sign in sign up
<<
Home , Alaya F, Ali Fazal, Anushka Sharma, Ashwini Kalsekar, Bhanu Athaiya, Chinmayi

November, 2020

BREAK KE BAAD bulks up SET TO SLAY IN A DOUBLE ROLE Volume 69 # November 2020 / ISSN NUMBER 0971-7277

November, 2020

BREAK KE BAAD VICKY KAUSHAL bulks up RANVEER SINGH SET TO SLAY IN A DOUBLE ROLE

PHOTOGRAPH: TEJINDER SINGH KHAMKHA | HAIR: AMIT THAKUR STYLING: AMANDEEP KAUR MAKE-UP: EVANIA PANNU LOCATION COURTESY: 36 HYATT REGENCY 24 Ruffled jumpsuit: Antithesis Earrings: Saba Designs Editor’s Choice The ed praises 03Taapsee Pannu 25 years of Dilwale 72 Dulhania Le Jayenge

40 62 52

Masala fix Make-up and hair expert Faruk Kabir is in a Ranveer Singh to play a 20 Namrata Soni reveals 48 happy space 06 double role in Cirkus, Kriti her secrets Shekhar Kapoor Sanon to play Sita in 52 talks movies Adipurush, SRK- bronze Exclusives Mithoon speaks about the statues to be unveiled in Exclusive cover story: 56 changing face of film music and other grist from 24 speaks from Obituary: Bhanu the rumour mill the heart and narrates her 60 Athaiya Preview incredible journey Profiling , on the 62 the complete Adarsh Gourav is waiting 36 power of reinvention Your say 12 to strike it big remembers is basking in 40 Readers send in 16 the success of Swatilekha Sengupta 68 their rants 06 44 looks back at her career ’s Fashion & lifestyle with affection 70 wacky witticisms 10 Letter from the Editor Top of the class There’s something about Taapsee Pannu that makes you take notice of her. That compels you to give that second glance. You realise that there’s more to her than what meets the eye. That beneath those Punjabi good looks lies a core of steel. And it’s this steel which has helped her evolve from being a virtual outsider to an actress capable of shouldering the fortunes of a film. It’s this steel which helped her survive the topsy-turvy fortunes of the South industry, where everything mostly revolves around the whim of the male stars. She not only managed to find her feet in the industry but also managed to learn to speak Tamil and Telugu fluently. It’s admirable really how North Indians like her, or Rakul Preet have managed to pick up tongues alien to them. Speaks a lot about their determination to succeed. Taapsee came to films via Chashme Baddoor (2013). Though she was noticed in the , she made an impact two years later with ’s Baby (2015). Though hers was a supporting role, she had a kickass fighting scene which brought in the claps and whistles of the audience. And she impressed Pandey enough for him to produce another film called (2017). Directed by Shivam Nair, the film exclusively revolved around her character and was a prequel of sorts to Baby, showcasing how Shabana Khan of Baby, who was a normal girl, got transformed into a ruthless agent. By the time Naam Shabana came out, she had already wowed the audience over with her power-packed performance in Pink (2016). She played a girl whose only crime was to say no to the advances of a lecherous youth. She gets dragged into a court case, gets molested, and has the whole world questioning her for her behaviour. She somehow keeps her sanity alive amidst the madness and wins over the approval of the audience. In Mulk (2018), she played bahu of a Muslim household. Though she’s on the verge of getting divorced from her husband, she retains enough of a bond with her in-laws to fight on their behalf in court when they get into trouble. After that, she had (2019), where she and played 60 plus grandmothers with a yen for pistol shooting. Not many leading ladies would have chosen such a role but these two bravehearts did it and made a film which pulled all the right triggers. She truly came into her own with (2020). The film had her playing a normal, unambitious girl, who is happy to be a homemaker. But that doesn’t mean she’s ready to be a doormat. When her husband slaps her, she chooses to walk out of her marriage, even though she’s repeatedly told it was just one ‘mistake’ made by her husband. Through her stance, the film gave hope to the thousands of women who have let things slide for years and have suffered in silence. The new-age diva graces our cover this issue. Her answers are all forthright and candid. There’s a freshness to them. One can make out her eagerness to share her life with the readers. So turn on the pages to know more about the supremely talented Taapsee Pannu...

For more on tinseltown’s news and updates find me on @jiteshpillaai Chief Executive Officer Deepak Lamba SUBSCRIPTIONS MANAGER, MARKETING Chief Community Officer & Editor Jitesh Pillaai Asha Kulkarni [email protected]

Executive Editor Anuradha Choudhary TIMESGROUP (RMD) ASSOCIATE GENERAL MANAGER Suparna Sheth Managing Editor Devesh Sharma [email protected]

Senior Assistant Editor & Digital Editor Rahul Gangwani TO SUBSCRIBE Online: mags.timesgroup.com Senior Assistant Editor Raghuvendra Singh SMS: FFSUB to 58888 Mail: [email protected] Call: 18001210005 Deputy Production Manager Ashwini S Pote (All toll Free Number)

Design Director Sujitha Pai BRAND SOLUTIONS BUSINESS DIRECTOR Sunil Wuthoo Associate Art Director Nikesh Gopale WEST AVP - Marketing & Digital Revenue Priyadarshi Banerjee VICE PRESIDENT & BUSINESS HEAD- SALON & SPA Gautam Chopra Chief Marketing Manager Manvi Sehgal [email protected] MUMBAI ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT Senior Manager Marketing Sabina Gomes Reena C Dave [email protected] Chief Financial Officer S.Subramaniam Leena Bhandari [email protected] Sriram Krishnan Head-Human Resources Meghna Puthawala [email protected] MANAGER Vice President Content Studio Vidyut Patra Aditi Shrivastava [email protected] Head-Experiential Marketing Aakash Mishra Kamal Rajput [email protected] Publisher Joji Varghese NORTH VICE PRESIDENT & SALES HEAD - LONG FORM CONTENT Anjali Rathor [email protected] NCR Sachin Saxena [email protected] RNI No. 1619/1957. Price Rs 60. Printed and published by Joji Varghese for and on behalf JAIPUR of owners Worldwide Media Pvt. Ltd, (CIN: U22120MH2003PTC142239), Pushpesh Sood Building, Dr D N Road, Fort, Mumbai 400 001 and printed at Rajhans Enterprises No: 134, [email protected] 4th Main Road, Industrial Town, Rajajinagar, 560044, India. SOUTH Processed by BCCL Production Prepress and published at Worldwide Media Pvt. Ltd, VP-SOUTH & BUSINESS HEAD-FEMINA TAMIL The Times of India Building, Dr D N Road, Fort, Mumbai 400 001. Editor: Jitesh Pillaai Pravin Menon [email protected] takes no responsibility for unsolicited photographs or material ALL PHOTOGRAPHS, UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED, ARE USED FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY ON Rajesh [email protected] THE NATIONAL/REGIONAL EDITION OF FILMFARE IS NOT FOR SALE OUTSIDE INDIA Sen Thomas [email protected] DISCLAIMER FOR PROTECTION OF PRIVACY AND INFORMATION Any information received by us through responses by Users/ Subscribers to the Short Messaging EAST Services (SMS) Key Codes or such other subscription service of ours will be used in whole or part, in our publications (other than contact information), for our research, individual marketing, strategic client analysis and for other internal purposes and all copyrights in such information will vest with us. ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT Your contact information shall not be sold, traded, rented or in any way divulged to anythird party Alka Kakar unless we are legally bound to do the same. [email protected] a bird’s-eye view of show town’s happenings

Looking fresh: and MARCH PAST It’s good to hear that the film industry is gradually getting back to normalcy. Shootings have slowly started and so have promotions. We saw the lovely looking screen couple of Akshay Kumar and Kiara Advani coming together to promote their forthcoming OTT release . It was such a relief to see them sans masks. The sight filled us with that all-izz-well feeling...

Ranveer Singh to play a double role in Cirkus pg 06 to play Lord Shiva in Adipurush? pg 06 PHOTOGRAPH: YOGEN SHAH MASALA FIX RANVEER SINGH TO PLAY A DOUBLE AJAY DEVGN KATRINA ROLE IN ’S NEXT KAIF’S Rohit Shetty and Ranveer Singh created a storm at the TO PLAY LORD box office in 2018 with . Now we hear that they’re MISSION going to create mayhem once more with their adaptation SHIVA IN of ’s Comedy Of Errors. It’s called EDUCATION Cirkus. The Shakespearean comedy dealt with a pair of twins ADIPURUSH? has dedicated separated at birth. The most famous adaptation of the play herself to the cause of in Hindi cinema has been done by . His Angoor (1982) girls’ education and gender starred Sanjeev Kumar and Deven Verma in double roles equality in rural India. A lot and is considered a cult classic. Rohit Shetty has always of girls in the remote areas appreciated the core idea and it’s said some years ago he ’t get an education wanted to make the film with in the lead. and Katrina wants to Presented by Bhushan Kumar in association with change these statistics. , the film will also star She’s currently identifying , , Varun villages where such gender Sharma, Jadhav, Johny Lever, discrimination is at its worst. , and Murli Before the lockdown, she’d Sharma. Ranveer Singh will start shooting visited a remote village for the film next month in Mumbai, followed by in to schedules in and . So Ranveer and Varun acquaint herself with the Sharma will play the leads roles of people who have barriers to education in rural identical twins and are separated at birth. We’re sure this will ’s next Adipurush interiors and tribal regions. be a heavy-duty entertainer, like all Rohit Shetty films. is one project that has The NGO she’s working with already become the talk of has helped enrol 7,50,000 the town. While girls in schools. And has APPOINTED AS THE and have improved the learning PRESIDENT OF THE FTII already been confirmed outcomes for over 1.30 Internationally acclaimed for this adaptation of the million children to date. filmmakerShekhar Kapur Indian epic Ramayan, we Wow! that’s some statistics. has been appointed as now hear that Ajay Devgn More pwer to you, Kat. the President of the Film might also be part of the and Television Institute of film. It’s rumoured that he’s India (FTII) Society and the been approached to play chairman of its governing Lord Shiva in the movie. council. The director is one While nothing has been of the most celebrated confirmed, rumours are personalities in the movie Zaheer Khan and Sagarika rife that Om Raut and Ajay business, both in the Ghatge expecting their Devgn will collaborate again country and around the first child for this project. We know world. Films like Masoom, Our celebrity couples are surely surprising us with good that Ajay is a dedicated Bandit and Mr India news amidst these critical times. After Saif Ali Khan and devotee of Lord Shiva are his biggest Indian films Khan, and , and even has tattoos with and Elizabeth and The it’s now Zaheer Khan and Sagarika Ghatge who have some Shaivism motifs on his body. Four Fathers are two good news to share. According to a report, Zaheer Khan and So it might be a dream- of his most acclaimed Sagarika Ghatge are expecting their first child. Here’s wishing come-true for him to play his international works. the couple our heartiest congratulations for this big news. favourite deity.

KRITI SANON TO PLAY SITA IN OM RAUT’S ADIPURUSH AFTER SIGNING PRABHAS TO PLAY , SAIF TO PLAY RAVANA, THE MAKERS HAVE NOW GOT TO PORTRAY SITA’S ROLE. AS PER OUR SOURCES, KRITI HAS ALREADY GIVEN HER NOD AND SHE’S HUGELY EXCITED ABOUT THE FILM. HER CAREER SEEMS TO BE ON A HIGH. SHE HAS MIMI, BACHCHAN PANDAY AND NOW ADIPURUSH. GREAT GOING, GIRL! 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 SOUTH KOREA’S BIGGEST MARTIAL ARTS STAR BIG B TO CHOREOGRAPHS HAVE A Looks like director and Salman Khan are leaving no stone unturned to make Radhe: Your Most BUSY YEAR Wanted Bhai an interesting proposition for the audience. We believe it has some high-octane action sequence. And AHEAD the action is choreographed by none other than South may Korea’s biggest martial arts star and stuntman, Kwon Tae- have just recovered from ho. Both director Prabhu Deva and Salman Khan thought the coronavirus but that that an action scene where the actor takes on the drug hasn’t stopped the actor mafia in Goa should be larger than life. Hence they zeroed from putting on his working in on Kwon Tae-ho. According to a source, Kwon Tae-ho shoes. The actor has been stayed in the country for a month last year and the action shooting for the reality show sequence was shot between Salman Khan and Randeep Kaun Benega Crorepati Hooda at a studio. The source further revealed, “It non stop. Come November has been picturised as a moody scene, complete with dim AND and he will resume work on lights and lots of smoke. In fact, Tae-ho also features as Brahmastra where he plays a one of the bad guys and is seen engaging in hand-to-hand pivotal role alongside Ranbir combat with Salman.” Can’t wait to watch this one for sure. WE HEAR HAVE Kapoor and . Post JOINED HANDS this, he has another film FOR A HARD- to complete before joining SHAH RUKH KHAN AND HITTING THRILLER. Vyjayanthi Films’ sci-fi KAJOL’S BRONZE STATUE TO KNOWN FOR starring HIS CHOCOLATE and Prabhas. Contrary to BE UNVEILED IN LONDON the reports, Bachchan has a is incomplete without the mention of Raj and BOY IMAGE, major role to play in the film Simran. The iconic pairing of Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol THIS WILL BE A and hence he has allotted became a blockbuster with Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge GAME-CHANGER bulk dates to this project. (DDLJ). The film completed 25 years of its release this OF SORTS FOR After this, he will collaborate year. And now this iconic love story has another milestone THE ACTOR. RAM with in the to its credit. The Heart of London Business Alliance has comedy film Deadly, which announced that a bronze statue of both Shah Rukh Khan MADHVANI TOO IS revolves around a funeral. and Kajol will be unveiled in London’s Leicester Square. The EXCITED ABOUT THE The thespian also has Nagraj statue will depict a scene from the movie in the bustling city. PROJECT AS IT’S Manjule’s Jhund and Rumi London’s Leicester Square has installations of Harry Potter, HIS SECOND FILM Jaffry’s Chehre on his platter. Wonder Woman, Laurel and Hardy and many other iconic AFTER . He has been reportedly characters. Mark Williams, destination marketing director, HE HAD ALSO dubbing for both the films. Heart of London Business Alliance, says, “Dilwale Dulhania Must say, he surely knows Le Jayenge is one of the most successful Hindi films of all DIRECTED THE how to set an example for the time, and this statue is a fitting tribute to the global popularity ACCLAIMED WEB younger lot of when it of Bollywood.” We couldn’t agree more. SERIES AARYA. comes to work ethics.

SHAH RUKH KHAN TO BEGIN SHOOTING FOR PATHAN Shah Rukh Khan’s last release was Zero which hit the screens in 2018. After that, SRK decided to take time-off from the big screen. Now, it seems he’s ready to end his two-year hiatus with Siddharth Anand’s Pathan. The film will see SRK reunite with his co-star Deepika Padukone. This will also mark the actor’s first project with . Pathan will go on floors in November with the filming focused on Shah Rukh. The film will be shot in Yash Raj Studios, Mumbai. The first schedule will go on for two months and the team will take a break around New Year’s. In 2021, SRK will be joined by Deepika and John for the shoot. Pathan is a slick revenge drama. Since the film marks Shah Rukh and John’s first on-screen union, and Siddharth have etched out dramatic scenes featuring them. Looks like we have another ‘War’ on our hands. AMITABH BACHCHAN, IN THE SCREEN ADAPTATION OF SHANTARAM Gregory David Roberts’ best-selling novel Shantaram is finally going to be adapted for Apple TV. According to reports in a leading daily, the show will have Charlie Hunnam in the lead and will be directed by Justin Kurzel. The show will also star Radhika Apte and Amitabh Bachchan. It’s being said that Amitabh will play the role of crime lord Khader Khan. The show will start shooting in 2021 and will be shot in Dharavi and South Mumbai.

MASALA FIX

VICKY GETS KAUSHAL A LEAD ROLE IN A HOLLYWOOD TO PILE ON FILM WEIGHT FOR Ali Fazal is slowly making a HIS NEXT name for himself in showbiz. Vicky Kaushal surely has That he’s talented is a given. an interesting line-up of If he can make you laugh films on his platter. He has with his stint in , a YRF film with Manushi he can send a chill down Chillar which is supposed your spine with his act in to be a comedy. Then Mirzapur. No wonder then he stars in The Immortal Hollywood has taken a shine Ashwathama, to be to the young actor. While Ali directed by Aditya Dhar. Fazal is awaiting the release The two will team up once of his Hollywood film, Death again after the success On The Nile, we hear the of Uri: The Surgical Strike. actor has bagged another and former writer of The The actor’s character is film in the West. According Tonight Show. Meanwhile, based on the mythological to reports, it’s a war drama the actor and his ladylove character Ashwatthama, titled Code Name: Johnny Richa Chadha have the son of Dronacharya Walker. The film is written postponed their wedding who was given the boon by Alan Wenkus, who’s an until the coronavirus is ’S of immortality in the Academy Award nominee, under control. SWEET GESTURE . For this Aamir Khan is known for his philanthropic ways and is three-part modern-day Rajkummar always reaching out to people in need. A few years back, a , Vicky cab service called Sakha made an appearance on his show, Kaushal needs to train Rao and Bhumi Satyameva Jayate. The cab service employs only female intensively and will have to Pednekar to drivers who’ve been victims of domestic abuse. Now we hear weigh more than 100 kgs. shoot Badhaai that Aamir, while shooting for Laal Singh Chaddha in Delhi, Vicky will also have to train Do in January instructed his team to use only Sakha cabs for commuting. in horse-riding and various Two years ago, In fact, he even made arrangements for the accommodation martial art forms, including and Gajraj Rao won our hearts of the female drivers as he had hired them for 45 days. Now jiu-jitsu and krav maga. with their story of an elderly isn’t it really sweet of the actor to support them? couple expecting a child. The film showcased various taboos that exist in our society and questioned what is considered SUTARIA TO SING as ‘normal’. also FOR DO VILLAIN featured A news item recently stated that and and had signed Mohit Suri’s Do Villain, which was a massive success at the is a sequel to his Ek Villain. The film also box-office. Now, we hear that a stars , John Abraham, sequel to the film is on the cards. and . We hear Tara Titled Badhaai Do, the film will plays a singer in the film. And be helmed by Harshavardhan she’s excited about the role. You Kulkarni, who created might not know this but Tara in 2015. and is a professional singer, who’s Bhumi Pednekar have been been singing since the age of six. signed as leads. Rajkummar She has recorded music in India and will play the only male cop in a abroad for films, commercials, concerts. ‘mahila thana’ in the film. While She has also sung the song Slippin’ through my Bhumi Pednekar will be playing fingers, which featured in Bharat Dhabholkar’s play, the role of a PT teacher. Well, Blame It On Yashraj. No wonder, she’s gung ho about here’s hoping that Badhaai Do will this film. Tara has recently wrapped up Tadap, which is the provide double the entertainment remake of RX100 and will see her romancing Ahan Shetty. than the first instalment. movies on the block, set-talk, talent-buzz, hotties to watch out for

BITS AND BYTES AYUSH MEHRA X FACTOR: VERSATILITY

Ayush Mehra started out as a part of Shiamak Davar’s dance troupe but soon realised that he wanted to become an actor. He did a bit of theatre to hone his skills. Next up, he assisted on films likeO Teri, Jai Ho, Uri: The Surgical Strike and a Dharma project, titled Raat Baaki, which got shelved. This opened up his prospects and introduced him to the world of OTT. He worked on several sketches for FilterCopy, Arre!, TVF and more before getting his first web series, The Zoom Studios’ Mom And Co. Then came Just Human Things’ Minus One, and Dice Media’s Please Find Attached. He also has ’s Call My Agent slated for an OTT release and Dice Media’s Operation MBBS 2 for the coming year. Apart from acting and dancing, Ayush enjoys playing and watching football and is also a big foodie. His favourite actors are Anne Hathaway, Alia Bhatt, Christian Bale, Brad Pitt, Ranveer Singh, and Vicky Kaushal.

Meet newbie actors Adarsh Gourav and Tripti Dimri pg 12 FUTURE STOCK YEAR OF ADARSH GOURAV HAS BAGGED A BIGGIE IN THE WHITE TIGER. VEDANSHI PATHAK MEETS THE EXCITED THE TIGER YOUNGSTER

darsh Gourav Life is said to be hard for was born in an outsider. Adarsh faced Jamshedpur. He several rejections for every moved to Mumbai part he landed. He delivers Ain 2007. He was interested the fact without the baggage in singing and learnt of a sob story attached music at ’s to it and says it’s all part Ajivasan Music Academy. of the game. His love for He was the lead vocalist of cinema wasn’t diminished Oak Island, a progressive by the rejections. Like a With in The White Tiger rock band, which was even hopeless romantic, he lived featurted on MTV Indies. in the hope of seeing his PRIYANKA CHOPRA CARRIES AN But then My Name Is Khan, face on the silver screen INFECTIOUS ENERGY AND EVEN A TIRING AND where he portrayed the once again. Adarsh got teenaged SRK, happened his first major break with A DULL DAY ON SET WOULD BRIGHTEN UP and the acting bug bit him. an unreleased film called WHEN SHE WALKED IN

FUTURE STOCK

WORKING IN BANANA MADE surprise as the global icon floored him with her ME REALISE THAT ACTING WAS THE warmth and candour. They MOST CREATIVELY AND MENTALLY met for the first time at a reading session at her place SATISFYING JOB ’D EVER DONE. and discovered they had I KNEW THEN, THAT THIS IS WHAT common roots -- she too grew up in Jamshedpur. I WANTED TO DO Soon, they were yakking away like old pals, sharing Hindi movie song playlists and listing their favourite snacks on a scale of one to ten. “She carries an infectious energy and even a tiring and a dull day on set would brighten up when she walked in,” he gushes. Adarsh did several workshops to nail his part in the film. Some days were pretty tough indeed as he had to prepare for a non-linear narration. also my first audition with But the bootcamp-like her. Incidentally, while workshops came in handy growing up I was not big when the cameras came on. into reading but The White “The most memorable day Tiger was one of the few of shoot for me was when books I had actually read. Raj and I were shooting After my first audition, I the climax on one of the With Rajkummar Rao in The White Tiger had multiple rounds of coldest nights in Delhi last auditions and readings year, in the rain, drenched Banana. Facing the camera has also done web series until I was locked for the from head to toe, covered once again gave him an all- like Die Trying (2018) and part by the end of June.” in muck. But the cold time high and he wanted Leila (2019). weather and the incessant to experience it again and Adarsh was selected by he actor has been rain didn’t matter because again. He’s certainly sad director Ramin Bahrani to lucky to work we knew we were part of that his debut film didn’t play an important role in with ace actor something beautiful,” he get to see the light of the the adaptation of Arvind Rajkummar so insists. The newcomer day but waives it off as Adiga’s novel The White Tearly in his career. He first wants to work with a learning experience. Tiger. It’s front-lined by met Rao over a reading. directors who have their “Working in Banana made such names as Priyanka They had lunch together own distinct style. Ask me realise that acting was Chopra and Rajkummar afterwards and formed him what sets him apart the most creatively and Rao. The film, which a bond. He smiles, “I’ve from the crowd, the newbie mentally satisfying job I’d showcases an ambitious been an admirer of his humbly describes himself ever done. I knew then, driver’s rise to the top body of work and how he as a curious guy who likes that this is what I wanted will release on an OTT always attempts to create telling and listening to to do,” he reflects. He got to platform in December. something new with every stories. He’s in no rush work with Manoj Bajpayee Adarsh comes alive whle project he takes up. He to make it big, saying his in Rukh (2017). Adarsh narrating how he came was really humble and by brush with showbiz is both was praised for his acting to be part of The White the end of the day we had unexpected and random. in the film that had the Tiger. Says he, “I got a call exchanged multiple stories He concludes by saying, father-son bond at its core. from casting director Tess and I knew I had a great “They say fame is like He was also seen in Mom, Joseph’s office in the first co-actor in him.” riding the Tiger. Now when where he played Mohit, week of June 2019 about Meeting Priyanka I’ve hopped on it, I’ll surely one of the antagonists. He the audition which was Chopra too was a pleasant give it my best shot.” n PROMOTION ZARINE MANCHANDA

ike millions of girls even enduring unwanted in India, Zarine “#MeToo” incidents. LManchanda grew up in Zarine explains: “Cracking a village dreaming of being Bollywood is not easy; it a Bollywood actress. And was a much tougher path like so many such girls, than I expected.” she followed her heart and But Zarine’ s story is moved to Mumbai. different than most; she Once in Mumbai, Zarine simply recharted a new experienced the same pathway into the glamour challenges that all young industry. Zarine explains: women who move to the “While I never gave up City of Dreams with high on my dreams, I realized I hopes and aspirations face. had other skills and talents Going to audition after that I needed to utilize audition but not securing because I knew I would be the roles she wanted. successful in other fields Being offered roles in and other ventures.” So, she “bold”, B-grade movies established a charity NGO, that she had to decline the Zarine Manchanda due to her being from a Foundation, which has prominent political family administered hundreds in Himachal Pradesh. And of donation programs for

Mumbai’s poorest residents. producer. We are co- Then she formed an interior producing a web series that design company, Zarine will be directed by National- Manchanda Interiors, Award winning director which designed her first Arunaraje Patil. The story is commercial venture: an close to my heart as it blends upscale and luxurious the #MeToo movement into café in Versova, Zarine a supernatural thriller set Manchanda Café. With in Aarey Colony, Mumbai these successful ventures where my Foundation is established, Zarine created located. Aarey is the most a different pathway into beautiful spot in all of Bollywood – as CEO of her Mumbai – and it’s known as own production company. the most haunted place also, Zarine recently opened and so our story is a collision her film and entertainment of real and imaginary worlds production house that set in Aarey.” Zarine plays bears her name, www. the lead role in the web zarinemanchanda series. Plus, Zarine and Peter productions.com. Says Ziebert have joined forces to Zarine: “Through my bring international crossover production shingle I will Hollywood projects to be create my own content and filmed in India. So, expect will feature as an actress in to see more of Zarine projects that I produce. My Manchanda on the big screen Manager, Peter Ziebert, is – or on streaming platforms – an attorney and Hollywood soon. n FUTURE STOCK

Bulbbul fame TRIPTI DIMRI shares her showbiz aspirations with VEDANSHI Girlonfire PATHAK he most difficult phase in the life of an actor is the wait for the big break.T Well, such was the case with Bulbbul actress Tripti Dimri as well. She began her journey in 2017 in the film alongwith and . She had a small role in the comedy which was all about being macho. She then waited a year to do her next project which was Laila Majnu directed by ’s brother Sajid Ali. While the film and her role were much appreciated by the critics, Laila Majnu didn’t perform well at the box office. She didn’t let that daunt her and kept her hopes high. Fortune favoured her when she was approached by Anushka Sharma’s banner Clean Slate films to play the title role in their next, a period horror titled Bulbbul. The film, which got released on an OTT platform, was massively liked by the Anushka said audience and she sort of we actors put got an opportunity to start pressure upon ourselves because we know there are 100 people looking at us, trying to achieve the shot. She said as an actress we should never take Laila Majnu that pressure GREAT CHARACTERS REACH MILLIONS GREAT ACTORS TOUCH LIVES

C ATCH THE LATEST EPISODES ON

/@ FILMFARE

WATCH NOW FUTURE STOCK

doesn’t care about what other people think -- that was special for me,” she reflects. Tripti counts on Bulbbul as a huge learning experience. She mentions there was something new for her to learn everyday both as an actor and as a human being. She’ll always Bulbbul cherish the memories of making the film.

Rahul Bose ripti believes an came to me and actor must wait it out for the right said I’m going to go opportunity. ContraryT to the popular all out as an actor opinion floating in social ( for intimate media, the actor believes scenes) but if things are currently looking better for the outsiders you ever feel and that there’s plenty of uncomfortable just work for every one. Ask her tell me about what she’s learned from her three years in showbiz and she remarks uncomfortable just tell me. that hard work and talent After every shot, he would can’t be topped. She adds come and sit next to me, that socialising is good to tell me stories from his make oneself comfortable childhood just to make sure on the sets of a project. I was comfortable. There “Today, when I go out, I was so much to learn from make sure to talk to every him...He was there for me one out there, so that I can afresh on a clean slate with not ready.” for everything,” she gushes. be comfortable with them the film. Tripti is in awe Tripti worked with Bulbbul had her if I ever get to shoot with of Anushka and praises veteran in the transforming from a naïve them. I’m someone who the actor-producer sky film and says she couldn’t girl into a rather fearless can never text people for high. The two outsiders have asked for a nicer co- woman, who owns up to work because when you bonded well together and star. She reveals she was who she is and stands up know that you know your Tripti cherishes the advice initially terrified of the for herself. The layered role work, you don’t have to Anushka gave her about senior actor but he went was mentally exhausting indulge in socialising and handling pressure on the out of his way to make and at times she found I feel these things don’t sets. “Anushka said we her feel comfortable. They herself getting tired work for everyone.” actors put pressure upon had a couple of intimate physically essaying it. It The newcomer wishes ourselves because we scenes in the film. It was was rewarding as well as to work with Anurag know there are 100 people something she hadn’t done she gained insights about Basu, , looking at us, trying to before and hence was herself while playing , Sanjay Leela achieve the shot. She said understandably nervous. the character “It was Bhansali and Imtiaz Ali as an actress we should Bose sat with her and broke sometimes suffocating in the future. She further never take that pressure down the scenes piece by to play the part because adds that she has a keen because the director takes piece for her and told her she’s someone who is interest in mythological his time, the DOP takes his they’d stop whenever she going through so much characters and would love time, the entire crew takes felt uncomfortable. “He in her life. In the end, she to play Sita or Draupadi their own time. So as an came to me and said I’m becomes a person who is one day. actor, if you are not ready going to go all out as an completely comfortable Let’s hope the Universe just tell them that you are actor but if you ever feel with who she is and is listening. n They are hot, they are cool. Meet our trend makers and breakers

“WHETHER IT IS A LINER, MASCARA OR YOUR EYEBROWS, IT IS ALL ABOUT GIVING WOMEN THE CONFIDENCE TO STAND IN FRONT OF A CAMERA AND BE HERSELF” Namrata Soni shares her personal vision when it comes to hair and Kapoor Ahuja make-up treatments

Rakul Preet Singh Deepika Padukone

Disha Patani

Namrata Soni

Athiya Shetty Diana Penty

Manushi Chillar INTERVIEW

Sonam Kapoor

Namrata Soni Deepika Padukone

CELEBRITY MAKE-UP ARTIST AND HAIRSTYLIST NAMRATA SONI TALKS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF MAKE-UP IN A CANDID CHAT DIFFERENT STROKES WITH ANALITA SETH Make-up isn’t limited to just brushing up WHAT DOES MAKE-UP MEAN TO YOU? are artificial or trying to be on a few techniques and trends. It’s an art Make-up is an extension of someone else. It is worn oneself. I don’t leave my house to enhance your features. that creates magic out of brush strokes to without curling my eyelashes Whether it is a liner, mascara give one the confidence to be comfortable and putting on some mascara. or your eyebrows, it is all and expressive. One of the most sought There is no reason for it. about giving women the after celebrity make-up artists and I just like it when my eyes confidence to stand in front hairstylists, Namrata Soni feels make-up is look big and beautiful. It gives of a camera and be themselves. an extension of oneself. You don’t wear it me confidence. HOW HAS THE LOCKDOWN CHANGED to hide your flaws but to accentuate your IN A WORLD WHERE PEOPLE ARE THE PROCESS ON FILM SETS? natural beauty. Sharing her experience of CONSTANTLY TALKING ABOUT Firstly, the number of hours of working in the beauty industry for almost SELF WORTH AND BODY POSITIVITY, work are less. But the one thing two decades, Namrata has some interesting WHERE DO YOU THINK THE IDEA OF I love about the process of work tricks of the trade, up her sleeve. Catch her MAKE-UP STANDS TODAY? now is that everybody’s time Make-up plays an important and life is precious. Earlier, talking about the magic of the make-up box role because it gives women make-up artists and hair stylists and how a well-placed stroke can literally a lot of confidence. Wearing didn’t matter. No one cared make heads turn... make-up doesn’t mean you what time we came and left, no one bothered about the environment we were working in. The vanity van used to be dirty and the production wouldn’t care. There were only a few production houses who would actually look after Manushi Chillar us the entire time. But now, One of the biggest trends with COVID-19, it has become Diana Penty right now is the special my right to ask for a clean van effects make-up where they and my right to not go if it is not clean enough. I hope this can make your leg look like lasts forever. a banana or your face look like a shark. It’s random HOW DIFFERENT IS HAIR AND but creative MAKE-UP FOR AN EDITORIAL SHOOT COMPARED TO THE RED CARPET AND everything covered. So the PROMOTIONAL LOOKS? evolution will not hinder the Editorial and red carpet are RAPID balance between these. There’s different because of the light just going to be new techniques you are photographed in. On FIRE that will make application the red carpet, you are clicked Who is the most super easy. in big spotlights, so the fun to work with? make-up needs to be flawless. . MINIMAL OR EXTRAVAGANT TRENDS… If you’re doing a Veronica WHAT’S YOUR PREFERENCE? Lake, a big Bollywood Who is the easiest It depends on my mood. I love to work with? glamorous look or an old SONAM KAPOOR. skin so for me doing the no Hollywood look, you have make-up look is the absolute to be completely immersed Who works a red favourite. But when there is in that look. You have to be lip the best? an outfit or a personality SONAKSHI SINHA, photographed correctly on SONAM KAPOOR, sitting in front of me who the red carpet. Make-up has MANUSHI I know can carry off something to match the lighting. I can’t CHHILLAR AND extravagant, I get inspired to go with an editorial glass skin ALAYA F. do something amazing. on the red carpet because it Who works the ends up looking oily in the nude lip the best? WHAT ARE SOME MAKE-UP wrong places. ANUSHKA TRENDS YOU ARE OBSESSING OVER Disha Patani SHARMA AND RIGHT NOW? ARE THERE PRODUCTS YOU AVOID . I love glass skin. I love doing WHEN DOING A LOOK FOR THE EYEBROWS AND CURLY EYELASHES. an iridescent eyeshadow with RED CARPET? WHERE DO YOU SEE IT GOING beautifully curled eyelashes. If you are someone who has FROM HERE? massive pores on the skin, try Yes, make-up is indeed ONE TREND YOU DO NOT WANT TO TRY… and avoid putting highlighter constantly evolving and it The contouring the Kardashians on those areas because it will continue to do so. One of do. It’s something I would will accentuate it under the the biggest trends right now never do. flashes. If you have dry skin is the special effects make-up patches, your face needs to where they can make your leg ASIANS HAVE STARTED USING LATEX have a balance of products. look like a banana or your face TO ENHANCE THEIR FEATURES. IS THAT You can’t have too much look like a shark. It’s random A TREND IN INDIA YET? highlighter or too little of it. but creative. It requires skill Janhvi Kapoor You need to live in a climate You can’t go with a lip stain to achieve it. So the future of where that is possible. In India, on a red carpet because it will make-up is limitless. What you can do it if you live up in not photograph the way it’s people are realising is less is the hills. In Mumbai and Delhi, supposed to. more and we do have people you can’t do latex because with who love the natural look. On it on, you just cannot sweat. If MAKE-UP IS CONSTANTLY EVOLVING the other hand, there are ones you do, it will come off your WITH NEWER TRENDS LIKE WAVY who love to cake up. They want face in twenty minutes.

Sonam Kapoor INTERVIEW

SOME FOR SOMEONE WHO WEARS MAKE-UP HACKS AND REGULARLY, SKINCARE IS A PRIORITY. TRICKS LEARNT ON WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE THEM THE JOB… AS AN EXPERT? Double cleansing. You use If your hair gets micellar or make-up With Sonam Kapoor too oily and you remover on your face to don’t have time to thoroughly remove all the shampoo it, use product. Then use a mild When I went with Sonam to a dry shampoo. Cannes, I created some iconic If you don’t own milk-based or cream-based one, use a little bit cleanser to massage your looks with her. I think one of of talcum powder face to remove the excess the most popular ones is the on your scalp and product from your face. The then blast dry it one from 2016. It had the with cold air. liquor removers don’t do the exaggerated big liner with a job completely. So double If you’re cleansing is very important. berry lip and a nath (nose ring) suffering from a frizzy hair day, WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE IT’S AN ASTONISHING TREND take a little bit of MAKE-UP ARTISTS? hand cream and NEVERTHELESS. DON’T YOU THINK? massage it in your Around the world, I love It’s actually scary. When I see hand. Then apply Pat McGrath, Lisa Eldridge Korean, Chinese and Southeast it in your hair by and Kevin Aucoin. I love to Asian women doing their make- twirling it around follow them. In India, I love your fingers. It up, they stick their eyelashes to really gets rid of Clint Fernandes, Mickey the skin to make their eyes open IF YOU HAD the frizziness. Contractor, Anil Chinappa up and then wear lenses to TO PICK ONE OF and Subash Vagal. make them look bigger. Imagine YOUR FAVOURITE Learn to curl waking up next to your family LOOKS YOU’VE your eyelashes. IF YOU WERE TO PICK SOMEONE members and they don’t know DONE ON It gives your face TO WORK WITH FROM AROUND THE definition for the what you look like if you’re SONAM KAPOOR, camera. GLOBE, WHO WOULD YOU PICK? doing this every day. WHICH ONE Meryl Streep from the older WOULD IT BE? You can use generation and Lily Collins SEVERAL ACTORS ARE STARTING THEIR I’ve done so pink or red lipstick from the younger generation. OWN BUSINESSES WITH BEAUTY LINES. much on her but as a blush. when I went with DO YOU THINK IT COMES FROM BEING her to Cannes, WHO WAS THE FIRST PERSON IN THE Athiya Shetty You can use a EXPERTS OR IT JUST SHOWCASES I created some good brown eye or INDUSTRY YOU WORKED WITH? THEIR PASSION FOR MAKE-UP? iconic looks with Kajal pencil as an I think my first break was with I think it’s their passion. There her. I think one of eyebrow filler. . the most popular are some celebrities who love ones is the one make-up. I think it comes from 2016. It had from there. They do rely on the exaggerated experts to get the products big liner with a right because they have so berry lip and a nath (nose ring) Saiyami Kher much on their plates already, It was a very it’s not possible for them to sought after look know what goes in making and represented those products. But they have India beautifully. So it’s one of my enough knowledge about how all-time favourite a product should look on a face looks. and what it should feel like when applied. Sameera Reddy Nora Fateh Ali

Lisa Hayden what’s on their mind? Woman on top! I’ve always felt that sometimes women are more mature compared to guys their age. You need someone to be an anchor. A guy needs to be a man to be with me, he can’t be a boy. A man who is matured, who’s travelled the world and who’s lived and made his life himself can handle me well

Taapsee Pannu talks about life, relationships and more...

PHOTOGRAPHS: TEJINDER SINGH KHAMKHA Jacket: Swapnil Shinde COVER STORY

rl Gi r we JITESH PILLAAIWITH THE HAS TALENTED A HEART-TO-HEART| STYLIST:TAAPSEE AMANDEEP KAUR PANNU CHAT o PHOTOGRAPHS:HAIR: TEJINDER AMIT THAKUR SINGH KHAMKHA | MAKEUP: EVANIA PANNU LOCATION COURTESY: HYATT REGENCY MUMBAI p Waist coat, pants, shoes & studs: Dior She’Sfeisty, she’s a spitfire and she calls a spade a spade. Scratch beneath the surface and there’s a powerhouse inferno. She can be as soft as gossamer or as turbulent as a storm. You can see the eddies churning behind her face. Watch her as the edgy girl in or as a cool collected woman in Thappad, Taapsee Is a woman with many stories. She will show them to you on screen. Be it Mulk or Saand Ki Aankh. Everytime you are done with a Taapsee performance, you feel you know her a little bit more. That’s Tapsee’s legacy. She will connect with you and allow you into the interiors of her mind and play with your memory. She will remind you of a lost love, she will remind you of a scar in your soul and she will also show you what it is to heal. On social media, she’s nifty and her self deprecating humour makes the most corrosive people back off. And the roles that she will do, be it Haseen Dilruba and Rashmi Rocket... only attest to her talent and let you know that roles are being written with her in mind. She’s had an impressive Crop top & slit skirt: The Label Jenn track record in Tamil and Earrings: Metallurgy by Adveita Mathur Telugu too, slaying the box office charts but she’s found her true metier in the Hindi I THINK THE CHEMISTRY WORKS BEST film firmament. BECAUSE I’VE SWITCHED OFF THE An outstanding student and BUTTON IN MY HEAD THAT HE IS THE a sports woman all her life, AMITABH BACHCHAN. I TREAT HIM LIKE she’s now drawing the stares ANY OTHER YOUNG CO-STAR, BE IT as an actor to reckon with. Which just adds up as the VICKY KAUSHAL OR . right time to ask Taaspee a I DON’T TREAT HIM LIKE A DEMI-GOD, few questions. And I ask: HE DOESN’T TREAT ME LIKE SOMEONE WHO ISN’T FROM HIS GENERATION COVER STORY

YOUR RECENT HOLIDAY WAS ALL skinny. I was an extremely I WAS AN EXTREMELY OVER SOCIAL MEDIA. TELL US hyperactive kid. I used to HYPERACTIVE KID. ABOUT THAT. run around in school and I USED TO RUN AROUND This has been a tradition would later come back in my work life that after home and keep playing IN SCHOOL EVERYWHERE every film I take some whatever sport we used AND WOULD LATER time off. I plan my to play around the house. COME BACK HOME holiday according to the I’d only come back home I AND KEEP PLAYING number of days I get off. to eat and to sleep. That WHATEVER SPORTS WE So, this time when made me thin and always I finished my Tamil film hungry. The eating habits USED TO PLAY AROUND in September, I decided continued even when THE HOUSE. THAT that before I start work I’d cut down on physical MADE ME THIN AND on Haseen Dilruba I will activitiy to study before ALWAYS HUNGRY take a week off. My travel agent gave me two options - Dubai and Maldives. The Maldives, regardless of whether everything is open or not, is my favourite destination. It was just picture perfect everywhere. It was indeed like a surreal dream and I woke up after seven days.

TELL US ABOUT THIS BIKINI BODY YOU’VE MADE AND HOW HARD YOU’VE WORKED ON IT? It’s still a work in progress. I’m working towards getting the perfect sprinter’s body for Rashmi Rocket. I want to have a perfectly- muscled body. Not big muscles but lean muscles. I’m giving it all to hit the mark. I’m almost midway through the process. My fans have not seen me in bikinis because I don’t post such overtly glam photos on social media. Apart from 2, I never had the chance to show off my body. People just never imagined me to be in a bikini.

A LOT OF WOMEN, CHILDREN GO THROUGH BODY ISSUES. YOU ARE TOLD TO HAVE THE PERFECT SKIN, THE PERFECT HAIR, THE PERFECT BODY. DID YOU FACE ANY SUCH ISSUE DURING YOUR GROWING UP YEARS? I remember for the longest time in school I was

Oversized jacket: Swapnil Shinde I DON’T THINK LONG DISTANCE IS A PROBLEM. IF YOU HAVE A LIFE WHERE YOU’RE ICONSTANTLY HOPPING FROM ONE PLACE TO ANOTHER THEN WHAT’S THE POINT OF EVEN STAYING NEXT DOOR

added a lot to my personality and confidence.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR EARLY DAYS THAT HAD AN IMPACT ON YOU? I had a regular, boring childhood. I never faced extremely terrible times while growing up. Even if there were bad times, it was probably something that every middle-class family would face. You know those restrictions on how much you can do as a girl and how much you can spend as a middle- class family...It was in the eighth standard that I first set a target and achieved it. I wanted to become the head girl of the school And to top that, I was Ruffled jumpsuit: Antithesis declared the student of the Earrings: Saba Designs year at my school. That made me realise that if exams and hence I used to it in Hindi, South, for lot of physical contact I genuinely set my heart put on weight. I was never ads…nobody has pushed because then it gets ugly. on something, I can obese, but I did become me to become skinny I love playing racket sports. achieve it. It’s not that slightly overweight or anorexic. I’ve been I played badminton in I achieved everything towards the end of my fortunate that way. school. I used to participate I aimed for. I wanted to school and college. When in 100m, 200m, 400m and crack my MBA with a I entered the Hindi film YOU MENTIONED THAT YOU relay races. That gave me 90-plus percentile, which industry, many people WERE NATURALLY INCLINED whatever competitive spirit did not happen. asked me, ‘Did David TOWARDS SPORTS. and sportsmanship I have Dhawan tell you to reduce I used to play basketball as a person today. It also HOW DID YOU LAND UP IN FILMS? weight?’ Even for Judwaa for my school, which made me a team player. I’m glad that this 2, they asked me did I was forced into because I became good at handling will break the notion you lose weight? I said of my height. Otherwise, a team and at being part that actors are either nobody has asked me to I’m not into the kind of of a team. It really changed backbenchers or dropouts. reduce weight ever. Be games where you have a me as a person and I loved going to school. COVER STORY

I used to be one of films in Telugu and one the frontbenchers and MY FANS HAVE NOT film in Tamil even before genuinely liked studying. SEEN ME IN BIKINIS my first film was released. I might not have the best BECAUSE I DON’T POST The year passed, the films attendance in the last released and they turned few years because SUCH OVERTLY GLAM out to be big hits. Then, I started participating in PHOTOS ON SOCIAL there was no turning back. a lot of extra-curricular MMEDIA. APART FROM activities like dancing , I NEVER YOU SAID YOU DIDN’T GET 90 and public speaking. But, HAD THE CHANCE TO PERCENTILE, EVEN THOUGH YOU when I was in my class, SHOW MY BODY OFF. SCORED 88. ARE YOU GENERALLY I was there. That thing of HARD ON YOURSELF? giving your 100 per cent PEOPLE, IN THEIR HEAD, With a few things I am. wherever you are, I learnt JUST NEVER IMAGINED Like now, I know I have from there. ME TO BE IN A BIKINI this one chance of getting

WHICH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE WERE YOU IN? I was in Mata Jai Kaur Public School in Ashok Vihar in Delhi. Then I was in Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University for Women, Kashmiri Gate during my engineering days. I had this one year to myself after the MBA “failure”. In my head I was a failure because I didn’t cross the 90 percentile. I got 88. I thought okay I’ll take the exams again next year and score 90. Taking up a job wasn’t an option because once you join a proper job, then you don’t get back to studying. I thought let me just try these acting offers which I was getting thanks to a modelling stint that I had done during college. I ended up signing two films. I googled all the names from the offers I got. And I chose the ones I felt were most credible.

WHICH WERE THE TWO FILMS? in Tamil and in Telugu it was Jhummandi Naadam. Raghavendra Rao launched me in Telugu and Vetrimaran in Tamil. I started getting good offers. I signed a film with Prabhas. I signed two

Oversized jacket: Swapnil Shinde COVER STORY

Ruffled gown: Gauri & Nainika Bracelet: Her Story

WHO DOESN’T WANT TO ROMANCE SHAH RUKH KHAN? HE WAS MY PRODUCER FOR BADLA. HE’S THE MOST CHARMING MAN I’VE EVER COME ACROSS. EVEN THOUGH I HAD VERY LIMITED INTERACTIONS WITH HIM ON VERY LIMITED OCCASIONS BUT SOME PEOPLE JUST WHAVE THAT CHARISMA AND CHARM… HE HAS THAT the best body possible, I was devastated. Maybe WAY OF KNOWING IF IT’LL times philosophy. There’s I’m really hard on myself because it was my first WORK OUT? nothing wrong with any of right now. But when relationship and first I don’t think it’s a it. I reckon with so much I don’t want something, relationships are always foolproof way. I don’t adventure happening in no matter how tempting, special. But after that, think anything is. I’ve my professional life, I’d I will not care. I was like I can’t let this seen people who’ve lived want to keep it safe in my affect me so much. Now in or have dated for a long personal life. WHAT IS YOUR TAKE ON I make sure the ending time, but are still not 100 ROMANCE? WHAT WAS YOUR is mutual and amicable. per cent sure that they’ll DO FIRANG BOYFRIENDS MAKE FOR FIRST ROMANCE LIKE? Even if I’m calling it off, remain In a relationship. BETTER LOVERS? ARE THEY MORE It happened when I was it’s a logical calling off. Live-in relationships EVOLVED THAN INDIAN MEN? in the ninth standard. I might have had many work when you know Obviously, they are However, this guy broke relationships back to the person from morning culturally different. off as he wanted to back but they were all to night. Some people Things like being concentrate on his tenth. committed relationships. who like adventures in answerable to and There were no mobile life, jump into it without expectations are phones back then. WHAT ARE YOUR VIEWS ON a clue. They have this, different... it’s not the I called him from a PCO A LIVE-IN RELATIONSHIP? let’s-just-get-into-it- and- same when you’re with an and cried my heart out. DO YOU FEEL IT’S A FOOLPROOF we’ll-sail-through-the- Indian guy. And another COVER STORY

thing that matters, in my case particularly, is the age. The age difference also decides how mature the other person is. I feel that women are more mature compared to guys their age. You need someone to be an anchor. A guy needs to be a man to be with me, he can’t be a boy. A man who is matured, who’s travelled the world and who’s lived and made his life himself can handle me well.

YOU ARE PRETTY OPEN ABOUT YOUR RELATIONSHIP, WHICH IS HEALTHY... I’ve never been in denial. But, I’ve not gone out and talked about him (Mathias Boe). Because I’ve noticed that whenever I’ve spoken about him the headlines become more about him than me and that overrides my professional life. I’ve been pretty much open. The families know about it as well. I met him during one of the badminton matches. I was a spectator, he was a player there. We ended up chatting on Twitter a little bit and then we met each other. Since then, it’s Waist coat, pants, shoes & studs: Dior

I HAD THESE BIG been stable, nice, happy, WHAT ARE THE DO’S AND DON’T calm. No baggage, no IN A RELATIONSHIP? ARTICLES WRITTEN burden relationship. Infidelity is something ABOUT ME SAYING HOW that I’ve been very honest I’M A BAD LUCK CHARM. DO LONG-DISTANCE RELATIONSHIPS about. That doesn’t work. I JUST KEPT THINKING COME WITH THEIR OWN SET If you’re feeling the urge THAT THIS IS NOT THE OF PROBLEMS? to go somewhere else I don’t think long distance that means something END OF MY LIFE. I’M AN is a problem. If you is not perfect here and ENGINEER, AND I CAN have a life where you’re you’re more than happy ISTILL DO MY MBA. HOPE constantly hopping from to walk off. But don’t be GETS KILLED NOT JUST one place to another then dishonest. You shouldn’t BY YOUR OWN SADNESS, what’s the point of even be scared of telling the BUT ALSO BY THE HATE staying next door. If I other person something work normally throughout just because you fear YOU ARE SURROUNDED the year, I’m probably at you’ll lose them. A lot of BY AND GIVE IN TO home for 60 days in total. people ask me that you’re COVER STORY in a profession where me against it because I’VE SEEN PEOPLE there are a lot of good- there might be a point of WHO’VE LIVED IN OR looking men around, don’t no return. Whenever a girl you feel the need or the has tried to do women- HAVE DATED FOR A temptation to give in? driven films there’s a LONG TIME, BUT ARE tag that’s attached to her STILL NOT 100 PER ARE THERE GOOD-LOOKING and male stars are then CENT SURE THAT GUYS AROUND? hesitant to take her as I THEY’LL REMAIN IN Well, let’s just say good their leading lady. It might A RELATIONSHIP. looks are a subjective be a little harder, longer thing so we can always journey but it’s going to be LIVE-IN RELATIONSHIPS debate on that. But, you one that I’m going to enjoy WORK WHEN YOU KNOW should always realise each day. It has worked THE PERSON FROM what is at stake. Is that out till now. MORNING TO NIGHT worth losing for this? I always weigh the stakes Crop top & slit skirt: The Label Jenn and so far, I’ve never had Earrings: Metallurgy an experience where by Adveita Mathur I found it was worth it.

IT’S BEEN ALMOST A DECADE FOR YOU IN THE MOVIES. HOW HAVE YOU COPED WITH THE SEXISM, MISOGYNY AND ALL OF THAT? I faced some really weird things in the beginning like she isn’t pretty enough. I’ve been replaced because the hero’s wife didn’t want me to be part of the film. I was dubbing for one of my films and I was told that the hero didn’t like my dialogue so I should change it. When I refused to change it, they got a dubbing artiste to do it behind my back. There was a time when I was told the hero’s previous film didn’t work, so you slash your price because we need to control the budget. There was some hero who wanted my introduction scene changed because he felt it would overpower his introduction scene. These are the things that have happened in front of me, I don’t know what’s happened behind my back. I decided that from now on, I will only take up films that will make me genuinely happy to go to work. People advised COVER STORY

YOU’VE BEEN ACTIVE ON SOCIAL I LOVED GOING TO HOW DOES THIS SEVEN MONTH MEDIA IN TERMS OF SAYING SCHOOL. I MIGHT FORCED SABBATICAL FEEL TO SOMETHING YOU REALLY BELIEVE YOU? DO YOU FEEL THIS IS LIKE A IN. SOMETIMES, DO YOU FEEL IT NOT HAVE THE BEST SECOND COMING FOR ALL OF US? WOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER IF ATTENDANCE IN THE I hope it is. I don’t THERE WERE NO SOCIAL MEDIA? LAST FEW YEARS know the elasticity of I like to see the brighter BECAUSE I STARTED the human mind if it’ll side of things. But, I instantly snap back to PARTICIPATING IN A LOT obviously, there are how it was or it’ll learn moments where I’m OF EXTRA-CURRICULAR and change from whatever frustrated and irritated ACTIVITIES LIKE it has experienced. I just thinking why the hell DANCING AND PUBLIC know that nothing lasts do we have to be here? SPEAKING. BUT, WHEN forever and no plan is But becuse of a few bad I WAS IN MY CLASS, foolproof. It already feels things that come on social I WAS THERE like it was a weird dream media, I’m not going to give up on the good.

EVERY ONE OF US IS DEPRESSED OR LOW AT SOME POINT. HAVE YOU EVER GONE THROUGH SOMETHING WHERE YOU HAD TO SEEK THERAPY OR MEET A COUNCILLOR? I had these articles written about me saying how I’m a bad luck charm. I just kept thinking that this is not the end of my life. So what if this didn’t work? I’m an engineer, and I can still do my MBA. The problem is that hope gets killed not just by your own sadness, but also by the hate you are surrounded by and give in to. Social media has generated so much hate, I call it illusional hate. Illusional because it is virtual. When I had gone to the Maldives, it was after six- seven months of sitting at home, where your only medium of talking to people was social media and you saw so much hate day in day out that you started believing there’s so much hatred everywhere. But I almost teared up with the kind of love those people showered over me in Maldives, It made me realise the difference between virtual and real.

Ruffled jumpsuit: Antithesis Earrings: Saba Designs COVER STORY

WORRIED THAT YOU MIGHT CONTRACT THE ILLNESS? I was worried if I could still act. You know because it’s like a muscle. You don’t exercise the muscle, it rusts. I chose a Tamil film to get back with. I didn’t speak Tamil for like the longest time ever. So, I was worried. But then it went fine. That was the only worry, not the illness.

WHAT ARE YOUR BIGGEST POINTERS THAT MAKE YOU SAY YES TO A FILM? Will I spend my hard- earned money and time in the theatre watching this film purely as an audience? Will I have a nice time on the set? Will I learn something new? Will I have fun with the character? With the people, I’m working with in the film? Will I be proud to show this film to my kids? All the films I’ve done in Hindi at least in the last three years fit into this criteria.

TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR UPCOMING FILMS - RASHMI ROCKET AND HASEEN DILRUBA. Haseen Dilruba is a romantic thriller, , who wrote Manmarziyaan, has written Ruffled gown: Gauri & Nainika it, so you can expect a Bracelet: Her Story lot of crazy characters. Rashmi Rocket is a film SPORTS GAVE or sleep paralysis that I that is inspired by several was in for those five-six true events which have ME WHATEVER months. I want to move happened in sports. I’m COMPETITIVE SPIRIT beyond it. I still have the playing a sprinter so most AND SPORTSMANSHIP notes of my recipes. I still of it is inspired from a I HAVE AS A PERSON have the YouTube links sprinter’s life. Someone TODAY. I BECAME GOOD of those recipes which wanted me to do this film keep reminding me that it in Tamil. I read the script AT HANDLING A TEAM happened for real, where I and felt this is a story that AND AT BEING PART was standing in the kitchen should be told to the whole SOF A TEAM. IT REALLY for like 5-6 hours everyday country. That’s when CHANGED ME AS A cooking all the three meals. I got a producer on board to PERSON AND ADDED A pick up the script LOT TO MY PERSONALITY WHEN YOU WENT ON THE SETS FOR and then got it written as a THE FIRST TIME AFTER pan-Indian film. AND CONFIDENCE THE PANDEMIC, WERE YOU Apart from that, I’m COVER STORY

INFIDELITY IS SOMETHING THAT I’VE BEEN VERY HONEST ABOUT. THAT DOESN’T IWORK. IF YOU’RE FEELING THE URGE TO GO SOMEWHERE ELSE THAT MEANS SOMETHING IS NOT PERFECT HERE AND YOU’RE MORE THAN HAPPY TO WALK OFF

Thappad, I had so many women who were around but none of this ever happened.

TAKE A MANMARZIYAAN AND THAPPAD. THERE IS A BIG CHANGE IN YOUR BODY LANGUAGE. HOW DO YOU ACHIEVE THAT KIND OF METAMORPHOSIS? Manmarziyaan required instability in the head, mind and body language. Thappad required an extremely stable mind and body to pull off the role. Obviously, it’s the actor’s job to deliver both the extremes. I’ve led a normal life in a regular household where I’ve seen these kinds Waist coat, pants, of characters around in shoes & studs: Dior person. My upbringing has made it really easy doing the Hollywood scenario especially for the screen, but people also for me to play these real film Run Lola Run’s me. I remember writing spoke about it to us off- characters. adaptation in Hindi which a long mushy message to screen as well. They had is called Loop Lapeta. It’s a her (Bhumi Pednekar). never seen two actresses THERE IS TALK THAT YOU’RE DOING quirky modern-age thriller Telling her that we both promoting their film like A FILM WITH SHAH RUKH KHAN AND comedy. know what we’re trying we did. We both gave it all HIRANI DIRECTING IT. to attempt here is crazy. we had. All those things of The day I sign the film, I WHEN YOU DID A TWO-HEROINE And from the looks of it fighting with each other, will be on my roof shouting FILM, THERE WAS TALK YOU’D BE not many would have had I don’t know from where and screaming. Who CLAWING EACH OTHER’S EYES OUT... the courage to get into it it started and what really doesn’t want to romance I have not seen anyone because we knew how gave them air. My personal Shah Rukh Khan? He was clawing at the other nor many people said no to our experience of working my producer for Badla. I have done it myself. roles before we got into it. with actress be it Bhumi or He’s the most charming In Saand Ki Aankh, it The kind of chemistry we even Jacqueline Fernandez man I’ve ever come across. was a totally opposite had was not only visible on in Judwaa 2 or even in Even though I had very COVER STORY

limited interactions with him on very limited occasions... but some people have that charm… he has that. I think if I get the chance to share the screen with him, I’ll just be looking at him and admiring him in between shots... And … I will be shouting from my terrace the day I sign it. But until something is confirmed, I’m not going to talk about it.

WHAT ABOUT MR BACHCHAN? ARE YOU DOING A THIRD FILM WITH HIM? I feel blessed that I’ve got the chance to work with him twice. When you think about an Amitabh Bachchan film early in your career, you think it’ll be an Amitabh Bachchan film. To get some pretty substantial parts to play opposite or next to him is a big deal. I think the chemistry works best because I’ve switched off the button in my head that he is the Amitabh Bachchan. I treat him like any other young co-star, be it Vicky Kaushal or Varun Dhawan. I don’t treat him like a demi-god, he doesn’t Ruffled jumpsuit: Antithesis Earrings: Saba Designs

BEFORE PINK, I ALWAYS USED TO SAY I WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO CRY ON CAMERA. WHEN I STARTED WORKING FOR PINK, I DIDN’T USE GLYCERINE AT ALL. I JUST BRAINWASHED MYSELF INTO THINKING THAT THAT INCIDENT HAS HAPPENED TO ME

Btreat me like someone who He just keeps evolving HAVE YOU HAD ANY OUT OF BODY I didn’t use glycerine at isn’t from his generation. every year. His dedication EXPERIENCE WHILE ACTING? HAS IT all. I just brainwashed We end up having a good towards trying to explore CHANGED YOU SOMEWHERE? myself into thinking that conversation sitting next new kinds of stories and I discovered a new side of that incident has happened to each other. That really genres, at this age, when me when I was doing Pink. to me. Then, every scene brings out the best in both he could just relax is Before Pink, I always used came naturally. All that of us. The most important something that most of us to say I will never be able choking up was natural. thing I learnt was you’re in today’s generation can to cry on camera. When I’ve been trying to push the never too old to learn. learn from. I started working for Pink, envelope ever since. SHOOTINGINTERVIEW

STRAIGHTMANOJ BAJPAYEE GIVES SOME DIRECT ANSWERS TO RAGHUVENDRA SINGH’S QUERIES is an unconventional star. and that took care of stopping you from MANOJ BAJPAYEE He still retains the earthy everything. joining politics? fragrance of despite having spent half his life in Mumbai. He yearns Stopping me from to spend time in his native village, away from the madding city. Though We heard of so many joining politics? he’s candid enough to admit that even there, everyone is constantly heart-wrenching Nothing. It has on their phones these days. And ugly mobile towers have cropped up stories during the never occurred to me everywhere, killing the serenity of a village landscape. On the professional pandemic. People to get into politics. front, the actor was hugely appreciated for playing a counter-terrorism suffered a lot but Good I have left everything, expert in The Family Man. His character leads a double life — a loving Samaritans too came sacrificed everything husband and a caring father while at home and an expert field officer forward to help... to become an actor. trained to execute baddies, outside. He also released his first Bhojpuri This has been a Why should I leave rap single, Bambai mein ka ba, recently over the internet. The song talks difficult time for it for anything? I will about the hardships faced by the migrant workers and has become quite the country, society never leave it. I don’t a rage. Another thing which hasn’t changed with Manoj is his ability to call and especially for think I’m good at a spade a spade. Excerpts from a honest and candid interview... the daily-wage anything else. workers. Many people have come What’s your take on forward and helped. the happenings in How did the idea of Some needed a Bollywood? Do you feel doing a Bhojpuri rap little prodding and the industry is being take place? others just kept at it targeted for political The idea came from from day one. I’ve purposes? . We nothing but praise What’s happening were just talking for even the smallest to the Hindi about Bhojpuri songs amount of help film industry is and he sent me a given. We’ve got a unfortunate. It’s poem written by long way to go still being targeted by Dr Sagar. I loved it as this isn’t going various sources and he asked me to With Anubhav SInha because it’s a soft sing it. Though Rapping away target. The manner I was a little hesitant then sent me a ticket in which the media at first, I agreed to for Mumbai because has gone on attacking give it a try. We did he was casting for a the industry is a rehearsal and the series with Parashar. condemnable. next day we recorded That was the second Alleging that the it. It gave me a lot time I sat in a plane. entire film industry of satisfaction to I was selected for is into drugs, do something in that series but that has hurt me Bhojpuri for the first unfortunately, things personally. This time. We’re both didn’t materialize. overwhelmed by After that I never AFTER 26 YEARS, IF I’M BEING CAST IN BIG BANNER FILMS the response. left Mumbai. AND IF I’M ABLE TO DO JUSTICE TO MY ROLES, THEN WHY Do you have any plans How did you shoot the SHOULD MY SALARY NOT INCREASE? I WANT TO KNOW WHY of doing a film with rap song during the OTHER ACTORS ARE NOT ASKED SUCH KINDS OF QUESTIONS Anubhav Sinha? lockdown? Anubhav and I go We shot for seven precautions were to go away quickly. industry belongs to back a long way. hours. Everyone was otherwise in place. We need to hold us too, people like We’ve known each wearing masks and If I saw anyone hands and take care me who have left other since our using sanitizers on getting irritated by of one another and their villages, their theatre days when he the set. I was the the mask and taking be ready for a long parents to make a left his engineering only one without a it off, I’d refuse to fight ahead. name for themselves job and joined me mask since I was in go in front of the here. If a few people for a play for Mandi front of the camera. camera until the Recently, you said that have gotten into House in Delhi. Sometimes Anubhav mask was back on. it’s been twenty years drugs, it doesn’t After that, he left for would take off his All in all, everyone since you’ve been mean that everyone Mumbai to assist mask because he had was concerned getting invitations from is an addict. I’ll Pankuj Parashar. He to instruct me. All about one another political parties. What’s never participate in INTERVIEW

AFTER SATYA, I INCURRED CONTINUOUS DIRECT OR INDIRECT ATTACKS ON MYSELF. BLIND ITEMS WERE A THING BACK THEN AS WELL. I HAVE FACED POLITICS ON MANY LEVELS WHICH I’VE EITHER IGNORED OR CONQUERED

conversations where you start attacking individuals without any proof or if you start painting the entire industry with the same brush. Hence, I’ve stayed away from such The Family Man Bhonsle debates. The film industry has done bigger than what’s as my strength? prowess over Hindi screaming out so much for the going on in the I think everyone but I’m not alone loud that it wants country and is the industry. should learn a little in this. Actors like to become more true representative of bit of Hindi. This Ashutosh (Rana), professional and India abroad and yet You are one of the few will make them Nawaz (Nawazuddin transparent. I’m for some people want to actors who ask for a navigate their work Siddiqui) and equal opportunities tarnish its reputation script in Hindi. What in a better way. But Pankaj (Tripathi), for all in terms of and bring it down. are the side effects of I do not blame them for example, are merit. The small- being a Hindi speaker because if they have also well versed in budget films too Do you think it’s a ploy in showbiz? been raised in an both written and should get a good to divert attention from I have studied in English-speaking spoken Hindi. release. Every the pandemic and the . environment then artiste, every failing economy? I like to express they’ll find reading Is there a scope filmmaker should It’s important to talk myself in it, I am and speaking Hindi for change in Hindi be treated with about things which proud of it. I work a bit difficult. I don’t cinema? Also how respect. That’ll be a matter to crores of in the Hindi film want to engage in can the Hindi belt true change alright. people. And I’m industry. Shouldn’t a language war here. contribute towards it? As far as the Hindi sure there are other I count on my To each his own. (Laughs) The Hindi belt is concerned, matters of concern knowledge of Hindi I’m proud of my film industry is the contribution of INTERVIEW

of such things and To be fair, back then concentrate on doing I didn’t even know good work. Hard how to act in such work, talent and luck big-budget films. can take you places. I thought I’d rather stick to the directors, If you were to give to the cinema I’m your younger self comfortable with. some advice, what Now after 26 years, would it be? if I’m being cast in I give myself big-banner films advice when I and if I’m able to do find out that I’ve justice to my roles, made an avoidable then why should my mistake. After salary not increase? Satya, I incurred I want to know why continuous direct other actors are not or indirect attacks asked such kinds of on myself. Blind questions. If budgets items were a thing have increased, the back then as well. salaries of other I faced politics on stars have increased, many levels which then you can’t expect I either ignored or me to work on the conquered. I’ve same money as always been a I did when I started fighter and hence out. And I still look I sustained. Someone at a film’s overall else would have budget and then been broken by now. tell them about my I’m proud of my remuneration. I’ve ‘attitude’ as having never been unfair to the people belonging an attitude helps my producers. to that belt is in this industry. invaluable. I’m sure And I’m grateful for Ego is said to be newcomers from that the support of my our biggest enemy. belt will continue to audience who always Did you ever see make the industry stood by me through yourself falling prey a better place. everything. to your ego? It is not known when Which myth about the How true is the fact self-esteem changes film industry did you that in the early days into ego in this battle. believe in, when you of your career, you gave There is a thin line started out? less importance to between self-respect I thought it was one money. But now you and ego. I’d like to big, happy family. don’t compromise on believe I took care But it’s broken into your fees? of that in time. Look, groups. Sometimes, In the earlier times, there was no one else your relatives get I didn’t see money to guide me and I did envious of your as my motive what I thought best. success. That’s what With wife Neha and daughter Ava Nayla since I was busy I never bowed down you see in your own I NEVER BOWED DOWN TO POWER establishing myself. to power and always families as well AND ALWAYS WORKED ON MY TERMS The kind of films worked on my terms so it didn’t shock I did simply didn’t and conditions. me much. Might is AND CONDITIONS. I THINK IT WAS have mega budgets. I think it was self- right and that’s true SELF-ESTEEM AT PLAY BUT IF SOMEONE And no one was esteem at play but if here as well. But casting me in someone brands it as one mustn’t think BRANDS IT AS EGO, THEN SO BE IT big-banner films. ego, then so be it. INTERVIEWThey’ll always have

ParisIN A HEART-TO-HEART TALK WITH VEDANSHI PATHAK, SANJANA SANGHI SHARES HER MEMORIES OF THE LATE SUSHANT SINGH RAJPUT he untimely set. So much that he used demise of to send his spot boy over actor Sushant to her van to spy on her. Singh Rajput If he felt that she was Tleft behind a stinging preparing for the scene silence for days. What more than him, he used then erupted was a social to send over some exotic media movement to seek coffee or some book with justice for him and let a note that she should truth triumph. Amidst relax and take it easy for the chaos, his last film a while. She used to lock was released herself up initially so as online. Breaking several to not get distracted but records with its digital later took his pranks in release, the film was her stride. She points out received with a never- that your co-stars are your seen-before adulation. The emotional support on the film, an adaptation of the sets and with time become Hollywood hit The Fault just like family. You learn In Our Stars, co-starred to live with their quirks Sanjana Sanghi alongwith and appreciate them for Sushant. The young lass the people they are. She became an overnight remembers watching the sensation because of it. galaxies with Sushant through his telescope in the night. The telescope used to be parked up on the terrace of their hotel and whenever they didn’t I’m not interested in the galaxies as much as he (Sushant) was, he used to watch the stars twinkling and I remember his eyes twinkling and that’s what Dil Bechara used to excite me

While she does feel elated reliving the tragic too much humility in his have night shoots, they’d with the success, Sanjana moments all over again. own craft and way too go up to look at the stars. has yet to come to terms At 23, she hasn’t yet much respect for other “I’m not interested in with Sushant’s death. She faced the death of close people’s craft to ever make the galaxies as much as tries to process it in words ones. She doesn’t know it seem like hey, you are he was, but he used to but fails. Her eyes mist what it feels like to lose this novice and you don’t watch the stars twinkling over, her lips tremble as someone permanently. know your thing, instead and I remember his eyes she reflects, “I’m trying Sushant is the first it was that I am seeing you twinkling and that’s to gain the strength to friend she has lost. work so hard and I am so what used to excite me. talk about him in the past Understandably, it feels proud of you, I’m going I really cared about what tense. Somehow I’m not like the end of the world to do everything I can to he cared about...” strong enough to go back to her right now. She make your scene better,” She asserts that they to that dreadful Sunday, hopes that God will one she recalls. never had a difference like I call it, because that’s day balance it all out. She has lots of fun of opinion on the sets. what it was. My phone Sushant was senior to memories associated with According to her, Sushant started blasting at like 100 her in the industry. But the shoot of Dil Bechara. was an accommodating calls a minute. It was one according to her, he never She mentions how both actor open to suggestions of the worst afternoons of made her feel like a rookie she and Sushant were from everyone. She my life,” she shudders, on the sets. “He had way super competitive on the describes him as someone INTERVIEW

she thought he was pulling her leg. She was bowled over by Rahman’s dedication. He kept on polishing things over, adding little nuances, enriching the score with every addition he made. “He would make the background score, but he would be like I need two more months because I want to add to it. We were just the luckiest people in the world.” She also finds parallels in her own life and the film’s tracks. She explains that art is subjective and changes with context. Emotions gush out of her like a waterfall created by sudden showers. “The line ‘maza hai ya saza hai ye’ today has a whole different meaning as opposed to when we were shooting the film. I want to ask lyricist about whether he has realised how the words he has written reflect the sheer

With Sushant and who’d go so far deep from Manny and become you’re saying is in I’m trying to into a character that he’d someone else, we’d each other’s best forget everything else. At reached a place where interest,” she muses. gain the strength the same time, there were I didn’t have to think to talk about times he’d end up doing twice before saying, eing a newcomer, Sushant in something that wasn’t ‘Sushant I think you she was super required for the scene. should tone it down’ and excited to learn the past tense. And if Sanjana caught it, he could tell me the same. that AR Rahman Somehow I’m not she’d tell him so because We’d reached that place wasB giving the music of strong enough to he didn’t have an ego and once you reach that her debut film. When about it. “If I felt that in then regrets aren’t a thing. director Mukesh Chhabra go back to that a scene he’d gone away You know that whatever first told her about it, dreadful Sunday INTERVIEW

gutting irony of our lives today. I am dying to meet Mukesh sir and share these emotions with him. It’s too weird and surreal,” she adds, pouring out her wonder, her grief.

ctors are a strange lot. They get to experience weird thingsA while on the sets. Sometimes, they’re known to get sick while enacting a scene and it happened with her and Sushant as well. They would feel physically unwell before difficult scenes. She recalls how when they were shooting amidst biting cold in a cemetery in , her nose started bleeding in the middle of an emotional scene. “Sushant, who was giving me my cues, noticed it and called for a cut. He gave me his handkerchief to wipe off the blood. I wanted to tell Sushant about how he helped me, how he has done well in the film, how I think it’s his best work till now... I wish I hadn’t waited for the release...

I was so engrossed in those moments. so many things to with some sort of closure the scene that I didn’t Sanjana has the habit Sushant but decided to because through them, even notice. He was so of jotting down her save them for after the she feels she’s telling him worried he made me lie memories in a diary. She release. And sadly, he what she felt about him. down and called for an felt awful when they passed away before that “I wanted to tell him ice-pack. Odd things kept couldn’t release the film could happen. But her about how he helped me, happening throughout the on May 8 as planned interviews are giving her how he has done well in shooting but we held each because of the pandemic. a chance to share what the film, how I think it’s other’s hand throughout She took to penning her she felt about Sushant, his best work till now... it all.” Her eyes become thoughts to come to terms and about his character, I wish I hadn’t waited for moist again as she relives with it. She wanted to say Manny. They provide her the release...” INTERVIEW TWILIGHT VETERAN SWATILEKHA SENGUPTA WILL SOON BE SEEN IN BELA SHURU. RAGHUVENDRA SINGH ZONE CHATS WITH THE TIMELESS ACTOR atyajit Ray aficionados would remember Swatilekha Sengupta as the comely wife caught in a love triangle between her rich husband () and his freedom-fighter friend in Ghare Baire (1985). The film showed her caught in a whirlwind of emotions as she had to choose between her sedate husband and the charismatic admirer. ItS was a sensitive performance and won her admiration on the festival circuit. Her lip-lock with Soumitra in the film did ruffle a few feathers. Negative reviews of her performance at home affected her strongly and she didn’t sign a film for close to 30 years after that. She was recently seen in Bela Seshe (2015, The End) directed by and Shiboprosad Mukherjee. In this she was reunited with Soumitra. The 70-year-old actor, who is known more for her plays than films, suffered a heart attack some time ago. The actrress is better now. And she's excited about her upcoming movie Bela Shuru (The Beginning).Starring her and Soumitra Chatterjee once again, the film is a sort of spiritual successor to the team’s earlier film. Excerpts from an interview with Swatilekha – a Sangeet Natak Akademi Award winner, who has lost none of her pizzazz to the passage of time.

SATYAJIT RAY WAS TAGORE, PICASSO, BEETHOVEN, ALL ROLLED INTO ONE. HE WAS A FINE ARTIST TOO. HE USED TO PAINT ALL HIS SCENES BEFORE SHOOTING THEM. HE USED TO EVEN PAINT THE SAREES OF HIS FEMALE CHARACTERS

day I was to meet Ray. I to be bought according to walked 14 kilometres to the painting. He himself reach his place. When he searched for the Victoria opened the door, he looked brand cigarettes just for one like he’d seen a ghost. shot in Ghare Baire. Also, He said, “How could you there’s a little box of jewels With Soumitra Chatterjee in Bela Seshe come today? Everything in the film. He hired that is closed.” I said, “Okay, box for 8000 rupees for one A GIRL FROM role in the play. But Satyajit I’ll go back.” He said, “No, day. But he never wasted WOULD’VE TRAVELLED Ray watched it and he no, sit.” He started making money on taking retakes. TO MUMBAI AND NOT wanted me to play Bimala my sketches and said, He was kanjoos. He was KOLKATA TO BE AN in Ghare Baire (1985). “You’re my heroine.” He a one-take director. ACTRESS. WHAT MADE gave me the script of Ghare I was in touch with him YOU DO THE CONTRARY? DO YOU REMEMBER YOUR Baire, which was based even after the film. But I came here in 1975-76 FIRST MEETING WITH on ’s I was shy about showing after completing my MA ? novel of the same name. how important he was for from Allahabad University. I didn’t want to take my me. I’d tell him, “Manikda I was always interested in final exams in school. WHAT WAS SATYAJIT RAY please forgive me. But theatre. Eventually, I joined So I’d written a letter to LIKE AS A PERSON AND I can’t do this, 'Dada, the group (she Ray saying, “Please take AS A FILMMAKER? Dada' business all the worked under the direction me in your film, I don’t He was Tagore, Picasso, time. Whatever there is for of , want to do this exam.” Beethoven, all rolled you, it’s in my heart. I can’t one of the founders, whom But I didn’t get any reply. into one. He was a fine express it.” He said, “But she later married). Sombhu Years later, I got a call from artist too. He used to how will I know that you Mitra was an icon of the actor Rabi Ghosh saying paint all his scenes before want to do another film.” theatre world at that time. Satyajit Ray wants to meet shooting them. He used I said, “That’s true. I want I did German dramatist you. I didn’t believe him. to even paint the blouse to do another film.” But he Bertolt Brecht’s Galileo But eventually I agreed. and sarees of his female passed away before that. with him. I hardly had any There was a bandh the characters. The fabric used It was sad. INTERVIEW

With Soumitra Chatterjee in Bela Shuru MY HUSBAND (RUDRAPRASAD SENGUPTA, FOUNDER OF THEATRE GROUP NANDIKAR) IS ABSOLUTELY LIKE VISHWANATH, PLAYED BY SOUMITRADA (CHATTERJEE) IN BELA SHURU. HE'S THE GREATEST FEMINIST OF THE TEAM

DIDN’T YOU HAVE Benarasi saree for the red Just move ahead’. With and a costume designer. ANY QUALMS ABOUT carpet. I picked my best stress, my skin turned She used to play the piano THE KISSING SCENE IN one. When the film started, bad. He took me to a lady and sing beautifully. My THE FILM? it was the first time I was (counsellor) for a sitting. He , Anukul Chandra Well, I just couldn’t say seeing myself on the big did everything possible to Banerjee from Allahabad, no to Satyajit Ray. screen. I thought I was the make me feel better. was like my second father. ugliest woman around. He told people she’s my He introduced me to ANY MEMORIES OF THE But the audience loved most intelligent actress theatre. My mother was GHARE BAIRE PREMIERE the film. When we were till date. more interested in me AT CANNES? leaving the theatre, doing theatre than in me American actor Bette Davis several women hugged CINEMA NEVER taking exams. I had was travelling in the same and kissed me. ATTRACTED YOU MUCH a unique childhood. plane with us. When we AFTERWARDS? got down in Paris to change THE PRESS IN KOLKATA It attracted me. But I YOU NEVER AIMED FOR planes, we got served small WASN’T KIND TOWARDS believed I didn’t have the HINDI CINEMA? cakes, which I relished. YOUR PERFORMANCE… looks for cinema. Also, It just didn’t happen. I knew I shouldn’t be eating They wrote any kind of I guess people were afraid Also, I’m not that kind so many of them. But rubbish they wanted to. of my forthright ways and of a person, who’d thrust I couldn’t control myself. Every time I got those nasty of my stature in theatre. myself on people. Everything was new to me. letters, Satyajit Ray would Theatre is something I’ve The room I was staying send me a personal letter done since the age of five. HINDI FILM ACTORS in had a warm water bed. saying, ‘This happens with My mother, Roma Haldar, YOU ADMIRE… I was asked to wear a everyone, don’t worry. was a theatre personality Most of them. Starting INTERVIEW

WHEN I SAW MYSELF ON THE BIG SCREEN AT THE PREMIERE OF GHARE BAIRE AT CANNES, I THOUGHT I WAS THE UGLIEST WOMAN AROUND. BUT THE AUDIENCE LOVED THE FILM. WHEN WE WERE LEAVING THE THEATRE, SEVERAL WOMEN HUGGED AND KISSED ME With directors Shibhoprosad Mukherjee and Nandita Roy on the set of Bela Shuru from Amitabh Bachchan Sohini Sen Gupta. to Shah Rukh Khan and Previously, I used to be Aamir Khan. Amitabh a little racist. But she’s Bachchan liked Bela changed me. Seshe and he sent me a letter, which I’ve DO RELATIONSHIPS preserved. I always LACK DEPTH TODAY? wanted to meet Mr People today live only for Bachchan. Unfortunately, themselves. They don’t I haven’t been able to yet. have time for others. The world has changed for HOW WAS THE better or for worse. I’ve EXPERIENCE OF WORKING lived in a better world. WITH NANDITA ROY AND Ghare Baire SHIBOPROSAD MUKHERJEE YOU HAVE DONE SEVERAL AGAIN IN BELA SHURU films. I’m happy working ABOUT CHANGING PLAYS WITH YOUR AFTER BELA SESHE? with him again. RELATIONSHIPS WITH DAUGHTER, SOHINI. I love them. Nandita is CHANGING TIMES... WHAT ABOUT FILMS? extremely loving. She WHAT WAS YOUR Love is forever. These She’s a good actress. takes care of me. She PROCESS TO GET INTO days, of course, the I’d love to do a film with promised me saying, THE CHARACTER OF AN meaning of love has her. My only hope is “This will be a cakewalk ALZHEIMER’S PATIENT IN changed. Love’s a Shibo. Except him, no for you. You just BELA SHURU? personal and deep one will think of casting a concentrate on your part. Attending workshops was emotion. It differs from 70-year-old like me. What Leave the rest to me.” the main thing. Shibo person to person. My Shibo has done for artistes is also from theatre. husband is absolutely like like me, I’ll never forget. BELA SHURU IS YOUR So he understands the Vishwanath, the character THIRD FILM WITH importance of a workshop. from Bela Shuru, which THEATRE SEEMS SOUMITRA CHATTERJEE... Shibo makes us read the Soumitrada is playing. TO BE YOUR FIRST When we did Ghare script over and over and He’s the greatest feminist AND LAST LOVE... Baire, Soumitra was a over again. He’s never of our team in Nandikar. When I suffered a heart great name. I was nothing. satisfied until we grasp He has written several attack, all my students, I felt proud acting with the right attitude. feminist plays. He even my seniors, came to see him. After Bela Seshe, has a cameo in Bela me. But no one turned up he asked people why BELA SESHE AND BELA Shuru. I’ve also learnt from the cinema world. I wasn’t being offered SHURU BOTH TALK a lot from my daughter, Theatre feels like family. n ONE DIRECTION DIRECTOR FARUK KABIR IS ON A HIGH AFTER THE SUCCESS OF KHUDA HAAFIZ. SUMAN SHARMA ENGAGES HIM IN A FREEWHEELING CONVERSATION

irector and actor as an assistant director to well. Recently he was in Faruk Kabir is in Phir Bhi Dil news for his film Khuda an industry kid. Hai Hindustani and then REJECTIONS Haafiz starring Vidyut His maternal in Asoka. MOTIVATE YOU TO Jammwal and Shivaleeka D grandfather, , was a He made his directorial Oberoi, which reportedly well-known character actor. debut with a short film, DO BETTER, WORK did well on the OTT His uncle, Raza Murad, The Awakening, in 2006 HARDER. ONE circuit. He isn’t new to the too is an actor and so is his which starred Ajay Devgn. OTT space. In fact, he can sister, Sanober Kabir. His His debut as a feature film SHOULDN’T GET be said to be one of the mother Sabhia is a costume director was Allah Ke pioneers exploring this designer. Faruk started Banday (2010), which he DISHEARTENED new platform. He came up his career at a young age directed and acted in as BY THEM with a horror web series called Shockers, starring , , Rajat Barmecha, , and Amyra Dastur for in 2016. He also directed AbNormal for Zee5.

aruk says he loves to make real-life stories. His first film Allah Ke Banday F was based on a newspaper report he read. AbNormal was based on the struggle of the LGBTQ activists. “I go forward with the belief that if a real-life story compels me to weave a film around it then it’s a story worth telling. And I incorporate my own feelings towards that story while making With the film. The finished product is a mixture of ADS HELP YOU fiction and reality mixed with my perceptions,” BECOME BETTER he explains. Intrestingly, STORYTELLERS AS YOU he decided to make a love story with Vidyut, HAVE TO CONVEY THE who is a bonafide action MESSAGE IN A SHORT star. Faruk says he saw something in Vidyut that SPAN OF TIME. THEY went beyond the popular perception. Though the HELP YOU PUSH THE film had action, Faruk Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani ENVELOPE convinced Vidyut that the film won’t showcase his in and out of the hospital about family, about friends, has stopped working and standard action moves. during the pre-production about memories, acted as a I have kept her table where “My protagonist isn’t a of the film because of his catharsis. I was able to go the final stitching was trained killer. He takes to father’s illness. In fact, he back to the film after that,” done as a souvenir. “I use violence as a last resort. buried his father and was he shares. it to write my scripts,” he He goes berserk when giving a reading to Aahana He’s also close to his reveals. Faruk adds that his pushed against the wall. Kumra and Vidyut the mother, Sabiha, who love for the literature, I convinced Vidyut that I next day. He was quite inculcated strong work towards Urdu poetry, in won’t be showing off his close to his father and it ethics in him. She used to particular, has sprung from six-pack abs. He won’t be was tough for him to move work till two in the night at his mother as she was given an action-star entry. on so soon. Vidyut and times to meet her deadline. interested in it and knows He’ll be emoting more and Aahana could sense his Back then, a costume was many couplets by heart. kicking and punching less unease and spontaneously made in different places. Being a director wasn’t in the film. Thankfully, he reached out to him. “They “The zardosi work was easy. He has gone through agreed.” supported me when I done somewhere else, his share of rejections. Faruk tragically lost needed it the most. We cutting was done elsewhere Even Khuda Haafiz’s his father just before he just talked that day about and then my mother and script took a long time to started shooting for Khuda what matters the most to her master tailor used to get greenlighted. Faruk Haafiz. He was constantly us and that conversation, put it all together. Now she doesn’t believe in seeking with and Virat Kohli and many other celebs. Ads help you become better storytellers as you have to convey the message in a short span of time. They help you push the envelope.”

aruk is a huge admirer of perhaps the greatest storyteller F of them all, William Shakespeare. He goes back to reading the Bard whenever he hits the writing block. Faruk is awed by the sense of drama Shakespeare created in his plays. He also loves the emotional undercurrent between characters and psychological profiling, which has proven to be so apt. “The more we read Shakespeare, the better we understand the art of writing. I’ll even go out on a limb and say that it helps you understand the world better,” he gushes. His passion for writing took him to New York, where he learnt screenwriting professionally. He mentions that there are a outside validation. He lot of processes involved says one should stick to in converting an idea into one’s beliefs and not lose a screenplay. “Structure hope and one day your is important. Once you convictions and hard work know how to structure will shine through. That’s your thoughts the rest the reason he hasn’t gone falls into place. My New through the big banner Allah Ke Banday York sojourn opened my route either. “Rejections eyes to new possibilities. motivate you to do better, I benefited a lot from the work harder. One shouldn’t RUKHSAR AND I WORK IN experience.” get disheartened by them,” CREATIVE SPACES SO WE UNDERSTAND There are those who he muses. He says being a say that one learns creative person, his only THE PRESSURES. WE SUPPORT AND better on the job than in goal is that he should ENCOURAGE EACH OTHER IN OUR a classroom. Kabir has get the means to express worked as an assistant his creativity. The form RESPECTIVE VENTURES. HALF THE to both Aziz Mirza and doesn’t matter. “I’ve been BATTLE IS WON IF YOU HAVE A Santosh Sivan and values an ad filmmaker also, and that experience as well. have created commercials SUPPORTIVE PARTNER He used to be amazed by INTERVIEW

how much Aziz wrote and rewrote the screenplay. Like any youngster, he was awed by the presence of Shah Rukh Khan on the sets at first but later started taking his duties seriously. “I started taking notes on Aziz Mirza’s ideas. They helped me understand how the mind of a director works. From Santosh, on the other hand, I picked up the technical aspects of filmmaking. Like how lighting is important, and so on. You can say that I had the best of both the worlds, during my journeyman days.” The other directors he admires are , Sriram Raghvan, and from Bollywood, and Alfonso Cuarón and Christopher Nolan from Hollywood.

part from his late father and his mother, the other person whom Ahe considers his pillar of support is his wife Rukhsar. It’s her second marriage with him. They were seeing each other for six years before tying the knot in 2010. Faruk always stay grounded and says they’ve had a blissful focus on getting better. “I decade together. He think the challenge really jokes that she kills all his is to become better than demons. “She wasn’t very your last attempt. That’s impressed by me ever what I’ve always aimed since our courtship days,” Khuda Haafiz at.” He looks at direction he laughs. “And remains as something that allows both my staunchest our respective ventures. him to indulge in his supporter and my harshest Half the battle is won if I LIVE FOR THE creativity. A director has critic.” Rukshar is busy you have a supportive to take ownership of his doing ads and serials and partner,” he comments. HIGH OF SEEING A actions and has to make has learnt to balance her He has no regrets about PROJECT THROUGH. his whole team believe in career and life. “We both taking the path he has his vision and invest in it. work in creative spaces chosen. He has taken IT’S THE BEST Says he, “I live for the high so we understand the both the bouquets and of seeing a project through. pressures. We support and the brickbats in his stride. FEELING IN THE It’s the best feeling in the encourage each other in One lesson he’s learnt is to WORLD world.” n INTERVIEW

PILGRIM ON

A SHEKHARMOUNTAIN KAPUR IN CONVERSATION WITH JITESH PILLAAI It’s hard to define Shekhar Kapur. He’s the hesitant actor from Toote Khilone (1978), he’s also the immaculately dressed from the Digjam suitings ad, the sensitive director who made Masoom (1982), and the maverick filmmaker who probably has left more projects unfinished than anyone else. He refuses to let his work define him, claiming he’s much more than the sum of his films. He can veer off in different directions if the whim takes him − like he directed a stage musical in German without knowing the language. When you chat with him, he flits from topic to topic like a butterfly. Perhaps, he’s so consumed by being in the moment that he forgets about everything else... SO WHAT WERE YOU UPTO DURING THE LOCKDOWN? It’s coming down get really jealous, casting to Vienna, IN THE LOCKDOWN? When I woke up in which is tough. I because she used I found all the actors I was actually at the morning and used to come down to go for hours to singing in German. the foothills of looked out as the like a goat and I some photographer’s And I asked them the Himalayas. sun rose, I could see tried coming down studio. Thus I why is everyone Where you can see the farmers already like a goat this time decided that I would singing in German several mountains ploughing, the too. And I went for take her pictures. I and they said, and beyond these women going out a toss. My balance started going to film because the musical mountains is the to collect firewood wasn’t good. festivals in London is in German. And I plateau of Tibet. because during the and I realised that don’t speak German, Pilgrims in the lockdown there’s no YOUR MOTHER WAS DEV I was attracted to I was like, here’s ancient times used gas. And I thought ANAND’S SISTER, SO DID storytelling on another challenge, to go to Kailash and how do you lock THE MOVIES IMPACT moving pictures. here’s another Mansarovar from down farmers? How YOU A LOT IN YOUR I dropped the word adventure. So it here. I’m interested do you stop them CHILDHOOD? called career from really went well. in water issues. from ploughing It was exciting. my life. So along the There are some their fields? How Dev uncle used adventure of life, ’S BROTHER

Elizabeth “ELIZABETH WOULDN’T BE THE SAME WITHOUT , FOUR FEATHERS WOULDN’T BE THE SAME WITHOUT . BOTH OF THEM WERE NEW, NOBODY KNEW CATE BLANCHETT OR HEATH LEDGER WHEN I WORKED WITH THEM”

glaciers that are do you stop them to come to Delhi. I made films DEVI DUTT WAS THE active and provide from grazing their And suddenly because it seemed PRODUCER OF MASOOM. water to the valley goats? How do you there would be a like such an HOW DID THAT HAPPEN? here. I wanted to stop them from thousand people interesting thing Devi Dutt had photograph them taking their cows outside our house. I to do. And I guess made a film called because when you to pastures? I also guess your question when people ask Aakrosh, I watched see pictures of rediscovered my is why I left being a me between say it and loved the glaciers 10 or 20 climbing skills. Chartered Account Masoom and Mr. film. I was in Delhi. years later, it’ll be a I had to be a bit to become a India and Bandit One day I stopped at big call to say what slow and watch my filmmaker? While I Queen and all the petrol pump and we’ve done to the steps. Your sense was an accountant the other films I met a school friend greatest resource of of balance has to be in London, I have made, they who turned out to water on the whole there. Climbing a turned my whole don’t find the be a film distributor. planet. I wanted to mountain is easy. It apartment into a same director, it’s I recommended go and photograph really depends on dark room and I because I don’t Aakrosh to him. those glaciers but your heart rate and would experiment take it as a career. I Devi Dutt was so then I got locked your breathing rate with pictures. Then went off to Europe grateful to me, he down there. and your stamina I fell in love with and I did a musical said, why don’t you and I am quite a girl who was a (Matterhorn). When be the director of WHAT WAS YOUR ROUTINE happy with that. model. I used to I went for the my next? And that’s Mr India

Masoom

“I DROPPED THE WORD CAREER FROM MY LIFE… AND I GUESS WHEN PEOPLE ASK ME BETWEEN SAY MASOOM AND MR INDIA AND AND ALL THE OTHER FILMS I HAVE MADE, THEY DON’T FIND Bandit Queen THE SAME DIRECTOR - IT’S BECAUSE I DON’T TAKE IT AS A CAREER” how it all started. weapon when you I remembered from same meaning. Modern School, the I had a film called are being a creator. my school and gave school that I went Bardaasht which I was naïve enough it to Gulzar saab HOW WAS IT DIRECTING to. ’s I wanted to make to tell Gulzar that and said, let’s make STALWARTS LIKE character was based with Naseeruddin he was wrong, I was a song on this. And AND on the people I had Shah. So he took naïve enough to tell he just looked at me ? seen. So all the me to a financier Pancham that and said, koi baat Every one treated characters were who looked bored I don’t like this note. nahi kal milte hain me like Shabana’s based on someone with my narrative. I I could see them (no problem, let’s boyfriend back I knew or some saw a lot of pictures kind of smiling at meet tomorrow). then. You know relationship that I of children on his me and I mistook And then he wrote I’d never been had seen. Naseer desk, so I quickly that smile for his own nursery inside an editing asked me to tell him retold the story and agreement, whereas rhyme and that’s room, I’d never about his character. he was like this is they were probably how Lakdi ki kathi assisted anybody. I I said look, he’s a good, let’s make thinking who the was born. did not know that human being and this and that’s how hell is this kid. It there was a sound in that one line, Masoom was made. was my naivete HOW DID TUJHSE positive and a it was understood that probably NARAAZ COME ABOUT? sound negative and that we cannot cage TELL US ABOUT YOUR warmed them to Singer Anup a picture positive… characters into one COLLABORATION WITH RD me. Because I was Ghoshal was Devi I knew nothing. perspective. Naseer BURMAN AND GULZAR naïve I wouldn’t Dutt’s friend. I had gone through would come to my During those days budge, they’d try And he said, iske lots of relationships, house and meet my I had just come to persuade me saath ek gaana toh so I drew characters father, he wore my from London and and treated me like banana hi hoga (We from the people clothes, he walked couldn’t speak a child. I got sick have to make a song I knew. The two like me. He started Hindi properly. when Lakdi ki kathi with Anup). I think daughters were to speak like me So they were was being done, so it was his voice also based on my nieces. because he said, wondering who the we did it over the that provoked the I used the food they if Shekhar doesn’t f** is this guy who phone. I’d made a song. If you take ate, on screen. want to define the is making this film. I compilation of all that voice away, I I used their character, obviously still say that naivety the Hindi nursery don’t think that the language, I used it is somewhere in is the greatest rhymes that song would have the the uniform of his subconscious. INTERVIEW

“I WAS NAÏVE ENOUGH TO TELL GULZAR THAT HE WAS WRONG, I WAS NAÏVE ENOUGH TO TELL PANCHAM THAT I DON’T LIKE THIS NOTE. I COULD SEE THEM KIND OF SMILING AT ME AND I MISTOOK THAT SMILE FOR AGREEMENT, WHEREAS THEY WERE PROBABLY THINKING WHO THE HELL IS THIS KID”

With Gulzar With daughter Kaveri

And if you look the A-team. I made right for the part. back at Masoom Elizabeth in 60 She asked me about now, one of the days. Elizabeth the graph of her best things about wouldn’t be the character. I looked it is that Naseer same without Cate at her gravely and is human. It’s a Blanchett, Four said Seema why completely human Feathers wouldn’t don’t you tell me. film, there was no be the same without Go home and write attempt to make the Heath Ledger. Both a page or two about actors very defined. of them were new, the character. We wove a plot nobody knew Cate So she went and around them. I think Blanchett or Heath came back with a that is the beauty of Ledger when I graph which was Masoom and that is On the sets of Masoom worked with them. quite brilliant. And why it has lasted. I created magic I said to her that this like, I have never and she went back with actors, pushed is not right − can AND WHAT ABOUT BANDIT made a film like this and she did the them, made them you contain yourself QUEEN AND MR INDIA? before. I somehow perfect modern over- uncertain. When in two pages? Here’s DO YOU REVISIT YOUR invested in actors the-top rendition of they are uncertain a woman who is FILMS AT ALL? and they made the Charlie Chaplin. they are not defined alive and we are I have seen Bandit films for me. The and therefore trying to contain her Queen once, rest is camera work, YOU’VE DEVELOPED THE their performance in two pages, we’re because I had to that’s all lighting REPUTATION OF STARTING becomes subtextual. obviously going to do a commentary and technique. You A PROJECT AND LEAVING I’ll tell you a little make something on it. And when create a sense of IT HALF-WAY. DID YOU story about Seema really stupid. I said I saw it, I cried. love, you create a BECOME MERCURIAL, Biswas from Bandit let’s open it out, Because I realised sense of trust and DIFFICULT TO HANDLE? Queen. I remember let’s talk about the I’m never going to then words become Why did I go scenes but never be able to make a insignificant. overseas after was my casting contain the scenes, film like this again. I remember the making Bandit director and we you are who you are Mr India, I have Charlie Chaplin Queen? I went went to see her on the set, I am who seen in patches. It scene in Mr India, because I wanted play at the National I am on the set. Let’s was so much fun I just said, Sri you’re to play with the School of Drama in see what happens. making the film. going to look great A-team. I wanted to . That’s how I made was with the moustache test myself against I thought she was Bandit Queen. INTERVIEW

SONGS of the

SOULMUSIC DIRECTOR MITHOON BELIEVES IN A HOLISTIC APPROACH TOWARDS MUSIC. DEVESH SHARMA CUES IN ithoon is a better. What I’m as everyone was at total music saying is that learn home so we could all composer. to enjoy the moment exchange ideas freely He can but keep moving and collaborate.”  sing, he forward. That’s the He lives with  Mcan play instruments key to happiness.” his parents and and he writes lyrics If you feel even otherwise is  Khuda Haafiz  as well. Out there Mithoon is going all a homebound lad, in the West, this Rumi on you, you’ve who loves spending multi-talented lad hit the philosophical time with his family would have been jackpot because Sufi rather than go out whamming out as thought has been a clubbing. So in a an independent solo big influence on his sense, he got to artiste or banging life and music. He’s spend more time heads with his bros grown up reading with them. “Some in a band, making books on Sufism people may call my the crowd run wild and loves listening life boring. But I in a concert. In to Sufi music. “I’m genuinely believe  India, barring a few like a butterfly who’s exceptions, most exploring every talented musicians area of the garden,” take the Bollywood he quips. He’s not route to fame. It’s a throwing a random “DID YOU EVER crowded , quote at you but FEEL THAT KABIR perpetually jammed, is someone who SINGH’S MUSIC where emotions actually leads such WASN’T GIVEN run riot and fellow a life. “People keep BY ONE PERSON? commuters happily asking me how I AS LONG AS THE run you over in survived during the DIRECTOR HAS A order to cut lanes lockdown. For me, SINGULARITY OF and jump ahead. But it wasn’t anything VISION, A MULTI- if you don’t mind different from what COMPOSER SET- the bumps and the I do. Even when  UP WILL DELIVER road rage, you do things were normal, THE GOODS, AS IT get richly rewarded I was always inside in the comfort, the father’s pride and DID IN THE CASE for your persistence. my studio, creating, safety of the family. joy when he won the OF KABIR SINGH” Mithoon, who has exploring stuff. Your parents are the Filmfare Best Music completed 15 years Instead of a studio, ones who love you Director trophy for in the industry has I was in my house the most and trust Aashiqui 2 (Along been enjoying the now doing the same me, everyone realises with Ganguly going on drinking journey. He asserts thing. It didn’t feel it sooner or later. and Ankit Tiwari) in binges with them. he believes in living anything different.” And this lockdown 2014. “My father is a Whenever he meets in the moment. He says technological has helped people musician’s musician. them, they just yak According to him, advances have realise it better. It Everybody in the till the cows come everything is a phase. helped people was something I’ve industry knows him home. He stayed One goes through remain focussed in always believed in.” but he never won in touch with them different phases their disciplines. Mithoon’s father, recognition among over the phone. He’s which help one He’s even heard Naresh Sharma, is the masses. Never an old soul who grow. At the same of people editing the younger brother won an award for his still likes to call time, he cautions shows right from of Pyarelal of the contribution. So my people. And isn’t on that knowledge their homes. “So if Laxmikant-Pyarelal award that night was Whatsapp even now. without application that can be done, duo. His father was his award.” He misses writing doesn’t tantamount music can certainly a famous arranger He adds he doesn’t letters, saying that to anything. “I learnt be made from home. himself though he have many friends. we’ve lost the art something about And that’s what I was never branched out And his idea of of articulating our myself during my doing. In fact, these as an independent spending time with thoughts through lean phase and used months have been composer. Mithoon the few friends he pen and paper. it to make myself spent most creatively remembers his has, doesn’t include “Earlier, people INTERVIEW

 TUM HI HO reason he took up MITHOON’S Singer: the project. Mithoon Film: Aashiqui SELECTED feels songs shouldn’t (2013) SONGS serve as bathroom  BANJARA breaks. They should  TERE BIN Singer: Mohd. Irfan be there for a reason Singer Film: Ek Villain and claims that he’s Film: Bas Ek Pal (2014) never taken a project (2006) where music acted  HUMNAVA as a filler. “The film’s  MAULA Singer: Papon MERE MAULA Film: Hamari leads are normal Singer: Roop Adhuri Kahani middle-class people Kumar Rathod (2015) who get separated Film: Anwar and have to (2007)  SANAM RE experience all kinds Singer: Arijit Singh of hardships in the Film: Sanam Re  MADHNO course of their love. Singer: Kshitij (2016) Tarey, The songs reflect Film: Lamhaa  O SAATHI their journey,” (2010) Singer: Arijit Singh he assesses. Film: Shab (2017)  PHIR he project MOHABBAT  TUJHE gave him the Singer: Saim Bhat, KITNA opportunity to Mohammad Irfan CHAHNE LAGE Ali & Arijit Singh Singer: Arijit Singh work with Sonu Film: Nigam,T who has Film: Kabir Singh (2011) (2019) sung the song Aakhri kadam tak, in the film. Mithoon holds Sonu in high esteem and says he’d been waiting to come up with the right tune for the singer. His used to cultivate in much the same Sufi-consciousness friendships, even manner as earlier. again comes to play love affairs through Skype and email here as he reflects letters. Nowadays, were a big help. “The that it’s the tune people are in a hurry only thing missing which chooses to get a reply the next was sharing that a singer. “This moment. I’ve even cup of chai during particular tune felt heard that it has breaks, where we get just right for Sonu’s led to divorces. to bond a bit more. voice. And when It’s crazy.” Nothing can replace I approached him, He reveals he human interaction. he too felt it was composed the entire That warmth was something special music of Khuda certainly missing,” With Sachet, Parampara, Daboo Malik and immediately Hafiz, the Vidyut he reflects. The film and agreed. I’ve never Jammwal actioner, got appreciated for approached him which recently its music. Normally, “EARLIER, PEOPLE USED these past fifteen released on OTT, action films don’t TO CULTIVATE FRIENDSHIPS, years and was from home. He was need music per se. EVEN LOVE AFFAIRS THROUGH waiting for the right able to compose But the project was LETTERS. NOWADAYS, PEOPLE moment.” Inspiration tunes, interact with sold to him as a ARE IN A HURRY TO GET A aside, surely other his session musicians romantic love story REPLY THE NEXT MOMENT. I’VE forces are at play as and singers, as also where the music EVEN HEARD THAT IT HAS LED well when it comes his fellow lyricist would be part of the TO DIVORCES. IT’S CRAZY” to deciding singers. Sayeed Quadri, narrative. That’s the The director, the INTERVIEW producer, even the gone with my earlier music company choice,” he insists. might want to have a say in it. While e states that he Mithoon does agree never works that such pressures with a set might exist, he says template and “I LEARNT he’s been fortunate Hpoints out that he SOMETHING enough to escape got many offers to ABOUT MYSELF them so far. “All my recreate Maula mere DURING MY LEAN directors, be it Faruk maula from Anwar PHASE AND USED Kabir, who directed (2007) after the song IT TO MAKE Khuda Haafiz or became a hit but he MYSELF BETTER. Mohit Suri, with rejected them all. He WHAT I’M SAYING whom I’ve worked says there’s no fun in IS THAT LEARN the most, have repeating a tune. He TO ENJOY THE never put any kind understands that’s MOMENT BUT of pressure on me. how this industry KEEP MOVING In fact, they’ve works. That people FORWARD. given me extensive want to replicate THAT’S THE KEY creative leeway.” TO HAPPINESS” He’s a good enough singer to have sung all the songs he composed. Mithoon says he’s  Ek Villain not greedy for such tune. I feel that’s how at his disposal. “Did things. He reiterates  Shivaay it should be, ideally you ever feel that that he’s committed  Anwar when it comes to Kabir Singh’s music to using the best  song recreations,” wasn’t given by one he points out. person? As long as Another trend the director has a which has the purists singularity of vision, fuming is having a multi-composer set- a multi-composer, up will deliver the multi-lyricist film goods, as it did in the album. Mithoon case of Kabir Singh. surprisingly has no Director Sandeep complaints with it. Reddy Vanga was In fact, he was part able to extract our   of the successful best and make it soundtrack album of work as a whole,” voice for a tune and something that has recently, he was part Kabir Singh, where reveals Mithoon. has always worked worked. He knows of the reality show he had written and He mentions that towards that. “I sang there are people who Times Of Music, composed Tujhe they all worked in Ji huzoori from Ki do it but so far he where he recreated kitna chahne lage, isolation and came And Ka on director has avoided it. He’s VIju Shah’s Tip tip sung by Arijit Singh. to know much later Balki’s insistence. okay with the current barsa paani from He even won the that other composers He wanted to listen wave of recreating Mohra (1994) and Filmfare Award were involved. “We to the song and I just tunes, as long as Shah reciprocated by (along with other didn’t brainstorm or sang it for him. Balki it’s done creatively. recreating Mithoon’s composers Sachet- anything but worked liked it and said I He’s remixed Woh Tose naina lage from Parampara, Vishal individually on our should think about , woh baatein Anwar (2007). Mishra, Akhil tunes. And it should recording it in my from (2005) “I enjoyed the Sachdeva and Amaal be that way because voice. At that point and Aadat from process because Mallik) for his efforts. everyone has their of time, I didn’t have Kalyug (2005), I was working with Mithoon feels it’s the own unique style a singer in mind, but which were much someone who had director’s call how of working.” if I had, I would have appreciated. More originally created the well to use the talent True that. OBITUARY

(APRIL 28, 1929-OCTOBER 15, 2020) REMEMBERING THE ICONIC COSTUME DESIGNER, WHOSE WORK SPANNED FROM CID (1956) TO (2004), PASSED AWAY RECENTLY. DEVESH SHARMA PENS A BRIEF PROFILE

elebrated born as Bhanumati in hand, emerging costume Annasaheb from geometric designer Rajopadhye in patterns. Fine Arts, Bhanu on April however, wasn’t C Athaiya, who made 28, 1929. She was known as a stable India proud by the third of the career and the need winning an Oscar seven children for lucre triumphed for the costume born to Annasaheb over the pursuit of design of Gandhi and Shantabai With and arts. Bhanu became (1982), passed away Rajopadhye. an illustrator in a early morning on Athaiya’s father, It must be noted that Bhanu women’s magazine October 15 in her Annasaheb was a Athaiya never formally learnt after graduation. It’s sleep. She was 91 painter. He died fashion design but picked up the said that one of her years of age. It’s said when Athaiya was tricks of the trade on the job editors encouraged that eight years ago, just nine years her to sketch dresses. she was diagnosed old. In one of her When the editor with a tumour in her interviews, she had School of Arts. SH Raza, MF Husain, opened a boutique, brain. For the last stated that when She graduated SK Bakre and HA she took Athaiya three years, she was her father finished from the prestigious Gade and was part of along and that’s bedridden because a project, he used to institute with top their much-admired when her fashion one side of her body call her to clean his honours, winning exhibition in 1953. designing journey was paralysed. brush and palette. a gold medal and VS Gaitonde, another truly began. Her It must be noted That’s how she a fellowship. She member of the designs reportedly that she never developed an interest was a member of the Progressives, was caught the attention formally learnt in painting from a Progressive one of her teachers of , fashion design young age. Inspired Artists’ Group, at JJ. He had made a who was one of the but picked up the by her father, Bhanu which included in modernist portrait of foremost leading tricks of the trade too started painting its annals artists like hers, which depicted ladies of the ‘40s on the job. She was and later joined the JJ FN Souza, KH Ara, her as a woman, bird and the ’50s. Soon, OBITUARY

The biggest challenge of her life came with Gandhi. It’s said director took her on board after just a 15-minute meeting... Incidentally, she returned the Oscar that she won for Gandhi to the Academy for safe- keeping in 2012 With on the sets of Gandhi

it’s said, she started designing Kaushal’s personal wardrobe. That association led her to design for Kaushal in films like Shahenshah (1953) and Chalis Baba Ek Chor (1953). was said to be With , Waheeda another admirer of and Kamini Kaushal at her book launch With her Oscar trophy after the event her work. It was Guru Dutt tight-fitted kurta and designs. For Sahib Since Gandhi’s She returned who gave her a churidar became Bibi Aur Ghulam, was a closely the Oscar that she proper break in the a rage when she she visited Kolkata. documented life, her won for Gandhi movies. She became dressed up Sadhana She was said to be a sources of inspiration to the Academy a costume designer and Sharmila hands-on designer were found in for safekeeping in with the film C.I.D. Tagore in them in and reportedly took various libraries 2012. She was a in 1956 and followed Yash Chopra’s Waqt measurements by and museums. She woman of her word it up with other Guru (1965). Likewise, the hand to get the cut poured painstakingly and never regretted Dutt productions form-hugging just right. She was over old photographs the decision. In a such as ‘ sari’ which also a winner of the to get the look press statement, she (1957), Chaudhvin the actress wore Filmfare Lifetime right. The film had explained her Ka Chand (1960) in the song Aajkal Achievement Award documented stance, “I do not trust and Sahib Bibi Aur tere mere pyar ke in 2009. Gandhi’s progress anyone in India to Ghulam (1962). charche song from from a barrister in keep it. If Tagore’s Another filmmaker Brahmachari (1968) he biggest South Africa to the Nobel medal could with whom Athaiya became a rage. She challenge messiah-like figure be stolen, what is the came to be closely took inspiration of her life who spearheaded guarantee my trophy associated with from ancient India came with India’s freedom would be safe? In was . for her creations. It’s Gandhi.T It’s said struggle in later life India, no one values She designed the said she studied the director Richard and her costumes such things and costumes for his Ajanta cave paintings Attenborough took reflected that change. we lack a tradition Sangam (1964), Mera to create costumes her on board after Her speech at the of maintaining Naam Joker (1970), for in just a 15-minute Oscars was short our heritage and Satyam Shivam Amrapali (1966). She meeting. She worked and to the point. things pertaining (1978), won the National closely with the “It’s too good to to our culture.” Prem (1982) Film Award for Best other costume believe. Thank She was married and Ram Teri Ganga Costume Design for designer on the film, you Academy and to writer Satyendra Maili (1985). Lekin (1991) and (She thank you, Richard Athaiya but later Bhanu was a (2001) and shared the Oscar Attenborough, for separated from him. trendsetter when reportedly studied with him), and focusing world Athaiya is survived it came to fashion. the Rajasthani and handled all attention on India,” by her daughter For example, her Kutchi folk art for her the Indian costumes. she said. Radhika Gupta. NOSTALGIA

MAN FOR ALL SEASONS DEVESH SHARMA TAKES A LOOK AT THE LIFE AND TIMES OF SANJEEV KUMAR, WHOSE DEATH ANNIVERSARY FALLS ON NOVEMBER 6 ome actors are his versatility born with the that he played chameleon- each role with like ability consummate ease. Sto become anyone Sanjeev Kumar they desire. Sanjeev was his screen Kumar was one such name. He was born actor. In Naya Din as Harihar Jethalal Nayi Raat (1974) Jariwala and was for instance, he known by his played nine different nickname Haribhai characters. And in the industry. he made sure each It was filmmaker character looked Saawan Kumar different from the Tak, famous for his other. It wasn’t Souten films in the IN NAYA DIN NAYI just the change later years, who RAAT SANJEEV KUMAR in the costume reportedly suggested or wig that made a name change for PLAYED NINE DIFFERENT the difference. He the young actor. CHARACTERS. AND brought in different Saawan went on HE MADE SURE EACH mannerisms, to make Naunhilal accents, quirks into (1967) with Sanjeev CHARACTER LOOKED play as well. You Kumar. It was a film DIFFERENT FROM THE didn’t get bored which depicted the watching nine of horrors runaway OTHER. IT WASN’T JUST him on screen. In an kids were subjected THE CHANGE IN THE era where stars were to. The actor played Naya Din Nayi Raat COSTUME OR WIG THAT dashingly handsome a caring mentor and generally played to a young orphaned MADE THE DIFFERENCE. heroic characters, kid who doesn’t HE BROUGHT IN Sanjeev Kumar have any relatives Hangal directed costume like DIFFERENT MANNERISMS, stood out for his and hence he’s Damru during that Alibaba Aur 40 Chor hunger to play as told he’s related time. His first film (1966), an Arabian ACCENTS, QUIRKS INTO many different roles to Chacha Nehru. was Hum Hindustani fantasy directed by PLAY AS WELL as he could. Not that Sanjeev Kumar (1960), where he Homi Wadia, Kalapi he wasn’t handsome. was born on July 9, played a small role. (1966), a Gujarati He could have 1938, in Surat to a The film’s leads autobiographical practice of playing gone through the Gujarati family. He were and film on a prince who dual characters early staple ‘hero’ roles came to Mumbai Joy Mukherjee and was also a gifted in his career came in blindfolded. But at a young age and is today known for poet and who died handy when it came he knew his acting studied here. He the song Chhodo tragically young, and to filming Gulzar’s itch wouldn’t have joined IPTA and kal ki baatein, a Badal (1966), another Angoor (1982). Both been satisfied by that didn’t feel any song romanticising fantasy where he his characters (called limited experience. qualms when it Nehruvian utopia. played a double role. Ashok) not only He acted as Jaya came to portraying His first lead role Perhaps his most looked similar, but Bachchan’s beau elderly characters came in 1965 successful film of they also dressed in a in Naya Din Nayi even during his with the Aspi that era was Raja similar fashion. The Raat. The actor salad days. His most Irani directed Aur Rank (1968), differences between shared a fantastic famous play was swashbuckling based on Mark them were subtle and camaraderie with Arthur Miller’s All drama Nishan, where Twain’s celebrated yet distinct. But he her. He appeared My Sons where he he played a double novel, The Prince managed to convey as her father in played the central role. While the film And The Pauper. to the viewers that Parichay, as her character of a didn’t do wonders Besides Kumar’s they were indeed husband in Koshish, 60--year-old man at the box office, it acting, hit music by seeing two people. It and as her father-in- having six children. wasn’t a total flop Laxmikant-Pyarelal remains one of those law in Sholay. And He also played an either and he was too contributed to the feel-good dramas, it says much about old man in the AK soon flooded with film’s success. This which you can start Anubhav Koshish

Seeta Aur Geeta

Shikar SANJEEV KUMAR HAD THE PENCHANT OF GETTING UNDER THE SKIN OF MARRIED MEN watching from any point and instantly DESPITE NEVER HAVING MARRIED HIMSELF... start laughing. IN BR CHOPRA'S PATI, PATNI AUR WOH (1978), HE PLAYED A HUSBAND SUFFERING FROM THE e won his Shatranj Ke Khilari first Filmfare SEVEN-YEAR ITCH WITH MUCH PANACHE Award in 1969. It Hwas a trophy for mother reportedly Kumar on the sets became a recluse and the world he could the Best Actor In wanted a groom of Devi (1969), in gave up her career play negative A Supporting role from the same caste full view of the cast completely after that. characters as well. for Shikar (1968). as theirs and turned and crew. Later, the He continued He got his due with Directed by Guru down the proposal. actor's name was to do supporting Khilona (1970). It Dutt’s younger Apparently, while associated with roles in films like was a remake of brother Atma Ram, it shooting for Sholay . Aashirwad (1968), the Telugu film starred (1975), Dharmendra, They met on the sets Satyakam (1969), Punarjanma (1963) and , who was seeing of Uljhan (1975) and and and showcased him besides him. He Hema at the time, in sparks flew. Though (1969) etc. In Anokhi as a tormented man played an inspector a fit of jealousy asked nothing came out Raat (1968), which who is nursed back in this murder to of the romance. It’s became famous for to his senses by a mystery. It’s on the not shoot any scenes said that Sanjeev its songs like O re courtesan, only to sets of this film that between Hema and Kumar’s untimely taal mile nadi ke jal have him shun her he formed a long- Sanjeev Kumar. death in 1985 mein, Mile na phool when he regains his lasting friendship His name was also affected Sulakshana to kaanto se dosti mental equilibrium. with Dharmendra. A earlier linked with adversely. She kar li, and Meri beri It was a layered friendship that was . It’s said that ke ber mat todo, he performance that somewhat strained on the insistence played a character showed both his when ’s of her husband who's a simple range and depth as name started getting Rajnish Bahl, who villager at first but an actor. Mumtaz, linked with Sanjeev. wanted to squash becomes a dreaded who played the It’s rumoured that the rumours dacoit later. The courtesan, was Sanjeev Kumar was of a romance film, set in one equally brilliant in attracted to his Seeta between Nutan single night the film. Dastak, Aur Geeta (1972) and Kumar, with different directed by Rajinder co-star and had even the actress stories told in Singh Bedi, which proposed marriage slapped flashback, came the same year, to her. Hema’s Sanjeev showed further cemented his Anamika IT’S SAID THAT ON THE INSISTENCE OF HER HUSBAND RAJNISH BAHL, Silsila WHO WANTED TO SQUASH THE RUMOURS OF A ROMANCE BETWEEN NUTAN Angoor AND KUMAR, THE ACTRESS SLAPPED SANJEEV KUMAR credentials. The film arrival of the wife’s ON THE SETS OF DEVI was a psychological old flame throws drama where a their world into a (1969), IN FULL VIEW OF middle-class couple whirlwind. Both THE CAST AND CREW are conned into Sanjeev Kumar and renting a flat in a red- won our light area. They live hearts with their in a house whose serene portrayals. last occupant was a The film had music Mausam courtesan and hence by and had her former lovers some of the last keep trying to barge songs sung by Geeta in at all times. The Dutt. Meri jaan, affairs. Nothing scene where they film, shot in black mujhe jaan na kaho Sanjeev Kumar did realise their son is and white, allegedly meri jaan, still ever looked artificial normal brings on to save money, won sounds so haunting. on screen. In 1972, goosebumps. The Sanjeev Kumar and Sanjeev Kumar had he acted in an Indo- film went a long way , his the penchant of Iranian production towards promoting co-star, National getting under the called Subah-O- Indian Sign Awards for acting. skin of married men Shaam, directed by Language as well. Aandhi Madan Mohan, the despite never having Tapi Chanakya. The It’s not that film’s composer, too married himself. film was mostly shot he was only into cop who is in love won the National Years later, in BR in . He played serious cinema. The with a prostitute to Award for Best Music Chopra's Pati, Patni the younger brother performer also did perfection. The film for his superlative Aur Woh (1978), he to Iranian superstar frothy comedies like has the supremely tunes like Baiyan na played a husband Mohammad Ali Manchali (1973), nonsensical song dharo, Mai ri main suffering from the Fardin. Waheeda Anamika (1973) and Goyake chunanche, kase kahoon and seven-year itch with Rehman played Manoranjan (1974). sung by Kishore Hum hain mata-e- much panache. In the heroine. It was Manoranjan was a Kumar and Lata koocha-o-bazar ki ’s a typical family remake of the hit Mangeshkar and tarah. Each tune Griha Pravesh drama set in exotic American comedy composed by RD was composed on a (1979), he played locations. He won Irma La Douce Burman. different raga. a middle-class his second National (1963). Sanjeev 1975 can be said man who is into a Award as an actor Kumar, reprising to be the best year e then forayed mundane marriage the same year with Jack Lemmon’s role, of his career. That’s into parallel with Sharmila Koshish. Directed by played a clueless when Aandhi, cinema with Tagore. walks Gulzar, it starred Mausam and Sholay Anubhav into his life and it Sanjeev Kumar were released. H(1971). Directed by seems as if she's his and Jaya Some say that Basu Bhattacharya, soulmate. They plan Bhaduri as a everyone else the film provided to live together and deaf and mute was superfluous a realistic take on the wife agrees, on couple who to Sholay except the dynamics of the condition that make their Sanjeev Kumar, married life. A the mistress spends marriage who played modern couple a day with her. It work Thakur is rediscovering was a mature take despite all and Amjad intimacy when the on extra-marital odds. The Khan, who

Khilona NOSTALGIA

With With Gulzar and With Shatrughan Sinha

and Jaffrey loved THE PRACTICE OF PLAYING DUAL squaring off each CHARACTERS EARLY IN HIS other in this absurd tale. Trishul (1978) CAREER CAME IN HANDY WHEN is another example IT CAME TO FILMING GULZAR’S of two actors in their prime squaring off ANGOOR (1982). BOTH HIS each other. Sanjeev CHARACTERS (CALLED ASHOK) With Shammi and Kumar played NOT ONLY LOOKED SIMILAR, Amitabh Bachchan’s najayaz baap in BUT THEY ALSO DRESSED IN the film and their A SIMILAR FASHION. THE confrontational DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THEM scenes remain With Amitabh Bachchan central to the film’s WERE SUBTLE AND YET DISTINCT success. In Silsila (1981), he played the good-hearted played the infamous the mild-mannered her to become a husband who knew . husband of an prostitute and the his wife, , was ambitious politician. protagonist takes having an affair with he core of He underplayed his it upon himself to With Bachchan but is too the film was character and let reform her. It was an much of a gentleman the cycle of revel unusual story and Mukherjee, remains and too much in revenge that in the limelight. would have fallen a much-neglected love with her to existedT between the The couple found flat in the hands of gem today. The great reprimand her. two. Gabbar was a second chance at lesser actors than Satyajit Ray made He had suffered totally ruthless, love after a breakup. Kumar and Sharmila only one Hindi a heart attack in totally inhuman And the way hope Tagore. The film film called Shatranj 1976 and had even while Thakur Baldev and happiness featured music by Ke Khilari (1977). gone to the US for Singh was the danced in his eyes Madan Mohan and It says much about treatment. After complete opposite. was something else was tragically his Sanjeev Kumar’s that, he’d cut short He’s reduced to being indeed. The film won last film. It had calibre as an actor on his assignments. as ruthless to bring him his first Filmfare soulful songs like Dil that Ray chose him On November 6, down his nemesis Award in the Best dhoondta hai, and as the protagonist. 1985, he suffered but retained enough Actor category. In Ruke ruke se kadam. The film was a another massive of his humanity Mausam, directed Sanjeev Kumar comedy of manners heart attack to stand back and by Gulzar, who had won his last where Kumar and and passed away. let the law take its also directed Aandhi, Filmfare Best Actor Saeed Jaffrey played He was just 48 course. It was a Kumar played an Award for Arjun debauched nobles at that time. classic good versus old man who returns Pandit (1976), who while away It’s ironic that evil standoff and to the haunts of his where the actor their time playing Sanjeev Kumar, who Kumar just towered youth and finds a played a goonda chess, even as India had made a career above the rest girl who turns out who turns into is undergoing an playing old-man through his masterful to be his daughter a scholar. The armed revolt against roles, died much performance. In from his first love. film, directed the British. One before he could reach Aandhi, he played Circumstances forced by Hrishikesh can see that Kumar old age in real life... reader’s reviews, box-office, celebrity column & more INSTA LIKE Medley of moments Check out what your favourites are upto on ...

@kareenakapoorkhan: Mask pehniye aur bahar dekhiye Just a picture of Kareena Kapoor Khan casually enjoying the view on her way back from . Her masked visage sends across a subtle safety message as well.

@priyankachopra: Alles wird gut. Everything will be ok Priyanka Chopra and her @taapsee: Looking furry friend Diana have back at it with all the a special message to keep love and joy. Getting everyone motivated. back to the grind with @radhikamadan: rejuvenated energy, Gangadhar hi exotic tan lines and Shaktiman hai. most importantly Best caption covid negative report award goes to #WorkCalls Radhika Madan #LightsCamera for her cheeky take ActionMode on her superhero The Maldives seems to be the favourite destination landing pose. of the stars.Taapsee Pannu and her sister enjoyed a little getaway to the island before heading back to work and it’s making us miss the sun and the beach.

@rajkummar_rao: Don’t work hard but work the hardest. Readers send in their feedback pg 68 Here’s the secret to Rajkummar Rao’s step-up to success. Coffee, hard work and a sense of humour. Shatrughan Sinha’s racy rejoinders pg 70 LETTERS

INREADERS WRITE THE AND BITE BACK... WITHMAIL LOVE AND AFFECTION

AAMIR’S LOVELY GESTURE st I’ve always been a major Aamir SK WITH SK 1Prize Khan fan. However, when I read The news of Shahid 1500 ’s article on your website Kapoor collaborating where he revealed that he was with Shashank Aamir Khan’s bodyguard and how Aamir got the ball Khaitan (October) rolling for him, my respect for Aamir grew even further. has surely got every Atif Hussain, fan excited. Shashank has a history of Heartthrob: Akshay Kumar making masala entertainers and I st feel Shahid will be a 2Prize good fit in his film. Aarti Ghosh, Kolkata 1000 Rock solid: Shahid Kapoor

A TRUE NEW GIRL I read your interview Akshay Kumar led the with Shivaleeka Oberoi way as usual, when (September) and was he became the first impressed by her actor to begin shooting attitude. She has dealt post the lockdown. with her fair share Now, the actor has of struggle but has already completed maintained a positive Bell Bottom and has outlook towards things. Maverick: begun work on his We really need more next one. How can you people like her in the BLAME GAME not love this man? industry. 2020 has been a Rohini Iyengar, Chennai Jatin Ganguly, Khandwa year of controversies. Acting ace: Aamir Khan While there are plenty KEEPING IT FRESH of blame games KAREENA’S CUTE HONOURING Fresh pairings in films going around on BABY BUMP WOMEN always get me excited, social media, I’m Kareena Kapoor Khan is I love that you guys which is why I’m looking glad to see that the a style icon from the start dedicated your last issue forward to watching industry has taken of her career. Even today (October) to women. I Ranbir Kapoor and a stand in favour of she pulls off any look with think it's high time that in Luv Anurag Kashyap. He’s utmost elegance. I’ve we give women the Ranjan’s next. I read in a reputed filmmaker seen plenty of pictures respect they deserve. If your last issue (October) and I feel one of Bebo on social media a brand like Filmfare sets that they’ll soon begin should be treated as and can safely say that an example for the same, shooting for the film. I innocent until they’re she’s been flaunting her I’m sure others will follow. wish them all the best. proven guilty. baby bump with style. Kudos to the entire team. Tarannum Shah, Karan Singh, Patiala Priya Tomar, Bareilly Rohit Nayyar, Chandigarh Ahmedabad Hot mamma: Kareena Kapoor

SALMAN ALL SET THEATRES BACK TO ROCK IN BUSINESS Just one I can’t wait for the third I was extremely glad Point installment of the Tiger when I read on your series. I thoroughly website that the theatres enjoyed watching the first were opening up again. two parts. After I read in Our economy desperately your last issue (October) needs Bollywood to be that the film will be shot up on its feet again. And in seven countries, my this step will play a big expectations have grown. part in achieving that. I'm sure the scale of this Sudarshan Gupta, Hyderabad Right choice: one will be even bigger Shekhar Kapur Gautam Giri, Hyderabad I have huge respect for filmmaker Shekhar Kapur and when I read on your website that he’s been appointed the chief of the FTII, I was extremely happy. Poulami Das, Kolkata

Fighter: I loved designer Shehla Masterclass: Amitabh Bachchan Khan’s interview BABA GET (October). I constantly WELL SOON take fashion inspiration AB’S BIRTHDAY BUMPS I recently came across from Bollywood stars Things are a bit different this year. Amitabh Sanjay Dutt’s picture on and it was good to know what goes on behind Bachchan, who happens to be my favourite your website where he the scenes in getting the actor, could not celebrate his birthday with his stepped out in the city perfect look. fans, I thought I’ll send some love to the actor for a salon session. I Shikha Rai, Rohtak by wishing him here. was glad to see that he’s Raaghav Singh, Azamgarh looking healthier these I want to thank the Filmfare team as days and I hope he does you guys have also not face more hurdles on begun reviewing OTT The champ: Salman Khan VIDYA’S his road to recovery. content off late. MASTERPIECE Hardi Pandya, Jamnagar Darshan Ahluwalia, New Delhi FLYING HIGH While I thoroughly I came across the enjoyed watching SUPPORTING NEW Reading the editor’s director of Gunjan in TALENT take on 50 years of YRF Saxena: The Kargil Shakuntala Devi, I was pretty impressed (October) brought back Girl, Sharan Sharma’s her interview in with Bhowmik’s so many memories. The Chopra family will interview in your your magazine performance in the web always be iconic for magazine (September). (September) gave series Bandish Bandits. Bollywood fans. I must say that I loved me a deeper insight So it came as a pleasant Ranjit Deshmukh, Kolhapur the film and after reading regarding what went surprise to find his Your article on Jagjit his interview, I’m looking into preparing for the interview in your last issue Singh (October) and forward to his future role. She really likes (October). It's heartening his work just made me work. The way he’s to immerse herself in to see youngsters being realise why he’s one managed to elegantly each character. given their share of the of the biggest gems of portray such a brilliant Ramesh Pant, spotlight on a prestigious Indian cinema. His music will live on forever. story is commendable. Denhradun platform such as Filmfare. Nirmala Jaiswal, Ranchi Saakshi Narang, New Delhi Gold standard: Vidya Balan Pankaja Awasthi, Pune

Send us your views, opinions and suggestions to: SMS: FI PAA Email: [email protected] Fax: 022 - 22731585 Post your Mail: Reviews, Filmfare, The Times of India Bldg., or reviews to 4th floor, D N Road, Mumbai 400 001, INDIA to (Please mention your full name and address) 53636

Terms & conditions: Any letter addressed to Filmfare will be the property of Filmfare and all copyrights for the same shall be vested with us. Filmfare reserves the right to use such letter/ material/jokes for any purpose including commercial in the magazine or otherwise. ASK ME Shatrughan Sinha’s Rapid Screen gem: fire Classic romance: Mughal-e-Azam

How important is the concept of pray that we get to shed our society. It shouldn’t religion in your life? ignorance and realise the certainly cross the line to Dhawal Sahani, Bhilai urgency of such signs, the create an uncomfortable Religion has been and sooner the better. Time is atmosphere just to gain will remain important in running out. TRPs. The shouting brigade everyone's life… I’m no has, by and large, turned different. But my dear, What drives people to the media into a ‘shor let me make it very clear try drugs? sharaba’ factory these days. PHOTOGRAPH: PHOTOGRAPH: MEETESH TANEJA that I’m secular, modern, Divyasha, Bhubaneshwar understanding and a I’ve no idea because I've Intoxication has always been moderate person. I'm never tried them. I've cited as an excuse to bust the certainly not a fanatic. always strongly preached stress. But when the world was I follow religion with a and practised an anti- free of competition and stress, practical and modern tobacco, and an anti-drugs why do you think our ancestors approach. philosophy. Love life, still invented things like alcohol shun tobacco, and always and narcotics? What are your realisations say no to drugs. However, B Ajit, New Delhi about global warming? according to some experts, Have you not heard of Daljit Kumar, Ropar there are several reasons. 'somras' from our ancient It could destroy us if we Depression, frustration, times? They say it was don’t act on it quickly. lack of confidence, bad utilised to relax people The warning signs have company, and sheer and help them enjoy life. been there since ages but stupidity are some of them. I rather not comment unfortunately we humans anything more on this... have never taken them The news chanels are facing except to say that we seriously. I hope, wish and widespread criticism for their weren’t ever free of stress content. What are your views and tension in any era. about the current state of Why does Bollywood arrange success parties Indian news channels? Can rivalry and friendship walk for movies which have been super flops? Meena Pant, hand in hand at the same time? Santosh , Miraj The media has the power to Md. Arif Khan, Kolkata Generally speaking, celebrations are happy moments influence, move, involve, It can — if both parties are created to distract your mind from failure, stress and communicate, educate, of a high moral character unhappiness. So that can be a reason for such parties. inform, and enlighten and stature. As these are 1st Prize Considering the recent events like the drugs scandal etc, is Bollywood’s image getting a hit because of a few people? Rohit Singhania, Kolkata A certain amount of damage has definitely been done but then why is only the film industry being targeted. Every industry, right from politics, media to corporate sector too has negative and scandalous events happening in them. If a few wrong incidents have come to light, it doesn't mean that the entire film industry should be put under a scanner. 2nd Prize You being a popular star and having a clean image, what is your opinion on the current Bollywood situation? R Ramakrishnan, Dombivli Well, times were different during my days. Today, in the era of social media and the troll army, your Agent of change : popularity walks on a thin tightrope. Even an innocent remark can start a wave of hatred. The current strong and deep emotions. our own private lesson Bollywood situation is satisfactory in other aspects like One tends to follow one or — and it's the lesson of a money and projects but the stars have to be very careful the other. lifetime. The main one about what they speak and do in public as everything is — don’t mess with is under constant scrutiny. Which is your favourite mother nature. movie that doesn't have a happy ending? Sonu Sood has set an What advice would you give Which question has no answer? Daljit Kumar, Ropar example to help poor your daughter and the youth of Bharat T Kajaria, Mumbai Mughal-e-Azam, Devdas, students by offering the country to deal with online Several, some pleasant, Mother India, Gunga scholarships recently? What social media trolls? some unpleasant. Some Jumna, Anarkali, Dil Ek do you think of it? Anamika Sud, Udaipur memorable, some not so Mandir, etc. Shall I name Syed Nisar Mehdi, Hyderabad Become thick-skinned memorable. And many a few more? What Sony Sood is doing if you want to be part of many more. is indeed exemplary. May social media. Be strong. As (Feature co-ordinated by What do you think is the best God give him the strength you know what’s being said DEVESH SHARMA) lesson our society has learnt and courage to do this isn’t true. This too shall Please note: The column doesn’t from COVID-19 pandemic? service to humanity for pass. And if you’re hurt reflect Shatrughan Sinha’s political R Lester Makang, Imphal years and years to come. just inform the police and or personal views. His answers are Each one of us has learnt God bless. the cyber police. given in jest and humour.

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

Readers may send in their questions to: SMS: FI SJ Email: [email protected] Fax: 022-22731585 Send Your Mail: Sawaal Jawaab, Filmfare, The Times of India Bldg, or Question to 4th floor, D N Road, Mumbai 400 001, INDIA to (Please mention your full name, contact number and address) 53636 YOUR QUESTIONS WILL BE FORWARDED TO: Shatrughan Sinha, who insists his answers do not reflect his political and social views. Terms & Conditions Apply l Winner will bear all applicable taxes l Original products may differ from the one shown in the picture & will be as per supplier’s/manufacturer’s terms & conditions l The magazine will not be responsible for the product. LAST WORD BY JITESH PILLAAI

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge 25 YEARS OF Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge

was a cub reporter when Dilwale in a big way. You look at the film again and the Dulhania Le Jayenge first hit the Shah Rukh Khan played Raj and sharp cinematography never fails to theatres 25 years ago. For that Kajol played Simran in the film. take your breath away. Yash Chopra generation of cine-goers, it was Raj and Simran have become the passed on the love of shooting in Isomething they'd never seen before. bywords when it comes to screen exotic locations to his son Aditya DDLJ was a beautiful marriage of lovers. Every screen jodi tries to Chopra. And the prodigal son took the old and the new, ancient and match up to their intensity. Let’s just it a notch higher. And Aditya’s modern. It showed an NRI father who say that none have come to surpass masterstroke was to juxtapose the has lived most of his adult life in the it. There was something so very earthy fragrance of Punjab with UK but pines for Indian ethos and innocent, so very fragile in their European delights. The film pulled wants his children to have a taste of relationship that can’t be defined. in the NRIs by droves as they longed that. Both his daughters haven’t been That gossamer web couldn’t be to catch a glimpse of their pind. In a affected by the NRI culture and he replicated, not even by SRK and way, DDLJ can be said to be a patriotic takes great pride in that. And the hero Kajol, who appeared in numerous film in the sense that it carried of the film, who is a brat brought up films together afterwards. There was forward the tradition by a rich father who's catered to all always an air of dependability in their of making India seem superior to the his wishes, somehow understands films together after that though. They other nations of the world. that. And instead of rebelling were so comfortable together that it I must have seen the film 25 times against authority, tries to win over never felt like they were acting. It’s when it was released and never fail the orthodox father of the girl he hard to find that kind of camaraderie to catch it even now, whenever it’s loves. Our love stories often show among co-stars these days. shown on TV. If not for the pandemic, youngsters in love rebelling against The film showcased Europe like it would still have been running in their parents but this film turned never before or since. It made us all Mumbai’s Maratha Mandir. I have no that around and told us we shouldn’t pine to take a European vacation. doubt it’ll still feel as good as new ignore the love of our elders. That sat The picture-postcard locales weren’t even at its 50th anniversary. well with both the younger and the just randomly put in the narrative [email protected] older generation and the film clicked but actually took the story forward. Twitter: @jiteshpillaai DOWNLOAD YOUR FAVOURITE MAGAZINES FOR FREE!

Stay Indoors. Stay Safe.

November, 2020

BREAK KE BAAD VICKY KAUSHAL bulks up RANVEER SINGH SET TO SLAY IN

A DOUBLE ROLE

A DOUBLE ROLE

SET TO SLAY IN

SINGH

RANVEER

bulks up

KAUSHAL

VICKY BREAK KE BAAD

worldwidemedia.in November, 2020