Interview : Kulraj Randhawa

'Dharam-ji is the ultimate icon for Punjabis'

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We're in a fun conversation with Kulraj Randhawa, the pretty, dimpled, petite actress who is all set to delight audiences as the female lead, opposite the irrepressible Bobby Deol in YAMLA PAGLA DEEWANA. With the film's promos making waves in the industry and the second song on release we talk to the actress about her dreams and of course the Deols!

Tell us about your role in the film
I essay the role of a photographer, who has travelled the world and has come from Benaras to shoot a series of images for a coffee table book. She's an independent girl, very clear about what she wants. She meets Bobby and there begins their mad, funny romantic adventure.
CHECK OUT: Yamla Pagla Deewana Movie Preview

You have created history in TV and are one of the few TV actors to have made the transition from TV to film. How did this happen?
Well I consider myself very lucky. I had been approached by Director Samir Karnik for a role in another film - an emotional drama. In course of the conversation, he felt I had what he was looking at for 'Sahiba', and he suggested I audition for this role as well, and I got the part!

This is a dream debut -- working with stars like the Deols -- each a legend. Tell us a little about the experience
I'm Punjabi, and Dharam-ji is the ultimate icon for Punjabis. I'm a big fan of his, and was very nervous shooting with the Deols on our first day. But all melted down once I met them. Dharam ji's sweetness and ease was really incredible. He not only made me very comfortable on the sets but everyone who were present on the sets, from actors to technicians.

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That must've made you feel better? Because in Punjab people love Dharamji so much!
Tell me about it! A horde of fans would gather outside the hotel where they were shooting in Patiala. At 5 in the morning, dhols would start with songs from Dharamji's films. And Dharamji would go meet fans every single day, and even if 40 people came to the sets to visit, he would patiently take photos with them all. It was amazing.

It's YAMLA PAGLA DEEWANA. If you had to give each of the Deols starring in the film a title, which one would it be?
Aah! Tough one. I guess, Sunny Sir would be YAMLA, Bobby PAGLA and Dharam ji -- DEEWANA!

You play a photographer in the film -- how did you prepare for the role?
I was fascinated by the very idea of playing a photographer, and took it quite seriously. I studied basic photography and learnt my way around a pro-cam. I even took a whole series of photos on location, although I doubt those will actually make it to a coffee table book, but certainly lovely memories!

What next?
Well I have a couple of offers for films that I am considering, but it's too early to speak about these. I am really encouraged by the response of the industry and audiences to our promo. And I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Well Kulraj, we wish you all the best!!

Interview : Anushka Sharma

'Feelings of love cannot be controlled.'

	view BAND BAAJA BAARAT videos

After a successful RAB NE BANA DI JODI and an average BADMAASH COMPANY, Anushka Sharma is all geared up with her next film, BAND BAAJA BAARAAT. Catch her as in conversation as she speaks about the film, love, Ranveer Singh and more.

How did you feel when Maneesh read you the script OF BAND BAAJA BAARAAT? 
I am a sucker for romantic comedies. I love romcoms. Ever since I became an actress, which was not very long ago, I wanted to do a romantic comedy but I don't see such films being made in our country like something I can fall in love with. I fell in love with this script as soon as it was narrated to me. When Maneesh narrated the script to me I did not realise how those three/three and a half hours passed. I was completely engrossed because Maneesh's narration was lovely. His understanding of the characters was great. He was narrating exactly how he wanted the characters to say the dialogues. I understood the idea and the world of the film instantly because of the narration and I was in love with the film so much that I didn't have to tell him that. After the narration I didn't find it important to tell him that I loved the script and wanted to do it or didn't want to do it, I also took that liberty because he is a friend, and we have shared a great relationship over three years.

Did you and Maneesh know each other before BAND BAAJA BAARAAT? 
We have been friends for three years. Maneesh had been instrumental in me being in RAB NE BANA DI JODI. He was the person that auditioned me for Taani, that's how long back we go. It's very rare that you get a Hindi film script which is a romcom... in a romcom there is never a story. It's always about a boy meeting a girl... how they meet, what happens, what's the conflict - this is always the story. It's the story telling in this script, the screenplay and the dialogues that completely grasp you as a listener. This script completely took over me when I read it, and this is 

'I was very scared of Adi initially.'

very rare in a Hindi film. BAND BAAJA BAARAAT is a romcom, it is a love story but with a lot of desi-pan to it... coz your characters are so grounded that you relate to it and become completely part of the film. That is what is so lovely about the movie and script.

Tell us a bit about your character, Shruti Kakkar. 
Shruti could be a girl from any Indian city - Delhi, Bangalore, Nagpur, Mumbai. She wants to do a lot in life. She has many goals, is very ambitious and she is a very principled and well brought up kid from a loving close family. Her goal to be a wedding planner was perhaps set from the third wedding she ever attended with her parents when she had decided that I want to be part of these huge weddings, this glamour and I wanted to be making it in this world. She knew this right from the beginning ever since she was young and anything else that was surrounding - boys etc, friends; movies are all distractions like they are all uskee paao ki jooti.

CHECK OUT: Anushka doesn't care about her look and walk

How did you prepare for this role - the world of wedding planners and the world of a Delhi girl? 
We play wedding planners but that's not the film - it's just the backdrop. It's a love story. As much as we needed to know about the planners was provided in the script as Maneesh and Habib Faisal (Screenplay & Dialogue writer) had researched extensively. Maneesh has been to so many weddings in his life in Delhi that he had a pretty good idea about it. Me on the other hand , I have not attended any wedding because by the time I was fourteen I was done with all the weddings in my family and nobody got married after that. I had to obviously learn a few things. And of course I learned things from Maneesh but when I read the script I didn't really feel I needed to know exactly what a wedding planner was coz that is not the film - it's not a documentary on wedding planning, it's a film simply set in the environment and it's primarily a love story.

How was the experience working with Maneesh Sharma? 
I met Maneesh for the first time during my auditions for RNBDJ - he was playing table tennis and was sweating when I first saw him! He was the Associate Director. We became friends that very day we got along that day itself, because I was very scared of Adi initially, Maneesh was the medium between us. So we became friends. Maneesh is one of the five people I know in Mumbai ever since I have been here. Maneesh understands me, he understands my gestures and the things I do with my hands, my face, my eyes like anything, some of my movements that even I am not aware of he had observed me and he could take that out and make it a part of Shruti's characteristics. It was lovely working with Maneesh. I didn't have to pretend anytime. I could just go up and tell him 'dude mujhe samajh nahi aa rahaa hai' or say I don't agree with this. So there was no pretense. When we were on set of course we were director and actor but here was a comfort level, which I have never shared in my life that has helped me a lot to play Shruti.

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What do you feel about an unusual professional field like wedding planning? 
Till sometime ago the professions parents wanted their kids to enter into was doctors, lawyers or engineers. Apart from that there was nothing and going into anything else meant that because they couldn't do anything else the kid is doing this... but with Shruti, in this film she always wanted to be a wedding planner and her parents were always supportive of what she wanted to do. I think things are changing in our society and parents are allowing their kids to do what they want to do. Shruti stands for that generation, that youth. She wants to be a wedding planner. Log jaante bhi nahi hai wedding planners kya hota hai. In India this is a service only provided to the high society with a high budget. There is a dialogue in the film 'maame chaache milke shaadiyaan karaan lete hain.' Another thing the movie touches upon, even me I belong to this generation is that we choose work over love in today's time. I do that too. You feel now is the time to work. You feel whatever comes into my life will distract me from my path and I should not loose focus but we fail to understand that these are things we cannot control. Feelings of love cannot be controlled when someone comes into your life and you are not even aware of it. You are so completely lost and we completely just shut that side of ours to it... that emotion. And we just start thinking that will never happen and we think hum to correct jaa rahein hain and we are being correct and being all principled and following our dreams but these things suddenly strike you in life. And you gotta make a choice and that's another thing you see in this film.

How was the experience working tell us about Ranveer Singh? 
When I was called for the narration I was informed there was a new guy in the room and I was kind of thinking he will be this new guy in the movie. So I met Ranveer for the first time at the 

'I'm not very confident of my growth as an actor.'

reading. RV is not a very normal guy. He's not the kind of guy I have met or come around. When he came into the room he had his ipod on and was grooving to the music. I don't think he knew he was meeting me. Maneesh just told him you will be meeting your co actor so without a care in the world he just walks in and says hey wassup and that's the impression I have about Ranveer. He doesn't care about anything. He's focused like he was there for a reading and he was completely unperturbed about what was happening around him and that's the impression of Ranveer I have even today.

You have worked with Shahrukh and Shahid in the past, who are very experienced. So how was it working with Raveer, who's a newcomer? 
People will assume that because I worked with Shahrukh Khan or Shahid Kapoor and comparatively I am still very new, only in my third film, and when you work with people who are experienced and seasoned you learn a lot from them and that's nice... and that helps you as an actor in your growth. So I assumed that from Ranveer I won't learn so much. You know just do my part in the film and go out of it but I must say today I have learned a lot from him as an actor. Ranveer is the most inhibited actor I know and I genuinely mean this not that I know too many of them but Ranveer is one of the most uninhibited people I have met. If he had come on set and was doing breathing exercises that he was very fond of. He would just start doing kapal bhartiwhich was so irritating in the beginning but he just didn't care and it takes getting used to but he just wouldn't care. He knew everyone was waiting for him but he just wouldn't care and at the end of the day if he can deliver the scenes like it was meant to then he can do whatever before that, it's fine and I like that attitude about him and I really learned from him.

A lot has been send about Ranveer and Anushka's chemistry. What do you have to say about it? 
It is a huge misconception that chemistry comes from actors. Chemistry comes from characters and from the script... when the script is so well written as this one was. If you are a decent actor and honest to your job and have a decent understanding of your character then you just do your thing honestly. I have done my thing and Ranveer has done his things. It just worked out so well me and Ranveer. We were not discussing what should we do so that the chemistry works even Maneesh never discussed this, we simply came together and performed and there you have Bittoo and Shruti!

CHECK OUT: BAND BAAJA BAARAT Movie Preview

Did you guide Ranveer along the way? 
I used to actually get nostalgic when I saw Ranveer's journey especially the time when he was doing his auditions. I met him while he was doing auditions. I used to feel I know exactly what it feels like being in that place so every stage of Ranveer's journey especially auditions I have been able to relate to. I was exactly in that same place two years ago so I felt a little protective towards him for this reason coz I saw myself there like the first time his picture came in the news papers in Delhi he was saying people are saying this and that and I completely could relate to that. I was always baattaaoingmy gyaan with him so we had that common factor going. When I acted in RNBDJ for the first time, I just wanted to be instructed enough then left alone. That's how I am so far. So here I just did my reading with Ranveer and left him alone and you never had to tell anything to Ranveer. Maneesh was always handling him. Maneesh just used to say bring this down or tone this up. You never really had to say much to him as he was always prepared, he knew his lines, he was focused, in fact you had to get him out of his zone, you had to say hey Ranveer you are stepping on my foot that's how he used to get! So he did his bit and if he needed anything I was always around him and whatgyaan can you baataao in two films?

Anushka of RNBDJ to Anushka of BBB. How has that been? 
Obviously I am more confident as an actor, I have more confidence, I have started to understand some technicalities of filmmaking... you start to understand more, you understand how you can give dialogues in a certain way coz you are more confident about it, apart from that I have had more experiences. First I used to think aap jaise ho duniya vaise hoti hai but I know that's not how the world will be and u have to adapt to all kinds of people - this is very important for me. I was very young when I was in RAB NE... and this journey had enabled me as an actor. I am not very confident of my growth as an actor but I am very confident of my growth as a person.

Interview : Genelia D'Souza

'I am a mad girl'

Teen icon Genelia D'Souza is too busy these days with her films IT'S MY LIFE, HOOK YA CROOK and URUMI. In Kolkata to launch Nocturne lounge, the actor tells our correspondent that she won't change her mad self for anything.

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How will you define yourself as a person?
I am a person who loves to chill out more than anything else. I spent my entire college life at Cafe Coffee Day at Carter Road (Mumbai). Even today, I have not changed my lifestyle; I still walk my way from home to the cafe, though now at times, it's a bit difficult because of my hectic schedules.

And also, because people recognize you? 
Yes. But unlike other stars, I thoroughly enjoy it. I get super-excited when someone calls me by my name. I too scream back: 'Aiyeee'. I know, at times, this creates confusion. So I try not to do my mad things all the time.

CHECK OUT: I see myself fit into spunky roles

Tell us about your childhood days.
I grew up in Bandra. I am a complete sportsgirl; I have played everything-from basketball to hockey...the Joggers Park has so much been a part of my life because of my trainings. Not many people know that I am a state-level athlete. People used to call me a tomboy, though I used to say that I am a tomboy with a feminine side, though even I don't know what that means. (Laughs) I am a mad girl...fully.

How did Bollywood happen to you? 
One day I got a call from Ramoji Rao saying he is doing a Hindi film called TUJHE MERI KASAM and wants to launch me! Now, it was bad enough that I got into modeling because I was from a family who has no clue about the glamour world. And films were something I couldn't even thought of attempting; first because, I was clueless about acting. And then, in my family, films were like 'No no no, it is a bad world and we can't get into it...blah blah blah.' And these guys kept calling me for a month-and-a-half. Then, my mom said this is an opportunity and that I should try it out. I always have the option to quit if I am not happy with it.


So are you happy the way your acting career has shaped up in Bollywood as well as in South? 
I am totally satisfied. I had a peak, I had a fall, and I have a peak again. But I was never out of work. However, my worst phase taught me a lot. When I am in a hit phase now, I know things can go down. I am really lucky that I got accepted in four industries (Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam).
You are mostly projected as a young, bubbly, chirpy girl. Are you happy with your image? 
Absolutely. I am young, fun-loving. I don't want people to know me as someone who is very reserved and serious type, because I am not.

What is the best thing you got yourself after becoming a star? 
My Bandra apartment. I love bright colours and decked it up accordingly. You will find a red living area, an orange-and-white study-cum-gym, a blue-and-pink bedroom. My home reflects my vibrancy.

Interview : Konkona Sen Sharma

'We never address women's libido'

She recently tied the knot with her long time beau Ranvir Shorey. But apart from her baby bump, (Yes, she's expecting) life's pretty much the same for National Award winning actress Konkona Sen Sharma. Catch her in a freewheeling chat as she speaks about her forthcoming film MIRCH, married life and a lot more.

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What is the film MIRCH about? Is it a film inside film? 
Yes, it's about this filmmaker who is trying to make a film. His producer has rejected his idea as he finds is too serious and arty-farty. So this filmmaker comes up with four stories full of masala that he can sell and the producer loves it. In two of them I play the woman and in the other two Raima does. All the four women are caught in compromising positions. What happens then and how they get out of it is what MIRCH is about.

You are known for the kind of films that you do and your roles. So what made you do this film? 
I really liked the characters in this film. It's ostensibly about infidelity but it is actually a very funny film that talks about deeper issue. Like there's a disparity between men and women and the way they are treated. All the women in this film are very interesting. Usually, I'm asked to play women who are very good and morally upright and all that. But in case I was asked to play women who are a little mischievous and a little naughty. So that was fun for me. 

'Women adultery definitely happens.'

So are you playing a double role? 
Yeah, that's right. I'm playing a double role.

You are playing such a role for the first time. So did you have any inhibitions? 
No, it was done with a different kind of sensibility. It's not a cheap or a sleazy kind of a film. For example, one of characters is of a Rajasthani queen. She's caught cheating on her husband. But the husband is a much older man. She's married off when she was very young to a man who was probably 40 years older than her. That's not a correct thing to do either. So in society we accept certain evils but certain others we don't accept. So there's clearly a discrepancy and hypocrisy in that. In my other story, the man and the women are both wrong. But somehow the woman is looked at differently. But it's done in a very funny way. None of the stories are preachy or serious.

CHECK OUT: Ranvir, Koko's JACKPOT after marriage

What is your take on women adultery? 
Women adultery definitely happens. Adultery happens with both men and women.

But only men are normally shown to be adulterous in our films and even in our day-to-day life. 
Those are the things that our society pretends to be blind to. We never address women's libido. It is believed that only men have a libido and women don't have a libido. It's a very immature way of looking at life. Men and women both are equal. Both have the potential to be adulterous.
You are playing a queen in this film. What if you were made a queen for a day?
(Smiles) I was made a queen not in this day and age. It was supposed to be olden time period. But I'm quite happy not being a queen. It comes with a lot of restrictions also.

	view KONKONA SEN SHARMA AND RANVIR SHOREYS WEDDING picture gallery

Restrictions like? 
I don't know. I've never really studied the life of a queen. But I'm quite happy with my own life.

Raima Sen is also in this film. So did the Bong bonding happen on the sets? 
I know Raima socially. But we didn't have any scenes together in MIRCH.

'Ranvir and I are very excited for our baby'

How was the experience working with Vinay Shukla?
Very good. I knew him a little bit before hand. He's a very good director. He made GODMOTHER, which I had liked. So I knew that even if the subject is bold it would be handled in a very classy way. It's not handled in a sleazy way and I don't have anything to be embarrassed about that way. The themes are definitely adult.

How is married life treating you?
So far so good. There's hardly any major difference.

CHECK OUT: MIRCH Movie Preview

How are Ranvir and you treating the prospect of having a baby soon?
Ranvir and I are very excited for our baby (smiles).

Do you feel the film industry treats you differently when you are married? 
I think it's up to the women. Some people might treat you differently. But it's really up to you to put your foot down and decide for yourself what is okay and what's not okay for you.

What are your future projects?
The films which are ready for release are ITI MRINALINI which is directed by my mother, Aparna Sen. It will release early next year. Then there's SAAT KHOON MAAF in which I've done a cameo. That's it for now.

Interview : Shreyas Talpade

'Raima is a little better than her sister Riya'

	view MIRCH video

Shreyas Talpade has shown his acting prowess in films like IQBAL, WELCOME TO SAJJANPUR, GOLMAAL RETURNS and DOR. Now he's all set with Vinay Shukla's MIRCH in which he's playing three characters. Catch him in a tete-a-tete with our correspondent as he speaks about the film, having spent years in the industry and more.

MIRCH sounds a very interesting and different title. What is it about?? MIRCH is an ensemble of five different stories into one. Predominantly it's a female oriented subject. I'm part of one of the stories in it. Raima Sen and I are a couple in it. I play three roles in that 25 minute story. So it's pretty interesting. The plot is new. The stories are from Panchatantra to modern day versions but from the females' point of view. Konkona and Raima are playing the women and all have done a fantastic job in it.

What's unique in your character this time? I'm playing three different roles actually. One is an old Bengali guy who's a very sophisticated businessman. The second one is a Tamilian rockstar and the third one is a modern day executive working in a software company.

Playing three roles is a big thing. That was the challenging part about the whole thing. When Vinayji narrated the script and my story to me, he told me a unique thing which rally appealed to me. He said it will be good fun to portray three characters. That' why said yes to the film. I'm happy that I'm a part of it. Working with Mr. Shukla was an experience in itself. There are very few directors like him or Shyam babu who take effort in every little detail in the film and in your performance. He's definitely one of those. It was good fun working with him.

A film about women's sexuality sounds vulgar. The film is about female sexuality and adultery to some extent. But this topic hasn't been handled in our films yet with this kind of manner or execution. It's also a comedy. You will also emphatise with some of the characters. But it also depends on how you see the film. No two people are the same. You might agree with the women characters or you might not.
The film has been handled pretty aesthetically. I know Vinayji won't try to do anything cheap or vulgar. His sensibilities are with viewers who want to watch good clean cinema.

What's your take on infidelity? Infidelity is absolutely bad. It's not done. But what is right for me may not be right for others. There's nothing that we should say that 'Yeh nahin ho sakta'. Anything can happen in today's world. There's no point in making strong statements about any particular thing. But there are certain things that we've learnt all our lives and which have wrong and bad consequences. Infidelity is definitely one of those. If you love your partner, you won't stray.

The film deals with how you can get out of difficult situations with your wit. Have you got out of a situation in your life using your wit? There are situations where I was caught and got out of it using my wit. Once in school, I ate my tiffin box before the break. I didn't offer it to my friend who complained to the teacher. She didn't listen to him. But my hands were dirty and we had to write an assignment. So I placed a hanky on my eye and told my teacher that it was itching. She asked to go and clean it. I went out, cleaned my hands, came back and started writing the assignment.

	view SHREYAS TALPADE picture gallery

The film is titled MIRCH. So what are the ways in which you spice up your life? 
I try to do various kinds of films. It keeps me fresh. Also, I carry my camera wherever I go. Whenever I get bored or when I have time on hand, I start clicking pictures.

How was the experience working with Raima Sen? 
Raima Sen is very good. She is pretty chilled out. Raima is a little better than Riya in terms of performance. In terms of looks, Riya is better.

It's been five years since IQBAL released. How will you sum up these years?
No regrets. I'm pretty happy with my journey I did about 12 films in these five years. Almost 7 of them were box office hits. I don't think I have any reason to regret. I'll try doing my best which I have done so far. God has been kind. People have been kind. People have whole-heartedly accepted me and my work.

Why don't we see you in solo films now? Are you comfortable doing multi-starrers? 
You will see me CHEMISTRY, which is a solo film. It's a romantic comedy. But there are not many sole films being made these days. Producers want to play it safe. So they want more and more heroes. It's much safer. But as long as people like my work, I don't mind if it's a solo film or a multi-starrer.

How was the response to GOLMAAL 3? 
Fantastic. I'm receiving messages till date. Someone or the other keeps watching it and calls up and says 'Hey, I'm watching it for the fourth time with my kids. They love your part.' It's good when people see your films, appreciate it and go again and again to watch it. That's exactly what you want from them. It's and amazing feeling.

Any particular kind of film that you want to be a part of? 
I don't take myself very seriously. I go with my gut feeling. Sometimes (I do films) for friends, sometimes it's because you want to work with a particular person like OM SHANTI OM. I wanted to work with Farah and Shahrukh so I went ahead and did it. There are certain people that you enjoy working with and you go ahead and do your stuff with them. Invariably it shapes up well because when you are in a feel good zone, it shows on screen.

What are your future projects? 
Apart from my home production CHEMISTRY, I'm doing HUM TUM AUR SHABANA by Sagar Ballary. Then there's TEEN THE BHAI which is for Rakeysh Mehra Productions.

Interview : Freida Pinto

'My journey into films is very different from others.'

	FREIDA PINTO

Post SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE, Freida Pinto has gone international...literally. Her performance in Woody Allen's film YOU WILL MEET A TALL DARK STRANGER was much appreciated at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), recently held in Goa. The actor in conversation with our correspondent.

How was it being part of a Woody Allen film?
It was an honor to be part of a film directed by Woody Allen. I played a troubled character, a girl not knowing what she wants to do with her life...something which we all go through at some point of time in our life.

Your road to success was quite unusual. You started in 2008 and within two years you are doing only international films...
Definitely. I think, in a way, my journey into films is very different from others. To many it may sound like a fairytale thing, but there was a lot of struggle and hard work that went into shaping it up the way it looks today. In fact, I had to struggle a lot before I got SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE, and a lot more after the film was a success.

Because of expectations?
People thought things will now be easy for me after the success of SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE. But I had to really work hard in order to let people know that I deserve the first accolade that came my way.

Is it true that you have decided to stay away from Bollywood?
Not at all. All these are media speculations. I was misquoted. I would very much like to work not only in Bollywood, but also any Indian cinema, but only if the script is good; for me, script is the most important.

When you decided to become an actor, did you ever imagine that you will be doing international films?
Being born and brought up in India, I had a lot of exposure to Hindi cinema; and I highly appreciate all of them. But I never focused on being a Bollywood star or Hollywood actress. I always aspired to do films that come from any part of the world as long as they have a humane story that I could contribute to.

Do you miss staying away from India?
I always miss India. I always call home and say, 'You know what? Today I thought about...let's say...Worli Sea Face, and now I miss it like anything.' Memories always come back and when they do, you want to go back and experience that again. But unfortunately, when you are miles and miles away from India, it is difficult to do so. So, all I can rely on, is memories. Also, I miss my mom's cooking.
Being a Mumbaikar, what does the city signifies for you?
It signifies my childhood. I was born and brought up in Malad area of Mumbai. When we came back from school, in the evenings we used to play lagori (seven tiles) and langri (hopscotch). I am not a big fan of street food. But if somebody makes a vada pav, I wouln't say 'no'.

What are your future projects?
I am currently working on three projects-IMMORTALS by an Indian director Tarsem Singh, RISE OF APES (on animal testing) to be directed by Rupert Wyatt, and BLACK GOLD to be shot in Tunisia by French director Jean-Jacques Annaud.

Interview : Ranveer Singh

Tell us something about yourself and your background. How did you end up becoming an actor?
I've wanted to be an actor since I was a child. Throughout my school years I used to participate in debates, plays etc. I always knew I was inclined towards entertainment. My first memory was: I had gone for a big b'day party. Dadi asked me to dance and suddenly in the middle of the lawn I am dancing. I remember the song was "chumma chumma. I felt the thrill of performance at a very young age. And the bug bit me then. Grew up on TV in the 90s. When I was 14 or 15, I felt this was a very far-fetched idea for someone like me who does not have any family backing. Prime opportunities came with lineage. So I pursued my second passion which was creative writing. Then when I was in America, in college, I took an acting class. And on the first day, my instructor said: I don't wanna know who you are, what you do, just go up and perform. And that very day I decided this is what I wanna do. I would be compromising. This is what I love and I'm best at. So I took theatre as a minor. When I came to Mumbai I became an Assistant Director. Network a little with people in the industry. Then I said to myself, let's get more acting specific. I did theatre. I wanted to only act in mainstream Hindi movies. When I went to meet to directors, producers etc. they felt it was an advantage because I was a blank slate. I had never been seen on any screen before. One day I got a call, saying it's a Yashraj role, lead role, so I came, gave it my best shot. Then finally I met Maneesh, the director of BAND BAAJA BAARAAT. He took me to meet Mr. Aditya Chopra. He greeted me with a smile. I was numb, feeling so many things. I was trying to be professional. He said: "Ranveer, we're going with you." I was so excited I just stood up, gave Maneesh a big hug. All my professionalism was gone! Adi sir gave me good words of advice. I was dawned that my childhood dream had come true. I just sunk to the ground and started crying in the middle of the corridor. And Maneesh looked back and said: Yeh kya kar raha hai yaar. Adi also walked out, and saw me, and patted my back, and said "don't worry bacche, tu kar lega". They handed me the script so I had a tangible symbol of my achievement.

You got the script. When you read it for the first time, what did you feel about BBB?
Maneesh had already narrated to me the 1st half. By the time he had reached the 5th page, I had already started imagining and planning how I would structure the character and how I would create this character. It was just a very easy read. I loved the first half so much that I was absolutely curious to know what the second half was gonna be! The thing that stood out to me was Bittoo! It was such a fun character; he was such an endearing character. Such a cool guy. And more than anything I saw so much scope of putting my own personality in the character. The very heavy emotion is in sparing doses. Mostly fun film, light film. I felt that this film will be a lot of fun when it's made. And it is!

Tell us something about Bittoo Sharma.
The good thing about being an actor is you get to play so many characters, you get to be so many 

"YRF has spoilt me to bits."

people. I am so happy I got to play this part. Bittoo is a young lad from Delhi university - awara, typical loafer, always doing masti with friends. He has no interest in studies all he wants to do is have fun.. That is when he meets Shruti. Bittoo thinks she is very sorted & ambitious girl and it would be advantageous to be with her... Somehow he convinces her that we should start a business together. You do all the thinking and I'll do all the execution. And then the story goes forward: about their relationship.

The character that you play, Bittoo Sharma, is a realistic character. Not from fantasy land. How comfortable were you with the character and the life of Delhi?
I think Maneesh's biggest concern was this. That he acts well, but he doesn't know much about Delhi and its life. When they went to do the recce, he decided to take me along! His intention was to expose me to the world of the film. They have their own culture. Delhi University, the whole world is very distinct. And it's very important because it makes the character very relatable. He took me to the university and left me. Said - Launda banke aa! I was running free in the university, meeting all students, hanging out with them; see how they speak, what their tastes are, where they come from. All my days in Delhi were spent with them, while I also lived with them. And I went incognito as Bittoo. I used to introduce myself as Bittoo Sharma. Every day I would meet new people. Attended classes, went to watch movies together, did loaferbaazi. Interestingly, I met this guy who was very close to Bittoo. He had the swagger, the way he dressed, spoke, I knew when I met him for the first time, I knew he was my guy. So I studied him for a few days, hung out with him and have made Bittoo like him. He had the attitude and energy of Bittoo. I knew this is as Bittoo as it gets! He was crucial in my preparation of Bittoo!

CHECK OUT: BAND BAAJA BAARAT Movie Preview

The preparation pre-shoot was a long process. Habib Faisal, the writer and Maneesh Sharma, the director are both from Delhi. What help did you get from them?
At first I was struggling with the reading. They were having a tougher time explaining to me the character. But once I came back from Delhi, I was flying. I wasn't only doing exactly what they were looking for, but adding to it! So all thanks to Maneesh that he took me with him and exposed me to the setting of BBB. I had absorbed so much of the world of the film, that they were thrilled.

Habib was the main driving force behind the emotion of the film. Once I went to Delhi, I had mastered where the character was from, his background, his setting etc. After that, I needed to know what the emotions would be and when they would come. Habib sir knows exactly what he has written, so precise, what emotions etc. he is so meticulous. I couldn't have got the emotion right without him!

You both play wedding planners in the film. How did you put this into your character? During the recce you learnt a lot, so by the time you reached shoot, had you understood what was needed?
I only learnt and studied up until you see him first in the film, when he is a university boy. Uske baad jo bhi dikhaya hai, woh uske liye bhi naya hai. He is also planning a wedding for the first time, and going to places in Delhi for the first time. So I let that be a new experience for me too. That was why I could be most natural; it would all be new for me, not rehearsed, so I could act it out well.

	download BAND BAAJA BAARAAT wallpaper

How is Maneesh Sharma as a person and a director?
Maneesh is crazy! He is a raging bull on set! He has a very clear vision. He knows what he's saying; he knows his style, his vision of the end product is so clear! It just makes everyone's job so easy. He knew every nuance of every line, how he wanted, where he wanted. This script was so much in his system. And it had gone through so much processing in his mind. And the way he would speak, you would know how much and how well he knows BAND BAAJA BAARAAT! He is not unclear at any given point. And he doesn't compromise. Till he gets it, he doesn't move forward. Everybody has to get on the same page. So for me he is the best director in the world! He really has natural talent and is a great story teller.

What was your experience of meeting Anushka for the first time?
I remember it was during the audition process, a Sunday morning. Maneesh told me to come for a reading, and said it would be with a fellow actor. I had no idea it was going to be with Anushka! I was already very nervous. And when the door opened, there was Anushka! It was like a scene out of a film. I was stunned! I had been a fan of hers. Loved her work in RAB NE BANA DI JODI. I was stunned. She is so gorgeous in person, twice as she is on screen. I was taken in by her presence. I was already nervous, then you popped Anushka in front of me. She is very hard to ignore.

The film being character driven requires tremendous chemistry between the actors for its success. What did you do for chemistry?
I'm lucky that she was cast to be Shruti. Anushka and my approach to acting are very different. I rehearse and rehearse and she leaves it to be as spontaneous as possible. Because it's such a beautifully written script, the chemistry was already on paper. The rest was just our approach to it, and I guess the chemistry just followed.

Did Anushka explain to you from her experience?
I am a nervous kind of guy! But I never allow my nerves to be detrimental to my performance. I've learnt how to channel them and make them a positive energy. And that time Anushka helped me. She would help me at every level. When she says something it's like reggae music. When it comes at you it's not harsh. She had a wonderful way of supporting and encouraging me at every step of the way. What's remarkable is she accepts another actor whose approach is totally different. We learnt from each other. She is very cool, collected, calm and operates from a space of extreme confidence. And she has so much that even I became confident! She was like a pillar of support throughout the process.

CHECK OUT: I have lost objectivity on BAND BAJAA BAARAAT

Did dancing come easy to you?
For my first audition, I was required to enact a couple of scenes, but the second one required me to dance! Maneesh rolled the camera and said pick your song! I chose 'My Name Is Lakhan' and 'Chaiya Chaiya'.

In the feedback, they said you can dance, you have rhythm but your moves are terrible!

Then I met Vaibhavi ma'am who made me dance and then made moves according to what I naturally can do. I am not trained, but enjoy it. That's why I get away with it! She made me do dance classes. Finally we rehearsed before the shoot. The songs are so much fun, I never felt like I was going to work. If you choose a job you love, you will never feel like you're going to work.

Instance during the shoot that was memorable?
There are two.

When we were shooting in the DDA market in Delhi, there was a huge crowd gathered to see the shoot. And there was a liquor store there. It was situated in such a place, that the crew was blocking its way. After some time, the owner came up and said I have lost so much money because of you! What the hell are you doing? My business is going down! Everyone was trying to control him. The direction team tried to plead saying, we are just going, we are just about to finish. But he was not budging. Then I went up to him, and said, "Please sir, meri pehli film hai". And I don't know what got into him. He suddenly melted! And said: "Oh bhai, toone kya baat kehdi. Ab tu shooting kar! Saari raat shooting kar!"

Another day when we were shooting an intense scene, I had to be dramatic and my elbow ended up whacking Anushka's face. I was dying! I had just whacked the heroine! But Anushka was so cool about it. All the Ad's started having fun and wanting to watch the scene in slow motion!! It really created a tense situation, but I think Maneesh was so happy, because the tension helped the scene!

How would you sum up your whole experience?
I hope I do many more films in my life but BBB will just be that special one! I feel really lucky to play a superb character like Bittoo in my first film. The people I worked with are so awesome. They are so good at their work. YRF has spoilt me to bits. I am so thankful to Adi sir. I owed it to him and I've tried to give it my best shot. I've given it everything. It's the best thing I've ever done in my life. The kind of growth and personal development during BBB has been the best, the coolest, the most fun and most satisfying thing I've done in my life.

Interview : Katrina Kaif

'I am a fan of Madhuri Dixit.'

Katrina Kaif is on Cloud 9 these days. First, she got a Barbie crafted to her likeness, and then an item number-Sheila Ki Jawaani-in TEES MAAR KHAN, that has replaced Munni on the charts. The actor tells our correspondent that the film is going to be a complete entertainer.

Farah Khan said she will give you the biggest item number of the year in her film TEES MAAR KHAN and Sheila Ki Jawaani is ruling the charts. So she kept her promise?
Yeah. 'Sheila Ki Jawaani' is a fun song; it's very much part of the movie and not a separate item song. I aspire to become an actress in TEES MAAR KHAN, and the film I get is called Sheila Ki Jawaani...so you can understand what my character was going through (Laughs).

This time, even critics are appreciating your moves in the song...
Farah and me tried to do something different. As for me, I was just following Farah's instructions. I was very clear that even if I have an opinion, I am going to follow her blindly in the film.

CHECK OUT: TEES MAAR KHAN all set to con the world

'Sheila Ki Jawaani' has toppled Munni Badnaam (from Salman Khan's DABANGG). What do you have to say on that?
I recently met Malaika (Arora Khan) on the sets of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 5. Her verdict was, this year, Sheila and Munni rocked. Malaika is a natural dancer. I don't think she has to put any effort on a song...she is inherently very talented; unlike me, who had to put a lot of effort in the song, with Farah constantly reminding me not to look bubbly in an item number.

Farah Khan is known for shouting at her cast and crew on the sets. Did she yell at you too?
I used to walk into the sets with my hands shaking. Farah used to say: 'What's wrong with you?' and I said: 'I am so afraid of you.' But never once did she yell at me. So, I don't know if she was being nice to me or I was really dancing and acting well.
Who is one actress is Bollywood whom you really look up to?
I am a fan of Madhuri Dixit. Her every dance, every expression, every movement, to me, is very aspirational ; especially expressions, which is very essential for an actor, where one can only try, try and try to get the perfect take. I don't think there's anybody like her. She is the most beautiful actress ever to come on screen.

You are the first Bollywood actor who has a Barbie doll crafted to her likeness. How was the feeling to hold a Barbie that resembles you?
As a child, like all young girls, I too have grown up with Barbie. She has been a friend and I have shared many experiences with her. Barbie is the ultimate fashion icon and is the most popular doll in the world. She has captured my imagination for many years and now when I get an opportunity to be a part of Barbie's heritage � I am enchanted, deeply honoured and humbled as I today join the ranks of iconic women who represent Barbie's aspirational values. I am extremely grateful to Mattel for presenting me my very own Barbie doll. I hope that my young fans are equally thrilled with this doll.

Interview : Akshay Kumar

"I am ready to team up again and again with Katrina"

Akshay Kumar is playing a conman in Farah Khan's TEES MAAR KHAN. The actor tells our correspondent that the film is going to be a complete entertainer.

	download TEES MAAR KHAN wallpapers

Farah Khan only works with Shah Rukh Khan. So, were you surprised to find yourself in her camp?
More than surprised, I was happy about it... I got to play a part in one of her films. That was a more exciting thing for me. So, let's keep these camps aside; camps are for kids.

Your image as 'aadha Robindood' (half Robinhood) is already gaining popularity among the youths...
(Laughs) You have to credit that to my character in the film, who loots wealthy people, but does not distribute the riches among the poor. If I would have played a full Robinhood, then this film would not have been made. In that case, he would have given away all his riches and won't have been TEES MAAR KHAN.

CHECK OUT: Katrina has played an item girl like never before

TEES MAAR KHAN is having offtrack promotions-the music was launched in a local train, and then there was a party at Juhu beach for the masses. Whose concepts are these?
The film is for the masses and we are trying to connect with them. All these weird ideas came from Farah's brain. There is a train robbery sequence in the film. So, the music launch idea came from there. She made me board a train after 24 years for the music launch. As for the beach party, I have never heard of anything like that before. She wanted to connect directly to the people and tell them about the film. But all of us really enjoyed ourselves.

Your pairing with Katrina has always turned out to be a box office success...
Thankfully, things have been working for both of us and if that's the trend or way to make it at the box office, we are ready to team up again and again.

Do you think your pairing with Katrina is going to click this time too?
We will know that on December 24 when the film releases...doodh ka doodh, paani ka paani ho jayega.

As a producer, is there any apprehension about the box office collections?
Not just as an actor, as a producer also, I am very happy with the results. The film has been made on a unique idea and the results of all our efforts will start showing soon.

You have tried your hand at so many varied genres...action, comedy, serious roles. But there are critics who say you lack the credibility factor. Do you agree?
I don't think about these things so much. I only do those films which I want to do, I feel like doing. I do films to make myself happy, my audiences happy. I am happy to be an entertainer.
Is it true that you are always conscious that your market rates keep rising?
I do four-five films a year. And now I have my own production company as well. Obviously, being the producer, I can't charge money from myself. So, that way, my rate is zero. But when the films do well, my money comes back to me only.

How do you look at the race for the No 1 position in Bollywood?
I have never participated in this competition for No 1, 2 or 3. We are not horses at Mahalaxmi race course. Every year over 150 films are made in Bollywood and there are only seven or eight heroes. And for any of us, it is not possible to do more than 3-4 films a year.

Interview : Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif and Farah Khan

	view AKSHAY,KATRINA and FARAH PROMOTE TEES MAAR KHAN IN UK picture gsllery

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.

CHECK OUT: TMK is for a rickshaw driver as well as a socialite

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.

	view TEES MAAR KHAN videos

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.

CHECK OUT: Sheila Ki Jawaani - Katrina Kaif also joins the party via TEES MAAR KHAN

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.

Event:		Bollywood's biggest stars, Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif and Farah Khan, stirred a frenzy among hoards of fans who descended upon Cineworld Feltham to catch a glimpse of their number one stars as they visited the venue to launch advance ticket bookings for their forthcoming blockbuster release, TEES MAAR KHAN.
Guest List:		Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Farah Khan
Venue:		Cineworld Feltham, UK