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June, 2021

Taapsee Pannu: Going

busts green how bollywood’s eco warriors business are saving the planet Volume 70 # June 2021 / ISSN NUMBER 0971-7277

June, 2021

Taapsee A L I A B H A T T Pannu: Going

busts green Bollywood how bollywood’s eco warriors business are saving the planet

32 PHOTOGRAPHS: ABHAY STYLING: AMI PATEL ASSISTED BY: MILONI SHAH AND SANJAY KUMAR DAUHALIYA MAKE-UP: PUNEET SAINI 25 HAIR: PRIYANKA BORKAR Denim Jacket: Burberry | Jeans: Promod Editor’s Choice

Stars and their favourite 03 charities The cathartic power of 60 OTT shows Masala fix 38 ’s secret 06 business formula revealed, is the villain in Tiger 3, to again work with 27 28 and other grist from the Preview tells it rumour mill Actors Prajakta Koli 32 like it is 10 and Nikita Dutta acquaint is happy us with their dreams 38 to turn producer and desires Adarsh Gourav is 42 basking in the success Fashion And of The White Tiger Lifestyle Obituary: 42 46 Beauty and style secrets Obituary: Your say 17 of the stars decoded 48 Raam Laxman Exclusive Cover Story: How the COVID-19 affected Readers write in their 24 We take a look at the stars 50 the business of cinema 56 rants and reviews who support environmental and changed the Shatrughan Sinha’s 08 initiatives parameters of box-office 58 racy rejoinders 07 Letter from the Editor Noble hearts Our social media timelines have been flooded with reports and images of stars lending a helping hand to those in need during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Kudos to all of them for all their good deeds. It’s only now that the charitable activities of our film stars have come into the limelight so regularly. It’s not as if they haven’t been doing their bit for society. Most believe in silent charity and hence have been quiet about their work. , for instance, has in the past provided financial aid of 90 lakh to the 180 families of the drought-hit farmers in who committed suicide, contributed 1 crore to ’s flood relief in 2015, and has started a marital arts school which teaches self-defence to women for free. It has helped 4000 women so far. He also launched an app, Bharat Ke Veer for ’s Bravehearts, which enables donors to contribute directly to the families of Central Armed Police Force/ Central Para Military Forces. too has been working with Marathi actor Makrand Anaspure and donating money to the widows of farmers who have committed suicide in Maharashtra. It’s said he has donated 80 per cent of his life’s savings to various causes. has been closely associated with PETA. He also has started his own charity called John’s Brigade, which provides food and shelter to homeless people. Jonas has been a Goodwill ambassador of UNICEF for many years and has been visiting war-torn areas to learn firsthand about conditions there and lend succour to the needy. She runs her own foundation called The Priyanka Chopra Foundation for Education and Health which provides education and healthcare to underprivileged children. She reportedly donates 10 per cent of her annual income to this foundation. Her bouts with depression inspired to come up with the ‘The Live Love Laugh Foundation’ to raise awareness about psychological disorders. She also became the brand ambassador of the NGO Deepika Padukone Indian Psychiatry Society, and launched the campaign #DoobaraPoocho. When ’s team Knight Riders (KKR) won the Indian Premier League (IPL) season 7 in 2014, he donated the entire money (Rs. 15 crores) to cancer patients in and Kolkata. In 2012, he adopted 12 villages in Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha to provide them with electricity under the initiative Light A Billion Lives. has been involved in charity since the ’80s. He has adopted flood and drought affected villages in the past, paid-off farm loans of hundreds of famers, has helped families of martyred soldiers, and has been the face of the Pulse Polio campaign, which successfully Amitabh Bachchan eradicated the disease in India. These are but some random examples. We’re often blindsided by images of the luxurious lifestyle of the film folks. The fancy cars, the exotic vacations, the designer labels are all the trappings of being a star that they can’t escape. But beneath the layers, lie hearts which care for their fellow human beings. Their hands don’t hesitate when it comes to loosening the purse-strings for causes. We should take a pause to remember that before ranting about stars not doing ‘enough’... Akshay Kumar

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

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RNI No. 1619/1957. Price Rs 60. Printed and published by Sunil Wuthoo for and on behalf SOUTH of owners Worldwide Media Pvt. Ltd, (CIN: U22120MH2003PTC142239), VP-SOUTH & BUSINESS HEAD-FEMINA TAMIL Building, Dr D N Road, Fort, Mumbai 400 001 and printed at Rajhans Enterprises No: 134, Pravin Menon 4th Main Road, Industrial Town, Rajajinagar, 560044, India. [email protected] Processed by BCCL Production Prepress and published at Worldwide Media Pvt. Ltd, The Times of India Building, Dr D N Road, Fort, Mumbai 400 001. Editor: Jitesh Pillaai CHENNAI ON Rajesh takes no responsibility for unsolicited photographs or material [email protected] ALL PHOTOGRAPHS, UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED, ARE USED FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY BANGALORE Sen Thomas THE NATIONAL/REGIONAL EDITION OF FILMFARE IS NOT FOR SALE OUTSIDE INDIA [email protected] EAST DISCLAIMER FOR PROTECTION OF PRIVACY AND INFORMATION Any information received by us through responses by Users/ Subscribers to the Short Messaging KOLKATA Services (SMS) Key Codes or such other subscription service of ours will be used in whole or part, ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT in our publications (other than contact information), for our research, individual marketing, strategic Alka Kakar 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 [email protected] party unless we are legally bound to do the same. a bird’s-eye view of show town’s happenings

SAVIOUR OF THE MASSES Sonu Sood was the messiah for thousands of migrant Aamir Khan’s business workers making their way to their homes in far-off model revealed pg 06 places last year. He arranged transport and food for ’s Maidaan’s them and earned their gratitude. This year too, he’s helping people get oxygen and medicines. Thousands set destroyed by cyclone reach out to him on his social media. Now it seems Tauktae pg 07 he’s meeting people at his residence as well. PHOTOGRAPH: YOGEN SHAH MASALA FIX AAMIR KHAN’S UNIQUE shoots with BUSINESS MODEL Russian artistes for Cirkus Ranveer Singh and team up again, after the success of , for Cirkus. The film is based on Shakespeare’s Comedy Of Errors where Ranveer Singh and Varun Sharma both play a double role. The film started shooting in November last year and now is nearing completion. We hear that Ranveer Singh has been shooting for the film with some female Russian artistes. With Rohit Shetty helming the film, it is obvious that the movie will be colourful. The makers have been careful about the lead actors’ looks and none of the pictures have leaked from the set. Cirkus’ leading ladies are and Pooja Hegde. The film is apparently set in the ’80s. Well, Rohit Shetty have always been fun-filled comic capers and we can’t wait for this one too.

NEENA GUPTA JOINS AMITABH Everyone knows that Aamir Khan is known as BACHCHAN IN GOODBYE Mr Perfectionist. But what many don’t know is that Khan AMITABH BACHCHAN’S NEXT VENTURE, has a business model, when it comes to his remuneration. GOODBYE, WENT ON FLOORS RECENTLY. And it seems to have worked wonders for him. Elaborating on RECENTLY JOINED THE CAST the business model, the actor says, “I’ve stopped taking money AND WILL PLAY BACHCHAN’S WIFE IN THE FILM. upfront. I don’t charge a single rupee for my films. If a film does well, first NEENA GUPTA AND AMITABH BACHCHAN WILL SHARE the investment is recovered. When everyone is paid and the cost is recovered, THE SCREEN TOGETHER FOR THE FIRST TIME. NEENA SAYS, I earn a percentage in profits. So if a film doesn’t work, I won’t make money. “WHEN VIKAS (BAHL, DIRECTOR) NARRATED THE FILM But no one should suffer a loss, I feel responsible for that.” He further adds, TO ME, I WAS SO HAPPY. IT IS A WONDERFUL SCRIPT AND “The model that I work on is, let’s say a film costs INR 100 crore to make. ONE DOESN’T THINK ABOUT ANYTHING ELSE WHEN THE So all the cost involved -- cast, crew, production -- I don’t take any money. SCRIPT IS THIS EXCITING. EVEN THE ROLE IS BEAUTIFULLY When the film releases, at that point I get zero money. As it starts to earn money, it goes towards the P&A (prints and advertising), which is over and WRITTEN AND I AM VERY EXCITED TO BE SHARING THE above the 100 crore. Then, the investment is paid back. Now, the producer SCREEN SPACE WITH MR. BACHCHAN. IT IS A DREAM has recovered his cost. And then, I go into percentage of profits. There is no COME TRUE FOR ME AND I AM QUITE way the producer loses any money. So if the film sustains a loss, I don’t get ECSTATIC ABOUT IT.” THE FILM IS paid. The first rupee I earn is when the costs have been recovered,” he added. PRODUCED BY It’s a healthy practice and we wish more stars would adopt the model. AND . SAYS HER CHOICES ARE HELPING THE CAUSE OF WOMEN IN CINEMA

Parineeti Chopra says she has always tried to change the narrative of how women should be portrayed on screen right from her debut. Parineeti with her superlative performances in Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl, Ishaqzaade, and , among others, has established herself as an effective and an unconventional counterpoint to the Bollywood norm that heroines should play a certain type of roles and look a certain way. “I strongly feel that actresses have to change the narrative of how women are portrayed on screen. Right from my debut, I have tried to do this. I have always taken it on myself to do something out of the ordinary, not portray the quintessential heroine that Bollywood has tried to depict for ages.” She adds, “My last three films - TGOTT, SAPF and Saina were also an attempt by me to give varied, bold, confident, ambitious heroines to audiences. My next film choices will resonate this thought process too because I definitely want to do my bit to portray women better.” That’s smart thinking, alright. MASALA FIX

Ajay Devgn’s Maidaan EMRAAN set destroyed by Tauktae HASHMI TO Cyclone Tauktae has led to the deaths of many PLAY THE people and has also wreaked havoc in its wake, VILLAIN IN cleaving through many properties. According to TIGER 3 media reports, it appears that the cyclone has There was a time when not spared Ajay Devgn’s Maidaan set either, Emraan Hashmi used to which was located on the outskirts of Mumbai. churn out blockbusters on While there were no casualties reported, the set a regular basis and was on which a large part of the film was supposed the uncrowned king of to be shot, stands destroyed. “There were about kisses. But it wasn’t just 40 people on the set when the cyclone hit the the bold scenes that made Maidaan set - the guards and the curators of him famous. He displayed the football ground which largely comprises his acting chops in films the set tried their best to save as much as they like Shanghai, Azhar and could but their efforts proved almost totally . Off late, futile,” said a source. This is the second time the actor has been doing the makers of Maidaan have suffered a setback less films. These days he because of the set. In 2020, a 16- concentrates on meaty acre, high-maintenance set built roles and looks like he’s got for the film was dismantled due to a big role up his sleeve. We the COVID-19 lockdown and the hear that Emraan Hashmi rains. “The Maidaan makers Boney will play the lead antagonist Kapoor (producer) and in Tiger 3. Now that’s Amit Sharma (director) TAKES surely big for him. Salman had hoped that the Khan and Emraan Hashmi ongoing lockdown PIRATES TO COURT locking horns will be one would be eased exciting watch. The makers beyond May 31, Salman Khan has always been vocal against piracy. More so now initially wanted a fresh face 2021, and they with the theatres shut and online streaming becoming the major for the role just like they would wind up source of revenue. His latest release, Radhe: Your Most Wanted had got Sajjad Delfarooz the matches in Bhai released on Eid and the actor had issued several warnings in Tiger Zinda Hai, then the next 15-17 about taking strict action against anyone who indulges in piracy of they thought that Emraan days. But all the film. Despite the repeated warnings, a pirated version of the Hashmi would be the those plans, for film started doing the rounds and the filmmakers had to involve perfect choice. This will be now, stand a legal team to get to the bottom of it. A complaint was filed with Emraan Hashmi’s first ever washed out,” the the Mumbai Cyber Cell and it was later found that a Facebook user YRF film and also his first source added. Boney had been selling the pirated file through WhatsApp for INR 50. collaboration with Salman Kapoor reportedly will have to According to reports, a member of pretended Khan and . shell out an extra seven crores to to be a buyer and caught a man selling the film via the chatting remake the set, once the lockdown app. This led to an FIR being filed against him and two other men gets lifted and shooting permissions for their involvement in piracy. are given.

CHIRANJEEVI SETS UP FREE VACCINE CAMPS FOR CINEMA WORKERS AND JOURNALISTS HAS COME OUT TO HELP THE TELUGU FILM INDUSTRY THROUGH THIS TRYING TIME AS INDIA BATTLES WITH THE SECOND WAVE OF THE COVID-19 VIRUS. CHIRANJEEVI’S CORONA CRISIS CHARITY (CCC) HAS JOINED HANDS WITH APOLLO 247 TO PROVIDE FREE COVID-19 VACCINES TO CINEMA WORKERS AND JOURNALISTS IN . THE ACTOR HAS ASKED PEOPLE TO ENROLL IN THEIR ASSOCIATION SO THEY CAN GET VACCINATED FOR FREE. CHIRANJEEVI POSTED A VIDEO ON TWITTER, ANNOUNCING THE FREE VACCINE DRIVE. THOSE CINEMA WORKERS AND JOURNALISTS ABOVE THE AGE OF 45 CAN GET VACCINATED AND BRING THEIR SPOUSES ALONG, IF THEY’RE ELIGIBLE. THIS VACCINE DRIVE WILL GO ON FOR A MONTH. KUDOS TO CHIRANJEEVI’S SELFLESS ACT. MASALA FIX MADHURI DIXIT TO COLLABORATE WITH SANJAY LEELA BHANSALI AGAIN One of Madhuri Dixit’s career best performances was as in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s (2002). Both Madhuri and SLB have had a mutual admiration society. Now, reports suggest that Madhuri might collaborate with SLB yet again for his upcoming web series, Heera Mandi. A source revealed thus, “Sanjay Leela Bhansali has almost locked the cast of his magnum opus series Heera Mandi that he’s planning for Netflix. It’s being mounted on a grand scale, on a lavish budget and and have already been locked to play important characters in the show. But apart from them, SLB wanted to get Madhuri for a beautiful mujra that he’s planning. That will be one of the biggest highlights in the film.” The report further added that Madhuri has shown interest in doing the part, “Madhuri has also shown her interest in the song. Bhansali feels nobody else can bring the grace and dignity to the form that Madhuri can. They are in advanced talks. It will be an eight to ten-day elaborate schedule and Madhuri has been offered a handsome sum ’S to give a nod.” Looks interesting. A COVID WARRIOR

Bhumi Pednekar’s digital initiative COVID WARRIOR has become WON’T ACT a powerful tool to connect patients and their families with relevant IN THE KIRIK PARTY REMAKE and helpful resources across the country. Says she, “The internet South sensation Rashmika Mandanna made her can be used for greater good and social media is a powerful tool debut in 2016 with film Kirik Party and in if used as a unifier of people. That’s what we have used for COVID a short span of around five years, she has established WARRIOR and in turn hoped that it can save lives of those in critical herself as one of the most bankable faces in South cinema. need. I’m grateful for the people of the country for coming forward In fact, the actress is now also starring opposite in his pan-Indian and helping each other. It has been a truly overwhelming journey film,Pushpa and she will also be seen opposite actor for me, one that has bolstered my belief in people and humanity.” in a Bollywood movie. That’s not all - Mandanna will also be seen opposite Covid Warrior is an initiative of the people, for the people and by the veteran star Amitabh Bachchan in Goodbye. Sometime back, there were people of India who have been working relentlessly to save as many talks that Kirik Party might get a Bollywood remake starring lives as possible.The social media initiative that started with a team and Jacqueline Fernandes. When asked if Rashmika would like to revisit of 5 volunteers is now 200 + volunteer strong across India, who her character from the 2016 film, she said, “Actually, no, I would not do the work 24x7 to save as many lives as possible by intercepting SOS remake of Kirik Party. I believe that once I have done the character and felt its messages on social media. Bhumi has also been working non-stop emotions, I won’t have anything new to offer to it while revisiting it. Why should to find ICU/ICU Ventilator/Oxygen/Oxygen Beds/Critical Medicines I experience the same set of emotions when I can become a part of a new across the country. She started this after her mother tested positive story and experience newer things? Once I have played a character, I move for the coronavirus and was quite critical. She made it her mission on. I have lived my characters once and thoroughly in the first flush. I don’t to save lives thereafter. want to revisit any of them in a remake.” True indeed.

DISCO DANCER TO BE ADAPTED AS A PLAY DANCER (1982), FEATURING , AND IS ALL SET TO BE MADE INTO A PLAY. POPULAR MUSIC DIRECTOR DUO, SALIM-SULAIMAN, ARE SET TO PRODUCE THE MUSICAL. “I HAVE GIVEN THE SCREENPLAY RIGHTS OF THE FILM TO SALIM-SULAIMAN AND THEY ARE COLLABORATING WITH SA RE GA MA ON IT,” DIRECTOR BABBAR SUBHASH REVEALED. SALIM MERCHANT SAID THEY WOULD RESTART WORK AFTER THE LOCKDOWN. SUBHASH IS TIGHT-LIPPED ABOUT WHO’D BE REPRISING THE LEAD ROLE IN THE PLAY. “FILMS AND PLAYS ARE TWO DIFFERENT MEDIUMS AND I REALLY DON’T KNOW WHO WILL BE ABLE TO PLAY THAT CHARACTER,” HE SAYS. FINGERS CROSSED... movies on the block, set-talk, talent-buzz, hotties to watch out for HELLO, HANDSOME JOSHUA CHHABRA X FACTOR: DRIVEN BY PASSION

Joshua Chhabra was born and brought up in Mumbai and aspired to make it big right from the beginning. He was a chubby kid back at school but an early epiphany and his father’s motivation got him interested in sports. A brilliant cricket player, he dreamt of being the next Sachin Tendulkar but life had other plans and drove him to the world of glamour. From being a chubby duckling, Joshua became a runway swan. Starting out at 17 with college shows, he went on to win titles like Bombay Times Fresh Face at 17 and Gladrags Mr. India at 20. He even represented India in the Philippines for the Man Of The World pageant and won a Gold medal. While he’s made a mark on the ramp, his ultimate goal is to make it to the movies. He looks upto and believes Hrithik is the perfect combination of looks and talent. He aspires to be like Hrithik someday.

Actors Prajakta Koli and Nikita Dutta reveal their hopes and pg 10 PHOTOGRAPH: MAFIA FOTOGRAFIA desires FUTURE STOCK

VEDANSHI PATHAK INTERVIEWS he princess of PRAJAKTA KOLI, WHO HAS MADE A digital content NAME FOR HERSELF THROUGH HER creation, QUIRKY INTERNET VIDEOS AND Prajakta Koli, WILL SOON MAKE HER BIG TICKET started out DEBUT WITH JUG JUGG JEEYO Twith a dream of becoming a radio jockey. A brush with MOSTLY Sudeep Lahiri (Vice President, Content and Strategy at One Digital Entertainment) pushed her into making content for YouTube and the SANE! rest is history. “I remember Sudeep Lahiri telling me – ‘Hey you have got great energy, have you thought about making YouTube content’. And at that point in life, I was honestly in a space where anything would have been better than waking up every day and going to the radio station. So, I took a blind leap and surprisingly found my vocation,” she recalls. Her claim to fame came on World Mental Health Day in 2016, when the internet audience flooded

Jug Jugg Jeeyo FUTURE STOCK

Jug Jugg Jeeyo. Enacting a character written by someone else was something THE ONLY WAY YOU of a culture shock CAN STAND OUT to her at first but she slowly IS IF YOU HAVE adjusted. “During A PERSONALITY the initial phase THAT NO ONE ELSE of playing Dimple HAS. AND I THINK in Mismatched or playing Asha THE FACT THAT SO in my short film MANY CREATORS Khayali Pulao, I ARE DOING THAT, used to think that I am going to have a TELLS THAT THERE IS much tougher time NO COMPETITION. understanding these NO TWO CREATORS characters because ARE THE SAME, I haven’t written them. I don’t know THEN HOW DO THEY their pulse. But COMPETE then the writers and the directors I worked with helped me understand the nuances and slowly it became easier,” she smiles, adding

Khayali Pulao her with accolades, millennial who think the fact that that she writes that she got the thanks to her owns a smartphone so many creators herself, she has leeway to interpret #IPledgeToBeMe dreams of becoming are doing that, tells expanded her the roles her own video. “It was a the next internet that there is no horizons and has way in all her campaign where sensation and a competition. No made the transition outside projects I championed few have definitely two creators are the to playing characters Jug Jugg Jeeyo, a self-love. It spoke made it big. Prajakta same, then how do written by others. Dharma film, fell against body is unfazed by the they compete,” she The young gun was into her lap thanks shaming, spoke competition and reasons. seen in the Netflix to casting director for body positivity takes it in her series Mismatched Panchami Gharvi and the response stride. “The only hile she recently alongside who had earlier was so much way you can stand still finds Rohit Saraf. Soon selected her for more than what out is if you have a it fun she will be seen Mismatched. She I had expected,” personality that no enacting in a Dharma was called for a test she reveals. Every one else has. And I W characters Productions’ film and her joy knew no FUTURE STOCK

THERE ARE A LOT OF CONTENT CREATORS THAT ME AND VARUN (DHAWAN) MUTUALLY LIKE. I WAS LOOKING FORWARD TO HANGING OUT WITH HIM ON THE SET. HE IS EXTREMELY WARM AND SWEET AND THAT SORT OF HELPED ME CALM MY NERVES HILE SHOOTING

Mismatched

welcoming and so self-care and that were it should be made and Neetu Kapoor. a priority. “I had She admired the been taking that fact that when for granted for the the camera came longest time and on, they were I realised how much just another set of it affects you. Taking artistes. “All they care of your body, cared about was taking care of your their performance mind is extremely and how well they important. And could perform ever since I have their role, and started doing that that passion was I have become very inspiring,” so much more she asserts. There productive than bounds when Karan out on the sets but them. In fact, there was COVID-19 before,” she reflects. Johar greenlighted Prajakta says it are a lot of creators scare on the sets Prajakta is happy her for the project. wasn’t so at all. She we mutually like. I of Jug Jugg Jeeyo, with the way her After that, director gushes she found was looking forward as Neetu Kapoor, life has changed Raj Mehta called her co-stars and to hanging out with and in these last six up to congratulate her unit to be her him on the set. He even director Raj years. Says she, “I her and formally second family. She is extremely warm Mehta reportedly would love to act offered her the role. knew Varun from and sweet and that caught the virus. more, keep creat- Rubbing shoulders before as she had sort of helped me Prajakta says it was ing content online, with Varun Dhawan, interacted with him calm my nerves a chaotic time for write more, meet Neetu Kapoor, online and found while shooting,” she a while but later more people, and Anil Kapoor and him supportive informs me. things quietened try new things… but on on the sets. She down. She didn’t there are no con- the sets must have was surprised how rajakta says get infected herself crete plans as such. been a huge high. knowledgeable he Kiara too was but this close brush One must remember Conversely, being was about the world extremely with the pandemic that the pandemic is an outsider, she of content creators. supportive made her realise very much on.” must have felt left “He watches a lot of P and the importance of True that. n FEATURE Playing for keeps AFTER TRYING HIS HAND AT PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL IN BRITAIN, RONNIE C IS ALL SET TO MAKE HIS BOLLYWOOD DEBUT SOON

orn in but “made in London” is how Ronnie C likes to describe himself. The upcoming celebrity already has a host of laurels to his name, having been scouted by football club Southend United at the age of 16 and going on to Bbecome the first Indian-born footballer to be signed by Southend United ever. He followed this up by becoming the first Indian-origin footballer to be signed by Burton Albion FC and Brentford FC who play in the Championship tier of football. Brentford qualified for the English Premier League last week and Ronnie’s joy knows no bound. Ronnie C also loves boxing, mixed martial arts, pop music and hip hop dance styles. His YouTube channel, Super RC is close to hitting 50,000 subscribers. Ronnie doesn’t believe in having one passion or source of income and hence, he also owns a merchandise line and his clothing line is set to debut soon. However, his heart lies in cinema and he will soon be playing the main lead in a film which is being helmed by a well- known director in Bollywood. For preparation, the budding actor will be going to for a few months to train under Michelle Danner who has worked with A-list THE ACTORS I WANT TO WORK WITH ARE celebrities like Henry Cavill, Penelope Cruz and Salma PRIYANKA CHOPRA AND SUTARIA AND Hayek. He has recieved a few interesting offers from THE DIRECTOR I WISH TO WORK WITH IS Hollywood as well. In an interview with Filmfare, SANJAY LEELA BHANSALI Ronnie C opens up about his love for the movies and more. Excerpts...

Which is your favourite movie worldwide name who’s the football pitch. I was of all time and why? big not only in India but nicknamed Ronaldo. I The Dark Knight. Heath also in Hollywood. She know I can entertain and Ledger’s take on the has achieved huge things achieve big things as an was next level. He went from worldwide and has led an actor. As I have the drive, being a regular rom-com actor exemplary life off-screen looks, charisma and the ‘it’ to creating one of the best as well. Her global appeal factor. performances on screen. The is what makes her stand entire movie was gripping and apart and that’s the graph I Which director in the acting was amazing. I liked appreciate and admire and Bollywood do you dream Christian Bale’s performance am inspired by the most. to work with? as as well. The director I wish to When did you decide to work with is Sanjay Leela Which Bollywood actor’s become an actor? Bhansali and the actors career graph do you During my football career, I want to work with are appreciate? I had a natural knack of Priyanka Chopra and Tara Priyanka Chopra. She’s a being an entertainer on Sutaria. n FUTURE STOCK

a turning point for me.” Talking about her co-star , she says she admires him for the way he got into the character. She observed Shahid on the sets and tried to learn from him. “We didn’t interact much but I found him to be an easygoing co-star. Overall, it was fab working with him as I learnt so much from the experience.” Nikita goes on to reveal how Kabir Singh came her way. Sandeep Vanga had watched her cameo in Lust Stories (2018) and asked her to come for a meeting after watching Arjun Reddy. She was Aiming for the intrigued by the call but said yes. She was blown away by Arjun Reddy and was open to doing any role in the remake. She was offered the NIKITAbullseye! DUTTA TALKS TO VEDANSHI PATHAK ABOUT role of actress Jia THE BIG BULL, TESTING POSITIVE FOR COVID-19, Sharma, with whom HER UPCOMING DANCE FILM AND MORE Kabir has a brief fling in the film. “I was expecting an ikita Dutta’s and graduated in (2014) but she got father is an Economics. She noticed for her role officer in took part in the Miss in Sandeep Reddy the Indian India pageant along Vanga’s Kabir Singh NNavy. As a child, the way and was (2019). The film her life revolved one of the finalists went on to become around shuttling in 2012. Being part a blockbuster and from one naval base of Miss India got her changed many to the other, making noticed and she soon lives. One of them friends all over picked up roles in was Nikita’s. Says again with random popular television she, “People finally strangers and then shows like Ek Duje started recognising The Big Bull saying goodbye to Ke Vaaste, Haasil, my work post Kabir them when another Dream Girl and more Singh. I got offered Abhishek just kind of lightens everybody’s mood transfer took place. before venturing many good projects around him. He doesn’t have any airs around him, She came to Mumbai into Bollywood. Her after its release. In neither does he throw any tantrums. He is humble as to study at St. debut film was Lekar terms of films, it a human being. He’s very humorous, always pulling Xavier’s College, Hum Deewana Dil did end up being people’s legs. He’s calm and doesn’t lose patience DOWNLOAD YOUR FAVOURITE MAGAZINES FOR FREE!

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June, 2021

Taapsee A L I A B H A T T Pannu: Going

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Pannu: A L I A B H A T T

Taapsee June, 2021 FUTURE STOCK

Kabir Singh

Maska People finally started recognising my work post Kabir Singh. I got offered many good projects after its release. In terms of films, it did end up being a turning point for me pointers from her Bosco Martis. She mother about the says she’s been era to prepare for learning dance since her role. The Big 2019 to prepare for Bull got compared her role in Rocket to ’s Gang. “We were hit series on the supposed to start same subject, Scam shooting it last 1992. Talking about year in March but it, Nikita says it’s then the lockdown unlucky that the two happened. We things came around started again in audition but Sandeep wife. Nikita met patience. It could be the same time. December 2020 and sir just talked to Abhishek the first the most stressful “It is unfortunate it is scheduled to me for ten minutes, time while the scene but he refuses that there are wrap as soon as the asking me questions look trials were to bring it on his comparisons but I government lifts up a about Arjun Reddy. happening. And face and that’s a very think there is a lot of few restrictions.” He must have liked they were shooting admirable quality,” difference because Nikita tested my responses as he a romantic song the reveals Nikita. The that is a web show COVID-19 positive soon offered me this next time they met. actress says one of and this is a film. I but made a rapid important role.” “We were shooting the reasons she said hope the audience recovery. She Post Kabir Singh, for our song Ishq yes to The Big Bull understands this and shudders at the Nikita did a Netflix namaza in Delhi and was because of the gives the love they memory. “I just hope film called Maska I was stressed out. film’s period feel. think it deserves. Of 2021 doesn’t bring (2020) alongwith But it went smoothly That’s the reason course, Scam 1992 is disappointments Prit Kamani, Shirley because Abhishek she’d said yes to brilliant and I loved because we have Setia and Manisha just kind of lightens Gold (2018) too, the it too,” she adds. had enough of Koirala, which was everybody’s mood period sports drama that last year. The received well by around him. He where she played er next whole world has the audience. That doesn’t have any airs ’s love projects had enough of that. paved the way for around him, neither interest. There she include the So, just praying The Big Bull, which does he throw any played someone remake of that there’s more was based on the tantrums. He is who was closer to HMalayalam horror positivity this life of the notorious humble as a human her grandmother’s flick Ezra (2017), year.”Trying to keep securities trader being. He’s very generation and here where she’ll be that in my head. Just Harshad Mehta. humorous, always she was playing seen with Emraan more good news and pulling people’s someone who was Hashmi. Another is less bad news.” Our played Mehta and legs. He’s calm close to her mother’s a dance film Rocket prayers are towards Nikita played his and doesn’t lose generation. She took Gang directed by that as well... n GOLD & GREEN MAGIC PRIYANKA CHOPRA AND NICK JONAS WHERE: BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS 2021 THE X FACTOR: POWER OF TWO

Priyanka Chopra is one to make bold choices for the red carpet and she did not disappoint in her custom- made Dolce and Gabbana gold number. The ‘naked’ dress featured a plunging neckline, a thigh-high slit and a thick metallic belt that screamed Cher as the diva stepped onto the red carpet. Complementing her in a forest green ensemble by Fendi was Nick Jonas. His silk shirt was the perfect contrast to the texture of the ensemble. And that bling around his waist topped off the look to perfection. Priyanka and Nick both aced their looks individually and were a visual delight together on the starry night.

Small is big pg 18 Masked delight pg 20 Monotone magic pg21

COMPILED BY: ANALITA SETH PHOTOGRAPHS: YOGEN SHAH THE TRENCH Loewe CONNECTION Overcoats are magical pieces that transform outfits ISABELLE KAIF Khrisjoy

MIRA KAPOOR

The pandemic has made us fall in love with the casual wear in our R13 wardrobes. Work from home means we can stay in comfy sweat suits and pyjamas even when duty calls. So much that LONG we've learnt to transform LONG WAY PARINEETI CHOPRA these into impeccable TO GO party wear. One piece of clothing that’s doing Forte Forte the trick for us ladies is the classic trench coat. You can just let it hang off your shoulders or belt it over athleisure and you’ve got yourself an ensemble ready for Pleats Please the outside world. We’ve Issey Miyake spotted this trend more than ever before in B-town. Making casual sportswear look super AHUJA chic, our divas have been resorting to overcoats and trenches to make a style statement. Marco Rambaldi "Everyone in the world should have a trench coat, and there should be a trench coat for everyone in the world. It does not matter your age; it doesn't matter your gender." -Angela Ahrendts FASHION & BEAUTY BAG TO DEFER A fancy bag never hurt nobody

Bags aren’t just about carrying your things around. Used wisely, they can make a simple outfit look like a million bucks. You can throw on a simple dress or a t-shirt with jeans and top it with a quirky handbag to elevate it a thousand fold. From unusual sizes, as small as a bag around the wrist to duffle bags that have pop-art references on it, we’ve seen B-town fashionistas carry ’em all. So what may seem like a low on functionality investment is high on style quotient.

NORA FATEHI

ANANYA PANDEY

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POOJA HEGDE Aranaz

Marc Jacobs Off-White Loewe

BAG ATTACK

"It's not what you spend but how you wear it that counts. The key is often to dress up inexpensive Bottega basics with accessories. Something like a beautiful Veneta designer bag or belt can make everything else look richer and more luxurious."- Chloe Sevigny Rosantica FASHION & BEAUTY FLOWER POWER Florals prints are an evergreen trend.

Floral prints have an eternal place in the world of fashion but even they have gone through a fair share of evolution over the years. We saw them make it to the couture runway in 2010. And ever since, they ALIA BHATT have taken over every piece of clothing, be it dresses, jackets or even shoes. While a mix and match of decorative flowers was the start of this trend, we've sighted cluster floral prints aggressively in the last few months. They instantly draw attention and are a favourite in the summer collections of many designer brands.

TAAPSEE PANNU

SHAMIKA SHETTY

SHILPA SHETTY

all things,“In thecharacter, supreme in excellence manner, in is style,simplicity.” in

Liu Jo KHAN Henry Wadsworth

Zadig & Voltaire LET THE SUMMER BEGIN Alexandre Vauthier Giambattista Valli SONAL CHAUHAN

Frame Chain 1 Frame Chain 2 Chain Frame

FATIMA SANA SHAIKH CHAINED TO FASHION Masks are evolving with a new

Frame Chain 4 Chain Frame additional accessory We were just about getting used to the custom designer face masks when a functional addition was made in this mandatory accessory. An attached chain is one of the most useful and trendy introductions to the pandemic wardrobe. And if you look around, it’s everywhere now. Not only does HOW'S IT it add a little bling and colour to your outfit, but also comes HAN- in handy when you have to remove your mask (only when GIN'? necessary) in public. Dangling around your neck, it's an unfortunate yet necessary albatross you have to carry, so why not add some zing to it.

Dylan Kids + Adult Face Mask Chan Strap

TAMANNAAH

BHATIA Frame Chain 3 Chain Frame

TAAPSEE PANNU

JANHVI KAPOOR “Create your own style, let it be unique for yourself and yet identifiable for others.” Anna Wintour TIPS TO STRETCH THE OOMPH: Statement jewellery is a good way to add a little bling to your “Comfort is of great monotone ensemble. importance to me. A pair of contrasting I really want to heels can go a long way Pick a bag that may encourage girls to not be the same shade dress in whatever but complement the look. they feel comfortable Keep your make-up in and not get bogged as close to the shades of your look as possible. down by fashion Contrasting make-up can trends.” take away from the look Deepika Padukone DEEPIKA PADUKONE and make it gaudy.

MONOCHROME MAIDEN Deepika Padukone’s love for monotone ensemble is unmatched 50 She’s the most sought SHADES after diva in Bollywood OF DP and her stardom transcends the movies. She’s a fashion icon who can go from classy to quirky with the help of a hat or a lack of one. But her eternal love for some trends is evident and we can’t help but obsess over how well she pulls them off. One such trend is the tone on tone ensembles. Dee’s love for monotones goes back to when she started her career and it’s only evolved with time. Be it trench coats or leather pants, Deepika has managed to make everything work in matching hues to perfection. what’s on their mind?

PHOTOGRPAH: ABHAY SINGH World FEATURE World environment day World environment environment day World day Peo ASION OF CC W p O O World h THE RLD N EN l environment D O V day tOO IRO e N YW M environment LL E rO NT day B D F A O Y a S , R W IO H R I R C E H A

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E D World World environment environment day day World World environment environment day day LL A Alia Bhatt has always been a R nature lover. Last year, on the O sets of her film Brahmastra, F she, along with co-star and director Ayan D Mukerji, started an initiative L where plastic bottles were R banned on the sets. She also lent her voice to the O #BeatPlasticPollution W initiative, highlighting the ill-effects of plastic. Then, E some years ago, she started an initiative called CoExist, N which aims at reducing the O conflict between humans and animals. It’s a noble pursuit which claims that the animals have as much right to the planet as us and aims to educate people about the same. She’s always amplifying calls for adopting stray dogs and cats and has helped in drives towards neutering them and keeping them disease free.

TE CONT IMA ROL CL During the shooting of her last three films, Bhumi Pednekar made sure that the crew adopted a zero-wastage policy on the set. All the excess food from the sets was distributed in a hygienic manner to the needy and the whole unit likewise used steel bottles, which could be refilled, for drinking water. She developed a love for nature as a child, maybe it was her name which did the trick. And she longed to do something about the environment when she became an actress. In 2019, she launched Climate Warrior, a social media initiative that brings to light work done by various individuals as well as environment groups across India. She teamed up with activist Afroz Shah for a beach clean- up project in Versova, Mumbai. She was also part of Fridays For Future march in Mumbai. She also started the #OneWishForTheEarth campaign on Instagram and encouraged colleagues from the film world to share messages about the environment-based issues. Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, , and many more joined her in the initiative. World environmentWorld Amitabh Bachchan has been FOR CHA day espousing the cause of the UP NG environment since ages. In 2007, E environment he launched the Global Cool G day campaign along with Sienna IN Miller, to raise awareness in India R about global warming. In 2008, A World the icon showed his support for E the United Nations’ Billion Tree G environment Campaign by planting a tree at day the UN’s Asia Pacific regional headquarters in Bangkok. He also World partnered with Global Cool, an International Indian Film Academy environment initiative, to build awareness day World about India’s vulnerability to climate change. He’s also part of the movement to reduce the use environment of vehicles and air-conditioners day while shooting films. He’s also the World brand ambassador of Indian Government’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ campaign, encouraging environment fellow citizens to be more hygienic day and is also associated with Green Good Deeds Campaign, aimed at bringing about small behavioural changes in everyday life towards World environmental benefit. environment day World NG environment OU day Y M Last year, Abhshek E Bachchan generously H contributed towards Khan’s daughter ’s T initiative of providing food

for stray animals affected G by the coronavirus pandemic. In his own N quiet ways, Abhishek has

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A He believes that the youth World C can bring about a difference in tackling climate issues. He has environment often lent his voice to the day World cause of global warming environment and other related issues. day World World World World World World World environment environment environmentenvironment environment day environmentenvironment day day day day day day World World World environment World environmentenvironment day In 2006, his views on the Narmada day OR environment Bachao Andolan earned him the day RI ire of the then government. World R day That didn’t deter him from actively A espousing the cause of water environment W conservation. With the help of his day T wife Kiran Rao and friend Satyajit N Bhatkal, he founded the Paani E foundation in 2016 with the aim of L making Maharashtra free of I drought. The foundation has S reached out to more than 4000 villages and helped conserve water by educating the villagers and helping them set up various initiatives. In the span of 2 years starting September 2018, inspired by the great Japanese ecologist Akira Miyawaki, Paani foundation in association with Saytrees Environmental trust, turned a barren patch of land into a forest.

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World environment As a philanthropist and spokesperson, day SRK stands up for environmental causes like water-supply issues to rural solar World power. In 2011, he was appointed by the environment UNOPS as the first global ambassador of day the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council. During his multiple World appearances at the NDTV Greenathon, he has adopted up to twelve villages to environment provide with electricity as part of the day World solar energy harnessing project’s initiative environment Light A Billion Lives. He says he doesn’t day talk about his humanitarian causes World World because of his religious beliefs. environment World environmentWorld day day environment environment day day World World RY World environment TO environmentAkshay Kumar was recently day C honoured by the Golden A dayGlobeenvironment Honors Foundation F alongside Hollywood star World World Leonardo DiCaprioday and D others. He was given the N environmenthonour for promoting environmentA day sanitation and hygiene through his films Toilet: Ek day R WorldPrem Katha and PadMan. He B was appointed the face of environmentthe initiative ‘Swachhata hi day Seva’ by the and Uttarakhand governments. He also World spearheads the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) ‘Swachh environmentSarvekshan’ initiative which day educates and encourages the masses to maintain better cleanliness levels in Mumbai. Akshay is also the brand ambassador of the Government of India’s road safety campaign. He also took part in a tree-planting drive last year. World environment DLY VEN day IEN TUR World FR ES environment O- day C World E N In 2019, Aishwarya Rai environment I Bachchan invested in day environmental intelligence startup Ambee. Along with World G her mother Vrinda, the actor became an angel investor in N

environment I the Bangalore-based startup, day T which provides data about hyperlocal air quality.

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N also been associated with I PETA for a long while and has also spoken on environment environmental issues World through various UN day initiatives. environmentWorld dayenvironment day OR NATUR World G F E environment Anushka Sharma has been IN using her social media R day posts to raise various World environmental concerns. In A 2019, she talked about C Leonardo Di Caprio’s environment concerns about the fire day that has engulfed the Amazonian rainforests and World questioned why the mainstream media had environment been silent on the issue. day World She talked about melting glaciers in another post. In 2018, she shared the news environment of the sad demise of the day last surviving white male rhino. She also explained World how the species could have survived a few more years environment if humans didn’t indulge in day poaching. Anushka also recently activated the practice of waste segregation on the sets of World the projects greenlit by her production house Clean Slate Films and became environment the first producer to do so. day World AN LE environmentWorld C day T environment I day G N I P

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E Last year, on the eve of World Environment Day,

K Salman Khan posted a video of him cleaning the pathways in and around his Panvel World farmhouse. He was joinedenvironment by rumoured girlfriend Iulia day World Vantur in the initiative. He hasWorld also lent his voice towards the ban of single- World use plastic in the past. environment environmentenvironment day day day World World World World World World environment World environment day environmentenvironment environment day environmentenvironment day day day day day World World World environment environmentenvironment day In 2012. Ajay Devgn helped day set up a solar energy power day SAFETY project in Gujarat. Through World TO a joint venture, he ensured PS that the 25MW solar plant environment E at Charanka was day T completed. He’s also known S to use solar-powered L generators on his sets. He L along with his wife , A takes part in Mumbai’s cleanliness drives to help M clean up the city’s beaches S and streets. Recently, he was part of a tree-planting drive in , where five thousand saplings got planted at the Malkapur Industrial Park.

CHARITY B EGIN S AT H O M E

In 2010, Deepika Padukone adopted World the Maharashtrian village of Ambegaon as part of NDTV’s Greenathon Campaign, toenvironment provide the village with a regular supply of day electricity. She has also invested in Blu Smart, an electric taxi startup. For the Bangalore reception of their wedding, World Deepika and Ranveer Singh chose to go eco friendly. The event was a plastic-freeenvironment zone as friends and family were served in day World biodegradable tableware. The couple opted for products made from sugarcane fibre environment rather than plastic. CHUK, an eco-friendly day tableware manufacturer was responsible World World for supplying around 75,000 units of its World products for the wedding reception. environment environmentenvironment World day day environment day day World World environment FOR day environment ING F World is the T OR day H E environment brand ambassador of the G S day Sanjay Gandhi National I T World Park in Mumbai and has F S even adopted a Leopard. She’s been a self- environment proclaimed nature lover and has been associated day with various causes concerning nature for World many years. She’s an ardent environmentalist environment and has worked closely World with People for the Ethical World day Treatment of Animals environment environment (PETA) since 2002, she day supported the protection World day of the Aarey forest in 2019 and she even supported environment Mission Paani on day World Environment day of 2020. environment NCER day UE FL L IN IR G M R R

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The year 2009 saw him becoming the ambassador for ‘Planet Alert’, an initiative to save the environment World through various ways. The same year, he launched an initiative on climate In January 2005, when the Tsunami hit parts change which focused on environment of Asia, was actively supporting government policy at the highest NGOs working for rehabilitation of affected level and advocated for the cause day persons in the Galle area of Sri Lanka, one through talks with various of the worst affected areas. She was later international bodies such as the World actively involved with the water conservation United Nations. At the UN Climate movement in India. Her work on spreading Conference in Copenhagen, Rahul awareness about water conservation has joined tens of thousands of environment helped in promoting judicious practices. demonstrators at a mass rally and day Also she has collaborated with the Centre candlelight vigil outside the Danish for Science and Environment to produce Parliament in Copenhagen. He was World short films about rainwater harvesting. one of the 10 speakers to speak at She has been known to wax eloquent on the Global Day of Action for Climate sustainable alternatives to plastics as well. Change rally in Copenhagen. environmentWorld day World World environment World day environment environment day environment day day Taapsee Pannu offers up ueen’ssome straight drives to Q Raghuvendra Singh’s yorkers

Taapseegambit Pannu is so down-to-earth, so real that you have to pinch yourself into believing you’re talking to a film star. You feel you’re conversing with a college friend. You can ask her anything under the sun and be assured of an honest answer. There’s no off-the-record conversations with her as she doesn’t like to gossip. She’d rather talk about the art of cinema or the craft of acting than give pointers towards who’s in whose bed currently. She doesn’t talk about her own love life either, arguing that it has nothing to do with what she does as an actor. She’s not known to mince words on the social media. Her forthright views are a refreshing change from the doublespeak that most actors practice. She promised us an interview after winning the Best Actor In A Leading Role trophy at the recently concluded Vimal Elaichi 2021. Excerpts from a free-flowing tete-a-tete...

WHEN YOU ACCEPTED THE male-centric film. Casting too FILMFARE AWARD FOR BEST isn’t easy. Because, trust me, no GENDER- ACTRESS THIS YEAR, YOU matter how big an actress you EQUALITY OR THANKED ALL YOUR FELLOW become in the film industry, EMPOWERMENT NOMINEES. WHAT PROMPTED YOU it’s tough to cast a male actor WILL HAPPEN TO DO THAT? opposite you when it comes ONLY WHEN Every girl nominated this year to female-centric films. I can THE ACTRESSES in both the popular and the say from experience that my EMPOWER EACH critics’ category was part of directors face a lot of issues as OTHER, WHEN a special film. I mentioned male actors feel insecure about THEY STAND in the speech how each one not being the lead or getting UP FOR EACH of them is so courageous in lesser screen time. Sometimes OTHER, WHEN choosing the kind of films I wonder how insecure you THEY APPRECIATE they have chosen. Because I are, when you’re giving away a EACH OTHER. I know the kind of hardships a good film just because you have REALLY FEEL WE female actor faces. You can’t 10 per cent less time than the SHOULD START put too much ‘feminism’ in a girl. Girls have been doing that APPRECIATING female-centric film because it’s for decades, where they have EACH OTHER not considered ‘safe’ from a 1/5th of the screen space and MORE business point of view. Then, they still happily do it. Because there are budget constraints. they feel that even that much A female-centric film has a is enough for them to show limited budget compared to a their potential. Until last year I was doing films like , Soorma or 2. Because I wanted people to understand that I’m I WONDER HOW not against doing lesser screen space. INSECURE YOU’RE I’m just saying give me a role through WHEN YOU’RE which the audience will remember GIVING AWAY A me when they walk out of the theatre. GOOD FILM JUST And after all that’s sorted, we have to BECAUSE YOU HAVE make sure we don’t clash with any 10 PER CENT LESS big male star when it comes to the TIME THAN THE film’s release. Because even if the GIRL. GIRLS HAVE film with the female lead looks more BEEN DOING THAT promising, the film with the male FOR DECADES, star ends up getting more number of WHERE THEY HAVE screens and shows. Gender-equality 1/5TH OF THE or empowerment will happen only SCREEN SPACE when the actresses empower each AND THEY STILL other, when they stand up for each HAPPILY DO IT other, when they appreciate each other. I really feel we should start appreciating each other more. Only then the next level of empowerment will happen.

HOW DOES IT FEEL WINNING THE BLACK LADY BACK-TO-BACK? It’s quite unreal actually because in 2016 when Pink happened and I was not even nominated, it did break my heart back then. After that, I almost lost hope that this will ever happen. So when it happened back-to-back, it was quite unreal for me. It feels nice to get validated by the oldest awards in the country. It gives me confidence to keep following my INTERVIEW intuition because if it has happened back-to-back then it’s just not a fluke. It probably means I am on the right path and I should continue pushing myself ahead in the same direction.

WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO SAY ABOUT YOUR PERFORMANCE IN ? HOW WILL YOU REVIEW IT? I always end up finding so many holes in my performance and that leaves me underwhelmed. After watching Thappad, I told my director that I felt everyone was good except me. I think it’s good in a way because it kind of helps me to push myself to get better with every film. I’m glad that I don’t consider myself the epitome of perfection because if I do that then my scope of learning will decrease.

I STARTED OFF KNOWING NOTHING — NEITHER ABOUT THE INDUSTRY, NOR ABOUT THE CRAFT. ONE THING THAT REALLY HELPED ME AT THAT POINT WAS MY INQUISITIVENESS, MY EAGERNESS TO LEARN

WOULD YOU SAY THAPPAD’S CRITICAL SUCCESS HAS CHANGED THE GAME FOR YOU? Thappad was my first ever solo lead film, which ended up getting a lot of love from the critics as well as from the audiences. The way it started up picking momentum at the box- office in those two weeks before the lockdown was remarkable. That’s what Thappad did. It just kind of sealed a certain position for me.

BEFORE THAPPAD YOU DID FILMS LIKE MULK AND WHICH WON PLAUDITS FROM THE CRITICS BUT WEREN’T 100 CRORES FILMS. HOW DOES AN ACTOR MOTIVATE HERSELF TO KEEP INVESTING IN GOOD CONTENT IN AN INDUSTRY WHERE YOU’RE MEASURED BY YOUR BOX OFFICE SUCCESS? I’ve always believed that if you have to survive in the industry for a long time, you need to create a unique space for yourself. That will only happen, if I do the kind of movies that I enjoy watching as an audience. And in spite of not really seeing those magic figures of 100 crores for every film of mine, I still ended up having an audience for my films. Yes, that does test your courage. But you know that you have chosen this path knowing that it’s going to be longer and tougher. So you should be prepared for the hardships you’re going to face.

WHEN YOU LOOK BACK AT YOUR JOURNEY, WHAT WERE THE HURDLES YOU FACED AND WHAT WERE THE MILESTONES? I started off knowing nothing about the industry or about the craft. One thing that really helped me at that point was my inquisitiveness, my eagerness to learn. Because I knew the only way ahead in life is to be open to learning whatever you can from around you. I made mistakes but I did not repeat my mistakes. If you want me to name a turning point then that probably was Baby, where a seven minute role took the masses by surprise. I was launched in cinema by , one of our biggest commercial directors, in Chashme Buddoor. So that’s another milestone. Actually, everything I did back then has led me to do the new kinds of films I’m doing now. I think over the years, my audience has shown so much faith and confidence in me, that their expectation levels have become high and nothing average in terms of content is going to make them happy. I am totally fine with that kind of pressure because it Shabaash Mithu helps me grow as an actor. Looop Lapeta

DO YOU FEAR THAT FAME AND STARDOM WILL VANISH ONE DAY? IF THEY’RE JUST GOING No, not at all. This part has never TO KEEP THROWING THE scared me. I didn’t enter the SAME BASELESS RANDOM, industry with the idea of becoming ILLOGICAL, NEGATIVE STUFF a star. I just stumbled upon this AT YOU, IT STOPS AFFECTING profession, then I learned my way YOU AFTER SOMETIME. up. And I know that the ladder that AND I’VE REALISED THAT I’m climbing up, I have to climb it PEOPLE WHO ARE DOING down one day. That the fame and THAT ARE JUST UNHAPPY glamour will go out of the window. WITH THEIR OWN LIVES And I will gracefully embrace and accept it too. INTERVIEW

SO YOU DON’T HAVE ANY KIND OF lives. Only an unhappy person can INSECURITY AT ALL? be negative against someone else I can tell you the fears I have as an I FEAR THAT consistently. Now I just feel sad for actor. I fear that there will come a day THERE WILL COME those unhappy people. where my performance will not add A DAY WHERE MY anything new to the film. Also, I want PERFORMANCE WILL NOT PINK GAVE OUT A STRONG MESSAGE THAT the performances in each successive ADD ANYTHING NEW TO NO MEANS NO. THAPPAD TOLD WOMEN film to be better than the one earlier. THE FILM. ALSO, I WANT TO STAND UP AGAINST DOMESTIC I’m trying to lead as normal a life as THE PERFORMANCES IN VIOLENCE. SO ON ONE HAND THERE ARE possible. To keep an even head on my EACH SUCCESSIVE FILM SUCH MOVIES BEING MADE AND THEN shoulders. So that I’m able to depict TO BE BETTER THAN THE THERE ARE SOME WHICH CONTINUE TO normal people as they are. I want ONE EARLIER OBJECTIFY WOMEN. WHAT’S YOUR TAKE my performances to be as true to real ON THAT? life as possible. The fear of getting Our films have helped normalise disconnected from my audience a lot of things. Change takes time. worries me. Decades of conditioning has made us feel a certain kind of behaviour is YOU DON’T SEEM TO BE POLITICALLY okay because it’s shown in our films. CORRECT. WHAT GIVES YOU THE Change won’t happen overnight COURAGE TO BE SO BOLD? but it’ll definitely happen if we I might be a politically incorrect, collectively work towards it. non-diplomatic person, but It’ll happen when every actress I feel I am honest. Even if I make refuses to do something mistakes, I accept them because which isn’t in keeping I know I am a human being. with her on-screen To err is human, so there is no character. Most of the shame in making mistakes. roles offered to women I don’t speak against people. I are written from a man’s speak against issues. I speak point of view. And we give in against the sin and not the to that because our leading men sinner. Blaming people is are okay with it. Our heroes just going to create a bitter have to be more woke and open atmosphere. Basically, you to seeing things from our point should be able to live a of view too. What I’m saying life where you can sleep is that the change will come if peacefully knowing that everybody makes a conscious you haven’t harmed effort towards it. anyone or done something wrong that CAN YOU NAME THREE OF you’re embarrassed YOUR FELLOW ACTRESSES about. It’s the most FROM THE RECENT TIMES WHO HAVE beautiful life to have HELPED MAKE THE INDUSTRY A BETTER and I have that life. PLACE FOR FEMALE ACTORS? If I have to choose three names HOW DO YOU HANDLE NEGATIVITY? who’ve made the audience look at The negativity affects you in the the female actors seriously then I’ll beginning when it’s new. You know name , and Priyanka how they say you should keep Chopra. Vidya because she did such changing your workouts so your mind-blowing films like The Dirty body can react to it, otherwise it just Picture and back-to-back hits a plateau. That’s what happens and showed us this is possible. with negativity also. So if they’re Tabu because she always makes us just going to keep throwing the same curious about what she’s going to baseless random, illogical, negative next and Priyanka because of all stuff at you, it stops affecting you that she’s achieved not just here after sometime. And I’ve realised but abroad as well. All three have that people who are doing that helped change perceptions about are just unhappy with their own female actors for the better. 2 1

1 Do Baara 2 Haseen Dilruba 3 Rashmi Rocket 4 Thappad

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SHOOTER DADI CHANDRO TOMAR DIED OF COVID-19. HOW DID THE NEWS 3 AFFECT YOU? For the first few hours it was a feeling of disbelief because she had defied YOU AMPLIFIED NETIZENS’ so many difficulties and hardships REQUESTS FOR RESOURCES AMID in her life. It almost felt like she THE PANDEMIC. AS A CELEBRITY DO I ALWAYS END UP would survive this also. I have been YOU THINK THIS WAS THE TIME TO FINDING SO MANY HOLES in touch with her family. So I knew BE A REAL HERO OFF SCREEN? IN MY PERFORMANCE she had been hospitalised. But they As a public figure, all I can do is AND THAT LEAVES ME told me that she has been taken care donate to the cause and help people UNDERWHELMED. AFTER of and she is all fine… and then in need connect with people who WATCHING THAPPAD, suddenly that news came in… it was have the resources. I find this is a I TOLD MY DIRECTOR a big shock to me! I really hope that basic responsibility of a celebrity ANUBHAV SINHA THAT her last few days made her feel that who the audience believes is their I FELT EVERYONE WAS she is content and happy with life. hero because of the characters and GOOD EXCEPT ME Because there are so many people films we do on screen. I know we who loved her. Her story has reached don’t sign up to be the real hero so many people and inspired so many when we perform in films but for right to say anything and people. I wish I could have gone to someone like me who came from no everything to anyone, without meet her. Because last time I met her film background and no additional any knowledge – most of the time. she was in AIMMS for a treatment support from the industry, audience But yeah, there is always a flip she was going through before the is what made me into who I am side to the coin, right? So the pandemic. And after that because today so this is the least I can do pandemic really helped me to see of the pandemic I just couldn’t go for them. that positive side of Twitter. This because I could have been a carrier. whole pandemic really made me I don’t know how I will feel if I go YOU EVEN SAID ON TWITTER THAT see how humanity is not totally to Baghpat to her house. It will be YOU STAYED ON THE TOXIC PLATFORM, dead on Twitter and people still a very awkward feeling to not have BECAUSE YOU SAW HOW EVERYONE want to use the platform for helping her around. Because I stayed in her WAS HELPING EACH OTHER ON each other. It was so nice to see that. house, practically in her room, for SOCIAL MEDIA... Because I have been missing that almost two months. That kind of I know that Twitter has turned side of people on Twitter for the haunts me even more mentally that toxic. Because everybody gets the longest time. she is no more. n INTERVIEW

TUSSHAR KAPOOR RECENTLY TURNED PRODUCER WITH . RAGHUVENDRA SINGH SOUNDS SHOW ME HIM OUT ABOUT THE NEW VENTURE THE MONEY Tusshar Kapoor has always impressed us with his sincerity. He’s known to give his hundred per cent to every project and has made a name for himself as a dependable actor over the years. After dabbling in drama and action, he found his forte in comedy. He features prominently in Rohit Shetty comedies, as well as raunchy rom coms. Tusshar became the first celebrity to have a baby through surrogacy. Fatherhood very much becomes him and his son Laksshya completes him. He’s been a hands-on father, not shying away from diaper duties. He’s currently giving his son company during the online classes, reliving his own childhood all over again. His sister has been the producer in the family and now Tusshar has followed suit. He launched his own production house, Tusshar Entertainment, sometime ago. The horror comedy Laxmii, starring Akshay Kumar, was the first film he produced under his own banner, in partnership with and Cape Of Good Hope Films. Excerpts from a tete-a-tete about the new changes and challenges of his life...

I WAS HOPING AKSHAY SIR WOULD BE COMFORTABLE PLAYING A CHARACTER OF A TRANSGENDER AND THE WHOLE IDEA OF BEING POSSESSED BY A TRANSGENDER’S GHOST. THANKFULLY HE HAD NO ISSUES WITH THAT. HE TOOK IT UP AS A CHALLENGE AS Laxmii HE WANTED TO SHOW HIS AUDIENCE SOMETHING What was your track of the business DIFFERENT biggest challenge reports, count your as a producer? profits or losses and While the director start planning for the is the captain of the next one. ship, the producer is the wind that powers Why did you choose to as my first venture How did you goes through a the sails. He has to remake Kanchana? as a producer. convince him to transformation. be in control of every When I watched Given Akshay play a transgender He took it up as department. See that Kanchana in 2012, Kumar sir’s success in the film? a challenge as he everyone is happy. I loved it. I thought rate in comedy I was hoping wanted to show his And then keep track it was a very massy, films he was the that he would be audience something of the budgets and commercial and a ideal choice for the comfortable playing different. timelines. You don’t unique subject. And main lead. He had a character of a know what’s going horror-comedies done a successful transgender and Were you unhappy by to happen next and were new at that horror comedy the whole idea of the fact that Laxmii got are constantly fire time. They had not being possessed by a released over OTT? fighting. It’s a roller been explored as in the past. This transgender’s ghost. There was a mental coaster rider which much as they are film needed a Thankfully he had adjustment when only stops on the day being explored now. superstar to take it no issues with that. we realised that of your film’s release. So when I bought to the next level. In fact, he agreed to the film was being And even after that, the rights, I decided I’m so happy that he do the film because slated for OTT. But you have to keep to remake the film agreed to do it. his character there is a flip-side INTERVIEW to everything. We shortly. It’s a very didn’t have to different film from worry about the Laxmii. I’m going to whole COVID-19 act in it as well. aspect of it or any kind of piracy. The Did you ever take OTT platform is a any tips regarding great answer to the production from your cinema shutdown. sister Ekta? We knew that Ekta is a pioneer we would get the in television numbers even production, and on the OTT. So now even in the web the Friday fever space and she has remains intact. produced a lot of Given the new films. The challenge normal, we have of being a producer been successful in is one wherein you bridging the gap really learn on the between cinemas job. The mistakes and OTT. I think and the obstacles it has been a game that I would have changer and it faced would be will set a trend for different from the producers to not ones she has faced. feel insecure about So you can never releasing a film on really use another’s OTT platforms in experience. Given this situation. my experience as an actor for the past 20 Laxmii has broken years and growing viewership records up in the industry, I on OTT. Did you expect have had a fair idea this since the curve of what production of people watching really entails. OTT content was already high? Our reaction was firstly that of relief. Because I’d spent seven years with The experience that’s just being a this film and of Akshay sir as part of the family. I wanted to get a a producer and positive reaction. Shabina Khan, my One piece of advice I did expect the high partner was there your father has given numbers to some to bank upon. you that has always degree because the I really didn’t have stayed with you. hype for the trailer With and to take much advice One piece of advice had been huge. I from my family. Of my father has always was happy about it. WHILE THE DIRECTOR IS THE CAPTAIN OF THE SHIP, course, the moral given me and stayed support is always with me is that Now what’s the next THE PRODUCER IS THE WIND THAT POWERS THE SAILS. there and if I was don’t brood over step for you as a HE HAS TO BE IN CONTROL OF EVERY DEPARTMENT. ever confused about the past. What has producer? SEE THAT EVERYONE IS HAPPY. AND THEN KEEP something regarding happened… has Well, I already have TRACK OF THE BUDGETS AND TIMELINES. YOU DON’T legal or financial happened. Otherwise another film that’s aspects, my mother you can really have ready and it’s going KNOW WHAT’S GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT AND ARE and sister were sleepless nights to be announced CONSTANTLY FIRE FIGHTING always present. But about something that doesn’t deserve to a foundation for the day and age – Shahid be worried over. My bigger challenges. Kapoor. For horror dad is a patient and I haven’t thought comedy, Akshay a calm man and of producing a multi- Kumar. And for sex that’s what I want starrer yet. Every comedy why not me? to emulate. film carries its own I have got the best challenges. I’ll cross track record in sex You had Akshay as your that bridge when comedy, I won’t take With son Lakshyya star and he carried the I come to it. anyone else. film on his shoulders. he keeps asking me But if you are asked If you had the Is it safe to say that why for everything. to produce a multi- following genres as you can make friends If I say I am going starrer, would you be a producer who would in Bollywood? THE MORAL SUPPORT IS out – why? If I say able to handle the you pick as actors Yes, definitely. I am going for work stress and the many – romcom, horror- Apart from actors ALWAYS THERE AND IF – why? I love his starry tantrums? comedy and sex- or directors or I WAS EVER CONFUSED curiosity and I keep Well, I think what comedy? producers, there are ABOUT SOMETHING answering all his we have managed For a romcom technicians you can REGARDING LEGAL OR questions. with Laxmii has laid definitely in today’s be friendly to. There FINANCIAL ASPECTS, MY What do you do when MOTHER AND SISTER you get angry? WERE ALWAYS PRESENT. When I get angry, it takes me a while BUT THAT’S JUST BEING to get it out of my A PART OF THE FAMILY system. Of course, I am trying to change that about myself. But the first reaction is I lose sleep. I start are assistants you getting all the anger can be friends with, out in the middle there are journalists of the night, and that I have close ties I don’t get enough with. But in life like sleep. So that’s very in Bollywood, the unhealthy and lesser friends, the I’m trying to get better friends. out of that.

One film of yours you You’ve always chosen would love showing to be low-profile. your son. Was it a wise decision I have not started in hindsight? showing him Yes, I have stayed films yet. But I am low profile as far waiting to show him as my personal the series life is concerned. soon. And I would But I have never probably not show shied away from him Shootout At publicising my films Lokhandwala yet, at the time of their because there is too release. I don’t like much violence in it. catching headlines for anything and The weirdest question everything. It’s more your son has ever of a ego-booster, asked you? which I don’t really As per his age he need after 20 years is very curious and in the industry. n ROAR OF THE Life has peaked for Adarsh Gourav in a big ADARSH GOURAV SPEAKS TO VEDANSHI PATHAK ABOUT way post the release TIGERof his Netflix film The White Tiger. Directed by Ramin Bahrani, the BAGGING A BAFTA NOMINATION FOR HIS PERFORMANCE IN film also stars Priyanka Chopra Jonas and THE WHITE TIGER, WHICH ALSO HAD AN OSCAR NOMINATION in crucial roles. Adarsh’s perfor- IN THE BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY CATEGORY mance as the protagonist Balram Halwai, who fights societal norms to rise from being a lowly I lost because being driver to being a multimillionaire entrepreneur nominated itself was is spot on. The film offers a critique on how a big deal for me. the Indian society is still stuck in the morass I have my whole of caste and religious divide and states that career ahead of me we need to come out of it pronto if we ever to get nominated want to become a first world nation. Till then, multiple times. This the only way up for the marginalised is to use is only the beginning whatever comes their way to claw ahead, even if of my journey. these opportunities are amoral in nature. It’s a powerhouse performance that ranged from him BAFTA WAS CRITICISED being a submissive mouse to being transformed With Ramin Bahrani, Rajkummar LAST TIME FOR NOT into a hungry tiger unafraid to use his fangs. Rao and Priyanka Chopra Jonas BEING TOO OPEN TO It’s no wonder that Adarsh was nominated in DIVERSITY IN THE the Best Actor category by the British Academy YOU MUST BE to be nominated TOP CATEGORIES. of Films and Television Arts (BAFTA). Though he OVER THE MOON amongst my ACCORDING TO YOU, eventually lost out to Sir (The BEING NOMINATED childhood heroes, DID THAT CHANGE Father), it was still a proud moment for India ALONGSIDE NAMES Sir Anthony Hopkins THIS YEAR? WHAT’S that he got nominated. The White Tiger was also LIKE ANTHONY and Mads Mikkelsen. YOUR TAKE ON THE nominated at the Oscars in the Best Adapted HOPKINS, CHADWICK It is a dream for any CONTROVERSY? Screenplay category and Adarsh is excited BOSEMAN AND MADS actor and honestly I actually wasn’t about that as well. We chat with the actor about MIKKELSEN FOR it’s shocking and aware of that the global recognition coming his way and how THE BAFTA? unexpected too. criticism. But I’m that’s changing his life and career choices. It feels like a dream I wasn’t upset when glad that there are MORE THAN THE PRESSURE, WHAT I FEEL IS THE SPIKE IN EXCITEMENT. I WANT TO CONTINUE DOING GOOD WORK AND GROW AS AN ACTOR. I WANT TO CONSTANTLY KEEP LEARNING NEW THINGS AND KEEP PLAYING MORE AND MORE DIVERSE CHARACTERS INTERVIEW different actors from different ethnicities being nominated because it is important for people all over the world to know about one another’s cultures and stories. What’s a better way than casting actors from different ethnicities to actually represent their side of the world. It’s a great way for people to get to know one another.

WHAT YOUR FAMILY’S REACTION ABOUT THE BAFTA NOMINATIUON? My family has been over the moon since the trailer released. They have been glued to their phones ever since. They share all the articles and the interviews of mine with everybody on the family WhatsApp group. I feel both embarrassed and happy by their behaviour. They are truly proud, also relieved in a way, I guess.

HOW DID THE NEWS OF THE NOMINATION REACH YOU? It wasn’t just one person who broke the news. My agents in the US called me up, as did my father. Friends in the media too sent in their messages. WORKING WITH DIRECTOR RAMIN Fellow actors started BAHRANI WAS SUCH A HIGH BECAUSE calling in, offering IT WAS A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE. I HAVE their praise. Then, NEVER BEEN DIRECTED LIKE THAT social media is the big thing today. BEFORE, GIVEN THAT MUCH FREEDOM Everything gets TO UNDERSTAND MY CHARACTER AND splashed there as TO IMPROVISE really helped me in understanding Balram was that I spent my formative years in Jamshedpur, which is closer to the region where Balram actually belonged to. So I had The White Tiger an understanding of those people and I WASN’T UPSET WHEN I LOST (AT THE BAFTA) their culture. As BECAUSE BEING NOMINATED ITSELF WAS A BIG Ramin mentioned in a lot of his DEAL FOR ME. I HAVE MY WHOLE CAREER AHEAD interviews, he OF ME TO GET NOMINATED MULTIPLE TIMES. wanted to cast a THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING OF MY JOURNEY lesser-known actor for the part. I guess soon as it happens. HOW DID THE WHITE YOU REPORTEDLY both these reasons So that surprise TIGER HELP YOU WORKED IN A TEA helped me get the factor no longer EVOLVE AS AN ACTOR? STALL TO GET YOUR part. He’s always exists, as the news The White Tiger CHARACTER RIGHT? worked with people gets picked up at the really made me One thing Ramin who almost have speed of light. realise that the told me is to not read had no history in more time I spend Aravind Adiga’s The acting and then the GLOBAL RECOGNITION on understanding White Tiger and rely kind of performances LIKE THE BAFTA AND the character the on the screenplay to he extracts out THE OSCARS HAS PUT better it is. It’s like get the job done. Of of those people, YOU ON THE WORLD any other thing. It’s course, I skimmed it’s unbelievable. MAP IN A BIG WAY. THE the universal truth. through the book in You feel like you EXPECTATIONS FROM I had the luxury order to understand are watching a YOU HAVE INCREASED. of four months to the character better. documentary. DO YOU FEEL THE understand Balram’s Ramin advised me PRESSURE? role during which to arrive at my own AS AN INDIAN ACTOR, More than the I went on this truth about the YOU MUST’VE NEVER pressure, what journey and I feel character and that’s IMAGINED YOUR OTT I feel is the spike that’s my biggest why I asked one of FILM TO TAKE THE in excitement. lesson. Also, working my friends to take NUMBER ONE SPOT I want to continue with director Ramin me to his native IN 64 COUNTRIES IN doing good work Bahrani was such a village in Jharkhand, JUST FOUR WEEKS. and grow as an actor. high because it was where I did work WHAT WAS YOUR I want to constantly a unique experience. for some time at a REACTION TO IT? keep learning I’ve never been tea stall in order to It was supposed to new things and directed like that understand the be a Netflix global keep playing more before, given that angst of someone film and it was and more diverse much freedom to like Balram. supposed to release characters. I’m just understand my in many countries. hoping that the character and to RAMIN BAHRANI But to see our film recognition gives me improvise. I also IS SAID TO HAVE do so well across the more opportunities feel I’ve become a SEARCHED FOR ‘REAL globe is reassuring to work with the better listener after ACTORS’ TO BE CAST because it is such directors I want to working on that film. IN THE WHITE TIGER. a universal story. and to create work Apart from that, HOW DID YOU FIT People from all over that inspires me. playing Balram really INTO THAT SCHEME the world connected I hope that this helped me empathise OF THINGS? to it. All our hearts happens within more with people That could be are full of gratitude India as well as and understand better answered by for all the records globally. them better. Ramin. I guess what that it set. n OBITUARY

FAREWELL, VANRAJ BHATIA DEVESH SHARMA OFFERS A BRIEF PROFILE OF THE RENOWNED (MAY 31, 1927 - , WHO PASSED AWAY RECENTLY MAY 7, 2021)

or the masses, his dimension to the song. heritage. After getting his most popular song It wasn’t that she was M.A. (English Honours) remains Tumhare totally untested. He had from , bin ji na lage ghar made her sing the highly University of Bombay Fmein from Bhumika intricate composition, the in 1949, Vanraj studied (1977). Picturised on Smta heavy duty Quli Qutub composition with Howard Patil, it was written by Shah ghazal Piya baaj Ferguson, Alan Bush Majrooh Sultanpuri and pyala piya jaye na from and William Alwyn at sung by . She Nishant (1975), which the Royal Academy of was just a chit of a girl is another rare gem from Music, London, where Vanraj, known for back then, famous for Bhatia’s repertoire. he was a recipient of her My heart is beating He’s known to have the Sir Michael Costa his Indian classical song from Julie (1975). worked more with Asha Scholarship (1951–54). and folk inspired It’s said that people Bhosle but one song of After graduating with melodies, was actually told Vanraj Bhatia to his, Barse ghan saari a gold medal in 1954, choose another singer as raat, from Tarang (1984), Bhatia won a Rockefeller a trained composer in Preeti was considered sung by , Scholarship (1954–58) the Western heritage too westernised for a was described by the late as well as a French classical-based song. composer himself as one Government Scholarship who reportedly used to But he stuck to his guns of his most difficult songs. (1957–58) that allowed make fun of his love for and came out with his And he marvelled at how him to study with music and thought he most famous song in Lata sang it in one take. the hallowed French should give it up and the process. Saawan ke It’s ironic that Vanraj, composer and teacher join the family business. din aaye, a duet Preeti who is known for his Nadia Boulanger at the His father sponsored his sang with Bhupinder, Indian classical and Conservatoire de Paris trip to England on the too became famous. The folk inspired melodies, for five years. Vanraj condition that he should use of trumpet at the was actually a trained belonged to a Kutchi return home after six start provided another composer in the Western businessmen family months if he failed to OBITUARY

Ajooba Ghatak

Chameli Vanraj Bhatia is credited as being the first person to score music for an ad film, and went on to create With Pardes around 7000 jingles win a scholarship. But Musicology at the such was his brilliance University of Delhi from that he continued to 1960 to 1965. It wasn’t win one scholarship to his liking as there after another. It’s not were hardly any students as if he was unaware of Western music theory of Hindustani classical in Delhi at the time. The music. He had studied authorities too, perhaps under the Deodhar blinded by nationalistic school of music and was fervour, didn’t see a future Vanraj Bhatia versed in its intricacies for such a stream. The as well. It’s said that he composer thankfully got became so steeped in (1996), Pardes (1997) and was mesmerised after the opportunity to attend Benegal’s way of making Chameli (2003), remain hearing Tchaikovsky’s international seminars films that he could only some of his famous BGM Piano Concerto No. in Asia and Europe, relate to the art world. He scores. He also gave 1 and that led him to furthering his knowledge. collaborated with other music in TV serials like develop an interest in He’s credited as being the noted art filmmakers like Khandaan (1985), Katha Western classical music. first person to score , (whose Sagar (1986), Yatra (1986) Despite living in Paris, music for an ad film, Tamas won Vanraj a and he reportedly spent and went on to create National Film Award for (1988). He also composed his free time practicing around 7000 jingles. Best Music Direction), music in the Western music, rather than visiting Some of them, for Shakti (Jaane Bhi classical discipline. His its famous bistros and Silk Sarees, Lyril, Garden Do Yaaro), (36 most frequently performed cafes. He was said to be Vareily and Dulux are Chowringhee Lane), Saeed works are the Fantasia extremely fond of the still remembered today. Akhtar Mirza (Mohan and Fugue in C for piano, opera and travelled to He came in contact Joshi Haazir Ho!) Kumar the Sinfonia Concertante Europe to see it being with Shyam Benegal Shahani (Tarang), Vidhu for strings, and the song performed. during his advertising Vinod Chopra (), cycle Six Seasons. He stint. The well-known () wrote an opera Agni erhaps, in ad and documentary and (Hip Varsha, based on Girish hindsight, he filmmaker was thinking of Hip Hurray). Though Karnad’s play of the same made a mistake trying his hand in feature he couldn’t work in the name, which premiered returning to India, films and asked Vanraj haphazard environment in New York City in 2012 insteadP of pursuing a to compose the music of mainstream cinema as in a production featuring career in the West. He for his directorial debut a film song composer, he soprano Judith Kellock. returned penniless and to Ankur (1974). He went nevertheless made a name The composer died make ends meet, accepted on to score for almost all for himself when it came on May 7, at his Mumbai the newly-minted post of of Benegal’s films down to background music. residence. He was 93 at the Reader in Western the years. Perhaps he (1991), Ghatak the time. n OBITUARY

REMEMBERING DEVESH SHARMA SKETCHES THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE VETERAN MUSIC DIRECTOR WHO PASSED RAAM LAXMAN AWAY RECENTLY (SEPTEMBER 16, 1942-MAY 22, 2021)

o one today shy, reticent composer Raam to his Laxman. It them to compose the remembers the did enjoy his share of was the era where having music of his Marathi film movie Hum Se popularity. Hum Se a jodi of music directors Pandu Havaldar (1975). Badhkar Kaun Badhkar Kaun had was considered lucky or The music proved to be N(1981) but the song Deva another good number, auspicious. Hence Vijay a hit and their career o deva Ganpati deva Dekho logon yeh kaisa formed a partnership took a flying start. They from the film is aired zamana, sung by Asha with Surendra and the got a chance to compose at full blast from every Bhosle and Mohammed two friends began their for Rajshri Productions’ Ganpati pandal during Rafi. It reminds one journey together in the Agent Vinod (1977), an the 11-day festival of somewhat of Bappi ’70s. A story goes that espionage drama based on Ganeshotsav. The film had Lahri’s compositions and it was veteran Marathi the lines of James Bond music by Raam Laxman, was one of the last songs comedian and filmmaker films, starring Mahendra who had the knack of sung by Rafi. Dada Kondke who Sandhu. However, coming up with hugely They say goodwill and christened them as Raam- Surendra unexpectedly popular numbers from friendship is the adhesive Laxman, when he asked passed away in 1976. To time to time throughout that holds this industry his career. If only he was together. Raam Laxman Vijay Patil formed a partnership with consistent, he would have is a prime example of it. Surendra Kadam and the two friends been counted as one of His actual name is Vijay the greats of Hindi film Patil. He was friends with began their journey together in the music. Nevertheless, this Surendra Kadam, the ’70s as Raam Laxman OBITUARY

Patthar Ke Phool

Maine Pyar Kiya

Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! had a whopping 14 tracks and each one proved to be a hit. It’s perhaps the last big hit of Lata Mangeshkar’s Hum Saath Saath Hain career as well Hamse Badhkar Kaun keep the friendship alive, Mangeshkar. Its title song, deewana bin sajna ke and each one again proved Vijay took the nom de as well as the bhangra- maane na, Kabootar ja ja to be a hit. It’s perhaps plume Raam Laxman and like Tenu mainu dekhe ja, Aaja shaam hone aayi, the last big hit of Lata composed music under it zamana, too became in fact the entire list ruled Mangeshkar’s career as in his four-decades-long popular. Woh Jo Hasina the airwaves and are still well. Be it Maye ni maye, career. His association (1983), remains forgotten popular today. The music , with Rajshri Productions but it contains one rare director deservedly won Joote do paise do, Waah took off with Agent Vinod. lullaby sung by Kishore the Filmfare Award for his waah Ramji, or the title They immediately signed Kumar in Chand chal tu sublime effort. Because song, they have made a him for another film, zara dheeme dheeme. became home in our hearts. Today, Taraana (1979), starring a hit, it’s said Salman where multiple Mithun Chakraborty and aam Laxman Khan recommended are the norm and one, two Ranjeeta. The musical had always been Raam Laxman’s name hummable songs come love story had hit songs close to Rajshri for his Patthar Ke Phool out of the whole album, like Sultana sultana, sung Productions (1991). It was the debut this achievement looks by Usha Mangeshkar, andR his biggest break film of Raveena Tandon miraculous indeed. His Gunche lage hai kehne came when Sooraj and had hit songs like last outing with Rajshri, and Meri dilruba tujhko Barjatya asked him to Tum se dekhte hi pyar Hum Saath Saath Hain aana padega, both sung by compose the music for hua and Kabhi tu challiya (1999) had only seven Shailendra Singh. It’s said his directorial debut lagta hai. His next hit, tracks in comparison and the composer developed Maine Pyar Kiya (1989). 100 Days (1991), starring wasn’t as successful. Still, a friendship with the The film had 11 songs and Madhuri Dixit and Jackie Maiyya Yashoda and baritone-voiced singer and all proved superhit. The Shroff, had popular songs Mhare hiwda mein are considered him as one of composer introduced the like Sun beliya, shukriya remembered even today. the best he has ever worked hit South Indian singer, meharbaani, Le le dil, and It’s said the composer with. Raam Laxman was SP Balasubrahmanyam as the nonsensical Gabbar suffered a brain stroke able to offer something the voice of Salman Khan Singh yeh kehkar gaya. 10 years ago and chose different even to masala and the move proved to His best was yet to to settle in Nagpur, his potboilers. Consider Hum be a masterstroke. Lata come. native place. He died of Se Hai Zamana (1983) Mangeshkar too, who was turned to Raam Laxman a heart attack on May 22, for instance. It had a slowly losing her hold as again for his family 2021, at the age of 78. He wonderfully nonsensical the numero uno singer saga Hum Aapke Hain may have passed on but song in the mould of RD in the film industry, got Koun..! (1994). This thinly will forever be alive in Burman in Kolaba kuiba one of the biggest hits of disguised marriage video the memory of his fans kuiba kuiba, sung by Lata her career. Songs like Dil had a whopping 14 tracks through his music ... n FEATURE HOW’S THE WORLD’S LARGEST FILM INDUSTRY COPING WITH THE PANDEMIC? MAYUKH MAJUMDAR FIGURES OUT HOW THE BUSINESS OF CINEMA FARED UNDER THE PANDEMIC hile industry insiders improve. The box office collections remain cautiously of 2021 releases like South’s Master optimistic about the and Hollywood movie Godzilla FILMS DELAYED immediate future of the vs Kong further ignited hope. Hindi film industry, the While Master collected Rs 200 crs, DUE TO COVID-19 numbers tell a different Godzilla vs Kong did a business tale altogether. In the of Rs 46 crs in India. Besides this first quarter of 2020, Bollywood’s the list of movies to be released in Wbox office report card stood at 2021 looked strong. approximately Rs 1,150 crores. had some five movies on its roster. Compare that to the March quarter The release dates of movies like of 2021 which saw Bollywood’s box ’s ’83, Rohit Shetty’s office earnings barely crossing Rs 50 and Satyamev Jayate crores. According to data compiled 2 were announced. But with the by consulting firm Ormax Media second lockdown the release dates and reported by have once again gone haywire. With Newspaper, a billion movie tickets every delay, the interest rates mount THALAIVI were sold in 2019. The total amount adding to the cost. Trade pundits Budget: ` 65 crores (approx.) from ticket sales was around Rs 10, point out that Sooryavanshi, made It was slated for an April 23, 948 crs. Around a third were from on a budget of Rs125 crs could have 2021 release but has been Hindi movies, 19 per cent from made around 200 crs at the box postponed for now. Tamil industry and 18 per cent office during normal times. The from Telugu. The contrast couldn’t makers would have sold the movie have been starker in 2021. It was to an OTT platform for about 25 crs, estimated that the movie business they’d have earned around 20 crs would crash by as much as 70 per from music and satellite rights. Now cent this year. It’s freefall as far it’s losing money every day because as the entertainment industry is of the accruing interest. Angrezi concerned. Medium had a nominal loss of Rs The second wave of corona 10 crs. The conservative estimate of virus has only compounded the both Radhe and Laxmii was around filmmakers’ problems, who were Rs 200 crs each. Laxmii was sold to already reeling from the lockdown an OTT platform for around Rs125 SOORYAVANSHI last year. When the lockdown was crs, which means it made a loss of Budget: ` 125 crores (approx.) suddenly announced last year,the around Rs 75 crs. It was slated for an April 30, industry was still hopeful that Most trade analysts have written 2021 release but has been things would be normal in about off the first quarter of this year. postponed indefinitely. three months and that things According to them, the recovery would be back to normal in no will start only by September this time. Honestly, no one thought year. Sitting in June, this seems the coronavirus would pan out highly optimistic. They however like this. So film shootings were reiterate that the industry will take stalled, movie releases postponed. a 70-80 per cent hit as compared When the theatres were re-opened to the previous years. While the last year, it seemed things would entire industry is facing a crunch IN THE OVERSEAS MARKETS AND ALL MARKETS WHERE THE VIRUS HAS BEEN CONTAINED, WHETHER IT’S , JAPAN, AUSTRALIA OR THE US, THE BOX OFFICE IS DOING HAATHI MERE SAATHI EXCEEDINGLY WELL. IN THE FIRST THREE The Tamil version Kaadan and the MONTHS OF 2021, CHINA HAS ALREADY DONE Telugu version Aranya released on THREE BILLION DOLLARS IN THEIR DOMESTIC March 26, 2021. The theatrical release of the Hindi version of this MARKET -- KAMAL GIANCHANDANI, CEO, PVR PICTURES film has been postponed. FEATURE today, the Hindi film industry is particularly in dire straits. That’s because even when the theatres reopened briefly, the industry didn’t rush in to release the movies. It was kind of testing waters to see if the people would come back to the theatres. True enough, the footfall was miniscule. The only two movies released in the interim period were Roohi and Mumbai Saga. And the total collection this year is just about Rs 50 crs. Questions were raised if the audience would ever walk into the theatres in the times of covid. Right now, no one knows when the projectors will be fired up again. The future indeed looks bleak for the film industry, till at least the coronavirus looms large. With a more severe second wave in progress, it’ll be a while before THIS IS A 140-YEAR-OLD INDUSTRY AND IT HAS SEEN DISRUPTIONS IN the film industry limps back to normalcy. TECHNOLOGY COMING FROM DVDS AND TELEVISION AND OTT. IT HAS SEEN DISRUPTIONS COMING FROM WARS AND PAST PANDEMICS BUT IT ccording to Vinod Bhanushali, President of Marketing, Media ALWAYS BOUNCES BACK -- SANJEEV KUMAR BIJLI, JOINT MANAGING DIRECTOR, PVR LIMITED & Publishing (TV), Music Acquisition of T-Series and the These increase the cost and thus 2000 crs, if not more. Some trade co-producer of T-Series Films, add to the losses. Also when the pundits say the number could be as A“If a film like or Kabir Singh lockdown was announced last year high as Rs 3000cr to 4000 crs. If you had released in these COVID times, most sets had to be dismantled. take into account the interest rates, we would have never understood Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Gangubai the salaries paid, maintenance the potential of the films, namely Kathiawadi set and ’s charges, jobs lost, sets dismantled the possibility of them hitting 300 Maidaan set had to be brought and rebuilt again and the cost of crores. We would have had to sell down. Last year, Maidaan’s set maintaining covid protocols, then it to OTT platforms at a lower cost was taken down because of the the picture looks bleaker still. which would be based on the actor’s pandemic and this year, it suffered Says Taran, “We are facing the previous runs at the box office. The damages because of Cyclone second wave right now which is far loss of money for the films which Tauktae. Producer Boney Kapoor more lethal than the first wave. We couldn’t start on time is something will reportedly have to shell out really don’t know till when this is which we have to bear, and even an additional seven crores to offset going to continue and now, we are post lockdown we will never get the the damage, once the shooting back to square one with theatres full capacity benefit till COVID-19 is commences after the lockdown. If being shut. From the common man’s totally gone.” you add 10-12 per cent as inflation point of view, when you hear and What’s made life difficult for cost, the numbers escalate quickly. read about COVID-19 and you see most producers is the COVID-19 Trade analyst Taran Adarsh the statistics about the deaths and protocols, which have to be estimates the industry losses at the lack of oxygen, entertainment followed on the sets while shooting. anywhere between Rs1500 crs to Rs does not even feature on the list anymore. Right now, it’s a little difficult to calculate the losses IF I HAD TO PUT A NUMBER TO IT, IN REGARDS because few films went to OTT platforms and suddenly, when the TO HINDI CINEMA, I THINK WE HAVE LOST scenario seemed better, a lot of APPROXIMATEL RS 1500 CRORES TO RS 2000 producers announced their films. A few films were also released in CRORES. IN FACT, IT COULD BE MORE theatres like Roohi and Mumbai -- TRADE ANALYST TARAN ADARSH Saga. We are heading for a very uncertain future.....” is a pent-up demand and people Taran cites Radhe as a case in want to come to cinemas by force. FILMS DELAYED DUE point and says Salman Khan went An overwhelming number of TO COVID-19 for a hybrid release as the film producers have decided to wait was delayed for a year and the until theatres reopen. Also, in the interest was piling up. Says he, “If overseas markets and all markets you take a home loan, you have to where the virus has been contained, pay an interest on it every month. whether it’s China, Japan, Australia That goes for a movie, as well. or the US, the box office is doing Talking about Salman Khan, he was exceedingly well. In the first three supposed to release Radhe last year months of 2021, China has already on Eid. He couldn’t do that because done $3 billion in their domestic of the lockdown. Somewhere in market. And, this is without there January, when things began looking being Hollywood films. Only with up, he said that he’s standing by their local films, they have managed the theatres and he would release to do three billion dollars worth of Radhe in May 2021. Hence, when box office collections till April 15, CHEHRE the second wave came in, many which gives a very positive signal It was slated for a release on July wondered what he was going to do. that, in any market where the 17, 2020. Then it was postponed Salman Khan is financially sound virus has been contained, people to April 9, 2021. Now after the but every film has a certain budget come back to theatres in big second wave of coronavirus it has and you cannot exceed a particular numbers,” he hopes. been further postponed. amount that has been sanctioned. Filmmaker Mozez Singh says that Now, if the film had been delayed every producer now has a COVID-19 for a year, the interest factor that Salman Khan Productions would have had to pay would have been enormous. So, Salman Khan decided to not delay the film any further..... and how long could he wait?”

he worst hit, it seems, are the exhibitors. The estimated loss BUNTY AUR BABLI 2 of the exhibition industry is It was scheduled to release on around 1500 crs. Many top June 26, 2020.There’s no news multiplex chains which are on its new release date. Tlisted on the Sensex have dropped their share prices due to no business. On the other hand, there are several small theatres which have had to completely shut down. “IF A FILM LIKE TANHAJI OR Trade analysts reckon that the first KABIR SINGH HAD RELEASED IN lockdown led to the shutdown of around 1,500 screens - a number THESE COVID TIMES, WE WOULD which will only increase given the second lockdown HAVE NEVER UNDERSTOOD THE Kamal Gianchandani, CEO of POTENTIAL OF THE FILMS, NAMELY PVR Pictures is heartened by the fact that the majority of producers THE POSSIBILITY OF THEM HITTING are holding out for a theatrical ’83 release. He’s also optimistic about 300 CRORES. WE WOULD HAVE It has an estimated budget of people coming back to the theatres. HAD TO SELL IT TO OTT PLATFORMS around Rs 125 crores. The Initial “Looking at the box office signals release date was April 10, 2020 that we got in January, February AT A LOWER COST which was pushed to December and March, we feel very confident -- VINOD BHANUSHALI, PRESIDENT OF 25, 2020. Now, it is scheduled to that there has been no change in MARKETING, MEDIA & PUBLISHING (TV), release on June 4, 2021 but that the customer habits. In fact, there MUSIC ACQUISITION OF T-SERIES too looks uncertain. FEATURE

FILMS DELAYED DUE contingency built into their contract they saw a whopping amount of 100 TO COVID-19 to help tide things over. While million admissions. Bijli is hopeful everyone is still focusing on their simply because when things got health and wellness, it is evident better in India after the first wave, to all that the virus isn’t going filmmakers rushed to announce anywhere soon. “When the next release dates for their movies. From virus wave comes, we should have Thalaivi, Gangubai Kathiawadi to systems in place that will allow us Sooryavanshi, there was a rush to to work in a way which is safe and release trailers, teasers and posters. still substantial. Halting everything “It’s difficult to recuperate after the is not the solution. It’s difficult losses sustained in 2020. A loss BELL BOTTOM for theatrical business to recover is a loss and I don’t think we can Bell Bottom was scheduled to soon, but now theatrical business is make up for those losses. Our only release on May 28, 2021. competing with same day releases hope is that we open as soon as on OTT platforms. For example, possible and that there is no third Radhe released with a ticket price of wave of the coronavirus. There is, Rs 249. So, power will temporarily of course, talk of a third wave but I move to platforms,” Singh says. think that can be minimised if the nation-wide vaccination program s for the future of the big really becomes aggressive. It’s screen, no one is beating its not even at the brink of where it death knell yet. Even those should be. We are vaccinating very who have suffered financial few people. We’ve seen examples losses remain optimistic. from the US, UK, Israel and many TOOFAN ASanjeev Kumar Bijli, Joint Managing parts of Europe. It’s the only way to It was initially supposed to release Director of PVR Limited says that ensure that the impact of any other on October 2, 2020 which was PVR saw four-and-a-half lakh wave is minimised. I’d estimate postponed to September 18, 2020. admissions for Roohi and two-and- that we will open now by the end It was supposed to stream on a-half lakh admissions for Mumbai of June because numbers are going on May 21 but Saga nationwide. The response to down. I hope we’re able to get films that has also been postponed now. Mumbai Saga was muted because and people start going back to the it was one of the last films playing cinemas..... It’s going to be a slow in cinemas when the second wave burn but I think we’ll get there of COVID-19 hit. Before PVR shut because the fundamentals of the down for the lockdown in 2020, business are very strong. The need to go out and watch cinema is very strong,” he comments. Bijli believes that the future of theatres in India remains strong - even if we’re in this situation for another year. Says he, “This is a SATYAMEVA JAYATE 2 140-year-old industry and it has It has an estimated budget of seen disruptions in technology ` 50 crores.This was slated for coming from DVDs and television a May 13 release but has been and OTT. It has seen disruptions indefinitely postponed. coming from wars and past pandemics but it always bounces back because there is that social WHEN THE NEXT VIRUS WAVE need for humans to go out with COMES, WE SHOULD HAVE SYSTEMS friends and family to watch a movie in a darkened theatre and share IN PLACE THAT WILL ALLOW US TO that experience with everyone else. It is still the cheapest form of WORK IN A WAY WHICH IS SAFE entertainment in India. It’s a holistic AND STILL SUBSTANTIAL. HALTING form of family entertainment. GANGUBAI KATHIAWADI This is a blip and this blip is only It was slated to release on July EVERYTHING IS NOT THE SOLUTION because of a pandemic nobody 30, 2021 but it’s doubtful if it will. -- FILMMAKER MOZEZ SINGH had foreseen.” n reader’s reviews, box-office, celebrity column & more INSTA LIKE Medley of moments Check out the best Instagram posts of the stars from recent times

@priyankachopra: Husband appreciation post Not even a cracked rib can stop this force of nature. So proud of you baby. With everything @kalkikanmani: Yeh hafta kitna mushkil tha, oho. you do! Your work Sappho is having a tough week, but her pictures are ethic, your pursuit keeping the smile bright on mother Kalki’s face. of excellence! You inspire me everyday! @bhumipednekar: Things Crushed it today! are tough, but this too I love you so much! shall pass :) it’s been a Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas live in while so just some happily-ever-after valley. Bhumi Pednekar is a rebel ready to take on the world with her never-say-die attitude.

@parineetichopra: Thankful. Happy. @tahirakashyap: Also all things I like! (Part 2) Blessed. The industry Chai, kitaab, lamp, study table, rain and this and fans have given me hot boy @ayushmannk unending appreciation for A cup of tea, books to read and thee... #SandeepAurPinkyFaraar #TheGirlOnTheTrain #Saina. Old days are Parineeti Chopra basks Readers send in their feedback pg 56 back again. Thankyou in sunshine as she revels reviewers, thankyou in the critcial success of Shatrughan Sinha’s racy rejoinders pg 58 audiences. her films. LETTERS

May, 2021

WINNERS’ TALE THE NIGHT OF THE JOY FILMFARE AWARDS BANGLA 2020

Slay!WOMEN WHO RULE THE BOX OFFICE INREADERS WRITE THE AND BITE BACK... WITHMAIL LOVE AND AFFECTION

st TAAPSEE PANNU’S ON 2Prize A ROLL 1000 Taapsee Pannu has emerged as one of the leading lights of the RANBIR KAPOOR’S new-age Bollywood brigade. She’s GOOD NATURE impressed one and all through I read a story her performances and has published in the May managed to push the envelope issue about Ranbir with every role she's done. She’s Kapoor getting excited one of my favourites and I’m about Shah Rukh Khan looking forward to her releases and ’s once the lockdown is over. collaboration and Kirti Iyer, Chennai Girl power: Taapsee Pannu

st FARHAN AKHTAR’S A MARVEL 1Prize I read a story in Filmfare (May) that Farhan Akhtar has started shooting for a film with Marvel Studios. That’s 1500 Action man: Akshay Kumar really huge not only for the super talented actor and director but also for the entire industry. Hollywood is KHILADI KUMAR IN ? finally casting actors from different ethnic backgrounds I read on Filmfare’s website that Akshay Kumar might and I’d love to see the likes of Hrithik Roshan or Shah star in Dostana 2 and couldn’t believe my eyes. Kartik Rukh Khan in international projects as well. Aaryan to Akshay Kumar is a drastic change indeed. Bunty Arora, Chandigarh I hope that it's not just a rumour as I am a huge Akshay Kumar fan. Though I feel they need to recast other actors as well if Akshay comes on board as I’m not sure he’ll fit in well with . That said, this is Bollywood, so anything can happen. Thanks for Cool No 1: Ranbir Kapoor bringing all the news from Bollywood to us. spreading the good Devyani Singh, Jalandar word in the industry. We keep hearing how it’s a dog-eat- SUNNY LEONE TESTING NEW WATERS dog world out there I really adore Sunny Leone but I feel that she in the film industry should stick to roles that are more on the and then come Man of the hour: Shahid Kapoor glamorous side. I have my doubts about her across something doing justice to her role in a historical heartwarming like this. MUCH IN DEMAND SHAHID KAPOOR horror drama, as was reported in Ranbir not only is a The news in your last issue (May) about Shashank your magazine (May). superb actor, he’s a Khaitan waiting for Shahid Kapoor to re-pitch Yoddha to Jatin Sachdeva, great human being as him, once Shahid wraps up shooting for his other projects well. Hat’s off to his was quite interesting. We would love to see Shahid in a good nature. hugely-mounted actioner for sure. We'e waiting with bated Preeti Das, Kolkata breath for his Raj and DK series to premiere. Rakesh Saxena, Jaipur Too hot to handle: Sunny Leone

WHO RUNS THE KABIR BEDI WORLD? GIRLS! UNPLUGGED Just one I loved the way Filmfare I’ve always admired Point compiled their cover Kabir Bedi’s personality story for the May and was surprised to issue. It was simply find out so many new awesome to learn things about him in his that our heroines not interview in Filmfare only are getting good (May). He’s actually roles but are also gone through a lot in life getting paid more. but hasn’t let the twists This success needs and turns get to him. to be celebrated. You He must be admired for guys have done an his positivity. Thank you Joy to behold: Neetu Kapoor adorable job of pulling Filmfare for the candid Watched Neetu Kapoor’s up women who matter interview. I’ll surely buy interview on your Instagram and acquainting us his autobiography to page on Mother’s Day, it was delightful. with their success know more about him. Vinit Maurya, stories. Thanks for the Anant Reddy, Hyderabad insightful article. The Joy Filmfare Awards Vandana Mehta, Mumbai Bangla looked so grand and well-planned. Keep up the good work, guys. Manushri Dutt, Bengaluru HINDI REMAKE OF LUTHER? It felt great to hear that the Hindi remake of the hit UK series Luther, starring Idris Alba, will be remade in Hindi with Ajay Devgn in the lead role. I’m an admirer of both Alba and Devgn Bong beauties: Ishaa and have great faith in the Saha, Madhumita Sarcar latter’s ability to do full and Sauraseni Maitra justice to the role. Can’t The coverage of the wait for it to come out. Filmfare Awards Bangla Jatin Garg, Ratlam in the magazine was as OTT bound: Ajay Devgn Dapper as ever: Kabir Bedi good as its television screening. Rajiv Bhattacharya, Kolkata BEST OF JOY winners and reading FILMFARE AWARDS about what happened Filmfare’s digital space BANGLA at the awards. I believe helps me keep a close The details about Bengali cinema makes watch on all updates regarding Bollywood. the Filmfare Awards some of the best films Thanks guys. Bangla in your last and kudos to Filmfare Anamika Rai, Baroda issue (May) were a an for recognising that interesting read. I’m and coming up with a Loving Filmfare’s digital a huge fan of Bengali separate property to space as it is changing with the times and also movies and stars and honour excellence in helping people during the it was fun looking Bangla cinema. pandemic. at the pics of all the Bangla winnners: , Subashree Nandini Sen, Assam Bikram Singh, New Delhi Ganguly, ,

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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 The greatest showman:

presentation on screen karmic point of view, fire remains marvellous. definitely nature and God Do the terms boyfriend Not forgetting his seem to be punishing us for and girlfriend sound frivolous understanding and great becoming too materialistic to you? taste for music. And he and forgetting humanity. Abhijit Ghosh, 24 Parganas also had an eye for talent Hopefully, we should (North), and was instrumental collectively learn a lesson In spite of my marital status in introducing so many from it and do something and despite the overall people. Thus, he rightly about it. restrictions and prevailing and truly remains the conditions, the term showman. Why do we just wish for rest girlfriend still sounds very in peace, and why not for living attractive and desirable. In Do you think the convenience of in peace? fact, more the merrier. technology is worth the loss of Vinod Behl, Gurgaon PHOTOGRAPH: PHOTOGRAPH: MEETESH TANEJA privacy that comes with it ? Some of us do send Why was the great Raj Kapoor Subhash Chand, Chandigarh wishes, saying, have called The Showman? Yes indeed it is. One a peaceful life but the Amit Jain, New Delhi should always weigh the problem is life and peace He was indeed a showman risk versus the benefits. don't go together. Have because he proved himself Everything comes with its you ever seen any living to be ahead of his times. pros and cons. Lose some person living peacefully? Those who study him to gain some. Not even our yoga gurus today know that his kind of are peaceful nowadays. creativity can only be the What is something you’ve done creativity of a showman that you wish you could undo? Can one love and still be wise? and/ or a cinematic genius. Pankaj Goyal, Ambala Vinod Behl, Gurgaon His understanding of The hurt caused to some Wisdom and love don’t cinema, his creativity and friends, I wish I could undo go with each other. that. And like most married Indeed...we won’t make people, I too have thoughts the blunders we generally Why are politicians not following corona rules? of magically undoing my make when in love if we Santosh , Miraj marriage and going back to were wise. Politicians consider themselves as demigods. They the bachelor state. But it’s generally think no one can destroy them. It's what too late for that now... Will COVID-19 lead to the end money, arrogance and power can do to a human of the human or will the being, especially to a politician. They always consider Is coronavirus a punishment for pandemic end one day? themselves above all and of course above the law. becoming too materialistic and Santosh Mohan Joshi, Miraj Haven't you seen them recently addressing political forgetting humanity? I think it’ll end one day rallies. Or allowing Kumbh Mela to happen? When have Santosh Mohan Joshi, Miraj and the sooner the better. you known them to be law-abiding citizens? If you take it from the Certainly this too shall 1st Prize What do you value more - love, lust or longing? Abhijit Ghosh, 24 Parganas (North), West Bengal Longing desperately for turning lust into love. 2nd Prize

What is your greatest achievement in life ? Prafulla Kumar Tripathi, Lucknow Besides quitting smoking/tobacco for good, my being married and building a loving, cohesive family... Dost: Friendship first pass. Maintaining a new far too precious and needs it be possible for the poor to As I said earlier, reel life normal of living standards to be cherished. Good enjoy in any way? is different from real by following COVID-19 changes have definitely Anil R Torne, Pune life. Love, emotions, true guidelines and protocols come in my life and like Cinema isn’t always friendship is only found could be our new way they have for all us we realistic or relatable. on the screen. Real life of life. must cultivate, remember This pandemic has been generally goes for topsy and enjoy them. traumatic, devastating and turvy or for a full toss in Are you stubborn or flexible and painful for everyone. More the cinema world. easy-going by nature? Why are men less affectionate so for our poor families. It Choodamani Vasudevan, Chennai than women ? could be a long wait before If God is spiritual how did he I’m basically chilled out Seema Sabharwal, Chandigarh anyone can really enjoy it create a physical universe? with no demands, no Women are far more in a real way. Dhawal Sahani, Bhilai commands, no complaints emotional, sensitive, caring You’d have to ask God. and no expectations… In and lovable than men -- Why is a relationship always I’m not that friendly short, a simple and easy and also more practical, hard to sustain? with him to answer such going person. However, realistic and forthright. Dr Devki Yadav, Ratlam personal topics when provoked you may A lot goes into find me to be difficult and Will we ever have a peaceful maintaining any Will 2022 see us free of the inflexible. world? relationship. We need a coronavirus? Subhash Chand, Chandigarh lot of trust, patience and Swadha Pant, Bhopal With lockdown and more Not in my lifetime my compassion to make it We can only hope, wish time to spend with family, friend and not even in work. It’s a difficult task and pray for a happy and has bonding with your God’s lifetime. indeed. a healthy new year. family brought new changes (Feature co-ordinated by in your life. In the film Dost you had said in In most of your films, you have DEVESH SHARMA) Preetha Rengaswamy, Chennai a song sequence that Is gareebi sacrificed your love for the sake Please note: The column doesn’t Remember, every cloud has mein badi mauj karata hai of friendship. Is it ever possible reflect Shatrughan Sinha’s political a silver lining. So I’ve a apan. However, even after the in real life? or personal views. His answers are new perspective on life. It’s COVID-19 pandemic is over, will Shabina Begum, Kolkata 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 ESCAPE FROM REALITY he coronavirus pandemic and the resultant lockdown have been traumatic to say T the least. Everyday, we hear of someone or the other either battling it or wore still succumbing to it. People are dying because of the lack of oxygen, lack The Crown The Family Man of treatment, or medicine. The crematoriums have run out of space and bodies are being thrown in the rivers, buried on riverbanks. The livelihood of millions have been affected and the economy is said to be in complete This Is Us doldrum. Thanks to the Gilmore Girls Scam 1992 constant lockdown, we’ve been consigned to our to watch films of different if your family doesn’t deals with contemporary homes for a large part of languages on a regular like the way you want to issues. A humane tale runs last year. This year too the basis. But the lockdown lead your life, then have across its complex plot and situation seems to be the has turned me into a binge the courage to leave them characters and makes you same. We can’t even grieve watcher of serials. I got and carve your own life. feel you’re peeking into the properly as even going to hooked onto The Crown, But that doesn’t mean lives of people you know. meet someone who has the drama series about the that you should cut off Scam 1992 was lost a loved one is fraught reign of Queen Elizabeth all ties with them. We something I enjoyed with its own dangers. II. Its well-researched all share dysfunctional and something which I We’re yet to account for the adaptation of the life of the relationships with our consider would be loved mental health woes caused British Royals, apt casting relatives and this series by audiences worldwide as by this state of affairs. and true-to-life acting blew brings all that to life and it deals with the universal I’ve stopped watching my mind away. It’s easily more. Plus, it teaches you themes of greed and the news and have been one of the best series I have to face everything with corruption. I’m not a big staying away from social seen in my entire life. courage and positivity fan of the thriller genre but media as it’s depressing. I came late to the and we all need to be The Family Man intrigues The one thing that has Gilmore Girls party but reminded of that currently. me as apart from the action, helped me in overcoming I’m glad I did. Millions It’s also sprinkled with a it also deals with the inner the mental fatigue are have been hooked about fine dash of humour that lives of those involved. the OTT shows. I confess this series which is has a natural flow. Another These were some of my go- I wasn’t much of a TV primarily about mother- series revolving around to titles. Let me know about watcher before the daughter relationships and family, which has affected yours as well... pandemic. My interest was secondarily about family. me hugely is This Is Us. It’s [email protected] always in films and I used One of its themes is that more sombre in nature and Twitter: @jiteshpillaai