother me, but I don't believe in clarifying the rumours. It just gives it undue importance. As long as my family knows what the truth is, that's all that matters. The rest doesn't!

Any plans of settling down in the near future? What sort of a guy would you want as a companion?

No plans of settling down at the moment. But when I do... Mr. Right has to match a lot of my parameters... He has to be someone who knows how to make me feel special... make me feel like I'm walking on air... He has to be somebody who loves me for who I am and takes pride in being with me. He also has to be honest and be able to speak well... make me laugh... all in all, somebody who really really loves me.