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Posts tagged Kismat Konnection
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
• 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.
Badmaash Company is not Bunty Aur Babli-Shahid Kapoor
Apr 13th
By Taran Adarsh, April 13, 2010 – 07:55 IST
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Shahid Kapoor is not new to controversies. In fact, every time a movie starring the talented actor is ready to unfurl, stories about Shahid having problems with the director surface first, followed by news of romantic liaisons with the film’s leading lady.
In the past, it was said Shahid had serious differences with Priyadarshan [CHUP CHUP KE], Aziz Mirza [KISMAT KONNECTION], Vishal Bhardwaj [KAMINEY], Anurag Singh [DIL BOLE HADIPPA!] and Ken Ghosh [CHANCE PE DANCE]. Is he difficult to work with? “Isn’t it strange that people ask this question every time my movie is complete? I am asked to clarify if the director and I see eye to eye… It amuses me no end,” Shahid smiles.
Reportedly, Shahid and Parmeet Sethi, the actor who makes his directorial debut with BADMAASH COMPANY, had difference of opinion over the climax of the film. “All discussions took place while we were in the [script] reading stages. If any changes were to be made, they had to be implemented before we began filming. Yes, I did express my opinion to Adi [Chopra] and Parmeet about a certain portion in the film. They agreed because they were convinced about it. But there were no issues when we began filming,” Shahid clarifies. Shahid feels that Parmeet is a supremely talented director. “I am glad I agreed to work in BADMAASH COMPANY. Parmeet is a fine storyteller. In fact, I keep wondering, why didn’t he take to direction earlier? Direction is his true calling,” Shahid states.
There’s also talk that BADMAASH COMPANY is the newer, updated version of BUNTY AUR BABLI. True? Shahid laughs, “I’ve heard this one too, but I am just going to say just this. Watch BADMAASH COMPANY to know the difference. Frankly, why would anyone want to remake a successful film that’s still so fresh in the minds of the audience? BADMAASH COMPANY is not similar to any film. Not BUNTY AUR BABLI for sure.”
BOLLYWOOD HUNGAMA.COM
Shahid's first vacation in six years
Dec 28th
After six long years of hard work, Shahid Kapoor is now taking a much need break. He is flying off to Goa today with his childhood friends to celebrate the New Year and spend some leisure time.
Shahid’s best friend Shriram, who he is meeting after years, is also joining the actor for this holiday. A source close to the actor says, “Shahid has been shooting back to back for the past few years. He had no break between films. After Jab We Met, he went into Kismat Konnection followed by Kaminey, Yash Raj’s untitled and now he is finishing the patchwork of Chance pe Dance. Kaminey especially, was a tiring film to shoot.
The source continues, “Now that all the pending work of his films is over, along with his prior commitments, the actor is taking a much needed break. This will be his first holiday in the past six years. He is off to Goa with his childhood friends and will celebrate the New Year with them. It is a complete boy’s holiday and he is going to unwind and relax to the fullest. The all-boys-gang will stay in a hotel in North Goa, one of the liveliest places in the month of December. The hotel has a private beach where he will have some privacy and might indulge in some water sports too. The actor is not into gambling, but being out with his friends on a holiday, he might just join them.”
The source adds some details, “Shahid wants a quiet and relaxing holiday and will disconnect himself completely from his work. He has already informed his directors and producers that he won’t be available for those days. He returns on January 1, but will only resume work on January 4.”
Shahid’s publicist confirms, “Shahid is going for his first holiday in six years with his school friends, including his best friend Shriram. They will be celebrating New Year in Goa.”
| (Pic: Deepak Turbhekar) |
I m treated like one of the boys-Vidya Balan
Dec 26th

MEENA IYER Times News Network (BOMBAY TIMES; December 26, 2009)
The coming year is an important year for Vidya. She starts the year with Ishqiya and then moves onto Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Chenab Gandhi. “The decision to do fewer films is entirely mine,’’ says the actress who is now super-confident that when it comes to her career, she will not make one false move.
On the personal front, it is rumoured that almost all her heroes be it John Abraham (Salaam-e-Ishq), Shahid Kapoor (Kismat Konnection) and now Arshad Warsi (Ishqiya) are attracted to her. “Rubbish,’’ she flails her hands and says. “In fact, I think none of my heroes even treat me like a lady. I’m treated like one of the boys. My heroes backslap me and we share a few laughs and jokes. However, I don’t think any of them is attracted to me. If they were, I would have noticed.’’
Well, well…so even as the rumour mills continue to buzz about Vidya past romances with John and Shahid, the actress herself has rubbed her slate clean… and is looking forward to her knight in shining armour putting in an appearance in 2010.
What should one say — Halleluah!
My character in 'Ishqiya' oozes sensuality: Vidya Balan
Dec 15th
After playing an ideal mother in ‘Paa’, Vidya Balan says she is ready to surprise audiences with a completely different avatar in forthcoming movie ‘Ishqiya’. She will be seen as a conniving, scheming woman in Vishal Bharadwaj’s dark drama.

“For the first time I’ll be playing a woman who is conniving, scheming and in whom there is a sexual aggression,” Vidya told us in an interview.
“She is an aggressive person. She is someone who is unapologetic about her own choices. Bold is the word I’ll use for the lack of a better word. In the Indian context, she would be Rambha, Durga or Kali. She is someone who is dressed from top to toe but oozes sensuality,” the actress said.
Set in eastern Uttar Pradesh, ‘Ishqiya’ is a tale of romance between individuals caught in a web of crime, suspense, passion and deceit. Made by first time director Abhishek Chaubey and produced by Bharadwaj, the film also stars Arshad Warsi and Naseeruddin Shah in pivotal roles.
In the film, Vidya sports a deglamourised look and mouths expletives.
Asked if Bharadwaj was the reason she signed ‘Ishqiya’, she said: “It’s always very reassuring when the producer is an established guy because when you take a film, you want to know that no compromises will be made while making the film and even after it gets released.
“Of course Vishal comes with a certain brand and credibility…but more importantly I loved the role offered to me. I wouldn’t have given it up. Along with that I loved Abhishek’s passion and sensibility. So it was a combination of all these things when I made my decision.”
The 31-year-old is also looking forward to Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Chenaab Gandhi’ in which she plays Amitabh Bachchan’s daughter.
After receiving flak for doing glamorous roles, Vidya has moved to author-backed characters in ‘Paa’, ‘Chenaab Gandhi’ and ‘Ishqiya’. But she says her choice of roles is not a conscious effort to change her image.
“It’s not a conscious decision to try and stay away from a particular kind of roles. There is no effort for an image change. It’s just that I’m just being offered a lot of exciting work and I’ve tried to pick and choose different things to keep it very exciting for me,” she said.
“Of course, candyfloss is still welcome if it comes with substance, but the very fact that it’s candyfloss takes away the substance. So I don’t do that much candyfloss because it compromises on substance,” added the actress.
Vidya has earlier been seen in films like ‘Parineeta’, ‘Heyy Babyy’, ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’ and ‘Kismat Konnection’.
Source: IANS
Paa has fetched me the best response since Parineeta-Vidya Balan
Dec 7th
By Joginder Tuteja, December 5, 2009 – 17:26 IST
Vidya Balan is extremely happy with an all around positive response that she has got for her role of an unwed mother in Paa. While keeping her emotions in check and not allowing all the appreciation to make her go overtly gaga, Vidya does admit though that such huge response has come to her four long years after her debut effort Parineeta.
“I guess the wait has been worth it”, says Vidya who plays the mother of a 12 year old kid (played by Amitabh Bachchan) suffering from Progeria in Paa, “I was doing films and by God’s grace most of them were successful as well. However, the kind of respect that is coming the way of everyone associated with Paa is overwhelming, heart warming and above all humbling.”
It is this respect factor that has been the biggest moment for Vidya. When the film’s trial was held a few days back, she was convinced that the film would certainly be remembered for its sincerity, honesty and truthfulness. Though box office factor wasn’t to be ignored, she along with director Balki knew that at the least film would see good respectability coming its way.
“One can’t say much about box office in any case because sometimes even the most quintessential commercial flicks don’t really click with the audiences. However, you instinctively know whether your film has turned out to be a quality outing or not. I remember the days of Lage Raho Munnabhai when we came out of the first screening. Along with Raj Kumar Hirani, I knew that we had made a good film. Same was the case with Paa“, details Vidya.
Now she is eagerly awaiting the box office response for Paa. Given the fact that it is coming a week after De Dana Dan and a week before Rocket Singh – Salesman Of The Year, Paa has to score and do that really fast.
“I have been told though that the film has been accepted well by the audience and along with critical appreciation, it is also showing good word of mouth from those who have seen it”, she says with that characteristic smile of hers.
What she says does hold good ground. Though the opening wasn’t exceptional (as expected due to its theme), the film has shown a constant increase in crowd inflow with every passing show. Says a trade insider, “The occupancy for Paa on Saturday is almost double than that of Friday. Everyone thought that the film was mainly targeting the class audiences in big cities but it is doing well even in interiors like Nagpur and other cities and towns.”
Meanwhile, Vidya’s phone hasn’t stopped ringing. “Such appreciation is always welcome. Ever since the film’s premiere, there have been congratulatory calls, which is heart warming. I have been literally glued to my cell-phone for last 3 days at stretch and I am certainly not complaining.”
Given the fact that her last film Kismat Konnection (2008) was a success and so was Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007), she would be used to such adulation, isn’t it?
“Honestly speaking, there have been good words but such volume of calls is a first”, she confesses, “I remember getting quite a few messages during Bhool Bhulaiyaa or Kismat Konnection. However, so many people actually making an effort and giving me a call reminds me of Parineeta days. Paa has fetched me the best response since my debut film.”
With her much in news Ishqiya round the corner that has an author backed role reserved for her, one waits to see if Vidya gets a further one up over Paa and Parineeta in weeks to come. Starring Naseruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi as the male protagonists, Abhishek Chaubey directed Ishqiya is produced by Vishal Bhardwaj & Raman Maroo and sees a 15th January release.
BOLLYWOOD HUNGAMA.COM







“Temperamentally he is just so cool”, she smiles, “He is just so easy to work with. I have seen him interacting with his assistants. His people management is fantastic because whether it is Mr. Amitabh Bachchan or any junior most crew member on the sets, he knows how to get that comfort feel rolling. He gives and gets respects all around.”
While Amitabh Bachchan, Tabu and Paresh Rawal were senior heavyweights in Cheeni Kum, same wasn’t the case in Paa which featured her along with Abhishek Bachchan.
It was important to walk away from that relationship-Vidya Balan
Nov 14th
Posted by Fenil Seta in Interviews
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• What is the difference between Vidya of Kismet Connection and Vidya of Paa and Ishqiya?
I know what you want to hear (laughs). To begin with, I have lost a lot of weight. I am feeling healthier and happier. Paa will see me in the Indian look. I am very excited about Paa and Ishqiya both. The change started by losing…yes, I had gained a bit of weight.
• At the wrong places?
(Laughs) Let me say it. It’s been a long journey. Full marks to my dietician Pooja Makhija and trainer Vilayat Hussain. I don’t even go to a gym. I train at home. I do a bit of cardio, weights and calisthenics. And I eat a lot more intelligently now.
• After losing weight, why are you not seen in Western outfits?
I didn’t lose weight to wear suggestive outfits. I lost weight to feel better about myself. I enjoy wearing Indian clothes.
• Don’t you therefore stand to lose roles? You have kissed in Ishqiya, you did a lovemaking scene in Heyy Baby, so why say no to ‘suggestive’ attire?
I will wear what is required. But you know, suggestive outfits tantamount to skin show and take away the meat from the character. I want the meat, not the bone.
• Have you always avoided daring outfits? Even in your teens, college etc?
Yes. My friends wore what collegians mostly wear. But I didn’t join them. I stood alone, but I was happy. I do wear skirts, but not very short ones. And I don’t wear shorts, not even at home.
• Back to your weight loss. Did the caustic comments about your weight finally get to you?
I won’t say that I was immune to them. But you see, I was going through a lot of confusion in my head on a lot of fronts. I started taking a few things for granted. I became complacent. And I lost interest. Till Kismet Connection, everything was going well for me and then suddenly…
• That was when your friendship with Shahid Kapoor went haywire?
I don’t see the connection.
• Connection with a ‘K’, eh! Okay, what triggered off the need to lose weight?
Well, my mom sat me down and told me that I needed to feel good about myself. I think that I was trying to be someone else. I was desperately trying to fit into a certain mould (pauses)
• Go on…
(Looks up at the ceiling) It was not about my weight and clothes. Those caustic comments were coming because I looked unhappy. I was exuding a certain amount of unhappiness.
• Why were you unhappy?
You know what…
• What?
If someone who matters to you talks you down, it can break you. That someone whose approval mattered to me started to constantly find faults with me. It started reflecting on me. At that point of time, it was important to walk away from that relationship. I don’t want to take his name.
• Hmmm… I get it. Shahid doesn’t want to work with you now.
(Interrupts) Did I say that that I want to work with him? (pauses)
If someone doesn’t want to work with me, so be it. It’s his loss completely. There are other fish in the sea.
• Your friendship with fashion designer Shabina Khan has gone sour. Once upon a time, she was your best friend.
One tends to spend a lot of time with people one works with. My best friends have been people I have grown up with.
• She isn’t too fond of you now.
I don’t bother about how people feel about me. What matters to me is how I feel about them.
• How do you feel about Shabina?
Just like I feel about any other professional acquaintance.
• Parting shot?
Even today, I am standing alone, but I am happy again. That’s all that is important to me (runs her hand through her hair and smiles)