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September, 2020

PARINEETI ANUSHKA CHOPRA’S SHARMA BIG GAME PLAN PREGNANT

Bhumi Pednekar’s cool quotient

VIDYA BALAN SLAYS WITH HER ACT AGAIN Take that! Volume 69 # September 2020 / ISSN NUMBER 0971-7277

September, 2020

PARINEETI ANUSHKA CHOPRA’S SHARMA BIG GAME PLAN PREGNANT

Bhumi Pednekar’s cool quotient

VIDYA BALAN SLAYS WITH HER ACT AGAIN

PHOTOGRPAH:Take PAVITR SAITH that! HAIR: SHALAKA BHOSLE MAKE UP: HARSHAL UMESH JARIWALA STYLIST: PRANAY JAITLY AND SHOUNAK AMONKAR Outfit: Aarti Vijay Gupta Bracelets: Ayana Silver Jewellery 22 & Eurumme Rings: Eurumme 34 Editor’s Choice Vidya Balan strikes gold Bobby Deol’s on a 03once more 42 comeback trail Sonu Sood, the Kunal Kemmu is in a 82 real-life hero 46 happy space talks 50 about life during the lockdown is soaking 54 in the accolades 08 Sunny Kaushal wants 38 42 58 more meaty roles Armaan Malik is basking Masala fix Fashion & lifestyle 62 in international glory Make-up artist Savleen Remembering 06 pregnant, - 18 Manchanda gives away 66 Rahat Indori Khan beauty secrets Biding goodbye to expecting their second 68 child, Prabhas to star Exclusives Farewell, Pandit as Lord Ram in Exclusive cover story: 70 Jasraj Adipurush 22 Vidya Balan airs her Looking back with Preview views about career, 72 affection at Rajesh relationship, and life Khanna Sharan Sharma is in general Your say 12 happy with the success Bhumi Pednekar bares of Gunjan Saxena: The 34 all about both art and Readers send in Kargil Girl mart cinema 78 their rants Shivaleeka Oberoi wants wants Shatrughan Sinha’s 14 to prove her mettle 38 to make a splash 80 wacky witticisms 10 Letter from the Editor Amazing grace! Back when I was in school, we were asked to read Shakuntala Devi’s books, which promised you that you culd have fun with math. Of course, most of us steered clear of them as we clearly thought it was a misinformation campaign. Math was something to be endured, because it was compulsory. Those good at it were subject to both envy and loathing. I never believed one could have fun with numbers till I saw Vidya Balan acting as Shakuntala Devi in the latter’s biopic. The way Vidya’s face lit up while doing difficult sums, like she was eyeing an all-you-can-eat Onam sadhya instead of a ginormous set of numbers, made me aware that the human mind is capable of finding joy in anything. Vidya is no mathematician but she caught the spirit of her character admiringly. Shakuntala Devi isn’t just a film that captured the genius of the protagonist, it also gave us a glimpse into her private life. It talked about the fractured relationship she had with her daughter. With her husband. And talked about the nature of love, of forgiveness, of redemption. And Vidya, as usual, excelled in bringing to life each facet of the character she essayed. Over the years, we have come to count on Vidya to make difficult roles look easy. Whether it’s The Dirty Picture, where she played Silk Smitha, or Kahaani, where she played a woman bent on revenge or even Mission Mangal, where she played a scientist with her heart set to make the Mars mission a success, she has given us living, breathing women who are more than mere characters in a movie. Her characters reach out to you and make you root for them. The connection is almost palpable. Shakuntala Devi had no answer when asked how she performed her magic and likewise, Vidya too doesn’t have a clue how she seeps into her characters with effortless ease. She’s not a trained actor who follows a method. Whatever she has learnt has been on the job. Some are born to act and perhaps she possesses an inherent instinct to just be the character she essays. Even after achieving so much, there’s a childlike innocence about her. She’s still as passionate about the movies as she was at the start of her career. She hasn’t let success get to her head, in fact, her accomplishments have made her more humble. She’s wise enough to know one shouldn’t live in the past but in the present and hence is always raring to raise the bar even higher with each release. The lockdown has brought her closer to her husband. And to her own self as well. She’s on our cover this month, so read on to savour her forthright answers and some excellent photos shot exclusively at her home...

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SAFETY FIRST The government has lifted curbs on travel and our stars are slowing venturing out. , along with hubby travelled to Bangalore sometimes back to meet her parents. We can understand the concern as everyone was cooped up in their homes for so long. And it’s good to see them cover their faces in public places, setting a good example for everyone.

Anushka Sharma is pregnant pg 06 bags his first YRF film? pg 08 PHOTOGRAAPH: YOGEN SHAH MASALA FIX AND ANUSHKA SHARMA CONFIRM diagnosed with THEY’RE Lung Cancer Sanjay Dutt was taken to a hospital EXPECTING when he complained of breathing A BABY problem. He was tested for coronavirus OMG! This is the best news you’ll hear but it was negative. However, a few in a while. Anushka Sharma and days later the actor took to Virat Kohli are expecting their first to announce that he would be taking child. Isn’t that awesome news? The a break from work and hoped to couple took to social media today return post the treatment. Later, it was and made the announcement that revealed that the actor is suffering from they have a baby on the way. For the stage four lung cancer. The actor, who announcement, Virat and Anushka is being treated at a Mumbai hospital, shared a picture of themselves with will fly to the US for further treatment. Anushka’s baby bump showing. He has acquired a five-year US visa The caption read, “And then, we were on medical grounds. Initially, it was three! Arriving Jan 2021 ”. KAREENA KAPOOR KHAN AND difficult to get the visa as his name is As soon as the picture went online, involved in the 1993 Mumbai blasts. the comment section of their SAIF ALI KHAN ANNOUNCE But a close friend intervened and Instagram accounts was flooded THEIR SECOND CHILD helped him get the visa. Sanjay Dutt with well wishers congratulating the Here’s more good news. Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan will be admitted to the Memorial Sloan couple. , , are going to become proud parents once again. The couple is gearing Kettering Cancer Centre. Incidentally, Kiara Advani, , Parineeti up for their baby number two after Taimur. They recently released an his mom Nargis Dutt too was admitted Chopra, Dia Mirza, Saniya Malhotra, official statement about it. The statement read, “We are very pleased to to the same hospital in 1980. She too Jassie Gill, Neil Nitin Mukesh and announce that we are expecting an addition to our family !! Thank you was suffering from cancer. Our prayers many others sent in their wishes. to all our well wishers for all their love and support.-Saif and Kareena” are with Sanjay. He’s a warrior and we We congratulate the couple too. We congratulate the couple on the happy news. know he’ll overcome this hurdle as well.

NEETU KAPOOR BACK ON THE SILVER SCREEN Neetu Kapoor’s cameo in Love Aaj Kal or her role as the middle-class wife in Do Dooni Chaar, both were a delightful watch. Now we hear that the actress is ready to face the screen again after almost five years. Neetu Kapoor who was last seen in Besharam with her son has now signed Raj Mehta’s next film. According to reports, the film stars Varun Dhawan and Kiara Advani. Neetu Kapoor and Anil Kapoor will play Varun’s parents. Just like Mehta’s earlier Good Newwz, this film too will be high on humour and drama. The film will probably go on floors by November first week. Neetu Kapoor is such a natural actress and this is a welcome step indeed.

JOHN ABRAHAM TO JOIN IN PATHAN? is pulling all strings to make Abraham and Shah Rukh Khan will their next big announcements even bigger. lock horns if this casting is finalised. There is a new story out almost every day This will be the first time that the two about the studio’s new ventures. Shah Rukh actors will work together. YRF has Khan who has been missing from the big other big releases involving projects screen post the release of Zero (2018), with , Hrithik is said to be the male lead of YRF’s Roshan, Ajay Devgn, Ranveer next Pathan helmed by Singh, Ranbir Kapoor and Anand. However, reports suggest Deepika Padukone in the that might also be pipeline. Let’s just hope the part of the film. While nothing has coronavirus goes away soon been confirmed it is said that John for the fun to begin. 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. MASALA FIX

VARUN-SARA’S Ajay Devgn bags his first YRF film? COOLIE NO 1 It’s often said that there are no permanent friends and no TO HAVE AN permanent enemies in the industry. OTT RELEASE Everything just boils down to business and the industry will entertain anyone who sells. It’s not surprising then that Ajay Devgn has signed his first film with Yash Raj Films. According to reports, it’s an action-comedy to be directed by Shiv Rawail. Readers will remember that in 2012, and Ajay Devgn had a major fallout Varun Dhawan and Sara Ali when their respective movies – Jab Khan’s fresh pairing is set to Tak Hai Jaan and Son Of Sardaar hatchet and start everything impress the audience in David had locked horns at the box-office. afresh. Guess it makes sense to sign Dhawan’s Coolie No. 1. If the The confrontation was over some Ajay on, considering he’s had the on-set pictures and first look distribution issues. So much that it biggest hit this year in :The of the film are anything to go had even affected and Aditya Unsung Warrior. The makers will by, both Sara and Varun have Chopra’s friendship. But it looks announce this film on their banner’s their game on fleek. The film LOOKS LIKE HRITHIK like they have decided to bury the 50th anniversary on September 27. was supposed to be one of the ROSHAN’S NEXT biggest releases of 2020. But WILL BE A THRILLER the pandemic played spoilsport. PRODUCED BY ABHISHEK BACHCHAN Considering the theatres have YASH RAJ FLMS been shut for an indefinite ALL SET TO RESUME period, the makers of Coolie AND DIRECTED WORK ON BIG BULL POST No.1 are now considering a BY SIDDHARTH P HIS COVID RECOVERY digital release. As per reports, MALHOTRA. THOUGH Abhishek Bachchan surely had a critical time in the last this Varun Dhawan and Sara Ali NOTHING IS OFFICIAL few weeks. He and his entire family were diagnosed with Khan starrer is going to have an YET, WE HEAR THE COVID-19. Fortunately, Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai OTT release. The film has been Bachchan and Aaradhya healed soon. It was Abhishek who was hospitalised sold to a popular OTT platform FILM IS BASED ON A for the longest time. Now that he has been discharged from the hospital, for approximately 90 crores. TRUE STORY AND WILL we hear that the actor will resume work soon on Big Bull. The film which HAVE HRITHIK PLAY is based on the life of stockbroker Harshad Mehta, who orchestrated the A WHISTLE BLOWER. 1992 securities scandal, has Abhishek Bachchan playing the titular role. In a WE ALSO HEAR THAT statement to the press, Daanish Gandhi from Ajay Devgn Films said, “I’m glad YRF WILL ANNOUNCE that Abhishek and his family have recovered. Our first priority is to set up a safe and sanitised facility for him and the rest of the cast where we can film the THE FILM ON ITS 50TH remaining portions. We’ve chosen a minimal crew of trusted individuals who ANNIVERSARY ON will follow all the necessary steps to ensure everyone’s safety.” Can’t wait to SEPTEMBER 27. see Abhishek bring Harshad Mehta alive through his performance.

NO BIOPIC ON SONU SOOD’S LIFE Sonu Sood’s heroic act during the coronavirus pandemic has made him an icon. Wanting to cash in on his popularity, filmmakers are constantly approaching him to make a biopic on his life. The actor dismissed all speculations saying it was too early to do a biopic. He’s however penning down the experiences for his biography. Talking about it, he said, “I want to thank God for making me a catalyst in helping the migrants. While my heart beats for Mumbai, after this movement I feel a part of me lives in the villages of UP, , Jharkhand, Assam, Uttarakhand and various other states, where I have now found new friends and made deep connections. I have decided to put these experiences, stories that are embedded in my soul forever, in a book.” It’ll make for an interesting read, alright.

MASALA FIX

KANGANA Amitabh PRABHAS TO RANAUT Bachchan sends PLAY RAM IN JOINS hand-written note TWITTER to Kunal Kemmu OM RAUT’S always Amitabh Bachchan is known for his sweet ADIPURUSH maintained her distance from gestures and always encouraging good social media. But recently she work. The veteran actor sends hand-written changed her stance after seeing notes to actors whose works he likes. the love and support for the And actors have come to covet this note. late . The The latest actor to make the cut is Kunal actress has finally joined Twitter. Kemmu. His latest offering Lootcase was Explaining her decision to join released on an OTT platform a few weeks the social media, she said, “Hello back. While the actor’s performance was friends, I have been working in praised by the critics, he didn’t expect films from almost the last 15 Amitabh Bachchan’s words of praise. years, and during all this time... The veteran sent him a hand-written I was pressured many times to join note and Kunal Kemmu couldn’t Bhushan Kumar, the head social media and I have declined contain his excitement. He soon honcho of T-series, Om Raut a lot many deals wherein the only shared the priceless letter on his social and superstar Prabhas have clause was to join social media, media saying, “Whatt! This is just the come together to make a 3D and I had let them go. People most awesome thing ever. I have often film – Adipurush. It’s a screen have been saying things about read or heard about this happening and adaptation of the Indian epic me because I wasn’t there on always wished that one day I would also Ramayan that revolves around social media... even then I didn’t be deserving of one myself... Thank you so the triumph of good over evil. join it...” She added, “This year, much Amitabh Bachchan Sir. This means so Prabhas took to his Instagram I have seen the power of social much to me. I’m doing backflips in my head account to announce his new media, and I observed how the and my heart.” Cloud nine vibes for sure. project by sharing the logo-look of whole world has come together Adipurush. The logo has a golden in the fight for Sushant, and we A and we can see visuals from have gained success... All this has the epic. The Om Raut directorial given me a lot of hope, and I have SAIF ALI KHAN TO PLAY RAAVAN IN is going to be bilingual in an aspiration that through this we PRABHAS’ STARRER ADIPURUSH? and Telugu. The 3D extravaganza can launch reforms for new India... After Om Raut gave a blockbuster hit in will also be dubbed in Tamil, and that is the reason for the first Tanhaji:The Unsung Warrior, all eyes are on Malayalam, Kannada and some time I have come on Twitter...”. him for his next project. His next, Adipurush, foreign languages as well. Talking Interesting much. has Prabhas playing Lord Ram. And now we about Adipurush, Prabhas shared hear Saif Ali Khan will play Raavan in the his excitement saying, “Every role film. Earlier too, Saif played the antagonist in and every character comes with Tanhaji. Looks like the filmmaker considers its own challenges, but portraying Saif a lucky mascot and wants to cast him a character like this comes again. It’s said that the makers are going with tremendous responsibility to spend 250 crores on the VFX of the film. and pride. I am very excited to Adipurush will go on floors next year and will portray this character of our release in 2022. Meanwhile, Saif is excited Epic especially the way Om has about becoming a parent once again. This designed it. I am sure the youth is his fourth time. Quadfather as his sister of our country will shower all their Soha Ali Khan calls him. love on our film.”

PRIYANKA CHOPRA JONAS RECENTLY ANNOUNCED THAT SHE’D COMPLETED HER MEMOIR UNFINSIHED. SHE TOOK TO SOCIAL MEDIA TO SHARE A PICTURE OF THE FIRST PRINTED COPY. HER CAPTION READ, “FINISHED. WHAT AN AMAZING FEELING SEEING THESE PAGES PRINTED ON PAPER FOR THE FIRST TIME! #UNFINISHED... COMING SOON!” CAN’T WAIT TO LAY OUR HANDS ON THE COPY. movies on the block, set-talk, talent-buzz, hotties to watch out for GROOVING TO LIFE PRIYASHA BHARDWAJ X FACTOR: HER GO-GETTER ATTITUDE Priyasha Bhardwaj grew up in Guwahati, Assam before moving to for her education. She’s a trained Bharatnatyam and Kathak dancer and has also trained in several Western dance forms over the years. She wished to pursue dance as a profession. But the lack of support from her parents landed her in a bank job. A movie buff, Priyasha then tried her hand at theatre and went onto shoot commercials. Her first big break was in a biscuit commercial with Deepika Padukone. She then moved to Mumbai in 2018. Here she started out by doing small roles in ’s Made In Heaven, Sonam Nair’s Kaafir with Dia Mirza and was also seen in Aarya, where she played ’s adorable younger sister. She's keenly looking forward to Mirzapur 2, where she plays a character which is totally hatke from whatever she has done before.

Meet director Sharan Sharma and actor Shivaleeka Oberoi pg 12 FUTURE STOCK

Sky’sRAGHUVENDRA SINGH CHATSthe UP WITH THE DIRECTOR OF GUNJANlimit SAXENA:THE KARGIL GIRL, SHARAN SHARMA

unjan Saxena: luckily gave us asked if I could meet the basis of their was all there minus The Kargil all the time and her, she said I must interactions. He the smell. Sharan G Girl is based attention we needed carry a letter from asserts he just didn’t comments that the on the exploits of to be able to tell the stop there. He and biggest challenge for Flight Lieutenant story with honesty to prove my his team spent a filmmaker when Gunjan Saxena, the and with attention credentials.” Their months researching it comes to making first woman Indian to detail in terms first meeting was the finer nuances a biopic is not just Air Force (IAF) pilot of recreating the in Jamnagar. And of how the IAF the detailing. One to fly in the combat world of the IAF,” once they met they functions. Their has to focus on the zone. For a film of he gushes. When kept talking like old aim was to recreate emotional journey this kind, research is he first called up friends for close to the dorms, the of the person as critical and director Gunjan, in February six hours. uniforms, the crew well. And he feels Sharan Sharma was 2017, to broach the Before they rooms, the body he has done full lucky that the real- idea of makng a started writing the language of the justice to that aspect life Gunjan Saxena film on her life, she script, Sharan and officers. And Sharan as well. was there with him thought someone his writer Nikhil proudly asserts it Janhvi Kapoor every step of the was giving her a Mehrotra spent a lot way. Detailing is prank call. Says of time with Gunjan “Gunjan Ma’am was a bit sceptical critical in depicting the director, “She and her family, and sounded uninterested in our the world of the IAF was a bit sceptical understanding her first chat. When I asked if I could with authenticity and sounded journey and her meet her, she said I must carry a and integrity. uninterested in our experiences. They letter from Dharma Productions “Gunjan Ma’am first chat. When I built the story on to prove my credentials” FUTURE STOCK

“MS Dhoni always says to respect the process, control the controllable, work with honesty, and not to worry about the results. If you respect the process, the result will take care of itself”

At Gunjan Saxena’s home with Janhvi Kapoor joined the project and America, he felt and belief in me in August 2018. On more drawn to the made me believe their first meeting, storytelling aspect in myself as a Sharam could sense of filmmaking. “I filmmaker,” gushes that she was going remember watching Sharan. With Angad Bedi and Janhvi through a phase in LA He did possess a where she was with my college fabulous script. But and longs to direct idol he believes more comfortable friends and being what’s written on her in a film in in the purity of working with a totally blown away paper sometimes future. the process.“MS veteran director, by the film,” he gets lost in The director Dhoni always than with a newbie. reminisces. “The translation when loves to watch says to respect the He frankly told her film spoke to me it‘s transferred on cricket-based process, control the that he couldn’t in a very personal celluloid. And documentaries controllable, work promise her a ‘good’ way. He got Ayan that’s where the and feels there are with honesty, and film but he could Mukerji’s email ID right casting plays many cricket-based not to worry about promise to give his from somewhere an important role. biopics that can the results. If you best to the project. and wrote to him Sharan believes he’s be made in India. respect the process, Once she was about how he been lucky in his He states, “Be it the result will take convinced of the loved Wake Up Sid choice of actors and the story of Yuvraj care of itself.” script’s potential, and asked him for thanks everyone be Singh, Mansoor It was a mantra he Janhvi gave her career advice. Ayan it Pankaj Tripathy, Ali Khan Pataudi, followed diligently heart to the project. responded a few Angad Bedi, Vineet Sourav Ganguly or throughout the months later and Kumar Singh or the journey of the making of Gunjan haran was Sharan landed up as Manav Vij who Women’s Cricket Saxena. He asked always an assistant director came to the sets Team. I would love his team not to Sdrawn to on Yeh Jawaani with an open mind to eventually see chase the result but films. He studied Hai Deewani and and became the a biopic on Virat to enjoy the process Business and Film started his journey air beneath the Kohli too. That of making the film. at the University of in the movies. “I newcomer’s wings. would be quite an Says he, “I am more Southern California, then worked with Sharan adds that inspiring story. than happy with in Los Angeles. Karan (Johar) sir Janhvi was his Currently, I’ve been the love that the Initially, he thought on Ae Dil Hai only choice for the reading a lot about film and the entire he should work in Mushkil and Lust role. though if he’d Raj Kapoor and team has got. It the business aspect Stories. Actually it made the film ten watching his films, feels great to see of films. But after was Karan sir who years ago, then he I think his life will how people have a few internships encouraged me to would’ve chosen also make for an connected with in marketing research Gunjan Anushka Sharma. interesting biopic.” the motivating and divisions in film Ma’am’s story. His He’s worked with He idolises inspiring story of companies in India trust, confidence Anushka as an AD Dhoni and like his Gunjan Ma’am.” n FUTURE STOCK

RAGHUVENDRA SINGH CHATS UP WITH SHIVALEEKA OBEROI OF YEH SAALI DARING TO AND KHUDA HAAFIZ FAME DREAM ctors lead an extraordinary life. They have to look good all the time. Every Friday seems to be a litmus test. Like gladiators, they enter the arena with a smile which never wavers even if they lose. Like Olympic athletes, they have to keep striving to go higher, swifter, ahead of the rat pack. But their childhood is just like that of the mango people – big dreams in their eyes, dancing in front of the mirror and mimicking their favourite stars. That’s exactly how Shivaleeka Oberoi spent her growing up days. The actress who surprised the audience in her debut film Yeh Saali Aashiqui (2019) and later in the OTT release Khuda Haafiz (2020), has always been a Hindi film buff. Just like millions of millennial girls, she too idolized Poo from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and acted like the ultimate diva while in school. And when her parents asked her to replicate the Kareena act in front of relatives, she would put on the whole diva act without any hesitation. In fact, watching her bindaas moves, her mother predicted she was going to become

With in Khuda Haafiz Last year there was such a long list of debutantes. I even told mom that this is my debut year with so many new faces. But no complaints, competition is great…

FUTURE STOCK an actor. And years later, the prediction has come through. Shivaleeka’s grandfather Mahavir Oberoi had produced an action film called Sheba And Hercules (1967), starring Randhawa and Vijay Chowdhary. However, he passed away soon after. “My father was barely 17 when my granddad passed away, whatever connections he had went away with him. So there was no one to help my father establish himself in . The entire process was the same for me. I had to pave my own path,” asserts the self-made actress.

eeping her Kareena fixation alive, she auditioned as Geet from Jab We Met to get admission in Anupam Kher’s acting course. While the three-month course was an eye- opener, Shivaleeka decided to further hone her skills by being on a film set. “I kept doing photoshoots and commercials but then somehow after a point, I felt that I had to know more about the process of filmmaking. I discussed it with my family and they too agreed I was on the right track,” says the confident actress. Shivaleeka then assisted in his debut film as a director - Kick (2014). Right from being the clap girl to calling Salman Khan for his take, the actress says it was a wholesome experience for her. “I was pleasantly come through when the film was in theatre. surprised working with Salman Khan. He was It came through when it was on OTT. Like very kind. He had no idea that I wanted to be people really appreciated each and everything an actor at first but later told me to follow my about the film. And I was recognized for my heart and just be myself in front of the camera. role.” She says it was fun to work in Khuda He was very encouraging,” says she, praising Haafiz with Vidyut Jammwal, who has also the star. She was an assistant on Housefull 3 made it on his own in Bollywood. Says she, (2016) as well. “He is humble and I have never seen him Her diligence bore fruit and she was With Vardhan Puri in having a bad day on the set. Never seen him soon offered the suspense thriller Yeh Saali Yeh Saali Aashiqui getting angry with somebody. His discipline is Aashiqui (2019), where she played a multi- something that has inspired me.” layered character. Shivaleeka credits her The actress has heard about Kick 2 being director Cherag Ruparel for guiding her Whatever made and wishes to be in front of the camera through the difficult role. She was nominated Salman Khan this time. She’s a big fan of Salman Khan and in the Filmfare Best Debut (Female) category. did on screen after working with him as an AD, she wishes Ask her how she felt about it and she points to be his co-star some day. “Whatever he did to an interesting fact about her debut year. he did it on screen he did it with a lot of dedication. Says she, “Last year there was such a long list with a lot of The smallest thing he did in front of the of debutantes. I even told mom that this is my dedication. camera actually changed the entire scene,” debut year with so many new faces. But no The smallest she gushes. The actress also wishes to work complaints, competition is great, I am lucky thing he did with youth icons like Kartik Aaryan, Vicky that I chose a film that made me stand out.” Kaushal and Ayushmann Khurrana. And she Ask the actress if she is disappointed about in front of hasn’t given up her dream of meeting Kareena missing a theatrical release for her second film the camera Kapoor Khan one day. She saw Kareena at the Khuda Haafiz, and she says that somehow actually Filmfare Curtain Raiser this year but couldn’t both her films have got her recognition changed the meet her idol as there were too many people because of OTT platforms, “The kind of entire scene around. We promise to introduce her to Poo at response I‘d expected from YSA, did not the next Filmfare gathering... n They are hot, they are cool. Meet our trend makers and breakers “MAKE-UP IS AN EXTENSION OF ONESELF” Savleen Manchanda spills some beauty hacks that will make everyone fall in love with make-up all over again... Kareena Kapoor Khan

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MAGICANALITA SETH INTERVIEWS MAKE-UP ARTIST SAVLEEN MANCHANDA WHO BELIEVES IN KEEPING IT SIMPLE

A dash of highlighter, a pop of glossy tint, a stroke of perfect liner and your face is transformed. Make-up is nothing short of art. From the exaggerated pancake look of the ’70s to the minimalism of the current decade, make-up is more than just some brush strokes and concealers hiding your blemishes. It’s a form of

Kareena Kapoor Khan expression which helps you flaunt what you’ve got. Sharing her expertise on the craft, celebrity make-up artist Savleen Manchanda reveals the secrets behind the fairytale world of glamour and beauty…

WHEN DID YOU consider my ANY GUIDANCE OR REALISE YOU options. He told INSPIRATION WHILE WANTED TO BE A me to pick a life GROWING UP? MAKE-UP ARTIST? that I enjoyed. Mickey I was in the I have no clue Contractor eleventh how I became is one of the standard and we a make-up artists I look Savleen Manchanda took an aptitude artist. I started upto. When I test. I wanted eighteen years was a child, to be a lawyer ago. At that time I’d travelled to “The future of but my father this profession London with make-up is minimalism. asked me to wasn’t so big. my mother. My The idea is to have good weigh out the There were only mother was pros and cons. two famous buying MAC Jaqueline Fernandez skin that looks fresh and He told me that names, Mickey make-up. And I dewy. These things since I loved to Contractor and found it curious will never go out dress up and Ambika Pillai. that there were of style” do my make- these beautiful up, I should DID YOU HAVE girls who were helping her glam look with is evolving. It’s out. It looked smokey eyes becoming more like a fairyland. and soft lips. natural and I asked my All this depends achievable. mother about on what the the girls, I even person wants ONE MAKE-UP referred to them and what they’re TREND YOU ’T as fairies. She comfortable LIKE… told me they with. I’m not a big were make- fan of baking. up artists and HOW DIFFERENT IS I do not like the were there to EDITORIAL MAKE- use of too much help her choose UP FROM RED powder. I want Sonakshi Sinha products. CARPET MAKE-UP? the skin to look I remember It’s different. like you’re not telling her then With editorial, wearing make- ONE that I want to be you can push up. The idea is BEAUTY like them when your creative to have someone I grow up. boundaries. It’s compliment you HACK like selling a and not say that YOU HOW IMPORTANT fantasy. With your make-up LEARNT IS MAKE-UP IN red carpet, looks gorgeous. CULTIVATING THE it’s all about ON THE ENTIRE LOOK? glamour. It is A MAKE-UP MYTH JOB… Make-up can dreamy but YOU WISH TO change an more relatable BUST… Prep your skin entire look. than editorial. Please love well so you only It, of course, When I do your colour. have to conceal depend on one’s promotions You can look wherever personality and and events, brighter with necessary. Chitrangda Singh is also very the make-up highlighters. This way you personal. For is fresh. You Do not change can avoid one person, don’t want the foundation heavy usage of a red lip is the celebrities colour. Respect foundation. an everyday to look your colour look while unapproachable. and let your Whenever for another, skin breathe. doing your eye it’s something WHAT ARE SOME Don’t layer it up make-up, clear they rarely try. OF THE MAKE-UP with too much up under the Make-up is an TRENDS YOU THINK foundation. eye with a wipe extension of WILL NEVER GO after it’s done. oneself and OUT OF STYLE? ONE LOOK YOU Moisturise it you have to be A red lip and LOVE THE MOST and then do the comfortable winged liner FROM YOUR OWN base. This way with it. I even and smokey LOOKBOOK… you can avoid consider a eyes with nude Call me powdering your person’s mood lip. These are narcissistic but face. when I plan classics. But I love all my their make-up. the future of looks. I’ve been For instance, make-up is blessed to have Sonam Kapoor Ahuja some brides minimalism. worked with love the fresh The idea is to people with make-up look, have good skin beautiful skin like Anushka that looks fresh and features. Sharma. On and dewy. These I love doing a the other hand, things will smokey eye on “Make-up is an extension of oneself and you there are brides never go out of Kareena Kapoor have to be comfortable with it. I even consider who prefer a style. Make-up Khan, I love a person’s mood when I plan their make-up” doing cut-crease HOW ACCORDING and eyeliners TO YOU HAS on Rhea Kapoor THE PROCESS and Sonakshi CHANGED SINCE Sinha. So I can’t THE LOCKDOWN? pick one I love Everyone the most. has become more safety- WHO ARE THE conscious. You OTHER MAKE-UP have to clean FIVE ARTISTS YOU LIKE and disinfect MAKE-UP RIGHT NOW? more cautiously. As I said, On the set, you ESSENTIALS Mickey have alcohol FOR ALL Contractor is sprays to clean like a guru. your products. SEASONS... I love Anil Everyone on CONCEALER Chinnappa. I’m the set is more also obsessed cautious. There BROW PENCIL with Pat are people McGrath. I think who remind TINT, IT’S she is the best. you to sanitise Deepika Padukone MULTIPURPOSE I also like Nikki every twenty MASCARA Makeup and minutes. It was Terry. definitely a little CONTOUR uncomfortable PALETTE ONE CELEBRITY, initially, with ACROSS THE GLOBE the mask and THAT YOU’D LOVE TO PPE kit. But WORK WITH? I’ve missed Rihanna. I’m work so much obsessed that I’m happy with her. to be back. n

Kiara Advani Esha Gupta “Mickey Contractor is like a guru. I love Anil Chinnappa. I’m also obsessed with Pat McGrath. I think she is the best. I also like Nikki Makeup and Terry” Kriti Sanon what’s on their mind?

SOARING HIGH! It was only a few years ago that I started seeing my mother as a woman. There was in some way an acceptance of her as a person, as an individual, as a human being… one who has likes and desires

Vidya Balan on relationships and more... PHOTOGRPAH: PAVITR SAITH THE UEEN RETURNS She slays with every evocative performance of hers. From the sublime to the risqué, from the empathetic to the burlesque, is there anything VIDYA BALAN can’t do? ANURADHA CHOUDHARY probes into the mind of an A-list empress

If there’s one thing she knows for sure, it’s how to galvanise the screen. And very few do it better than Vidya Balan. Whether it’s playing the risqué role of Silk Smitha in The Dirty Picture, a late night radio DJ with a suggestive overtone in Tumhari Sulu, a woman scientist in Mission Mangal to the sublime sorcerer of numbers in Shakuntala Devi... it’s all in a day’s work for the actress. She does it all with supreme ease. Just like that. And it begs the question. Is there anything she can’t do? Not much. She’s fast becoming, if she hasn’t already, a one woman show. In an industry, which puts its money where its hero is, Vidya Balan has shown that she doesn’t need a male star to get going. She’s a force unto herself, who’s more than capable of setting the cash registers a ringing. In fact, she has cocked a snook at all the stereotypes the industry holds close to its heart. They said actresses had to have svelte figures for the screen...Really? They said actresses PHOTOGRPAHS: PAVITR SAITH couldn’t carry a film on their shoulder... come again? They said actresss need male stars HAIR: SHALAKA to give a fillip to their careers...now, now. And she does it just like that, making everything BHOSLE MAKE UP: look so easy on screen. Her latest Shakuntala Devi is a celebration of this ingenious HARSHAL UMESH woman. It’s a celebration of her unconventional ways, her free-spiritedness and her magic JARIWALA STYLIST: PRANAY on screen... it shows how lucky we are to be living in the era of Vidya Balan. We catch up JAITLY AND with the actress post the release of Shakuntala Devi. And this is what she had to say... SHOUNAK AMONKAR AT ONE POINT IN MY LIFE, I FOUGHT THE MOST WITH MY MOTHER. MAYBE MY MOTHER’S PROTECTIVENESS SOMETIMES GOT TO ME BECAUSE I WAS LIKE, “WHY CAN’T YOU HAVE MORE FAITH IN ME?” SHE WAS ACTUALLY JUST BEING PROTECTIVE. FOR EXAMPLE, WHEN I WANTED TO JOIN FILMS SHE WAS SO SCARED

Outfit: SVA Couture Belt: Topshop Bracelets: Deepa Gurnani, Radhika Agrawal & Ayana Silver Jewellery Rings: Vandals at Mahesh Notandass Shoes: Melissa COVERCOVER STORY STORY

How happy are you with the reaction to Shakuntala Devi? I’m over the moon. It’s really better than I’d imagined or could hope for. When I watched the film, I was happy that we’d made the film we wanted to. We told the story exactly the way we wanted to. If I may say so, everyone on the team felt proud. Anu (Menon, director) pushed us to give our best. So, there was a lot of satisfaction but the cherry on the cake is the audience appreciation. Since the film was on Prime and not in theatres, I didn’t know how the reactions would come in. You know people stayed up to watch the film because it released on July 31 at midnight. By the time I woke up the next day, people had started sending me messages. And I was like, “Oh my god!”. The reactions have been overwhelming. The reviews were lovely. People are watching it repeatedly and every time they’re watching it, they’re reaching out. There are new things that have touched them in every viewing.

What attracted you to the film in the first place? The fact that it was Shakuntala Devi. Of course, when Anu Menon came to me, all I knew about Shakuntala Devi was that she was a mathematical wizard, she was known as the human computer and that she’s in the Guinness Book Of World Records. I thought that was a good enough reason to make a biopic on her. But I was fascinated by what Anu Menon told me. Her take on the THERE WAS SO MUCH JOY SHAKUNTALA story… how she wanted to tell DEVI DERIVED FROM NUMBERS. I HAD Shakuntala Devi’s story through TO BE AS EASY AND AS FRIENDLY WITH Outfit: Sva Couture the eyes of her daughter, blew NUMBERS... BECAUSE SHE DID IT WITH Belt: Topshop my mind. Also, I was getting to Bracelets: Deepa play her over a span of 40 years. A CERTAIN FLAIR, FLAMBOYANCE, Gurnani, Radhika Agarwal & Ayana For an actor that is exciting and EXUBERANCE… IT WAS ALMOST LIKE Silver Jewellery challenging at the same time. SHE’D SAY ABRACADABRA AND THE Rings:Vandals at I felt she was a woman way Mahesh Notandass ANSWER WOULD APPEAR Shoes: Melissa ahead of her time and she was COVER STORY

so much more than just I’M SURE THIS (LOCKDOWN) WAS a mathematician. So, I told her THE TIME WHEN A LOT OF PEOPLE to start writing it. That took HAD TO CONFRONT THE TRUTH ABOUT a lot of time because there THEIR RELATIONSHIPS. THANKFULLY, IT was so much information. She worked on the script for WAS ALL GOOD HERE... ABOUT MARRIAGE, three years. This was a passion I JUST THINK IF IT WORKS, IT WORKS AND project for her. With every IF IT DOESN’T, IT DOESN’T draft that she brought to me, I felt even more strongly that as friendly with numbers. because math isn’t something I wanted to do this film. I remember having a lot of that gives most people joy. That conversations with Anu required a lot of preparation. How much did you prep Menon about that because my Of course, reading about her, for the film? main concern was that the watching her videos and also There was a lot of prep because math should show. Because listening to all the anecdotes she had a way with numbers. she did it with a certain flair, that her daughter and son-in- There was so much joy she flamboyance, exuberance… law, Anupama Banerjee and derived from them. She saw it almost seemed like a magic Ajay Abhaya Kumar, shared math in everything. Though show. It was almost like with Anu Menon helped a lot. I am someone who enjoyed she’d say Abracadabra and Also the accent..., I trained a lot Outfit & Bag: Pero math at school, I had to exude Earrings: Radhika the answer would appear. To for that too with Vikas Kumar, that. I had to be as easy and Agrawal capture that was most crucial who is the founder of ‘Strictly COVER STORY

Speaking’. They train actors with their diction. As a South YOU KNOW WHEN Indian, I was conscious not to speak Hindi like my parents. I’M IN FRONT OF Most people of my generation THE CAMERA, don’t. While growing up, we NOTHING ELSE had North Indian neighbours, MATTERS BECAUSE so I picked up the language. THAT GIVES ME THE But then to bring the South Indian accent back, was GREATEST JOY. IT’S interesting because this was like IN BETWEEN, WHEN an unlearning of sorts. Small I’M NOT IN FRONT things like the way she would OF THE CAMERA, say, “Shuwer” not “Sure”. THAT THESE Even when she goes to London PROBLEMS TURN UP and gets groomed by Javier, her English improves but you know when people have an accent, it still shows up. So there’s a very fine balance. Your grammar may improve, but the accent is difficult to give up. I’ve met lots of people like that. So that fine balance also was a joy to crack.

Shakuntala Devi

When you see her videos, you was like, “Where were these accomplishments. You needed see she’s got this flourish, the videos when I was doing my to see her as a full-bodied hand gestures and all… And you research?” There’s so much person, who felt hurt, anger, weren’t impersonating her but more information about her possessive...Of course, everyone you still got it all alive. How did out there today, I’m happy is entitled to their own opinion. you work that out? about that. I personally feel that this was The attempt was to capture the the best way the story could essence of Shakuntala. There Most critics felt that seeing the have been told. Also, we’ve is no point impersonating movie through her daughter’s never seen such an explosive someone. I’m Vidya Balan eyes wasn’t being kind to mother-daughter relationship playing Shakuntala Devi. Shakuntala Devi because she on screen. You’ve seen father- I just tried to capture her was more than just a mother. son relationships, you’ve seen essence. That’s all I focused Do you think that? mother-son relationships, but on. I’m grateful to Anupama Personally, this was the you’ve never seen mother- Outfit: Vedika M and Ajay for all that they Jewellery: Shashi story we wanted to tell. daughter relationships. Of shared with us about her as a NYC I think it gave a more rounded course, her accomplishments Rings: Eurumme person. In fact, today Youtube Shoes: Inochhi by perspective. It could have been you’d have seen any way the is filled with videos of her. I Deepali Khanna boring to just talk about her film was made. But here, you’re COVER STORY seeing her as a mother, daughter and wife besides seeing her as a genius.

If you were asked to review the movie, what would it be like? It’s exactly the film we set out to make. I feel proud of that. Everything has worked out beautifully. You see her as a genius, you see her as a person through the eyes of her daughter alongside her personal accomplishments… and there’s heart, there’s humour. My review would be a 10/5. But you can’t blame me because I’m extremely close to the film. You feel that about every film and I feel that much more about this.

This is the first time you were working with a female director. How was that experience? Does gender make any difference? On the set, not at all. People ask me what’s the difference between a male and a female director? I have to wrap my head around it. Maybe she’s a lot more collaborative. Women generally tend to take everyone along, that’s how we’ve been trained, that’s how we’ve been conditioned… to keep it together. Ego can have negative connotations and I feel there’s less of that. Otherwise, she just was a director on the set doing her job and doing a bloody good job. Where it made a difference, I feel, was a woman telling a woman’s story through the eyes of another woman. It was Anu telling Shakuntala’s PEOPLE ASK ME WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE story through the eyes of BETWEEN A MALE AND A FEMALE DIRECTOR? I Anupama Banerjee… As a HAVE TO WRAP MY HEAD AROUND IT. MAYBE ANU woman, you understand other (MENON) WAS A LOT MORE COLLABORATIVE. women better just like men WOMEN GENERALLY TEND TO TAKE EVERYONE understand other men better. I’ve told a lot of women stories ALONG... THAT’S HOW WE’RE CONDITIONED... but they’ve all been told TO KEEP IT TOGETHER through a male lens. I think that was a definite advantage. COVER STORY

Did you find any similarities between you and Shakuntala Devi? Yeah. The easiest similarity is that both of us laugh a lot. I’ve been told after people watched the film that both of us have a wicked sense of humour. But she was a free spirit and I’m working towards being free-spirited.

Talking about mother-daughter relationships, what was your relationship with your mother like? Did you have these kinds of burst ups with her? Lots of clashes. That’s a given in any mother-daughter relationship. Of course, in the movie, it’s a little more explosive. Ours wasn’t like that. But there were moments of explosion. In fact, at one point in my life, I fought the most with my mother. Maybe my mother’s protectiveness sometimes got to me because I was like, “Why can’t you have more faith in me?” She was actually just being protective. For example, when I wanted to join films she was so scared. This was a world unknown to us. I remember she used to dissuade me and it used to make me feel that she doesn’t have faith in me, my talent. Today with age, maturity and WHEN YOUR FILMS DON’T WORK, OR MAYBE BECAUSE I TAKE IT TOO PERSONALLY, I BEGAN TO QUESTION A LOT OF THINGS ABOUT MYSELF. IT’S BECAUSE LAGATAAR NAHI CHAL RAHI THI NA FILMS (FILM AFTER FILM WASN’T EARNING MONEY). I WAS THINKING WHAT AM I DOING WRONG? IT MAKES YOU CONFRONT YOUR WORST FEARS experience, I can see that. That to be happy. So, even though got up and I could see that she time I felt she thinks I’m not she showed reluctance and was holding back. I put my arm good enough. Initially, I felt did not want me to do this, in around her and she cried. She is she was standing in the way the end, she was praying the a woman of very few words but of my dreams. But after I went hardest. I went to my parents’ she cried and I said, “This is my through a spate of rejections house to watch the film on tribute to you.” I just wanted down south, she started praying the day it was released. It to let her know that I realised more than anyone else that this was my parents, my sister she’d given up so much for us. dream of mine works out. She and her family and Siddharth Outfit: Torani saw my passion and in the end, (Siddharth Roy Kapur) and We often don’t see our mothers Earrings: Vandals at every parent wants their child me. At the end of the film, she as women... Mahesh Notandass COVER STORY

she’s ever said this to anyone and she said, “No.”

You’ve completed 15 years in showbiz. What has been your highest peak as an actor and your lowest ebb as a human being? Highest peak as an actor… There have been quite a few times thankfully. Every time you think this is the ultimate, something changes. Sometimes you go a few steps down, sometimes you go even higher. That’s just how it is. But as a human being, I see them as lessons. Maybe the time when after five back-to-back hits and a lot of critical appreciation, there were seven flops. That was a tough time.

As a person? NEPOTISM IS A As a person also. When your REALITY NOT films don’t work, or maybe JUST IN THE FILM because I take it too personally, INDUSTRY BUT I began to question a lot of EVERYWHERE... WE’VE things about myself. It’s because lagataar nahi chal rahi thi na HAD A DYNASTIC films (Film after film wasn’t GOVERNMENT FOR earning money). I was thinking THE LONGEST TIME... what am I doing wrong? It BUT I’VE TO SAY makes you confront your worst NEPOTISM HAS NEVER fears. Yes, if in that period DETERRED ME FROM you’re able to confront your worst fears and insecurities, MOVING AHEAD you come out on the other side stronger. I was also going through terrible health issues at the time. I don’t know what came first, the chicken or the Yeah. It was only a few years I don’t think she even expressed egg… whether it was all this ago that I started seeing my to anyone that she would like stress that led to me going mother as a woman. There was to be a singer. I don’t think at through ill health or it was my in some way an acceptance that time, any woman in their health that further compounded of her as a person, as an circle had a career. She’s learnt how I was feeling. It’s tough to individual, as a human music throughout her life, even tell but that was probably when being… one who has likes and today she learns music. She’s I felt my lowest. desires. Less than a year ago, learnt classical Carnatic music, I asked her, “Did you have any now she’s learning Hindustani Did you ever lose confidence dreams or ambitions? Did you and light classical. You know in yourself at that time? want to do anything?” She I’ve spoken about my dreams, Yeah. I think I did. Thankfully, said something that actually my sister has spoken about her I’ve always been appreciated Outfit: Falguni blew my mind. She wanted to dreams. We’ve spoken about for my work. So that was Shane Peacock be a singer. But there was no our drive, ambitions and all something to hold on to. But Earrings: Swarovski Rings: Ayana Silver question about that then. Her that. It was only last year that in terms of commercial success, Jewellery father got her married and I asked her this. I asked her if because it was evading me at COVER STORY

thoughts by spiralling into a health issue.

Did your body ever deter you on the screen? Thankfully not. You know when I’m in front of the camera, nothing else matters because that gives me the greatest joy. It’s in between, when I’m not in front of the camera, that these problems turn up.

Looking back, is there any director you’ve disagreed the most with in your 15 -year career? Not disagreed but Mohit Suri is someone… We spoke very little to each other. We didn’t really spend the kind of time that I’m used to spending with my directors. There was no disagreement. But we were seeing the film, the characters in a different way. I think we didn’t get each other. I watched Aashiqui 2 and I was like, “Wow!” But that kind of thing did not happen between me and him, which is fine.

MOHIT SURI AND I DIDN’T REALLY You think that affected ? SPEND THE KIND OF TIME TOGETHER I don’t know. Obviously, there THAT I’M USED TO SPENDING WITH were things in the film that for MY DIRECTORS. THERE WAS NO some reason, people did not DISAGREEMENT. BUT WE WERE SEEING connect with that much. But THE FILM, THE CHARACTERS IN A it’s amazing that people watch DIFFERENT WAY it on television and absolutely love it. So many people I’ve met tell me their favourite film of mine is Hamari Adhuri Kahani Sometimes everything falls into place and sometimes things that point, I wondered what had while now. And I confronted don’t. Maybe this also must changed. I wondered if it had my worst fears. That helped me have contributed. I don’t know. anything to do with the size of accept myself even more than my body? For someone who’s before. I finally stopped judging Tell me what have the last grown up with being called fat, myself at the cost of my body. If few months taught you? everything in life boils down The Dirty Picture liberated me The last few months have to the size of your body. I was and made me comfortable about taught me that I’m capable also the biggest I’ve been at that my body, this phase made me of a lot more than I think. point. I definitely was thinking realise that it’s my body which I got into the kitchen for the Outfit: Aarti Vijay that everything is only about is keeping me alive. If I’m Gupta first time. I tried my hand the body. That’s when I began going to hate it, then I might as Bracelets: Ayana at cooking, which was a big well be dead. I think my body Silver Jewellery deal for me. I hated even the working with a healer, who & Eurumme I’ve been working with for a was reacting to the negative Rings: Eurumme thought of it before. But I COVER STORY actually tried my hand at it and realised that cooking is not that tough… (laughs) good cooking maybe. But cooking per se isn’t. God forbid, if there’s another situation like this, at least I know I won’t feel helpless if there’s no cook. It’s not something I enjoy, but it is something I can do. Also, it was a new experience to share household chores with my husband. Life wouldn’t have ever given us an experience like that. You take so much for granted in life, it made me realise the worth of those things. You also realise you can become self-reliant. I was doing all these self- shot videos. You learn that, if push comes to shove, you can set up the camera even if the camera is your phone, you can do whatever minimal stuff and get by. Previously, I wouldn’t shoot a video if there wasn’t someone to hold the camera. Even if it was a casual video in which I didn’t have to get dressed. We underestimate ourselves. Also, I’ve got immense gratitude for the life I have.

What have you learnt about Siddharth in the last few months? That he’s a trooper, an absolute trooper. If there’s a need, he’ll do it. He did everything around the house. Also, both of us are finicky about cleanliness, so we’re on the same page. Who would have imagined something like this? But I realised that both us were just making do with whatever IT WAS GREAT TO BE AT HOME was possible. He’s very easy to be around. I’ve known that TOGETHER FOR SUCH A GREAT EXPANSE from before but given these OF TIME. WE (SIDHARTH AND I) COULD circumstances, I realised it ENJOY THE HOUSE, WE WERE ENJOYING all the more. It’s been tough BEING WITH EACH OTHER AND YET, WE for people and like I said, I’m WERE DOING OUR OWN THING. IT’S NOT very grateful for the life I have, for the resources, for being in LIKE WE WERE 24X7 TOGETHER. IT WAS A the comfort of my own home HEALTHY SPACE WHERE EACH ONE WAS and having company. A lot of DOING THEIR OWN THING AND people got stuck at home alone. ALSO SPENDING TIME TOGETHER COVER STORY

I met a friend recently, who’d lost so much weight because she was working from home. So sometimes she was just having Maggi and sometimes boiled rice and dal. You realise there’s so much to be grateful for.

Did you have any new insights into marriage? I’m sure this was the time when a lot of people had to confront the truth about their relationship. Thankfully, it was all good here. It was great to be at home together for such a great expanse of time. We could enjoy the house, we were enjoying being with each other and yet, we were doing our own thing. It’s not like we were 24x7 together. It was a healthy space where each one was doing their own thing and also spending time together. Sometimes, he would drive me to get groceries. About marriage, I just think that if it works, it works and if it doesn’t, it doesn’t.

As an outsider, what is your take on nepotism debate which is raging in the industry ... Nepotism is a reality not just in the film industry, but everywhere. It happens in the music industry, it happens in business families, the medical profession, politics etc. We’ve had a dynastic government in India for the longest time. So nepotism is a reality. But, I have to say that it has never deterred me from moving forward. It’s never come in my way, so my experience has been absolutely fine. THE LAST FEW MONTHS HAVE TAUGHT ME THAT I’M CAPABLE OF A LOT MORE THAN I THINK. I GOT INTO THE KITCHEN FOR THE FIRST TIME. I TRIED MY HAND AT COOKING, WHICH WAS A BIG DEAL FOR ME… I REALISED THAT COOKING IS NOT THAT TOUGH… (LAUGHS) GOOD COOKING MAYBE. BUT COOKING PER SE ISN’T. GOD FORBID, IF THERE’S ANOTHER SITUATION LIKE THIS, AT LEAST I KNOW I WON’T FEEL HELPLESS IF THERE’S NO COOK AVAILABLE COVER STORY

So you’ve never been replaced with a star kid in a project? No, never. At least, not that I’m aware of. Once the film has come to me, it has stayed with me. But I do think that I’ve been fortunate.

What do you have to say to people who are actually going through all this? It must be tough. I don’t come from a film family. I don’t know the workings of the film industry. When I used to ask my parents about what they think I should do, they’d say, “Do what your heart says.” That was their advice because even they didn’t know how this place functions. When people leave their home and come here to make a career and then when they feel unsupported, I think that can be shattering. According to my experiences, I’d say the world is what you make of it. You just have to keep moving forward with faith. It’s not like I’ve not faced rejections. I’ve had huge ups and downs. But, I’m someone who has faith in the goodness of people. That’s how I’ve been brought up. I feel the Universe has my back. I feel that it is a fair world. So, I think things have worked out for me.

Lastly, tell me what else is on your mind? Now we’re just talking about how soon we can start shooting Sherni. I was shooting for it when the pandemic hit us all. So we’re all figuring things, keeping IN TERMS OF COMMERCIAL fingers crossed and saying let’s SUCCESS, BECAUSE IT WAS EVADING see if we’re able to resume it, ME AT THAT POINT, I WONDERED WHAT post the rains. And then, of HAD CHANGED. I WONDERED IF IT course, I’m reading scripts. So HAD ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE SIZE hopefully I can decide what I’m doing next. But I also feel OF MY BODY? FOR SOMEONE WHO’S you can’t decide until work GROWN UP WITH BEING CALLED FAT, actually starts, shoots start... EVERYTHING IN LIFE BOILS DOWN TO I guess things will get clearer THE SIZE OF YOUR BODY once we get back to work. n INTERVIEWIt’s JITESH PILLAAI TALKS TO THE FEISTY myBHUMI PEDNEKAR life...

PHOTOGRAPHS: TARAS TARAPORVALA / FEMINA INTERVIEW

And the reason made me a confident Bhumi Pednekar. I could make this person. Now I don’t Talk to her for ten minutes and you know she’s a true-blue actor. space for me is care if I’m a couple And that’s a good thing. Because filmmakers are increasingly because my first of kgs heavier. There turning away from subjects which portray leading women as film was a big don’t. was a phase when dolled up mannequins. And they are doing it because the audience No one could have I was shooting for is showing signs of being fed up of mere fluff and want a taste of imagined that there Sonchiriya and something substantial. Normal and relatable is the order of the day could be a film people were like, and Bhumi fits right in the new order of things. We would even be about a beautiful, ‘Oh my God, you bold enough to say that she has been one of the pioneers of this new overweight, look so thin, you normal. She started off by playing a sassy overweight wife in Dum firecracker of a girl. look sick.’ I was l just jumped into like it’s my choice, Laga Ke Haisha. And had no qualms playing a sharpshooting it. I was seventeen I’ll do what is right grandmother in her last release Saand Ki Aankh. She’s still in when I joined for my character. awe of movies, of movie-makers. Her replies are forthright, witty YRF. I don’t come and introspective. She’s both wise and foolish, content and hungry. from a film family. LET’S TALK OF TWO Raring to run, and enjoying the serenity of the lockdown... Everyone thought ROLES YOU DID LAST I was crazy. My YEAR, WHICH SHATTERED family couldn’t help STEREOTYPES - me. I just took my SONCHIRIYA AND chances and look -- SAAND KI AANKH  With Manoj you and I are having My selfish motive Bajpayee and this conversation of doing a film is Sushant Singh Rajput in right now... personal growth Sonchiriya as an actor, a great  With IT’S INTERESTING THAT opportunity that is YOU ADDRESSED THE going to showcase in Saand Ki TOPIC OF BODY SHAMING another side of my Aankh

What I’ve achieved from Saand Ki Aankh, even a big-ticket film couldn’t have done for me. I want to leave behind a legacy of good cinema. And I know Saand Ki Aankh is part of that list. I know Sonchiriya is part of that list. Yes they didn’t make hundred crores. But I could never own a hundred-crore film, like I own these films

I’ll do it myself. I’m BECAUSE OUR MOVIES talent, the greed not dependent on CONSTANTLY PLAY UP TO A to work in a good you guys anymore. STEREOTYPE OF A PRETTY, story and with good I followed the recipe FAIR, PERFECT BODY. directors. And then WHAT’S YOUR LOCK trying to understand and I baked banana Not just the showbiz. comes all the other DOWN ROUTINE LIKE? programming bread and since then It involves years social fringes that Currently, I’m just because computers I have not looked and years of social are attached to that. spending a lot of have always been back. (Laughs) Now conditioning. Yes, I am a proud time with my mom so alien to me. I’m I’m Bhumi the baker. Luckily, when feminist and I’m and my sister. Times studying climate And I’m working out. I joined cinema, trying to use my like these make you change because that’s there was a craft to bring about realise that there is something dear to DO YOU FEEL THERE movement against change. I’ll start off nothing above the me. And I’m cooking. ARE TOO MANY DON’TS stereotypes. I feel with Sonchiriya. I safety of the people One day my mom IN YOUR LIFE THAN DO’S happy that I could be am a huge Abhishek you love. I’m reading and sister gave me AS AN ACTOR? part of the revolution Chaubey fan. I have a lot. I’m going so much attitude. It’s been four and now I feel good loved all his films through my school I wanted banana years and eight celebrating my flaws especially Ishqiya history books. I’m bread and I was like outstanding films. on celluloid. It has and . INTERVIEW

self-centered person was turned into a to somebody who village. There was a actually cares about chulha and I would others happened get the upli, I would because of that girl. I go pick up dry sticks am a young woman, to make that fire. One right? How did I day he got me fifteen develop such strong kgs of akkha Haldi maternal instincts that I had to grind for someone? But into powder. I’d use that girl transformed the chakki to make me. She started aata everyday. Then living with me I’d cook for everyone and brought such on that chulha. happiness in my And then I would life. I love her. go for my physical I speak to these training. I learnt children every the Bundelkhandi Sunday through language, it’s very a whatsapp video different from call. The experience Hindi. Abhishek that Khushi had changed my craft. while shooting Usually they say for Sonchiriya has that your eyes speak changed her life a lot but Abhishek as well. said you are an

I met this girl Khushi, who plays Sonchiriya. She is like a younger sister, a daughter to me...I’ve been so fortunate that through her I made a family of 250-300 children in the ashram from where we cast her in Morena in Chambal. Those children have become part of my life. And that switch from being a self-centered person to somebody who actually cares He called me a film like this and about others happened because of this girl right after Shubh with a director like Mangal Saavdhan. Abhishek Chaubey, That year was so he was going to IT CHANGED YOU HOW? TELL US SOMETHING expressive person, amazing. I got keep at it till I I met this girl ABOUT YOUR PREP WORK just cut it down. We calls from Zoya sparkled. It was a Khushi, who plays FOR THE ROLE. would wake up at (Akhtar), Karan different world and Sonchiriya. She is My diet changed. 4 am and walk for (Johar), Abhishek what my character like a younger sister, I was on a carb-heavy kilometers. There (Chaubey ) and I did, what she stood a daughter to me. diet. I completely were mosquitos and was like wow, thank for, the kind of She comes on all stopped eating meat. insects. There was God. I met him and courage she had, I my film sets. I’ve I had to carry this kid nowhere to go to the he gave me a story was blown away by been so fortunate and run throughout bathroom, you had to narration. I was like her. And she barely that through her I the film. My trainer hold it in, there was I have to do this. I speaks in the film. made a family of would give me a no option. had a few questions It was a challenge 250-300 children backpack that was like at my age, do and he did tell in the ashram from about thirty-thirty WAS IT A SURREAL I want to play a me that it was where we cast her in five kgs and I would MOMENT FOR YOU mother to a fifteen going to be tough Morena in Chambal. run barefoot carrying HOLDING THE FILMFARE year old? Everybody both emotionally Those children that. I would go TROPHY FOR SAAND was like why go to and physically. have become part in the morning to KI AANKH? small-town India Sonchiriya changed of my life. And that Abhishek’s office. You heard the three again? But I knew in my life. switch from being a The courtyard there minute speech that INTERVIEW

earlier, for purely say Alia’s part. I’m selfish reasons, going to say all of for my personal them from Ranveer growth. And what Singh, , I’ve achieved from Siddhant Chaturvedi Saand Ki Aankh, to Vijay Verma -- all even a big-ticket of them. That film is film couldn’t have outstanding! I loved done for me. I want Kapoor & Sons. I’m to leave behind not going to pick one a legacy of good specific performance cinema and I know because I envy all Saand Ki Aankh good performers. I is part of that list. I watched Thappad know Sonchiriya is yesterday, all of them part of that list. Yes have done fantastic they didn’t make jobs. And I loved hundred crores. But what Ayushmann i could never own a did in Article 15. I hundred-crore film, would love to do a like I own these film likeArticle 15. films. It comes with a cost but it’s ok. WHAT WOULD BE A GOOD PICKUP LINE AND ANY OF YOUR A BAD PICKUP LINE TO COLLEAGUES’ ROLES WOO YOU? THAT YOU’VE SEEN Listen, people RECENTLY THAT YOU have stopped using WISHED YOU’D DONE. pickup lines. The DefinitelyGully Boy world has become and I’m not going to very boring now.

YOU HAVE NOT BEEN IN It’s special because I don’t think I’ll ever A RELATIONSHIP FOR A be part of a film like Saand Ki Aankh again, LONG TIME? I gave. I was so where I feel so happy sharing the stage with my Not in the last few overwhelmed. It was sister-in-arms. You know that notion that two years. special also because actors can’t be friends is all bullshit because I don’t think I’ll ever for a film like Saand Ki Aankh, it would have WHY IS THAT? be part of a film like felt incomplete without Taapsee You’ve seen the films Saand Ki Aankh I’m doing. I’m in again, where I feel Chambal, . so happy sharing the peak of your career. I don’t have time. stage with my sister- When I do a film like in-arms. You know Saand Ki Aankh, it YOU DON’T MIND DATING that notion that comes at a cost. Me A CO-STAR OR DIRECTOR? two actors can’t be saying no to many It’s very simple. friends is all bullshit other bigger films. Firstly, it’s me plus because for a film two other women in like Saand Ki Aankh DO YOU REGRET SAYING my life. So the man it would have felt NO TO ANY FILM? who can handle the incomplete without I get a mix bag madness that the Taapsee. A lot of of offers. I had a Pednekars come people asked me big-ticket film as with, is more than why do you want to well. But when welcome. But I don’t play an old woman I chose to do a think there’s anyone on screen? Are you film likeSaand Ki so ballsy whom I’ve crazy? This is the Aankh, it’s, as I said met yet. n At the with Taapsee Pannu lying PARINEETI CHOPRA CHATS WITH JITESH PILLAAI ABOUT THE LOCKDOWN, CAREER, AND HER SINGLETON STATUS

Parineeti Chopra can talk nineteen-to-the dozen about any topic on earth. And most of her talk is unfiltered. Though she says she has learnt to mind her ps and qs now. But it’s her frankness, her candid wit that makes her so interesting.solo She’s like that when it comes to her roles as well. On-screen too, her characters tend to come off as real. She puts so much conviction in her portrayals that one can’t help but connect with them. They appear as real people, as raw flesh and blood creatures. Like everyone else, Parineeti too has been affected by the coronavirus fpandemic but she refuses to let the fear and the anxiety get to her. She’s aware of what’s happening around her and isn’t immune to the sufferings of the common man. Excerpts from a talkathon held over a video call, where she airs her views about the pandemic, her career, love and life in general...

on them compared to any This is something that other film before. We are still is happening in other traditional and feel OTT is countries.” Five days later a compromised release. But their thinking completely how long can they wait? changed. My dad said Because ultimately this is that this reminded him of a business. I’m not going to wartime. This lockdown sit in a theatre and watch a doesn’t seem to be film, so how can I expect the ending. audience to come in right The Girl On The Train Saina now. Besides, no one has an CAN YOU IMAGINE WHAT THE active source of income. Let’s FARMERS AND DAILY WAGE HOW MANY OF YOUR FILMS ARE I COME FROM AMBALA. see what happens. WORKERS MUST BE GOING READY TO RELEASE? WHERE WE DON’T HAVE THROUGH? Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar A/C ROOMS WITH NO ONE HAS BEEN IN SUCH A I come from Ambala. was ready to release, 24X7 ELECTRICITY, SITUATION BEFORE... Where we don’t have and then this lockdown Even when the lockdown A/C rooms with 24x7 happened. The Girl On WATER, GAS AND WI-FI. wasn’t officially announced, electricity, water, gas and The Train is not ready yet, I CANNOT TELL YOU I remember screaming at my wi-fi. I cannot tell you they were in the process WHAT THE SITUATION IS parents saying, “You guys are what the situation is like of editing and locking LIKE IN AND AROUND not understanding what this in and around Ambala. the final cut. Same with AMBALA. PEOPLE ARE virus is? Why can’t you sit People are literally Saina (Saina Nehwal’s LITERALLY BANKRUPT at home?” My dad and mom bankrupt because they biopic). Both these films were refusing to understand work on daily wages. We are so important to me BECAUSE THEY WORK what the big deal was. They should be thankful that that I can bet my life on ON DAILY WAGES were like, “Why should we we have enough money them. I’ve worked harder lock ourselves in our house? in our bank accounts to I’M NOT GOING TO SIT IN A THEATRE AND WATCH A FILM, SO HOW CAN I EXPECT THE AUDIENCE TO COME IN RIGHT NOW. BESIDES, NO ONE HAS AN ACTIVE SOURCE OF INCOME. LET’S SEE WHAT HAPPENS INTERVIEW get through the next six because they’ve sucked months. It’s eating into everything out of me, in our savings but at least terms of creativity This is we are not fighting for the first time I’ve had an survival. I hate people awakening. Now, I feel like who are putting up selfies I will enjoy it more. and saying, “I’m bored. Don’t know what to do.” I IT’S BEEN TWO YEARS SINCE loved ’s video YOUR COUSIN PRIYANKA in which she asked actors CHOPRA’S MARRIAGE. IS THAT to stop posting workout THE KIND OF MARRIAGE YOU videos. I live alone, my WOULD LIKE TO HAVE SOMEDAY? staff is gone and I’m doing I can definitely say that all the housework myself. she has lucked out with I’m not complaining. the best man possible. Nickster (Nick Jonas) is DO YOU HAVE ANY PROCESS AS like the perfect guy. He AN ACTOR? understands her so well, I was blindly doing films. he’s successful, he’s very I realised who I was as an family-oriented, he’s actress while doing The honest and simple and he Girl On The Train - Day really cares. If you had to one, scene one, shot one. I entered the set and my director (Ribhu Dasgupta) said, “Achcha yeh sab jo tum karti aa rahi ho… yeh sab rubbish hai. Abhi hum log kaam shuru kartein hain” (Whatever you’ve done upto Sandeep aur now is rubbish. Pinky Faraar Now we shall I USED TO TREAT INTERVIEWS LIKE start work). BEDROOM CONVERSATIONS. I HAVE THIS He said it so HUGE URGE TO MAKE PEOPLE LAUGH. bluntly, and I was like, EVERYTHING I SAY HAS TO BE LITTLE CHATPATA... “What? Are I WAS JUST PUTTING OUT FIRES FOR THE FIRST you trying to say Kesari THREE YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY WITH THINGS THAT I’D SAID I’ve not done any good work in my life?” He’s like, “Nahin, Nahin, make a list of “These are industry. Sometimes they it’s the best way to improve sab achcha hai. Chalo the qualities I would like have the worst baggage... yourself, it’s the best way shooting kartein hain (No, in my man” - then that to have fun. In light of the no everything is good. Let’s person is literally Nick. DO ACTORS HAVE A LOT things that have happened start shooting.)” He was I got to know Nick around OF BAGGAGE... in the last three-four like no bakwaas just get six-eight months before I cannot have a romantic months, I’m even more to work and I loved that. the wedding. I was like, relationship with another convinced that life is too I’m used to the teacher- “Mimi didi (Priyanka) this human being who has the fickle. If I want to sleep all student relationship. Ribhu is literally the happiest same problems as me. I’m day, I will sleep all day. If I became my teacher and my I’ve seen you. This is the that girl who wants to come want to travel, I’ll travel. If I mentor. I was so focused, best man I’ve ever met home and be in her night want to work, I’ll work. I’m for two months I forgot and he’s the nicest guy.” suit, just watch TV, be lazy solo in this journey of life my family, my friends… I would love to have a and do nothing. I’ve had and I really need to live it. I didn’t even call anyone. guy who understands three long relationships. The Girl On The Train and me. It doesn’t have to be Now that I’m 31, I really YOU AREN’T TIRED OF Saina, whatever their fate someone from the film wish I’d spent more time BEING SINGLE? is, I will not regret anything or the entertainment being single. I really think The only truth in our lives INTERVIEW

I CAN DEFINITELY SAY PRIYANKA HAS LUCKED OUT WITH THE BEST MAN POSSIBLE. NICK JONAS IS LIKE THE PERFECT GUY. HE UNDERSTANDS HER SO WELL, HE’S SUCCESSFUL, HE’S VERY FAMILY- ORIENTED, HE’S HONEST AND SIMPLE AND HE REALLY CARES

With Nick Jonas and Priyanka

problem. One of them was I used to treat I knew Rishi ji a little more a very long relationship interviews like bedroom than I knew Irrfan because and we broke up, I was conversations. Also, I I’d done Shuddh Desi is that we’re all going heartbroken for nine have this huge urge to Romance (2013) with him. to go one day. Please do months. Like a character make people laugh all When I got my National everything you want to do. from a film, I’ve laid down the time. Everything I say Award, he was sitting right You will regret it if you’re on the ground and cried has to be little chatpata. in front of me and was the 85 years old and you didn’t and not eaten food for three So, sometimes some first to congratulate me. travel to that place you days at a stretch. journos would paste it We were in the hotel while wanted to see or you didn’t as a headline. This led to Sushant (Singh Rajput) say something to that THIS IS AFTER YOU JOINED so many problems with and Vaani (Kapoor) were person or you didn’t make THE MOVIES? my friends and family. shooting. We were sitting amends with someone. You Yes. I’m a late bloomer They’ve called me up at 6 by the pool in the evening should eat what you want in all departments. I was am and asked, “There’s this and I remember I got a call to eat, you should do what so heartbroken that I felt news article… how dare from Karan (Johar) saying, you want to do, you want I should just leave this you say this about me?” “Mubarak ho! Aapko to love someone then love world -- you know those I was just putting out fires National Award mila hai.” someone…just live your kinds of vibes. And today, for the first three years in (Congratulations! You’ve own f***ing life. so many years later, I laugh the industry with things won the National Award) at it. You realise that you that I’d said. I put down the phone and WHAT KIND OF A GIRLFRIEND grow every single day. And immediately told Rishi ji. ARE YOU? five years later, you feel so WE LOST RISHI KAPOOR I was gobsmacked when I’ve had only three embarrassed about what AND RECENTLY. I heard about Irrfan. relationships. So you did. DID YOU INTERACT WITH THEM I couldn’t believe it hypothetically if you had OR KNOW THEM WELL? because I felt he had so to interview those three TELL US ONE INCIDENT It took me three full days much more to give. It people, they would tell THAT YOU’RE MOST to come back to normal makes you realise how you that I was never the EMBARRASSED ABOUT? after I heard the news. fickle this life is. n INTERVIEW

SUMAN SHARMA CHATS WITH BOBBY DEOL, WHO’S HAVING A CAREER RESURRECTION OF SORTS SOUL OVER THE OTT PLATFORMS SURVIVOR ith his long locks, drop dead good looks and lean, muscular frame, Bobby Deol looked like the Wperfect matinee star. And he did prove himself with films like Soldier and Gupt. But slowly, strangely, his aura faded. Producers started staying away and so did fans. Yes, the Deol charisma still kept him around but he wasn’t considered a dependable box office draw any more. It seemed like Bobby himself had lost faith, in himself. There were reports of alcoholism, of bouts of depression. People loyal to him insisted it’s just a phase. That he’ll bounce back. And proving the naysayers wrong, he did. Deols are known for their physique and Bobby hit the gym with a vengeance, getting his body back in shape. Being part of talked-about films like Race 3 and Housefull 4 made the masses take notice of him once more. At 50, Bobby was ready to begin again. He rediscovered his love for acting. His performances in the gritty cop drama Class Of ’83 () and the directed series Ashram are proof of that. He’s smiling more now, and these smiles are genuine, they are the smiles of a survivor who’s having the last laugh... Class of ’83

might seep into happened in my Talking about your film are quite normal. VIJAY SINGH Class Of ’83, this is your There are moments it. I found that the ISN’T YOUR life as well. most serious role ever. of heroism in their life journey of my REGULAR How challenging was it to lives but they character Vijay Singh FILM COP. What went wrong in play a role like that? aren’t over the top. is quite similar to my MY PRIORITY your life? I was actually I enjoyed doing this own life. WAS THAT I Main khud se naaraz looking to playing role thoroughly. SHOULDN’T ho gaya tha... I got a challenging In what sense? COME ACROSS angry with myself character. I was What was the toughest You want to do AS BOBBY because I was not searching for a part of playing a cop? something good in DEOL IN THE getting any work. your life. But all of a FILM. BECAUSE You know there was change of image. Vijay Singh isn’t WHEN YOU Of course, I was your regular film sudden a bad phase ARE ENACTING a time when people nervous stepping out cop. My priority was comes in your life A ROLE IT IS came to me with of my comfort zone, that I shouldn’t come and your close ones POSSIBLE work. Then the times which is exactly across as Bobby get alienated from THAT SOME changed. People what I liked about Deol in the film. you. Vijay Singh GESTURES stopped coming, the character. The Because when you faces that situation. OR ASPECT stopped meeting. speciality of this film are enacting a role, it His main regret is OF YOUR I was losing out on is that the characters is possible that some that he wasn’t able PERSONALITY so much work and of this film are not gestures or aspect to alter the situation. MIGHT SEEP afterwards, I really larger than life. They of your personality Something similar INTO IT gave up. I stopped THE CHILD OF A DOCTOR WANTS TO BECOME A DOCTOR, A BUSINESSMAN WANTS HIS SON TO JOIN HIM IN BUSINESS. SIMILARLY, AN ACTOR’S SON DREAMS OF BECOMING AN ACTOR. AT ONE POINT IN LIFE, I HAD NO WORK AT ALL. IF ONLY NEPOTISM WAS AT PLAY HERE, I SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN OUT OF WORK INTERVIEW

I GOT ANGRY WITH MYSELF BECAUSE I WAS NOT GETTING ANY WORK. YOU KNOW THERE WAS A TIME WHEN PEOPLE CAME TO ME WITH WORK. THEN THE TIMES CHANGED. PEOPLE STOPPED COMING, STOPPED MEETING. I WAS LOSING OUT ON SO MUCH WORK AND AFTERWARDS, I REALLY GAVE UP

taking care of myself. knows me very well. course of action, I started drinking. She is very talented. I will definitely I was lost somewhere She handles her own help them. and went adrift. It’s business. (Laughs) so bad…seeing my She looks after three What was the worst thing children watching children, me being about your dark episode? their father sitting the oldest. That once in my Ashram at home. Then I life I almost gave realised I had to help Did the experience bring up. I’ll always You have to proud that I am myself because no you closer to your kids? regret that I stopped keep some realistic Dharmendra’s son. one else could. My kids are happy being positive about things open. I began looking after to see me working. my career. What kind of relationship myself and kept I tell them that What have you discovered do you share with your myself ready for life is not easy. Are your children about yourself over the children? Do they have opportunities. I want But that does not interested in acting? years? the same bonding that to forget those days... mean that you I think every child This is an ongoing you shared with your should constantly wants to become a process. I’m father? Who supported you be stressed. Enjoy hero or a heroine. discovering myself When we were during those dark days? your life. But Both my kids are even now. growing up, papa My family and remain focussed studying at the was working hard. my wife Tanya and disciplined. My moment. My elder Which quality of Dharamji So we didn’t spend supported me a lot. life is an example son Aryaman is have you inherited? And much time with The best thing to for them. I tell them studying business which quality you wish him. I used to go happen to me in that they should pay management. you had? with him for outdoor my life is my wife. attention to their I’ve told him to I feel I should shootings. People She’s a very simple, studies. Become keep his horizons become a good thought and acted strong lady. Only a something then do open. Because if you person like him. in a different way wife can understand whatever you want cannot become an I have not seen a then. The relation her husband’s to do. When they actor then what good person like between father and difficulties. She decide on the future are the other options? him till today. I feel children wasn’t as INTERVIEW

you. And nepotism not met them for can be seen in every the last five months. field. The child of Apart from that, a doctor wants to I read scripts and become a doctor, a watch movies. businessman wants I shave every day. I his son to join him in maintain myself and business. Similarly, try to be as positive an actor’s son dreams as possible. And of becoming an actor. whenever I worry At one point in life, about the future, I I had no work at all. remind myself that If only nepotism was I’ve seen the worst. at play here, I should This too shall pass. never have been out of work. What has the lockdown taught you? How are you coping up Stay focussed. with the quarantine? You should never Papa, Sunny Bhaiya, lose your focus. If his family, my family you are focussed, and kids -- we stay you will stay together. We have a disciplined. I have learnt this from my papa and Sunny Bhaiya.

OTT platforms have become quite popular nowadays... I think that OTT platforms as well as the theatre, both will survive. Cinema will never Housefull 4 smooth then as it’s in fear away from my today’s generation. children and perhaps THE BEST THING TO I made it a point to I’ve been successful HAPPEN TO ME avoid that kind of in doing so. IN MY LIFE IS a distance with my MY WIFE. ONLY own kids. We have a Nepotism is a much- A WIFE CAN friendly relationship. reviled topic currently. UNDERSTAND In earlier times, What are your thoughts HER children respected on it? HUSBAND’S their parents but I’m quite troubled DIFFICULTIES. didn’t open their as to why this topic SHE KNOWS hearts to them. should be blown up ME VERY WELL. Race 3 SHE’S VERY My father always in such a manner. TALENTED. complains that I I know one thing, if SHE HANDLES gym at home and die. We can order don’t open my heart you are a star son, HER OWN I spend many hours food sitting at home, to him. He often tells you get the first BUSINESS. in the gym as regular but the fun in going me to sit with him, chance easily. That’s SHE LOOKS exercise improves out and eating is talk to him and I the easy part. After AFTER THREE your immunity. something else. The reply that even today that, you’re on your CHILDREN, Corona has given same thing applies I’m afraid you’ll start own. If you aren’t ME BEING THE everyone family to films. People will scolding me. good no one can OLDEST time. I do miss my never stop going to I wanted to take that build your career for friends and have the theatres. n INTERVIEW BAD is

GOODKUNAL KEMMU HAS FOUND A NEW LEASE OF LIFE PLAYING NEGATIVE ROLES. SUMAN SHARMA MEETS THE ACTOR IN REINVENTION MODE FILMMAKERS, WHO HADN’T WATCHED TRAFFIC SIGNAL AND KALYUG, SAW ME JUST AS A COMIC ACTOR. I HOPE KALANK AND MALANG HAVE CHANGED THAT. THEY HAVE HELPED ME EXTEND MY LIMITS INTERVIEW

ow many of us remember the sharp-eyed kid in films like Hum HHain Rahi Pyar Ke, Raja Hindustani or in the ’90s? Well, that kid grew up into a strapping youngster and made a promising debut in the film Kalyug (2005), based on a pornography racket. His raw intensity appealed to the masses and the critics. Bigger successes were expected from him. He did have hits like Golmaal 3 (2010) and Go Gone (2013) but they were mostly multi-starrers. But of late, the talented Kunal Kemmu seems to have found his groove once more playing grey characters as in the recent Kalank and Malang. For the unversed, Kunal plays the role of Michael, a cold-blooded psychopathic cop, who passes off as a gentleman, in Mohit Suri’s Malang. In Abhishek Verman’s Kalank, as Abdul, he’s introduced as a righteous guy, who later shows a dark side. His latest Lootcase, a dark comedy directed by Rajesh Krishnan has touched a chord with the audience. Even Amitabh Bachchan sent him a hand-written note of appreciation. A new phase has sort of begun for Kunal as he’s tapping hitherto untouched facets of his range. He’s both happy and humbled. “When people say that they PHOTOGRAPH: ARJUN MARK/FEMINA liked my characters, it’s a special feeling. It makes me hungry to do more and WE ACTORS NEED THE PAPARAZZI. THEY deliver better.” In the past, doing comedies, slotted NEED US. BUT KIDS DON’T UNDERSTAND WHAT him as a comic actor. STARDOM IS... AS LONG AS THE PAPARAZZI Scripts with textured roles grew scarce. Superstar was RESPECTS THE CHILDREN’S PRIVACY, WE CAN the first film that failed. STRIKE A BALANCE “Because my Friday report card wasn’t bright enough, people stayed away from my films. Filmmakers, who hadn’t watched Traffic Signal and Kalyug, saw me just as a comic actor. I Malang Kalank hope Kalank and Malang have changed that. They have helped me extend my SOHA HAS BEEN AN INFLUENTIAL PART limits. They have helped OF MY LIFE. THE BEST PART OF OUR MARRIAGE people take notice of the performer in me.” IS THAT WE RESPECT EACH OTHER’S SPACE He’s said to be an AND PROFESSION underrated actor but Kunal denies that. Rather he Khan) may point out environment for an actor,” times when she was a calls himself an under- that I’m behaving like he asserts. toddler, Kunal says he’s utilised actor. He reasons someone else. As actors, He does seem to possess becoming a more hands-on people saw him only in a we’re taught to switch an eye for filmmaking, dad as Inaaya is growing certain mould and it has off and be ourselves after which could come handy up. Describing himself taken him long to break ‘cut’. That’s my goal too,” while co-producing the as a ‘learning’ father, he that. He mentions he’s he shares. Expounding biopic of the late legal admits he’s enjoying every always chosen quality over further, he believes that luminary Ram Jethmalani, minute of fatherhood. He quantity. “I want to enjoy currently the audience is with wife Soha Ali Khan. adds that fatherhood does what I do. I’m proud of okay with heroes having Ask him to divulge more change you. “My whole my choices and stand by negative shades, villains and he says he’s waiting outlook has changed them.” Multi-starrers have being more humane and for the right time to reveal because Inaaya has become sort of become his comfort heroines having more to all about the prestigious my first priority. I think zone. In the pipeline is do than being mere eye project. more about her than any 2, a sequel candy. He claims that other person in the world. to Raj Nidimoru and exposure to worldwide unal and Soha I want to introduce her to Krishna’s zombie comedy content on OTT platforms lived-in for some everything, whether it’s Go Goa Gone. has led to this evolution. time before they travel, education, food. He points out that actors “You’re no longer got married in a I want to give her a are actually a cog in a working in a restricted Kprivate ceremony in 2015. fulfilling experience. She film’s wheel. But because space, channelling His has been an exemplary can then have her own they’re the face of a film stereotypes. You can dare showbiz marriage so far. dreams,” says he. the pressure to make the to do something different They’re said to be more Like most showbiz product a success falls because the audience like pals than husband parents, he’s concerned heavily on them. “An actor is more accepting. All and wife. He blushes about the effect the should invest in a good this makes for a more when asked to describe paparazzi might have on banner as many a time a challenging work her, saying she’s the best his child. Case in point good project doesn’t get thing that has happened being the frenzy that a good release. It isn’t to him. “I’ve been with Inaaya’s cousin, Taimur enough for a film to be her for 11 years. Soha has Ali Khan, invites. Says he, critically acclaimed. It has been an influential part of “As actors, we understand to earn money because my life. I like the whole that it works symbiotically huge budgets are involved. package. The best part for both sides. We need the Hence working with an of our marriage is that paparazzi. They need us. ensemble cast is better than we respect each other’s But kids don’t understand taking on solo projects,” he space and profession.” what stardom is. Having explains why he takes on The birth of said that, this is the life multi-starrers. daughter Inaaya they have. It’s better they He makes sure not to Naumi, three years ago, understand that soon. With wife Soha Ali bring a character home Khan and daughter has sort of perfected As long as the paparazzi but sometimes things Inaaya Naumi Kemmu their equation. While respects the children’s do spill over. “I may not he admits to changing privacy, we can strike a notice it. But Soha (Ali her nappies only a few balance.” True that. n INTERVIEW HOME BUT NOT

SOHA ALI KHAN SAYS THE LOCKDOWN HAS ALONEBROUGHT ALONG LESSONS ABOUT LIFE AND LOVE. SUMAN SHARMA IS EAGER TO KNOW THEM Soha Ali Khan, an Oxford graduate in Economics, understands the balance sheet of her life perfectly. That’s why she invests the most in family bonds. She understands the huge dividends that love pays. Playing mom to daughter Inaaya Naumi Kemmu is her key role. Lockdown or otherwise. In fact, the home isolation has brought her undiluted time with husband Kunal Kemmu and Inaaya. Amidst playing the enthusiastic homemaker, Soha’s also been involved gainfully on social media doing endorsements and podcasts. The best tribute to time is making the most of it. Soha seems to have understood that truth…

HOW HAS THE LOCKDOWN LIKE ANY OTHER COUPLE, KUNAL AND I ARGUE AFFECTED YOU? AND FIGHT. BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY I WANT I’m not someone who goes out a lot. But not being TO SHARE EVERYTHING WITH HIM… IT’S NOT THAT able to go out for work is HE DOESN’T GET ON MY NERVES. IT’S NOT THAT extreme. I was about to start shooting a series in HE’S PERFECT. NOR AM I , which has got stalled. My daughter can’t attend school. We don’t have staff at home. Also, as a family we can’t meet. But technology is wonderful. It With daughter keeps us connected though Inaaya Naumi Kemmu

INTERVIEW nothing makes up for physical interaction. I WANT TO POSSESS WHAT’S YOUR DAILY MY FATHER’S (THE ROUTINE LIKE? I wake up around 7.30 LATE MANSOOR am, when Inaaya comes ALI KHAN PATAUDI) into my room. Her nanny SENSE OF PATIENCE gives Inaaya her breakfast while I put together AND COMPOSURE. the things we need for I NEVER SAW HIM virtual school. From 9 am onwards, I do school with LOSE HIS TEMPER… her. The school sends us I DON’T WANT TO BE power-point presentations of stories, art activities SOMEONE, WHO YELLS and other things. At 10.30 AND INSULTS PEOPLE. am it’s snack time for Inaaya. Then she goes I WANT TO BEHAVE off to play downstairs. I WITH DIGNITY have a bath. I make the necessary calls regarding work. Kunal tries out new things in the kitchen. After lunch, Inaaya takes a nap. Between 4.30- 6.30 pm, it’s work time for me. Then I do online yoga or exercise. We stay on the 15th floor. So I run up and down the stairs for 15 minutes. In the evening, Network, a platform at the end of the day, I does fun and crazy stuff Inaaya plays on the for mothers in the city. want to share everything with Inaaya. Also, he’s a terrace. After that it’s bath Social media keeps me with him – whether it’s responsible parent. I can and dinner for her. Her fruitfully engaged. an amazing show I’ve attend a Zoom call, shoot a bedtime is a long drawn watched, something to do video or do an interactive one. We tell her stories. TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT with Inaaya or something video because of Kunal. I After she’s asleep, I catch KUNAL’S COOKING. yummy that I could be lock myself in a room and an OTT series. Kunal and I’m lucky. Kunal cooks all eating. My day’s not do it because he’s with her. I have dinner together. the time. He enjoys eating complete, it doesn’t feel Then we’re like husband too. He cooks Rogan josh, right, if I’ve not shared it ARE YOU A STRICT PARENT? and wife. Through the Hyderabadi eggs, Japanese with him. It’s not that he I’m particular about bed day, I’m predominantly soufflé… He keeps doesn’t get on my nerves. time and nap time. No a mother. introducing Inaaya to new It’s not that he’s perfect. matter what, at 8 pm, the and healthy food. Like he Nor am I. The secret is, lights in Inaaya’s room are ARE YOU WORKING made Japanese omelette somewhere deep down, we off. She has to stop playing. FROM HOME? without masala. So also, want to be together more We just tell her stories. I’m I’m foremost an actor. But the light pulav. than we don’t want to be. particular about her meals. now I’m doing one-minute Then she’s not cranky. Now videos, which promote a WHAT’S THE SECRET OF YOUR HOW IS HE AS A FATHER? she’s two-and-a-half-year- brand or an idea on social HAPPY MARRIAGE? He’s extremely good with old and her own person. media. I’ve also been The fact that we genuinely children. I take care of doing podcasts. We’ve enjoy each other’s the discipline. He does IS SHE GIVEN THE PHONE? been raising money for company. There’s a the entertaining, which Earlier, we’d come home Goonj, which is working genuine connection and is also exhausting. He’s and put our phones away. for migrant workers love there. Of course, spontaneous in creating Abhi sab kaam phone pe now. I’m also involved like any other couple we stories, dancing, playing, ho raha hai. We need the with The Mommy argue and fight a lot. But doing gymnastics. He phone all the time. I have INTERVIEW

With Inaaya, Kunal, Kareena, Saif and Taimur

to take photographs and videos for my work. Inaaya has a toy phone and an iPad. She’s allowed to play with it for 20 minutes in the first half of the day and 20 minutes in the second half. There are With Inaaya, Sara, Ibrahim, Saif and Taimur some educational and With mom and Kunal interactive apps, which she enjoys.

ARE YOU PARTICULAR ABOUT THE LOCKDOWN HAS TAUGHT ME TO NOT TO TAKE THINGS FOR GRANTED NOT EXPOSING INAAYA TO THE AND SPEND TIME WITH LOVED ONES. WE NEVER KNOW WHEN TIME WILL RUN PAPARAZZI? I understand the paparazzi OUT... THERE WILL BE GOOD DAYS AND BAD DAYS. THIS IS A TIME TO CUT is part of our lives. EVERYONE SLACK AND TO FOCUS ON IMPROVING YOURSELF People are interested in the children of actors. IS INAAYA MISSING TAIMUR? Ali Khan Pataudi) signed up for a course in So when she goes out She really is. She’s sense of patience and Greek mythology. for a birthday party and missing all her friends. composure. I never saw especially when she’s They chat on FaceTime. him lose his temper. FINALLY, WHAT HAS THE playing with Taimur, We put on music. Taimur When you lose your LOCKDOWN TAUGHT YOU? photographers do take dances in his house; she temper, it’s loss of self- Not to take things for their pictures. The worry is dances in hers. She knows control. It reflects on you, granted and spend time that we want them to have there’s a virus out there no matter how much with loved ones. We never an innocent childhood because of which people you’re instigated by know when time will run and not a documented one are falling ill. Hence, we circumstance or people. I out or they’ll be taken away with flashing cameras all can’t go outside and meet don’t want to be someone, from us. I want to convince the time. You want them to Taimur. She calls him who yells and insults my mother to move to grow up normally. When Taimur Bhai and she people. I want to behave Mumbai. Her living alone they grow older, they may looks up to him. with dignity. I want in Delhi is not right. It made not want to share their my mother’s (Sharmila me value my relationship friends and girlfriends/ WHAT QUALITIES OF Tagore) sense with Kunal. There will boyfriends with the world. YOUR PARENTS YOU WISH of curiosity. She’s be good days and bad It’s not fair to them just YOU’D POSSESS? interested in life, travel days. This is a time to cut because their parents I want to possess my and reading. Even during everyone slack and to focus chose to be public figures. father’s (the late Mansoor the quarantine, she’s on improving yourself. n INTERVIEW I value sound sleep ASHWINI DESHMUKH MEETS THE EXCEPTIONALLY TALENTED PANKAJ TRIPATHI, WHO HAS YET TO over COME TO TERMS WITH HIS SUCCESS stardom ast year, Pankaj Tripathi thin. She was a teacher and change my bag, and take a flight shifted to a sprawling kept the kitchen fires burning, the next day to some other sea-facing apartment in while he struggled. They had destination. I’m on autopilot Mumbai’s Madh Island. a love marriage after a decade- mode,” says the actor, who It’s a far cry from the long romance. Interestingly, it’s fortunately got time at home L one-room shed he used to all straight out of a Hindi film. due to the lockdown. live in with his wife, Mridula, The two stayed connected and He has films like ’83, in Patna when they first got committed during an era when Mumbai Saga, Mimi and Roohi married. He’d be petrified of mobile phones weren’t popular. Afzana coming up. While nature’s moods, lest the tin roof And where you couldn’t even playing Guruji in the web gave way. Now, as he stares at write letters to each other for series, Sacred Games Season the interplay of the sea waves the fear of getting caught. 2 won him praise, Extraction, from his balcony, he smiles at His house is huge but he’s directed by Sam Hargrave with the memory. He hasn’t left his been living off a suitcase of Chris Hemsworth in the lead, is bygone days behind. There’s late. He’s been shooting in and also a film he’s proud of. This a wooden charpai kept in the out of Lucknow, Patna, Ranchi, success hasn’t come overnight. balcony. We sit there eating litti Baroda… to name a few cities. Pankaj had to struggle long for chokha, a Bihari speciality. He “In the last six months I’ve shot it. He still remembers the date credits Mridula for being his four films and one web series. when he came to Mumbai to try backbone through thick and I come to Mumbai for a day, his luck - October 6, 2004 - after I NEVER HAD BIG AMBITIONS. SO, I NEVER FELT LIKE A LOSER. IT’S ONLY WHEN YOU REALISE THAT YOU’RE MISSING OUT ON SOMETHING THAT IT STARTS BOTHERING YOU. WHEN JOURNALISTS ASK ME TO NARRATE MY STRUGGLE, I REALISE I WAS UNSUCCESSFUL Sacred Games 2 FOR SO MANY YEARS MY ONLY AIM WAS TO DELIVER WHAT THE DIRECTOR REQUIRED OF ME. THAT’S MY AIM EVEN NOW... I DON’T TAKE MY CHARACTERS HOME. I’M NOT THAT ACTOR, WHO’S IN CHARACTER 24/7

PHOTOGRAPHS: MEETESH TANEJA INTERVIEW his stint at the NSD. I’M A FARMER AND ALSO A PRIEST. There was a time when he’d I’VE WORKED IN A HOTEL, I’VE SOLD SHOES, buy subsidised groceries from the defense canteen. I’VE WORKED AS AN ESTATE AGENT AND HAVE “I never had big ambitions. So, TRAVELLED IN CROWDED TRAINS AND BUSES. I never felt like a loser. It’s only I’VE IMBIBED SOMETHING FROM EVERY EXPERIENCE when you realise that you’re missing out on something that it starts bothering you. Now, when journalists ask me to narrate my struggle, I realise I was unsuccessful for so many years,” he confides.

hough he debuted in 2004 in Run and Omkara, his breakthrough came T in 2012 with the series. Since then, he’s won acclaim for Fukrey, , Nil Battey Sannata, Bareilly Ki Barfi, Newton, and Stree. The simple Pankaj doesn’t believe in EMIs, so he never bought a car till he could afford one outright. A quarter of Old Monk at the end of the day is something he still enjoys. Small joys are what matter to him. “I have control over my desires. I don’t go overboard while spending. I still value sleeping soundly at night over stardom.” Simply in love with his art he says, “My only aim was to deliver what the director required of me. And to do something different from my last release in my next. That’s my aim even now.” He’s a method actor but is flexible in his approach. “The approach I used for Gurgaon wouldn’t have worked for Stree and vice-versa,” he reflects adding, “I don’t take my characters home. I’m not that actor, who’s in character 24/7.” He credits experiences in life for teaching him the nuances of acting. “You must have ample balance in your account otherwise you won’t be able to swipe your card,” he says metaphorically. “I’m a farmer and also a priest, I’ve worked in a hotel, I’ve sold shoes, I’ve worked as an TOP 5 ROLES estate agent and have ho gaya (Jaan Tere Naam),” as, OF PANKAJ travelled in crowded trains “First time dekha tujhe love ho and buses. I’ve come into gaya, second time mein sab ho TRIPATHI contact with a variety of people. gaya!” in Stree, turning them I’ve imbibed something from into a critique on the hook-up every experience. That comes generation. Similarly, Dheere in handy while enacting dheere pyaar ko badhana hai different characters.” (Phool Aur ), was used Story goes that when he was in Super 30. He admits being SULTAN IN GANGS working in a hotel, he chanced a fan of the ’90s potboilers. OF WASSEYPUR: His brooding presence upon Manoj Bajpayee’s (also “Films like Saajan were was menacing. His hails from Bihar) slippers and popular. I was a big fan of only agenda was wore them to smithereens. He Sanjay Dutt back then. Also, revenge and he was consumed by it. laughs at that and says he did of Mithun Chakraborty,” it out of respect for Manoj. In he recalls. fact, he even told Manoj about He switched loyalty to world it while they were shooting cinema when he started doing Gangs Of Wasseypur. The other theatre. He rues the fact that our actor he admires is the late Om filmmakers haven’t learnt to let Puri. “You can’t decipher his go of the tropes of commercial KEHRI SINGH craft. He never let himself be cinema. “I watch world cinema IN GURGAON: He played a ruthless typecast. That’s something regularly. The way they portray crime lord and I aspire for as well. I have to culture and human interaction wowed us with his is so impactful, so real.” He minimalistic approach. live up to people’s trust in me.” Literature has inspired believes cinema isn’t just a him too. He’s been an avid means of entertainment but reader and has a collection of can also bring about change.

WHEN I WAS IN JAIL FOR A

NAROTTAM MISHRA STUDENT’S MOVEMENT, I’D GO TO IN BAREILLY KI BARFI: THE PRISON LIBRARY AND READ Playing Bitti’s (Kriti BOOKS. WHEN YOU’RE DISTURBED, Sanon) liberal father, his tender bond with BOOKS GIVE YOU HOPE. AND WHEN his daughter was heart-warming. YOU’RE IN A GOOD STATE OF MIND, BOOKS HELP YOU BECOME A BETTER PERSON

Indian, European and Russian “Commercial cinema portrays literature. He thanks his Hindi good triumphing over evil. But professor, Ram Naresh Tripathi, it isn’t so in real life. Yet seeing for inculcating the love of books that gives us hope, makes us AATMA SINGH IN NEWTON: in him. “Also, when I was in optimistic.” He’s enjoying the The CRPF officer was jail for a student’s movement, journey yet there are times an epitome of toxic I’d go to the prison library when ennui strikes. “But masculinity and was the antithesis to and read books. When you’re once I’m on the set all the Rajkummar Rao’s disturbed, books give you hope. boredom and stress vanishes. character. And when you’re in a good Once ‘action’ is announced, state of mind, books help you I get transformed into another become a better person.” world,” he smiles. Surprisingly, he doesn’t He has learnt to say no now. watch too many films. And “Earlier, I’d feel guilty about yet, he’s been known to turning down work because RUDRA IN STREE: incorporate lines from popular that meant saying no to good He played the librarian films in his characters. Like money. But now I’m flooded full of supernatural with work. So, I can pick and trivia and made us he tweaked the lines, “First laugh with his time dekha tumhein hum kho choose. I’m blocked for the next one-liners. gaya, second time mein love ten months...” n INTERVIEW Hello

SUNNY KAUSHAL SAYS THAT HIS BROTHER VICKY KAUSHAL INSPIRES HIM TO UP HIS ACT. Brother!RAGHUVENDRA SINGH CHATS WITH THE INDUSTRY KID

unny Kaushal’s National Army (INA), to get a scene right. of Vicky is from Masaan. debut film, which was instrumental Many times, I’ve gone to I don’t believe he’ll ever Sunshine Music in India’s freedom him for advice. He has top that. He was good Tours And Travels struggle. The series won given me several options in Raman Raghav 2.0 as S(2016), which revolved Sunny much applause. to do a scene.” well.” Sunny mentions around the Sunburn His father, action- Sunny mentions they’re his brother had tears in Festival, may not have director Sham Kaushal, distinct in their tastes and his eyes after watching worked at the box-office. was part of the team too. persona. He’s envious of his performance in Gold. But that didn’t cause a He says his dad behaved his brother’s career choices. “Vicky said he was dent in his confidence. He formally with him on the “When I saw him in , extremely proud of me. At moved to the web world set. He expected nothing I felt insecure as an actor. that point of time, it felt as with Official Chukyagiri less from the professional My favourite performance though he was my father in the same year. Playing artiste. “I was an assistant the character of Spandan (to ) on Chukya, he won much Gunday (2014), while dad popularity. Then Akshay was the action director. Kumar’s sports drama, He was strict back then Gold (2018), gave Sunny as well. He never went the exposure he deserved. easy on us. In fact, you The film was based on the can check with Vicky real story of India’s first (Kaushal) how dad was Gold win at the Olympics. with him in Zubaan,” Kaushal played the smiles Sunny. character of Himmat Singh Having a National and emerged a winner. Award winning actor He bagged his first lead as an elder brother must role in Bhangra Paa Le, be the cause of both The Forgotten Army: Azaadi Ke Liye directed by Sneha Taurani. envy and pride. Sunny The actor played a dual says there’s no hardcore role in the dance film rivalry as such. But he’s opposite Shriya Pilgaonkar vowed to up his acting and Rukshar Dhillon. game nevertheless. He While the film was a dud, says he’s just a year and Kabir Khaan zeroed in on four months younger him to star in the hi-profile than Vicky. The brothers series, The Forgotten Army: talk shop all the time. Azaadi Ke Liye opposite Sunny is in awe of Vicky’s Sharvari. It spotlighted range. “His emotional Subhash Chandra Bose’s quotient is staggering. He Azad Hind Fauj or Indian instinctively knows how Sunny with dad Sham Kaushal and brother Vicky Kaushal My father (action director Sham Kaushal) has struggled a lot. He knows the industry inside out. He put it across positively saying life’s full of possibilities. That I shouldn’t sulk if things don’t work out and try something else PHOTOGRAPHS: MEETESH TANEJA INTERVIEW

Vicky’s (Kaushal) emotional quotient is staggering. He instinctively knows how to get a scene right. Many times, I’ve gone to him for advice. He has given me several options for a scene and I was his son.” Between the two of After watching them, Sunny’s more me in Gold, Vicky mischievous, though he (Kaushal) said has become sedate with age. As a child, he once he was extremely got lost in a market. His proud of me. At mother almost had a heart that point, it felt attack searching for him. “I was found sitting on a as if he was my staircase, like I owned the father and I was place. I used to fight all the his son time in school too. Vicky took care that I didn’t get into trouble. He was strict Gold with me. Growing up, I was more afraid of him than of selected for Gold." People my father.” warned me I’d be wasting It's interesting that both my time as it wasn’t a lead Sunny and Vicky chose role. But I was convinced not to follow their father that it was a great part,” Sham Kaushal’s footsteps. he says. Sunny understands being a stunt director isn’t easy. trangely, as a kid The Embrace “You have to practise he never wanted to stunts for around 8-10 be an actor. He was front of a camera.” rush for me to be able to years to even qualify to be interested in taking He’s keen to explore do the things that I don’t a stuntman. We’ve heard S up archaeology as he’s a newer facets of his skill do in my real life. I’m about some of dad’s hair- history buff. Later, he had too. His next, Nikhil exploring myself through raising exploits. But we set his mind on becoming Nagesh Bhatt’s Hurdang the character,” he explains. never wanted to emulate a CA but soon gave up that with Nushrat Bharucha, Apart from brother him,” he reveals. Being an idea too. is a love story, based on Vicky, Ranbir Kapoor is industry kid doesn’t mean His father took him on the Mandal Commission one actor he admires. Sunny had it easy. He had the sets of his forthcoming in Allahabad in 1990. Vicky believes Ranbir to go through heartbreak film during vacations. Sunny plays a collegian, brings in a certain and depression before After observing the who carries a Mauser vulnerability to his tasting success. “I must proceedings, Sunny got pistol because he believes performances. “After have given a thousand hooked onto showbiz. He it’s cool. Sunny describes watching Tamasha, auditions. I was broken started assisting Raaghav his character, Daddu I wanted to hug him. when Sunshine Music Dar on My Friend Pinto Thakur, as someone I like Ranveer Singh’s Tours And Travels didn’t (2011) and even joined who’s too trusting of the performances too. click,” he recalls. Barry John’s acting school. people and that proves His energy levels are His father couldn’t see He did theatre for two to be his undoing. He something else. I love his suffering either and years with Makarand elaborates, “There’s the Alia Bhatt for her asked him to quit. “My Deshpande. Mandal Commission emotional range.” father has struggled a lot He later assisted Abbas and there’s a love story He wants to share screen to be where he’s today. He Ali Zafar on Gunday and with Nushrat (Bharucha). space with brother Vicky knows the industry inside terms it as a great learning There’s a bromance with and hopes that happens out. He’s aware how hard experience. “I observed Vijay Maurya as well. It’s soon. He reveals that in things can be. He put it performers like Irrfan a character with many the film Love Per Square across positively saying Khan, , layers. I had a great time Foot (2018), Vicky was life’s full of possibilities. Ranveer Singh, Arjun essaying it.” seen carrying an ad cutting That I shouldn’t sulk if Kapoor, Saurabh Shukla Also coming up is Kunal (from a newspaper) in his it doesn’t work and try first hand. That’s when Deshmukh’s Shiddat, pocket. Interestingly, that something else instead.” I saw the difference a romance. Co-starring ad featured Sunny. He Luckily, his web series between acting in Radhika Madan, Shiddat guffaws, “So, in a way, Official Chukyagiri a classroom and is about the distance one we’ve already appeared in worked. Then he got working your craft in travels for love. “It’s a great a film together.” n INTERVIEW I’ll be living a

MAKING MUSIC BOTHdual AT HOME AND ABROAD, ARMAAN life MALIK SAYS HIS MELODY WILL CUT ACROSSABOUT CONTINENTS. HIS ENGLISH ASHWINI SINGLE DESHMUKH TITLED CONTROL WANTS TO KNOW MORE WHAT WAS THE HIGH LIKE He grew up to the sounds of music that stirred a FEATURING ON THE TIMES SQUARE BILLBOARD IN thousand melodies in him. Son of composer Daboo NEW YORK WITH YOUR Malik and grandson of veteran musician Sardar SINGLE, CONTROL? Malik, Armaan Malik followed his genetic predilection. It hasn’t sunk in yet. I am A finalist on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L’il Champs, Armaan the first Indian singer to be on the Times Square also became the youngest coach/judge in the show Billboard. It’s a huge The Voice India. At 18, he became Salman Khan’s honour. It would have voice singing Tumko to aana hi tha in Jai Ho. Popular been amazing if I could go there in person and click songs including Naina (Khoobsurat), Buddhu sa a picture. My dream has mann (Kapoor & Sons), Besabriyaan (MS Dhoni: always been to represent The Untold Story), among others, proved his is a India on a global platform. voice that can’t be ignored. But what’s brought him It’s our time in the world. As music personalities, closer to his dreams is featuring on the Times Square we’ve never been on the Billboard in New York City for his latest English debut, global map. Though we’ve Control, promoted by Spotify. The single, inspired by been popular among the relationships, has helped the singer-songwriter strike South Asian diaspora around the world. With a chord with millennials forever grappling with the Control and more songs truth and illusion of love. Excerpts: that I’m going to be doing, At Times Square as part of my deal, I wish to make that shift. All I AM THE FIRST INDIAN SINGER TO BE countries have their own ON THE TIMES SQUARE BILLBOARD (FOR HIS SINGLE pop stars. Like the US has CONTROL). IT’S A HUGE HONOUR. MY DREAM HAS Beyoncé, Canada has Justin Bieber. Korea has its own ALWAYS BEEN TO REPRESENT INDIA ON A GLOBAL pop stars. India also must PLATFORM. IT’S OUR TIME IN THE WORLD have its own. THE MUSIC-MAKING PROCESS IS DIFFERENT IN THE US. I’M THE SONGWRITER ON THE SONG, NOT JUST WRITING THE LYRICS BUT ALSO THE MELODY… BUT HERE, THERE’S ONE COMPOSER AND ONE LYRICIST. LAWS AND REGULATIONS ARE TIGHT THERE. HERE ROYALTIES AND COPYRIGHT RULES ARE NOT STRONG. MUSICIANS GET TAKEN FOR A RIDE INTERVIEW

I’VE SUNG IN BENGALI, GUJARATI AND SOUTH INDIAN LANGUAGES. I’M AN INDIAN SINGER, NOT JUST A BOLLYWOOD SINGER. WHEN I HOLD A CONCERT IN SAN FRANCISCO, I SING IN TELUGU FOR A SECTION OF THE AUDIENCE. WHEN I GO TO BANGALORE, I SING IN KANNADA. FANS FEEL CLOSER TO YOU ONCE YOU SING IN THEIR LANGUAGE

At the recording studio rules are not strong. Often musicians get taken for a MEMORABLE ride. Both have their pros MOMENT and cons. I’ve evolved as an artiste by working in Receiving the Filmfare both the industries. R. D. Burman Award for New Music Talent (2015) WOULD YOU HAVE BEEN for Main hoon hero tera A SINGER EVEN IF YOU (Hero), with dad (Daboo WEREN’T BORN IN A Malik) being present on MUSIC FAMILY? stage, was memorable. Just I always aspired to be to see the Black Lady in his a singer. Belonging to a hands was a big moment. music family, I grew up He’d never attended the award with music. Music is in function. My brother Amaal my DNA. At the age of (Mallik), won the Filmfare four, I was singing more Award for Best Music Director than I was talking. So, it for Sooraj dooba hai (Roy). was a natural progression Both of us winning the same to get into music and night was huge. singing. By the age of eight, I’d told my family I wanted to become the HOW DID IT HAPPEN? with international people. life; one in America and biggest singer in the I envisioned this when Some of my songs were the other in India. world. I participated in Sa I was in my teens. But heard by big labels. One of Re Ga Ma Little Champs dad said in India we live them was David Massey HOW DIFFERENT IS IT at the age of nine. I sang and breathe Bollywood. from Arista Records. He’s WORKING INTERNATIONALLY my first song, Mere buddy, You’ve got to make a previously launched the AS COMPARED TO WORKING at the age of 11 with name for yourself here careers of Canadian singer/ IN INDIA? Amitabh Bachchan in first. Hadn’t I followed his songwriter Shawn Mendes The music-making process Bhoothnath (2008). There advice; I wouldn’t have and the Jonas Brothers. He is different. I’m the was no looking back. been able to achieve this. was travelling to London songwriter on the song, not I have other passions as I did playback singing for and asked me if I’d like to just writing the lyrics but well. Someday, I’ll start seven-eight years. But that meet him there. I took the also the melody. There it my own restaurant. I love inner desire was always flight to London. He said works differently like there food. I was almost going there. Around 2018, I he hadn’t heard this kind are four-five people in a to take up hospitality began visiting Los Angeles of music and voice before. room, who collaborate on a management. But then to meet songwriters and He said, ‘I believe in you song. But here there’s one Salman Khan’s Jai Ho producers in Hollywood. as an artiste’. I signed composer and one lyricist. (2014, sang three songs I never imagined signing a with the label. That’s how Laws and regulations are including the title deal with a big label there. Control came about. This tight and they work in track) happened. That I just thought I’ll make is a whole new journey for a transparent way. Here skyrocketed my journey some songs collaborating me. I will be living a dual royalties and copyright into a different space. YOU’VE SUNG IN SO MANY HOW DO YOU BALANCE REGIONAL LANGUAGES WORK AND PLAY? APART FROM HINDI… I only work and play little. As a kid, when I sang I’ve been disciplined all jingles, the clients used through. But now I’ve to ask me if I mind trying reached a stage where something in Tamil or I’m relaxing a bit more. Telugu. I’d give it a shot. I’ve started maintaining I began doing jingles and a balance between my voiceovers in different personal and professional languages. While doing life. Otherwise, you can playback, I began getting go senile. offers from other industries. I took them up. I sang Butta HAVE YOU FOUND LOVE YET? Bomma for Allu Arjun’s (Laughs) That’s the Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo, question on everyone’s which became a national mind. I’m a complete hit. Over the years I’ve sung Shah Rukh Khan kind of in Bengali, Gujarati, all the a romantic guy. I’ve never South Indian languages. believed in hook-ups. For I take pride in the fact me it’s till- the-end kind that I’m an Indian singer of love. I’ve never been and not just a Bollywood open about my personal I’VE NEVER BEEN OPEN ABOUT MY PERSONAL LIFE. I BELIEVE PEOPLE RUIN SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL BY TALKING ABOUT IT. THAT’S YOUR PURE PLACE... NINETY NINE PERCENT OF MY LIFE IS ON SOCIAL MEDIA. ONE PER CENT IS MINE singer. When I hold a life. I believe people ruin concert in San Francisco, I something beautiful by sing in Telugu for a section talking about it. That’s of the audience. When I your pure place. The go to Bangalore, I sing in moment you let the public Kannada. Fans feel closer have a go at it, it will get to you once you sing in destroyed. I’ve always their language. kept that private. Ninety nine per cent of my life WHAT’S YOUR TAKE ON is on social media. One BOLLYWOOD RECREATING per cent is mine. I want to OLD CLASSIC SONGS? hold onto that. It’s not that I’ve not been part of a recreation. I’ve got YOUR INSPIRATIONS… a lot of hits too by doing Apart from all the gurus so. But now it’s getting too who taught me music, much. We’ve seen a shift in ’s been my the last few months. guru. I’ve learnt a lot The soundtrack of Kabir just listening to him. Singh, which I was part of, Internationally, it would is completely original. be John Mayer, Michael I guess I won’t do Buble and Michael recreations henceforth. We Jackson, who have need more originals. inspired me. n OBITUARY

he famous poet and lyricist Dr TRahat Indori, who’d written lyrics for films like Munna Bhai MBBS, Meenakshi, Khuddar, Murder, Mission Kashmir, Begum Jaan, Ishq, Ghatak, Jaanam, Sir, Aashiyaan, Main Tera Aashiq, and many more, passed away on August 11 in Indore. He was born on January 1, 1950. His childhood name was Kamil, which was later changed to Rahat Ullah. He was a well-read, well-cultured, well- One of Dr Indori’s admirers turned out to be Gulshan Kumar. The T-series head honcho asked him to come to Mumbai and write for films... the song which got him popularity was Aaj humne dil ka har ik kissa tamaam kar liya from Mahesh TIMESCONTENT Bhatt’s Sir (1993)

educated man, who’d done his PhD in Urdu literature and even taught Urdu for many years. Apart from poetry, REMEMBERING he had a passion for painting as well and was said to be a naturally-gifted painter. He’s said to DR RAHAT have designed the DEVESH SHARMA covers of many of his PROFILES THE LIFE OF POET books. He was said AND LYRICIST RAHAT INDORI, to be good in sports WHO PASSED AWAY RECENTLY and was a captain INDORI(JANUARY 1, 1950 – AUGUST 11, 2020) of the football and the hockey teams at One of Dr Indori’s experimenting But the constant school and college BEST most famous with form and dumbing down on levels. SONGS OF couplets – Sabhi structure, but fate lyrics was sort of The poet-lyricist RAHAT ka khoon hai shamil had other ideas. getting to him. And rose from extreme INDORI yahan ki mitti One of his admirers so he said goodbye poverty. His father mein/ Kisi ke baap turned out to be to Mumbai and used to work in a ka Hindustan thodi Gulshan Kumar. went back to Indore mill but lost his job hai (Everybody’s The T-series head before his integrity due to the economic honcho asked him could be further recession. The family blood has been to come to Mumbai compromised. even reportedly mingled in the and write for films. He married Seema went homeless for country’s soil; India In an interview Rahat on May 27, some time. Dr Indori SAMBHALA HAI MAINE isn’t someone’s Indori had revealed 1986. The couple BAHUT APNE DIL KO took to Urdu poetry Composer: ancestral property) that Gulshan had had a daughter Shibil early in life and Film: Naaraaz – perhaps liked his ghazal, and two sons-- Faisal took part in his first encapsulates Jheel achcha hai, Rahat and Satlaj mushaira when he the kind of person kamal achcha hai, Rahat, who is also a was just 19. When he he was jaam achcha hai, budding poet. He got started writing, Urdu teree aankhon ke married the second poetry was slowly liye koun sa naam time in 1988 to Urdu coming out of the achcha hai. Later on, and Hindi poetess traditional norm of YEH RISHTA KYA a song Jheel rakhoon, Anjum Rehbar but writing about love KEHLATA HAI kanwal rakhoon ya the couple separated or beauty. Poets had Composer: A. R. Rahman jaam rakhoon/ Teri in 1993. Film: Meenaxi started commenting aankhon ka kya Dr Indori was on what’s happening naam rakhoon was suffering from around them, CHORI CHORI JAB based on it. But the both diabetes and providing a critique NAZREIN MILI song which got him heart ailments. He of what’s wrong Composer: Anu Malik popularity was Aaj had complained Film: Kareeb in society. The humne dil ka har ik of breathlessness form may have kissa tamaam kar four-five days been traditional M BOLE TO MASTER liya from Mahesh before his death. He MEIN MASTER but the issues Composer: Anu Malik Bhatt’s Sir (1993). was hospitalised were becoming Film: Munnabhai MBBS in Sri Aurobindo contemporary and owever, he Institute of Medical Indori too leaned was soon Sciences in Indore towards that. He the kind of person DEKH LE disillusioned on August 10, after Composer: Anu Malik H developed a strong he was. Film: Munnabhai with the false lustre being detected for traditional base and He was soon MBBS of the film industry. pneumonia. Later was able to build praised for his Living in Mumbai, tests showed him modern insights unique voice and he wasn’t able to to be COVID-19 on that foundation. was a much-admired invest more time in positive. He gave He was a secular at figure at mushairas. mushairas. He had out this information heart and always He participated in taken up songwriting himself on Twitter spoke for communal mushairas all over as a sort of on the morning of harmony. One of India for around 45 BUMBRO BUMBRO intellectual exercise August 11, asking his most famous years and was also Composer: Shankar but started finding his well-wishers to couplets -- Sabhi ka invited to participate Ehsaan Loy the effort tiring. It pray for him and not Film: Mission Kashmir khoon hai shamil in such gatherings was said he was also call him on his direct yahan ki mitti mein/ in America, UK, hurt with the lack of number. He was Kisi ke baap ka Canada, Singapore, respect meted out to placed in the ICU Hindustan thodi hai Mauritius, Kuwait, writers and poets in when he experienced (Everybody’s blood Bahrain, Pakistan, the industry. He tried breathlessness. has been mingled in Bangladesh, Nepal to find a middle way Sadly, he went the country’s soil; and several other out, keeping alive into cardiac arrest India isn’t someone’s countries. He could DIL KO HAZAAR the ethos of poetry around 5 pm the BAAR ROKA ancestral property) - have remained a Composer: Anu Malik even while writing same day and could perhaps encapsulates contemporary poet, Film: Murder to a set situation. not be saved. n OBITUARY

DEVESH SHARMA PROFILES THE LATE FILMMAKER WHO PASSED FAREWELL, AWAY RECENTLY NISHIKANT KAMAT (JUNE 17, 1970 - AUGUST 17, 2020)

TIMESCONTENT

oday, when we way in and can be quite a Nishikant’s father was a hear about the backbreaking journey, full Local trains are math professor while his Tastronomical sums of heartaches and failures. considered the mother taught Sanskrit. being charged by film But if you can keep a calm lifeline of Mumbai He himself had a degree institutes, we fail to head through the bump and in hotel management. He understand how people the grind and don’t mind and Mumbai Meri studied Hotel Management with just dreams in their the potholes, the rewards Jaan showed how in Goa and it was here that eyes but not so copious are worth it. That’s what the blasts affected he got interested in theatre pockets can afford to enter happened with Nishikant and became the cultural the film industry. Well, Kamat. The filmmaker, the common secretary of his college. there’s a tried and trusted who was born on June citizens in so many Coming back to Mumbai, method called learning 17, 1970, hailed from a diverse ways he became a film editor for on the job. It’s not an easy middle-classTIMESCONTENT background. three years, then worked in Dombivali Fast was about a common man’s angst against the wrongs he sees around him. His protagonist, played by Sandeep Kulkarni, becomes increasingly violent in his behaviour and

kind of loses it in the end… With John Abraham the TV industry for seven years, then worked as a writer for four years before finally making his first film Dombivli Fast in 2005, after fifteen years of struggle. The film won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Marathi. Dombivali Fast Force Not only was it critically acclaimed, it was also one of the biggest commercial hits in Marathi cinema. The movie was about a common man’s angst against the wrongs he sees around him. His protagonist, played by Sandeep Kulkarni, Irrfan Khan, Paresh Rawal remake of Gautham (2016), an out and out becomes increasingly and Kay Kay Menon, Menon’s successful Tamil action film, which was violent in his behaviour the film dealt with the film, a remake of the 2010 and kind of loses it in the aftermath of the Mumbai (2003) starring Suriya Korean hit, The Man Fom end, unable to take in the train bombing on July 11, and Jyothika. Nowhere. The film got scale of corruption that he 2006, where 209 people mostly negative reviews sees everywhere. Marathi lost their lives and over ishikant went back from critics. Nishikant, audiences were unused 700 were injured. Local to Marathi cinema who also acted in the film, to such treatment of films trains are considered the Nwith Lai Bhaari kind of stayed away from and hailed Nishikant as the lifeline of Mumbai and (2014), starring Riteish directing after the release next big thing. Surprisingly, the film showed how the Deshmukh and Radhika of his next Madaari (2016). instead of making his next blasts affected the common Apte. The film harked back The film, starring Irrfan film in Marathi, Nishikant citizens in so many to the Salim-Javed era and Khan, was a spiritual turned his attention down diverse ways. The film was all about lost siblings successor to Nishikant’s South. He got Madhavan was critically acclaimed seeking revenge. It became first film, Dombivali Fast, interested in the project and won several awards, a bumper hit, running more and had a common man and remade Dombivali Fast including the Filmfare Best than 100 days. reacting to the malaise in Tamil as Evano Oruvan Film Critics’ for director Nishikant next remade that he sees around (2007) with Madhavan and Nishikant. Strangely, he the acclaimed Malayalam him. Besides directing, Sangeetha in the lead roles. changed tracks afterwards film starring Nishikant also acted in The film was a critical and segued into purely Mohanlal in Hindi. The films like Hava Aney De success in Tamil as well. commercial space with 2015 film, starring Ajay (2004), Daddy (2017) Julie Nishikant continued on Force (2011), starring Devgn and in the 2 (2017) and Bhavesh his path of making realistic John Abraham, Genelia lead, deviated in small Joshi (2018). cinema, telling his stories D’Souza and the debutant ways from the source The filmmaker/actor was from the point of view of Vidyut Jammwal. The material but it still hospitalised in Hyderabad middle-class protagonists. hugely-violent film, proved to be a critical and some days ago as he He entered the Hindi film whose highpoint was commercial hit, just like was suffering from liver industry with Mumbai the confrontation between the original. He teamed cirrhosis. He passed away Meri Jaan (2008). Starring musclemen Abraham up with John Abraham on August 17, 2020, and Madhavan, Soha Ali Khan, and Jammwal, was a again for Rocky Handsome was just 50 when he died. n OBITUARY

(JANUARY 28, 1930 – AUGUST 17, 2020) TIMESCONTENT HIS MASTERFUL PANDIT JASRAJ WAS A DOYEN OF INDIAN CLASSICAL MUSIC. DEVESH SHARMA VOICE LOOKS BACK AT HIS LIFE AND CAREER ne of India’s Pandit Jasraj was just 4. his elder brother Maniram, foremost classical The family, comprising his PANDIT JASRAJ a vocalist, on the tabla. vocalists, Pandit mother and two brothers, DEVISED A NEW He could have emerged Jasraj, was born moved to Hyderabad soon JUGALBANDI STYLE as one of India’s best inO a family of classical after, where his brother percussionists but for a WHERE MALE AND musicians of the Mewati Pratap Narayan (composer snide remark by a vocalist. Gharana on January 28, duo Jatin-Lalit’s father) FEMALE SINGERS That made Panditji give 1930. His native village began teaching him the SING DIFFERENT up the instrument and was Pili Mandori, which basics of the tabla. It’s said RAGAS AT THE SAME take up vocal singing. The falls in the Hisar district of that the family later moved TIME. IT CAME TO BE tabla world’s loss became Haryana. His father, Pandit to Ahmedabad. Six years vocal singing world’s gain. Motiram, a noted classical later, when he was 11, KNOWN AS JASRANGI He reportedly vowed he’d singer, passed away when Jasraj began accompanying AFTER HIM not cut his hair till he HE COULD HAVE EMERGED AS ONE OF INDIA’S BEST PERCUSSIONISTS BUT FOR A SNIDE REMARK BY A VOCALIST. THAT MADE PANDITJI GIVE UP THE INSTRUMENT AND TAKE UP VOCAL SINGING. THE TABLA WORLD’S LOSS BECAME VOCAL SINGING WORLD’S GAIN

folded hands. He had a distant relationship with the film industry in the sense that he’s Jatin-Lalit’s uncle. Besides he was married to filmmaker V Shantaram’s daughter Madhura, whom he reportedly met on the sets of Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baje (1955). She’s a filmmaker in her own right, having directed WIth family documentaries on both her father and her became an accomplished ironically praised for his Jayanti. Just then a deer, husband before making singer. He soon became innovations by music seemingly mesmerised by her directorial debut in one of the most celebrated connoisseurs. He devised the singer’s voice, walked fiction with the Marathi classical vocalists and was a new jugalbandi style into the gathering, leaving film Aai Tujha Aashirwad the recipient of several where male and female everyone spellbound. (2010). The couple has two awards and honours like singers sing different Panditji was lost in his children, music director the Padma Vibhushan, the ragas at the same time. rendition and hence his Shaarangdev and actress second-highest civilian It came to be known as eyes were closed. When he and singer Durga Jasraj. honour in the country, the Jasrangi after him. opened his eyes and saw He did sing a few songs, Sangeet Natak Akademi His music came to be the spectacle before him, such as Vandana karo, Award, known for its spiritualism, he greeted the deer with composed in the raga Gaurav Puraskar, the its divinity. He was said Ahir Bhairav by composer Dinanath Mangeshkar to be close to spiritual Vasant Desai, for the film Award, the Rajiv Gandhi guru Jiddu Krishnamurti. FILM SONGS Ladki Sahyadri Ki (1966), a Award and many more. We don’t know whether SUNGS BY duet with vocalist Bhimsen He gave his first concert it was this influence or PANDIT Joshi for the soundtrack of at 22. The family moved to his own natural spiritual JASRAJ the film Birbal My Brother Kolkata in 1946, though he progression towards the (1975), and a ballad, Vaada continued to train in the devotional aspects of tumse hai vaada for 1920 Mewati style. Kolkata is classical music that led VAISHNO JANA TO (2008) directed by Vikram Composer: L Subramaniam known for its rich cultural him to Meera Bhajans, Film: Gour Hari Dastaan Bhatt. Panditji was a fabled heritage and was a hub Jaideva’s Geeta Govindam, - The Freedom File (2015) teacher and his list of of classical music at that Vedic chants, recitations renowned students include point of time. It can be of Upanishadic texts, and VAADA TUMSE HAI Saptarshi Chakraborty, surmised that he benefited also poetry written by other VAADA Sanjeev Abhyankar, Composer: Adnan Sami greatly from its influence. saint poets. Film: 1920 (2008) violinist Kala Ramnath, He also reportedly trained Tripti Mukherjee, Suman under Swami Vallabhdas e’ve heard Ghosh, flautist Shashank ASA JULAHA KA of the Agra Gharana. He of birds and Composer: Vanraj Bhatia Subramanyam, Anuradha was said to like Ustad animals being Film: Susman (1987) Paudwal, Sadhana Sargam, Amir Khan of the Agra moved by Ramesh Narayan and Gharana and began WTansen’s music but such many more. Pandit Jasraj JHEENI JHEENI incorporating elements a thing actually happened Composer: Vanraj Bhatia passed away on August from other gharanas into in Pandit Jasraj’s life. In Film: Susman (1987) 17, 2020 due to a cardiac his music. While purists 1987, he was singing at the arrest. He was living in were understandably angry Sankatmochan Hanuman VANDANA KARO New Jersey, USA and was JAIN VIR KI at what they consider temple in Lucknow on Composer: Vasant Desai 90 years of age at the time sacrilegious, he was later the occasion of Hanuman Film: Ladki Sahyadri Ki (1966) of his death. n NOSTALGIA

THE LATE SAW PHENOMENAL FAME IN THE EARLY ’70S. FARHANA FAROOK REVISITS THOSE YEARS THAT HAVE LEFT BEHIND A LIFETIME THE OF MEMORIES

e starred in 15 consecutive hits between 1969 to 1971. The PHENOMENONfrenzy he prompted, the fandom he enjoyed, the craze he celebrated – no actor yet has been able to duplicate that kind of superstardom. Women got married to his photograph, Hwhile others picked up the dust on his car wheels and applied it as sindoor. Some even committed suicide when he got married to an adolescent . He didn’t have the Greek God looks of his predecessors. His features were gentle and his voice gentler. The boyish face dotted with pimples, the crinkling eyes, the typical wave Shakti Samanta’s Aradhana of the hand and the Guru kurta… Rajesh Khanna was a cult. His (1969) kick-started Rajesh onscreen mortality added to his magnetism. It was at once both – a reminder of our vulnerability and a shout out to live fully. He aced Khanna’s stardom. The the ‘loser in love’ façade in most of his films, making women want dashing Indian Air Force to protect him and possess him. Jack Pizzey, who made the BBC officer singing, Mere sapnon documentary, Bombay Superstar (1974), described him as an actor ki rani in a jeep, as a woman who had the ‘charisma of Rudolph Valentino and the arrogance of (Sharmila Tagore) seated in a Napoleon.’ And just as time bound these were, so was Rajesh’s swag. “Those were heady days. I admit that I may have made some mistakes. train running parallel blushes, I was a superstar, but I was also an ordinary mortal,” he once confided reading Alistair Maclean’s in an interview when questioned about his alleged arrogance. Taking a When Eight Bells Toll… look at that era, which defined him and deified him… remains a classic frame

ajesh Khanna was born on December 29, 1942, in Amritsar, Punjab as Jatin Khanna. He was adopted by his well-placed relatives, RChunnilal and Leelawati Khanna, who lived in Girgaum, Mumbai. He was a rare rookie, who went about seeking work in films in his own MG sports car. He became one of the eight finalists in the All India Talent Contest, organised by United Producers and Filmfare in (1942-2012) NOSTALGIA

1965. He made his debut in RAJESH Chetan Anand’s Aakhri Khat (1966), India’s entry for the Best KHANNA’S Foreign Language Film at the TIMELESS 40th Academy Awards. This SONGS was followed by Raaz, Aurat  and Baharon Ke Sapne (all in  1967) and Doli and Ittefaq (both ROOP TERA MASTANA in 1969). (Aradhana) Shakti Samanta’s Aradhana   (1969) kick-started his stardom. WOH SHAAM The dashing Indian Air Force KUCCH AJEEB THI officer singing, Mere sapnon (Khamoshi) ki rani in a jeep, as a woman  (Sharmila Tagore) seated in a YEH SHAAM train running parallel blushes, MASTANI reading Alistair Maclean’s  (Kati Patang) When Eight Bells Toll… remains  a classic frame. In a double MERE NASEEB role as Arun/ Suraj Prasad ‘‘Whenever Rajesh entered MEIN AYE DOST a hotel after a shoot at  (Do Raaste) Saxena, Rajesh got the nation  hooked. The film also saw the midnight, there would be a ZINDAGI KAISI resurgence of Kishore Kumar queue of 600 girls waiting Zindagi ka safar remains an HAI PAHELI with hits like Kora kaagaz to see him. As a result, even immortal assertion of mortality. (Anand) tha and Roop tera mastana. I’d get some importance, In close proximity to Safar,  Aradhana bagged the Filmfare Rajesh played the titular role in ZINDAGI EK SAFAR Best Film award. Raj Khosla’s as people would ask for my Anand (1971), someone who’s HAI SUHANA Do Raaste (1969) too won autograph as well.” suffering from lymphosarcoma (Andaz) him attention, though it was a of the intestine. The Hrishikesh  – Mumtaz in an interview ZINDAGI KA SAFAR family affair. The film gave us Mukherjee film paired him (Safar) the ultimate seduction song – Rajendra Kumar. Renamed as with Babu Moshai, Amitabh  Laxmikant Pyarelal’s Bindiya Aashirwad, it grew to become Bachchan. Songs like Zindagi KUCCH TOH LOG chamkegi, filmed on Rajesh and a landmark. Shakti Samanta’s kaisi hai paheli and Kahin door KAHENGE Mumtaz. Manmohan Desai’s Kati Patang (1971) reiterated jab din dhal jaaye from Anand (Amar Prem) Sachaa Jhutha (1970), had him Rajesh’s stardom. Adapted still top nostalgia lists. In the  play a villager Bhola, whose from the eponymous novel by same year, Rajesh’s 10-minute ZINDAGI KE lookalike, Ranjit Kumar is a Gulshan , which in turn cameo in Ramesh Sippy’s SAFAR MEIN criminal mastermind. While was inspired by the Hollywood Andaz (1971) is credited for (Aap Ki Kasam) Mumtaz played his ladylove, film No Man Of Her Own, turning the Shammi Kapoor-  O MERE DIL actress Naaz shot to fame as it was shot in picturesque Hema Malini film into a KE CHAIN Meri pyaari beheniya banegi Nainital. R.D. Burman’s tracks superhit. Singing, Zindagi ek (Mere Jeevan dulhania was sung by Rajesh Yeh jo mohabbat hai, Yeh safar hai suhana, he blazes on Saathi) for her in the film. The L-P shaam mastani and Pyaar the screen riding a motorbike  number became a bidaai staple. deewana hota hai and Asha with Hema Malini… DIYE JALTE HAI Mukul Dutt’s Aan Milo Sajna Bhosle crooning Mera naam Shakti Samanta’s sublime (Namak Haraam) (1970), pairing him with Asha hai Shabnam in ‘rap’, was a Amar Prem (1972) was based Parekh, is remembered for L-P’s bonanza for audiences. on the short story, Achcha to hum chalte hain. Asit Sen’s Safar (1970) was Hinger Kochuri. MA Thirumugham’s perhaps Rajesh’s starkest film. The film Haathi Mere Saathi (1971), Produced by Mushir-Riaz, contrasted the having a Disneyesque appeal, it was based on a novel by debauchery of endeared Kaka (as he was Ashutosh Mukherjee. Rajesh, society with fondly called) to children. playing a cancer patient, urges the divinity of With the signing amount given his love (Sharmila Tagore) to a child. Story to him by producer, Sandow marry a businessman (Feroz goes that when M. M. A. Chinnappa Thevar, Khan). Eventually, she loses the song Chingari koi Rajesh apparently bought a them both. One to disease. bhadke was to be shot at bungalow at Carter Road from The other to debt. Indeevar’s Howrah Bridge in Kolkata  NOSTALGIA

In May 1973, Zanjeer had introduced Amitabh Bachchan as the ‘Angry Young Man’. Namak Haraam in November reiterated it. It was apparently Rajesh Khanna himself who, at the premiere of Namak Haraam, told Hrishida, “Here’s the superstar of tomorrow’’

 snuffing out of his stardom. In May 1973, Zanjeer had introduced Bachchan as the ‘Angry Young Man’. Namak Haraam in November reiterated it. It was apparently Rajesh himself who, at the premiere of Namak Haraam, told Hrishida, “Here’s the superstar of tomorrow.” There were several notable films in 1974 including Yash  Chopra’s Daag, Manmohan Desai’s Roti, J Om Prakash’s  Khamoshi Aap Ki Kasam, KS Prakash  Namak with Rajesh and Sharmila, Hrishida’s Namak Haraam Rao’s Prem Nagar and Shakti Haraam the authorities didn’t grant (1973), dispelled doubts. Based Samanta’s Ajanabee. But permission. They feared the loosely on the British-American the cinematic jargon had  Kati Patang bridge would collapse with classic Becket (1964), starring changed. In the ’80s, he gave  Aan Milo the weight of the crowds. Peter O’Toole and Richard hits like Souten, Thodi Si Sajna Rajesh’s dialogue from the Burton, it was a proletariat Bewafai, Avtaar, Agar Tum film, “Pushpa, I hate tears,” vs plutocrat conflict. While Na Hote and Amrit… Yet they  Aap Ki has assumed cult status today. Amitabh Bachchan played were few and far between. Aa Kasam Films like Bawarchi, Vicky, son of an industrialist, Ab Laut Chalein (1999) and  Aradhana Joroo Ka Ghulam, Dil Daulat Rajesh played Somu, his Wafaa (2008) were his last Duniya, Apna Desh in the humble friend. Reportedly, few outings.  Daag same year enjoyed a decent Rajesh was offered to play run. But what came as a Vicky. But he opted for Somu, CRAZE & CHARISMA  Do Raaste premonition that year were who dies in the end. Kaka Mumtaz and Sharmila  Dushman three flops, Shehzada, Mere believed his onscreen death Tagore, one known for her Jeevan Saathi and Maalik. insured his success. But this spontaneity, the other for her  Haathi Yet, the huge buzz around time the death marked the sophistication, were integral Mere Saathi NOSTALGIA

His funeral, which took place on July 19 was attended by nine lakh people. It was the ultimate tribute to his stardom. His fans came from places like Surat, Ahmedabad, and even foreign countries. Amidst pristine flowers and tearful farewells, superstar Rajesh Khanna was laid to rest 

A HERO’S FAREWELL It was in 2011 that reports of Rajesh’s terminal illness started doing the rounds. His last few months had the family rallying around him. Dimple, they say, never left his side. He passed away on July 18, 2012, in the presence of Dimple, his daughters Rinke Khanna and Twinkle Khanna, son-in-law and friend Anju Mahendru. His funeral, which took place on July 19,   was attended by nine lakh people. It was the ultimate to Rajesh Khanna’s journey. like a child,” Kamal was quoted tribute to his stardom. His fans Mumtaz, with whom he acted saying. (co-writer came from places like Surat, in eight films, once said in an of Haathi Mere Saathi) too was Ahmedabad, and even foreign interview, “Whenever Rajesh witness to Kaka’s stardom. “At countries. Amidst pristine entered a hotel after a shoot a state lottery in Bangalore, the flowers and tearful farewells, he at midnight, there would be a government asked him to draw was laid to rest. In a special pre- queue of 600 girls waiting to the lucky number in a stadium. recorded message, which was see him. As a result, even I’d I was with him… The sound of  played on his chautha, Rajesh get some importance, as people 50,000 people gasping (when thanked his friends and fans would ask for my autograph as they saw him)... He was like  With for the love they’d showered on bride Dimple well.” While Sharmila, with Caesar. It was unbelievable.” Kapadia him. It was reminiscent of his whom he did around six films While the world was Shakespearesque soliloquy from was quoted saying, “Women swooning over him, Rajesh  Receiving Anand, “Babumoshai… Hum sab came out in droves to see was in love with actress/model the Filmfare toh rangmanch ki kathputhliyan Kaka. They’d stand outside Anju Mahendru those days. Special Trophy hain jinki dor uparwale ki from Dimple the studios to catch a glimpse, They were in a relationship for ungliyon main bandhi hain. they’d marry his photographs, seven years. Apparently, his  The final Kab, kaun, kaise uthega yeh they’d pull at his clothes. Delhi alleged ego and possessiveness farewell koi nahi bata sakta hai.” In girls were crazier for him than caused a dent in their retrospect, Rajesh Khanna’s life Mumbai girls. He needed police relationship. On the rebound,  With Anju closely resembled the life of the protection.” he married the teenaged Mahendru lead character in The Sunset Friend and actor Kamal Dimple Kapadia, who was to Boulevard (1950). Difference Haasan, once shared an debut in Bobby, in March ’73. being that while Norma Desmond, incident, which revealed After two daughters, Twinkle who plays a forgotten filmstar, Rajesh’s charisma down South and Rinkie, and a decade of wants to make one last comeback, even in the early ’80s. They trying to make her marriage Rajesh actually did. His demise both had been to watch the work, Dimple walked out of has resurrected his stardom in film, The Swarm, in Chennai. Aashirwad. But she never a surreal way. His movies, his “After the show… all hell divorced him. Anju and Rajesh music (especially with R.D. broke loose... I became Rajesh resumed their friendship after Burman) and his memories Khanna’s bodyguard as I took 17 years. What’s more, Dimple have got a new lease of life. him through the crowd. His and Anju are friends too and Because Rajesh Khanna was not shirt was torn, but he was were with him till his last a man. He was an emotion. And enjoying himself. He chuckled journey. emotions never die. n reader’s reviews, box-office, celebrity column & more INSTA LIKE Medley of moments Check out what your favourites are upto on Instagram...

@ranveersingh: the gram made me do it If the gram is making Ranveer Singh do this, then we’re okay with the machines @sakpataudi: Coming soon!! Couldn’t resist! taking over. Congratulations @kareenakapoorkhan be safe and healthy - and radiant as ever ! ...and here's to our favourite post so far. A big cheers to Soha Ali Khan for her @priyankachopra impeccable humour. Can’t get enough. @pandathepunk The Chopra-Jonas family welcomed its fifth member, a beautiful dog named Panda. This picture of Priyanka with the little punk is just too cute for words.

@vickykaushal09: Ki karaa, petrol khatam hi nahi hunda! #3am A bucketful of good looks, an overload of talent and a killer sense of humour. Vicky Kaushal is clearly a Superman, erm, a superstar in the making... @bhumipednekar: Just us @samikshapednekar Are you even sisters if you don't Readers send in their feedback pg 78 take a break from work and pose for pre-pillow fight pictures? Shatrughan Sinha’s racy rejoinders pg 80 LETTERS

August, 2020

HOT TARGET ABHISHEK BACHCHAN

KAREENA KAPOOR KHAN Alvida completes two SAROJ KHAN decades in showbiz SHOT EXCLUSIVELY BY SAIF ALI KHAN AKSHAY KUMAR TO WRAP UP 8 FILMS POST LOCKDOWN INREADERS WRITE THE AND BITE BACK... WITHMAIL LOVE AND AFFECTION

KAREENA KAPOOR KHAN'S NAILING THE st STUNNING COVER QUARANTINE 1Prize Your latest cover (August) SHOOTS 1500 with Kareena Kapoor Khan, While everyone is who also happens to be my struggling during the favourite actor, is more than stunning. All the pandemic, it is amazing shots were spectacular. Who thought we would to see how you guys see her husband and actor Saif Ali Khan turn into are making the most a photographer during the pandemic. What made it of what you can. special was her interview with editor Jitesh Pillaai. I thoroughly enjoyed She seemd so comfortable with him. Great stuff, watching pictures from Filmfare. I absolutely loved the issue. Kareena Kapoor Khan Hansika Awasthi, Lucknow (August) and Rajkummar Rao’s (May) at-home photoshoots. I can only EXCITING COLLABORATIONS AHEAD imagine how tough it I read about Ajay Devgn and Sidharth Malhotra must be to coordinate collaborating for the very first time in the last issue shoots under such (August) of Filmfare. The news has got me excited circumstances. But you as I’m a huge fan of both. I hope the project goes on guys have come through floors soon. with flying colours. Aarti Iyer, Chennai Parthasarathy Sen, Bangalore Kareena Kapoor Khan

KUNAL KEMMU’S IMPRESSIVE GANPATI BAPPA st COMIC TIMING MORYA! 2Prize Thanks to OTT platforms, watching films as Just like every year, this 1000 soon as they're released has been the best year too, my family and I thing during this lockdown. After reading welcomed Lord Ganesha several great reviews online, I ended up watching the home on the occasion of Rajesh Krishnan directorial Lootcase starring Kunal Ganesh Chaturthi. Such Kemmu. Honestly, it's one of the funniest and most a holy period for one and entertaining films this year. Kunal Kemmu is excellent all, sincerely hope all with his comic timing. our problems go away. Anil Mathur, New Delhi I want to thank Filmfare Kunal Kemmu: Praiseworthy performance for always doing on-time reporting of all the daily REMEMBERING PANDIT JASRAJ updates of our favourite The year 2020 has been really tough on all of us. Too movie stars. I thoroughly many Bollywood celebs have passed away this year. enjoyed the coverage your I was sad to read about the demise of legendary team did on the Ganesh Indian classical music genius, Pandit Jasraj. I read an Chaturthi celebrations on article on your website, which paid tribute to the late your website and social maestro It was great to read about his journey over media. Wishing you all the years. He will always remain in our hearts. good luck. Raghav Hazarika, Darjeeling Yogita Kulkarni, Mumbai

Maestro: Pandit Jasraj

AYUSHMANN SUSHANT one KHURRANA'S SINGH RAJPUT'S Just TETE-A-TETE WITH MYSTERIOUS DEATH Point FILMFARE Ever since the Supreme One of the most Court transferred the talented stars in Hindi Sushant Singh Rajput and Sushant Singh Rajput cinema today, me and Sanjana Sanghi in Dil Bechara death case to the CBI for my family absolutely love investigation, there has Ayushmann Khurrana. SUSHANT SINGH RAJPUT'S FINAL ADIEU been a ray of hope for Right from his first film, I watched Sushant Singh Rajput's last film Dil many of the late actor's Vicky Donor to his latest Bechara recently and my heart was overflowing with fans, including myself. release Gulabo Sitabo, emotions. He was truly a brilliant actor and I had I believe we all deserve Superman: Sonu Sood he has always struck been a huge fan of his work. Even in his last film, to know the truth and am There's no doubt that Sonu the right chord with Sushant wonderfully managed to cast a spell on hopeful that with the CBI Sood has turned into a superhero for the country. us viewers. I recently each one of us with his performance. It's a beautiful probe, things will soon My respect for the actor has read his interview film, I would recommend everyone to watch it. be crystal clear. grown immensely and I’m (July) with editor Jitesh Aditi Shetty, Bangalore Ajay Saini, Rohtak looking forward to seeing Pillaai. It was nice to more of him on screen. learn about him on a Rajesh Shrivasyava, Allahabad personal level where he Kareena Kapoor Khan spoke about his wife, (August) is nothing short of family and more. Hearty a Hindi film icon. I’ve been conversations always are watching her work since she made her debut with Refugee the best. Great work by back in 2000 and she’s the editor and your team. grown with each passing film. Archana Nagpal, Surat Rajat Gaur, Agra

I know it’s pretty much impossible to host an event SUPER GOOD right now and even in the NEWWZ! near future for that matter. I really enjoyed But, I would absolutely love it watching Raj Mehta’s if we could get some sort of digital version of the regional Good Newwz last year. TABU AND ISHAAN awards for 2020. Ishaan Khatter and Tabu in A Suitable Boy While the film was KHATTER'S Dilip Doshi, Nanded a typical Bollywood MAGICAL comedy, it made for a CHEMISTRY THE TERRIFIC TRIO When I read about the thoroughly entertaining I've been reading a lot There had been rumours news of Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, film which can be about Mira Nair's of working with and watched again and A Suitable Boy. I'm for a Aaradhya Bachchan testing again. When I read in really excited to watch while now. But when I read positive for COVID, it left me your magazine (August) this unique, never- in your latest issue (August) in a state of shock. Now that they’re out of the danger, that the director was seen-before pairing that she’d be collaborating I hope the family gets collaborating with Varun of Tabu and Ishaan with Ishaan Khatter and healthy soon. Dhawan and Kiara Khatter in the show. Siddhant Chaturvedi for Excel Tarun Khanna, New Delhi Advani for a sequel, Since I've read the Entertanment, I was over the it got me excited as book, I'm curious to moon. I’m a big fan of Katrina I want to see a Bollywood couple like SRK - Kajol on I liked the chemistry see how the makers and the fact that she’s starring a Filmfare cover again. the two stars shared have presented the with two promising fresh Siddhant, I know it might take a while in the song First class story in the form of a faces will definitely make Katrina for it to happen, but one and Ishaan from Kalank. web series. for something special. lives in hope. Indranil Sengupta, Bhubaneswar Kiran Joshi, Solapur Tarun Gogoi, Kolkata Richa Reddy, Hyderabad

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Big draw: Akshay Kumar

Can you name a real and of our lives. We have the medicines to deal rooted film or web series to learn to deal with it with coronavirus and in recent times? and sometimes resort to the other is staying Abhijit Ghosh, Parganas (North) professional and medical together with your family. There are many. The help. Support from our Staying home during the two I can pinpoint at family, our loved ones, lockdown can be difficult the moment, are the our friends and colleagues and stressful. Humour is Manoj Bajpayee starrer is important as well in the most important tool PHOTOGRAPH: PHOTOGRAPH: MEETESH TANEJA The Family Man and the overcoming it. to counter anxiety. Yoga, Israeli series Fauda. meditation and interacting Life skills and value education with your family members Did we need Sushant are the most important needs is surely going to make Singh Rajput's untimely of society right now. Shouldn't the difference in pulling demise to finally take mental these be made compulsory through these difficult health seriously? in schools and institutions times. Mehek Mahtani, Pune as short term materialistic First of all, I don’t believe success is failing lives? With the lockdown and Sushant Singh Rajput had Dibyasha Mishra, Bhubaneswar no movies screening, do any mental-health issues. Knowledge and education Bollywood fans miss Akshay People can be driven are the strong pillars of Kumar movies? to suicide for various life. No matter how much Bumeja Arvind, Tumkur reasons. Mental health you learn, there is still a Human beings are very care has been getting lot left to learn. Yes, it’s a flexible. Yes, they must a big push ever since good idea to initiate these be missing Akshay and Deepika Padukone opened in school so the children other stars they love but up about it. Depression can appreciate the value now they have other forms has always been part and respect what life has of entertainment as well to offer. to look forward too. The real test of stardom will What punishment would you suggest for China Is 'humour' the only medicine happen after the pandemic for spreading COVID-19 pandemic in the world? to deal with coronavirus until a subsides and theatres Atul Tankha, Ratlam vaccine comes out? open. If people still flock I leave it to the superpowers and the world leaders to take Abhijeet Sharma, Faridabad to screens because of the the lead in this matter, in whatever manner they deem fit. Yes, humour is one of stars then the battle is 1st Prize What according to you is the mood of the nation today? Shrinjal Singh Today, the mood of the nation is justice for Sushant Singh Rajput 2nd Prize When you came to the industry, heroes were fair skinned and cute and you were the opposite. But you left an impression as a Bihari and made everyone Khamosh! Md Salim, Kolkata Opposites attract -- haven’t you heard? I was different and the public loved that change. And slowly they started believing in talent rather than fair skin and good looks. And I’m sure I had enough talent to make them Khamosh! I’m humbled with an attitude of gratitude towards your astute observation, my friend. Looking back, I can tell you that it was a difficult phase, initially at least. I’ve practised and preached the mantra of being Mind matters: Deepika Padukone better than the best or being different than the rest, ever since my FTII days. And it has always helped me in my won, otherwise we will demise of one of our best life. By the grace of God and the love of people like you, have to start thinking of and brightest, self-made I’ve managed to give my personal best always. other parameters about and supremely talented how to lure the public. Sushant Singh Rajput is a great loss indeed. well. I hope, wish and pray What lessons has the Sushant Singh Rajput's that it brings a great ray of current pandemic situation suicide has opened the What would the new dawn be hope after the disasters. taught you? Pandora's box of nepotism like, after the dark COVID-19 Rashmi Nathani, Mumbai and entitlement in the movie night, for the film industry? Should we make a film on Precaution, preparation industry. Will the industry Jaideep Sharma, Kolkata the coronavirus? and patience - PPP. I’m return to normalcy ever? The new dawn could be Purshotam Kanjani on email not talking about PPE, K. S. Sundaram, on email back to business as usual. Oh yes, why not. Any which are apparently in It’s a tragedy that shocked New creative ventures like director/ filmmaker who short supply. everyone. Yes, it has web series, for example, finds the scope of making (Feature co-ordinated by brought to light certain have become popular as an interesting film on it DEVESH SHARMA) harsh truths about the people are binge-watching should be encouraged to Please note: The column doesn’t industry. Returning to them during the lockdown. do so. Anything that sheds reflect Shatrughan Sinha’s political normalcy may take a I believe the trend will light on the pandemic or personal views. His answers are while. The untimely continue afterwards as should be welcome indeed. given in jest and humour.

1st prize 2nd prize Win!CASH PRIZES 3000 2000

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ONE- MAN ARMY

mong numerous films made on Bhagat permits for thousands and even Singh, two stood arranged transport for them. He out. One starred Sonu Sood: Lending a helping hand even helped in airlifting students AjayA Devgn and the other Sonu who were stuck overseas. Sood. Though his film (Shaeed- international acclaim after appearing People soon started calling E-Azam, 2002) wasn't a box office alongside Jackie Chan in Kung Fu him a real hero. The social media success, the newcomer certainly got Yoga (2017). He was destined to be exploded with positive messages noticed. Good things were predicted known as a reliable supporting actor thanking him. There were memes for him. But as it's seen so often in but fate had other plans... too but they were good-natured and the industry, the buzz petered out Most of us saw the images of lakhs not mean. Currently, there's a cult soon. He was all but forgotten, till he of migrant workers walking barefoot around Sonu but he hasn't let it all made a resurrection of sorts down thousands of kilometres home. Only go to his head. He feels responsible South as an actor specialising in a few of us decided to do something for those he helped reach home negative roles. The success of the about it. One such person was Sonu and plans to start initiatives which Nagarjuna starrer Super (2005), which Sood. He decided to use his good will help them gain their livelihood was inspired by Dhoom and where offices to fast track transport for as back. It’s also heard that he’s going he and Nag played accomplished many migrant workers as he could. to provide homes for around thieves who were frenemies, brought He started off helping a handful but twenty thousand migrants in Guru him back from oblivion. Sonu soon his gesture soon took on a life of its Gram. It’s clear that he’s single- developed a cult following down own. His phone number got out on handedly doing the government’s South and became a staple in most social media circles, on WhatsApp job and we wonder what the state big-ticket releases. He won the groups. Thousands of people began of the country would be if other attention of the Hindi film viewers messaging him on a daily basis asking like-minded people joined him. with the period drama him for his help. Cometh the hour, He surely deserves not only the (2008), where he played the valiant cometh the man, they say. A lesser applause but also the support of his brother of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. man would have changed his number industry colleagues. The industry Appearing as the antagonist Chhedi and would have tried to forget the has given generously in the past, Singh opposite Salman Khan in the whole problem. Not Sonu though. whenever natural disasters have massive hit (2010), endeared He took on the challenge and started struck. We’re sure they’ll rise to the him further to the Hindi audience. reaching out to as many people as he occasion once more... His claim wasn't just restricted to could. Using his good offices, he was [email protected] Indian shores, however. He tasted able to procure inter-state travelling Twitter: @jiteshpillaai DOWNLOAD YOUR FAVOURITE MAGAZINES FOR FREE!

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GRAZIA YOUNG

PERSONALITY

On shaping On shaping On shaping On shaping Design Map

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VOLUME 8

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VOLUME 13 ISSUE 05 AUGUST 2020

@goodhomesmagazine

NO 3 A Times of India Publication

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AUGUST 2020 60 ` A Times of India publication