Sonam Kapoor's FilmFare March 2011 Interview Scans

Sonam Kapoor, when asked in the filmfare interview if she's in touch with Ranbir Kapoor, says, “I don’t speak to Ranbir anymore. We are no longer friends. He doesn’t feature in my life at all". In the same interview she said nobody finds Ranbir sexy.

Sonam also clarified that She never had her heart broken by Ranbir Kapoor. Earlier, Rishi Kapoor has remarked that the reason why Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor were talking foul about his son was because they were in love with RK and he had broken their heart and it was a case of sour grapes.

To read Sonam's interview, click on the Links below for Sonam Kapoor's 30th March 2011 FilmFare Magazine Scans, images

Sonam's FF Interview Scan 1
Sonam's FF Interview Scan 2
Sonam's FF Interview Scan 3
Sonam's FF Interview Scan 4

Interview: Kareena Kapoor Says 'Shahid and I Have Moved On'

Kareena Kapoor is peeved that certain sections of the media are going to town over the fact that she was spotted exchanging pleasantries with Shahid Kapoor at a recent award show and then at filmmaker Karan Johar’s party. “It’s probably the 10th time we’ve spoken. But even after four years people still feel the need to write about it. It’s unfair since we’ve moved on. He may be in another relationship now and I’m with Saif (beau Saif Ali Khan) who knows that I will always wish Shahid well.”

Shahid and Kareena Kapoor

So can be there a Jab We Met 2 now? “Some classics are best left untampered. Remember Geet as she was, why try to bring her back?”

Kareena is particularly excited to have signed up another film with her idol Aamir Khan. She admits that at one point she almost believed she’d lost the Zoya Akhtar movie because the dates were not working out. “I don’t have even an hour to spare for the next year but Salman (Bodyguard) and Karan (producer of Short Term Shaadi) were very accommodating and I’m looking forward to working with Aamir and Rani (Mukerji), whose crackling chemistry in Ghulam had mesmerised me,” she says, adding that the dhokla-fefda drunken scene in 3 Idiots is one of her best scenes ever, and she has Aamir to thank for it.

“He was always ready with suggestions. All the Khans are team players. Saif gets magazine cuttings for Sriram (Agent Vinod director Sriram Raghavan) to mould my look and he discusses my clothes with Aki Narula. And Shah Rukh wants me to look gorgeous in RA.One.”

Is there talk of another film with SRK? Says Kareena, “The next eight months are really busy. If I sign any more films, my family and Saif will forget me. And I will have to Xerox myself and distribute the copies amongst my producers.”

The actor has just returned from a rejuvenating break and is ready to start another hectic year. Bringing in the New Year with beau Saif has become an annual ritual now, after a Christmas spent with his kids and their families. “I love Gstaad…The snow, the food, the people and the tranquility. I guess, there’s a bit of Europe in both Saif and me. That’s why we keep going back to this way-out Swiss town. I’ve grown up in the film world but sometimes it’s nice to go someplace where no one talks about Bollywood movies or music,” she sighs, adding that Saif and she have learnt to enjoy reading, skiing or just talking. “We’ve also made a pact to meet every 10 days.”

Salman Khan's Interview on Dabangg: 'Arbaaz thought I was making fun of him when I called the script outstanding'

Salman Khan puts on a cop act once again in his forthcoming film Dabangg. But unlike his previous outings in Garv and Wanted, this one is very corrupt, and looks very interesting.


Directed by Abhinav Kashyap -- until now, better known as Anurag Kashyap's younger brother -- the film also stars Arbaaz Khan and Sonakshi Sinha, the daughter of Shatrughan Sinha.

Salman tells us what to expect from his latest action film.

You're looking very young in Dabangg.
Arre, I was told I look very mature in the film!

I had lost a lot of weight and was looking really ripped when Arbaaz asked me whether I had ever seen a ripped corrupt cop. But I saw Sonu Sood working out for hours and getting a chiseled body. Arbaaz told me not to compare myself with him and that I should play my role.

I didn't agree initially but later realised that he was right. A muscular cop didn't suit the role. But I would feel bad every time I saw Sonu working out. Then I would think, 'tujhe kahi aur, kisi aur film me dekh lenge (I'll see to you at another time, in another film).' [laughs]

Dabangg Posters and Wallpapers - Click Here >>

What was your reaction when Arbaaz came to you with the script?
When I heard the script, I said it was outstanding. He thought I was making fun of him. But I had really liked it and told him that we will discuss it the next day. He thought ab yeh script toh gaya (now the script is done for). Next day, I called him up and asked for the script and he still thought I was joking with him.

You grew a moustache for this film, which is quite unusual for you.
Arbaaz would come with different kinds of moustaches and ask me to grow mine like those, about six months before the Dabangg shoot started. I was shooting for another film then and did not want to grow a moustache. I decided to keep a small one for Dabangg. On the first day of the shoot, I tried different moustaches but kuch jamaa nai (nothing worked out). So I thought I'll shave it.

The first time I ever wore a moustache was when I was to do a Raymonds campaign. I was 15 years old then. Gautam Rajadhyaksha had shot my pictures on a terrace, and I had worn one of his jackets and a false moustache to look older. They (the ad makers) liked the photo and selected me. But when they saw me, they said baccha hai, ghar ja (you're a child, go home).

I had to chop my hair off in Dabangg. Tabhi Veer se nikla tha (I had just finished shooting for Veer) and I didn't want to cut my hair too short. Itne mushkil se mere baal bade hue the (I had grown my hair with such difficulty). But I had to.

Also, Sonakshi had this thing for her dad's moustache. Agar dekoge, toh kahi kahi mein mucche aisi hi hai (If you see, my moustache looks similar in some places).

Pictures of Sonakshi Sinha, The Heroine of Dabangg >>

Speaking of Sonakshi, what made you cast her in the film? Word is that you saw her years ago and told her that she just apt for acting.
Yes. When I saw her, she was quite plump. But under all that weight, we knew that there was a very good looking girl, who could emote well. The kind of expressions she gave, it was obvious that she was meant for acting. And she could dance very well too.

Was it your decision to cast her?
Yes. But she needed to be convinced. So we spoke to her father and convinced her together. She wasn't interested in acting. Even now, she is not interested and doesn't want to pursue it.

When she heard the script and read the dialogues, the assistant director said she was ready to perform. And, of course, she can dance very well.

The advantage with Sonakshi is wherever she goes, she will still be family because of her father and his relationship with the people in the industry.

You have danced well too.
[Laughs out loud] The dance in this film is dedicated to all those who cannot dance! Ek night club ka dancing hota hai, ek function ka dancing hota hai, ek dance hota hai jahan log full tun peeke having fun... (there is a night club dance, a dance at a function, a dance where people are drunk and having fun) So these kinds of dance are for those who cannot dance.

Your one-liners became very popular in Wanted. In Dabangg, too, they sound interesting.
What is it with the dialogue Oye Kaalia, kitne aadmi the? They are just dialogues, it's just the way it is said.

Here I use the line, 'kamaal karte ho yaar aap' very often. Also, isko kisi na kisi cheez se har cheez yaad aati jaati hai (the person is always reminded of things from a conversation) like

Yeh minister bada lafander hai. Lafander se yaad aaya, aapne ab tak apna taarif nai karaya humse (this minister is such a scoundrel. Speaking of a scoundrel, you haven't introduced yourself to me.)

Haraamzade, yeh kitaab kidar hai. Haraamazade se yaad aaya, aapke aadarniya pitaji kaise hai?

Yeh ladki bahut kamini hai. Kamini se yaad aaya, aapki patni kaisi hai aaj kal?

Dabangg Movie Trailers - Click Here >>

You seem to have a fetish for playing a cop. You played one in Wanted, and now in Dabangg.
That may be because my grandfather was the DIG (Deputy Inspector General) of Police. Also, I have had a very long relationship with cops [smirks].

You're doing a lot of action films lately like Wanted, Veer and now Dabangg. What is drawing you to them?
Heroism. The only thing about action films is the heroism. My next films are Ready, Love Story and Kick but they are not out and out action films. Ready is a stylish film while Love Story and Kick are romantic films.

What do you mean by heroism?
Anything that is larger than life. Things that we want to do but cannot do them.

Is that why you prefer these films to more realistic ones like Main Aur Mrs Khanna?
Main Aur Mrs Khanna was a sweet film that people should watch at home. Bigger films like London Dreams, Veer and Wanted need to be watched on the big screen. It is the same funda like the Hollywood films like Rambo, Die Hard and Jurassic Park. Their DVD sales were more than theatre sales.

It's been a long time since you did a film with David Dhawan.
We are working on Partner 2. We have decided on the script and will start shooting soon.

You are getting into production too?
I want to produce films where the common man is the hero. I want to give new actors a chance.

Wanted released during Eid and did well. Now, Dabangg will release at the same time.
Any festival is a good time to release a film. Eid is a time of celebrations. So they won't hesitate to spend a little extra money and watch a movie with family and friends. And if the film is right, then it's sone pe suhaga (icing on the cake). I believe films should release when people have nothing to do.

I Want to Get Married Says Vidya Balan In Her Most Candid Interview

In one of her most candid interviews to date, Vidya Balan talks about what she’s looking for in her man, her take on live-in relationships and why she’d rather marry a rich man though the money doesn’t really matter

I want to get MARRIED

It’s a humid afternoon when we enter Vidya Balan’s new home in Khar, Mumbai at the appointed hour. She isn’t there. A little later, she breezes in, looking like a million bucks. She catches her breath, settles into a sofa, and profuse apologies give way to small talk about the unbearable heat. “Now shoot,” she says finally. So be it.

• You are 30 now — is marriage finally on the horizon?
I haven’t come across someone I want to spend the rest of my life with. My parents want me to get married, but it’s not like they think it will happen tomorrow. Even they want me to marry someone I’m sure about.

• So do they show you photographs of eligible grooms and ask you to meet them?
It hasn’t come to that stage. They are not setting it up themselves, but they do encourage me to meet people and keep saying that I should find the right person. They want me to keep my eyes open, rather open my eyes wider (laughs). Let’s just say that they want me to socialise more often. I think they realise that I don’t see myself getting into an arranged marriage.

• But you have fallen in love… Yes. I have fallen in love. It has happened a couple of times.

• And?
It didn’t work out…

• Did that slow you down?
No. I am a hopeless romantic at heart. I believe that it’s better to have loved and lost rather than never to have loved at all.

• Was it difficult to come to terms with?
Well, it wasn’t easy. It is directly proportional to how strong the relationship was.

• What kind of a man would you want if you get married?
Please reframe your question. There is no ‘if’. I want to categorically tell you that I want to get married. I want to have a husband and a family — I’d love that (pauses). I don’t believe in casual relationships and I can never be in a live-in relationship.

• Please continue…
I’ll marry someone who gives me some butterflies in my stomach. Someone like George Clooney. His age is now beginning to show, so maybe someone younger. He should be someone I can discuss anything under the sun with. Most importantly, he should be very self-assured.

• What’s your definition of ‘self-assured’?
My man should accept me just the way I am. If he hears rumours linking me with someone, he should have faith in me. And if it’s bothering him, he should bring it up with me and not let it fester. Also, he should be able to deal with the attention and adulation we stars get.

• But would you give up your acting career for him?
Not at all! If I decide to do that, that’s a different story. I’ll go with the flow. But it can’t be someone else’s decision. Being an actress is a big part of me. That — and my family — is my driving force. I can manage both, a career and marriage. Why would I want to wake up one morning and give it all up just because someone else is pressurising me to?

• Have you set a deadline for marriage?
Not really.

• Most actresses tend to marry wealthy men. Do you see yourself following suit?
It does make sense. Most men cannot handle women who earn more than them. There is an Abhimaan type of situation in most relationships where the woman is more famous and has a bigger bank balance. Don’t get me wrong — I am not a materialistic person. But it’s always wiser to marry someone who is at least as well of as you, if not better. Besides, money is important, isn’t it?

• How important is fidelity to you?
It’s on the top of my list. If he wants to be with anyone else, he shouldn’t be with me. Having said that, it amazes me that there are so many people who know that their spouses are having affairs and yet they continue with a loveless marriage. I have conversations with people about this and some of them even tell me that so-and-so is ‘having an affair but he loves his wife dearly’. How can that be possible? It’s so scary. And mind you, this isn’t just happening in the film industry, but in other spheres as well.

• If you catch your husband cheating on you, would you slam the door on his face forever?
(Clenches her fist) Yes, I would.

• The bottom line about men…
You can’t live with them, you can’t live without them.

Sonam Kapoor Talks About Her Film I Hate Luv Stories With Imran Khan

Quite naturally, Sonam is super-excited about her July 2, release, Punit Malhotra’s I Hate Luv Stories.


Sonam Kapoor has seen Aditya Chopra’s Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge at least 20 times and says she will not tire if she has to see it another 20 times over. “It is one of my most favourite films,’’ says Bollywood’s youngest livewire actress. “The chemistry between Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol is amazing. I just love them.’’ Simultaneously, she confesses, “I’m the world’s biggest mush queen with a voracious appetite for love stories.”

“It’s a fabulous film,’’ she says. “And, it has me playing me. I’m playing Simran who advocates love stories, whereas Imran Khan is Jay, and he’s a cynic. Of course, everyone knows that opposites attract and that is what happens in our case.’’

Gushing uncontrollably about IHLS, Sonam adds, “I loved working with Karan Johar. He is one guy who treats me like an individual. He knows my dad, Anil Kapoor, but when he approached me to play the lead in his film, he spoke to me like an independent person who makes her own decisions.’’

Dharma Productions, says Sonam, spoils its actors. “I was pampered by everyone from director Punit to Karan,’’ she smiles. She admits to having got along like a house on fire with Imran, though on screen they’re constantly pulling each other’s legs. “I personally like guys who have a great sense of humour, are well brought up, and have a good body. I like the concept of tall, dark and handsome. Imran may not fit the bill in every sense, however, we have great screen chemistry. He is a super talented actor and kept me on my toes as an actress.’’

Meiyang Chang, From Indian Idol to Badmaash Company (Interview)

Meiyang Chang Stars in the Bollywood Film Badmaash Company

He's ethnically Chinese, but hopes to sing Hindi songs for a living. He's only been on television for a year, yet already he's hosting reality shows.

And, now, he's all set to make his Hindi film debut, under one of Bollywood's biggest banners: Yash Raj films.

Meet Meiyang Chang, the shy Indian Idol participant who quickly became an Indian Idol host, then an IPL host and now an actor.

Badmaash Company, starring Chang, is directed by veteran actor and first-time director Parmeet Sethi, and is scheduled for release later this week. For Chang, it's a dream come true, as he appears alongside Shahid Kapoor, Vir Das and Anushka Sharma.

In an exclusive interview with rediff.com, Chang walks us through his role in Badmaash Company, while also sharing his future dreams and past realities. Here he also talks about his journey from Indian Idol to Films/Movies.

The obvious question first: Were you born and brought up in India?

Yes! I am from the third generation of a Chinese family that has been settled in India for many, many decades. My forefathers are from China and shifted to India before independence. I was born and brought up in Jharkhand.

A scene from Badmaash Company, Chang with Shahid Kapoor and Anushka Sharma

Tell us something about your family.

We are a family of dentists and have a business in dental care. All male members of our family are dentists, while the ladies are mostly beauticians! Most of them are settled in Kolkata and have their own clinics and parlours.

I have also studied dentistry and am a qualified doctor. I was in Bangalore, and after finishing my degree was planning to go to the US for higher studies. That is when the Indian Idol auditions were announced, and I decided to participate.

All of you know what happened after that. Somehow everything fell in place and I was lucky enough to get good breaks in singing, hosting and now acting.

How did a dentist get the inspiration to sing?

I am not a trained singer. I like music and this is something I got from my father. He was my first inspiration. He used to sing a lot of songs of Talat Aziz, Ghulam Ali and Jagjeet Singh. He was the one who introduced me to music.

Did you want to be a singer when you were a kid?

[Laughs] When you are a kid you have many dreams, and I was no exception. I wanted to be a teacher and an astronaut.

I also used to do lot of sketches and wanted to become a cartoonist. But since there was not much encouragement on that front, I stopped drawing.

But when I was standing at a crucial juncture to decide my career, my Dad helped me and asked me to step into the family business. After that, all of a sudden, in a split-second decision I became a singer. Though I am doing Badmaash Company as an actor, I dream of becoming a playback singer.

A scene from the Movie Badmaash Company

How did you get the offer to appear in Badmaash Company?

Apparently, when director Parmeet Sethi was writing the character Zing he had me in his mind, after he spotted me in Indian Idol as a participant and then as a host. I guess my appearance and the unusual look I have made me ideal for the role. That is how Badmaash Company happened for me.

How was your experience of working with Parmeet?

It was great: He gave us full freedom to do things the way we wanted. There was no pressure from Aditya Chopra or Yash Raj, and they also gave complete independence to Parmeet.

He always wanted us to give something special to ours character, and to ensure that the four key characters are not the same. We have tried our best to meet his expectations.

Would you tell us something about your character.

I am playing the role of a guy from Sikkim called Zing. His father was in the Indian Army, and through a posting of his, Zing comes to Mumbai. Like most north-eastern guys who stay in Mumbai for a long time, Zing also faces an identity crisis. People think he is from Nepal, Japan or from some other country. And his friends make fun of him. He is unperturbed and is very close to his friends and can do anything for them.

So when Karan (Shahid Kapoor) hatches a special plan, Zing supports him wholeheartedly.

What is the plan?

They are all very intelligent plans and most of them related to events in the last 15 years! I cannot disclose anything else. You have to watch the movie.

A scene from Badmaash Company

Didn't Parmeet ask you to sing in the film?

I am sure we understand that Parmeet cannot dictate everything. This is a Yash Raj Films production and I am immensely proud to be a part of this movie. It is an author-backed role and a big one. The fact that he thought of me for the role is a big achievement in itself. Today I am getting a chance to act. It may be singing next time!

Have you ever faced the problems Zing or other north-eastern guys have to face?

Professionally, never. But in my personal life -- yes. Most people refuse to believe that I am an Indian! When I participated in Indian Idol 3, I thought I would be out within a few episodes. I thought no one would vote for me. But I was mistaken -- not only did people vote for me, they kept me in the show till the end.

So, it would be wrong to say that people have not given me my due because I am of Chinese origin.

Now that you have done a film with Yash Raj, are you getting more offers?

Not really! As of now, I have not received any other (film) offer, though I've received loads of television offers. It may be that once the film is released and people see my performance, I will get some offers.

As you mentioned, you are not a trained actor. How was the experience to be amidst professional and trained actors?

I must admit that the whole group was very focussed. Shahid believes in details and is very particular about small things. Vir has come from a completely different background and Anushka is a bubbly and natural actress. So it was a coming together of people from varied backgrounds. I learned a lot by observing them, but also maintained my individuality because the role demanded so.

There is a negative side to all characters in Badmaash Company. None of us are the typical protagonists you see in a movie. For me, this is a change because people have this image of Chang being a 'good boy'

Sourabhee Debbarma (Indian Idol 4) and Meiyang Chang during Indian Idol 4

Any memorable experience from the film you want to share?

There is one scene in the movie where I had to show anger and behave like a drunk. In real life, I have fights with my girlfriend. So it was quite natural and I did not have to act much. But in real life I am allergic to alcohol. If I take extra doses of alcohol, it can be fatal. So acting like I was drunk was quite tough. But I took some inputs from the way my friends used to behave when I was studying in Bangalore -- the extreme madness, happiness, sorrow and stupidity. And that is how I did the scene.

Now that you have mentioned your girlfriend, tell us more about her!

She is also from the Indian Idol Season 2. Her name is Monali Thakur. I met her during my stint as an anchor in Kolkata for Indian Idol 4.

It was a normal meeting; definitely not love at first sight. But I respected her a lot and personally believed that, after Sunidhi Chauhan and Shreya Ghosal, she has tremendous potential to become a good playback singer.

We have been seeing each other for one year now. As we are from the same industry, we understand each other very well. If we are not talking to each other for a long time, we know that our busy schedules are responsible for it. And there is also a certain happiness and disappointment that you can't share with your parents; but when you have someone from the same field, you can provide one another moral support. Both of us are very ambitious and thus marriage can wait for a few years.

What did you learn from Indian Idol?

I think I have learned a lot from Indian Idol. If you have the talent, this is the platform to showcase it. I feel we should grab every opportunity that comes our way.

But you have to be very level-headed, and, if you have not achieved anything, don't blame the platform. It can take time some time. This is a very volatile industry, and you must stay grounded.

There are many people waiting behind you in the queue, so one bad step can ruin your career. If you are good to people, people will be good to you.

Source: rediff.com

'I Chose to Marry the One I Love' - Rahul Mahajan

Rahul Mahajan had a bad experience with his first marriage. He made a bold decision to take a second go at this life-changing commitment through a medium as public as television. Apparently, he still is very happy of that decision and adores his choice - Dimpy Ganguly. He vows to be by her side and through all the decisions of her life. Of course, he hints he expects the same from her too!


Interview After Wedding: Over to the newlyweds…

How are feeling now Rahul?
Rahul: I feel very happy. It was a dream to get married and now it's happened.

Why did you chose Dimpy?
Dimpy as I always say is my very good friend. In fact, we are best friends. And that's very important. So I chose her.

How much did you get paid to do this show?
Rahul: Money is not an issue. So I don't want to go into it right now. My whole intention was to get married and not money.

Dimpy, do you find Rahul having all the qualities of your dream boy?
Dimpy: He is exactly what I had dreamt of. He IS my dream boy.

Is your next step to get into a show like Pati Patni Aur Woh?
Rahul: (Laughs) No till now there's no such plan. We're leaving for Maldives on the 10th and will be returning on the 24th. So I will make future plans only after returning.

Dimpy, isn't there a wide age gap between you two?
Dimpy: Yes, there is an age difference. But I've always had friends who belong to an older age group than my age group. I relate to my older friends better than those my age. Even though he is 13 years older than me I don't really think that's something that should bother me.

Many rumors stated you were to tie the knot to Nikunj but changed your mind in the last minute. Was there any truth to this?
Rahul: Rumors, are what they are - rumors. Nikunj, Dimpy and Harpreet were the three girls I had to choose from. And I chose to marry the one I love.

How and when did you realize Dimpy is the one?
Rahul: When I saw her during mehndi, during sangeet, when I saw her mehndi getting darker and darker…that time my gut feeling kept telling me that yes, Dimpy is the one.

Dimpy will you continue on your way to becoming a model?
Rahul: She's just 21, she's got a long way to go. I'm sure she will succeed in whatever she takes up and I will support her fully in all her endeavors. I am confident that Dimpy will also support me in all my projects.

What do you have to say on the violation of Gladrags contract by Dimpy for which Maureen Wadia had sued her?
Rahul: According to me, if you want to get married you just require your parents' permission. And for all those who did this cheap publicity stunt, I really have nothing to say.

Rahul, you used to praise all three girls equally. Now that you've chosen Dimpy, what will your reaction to the other girls be?
Rahul: It was always known to all of us that my marriage can take place with only one person. All the girls gave me so much love so I will always maintain a sense of respect towards them.

Poonam Mahajan's absence at the wedding remains unexplained…Rahul: Poonam has taken a decision to stay away from politics and for that matter any kind of limelight. She is serious about her decision and we respect that.

Don't you feel these kind of reality shows end up hurting sentiments, for example in this show Nikunj and Harpreet got hurt?
Rahul: Everyone knew at the beginning of the show that many hearts are going to get broken. It's not just them who got hurt, even I got hurt. But that was necessary to make the choice.

Dimpy when did you start modeling?
Dimpy: I started modeling in 2008. I've been into all kinds of modeling…print, movies, ramp…

You are going to shift your base from Kolkata to Mumbai now?
Dimpy: Well, Mumbai is my sasural now so…(laughs).

So you'll be working in Mumbai now?
Dimpy: Well, I'd like to give my married life more importance at first.

Rahul you've been through a difficult past, so with what feelings did you take up the Swayamvar?
Rahul: Well, not everyone gets a second chance. God has given me a second chance and I'm happy about it. In fact I feel I've taken a second birth on 6th March. In fact we both share the same birthday too- 25th July. I think it's a new start for me and now I should concentrate on the future and not the past. Most of the times we waste our lives by worrying about either the future or the past but I'm living in the present and making the best out of it.

Is a month enough to know a person?
Rahul: See, it's not a matter of a month or ten days or ten years. Either you strike a chord or you don't. There were a lot of off-camera moments when I got to know every individual. But apart from that if feel this is all designed by the divine powers. Many a times you love a person so much yet you end up not marrying that person. I think my union of Dimpy has been possible only because God willed it.

Will you be ever getting mixed up in politics?
Rahul: Politics was never away I think. But entertainment business is to make my bread and butter. First I'll try to settle my family then the people in the country.

But you will continue to be involved in the entertainment industry?
Rahul: Yes, because politics is not a business no? The salary of MPs is not even enough to buy clothes. For politics you need to work from the grassroots level for a span of an entire generation. If people want me to be a leader then it's their choice. I will try to connect with people and if I feel I deserve then only I will contest otherwise I won't.

So will entertainment be sidelined?
Rahul: No no like I said I will always be involved with entertainment industry.

What about films?
Rahul: Yes I will take films but after giving it a lot of thought. Because films are a very dicey thing, sometimes they go this way and sometimes they go that way. So only after giving it a lot of thought will I take up any project. People have seen me in certain ways in shows. I need to bear that in mind too. So I will take a decision with a sound mind.

What about passport issues?
Rahul: I can just hope that the authorities in Delhi give me permission, you know…it's not in my hands…I can only pray…you can also pray for me.

Nikunj said in a statement that she does not want to get married to you.
Rahul: Later she explained to me that she was misquoted.

Dimpy, when you were in Kolkata you did some bold photo shoots. Will that continue now also?
Dimpy: Obviously now that I'm married, I have some responsibilities; actually I am done being a model. I want to grow as an actress now.

Rahul bursts: Bold, what you mean by bold. Just because she poses on a beach wearing a bikini, you can't call it bold. If the same is done by a Julia Roberts or a Charlize Theron or the big actresses of Bollywood you call it stylish. They get paid higher so ultimately it's about money no? Money is making a person. I don't agree with such a loosely used term of 'bold'. I will always stand by her and so will my friends and family. She has done nothing wrong so far.

Is it okay with you if she continues doing that?
Rahul: If there is true demand for it in the market and if somebody can afford the rates she's charging for a calendar shoot (laughs), then yeah sure.

Is this show a product of the demand of the market?
Rahul: I don't know, it's my life. Today's my last press conference with Imagine. I think it's our life now. The boat is already in the ocean. It doesn't matter if it's about market. After one year there will be somebody else and you'll be talking to that person.

What are the similarities and differences between you two?
Rahul: We don't judge each other. But our food habits differ. I'm a vegetarian and she being a Bengali is a non-vegetarian. I get angry very fast and she doesn't.

An Interview With Salman Khan

Salman upset about Being Human Fakes ...Don’t buy ‘Being Human’ stuff: Salman


On a pleasant winter noon in Mumbai, I get ru-ba-ru with the hot Salman Khan. Its one of the beautiful days when Salman decides to not live by his larger than life star image but play a simple being instead.

Sitting in his turf, surrounded by lovely sister Alvira, gorgeous sister-in-law Malaika, and their cute-naughty-hyperactive kids, Salman Khan seems a happy man. He’s known to keep aloof when media is around, but today is different. The dude doesn’t seem to care about the world and resolves to have a great time, cycling with his nephews and playing with his dog - a 2 month old French Mastiff, whom he lovingly calls Veer.

Salman finally takes a break from all the running around and soon after its time for lunch. Yummilicious aroma of home-cooked food fills the air as the tiffins and casseroles are opened one by one. Salman gestures me to come and grab a bite and that’s when we get talking over some delicious daal-chawal.

Being a fitness conscious person, Salman prefers carrying ghar ka khana to his sets. While he savours the mom-made food, I ask him if there is one dish that he would not like to share with anyone. Salman takes a pause and replies, “I like to eat everything, but there is nothing that I won’t share with others.”

While tales of his sharing his dabba with his co-stars and film crew while shooting are famous, there’s one thing that Salman secretly tells me. “I used to cook too. But I haven’t done it since long. I guess I should cook something again. I will cook and paint now. Yes,” he lets me in.

The beefy Khan prefers non-veg but is extremely fond of veg food too. Being a complete foodie and a great fan of his mom’s cooking, Salman does have his days of indulgence in high-calorie favourites. But what follows is an extra one hour strenuous workout session in the gym. “Khao aur ghatao. Fir kuch farak nahi padta,” says the Khan who is loved and admired for his perfect physique.


A fitness freak, Salman is also a regular cyclist and loves to pedal his way from home to the sets and back. Cycling is one thing that he wants the youth to take up seriously. Salman says, “There is more than one reason why people should take up cycling. In Mumbai’s traffic, you will reach your destination faster by a cycle than in a car. People go to office by bus, autos and taxi and end up spending money. Why not cycle to work and save that money?

“Cycling saves your time, money and very importantly our depleting resources - petrol and diesel,” says Salman and adds after a brief pause, “It also makes for a great cardio exercise and keeps you fit. Not to forget, there’s zero pollution!”

A great thought and a cause, no wonder then Salman Khan’s NGO, Being Human has partnered with Sport 18 and ID Sports to organize the first ever Cyclothon in Mumbai. The event will be held on February 21st 2010, and the money raised through it will go to the NGO.

Salman also plans to introduce Being Human biking gear and t-shirts around the cyclothon and with that I just can’t help but ask him about Being Human clothesline and accessories. Salman’s reply surprises me, “I request my fans to not buy Being Human t-shirts available in the market. They are a copy and not the original Being Human stuff,” Salman further explains, “What happened is that when I started wearing the t-shrits and media clicked pictures, someone copied the design. The money you are spending on buying those t-shirts and watches sold on the streets thinking them as a Being Human brand is not going to the needy, but is landing in the pockets of some con artist.”


Now, if such a thing happened with an apparel giant, it would have raised an alarm over its losses, but Salman is calm about it all and has a plan in place already, “Now I will introduce a whole new Being Human collection. It will take three to four months.”

I ask him if seeing the copy of Being Human clothes being sold on Mumbai streets angered him. Salman flashes his sweet smile at me and shares an experience that gave him the inspiration to tackle such problems and situations in life. It was while shooting for ‘Phir Mile Sur Mera Tumhara’ video with little kids. “I learnt a very beautiful lesson from those kids. They couldn’t hear or speak, but still they were happy in life. Aur hum chotti chotti batoon se pareshan ho jaate hain... Headache, fever, minor bruises and just simple difficulties and challenges in day to day life perturb us, sadden us. Life is about positive attitude. End mein sab theekh ho jaata hai...,” Salman bids me goodbye with a wonderful thought.

source:Indiatimes Movies

As He Prepares For His Upcoming Wedding, Kailash Kher Talks About Old Feelings And New

'I have been a dulha a thousand times'

THE studio looks plain from the outside. Only a tubelight illuminates the entrance door. Inside, it's another story. Practice is on full swing for Kailasaa band members, including Paresh and Naresh Kamath. Every now and then, the recording room's door swings open and high decibel music hits you.

The band's lead vocalist and playback singer Kailash Kher is yet to arrive. He is getting married this month-end in a low-keyed affair.

While we wait for him, tiny details in the studio leap out. A string of bells that chime melodiously when the main door opens, a pile of drum and guitar cases, dumped by the entrance probably because of their recent American music fest trip, and shoes that lie outside the recording room — reminiscent of a shrine.

The entrance door opens to the bells' chime, and Kailash Kher walks in. He apologies for the mess in the studio and indulges us with a photo shoot first. "The studio is being renovated," he says as he lifts some instruments lying around at the recording studio to make space for the shoot.

From the heart

Kailash has just arrived in the city from Banaras. He was invited by the Banaras Hindu University to inaugurate its annual Spandan youth festival. "Anupam Kher called me up a couple of days ago and asked if I would go. I was there to light a diya. But I was surprised that the management didn't ask me to sing. You never know which direction the brainy guys thinks in," he says with a laugh.

About his outspokenness, the composer-singer says, "I follow my heart. But since I now belong to this industry, it's taught me a thing or two. Even if you don't want to be diplomatic, you have to be." He says he wonders if he is losing his real self to the glitter of the industry. "Dekho aaya tha insaan bhola bhala sa, ab chaalaak duniya ne usko bhi chaalaaki se jeena sikhaya. It's like removing a thorn with a thorn. It makes me question myself sometimes, whether I am wrong in following my heart," he says.

Marriage… err

He refuses to talk about his marriage later this month or about his to-be-bride. Instead he says, "Marriage is so personal I don't feel like talking about it." Needle him a bit more and he says that marriage is perhaps just another phase of life.

"My thinking is different from that of society. How do I tell you in words about my feelings? It's an arranged marriage. Though I live in a modern, contemporary world, I believe in old traditions. So I am just following the tradition… but it's also a new moment for me," he says with a smile. He adds, "You know I have been a dulha a thousand times… when I got my first award for Allah Ke Bande and all eyes were on me, I felt like a dulha or when I sing on stage I feel like a dulha… it's just a feeling."

Team Rahman

His songs have enthralled many, from Allah Ke Bande to Saiyyan. Kailash even says that people tell him that his songs helped them understand love and sometimes reunited them with their loved ones.

Kailash teams up with the now Oscar-nominated AR Rahman for shows and does playback for him, the latest being Arziyan in Dilli 6. There was to be a role reversal too where Rahman was to sing one of Kailash's composition.

"The fact that Rahman was to sing for me appeared in the media and then the news channels ran half hour shows (enacts) 'Ab Kailash banenge music director aur Rahman banenge gayak'. It became a bit uncomfortable, so Rahman said, 'let's avoid it."

Music for the soul

Interestingly, many of Kailash's popular songs like Teri Deewani or Saiyyan are female versions of songs. Kailash says, "Since my early years, I have been listening to nirguni songs my father used to sing. Nirguni is Sufi. And not many people know about it. I have been influenced by Sufi music, which is beyond the realm of the physical. It's spiritual. And so it is beyond gender. You have to feel the music from the heart."

Conversation turns to other musicians and he wants to know whether we have heard others talk like him. "They all say I wear Versace, girls go nuts about me, I am a lady charmer… I am not saying that I don't belong here, but instead of participating I just observe," he says.

Judging qualities

Another thing that amuses him is when he has to apply makeup. "It's so funny… sometimes I have to even put lip balm, and they darken a couple of grey hairs in my stubble with eye shadow. I don't stop them," he laughs.

He doesn't believe in reacting harshly with the Indian Idol contestants either. "Everyone loves drama. But what's the point in shouting 'Kya kiya tune… tune to barbaad kar diya... show ka toh gala daba diya tune'. If I ever say such things, I will die. I will think I am possessed," he laughs out aloud, an obvious reference to his co-judge Annu Malik.

As we bid goodbyes, Kailash says his bride's name is Sheetal. "You will laugh, but she is totally opposite of me. I think she has a childish demeanor but since God has made this connection, obviously there must be something special."

I Am a Bionic Man - Shahrukh Khan

Shahrukh Khan

'The less flesh and blood I am, the longer I'll last.' Fitted with a titanium disc and a torn shoulder that will be anchored soon in surgery, Shahrukh Khan calls on his indefinable energy before the release of Billu Barber

He's back in town after presenting a Golden Globe and shooting with Kajol after eight years. Shahrukh Khan may be in agony with a torn shoulder, but he's still at work till late at night, handling interviews for his Billu Barber (February 13), with barely a grimace of pain.

Shahrukh, first, how are you feeling now?
I'm feeling okay, I've taken some cortisone and steroid injections on the shoulder so the pain is less. I was in lot of pain when I was shooting (My Name Is Khan) in LA. Then when they did the tests and all, they found out that it's fully torn. Now the effect of the painkillers is wearing off, but I've got seven-eight days before I go into hospital for surgery.

And that's only after Billu Barber's release on February 13?
Yeah, I'm feeling little bad because I wanted to be in a happier state of mind for the release — I hope lots of people go and see it and make me happier when I go in for my surgery (grins). I'll go into surgery February 15 night or 16 afternoon.

You have a theory about pain, don't you?
Yes, I think all of us are good people. There are few bad people in this world; I think you can count them on your fingers. Everyone has inherent goodness. Whenever Allah, Bhagwan, God gives you pain, it is only to take away something else worse that was going to happen. So He gives physical pain instead. It's His way of saying, "You've been good, that's why I'm giving you physical, not emotional pain." It just requires painkillers and a surgery.

Is surgery scary?
I've had lots of them and it's part and parcel of my schedule for couple of years now. I'm nearly becoming bionic — I have a titanium disc, they will suture this and put an anchor. The less flesh and blood I am, the longer I will last! (Laughs) The titanium stuff will not rust.

I look at it positively. It will give me time to read my scripts and work on them: My Name Is Khan, Ravan, Happy New Year and Don 2. Strangely, I recently met Mahesh Bhatt on a flight who had asked me 15 years ago to write a book. I told him, 'Listen, you never told me when to end it!' He told me to take this time and end it.

How do you talk of the injury to your kids?
They're very cool. More than anyone else in this world, my children think I'm a hero and not because I'm a movie star. I also feel somewhere that I hope this pain is something I take so they don't get it. They have blind faith and love — it's so beautiful. They know I'll be okay. Grown-ups are so convoluted; we worry.
My son was just saying, 'So after the surgery, you can beat me up, na?' Right now, we were having a little fight and I asked him to be gentle. He said, 'Papa, this is it. I know you're making excuses, but I can beat you even when you're not hurt.' They say they want to come see me in hospital and that's one of the reasons I'm having it in India. Last time, I was away for a month and I missed them. They're older now. They will see me a little unwell, but it's okay, they have to understand now.

Have you seen the original Malayalam version of Billu Barber?
No, Priyan (Priyadarshan) sir said not to see it, but I think we've retained it to the original. He feels he's been long enough in Hindi films to understand it better when you adapt it. He gave me the freedom to work with the dialogues. I saw Billu Barber a few days ago with family. The film is highly emotional and all of us were crying.

Billu Barber is not like a Shahrukh Khan film. We added a bit more physical presence but I haven't taken over as a star. I heard you don't even see Mammooty saab so much in the original. This film is touching.

We saw you as Shahrukh Khan in Luck By Chance last week and you're playing a superstar again in Billu Barber.
I'm not Shahrukh in Billu Barber — I don't dress like that, wear dark glasses or have 14 people walk out of a helicopter with me. This is playing a superstar called Saahir Khan. Maybe Luck By Chance was more like me. In Om Shanti Om, the superstar was really spoilt and bratty. We've also given this superstar a tinge of rockstarryness.

I'm not trying to deride Priyan Sir's film but if I've liked a film after Viraasat, it's Billu Barber. This film too has a quietness and you get slowly taken into it.

How is it you haven't worked together before?
Priyan sir wanted Aamir and me to do a film long time ago — I think that was Hera Pheri. Even now, he narrated two films. One was a comic heist. He also said, "I have another film I can shoot in 40 days and I need 20 days of yours."

I asked Kareena (Kapoor), 'Darling, I need you to do Paanchvi Pass, but can you also do a song for me?' She said, 'I have four days now.' We got the set of Marjaani, I saw my costume the day we shot and we kicked off Billu Barber that way.

The film is about keeping a friendship. How many of your old friends are you still in touch with?
I've had four friends since childhood. Bikash, Raman, Ashok and Vivek. I couldn't attend one of their weddings. We're friends because we don't expect much from each other. I don't talk to them on the phone and then Gauri will say, 'Arre, Vivek has come.' And we'll start off where we left off nine months back. Two are in Delhi, one in Singapore and one in London.

I was in Singapore and Ashok called, 'Shall I come see you?' I said I was too busy and he said, 'Okay, love you man.' It's very easy and that's what friends are for. To count on them to not encroach on your space, while filling it with love.
When I was in school, our principal's office had this saying, 'Count your life by smiles, not tears. Count your age by friends, not years.' So I'm a four-year-old. Here in Bombay, I have Karan, Adi, Farah, Juhi, Aziz and Chunky's brother. There are some like Ratan Jain or others I don't even meet. I can't be emotionally available to everyone because of my line of work; I'd rather reserve that for my family.

Not being emotionally available — does that hurt a friendship?
If it does, it wasn't a friendship. It has hurt some, but that's what I truly believe. (Inhales) You know, I can't. Things happen to me more than I can coherently explain. Twenty years — where I come, go, who and why I am. When my book comes out, people will understand it. I'm very honest in that book. I don't know what I'm doing at times, I just keep doing it. But God's been kind.

Maybe I was meant to serve another cause than just having a few beers with friends. That's spreading love through my work. I don't think I'm a philanthropist. I'm just making people feel happy when I laugh, dance and sing. I notice this — people smile even taking my name.

So are you the audience's friend?
Yes, I'm emotionally, not physically available to them.

Who are your oldest friends?
These four guys — we've been together from kindergarten. Ashok and I in one section, the others in another. I remember one emotional incident. I used to run very fast and during one race, Ashok (my best friend) was behind. I stopped and waited for him without thinking I would lose. When he came along, I was happy to go with him and finish eighth or tenth.

My son was four-years-old and I went to see his race at Kangaroo Kids. You know how fathers are pushy? I told him to win and he ran fast and stopped. He turned and waited, took another kid's hand and came last. I forgot I'd done the same. I said, 'Aryan, you don't have to stop.' Sweetly he said, 'Papa, he's my friend.' That purity of friendship I remember. Of course, we lose it as we grow older.

These friends and I did everything together. We were suspended, met our girlfriends, lied to parents, were reprimanded, got 1/100, lost football and hockey matches, discussed girls and even contemplated suicide together. Yeah, one guy was very serious. I told him, 'I don't think so. Suicide isn't the answer.' And they looked at me and said, 'We didn't mean that.'

We were even caught by the police together! We were a gang called the C Gang, after the section we were in. My wife has kept a beautiful section of our pictures on the seventh floor here.

Did you ever have bad hair days?
I never comb my hair if I'm not shooting. I take a bath and finger-comb my hair. I don't own a comb or travel with a brush. I'm easy about all of me.

Are there movies where you laugh at how your hair was?
Oh, there will always be that, yaar. Juhi once said, 'Shahrukh Khan is a fluke — he had such funny hair and was brown and scrawny.' The hair, skin, dialogue delivery, dance is all wrong, but try beat me (grins)!

How is it shooting with Kajol for My Name Is Khan after eight years?
Like I said about friendship — I don't find it special, neither does she. We start off where we left off and we keep meeting each other anyway.

Karan says he can't describe how you two do it.
Yes, I know he does. There's a funeral scene in My Name Is Khan where our friend has died and she holds me. I'm autistic, and I'm sitting in a black suit. Suddenly, I put on dark glasses, made her do the same and we did this Matrix, Men In Black thing and enjoyed that more than the scene we were shooting! Karan keeps saying things. We just tell him, 'Just shut up. If it's good, let us go home.'

Kajol's and my relationship is so wonderfully ordinary that we start looking special on screen.

Dev.D just released. Curious to see how this Devdas looks?
I saw a programme of Anurag Kashyap's last night. I really like him because he's got mad eyes; he's demented. I like what he writes — he wanted me to do No Smoking. I don't want to see Dev.D because I did Devdas, but because of Anurag — he's a quirky talent. Emosanal athyachaar sounds very good! Not because of Devdas; I'm sure Abhay will do a much better job than me.

What really happened at Preity Zinta's party between you and Akshay Kumar?
I'm sorry, what? (surprised)

You were said to have had cold vibes and that it's Bollywood's new war.
(Does a double take) No, no, this is completely baseless. Because of my shoulder, I reached the party very late and Akshay wasn't there. I suppose we fight when we're not even there (laughs).

How was the Golden Globe experience?
It's great to be part of Newsweek's most influential people and the Hollywood Foreign Press has been so kind. I was introduced to all these stars as the biggest movie star on the planet — Emma Thompson, Clint Eastwood, Mark Wahlberg, Jennifer Lopez, Cameron Diaz and that other girl from Charlie's Angels?

Drew Barrymore?
Ooh, she's so beautiful, looks like a doll! And Catherine Zeta Jones, oof beautiful! The Slumdog Millionaire guys were so sweet. I met Dev Patel in the loo and he said, 'I can't believe I'm p**ing with Shahrukh Khan. I'm a fan!' I'd love to go someday to the Globes with a Hindi film.

Was it strange that Slumdog Millionaire was a film you knew of before the world?
Ya, ya, Danny and I sat here and discussed it. I read the book because I wanted to make it myself. Danny sat here and discussed it; I think the script is also lying here. I didn't think it was right to do (the role of Anil Kapoor's) and I stand by that. But the book didn't leave me — from when I read it to presenting it at the Globes, a full circle. And now, Inshallah, the Oscar.

How long will you now be out of action after the surgery?
Eight weeks in a sling and two months after that. I was anyway doing IPL, but I guess I can't now jump around or run into the crowds. I should be fit to exercise in July-August.

Guess it is then the right time to finish your autobiography.
Yeah, I still have my right hand (laughs)!

An Interview With Dev Patel of Slumdog Millionaire

‘I’m bloody underage to go anywhere’ - Dev Patel

BACK TO HIS ROOTS: Dev Patel

But 18-year-old Dev Patel did see the slums of Mumbai and they weren’t anything like he imagined they would be

Did shooting in India help you get in touch with your roots?
I don’t know how many people have asked me that — ‘getting back in touch with your roots’. We need a new phrase. See, we have this bread back home (in the UK) called Hovis Best Of Both Bread. You’ve got white bread and brown bread; white bread’s not supposed to be good for you and brown bread is good for you but no kid likes eating that. So, when I came to India, I thought they’ve made this bread that’s the best of both — it’s white bread with all the goodness of brown bread. Once I’d spent four months in India, I felt like that I was a British kid but I got to experience another part of my culture, which gave me the best of both worlds.

Have you seen any Indian films lately?
I was watching the trailer of this film on TV — Fashion? And it was very racy! I work in a racy teenage TV drama in the UK called Skins, and that was right up there with us!

Do you know the lead actress?
Priyanka Chopra? Yeah, I know her.

How much Bollywood do you know?
Oh, loads. I was on the sets one day and I didn’t realise how much I’d seen — my dad used to play this soundtrack when he dropped me to school in his car. So, it just came into my head one day on the sets and I went ‘Ek, do, teen’ and I said, ‘Hey, that’s one of Anil’s, right?’ And Anil (Kapoor) goes, ‘Aye, don’t be cheeky, okay?’ (Laughs) I was here earlier too, and I watched Ghajini. Aamir’s a great actor. And it shows how far Bollywood’s come. There are no stereotypes anymore.

How did your parents react when they knew you were going to India?
My mum actually gave everyone a heart attack because she was worried about a 17-year-old coming to a slum in India and staying away from home. But it was exciting, too. Before I was anything in acting, and when people from my community asked what subjects I’m taking in school, my mum said, ‘Acting,’ their faces dropped, and they went ‘What?’ But now I’m part of this film with people like Anil Kapoor and Irrfan Khan, and they’re like ‘Wow, what’re they like?’

Did you have any apprehensions about shooting in India?
The great thing was that Danny included me in the location scouts. When you’re reading a script in your bathroom in London, you just gotta imagine — and sometimes stereotype –— what slum life is gonna be like. But it was great that he took me there and dispelled my misconceptions. You get these charity ads in London to donate a pound a month to a child in India and you see this malnourished, depressed child on TV. I’d never been to a slum before and I got to see Dharavi, with a population of two million, and this slum in Mahim, and it’s not like that at all. It’s buzzing. And it’s people working — constantly trying to get about, there’s so much activity. And when you’re there, you witness a great sense of banter between everyone. Everyone knows everyone else. You see the kids walking past and someone passes this cheeky remark and they’re all giggling and laughing, and you know everyone’s been part of this big molecule.

Did you party in India?
Once we started rolling, there wasn’t that much time to party! And of course, I’m bloody underage to go anywhere. But yeah, apart from going on location scouts, they put me in a really dingy hotel. The guys saw this foreign kid with a bright red Bruce Lee Tshirt and trainers, and they’re like, we’re gonna make him wash dishes. And they took me down to the basement and I was there for four hours. I was one of these interns, and he was on his phone all day, and I was wondering when I was gonna get out. I literally did scrub dishes all day — that was surreal.

Interview of Freida Pinto: Talks About her Red Carpet Style and Why No One Should Ask Her About Boyfriends

One film old and Freida Pinto already needs no introduction. Here she chats about her red carpet style and why no one should ask her about boyfriends

Freida Pinto: Living the million dollar life

WHAT do you do when you have to wait around for actors?" asks Freida Pinto after apologising for the two-hour delay. "I hate sitting around backstage and waiting for questions to be asked."

And questions are being asked — a lot, considering the buzz around Slumdog Millionaire. Did the 24-year-old model turned actress anticipate the movie would be this big? "Not at all," she gushes. "Everything Danny Boyle and Simon Beaufoy (screenplay writer) touch, turns to gold. But you can never anticipate this."

The cast themselves have great stories to tell like how the photo in the posters was shot separately while Dev was in London and they had to struggle to get that infectious smile he sports in the poster, while filming the movie. They seem to be enjoying each other's company too. Freida was lead actor Dev's "official tour guide when he was here," says Freida. Just before we sit to talk, she moves to take a call from Rubiana Ali who plays the youngest Latika. They are making plans to meet up with Dev and 'Danny Uncle' and coordinating outfits for the premiere of the film.
Just another great dress to add to her wardrobe of fabulous designer wear. "All have a special reason I picked them," she says when we ask her to choose her favourite red carpet dress. "But if I had to pick… I like all the Chanel dresses I wore till now — they just fit me like a glove. I also like the Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla saree I wore to the London Film Festival. It was a lovely muted tone." Though her favourite, she says, has to be the blue Ronald Mouret dress she wore to the Palm Spring Festival because it was so simple and exquisite. On the red carpet she was seen in colours from mustard to teal to white but look inside her wardrobe and all you will find is black. "My mother opens my cupboard and says 'it's like night in here'," she laughs. What you won't find in her cupboard, though, are bubble dresses because they are "completely out," says Freida, who loves the less-is-more trend.

Seen in Jean Paul Gaultier, Zac Posen and Christian Lacroix, Freida says there was no temptation to go with Indian designers. It's more about a dress befitting the occasion than the designer, she says, while insisting that Indian designers do a fantastic job. And rightly so, for the interview, she sports a black halter neck dress by Gauri and Nainika. Designer Nanette Lepore especially gave her the pair of black booties she is wearing with the dress because she has, "Big feet. I got two such black pairs!"

While doing the award circuit, she has walked along some of the greatest names in Hollywood including her idol Angelina Jolie who, she believes, along with Kate Beckinsale, carries herself with great poise on the red carpet. She also loves Mickey Rourke's look at the Golden Globes, with a chain hanging from his pant pocket, as it was very rock star like. Though she wishes she had gone up and spoken to Leonardo DiCaprio whom she has had a crush on since Titanic "My friends think I'm stupid not to have told Leonardo DiCaprio what a huge crush I've had on him. It was doubly special meeting Clint Eastwood as my mother is a huge fan of his. When you meet them personally, you realise that the industry is filled with real people," she says.

Yet walking the red carpets was no easy feat and this is where her experience as a model came in handy. "It helped me pose better on the red carpet," she laughs. "My signature pose is the look over the shoulder but I think the best pictures are the candid smiles."

With this sudden fame come her way, Freida says she misses normalcy. The good part about it is that those who had held grudges are now calling to congratulate her. She also has to keep reminding herself that she is now doing press and promotions in India and that people here are very different from those abroad. "Just now I was taking a picture with this guy and I put my arm around him and he said, 'Please take your arm off, my wife will not like it'," giggles Freida. She seems so open and chatty that we are tempted to probe a little. But she squashes any intention by saying, "I am very reserved and that might come across as being a cold b***h. Everybody wants to know about my personal life. What my mother does. Should I also tell you what my grandmother and great-grandfather did?" she asks sarcastically. That means no questions about boyfriends will be entertained. Ever.

Questions about the movie's chances at the Oscars are more than welcome. Now that the movie has been nominated, her chosen outfit would be something that she feels great in. "I tell my stylist in US 'you can give me as many clothes but when I wear a dress and go wow, it has to be that one'," says the girl who wants to be known as an actor and not a star. From the looks of it, though, critics and moviegoers will award this actor with stars.

Freida picks
Flats or stilettos: Flats! Its easier on the ankles.
Red carpet style or lounging at home on the carpet: After doing the red carpet, lounging at home on the carpet.
Vintage or contemporary: Vintage has its place but for everyday wear, contemporary.
Clutches or big bags: A big bag to put your clutch into. I have a big bag and my friends ask if I carry the world in it.
Chunky jewellery or small elegant ones: Elegant ones
Boho or chic: I do not do Boho, so chic.

Harman Baweja Shares All Personal Secrets in An Interview

Skinny legs turning jelly before a speech in the school auditorium, sitting next to a crush and not able to utter a word and beating the fastest boy in school at race... Harman Baweja shares all... almost!

WHEN his first film released, he was often seen at events with a pink teddy bear. This time he flashes the 'V' sign. "Photographers ask me to," he defends himself with a laugh. After his first film Love Story 2050 failed to impress, he is geared to hit a six with his upcoming film Victory. Here's Harman Baweja, in a back to the past mode... with his personal victories.

Being an athlete
Two memories: Our PT sir Cyril D'Souza and beating Rahul Motashah, the fastest runner in the school, in a race. It was in eighth standard. I shocked everyone. Then they made us run again and I could not beat him. (Pulls a face) But Cyril Sir saw potential in me and he started training me. I represented the state in 100 metres and long jump. I only won in inter-house competitions. Outside the school, I never won a gold.

Beg to differ
In school, for some strange reason, I always used to dress up as a beggar in fancy dress competitions — sometimes lame, sometimes a leper. I never won the first prize, only second or third. My classmates started teasing me. I never thought it would catch on in a negative way, but what the hell... (Laughs)

Crushes and gushes
(Instantly) That's definitely Pavitra Poojari… oh, she was this Bhagyashree-Maine Pyar Kiya heroine material, very fair and beautiful. And mind you, we were still in class five or six. Once, during the reshuffle, my class teacher Priti Chhaya made me sit next to her. That was the day! Unfortunately, I never had the courage to speak to her.

Head start
In Jamnabai Narsee School, all the contestants were required to give a speech in front of 1,500 students, 15 trustees and all the teachers. I was contesting for assistant head boy. Our skinny legs used to turn jelly in front of the audience. When my turn came, I went on stage and lit a matchstick. Pehli bar toh jala hi nahi kyunki mera haath kaap raha tha. Thankfully, it lit the second time. And I said — 'This is the glow of Jamnabai. If you want this glow to go on, choose me, or else…' I blew out the flame. But the flame had already extinguished (laughs). The following year, I was campaigning for head boy. I saw six of the 14-odd nominations had something in their hand. They were following my trend of making an impact. One boy came with a trumpet. He blew it onstage and said — 'I can blow my own trumpet but I won't because you know of my achievements'. Right after that, he started listing his achievements. (Laughs) By the way, I became the head boy that year. Two years later, my sister became the head girl. Siblings becoming head boy/girl was a first in Jamnabai.

Becoming Mr Mithibai
In college, Siddharth Kannan hosted the Mr Mithibai show. He was very nasty to contestants. I had participated. He asked me a trick question: Kannan: If you kissed your girlfriend and she became a frog, what would you do? Me: I would kiss the frog back. Kannan: Why? Me: For two reasons… one, in the hope that she may turn back into my girlfriend; and two, I would still love her, whether she was a frog or a donkey. I won the title! (Laughs out loud)

Personal triumph
I went abroad for hotel management studies when I was 16 — Switzerland and then America. At that impressionable age, I had people sitting in my room and smoking up. But I never once touched it. The reason was a man I met years ago on a train journey to my native Chandigarh. I don't remember if he was telling me or someone else, but he had said that smoking starts with just one puff and then there is no stopping. Some things stay etched in your mind forever. This was one of them. The last thing my parents would have liked to hear is 'your son is a druggie'. That, on a personal front, is a big victory — not succumbing to peer pressure.

Family strength
Recently, we had a reunion of the whole family from my mom's side. We had some 46-47 people in the house. I don't have a house that can squeeze in that many. There were gaddas everywhere. I would get up in the morning, hop across people and go to the bathroom. Half of them would still be sleeping with their chaddars, some were eating on the bed while a crying child was being fed. It was cool. I used to call it a refugee camp. People were sleeping in whatever space was available, even in front of the toilets. It's cool to have a family like that. Touchwood.

Films and controversies
Love Story 2050.It was made out to be a national calamity. What's the big deal? Unfortunately, people enjoy others' failures.

Priyanka and your break up.
In the span of five years, we have broken up six times, got engaged twice and she has proposed marriage to me once. Once we had even broken up and then got engaged. How is that possible? I prefer not speaking about it.

Why?
What's the point? Why should anyone put his or her relationship out in the open?
So, you are still seeing each other?(Forcefully) No, I am not saying that. I have never said that.

Priyanka hosted your birthday party with the whole family.
Ya ya ya.. that was in Priyanka's house.

Why don't you talk about your relationship?
Kya hoga? And that doesn't mean I am saying there is a relationship. (Laughs)

Okay, Amrita Rao and you…
(Sighs)

So it's just to create a buzz around Victory?
I hope so.

One report said that you wanted this story floated around and Amrita got upset.
Arre, Amrita is not upset. Just today we were together giving radio interviews. I have been extremely guarded about every relationship, including Priyanka. I have always dissuaded people from writing about Priyanka and I. Then why on earth would I float around something as frivolous as Amrita and I?

Go on…
Such rumours will never benefit a film. If it did, Tashan and 2050 would have been blockbusters. And Jab We Met should not have worked at all because the lead actors had split by the time the film released.

Hmm…
Impressed??? (Laughs)

Read What Kangana Has To Say On Shekhar Suman

Shekhar Suman is talking non-stop about his son - Adhyayan Suman’s girlfriend Kangana Ranaut, now look what Kangana has to say about daddy Suman. Check out her interview.

Do you think Shekhar Suman should have been so critical about Chandni Chowk to China and ask Akshay Kumar to apologize?
Shekharji shouldn’t have said it. Those who live in glass houses should not cast stones at others. Why make such a comment? It’s not possible to give a hit all the time. And if a star can’t do that, you can’t go about ripping him apart. You can’t kill a star for not delivering.

You are reported to have had a tiff with Shekhar Suman over Satyajit Ray and commercial success…
I seconded Mohit (Suri) when he got into this debate. There is no point in making a film and then saying that the audience isn’t ready for it. If people don’t like a film, then it’s you who isn’t ready for the audience and not vice versa. I find no reason to criticise that audience and term it as being silly. Movie-making is a business. You can’t invest Rs 50 crore to make a film and then not have it generating business.

With such glaring differences of opinion between you and Shekhar, isn’t it difficult for you to be in a relationship with his son?
I don’t care. I’m not in love with the father.

Kangana Ranaut and Adhyayan Suman Quizz Each Other and Reveal Their Secrets (Bare All Interview)

Young lovers Kangana Ranaut and Adhyayan Suman bare all their raazes to each other... well most, anyway in a secret-telling chat session.


Real-life lovers Kangana Ranaut and Adhyayan Suman will soon be seen in Raaz — The Mystery Continues. The girl and the boy have fun as they quizz each other about their many raaz (secrets), hidden crushes and more

Adhyayan: Tell me about your secret crush...
Kangana: Barack Obama.
A: (surprised) Why Obama?
K: I have heard his speeches, read his biography, and studied his policies. He is the first African-American to make it so big in the US. For me, he defines sexy. I think the present generation will agree with me. I am totally attracted to this man, not physically, but he is one man I'd like to go out on a date with and discuss world issues. These are my fundas in life!
K: Your secret crush?
A: My secret crush, from the time I was 10, has been Angelina Jolie. Not only is she physically attractive, she also has a heart of gold. She is into charity work and also loves kids and has adopted so many kids all around the world.
K: And you have nothing to say about her husband?
A: Her husband??
K: Who is as sexy as her!!
A: Why would I want to talk about Brad Pitt?
K: So you like Angelina because she likes kids. I know you really love kids because whenever you see a kid, you always smile at them and rush towards them and point and go 'see, see such a cute kid' like you are an alien from another planet and have seen something new.
A: Yes, I get excited when I see cute babies!
K: What else excites you?
A: My work. I am so goddamn young right now and when I see myself on screen, it's a big high. I never thought I would become actor so early in life. When I go to my edit studio, people call me narcissistic. A narcissistic, self- obsessed guy.
K: But you are not!
A: No, no I am talking on screen. Even if there are four actors in the scene, people say that I am only looking at myself.
K: That's how every actor is!
A: Ya, every actor is, even you are like that. Well the next question is a very interesting question and I want to know your answer since you have never told me.
K: But wait, I want to know why the list of questions is in your hand? (tries to snatch it)
A: Wait wait, even you get to ask the same questions, na? Stop complaining.
K: This is not done, you get time to think for your answers.
A: No, I don't. Anyway, this question has to be answered by you first.
K: (takes the questionnaire away from him) So now you first tell me who is your secret crush in the industry?
A: You answer that for me.
K: You know about my secret crush.
A: No, I don't.
K: Of course you know it is a certain Mr Khan!
A: Oh yes, Mr Aamir Khan. I just wanted you to say it.
K: Now tell me about yours?
A: My secret crush is Kareena Kapoor. When she started with her films I was in Std 9. I was 13! More than her physical appearance, I love the way she expresses herself on screen, the way she dances and her aadayein (nuances). Actresses of yore used to have that; in the current lot, only Kareena does. Damn! She's hot!
K: So you have a secret relationship? You can name any one.A: I had a relationship with my dog Poochie! K: Sigh. How boring! A relationship with a dog.
A: Ok, sorry! Let me put the same question to you.
K: Well, I am not a secretive person. So my relationships cannot be secretive.
A: I feel the same way.
K: How about past relationships?
A: I had loads of female friends, but no relationships.
K: Ok, tell me about your first kiss.
A: I was 11 years old and I kissed this girl on her cheeks and I went red. She was all confident. I think she liked it, and after the peck I started behaving like a girl and she like a guy.. You??
K: I was 16 and it was with my first boyfriend.
A: I don't want to know how it felt because I might just kill you.
K: You can't kill me…what about you speaking about your kiss?
A: Mine was just a peck on the cheek.
K: So what? I am more open. I don't want to be diplomatic and say somebody gave a peck on my lips or cheek. You know I was in a girl's school and when I was in a hostel, I had my first boyfriend. It was awkward; I didn't know what was happening...
A: OK Ok…that's it… I love you too much to hear about any more details. Next question.
K: Your secret fear?
A: Every time I sleep in my room, I feel that something is moving. There's a noise that keeps happening and I keep feeling someone is in my room.
K: I think that's the Raaz effect!
A: I think somebody is watching me while I am sleeping. There have been so many times in my life that I have put the blanket on my head and gone to bed.
K: I fear that I will not be able to follow my spiritual journey because I am busy with various things in life. Like my career, my responsibilities etc. Somewhere at the back of my mind I keep thinking that I have to follow the spiritual path, so that when I die I have answers to all my questions. I don't want to die without knowing the answers to my questions!
A: Wow, that's deep.
K: Ok, tell me one secret that you've never told anyone.
A: (laughs) One time I was in the editing studio and I was very hungry. I called for 15 sandwiches, butter chicken, two nans, chicken biryani, dragon chicken, and I swear to God, I ate them all.
K: I am really happy. I am proud of you. Well my secret is that, I was very impressed and obsessed with Indira Gandhi. I was in Std 6 and I had actually cut my hair like her, I used to always observe her on television. In fact, when we had guests at home, my parents use to ask me to imitate Indira Gandhi.
A: This is interesting. I am learning a lot of things about you that I didn't know!
K: I always wanted to be like her.A: Sounds like puppy love.
K: What is puppy love?
A: It's infatuation. When you're a kid, you fall in love with somebody.
K: Oh! Ask me about that. I fell in love with my English teacher in the Std 8 and every time he told me to come write on the blackboard I'd freeze and just go blank. A: My puppy love was when I went to Millfield (London) for the first time. There was this British girl called Laura Hawts.
K: Laura HOTTS?
A: Yes and it was unbelievable. Even if she was 10 metres away from me, I used to go all this red in my face, and get butterflies in my stomach. If she came close to me, I'd go speechless or start stammering. That was crazy.
K: Tell me about your secret obsession.
A: I am obsessed with myself. I really am. I keep checking myself in the mirror every time there is a mirror in front of me, you know that. So many times when I am at your place, I directly enter the room without even telling you. I go straight into the room and stand in front of the mirror to see if I am fine, my hair is fine and you are like: 'Hello, stop checking out yourself' (laughs).
A: Now tell me about your secret obsession.
K: I am obsessed with intellectual people. Especially engineers and doctors. Adhu, I swear on God, I never, never, never wanted to date an actor. I always wanted to be with a doctor or someone very intellectual. I just like their entire way of working: systemmatic, their thinking, I liked everything about them. You can figure out how obsessed I am with them.
A: Good you told me, now I won't let you ever go to a doctor without me by your side. I will accompany you on your every visit.
K: I don't mind.
K: Where would you like to take me on a date?
A: I'd want to take you to Venice. To a quiet place, with our favourite music and champagne. You?
K: I agree. I am also fed up with talking about others, and other things around. You know I am so happy the way our relationship is, and I find it unimportant to talk about my kiss, crush etc etc. Actually, my dream date could be anywhere with you. It could also be cooking with you, aloo paratha in the morning, butter chicken in the afternoon, and in the night..
A: Pastries and love...
K: I don't need anything more. My ideal date would be a holiday with you in Paris. We'd stay in a small motel, travel by buses, do research on wines and study some French. I love French, I can speak French, but I'd like to learn more. Go to the countryside, stay at random places, become complete gypsies.
A: Let's do that.

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