Interview : ‘But right now its only Shakalaka Boom Boom for me’
05/04/2007 21:34 par bollystarz
Interview : ‘But right now its only Shakalaka Boom Boom for me’
05/04/2007 21:34 par bollystarz
The answer is unanimous when it comes to the new heartthrob of the industry. Upen Patel, has flocked most of the award shows this year bagging the ‘Best debut award’ for his performance in ‘36 China Town’. Though his second release ‘Namaste London’ much belonged to Akshay Kumar, he made his presence felt with his performance. Up next is ‘Shakalaka Boom Boom’ making to the theatres this Friday, with him playing the lead alongside Bobby Deol, Kangana Ranaut and Celina Jaitley. We catch up with him for a quick chat on the film.
Excerpts from an Interview:
All are eager to catch you in Shakalaka Boom Boom. Are you excited about the film?
I’m very excited about the film. I would call it my second film because I’m playing the main lead in the film. It is directed by Suneel Darshan and Bobby Deol has a negative role here. Both the leading actresses are paired opposite me.
What is your role in the film?
I’m a rock star who goes to New York from India with aspirations to become a famous rock star in the US. He is ambitious, aggressive, and temperamental and follows his instinct, which takes him to America. Here he comes across AJ who played by Bobby Deol. He is also a singer and is very popular in US. He has an accomplished career but starts getting insecure because of this new singer who is getting popular there. Due to his insecurities we become insecurities. It has an impact on our life and music. The film is inspired from an English movie called ‘Amadeus’.
How had been the equation with Celina and Kangana who are your co-stars in the film?
Celina is a good girl, smart and professional. She has made a place for herself in the industry after being the Miss India. This film will certainly prove a lot of her talent and it was a pleasure working for her. Kangana as we all know is a fantastic actress and though she is just two films old, she is one newcomer to look forward. It was a pleasure working with her as well. We both have been winning debutante awards and she’ll be seen in a glamorous role and me as a lead man for the first. It’s exciting for both of us.
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I kissed both the girls in the film as it was the requirement of the script. They were situational scenes and the kisses were not long merely for 2-3 seconds. The idea was to capture the relationship and the intimacy that I share with both the girls. This also ruffles some feathers with Bobby.
Once again you’re jiving to the music of Himesh’s, which is chartbuster quality. What do you have to say about it?
The world speaks about Himesh and his music speaks for him. As for me he has been very lucky and has given me the hit ‘Aashiqui Mein’ in ‘36 China Town’ and now he is giving me ‘Shaka Laka Boom Boom’ and ‘Dil Lagayenge’. He personally believes that this is his best music till date and all are just appreciating the songs. We’re a fantastic team for sure with Kangana, Celina, Bobby, and Himesh, youthful and hard working.
How did you feel working with director Suneel Darshan?
Apart from Bobby, the whole team of the film is new for Suneel Darshan who is the director-producer of the film.
They have got me, Kangana, Celina, Bobby, Himesh. We have got very young team and it also exciting for my director-producer Suneel Darshan because he is also working with everybody for the first time. Apart from Bobby; it’s a whole new cast for him. It’s a whole new technician team for him. So I think every thing is very exciting for all of us.
How is Suneel Darshan as a director?
Suneel Darshan has worked with an entire new cast of the film other than Bobby Deol. I respect him a lot and I appreciate his patience. He believed in me, guided me has brought out the best in me. He is like a father figure for me. After 36 China Town he believes that there is lots of potential in me that can be explored.
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I would say Kangana and me are the USP of the film. Suneel Darshan works with only big stars and for the first time he here two good newcomers coming together. It’s a very young, urban & hit film. The film is different, the music is different and the pairing is different, so expectations are bound to be high from the film.
What are your forthcoming films?
I’m very excited about my future. But right now its only Shakalaka Boom Boom for me. Nothing has been actually finalized and talks are on about different ventures. I’ve signed with Ramesh Sippy, Venus, Tips but nothing has materialized yet.
Is Kareena out of work?
05/04/2007 21:29 par bollystarz
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Is Kareena out of work?
05/04/2007 21:29 par bollystarz
Kareena Kapoor is back, we know that. She is gracing the screen with the item number in Lovely Singh's debut movie ‘Kya Love Story Hai’ produced by NR Pachisia. But the recent buzz is that she is out of work been dropped from too many films recently. She has not signed a single film in a year, abruptly dropped from all her projects and has been replaced in all her films that she had signed earlier. She lost out on ‘Kismet Talkies’ after Hrithik Roshan refused to work with her, she opted out of Harry Baweja's ‘Love Story 2050’ to work with Shah Rukh Khan in Ram Gopal Varma's ‘Time Machine’ but the film was later shelved. She patched up with Karan Johar and signed Tarun Mansukhani's film opposite Abhishek Bachchan. But Abhishek wanted her to be replaced because he didn’t wanted to work with her. She had signed Mani Ratman's ‘Lajjo’ with Aamir Khan and has been preparing for it but owing to some creative conflict between Mani and Aamir the film has been postponed for the time being. Formerly she was offered Madhur Bhandarkar’s ‘Page 3’, which she refused and was replaced in Shyam Benegal's ‘Chamki Chameli’ as she felt that she was not mature enough to play the character.
Kareena is living in her own paradise and refuses to believe that she is out of work. "I am Kareena Kapoor and I know that even if I sit home for a year I will get work. I just want to take time off, I have done enough." That is her confidence speaking for her, but wake up Bebo because the reality is something different.
Interview : Discovering a new side of Esha Deol
05/04/2007 12:46 par bollystarz
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Interview : Discovering a new side of Esha Deol
05/04/2007 12:46 par bollystarz
Esha Deol is looking as fit as a poodle and is discovering a new side of herself. She is absolutely toned and is looking svelte to fit into any on screen image. Her grooming into a fit and sexy girl is surely going to get her golden returns. Though Esha is more favoured for her Western get ups, she truly made heads turn with her Indianised image in ‘Just Married’. In this chat let’s discover a new side of Esha Deol!
Excerpts from an Interview:
You were truly a revelation, shy & sari clad in Just Married. Do you think the role did justice to your sexy image?
According to me sari is the sexiest outfit. Playing an Indian character is not of the first of its kind for me because in my first film I’d such role but it went unnoticed or maybe my fat overshadowed it. Thankfully people have started noticing me now. I’m very much Indian at heart, I’m a classical Indian dancer and I’m very comfortable in Indian clothes.
How do you react to your sexy image?
It certainly feels nice.
You’ve fitted yourself as the Provogue girl replacing Fardeen.
Fardeen has been the face of Provogue for long and no one can replace him. He is no longer endorsing it because he is coming up with his own brand of clothes. I’m taking it positively that people feel that I’m fit to be a mannequin to portray their clothes. I’ve to thank God for making me look the way I do!
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It’s not that easy to maintain yourself looking good. But I like working out and being mean to myself. Otherwise I’m not in peace and won’t be able to sleep. Its not only work out that I concentrate upon, but its an overall grooming like dancing. I eat everything because I’ve trained my body in such a way where I can maintain myself and also eat what I want. I’m happy about the way I look and can wear whatever I like.
In spite of such stunning looks how do you manage to be single?
Blame it on my looks again. People are finding it hard to get a right match for me at least in India. (Laughs)
What led to animosity with Kareena with whom you shared a good rapport sometime back?
Kareena and I are from the same age group and have been from the same school. We had common friends and we knew each other very well, hung out together a lot and shared lot of fun times. But with time both of us got very busy with our respective works. We parted ways but there have been no animosity. Every time we meet we catch up with each other and we share a great comfort level.
Do you have any other friends in this industry?
I don’t have because you cannot have friends here because colleagues can never be friends.
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Marriage offers are there but film offers are more. I’m very happy with my career right now. So I’d rather not get distracted by something I consider another phase of life - a phase which you have to also dedicate a hundred percent to. Right now, I’m investing a hundred and one percent in my career. I suffer from marriage phobia. But I would love to see a lot of people around me getting married. I’m not thinking about marriage yet but I think it’s something everyone should experience once.
When so we see your mom Hema Malini and you coming together in a film?
That should happen soon because there are plans. We had already danced together on stage and would like to do a film together. the wait is just for the right script to come our way.
Interview : I'll do it my way: Shah Rukh Khan
05/04/2007 12:39 par bollystarz
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Interview : I'll do it my way: Shah Rukh Khan
05/04/2007 12:39 par bollystarz
It’s a time for achievements for the superstar of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan. After getting rave reviews sitting on the hot seat as the new host of KBC, he goes for another landmark of his career. Shah Rukh Khan has been chosen for a wax statue from the prestigious Madame Tussauds and curtains will be raised in London on April 3. He is enjoying KBC and his newfound attention at wax museum, taking his turn very stylishly.
Excerpts from an Interview:
KBC has just completed two months, what are your thoughts right now?
I'm feeling a little bad that the first season is almost over. I saw last night's episode and I liked it. Lots of memories of the day we shot this one came back. I'm going to miss it.
When the show was first offered to you, how long did you take to say yes?
There wasn't a big debate at all. See, what happened was that Pradeep Guha, who is a dear friend of mine, asked me to do something for Zee. I agreed but then nothing happened. We could not find a project that could justify my price and time. Then STAR approached me for KBC. It was a tried and tested format so there were no apprehensions on that front. I told Samir Nair if Mr Bachchan is not doing it then I'll do it. So in that sense, it took me just about 15 to 20 minutes to decide.
How do you explain the intense speculation on the TRP of the show?
In my mind it's very clear that when people bring figures in creativity then take it, that it has worked creatively. I did get angry when a national newspaper carried a page one story on how the show's TRPs and SRK is falling. I took it personally but soon better sense prevailed. I'm educated enough to know how newspapers and TRP work. See, TRP is not my business. I come into this show believing in my team. I'm an actor, in that sense, an outsider to the set-up so I don't need to concern myself with the figures. I took on the show as a challenge and told myself that I'll do it my way. And I've managed to do that.
Did you learn something about yourself during the show?
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What's the best compliment you've got for the show?
I think it's what Siddharth Basu said, "That boy is a joy to watch." Even friends like Ashutosh Gowariker send me nice messages like, "Shah, it looks like you've been doing this all your life." Last night my son, Aryan told me, "Papa, you know, this show is awesome." When I asked him what he meant by it, he said, "My friends in school tell me that they see your show and that my dad is awesome."
So when Amitabh Bachchan says that "SRK is fine" on the show, how do you interpret the word fine?
It’s ok. It's not that important either to me or to him. I'm sure he watches the show but because there are rumours of problems between us, the word 'fine' takes on another meaning. I don't know how you will take it but to me, a buzz is more important than a singular reaction. I crave for a universal sigh of relief and excitement than an individual reaction.
Is it true that there is soon going to be a biopic on you?
Not at all. The guys at Madame Tussauds want to shoot a documentary on the making of my wax statue. That's all. Anyways, biopics are made on guys who didn't achieve much or who are no longer doing anything.
Is it true that your company, Red Chillies, is getting into television software?
Well, I have a SFX and advertising production unit, which are run by good teams. I'm planning to expand it. I've some friends who feel that as a company we should look into television. I don't think I'll take it on myself but I can lend facilities to a team of people who can handle it well. But nothing is decided as of yet.
Do you feel like it’s time to sit down and sort it out with Samajwadi party leader, Amar Singh?
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Why did you say that you're a "demented Pathan" in a recent interview?
What I meant was that I'm capable of handling 20 people on my own. I can even handle 20,000 people because I'm a Pathan. I don't mean Pathan as an Islamic term. It's just that like the Rajputs, Pathans are considered the warriors. My father was a Pathan who fought for the freedom of my country so in that sense, I have the same genes. That said, I'm courteous to everyone. It's just that I didn't like certain things said about me. It was said that my wife should apologize. My wife will never apologize to anyone on my account. When I came to Mumbai, I told my friends that whatever work I do in life, I'll never embarrass my family.
Abhishek & Aishwarya graces London
05/04/2007 12:32 par bollystarz
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Abhishek & Aishwarya graces London
05/04/2007 12:32 par bollystarz
The countdown has begun to witness the biggest wedding of the season. And as one gets curious to learn what’s happening in the lives of Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai at the moment, we’ve some updates about the same. Abhishek and Aishwarya are spending some valuable time with each other before the wedding and are now away to London to attend an important event. Over the weekend they were in Malaysia to perform at Zee Cine Awards. In London they’ll attend the premiere of Aishwarya’s ‘Provoked’ today at the Empire Theatre, in Leicester Square. The film will have a worldwide release this Friday. The lovey dovey couple has some plans of doing some shopping for their wedding on April 20 and will have an extended stay in London.
Interview : Kareena graces screen with a sizzling song
31/03/2007 14:09 par bollystarz
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Interview : Kareena graces screen with a sizzling song
31/03/2007 14:09 par bollystarz
Kareena Kapoor has been enjoying a long break while also choosing the films of her choice in the meantime. Now almost after a year she will be seen on screen again for a sizzling item number in Lovely Singh’s ‘Kya Love Story Hai’, which she recently shot for free. The track is called ‘It's Rocking Yaara Ishq To Karo’ and is sung by Alisha Chenoi. The best part is that Kareena is looking gorgeous with a trim and curvaceous body.
Excerpts from an Interview:
How do you feel to face the camera once again?
I was tired of working continually and so I decided to take a long break from Bollywood. I had signed a few new projects but have not shoot for any film. ‘Yeh Mera Dil’ for Farhan Akhtar’s movie was my last encounter with camera and I face it once again now for this glamorous dance sequence for which we’ve worked very hard.
Has the break been rejuvenating enough?
There have been many changes in my life in the meantime. I’ve turned vegetarian and has been religiously practicing Yoga. Also I had been traveling with Sahid Kapur. I’m looking more slimmer and feeling re-charged with energy.
Tell us about this song for the film Kya Love Story Hai.
It’s good friend Lovely Singh’s movie and I’ve shot an item number at the Filmistan Studios in Mumbai. I’ve been given a very glamourous makeover in the song, wearing a sexy dress, with golden curly hair, riding in limousine and playing a 25-feet guitar in the number. The track has been choreographed by Bosco, composed by Pritam and sung by Alisha Chenoi. It’s a lot of hard work but a lot of fun too. It requires a lot of energy. I know Lovely Singh for a long time and I’ve done this song for his sake. The song will be placed immediately after the credits in the beginning and is one of the highlights of the film. It’s a fun oriented song. I’m not open to any more item numbers. Next I’ll start shooting for Imtiaz Ali’s film with Shahid Kapur.
Are you doing Zoya Akhtar’s Kismet Talkies? There has been lots of uncertainty at that front.
I’m doing Kismet Talkies for sure.
When is Lajjo happening?
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What are the other films you’re working in?
I am starting Imtiaz Ali’s next with Shahid and there’s a Yashraj film with Akshay Kumar and Saif.
How was it sharing screen space with Shahid and sister Karisma in Koffee with Karan?
Both Shahid and me were shocked when we scored ten on ten in compatibility test. We know each other very well and so we are comfortable with each other. Being together with two important people in my life was great. We are family after all.
Interview : ‘Marriage? I don't know’
31/03/2007 13:57 par bollystarz
Salman Khan is cool and casual. Though he has a massive fan following and makes his producers smile with every release you never hear of him stealing roles from his contemporaries, chopping their roles or sucking up to the big banners. He does what his heart desires. For this chat he opens up his heart for a sneak peek into different facets of his personality. Let’s hear it straight from him.
Excerpts from an Interview:
When do you plan to get married?
Marriage? I don't know. When marriage has to happen, it happens. There are various reasons and ways one would get married. It could be for love, it could be arranged, or then it could be for children. I know the reason why I would get married, or why I wouldn't get married. You choose one appropriate reason and get married.
What do you have to say about your casual yet committed style of acting?
I never rehearse. I believe in giving the final shot in the first or second take, and that makes my director happy. Though I do different genres of films my style never changes. I've been the same since I was born. Acting is no rocket science, you don't need to be an Einstein to act. It has to come from the heart. When you feel from the heart and perform, it looks natural.
Is there any set criteria for the people you want to work with?
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People who know you swear by your loyalty. What do you have to say about it?
It takes a lot of time — 10, 12, 15, 20, 40 years — to build a relationship. I have not made any new friend in a long time now, I only have acquaintances. And I don't need anyone either as I have my brothers, Sohail and Arbaaz, my sisters, Alvira and Arpita, my parents, Helen aunty, David Dhawan, Sajid Nadiadwala. We are okay.
What do you have to say about the competition that prevails in the industry?
I don't mind rivalry as long it's healthy and does not get malicious. With competition, I will get more serious. If at present I'm giving 2 per cent, I will give 3 per cent with competition at hand.
Why don’t we see you often in endorsements?
I don't get offers. The corporate don't want to touch me, may be because there are cases against me. I guess they are right in doing so. But I endorse what I like to endorse, I don't do it just for money. I wear Dollar vest, I wear Red Tape . I believe that if I wear these things only then my fans will wear them too.
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David Dhawan's Partner, Rumi Jaffrey's God Tussi Great Ho, Hollywood flick, Marigold. I can sign more films if I want, but I'm taking it easy now. I have become a less erratic than what I was earlier.
What is your take on life?
I don't know. I feel that life is beautiful. Some live longer whereas some have short life. But one should live life king-size.
Ayesha Takia walks out of Aamir’s film
27/03/2007 19:01 par bollystarz
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Ayesha Takia walks out of Aamir’s film
27/03/2007 19:01 par bollystarz
The pretty females are certainly giving panicky time to Aamir Khan. The whole female cast of his next ‘Ghajini’ remake has gone for a reshuffling. The film had in the lead two female actresses to be played by Kangana Ranaut and Ayesha Takia formerly. Kangana lost out the role to Priyanka Chopra for her loquacious habits. But now Aamir faces another bolt from the blue as Ayesha has decided not to do the film and Aamir has started hunting for another female. Reportedly South Indian actress Asin who was also a part of the Tamil original will step .This will be her first Bollywood film. The Hindi version is being directed by original director A. R. Murgodoss and is produced by Ram Gopal Verma's brother Madhu Verma.
There are reports that Aamir Khan was not very keen to cast Ayesha in the film and had wanted Asin to be a part of the film from the very beginning. About her exit from the project, Ayesha tells that there were some irreversible differences and due to which she is not doing the film.
27/03/2007 18:57 par bollystarz
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27/03/2007 18:57 par bollystarz
Interview : ‘We should be proud of our roots’
27/03/2007 18:50 par bollystarz
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Interview : ‘We should be proud of our roots’
27/03/2007 18:50 par bollystarz
Sada Punjabi puttar Akshay Kumar plays his self in his newly released ‘Namastey London’. Going back to his roots, Akshay hails from the North Indian state of Punjab and is a real Punjabi in all terms. This handsome actor is one of the top-notch actors of Bollywood but at heart he still remains a Punjabi. He feels that doing Vipul Shah’s ‘Namastey London’ was like going back to roots as in the film he plays a good-natured Punjabi who marries an NRI girl from London played by Katrina Kaif. More about the film, let’s get to learn about it from him.
Excerpts from an Interview:
What does the title of your latest film Namastey London really mean?
Namastey London is based on my friend’s life. He lives in Ludhiana. The film is about this guy who is very proud of his culture and who goes to London and proves a point. In that sense, Namastey London is not just a film, rather it’s an attitude. Whenever I go abroad and meet up with my fans I’m overwhelmed with their love and affection for India. They think of themselves as GenNext but they aren’t comfortable in their own skin. They don’t really know where they belong. With this film, I want to tell them that it’s cool to be an Indian. Namastey London says that today when foreigners are trying to find themselves in India either through yoga, meditation or Bollywood, we should also be proud of our roots.
How Punjabi are you in real life?
I’m a pure Punjabi boy. My roots are in Punjab. My dad was from Punjab. I’m proud of my background. I cannot give up my habit of speaking in Punjabi. Whenever I’m excited or want to explain something to someone I instinctively start speaking in Punjabi.
What’s with the golden hair colour in the film?
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Yeah, but wasn’t it messy to milk the cow in that scene?
What’s messy about it? People do it in Punjab all the time. Even I used to do it when I would visit Punjab as a kid. And yes, I enjoyed it.
Since the subject and the location are so close to your heart, did you provide any inputs to director Vipul Shah?
Yeah, Vipul gave me a lot of freedom. He let me interpret the character my way. The humour and the little nuances are what I could contribute and I also had all the freedom to give suggestions.
What’s the best thing of working with Vipul Shah?
I really admire the guy. I started with him in Aankhen and then did Waqt and now Namastey London. In all the three films, he has given me different characters to play. He presents a new challenge to me every time. I like the way he moulds me so that he can get different stuff out of me. I like the fact that he doesn’t stick to his comfort zones but takes risks instead.
You’ve already worked with Katrina Kaif in Humko Deewana Kar Gaye. Any changes that you’ve seen in her during this film?
She was a delight to work with. I admire the way Katrina has made her identity in Bollywood considering that she came from abroad. It can be difficult to break in but she managed. I think she’s done well for herself.
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Oh, I love shooting in London. The people are very friendly. Since there are so many Indians there, it almost feels like home. I also like the cultural diversity of the place.
Your latest commercial for Thums Up sees you doing action after a long time. How was it?
I was really keen to do an action ad. I told the creative team to think on these lines. I’ve used the Japanese karate, Yamazaki, in the ad. I trained for 15 days to get it right. And I fell in love with it so much that I’ve continued with the training. It’s not an easy job since you need to be really quick and agile, but I’m really enjoying it.