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December, 2020

Tough HRITHIK talking with ROSHAN goes to TAB U Hollywood AAMIR, SRK AND SALMAN come together in a film Spy games

Gotcha!, AS GOOD AS IT GETS Volume 69 # December 2020 / ISSN NUMBER 0971-7277

December, 2020

Tough HRITHIK talking with ROSHAN goes to TAB U Hollywood AAMIR, SRK AND SALMAN come together in a film DEEPIKA PADUKONE Spy games

Gotcha!BHUMI PEDNEKAR, AS GOOD AS IT GETS

PHOTOGRAPH: LAKSHETA MODGIL, NIMISHA TIWARI STYLING: PRANITA SHETTY HAIR & MAKEUP: BHUMI PEDNEKAR Outfit: Gauri & Nainika Jewellery: Goenka 24 32

Editor’s Choice The ed is all praise for 04 Bhumi Pednekar We embark on another 64 journey with FLYX OTT Awards

10 36 44 48

Masala fix Fashion & lifestyle Fatima Sana Shaikh The three Khans will be completes 44 captured in a retro mood 08 together in Laal Singh 20 30 years in showbiz Saiyami Kher keeps her Chaddha, Deepika 48 replies short and witty as Padukone to play an Exclusives she answers 40 questions agent in Pathaan. Alia Exclusive Cover Story: Film destination UP and Bhatt says no to Neeraj 24 Bhumi Pednekar talks 50 the forthcoming film city Ghaywan and other grist about lessons learnt during Remembering the late from the rumour mill the lockdown and being a 54 crusader for the environment Preview talks about being Your say 32 part of the OTT space wants more is in a Readers send in 12 meaty roles 36 happy place 60 their rants Pratik Gandhi is happy with Nora Fatehi talks about ’s 16 the success of Scam 1992 40 making it big in 62 wacky witticisms 08 olivesatyourtable.in Olives at your table INDIA @olivesatyourtable.in Olives at your table INDIA

The content of this promotion campaign publication represents the views of the author only and is his/her sole responsibility. The European Commission and the Consumers, Health, Agriculture and Food Executive Agency (CHAFEA) do not accept any responsibility for any use that may be made of the information it contains. Letter from the Editor New age heroine Bhumi Pednekar broke every stereotype associated with the film heroine when she burst on the screen with . She was overweight, deglam and what’s more, had a better character graph than the hero. We hadn’t seen anything like that before or since. She was a pioneer, a mini-revolution in the works. Even she mustn’t have realised the far-reaching consequences of the steps she had taken in her debut film itself. To everyone’s surprise, the film, which brought to light the travails of a mismatched couple, proved to be a runaway hit. This clearly indicated that the audience was willing to invest in something edgy, something real. That they were willing to invest in a story and didn’t necessarily care if washboard abs and exquisite good looks weren’t part of the package, showed that the taste of the audience was evolving. With each new outing, Bhumi ensured that Dum laga Ke haisha wasn’t just a flash in the pan. That she was committed to being counted as a serious actor in the long run. For example, in her film, , she played a woman who willingly gets married to a man suffering from erectile dysfunction. She loves him and finds it enough to sustain a relationship. The ailment can be cured and with her support, it does get cured. It was such a progressive thought and her character handled every aspect of it with grace. In , she played a dark- complexioned girl. Her whole character sketch was a one-woman

COVER STORY on social media she’s have to stay home and On screen, she’s fighting patriarchy with her powerful roles, do the household work, crusade against fairness creams. Our heroines have time and again making the right noises for conserving the environment. Over our zoom call, I also meet the young, will you be able to simple girl who loves doing make-up and likes to look good at all times. Clearly, there’s more to Bhumi manage? But I managed Pednekar than meets the eye. “You know because of the roles that I do... I ’t get to glam up in it really well. As I said, my films. But in real life I’m so away from those roles or those characters that I play, I take out all my I learnt a lot about my frustration on myself when I’m not in front of the camera. I love playing dress-up,” chuckles the actress. sister’s work. Her law been the brand ambassadors of such products. These products One wouldn’t have known that she’s as fond of make-up kits as she’s of method acting. The stark world was completely contrast between Bhumi’s on-screen and off-screen personalities makes her more real than most. Her unknown to me. I have candid replies make you aware she’s actually woke and not pretending to be so. Her relatability is her a newfound respect for USP and the more you learn of her inspiring journey, the more your respect grows. Bhumi started off on her because I’ve always a strong note with Dum Laga Ke Haisha (2015), then went from one high to another in her career and looked at her as just five years later she’s reached that point where author-backed roles are beingSaand written Ki for Aankh her., along2020 withstarted my younger sister. For exist because our nation is obsessed with white skin. She went off on a high as she received the Filmfare Award for Best Actress (Critics)Durgamati for , her first project where the first time, I saw her . And she’s closing the year with the spectacle called as a professional and she’s the solo lead. The candid, witty, compassionate actress talks nineteen-to-the-dozen about making realised the amount her way in a man’s world, surviving the lockdown, becoming a warrior for environmental issues and losing of work she puts into her heart to showbiz — that kind of explains the lack of a special someone in her life... Excerpts... it. I learnt a lot from my mum as well. My against the grain and triumphed. In Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, she mum writes and we  This year has also given Outfit: A discussed it a lot. Humming us a lot of time to sit back way I walked down our and introspect. What are family history. I learnt the biggest learnings so much about my played a woman who refused to stay in a marriage when her you’ve had this year? grandparents and my The biggest learning I’ve uncles and aunts. Like had this year definitely this time was tough, has to be that we give but it’s a period that I’m ourselves too much going to miss and I’m importance. We all feel going to hold close to husband wasn’t able to provide her with a toilet inside his rural my heart. I’m already like we are invincible and that nothing can getting withdrawal affect us. And that we symptoms. As much are above everything as I want to go shoot, else, well, we are not. nothing takes away home. Her rebellion sparked a movement and set her husband on I think the Universe has from that, I’m already given all of us a tight having withdrawals slap and taught us a big that I’m not going to lesson that don’t mess have this for a long with the basic running time again. of the world. The year the path of being a public crusader against open defecation. helped me become a Tell us one thing that humbler human being. really made you sad this Also since I spent so year and one thing that much time with my you are thankful for? family, on a lighter note, 2020 has been a tough You don’t have to mouth reams of dialogue to get the point I feel I’ve relearnt a year. Losing a friend, a lot of things about my co-star, that was one of sister and my mother and a lot of things about myself as well. Things that I thought I’m not I think all actors today have become across. She showed that in the underrated gem, . The capable of doing like cooking... I’d thought quite woke about their responsibilities oh my God I’d never AS AN ACTOR AND AN towards society, which is good. I feel THE RISE OF BHUMI PEDNEKAR be able to cook... you get so busy with your ENVIRONMENTALIST HAS BEEN INSPIRING TO SAY THE LEAST. happy that I’m an actor at a time I can Woke Beauty career that you start film had her playing a woman on the run from her tormentors. RAHUL GANGWANI FINDS OUT MORE ABOUT HER JOURNEY feeling that if you ever PHOTOGRAPHS: LAKSHETA MODGIL, NIMISHA TIWARI | STYLING: PRANITA SHETTY contribute this much HAIR & MAKEUP: BHUMI PEDNEKAR | Outfit: Gauri & Nainika | Jewellery: Goenka India Circumstances make her seek help from dacoits. Her face is half- COVER STORY

COVER STORY hidden in ghunghat but her eyes, her expressions, speak volumes. I’m a consumer of the OTT platform. So I love all our OTT platforms. film in January. There There’s path-breaking is a certain amount of work happening on relevance and also the these platforms. But business needs to keep In , she played a grandmother who takes to pistol being a film actor, rolling. Besides, the someone who is so kind of reach all our used to seeing her films OTT platforms have release on the big screen is immense. and someone who loves shooting and in her last release, Dolly, Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte the theatre-viewing You worked with Akshay experience, I had mixed in Toilet: Ek Prem feelings. I wasn’t sure, Katha but this time he’s not especially for a film acting with you. How is he like Durgamati because as a producer? it is a spectacle. The I would say he’s more Sitare, she played a woman who works in a sex chat centre. She film is extremely larger hands-on as a producer than life. Once you than he’s as an co-actor. see the film, you’ll He’s someone I keep understand that it’s an learning from. I’ve experience. So I was always maintained that a little confused. I’ve he has had the biggest was paired with Taapsee Pannu in the former and with Konkona already had Dolly Kitty influence in my career Aur Woh Chamakte and in my life. I was Sitare that came out fortunate that I did on a similar platform. the film Toilet... with The love that the film him so early in my Sen Sharma in the latter and formed a successful partnership with got was amazing. And career, so I learnt many that experience taught things, professionalism, me that if you have a punctuality, mutual good film, it doesn’t respect for everyone matter what medium around, being happy, people watch it on. I’m hard work.... When both, showing that girls needn’t be rivals and can make a cracking glad that at least my I saw him take on the film is reaching people hat of a producer or in the same timeline a presenter, I realised that it was supposed that he is as involved. to reach people earlier. Be it the script sessions I feel that films do get that we had, the post- film together. Bhumi is on our cover this month. stale. Every film has production work that a shelf life and you went into the film, need to enjoy it then. he was constantly In your next project  We all move on with Outfit: checking with me when Badhaai Do Durgamati is a genre breaker, to be honest. I ourhave lives, I’m not going to we were shooting or , you’re teaming Zwaan start shooting my next up with for Turn the pages to know more about seen myself do the things I’m doing in the film. with the director. He the first time. How excited was completely up to are you collaborating with I ’ve always maintained that There’s a lot of hard work that has gone into the film, date with whatever was him and secondly are happening on the set. you going to miss one of has had the it’s a conspiracy thriller, with a horror story. I enjoyed And he has four films your favourite co-stars biggest influence in my career and in a year. I was like who this firebrand... making the film because it’s a family entertainer. It’s how do you make time, was part of in my life. I was fortunate that ? how is it possible? I’m definitely going

not one of those horror films that you can’t watch I don’t know, he just has to miss Ayushmann. I did the film Toilet... with him superhuman strength. I think the chemistry I did not expect this that AK and I have so early in my career, so I learnt level of knowledge and is cracking. It just investment from him happens. You know many things, professionalism, as he is so busy, but he whenever we speak surprised me. to each other we’re punctuality, mutual respect for constantly telling each everyone around, being happy, hard work... For more on tinseltown’s news and updates find me on @jiteshpillaai

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NEW DAWN was a quiet affair this year, thanks to the raging pandemic. Stars decided to tone down their celebrations but that doesn’t mean they didn’t mingle. Wonder boy invited his co-stars from his project as well as Phone Bhoot home for Diwali. To his delight Deepika Padukone, and all turned up to make it a memorable evening.

The three Khans will be seen together in Laal Singh Chaddha pg 08 Deepika Padukone playing an agent in Pathaan? pg 10

PHOTOGRAPH: YOGEN SHAH MASALA FIX

LAAL SINGH CHADDHA David Beckham SET TO MAKE HIS welcomes TO BRING THE THREE HOLLYWOOD KHANS TOGETHER DEBUT AS A SPY? to the British ’s last release was According to reports, (2018). The audience didn’t take kindly to it. Hrithik Roshan is all set Fashion Council Looks like Aamir doesn’t want to disappoint his to play a parallel lead fans again. So he’s leaving no stone unturned in a Hollywood spy film. to make sure his next Laal Singh Chaddha is a Hrithik had signed up hit. Laal Singh Chaddha is the official remake with an American talent of the Hollywood drama . While management company we’ve already heard that has eight months ago. And shot for his cameo in the film, now we hear that even that has culminated into might be roped in. SRK will be seen in his ‘Raj’ avatar a movie now. The actor from his iconic film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. A source close reportedly shot his audition to the film confirmed the same, sayng, “The screenplay weaves in at his Juhu pad in Mumbai. iconic moments from each decade and since we love our matinee The Hollywood auditions idols, Chaddha’s journey would be incomplete without certain top usually happen at the stars. So, during this journey of self-discovery, Aamir lands on the studios. But they were Priyanka Chopra Jonas is sets to meet Shah Rukh around the release of DDLJ and sharing his okay with a home-shot always making news and personal experiences, engages with the wonder world.” And while Shah audition because of the topping the headlines with Rukh Khan is seen as Raj, it is said that Salman Khan will portray his pandemic. Speaking to a her work. Recently, we heard iconic ‘Prem’ roles . “His Prem wooed the audience in the ’90s, from daily, a source said, “As is that the actress had been Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! to Hum Saath Saath Hain and customary in Los Angeles, signed on as the ambassador Aamir is keen to get Salman back as Prem in his social dramedy. There’s Hrithik’s team was given for the British Fashion Council a track set in 1989 that depicts a change in audience taste, from action details of his role in the for positive change. The to romance, and the craze around Salman. They are expected to finalise movie and the scene he had actress will team up with the details soon.” Three cheers for Laal Singh Chaddha, we say! to tape. He sent his audition the organisation to create to the studio two weeks an awareness about various ago. The discussion is still social causes. It’s yet another PART OF at a nascent stage. If all great achievement for MAYDAY STARRING AMITABH goes well, the actor will the actress. While BACHCHAN AND kick off the project congratulatory After directing (2008) and (2016), Ajay after completing the comments are Devgn is going back to direction with a project titled Mayday, which shoot of pouring in, stars . The highly anticipated aviation drama has 4.” Looks legendary footballer Rakul Preet Singh joining its stellar cast. Rakul will be seen essaying like Hrithik David Beckham, the role of Ajay’s co-pilot in this thriller. This will be her second outing Roshan is who has also with Ajay Devgn after De De Pyaar De and she will be sharing the all set to been associated screen with Amitabh Bachchan for the very first time. Talking about change with the BFC for joining the Mayday team, Rakul said, “I have worked with Ajay sir in gears. years, too posted a the past and am extremely thrilled to be working with him yet again welcome message. as his co-pilot in a film where he is not just my co-star but director Beckham commented too:) When I decided to be an actor like all the other aspiring actors saying, ‘Welcome to I had a dream to work with Mr Bachchan and I am so glad that the BFC family,’ and with this film my dream to share screen space with him will come even inserted a red- true.” Ajay Devgn returns to direction after 4 years. His last heart. Soon Priyanka directorial Shivaay was an adventure drama, where he took replied to his to the mountains and here he aims to go even higher. comment saying, ‘@ davidbeckham Thank you so much!’ The SANJANA SANGHI WILL JOIN IN THE actress will be seen UPCOMING ACTION FLICK OM - THE BATTLE WITHIN. THE next in The White FILM WILL BE DIRECTED BY KAPIL VERMA AND IS BEING Tiger. The trailer has PRODUCED BY , AHMED KHAN AND SHAIRA amazed everyone. We KHAN. OM WILL GO ON FLOORS NEXT MONTH AND IS can hardly wait to see EXPECTED TO RELEASE BY THE END OF 2021. the film. MASALA FIX

ARE DEEPIKA PADUKONE AND COMING TOGETHER ON SCREEN? Kartik Aaryan celebrated his 30th birthday recently and wishes poured in from his fans as well as industry friends. Deepika Padukone’s birthday message for Kartik Aaryan resulted in a fun Instagram banter. It all started with Deepika Padukone posting a picture of Kartik Aaryan as her Instagram story on his birthday. Along with the pic, she wrote, “Happy Birthday. May we sign a fun film together this year,” along with a tongue-out emoji. Replying to this, Kartik Aaryan shared Deepika’s story on his Instagram and wrote, “Aap bas dates taiyaar rakho, fun aur film main laa raha hoon.” Sharing Kartik’s reply, Deepika Padukone then wrote, “Sir! Mere saare dates aapke,” along with a heart sticker. Now this has got us excited. ’s daughter Renee makes her TO PLAY A acting debut GHOST IN PHONE BHOOT Sushmita Sen celebrated her Katrina Kaif is all set to play the ghost in the horror-comedy Phone birthday recently and she was Bhoot. It’s something we’ve never seen her do before. Given that this in for a pleasant surprise. Her is new territory for Kat, it’s going to be super exciting to see her spook daughter Renee’s short film everyone out. Katrina will start preparing for the film soon. Frankly Suttabaazi’s trailer released though, we don’t know how an actor prepares to be a ghost. Jokes on that day itself. Renee is all aside, she’ll go in for her look test soon. She apparently won’t be set to make her acting debut romancing either Siddhant Chaturvedi or Ishaan Khatter in the film on the web with the short film — too bad for both of them. The film is said to be a spoof on the horror Suttabaazi. Sushmita took to genre. Looks like we’re in for a lot of good, clean, spooky fun. Instagram to share the news. She wrote, “The bestest gift I could’ve ever received from a AND loving universe & my first love joins WERE SEEN on my birthday!! Introducing Ishaan Khatter in Pippa TOGETHER IN 2015 IN with great pride...Renee Sen Ronnie Screwvala’s RSVP and Siddharth Roy Kapur’s Roy ’S DILWALE. the Actor!! Presenting the Kapur Films have joined forces to bring a tale of India’s valour ACCORDING TO REPORTS, Trailer of her first-ever short film onto the big screen with Pippa. A few weeks back, they’d THE TWO ACTORS WILL #suttabaazi What a feeling to announced that Ishaan Khatter would headline the project. BE SEEN TOGETHER see my little Shona take brave Then Ishaan made a special announcement to reveal the AGAIN IN AMAR steps towards her dreams... other cast members. He shared a collage of pictures of KAUSHIK’S BHEDIYA. to have the courage to do himself, Mrunal Thakur and Priyanshu Painyuli. IT’S SAID TO BE A so, all on her own!! Here’s He captioned the post saying, ‘We’re coming with all MONSTER FILM. wishing @kabeerkhuranaofficial guns blazing. Welcome to the #Pippa troop, fam ;) @ BHEDIYA GOES ON & the entire cast & crew mrunalofficial2016 & @priyanshupainyuli.’ Now FLOORS IN JANUARY of #suttabaazi EVERY that’s an interesting cast we must say. While 2021. SUCCESS!!! I LOVE YOU @ Priyanshu Painyuli is known for his roles in reneesen47 What a NATURAL Extraction and Mirzapur Season 2, Mrunal performer...keep growing, Thakur was seen in Super 30 and in Karan learning & enjoying...May you Johar’s story in the anthology Ghost Stories. always earn respect first!!! Incidentally, Mrunal’s next Jersey is with #duggadugga #blessings Ishaan’s stepbrother . Pippa is #proudmaa #Alisah @ based on the book The Burning Chaffees by sensubir @subhra51 @ war veteran Brigadier Balram Singh Mehta. rohmanshawl WE BEGIN!!!P.S The film will be directed by Airlift director Raja #smokingisinjurioustohealth”. Menon. Ishaan plays the role of Great of Sush to plant a Brigadier Mehta, a veteran of the 45th Cavalry smoker’s warning even amidst Tank Squadron who fought on the Eastern front the congratulatory message, during the Indo- war in 1971. we must say. MASALA FIX AKSHAY KUMAR GIVES A refuses NOD TO MUDASSAR AZIZ to release Akshay Kumar is known for his back-to-back releases in a year. Right now, the actor Brahmastra has Rohit Shetty’s , Pooja and Emmay Entertainment’s Bell Bottom, directly on OTT YRF’s Prithviraj, Aanand L Rai’s Atrangi Re and Raksha Bandhan, Sajid Nadiadwala’s If recent media reports Bachchan Pandey and ’s next drama-comedy. He has now said yes to are to be believed, Karan another comedy. According to reports, the actor has given his nod to Mudassar Aziz’s Johar was offered a next. The director who has helmed films like Happy Bhaag Jayegi and the remake of whopping amount to Pati Patni Aur Woh is all set to team up with Akshay Kumar. According to sources, release his production the actor said yes instantly after hearing the script. Comedy has always worked for Brahmastra directly on Akshay and we hope this one will too. the OTT platform. But the filmmaker declined the lucrative offer. and DEEPIKA PADUKONE are coming together for the first time in ’s TO PLAY AN AGENT Brahmastra, which also IN PATHAAN stars Amitabh Bachchan, We’ve learnt that Deepika Padukone will essay the Nagarjuna, Dimple role of an agent in YRF’s Pathaan. She is juggling Kapadia, and . between this movie and Shakun Batra’s next. She is This film was earlier titled set to join SRK in mid-December and the major chunk Dragon and was slated of action-packed sequences will be shot between to release on Christmas January and June 2021. As far as Deepika’s character 2016. However, due to the is concerned, it is set in the world of agents and she massively-mounted scale, will perform a lot of action. She’s said to be an agent the makers needed more who joins Pathaan on a mission. Buzz is that her role is time to enhance it. It was on the lines of Katrina Kaif’s from the Tiger franchise. then announced that the Yash Raj Films is apparently creating a universe of drama would be released sorts with their agents’ franchise. It is being reported on Independence Day that Salman Khan will make an appearance as Tiger 2019 and then December in Pathaan, SRK will do a cameo as Pathaan in Tiger 4, 2020 . But owing to 3 and both of them will reportedly appear in the War the lockdown, it seems sequel to join Hrithik Roshan’s Kabir. the release has to wait a little longer. LOOKS LIKE ’S DEBUT FILM ON THE ALIA BHATT TURNS DIGITAL PLATFORM, TRIBHANGA WILL DOWN NEERAJ RELEASE IN JANUARY. GHAYWAN’S NEXT KAJOL DROPPED A There were reports that Alia Bhatt is HINT DURING AN likely to feature in Neeraj Ghaywan’s INSTA LIVE. SHE next, which is being produced by SAID, “IT IS COMING Karan Johar. Buzz was that being OUT, HOPEFULLY, her mentor, Karan was keen to cast IN JANUARY.” THE his protégé in the film. Things were CAST OF RENUKA moving in the right direction and the SHAHANE’S MULTI- film was supposed to roll soon but GENERATIONAL SAGA now it seems that Neeraj will have to INCLUDES MITHILA look for some other actress for the PALKAR AND TANVI lead role. Alia apparently has too AZMI. CONSIDERING IT much on her plate and has passed IS BACKED BY HUBBY on the opportunity to work with the AJAY DEVGN, KADS director. It’s a pity as we feel Alia and WOULD CERTAINLY Neeraj would’ve definitely offered us KNOW BETTER. something different. movies on the block, set-talk, talent-buzz, hotties to watch out for

DIGITAL DIVA BARKHA SINGH X FACTOR: INQUISITIVENESS Born in a family that has served in the Indian armed forces over generations, Barkha Singh never thought of entering showbiz. The acting bug bit her when she went for an ad audition with a friend and ended up getting the part despite thirteen retakes. That was the start of her showbiz career. Barkha has worked in many digital shows since then, the latest of which is the second season of Dice Media's Please Find Attachment. She calls herself a ‘gluttonous’ actor as she’s always hungry to explore new roles ranging from playing a powerful drug lord to being a vulnerable underdog. Her dream roles are Uma Thurman's character in Kill Bill and ’s double role in Seeta Aur Geeta. She loves to travel and is an avid social media user with a massive fan following.

Actors Aahana Kumra and Pratik Gandhi acquaint us with their dreams and desires pg 12 changed my life... … SAYS AAHANA KUMRA. VEDANSHI PATHAK IS ALL ATTENTION

hey say luck There’s a bounce in her counts a lot in voice as she recalls her first showbiz. While meeting with the megastar. some people “He had an hour-long Tslog all their lives to make chat with me about our the cut in the industry, characters and the history others zoom along on a of our relationship. We route paved by destiny. shot our first scene together One such person who got after that. He asked me if her first project when she I had any problems with wasn’t looking for it is too many rehearsals. Till Aahana Kumra. She made date, he’s the first person her debut with Amitabh to message me on my Bachchan on the small birthday, even before my screen in the 20-episode parents and always reverts series called Yudh in 2014. immediately whenever Six years from then she has I text him. I follow his done some quality work in rules of punctuality and the digital space as well as discipline. He doesn’t take in films like Lipstick Under any single day on set for My Burkha, which changed granted and enjoys being her life both as an actor in front of the camera,” she and as a person. Talking rattles of. One can make about how she landed such out she’s been markedly a prestigious project with influenced by Big B. Amitabh Bachchan she Aahana has done several reveals, “ plays, web shows, films as watched me in a play at well as advertisements. She Prithvi Theatre and cast studied acting in Whistling me as Bachchan saab’s Woods International and daughter in Yudh. And till later started working as a date, he remains my most casting assistant to Shanoo favourite co-actor. And Sharma in Dharma Films. Yudh remains the project She assisted Shanoo on closest to my heart,” and she gushes. realised how auditions were conducted and what was expected of an artiste once he/she walked into a casting room. She simultaneously worked MOTHER ENROLLED ME IN A FILM SCHOOL DESPITE OPPOSITION FROM MY FATHER. HE DIDN’T THINK THIS WAS AN IDEAL CAREER FOR A YOUNG GIRL WHO COULD BECOME A MARKETING HEAD, A CIVIL SERVANT OR A DENTIST Lipstick Under My Burkha TILL DATE, BACHCHAN SAAB’S THE FIRST PERSON TO MESSAGE ME ON MY BIRTHDAY, EVEN BEFORE MY PARENTS AND ALWAYS REVERTS IMMEDIATELY WHENEVER I TEXT HIM. I FOLLOW HIS RULES OF Yudh PUNCTUALITY AND DISCIPLINE Khuda Haafiz everywhere. Ekta Kapoor that I am capable of doing in theatre with Motley from my father. He didn’t later got associated with more such action roles.” productions, Ansh Theatre think this was an ideal it and helped release the She insists that women group and Akvarious career for a young girl who films in theatres in 2017. are more than capable of Productions and immersed could become a marketing She has fond memories of holding their own doing herself into theatre head, a civil servant or a interacting with her fellow action and more such completely for a few years dentist. Dad took a long actresses like Ratna Pathak, roles should be written to hone her acting skills. time to come to terms with and for them. She’s a feminist Incidentally, the actress my career choice but now while at heart and feels more grew up away from the both my parents are proud making the film and has and more women should world of showbiz in of who I am and what I kept in touch with them enter showbiz not only . Her mother have achieved,” she states. ever since. “It wasn’t just as actresses but also is a former CBI officer a film for us, it became a into different fields of and her father runs a ipstick Under My movement,” she asserts. filmmaking. Only then pharmaceuticals business. Burkha directed The actress was last seen things will improve and She too was expected to by Alankrita in Khuda Haafiz (2020) become better for women. become an IAS officer. Shrivastava has playing a police officer. Says the actress, “My However, things changed Lbeen the high point in her She performed some close current set of Call My when she shifted to career so far. The actress contact action scenes in the Agent, which is a remake Mumbai at the age of 12. played a beautician from actioner. The film made of the French hit series She started performing Bhopal in it. She terms it as her shed her inhibitions directed by Shaad Ali, on stage in school and a life-changing experience when it comes to action has a female DOP, Sunita enrolled herself in theatre not only as an actor but and now she wants to do and a female production workshops while she as a woman too. “The more action films. “I spoke designer, Anita, and was in college. After film changed my life. It in the film and did we have a fairly large college, her mother had opened my eyes to a world action for the first time number of women ADs a serious conversation I seldom acknowledged for which I was training and costume stylists on with her regarding her and acquainted me with with action director Andy set. I’d love to have more career choices. Her mom the stigmas attached to Long. We shot the film in and more female writers suggested she should being a woman,” she Uzbekistan and shot the and directors that I can formally learn acting if that reveals. The film travelled action sequences in very work with. I’d love to see was her intention. “Mother to numerous film festivals low temperatures which a film with 10 actresses, enrolled me in a film globally, winning accolades was challenging but it also like an ‘83. Trust me, it’s school despite opposition boosted my confidence because there are fewer opportunities that women are always fighting with each other as opposed to men who get a hundred films on a platter. Women artistes would cut an arm and leg to get good roles and it’s time we wrote those powerful stories for them.” Well said. n THE BELOVED BLACK LADY ENTERS A WHOLE NEW UNIVERSE INTRODUCING

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FILMFARE OFFICIAL INTERVIEW HUSTLING Raghuvendra Singh talks to Scam 1992 fame actor Pratik Gandhi, who is winning accolades THROUGH LIFE for his stunning portrayal of e was in for a crossover by doing Gujarati class 6 when film called Yours theatre. He became Pratik Gandhi Emotionally, directed an expert at juggling first faced by Sridhar Rangayan. deadlines in office H the camera for It was a LGBTQ film on the one hand one of the shows aimed at festivals and theatre practice on . and didn’t release in on the other. It was It actually didn’t theatres. He didn’t a hectic existence register with him that have a clue about the but Pratik says what he was doing gay culture and the he enjoyed it. He was being captured film proved to be an got a chance to on camera. Cut to eyeopener indeed. play an important 2006 then, and he He was always good character in the play first faced the camera in studies. After Aa Paar Ke Pele doing a diploma Paar, working with in engineering, celebrated Gujarati he realised that it actors like Firoz wasn’t enough and Bhagat, Apara Mehta studied for a degree and Vipra Rawal. as well. His job took The venture proved him to Mumbai. At to be commercially that point of time, successful. His other he didn’t have the important plays courage to go into include Mere Piya acting full time Gaye Rangoon, Hu and hence kept Chandrakant Bakshi, his passion alive Ame Badha Sathe To

SHABANAJI TOLD ME THAT SHE HASN’T SEEN A PERFORMANCE LIKE THIS IN THE LAST 30 YEARS. THAT WAS A BIG, BIG COMPLIMENT COMING FROM A STALWART LIKE HER

INTERVIEW

Duniya Laiye Mathe, I’M A STAGE ACTOR I give credit to my in which he played AND I UNDERSTAND present success to multiple roles. He WHEN THE AUDIENCE my theatre days,” he was included in CLAPS AFTER A confesses. Pratik isn’t the Limca Book of SHOW THEY’RE overwhelmed by the Records for his play accolades coming his Mohan’s Masala; APPRECIATING A way after Scam 1992. a monologue CHARACTER. SO ONE “I’m a stage actor about Mahatma SHOULDN’T LET THE and I understand Gandhi’s early years ADULATION GET INTO when the audience performed in three ONE’S HEAD claps after a show languages, English, they’re appreciating Hindi and Gujarati the character. So on the same day. one shouldn’t let the adulation get into e met his one’s head, as an future wife actor can have off television days as well and the and theatre claps can easily turn H actress Bhamini to boos,” he reflects. Oza during one of His day was made his plays. She liked when his performance, called him up and came backstage to complimented him. meet him and soon “Shabanaji told me they started seeing that she hasn’t seen a each other. They got performance like this married in 2009 and in the last 30 years. a daughter, Miraya, That was a big, big was born to them in compliment coming 2014. He dotes on his from a stalwart like wife and daughter her,” he gushes. and considers them He’s been his lifeline. for promotion and wanted to get into it big. His aim flooded with offers He landed his that meant longer the mindset of the was to humanise but isn’t being hasty first Gujarati film working hours. character. He also the stockbroker, in signing on the Bey Yaar (2014). That’s when he put on 18 kgs as who used unfair dotted line. The most He took leave for decided to let go of Hansal asked him means to achieve important criteria is 22 days from office a secure monthly to gain weight. He success. “Harshad, that the role should to complete it. And paypacket and let loose the foodie in a way, became satisfy the actor in things changed for concentrate purely inside him and ate the embodiment him. “Bollywood the Gujarati film on acting. “From everything with of middle-class isn’t the only option industry after that. 2016 I became a full relish. The lockdown aspirations. He for me. I’m looking “It became a runaway time actor and since period proved to be achieved what others at offers from success and in a then I have done a blessing for him only dream about across languages. way, a cult film in around ten Gujarati as the shooting had all their lives.” The Thankfully, other and changed film and two Hindi gotten over, and he actor reflects that it avenues have opened things around for films. In 2018 could use the time was tough not to be up for actors besides the Gujarati film I got into talks with for working out to judgemental about films. Hansal sir told industry. Two years for get back into his lean Harshad Mehta. “But me that people are later, I landed Scam 1992, which frame again. One when the camera going to remember another movie called finally came out this thing Pratik wanted came on, my theatre my portrayal of Wrong Side Raju. year,” he explains. to avoid was to training kicked in. Hansal Mehta for The movie went on Pratik read mimic Harshad. The We’re taught in years. Hence, my aim to win the National books and articles actor says Harshad the theatre to lose is to make a home Award for Best about Harshad came from nowhere ourselves in our in people’s memory Gujarati film.” At and watched his with nothing but characters on stage. through memorable office, he was up interviews. He dreams of making That’s what I did. characters.” n They are hot, they are cool. Meet our trend makers and breakers

Malaika Arora Khan Pooja Hegde

Kartik Aaryan and Khan

Janhvi Kapoor Deepika Padukone

Manish Malhotra

Kiara Advani

Katrina Kaif “I THINK MY FASCINATION WAS INBORN. I AM REALLY INTO CLOTHES, COLOURS, PAINTINGS, SKETCHING, MOVIES, MUSIC... Manish Malhotra goes down memory lane and shares anecdotes about his illustrious career and Samara THE WONDER YEARS MANISH MALHOTRA LOOKS BACK AT HIS 30 WONDERFUL YEARS IN SHOW BUSINESS. AKASH NIHALANI TAKES NOTES Manish Malhotra is a name that is synonymous with Bollywood fashion. The designer started his journey at the movies back in 1989 with . Thirty years down the line and Manish is the ultimate poster boy for showbiz fashion. He’s created some iconic outfits over the years. And has made friends with half of Bollywood — the half that matters, that is... As Manish completes a milestone in his career, we chat with the designer and learn a little more about his memorable journey down the years. Excerpts... Your journey as a designer I picked up two costumes, At what point did your interest in Bollywood began in 1989 changed them around, made in fashion begin? with in Swarg. one costume. And then, David As far as I can remember, it Tell us something about how ji gave me another film which was at the age of six... I was that came about. was supposed to be Divya always interested in fashion, I was modelling at that time Bharti’s launch film with music, films, dance, costumes, and had also started working Govinda but it got shelved later. heroines… My mother had in boutiques. I really enjoyed Then I went on to do Lootere hired a tuition teacher for my time there as I was amongst and all those films. me at the age of five, because clothes, I was sketching, I was she wanted me to be a good dressing up the mannequin From Lootere (1990) to Student student, which of course I never and all of that. Island magazine Of The Year 2 (2019), Bollywood was. She tells me I’d tell the Vanity Fair had just started their design fashion has come a long way. What teacher that her outfit wasn’t HOW fraternity, NIFT had just opened do you think has influenced the good or her sandals were not and they had done a thing about industry through these years? matching her outfit. THE WEST young designers. I was on the In my opinion, cinema is WAS WON cover of the Island magazine. always changing. There are What does Bollywood fashion Manish Then, I kind of ended up younger and younger actors, mean to you? Malhotra keeping two tailors at home. My directors, writers coming in. I’ve always seen myself as a worked in Mira cousin Laali, who is married They’ve changed the whole student of Bollywood fashion. Nair’s Vanity Fair in 2003. to , was going to medium of storytelling and It is something that I’ve always He designed Hong Kong and she needed a with that change, the look of been interested in. I’m not just Reese few clothes for an exhibition. a film has changed as well. talking about the time when Witherspoon’s I showed her my sketches and Actually, I’ve really enjoyed I started working in 1990. I’m Victorian outfits she really liked them. I ended my journey of 30 years. talking about 1949 , I’m for the period film. Based up making those clothes for her. I don’t even know when these speaking about 1950 Barsaat. on William Laali told David about me. They years passed by. There has I’m speaking about the art Makepeace had to rush to shoot a schedule been so much work, travel, decor, the interior, the persona Thackrey’s which was for the last song of friendships, relationships, of the actors, the costumes... 1848 novel of the same Swarg in 1989. That’s how I success, celebrations, stress, The influences of the work of name, the ended up doing three costumes handwork… all of it. It is V Shantaram, , Guru film’s costumes for the film. I remember going something that I’m emotional Dutt, … how each of received a lot helter-skelter at the time. I was about as it is a major chunk them costumed their films so of appreciation constantly running around. of my life. aptly with the narrative of their and was his first Hollywood project that put him on I’ve really enjoyed my journey of 30 years. I don’t even know when these years the world map passed by. There has been so much work, travel, friendships, relationships, as an ace THE WONDER YEARS success, celebrations, stress, handwork… all of it designer.

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham Dilwale Dulahania Le Jayenge

Ra.One Rangeela INTERVIEW

really into clothes, colours, Ram Gopal Verma was one paintings, sketching, movies, director whom I felt had a music… I think I was attracted great vision. Then there were to all these mediums, especially Dharmesh Darshan and Aditya cinema. So cinema as a whole, Chopra. But Karan Johar and is an experience that I’ve been me have a synergy and we inspired by. work together to date. So many years of friendship and You’ve dressed up the biggest names working together is not an in Bollywood, what is the kind of bond easy task. But I feel we think you’ve shared with them? alike. I actually got closer to I was so much in love with him afer working with him for movies, actresses, clothes... so long. I feel like his films are I came with so much love for my films. And that bond has RUNWAY films that I’d always end up stayed over the years. SUCCESS I actually got closer to him (Karan Johar) afer Manish Malhotra is working with him for so long. I feel like his films are known for his my films. And that bond has stayed over the years star studded runway shows. The grandeur, aesthetics and star power is only second to his flawless collections and fashion mongers and celebrities can’t get enough of it. He is also known to get unusual and stunning duos Ranbir Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor together on the Deepika Padukone and Kartik Aaryan ramp. Deepika Padukone and Many of your looks have gained , Alia Bhatt and iconic status over the years. Which one is the most special to you? and many such I started the system of styling With Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh couples made in films. There are so many their first time looks I’ve created, like the ones appearances stories. From the style, richness in his shows as in , Dilwale and grandeur one saw in Raj showstoppers. With Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif Dulhania Le Jayenge, Rangeela, Kapoor’s films, the complete Judaai, Daud, Satya, Kuch artistic viewpoint of Guru Dutt doing a lot more than I was Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi to ’s dreamy, rich asked or required to do. When Kabhie Gham, Dostana, Jab world, everything has been there’s someone who wants We Met, , Student such a strong influence. Even to work for you, then you Of The Year 2… the list just the iconic actors in the ’70s have a really nice bond with goes on and on. who popularised simple things. them. Film after the film we’ve Like ’s kurta worked together, there’ve been How important it is to stick with a belt over it. I mean so many successes, so much to your gut… especially in a it’s such a basic thing which of travel together... And now, field such as this. became a phenomenon. it’s been almost 30 years of It’s very important to stick relationship with so many to your gut if your gut is Who was your inspiration in of them. something that supports you the fashion industry? and your instincts work for I think my fascination Which director you feel has a similar you. This applies to any field, was inborn. I am vision in styling and fashion as you? not just Bollywood. n Deepika Padukone what’s on their mind?

Wake-upThe biggest learning I’ve had call this year definitely has to be that we give ourselves too much importance. We all feel like we are invincible and that nothing can affect us. And that we are above everything else, well, we are not. I think the Universe has given all of us a tight slap and taught us a big lesson

Bhumi Pednekar speaks about surviving 2020 and more...

PHOTOGRPAH: LAKSHETA MODGIL, NIMISHA TIWARI COVER STORY

THE RISE OF BHUMI PEDNEKAR AS AN ACTOR AND AN WokeENVIRONMENTALIST Beauty HAS BEEN INSPIRING TO SAY THE LEAST. RAHUL GANGWANI FINDS OUT MORE ABOUT HER JOURNEY PHOTOGRAPHS: LAKSHETA MODGIL, NIMISHA TIWARI | STYLING: PRANITA SHETTY HAIR & MAKEUP: BHUMI PEDNEKAR | Outfit: Gauri & Nainika | Jewellery: Goenka India On screen, she’s fighting patriarchy with her powerful roles, on social media she’s have to stay home and making the right noises for conserving the environment. Over our zoom call, I also meet the young, do the household work, simple girl who loves doing make-up and likes to look good at all times. Clearly, there’s more to Bhumi will you be able to Pednekar than meets the eye. “You know because of the roles that I do... I don’t get to glam up in manage? But I managed my films. But in real life I’m so away from those roles or those characters that I play, I take out all my it really well. As I said, frustration on myself when I’m not in front of the camera. I love playing dress-up,” chuckles the actress. I learnt a lot about my One wouldn’t have known that she’s as fond of make-up kits as she’s of method acting. The stark sister’s work. Her law contrast between Bhumi’s on-screen and off-screen personalities makes her more real than most. Her world was completely candid replies make you aware she’s actually woke and not pretending to be so. Her relatability is her unknown to me. I have USP and the more you learn of her inspiring journey, the more your respect grows. Bhumi started off on a newfound respect for a strong note with Dum Laga Ke Haisha (2015), then went from one high to another in her career and her because I’ve always five years later she’s reached that point where author-backed roles are being written for her. 2020 started looked at her as just off on a high as she received the Filmfare Award for Best Actress (Critics) for Saand Ki Aankh, along with my younger sister. For Taapsee Pannu. And she’s closing the year with the spectacle called Durgamati, her first project where the first time, I saw her she’s the solo lead. The candid, witty, compassionate actress talks nineteen-to-the-dozen about making as a professional and her way in a man’s world, surviving the lockdown, becoming a warrior for environmental issues and losing realised the amount her heart to showbiz — that kind of explains the lack of a special someone in her life... Excerpts... of work she puts into it. I learnt a lot from my mum as well. My This year has also given mum writes and we  us a lot of time to sit back Outfit: A discussed it a lot. Humming and introspect. What are way I walked down our the biggest learnings family history. I learnt you’ve had this year? so much about my The biggest learning I’ve grandparents and my had this year definitely uncles and aunts. Like has to be that we give this time was tough, ourselves too much but it’s a period that I’m importance. We all feel going to miss and I’m like we are invincible going to hold close to and that nothing can my heart. I’m already affect us. And that we getting withdrawal are above everything symptoms. As much else, well, we are not. as I want to go shoot, I think the Universe has nothing takes away given all of us a tight from that, I’m already slap and taught us a big having withdrawals lesson that don’t mess that I’m not going to with the basic running have this for a long of the world. The year time again. helped me become a humbler human being. Tell us one thing that Also since I spent so really made you sad this much time with my year and one thing that family, on a lighter note, you are thankful for? I feel I’ve relearnt a 2020 has been a tough lot of things about my year. Losing a friend, a sister and my mother co-star, that was one of and a lot of things about myself as well. Things that I thought I’m not I think all actors today have become capable of doing like cooking... I’d thought quite woke about their responsibilities oh my God I’d never be able to cook... you towards society, which is good. I feel get so busy with your career that you start happy that I’m an actor at a time I can feeling that if you ever contribute this much COVER STORY

the most hard-hitting  Outfit: moments not just for Rahul me but for Sushant’s Mishra fans as well. And for so many people across the spectrum who’d worked with him. That was definitely one of the toughest moments for me. Apart from that, there are so many families I know, who’ve lost their loved ones, This time is such that you’ve only been hearing about heartbreaking, brutal things that are happening around. People are losing their jobs… But there’ve been some good moments too. I have a couple of friends who’ve become parents. Also, we’re seeing some positive change in the way people are looking at things. The work I’ve been doing with the Climate Warrior campaign or with Abhyudaya Ashram is giving me immense joy. These were my guiding lights through the lockdown. The kids at Abhyudaya Ashram kept me afloat, they kept me rolling, they kept my competitive and ambitious side alive. Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare releasing was definitely a fantastic time for me.

I learnt so much about my sister’s work. Her law world was completely unknown to me... For the first time, I saw her as a professional and realised the amount of work she puts into it. My mum writes and we discussed it a lot. I walked down our family history. I learnt so much about my grandparents and my uncles and aunts COVER STORY

The kind of love the film got... the reviews the film got... Now whatever happens with Durgamati, I don’t want to jump the gun, hopefully that’ll be good too.

Durgamati is your first project where you’re the solo lead. What are your expectations from the film? Tons and tons! My expectations are extremely high. It’s the first time I’m helming a project. The film already has a successful Telugu version which is called . And Anushka Shetty had done a fantastic job in it. I have a lot of responsibility where this film is concerned. Also, the names connected to the film, be it Akshay sir (Akshay Kumar), Abundantia, , all of them have a lot of credibility so I have to make sure that my hard work pays off. The film’s a genre breaker, to be honest. I have not seen myself do the things I’m doing in the film. There’s a lot of hard work that has gone into the film, it’s a conspiracy thriller, with a horror story. I enjoyed making the film because it’s a family entertainer. It’s not one of those horror films that you can’t watch. The work I’ve been doing with the Climate I’m nervous too. Durgamati was meant to Warrior campaign or with Abhyudaya release in theatres but Ashram is giving me immense joy. The then the world changed. How did you react when kids at Abhyudaya Ashram kept me you came to know it’s going to have a direct-to- afloat, they kept me rolling, they kept my digital release? competitive and ambitious side alive I’m going to be honest. COVER STORY

I’m a consumer of the OTT platform. So I love all our OTT platforms. There’s path-breaking work happening on these platforms. But being a film actor, someone who is so used to seeing her films release on the big screen and someone who loves the theatre-viewing experience, I had mixed feelings. I wasn’t sure, especially for a film like Durgamati because it is a spectacle. The film is extremely larger than life. Once you see the film, you’ll understand that it’s an experience. So I was a little confused. I’ve already had Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare that came out on a similar platform. The love that the film got was amazing. And that experience taught me that if you have a good film, it doesn’t matter what medium people watch it on. I’m glad that at least my film is reaching people in the same timeline that it was supposed to reach people earlier. I feel that films do get stale. Every film has a shelf life and you need to enjoy it then. We all move on with our lives, I’m going to start shooting my next

Durgamati is a genre breaker, to be honest. I have not seen myself do the things I’m doing in the film. There’s a lot of hard work that has gone into the film, it’s a conspiracy thriller, with a horror story. I enjoyed making the film because it’s a family entertainer. It’s not one of those horror films that you can’t watch COVER STORY film in January. There is a certain amount of relevance and also the business needs to keep rolling. Besides, the kind of reach all our OTT platforms have is immense.

You worked with Akshay Kumar in Toilet: Ek Prem Katha but this time he’s not acting with you. How is he as a producer? I would say he’s more hands-on as a producer than he’s as an co-actor. He’s someone I keep learning from. I’ve always maintained that he has had the biggest influence in my career and in my life. I was fortunate that I did the film Toilet... with him so early in my career, so I learnt many things, professionalism, punctuality, mutual respect for everyone around, being happy, hard work.... When I saw him take on the hat of a producer or a presenter, I realised  that he is as involved. Outfit: Be it the script sessions Zwaan that we had, the post- production work that went into the film, In your next project he was constantly Badhaai Do, you’re teaming checking with me when up with Rajkummar Rao for I ’ve always maintained that we were shooting or the first time. How excited with the director. He are you collaborating with Akshay Kumar has had the was completely up to him and secondly are date with whatever was you going to miss one of biggest influence in my career and happening on the set. your favourite co-stars And he has four films Ayushmann Khurrana who in my life. I was fortunate that in a year. I was like was part of Badhaai Ho? how do you make time, I’m definitely going I did the film Toilet... with him how is it possible? to miss Ayushmann. so early in my career, so I learnt I don’t know, he just has I think the chemistry superhuman strength. that AK and I have many things, professionalism, I did not expect this is cracking. It just level of knowledge and happens. You know punctuality, mutual respect for investment from him whenever we speak as he is so busy, but he to each other we’re everyone around, being happy, surprised me. constantly telling each hard work... COVER STORY other that we haven’t found that comfort elsewhere, even though I have had the opportunity to work with some amazing co-stars. But me and Ayushmann, there is something special about what we do. And coming back to Rajkummar, he’s one of my favourite Indian actors. I thoroughly love his work. I’m nervous that I really have to up my game. He’s so good with comedy. I’ve met Rajkummar a couple of times in a professional space for Badhaai Do. He is such a nice guy, so sweet, so secure about his craft, that is something I really appreciate in a co-actor.

Tell us about the time you decided to become a climate warrior… I can’t pinpoint that one moment that changed me. I feel it was inherent… I’ve had it since I was a child. I’ve always been bothered by the lackadaiscal attitude people have towards our planet and how irresponsible we all  have been. We’ve just Outfit: A Humming not had the knowledge. way We were taught about planet conservation and the impact it would have in the future. But for us, the future felt I think the chemistry that Ayushmann like some 400 years later. But that’s not the and I have is cracking. It just happens. truth, it’s now. After You know whenever we speak to each other I became an actor, my reach increased we’re constantly telling each other that we and I could actually formalise the work that haven’t found that comfort elsewhere, even I was doing. I brought it under Climate though I have had the opportunity to work Warrior. The idea was with some amazing co-stars COVER STORY

to create as much awareness and do as much groundwork as possible. I’m extremely passionate about this. I think the day my parents named me Bhumi, subconsciously something went off in my head. I’ve been like this since then. Even in school, I was affected by the things that happened around me. I went vegetarian this year. And that’s one of the happiest things that has happened to me.

Apart from you, there are others in the industry who are doing their bit for environment. Whose efforts do you appreciate the most? Shraddha (Kapoor) for sure. She’s a very woke voice for planet conservation, and for co-existing with other species. She’s quite compassionate towards the planet. Alia (Bhatt) too loves animals and is constantly posting about it. She has a

I’’ve always been bothered by the lackadaiscal attitude people have towards our planet and how irresponsible we all have been... We were taught about planet conservation and the impact it would have in the future. But for us, the future felt like some 400 years later property called Coexist to raise awareness. Now, this is one question time one of the most that does some good I think all actors all movie buffs want powerful stories that work. And of course, today have become to know… What is the I’ve heard and read. Dia Mirza, who’s so quite woke about progress on Takht? And whatever will devoted to the cause of their responsibilities I know everybody happen with Takht the environemnt. She’s towards society, which wants to know this, will be great. There someone by whom I’m is good. I feel happy but I feel you should are people senior and extremely inspired. that I’m an actor at a ask Karan Johar. It’s higher up like Karan, Amitabh Bachchan time I can contribute one of the grandest who should give you too does telethons this much. and at the same clarity on this. n INTERVIEW

A SUITABLE

WOMANTABU TALKS TO ANALITA SETH ABOUT HER OTT EXPERIENCE

Starting her career with the over-the-top commercial fare, You worked with making her presence felt there, then achieving glory in serious cinema to 30 years after fourteen long years. later, carving a new niche in the OTT arena with A Suitable Boy, Tabu has done How was it reuniting with her for A Suitable Boy? all that and more. She has reunited with Mira Nair once again after The Namesake Fate brought Mira and (2006). The intervening 14 years didn’t prove detrimental to their camaraderie. It’s as me together after 14 long if they never stopped working together. Tabu has a way of making each role her own years, after our much- and watching her in A Suitable Boy, it feels like she was born to play Saeeda Bai. loved project, Namesake. She worked with Shahid Kapoor in Haider (2014) and six years later finds herself A Suitably Boy has been working with his younger brother Ishaan Khatter, whom she finds a bundle of well received both in the energy. She talks about old bonds and new in this candid chat. Excerpts... UK and in India. I always jokingly tell her that we very inspiring, she can fuel are a ‘hit pair’. Mira and you to take action. That’s I have a special bond. Her what I love about her. being the person she is, it She also has some strong is easy to just pick up from connections that she’s where we left off. There made over the years. is something so strongly I always tell her that she unchanging about her that has a film family that has it feels dependable. It took been consistent for more me two years from the time than 30 years... Actors she offered me the role to and crew members that me agreeing to do it. But she regularly works with. once that was done, it was I think that is one of her exciting from the word ‘go’. greatest strength. Three Because I know a role that A Suitable Boy generations of the same Mira offers me will most families have worked with definitely suit me and will As I mentioned earlier, ISHAAN’S GREATEST her, which is amazing. be something we will enjoy Mira is so easy-going and STRENGTH IS HIS working on together. Plus, dependable, it is always a DESIRE TO LEARN How do you look at your Saeeda Bai was so starkly pleasure to work with her. AND TO GROW AND character, Saeeda Bai? different from Ashima (my Mira hasn’t changed at all. TO APPLY HIS MIND She’s a courtesan, character in Namesake), Yes, she has become more surrounded by a rich that it was interesting to try of who she was and has AND TO EXCEL IN culture specific to that it with the same director. honed her skills. She has HIS WORK. I’M SURE time -- beauty, music, incredible energy, drive THESE QUALITIES poetry. But she’s also From the Namesake to A and joie de vivre - it is not WILL PROPEL HIM someone who is familiar Suitable Boy, how much have easy for everyone to keep TO GOOD PLACES with politics and the you and Mira Nair changed? up with her. She is also IN HIS JOURNEY establishment. Confined INTERVIEW

anyone else in the cast. The whole family of actors was a mad, happy bunch and it was such a fun experience. The whole bunch - Ishaan, Vijay Varma, Manoj Pahwa, Tanya, Rasika, Shahana and everyone else — is extremely talented. I am glad I got the opportunity to work with them. Shooting in Lucknow was an amazing experience, it was my first time in the city. Mira likes to make the shooting experience fun and celebratory for everyone, which added to the joy.

Are there any significant differences in the book and the series according to you? I haven’t read the book. However, I remember when the book was published in 1993, people were so impressed. There were praises all around

in the realm of her loved, loved freely and home, which is also her has known the pain of workplace, it’s not possible not belonging. However, (rather frowned upon) even her wisdom cannot for her to integrate with protect her when a much society and lead a so-called younger man, Maan, falls normal life. Her fate is to head over heels in love lead the life that’s given to with her. She gives in even her as an inheritance. Yet, though she knows there she stands tall and is the can be no future with him. master of her own territory. Her journey with Maan is Though society has put something she will treasure and to excel in his work. I BELIEVE THAT WE a label on her, there’s for as long as she lives. I’m sure these qualities LEARN THROUGHOUT much more to her than will propel him to good OUR LIVES BECAUSE her singing and enticing Ishaan Khatter is new to the places in his journey CHANGE AND abilities. This is evident industry. What did you like GROWTH ARE THE TWO in her love of poetry, about him as an actor and How was it working with such CONSTANTS. EVERY music, and appreciation what would be the one piece a big ensemble cast? PROJECT IS A NEW of art and aesthetics. Her of advice you’d give him for It’s always fun to work EXPERIENCE. IT’S A understanding of the the future? with a big ensemble cast. NEW CHARACTER YOU language and its nuances The very talented Ishaan I’d worked with Aamir DON, AND NEW PEOPLE show the depth of her is a bundle of energy. Bashir in Haider and now YOU MEET AND WORK feelings and the deep His greatest strength is have worked with him in A WITH. HERE, LEARNING relationships she has had. his desire to learn and to Suitable Boy. Interestingly, IS AN AUTOMATIC It’s evident that she has grow, to apply his mind I haven’t worked with EXPERIENCE INTERVIEW the globe for Seth’s novel. It is a timeless piece of art and I have immense respect for Vikram. I actually made it a point to speak to him to understand how he saw Saeeda Bai. I also spoke to him about the character’s personal trajectory. Which shaped her character and who she is, the core of her as a person.

What is your favourite thing about the series? A Suitable Boy has something to offer to all its viewers. There are so many different, complex characters and they are all walking their own paths. It has a range of stories, each with a different emotion at its core. Every character is significant and each of them has their own obstacles and internal and external struggles. They belong

You are one of the most You’ve completed 30 years in the sought-after actors in the industry. What do you feel about industry. Do you feel you yourself, professionally and still learn when working personally, when you look back The Namesake on new projects and with at all this time? new people? I am thankful for the 30 to different families with MIRA AND I HAVE I believe that we learn years that I have had in this different mindsets and A SPECIAL BOND. throughout our lives industry and for getting different societal statuses. HER BEING THE because change and growth the opportunity to do Amidst all of this is the PERSON SHE IS, are the two constants. such versatile roles with backdrop of a newly IT IS VERY EASY Every project is a new such wonderful actors and independent India. It TO JUST PICK UP experience. It’s a new directors. Talking about was a time of change and FROM WHERE WE character you don, and changes in me, I don’t know. the values of parameters LEFT OFF. THERE new people you meet and Looking back at all this time, were shifting. It is a IS SOMETHING work with. Here, learning I can say that there’s surely complex narrative but it’s SO STRONGLY is an automatic experience. more clarity within myself been woven beautifully UNCHANGING ABOUT You cannot always identify and I know the importance together, which is its HER THAT IT FEELS it, it is not always obvious, and the reasoning behind inherent charm. DEPENDABLE but it is inevitable. choosing a particular project.n INTERVIEW

THE

HANDSOMERAGHUVENDRA SINGH CHATS WITH THE CHARISMATIC NEVER GO SHARAD KELKAR HUNGRY SHARAD KELKAR HAS BEEN A PROLIFIC TV ACTOR AND ANCHOR who has graduated to doing character roles in Hindi films and more recently in the OTT space. He has also been making a name for himself as a voice actor, his most recognised work being his voice over in the franchise. His chiselled good looks have made him the heartthrob of millions. Sharad has the rare distinction of being counted as a star despite not appearing in lead roles. He doesn’t want to run after stardom but wants to satisfy the actor within him. The actor recently appeared in an important role in . He’ll soon be seen in Bhuj: Pride Of India, where he plays a military officer. Sharad will also be making his acting debut down South. He’s been taking it slow and steady so far and says he likes it that way. Excerpts from a candid interview with the unconventional sex symbol...

We’ve been spotting breaks. This year was My daughter is only a good scenario for you at studios. looking quite busy. six but I show her the actors as a lot of What kind of safety I was about to start movies like The work is happening. measures are being working on three Avengers. I want to It’s a good time THE BEST followed? films from August be a close friend and for actors. The THING THAT I’ve been to the onwards but then a confidant to my pandemic made studio only about everything came to daughter. I want to everyone sit at home HAPPENED IN five-six times a standstill. So it be her best friend but it also taught us RECENT YEARS for dubbing for was a bit of a rude always. to be patient. Now IS : some film or web shock for me. Being with the unlocking, THE UNSUNG series. But it was at home all the time What’s your favourite work is resuming. WARRIOR, important to follow was affecting me. But from among the OTT It’s a great time for WHERE the protocol, wear a the pandemic taught content you saw during all of us. I PLAYED mask, sanitise and me to do things that the lockdown? CHHATRAPATI cover yourself. You I missed doing in I’m not a binge- Is it the best time to need to monitor the last many years, watcher, but there are be an actor? MAHARAJ AND yourself and others, like spending time a few things I really There’s no ‘best’ THAT ROLE and the Aarogya Setu with my family. I enjoyed watching. time to be an actor. app helped in that got to spend a lot One is Scam 1992. You can become an CHANGED sense. The studios of time with my Pratik (Gandhi) is actor any time if you MY LIFE are also taking daughter (Kesha a dear friend and have the passion, precautions. There Kelkar), wife (Keerti it’s great to see one courage and a will are some that have Gaekwad Kelkar) of your friends do to learn. There’s no complete protection and with my mother. so well. It’s a great age or time for that. shield inside the I helped my wife series by Hansal If you have it in you, studio. It’s a German and mother in their Mehta. I also enjoyed have the patience technology. They household chores watching The Boys and if you can learn were extra cautious and even dabbled in on Amazon Prime. the skill, you can and it was all for the kitchen. I helped It’s a unique subject become an actor everyone’s benefit. my daughter with and it’s been shot anytime. I was taking proper her studies. While brilliantly. I also precautions and the initial days were enjoyed watching Television, movies, thankfully nothing tough, as it took time Lootcase on . digital. You have been happened. God has to come to terms All the actors, part of everything. been kind. with the pandemic, including Kunal Which is your things eased out Kemmu, Ranvir favourite medium? How much did the eventually. Shorey, Vijay Raaz, I’ve been working coronavirus pandemic Rasika Dugal and for the last 15-16 affect you on a Are you a strict father? Gajraj Rao were years. Acting personal level? How What are your dos amazing. is my passion. did you spend the and don’ts for your The platform lockdown period? daughter? Has the digital medium doesn’t matter I am a workaholic. I’m not a strict emerged as a boon for to me. My I’m used to going dad at all. My wife the actors? work is to out every day, always says that Yes. With numerous perform and working back-to- I’m spoiling our OTT platforms in I give my back without taking daughter. (Laughs) play, it has become 100 per cent Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior INTERVIEW to every platform. The medium is irrelevant.

You have the knack of picking powerful THE PANDEMIC roles. Even if they are TAUGHT ME small in length, they TO DO THINGS still make an impact. THAT I MISSED Ram Leela and The DOING IN THE Family Man are two LAST MANY examples. What are YEARS, LIKE the factors that SPENDING help you zero in your TIME WITH MY choices? I’ve been lucky to FAMILY. I GOT choose the right TO SPEND A LOT things. But you OF TIME WITH need to be patient MY DAUGHTER to analyse what (KESHA you want to do. KELKAR), For me, the quality WIFE (KEERTI of the role is more GAEKWAD important than the KELKAR) AND length. So there are WITH MY many parameters. MOTHER The character I play is most important, money comes last.

Would you love to do an all out-and-out commercial lead role? Do you see yourself doing that in films or on OTT in future? I’d love to do an out- and-out commercial lead role; everyone to me. The best that it’s difficult dreams of it. But I’ll thing that happened to name one film. be selective about in recent years But Mr Amitabh it. I won’t jump is Tanhaji: The Bachchan’s role on anything and Unsung Warrior, in Shakti is everything. I’m an where I played something I’d love actor and I should Chhatrapati Shivaji to reprise. It’s really be able to do all Maharaj and that interesting. The kinds of roles. I’m role changed my movie is also among learning and I’d love life. I am thankful my favourites. to be part of such to , Ajay a project. Devgn and Bhushan As an outsider, Kumar for giving me what’s your take on Name one film or the opportunity. the outsider-insider role you’ve done debate? which satisfied you One iconic role I don’t believe in the most? you wish you can the insider-outsider I cannot name one replicate? theory. There are so film, as all the films The Hindi film many actors who I’ve done are special With wife Keerti and daughter Kesha industry is so vast don’t belong to the INTERVIEW industry but have made it big. On the other hand, there are many actors who are from the film fraternity but they haven’t clicked. The audience makes the stars, not the industry.

One actor you’ve had the best working experience with? I’ve been lucky to have worked with many great actors from the TV and film industry. I’ve been lucky that they all liked and supported me - right from Akshay (Kumar) sir, Sanju () sir to Manoj (Bajpayee) sir. They’ve all been good to me and have treated me like a younger brother.

You dubbed for for the Hindi version of the Baahubali franchise. When you look back to Is there any other YOU CAN your journey, do you feel South actor you’ve BECOME satisfied? Would you dubbed for or would AN ACTOR like to change anything? love to dub for? ANYTIME IF I’m pretty satisfied I dubbed for Prabhas YOU HAVE with it, touchwood. and he’s a fantastic THE PASSION, Things are moving actor. The list is COURAGE slow, but they are quite long because AND A WILL moving. So I’m there are many TO LEARN. quite happy with actors in the South The Family Man my journey in the film industry who THERE’S NO industry so far. I got are my favourites. AGE OR TIME to learn a lot; agar Some of them do FOR THAT. IF jaldi karta to shayad dub for themselves. YOU HAVE IT kam seekh paata I’d love to dub for IN YOU, HAVE (I’d have learnt less Vikram someday. He THE PATIENCE if I’d moved faster). is a fantastic actor. AND IF YOU My only regret is I’d also love to dub CAN LEARN that I entered the for sir. THE SKILL, YOU industry quite late. I recently dubbed CAN BECOME Otherwise, I don’t for a special promo have any regrets. of Sushmita’s show, AN ACTOR I’m quite happy Aarya on Hotstar. ANYTIME Goliyon Ki Raasleela: RaamLeela with my journey. n INTERVIEW She’s

OF MOROCCAN DESCENT, THE STUNNING NORA FATEHI IMPRESSES RAGHUVENDRA SINGH WITH HER SOFT AND SENSITIVE SIDE er lineage can be traced back to Morocco – a land where the East meets the West. She was born and bred in . HThat explains why actor/dancer/singer Nora Fatehi’s charisma is global. She made her debut in the HIndi film Roar: Tigers of the (2014), and gained popularity in with item numbers in films like Temper and Kick 2. She’s also starred in films, Double Barrel and Kayamkulam Kochunni. What won her massive fans are her sensuous and groovy item numbers in Bollywood like Manohari (Baahubali: The Beginning), Dilbar (Satyamev Jayate), O saki saki (), Kamariya (Stree) and Ek toh kam zindagani (), besides her recent hit Garmi with Varun Dhawan in . But Nora’s not only about sizzling moves. With her sharp sensibilities, she enjoys a strong presence on social media (13.5 million followers on Instagram). Where she urges her followers to be more aware, more humane. Looking forward to her next Bhuj: The Pride of India – she gets chatty about life, career and more… Rapid Fire YOUR SEX- ONE THING APPEAL LIES IN... YOU’D LIKE TO RECENTLY IN ONE OF YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA collectively raised by people, Self-confidence. CHANGE ABOUT VIDEOS YOU SAID, “I’M READY TO QUIT throughout this pandemic. It seems THE BEST YOURSELF IS... 2020... MAKE IT STOP.” WHAT’S UPSET YOU it isn’t translating in the way it THING A MAN My anxiousness. THE MOST ABOUT THIS YEAR? HOW WOULD should. Basic medical supplies HAS TOLD YOU... IF YOU WEREN’T YOU LIKE TO REMEMBER IT? should never be a privilege. I believe in you. AN ACTRESS, YOU Generally, my videos are humorous Rather it should be a right for all. WOULD BE A... and made in a comic spirit to make THE WEIRDEST Lawyer. people laugh. Regardless, 2020 has WHAT LESSONS HAVE YOU IMBIBED HABIT YOU been a terrible year for the entire DURING THIS UNCERTAIN PERIOD? HAVE IS... THE QUALITIES world so far. It’s testing our patience Well not that I didn’t believe in Stressing. THAT GOT YOU and opening our eyes to things these lessons before. However, AHEAD... we’ve been ignorant and oblivious I had more time to appreciate a lot THE CRAZIEST Fearlessness. about. I believe this year will be of things. That is not to take health, THING A FAN HAS remembered as the start of the family and loved ones for granted. DONE FOR YOU… THINGS New World Order. I can’t wait until I can start my own Followed THAT MAKE family one day and have my own me home. YOU SMILE… YOU DONATED PPE KITS TO THE beautiful kids. These few months Babies and GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS IN THE COUNTRY. have reminded me that a lot of A THEME SONG puppies. THAT WAS A GREAT MOVE... things, I studied in school regarding FOR YOUR LIFE… SOMETHING It’s a small gesture. I believe our global, political and economic Dance monkey. EVERY WOMAN whatever little one can contribute system along with the global A SONG THAT SHOULD TRY ONCE matters in the bigger picture. It’s agenda, are now unfolding. Strong MAKES YOU CRY… IN HER LIFETIME… unfortunate that such essential political leaders in the past warned Ya rayah by Travelling alone. resources are limited despite the the world of many things, which Rachid Taha. fact that a lot of money has been were dismissed and laughed upon ADVICE TO A SONG THAT A WOMAN WITH A BRINGS A SMILE BROKEN HEART... One of my best friends’ father passed away ON YOUR FACE… Time will heal. due to Covid-19. It was heart-breaking as he Aicha by Cheb Khalid. ONE MISTAKE died on Eid. I decided not to celebrate out of YOU’D NEVER respect. Losing a parent is scary. To see your A SONG REPEAT IN A YOU WISH YOU RELATIONSHIP… friend struggle to get past it is humbling and HAD DONE... Don’t ignore emotionally exhausting Laila main Laila. red flags. INTERVIEW at that time. They were not Norah joking. I’m grateful I had the Fatehi’s opportunity to receive education and the ability to think critically, Hit something many fail to do. Critical songs thinking is the need of the hour. There’s a massive change happening MANOHARI beyond what the media wants to (Baahubali: show us. We must read and educate The Beginning) ourselves immediately.

WE HEARD YOU LOST SOMEONE CLOSE TO YOU DUE TO COVID-19. HOW DID YOU DEAL WITH THE LOSS? One of my best friends’ father passed away. It was extremely DILBAR difficult for me to see my friend (Satyamev Jayate) go through such an experience. It was heart-breaking as he died on Eid. I decided not to celebrate out of respect as it was an emotional moment for all of us. Losing a parent is scary. To see your own friend struggle to get past KAMARIYA it is humbling and emotionally (Stree) exhausting. I thank God every day that we wake up healthy and that our families are healthy too.

AT PRESENT, EVERY INDUSTRY IS FACING SALARY CUTS. WILL FILM ARTISTES ALSO ACCEPT SUCH CUTS? EK TOH KAM I’m sure there will be a lot of ZINDAGANI changes in our industry this year. (Marjaavaan)

YOU RECENTLY BECAME THE MOST FOLLOWED MOROCCAN ARTISTE IN THE WORLD. WHAT KEEPS YOU SO ENGAGED TO SOCIAL MEDIA? I’ve been particular about my social media since day one – GARMI even before entering the industry. (Street Dancer 3D) I’m an extremely creative person. My social media pages, including my YouTube channel, are my gateways to project my creativity My social media pages, and talent to the audience. It’s my platform to make people laugh including my YouTube channel, through my comedy, to show SAKI SAKI are my gateways to project off new dance skills, while also (Batla House) educating people about world my creativity and talent to the events and spreading awareness. audience... I’ve always believed I’m driven to entertain and showcase my talents. I’ve always I don’t need to wait for someone believed I don’t need to wait for to give me a platform to someone to give me a platform to showcase that. I should create a showcase that. I should create platform for myself. That’s why a platform for myself INTERVIEW

Of course, it’s been challenging (being an outsider). However, I don’t dwell on that much. I keep pushing regardless. I believe in myself… It shows that it doesn’t matter where you are from. It’s the hard work and talent that counts. It’s been a roller-coaster ride. I wouldn’t have it any other way

I work so diligently on social media. It’s a borderless world, where one reaches out to just about anyone in the globe. I’m blessed to have such a multicultural and diverse following.

HOW CHALLENGING HAS BEEN YOUR JOURNEY GIVEN THE FACT THAT YOU WERE AN OUTSIDER? Of course, it’s been challenging. However, I don’t dwell on that much. I keep it going. I keep pushing regardless. I believe in myself. I know the right people will always work with me. I feel thankful that I’m a celebrated artiste in India and in other parts of the world. It shows that it doesn’t matter where you are from. It’s the hard work, dedication, talent and earnestness that counts. It’s been a roller-coaster ride. I hope that inspires people. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE KNOWN - AS A BEAUTIFUL DANCER OR AN ACTOR? her multiple skills. I will be known Why should one be known for both as a great actor and dancer by only one trait? Can’t I be known NoraFateh’s the end of my journey for sure. for both? While growing up, I was success mantra never considered a good dancer due Don’t get distracted, focus YOUR FAVOURITE BOLLYWOOD to my lack of training. However, on yourself and keep learning. DANCE NUMBERS… I worked on myself and became There’s always room for growth. It’s hard to choose. It would be all a good dancer. I still work on my Don’t let people make of ’s and ’s dance every day because there’s so you believe that you can only songs. Others would be Chikni much to learn. An artiste can be do one thing. chameli (Agneepath), Kala chashma multidimensional. One should be Break the stereotypes. (), Kamli (Dhoom able to celebrate an artiste for his/ Be fierce and hungry. 3) and of course all my songs. n HOME & AWAY! Back in 1953, the illustrious Life Magazine had the late Audrey Hepburn on its cover for the December issue. The monochrome photoshoot, shot by the talented Mark Shaw, left everyone speechless. We decided to pay homage to that iconic photo-play. Fatima Sana Shaikh was very much game for it...

KISSED BY THE SUN... FEELING ALL WARM INSIDE EYES WIDE OPEN... AND STILL DREAMING LIPS DON’T LIE... LIPSTICKS DO PLAYING BY THE BOOK... SOMETIMES, MAYBE... INTERVIEW

4QUESTIONS0 WITH SAIYAMI KHER SAIYAMI KHER VOLLEYS SUMAN SHARMA’S QUERIES WITH APLOMB

Saiyami Kher bedazzled us all recently in her portrayal of a lower middle class working woman who miraculously finds money flowing out of her sink in Choked. From the Dadar market sarees to her being an industrious homemaker who knows her way around a hundred household hacks, to the easy camaraderie she has with her neighbours, she had it all down pat in this dark comedy directed by Anurag Kashyap. This resurrection of sorts first with Choked, then with the series Breathe: Into The Shadows, has brought the smile back on the face of this bubbly girl whose debut film Mirzya failed to hit the mark at the box office. Saiyami is a sports buff and thanks to her passion, doesn’t have to go out of the way to acquire that athletic frame. She’s as happy wearing- down her shoes out running as she’s walking the ramp or facing the camera. We ask the chirpy lass some rapid-fire questions and she hits back with some witty replies. Excerpts...

THE FIRST THING YOU . DO WHEN YOU WAKE UP IN THE MORNING? Which is the one movie DRINK ONE LITRE you wish you could have OF WATER. been a part of? Million Dollar Baby. If your life were a movie, which one would it be? Name three Hollywood Let’s hope I achieve films that you’d watch something so that a over and over again IF YOU WERE movie can be made Notting Hill, Catch Me If TO PICK THREE 2 PEOPLE TO SPEND ALL someday on my life. You Can, Air Force One. YOUR TIME WITH, WHO WOULD YOU PICK? Recommend five Hindi One actor you want to ROGER FEDERER, movies that are a must- romance on screen? SACHIN TENDULKAR, watch according to you… Ranbir Kapoor from AND SAAB Guide, Abhiman, Bollywood and Ryan , Sholay, Gosling from Hollywood.6 7 One actor of this Qualities that put One embarrassing generation you8 you off men? moment in your life that think you will make Lies and someone being still makes you cringe? 33 an amazing pair with? full of themselves. Not recognising a very Daniel Radcliffe. famous author at a party. Your take on open The Bollywood celeb you’d relationships? WHAT’S YOUR ONE IF YOU COULD DO want as a neighbour? Not something I believe in. ANNOYING HABIT?30 ONE CRIME WITHOUT . I love the food 18 OVERTHINKING. GETTING CAUGHT WHAT at their home. WHICH FILM CHARACTER If a person of the same WOULD IT BE? WOULD YOU LIKE TO DATE? sex hits on you... ONE MIDDLE-CLASS STEAL A LINDT If you were a journalist, SPIDER-MAN. I would take it as a HABIT THAT YOU SIMPLY CHOCOLATE who’s the first actor you compliment and smile. CANNOT LET GO OFF MACHINE THAT would like to interview? Will you date anyone from SQUEEZING THE WILL MAKE Amitabh Bachchan. He’s the industry? ONE MISTAKE YOU TOOTHPASTE TUBE ME UNLIMITED an institution by himself. No. I like to know people WOULD NEVER REPEAT TO GET THE LAST CHOCOLATE. who do different things IN A RELATIONSHIP? BIT, TILL MY HAND THE HAPPIEST MOMENT than me. I’VE FORTUNATELY HURTS. If time was money where OF YOUR LIFE WAS... NOT MADE would you invest it? 11 RUNNING A FULL What’s the one tip A MISTAKE The one thing you On my health, fitness MARATHON AND you’d give to girls when SO GRAVE 28 would love to change and eating well. EATING A 16-INCH it comes to dating? THAT I DON’T about yourself? PIZZA AND HALF Follow your heart. WANT TO REPEAT Become more positive. What would be A LITRE OF ICE the hardest thing CREAM AFTER THAT. for you to give up? WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF Sugar. A feeling that you hate A ROMANTIC DATE? the most... A TREK IN THE THE BIGGEST DREAM YOU I hate, hate. Negativity, HIMALAYAS OR WANT TO ACHIEVE? anger. 21 WIN AN OSCAR. A DIVING TRIP Which was the last film If you have only that made you cry? 24 hours to live 36 I don’t cry while watching what would you do? films but makes Wake up, go for a trek, see me very emotional every the sunrise, come back time I watch it. have mom-made breakfast and then go diving with ONE PROFESSIONAL family and friends. MISTAKE THAT YOU14 WHO IS THE WILL NEVER MAKE… SEXIEST STAR IN If you ever win a lottery DO A FILM FOR THE BOLLYWOOD? what would you do? WRONG REASONS 22 Invest half the money. And HRITHIK ROSHAN blow up the rest on travel. What is your idea of perfect happiness? QUALITIES THAT If you could travel back Close friends and family, DRAW YOU TO MEN... in time, which period a beach, water sports and HUMILITY, would you go? good food. HUMOUR, I would love to go back to A SENSE OF the 1930-40s. Witness the DESCRIBE YOUR struggles people of that era FIRST DATE... ADVENTURE went through and act in LUNCH AT black and white films. GAYLORD’S16 WHAT KIND OF AFTER COLLEGE. WEDDING WOULD FIVE WORDS THAT BEST YOU LIKE TO HAVE?24 DESCRIBE YOU? Are you single? JUST 40 PEOPLE I’M A WORK Yes. ON A BEACH IN PROGRESS.40 n HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PROPOSED UP FILM CITY The proposed Film City in UP is being hyped as a multi-level studio on the lines of Hollywood’s Paramount Studios and UK’s Pinewood Studios. The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) has earmarked 1,000 acres in Gautam Budh Nagar for the proposed Film City. The anticipated setup will have indoor and outdoor shooting areas. The idea is to create sets of villages, forts, historical places and urban and rural environments from India and abroad. The setup will also have dedicated blue screen and green screen areas, pre and post-production labs, SFX studios, an animation studio and a dedicated data centre. The aim is to provide a comprehensive filmmaking experience - a film unit can enter with just the cast and crew and return with a finished product. To facilitate that, there will be five-star, three- star and budget hotels erected on the premises. The proposed site is 50 kilometres away from the national capital and five kilometres from Jewar, where the construction of the country’s biggest international airport with an aviation hub is underway. Later on, the Film City would have a film school, a film museum and entertainment rides, which would be on par with those offered by the Universal Studios. Filmfare conducted a virtual panel discussion on Film Destination UP and the Proposed Film City, where stalwarts like directors Rajiv Menon, , Amit Sharma, Amar Kaushik, Neeraj Ghaywan, Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury, actor Malvika Mohanan and Aparna Purohit, head Amazon India Originals, participated. Presenting some of the highlights of the proposed film city, interspersed with thoughts of the esteemed panellists.

THE ESSENCE OF BHARAT SHOULD BE THERE IN OUR MIND AND WE SHOULD NOT DETER FROM IT. IF WE WORK WITH THIS FEELING, THEN THE UP GOVERNMENT WOULD GIVE ITS COMPLETE SUPPORT. WE HAVE PROPOSED THIS FILM CITY IN HASTINAPUR REGION OF BHARAT, THE SON OF SHAKUNTALA, AFTER WHOM THE COUNTRY IS ALSO REFERRED TO AS BHARAT. BHARAT KI PEHCHAN KA PRATEEK BANEGA. YEH GANGA- YAMUNA KE BEECH KA BHUBHAAG (THIS WILL BECOME THE SYMBOL OF THE COUNTRY) CHIEF MINISTER YOGI ADITYANATH UNDERWATER STAGE DESIGN The water stage will PROGRAMME be equipped to handle l Avenues to represent the every kind of underwater evolution of film industry coverage. The studio l Promote tourism will have fool-proof l Hotels for all economic tanks for shooting categories submerged scenes. The l Indoor studios for TV serials & water will be filtered media art production using ultraviolet rays. A l Well developed convention comfortable temperature center IF YOU ARE GOING TO of 30 degrees will be l Museums to accommodate BUILD A FILM CITY IN NOIDA, maintained throughout. films, exhibits and Indian THEY NEED TO START Specialised underwater culture COLLABORATING WITH lights, supply lines and l Well developed ready to use EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS, THE camera set-ups will be outdoor locations LINE PRODUCERS AND THE provided. l Promotion of film education PRODUCERS TO UNDERSTAND institute NIKHHIL ADVANI WHAT IS NOT AVAILABLE IN l Sustainable Development PERMANENT SETS FILMMAKER MUMBAI. WHY WOULD I GO The studio will have TO UP? WHY WOULD I GO TO NOIDA TO SHOOT IF I’M permanent sets OUR VISION GETTING EVERTHING IN MUMBAI? SO IF I’M GETTING replicating real-life l One-stop shop for film makers WHAT IS NOT AVAILABLE IN MUMBAI, THAT’LL BE MY locations including an l Iconic and international INCENTIVE TO GO THERE airport, railway station, landmark mandir, court, chawl, l Vision with future expansion school, hospital... There strategy IF WE ARE GOING TO THE are plans to provide l Must see tourist destination on FILM CITY OF UP AND WE HAVE mock-ups of aeroplanes world map TO GET OUR OWN CREW FROM and railway carriages too. MUMBAI, THEN IT’S GOING TO INFRASTRUCTURE BE VERY EXPENSIVE... IF WE

POST-PRODUCTION l Proper compound wall and HAVE LOCAL TALENT, LIKE A UNIT UNITS fencing to prevent trespassers OF LIGHT BOYS WHO KNOW AMIT SHARMA Multiple post-production l Vehicle-free pedestrian zone WHICH LIGHTS GO WHERE, DIRECTOR facilities will be provided l Cluster wise parking lots THEN IT WILL BECOME EASY FOR US. WE NEED TO to filmmakers. These l Good transportation facilities TRAIN AND FOSTER LOCAL TALENT FOR LONG-TERM include cutting-edge l Inviting entrance gate with FEASIBILITY technology for sound security design, sound editing and l Separate VIP entry/exit ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTERISTICS sound effects, SFX labs, l World class film rides DI labs, recording rooms, l Good security systems with dubbing rooms etc. Once watch towers again, the idea is to cater to every need of the ECOFRIENDLY filmmaker under one roof. DEVELOPMENT l Rainwater harvesting and DEDICATED GREEN/ optimal water use BLUE SCREEN STAGES l Solid waste management International experts l Use of environment friendly would be brought in to material create world-class green- l Preservation of flora and fauna screen and blue-screen l Use of renewable energy such stages. There will also as solar energy and biogas be a facility for working with miniatures. Motion capture technology will also be provided. Filmmakers can seamlessly incorporate the animation at one go and indulge in world- building from scratch, just like in the ILM or Peter Jackson Studios.

FILM SCHOOL The proposed UP Film City has a long term vision. It will have an FACILITIES I THINK WE ALSO NEED on-location campus to TO BUILD HUMAN CAPITAL, l FILM PRODUCTION teach acting and other WHICH IS VERY, VERY l STUDIOS crafts like direction, ESSENTIAL. WHY DO WE GO l OUTDOOR cinematography, editing, TO UP? BECAUSE WE LOVE LOCATIONS special effects, sound THE LANGUAGE, WE LOVE l POST PRODUCTION design, film writing etc. THE PEOPLE, WE LOVE THE l SPECIAL EFFECT National and international ARCHITECTURE OF IT. IT IS THE STUDIO film luminaries will NEERAJ GHAYWAN CULTURE THAT INHERENTLY IS l HOTELS be invited to teach at DIRECTOR PULLING US THERE. NOW, HOW l RECREATIONAL the campus. Students DO WE FOSTER THAT, BECAUSE ONCE WE GO THERE, AND AMENITIES will get a hands-on WE’RE ALL HIRING MUMBAI ACTORS? WE’RE ALL l CLUB HOUSE experience working with HIRING SINGERS FROM MUMBAI. SO I’M THINKING l VILLAGES professionals. The Film THAT FOSTERING TALENT, FROM THE PLACE, TOO IS l WORKSHOP City plans to create job CRUCIAL FOR REAL GROWTH TO TAKE PLACE l opportunities for those TOURIST AND passionate about cinema. ENTERTAINMENT l FILM UNIVERSITY TO ACTUALLY CREATE A l RETAIL AND MUSEUM AND RIDES VIBRANT FILM INDUSTRY, SHOPPING A film museum dedicated GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION l FOOD COURT to Indian cinema and AND INVESTMENT IS REQUIRED. IF l AMUSEMENT PARK world cinema is in the IT DOESN’T HAPPEN, THEN WHAT l HOSPITALITY works. Visitors will be HAPPENED IN BENGAL CAN HAPPEN l CONVENTION able to visit various eras WHERE THE INFRASTRUCTURE RAJIV MENON l PLAYFIELD in cinematic history STARTS DECLINING AT A CERTAIN DIRECTOR and relive the moments POINT AND WHAT’S HAPPENING TO A CERTAIN through VR kiosks. Film EXTENT, IN CHENNAI, WHERE NEW STUDIOS AND tourism is seen as an OLDER STUDIOS HAVE ALL CONVERTED TO REAL emerging trend in the ESTATE AND THEY HAVE MOVED AWAY future. Hence, there are plans to provide observation galleries are afoot to incorporate food court and souvenir for viewers. The idea a certain section of shops for film enthusiasts. is also to turn certain the studio into a film- areas into glass-fronted based amusement HOSPITALITY AND galleries so that visitors park, complete with OTHER FACILITIES can observe the shooting rides, movie-making The studio aims to without disturbing the workshops, 4D shows et make things easy proceedings. Also, plans al. There would also be a for filmmakers in IT FELT SURREAL TO BE THERE TO SEE THE GHATS every department. IN PERSON. AND JUST THE VARIETY THAT IT OFFERS. Hence, five-five-star THERE’S A GHAT WHERE YOU SEE WHITE TOURISTS accommodations, three- TAKING PICTURES OF LITTLE CHILDREN. THEN THERE’S A star accommodations and GHAT WHICH IS KNOWN FOR DIFFERENT KINDS OF FOOD, budget hotel facilities will THEN THERE’S A GHAT ADJACENT TO THIS ONE WHERE be provided to the visiting YOU SEE LIKE 10 BODIES BURNING AT THE SAME TIME. MALAVIKA MOHANAN units. A 24-hour cafeteria VISUALLY IT’S SO UNLIKE ANYTHING WE WILL BE ABLE TO ACTOR and catering service will SEE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD. SO IT WAS A REALLY BEAUTIFUL EXPERIENCE take care of the meals of FOR ME. IT’S A PLACE I DEFINITELY WANT TO GO BACK TO the crew. A clubhouse with a world-class gym and pool is also proposed IF I WANT TO SHOOT A TSUNAMI, I SHOULD BE ABLE so that the artistes can TO SHOOT THAT WITH A MERGER OF GRAPHICS AND both exercise and relax. OTHER TECHNOLOGY. IF I WANT TO CREATE A VOLCANO, Green-rooms, make-up IT SHOULD BE EASILY DONE. IF I WANT TO TAKE MY rooms, dressing rooms, TRAIN UP ON A HILL AND IT JUMPS... SO ALL THESE storage areas for props THINGS WHICH WE SEE IN DISNEY, WE NEED TO GET and costumes and other ANIRUDDHA ROY THEM HERE IN UP FILM CITY. IT’S COMPLEX, BUT WE HAVE sundry equipment will be CHOWDHURY TO GET THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY AS IT’S THE NEED OF provided as well. Multi- DIRECTOR THE HOUR level parking is also in the pipeline. VILLAGES HOTELS OTHER HIGHLIGHTS The proposed studio is centrally located and will be well-connected to Delhi and other parts of UP by rail and road. The international airport in Delhi is nearby and an international airport, said to be the biggest in India, UP HAS SUCH INCREDIBLE TALENT. SOME OF OUR is being built at Jewar. A PHENOMENAL CREATORS AND MOST OF THEM HERE ON Knowledge Park is being THE PANEL TODAY ARE YOU KNOW, FROM THAT PLACE. planned to provide round- SO MUCH TALENT BEHIND THE CAMERA AND IN FRONT OF the-clock technical support THE CAMERA. SO OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENGAGING WITH and data to filmmakers. LOCAL TALENT ARE THERE. THEN, THE ARCHITECTURE, THE LANDSCAPE OF UP, IT IS SO VARIED AND THE Summing up, the proposed OPPORTUNITY TO GET ALL OF THAT I THINK APARNA PUROHIT UP Film City promises HEAD, INDIA ORGINALS, IT’S FANTASTIC NEWS FOR OUR INDUSTRY the strengths of both the traditional studios and their modern counterparts. I FEEL IF WE CAN INVEST IN AN AIRCRAFT MACHINE It aims to make Uttar WHERE WE CAN SHOW EVERYTHING LIKE IT TAKING Pradesh a shooting centre OFF, LANDING ON THE RUNWAY ETC. EVEN A RAILWAY for Indian filmmakers and PLATFORM... AS A FILMMAKER, IT GETS HARD TO SHOOT international teams. It AT REAL LOCATIONS LIKE THESE. WE SHOULD INVEST intends to provide top- IN THIS AND GET IT AS CLOSE TO REAL AS POSSIBLE. of-the-line services to IF WE CAN RECREATE THESE TOUGH SPOTS WHILE big-budget producers and small and medium budget AMAR KAUSHIK MAINTAINING AUTHENTICITY, THEN I THINK A NEW FILM DIRECTOR CITY WOULD BE REALLY BENEFICIAL banners too. n NOSTALGIA FAREWELL, THESPIAN SOUMITRA CHATTERJEE PASSED AWAY RECENTLY. DEVESH SHARMA …(JANUARY 19, 1935 — NOVEMBER 15, 2020) OFFERS A SHORT PROFILE OF THE LEGENDARY ACTOR’S LIFE AND CAREER oumitra AND SOUMITRA Chatterjee was born WORKED IN SOME 14 FILMS in Sealdah, TOGETHER. HE HAD THE HONOUR WestS Bengal on OF MAKING HIS DEBUT IN THE January 19, 1935. THIRD PART OF RAY’S MOST His grandfather and FAMOUS WORK — THE APU father both were TRILOGY. IN APUR SANSAR associated with theatre. Soumitra (1959), HE PLAYED A YOUNG too joined theatre WRITER DEALING WITH THE while still in school With mentor Satyajit Ray TRAVAILS OF NEWLY-WEDDED LIFE and started getting accolades for his work from a very early age. Soumitra graduated from the City College, Kolkata with honours in Bengali literature and later did his post graduation in the same subject from the University of With Arun Jaitley and Karisma Kapoor With Amitabh Bachhan Calcutta. He joined the famous theatre and directed plays Kanya (1961) and personality, Ahindra and was an avid (1964). Choudhury, while translator as well. He didn’t just still a student. The He also took to restrict himself to his doyen of Bengali performance poetry mentor but worked drama, Sisir in his later years. with other notables Bhaduri, was also His swan song in the of Bengal cinema one of his mentors. theatre was Raja Lear too. One remembers After college, he directed by Suman him for the natural briefly worked as Mukhopadhyay, a ease he displayed in an insurance agent play based on King ’s Akash and then joined Lear by William Kusum (1965) and as Shakespeare. In ’s an announcer and His claim to fame Jhinder Bondi (1961), also started looking lay in his long and an adaptation of for work in films. fruitful association The Prisoner Of After two decades with that giant of Zenda, where he in films, he returned Indian cinema, incidentally played to theatre, his first Satyajit Ray. The duo a villain opposite love, in 1978, with worked in some 14 . The his production films together. He duo were portrayed Naam Jiban. His had the honour of At a Filmfare event as rivals by the press other noted plays making his debut in but were friends include the third part of Ray’s him accolades and Holmes were a in real life and (1982), (1987), most famous work admirers worldwide. rage and Soumitra maintained cordial Nilkantha (1988), — . Soumitra also captured the nuances relations throughout. Ghatak Biday (1990), In Apur Sansar brought to life that brilliantly in films Entering the Tiktiki (1995), an (1959), he played a masterful creation like 1980s and 1990s, adaptation of Sleuth, young writer dealing of Ray, the detective (1974) and Joi Baba he started working Nyaymurti (1996), with the travails of Feluda. Ray’s stories Felunath (1979). His with contemporary and Homa Pakhi a newly-wedded revolving around other notable films directors, like (2006). Besides life. His sensitive the adventures of with Ray include , acting, he also wrote performance won this Indian Sherlock Devi (1960), Teen , Anjan Best films of SOUMITRA CHATTERJEE With Nandita Roy, wife Deepa and Shiboprosad Mukherjee APUR SANSAR (1959) BESIDES ACTING, SOUMITRA DIRECTOR: Satyajit Ray ALSO WROTE AND DIRECTED CAST: Soumitra Chatterjee, , PLAYS AND WAS AN AVID Alok Chakravarty, Swapan Mukherjee TRANSLATOR AS WELL. HE The film marked the debut of Soumitra ALSO TOOK TO PERFORMANCE into films and what a debut it turned out POETRY IN HIS LATER YEARS. to be. Apurba Kumar Roy “Apu” (Soumitra HIS SWAN SONG IN THE Chatterjee) is an unemployed graduate living in Kolkata. He accompanies THEATRE WAS SAID TO BE THE a friend to the latter’s ancestral village for the marriage of his friend’s cousin Aparna (Sharmila Tagore). On seeing that the prospective groom has PLAY RAJA LEAR DIRECTED a mental disorder, the bride’s mother breaks off the marriage. Apu is forced BY , by the villagers to marry Aparna and after initial reluctance, he agrees. Both A PLAY BASED ON KING LEAR he and she are in marital bliss despite living in poverty. Their happiness is cut short when Aparna dies giving birth to their son Kajal. Apu blames Kajal Performing a play BY for his mother’s death and is inconsolable. He leaves the newborn with his maternal grandparents and becomes a sort of recluse, travelling to different parts of India. Later, he comes to his senses and takes the responsibility of Kajal once more, his heart full of hope about starting life afresh with his young son in Kolkata.

JHINDER BONDI (1961) DIRECTOR: Tapan Sinha CAST: Uttam Kumar, Soumitra Chatterjee, Arundhati Devi, Tarun Kumar and Radhamohan Bhattacharya

At a play reading This reportedly was a retelling of The Prisoner Of Zenda. It marked the beginning Das and Rituparno , of the Uttam-Soumitra pairing on screen. Both the actors, portrayed as Ghosh and even rivals by the press, enjoyed squaring off each other in films. Soumitra played acted on television. (2004), directed by the role of Mayurvahan, an antagonist against Uttam Kumar's Shankar Singh. In 1986, he played , That Soumitra would essay a negative role was met with apprehension as it the role of a Paanch Adhyay was outside his comfort zone. He, however, made his naysayers take back swimming coach (2012) directed by their words and gave the performance of a lifetime. in the film Kony Pratim D Gupta, (1986) directed by Hemlock Society Saroj Dey, a role (2012) directed (1962) that came to be by Sijit Mukherji, DIRECTOR: Satyajit Ray much admired by Rupkatha Noy CAST: Soumitra Chatterjee, , all. Soumitra didn’t (2013), directed , Gnyanesh Mukherjee, lose his command by , Charuprakash Ghosh, , Arun Roy over acting to age. Shunyo Awnko The new directors (2013) directed by Soumitra played an angry, headstrong taxi in Bengali films Goutam Ghose, driver named Narsingh who has difficulty recognised that and Bela Seshe (2015) forming human relationships and is in love with his taxi. It’s the fear of wrote roles keeping directed by Nandita losing this car, which he considers his pride and joy, that propels him him in mind. His Roy and Shiboprosad towards a path of no return. It’s the love of a woman Gulabi (Waheeda famous films during Mukherjee, Posto Rehman), which propels him back in the right direction. The film is his latter years (2017), directed considered a watermark in his career. It’s said that Martin Scorcese include Asukh by Nandita Roy based his Taxi Driver (1976) on Narsingh’s character. (1999), directed by and Shiboprosad NOSTALGIA

Mukherjee, and millions of film (2017) buffs down the Best films of directed by Atanu generations who’d Ghosh. He was to have surely enjoyed SOUMITRA CHATTERJEE appear in a spiritual his superlative sequel to Bela Seshe acting. Not that he SAAT PAKE BANDHA called Bela Shuru doesn’t enjoy a cult (1963) in 2020. The film following outside DIRECTOR: was complete but Bengal. Connoisseurs CAST: , Soumitra Chatterjee, got stuck due to the the world over , Tarun Kumar, COVID-19 pandemic. recognise him as one of the sublime actors This urban romance brought two stalwarts, true legend of the modern era. He Suchitra Sen and Soumitra together on of Bengali was honoured by the screen. Suchitra was always seen as Uttam Kumar’s heroine but it wasn’t cinema, Government with the entirely true. She had the knack of giving her best, whoever her co-star maybe. Soumitra Dadasaheb Phalke Soumitra underplayed his performance here, letting her take the front seat. Chatterjee,A who Award in 2012 for He plays an impoverished college professor who falls in love with a rich girl. was an admirer of his contribution Everything is fine for a while but the marital bliss is shattered by the constant , sadly to cinema. The interference by the girl’s mother. Differences crop up between the couple and never crossed over French Government they settle for mutual separation. The film was later remade in Hindi as Kora to Hindi films. It’s conferred The Kagaz (1974) and starred and Jaya Bhaduri. said Hrishikesh French Legion of Mukherjee offered Honour on him him, Anand, Shashi in 2017 for his CHARULATA (1964) Kapoor offered contribution to Arts. DIRECTOR: Satyajit Ray him Junoon but he His other awards and CAST: Soumitra Chatterjee, Madhabi refused them. His honours conferred Mukherjee and Sailen Mukherjee apathy towards by the Government Hindi cinema was of India include the The film is based on the novella a veritable loss to (The Broken Nest) by . Some say it’s Ray’s crowning achievement. It’s famous for its feminist overtones, its ‘female gaze’. Till then, the female desire wasn’t overtly expressed in cinema. But Ray brought it out in the open and got a conversation started about it. The film revolves around Charulata “Charu” (), the intelligent and beautiful wife of Bhupati (Sailen Mukherjee). Bhupati is an intellectual lost in his own world. His younger cousin Amal (Soumitra Chatterjee), is a budding writer. Being of the same age group as Charu, they both instantly connect. She’s attracted to him and he’s also drawn to her but societal norms prohibit him making his interest known to her. Guilt-ridden, he leaves abroad to study. A distraught Charu is caught mourning for him by her husband. The last scene of the film though, hints towards a rapprochement. With former President Pratibha Patil HE WAS HONOURED BY AKASH KUSUM (1965) DIRECTOR: Mrinal Sen THE GOVERNMENT WITH CAST: Soumitra Chatterjee, Aparna Sen, THE DADASAHEB PHALKE AWARD IN 2012 FOR HIS CONTRIBUTION TO The film was a bitter-sweet comedy woven CINEMA AND HAD ALSO around middle-class aspirations. Soumitra BEEN HONOURED BY THE plays a middle-class man who is smitten by a rich girl played by Aparna Sen. He wants to woo her despite knowing she’s way above FRENCH GOVERNMENT his league. He has a rich friend who owns a posh flat and a fancy car. He makes use WITH THE FRENCH of his friend’s riches to pursue the girl. He keeps saying one lie after the other, leading LEGION OF HONOUR FOR to one comical situation after the other. One day, he's exposed and the girl’s father HIS CONTRIBUTION TO asks him to leave the girl alone. The film was remade in Hindi as Manzil (1979) by and starred Amitabh Bachchan and . Being felicitated at a function ARTS IN 2017 NOSTALGIA

HE WORKED WITH Best films of OTHER NOTABLES OF BENGAL CINEMA TOO. SOUMITRA CHATTERJEE ONE REMEMBERS HIM With Rituparna Sengupta BAKSA BADAL FOR THE NATURAL (1965) EASE HE DISPLAYED DIRECTOR: Nityananda Datta. IN MRINAL SEN’S CAST: Soumitra Chatterjee, Aparna AKASH KUSUM (1965) Sen, Prasad Mukhopadhyay, Subrato Sen, and Satindra OR IN TAPAN SINHA’S Bhattacharya JHINDER BONDI (1961), AN ADAPTATION This was a film which Ray wrote but strangely didn’t direct. It was a OF THE PRISONER OF romantic comedy written in the style of Hollywood romcoms. The movie ZENDA, WHERE HE With Prosenjit starts with the exchange of Amita (Aparna) and Pratulya's (Soumitra) luggage when they are travelling. The belongings are returned to the INCIDENTALLY PLAYED owners in due time. This mishap starts off a series of coincidences where A VILLAIN OPPOSITE Pratulya tries to woo Amita and succeeds in the end. UTTAM KUMAR TEEN BHUBANER (2004), Sangeet PARE (1969) Natak Akademi DIRECTOR: Ashutosh Bandyopadhyay Tagore Ratna CAST: Soumitra Chatterjee, , (2012), National Rabi Ghosh, , Tarun Kumar Film Award – With Mamta Banerjee Chatterjee, Special Jury Award for Antardhan On October 9, This film offered a new take on the (1991) and Soumitra Chatterjee Pygmalion story. What will the creator do if the sculpture he's carved (2001), and Silver was moved to the begins to have a mind of his own? Montu (Soumitra) is a factory worker, Lotus Award - Best ICU and put on a drunkard and a lout. A new girl Sarasi (Tanuja) moves in the colony with Actor for Podokkhep oxygen support her family. She initially hates his loutish behaviour but begins to like him (2006). His Filmfare after his health when he saves a child. She wants to reform him and educate him and goes Awards include worsened. He was about her mission with a vengeance. In the process, she becomes a tyrant Best Actor (Critics) later put on BiPap of sorts. He gets a PhD degree, becomes a respected professor but they for Rupkatha ventilation. His grow apart as a couple despite his rise in status. Noy (2013) and condition worsened Mayurakshi (2017). on October 25 and was put on life SONAR KELLA e was support. According (1971) having to the doctors, DIRECTOR: Satyajit Ray health his key problem CAST: Soumitra Chatterjee, , issues was Covid-19 Siddartha Chatterjee, Kushal Chakraborty sinceH some time encephalopathy. He and was reportedly stopped responding This was the film, they say, which made suffering from to treatment later Soumitra as popular as Uttam Kumar. He chronic obstructive and passed away on played the immensely popular fictional pulmonary disease November 15, 2020 Bengali detective, based on Sherlock Holmes. Feluda was the protagonist (COPD). The He's survived of several detective novels written by Satyajit Ray himself, so bringing it to veteran tested by his daughter celluloid was easier for him. Many other actors have depicted Feluda but positive for the Poulami Bose, who Soumtra’s version is said to be the finest. Mukul Dhar (Kushal Chakraborty), novel coronavirus learnt acting under sees visions of a golden fort and Dr. Hemanga Hajra (Sailen Mukherjee), a on October 6, and is an parapsychologist, thinks it’s visions of the boy’s past life. Their quest takes following which active theatre worker them to where a couple of conmen plan to capture the boy. That’s he was admitted to and is the artistic when the boy’s father hires the famous detective Feluda, who comes to the Bellevue Nursing director of her group boy’s rescue. Home in Kolkata. Mukhomukhi. n reader’s reviews, box-office, celebrity column & more INSTA LIKE Medley of moments Check out what your favourites are upto on Instagram...

@aliaabhatt: my muse Just purrfect. Alia Bhatt and her cat Edward are both extremely photogenic, don’t @taapsee: The boot camp like schedule you think? 1 gets done, now running towards the lola family. Going to have a very chill cool stopover with the looopers. The best unwinding I could’ve asked for! This is going to be ‘crazy’ fun. #RashmiRocket to #LooopLapeta This picture is a perfect depiction of how Taapse Pannu is pacing up to success, one film at a time.

@vickykaushal09: Shubh aarambh! @shahidkapoor: Who’s the fairest Anyone want a ride.. of them all? Vicky One for the road. Kaushal is excited Yes, yes, a big yes, to be back at work Shahid, we sure and he sure has want to hop on that been prepping for beast with you. it with much gusto.

@tarasutaria: Sorry, we’re in need of a little vacation Readers send in their feedback pg 60 just to get over this vacay picture of soaking up the sun in the Maldives. Shatrughan Sinha’s racy rejoinders pg 62 LETTERS

November, 2020

BREAK KE BAAD bulks up RANVEER SINGH SET TO SLAY IN A DOUBLE ROLE INREADERS WRITE THE AND BITE BACK... WITHMAIL LOVE AND AFFECTION

PRATIK GANDHI DOES st IT AGAIN Prize st 1 Pratik Gandhi is the new star of 2Prize 1500 the OTT generation. His acting credentials were never in doubt. 1000 All he needed was a push to propel him towards stardom. Scam 1992, where he plays Harshad INFIDELITY Mehta, has done it for him. I’d love to see him do SUCKS more such substantial roles in the future. I read Taapsee Manhar Joshi, Gandhinagar Pannu’s cover story (November) and must admit that her viewpoint on infidelity is indeed spot on. While we all are aware that our bodies have certain Indian idol: Taapsee Pannu needs, cheating on your partner LAXMII AYUSH AHOY! to satisfy them is DISAPPOINTS I've possibly seen every a big no-no in my I watched Akshay sketch of Ayush Mehra book. And I guess Kumar and Kiara online and believe he’s everyone will agree Advani’s Laxmii online one of the brightest Too good: Pratik Gandhi with that. because I’m a huge stars in the digital Mihika Shah, fan of Akshay. But space. To see his name IMPRESSIVE TRAILER I must admit I came show up on a platform I've been looking forward to seeing Priyanka Chopra away disappointed. like Filmfare (November) and Rajkummar Rao share the big screen ever since TOPPER The magic of Kanchana was definitely a delight. The White Tiger was announced. Watching them in TAAPSEE just wasn’t replicated. I hope you feature the trailer I can safely say that the hype is justified. Taapsee Pannu’s I only sat through the more such talents in Can’t wait to watch the film. interview in your last film because of Akki. the future. Raj Saxena, New Delhi issue (November), Urmila Reddy, Hyderabad Sumitra Mahajan, Surat definitely helped me know a lot more about the actress. I liked the bit where she spoke about how she was as a child and how her experiences in school helped her reach where she is today. Inspirational indeed. Harshali Raut, Aurangabad Below par: Laxmii

MAKE-UP MAGIC SPOT ON one I’ve been following Your interview with Just Namrata Soni’s Namrata Soni (November) Point work for quite some gave me an insight into time and it was what exactly goes into good to learn more making Bollywood divas about makeup from look absolutely perfect her in your latest in front of the camera. issue (November). I want to try my hand as Her tips will help a makeup artist and these me take even the tips surely were helpful. Golden memories: Rangeela simplest of looks Thank you, Namrata and to another level. team Filmfare. RANGEELA REUNION OTT SPOTLIGHT Nikita Singh, Mohali Swati Majumdar, Kolkata When I read the article OTT ventures getting the on the Filmfare website same kind of recognition in about Rangeela’s 25- our country as traditional year reunion, it brought cinema was long overdue. Farewell: back several memories. So it was good to see I loved reading Filmfare’s I believe it’s one of Ram Filmfare spearheading piece on the late Bhanu Gopal Varma’s best works. the movement with their Athaiya (November). She put India on the world map Both Aamir Khan and show Spotlight featuring by winning an Oscar. Her were OTT stars. The guest legacy will live on forever brilliant in it and so was list features actors who Varun Bakshi, Noida . Seeing the have gone on to become gang reunite once again household names. I expect Taapsee Pannu is currently one of my favourite actors for this special occasion more such talent to come so I was glad to see her made my day. through in the near future. on the Filmfare Cover Aniket Godbole, Mumbai Gautam Saini, Rewari (November). I hope to see many more editions with All dolled up: her on the cover. Rakesh Sinha, Darbhanga

BRIGHT START ’S ROYAL RIDE When I read about SP had impressed me in Laila I read about Badshah’s Roll Royce on the Filmfare Balasubrahmanyam Majnu. I had high hopes from her and website and was blown away by the specifications passing away on the Filmfare’s social media now, after watching her in Bulbbul of the car. I’ve always been a petrolhead and I hope account, it left me in a state I feel my first impressions were bang to own such a grand vehicle someday. of complete shock. Our on. Her interview in the November issue Gurpreet Singh, Jalandhar beloved SPB will always just goes to show how particular she remain in our hearts. Laxmi Iyer, Chennai is about her craft. I see a bright future ahead for the young talent. MITHOON ROCKS On Prabhas’ birthday, Mariam Abbas, Kolkata My obsession with Bollywood I saw the new poster of Going places: Tripti Dimri music has existed right from Radhe Shyam on Filmfare’s my childhood and one of Instagram page. It left me even more excited about PM MODI’S BOLLYWOOD CONNECTION my favourite artistes in the the film. On the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s industry is Mithoon. Reading Ranjana Pawar, Belgaum birthday, I came across an article on the Filmfare about his take on film music website that shared some of the best moments (November) increased my I’ve always followed Shatrughan Sinha’s rapid- of our supreme leader with the Bollywood stars. respect for him and his work fire diligently. I think his I really enjoyed going through those pictures. even more. sense of humour is spot on. Ajay Goswami, Lucknow Rajneesh Pant, Almora Gaurav Sahu, Ranchi Music maven: Mithoon

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Following the imposition of 1 And he receives applause for Are we living in the age of as fine on Prashant Bhushan by that. Has the law of the land apocalypse? the apex court, columnist Jug changed or our morality has Renuka Iyer, Chennai Suraiya wondered whether MRP become rotten? Well, the way things are for contempt was fixed at 1. Rajneesh Batra, New Delhi moving, with lots of turns What is your response? Our morality has become and twists, and situations Tanishk N, Mumbai rotten. This is Kalyug, turning nasty in every Well, it needed a senior, isn’t it? Only money sphere, it won’t be wrong PHOTOGRAPH: PHOTOGRAPH: MEETESH TANEJA seasoned, learned, talks in our society. Our to say that we're indeed admired, respected and conscience seems to be living in the age of talked about social- dead. So morality is at its apocalypse… Jai Hind! political activist to send lowest and that reflects on out a clear message to the the celluloid too. Web series are becoming highest law of the land, the popular these days. Do you think Hon'ble Supreme Court... Why is Bollywood being targeted they will take over audiences for all kinds of vices? Is it watching films in theatres? In movies of your time, a hero because it’s a soft target? Nirmala Khemlani, Pune would never kill a villain, no Anil Saxena, Rohtak No doubt the web series matter what. Even Thakur did People follow, idolise, are becoming popular as not kill Gabbar in Sholay. The almost worship our heroes. most people are stuck at law used to take its own course. So anything negative about home. We can watch them But now, a hero has to kill a them isn’t tolerated by the at our convenience without couple of people in every film. idolising masses. They the danger of contracting tend to forget actors are the infection. I’ve heard the humans too. cinema halls are now being Where are the likes of Basu Chatterjee who allowed to open. The news could make an endearing and enduring film Are you getting OTT offers? about their occupancy like a ? Vikas Sharma, rates hasn’t been positive. Jaideep Sarkar, Kolkata Yes indeed. Offers have The masses aren’t willing With the passing away of the great Basu Chatterjee the been coming from the right, to risk infection for the era of sweet, realistic, common man’s cinema has surely left and centre. We’ll talk sake of a film. So OTT ended. However, we still have some expectations from about it later. Though platforms seem to be the makers like Vidhu Vinod Chopra, , and I must admit OTT is here sundar, sasta aur tikau Goutam Ghose. God bless them. to go a long way. option for now. 1st Prize How long will COVID-19 affect our economy? Is it possible for the common man to survive in this pandemic situation for long? Anant Krit Sharma, Muzaffarpur It has already almost ruined our economy. For how long? Gentleman director: Screen giant: We don’t know — we're all waiting for the vaccine to Basu Chatterjee Rajkumar Hirani arrive and hopefully, that will improve the economy. I hope, wish and pray that the common man gets the assistance of the government in procuring the vaccine. Only after the masses get vaccinated that the economy will crawl back to normal. 2nd Prize Why are more and more people becoming atheists? Naveen Bhardwaj, Mohali Because of so many deaths worldwide due to the coronavirus, they feel God is sleeping. Their lack of faith in humanity has led them to shake off their faith in God. Man has been known to overcome many Best of all: Sholay a crisis and I’m sure this too shall pass. Also, their need to possess things which they don’t deserve, their Most of the actors have faced who is depressed then inability to work towards them, and also their lack of a series of rejections before reach out. Lend your patience makes men go away from God. making a name for themselves. shoulder to lean on. This doesn't mean they should Talking helps so don’t end their lives. What message hesitate to draw the person Not necessarily. Just be A 0.06-micron size virus does do you want to give to the out. You may save a life. a good human being. not discriminate between younger generation, pursuing a God will take care of you anyone, so why are we human career in Bollywood? Why do we still follow news automatically. I certainly beings so discriminatory in our Shabina Begum, Kolkata on social media accounts when believe in a superpower, in behaviour? Getting rejected is different we know most of it is fake? being good and doing good. Rajneesh Batra, New Delhi than being made to feel Mohini Srivastava, Noida God only knows — and like an outcast. Rejections For the sake of We have no money to extract he’s not telling. are part of our journey entertainment and water for drylands but have called life. Talking to your timepass. money to look for water on (Feature co-ordinated by family, friends, colleagues Mars. Please comment? DEVESH SHARMA) about it can show you the Do you think you need to Lalitkumar Kumpalath, Mumbai Please note: The column doesn’t way forward. My humble believe in God to be a We have money to do reflect Shatrughan Sinha’s political request to everyone is that 'good' person? both. It's our willingness or or personal views. His answers are if you hear of someone Puneet Chadha, Yamuna Nagar political will that’s lacking. given in jest and humour.

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FLYX FILMFARE OTT AWARDS: A NEW BEGINNING ’ve always been a child of feature film, is the preferred well. It pleases me to say that the cinema. I may not have been staple for viewers these days. response from the industry has the first day, first show buff One can say that the pandemic and been heartening indeed. Everyone, but nevertheless watching the lockdown hastened the process be it actors, directors, technicians, Ifilms in a cinema hall was always but even before that there were all responded heartily. And so did magical for me. And still is. But signs that the taste of the viewers the various platforms. We found we’re evolving. Stationery phones was changing. a content sponsor in FLYX, a gave way to mobile phones, which Successful OTT content has renowned name whose USP is to in turn evolved into smartphones. shifted the focus back to the give you information about various VCRs -- some of you won’t even story, mostly having realistic series and films available on the know what that means -- gave strands. It has also helped give OTT platforms from all over the way to DVD players and now rise to performers who are getting world. Given Filmfare’s legacy everything is available on cloud appreciated not just for their good and FLYX’s reach, it’s a win-win servers, you don’t even need a DVD looks but also for their impactful partnership indeed. player. Likewise, viewers are now portrayals. As said earlier, the The coronavirus pandemic is far happier watching content on their attention of the viewer needs to be from over. This property is a symbol phones, their tablets, laptops and engaged for a longer time, who has of our endeavour to assimilate smart TVs. Earlier, it used to be many platforms and diverse content ourselves towards the new normal. downloaded content. Now, thanks from which to choose. The viewer One of the tenets of showbiz is that to the increase in data speeds and has verily become the king as even come what may, the show must go lowering of data tariffs, content can subscribing to one OTT platform on. You have been instrumental directly be streamed to devices. leaves him with a wealth of shows in supporting us in our different Instead of watching content on a and movies from across the globe. endeavours all these years and weekly and daily basis, people are Keeping these trends in mind, I’m sure you’ll extend the same binge-watching the entire season at Filmfare, which has been the love and support to our latest one go. And long-form content, ie. pioneer when it comes to award venture as well...Vive la change! the series or specials which have shows, has decided to honour [email protected] a longer length than a standard excellence in the OTT space as Twitter: @jiteshpillaai DOWNLOAD YOUR FAVOURITE MAGAZINES FOR FREE!

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