sign in sign up
<<
Home , Aditya Roy Kapur, Alaya F, Anushka Sharma, Ashalata Wabgaonkar, Ayesha Takia, Badrinath Ki Dulhania

October, 2020

KATRINA’S SUPER HERO FILM IN TROUBLE

MEET THE REAL HERO, SONU SOOD

RANVEER SINGH’S MASTERPLAN

ANUSHKA SHARMA BRAVE NEW WORLD HEROINES WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE Volume 69 # October 2020 / ISSN NUMBER 0971-7277

October, 2020

KATRINA’S SUPER HERO FILM IN TROUBLE

MEET THE REAL HERO, SONU SOOD

RANVEER SINGH’S MASTERPLAN

ANUSHKA SHARMA BRAVE NEW WORLD HEROINES WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE PHOTOGRAPHS: TIBI CLENCI STYLING: ALLIA AL RUFAI HAIR: EARL SIMMS | MAKE-UP: LIZ PUGH DESTINATION PARTNER: VISIT BRUSSELS TRAVEL CO-ORDINATORS: 27 GLOBAL HOPPERS Dress: Maison Esve | Jewellery: Isharya

Editor’s Choice heroines 04have truly evolved, says the editor Celebrating 50 years 70 of YRF

08 42

Masala fix & lifestyle feels all to Designer Shehla Khan 50 journeys happen within 08 make a comeback with 22 opens up on her Obituary: Johnny Sanki, Tiger Shroff to journey 54 Bakshi play a boxer in Ganpat, Obituary: Ashalata ’s Tiger 3 Exclusives 55 Wabgaonkar to be shot in seven Exclusive cover story: Remembering SP countries and more grist 27 We take a look at the 56 Balasubrahmanyam from the rumour mill. women of style and Looking back with Preview substance who’re 60 affection at Jagjit Singh currently ruling the Your say Singer Leena Bose is industry 16 waiting for more hits Sonu Sood is the Readers send in Ritwik Bhowmik is happy 42 messiah of the masses 66 their rants 18 with the success of is finding her Shatrughan Sinha’s 12 Bandish Bandits 46 own space 68 wacky witticisms olivesatyourtable.in Olives at your table @olivesatyourtable.in Olives at your table INDIA

The content of this promotion campaign publication represents the views of the author only and is his/her sole responsibility. The European Commission and the Consumers, Health, Agriculture and Food Executive Agency (CHAFEA) do not accept any responsibility for any use that may be made of the information it contains. Letter from the Editor It’s reigning women There was a time when film heroines, even when working for the biggest studios were paid a pittance. It all changed with who set the ball rolling by refusing to bow down to male domination. She came, she saw, cocked a snook at the system and others gladly followed . Women have travelled on a hard and lonely road before reaching that place of power from where they can demand the sum they wish for and get it. So, when we hear that was reportedly paid a whopping 29 crores for her next opposite Prabhas, it gladdens our hearts. Marriage and children often proved to be the death knell for actresses. Today, a much-married Kareena Khan, mother to the adorable Taimur and with another baby on the way, still commands a healthy fee of ten crores plus for every project and was reportedly paid 21 crores for Laal Singh Chaddha. It tells you that the producers have up to the fact that heroines too are indeed responsible for making a film a hit. As is evident from the immense popularity they command on social media and the number of fan pages they have. Clearly, they have the required clout now to influence the numbers. And they are shrewd enough to point this to the producers and use it as a bargaining chip. Another healthy practice that has emerged out of this new way of thinking is that heroines are now getting author-backed roles. And they’re getting roles which resonate with the millions of women out there. And what’s more without the proverbial hero to prop them up. Again Vidya Balan pioneered this trend in modern times. starrer Thappad is another case in point. The film revolves around an ordinary middle-class homemaker’s response to domestic violence. Women have been told to overlook minor acts of violence against them since ages. Now, they’ve started to resist and the film mirrors that. Women have to often let go of their careers because of the demands of motherhood. But of late, mothers have started making a comeback. Mirroring that, the starrer Panga has her playing a former kabaddi star, who makes a comeback to the sport in her 30s. Actresses are at the forefront of the endorsement game as well. The buying power of women has increased. The FMCG companies want to cash in on that potential and as a result female stars are getting the bulk of endorsement deals. They’re selling everything from soaps to smartphones. Needless to say, the moolah coming in has added to their wealth. Be it fashion, ’s tent-like is still being written about, or charities, has long been associated with the UN, they have been at the frontline everywhere. Sassy, smart and willing to take risks, our leading ladies are no longer content with arm-candy roles. They don’t need men to be relevant. Let’s hope their shining example trickles down to the women on the streets. Our present issue is dedicated to heroines who shine bright with both style and substance. Turn the pages to know more about them...

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 Managing Editor Devesh Sharma Suparna Sheth [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] Deputy Production Manager Ashwini S Pote Call: 18001210005 (All India toll Free Number) Design Director Sujitha Pai BRAND SOLUTIONS Associate Art Director Nikesh Gopale BUSINESS DIRECTOR Sunil Wuthoo

Marketing & Head Digital Revenue Priyadarshi Banerjee WEST VICE PRESIDENT & BUSINESS HEAD-FEMINA Chief Marketing Manager Manvi Sehgal SALON & SPA Gautam Chopra [email protected] Senior Manager Marketing Sabina Gomes ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT Assistant Manager Marketing Jha Reena C Dave [email protected] Leena Bhandari Chief Financial Officer S.Subramaniam [email protected] Sriram Krishnan Head-Human Resources Meghna Puthawala [email protected] PUNE Ekta Dang Vice President Content Studio Vidyut Patra [email protected] AHMEDABAD 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 EAST Any information received by us through responses by Users/ Subscribers to the Short Messaging 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 ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT client analysis and for other internal purposes and all copyrights in such information will vest with us. 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

Taimur and Kareena Kapoor Khan BIRTHDAY BUMPS Birthday celebrations have lost their usual pomp and show, thanks to the coronavirus. Khan brought in her 40th birthday some days ago and it was Salman Khan’s Tiger 3 to be held at home in the midst of close family. Our paparazzi shot in seven countries pg 08 spotted the birthday girl in two outfits and that kind Taapsee Pannu bags a role of caused a tizzy. One of the first to arrive was sister Karisma Kapoor. It’s a wonder how much they resemble alongside Shah Rukh Khan? pg 12 each other with their masks on. PHOTOGRAAPH: YOGEN SHAH MASALA FIX

SALMAN ’S KHAN’S TIGER SUPERHERO SAYS YES TO YODHA 3 TO BE SHOT FLICK IN who’s known for his films like ACROSS SEVEN TROUBLE Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania, COUNTRIES Katrina Kaif has too many big and is gearing up for his next project, which projects in her kitty and she’s is said to be an action-drama tentatively titled Yodha. raring to hit the road soon. Shahid Kapoor has been signed for the film but Her with Akshay we hear that he wasn’t the only choice. The makers Kumar was ready for release had first approached , who turned but got stalled due to the it down as he already has projects like Shamshera lockdown. She also has Phone and Luv Ranjan’s next on his plate and didn’t want Bhoot with Ishaan Khattar to clutter his diary. and Ayushmann and and Khurrana too turned it down for reasons of their own. Tiger 3 with Salman Khan. Shahid we hear, loved the script and agreed to come According to reports, Katrina’s on board after listening to the narration. Yodha is most ambitious project, where Shahid’s second collaboration with after she’s reportedly playing a Shandaar and his first project with Shashank. The superhero, or shall we say, a director was supposed to begin Mr Lele with Varun superheroine, which is backed Dhawan but the project got cancelled after Varun and by might be he had creative differences. delayed. The filmmaker has not been able to get any producer or studio on board to finance MEANWHILE... According to reports, it. Since it’s a superhero flick, Shashank Khaitan may have found the leading lady for Yodha, Salman Khan and Aditya the film will be high on VFX starring Shahid Kapoor. According to reports, Shashank feels Disha Chopra have big plans for and hence expensive. Looking Patani is perfect for the role. According to a source, the film is Tiger 3. Salman Khan is free at the current scenario, film an actioner but the female has an interesting arc. Shashank has to shoot in February and studios are not ready to invest narrated the film to the actress, who has shown an interest in the hence and in a high-budget film. Ali Abbas project. but she hasn’t signed on the dotted line as yet. director Zafar and Katrina have worked are hurrying to get the script together in films like Mere ready. According to reports, Brother Ki Dulhan, Tiger Zinda RANBIR KAPOOR the film will be shot in seven Hai and Bharat. Katrina Kaif AND SHRADDHA countries and will be a visual incidentally has been prepping delight. A source revealed for the role for a while now. She KAPOOR TO START the details, “If everything wants to get the right physique SHOOTING FOR LUV goes as planned, Maneesh for the film. We’re sure she’ll RANJAN’S NEXT Sharma and his team will look marvellous as a super. Ranbir Kapoor and conduct a recce across the have been paired together for the UAE, Istanbul and the US first time in Luv Ranjan’s next. Luv in December. The rest of Ranjan is known for films like Pyaar Ka the countries have yet to be Punchnama series and Sonu Ke Titu Ki pencilled in. Tiger 3 is close Sweety. His next was supposed to go on to Adi’s heart as he has floors early this year but the coronavirus developed the screenplay pandemic came in the way. Now, we along with Jaideep Sahni. hear Ranbir and Shraddha will start Despite the industry shooting in November. The film will need slowdown, Adi is certain that six months to wrap up the shoot. Reports the film has the makings suggest that the makers are planning to of a blockbuster. Maneesh wrap up the shoot by April 2021. The film and he want to take it on is set in Spain and Shraddha reportedly floors by February.” Katrina plays a waitress while Ranbir plays a Kaif will keep pace with ladies’ man who sets out to charm her. If Salman again in the film. Luv Ranjan’s track record is anything to The makers are now on the go by, this untitled project will surely be a lookout for a fresh face to love story with a difference. play the negative lead. ADVERTORIAL

FOR HealingTHE GREATER GOOD, ONE STEP AT A TIME…

ansa Bali is one of highest potential. the front runners of She has been invited on self-development various platforms such as the VANSA BALI and empowerment Happiness Podcast, Khaleej HAS FOCUSED Vgurus in the UAE. With Times, Gulf News and various HER LIFE’S credentials in psychology, other corporate houses to experience in occupational share her expertise and PURPOSE psychology and exposure to wisdom to bring positive IN HELPING the world of mindfulness, change to society and the HUMANITY AWAKEN abundantly on this planet. Vansa has channeled her workplace. Her experience as By sharing these simple and life’s purpose to awaken a Holistic Therapist, Energy TO ITS HIGHEST effective intuitive processes, people to their highest Healer and Coach, motivates POTENTIAL BY we can learn how to turn potential by offering Theta her to share the wisdom that inwards, awaken our natural healing & self-development will help you listen and trust OFFERING THETA- intuition and cultivate a seminars. She also conducts the ‘inner voice’ within. HEALING & SELF- mindset for success that can programs that awakens With focus and DEVELOPMENT help us grow exponentially self-transformation and self- determination, she believes faster in our journey mentally, discovery in an individual to that we all have the capability SEMINARS emotionally, physically and identify and achieve their to live purposefully and spiritually on the planet. n MASALA FIX

Do you know SHAH RUKH KHAN HAS SIGNED TAMIL DIRECTOR ATLEE’S NEXT TITLED drinks cow urine SANKI. AND WE KNOW WHO HE’LL BE ROMANCING IN THIS MUCH- every day? AWAITED PROJECT. YES, IT’S NONE OTHER THAN DEEPIKA PADUKONE. DEEPIKA REPRTEDLY HAS LOVED THE STORY AND IS ON BOARD. THE FILM WILL BE DEEPIKA’S FOURTH VENTURE WITH SRK AFTER OM SHANTI OM, AND HAPPY NEW YEAR. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s Binodani Dasi biopic gets delayed due to COVID-19 Talks had surfaced early this year about Aishwarya Rai Bachchan having signed Pradeep Sarkar’s next. It’s a biopic on Binodini Dasi, a popular Akshay Kumar is in courtesan from the 1800s who became popular as a theatre actor. But now Scotland shooting for his we hear that the project has been pushed to next year due to the pandemic. next Bell Bottom. So much Talking about the delay, Pradeep Sarkar said that he’d narrated the script to TIGER SHROFF TO PLAY that he had a working Aishwarya and she’d given him the heads up but soon after the lockdown A BOXER IN GANPAT birthday this year. Recently started. So he hasn’t been able to work further on the project. He also Looks like boxers are the flavour of the he did an live with revealed that even though Aishwarya is on board, he has not been able to season. Last we heard, had British host and adventurer sign on other actors for the film. He’s hoping that things begun shooting for Rakeysh Omprakash Bear Grylls and revealed will go back to normal by March 2021, so he can go Mehra’s sports drama Toofan, where he plays some secrets about himself. back on sets. He said, “The writing is in progress. While a boxer. Now the buzz is that Tiger Shroff The session had him Aishwarya has given her nod, I have not approached has been approached by the director of narrating adventures he had other actors because I am waiting for the crisis to Queen, to play a boxer in a two- with Bear Grylls when they abate. I hope the vaccine is developed by March film franchise called Ganpat. According to a both shot for Into The Wild at so that we can start shooting.” Pradeep Sarkar source, Vikas has been working on the script the Bandipur Tiger Reserve is also working on two other scripts but will only for a while now and Tiger, who loves MMA, in Karnataka. While talking start narrations when he can meet the wrestling and boxing, too was looking to do about the show, Huma actors in person. a film in this space. When Vikas narrated the Qureshi asked the superstar script to him, it got an instant ‘yes’ from Tiger. how he convinced himself Tiger Shroff apparently has already started to drink elephant poop tea prepping for the film. Though he has a great on the show. Pat came the physique, he has to work on it to look the reply, “I wasn’t worried. I was part of a boxer. He’s also working on his too excited to be worried. boxing skills, as the film will obviously have I have cow urine because many ring sequences. It’s said that Bahl of ayurvedic reasons every wants to include real boxers not only from day, so that was okay.” India but from abroad as well in the film. Looks like we now know the Post completing Ganpat and 2, secret of his fitness. Gives a Tiger Shroff will then work on the desi whole new meaning to the version of Rambo which will be directed phrase ‘fountain of youth’. by Rohit Dhawan. RANVEER SINGH WANTS BECOME INDIA’S 23RD SIGN LANGUAGE TO OFFICIAL LANGUAGE Ranveer Singh likes to involve himself in various charities and this. With your support, we felt inspired. Indian Sign Language causes. The actor has been doing his bit for people with speech is a beautiful language. We want to thank Ranveer for showing and hearing disabilities. He has been supporting an initiative support to the deaf community. We are all happy and grateful to make the sign language India’s 23rd official language. to you!” On the other hand, Ranveer said, “We are deeply Thanking him for standing up for them, 25 members of the deaf committed to making Indian Sign Language become the 23rd community from across India said, “We were very happy to hear official language of India. This progressive step will create a ripple the good news about Ranveer Singh, who is a famous Bollywood effect in providing equal access across all areas from education actor, to support Indan Sign Language to be recognized as the to employment to entertainment to more than 10 million deaf 23rd official language of India. We are so glad that he supports people in India.” Kudos to you Ranveer!

Ayushmann Khurrana TAAPSEE PANNU and David Beckham have BAGS A ROLE ’S something in common ALONGSIDE GOLDEN GESTURE is one of the biggest SHAH RUKH stars of Bollywood today. The actor has always KHAN? WINS OUR HEART believed in promoting quirky scripts with a Rajinikanth is one of the biggest actors in the country and social message. Now the actor, who is a enjoys an unheard of fan following. His fans consider him youth icon, has been roped in by UNICEF God and worship him. Recently, we came across a story of India as its celebrity advocate for promoting how Rajinikanth gave succour to one of his fans suffering rights #ForEveryChild. While the actor from coronavirus. Thalaivaa sent a voice message to one of will be supporting the cause for UNICEF’s his ailing fans who regretted not meeting his idol in person. work in India, David Beckham works on this This fan named Murali from Mumbai had been tested campaign globally. Talking about this wonderful COVID-19 positive and took to Twitter to reach out to the collaboration, Ayushmann said, “I am very pleased to actor. Murali tweeted in Tamil saying, “Rajinikanth, my leader, partner with UNICEF as a celebrity advocate. I believe that it is my last wish that you win the 2021 assembly elections everyone deserves the best start in life. As I watch my children and be a great leader, spiritual guru for the Tamil people. play in the safety and happiness of our home, I think about You should lead the state in a way that even our villagers all the children who never get to experience a safe childhood Taapsee Pannu is, without earn up to Rs 25,000 a month. My only sorrow is that I am and grow up with violence at home or outside. With UNICEF, doubt, one of the most leaving without working towards seating you on the throne.” I look forward to supporting the rights of the most vulnerable talented actresses of Soon one of Rajinikanth’s fan clubs tweeted saying that children, so that they grow up as happier, healthier, educated today’s time. She has Rajinikanth replied to the actor through a voice message citizens in nurturing environments free from violence.” We are proved her mettle as an and his message said, “Murali, this is Rajinikanth speaking, mighty impressed with you, Ayushmann. actress with powerful nothing will happen to you kanna. Be confident, I will pray for performances in films like your recovery. You will recover soon and come back home. Pink, Badla, Manmarziyaan, Once you recover, please come home with your family. I will VICKY KAUSHAL AND Saand Ki Aankh and meet you. Be confident, I will pray for your speedy recovery. MANUSHI CHILLAR TO START Thappad. Besides, she Be confident.” Soon it was reported that Murali had tested SHOOTING FOR THEIR NEXT has a string of good films negative for COVID-19 and shared the news saying, “With the A few weeks back it was reported that coming up. According to our blessings of Thalaivar and fans my kidney will also recover Vicky Kaushal will do his first ever comedy sources, she might star in soon. Thank you for your prayers.” Miraculous indeed. film with YRF, which also marks his first with ’s the banner. Miss World Manushi Chillar next alongside the one and bagged the role opposite the actor and now only Shah Rukh Khan. we hear that the actors have already started Well, if this is to be prepping for the film, which is all set to go believed, the project will on floors in October. Director surely be Taapsee’s Acharya has started reading sessions with biggest coup till date. them and the two actors are also doing Though Taapsee’s film workshops. The film will be shot primarily Badla was produced in Mumbai and the actors are said to be by SRK’s Red Chillies excited about it. This is Manushi ’s Entertainment, this will be second film. Her debut film, the the first time she will star historical drama Prithiviraj, is also opposite the superstar backed by YRF. The film stars Akshay on the big screen. Well, Kumar in the role of the valiant we hope an official king Prithviraj Chauhan. confirmation comes soon.

ADITYA ROY KAPUR AND WERE ALL SET TO TEAM UP FOR 2, WHICH ALSO STARS AND . HOWEVER, ADITYA OPTED OUT OF THE FILM DUE TO CREATIVE DIFFERENCES WITH THE DIRECTOR MOHIT SURI. LOOKS LIKE ADITYA AND TARA ARE MEANT TO WORK TOGETHER. ACCORDING TO REPORTS, TARA SUTARIA HAS BEEN APPROACHED FOR A ROLE OPPOSITE IN AHMED KHAN’S NEXT. THE FILM IS TITLED OM AND IS AN ACTION-DRAMA. WHILE TARA HAS SHOWN INTEREST IN THE MOVIE, WE HEAR DISHA’S NAME IS BEING BANDIED ABOUT AS WELL... movies on the block, set-talk, talent-buzz, hotties to watch out for ACTING ACE ASIF KHAN X FACTOR: ACTING PROWESS

From waiting to buy the Filmfare magazine second hand to featuring in it, Asif Khan has had quite a journey in showbiz. The actor made his way to the maximum city from his town Nimbahera in Chittorgarh in 2010. It took him a decade to taste the nectar of success. The actor joined Jaipur’s Sarthak Theatre Group which had as one of its former members. He is deeply inspired by the late actor and wishes to do Irrfan’s and poet John Elia’s biopic one day. Asif acted in films like Agneepath, Toilet Ek Prem Katha and Pari in supporting roles but soon got his big break in Raj Kumar Gupta’s India’s Most Wanted, where he had a crucial role alongside . Asif has also done web shows like Mirzapur, and Panchayat and has even shot for a prview for the series Narcos Mexico for . The actor will soon be seen in ’ starring . Asif believes that the one thing that has kept him going through these years is his father’s advice of always giving his full commitment to everything.

Meet newbie singer Leena Bose and actor Ritwik Bhowmik pg 16 ADVERTORIAL

RISING

SCHASING DREAMS, TA CHASING R DESTINY AQIL KHAN IS A MAN ON A MISSION... qil Khan is a commercial director profession, Aqil believes in working on himself in an import and export food and likes to stay in shape and considers his product company in Europe. But A DIEHARD physique an asset. Breaking through the that’s not it. This man moves out FAN OF SHAH barriers of a five-day job, Aqil likes to let loose ofA the board room and straight onto the runway. RUKH KHAN, and relax over the weekends. He is passionate, A model and aspiring actor, Aqil believes in dedicated and respects the commitment and following his dream no matter what. HE WISHES focus it takes to achieve one’s goals in life. After completing his education with a degree TO REACH A diehard fan of Shah Rukh Khan, he wishes in Commerce, Aqil started his job as the to reach greater heights in his career like the commercial director and has been working hard GREATER superstar. Aqil also looks up to his father and to balance out his profession and his passion HEIGHTS IN aspires to be a businessman like him someday. for the last five years. He participated in a Young and high on energy, Aqil’s in the modelling competition in 2019 and stood third HIS CAREER game for the long haul. He believes he has in a total of twenty-two thousand candidates. LIKE THE to continue to struggle until he achieves the He recounts that moment as one of the most success he strives for in his life. He describes pivotal moments in his life. SUPERSTAR himself as free-spirited, calm, spontaneous On a pursuit to make his passion his and highly organised. n FUTURE STOCK BREAKING FREE Singer LEENA BOSE hasn’t let the coronavirus dampen her enthusiasm, finds RAGHUVENDRA SINGH

t the time of writing this, singer Leena Bose has been isolated at her AKolkata home as she has tested positive for the coronavirus. But she's still in high spirits, all set to hit the deck running once she tests negative. 2 might have had the dubious distinction of being the lowest-rated film on IMDB, but the song Tum se hi, which she has sung with singer and composer has been well received. The Bhatts have been known for their musical acumen, and this time too they've nailed their music. Leena’s phone No one could wouldn’t stop ringing when the song came out. have predicted this While she rues the fate of kind of backlash for the film, she’s happy with the compliments coming the film (). her way. “No one could People wrote it off have predicted this kind without even of backlash for the film. People wrote it off without watching it even watching it,” she comments. “But what has happened, has happened. The music has been

Sadak 2 FUTURE STOCK appreciated. No one can ad jingles and TV spots,” take that away from us.” she reveals. “You have to keep meeting people and adak 2 came her hope for that big break. way just out of the There’s nothing more to it. blue. One fine day, You keep doing whatever Ankit Tiwari called comes your way, expand Sher up and said he wanted your portfolio and just to try out her voice. And keep having faith in your many studio sessions abilities.” later, the song was crafted out. Thankfully, it met urrently, releasing the approval of the Bhatts independent tracks as well. Leena points out is considered the that she could have got way forward. While her big break long ago but LeenaC agrees that putting for the circumstances. It up original work does was in 2013 that Leena get you noticed, she also Bose was shortlisted to points out that producing a sing Sun raha hai na professional on their tu’s female version from own is beyond the reach of 2. However, the most new talent. “Original makers thought Shreya music scene has definitely Ghoshal’s voice would started again but singers be more suited for the need support at all levels song and Leena lost out to produce an album. Most on a big opportunity. The newcomers can't bear the singer says that losing costs involved.” She earns out on such big chances her money doing shows does leave an impact. “It The original music scene has definitely and mentions that’s the can affect you on so many started again but singers need the support on case with most singers. levels especially when In such a scenario, it’s you’re extremely young, all levels to produce an album. Most newcomers hard to invest both time naive and new in Mumbai can’t bear the costs involved and money in putting and you know you've done up independent singles. your job right,” she points as good as your last hit,” for me. It certainly does And anything you put up out. “I took it as a part of she reasons. give a lot of fame though. needs marketing as well. my journey and focused Leena started When you know your “You can’t just jump into on building my craft and participating in music purpose you take the it. Everything needs to be worked on my confidence. shows at a young age road accordingly.” The planned,” she states. These experiences and and was winning prizes talented singer has worked She could have happily rejections have made me and praise everywhere with stalwarts like AR continued with a music who I'm today.” Ask her if from the Dover Lane Rahman -- in Coke Studio, career in Kolkata but came there is gender disparity in Music Conference (Jr.) to , Sachin- to Mumbai as she wanted the singing world and she the Pandit Kichlu Jigar, Ankit Tiwari, Arko to spread her wings. And says, “I think it's not about Foundation. Pravo Mukherjee. And asserts that despite the male or female singers. It's She began performing she continues to perform hardships, she doesn’t more about famous and on regional television Bollywood and semi- regret a single moment non-famous singers.” She shows as well. She classical, and spent here. “I wanted to is pragmatic enough to confides that such shows in live shows. Her see the world. I want to understand that she isn’t definitely put pressure struggle in Mumbai was live life on my own terms. such a big name as yet that on the participants but if pretty straightforward. And I’m doing it. I’ve no people will give her work you persevere, they can She started pounding the complaints as I’m enjoying or a song will become a help jumpstart your career. street, reaching out to the journey.” hit just because her name Says she, “It's full of drama people, giving out audition Well, we first wish her is associated with it. “It and after a certain point, tapes -- and hoping for a speedy recovery from doesn’t happen that way. you get pressurised. That's a callback. “That’s how coronavirus. And hope all In today’s scenario, you’re not how music happens I got selected for a lot of her dreams come true. n FUTURE STOCK

That heady VEDANSHI PATHAK CATCHES UP WITH RITWIK BHOWMIK, WHO’S BASKING IN THE SUCCESS OF THE HIT OTT MUSICAL BANDISH BANDITS feeling undreds of typical Bengali, was newcomers born in a family of INITIALLY, enter and exit intellectuals. He, I NEVER USED showbiz almost however, wanted to TO HAVE THAT Hevery single day. travel on a different LIBERTY, For anyone to make road. Calling himself I USED TO their mark in such the ‘black sheep of CRAVE FOR ONE a situation requires the family’, Ritwik OPPORTUNITY, a combination of says he always BUT NOW, talent, hard work wanted to make a AFTER BANDISH and luck. Looks like name for himself BANDITS, I CAN that’s the case with in showbiz. He SAY THAT I HAVE Ritwik Bhowmik, confided in his THE LIBERTY TO who’s waited for mother one day CHOOSE AND the dice to roll for about his aspirations I’M LOVING IT him quite patiently. and to his relief, she Ritwik, who is a replied she already With Shreya Chaudhary MARK YOUR CALENDARS

VIRTUAL BeautyCARNIVAL

By

Listen up, Beauty Junkies, the best of beauty is here! 5, 6, 7 November 2020

CELEBRITY CHATS MASTERCLASSES EXPERT TUTORIALS PANEL DISCUSSIONS CONTEST AND GIVEAWAYS DEALS & DISCOUNTS

For enquiries, reach out to [email protected] FUTURE STOCK

He also relishes JUST BY BEING WHO HE the newfound IS, superpower of HAS GIVEN ME A LOT OF saying no to a LESSONS AND GUIDELINES project. “Initially, I TO LIVE BY, ESPECIALLY never used to have AS AN ACTOR AND I’LL that liberty, I used CHERISH THAT TILL MY to crave for one LAST BREATH opportunity, but now, after Bandish Bandits, I can say that I have the liberty to choose and I’m loving it.” Every actor wants to look like a MMA fighter currently but Ritwik says that’s not his aim. He likes his lean body and says according to him an actor should had an inkling. Naseeruddin Shah heat was a big task,” accommodating. “It have a flexible What’s more, she and Atul Kulkarni, he reflects. must have been more body, which he can encouraged him to his joy knew no awkward for her than change according to follow his dreams. bounds. Since he series gave for me but we kind of the requirements of “I was confident he was playing a him a chance gelled together from the role. He doesn’t about an classical singer, to work with our first meeting believe in looking actor, but the way Ritwik had to one of his itself and were back. It wasn’t easy my family supported attend numerous idols, T Naseeruddin quite comfortable reaching where me emotionally workshops to get Shah. Ritwik says with each other. he has today but and financially is his expressions and the experience has So doing intimate Ritwik feels no something I’ll always body language right. been surreal. He scenes wasn’t a bitterness about the be grateful for. It’s It was a laborious mentions working problem. Director past. Newcomers get only because of them process but he with the veteran made flooded with advice that I am here today,” shone through. was everything he sure to shoot them but according to him, he gushes. They were shooting had dreamt of and aesthetically and the best advice is not Ritwik, who in and more. He gushes with a minimum of to take any advice. has wowed the the harsh sun that Naseer could fuss,” he reveals. We’ve heard that he’s audience with his sometimes took its inspire people The series was been signed by a big stellar acting in toll. Remembering with a line, with well received talent company and Bandish Bandits, one such tough day a gesture. “That’s and things have has been offered a directed by Anand on the sets, the actor what differentiates definitely changed couple of lucrative Tiwari, says that the spoke about the a legend from any for Ritwik after projects. Ritwik opportunity came scene where he had other artiste. Just its release. He has chooses to be hush- to him as a surprise. to give the 24-hour by being who he become more active hush about them for Like most actors in pariksha. “It was 44 is, he’s given me a on social media. now. Says he, “All I Mumbai, he would degrees and I had lot of lessons and Posting about want is to keep doing send audition tapes to walk up those guidelines to live by, different aspects of good work, that’s to casting directors temple stairs bare especially as an actor his life and posing all. It doesn’t matter and one fine day, he feet. My face and and I’ll cherish that for ‘candid’ photos whether it’s on OTT got a call for a live feet were burning. till my last breath.” has become a regular or films. I want to audition. When he It was the toughest He had to do a thing now. He smiles be recognised as an came to know he day of shooting for couple of intimate at that and says he actor. All other things had been selected as me. I had to look scenes in the series has no issues about are secondary.” the lead for a music- haggard in that shot, as well and says becoming a public He sure has got all based series starring so it helped, but to his co-star Shreya figure as that’s his priorities figured such stalwarts as shoot in so much Chaudhary was very kind of expected. out, alright. They are hot, they are cool. Meet our trend makers and breakers STYLE SAGA Designer Shehla Khan opens up about what motivates her to put her best foot forward when it comes to creativity

Jacqueline Fernandez

With Tara Sutaria “ I love making people look beautiful”

Katrina Kaif Fakhri INTERVIEW COUTURE CONSCIOUSNESS DESIGNER SHEHLA KHAN SHARES THE SECRET OF DESIGNING AND HER PASSION FOR HER WORK WITH ANALITA SETH

Fashionistas like Sonam Kapoor, Anushka Sharma, Kareena Kapoor Khan and are known to swear by Shehla Khan’s creations. Her father Sajjid Khan took the Indian embroidery to the world of Valentino, , Roberto Cavalli and Georgio Armani, Hence, Shehla grew up watching the magic of fashion unravel in front of her eyes. Designing was never a chore for her. It was literally in her blood and came as easy as breathing. Having seen the melange of the East and the West first hand, it’s natural that her designs reflect the best of both the worlds. Feminine yet bold, classic yet chic… She works every day to give back to the fashion industry what it has given to her. Excerpts from a free-wheeling interview with one of the brightest sparks on the Indian fashion scene... Sonam Kapoor Ahuja

cater to people’s WHERE DO YOU All the different needs. If there SEE THE FASHION industries have Shehla Khan is something a INDUSTRY HEADING abused nature. person is looking ONCE THE PANDEMIC But as part of the WHAT’S YOUR TAKE for, it is our job IS OVER? fashion industry, ON DESIGNER to provide them This is the time I’m looking into MASKS AND with it. I think for everyone to how much I HOW FASHION IS it’s great that reflect on how can contribute EVOLVING WITH THE everyone is much wastage to enviroment. PANDEMIC? coming up with happens when You have to I think it’s their own we create a also look into necessary to version of masks. collection. It’s sustainability. contribute and They are anyway time to rethink Sustainable also make money a necessity and and evolve fashion is for yourself. As now people can in terms of something a designer, it have fun with benefiting the everyone needs is your job to them. environment. to think about. “I love making people look beautiful. So every single person I have ever dressed up has been a pleasure to work with. But having said that, right from the time I started my brand, Sonam (Kapoor) has been very supportive. When I launched my first campaign, Katrina Kaif she modelled for it” MARK YOUR CALENDARS

By

OCT 30 – NOV 01, 2020

ONE-OF-A-KIND, 3-DAY VIRTUAL SHOWCASE OF FASHION

CELEBRITY CHATS MASTERCLASSES DIY SESSIONS WEBINARS DIGITAL POP UPS

For enquiries, reach out to [email protected] [email protected] As for changes, campaign, she things are modelled for going digital. it. She had also Internationally, started her career fashion weeks around the same have already time. So my first gone digital. A collection was lot of designers created with her have decided as my muse. It to cut down on will be eternally their collection. special to me. Instead of having six collections WHO ARE SOME OF a year, they YOUR FAVOURITE are looking to DESIGNERS? making season- Internationally, less collections. I love Christian It stops mass Dior, Valentino, production and Versace.... I wastage. really like Alexander WHO ARE YOUR Wang. But ALL-TIME FAVOURITE these are more ABOUT Anushka Sharma FASHION ICONS? my personal I’ll name a few. style than THIS Audrey Hepburn inspirations. LOOK and Lady Amongst Indian Sonam Kapoor Ahuja Diana for sure. designers, I love Rhea Maharani Gayatri Abu Jani and when he was (Kapoor) and Devi, she was the Sandeep Khosla. designing for I conceptualised face of Cartier, I also love Dior. I was still that look and Karisma Anuradha Vakil’s working as an together. She Kapoor. I’m a work, Anamika intern at that had this veil that big fan and her Khanna, Rohit time. I always she had bought personal style is Bal for his knew I wanted and she wanted chic and eclectic. classic couture to get into this to do something and Manish profession but it extraordinary WHO ACCORDING Malhotra. He was after I was with it. So she TO YOU PULLS OFF was actually my introduced to suggested we do YOUR DESIGNS THE first boss and Dior’s collection, a saree with it. BEST? knows how to that I was sure. I told her I have I love making make a woman I loved how this beautiful people look look so beautiful they brought lace and we beautiful. So and sensual at drama into their could make the ‘‘I love Christian Dior, every single the same time. clothes while saree just out of Valentino, Versace... I really person I have maintaining it. We then went ever dressed DO YOU REMEMBER the femininity. for the corset. like Alexander Wang. But up has been a THE FIRST PIECE OF They were Personally, I was these are more my personal pleasure to work DESIGNER beautiful couture happy with just style than inspirations. with. But having THAT AWED YOU? creations. the saree, corset said that, right I have grown and veil but she Amongst the Indian designers, from the time I up looking upto WHEN DID YOU wanted to add I love Abu Jani and Sandeep started my brand, Dior. So, the DECIDE TO BECOME more drama. So Khosla. I love Anuradha Sonam (Kapoor) first person who A FASHION Rhea went in for Vakil’s work, Anamika has been very inspired me right DESIGNER? a cape. That’s supportive. before I started I was introduced how we came up Khanna, Rohit Bal for his When I launched working was to the fashion with it together. classic couture and my first John Galliano, world when I ” DOWNLOAD YOUR FAVOURITE MAGAZINES FOR FREE!

Stay Indoors. Stay Safe.

GOOD DESIGN CHANGES EVERYTHING A Times of India Publication @goodhomesmagazine VOLUME 13 ISSUE 06 SEPTEMBER 2020 @goodhomesmagazineindia @goodhomesindia

COLOUR PALETTE A Times of India publication Europe’s No. 1 Style Magazine Meet the October, 2020 marigold HOUSE FASHION in a post modern Terrazzo avatar makes a Easy Chic stunning comeback

GET READY

Volume 13 Issue 6 FOR THE September 2020 LIVING THEIR FESTIVITIES WITH TABLE SEPTEMBER 2020 60 A Times of India publication BEST LIVES ESSENTIALS THAT GET A GLIMPSE OF SOME WILL MAKE KATRINA’S OF THE MOST GOOD LOOKING A STATEMENT SUPER HERO HOMES WE HAVE SEEN Powerdesigners Pairings + artists FILM IN TROUBLE bring fresh energy MEET THE 13 to September REAL HERO, ROYAL SONU SOOD FLUSH Plating PRINCESSES perfection RANVEER SINGH’S BEYOND DIYA AND DISHES THAT MASTERPLAN THE GAURAVI WOW THE EYES INDIE KUMARI CERAMIC BINARY GET CANDID LABELS Drag WE LOVE Queens BEAUTY on the BUZZ ANUSHKA SHARMA Power of ALL YOU NEED Make-up TO KNOW BRAVE NEW #GoodVibesOnly Jacqueline Fernandez Drive on, WORLD HEROINES WHO India! MAKE A DIFFERENCE Road trips for when we

travel next

WE LOVE

LABELS

CERAMIC

INDIE

oer fna to se se S.ndd MAKE A DIFFERENCE

HEROINES WHO WORLD

Jacqueline Fernandez

GoodVibesOnly

#

HOMES WE HAVE SEEN

A STATEMENT BRAVE NEW

OF THE MOST GOOD LOOKING

Make-up

WILL MAKE

GET A GLIMPSE OF SOME

BEST LIVES

ESSENTIALS THAT

Power of ANUSHKA SHARMA

WITH TABLE

on the LIVING THEIR FESTIVITIES

Queens FOR THE

oer fna to se se S.ndd

GET READY Drag

BINARY

comeback

THE MASTERPLAN stunning

RANVEER SINGH’S

makes a avatar BEYOND

modern Terrazzo

in a post

HOUSE FASHION SONU SOOD

marigold

Meet the

REAL HERO,

PALETTE

MEET THE

travel next COLOUR

to Septem ber

13 for when we

bring fresh energy

@goodhomesindia

Road trips

@goodhomesmagazineindia FILM IN TROUBLE

VOLUME 13 ISSUE 06 SEPTEMBER 2020

@goodhomesmagazine designers + artists

A Times of India Publication

SUPER HERO

India!

Power Pairings GOOD DESIGN CHANGES EVERYTHING

KATRINA’S

Drive on,

TO KNOW

ALL YOU NEED September 2020

Volume 13 Issue 6 BUZZ

worldwidemedia.inBEAUTY

Easy Chic GET CANDID

KUMARI

GAURAVI

WOW THE EYES

October, 2020

DIYA AND

DISHES THAT

PRINCESSES

perfection

Europe’s No. 1 Style Magazine A Times of India publication FLUSH

Plating

ROYAL

A Times of India publication SEPTEMBER 2020 60 “ I use a lot of black because you can never go wrong with it. There are some regular elements and everything else is seasonal. I also love vintage embroideries from the 17th and the 18th centuries. I take a lot of design inspirations from the Victorian and the Mughal eras” else is seasonal. I fashion industry, also love vintage I strongly embroideries believe in from the 17th originality. Even and the 18th when taking centuries. I take inspiration a lot of design from another inspirations design, it should from the not look like Tara Sutaria Victorian and the original. the Mughal eras. You may take inspiration from WHICH ACCORDING designers but TO YOU ARE SOME you have to be ELEMENTS IN DESIGN careful that it’s THAT WILL NEVER GO not just picked OUT OF STYLE? up and put into A saree never your design. goes out of style. It’s not just I always try to unfair but also bring back the disrespectful to Rakul Preet Singh saree in all my someone’s hard collections. work. Copying every collection. There’s a and pasting it I also love lace. traditional saree and putting your It’s been an which is always label is wrong. integral part of a part of my So it is correct to my collections. repertoire. In have portals that Other than that, terms of colour, put out relevant Jacqueline Athiya I have broken black, white and information. Fernandez Shetty away from the blue will never pastel shades. go out of style. IS FASHION A was a toddler wanted to do. It has been my They are safe, LUXURY OR A and couldn’t So I eventually as I flattering and NECESSITY? even understand studied it. started with versatile. It’s subjective. a thing. My it, so there is For people father and aunt YOU WORK WITH always a section WHAT’S YOUR TAKE like me, it’s a have been in A LOT OF PASTELS, of my collection ON DIETSABYA’S necessity. For the embroidery FRILLS AND where I use SCOOPS? me, it’s my bread business for FEMININE MOTIFS them. But I have As long as it’s and butter. It’s the last forty IN YOUR DESIGNS. evolved into relevant, it’s all I’ve known. years. They’ve ARE THOSE using bolder and fair. I’ve been For someone been working YOUR PERSONAL brighter colours. following who doesn’t with European FAVOURITES? I use a lot of DietPrada even take interest and American I believe ruffles black because before DietSabya in fashion and designers and aren’t seasonal Kareena you can never go came into play. just dresses up Kapoor brands like and so I do Khan wrong with it. It’s fair to have to go to work Chanel, Dior try to add an There are some a portal to call or step out of and many more. element of it in regular elements out people. As a their house, it’s a It was all I ever my designs in and everything person from the luxury. n COVER STORY Bhumi Pednekar Katrina Kaif Katrina AliaBhatt

Kalki Koechlin Kangana Ranaut Taapsee Pannu Taapsee Deepika Padukone Aishwarya Rai AMAZING

DEVESH SHARMA SALUTES THE WOMEN OF STYLE AND SUBSTANCE THAT ARE CURRENTLY REIGNING IN BOLLYWOOD An actress isn’t just a pretty face or an hourglass figure anymore. Like women in different sectors are breaking glass ceilings and pushing the envelope, the film heroine too has evolved into a multi- faceted personality. Today, she’s no longer content being in the hero’s shadow or his arm candy. Rather, she demands an equal amount of screen time. And also equal pay. Off-screen too, she’s no dainty magnolia but has a core of steel holding her up, braving everything the world throws at her, building a monument out of the bricks. She speaks up not only for her rights but also for the rights of those, who aren’t as fortunate as her. She’s not merely a mannequin for brands but is the face of several movements. She’s supporting causes not just through money or influence but is also willing to get her hands dirty out Graceon the frontline. Unapologetic about glamour, untiring in grit, she’s a force to reckon with… Radhika Priyanka Chopra Jonas Priyanka

Kareena Kapoor Khan Vidya Balan Vidya

Sonam Kapoor Ahuja Kapoor Sonam Anushka Sharma SHE HAS BEEN A TOP-RATED ACTRESS EVER SINCE SHE APPEARED OPPOSITE SHAH RUKH KHAN IN HER DEBUT FILM (2008). But Anushka wasn’t just content with being a top actor. She turned producer with NH10, forming her own production company Clean Slate Films. Her other productions are the horror film Pari and the ghost comedy Phillauri. Recently, her production for the OTT platform Paatal Lok won her much applause. The banner is slowly acquiring a reputation for off-kilter stuff. She went into full entrepreneurial mode by launching her own line of clothing called Nush. She’s been known to lean towards comfort when it comes to fashion and has spoken about her fondness towards clothes with pockets. Anushka believes that human beings share the planet with different species and has always been vocal about . Some years ago, she launched Pawsitivity, which aimed at educating people about the adverse effects of noise, air, water and soil pollution on animals. That she’s ace cricketer, ’s wife, is incidental to her identity.

With hubby Virat Kohli

SOME YEARS AGO, SHE LAUNCHED PAWSITIVITY, WHICH AIMED AT EDUCATING PEOPLE ABOUT THE ADVERSE EFFECTS OF NOISE, AIR, WATER AND SOIL POLLUTION ON ANIMALS Anushka Sharma Anushka SHE’S STRONG AND YET, SHE’S VULNERABLE. And she isn’t afraid to show her vulnerability. Deepika Padukone has openly spoken about her bout with depression. In 2015, she started the Live Love Laugh Foundation to create awareness about mental health. Coming from a family of sportspersons, her father Prakash Padukone is a revered name in the field of badminton, Deepika was also involved with the Olympic Gold Quest initiative. It was formed to nurture new talent. She’s devastatingly beautiful and yet took the initiative to play an acid attack survivor in Chhapak, which marked her debut as a producer as well. Sartorially, she’s been known to balance the best of Indian traditional ensembles with top international labels. Since 2012 onwards, most of her off-screen looks have been red-carpet ready. She’s an aspirational figure in all senses of the word.

Chhapak

COMING FROM A FAMILY OF SPORTSPERSONS, HER FATHER PRAKASH PADUKONE IS A REVERED NAME IN THE FIELD OF BADMINTON, DEEPIKA WAS ALSO INVOLVED WITH THE

Deepika PadukoneDeepika OLYMPIC GOLD QUEST INITIATIVE Sonam Kapoor Ahuja SHE’S ALSOSUPPORTIVEOFOGAANCANCERFOUNDATION ANDHAS SONAM HASBEENAVOCALSUPPORTEROFLGBTQRIGHTS. TRIED TOINCREASEAWARENESSABOUTBREASTCANCER Rhea sister With on quality and design. prices without compromising known for its affordable street fashion brand Rheson, the high- successfully run and her sister Rhea also too went to charity. Sonam , her video with Hrithik for charity. The proceeds of her clothes to raise funds cancer. She has auctioned awareness about breast and has tried to increase Ogaan Cancer Foundation She’s of also supportive of LGBTQ rights.supporter Sonam has been a vocal PadMan, hygiene in menstrual in braveheart air hostess in Delhi-6, fable on communal harmony Leading from a modern choices have been diverse. persona. But Sonam’s movie into chick flicks, given her would think she would be have acknowledged that. You of Bollywood. Even her peers uncrowned fashion queen ANOTHER LEVEL. She’s the THE FASHION GAME TO SONAM KAPOOR HAS TAKEN OUR FASHION ICONS BUT FOLKS WERE ALWAYSFILM , , she has done it all. to propagating to playing the

Kareena Kapoor Khan

SHE BELONGS TO BOLLYWOOD ROYALTY. AND YET HAS NEVER TAKEN THAT SILVER SPOON FOR GRANTED, seeking out newer challenges and staying at the top of her game since the last 20 years. Kareena has been admired for her natural ease in front of the camera and for her hourglass figure. She swears by yoga and has even collaborated with nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar on two books about healthy eating habits. She has been part of the UNICEF campaign since many years, to impart education to girls and has also been supportive of other causes taken up by UNICEF. While she opted for comfort clothing in her off-duty clothes in the beginning, after her size zero phase post-Tashan, Kareena has incorporated figure-hugging silhouettes in her wardrobe as well. From being a jeans and t-shirt person, she has been bold in her fashion choices post her marriage to , and looks red-carpet worthy even while going to the airport. She has dabbled in bringing out With Saif Ali her own line of clothing and Khan accessories as well. That she has hosted a radio show and SHE HAS BEEN PART OF THE UNICEF CAMPAIGN judged a dance show are SINCE MANY YEARS, TO IMPART EDUCATION TO other manifests of her multi- faceted persona. GIRLS AND HAS ALSO BEEN SUPPORTIVE OF OTHER CAUSES TAKEN UP BY UNICEF Aishwarya Rai Bachchan INDIA FORYEARS.SHEHASALSOBEENASSOCIATED SHE HASENDORSEDTHEEYEBANKASSOCIATION OF WITH THEPULSEPOLIOCAMPAIGNS unprecedented elegance. off the Indian saree with has been known to carry impeccably dressed, she Though she’s always been stylish.she wears is termed for various events. Whatever Privé,Armani vie to clothe her like Gucci, Oscar de la Renta, various beauty brands. Labels as a brand ambassador for the Cannes festival, appealing decades-long association with around the world. treat children with clefts, an organisation which helps UNAIDS and of Smile Train, the Goodwill Ambassador for Polio campaign and has been associated with the Pulse for years. She has also been Bank Association of India She has endorsed The Eye variousto support causes. Aishwarya has lent her beauty ambassador even today. most sought-after brand since 1994. She remains the launched a thousand brands Bachchan. Her face has to describing Aishwarya Rai when it comes superlatives the same. You out of run her beauty, her aura remains to have frozen since then as WORLD IN 1994. SHE WAS CROWNED MISS She’s had an almost two- Time seems Time

SHE DIDN’T STOP AT WINNING THE MISS WORLD CROWN IN 2000 AND HAS BEEN RULING OUR HEARTS AND MINDS EVER SINCE. After carving a niche for herself in Bollywood, Priyanka truly became a global icon after bagging the lead role in the hit American TV series Quantico. She has been using her global popularity to support various causes and has been associated with UNICEF since 2006 under various capacities. She has been vocal about and gender pay parity as well. She wasn’t just satisfied with acting and has a flourishing singing career as well internationally, what with her singles becoming a rage worldwide. Her production company, Purple Pebble Pictures, produced The Sky Is Pink. She has also produced small-budget movies in regional languages. Her Marathi movies include Ventilator, Kaay Re Rascalaa, Firebrand and Paani. She has been known for her hugely experimental streak when it comes to red-carpet fashion, pulling off OTT ensembles with elan. Off-duty, she’s known to prefer relaxed fits and goes for the girl-next-door looks.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas Quantico

With Nick Jonas

SHE HAS BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH UNICEF SINCE 2006 UNDER VARIOUS CAPACITIES. SHE HAS BEEN VOCAL ABOUT GENDER EQUALITY AND GENDER PAY PARITY AS WELL WHO KNEW A LEADING LADY WOULD CHOOSE TO PLAY AN OVERWEIGHT LASS IN HER DEBUT FILM and not only be praised for it but attract a huge fan following as well! Bhumi Pednekar’s role in has been unconventional to say the least. But even after that, she has made a career out of unconventional choices. For instance, In Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, her character revolts against open defecation, while in Saand Ki Aankh, she plays a grandmother, who discovers she has the talent to become a champion pistol shooter. She has voiced her opinion over gender pay parity as well as reproductive health. She is also associated with the Climate Warrior campaign, using her influence to raise awareness about global warming. Functional dressing seems to be her personal style. Her wardrobe is a healthy mix of Western and ethnic dresses with her preference for monochrome being an individualistic statement.

Saand Ki Aankh Dum Laga Ke Haisha

SHE HAS VOICED HER OPINION OVER GENDER PAY PARITY AS WELL AS REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH. SHE IS ALSO ASSOCIATED WITH THE

Bhumi Pednekar Bhumi CLIMATE WARRIOR CAMPAIGN IS SUCH A NATURAL SHE MAKES US FORGET WE’RE WATCHING AN ACTOR PLYING HER CRAFT IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA. She’s often been described as the best thing ever in a film and it’s no exaggeration. Alia is also a naturally-gifted singer, something which even music maestro AR Rahman has endorsed. Coming from a filmmaking family, it was but a logical step for her to open her own production house, Eternal Sunshine Productions. Alia has been involved with PETA, and has launched an initiative called CoExist to raise awareness about street animals. When it comes to style, silhouettes, bodycon dresses, to shararas, Alia has experimented with everything. She has the ability to pull off any and every kind of ensemble. She’s been a brand ambassador to many global brands and is counted to go higher up the celebrity rankings as times goes by.

ALIA HAS BEEN INVOLVED WITH PETA, AND HAS LAUNCHED AN INITIATIVE

Alia Bhatt Alia CALLED COEXIST TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT STREET ANIMALS SHE HAS STUDIED DRAMA AT GOLDSMITHS, . She has acted, written and directed plays. She’s made a name for herself in both commercial and independent cinema and can speak four languages fluently. Clearly, is something of a prodigy. Her bravura performances in films such as Dev.D or speak volumes of her prowess as an actor. Having suffered sexual abuse as a child, she’s been vocal about the issue time and again. She believes that raising awareness about it helps put a stop to such situations. She has also spoken up on pay parity, on women safety and on LGBTQ issues. She cares a lot about the environment and has been part of the ‘adopt a tree’ drive. She has been on board of several brands and has spoken about endorsing brands, which match one’s ideologies. She’s been known to favour Indian designers when it comes to red-carpet fashion.

SHE HAS ALSO SPOKEN UP ON PAY PARITY, ON WOMEN SAFETY AND ON LGBTQ ISSUES. SHE CARES A LOT ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT AND HAS BEEN PART OF THE ‘ADOPT A TREE’ DRIVE Kalki Koechlin Koechlin Kalki SHE’S A POLYGLOT ACTRESS, WHO HAS WORKED IN HINDI, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Bengali and English films. That alone makes her special. She also has this inherent ability to become the character she’s portraying. She gives it all to every project, whether it’s a small role in I Am or opposite superstar Rajinikanth in . She’s been actively involved in experimental theatre. Her various portrayals in different web series have made her the poster girl of OTT platforms. She has spoken up against sexual harassment and has been supportive of the #MeToo campaign. In February this year, she launched her own all-inclusive fashion label for women in association with IS.U. She’s been called an unconventional style icon by fashion writers for her experimental and risque red-carpet looks.

SHE HAS SPOKEN UP AGAINST SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND HAS BEEN

Radhika Apte Radhika SUPPORTIVE OF THE #METOO CAMPAIGN SHE MADE A FORGETTABLE DEBUT WITH BOOM (2003) BUT SUBSEQUENTLY MADE SURE THE AUDIENCE DIDN’T FORGET HER IN A HURRY. Blockbusters like Namastey London (2007), Partner (2007), Welcome (2007), Race (2008), Singh Is Kinng (2008) and Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani (2009) soon propelled her to the top. Accused of being part of male-dominated films, she subsequently made her presence felt in films like Rajneeti (2010), (2011), (2012) and Zero (2018). In the latter, she totally floored the critics playing a top film star. Katrina Kaif has been a model since her teenage years and has been known for her sartorial grace since the beginning of her career. Her wardrobe consists of healthy doses of ethnic wear like sarees and anarkalis. She has the figure to carry off everything – be it a Nikhil Thampi creation, a Versace or a Tarun Tahiliani ensemble. Katrina is associated with Relief Projects India, a charitable trust, which works for the education of underprivileged girls. She also launched her make-up brand called Kay last year, which has made the right kind of noises.

KATRINA IS ASSOCIATED WITH RELIEF PROJECTS INDIA, A CHARITABLE TRUST, WHICH WORKS FOR THE EDUCATION

Katrina Kaif Katrina OF UNDERPRIVILEGED GIRLS SHE CAN EASILY BE CALLED THE MOST AWARDED ACTRESS IN THE HISTORY OF BOLLYWOOD. Right from her debut in Parineeta (2005), Vidya Balan has been dazzling the audience with one virtuoso performance after the other. She has been acknowledged for her natural ease in front of the camera. She’s been involved with various causes like the Child In Need Institute (CINI), Arpan, an NGO that works towards creating awareness about sexual abuse. She also promotes the education of underprivileged children. For her attempts to empower women, Vidya was awarded The Prabha Khaitan Puraskar in 2012. She put the sexy back in the saree and looks her best in Indian clothes. She is a big believer in the fact that women should celebrate their curves and be

PHOTOGRAPH: FEMINA / ROHAN SHRESHTA FEMINA / ROHAN PHOTOGRAPH: comfortable in their skin.

SHE’S BEEN INVOLVED WITH VARIOUS CAUSES LIKE THE CHILD IN NEED INSTITUTE (CINI), ARPAN, AN NGO THAT WORKS TOWARDS CREATING AWARENESS ABOUT SEXUAL ABUSE Vidya Balan Vidya FROM PLAYING THE MASSY HEROINE IN SOUTHERN MASALA ENTERTAINERS, Taapsee today is counted as among the breed of Avante Garde actresses who get roles written for them. From playing a spy in Naam Shabana, a con-woman in Badla, an old woman with a deadly aim in Saand Ki Aankh to a housewife who refuses to give in to patriarchy in Thappad, Taapsee’s film choices have been unconventional, to say the least. She has been known to be vocal about women-related causes, be it pay parity or domestic violence. She has been associated with the NGO, Myna Mahila Foundation, a Mumbai-based outfit that works towards educating women about menstrual hygiene. She’ll be seen in cricketer Mithali Raj’s biopic Shabaash Mithu and loves playing sports in real life and is part owner of the badminton team Pune Seven Aces. She’s rumoured to be dating its coach and captain, Danish player Mathias Boe. She was a self- confessed tomboy growing up and went through a phase where she experimented with exaggerated colours and is now known for her subtle yet chic ensembles.

SHE HAS BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH THE NGO, MYNA MAHILA FOUNDATION, A MUMBAI-BASED OUTFIT THAT WORKS TOWARDS EDUCATING WOMEN ABOUT MENSTRUAL HYGIENE Taapsee Pannu Taapsee SHE’S FIERY AS HELL AND KNOWN FOR HER OUTSPOKEN WAYS. AFTER MAKING HER DEBUT WITH THE GRITTY GANGSTER (2006) Kangana Ranaut has made her mark in women-centric films like Fashion (2008), Tanu Weds Manu (2011), Queen (2013), Simran (2017) and Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi (2019). Just like her movie choices, Kangana Ranaut’s fashion style is hard to categorise. One one hand, she sticks to traditional wear like saris and is known to carry highly experimental ensembles on the other. There came a period when she was seen in Tom Ford dresses. Among Indian labels, she’s known to favour Sabyasachi and Sanjay Garg. Kangana loves to try out new ventures and collaborated with the fashion brand Vero Moda to launch two clothing lines for the company, named Marquee and Venice Cruise, becoming an entrepreneur in the process. She’s spoken time and again for women’s rights, has contributed towards water conservation and was part of Jack Ma’s Alibaba group’s charity initiative in India. She’s also actively involved with the Smile Foundation, a charity dedicated to providing education to poor children.

Queen

SHE’S SPOKEN TIME AND AGAIN FOR WOMEN’S RIGHTS, HAS CONTRIBUTED TOWARDS WATER CONSERVATION AND WAS PART OF JACK MA’S ALIBABA

Kangana Ranaut Kangana GROUP’S CHARITY INITIATIVE IN INDIA INTERVIEW

SUMAN SHARMA TALKS TO SONU SOOD, WHO HAS APPEARED AS THE MESSIAH OF THE MIGRANTS IN THESE TROUBLED TIMES

BRAVEHEARTt a time when from Mumbai to I was doing 90 thousand people they could have the entire Karnataka. That something right.” reach home safely. done much more. country is kind of opened He initially put That’s surely some “I wish the interstate struggling the floodgates and in his own money kind of a record. buses had started with the people started and later friends, But this also begs sooner for the people coronavirus reaching out to him acquaintances, the question that who were walking Apandemic, Sonu for help. He has and even complete if a single person on foot. A prompt Sood has emerged as been busy ever since strangers started was able to help so response could have the unlikely hero for trying to sort out reaching out many, why has the saved many more thousands of migrant their problems. It financially. He names government been lives,” he reflects. workers wanting to wouldn’t have been longtime friend Neeti so lethargic in its Some naysayers reach home. He has easy for Sonu to cut Goyal, who helped response? Sonu cuts point out that he’s become so successful through the red tape him start out, as his the government some doing it all for future that people have and get the required biggest supporter. At slack and says they political gains. That started naming their permissions for the last count, Sonu too did their job. He he might join politics shops, businesses, inter-state travel had helped some however adds that soon. Sonu laughs at even their children for so many people these assumptions after him. In the but the golden- and says he’s doing midst of doom, he’s hearted actor says it not for political become a beacon the problems sorted but for spiritual of hope for the themselves out. reasons. “I have downtrodden. We all Says he, “I felt the come to believe I were moved by the power of the prayers came to Mumbai disturbing images of of all the migrants’ all those years ago the migrants walking families praying just to do this very miles under the hot for their sons or thing,” he asserts. sun, but it was Sonu husbands to come The effort is taking a who decided to act back. I think their on the impulse and prayers did the reached out. He trick. And watching started interacting the smiles on those Spending with them and soon faces and tears in time with the immigrants organised transport their eyes made for 350 migrants me believe that “IF AN EXTRA MEAL IS COOKED IN EVERY SINGLE KITCHEN NO ONE WILL BE SLEEP HUNGRY IN THIS COUNTRY. TRY TO MAKE AN EXTRA MEAL FOR YOUR WATCHMAN OR VEGETABLE VENDOR, ANYONE WHO IS OUT THERE, WHO NEEDS YOUR HELP” “YES, I’M GETTING ‘HERO’ ROLES. I’M GETTING OFFERS FOR POSITIVE ROLES. I WILL TRY TO DO WHAT PEOPLE WANT ME TO DO. I’M REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS NEW PHASE” INTERVIEW

jokes he promises man was sobbing. them in the night That left the actor that he won’t venture teary-eyed as well. out the next day He certainly has but he persistently touched many lives breaks his promise and is overwhelmed every day. “I know with all the love and I have to take this adulation coming his step to save those way. One pregnant who are risking their woman whom he lives walking on had helped went on the highway. There to name her newborn is risk involved son after him. “She regarding my own named her son Sonu health and I’m aware Sood. I was humbled of that. I’m willing by the gesture. It was to take the risk. a pointer towards the I’m always extra fact that I was doing careful and take something right,” all the necessary narrates the Good precautions. I keep Samaritan with a on sanitising my lump in his throat. hands. I don’t touch anything when I e reveals he am out, and I wear was doing a mask always,” he social work maintains. earlier too He has many but the scale heartbreaking has now stories to share. H escalated thanks There was a man to the coronavirus stuck in pandemic. Sonu who wanted to maintains he will come home because continue to help his father had people in the future passed away. Sonu as well. “I’m just a phone call, a message away for “SHE NAMED HER SON SONU SOOD. I WAS HUMBLED them.” He adds he BY THE GESTURE. IT WAS A POINTER TOWARDS THE FACT plans to connect toll on him for sure. with each and every He’s cut back on THAT I WAS DOING SOMETHING RIGHT” individual he has his sleep because of helped and see how this and sometimes facilitated that. they are faring after doesn’t sleep for 2-3 Another person the lockdown. He days at length. He stranded in Chennai wants to help them comments that he came to know that in any which way doesn’t feel tired as his father had met he can to rehabilitate the love he receives with an accident. their lives. from immigrants He called up Sonu, The performer keeps him going. who helped him out. turns philosophical Besides rest, safety Another man who and comments that is a concern as well. had lost his wife, the lockdown has Sonu says he takes An was helped by Sonu taught him many every precaution admirer to reach his village. lessons. One of the he can. His family has The actor received things he has learnt named his is rightfully fearful shop after a call from him is to be prepared about his health. He Sonu afterwards and the for anything new INTERVIEW life has to offer. The roles. I’m getting present crisis has offers for positive also reinstated his roles. I’ll try to do belief in giving back what people want to society. “If an me to do. I’m really extra meal is cooked looking forward to in every single this new phase.” He’s kitchen, no one will a complete outsider sleep hungry in this who has made it big country. Try to make through the sheer an extra meal for dint of hard labour. your watchman or Ask him about the vegetable vendor, whole outsider vs anyone who is out insider debate and he there, who needs reiterates that life has your help.” Another always been difficult thing he has learnt is for outsiders. He that life is fickle and hence one should working out with spend as much time son Ishant as possible with one’s family and loved ones.

he industry is poised to resume work in the coming months and Sonu is definitelyT looking forward to facing the arclights once more. He thinks the smaller banners will lead the way and “WHEN YOU AREN’T CONNECTED TO THE INDUSTRY OR ANY slowly the bigger houses will follow CORPORATE HOUSE, YOU NEED TO MAKE YOUR OWN MARK. suit. He calculates that by October, life AND THAT’S THE ONLY WAY YOU CAN SURVIVE. YOU CAN’T JUST and wants to do in showbiz might COMPLAIN THAT YOU ARE AN OUTSIDER AND THINGS AREN’T well in life. I’m sure become somewhat he’ll work hard to normal. He’s aware HAPPENING THE WAY YOU WANT THEM TO HAPPEN” make his parents of the risks ahead proud,” chirps the and believes that points out that one the way you want The actor laughs at proud father. everyone has to has to stay strong at them to happen. Stay that and says his Time to wind up be extra vigilant all times. “When you humble and focused. son is too young our conversation towards their own aren’t connected to Patience is the key.” currently for all that. then. And he sends safety while on the the industry or any Pictures of Sonu “He’s a kid but I’m out a message of sets and learn to live corporate house, working out with his glad he is working positivity for the with the threat of you need to make teenage son Ishant hard. He has yet to readers. “Stay strong. the virus. It’s heard your own mark. And went viral recently. start college. We Stay positive. Convey that he’s getting that’s the only way The young lad haven’t thought to your family how more lead roles now you can survive. You has developed an about what he wants much you love them and he confirms can’t just complain enviable physique to do in future but and try to make some that indeed is the that you are an already and rumours as of now, he’s a fit memories which will case. Says he, “Yes, outsider and things are that Sonu might boy who is focused, stay with you for I’m getting ‘hero’ are not happening launch him soon. humble, grounded years to come...” n ‘‘I’MINTERVIEW MUCH TAMER THAN

MOM’’YOUNG ALAYA FURNITUREWALA HAS INHERITED THE SASS FROM THE WOMEN IN HER LIFE. EXCERPTS FROM AN INTIMATE CHAT WITH JITESH PILLAAI Her gene pool is dramatic. Her grandmother, actor-danseuse Protima Bedi, grabbed headlines when she dropped the garb of convention in the flower-power ’70s. Her mother, actor-host too was all about stark candour unlike her plasticine contemporaries. It’s not a surprise then that Alaya Furniturewala too chose to play out her dreams, her way. Her unconventional debut in – where she played an unwed mother in search of her father – didn’t fetch a single bad review, so convincing was her act. Being part of a family that’s been free and fluid, Alaya F understood early that relationships are nurtured more with freedom than force. And that being a parent doesn’t entail a renunciation of personal pursuits. In a no-holds-barred interview, she shares how she’s enjoying this trip of finding her bearings both as an actor and a person…

WHAT WAS YOUR I FIRST BEGAN READING ROUTINE LIKE DURING GRANDMA’S (PROTIMA THE LOCKDOWN? BEDI) BOOK (TIMEPASS) It remained the same. A LONG TIME AGO. I STOPPED Even now, I wake up READING IT HALFWAY. I FOUND around 10.30 am. I IT SCANDALOUS...FEW YEARS take a shower. I have LATER, I PICKED IT UP AGAIN. breakfast. Then I IT’S AN INCREDIBLE BOOK draw a bit and chill. After that I go in to ABOUT AN INCREDIBLE WOMAN. do video meetings ALL THE WOMEN IN OUR FAMILY and interviews. I HAVE THIS ONE COMMON have lunch. Around Toddler Alaya with mother STREAK OF BEING BOLD the sunset hour, the Pooja and grandmother Protima AND UNAPOLOGETIC light is good. That’s when I shoot my the savoury things. I’d picked up from HOW GOOD ARE YOU AT Every film has its social media content. Everyone likes my America. I couldn’t HANDLING REJECTION? own destiny. What’s After that, I read protein pancakes. dance to save my Honestly, I appreciate meant to happen, books. I’ve begun They’re healthy. life. I began training criticism. Obviously, will happen. learning Photoshop. in Kathak, hip-hop, it stings. But that’s I’ve gone back to TELL US SOMETHING Bollywood dance. the best way to YOUR GRANDMOTHER, editing software, ABOUT YOUR DAYS IN THE I also learnt singing, learn. I’m good at THE LATE PROTIMA BEDI, something I was NEW YORK UNIVERSITY. gymnastics, MMA handling rejection in WAS A NONCONFORMIST. learning at New York I went to NYU to and Pilates. the sense I bounce HAVE YOU READ HER University (NYU). study filmmaking. back quickly. But MEMOIRS TIMEPASS? I read scripts too. That’s when DID JAWAANI JAANEMAN that moment feels Grandma passed (Smiles) Thankfully, I realised I wanted COME EASILY? like the end of away when I was people still to act. I dropped out Not at all. I had the world. Like just about a year remember of NYU and went to give lots of I remember there old. I’ve heard who I am. to New York Film auditions. I got was one audition for stories about her. Academy (NYFA) to rejected many times. which I’d worked I first began reading DID YOU TAKE UP learn acting. People would say, the scene inside- her book a long COOKING? I realised I wasn’t ‘Oh you’re very out with my acting time ago. I stopped Occasionally, I did. terrible at it. My good but blah blah coach. I’d arranged reading it halfway. I’m good at following real training started blah…’ Then I for the make-up artist I found it scandalous a recipe. But I’m when I returned realised there’s some and had rented hair- then. It was about not an instinctive to Mumbai. I sort of a pattern in extensions as well. people I know. Few cook. (Smiles) I could barely speak the rejection. But just the night years later, I picked cooked banana bread Hindi. I grew in an I started wondering before the audition, it up again. It’s an because everyone English-speaking whether I’d ever they cancelled it. incredible book was doing it. I made household. Now, I get a film. Then It was the worst about an incredible pancakes and pasta. curse them for it. I Jawaani Jaaneman experience. But I told woman. When my I’m better with sweet had to get rid of this happened. Things myself it’s a test of grandmother decided stuff then I’m with godawful accent that took off from there. my determination. to become a classical INTERVIEW

remember you for how you’ve treated them. You can do a great job. But if you’ve been horrible to someone, they’ll remember that. So I just try to be nice to everyone.

WERE YOU A TEMPERAMENTAL KID WHILE YOU WERE GROWING UP? Yeah I was. But I’ve calmed down a lot. My mother has always borne the brunt of my bad moods. But we’ve always had an open relationship where we converse, argue and fight. She got the worst and the best of it. Earlier I used to get angry. I used to have strong views. Over the last few years, I’ve understood that things aren’t always black and white. There are shades of grey. It’s nicer to keep quiet sometimes. You don’t have to give your point of view always.

DID THE SEPARATION OF YOUR PARENTS’ (FARHAN EBRAHIM FURNITUREWALA Odissi dancer, she’d less crazy than my I’M GOOD AT HANDLING AND POOJA BEDI) never danced before. grandmother. REJECTION IN THE BOTHER YOU? She began training I’m much tamer SENSE I BOUNCE BACK My parents are great for 10 hours a day. than mom. QUICKLY. BUT THAT MOMENT friends. I was around She put her heart FEELS LIKE THE END OF five when they into something and A PIECE OF ADVICE YOUR THE WORLD. THERE WAS divorced. So she just did it. That MOTHER GAVE YOU… ONE AUDITION FOR WHICH I don’t remember a motivated me too. Be kind to people I’D WORKED THE SCENE time when they were All the women in and work hard. together. When I look our family have this That’s the one INSIDE-OUT WITH MY ACTING at them now, I can’t one common streak consistent advice COACH… BUT JUST THE NIGHT believe they were of being bold and she’s given me. BEFORE THE AUDITION, THEY ever a couple. Two unapologetic. My At the end of the CANCELLED IT. IT WAS THE incompatible people mother is crazy but day, people will WORST EXPERIENCE but wonderful INTERVIEW friends. I’ve grown of all my scenes up in a happy from my acting home. Whether it’s classes to show it to with my Nana and filmmakers. So I’d go whoever he’s been to him at least twice with. Whether it’s a week with all my my mother and the scenes and seek his people she’s been recommendation. with or my father… I was prompt I’m happy for people in following his when they’re happy. suggestions. He was impressed. With brother Omar With mother Pooja and grandfather HAS YOUR GRANDFATHER EARLIER I USED TO GET ANGRY. (ACTOR KABIR BEDI) WERE YOU ABLE TO EVER GIVEN YOU ANY UNDERSTAND YOUR I USED TO HAVE STRONG VIEWS. OVER ADVICE? PARENTS BETTER AFTER THE LAST FEW YEARS, I’VE UNDERSTOOD THAT We grew close JAWAANI JAANEMAN? THINGS AREN’T ALWAYS BLACK AND WHITE. when I returned to In a way yes. Even in THERE ARE SHADES OF GREY. IT’S NICER TO Mumbai. I wanted Jawaani Jaaneman KEEP QUIET SOMETIMES. YOU DON’T HAVE to make a showreel it’s an open family. TO GIVE YOUR POINT OF VIEW ALWAYS

No one’s judging handle the house and anyone for their support herself. Now choices. I could I support myself. relate to Tiya, my I pay the salaries character, because and bear the daily we share similar expenses. My mother values and ideas. has moved to Having said that, because she works it didn’t change there. My brother’s the way I understand off at the University. my parents. I guess The other day mom I figured them told me, ‘It’s funny out a bit more. I was so upset when I understand when my mother left me to my mother’s being fend for myself. Now extra temperamental. I’ve done the same I try to pinpoint thing to you’. But I the reason. When do enjoy living alone. my father’s upset, I know how to calm ARE YOU SINGLE, DATING him down. OR IT’S COMPLICATED? (Smiles) Everyone’s DOES YOUR MOTHER SAY been asking me about THAT HER RELATIONSHIP my relationship WITH YOU IS A LOT LIKE status. I’m too simple THE ONE SHE SHARED to be single and too WITH HER MOM? complicated to be in My grandmother left a relationship. But my mother when I’m trying to make it she was around 18- in this industry. So 20. She went on to right now, let’s just do her own thing focus on that. (Protima founded Nrityagram India’s ARE YOU SEEING first modern Gurukul SOMEONE OR NOT? for classical dance). Ummm… I mean My mother had to I’m enjoying life. n INTERVIEW

JOURNEYSJITESH PILLAAI CHATS WITH THE MAVERICKTO FILMMAKER IMTIAZ ALI HEARTLAND LIFE’S A JOURNEY, OR SO IMTIAZ ALI FILMS LIKE People were restless hostel there. It was initially. But then a great time to land TO MAKE US BELIEVE. His films are testimonials to Sufi they were fine. in Mumbai. I was philosophy where his characters journey both outwards and And if given the already directing inwards. He seems to be the most sorted of filmmakers and opportunity, I don’t plays. So I wrote and yet you feel he’s a nomad who hasn’t really set roots in the film know if they’ll directed a play here. world. Or in the real world either. He’s a hermit who belongs to the rush back to those I was already writing pubs and cafes stories, already mountains. He can talk at length on any topic and his deadpan immediately. I also doing theatre in a big wit can be quite deadly. He gives off the impression of being think people have way, in the biggest an old acquaintance, someone you feel you know a lot about discovered a bit of way actually. and yet there’s a hint of mystery that clings to him like a muted themselves. They fragrance. And that’s true of his films as well. You feel you know have taken refuge PROFESSIONAL THEATRE? what his formula is by now but you’re left with something new with in themselves so to I used to do it when speak. There are lots I was in college in every release. Likewise, you like conversing with him because you of people who are Delhi. In Mumbai, never know what might come up. Excerpts from a free-wheeling displaced and don’t this was the only conversation with the supremely-talented filmmaker... have access to daily play I did. Phir roti, bread, etc etc. But rozi, mazdoori mein the air is cleaner. You main lag gaya paise can see the moon kamane ke liye. Phir better, the sunset is chhoot gaya… (then better. And while we I drifted towards can we should enjoy making money. all of this… And theatre got left behind) WHAT KIND OF PERSON WERE YOU WHEN YOU HOW DO YOU LOOK BACK CAME FROM DELHI. DID AT THE DAYS WHEN YOU YOU ALWAYS WANT TO WERE DOING IMTIHAAN TELL STORIES? FOR . I was in XIC – RETROSPECT ALWAYS Xaviers’ Institute GIVES EVERYTHING of Communication A GOLDEN GLOW... and I stayed in the Yeah, it does.

On the sets of Rockstar with Ranbir Kapoor

WHAT WERE YOU DOING always something IN LOCKDOWN? WITH more urgent to do. WHOM WERE YOU STAYING? IS THERE ANYTHING YOU I shifted in with HAVE DABBLED WITH IN my daughter Ida. THE KITCHEN? I was writing a The only thing I am lot. Thinking, challenged about is conceptualising. I cooking. But I am the Alia Bhatt in Highway wanted to finish the best when it comes first round and go to eggs. (Smiles) I wonder whether movies are for me a reflection of what to the outer realm, And I’m the best tea which is like those and coffee maker in I have experienced, or they are my aspiration to do things stories that were the world. that I haven’t done in my life. The first time I saw a mountain remote and I couldn’t really reach them HOW DO YOU PROCESS was when I went to Kashmir in the 9th standard. How much because there was THE LOCKDOWN? I have shot in the mountains. I’m always in the mountains now INTERVIEW

There was a lot of insecurity because I didn’t know this shit. I was directing Purushkshetra before Imtihaan. ’s wife used to be the anchor. He used to come to meet her and he was impressed by me. Because I was technically sound. He used to see me doing online edit etc… so he used to think ki bahut smart banda hai. Ravi Rai, who wrote and directed Imtihaan for 98 episodes, suddenly fell out Earlier, I used to be terribly interested in with Anupam. I don’t know what what the critics had to say. I got one-and-a exactly happened. half and two stars for Socha Na Tha. Kisi They needed a director mid-episode. mai ke laal ne dhai star se zyada nahi diya He said – do this one. tha ko (No one gave more than And I said nahi it’s not fresh and all that. two-and-a-half stars to Jab We Met). Now He said – arrey yaar it’s hailed as a cult classic. When Love Aaj Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone in Kal released, I looked at the critics and they had all given... more stars but each one said not as good as Jab We Met. And I’m like what the hell, it doesn’t add up

to wonder about who the 9th standard. I am? But I don’t I don’t know where it know why my films comes from… maybe have these people some yearning I’m doing that. not aware of. How and Abhay much I have shot Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor in Jab We Met Deol in Socha Na Tha ALSO, THERE IS A KARMIC in the mountains. CONNECTION WITH I’m always in the abhi toh koi nahi (When you have no YOUR CHARACTERS NATURE IN YOUR FILMS. mountains now. hai tu kar de… you choice, you have to TRAVEL A LOT, THERE I wonder whether are smart (We don’t show confidence). IS AN ISSUE OF movies are for me a DESCRIBE YOUR have anyone, you do So that’s how IDENTITY AS WELL... reflection of what I WRITING PROCESS? it). I said, I haven’t I started doing it. But A lot of people ask have experienced, I usually write ever done fiction. He while doing it, me and I think about or they are my quickly. Maybe said nahi, nahi tu I remember that it myself as to why aspiration to do because I don’t kar lega (You will be I was constantly this theme repeats things that I haven’t enjoy it too much. able to do it). Abhi feeling that I’d be itself in my films but done in my life. The I’ve heard Karan jab choice nahi hoti called out. Because I I have no answers for first time I saw a Johar and other hai toh confidence didn’t know how it. Maybe when mountain was when more prolific people dikhana padta hai to direct. I was young I used I went to Kashmir in than myself, go INTERVIEW

DOES A MINI-SERIES REQUIRE A DIFFERENT DISCIPLINE? I’m the showrunner of She. It’s my story idea. But there are other writers that came in. We had seven episodes, I mean it’s like three feature films.

YOUR DAUGHTER IDA ALI IS A DIRECTOR NOW. WHICH FILMS OF YOURS With AR Rahman DOES SHE LIKE? She used to dislike When I saw Delhi 6, I felt I want to make this film again, right now, in my own Rockstar when it was way. But as far as classics are concerned, there are a lot of songs that I would released. Bechari was calculating like to picturise. Like Rahe na rahe hum… I will do it someday, There is a that it won’t be as societal barrier or even the barrier of life itself in Rahe na rahe hum successful as I would want it to be. She and write in some high-grade poetry, like interacting with had to say. I got was 11 years old exotic location… Amir Khusrow’s composers. If you one-and-a half and then. But now it’s her woh mujhse nahi stuff on tapes. It get a chance to hang two stars for Socha favourite. She likes hota (I can’t do was constantly on out with Rahman, Na Tha. Kisi mai it now. that). I’d rather chill at my place and you want to spend ke laal ne dhai star at an exotic place. I used to dislike more time… You se zyada nahi diya IF THERE IS ONE FILM You finish writing it because it was enjoy it so much tha Jab We Met ko YOU COULD REDO FROM at home before not as entertaining that you spend more (No one gave more THE PAST CLASSICS OR you leave. That’s as Kishore Kumar and more time and than two-and-a-half A SONG, WHICH ONE how it is. I’m not singing a song on get more and more stars to Jab We Met). WOULD IT BE? completely aware of Binaca Geetmala. involved. That’s all Now it’s hailed When I saw Delhi 6, what I’m doing when But all of that seeped I can think of. as a cult classic. I felt I want to make I am writing. into my bones. It When Love Aaj Kal this film again, right shaped me, I think. HOW DO YOU REACT released, I looked now, in my own way. YOU HAVE AN INNATE And that got me WHEN CRITICS SLAM at the critics and But as far as classics INSTINCT FOR MUSIC. involved in the YOUR FILMS? they had all given, are concerned, there HOW DID THAT GET whole process of Earlier, I used to be the same guys, more are a lot of songs DEVELOPED? making music. I terribly interested stars but each one that I would like to My mom wanted in what the critics said not as good as picturise. Like Rahe me to be a singer Jab We Met. And na rahe hum… initially. When I’m like what the I will do it someday, I was a kid, we were hell, it doesn’t add There is a societal staying in Patna up. Then I realised barrier or even the those days, I was they themselves barrier of life itself enrolled in a music had forgotten what in Rahe na rahe class. I learnt a few they wrote about my hum. Amazing! I ragas. But then earlier film. So, let will take permission cricket came into me stop taking them and I will redo it for my life, in the 5th seriously. And from my own kick. grade or something. that point, I didn’t I would also like to So I stopped going to read criticism. do Lag ja gale... And music classes. Also a few other songs at home, qawwalis YOU HAVE WRITTEN that show an almost were played SHE. IS IT ALMOST LIKE mystical connection constantly. It was MAKING A MOVIE OR between two people. With daughter Ida OBITUARY

(1977). It was again directed by . He got a chance to pay back his guru Raj Khosla when REMEMBERING he produced Mera Dost Mera Dushman (1984). It was a dacoit film starring Shatrughan Sinha, Sanjeev JOHNNY BAKSHI Kumar, and DEVESH SHARMA PROFILES THE VETERAN FILMMAKER, WHO PASSED AWAY RECENTLY and was (1938-SEPTEMBER 5, 2020) one of the last offerings of Khosla. Bakshi was quite close to Smita Patil, he produced and directed an art film called Raavan (1984) for her. It was a story about how a woman’s love can change a man from being evil to being good. Jagjit Singh gave the music. Bakshi went on to make a few more films. He was With Mahesh Bhatt friends with Rajesh Khanna and produced and around the relationship directed Khudai (1994) of a prostitute with two with the former superstar criminals. The censors in the lead. reportedly refused to pass Bakshi had a fascination it. Bakshi had to put up for foreign celebrities and a fight to get it released. named his three sons after Kabir Bedi acted as one of them. One of his sons is the leads in the film and called Brando (named became a lifelong friend. after the thespian Marlon It can be said that while Brando), another is called Johnny was unlucky when Bradman (named after it came to commercial cricketing legend Sir Don success, he was lucky in Bradman) and the third is his choice of friends. His called Kennedy (after the office in Mehboob studio, American President John F was said to be a place Kennedy). His daughter is ohnny Bakshi was to be a sportsperson. where the stars could called Priya. The filmmaker born in North-West Destiny brought him to unwind. He was always remained actively involved Frontier Province Mumbai. He found work joking around, his booming with various film trade in pre-Partition at the Filmalaya Studio laughter bouncing off bodies all his life and India in 1938. He and started learning the the walls, as he passed genuinely cared for the reportedlyJ lost his family intricacies of production around innumerable cups welfare of everyone in the Partition riots and there. He became friends of tea and coffee and lent associated with the cine found himself stranded in with Raj Khosla, who a sympathetic ear to their trade. One day before he India. It’s said he lived his he considered his guru. real and imagined woes. died, Bakshi complained early life in Odisha, before Mahesh Bhatt was another He was said to be the of breathlessness and was moving to Kolkata. He of Khosla’s assistants. It confidant of half the put on a ventilator. was a good sportsman and was Johnny who gave film industry. A COVID-19 test was could play football, hockey Mahesh his first break as The failure of his debut done, which turned out and even boxing tolerably a director by producing film as a producer didn’t to be negative. He died of well. He reportedly got Manzilein Aur Bhi Hain deter him. He soon made cardiac arrest in the early work in the railways (1974). The film was another thriller, starring hours of September 5. The under the sports quota. miles ahead of its time in Sanjeev Kumar in a double veteran was 82 at the time But he wasn’t destined the sense that it revolved role, called Vishwasghaat of his death. n OBITUARY FAREWELL, ASHALATA WABGAONKAR DEVESH SHARMA CHALKS UP A BRIEF PROFILE OF THE ACTRESS, WHO PASSED AWAY RECENTLY (JULY 2, 1941 – SEPTEMBER 22, 2020)

shalata Wabgaonkar Utpal Dutt, was a multi- and in the talented personality. film and won mass acclaim. Not only was She soon made her mark she an acclaimed doing mother and bhabhi Atheatre and film actress, roles in films. She acted in who’d made her mark in more than 200 Hindi films. both Marathi and Hindi Chief among them being cinemas, she was also a Sharabi, Namak Halal, trained classical singer. Shaukeen, Coolie, Sadma, And had reportedly learnt Nikaah, Chalte Chalte, Aaj music under the tutelage of Ki Aawaz, Woh Saat Din, renowned vocalist Pandit Marte Dam Tak, Ghayal, . She Yeh To Kamaal Ho Gaya, used to sing in Konkani, Pasand Apni Apni... She her native language for the was also a writer and has . She was written an autobiographical also a proficient sangeet memoir called Gard natak (musical drama) Sabhovati. artiste. Her most famous ASHALATA STARTED Nearing 80, she was still musical was the acclaimed OFF HER HINDI CAREER active as a character artiste Matsyagandha. She WITH DIRECTOR BASU in serials. She was acting displayed her range in the CHATTERJEE’S APNE in the serial Aai Majhi play by playing a character PARAYE... SHE ACTED Kalubai at the time of her whose arc ran from 18 to death. It’s said that around 80 years. She loved theatre IN MORE THAN 200 22 members of the unit and rubbed shoulders HINDI FILMS working in the serial got with the who’s who of Maherchi Saree infected with COVID-19. Marathi theatre, doing Most reportedly recovered plays like Guntata Hriday studied at the prestigious Sangh, Mauli Production, and so did Ashalata Hey, Raigadala Jevha Jaag St. Colombo High School Kalamandir, INT etc initially. Then she had Yete, Chinna (where her in Girgaum and reportedly and acted in many plays a relapse and succumbed co-stars were Smita Patil also worked briefly in produced by them. to the illness. She was and Sadashiv Amrapurkar) Mantralaya after her She became known as admitted to a private and Mahananda. She matriculation. She did a reliable character artiste hospital in , also acted in Savitri, her post-graduation in in Hindi films as well. and died on Umbartha, Pudhcha Paul, psychology from the SNDT Ashalata started off her the morning of September Maherchi Saree, Navri Mile University. She then got Hindi career with director 22. Her remains were Navryala, Eka Peksha Ek, associated with The Goa Basu Chatterjee’s Apne cremated at Satara itself Atmavishwas and several Hindu Association and her Paraye (1980). It’s said by fellow actress Alka other Marathi films. career took off under its Chatterjee saw her in the Kubal, a long term The actress was born aegis. She also associated play Guntata Hriday Hey associate, on the request of in Mumbai but traced her with other associations and immediately offered Ashalata’s family members. roots to Goa’s Palolem like Chandralekha, her his film. She held her She was 79 at the time of village in Canacona. She Mumbai Marathi Sahitya own amidst actors like her death. n OBITUARY In Memorium: S. P. Balasubrahmanyam THE LEGENDARY SINGER S. P. BALASUBRAHMANYAM PASSED AWAY RECENTLY. DEVESH SHARMA PENS A SHORT PROFILE OF THE MULTIFACETED SINGER

(JUNE 4, 1946-SEPTEMBER 25, 2020)

he prolific was born in Nellore, singer, who sang on June LAXMIKANT-PYARELAL REPORTEDLY predominantly 4, 1946. His father, late WEREN’T CONVINCED HIS WAS THE in Telugu, S. P. Sambamurthy, was Tamil, , a Harikatha artiste and RIGHT VOICE FOR EK DUUJE KE LIYE. TMalayalam as well as in perhaps SPB picked up SP BALASUBRAHMANYAM HAD TO GIVE Hindi , showed a natural the nuances from there. He AN AUDITION AND WON L-P OVER WITH tendency towards music also, time and again, spoke from an early age. S. P. about being influenced HIS VERSATILITY. THE FILM PROVED Balasubrahmanyam (SPB) by and TO BE A MUSICAL HIT FOR SPB

BEST PLAYBACK SINGER (MALE) SONG: DIL DEEWANA FILM: (HINDI 1989)

SPECIAL AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO MUSIC (1986)

With Illaiyaraaja BEST FILM (TELUGU) (SUBHA SANKALPAM 1995)

BEST PLAYBACK SINGER (MALE) SONG: ADIGADIGO BHADRAGIRI FILM: SRI RAMADASU (TELUGU 2006)

BEST PLAYBACK SINGER (MALE) SONG: KANNAL PESUM PENNE FILM: MOZHI (TAMIL 2007)

Ek Duuje Ke Liye Chennai Express BEST PLAYBACK SINGER (MALE) considered him as his Tamil, 16 songs in Hindi visionary Panchakshari SONG: GHARANE GHARA guru. He revered the way in a day which is also a Gawai. He initially refused GHARANE Rafi brought alive the notable achievement. He to do the project but later FILM: AAPTHA RAKSHAKA feelings contained in the reportedly had absolutely won a National Award (KANNADA 2010) songs and confessed to no formal tuition in for it. emulating him. The other Carnatic music. But had singer he held in high such a good ear for it that PB made his debut esteem was Yesudas. In he was able to pick up as a playback fact, in 2016, SPB had on the subtleties without singer with Sri organised a padapuja in any hindrance. Director Sri Sri Maryada honour of Yesudas. K Vishwanath’s superhit Ramanna (1966), He has the rare Shankarabharanam Sa Telugu film scored by his distinction of rendering secured a National Award mentor, S. P. Kodandapani. the most songs on for Balasubrahmanyam His first Kannada song a single day by any his first, in 1979. All six was recorded in1966 for singer. He recorded 21 songs in the film were the film Nakkare Ade songs in Kannada for classical. Such was the Swarga, starring Kannada the composer Upendra case even with Ganayogi comedy king T. R. Kumar in Bangalore from Panchakshari Gawai Narasimharaju. Other early 9:00 am to 9:00 pm on (1995), the Kannada film songs he sang were duets February 8, 1981. He based on the life of the with P. Susheela, Iyarkai also recorded 19 songs in blind Hindustani music ennum ilaya kanni in the OBITUARY

Andha Love

Roja Andaz Apna Apna Patthar Ke Phool

1969 Tamil film Shanti He has won six National Nilayam, starring Gemini Awards in all. His fame BEST HINDI SONGS Ganesh, and Aayiram in Hindi cinema got nilavae vaa for MGR in cemented when he became  TERE MERE BEECH MEIN Film: Patthar Ke Phool Adimaippenn (1969). He Salman Khan’s voice in Film: Ek Duuje Ke Liye (1991) was introduced to the Maine Pyar Kiya (1989). (1981) Composer: Raamlaxman Composer: Laxmikant- Malayalam film industry The album became a  SAATHIYA TUNE by G. Devarajan in the huge hit and SPB won a Pyarelal KYA KIYA film Kadalppalam (1969), Filmfare Award in 1990 for  MAUSAM KA TAQAAZA Film: Love (1991) starring Prem Nazir. His his efforts. Apart from this, Film: Andha Kanoon Composer: Anand-Milind first work in Hindi films he has bagged six Filmfare (1983) was in Ek Duuje Ke Liye trophies. He became the  ROJA JANNEMAN Composer: Laxmikant- (1981), for which he voice of Salman Khan Film: Roja (1992) Pyarelal received the National after giving playback for Composer: AR Rahman Award for Best Male the actor in Maine Pyar  SACH MERE YAAR HAI  Playback Singer. The film Kiya. He continued to YEH RAAT AUR Film: Saagar (1985) YEH DOORI was a remake of director sing for the actor in many Composer: RD Burman K. Balachander’s Maro films like Saajan (1991), Film: Andaz Apna Apna Charitra (1978), where SP Patthar Ke Phool (1991),  DIL DEEWANA (1994) was ’s voice Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! Film: Maine Pyar Kiya Composer: Tushar Bhatia (1989) in all the songs. The Hindi (1994), Andaz Apna Apna  PEHLA PEHLA had Laxmikant-Pyarelal and many more. Composer: Raamlaxman PYAR HAI as the composers and SPB also tried his  BAHUT PYAR KARTE Film: Hum Aapke Hain they reportedly weren’t hand at acting and HAIN Koun..! (1994) convinced his was the shone in Tamil films Film: Saajan (1991) Composer: Raamlaxman right voice for the film. He like Keladi Kanmani Composer: Nadeem-  CHENNAI EXPRESS had to give an audition (1990), Thiruda Thiruda Shravan and won L-P over with his (1993), Kadhalan (1994), Film: Chennai Express versatility. The film proved Ullaasam (1996) and  TUMSE JO DEKHTE (2013) to be a musical hit. many more. He became HI PYAR HUA Composer: Vishal-Shekhar OBITUARY

TWITTER REACTIONS #ripspb ...Devastated AR Rahman

#RIP Balu sir ... you have been my voice for many years ... your voice and your memories will live with me forever ... I will truly miss you ... Rajinikanth Rest in peace #SPB garu. Very sad to hear this I'm honoured to have lived as Saagar the shadow version of Annayya devastating news of the SPB's voice. His fame will live greatest, the legendary on for seven generations. #SPBalasubrahmanyam Kamal Haasan passing away. We were so hopeful that he was on the Heartbroken to hear about path to recovery. #SPBalasubrahmanyam sir... you will forever live on in your undisputed legacy of music! Oru Sahabdham samaptam. condolence to the family #RIP Thank you for the memories. Salman Khan Thank you for showing that a singer can be a fantastic singer, act, voice act, produce, Deeply saddened to compose & more. You lived Hum Aapke Hai Koun..! hear about the demise and how! Your art will live for of Balasubrahmanyam aeons and I’ll always celebrate ji.Just a few months back you. #SPB SPB ALSO TRIED HIS HAND AT ACTING I’d interacted with him Chinmayi Sripaada AND SHONE IN TAMIL FILMS LIKE KELADI during a virtual concert in KANMANI (1990), THIRUDA THIRUDA this lockdown..he seemed Someone so special can hale,hearty & his usual never be forgotten, may (1993), KADHALAN (1994), ULLAASAM legendary self...life is his soul rest in peace my (1996) AND MANY MORE truly unpredictable. My deepest condolences to the thoughts & prayers with his family....#ripspb sir. a well-known dubbing He was transferred to family#RIPSPB Ramya Krishnan artiste as well. In his long the ICU on August 13 Akshay Kumar career, he provided his and his situation was I am shocked to learn that our voice for stars like Kamal said to be critical. He Pratibhashaali gayak, ever smiling SPB garu is no Haasan, Rajinikanth, had been connected to madhurbhashi, bahut nek more. This loss to our fraternity Vishnuvardhan, Salman life support since then. insan SP Balasubrahmanyam is unimaginable. My deepest Khan, K. Bhagyaraj, He underwent plasma ji ke swargwas ki khabar condolences to his entire Mohan, , therapy and physiotherapy sunke main bahut vyathit family. , Gemini at a later stage when his hun.Humne kai gaane saath Ram Charan Ganesan, Arjun Sarja, condition seemed to be gaaye,kai shows kiye. Sab Nagesh, Karthik, and improving. He remained baatein yaad aarahi hain. Unable to process the fact Raghuvaran in various on a ventilator and ECMO Ishwar unki aatma ko shanti that #SPBalasubramaniam languages. He also dubbed (Extracorporeal Membrane de. Meri samvedanaayein garu is no more. Nothing for Ben Kingsley in the Oxygenation) support. unke pariwar ke saath hain. will ever come close to that Telugu-dubbed version of But while his condition soulful voice of his. Rest in Gandhi. And he dabbled remained critical, he was peace sir. Your legacy in music composition too. stable and responding A true loss to the world of will live on. Heartfelt SPB was admitted to to doctors. Sadly, S.P. Music...Heart breaking ... May condolences and strength to the MGM Healthcare Balasubrahmanyam his soul Rest in Peace. the family hospital in Chennai passed away at 1.04 pm in Mahesh Babu with mild Covid-19 Chennai on September 25 symptoms on August 5. He was 74. n NOSTALGIA

GHAZAL JAGJIT SINGH REDEFINED THE AND ALSO MADE IT A NOTEWORTHY GENRE IN HINDI FILM MUSIC. FARHANA FAROOK REMEMBERS THE MAESTRO AND HIS MELODIES AROUND HIS KING DEATH ANNIVERSARY WHICH FALLS ON OCTOBER 10 n an era predominated as well as to the masses. Jagjit’s by a handful of singers, style of composing and singing singer and composer was what the learned dub as Jagjit Singh’s contribution bol-pradhan (emphasis on to music can best be words). Also, his raag-based Idescribed as being genre defining. renditions relied both on the The ghazal, the prerogative strains of the saxophone and of classical singers like Mehdi the guitar alongside the Hassan, , Angoori and the sitar… The same fusion Bai and others and patronised of melody and melancholy, he by the literary elite, was brought brought to films like Saath Saath into the mainstream thanks to and Arth in the ’80s, making it Jagjit Singh’s efforts. His constant a character in the relationship- companion in his endeavours driven films of the era. After was his wife Chitra Singh, an losing their only son Singh accomplished singer herself. in a tragic road accident in 1990, He handpicked the works of a heartbroken Chitra stopped noted poets like Mirza , singing, while Jagjit took it on as Mir Taqi Mir, Daagh Dehlvi a panacea for his pain. Just as his right upto Sudarshan Fakir, passion for horses and penchant , and Javed for humour… were all but Akhtar, reaching across the engagements to keep the sadness demographics. Staying away at bay… Around his ninth death from the usual tropes of sharab anniversary, we pay a tribute and shabab, his compositions to the maestro, who not only spoke of the rites of passage… popularised the ghazal as a genre of loving, losing and learning, Jagjit and Chitra Singh but also gave it a pride of place in appealing to ghazal connoisseurs Hindi cinema…

EARLY YEARS When Chitra heard him sing, she found Jagjit Singh Dhiman was born at Sri Jagjit and his voice unique but heavy. She feared Ganganagar, Rajasthan, in a Ramgarhia Chitra’s she wouldn’t be able to sing with him. Sikh family. His father, Sardar Amar vocals added to Eventually, she sang. And as his voice Singh Dhiman, was a surveyor with the the ambience grew on her, so did his ‘caring’ personality. government’s Public Works’ Department. of Raman Chitra married Jagjit in 1969 (she was Initially, Jagjit learned music from a Kumar’s Saath earlier married to Debu Dutta, who helmed visually-challenged master, Pandit Chagan Saath. The a recording studio). Gradually, the couple Sharma and later from Ustad Jamal film traced found its groove in the realm of ghazals. Khan of Maihar Gharana. Ustad Jamal the conflict Their album, The Unforgettables in 1978, trained him in vocal traditions of khayal, between ideals remains unforgettable till date. Exquisite , and others. While his and reality. poetry rendered with light traditional music, father hoped he would become an engineer, Yeh tera ghar the selection was a precursor to the genre music was what pulled Jagjit. He began his yeh mera ghar, they were to later define and own. Raat bhi career in 1961 singing at All India Radio’s Pyaar mujh se neend bhi, Baat niklegi and Ahista ahista… (AIR) station. In March 1965, he jo kiya tumne, the lyrical and lucid ghazals were loved by came to Bombay to make a career in music. Yeh bata de the masses. Through the ’80s, like A Jagjit managed to survive by hosting mehfils mujhe zindagi Milestone, Main Aur Meri Tanhai, The Latest and home concerts. He sang at film parties and Tumko (the entire album was written by Sudarshan in the hope that a music director would dekha toh Fakir with Woh kaagaz ki kashti turning hear him and give him a break. But it was yeh khayal immortal), The Gold Disc, Ae Mere Dil, tough to break into a competitive industry. aaya Ecstasies, A Sound Affair and Echoes carried , lyricised their fame across countries. Beyond Time JAGJIT & CHITRA the themes (1987) was the first digitally recorded album Still a struggler, he met singer Chitra Dutta of romance, by an Indian artiste. “A friend in England in 1967, when a music director wanted to rancour and insisted that the doctors play our album compile an album with various singers. redemption Beyond Time each time his wife went in for JAGJIT SINGH’S MEMORABLE FILM HITS

HOSHWALON KO BABUL MORA TUM ITNA JO KHABAR KYA NAIHAR (Jagjit- MUSKURA - Chitra) - Aavishkar RAHE HO - Arth

HOTHON SE CHHOO LO TUM - Prem Geet TUM KO DEKHA TO YEH KHAYAAL AAYA - Saath Saath

CHITHI NA KOI KOI HAATH SANDESH FARIYAAD CHOOTE - Dushman - - Pinjar

TERE KHAYAL KI - Leela YEH FAASLE TERI GALIYON KE -

Yeh tera ghar yeh mera ghar, Pyaar mujh se jo kiya tumne, Yeh bata de mujhe zindagi and Tumko dekha toh yeh khayal aaya, brought out the themes of romance, rancour and redemption. Mahesh Bhatt’s Arth yet again endorsed Jagjit’s penchant to play around with poetry and pain. Bhatt’s narrative, reportedly based the delivery of their three children,” on his unhinged relationship with the late shared Chitra with Filmfare. Parveen Babi, was a study of conflicting Gulzar’s emotions. It spoke of broken promises and FORAY IN FILMS poetry is at broken people. ’s lyrics were in The ’80s brought them unprecedented times abstract. sync with Homi Mullan's and Jagit-Chitra’s glory in films too. Though Jagjit had done Papa (Chitra’s compositions. Chitra sang Tu nahi toh playback before, he found mainstream endearment zindagi mein, while the rest were rendered recognition with Hothon se choo lo tum, for Jagjit) by Jagjit. Bringing forth the bitter-sweet filmed on Raj Babbar in Prem Geet (1981). wouldn’t nuances of life was Tum itna jo muskura He also composed the soundtrack for the hesitate to rahe ho. While Jhuki jhuki si nazar spoke film. The year 1982 remains a landmark in say, ‘Mujhe of suppressed love Koi yeh kaise bataaye, his film career. Suiting the tone and tenor of samajh mein questioned the impermanence of feelings. arthouse cinema, Jagjit and Chitra’s vocals nahi aaya, toh The music of Saath Saath and Arth, sold in added to the ambience of Raman Kumar’s logon ko kya a single cassette, proved to be a bonanza for Saath Saath. The film traced the conflict aayega?' ” Jagjit-Chitra fans. between ideals and reality as played out – Chitra Singh Jagjit’s other popular film songs by Farooque Shaikh's and Deepti Naval’s include the heart-breaking Chithi na koi characters. Kuldeep Singh’s compositions, sandesh from Dushman (1998), the poetic NOSTALGIA

With Ghulam Ali

With Lata Mangeshkar

With

Hoshwalon ko khabar kya filmed on Aamir Mirza Ghalib in 1988. Jagjit popularised the Khan and in Sarfarosh legendary 19th-century poet by composing (1999), the plaintive Koi fariyaad from and singing his ghazals in the eponymous Tum Bin (2001), Tere khayal ki from his “My world serial, directed by Gulzar. Traditional composed soundtrack for Leela (2002), Badi came crashing ghazals like Dil hi to hai, Hazaaron nazuk hai from Jogger’s Park (2003), Haath down (after khwahishein aisi, Aah ko chahiye ek umr choote from Pinjar (2003) and Tum paas aa their son Vivek and Yeh na thi hamari , given the rahe ho from Veer-Zaara (2004). “Gulzar’s died in a car contemporary spin, enjoyed a mass appeal. poetry is at times abstract. Papa (Chitra’s accident). “A song is not about vocal acrobatics, it’s endearment for Jagjit) wouldn’t hesitate to I had reduced the sound of your soul,” reflected Chitra. say, ‘Mujhe samajh mein nahi aaya, toh to 43 kilos logon ko kya aayega?' ” Chitra once shared and looked THE TRAGEDY with Filmfare adding, “Haath chhoote bhi like a ghost. The couple’s musical odyssey came to a toh rishte nahin chhoota karte (Pinjar) I couldn’t face jarring halt in 1990 when their 20-year-old was their favourite.” Chitra added that people. Mera son, Vivek, died in a tragic road accident. classifying Jagjit as a ‘ghazal singer’ would gala apne aap “My world came crashing down. I had be restricting his genius. “He was a unique band ho gaya. reduced to 43 kilos and looked like a ghost. musician. His voice was so rich, it could I couldn’t face people. Mera gala apne aap seldom match any hero. When Mahesh And it stayed band ho gaya (I was struck speechless). Bhatt used Jagjitji’s voice for Raj Kiran in like that And it stayed like that for nearly 14 years,” Arth, it didn’t sound as heavy. We also sang for nearly recalled the grief-stricken mother, who gave for Saath Saath (1982), where his voice 14 years up singing altogether. She took refuge in suited the mood of the film. But generally, - Chitra Singh spirituality and Bowen healing. Jagjit and his renditions remained background songs,” Chitra’s tribute to Vivek came in the form she analysed. of the album Someone, Somewhere, which Another milestone was the TV serial was recorded before the mishap. Starting NOSTALGIA

With Pandit

Monica’s death. “He had seen her as a Bhupinder Singh, Jagjit, Mitalee Singh, five-year-old. She was like his daughter,” Sanjeev Kohli and Talat Aziz (extreme right) shared the equally bereaved Chitra. Jagjit was touring America then. He cancelled his shows and caught connecting flights to reach home. While Chitra found solace “Since Vivek in spirituality and in looking after her (Singh) passed young grandsons Umair and Armaan away, there (Monica’s sons from her first marriage with was this thing cinematographer Jehangir Choudhary), between my Jagjit, keeping his grief private, immersed daughter himself in music. Reportedly, in 2011, a Monica series of 70 musical events were planned An early picture of Jagjit and Chitra rehearsing (Dutta), the world over to celebrate his 70th year. Jagjitji and One such was a show with Ghulam Ali with a Shabad Gurubani, Jagjit began a new me as to who in Mumbai. Sadly, just prior to that, he journey from thereon. His music changed would meet suffered a brain haemorrhage on September forever. It veered towards the spiritual him first. Both 23, 2011. He was in a coma for over two and the philosophical. Apart from an of them have weeks and passed away on October 10. album with Lata Mangeskar, titled Sajda, beaten me to After his demise, Chitra released the Jagjit’s other notable albums include Hope, it! Everything album, The Voice Beyond (2013), which Marasim, In Search, Mirage, Silsilay and in life is includes seven of Jagjit Singh’s unreleased many devotional albums including Kabir momentary compositions. “Since Vivek passed away, bhajans. His last film track was Har aur there was this thing between my daughter tabahi ka manzar for the film Gandhi To ya jee lo, yaa Monica, Jagjitji and me as to who would Hitler (2011). jhel lo.” meet him first. Both of them have beaten me -Chitra Singh to it!” she told Filmfare. “Everything in life THE LAST YEARS is momentary ya jee lo, yaa jhel lo (enjoy Another tragedy that hit the family was the moment or endure it),” she summed up when Chitra’s daughter and ex-model quoting their ghazal, “Manzil na de, charag Monica Dutta, 50, committed suicide na de, hausla toh de... I know he’s around on May 29, 2009. Jagjit was shaken after and that gives me strength.” n reader’s reviews, box-office, celebrity column & more INSTA LIKE Medley of moments out what your favourites are upto on Instagram...

@katrinakaif: Hey Katrina, Mumbai weather called, it wants its hotness back.

@iamsrk: Ami TKR we rule. Awesome display boys...u make us proud, happy and make us party even without a crowd. Love u team. @tkriders @simmo54 and my fav @dmbravo46 well done @priyankachopra: @kieron.pollard55 & my man @djbravo47 love you Chasme Badoor how many now4!!! @bazmccullum42 come to IPL Far be the evil eye. lov u. Thank you Trinidad & Tobago and the We don’t know about @cplt20 for the tournament. @gototnt evil eye, but PeeCee’s It’s cricket time for Indian households and that freshly-cut bangs are means we get to cheer with SRK for his Knightriders. surely catching eyeballs all around the globe. @kareenakapoorkhan: Sister sledge Happy birthday beautiful Ridz @riddhimakapoor sahniofficial A smiling Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, big sister Karisma and sleepy-head Kareena @sanyamalhotra: Kapoor Khan with their grandfather, Raj Kapoor. Don’t ever say Life isn’t perfect perfect pictures don’t exist. for us right now, but Sanya Malhotra and her curly hair Readers send in their feedback pg 66 sure are. Shatrughan Sinha’s racy rejoinders pg 68 LETTERS

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

GET WELL SOON, ! BACK st When I read the news of Sanjay SAIF-KAREENA IN BUSINESS 1Prize Dutt being diagnosed with ANNOUNCES Through the lockdown, 1500 lung cancer in your last issue SECOND we’ve seen multiple (September), it put me in a state of PREGNANCY projects of Bobby Deol shock. As if 2020 wasn’t bad enough already. This just Saif Ali Khan and hitting OTT platforms. made things much worse. I hope that is Kareena Kapoor I am glad about the back to his healthy self soon. He has overcome several Khan are one of the content as I always felt difficulties in the past and I'm sure he will bounce back most loved couples Bobby had more to give once again. My prayers are with him. And I'm sure all in Bollywood. So when it comes to acting. his fans worldwide are praying for him as well. it wasn’t surprising I was impressed by his Supriya Shinde, Jalgaon to see everyone performances in Class Of (including me) get ’83 and Aashram. I hope super excited when to see more of him in the they announced that coming future. Kudos to Kareena was pregnant Bobby for this comeback. with their second Gauri Sen, child. I admire both of their work and pray DEEPIKA-RANVEER they’re blessed with a ARE A CUTE COUPLE Gorgeous: Vidya Balan healthy baby in time In your last issue to come. (September), I came THE ULTIMATE Rashmi Tyagi, Jaunpur across pictures of BEAUTY-VIDYA Deepika Padukone and BALAN Ranveer Singh caught I’ve always been a fan of coming back home. Vidya Balan. It was lovely Trust me when I say this, to see her feature on the but seeing the good old cover (September). She airport clicks made me is one star who always happy as it brought back a speaks from her heart. sense of normalcy after a And that is evident in her long time. Great job guys! interview this time too. Stork calling: Kareena Ramesh Jain, Allahabad Rock steady: Sanjay Dutt Rohan Narang, Darjeeling Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan

Encore: Neetu NEETU KAPOOR’S COMEBACK Kapoor st I cannot imagine what Neetu Kapoor must be going through, 2Prize considering even I haven't gotten over 's death as yet. However, as they say, life goes on. So I’m glad to 1000 read that she has decided to resume work once again. She’s always been one of the most iconic leading ladies. I’m sure she’ll bring back the magic once again with her next film in the company of , and Anil Kapoor. Victor Pereira, Goa

ADDING A VIRAT-ANUSHKA one PERSONAL TOUCH GOING TO BE Just I’ve noticed you’ve made PARENTS Point special sections on your Virat Kohli and Anushka website that give us a Sharma are individuals deeper insight into a who are dominating in star’s life. For a Bollywood their receptive fields. They buff like me, it is indeed are true inspirations for a welcome change as we their fans and so, when get to know more about they announced they’ll the star’s life apart from be having a baby, I was their work. More of the extremely happy for the Deepika Padukone same, please! two. I wish them all the Two of my favourite film best for their new journey. Alka Chaudhry, Gurgaon stars - Prabhas and Lalita Mathur, Ujjain Deepika Padukone - are THE RETURN OF Killing it: Priyanka Chopra Jonas coming together for a THE KING ABHISHEK project and I cannot wait Ever since I read about PRIYANKA CHOPRA’S MEMOIRS BACHCHAN’S to witness the magic they'll bring on screen. Shah Rukh Khan’s next I was glad to read in the September issue that SECOND INNINGS Naveen Rai, Mumbai project in your last issue Priyanka Chopra has written her memoir, titled (September), I cannot Unfinished. The actress is a role model in every according to me is one I absolutely loved seem to contain my sense and reading tidbits about this journey will of the most underrated your interview with excitement. He’s always indeed be special. I’m eagerly waiting to get my actors in the industry. Vishal Jethwa (August). His performance in been my favourite in hands on the book. I’m sure I’m going to ‘finish’ Now, the actor is back and Mardaani 2 was simply Bollywood and I’ve it in one go. finally proving his worth breathtaking. followed him since his Stella Gomes, Mangalore on-screen with a string Roshan Shah, Ahmedabad Fauji days. The fact that of seriously impressive When I read about he’ll team up with John performances. It was ’s Abraham in Pathan AKSHAY KUMAR great to read his interview handwritten note to makes the whole deal GOES RETRO (August) in your magazine. Kunal Kemmu for his even sweeter. Can’t wait When I saw the photos of His views on the future of performance in Lootcase, to watch this one for sure. Akshay Kumar’s look for digital media are indeed my respect for the superstar grew even Arif Jani, Baroda Bell Bottom in Filmfare, spot on. I'd sure like further. The fact that he’s my excitement for the him to do many more still keeping tabs and PRABHAS’ GRAND film grew even further. It assignments on OTT. appreciating the work of PLANS still feels surreal knowing Navin Adhikari, Almora younger actors is truly Initially, I wasn’t too that a Bollywood film is commendable. Sharanya Shetty, New Delhi aware of South Indian actually in production. NOSTALGIC JOYRIDE cinema and its stars. I hope things only get Filmfare’s rich history in Your piece on the late However, Prabhas is one better from here. Bollywood was brought choreographer Saroj actor who made me take Rohan Iyer, Mumbai to the forefront yet again Khan (August) brought more interest in South when I read your piece back a lot of memories for me. Her legacy is cinema. I loved his work in on late Rajesh Khanna something that will Baahubali and decided to A DEEPER INSIGHT INTO THE (September). I'm of the live on forever. explore more South Indian DIRECTOR’S MIND opinion that he’ll always Tukaram Naik, Kolhapur films. I’m sure that with The reason I like Filmfare so much is that you guys remain Bollywood’s Adipurush, he will knock look beyond the stars that we see on screen. Your greatest hero. Would really I'm waiting for the theatres to reopen the box office figures out recent interview with Om Raut (August) helped me love to see more nostalgic and I hope it happens of the park once more. learn a lot more about the director’s mindset and his pieces on other legends in soon. I'm bored now of Fingers crossed. vision. Kudos guys! Keep up the good work. your forthcoming issues. watching films at home. Prachi Joshi, Gandhinagar Kishore Waghmare, Sangli Barun Acharya, Rourkela Ramesh Pawar, Mumbai

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 fire

Booked for life

Making a woman walk in a women isn’t as blatant forgiveness and peace. No two-piece in front of millions now as it was earlier doubt this year has been a of people in beauty pageants but there’s always room hell of a ride. But I believe is a direct exploitation by for improvement. The in the adage that this too the organisers. Women mindsets need to be shall pass. too sometimes self exploit changed. Our society is themselves for name, fame getting more progressive Has something happened and money. In movies too, the as time goes by and in your life where you have PHOTOGRAPH: PHOTOGRAPH: MEETESH TANEJA same thing happens. Vulgarity hopefully will reach an no explanation for how it is not beauty. What's the end ideal state soon. On the happened? to such low standards of other end of the spectrum, Subhash Chand, human behaviour? if the girls wearing Everyone goes through Dibyasha Mishra, Bhubaneshwar skimpy costumes feel no something that they find Unfortunately, even today vulgarity, then who are difficult to explain, so I women aren’t treated we to impose our views suggest you should look the way they should be. on them? Beauty lies in inward for an answer. The objectification of the eye of the beholder, as On the other hand, you they say. can buy my bestselling autobiography, Anything Which dance performance by a male actor The year 2020 is giving us But Khamosh to become in Bollywood do you like the most? Is it Dilip one disaster after another, better acquainted with Saab's Mere pairon mein, or Raj Saab's the pandemic, unexpected all the expected and the or your own Aaj mere deaths, strained international unexpected happenings yaar ki shaadi hai and why? relations, etc. Is it not time in my life. B Ajit, New Delhi to turn inward, become more Raj Kapoor’s performance in Ramaiya vastavaiya is a spiritual and pray, asking God Man achieved the unbelievable masterpiece. And living legend Dilip Kumar’s dance for forgiveness and peace? task of stepping on the moon performance from Gunga Jumna is truly immortal. Mehek Mahtani, Pune but is lagging many steps However Aaj mere yaar ki shaadi from the film Aadmi I agree with the sentiment behind in finding a vaccine for Sadak Ka, sung by the great Mohammed Rafi and wholeheartedly. I hope COVID-19. Don't you think so? composed by the genius Ravi is close to my heart. It’s every one of us who has Anil R Torne, Pune still immensely popular today. No wedding is complete sat at home has tuned Well, the moon is always without this song. It’s the favourite of all the band baaja inwards and has become where it is but this baraat companies as well. spiritual, asking God for virus keeps changing its 1st Prize A citizen calls her nation as mother nation, language as mother tongue. We always say 'ladies first'. But in movies, we see the male stars getting priority in the credits? Why can’t they roll the credits with the names of female actors displayed first? Dr Manju Mookerjee (Sridhar), Kolkata It’s a complicated question indeed and there’s no right answer to this. I state once again that our mindset as a society needs to change towards certain matters. 2nd Prize Everything seems to be going wrong in Bollywood during the lock down... Sabojit Baro, Guwahati Life goes on. We’ve seen different kinds of investigations and raids and summons of late. The denizens of the so-called Bollywood have been rattled. They are being bashed by the media on TV as well as by the common people on social media. But Sadak 2: Road to nowhere everything is a phase and this will pass as well. structure. And it took task indeed. Sadly vote decades for the scientists bank politics comes in the decent man, I can only tell Which category of animals to achieve what they did way of doing something them to practice whatever is mostly found in politics - when it came to a moon concrete about it. everyone else is following. lions, monkeys, owls, donkeys landing. Have faith in or chameleons? them. They’ll crack this What exactly is heaven? Considering what happened Rajesh K Ranga, New Delhi code too. Have patience. Subhash Chand, Chandigarh to Sadak 2 (more dislikes than Why should I compare Some place where peace, likes, not a hit movie), which politicians to animals? Why does no political leader joy and happiness exist was a backlash against star I can only add that all talk about population under one roof. Please kids and answer to nepotism, kinds of people from explosion? Is it possible to find out the location if is there a chance that movies all walks of life do end control India's mind-boggling you can and share it with of star kids will be avoided by up in politics. population? me if possible. the public in the near future? Santosh , Miraj Rohit Singhania, Kolkata (Feature co-ordinated by Not true, politicians have How should husband and wife Yeh public hai sab janti DEVESH SHARMA) raised this issue time and practice social distancing? hai. Aur sab kuch mumkin Please note: The column doesn’t again. Cutting down the Santosh Mohan Joshi, Miraj hai. No one can say how reflect Shatrughan Sinha’s political size of our humongous That’s a very tricky and the masses will react. Let’s or personal views. His answers are population is a Herculean difficult question. Being a all wait and watch. 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

years50 of YRF Silsila ash Chopra, as everyone knows, is the younger brother of noted filmmaker BR Chopra. While BR was Yknown for his socialist stance in his movies, Yash concentrated on human emotions and later came to be known as the king of romance. In Yash's eyes, the heart knew no boundaries. He understood DDLJ that love blinds human beings Yash and Aditya Chopra to the norms of the society and more often than not people end up The filmmaker believed in making be said to be his, and by extension, breaking rules. He tried to show his offerings larger than life. He his banner's crowning achievement. that there was no malice involved loved shooting at foreign locations The film was a simple love story when people did so. In Daag (1973) and was even honoured by the at heart which defines society's for instance, Rajesh Khanna is Swiss government for promoting norms, had some great music to presumed dead. He starts a new life Switzerland through his films. They boot and was shot all over Europe and meets Raakhee. He's forced by have even installed his statue there. and in . It starred Shah Rukh circumstances to marry her. Later, Also, he kind of pioneered designer Khan and and cemented their when he comes across his first films. The leading stars of YRF films superstardom. The baton from the wife once more, he finds it hard to wore the best clothes, travelled in old to the new passed seamlessly choose between the two. He lets the the best cars, ate in top-of-the-table with this film. His elder son, Aditya women decide and they all end up restaurants and lived in top-class Chopra, took over the reins. While living together happily. homes. He showed us how the rich romance still remains the core, the In Silsila (1981) in a casting that lived and partied and made us live banner has started investing in action reportedly mirrored their real-life their lives vicariously. But he also too. The highly successful Dhoom situation, Amitabh Bachchan and made sure to show them as people series or the recent War, which too indulge in an extra-marital like us beneath the designer togs. will reportedly be developed as a romance as looks on. Music also played a large hand franchise, are proof enough that Adi Here too, the director didn't take in making brand YRF a success. has made the right call. sides. He told the tale of human Strangely, he worked with is no more but his follies like it is and let the audience unconventional composers, be it banner continues to make his legacy pass their own judgement. The film's Khayaam, Shiv-Hari, Uttam Singh or shine year after year, for both the old box office prospects was marred by even , who was unknown at and the newer generations of fans... its too real casting, though today it the time of Dhoom. [email protected] enjoys a cult status. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge can Twitter: @jiteshpillaai