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Posts tagged Interview
SRK’s a friend; Salman is affectionate to me-Nikhil Dwivedi
Jul 20th
Nikhil Dwivedi talks about his equation with the two Khans of Bollywood
Deepali Dhingra | TNN (BOMBAY TIMES; July 20, 2010)
Raavan wasn’t favourably received at the Box Office. Was that disappointing for you?
Obviously, because every actor has expectations from his film. But at least I got some good reviews for my performance and that is heartening. I’ve seen the hard work put in by all, right from the director to all the actors, including Aishwarya and Abhishek. Somewhere, I don’t feel disappointed for myself but for the entire cast and crew. For me, this film was a step forward in every way.
What’s in the pipeline now?
I want to concentrate on the remake of Arjun, I’m quite excited about that. We have changed the entire script and made it contemporary as unemployment is not an issue so much now. But again, it’s about the main protagonist being against the system. Then there’s a film with Shashank Shah, who made Dasvadaniya. A film with Tushar Kapoor would be releasing sometime in September. It’s a very edgy film.
What’s happening with Basra?
Basra was delayed for some reasons. But I’ve been told by director Navdeep Singh that the project is on. I believe they are looking forward to shooting it sometime in October. They’ve taken my dates for it.
Recently, there have been rumours about your falling out and patching up with Shah Rukh Khan as well as your proximity with Salman Khan. What’s the true picture?
I’ve known Shah Rukh Khan a fairly long time, have always looked upto him and regard him as a mentor. Usually, I refrain from talking about our friendship because the position that I’m in, it looks I’m piggybacking on him, and I don’t want him or anyone else to get that impression. Just for that reason, I’m reluctant to talk about the friendship I share with him. Having said that, I have also known Salman for quite some time. Very recently, I joined him for his charity show in Dubai. Salman was extremely encouraging and very affectionate towards a novice like me. He was so affectionate towards me without ever wondering if Shah Rukh’s close to me. Shah Rukh has never ever told me who to be friends with or who to interact with. They’re two adults and they disagree, we should respect that. That doesn’t mean we can interact with one and can’t with the other. Each of them are doing their work and doing their best. One should interact with them and learn as much as one can from them.
One film at a time-Sanjay Singh
Jul 19th
That’s the mantra Sanjay Singh plans to adopt for his newly-launched production house, as he prepares to produce his next film after Udaan
BOMBAY TIMES (July 19, 2010)
India’s solo entry at the Cannes Film Festival — Udaan — has had a successful release in India and obviously, producer Sanjay Singh is delighted. He has now launched his own production house — Sanjay Singh Films — and is all set to produce his second movie. This time he will be working with director Manish Jha, who has previously won an award at the Cannes Film Festival, for a movie titled Manjhi. Sanjay is convinced that this movie will be more compelling than Udaan.
Now that you’ve launched your production house, how many projects are in the pipeline?
I am looking forward to producing more films. But we will work on one film at a time and give it our complete attention. The fact that Udaan, my first film as a producer, has received such international recognition and has also had a great opening in India is very encouraging. When director Vikramaditya Motwane first came to me, he had been looking for someone to finance Udaan for almost seven years. The big production houses were quite reluctant. I loved the story and signed on immediately.
Why did you launch your production house after producing your first film?
I feel it’s important to do something good first and then talk about it. We achieved great success with Udaan, and now I feel more confident about venturing forth as a producer.
What is Manjhi about?
The film deals with a man’s heroic fight against obstacles, natural and manmade, that results in the creation of something that is truly extraordinary for his people. The story is based on the life of a man from Bihar, who passed away in 2007. It’s too early to say more, as we’re still scripting, but I am sure it will be a great film.
Will your production house only make parallel cinema?
Not at all. I don’t want to get stuck with tags of either commercial or critical filmmaker. I believe in good cinema, that entertains and also gives a message. We’re also co-producing Tanu weds Manu with Shailesh Singh, a film that I believe is fully commercial. I’m open to any project, which is one reason why we have launched a website — www.sanjaysinghfilms.com — so that we can connect with audiences, talented scriptwriters and directors, etc.
Kajol’s quick thinking
Jul 17th
Subhash K Jha (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 16, 2010)
Soon after Mumbai Mirror reported that Kareena will be handling the publicity of We Are Family all by herself, Kajol has decided to help out as well.
Since Kajol will not be available closer to her due date, for the promotion and marketing of the film, she has now decided to record a significant number of interviews right now. These would have her publicising the film.
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| Kajol | Kareena Kapoor | |
On Wednesday, just before Kareena Kapoor left with Shah Rukh Khan for London, to shoot for RA.One, Kajol spent the entire day with her and producer Karan Johar, recording interviews that would be aired close to the release of We are Family, in September. Cramming in as much talk as possible on Wednesday, Kajol was apparently at her spirited best.
Says Karan Johar, “Kajol, Kareena and I had a ball doing the stuff for We’re Family. We were all very careful about Kajol’s condition. Kajol too was very careful about what she could and couldn’t do. To expect her to plunge into the film’s publicity just before its release would’ve been impractical and unreal. September 10 — when the film releases — is too close to her delivery day.”
I’ve fought my share of battles-Katrina Kaif
Jul 17th
TIME TO CELEBRATE: Katrina Kaif
On her birthday, Katrina Kaif tells Sharin Wader Butani that she wishes for smooth-sailing ahead
BOMBAY TIMES (July 16, 2010)
The gorgeous Katrina Kaif is turning 26 today and guess what she’s doing on her special day — baby sitting. She’s away in Spain shooting for Zoya Akhtar’s Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, so there won’t be any party for the actress in Mumbai but she’s not missing out on any of that. In fact, the actress admits that she’s happy to get away from the rains in Mumbai. “My sisters have flown down from London to be with me and so has my three-year-old niece. I have not been able to spend time with her, so today that’s what I’m going to do,” she said on a long distance call from Spain.
The Cancerian might not have grand plans to celebrate her birthday, but she does have three wishes she wants to see fulfiled. “I want happiness, peace of mind and a lot of good film offers. I want to work in a film directed by Yashji someday,” said Katrina, who being in the top league of Bollywood actresses, won’t find it to too difficult to make her wishes come true. “I have had my share of battles. Life’s been tough. But now I want a smooth sailing,” she said.
Kat believes she’s a destiny’s child. “I came from nowhere and within six years, I’ve managed to make a place for myself in Bollywood. I think that’s because I live by my principles and one of them is not doing films for the sake of money. If people thought my debut film Boom was for monetary reasons then I would say it was due to sheer ignorance that I got myself in that film. But now I’m happy, even though I only work and have no life other than that,” she laughed. But for her, that’s the beauty of her job, it takes her places and allows her to meet different people. “In Zoya’s film, I’ve been zipping around on bikes, I did some deep sea diving too and it’s been fun. It’s not that I learned bike riding because of this film, I’ve always known how to ride bikes,” said the actress, revealing her sporty side. “I enjoyed watching the Spain-Germany football match here. Football mania had really gripped Spain. But unfortunately, I couldn’t catch all the matches because I was busy shooting,” she said.
There have been talks of how all work and no play has taken a toll on her health. She has been fainting on the sets due to low haemoglobin levels. “They are all Chinese whispers. I’m not sick as I’m made out to be. I was weak last December but that’s about it. I work out, eat well and take good care of myself. My trainer can vouch for that,” she said and added, “Actually I’m not accessible to people all the time, that’s why they cook up stories about me.”
But all that doesn’t affect the actress who has her faith keeping her afloat. “I’m a very spiritual person. I pray a lot. I feel God has his hand over me. I’m being looked after so I do my bit helping my mother with her charity. It gives me peace.” And when the time comes for her to call it quits in the film industry, Kat says she’ll happily hang up her boots. “I have not planned what I’ll do later on, but I’ll definitely move on in life,” she said.
Kat’s on Zoom tonight! Catch Katrina Kaif in an exclusive interview with Omar Qureshi on Planet Bollywood, ZOOM, 7.30 pm tonight. A teaser of the interview…
Raajneeti proves that Ranbir Kapoor and you have the perfect chemistry. This is your second success together…
• Though the audience loved us in Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, I was really nervous about this one, simply because it wasn’t a typical love story. It wasn’t a man chasing a girl kind of role, it was more realistic. I feel wonderful that even this has been so well accepted.
In love, are you a realist or a romantic?
• Hmm… I love romance and I completely believe in romance. I think that is eventually what is going to get you through life. Your companion and the person who you love is the only thing that will remain with you forever.
Some sections of the media claimed that Kareena would be just a wee bit possessive if Saif and you were paired up. Your reaction…
• I don’t think Kareena can ever be insecure, she is a very confident person. I am sure that the story is entirely made up. Secondly, after Race, I haven’t signed any movie with Saif, though I think he is amazing actor and I would love to work with him again.
I’ve no rules for picking my heroes-Sonam Kapoor
Jul 14th
Sonam Kapoor talks frankly about wearing bikinis and kissing, only if the role requires it and of acting with Ranbir post their suspected link-up
Vickey Lalwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 14, 2010)
• What do you play in Aisha?
I play a naive girl who has a very narrow view of life and does not understand what is going on in the outside world.
• At 26, how would you describe yourself?
Quite like Aisha (laughs). I am still trying to figure out a lot of things and finding my way.
• If still confused, who do you look up to?
Both, my dad and my mum. Also, I have a few friends I trust completely.
• You said you have strong views on selecting films. Do you have a list of dont’s like not wearing a bikini or not kissing?
No. I am talking about roles. But as for your question, well, I won’t do anything provocative. I won’t do anything for the heck of it to sell a film. If it’s taking the story forward, then it’s fine. It’s an ethical stand, I believe.
• Filmmakers have to go through your dad before they come to you.
Not really. My dad is not going to play my role in any film. They come to me. I take a call. I do have strong views in this aspect. But after a certain point, my dad does get in. I don’t want to concentrate on the details that follow.
• Do you check with him before doing a particular role?
Of course. What is the point of having him as my dad? I think that every child looks up to his parents.
• Did you and your sister Rhea argue on the sets of Aisha?
Rhea is very practical and pragmatic. I am very emotional and impulsive. So that makes a good head and heart combination. Such things work, don’t they?
• Are you ready to work with Ranbir after your link up with him in Saawariya?
I have no rules for who my hero is. If my role is good, why not?
• You and Deepika Padukone are not the best of friends, right? You tried to patch up but things didn’t fall in place…
Ranbir and I have been friends. Deepika was Ranbir’s girlfriend. That was the only connection. Right now, I don’t have the time to meet all my friends.
• You once said, “I wish I had a body like Deepika’s”.
Oh, that was just a random statement.
• Ranbir came to you on the sets of Aisha and told you to take him back in your life. Correct?
Not true.
• Is your father strict?
He is definitely protective about me. He doesn’t want me to do anything wrong. I am not allowed late nights. But then, even I am a very responsible girl.
• Who is your worst critic?
My mum, who doesn’t want me to lose my head.
• You dress up rather well. Is it a self-acquired skill?
(Laughs) It stems from my mother’s side. My mom has been into fashion designing. I love her style. Even my masi is very aesthetically inclined.
• Why is it that you wear so many branded clothes? Industry people say so…
That’s not true. I do wear many vintage clothes too. If required, I will wear a simple sari. I pick up tees and jeans from streets as well.
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| Jatin Kampani |
• Correct me if I am wrong but did you ever wish to be a beauty queen?
Yeah (laughs) I even wanted to be a detective. And then I wanted to be a teacher. At 16, I decided that I want to be a writer. And then, I ultimately felt that I wanted to be an actress.
• Have you met Aishwarya Rai after last year’s fiasco during the Cannes festival?
Yes. I met her at a party and she was extremely gracious and kind. At the end of it, it was all a big misunderstanding
• Shahid Kapoor has got linked up to Amrita Rao (Dil Vil Pyar Vyar), Vidya Balan (Kismat Connection), Priyanka Chopra (Kaminey) and Anushka Sharma (Badmaash Company). How have you avoided that (so far)?
(Laughs) I think that depends on who your producer and director is.
• Are you dating anybody though? There was so much talk of you dating Punit Malhotra during I Hate Luv Storys?
I am very much single. But I wouldn’t like to elaborate.
• The interview would be incomplete if you don’t name your favourite Anil Kapoor film.
That’s the toughest one. I really can’t choose between Woh Saat Din, Tezaab, Beta, Ram Lakhan and Slumdog Millionaire.
Genelia speaks her mind in the latest issue of Elle
Jul 10th
By Bollywood Hungama News Network, July 9, 2010 – 10:15 IST
She is one girl whom every guy would want to take home to his mom and bindaas say ‘Maa… yeh apki bahu hai”. We are indeed talking about the one and only Genelia D’Souza, the Aditi from Jaane Tu……, who looks like never before in the latest edition of Elle.
One has to give it to the fotog for shooting her so differently! Well, Genelia does open up in this interview like she always has and shows her ‘good’ side. She goes on record to say that, “For us, the film industry was this big bad world- a place where people who didn’t study landed up”. Let’s give it to this PYT for ‘trying-to-be-diplomatic’ when it comes to her love life. Even though she denies any confirmation about information on her love life, she does say that she is a ‘fantastic girlfriend’ who devotes herself to her relationship.
All in all, Genelia is the way to go… to be ‘Elle-gant’ this season!
BOLLYWOOD HUNGAMA.COM
Ranbir’s rugged look on Hi! Blitz cover
Jul 8th
By Bollywood Hungama News Network, July 8, 2010 – 11:01 IST
He is all of twenty seven and already touted as the next big thing. Some jealous lot credit it to his lineage while others accept that it is sheer hard work and performance skills that has made Ranbir Kapoor a star.
In the July issue of Hi! Blitz magazine Ranbir stands confident in his demeanour looking absolutely breathtaking; someone who has every thing to make a girl swoon. Go through the issue, and in the lengthy interview that the star gave one would realise what Ranbir is really all about. He is in fact an introvert and a shy guy. To quote him “I have had only three relationships in the 27 years of my life. I have never cheated or two-timed a woman. People have this image that I am a ladies man, but it’s not true.” The young Kapoor discloses his love for cinema, his take on relationships and more making this issue a spicy one for Ranbir fans.
BOLLYWOOD HUNGAMA.COM
There’s unrest at home-Suniel Shetty
Jul 8th
The Suniel Shetty-Sameera Reddy film that won international acclaim releases tomorrow
TNN (BOMBAY TIMES; July 8, 2010)
It was a war waiting to explode… it was an issue waiting to be addressed… it was a film waiting to be made. For all those wondering where this war against the Naxalites is heading, Red Alert — The War Within hitting cinemas across the globe tomorrow, appears to have the answers.
The film, produced by T P Aggarwal and Rahul Aggarwal of Star Entertainment with Suniel Shetty and Sameera Reddy in the lead, has an uncanny resemblance to headlines of late. It traces the true story of a farm labourer, played by Suniel, who finds himself trapped in a Naxal group. It becomes a lifechanging experience for him as it affects his family and even rocks the government, much in the same fashion as is happening in real life.
Red Alert — The War Within marks a departure for its director, Ananth Narayan Mahadevan. “It’s a graduation of sorts for me, this is my attempt to speak a global cinema language,” says Ananth of his film that has already garnered international acclaim and raises the all important question… will it help find a solution to India’s killing fields? Its political and social relevance has been echoed in Home Minister’s R R Patil’s wholehearted recommendation.
Suniel considers the Naxal issue akin to “an unrest in your own home, which needs to be addressed”. For Sameera, this was “a big step ahead as an actress after the award winning Kaalpurush”. Producer Rahul Aggarwal added, “I wanted to move away from mindless cinema and make something which matters not only to India, but to the whole world.” While producer T P Aggarwal hoped that after the film was appreciated elsewhere in the world, Indian audiences were “mature to intelligent cinema”.
The bottomline is a spellbinding human thriller that marks a new high for political cinema in the country. That the film has its volatile dialogue culled from actual interviews with cops and Naxals, is another first. It is being billed as a cinematic experience too close to reality for comfort. Whose comfort, the Naxals or government?
Indian cinema is in a very sad situation-Majid Majidi
Jun 18th
Famed Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi talks to Vishwas Kulkarni about making movies about ordinary folks, being Muslim in a hostile world, his disappointment with Priyadarshan’s Bum Bum Bole and Indian cinema in general
MUMBAI MIRROR; June 18, 2010
His film Children of Heaven was nominated for the Academy Awards for Best Foreign Picture in 1998. Majid Majidi is one of the key filmmakers who has put Iran on the World Cinema map. Whilst in town last week, Majidi spoke to Mumbai Mirror exclusively.
• You started out as an actor, then moved on to directing.
I was part of an experimental film and theatre group that Mohsen Makhmalbaf also belonged to. But I was never into acting. I had a world vision of my own, I was aware of this even when acting. I was making shorts. These shorts were a crucial part of my cinematic consciousness.
• Iranian cinema captivates with its use of rustic, rural settings, the way the ordinary sublimates to universal truths or crises even. Comment.
There are two ways in which my films function. One is the depiction of the external world, the world of mundane, daily chores. Through the external, we enter the internal. I always knew that I will focus on the most ordinary of individuals so that it may be digested by the world. I choose the simplest of persons because if you pick up an engineer or a doctor, only a handful of people will connect. My endeavour has been to amplify the voices of the suppressed.
• Being Iranian is always fraught with politics. From the global furore over Iran’s controversial nuclear programme to the protests against Ahmadinejad, how do you negotiate your Iranian identity with the outside world?
Politics is very malleable. What is permanent is art. Art captures our hearts, politics is a balloon – if you inflate it too much it explodes. Politics paints a vague picture of Iran. There are, and will always be, vested Western interests in Iran that will never want to see Iran as a peaceful and settled nation.
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| A still from Bum Bum Bole |
• But Iran is an equally vociferous anti-Semitic machinery.
Israel has a huge superiority complex. It wants to impose its superiority, its might to the ultimate. To maintain this, it will retain Palestine to the bitter end. Things are not going to settle down with a nation like Israel, something that has the full support of the Western world.
• Don’t you blame the lack of Arab unity and political will for the mess in the Middle East?
Absolutely. The Arab world was never committed to its people, let alone the concept of an Arab unity. It is a culture that has sold out to gain economic gains from the West. It suffers from a low self-esteem. It is a culture that has been debased by its own people. Yes, the Arab world has disappointed us sizeably.
• What is your take on the decision to ban the burqa in some European nations? They see it as offensive to women.
The decision is totally contrary to the freedom of movement. On one side, it blows the trumpet of free speech; on the other, people wearing burqas are going to be barred from public places. Don’t you see the irony and the hypocrisy in this?
• You’re deeply embarrassed by the Indian remake of one of your films, Bum Bum Bole?
I put all my trust in these people. They were after me for a while to sell the rights. I even offered to give my creative inputs. The makers of the film wanted to make a proper and worthy film or so they promised me. So it is rather sad that I’ve heard very negative things about this remake.
• Why can’t Indians make films of international stature?
Indian cinema is in a very sad situation. They haven’t been able to come up with the standards to be accepted by the world. They are not using their faculties, economic or cultural. There are potentially good actors here. Indians have a wide viewer base. Indian cinema has access to lots of money. I am therefore saddened that the outcome of quality cinema from such an industry is zero. An industry producing 600 films should produce at least 40-50 films of international standards at least. But clearly this isn’t the case.
• You’re working on a film that is being produced by UTV.
Yes, that is a gigantic project based on the prophet’s life as a child. A set of Mecca is being recreated. A good sum of money is being put into this.
