www.thebmagazine.com DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156 51
loveratri Song aKh lad jaave: aayuSh Sharma
and Warina huSSain’S peppy dance tracK
Will get you grooving nother groovy song from the upcoming film, Loveratri, is out now. The
Afirst one was the dance number, Chogada, infused with the Gujarati folk
flavour. The newly released number,
titled Akh Lad Jaave, is an out and
out club number. The music video
features the main leads, Aayush
Sharma and Warina Hussain, flirting
with each other through dance moves
at a club.
Akh Lad Jaave has been composed
by Tanishk Bagchi, who is riding high
on the success of the Dilbar remake
that released earlier this year. To sing
the song, Tanishk brought on board
the king of the club songs in India,
Badshah. Asees Kaur and Jubin
Nautiyal also lend their vocals to the
peppy number. The lyrics have been
penned by Tanishk and Badshah.
The tempo of the song could have
been a little faster. I particularly loved
the choreography of the song.
The dance steps are groovy,
sophisticated and breezy.
Loveratri has been produced
by Salman Khan’s SKF. “Love
is supreme and ultimate. You
love your family, girlfriend, wife,
brother, sister and friends, and
sometimes we fight with them.
But during festival times or at
a time when the person needs
you emotionally or in bad times
like illness or accident, everyone
comes back and stands together
and forgets all the enmity. That’s
how I thought of making a film
with the festive background,”
said Salman when asked why he
wanted to make a movie around
the festival of Navratri.
Loveratri will release on October
5, 2018.
|DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156
52 50 DALLAS |AUG 2017 | VOL 143 www.thebmagazine.com
did you KnoW that Birthday girl Saira Banu
had made a Special appearance in thiS dilip
Kumar film after 10 yearS of retirement
ctress, Saira Banu has turned 74 today. In her career, spanning over two-and-a-half decades, the actress
has delivered several memorable performances in films like Junglee, Padosan and Hera Pheri. Her
Agorgeous looks and camera-friendly act made her one of the primary choices for directors. In fact, she
was the third highest-paid actress of Hindi Cinema, from 1963 to 1969, after Rekha and Hema Malini. In the
period between 1971 to 1976, she went to the fourth spot but continued to rule over the hearts of millions.
However, post her marriage to the thespian Dilip Kumar, she was less active in films and later even retired from
the industry altogether. But interestingly, after 10 years of retirement, she made a special appearance in a film
which featured her husband. The film was called Duniya. In fact, it was the last film in which we saw the golden
couple together. The multistarrer venture featured Ashok Kumar, Pradeep Kumar, Pran, Rishi Kapoor, Amrita
Singh, Om Puri, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Prem Chopra and Amrish Puri in pivotal roles.
Apparently, Lata Mangeshkar had crooned a beautiful song for the couple, which was ‘Teri meri zindagi, pyar
bhari zindagi.’ The film was bankrolled by Yash Johar and directed by the director of Basera. Besides being a
cult classic, Duniya is still remembered for the charismatic presence of Saira Banu.
www.thebmagazine.com DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156 53
DALLAS |AUG 2017 | VOL 143 51
regional
filmmaKerS are
really puShing
the envelope:
huma qureShi
Huma Qureshi, who ventured into acting in 2012 with Gangs Of
Wasseypur, has worked in Malayalam as well as Tamil films. She has
featured in films like Badlapur, D-Day, Jolly LLB 2 and The Viceroy’s
House.
ctor Huma Qureshi says regional filmmakers are really
pushing the envelope and exploring territories when Hindi
Afilmmakers are playing safe. Huma, who ventured into acting
in 2012 with Gangs Of Wasseypur, has worked in Malayalam as well
as Tamil films.
“Regional films are doing well because the marketing cost for Hindi
films are so high… I feel regional filmmakers and writers are so brave
that they go into zones and territories that sometimes even Hindi
films hesitate. We want to play it safe,” Huma told IANS.
“So, I have seen some incredible Marathi, Tamil and Malayalam
films… They are really pushing the envelope,” she added.
Ever since her debut, Huma has featured in films like Badlapur,
D-Day, Jolly LLB 2 and The Viceroy’s House.
The actress says she is yet to accomplish many things.
“I am far for achieving anything. The day I think I have done whatever
that will be the end of it. So, I want to die with the words on my lips
that I am still learning and exploring. I still have so much and more
distance to cover. I am embryo I still have not hatched,” she said.
However, Huma is happy with her career graph and calls it an “eventful
journey” with lots of “learnings”.
“I have met such amazing people who have encouraged and
supported me. I don’t think I would be here today without my parents,
friends, directors, producers and actors who worked with me.”
54 |DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156 www.thebmagazine.com
www.thebmagazine.com DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156 55
Shahid Kapoor
thought
arjun reddy
WaS ‘too perfect’
for a remaKe
ctor Shahid Kapoor says when he was approached to star in the
Hindi version of Telugu blockbuster Arjun Reddy he felt there
Awas no need to remake the film as the original was “too perfect”.
Shahid, 37, will be playing the lead in the film and the actor said the
arc of the character excited him and he decided to come on-board the
project.
“Arjun Reddy is in the preparation stage. We will start shooting for
it around October 1. The first thought I had in mind was why are we
remaking it. It is too perfect. But then after spending some time with the
script I thought this character is so exciting I want to give it a try,” Shahid
told PTI.
The actor said he prefers being part of projects that come from a place
which is “very real”. “Content is changing and it is reflection of the fact
that different material
is coming to actors.
And whenever I get
that opportunity I kind
of jump on it. I am
very attracted to films
which talk about the
issues that we can
relate to. I like stories
being real.”
The original Arjun
Reddy, directed by
Sandeep Reddy
Vanga, featured Vijay
Deverakonda in the
titular role. Sandeep
will be helming the
Hindi version as
well with Bhushan
Kumar’s T-Series
producing the film.
Shahid was speaking at a fashion event. Dressed in black, the actor set
the ramp on fire along with Disha Patani.
56 |DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156 www.thebmagazine.com
i love it When
people call me
unconventional:
rajKummar rao
ajkummar Rao said he has Rajkummar revealed that he was
tried to do something unique the brain behind the catchy title of
Rwith his upcoming film Stree the film, which also stars Shraddha
which also stars Shraddha Kapoor Kapoor.
and Pankaj Tripathi. The 33-year- “When Raj & DK (director) came and
old actor will start shooting for his narrated me the script the title was
next project Made in China opposite something else. But in conversation,
Mouni Roy in September. I told them if we can name it ‘Stree’.
Rajkummar Rao has redefined the In a way, I was the one who decided
word ‘hero’ in Bollywood and the the title. I found that one word very
actor believes one of the biggest catchy,” he said.
reasons for his success is that he The actor, who is currently busy
has always tried to challenge the promoting Stree, will soon start
norms. working on his next, titled Made In
The 33-year old star said it is China.
important for an artist to break “I am going to start shooting for
through the shackles of “obvious” Made In China with Boman Irani
as being predictable can hinder their sir from September 4. We will be in
growth. Ahmedabad for around five weeks.
“I love it when people call me It is a drama-comedy. It is a story
unconventional. My aim has always of this young Gujarati businessman
been to break conventions and to who is trying to make it big,” he said.
keep experimenting. I feel it is good Rajkummar was speaking on the
to be unpredictable. People are sidelines of Lakme Fashion Week
experimenting in every field. We Winter/Festive 2018, where he
can’t keep following what has been walked the ramp for designer Rajesh
there since always. It is important Pratap Singh last night. The actor
to reinvent as an artist,” Rajkummar said he is as experimental in fashion
said. as he is in his movie choices.
The actor said he has again tried “Fashion means comfort for me.
to do something unique with his Fashion for me is something which
upcoming film Stree, which releases makes me feel confident. Dressing
on his birthday August 31. up is a personal thing. I am a young Rajkummar said for celebrities dressing up is like
“Stree is something fresh and new. guy. I like to experiment with clothes a performance these days as there are so many
Audiences want to see a different and keeping things edgy when it people reviewing their fashion choices.
kind of content on-screen and Stree comes to styling. The kind of changes “Dressing up these days is just like a performance.
is exactly that. It is a unique genre we are seeing in the fashion industry People review your choices. Everything is digital.
horror-comedy which has not been are somewhat similar to what we are People can write whatever they want. Luckily in my
explored much in our country.” seeing in the cinema.” case, people are writing really good things about my
style,” he said.
www.thebmagazine.com DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156 57
i Want to Keep
puShing mySelf
With every role:
alia Bhatt
ctress Alia Bhatt, who is currently making news not
just for her Bollywood projects but also for her link-up
Arumours with actor Ranbir Kapoor, says coming from
a family of popular names, she has seen media attention
right from childhood — and such attention doesn’t affect her
anymore.
“I grew up in a family of popular talent who have always
been in the news. I’ve seen recognition and media attention
right from childhood. With time, I’ve pretty much got used to
it and now it doesn’t really affect me as much. My only focus
is to embody characters that can have a strong, positive
impact on the audience,” Alia told IANS.
The 25-year-old, who made her Bollywood debut with Karan
Johar’s Student of The Year, has proved her versatility in
Bollywood with films like Raazi, Highway, Udta Punjab and
Dear Zindagi — films in which she was seen in the most
challenging, sometimes deglamourised avatars.
What attracts her about such roles? “I want to keep pushing
myself with every role that I play. To strike a balance between
commercial and brave films has always been a priority. I
make it a point to not let pressure influence my choice of
roles. An inhibition is always present in every actor’s mind
when they take up a challenging role, but the focus is always
to give it our best shot and that is what we always strive for,”
said Alia, who has also done films like Humpty Sharma Ki
Dulhania, Kapoor & Sons and Badrinath Ki Dulhania.
Her kitty is currently full with films like Brahmastra opposite
Ranbir, multi-starrer Kalank and Ranveer Singh-starrer
Gully Boys.
While Brahmastra is written and directed by Ayan Mukerji
and also stars Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Varman
directorial Kalank stars Madhuri Dixit, Sonakshi Sinha,
Varun Dhawan, Aditya Roy Kapur and Sanjay Dutt in lead
roles. Gully Boy is directed by Zoya Akhtar and is based on
the lives of rappers Vivian Fernandes aka Divine and Naved
Shaikh aka Naezy.
58 |DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156 www.thebmagazine.com
www.thebmagazine.com DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156 59
DALLAS |AUG 2017 | VOL 143 57
AHLUWLAIA IMMIGRATION UPDATES
LAW September 2018
Accrual of unlawful presence of F, J and M Nonimmigrants: The USCIS has finalized new policy relating to unlawful presence of F (student), J
(exchange visitor) and M (vocational/technical student) nonimmigrants and their dependent visa holders (F-2, J-2 and M-2), effective August 9, 2018.
The new policy clarifies that the F, J and M nonimmigrants who have failed to maintain their nonimmigrant status before August 9, 2018 has started
OFFICES accruing unlawful presence based on that failure or at the earliest of the following: the day after DHS denied request for the immigration benefit; the
date after I-94 expired if admitted for certain date; or the day after immigration judge ordered the alien excluded, deported or removed. The F, J and M
Non-immigrants begin accruing unlawful presence on or after August 9, 2018 on the earliest day of the following: the day after F, J and M non-immigrants
972-361-0606 no longer pursues the course of study, or authorized activity, or the day after she engages in the unauthorized activity; the day after completing the
course of study or program; the day after I-94 expires that was for a certain date; or the day after immigration judge orders the alien excluded,
CALL FOR A CON- removed or deported. The USCIS officers are guided to consider alien’s immigration history, including but not limited to: information contained in the
SULTATION! systems available to USCIS; Information in the alien’s records; or information through Request for Evidence or Notice of Intent to Deny. The F, J & M
nonimmigrant holders are advised to be cautious and leave the country on completion of authorized practical training or program or apply for change
of status before the expiration of current authorized stay. Be an absolute compliant during your stay. New Data shows increase in H-1B denials and
*Corporate RFEs: The recent data released by the National Federation of American Policy shows significant increase of H-1B RFEs and Denials from the 3 quarter
rd
to the 4 quarter of fiscal year 2017. The rate of H-1B denials have increased from 15.9% to 22.4% in the fourth quarter. Similarly the RFEs have
th
*Family increased from 23% in third quarter to 69% in the fourth quarter. Further, the students enrolled in US universities have dropped to 8% in 2017 compared
to 34% in 2016. We see the reflection of the Buy American, Hire American executive order in these statistics.
For more information regarding this matter or any other matter please call: Ahluwalia Law Offices at
*Immigration (972) 361-0606 or email: frontdesk@ahluwalialaw.com, to schedule a consultation.
Pallavi Ahlu- VISA BULLENTIN– SEPTEMBER 2018
walia, Esq. Family World: World: DF Employment World: World: India: FA India: DA
Sponsored FA Based FA DA
F1 04/08/11 03/08/12 + 1st 06/01/16 Current 01/01/12 Current
F2A 07/22/16 12/01/17 ~ 2nd 01/01/13 Current ^ 01/01/07 05/22/09
F2B 11/01/11 03/22/14 + 3rd 11/01/16 Current ^ 01/01/03 05/01/09
F3 05/01/06 09/22/06 + Other 11/01/16 Current ^ 01/01/03 05/01/09 *Information contained in
Workers this article is not legal advice
F4 01/08/05 05/01/05 + 4th Current Current 02/05/16 Current and a one to one consultation
with an attorney should be
5th Current Current Current Current sought before proceeding
with any action. DON’T
+Except for Mexico & Philippines FORGET TO CHECK
*FA: Application Final Action Dates THEIR REFERENCES.
*DF: Dates for Visa Applications
Salman Khan iS caption of one his videos read, “Yeh
bandhan toh .. pyaar ka bandhan hai
‘ma Ki aanKhon Ka tara’ #Bharat.” He also turned photographer
for co-actor Sunil Grover.
and thiS photo iS proof Well, it’s not only Salman who is
keeping his followers updated about
alman Khan is in Malta for the shoot his whereabouts. His female lead
of Ali Abbas Zafar directorial Bharat. Katrina Kaif is not far behind too.
SGoing by all the updates coming in She has posted a photo of herself
from the foreign land, it seems the 52-year- with director Ali Abbas Zafar on her
old actor is making the most out of his work Instagram story. Katrina joined the
trip. Apart from the film’s crew, the actor team of Bharat in Malta last week.
is accompanied by his family including his Bharat is scheduled for Eid 2019
mother Salma Khan. release. A short teaser of the film
Salman’s brother-in-law and Bharat’s was shared by Salman Khan on the
producer Atul Agnihotri shared a candid click occasion of India’s 72nd Independence
of the actor while he was engrossed in a Day. A remake of the South Korean
conversation with his mother. The caption of film Ode to My Father (2014), this is
the photo read, “Ma Ma ki aankhon ka tara Salman and Zafar’s third film together.
@beingsalmankhan @bharat_thefilm.” Later, They have earlier churned out hits like
Salman too posted a photo of himself where Sultan and Tiger Zinda Hai.
he is seen enjoying a bath in the waters of
Malta. Keeping the caption simple, he only
wrote, “#Paani” along with the photo.
Earlier, the Bhaijaan of Bollywood shared
videos with mother Salma as he went strolling
in the picturesque locales of Malta. The
60 |DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156 www.thebmagazine.com DALLAS |AUG 2017 | VOL 143 59
www.thebmagazine.com DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156 61
DALLAS |AUG 2017 | VOL 143 59
excluSive:
priyanKa
chopra to
Star in
hrithiK
roShan’S
KrriSh 4?
raKeSh
roShan
SpillS
the
BeanS
here has been crazy banter about how Priyanka Chopra‘s next Bollywood film will be Hrithik
Roshan‘s Krrish 4. Well, we got in touch with the creator of the series, Rakesh Roshan, for
Ta confirmation. While he didn’t really comment on PC’s presence in the film, he did mention
how the film is still in the scripting stage. He is still working on the story. Guess that’s all we will
get from him about the film, as of now.
In 2016, during Ganpati celebrations, Rakesh Roshan had tweeted about Krrish 4, by sharing
a pic of Lord Ganesha wearing the superhero garb. That was the first confirmation that the
series is still on, and later, on Hrithik’s birthday this year, the filmmaker revealed the release
date of the film. It is expected to release in Christmas 2020. Speculations were also rife that
this time around, the actor will take the director’s chair. But it turned out to be false when
we spoke to Rakesh Roshan. He rubbished the claim completely and also added, “Nothing
is fixed. Till I don’t fix my script, I will not fix up any date now.”
While speaking to PTI, Roshan Sr had revealed, “We will rope in international action
director for the film. We want to up the scale of action and VFX. Show something that
is not done.” Krrish 4 is one film we all are waiting to watch because nobody plays a
superhero better than Hrithik Roshan. But we admit it would be interesting to see PC in the fourth
film as well.
62 |DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156 www.thebmagazine.com
ranBir Kapoor partieS With Kareena recently announced his next
directorial Takht which has
Kapoor Khan and Karan johar an ensemble cast including
anbir Kapoor hosted a party on Wednesday for his family the bash. Alia Bhatt, Anil Kapoor,
Rand close friends. In attendance were cousin Kareena Sharing a photo of Kareena in his Instagram Kareena Kapoor Khan,
Kapoor Khan and friends Karan Johar, Aditya Roy Kapur, story, he wrote, “When Bebo poses in my Ranveer Singh, Janhvi
Pooja Shetty and Aarti Shetty. Though the occasion for the closet.” Another photo of Karan with the Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal and
party is not known, but from when do Bollywood celebrities caption “Besties” had him posing with Pooja Bhumi Pednekar.
need a reason to celebrate. While the paparazzi captured and Aarti Shetty. On the work front, Karan
these celebrities as they reached Ranbir’s residence in has just shot for the teaser of his popular
Mumbai, it was Karan who shared a few clicks from inside talk show Koffee With Karan. The filmmaker
www.thebmagazine.com DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156 63
DALLAS |AUG 2017 | VOL 143 61
64 |DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156 www.thebmagazine.com
hrithiK roShan’S
clothing Brand
hrx reactS to the
cheating complaint,
SayS actor and
company are
not at fault
his morning, the shocking news came out that a complaint
against Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan has been filed by
TR Muralidharan. Apparently, Muralidharan claimed that he
was appointed as the stockist by his merchandise brand in 2014
and later conspired to dupe him of Rs 21 lakhs. He also stated that
the company didn’t supply the materials regularly and dissolved
the marketing team without his knowledge.
Now, Hrithik’s brand has issued a statement and explained, that
they are not associated with the related question. The statement
reads, “Hrithik Roshan and HRX Brand have no association with
the matter in question in news. HRX Brand had been licensed to
Global Fragrances for limited purposes. License was terminated by
HRX Brand because of defaults by Global. Neither Hrithik Roshan
nor HRX Brand are responsible to Muralidharan, the complainant.
Neither HRX Brand nor Hrithik Roshan were responsible in
engaging Muralidharan, the complainant, and are not liable for
Global Fragrances’ actions.”
Hrithik will be next seen in mathematician Anand Kumar’s biopic
titled Super 30. The film is directed by Vikas Bahl, who previously
helmed Shaandaar and Queen. Earlier the film was scheduled to
release on November 30 but later on, the makers shifted it to January
25, 2019. The film will now lock horns with Emraan Hashmi starrer
Cheat India and Kangana Ranaut’s Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi
at the box office. Are you guys excited to watch Hrithik Roshan as
mathematician Anand Kumar on the silver screen? Tweet to us and
let us know…
www.thebmagazine.com DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156 65
www.thebmagazine.com
|DALLAS | OCTOBER 2017 | VOL 145
66 64 |DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156 www.thebmagazine.com
MANOJ BAJPAYEE UNVEILS FIRST
LOOK OF GALI GULEIYAN
ctor Manoj Bajpayee shared the first look of his upcoming film Gali Guleiyan,
for which he was feted with the Best Actor Award at the Indian Film Festival
Aof Melbourne (IFFM) 2018. The Satya actor on Thursday took to his Twitter
account and unveiled the poster of the film.
He tweeted, “Presenting the first poster of my highly acclaimed film ‘Gali Guleiyan’
releasing September 7. This gem of a film is far bigger in content and excellence in
all departments. Please spread the word. It matters.”
In the poster, the 49-year-old actor looks like an intense person who seems to be lost
and confused, suggesting that film will be different and will have a strong storyline.
Manoj is portraying the role of a man trapped within the walls and alleys of old Delhi
and his own mind in the film.
Earlier in an interview with The B Magazine, Manoj talking about his role said, “Gali
Guleiyan is the toughest role I have done in my entire career. You are talking about a
trapped mind, whose brain is going in thousand directions at a given time. So it tests
your skill, challenges your craft, everything you’ve done all these years. It is not an
easy character. It took a toll on me.”
Directed by Dipesh Jain, the film which also features actors Ranvir Shorey, Neeraj
Kabi and Shahana Goswami.
www.thebmagazine.com DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156 67
CHICKPEA CURRY
Ingredients Directions
1. 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1. Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium
2. 2 onions, minced heat, and fry onions until tender.
3. 2 cloves garlic, minced 2. Stir in garlic, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, cumin,
4. 2 teaspoons fresh ginger root, finely coriander, salt, cayenne, and turmeric. Cook for
chopped 1 minute over medium heat, stirring constantly.
5. 6 whole cloves 3. Mix in garbanzo beans and their liquid.
6. 2 (2 inch) sticks cinnamon, crushed Continue to cook and stir until all ingredients
7. 1 teaspoon ground cumin are well blended and heated through.
8. 1 teaspoon ground coriandersalt 4. Remove from heat. Stir in cilantro just before
9. 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper serving, reserving 1 tablespoon for garnish.
10. 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
11. 2 (15 ounce) cans garbanzo beans
12. 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
KULFI
Ingredients Directions
1. 1 1/4 cups evaporated milk 1. Combine evaporated milk, con-
2. 1 1/4 cups sweetened condensed milk densed milk and whipped topping
in a blender and blend in pieces of
3. 1 (16 ounce) container frozen whipped
bread until smooth.
topping, thawed4 slices white bread, torn into 2. Pour mixture into a 9x13 inch baking
pieces dish or two plastic ice cube trays,
4. 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom sprinkle with cardamom and freeze for 8 hours or overnight.
66 DALLAS |AUG 2017 | VOL 143 www.thebmagazine.com
|DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156
68
Saif ali Khan ringS in Birthday With Kareena Kapoor,
Sara ali Khan and iBrahim ali Khan
aif Ali Khan turns a year older today. The Sacred Games actor rang in his 48th birthday with family and friends. Kareena Kapoor Khan, Karisma Kapoor,
Soha Ali Khan, Kunal Kemmu, Sara Ali Khan and Ibrahim Ali Khan made the day a memorable one for Saif as they treated him with a lovely birthday cake
Swhich had “We Love You Saifu” written on it. The photos of the private birthday celebrations
were shared on social media by Karisma and Soha. Sharing a click with Kareena and Saif and
a boomerang video from the party, Karisma wrote, “Happy
birthday saifu ! #birthdaytime #family #friends #love
#letscelebrate #happybirthday.” Soha too shared a group
photo from the fun night. In the photo, Saif can be seen
posing with daughter Sara Ali Khan, son Ibrahim Ali Khan
and the rest of the guests. She also wished Saif and wrote
a simple, “Happy birthday !!” along with the photo.
Sara Ali Khan, who made her Instagram debut on
Independence Day, also posted the photo of Saif’s birthday cake. She arrived for the birthday bash with brother Ibrahim
and later posed for paparazzi along with dad Saif and Ibrahim. Ibrahim, who looks like Saif’s doppelganger, attracted
the attention of the photographers.
Saif’s co-actor Preity Zinta wished him on her Twitter handle. She tweeted a throwback photo and wrote, “Kyunki ‘‘Lal tumhare dil ka haal hai… lagta mujhpe pe
kamaal hai?” Happyyy Birthdayy, #SaifAliKhan! Keep shining and rocking like always!! Loads of love! #BirthdayBoy #Ting! ” Brother-in-law Kunal Kemmu also
wished the birthday boy on social media. “Happy Happy Birthday Bhai.. lots of love.. here is to more fun in the sun #happybirthday #saifalikhan,” he tweeted.
On the work front, Saif Ali Khan is riding high on the success of his first web show Sacred Games. He has garnered lot of praise for playing a cop in the Anurag
Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane directorial. Next, he will be seen on the silver screen in Nikkhil Advani’s Bazaar.
www.thebmagazine.com DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156 69
Kajol Starrer
helicopter eela
to noW releaSe
in octoBer
ctor Kajol’s Helicopter Eela has been pushed to
October as director Pradeep Sarkar has been
Ahospitalised due to dengue. The film was slated
to release on September 7.
According to the official spokesperson of the film,
Sarkar was recently diagnosed with dengue and was
hospitalised.
“While in the hospital he came out to direct a scene
with Mr. Amitabh Bachchan to complete the shooting
schedule of ‘Helicopter Eela’. Special care was taken
with an ambulance and a doctor on standby on the set.
He had an IV drip on his hand and after completing the
shoot he went back to the hospital to continue with his
treatment,” read the statement.
But producer and actor Ajay Devgn did not want to
continue the post of the film without Sarkar.
“The makers will wait for him to come out of the hospital
and be fit enough to resume work. Ajay Devgn along
with Producer Jayantilal Gada (Pen India Ltd.) decided
to shift the release date to October 12,” read the
statement.
Written by Mitesh Shah, Helicopter Eela will see Kajol
playing a single mother and an aspiring singer. It also
stars National Award-winning actor Riddhi Sen, who will
be playing Kajol’s son. The film was earlier scheduled
for September 14, but was preponed. The film will now
release on October 12.
70 |DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156 www.thebmagazine.com
I enjoy doing was not conscious. I never sat down and strategised what I am supposed
to do. I was doing commercial potboilers at the beginning of my career and
comedy because that gave me a wide reach as an actor.”
Suddenly, films like Akira, Noor started coming to her and she credits her
I’m a funny person experience of working in mainstream cinema for giving her the confidence
to shoulder films with strong female roles.
in real life: The actor is currently gearing up for the release of Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi,
the sequel to 2015 romantic-comedy Happy Bhag Jayegi.
Sonakshi is happy that today there are meatier roles being written for
Sonakshi Sinha women, across all genres.
“The trend has gotten stronger and I hope it continues because it gives
people like me so many opportunities to showcase our range. I am loving it.”
onakshi Sinha says much of her learning about Comedy isn’t a new territory for the actor who has previously featured in
acting happened on film sets, unlike today’s comedy films like Son of Sardar and Welcome to New York and Sonakshi
Snewcomers who enter the industry prepared in feels comfortable working in this space.
every aspect. Sonakshi, who made her debut in 2010 “Every actor has something that they find easy or tough. For some comedy
with Salman Khan’s Dabangg, says since she never is difficult, I personally enjoy it so I like to do it. It seems to be a good fit for
wanted to be an actor, she gradually learned things me because I happen to be a funny person in real life. While doing emotional
along the way in the industry. scenes on screen is difficult for me. I find that very challenging,” she adds.
“I never wanted to be an actor in the first place, I Also starring Jimmy Shergill and Diana Penty, Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi will
never went for workshops, acting or dancing classes. release on August 24.
Everybody who is making their debut today is so well Post Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi, the actor will be seen in Karan Johar backed
prepared. Kalank a multi-starrer.
“I am feeling good, I am doing some good work. I feel a new vigour, recharged
“They know how to face the camera, how to pose for and raring to go. I feel like I approach every film as my first and I hope that
photographers. I didn’t know any of that. I was a fat kid, never changes because that’s when I will know I am done,” she said.
I lost weight and was put in a film. I learned everything
on set,” Sonakshi told PTI.
The actor may have come along a long way but said
the process of learning has still not stopped for her.
“The learning process still continues. Even today I make
sure whoever I meet, work with, teaches me something.
It may not be related to work but just something they
said. Everybody teaches you something and I hope
that process never stops,” she added.
While the 31-year-old actor began her career with
commercial potboilers like Dabangg, Rowdy Rathore,
R…Rajkumar, Sonakshi gradually shifted to headlining
films like Akira, Noor among others.
This change in her film selection, Sonakshi said, was
not “deliberate”.
“The decision to change the kind of films I was doing
www.thebmagazine.com DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156 71
Kunal Kapoor
to join
nagarjuna
and nani
Starrer
devadaS?
f the speculations are to believed, Bollywood actor
Kunal Kapoor has been approached to join the cast of
Imulti-starrer Telugu film Devadas starring Tollywood
actors Nagarjuna and Nani in the lead roles.
According to reports, the filmmakers zeroed in on
Kunal after considering several other Bollywood actors,
including Vivek Oberoi and Neil Nitin Mukesh. He has
been offered the role of the main antagonist.
Devadas will mark Kunal Kapoor’s debut in Telugu films
and it will be his second south Indian project. Last year,
he played the anti-hero in Malayalam film Veeram, which
was written and directed by renowned filmmaker Jayaraj.
Set in 13th century Kerala, the film was the big screen
adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, Macbeth.
The production of Devadas, meanwhile, is fast nearing
completion even as the film crew is currently shooting in
Bangkok. Actor Rashmika Mandanna, who is basking in
the success of her recently released Geetha Govindam,
and Aakanksha Singh, are playing the female leads in the
film.
Nagarjuna was last seen in box office disaster Officer,
which was directed by Ram Gopal Varma. Nani’s previous
film Krishnarjuna Yudham also tanked at the box office.
72 |DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156 www.thebmagazine.com
INSIDE KAREENA KAPOOR KHAN’S FUN
TRIP TO DUBAI WITH HER GIRL GANG
areena Kapoor Khan is in Dubai
for a store launch event. And
Kgiving her company is her girl
gang, including sister Karisma Kapoor
and best friend Amrita Arora.
Bebo knows how to make her
work trips fun too and we
know this after having had a look at the photos shared by them on their
social media accounts.
Kareena looked lovely as she posed for a click before the event. In
her background, one can see a beautiful view of Dubai as well.
Photos from the launch were also shared on social media. Post
the event, Kareena was seen with her girls. Amrita and Karisma
had also shared photos before they left for their Dubai trip.
Kareena’s makeup artist Mallika Bhat is also accompanying the
stars. “Outta here,ciao #gonegirls,” wrote Amrita with the photo
while Karisma shared a few more clicks in her Instagram story.
Recently Bebo was clicked with her husband Saif Ali Khan at his
birthday celebrations. He turned 48. Not only Kareena but Karisma
Kapoor, Soha Ali Khan, Kunal Kemmu, Sara Ali Khan and Ibrahim
Ali Khan were in attendance at the
midnight
bash to make Saif’s birthday
a memorable one. On the work front,
Kareena will next be seen in Karan Johar’s
recently announced directorial Takht, with an ensemble
cast including Anil Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal, Ranveer Singh,
Janhvi Kapoor and Bhumi Pednekar. She will also begin
shooting for Good News with Akshay Kumar, Diljit Dosanjh and
Kiara Advani soon.
www.thebmagazine.com DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156 73
DALLAS |AUG 2017 | VOL 143 71
LATA MANGESHKAR
REMEMBERS
ATAL BIHARI VAJPAYEE:
I FEEL I HAVE LOST MY
FATHER AGAIN
evastated by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s songs devoted to Atalji’s poems.
death, Asia’s nightingale Lata Mangeshkar who shared a Recalling the “unforgettable” experience, Lataji says: “I still
Dvery close bonding with him, said: “He was like my father. remember the album was officially released in his home in Delhi.
He called me Beti. I called him Dadda. I feel I’ve lost my father all We had flown down for the occasion. All the poems in the album
over again. we entitled ‘Antarnaad’ were handpicked by me and my composer
“When I saw the glow on his face, his persuasive oratorical powers Mayuresh Pai. We then flew to Delhi to get his approval. When Atalji
and his love for the arts, saw the poems we had selected he was very happy, specially with
I was always reminded ‘Geet naya gata hoon’, which was among his personal favourites.
of my father (the “However there was some doubt over another poem ‘Thann gayi
legendary musician- maut se’ which we had selected. Though Atalji himself loved the
stage actor Pandit selection his (adopted) daughter and others close to him felt it was
Dinanath Mangeshkar). wrong of him to challenge death through poetry. So we decided to
When I was a child drop that poem. When we told Atalji of our decision he was very
many national leaders quiet then he said, if that’s what everyone wants, then so be it.”
and politicians would Lataji says she has seldom been more impressed by any other
visit my home. Vir politician. “Atalji hriday se kavi the aur swabhav se sadhu (he was
Savarkar was one of a poet at heart and a saint by nature). He was a visionary and India
them. Atalji reminded made rapid progress during his primeministership. I remember
me of Vir Savarkar. He was a noble soul. No words of praise can how much he did to improve relations with Pakistan. He started the
do justice to him. Atalji was never short of words. But I am.” bus service to Pakistan. And he was very keen that I be one of the
Lataji gets pensive about her association with Atalaji. “He was very first passengers in that journey to the other side of the border. He
close to me, and I to him. When we Mangeshkars inaugurated a told me that people in Pakistan were as keen to hear me as people
hospital in Pune in my name, I asked Atalji to do the inauguration. in India. But I didn’t go. It was always hard to say no to Atalji. He
He happily agreed and gave a rousing speech — as usual — was such a wonderful human being and great statesman.”
where he said he was in a dilemma as he thought naming a Lataji feels the nation has lost more than Bharat Ratna. “Dadda
hospital after me was not right. There should be a music academy was man with a vision. He could see the future. His speeches were
named after Lata Mangeshkar, not a hospital. Now what do I say? works of art. When he spoke, the nation listened. I still have his
That people should fall sick so that this hospital named after my speeches on my mobile phone. I can listen to them for hours. In
Beti would run?’ His speeches were works of art. There is not one his going India has been orphaned. But then, if he was in so much
orator in Indian politics, or for that matter in India, to match Atalji.” pain it would’ve been selfish of us to hold him back. He is now
In 2014 Lataji had the rare privilege of doing an entire album of relieved of all pain probably regaling the gods with his oration.”
74 |DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156 www.thebmagazine.com
I WISH I COULD MAKE MY
DEBUT NOW: NEENA GUPTA
Tell us about playing Tabassum, the matriarch the household. We educate our women You have been part of the industry for almost
of the family in Mulk. and then ask them to sit at home. A lot of four decades. Do you think the film industry
I play a wife, a mother. What drew me to extra-marital affairs happen because men has evolved to accommodate older female
the character was how in times of crisis she are working, meeting other people, whereas actors and not relegate them to the mother/
holds the family together. Whenever any women are sitting at home. The underlying bhabhi/mother-in-law slot?
member of the family is in trouble, she as thought for Saans was that a woman has her I wish I could make my debut in the industry
the older woman of the house helps keep the own standing even when she is not working. now. When I came to Mumbai, after doing
emotions together. Family is most important She is worth much more than her salary. Gandhi in 1982, I was so underprepared. The
to her. The film is political and socially Saans worked because I did not paint any only avenues available were Doordarshan
relevant, but at the core it is about family. character as negative. I wasn’t taking sides. and films. A sea of opportunities awaits
Earlier this year, you also wrote Kehne Ko The late ’90s saw brilliant television writing, young actors now. Things are also changing
Humsafar Hain (KKHH), a web series for with Saans, Tara, Thoda Sa Aasman, for actors like me. Older women are getting
Ekta Kapoor that deals with extramarital which had strong women characters. In the interesting roles. I am hopeful. I play an
relationships. following decade, we seem to have taken a interesting character in my forthcoming film
I had this story in my mind and approached U-turn with the ‘K’ soaps. Badhaai Ho, where I am just not a mother.
Ekta (Kapoor). I wanted to act in it, but We need to understand why they became In the West, there has been the #MeToo
Ekta said it would work better with younger hits. In our society women are still like that, movement and #timesup, where women
actors. So I wrote the story. Relationships they wear heavy sarees at home, cover their from the film fraternity have spoken about
have remained the same. The only glimmer heads and apply sindoor. People identified sexual harassment. Do you think Indian film
of change that we see is in the urban set-up, with the ‘K’ soaps. I call us a minority. Things industry will see something similar?
where women are financially independent will only change when mothers start training It will happen. It will take time. We need to
and do not tolerate any disrespect. Both men their sons to respect women. remember that all the women and people
and women are equal — which makes the You took to Twitter last year to say, ‘I live in who spoke out in Hollywood are very well-
situation untenable. The changes that you Mumbai and I am working and I am a good established. A struggling actor can never
see around — people divorcing without the actress, koee kam hai toe batao’. What made speak out. When I came to Bombay,
fear of stigma, or live-in relationships, it’s all you do that? somebody misbehaved with me. I was
a very urban phenomena. It was sheer frustration and desperation. I playing a small role in a film and he was this
KKHH has the same premise as Saans, the was going to meet a filmmaker, and someone big producer-director. I got very offended.
popular television show in the ’90s that you asked me, “When did you shift to Bombay?”. I gave an interview to a film magazine
directed and acted in. I have been asked this question many times. about this incident, and it went against me.
I had the same thoughts when I wrote Saans I was always in Bombay. Just because my People were scared to cast me, ‘ki isko kuch
in 1998 — a 30-plus woman is nothing. She husband is in Delhi, people think I am there bolenge toh pata nahin kya aur bol degi’. I
holds no place of importance in society. She too. I got so desperate and angry that I was a newcomer. As a nobody, it’s scary to
is reduced to looking after the kids, running tweeted. After that Mulk came to me. speak out.
www.thebmagazine.com DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156 75
BEING WANTED AND RESPECTED FEELS GOOD: KAJOL
ajol believes despite being a part her forthcoming release,
of major commercial films, she Helicopter Eela — reflect
Ksuccessfully managed to avoid getting that change in her.
trapped into a particular image and it has held
her in good stead with the audiences. “As an actor, I am in an
awesome place right now.
Coming from a film background, there were In the last five-six years, I
expectations from her but Kajol said she was have done a whole gamut
adamant about doing films on her own terms. of films. I am really happy
where I am today as an
“When I first entered the film industry, there actor and where I am as a
were expectations of me, of who I was and personality.”
related to. Like Tanuja’s daughter, Nutan’s
niece and Shobana Samarth’s grand “Star children go through a
daughter. I had to live up to that lineage but I lot of scrutinies these days
never took it seriously. Whether I succeeded and Kajol said whatever her children Nysa and Yug choose to do in life, they know that
or not, I did it on my own.” they have to do it on their own.
“I can do whatever I want. Nobody will stand “My kids know that they will have to do things on their own. If they choose to be in film
up and say that we did not expect this from industry there will be a lot more focus, if not, there will still be a level of expectations from
her as I do lot of stuff that is unexpected,” she them. Ajay and I have prepared them for the fact that there will be peer pressure.” Helicopter
told PTI in an interview. Eela, which also stars National award-winner Riddhi Sen, releases on September 7.
The actor said even at the height of her career, she
did not follow the number game or ran after money.
“I never thought it (being number one) was a slot
worth fighting for. What am I going to do with that?
In the long run, I wanted to feel good with what I was
doing.”
“I never believed in just being better than somebody.
Money never drove me to work. I do films that I like.
I am still wanted and respected which itself is a good
feeling,” Kajol said.
At 44, the actor, who will next be seen playing a single
mother in Helicopter Eela, believes she has evolved
both as an actor and as a person.
“I have grown immensely. We have to realise that
things have changed today. Audiences have seen
better cinema and we have to be on par with what
works today. So maybe what worked as a formula
earlier is not workable anymore. You have to change
and adapt,” she said.
Kajol believes her choice of films be it Toonpur Ka
Superhero, We are Family, My Name is Khan to
76 |DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156 74 DALLAS |AUG 2017 | VOL 143 www.thebmagazine.com
HARMONY WITH A.R. RAHMAN
FIRST IMPRESSION:
A COMPELLING NARRATIVE OF MUSIC
mazon Prime Video’s Harmony with The pilot plays out in the vein of the afore-
AR Rahman is a wonderfully-shot mentioned quote; close shots of Sajith later
Ashow that features the Mozart of Ma- shows his veins popping, muscles turning,
dras exploring the depths and roots of In- flesh dancing as his hands beat the Mizhavu
dia’s rich musical heritage. The pilot, titled repeatedly.
‘Entering the Kalari’, features Kerala-based
musician Sajith Vijayan. Harmony with AR Rahman also delves brief-
ly with caste as we are later introduced to the
In the beginning of the first episode, Rah- Mizhavu grandmaster, Guru PK Narayanan
man explains that they will be experimenting Nambiar. As Sajith and Mr Nambiar explain,
with different forms of percussion, and quite the Mizhavu since the olden days was con-
soon we are introduced to percussionist Sa- fined to the temples and was only taken out
jith Vijayan, who plays an ancient musical by the Nambiars, (historically, a ‘land-owning
instrument called Mizhavu. Mizhavu is a pot- caste’) who were the ones allowed to play it.
shaped copper drum that is usually played “The people from the community and others
during Koodiyattam and Koothu, art forms said that it should not be taken out, it’s a
prevalent in parts of Kerala. temple instrument, it should be kept there it-
self. They kept saying that. But that can’t be!
Rahman also explains why visiting Kera- If we confine something to one place, it will
la always makes him nostalgic. The com- only get ruined,” said the grandmaster, who
poser’s father, RK Shekhar, had primarily was responsible for bringing the instrument
worked in the Malayalam music industry. out in the open and making it more acces-
He had composed music for over 50 Mala- sible.
yalam films. As he recounts the tales of his
past, Rahman walks along the bylanes of Towards the end of the 40-minute episode,
Cheruthuruthy, stopping only when he spots Rahman and Sajith combine sounds from
Sajith. The two exchange greetings warmly, two drastically different instruments to cre-
with Rahman speaking rapidly in a blend of ate something new. Rahman plays the elec-
English, Tamil and Malayalam and Sajith re- tric stringed instrument called the Harpejji,
sponding primarily in the latter. while Sajith drums away at the Mizhavu.
The entire episode offers loveliness of all A special mention for director Sruti Harihara
kinds in abundance; the loveliness of see- Subramanian, who has done a commend-
ing the wildlife of Kerala, the sound of the able job of narrating the story of sound, to
Mizhavu, the meaning of what Sajith’s sen- take an intangible thing and transform it into
tences convey (as I am not familiar with Ma- something concrete is a task that only a few
layalam, I had to rely on the subtitles). There are capable of doing.
is one particular quote from the episode that
caught my attention and has stayed with me,
a few lines by poet Vallathol, which basical-
ly translates to: “When you hear India, your
heart should fill with pride. When you hear
Kerala, the blood in your veins should boil.”
www.thebmagazine.com DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156 77
Kangana
ranaut
denieS foul
play in real eState
controverSy
ctor Kangana Ranaut has dismissed the allegation by a broker that
the actor and her sister Rangoli are yet to pay the due brokerage on
Aher Pali Hill bungalow.
According to a report by DNA, the complainant, Prakkash G Rohira, said
Kangana has not paid him the whole amount towards the brokerage on
the bungalow, which she bought last year.
Shutting down the allegation, Kangana, in a statement, said, “I paid the
agency who did the Bungalow deal for me for one per cent brokerage
which adds to Rs 22 lakh. Their dues have been paid many months ago.
The said person is one of the brokers, who offered this deal to me. My
finance team never dealt with him directly but now he is harassing us for
an additional Rs 22 lakh.”
“He is claiming two per cent of the transaction made from my end, which
was never promised to him before or after the deal. So, this doesn’t make
sense and we have made it clear to the cops as well, as we have all the
evidence,” Kangana said on the subject.
On the work front, Kangana has her plate full, as she will next be seen
in the period drama Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi and in Mental Hai
Kya alongside Rajkummar Rao.
78 |DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156 www.thebmagazine.com
HarsHvardHan
Kapoor:
I always talK to
my fatHer about
fIlm cHoIces
ctor Harshvardhan Kapoor has his goals set when it comes different,” said the son of actor Anil Kapoor.
to choosing films — a script that reads new to him. He says So how often does he take his father’s advice while selecting roles?
Athat he is not here to revamp movies that others have been “I always take his advice and talk to him about film choices on a daily
doing for long. basis. However, when you say yes to a film, you have to be on set
“I feel like doing films based on whatever inspires me on the page. and believe it in yourself. The belief is very important and eventually
I am not here to do movies that others have been doing for a long my choices are always mine,” he said.
time and repackage, revamp the same and present it to the audi- Nowadays, the industry is seeing a great experimentation in the
ence. roles taken on by female actors. Does he see something similar
“I am here to do new films, and if I read something on the page that I happening with the male actors?
have never read before… that gets me going to ‘want’ to do it. I want “I would like to see the big, mainstream actors experiment with their
to do new things,” Harshvardhan told IANS in an e-mail interview. roles. I feel I have done that being a newcomer and of course, have
The 27-year-old actor, who made his Bollywood debut with Rakeysh seen Alia (Bhatt) and Sonam (Kapoor) doing it all the time in their
Omprakash Mehra’s 2016 film Mirzya, was last seen in Bhavesh choice of roles.
Joshi Superhero on the big screen. “Once you are a movie star, there is a certain pressure because of
Asked how much does the box office success matter to him, he said: a loyal fan base and they want to see you in a certain way. Luckily,
“I have always worn my heart on my sleeve and jumped head-first I am a newcomer and don’t have those kinds of expectations right
into ideas that excite me. When I’m choosing films to work on, the now and can experiment with my roles.
first question I ask myself is, does this story stir my passion? “However, if the big stars do this, it exposes new films to the au-
“And the next question is, can I do justice to the character and his dience and we need to take new genres to a wider audience so, I
contribution to the story? If the answer to these questions is a yes! would like to see it more,” he said.
I’m all in. How “fashionably fit” is he in day-to-day life?
“If the genre of the film or the story itself makes it a blockbuster, “Have you met my dad? If that man doesn’t give you serious fitness
that’s a bonus that I don’t always account for. In such cases, I would goals, no-one ever will. Living with him has been a constant source
count my blessings and continue to choose films that I truly believed of inspiration for me. I’ve come to understand, appreciate and re-
in, hoping that my work speaks for itself.” spect the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
He also said that a low budget, well-scripted film, will be his first
choice. “If we expect our bodies to perform miracles, we need to nourish
“I think it is always about the sincerity and honesty with which you them with the right fuel and maintenance. Not only is this crucial to
do something. You should never attempt to do something average, it our performance, but it’s key to our peace of mind and a general
can be bad or good, but at least you know you tried to do something sense of well-being,” said Harshvardhan.
www.thebmagazine.com DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156 79
Koffee With Karan SeaSon 6 rumourS: SrK, Salman,
Katrina, ranveer and deepiKa in gueSt liSt
ilmmaker and producer Karan Johar is all set to grace
the small screen again with the sixth season of popular
Ftalk show Koffee With Karan. As always, prior to the
premiere of the show, there are several reports claiming to
know the better chunk of the guest list. According to a report
by DNA, the first guests of the new season would be Dhadak
actors Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter. It was earlier
claimed that beloved celebrity couple Anushka Sharma and
Virat Kohli would be seen in the maiden episode of the show.
“Initially, they were thinking of opening the episode with
Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli, but now it will most
likely be Janhvi-Ishaan. Virat and Anushka will be making
an appearance on the show, but in a later episode,” DNA
quoted a source as saying.
The same report claims that an episode will also feature
Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif and Salman Khan together.
Now that would be one interesting episode to watch if that
actually happens. Incidentally, Katrina, who shares a good
rapport with both the actors, will be sharing screen space
with SRK as well as the Bhai of Bollywood in Zero and
Bharat, respectively.
“Salman and SRK are buddies and individually too, they
share a great rapport with Karan. SRK has his film Zero
coming up, which stars Katrina. She is Salman’s heroine
in Bharat, too. So, it makes sense that she joins the two
superstars. Also, both SRK and Salman are witty and
together they can pull Kat’s leg making it a fun episode.
They are working on the concept and if all goes well, the
trio will be seen together for the first time on Karan’s show,”
DNA reported.
And of course, with all the big stars reportedly coming
together for Karan’s show, how could recently-engaged
Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas be left behind? Various
reports say that the dynamic duo has also been extended
an invite for Koffee With Karan Season 6. Other guests who
have been pitched as favourites for the new season include
rumoured lovebirds Alia Bhatt-Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika
Padukone-Ranveer Singh, Shah Rukh Khan’s daughter
Suhana Khan and Sunny Leone. Leone has been in the
news lately for her web series Karenjit Kaur: The Untold
Story of Sunny Leone.
“Karan has shot for a promotional video and a photoshoot for
the new season. As always, he is excited to get top actors to
spill the beans on the couch. While the final guest list hasn’t
been locked yet, it will definitely be an interesting one,” a
source had confirmed to indianexpress.com recently.
Koffee with Karan Season 6 will premiere on October 21 on
Star World at 9 pm.
80 |DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156 www.thebmagazine.com
aKShay Kumar BecomeS firSt
BollyWood actor to croSS 20 million
inStagram folloWerS
kshay Kumar, who has become the first Bollywood actor to score 20 million
followers on Instagram, received an memento for the milestone.
AThe Gold actor on Monday shared a photo of himself with the memento given to
him by Instagram.
“Here’s another gold from the good people at Instagram. Glad to share, the first Bollywood
Actor (Male) to cross the 20 million followers milestone is yours truly. Thank you all once
again for the love, sending lots of love and prayers your way,” Akshay Kumar wrote on
Instagram.
Earlier this month, the actor was seen celebrating the milestone with streamers and a
boomerang video.
On the work front, Akshay’s recently released movie Gold is riding high at the box office.
The film is yet another successful innings for Akshay at the box office after the success
of his last two releases, PadMan and Toilet: Ek Prem Katha.
Gold tells a fictionalised story of the unprecedented victory of Indian hockey team at
1948 Olympics. Apart from Akshay, Gold also stars Mouni Roy, Kunal Kapoor, Vineet
Kumar Singh, Amit Sadh and Sunny Kaushal. Reema Kagti, the helmer of movies like
Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd and Talaash, is the director of Gold.
The actor also has couple of movies like Kesari, Housefull 4 and Good News in his kitty.
DALLAS |AUG 2017 | VOL 143 79
www.thebmagazine.com DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156 81
CHANDNI CHOWK
See Pg 95
82 |DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156 www.thebmagazine.com
CHANDNI CHOWK
www.thebmagazine.com DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156 83
SportS StorieS
are eaSier to
underStand and
inSpire people:
farhan aKhtar
ilmmaker-actor Farhan Akthar, who is gearing up for his
next film The Sky is Pink, has said sports stories are easier
Fto understand and they also inspire people.
Farhan has played role of legendary Indian sprinter Milkha Singh
in Bhag Milkha Bhag.
When asked Farhan whether cinema on sports is emerging
as a trend, he said, “We always look up to sporting icons and
sporting legends over the time that we have had, to bring their
stories onscreen. There is a lot I think, for children especially, to
learn about character and life and it also helps to re-invent you
and to deal with failure.”
Farhan feels stories based on sports personalities inspire people
in general.
“I think if you can take stories from sports, they are easier for
people to understand and they inspire people because they are
not very complicated so, it gets easy for children and people in
general to learn life lessons from sports.”
In the near future, audience will be able to see sports film based
on India’s 1983 World Cup win titled as 83 in which Ranveer
Singh is playing the role of former Indian captain Kapil Dev.
On the other hand, Sharddha Kapoor will play role of Indian
shuttler Saina Nehwal in Amol Gupte’s upcoming film.
“As far as cinema on sports is concerned, I think nothing can be
more dramatic. When you watch a sport, be it cricket or football
or badminton, we have seen the events in a match, where you
feel this has played out in a way which couldn’t even be scripted.
“If you write it, then people might question that how is it possible?
So, there is lot of drama in sports and that’s what makes it so
enjoyable to watch. In sports, heroes emerge and stories are
created in a way that you cannot possibly imagine,” he said.
The Sky is Pink is a biographical drama film directed by Shonali
Bose and co-produced by Siddharth Roy Kapur, Ronnie
Screwvala under the banner of RSVP films.
The film is based on motivational speaker Aisha Chaudhary who
was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis.
It stars Priyanka Chopra, Farhan Akhtar and Zaira Wasim in
lead roles.
84 |DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156 www.thebmagazine.com
SimmBa actor
ranveer Singh:
conSciouS choice
for me to Be a
verSatile actor
n his eight-year-old career, Ranveer Singh has played a lazy
lad-turned-wedding planner, a charming thief, a Gujarati Ro-
Imeo, a Maratha warrior and most recently a vile Sultan.
The actor, who is awaiting the release of his next, Simmba,
says the idea of working in the Rohit Shetty directorial got all
his adrenaline pumped up, something he thrives on.
After the mega success of Padmaavat, Ranveer is geared up
to play a Mumbai cop Sangram Simmba Bhalerao in his last
offering for 2018. “‘Simmba is the type of film I loved as a kid.
The masala film is something that attracted me to become an
actor in the first place. Getting a chance to work with Rohit
Shetty who is the king of masala movies is a huge deal for me.
I find it very challenging. You have to perform so many things
– there is comedy, action, drama- everything together…,” he
said.
“This movie has a lot of all genres. The adrenaline is what I
live for and hence shooting for this was a blast,” the actor said.
The 33-year-old actor says he tried his best to get into the skin
of the character but felt a bit nervous about working with Rohit.
“It was a blast working with Rohit and the rest of the cast. I did
feel a slight pressure to deliver but that was just me wanting to
ace my first film as a masala hero with Rohit,” he says.
For the actor, who still runs like a free spirit in terms of being
labelled as a “type” of performer, Ranveer finds comedy the
toughest cookie to crack.
“It’s always been a conscious choice for me to be a versatile
actor. Growing up, I used to always admire actors who had
that chameleon quality and who could transform themselves
into anyone and any kind of genre. Those are the type of ac-
tors I aspire to be and hence I always ensure all roles that I
choose are starkly different from each other,” he says.
“Comedy is the hardest as you need to nail it with every di-
alogue delivery. I don’t have any expectations for December
but I’m just enjoying the process. It’s very enriching and I’m
trying to absorb all of it. It’s exciting to see the audience antic-
ipation though,” he adds.
Also starring debutante Sara Ali Khan, Simmba is set to open
on December 28.
www.thebmagazine.com DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156 85
SUNNY LEONE SHARES
HOW SHE KNEW DANIEL
WEBER WAS ‘THE ONE’
he official Humans of Bombay page recently met
Sunny Leone, and they have presented their followers
Twith a lesser-known side of Bollywood actor. In the
post, Sunny Leone talks about her love story with husband
Daniel Weber. How the two met and how their love grew,
Sunny says it all, and their love shines through in the way
she narrates their story. She knew Daniel was the one
when he stuck by her even in tough times.
Sunny Leone has often spoken about her husband Daniel
Weber. The duo’s love story also features in her recently
released biopic series titled Karenjit Kaur – The Untold
Story of Sunny Leone.
In the post, Sunny Leone reveals how they met and how
it was Daniel’s persistence that got her interested in him.
She says, “We met through Daniel’s band mate at a club in
Vegas. He says it was love at 1st sight, not for me though,
because all we did was make small talk–there weren’t any
floating hearts or violins. But somehow he got my number
& email ID. What I liked is that he didn’t call me, but emailed
me instead–that’s how we began talking. Coincidentally,
I was going to NY, where he lived when he emailed me It was in the face of tragedy that Daniel supported her whole-heartedly.
saying, ‘You’re never going to give me your number, are She says, “Within a few months of dating, my mom passed away. I’d
you?’ Which is when I gave in & he asked me out.” expect a guy to run from such an emotional responsibility–but he stayed.
Not only for me, but for my family. I’d wake up crying at night & he’d
Sunny then proceeds to speak about her first date with hold me. He didn’t try to fix the situation–he was present & that’s what
Daniel and says, “I was late for our 1st date. But like a mattered. I knew then that he was the one, but it was his turn to make
gentleman, he waited patiently. When I reached & we me wait.”
started talking–there was the violin moment. The whole The proposal story is just as perfect. Sunny says, “I remember it like it
restaurant disappeared & it was just us. We spoke for 3 was yesterday. I was looking for a box to put my ring in. When randomly,
hours–it was like I’d known him forever.” he gave me this beautiful mahogany box which he’d made. It said, ‘With
She talks about their budding love in its early days: “We love, Daniel.’ I was so excited with the box, when he said, ‘I also have
had a long courtship–in the beginning, it was just us getting another ring for you!’ YES!! I was jumping–how could I not? I’m so lucky
to know each other. I remember when I was in Oman–he to have him. The proposal was simple–exactly how I wanted it.”
sent me a mixed CD & flowers from across the world! I had
a stack of calling cards because of how much we spoke! Sunny talks about the dream she’s living with Daniel and their kids, “It’s
I was in love. He’s so considerate & supportive. In fact, been 7 years now & we’re just the same. He supports every dream of
because he wasn’t comfortable with me working with other mine like it’s his own–he makes me believe that anything is possible. And
men in my adult films, he began working with me & we when we’re all together–the kids, me & Danny making us breakfast…life
started our own company.” itself is a dream, one I can’t believe I’m living.”
86 |DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156 www.thebmagazine.com
Sushmita Sen:
neW generation of Women are more
Supportive of each other
ctor Sushmita Sen says society is moving in the right
direction as women no longer believe in elbowing each
Aother to be “one-up”.
The 42-year-old actor says the world has become a better
place as even men are now more supportive of women and are
accepting their individuality.
“What I love about the times we are living in now is that women
don’t need to pull down other women to be better or one up. Now,
if somebody asks them to do that they usually dump the person.
The new generation of women and even men are far more
supportive of each other. I find this excellent. There was a time
when everybody was busy doing ‘What is she wearing? How is
she looking?’ I am happy that is changing now. I am very glad to
see that because my children are growing in that environment,”
Sushmita told PTI in an interview.
The actor says women are now motivated enough to take stand
for themselves. “I don’t talk about things like women power and
this and that. Because I believe fighting for it is saying we are
weaker. I don’t believe in that concept. For me, there is no fighting
for women,” she says.
Sushmita believes another significant change that has come
over the years is that women have become more confident about
their appearance.
“Life becomes easier when we stop aping people. Which is on all
fronts, be it looks, body shape or anything. It is going against the
grain of your DNA. Everyone is build a certain way and differently.
If we are not going to appreciate who we are, the world definitely
doesn’t have the time for us.
“I believe people, especially women, have become more
accepting of who they are. And if somebody doesn’t like them
that way they don’t shy away from showing them the door.”
Sushmita was speaking on the sidelines of Lakme Fashion Week
Winter/Festive 2018, where she walked the ramp for the show
presented by RMV Silks in collaboration with designer Sunita
Shanker.
www.thebmagazine.com DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156 87
Swara BhaSker
on deactivating
tWitter account:
i’m on digital detox
wara Bhasker has temporarily deactivated her Twitter
account. The actor says she is on a “digital detox”.
SWhen searched for the actor’s verified account with
the handle, @ReallySwara, the page showed no results.
Swara told PTI that she is currently holidaying in Europe and
will be back on Twitter when she returns home.
“I deactivated it. Digital detox. (I) will be back when I return to
India next week,” she told PTI over a series of text messages.
“I wasn’t able to enjoy my holiday and was all the time tracking
what’s happening in India. I just felt I’m getting addicted to
Twitter,” she added.
According to reports, the 30-year-old actor, who is a vocal
critic of the central government, had gone off the micro-
blogging site due to incessant trolling on her posts.
But the actor refuted the claims, saying “All other reasons
being ascribed are mere speculation and gossip!” Swara,
however, is still active on other social media platforms —
Facebook and Instagram.
Swara has been generously sharing pictures of her Europe
trip on Instagram.
On the work front, Swara Bhasker was last seen in a bold
avatar in Kareena Kapoor Khan and Sonam Kapoor starrer
Veere Di Wedding. The actor had grabbed quite a few
eyeballs for her performance in the film.
88 |DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156 www.thebmagazine.com
SheKhar Suman on atal Bihari vajpayee: it WaS
fun to portray him BecauSe of hiS manneriSmS
Actor Shekhar Suman, who impersonated Atal Bihari Vajpayee that would be a wrong term to use. I did an impression of him. There
often on his TV show in the 1990s, says the former Prime is a huge difference as the first one borders on caricature, while the
Minister’s mannerisms were so extraordinarily dramatic that second one is an impersonation.”
he became a performer’s favourite muse. Suman, who first did “Though my show was an irreverent show whenever I talked about
an impression of Vajpayee in his popular late night talk-show him I was filled with awe, admiration and reverence,” Suman, who is
Movers and Shakers, says even while performing the character in Switzerland at the moment, told PTI over the phone.The actor, who
he would be in awe of the leader. has also dabbled in politics, remembers Vajpayee as a selfless politician, a freedom fighter and
Among India’s tallest politicians, Vajpayee, a three-time Prime as one above party lines and differences.“He was, indeed, a statesman who thought and fought
Minister and Bharat Ratna, passed away on August 16 in New for his country. A gentle soul and a thorough gentleman. An intense poet and a good Samaritan,
Delhi after a prolonged illness at the age of 93. erudite and a philosopher. Atal ji lent dignity and credibility to politics which is considered to be the
“I have the highest regard for Atal ji. I never mimicked him, last refuge of a scoundrel.
www.thebmagazine.com DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156 89
DALLAS |AUG 2017 | VOL 143 87
naWazuddin Siddiqui: through manto, i
am voiceing opinionS i Wouldn’t Be aBle
to Say otherWiSe
efore gracing the screen as Saadat have an Amrish Puri or Jeevan, that time To be as honest as possible was the big-
Hasan Manto and Bal Thackeray in has passed. We should get rid of this ‘villain’ gest challenge. The story is so relevant for
BManto and Thackeray, respectively, or ‘negative role’ categories. Real-life peo- today’s time.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui will be seen in Anil ple are flawed. Q. Manto is also about freedom of speech
Sharma directorial Genius. In a conversa- I play an engineer in Genius. Through the and expression. Has freedom of speech,
tion with indianexpress.com, Nawaz talks character, I have tried to explore another within a film or otherwise, become difficult?
about his character in Genius, Sacred aspect within me. When it is categorised as I have hardly been vocal about my thoughts
Games, Manto and more. a negative character, it hurts because this on social media. When I did once or twice, I
Q. How different is the character in Genius character for me is a human I have put my was abused and trolled. So, I have become
from other negative characters or charac- heart and soul to explore. thoughtless and don’t want to speak about
ters with grey shades you have played so Q. Your films have always received critical anything.
far? appreciation be it in India or abroad. But Q. Are you scared to voice yourself?
I am doing Manto, Thackeray and have you recently said that the actual recognition Not scared. I am just working, and I feel I am
done love stories as well. So, I am not just you received was with Netflix series Sacred expressing through my characters. There
good at negative characters. I have done Games. Did you expect it? are a lot of things I have tried to say through
varied roles. Negative character term used It is very good that Sacred Games has Manto, which I would not have been able to
to be prominent in 60s, 70s and till 90s. The gained popularity among the masses. I did say otherwise. My characters have become
change started happening from the 90s. not expect it to receive so much love. When my expression.
Now, we have started to show goodness in I work, I am aiming to explore the character, Apart from the things that usually happen
negative characters and today, even a hero the situation, and that is the most interesting on it, social media has become a platform
has a tinge of grey shade in him. In films, aspect. for hate too. I mean, movie releases and
I strongly believe it is the hero who is the Q. What was difficult – To match the men- someone writes on my wall “I will give only
most typecast. These days each character tality of Manto or to get rid of the character 2 stars”. My question is who are you to rate
is more close to how a human is. We do not post the film? the film?
90 |DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156 www.thebmagazine.com
Shah ruKh Khan
aSKS eKta Kapoor
aBout the love of
her life
n a recent video posted by Ekta Kapoor on Twitter, the TV czar
and Shah Rukh Khan are seen having a candid chat about love.
IIn the short video, Ekta can be seen smiling coyly after Shah
Rukh asks her about her love life as she just says, “I love you sir”.
The video was later removed but various fan pages of the star are
sharing the same.
As per a report in Mumbai Mirror, Shah Rukh Khan has been roped
in by the Balaji Telefilms head to kick-start the reboot of her much-
loved show Kasautii Zindagii Kay. The second season of the show
features Erica Fernandes and Parth Samthaan playing the roles of
Prerna and Anurag, respectively. Bigg Boss star Hina Khan is said
to be playing the role of Komolika in the reboot.
A source informed the publication, “Following a brainstorming
session, Ekta decided to join in and the two discuss timeless
romance on camera with SRK playfully prodding Ekta about her
love life.”
Star Plus show Kasautii Zindagii Kay went on air in 2001 with
Shweta Tiwari and Cezanne Khan in lead roles. The reboot has
been highly anticipated by the audience as it promises to bring
back the romance of its title characters Anurag and Prerna.
It is yet to be seen how the reboot will be modified to keep up with
the current times. The teaser of the reboot was earlier posted by
Ekta Kapoor and it reminded the viewers of the original show.
www.thebmagazine.com DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156 91
especially in expreSSo SeaSon 2: i’ve
case of those
for whom life alWayS WorKed on my
has been oWn termS, SayS
extremely
challenging.
It’s all relative. aiShWarya rai
So within your
own story, you know that it’s taken a lot
of commitment, a lot of hard work, a lot films I’m committed to. Films in the West
of struggles within your own dynamic and work a little differently. They say ready to
nothing comes easy. Nobody is free of roll out in two months and then they lock
perceptions, and jibes can hurt anyone you off for that period of time because of
irrespective of who they are. the insurances. In India, schedules are
Being in the profession that you’re in, would interlaced. Even when Troy was spoken
you ever consider cosmetic surgery? about, they were saying at least six-nine
God’s been kind so far and its each to their months to lock because it was a huge film.
own in the choices that they make. When Of course, you understand the impact of
people have not explored it, we tend to the largesse of the piece of cinema, but
say maybe not yet, but if you asked me 20 to lock off that kind of time when you have
You’ve been busy juggling many duties — years ago would I ever colour my hair, at those, albeit very small films here, which
I was committed to, I couldn’t get myself
motherhood, films and Cannes. How do that point, I would’ve been like no. I think to just kick those to the curb. It’s exciting
you do it so effortlessly? people should make informed choices. because these are huge offers, it’s difficult
The trick is that it is seeming effortless. You’ve been among the first to demand pay because you know you’re walking away.
It is a lot of hard work, like it is for every proportionate to your stardom, way before We see you once every couple of years
working woman or every working mother. conversations started on wage parity. Do in smaller parts. What are your upcoming
But the choices are what we make. When you think Bollywood has changed for the projects?
it comes to work, we have to find pleasure better ever since? I made my statement with Iruver where I
within that. When it comes to the kid, it’s From the time I started, I’m grateful for the said I would love to work with filmmakers
all pleasure, there is so much love in that producers I’ve worked with, but right from in parts. I’m glad I did that in that in my
space. the beginning, I’ve worked on my own first film so that people don’t think it’s a
In your latest film, Fanney Khan, you play terms. I don’t think I ever brought up pay transition phase at any point in time. You
a singer who has an admirer in Pihu, who parity. I was never compared to anybody, work in a regional film not because you
wants to be like you. People somehow even from my modelling days, in the little don’t have work in Hindi films. You’re
don’t believe in her because she is fat. bit work that I did. I still remember that I did showing the world that I’m open to doing
You’ve been through body shaming at very few shows on the ramp. I bring that parts and it has got nothing to do with what
Cannes post your delivery. Did it affect you as an example because I remember that time in your career, what phase of your
in any way? I was a student and I could hardly attend career. I’ve always mixed it up — there is
We’re all human, we all go through the rehearsals but I had a natural sway to my Indian, traditional, mature, contemporary,
sting but the truth is only we can develop walk. This was a bit of a debate, because there is light-hearted and now with Ae
the ability for ourselves to try and withstand I was obviously getting the pay scale of a Dil… I’m not going to announce it as guest
that or negate it or push it aside or take top model and if you have to define height, appearance. There was a thought about
it in your stride. It’s really about your I’m 5’7”, I’m not somebody who is hitting should you be doing publicity when you’re
perspective and your outlook… that’s why the gym, I was not attending rehearsals. a chapter, as I politely put it, in film, and I
I keep going on and on that we have to be They said you’re doing your job and you’re said, I’m a team player.
our own best friend, and by that I mean fine, you’re getting paid for what you’re How is life with Aradhya growing up?
be brutally honest with yourself. In doing delivering and what you’re commanding. I guess perception is going to be a part
so we can self-help, we can self-heal. The I’m grateful that there were people who of her life as well. She is my daughter so
idea of doing a Fanney Khan is not just got that because I’m not just shooting the I’m obviously going to be gushing. Life
to bring to fore the very obvious topic of breeze and negotiating. Fortunately, I got is beautiful with her, she’s the reason I
what a lot of impressionable youngsters/ to work with some great talent but I had to breathe. People ask me if it’s hard work.
kids go through. It is also about people at a walk away from a lot of work as well. Parenting is, but something just clicks, it
later stage in their lives, who are possibly You were one of the first actors who made it becomes a part of you. You don’t ever feel
internally still battling with their sense of to mainstream Hollywood movies, outside the onus of it at any point in time. It’s not
self. the Indo-British projects. You didn’t do pressure, there is no rule book, every day
What are your struggles, if any? many films. Why? is new.
I can see why perceivably life seems easier, I’ve always been righteous about the
92 |DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156 www.thebmagazine.com
aBhiSheK Sharma:
parmanu WaS a
Story that needed
to Be told
Parmanu is one of 2018’s You made Parmanu as a drama-
sleeper hits. The John Abra- tised version of the Pokhran test.
ham and Diana Penty starrer Do you think it takes away from
is a historical drama based on the actual event?
India’s 1998 Pokhran nuclear For me, Parmanu is a plot-driv-
tests. The Abhishek Sharma en story. It is not about one per-
directorial released on May son or a few people, it is about
25, and had its world televi- the nation. The Pokhran tests
sion premiere on Wednesday. were a massive thing. Years of
On the sidelines of the TV pre- hard work went into the tests,
miere, Abhishek spoke to indi- believe in ‘Natyashashtra’ and how there are for around 25-30 years. People
anexpress.com about what goes into making 9 ‘rasas’. Comedy is the ‘haasya’ rasa and on the mission changed, but the mission re-
a successful patriotic film in today’s time. Parmanu falls in the ‘veer rasa’ category in mained. Hence, the film is on this mission
Here are excerpts from the interview. a way. I don’t want to limit myself to a partic- and it was important that the focus remains
Did you expect Parmanu will receive this ular genre. My work is of a storyteller and I on that, and doesn’t become a glorification of
kind of success? love telling different kinds of stories. So, the a certain people. However, the people from
I am quite relieved that the film was released, thought process was simple. This was the the mission who are there in everybody’s
and that people actually liked it. And now I story I was excited to tell and John (Abra- minds like APJ Abdul Kalaam and Atal Bihari
am excited about the television premiere as ham) gave me the opportunity and I had to Vajpayee, we have given them due credit.
I understand the power of television. Our film tell it in the best way possible. And, we have also given credit to Dr. Chi-
will now be received by a majority of people, I have always said that humour is, in a way, dambaram and Dr. Kakodkar. But that was
it’ll be in every household, in every town in my second language and it automatically not the focus of the film. The focus was on
the country and all over the world. TV view- comes into my narrative, of any nature. But the country standing up for itself, after years
ers are much more than cinema-goers. I should not make it my only language. The of hard work we reached glory. If we glorify
After directing hit comedies, you made Par- best thing artistes can do to themselves is only the known faces, we take away the hard
manu which was out of your comfort zone. to be versatile. Parmanu for me was a big work put in by other unknown faces. It was a
Why? step. It was a game changer as far as I am massive operation, hundreds of people were
There was a story that needed to be told. I concerned. involved in it.
www.thebmagazine.com DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156 93
ICONIC
RK STUDIO
TO BE SOLD,
RISHI KAPOOR
CONFIRMS
Last year, a fire broke out in a RK Studio building during the shoot
of reality show Super Dancer 2, which destroyed invaluable RK
Films memorabilia.
ctor Rishi Kapoor has confirmed that the Kapoor family,
unanimously, has decided to sell off the iconic RK Studio,
Aestablished by the legendary late actor Raj Kapoor some
four decades ago at Chembur, Mumbai. In an interview to Mum-
bai Mirror, Rishi said that while there is an emotional attachment
to the place, the studio “had become a huge white elephant, toting Reports revealed all the costumes worn by the RK leading la-
up losses.” dies, from Nargis and Vyjayanthimala to Aishwarya Rai, costume
jewellery, the clown mask of Mera Naam Joker, the guns used in
“We brothers are strongly bonded. But who knows about our chil- Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai, publicity material, and the grand
dren and grand-children? What if differences crop up in the next piano used ever so prominently in Awara, Sangam and Bobby,
generation? The studio would only end up in litigation as so many were burnt to cinders. Iconic films such as Awaara (1951), Shree
industrial and textile estates have. There would be family differ- 420 (1955), Mera Naam Joker (1970) and Bobby (1973) among
ences and only lawyers would end up charging heavy sums of others were shot in the studio.
fee. Do you think my father would have liked to see his labour of Rishi further said that there is no timeline and it could take up to
love become the subject of courtroom proceedings?” Rishi said two days, months or years to sell off the studio.
while talking about the decision to sell off RK Studio.
94 |DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156 www.thebmagazine.com
GHOUL: RADHIKA APTE
SHINES AS THE
CONSCIENTIOUS NIDA
RAHIM IN NETFLIX’S LATEST
hen someone mentions the word “Horror”, I
immediately associate it with Ramsay Brothers,
Wwho were popular for producing movies like
Purana Mandir, Darwaza and Bandh Darwaza, and of
course, the television series the Zee Horror Show. The
Indian brand of horror has been a blend of sleazy and
scary (and I use ‘scary’ very loosely here) for the longest
time. Here’s looking at you, Vikram Bhatt. But Netflix
India’s second original series Ghoul hopefully marks a
new innings for horror here.
A three-part series, Ghoul is produced by Anurag
Kashyap’s Phantom Films and American production
house Blumhouse Productions. For Blumhouse, which
has backed films like the Oscar-nominated Get Out and
Paranormal Activity, showing interest in bankrolling an
Indian horror series is telling. Something does beckon
once you sit down to watch the series. A sense of
discomfort and eerie crawl out from the confines of the
screen and makes its way to your head.
The pilot introduces us to Nida Rahim, played by Radhika
Apte, who wonderfully downplays the horror of it all.
Radhika as Nida goes through phases of fear – the fear
that her father (played by the skillful SM Zaheer) might be
branded an anti-national, the fear of losing her father, the
fear of not being loyal to her nation and her duty, the fear
of her nightmares, and of course the almost tangible fear
of the ghoul itself. As she is the protagonist, the camera
captures her movements closely, and there are quite a
few close-up shots of the actor, in those moments director
Patrick Graham raises his hat to the fashion in which
horror cinema has been shot for decades.
Set in the dystopian future, Ghoul’s primary plot revolves
around army officer Nida Rahim, who is called upon to help
in a special mission, to help interrogate and break terrorist
Ali Saeed. Nida is an independent, unafraid woman who
believes in only carrying out her duties, in fact, she is
so conscientious that she barely hesitates in delivering
her father to the government after discovering that he is
teaching his students to ask questions and is instructing
them in ‘seditious literature.’ She then makes her way
to Meghdoot 31–interestingly, ‘Meghdoot,’ which literally
means ‘cloud messenger’ was the code name given to
the Indian army during the Siachen conflict, which hints
what Nida is about to face is akin to capturing a glacier,
just as monumental. She soon faces the ghoul along with
her colleagues, and what happens next forms the rest of
the narrative.
www.thebmagazine.com DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156 95
imtiaz ali:
i’ve gained more
from failureS than
from SucceSSeS
ailures do not devastate Imtiaz Ali, who believes he learns a lot
more from them than success as he constantly questions his
Fcraft.
Ali’s films have always found their audience, be it Jab We Met,
Rockstar, Highway or Tamasha. His last directorial, Jab Harry Met
Sejal, however, didn’t live up to the expectations and the director is
aware of how the film fared.
“I’m always questioning my craft. This is not the first or the last failure
or disappointment that I’m going to have in life. I genuinely mean,
I’ve gained more from my failures than from my successes,” the
filmmaker said in a group interview.
“There’s only that much pain that actually hits me when I realise that
something has fallen short of expectations. It doesn’t devastate me.
It’s fine, both are equal to me,” Ali added.
The director’s collaboration with superstar Shah Rukh Khan for Jab
Harry Met Sejal had raised a lot of hope but the film did not do the
wonders at the box office upon it’s release last year.
When asked did he analyse why the film couldn’t work, Ali says, “My
analysis will always be biased. People around me who love me are
biased, if I’m thinking from my brain, that’s only my perspective.
“It is very difficult to reach across that line and go that side and look. I
try. After a film is done I don’t calculate it. I don’t get into postmortem.
I let it go because it’s released and I can’t do anything.”
Ali says all his films are made with equal passion. “If the experience
has to teach me something, it will reach out. You make every film with
equal passion- whether it’s JHMS or Rockstar. Some films will do
better, sometimes I feel I am getting too much credit for something,
sometimes I feel I’m not.”
While Ali’s films may be about introspection, finding oneself and
coming of age, all of them are also about the power of love. But the
director insists he does not know much about that feeling.
“I don’t know if I have experienced true love. Even when I was as
young as you and now that I’m as old as myself, I don’t think I’ve
understood anything different or better about love. I think its an
enigma.
“All my movies seem to be about love but it isn’t that I have any
answer. Personally I am as lost and confused, may be more, than
you are. I am not a romantic person in personal life,” he adds.
96 |DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156 www.thebmagazine.com
www.thebmagazine.com DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156 97
Anupam Kher
Wishes Wife
Kirron Kher a
Happy 33rd
Wedding
Anniversary
On Anupam Kher and Kirron Kher’s wedding anniversary,
the former took to Twitter to wish his ‘dearest Kirron’ a
happy 33rd anniversary.
Anupam Kher shared some beautiful unseen pictures of
the two thanking her for the love and laughter. The post
read, “Happy 33rd Anniversary dearest Kirron. Thank
you for your love and laughter. Thank you for your grace.
It has been a great journey of ups & downs. But it has
been a solid one. Many more to come.”
” Chandigarh is lucky to have you as it’s MP @
KirronKherBJP ji. Mumbai misses you,” added the actor.
On the work front, Anupam Kher has been busy with
some international projects. He will also be seen in the
upcoming political drama-The Accidental Prime Minister.
The film, which is based on the 2014 memoir of the same
name, has been written by Manmohan Singh’s media
adviser Sanjay Baru.
The movie revolves around Singh’s life, the economist,
and politician who served as the Prime Minister of India
from 2004 to 2014 under the United Progressive Alliance
(UPA).
It also features Arjun Mathur and Aahana Kumra as
Congress president Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka
Gandhi, respectively, while Suzanne Bernert will portray
the role of former Congress president Sonia Gandhi.
Directed by debutant Vijay Gutte and written by Hansal
Mehta, the flick is set to hit the theatres on 21 December.
98 |DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156 www.thebmagazine.com
Bharat:
Salman Khan and
Katrina Kaif’S
chemiStry in neW
Still iS undeniaBle
alman Khan starrer Bharat has taken the social media by storm.
The actor has been sharing photos from the sets of the film.
SOn Saturday, Salman shared a photo from a song shoot. In
the photo, we can see Salman and Katrina Kaif indulging in some
Bollywood-style romance, reminiscent of “Dil Diyaan Gallan”. Fans
are kicked to know more about the song, which marks the film’s first
schedule wrap. We also see Salman dressed in black sherwani while
Katrina is seen wearing a beautifully embroidered lehenga.
Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, the film marks third collaboration of the
filmmaker with Salman. The two have earlier worked together in
blockbuster Sultan (2016) and Tiger Zinda Hai (2017). The film also
stars Sunil Grover in a pivotal role. Katrina had shared a photo of the
comedian-actor as he posed for the camera.
Bharat was earlier supposed to star Priyanka Chopra as the female
lead, however, Katrina replaced the actor after the former decided to part of @Bharat_TheFilm & and the reason is very very special ,
call it quits. she told us in the Nick of time about her decision and we are very
The news of Priyanka walking out of the film was confirmed by Ali happy for her … Team Bharat wishes @priyankachopra loads of
Abbas on Twitter. He had written, “Yes Priyanka Chopra is no more love & happiness for life.”
www.thebmagazine.com DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156 99
ENGLISH VINGLISH ACTOR SUJATA KUMAR PASSES AWAY
Sujata Kumar, who played the role cancer, was admitted in Mumbai’s somebody’s plunged a hard cold knife
of Sridevi’s sister in 2012 Bollywood Lilavati hospital. On Facebook, Suchitra into my heart & ripped the ground from
movie English Vinglish, passed away shared that the actor will be cremated at under my feet as i sit outside ICU & pray
on Sunday night. Her sister and actor Juhu Crematorium. She said, “We are for my big sis my mother my best friend
Suchitra Krishnamoorthi shared the bidding our last farewell to Sujata Kumar my darling Sujata Kumar as she battles
news on her social media accounts. She at Juhu Crematorium, Vile Parle west, for her life inside Pls join me & my family
tweeted, “Our beloved Sujata Kumar has near Pavan Hans today 20th august in r prayers for her
passed away and moved on to a better 2018 at 11 am Sujata was a well-known face in both
place leaving us with an umimaginable On August 18, Suchitra Krishnamoorthi television and film industry. Apart from
void. She left us an hour ago at 11.26 had informed her followers that her sister English Vinglish, she also appeared in
pm on the 19th of august 2018..Life can Sujata Kumar was in the ICU and was movies like Raanjhanaa, Guzaarish,
never be the same again …” fighting for her life. Along with a photo Gori Tere Pyaar Mein, Salaam-E-Ishq,
Sujata, suffering from fourth stage of her sister, she had said, “It feels like Kya Love Story Hai, Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyo and West Is West.
100 |DALLAS | SEPTEMBER 2018 | VOL 156 www.thebmagazine.com
The words you are searching are inside this book. To get more targeted content, please make full-text search by clicking here.
Discover the best professional documents and content resources in AnyFlip Document Base.
Search