ExclusivE!
November 7, 2012 ` 50 www.filmfare.com
virat Kohli prEfErs
KarEEna to priy priyanKa anKa and Katrina sonakshi sinha gets candid
p e ab de m e
A TI TIME TO KILL! Rani mukeRji
On HeR BRanD neW CaReeR mOVeS, maRRiage PLanS & LOTS mORe
pe Z
e be e ipl e e
Pg54
Pg76
FIRST LOOK SNEAK PEEK of Balwinder Singh... 34 On the sets of Balwinder Famous Ho Gaya HOTTIE 38 Malvika Raaj and Ali Khan are our hotties
INTERVIEWS Abhay Deol isn’t attracted to stardom Sonakshi Sinha insists she’s not just a lucky mascot Zinta goes goes candid about love and 76 Preity Zinta life in the movies 90 Vidya Sinha has no regrets about playing the girl-next-door in her heyday 94 Bindu says bad girls don’t always finish last
Pg60
FOR YOUR EYES ONLY 66
Shruti Haasan looks haute and sexy in a sizzling photoplay
YO Y OUR FILMFARE YOU R L ET TE RS 110 11 0 Bouquets and brickbats, from you, dear reader
48 54
YOU R RE VIE WS 112 11 2 You play the reviewer
Pg29
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 02 Rani Mukerji’s a consistent performer, says the Ed
The lowdown on star fashion
FEATURES Chatting up a dozen with chocolate boy Imran Khan 72 Guest Appearance: Starting a new column wherein non-film celebs talk about movies and movie stars 86 Relative values: Brother Mukesh and Mahesh exchange anecdotes 101 10 1 A special tribute to Madhubala as we celebrate 100 Years Of Cinema
Pg30
EDITOR’S BLOC
GLAMFARE 23
Pg26
LAST WORD 116 Yash Chopra, the eternal romantic
60
Pg68
pg114 SAWAAL JAWAAB
Shatrughan Sinha’s racy rejoinders
Visit us at
PAPARAZZI Turning
30
Ranbir Kapoor celebrated his 30th birthday in style with all his B-town friends
To know more turn to page 09 Ranbir Kapoor
The latest from the gossip racks and the shutterbugs’ lenses Pg17
Pg21
Pg08
Salman Khan tries acupuncture therapy
Deepika Padukone’s schedule keeps her on her toes
Sridevi and Madhuri Dixit create magic on the sets of a dance show
PHOTOGRAPHS: YOGEN SHAH, VIRAL BHAYANI BHAYANI
Log on to flmare.com or latest updates
Spotted otted Paparazzi: Sp
S H O T O F T H E G H T F O R T N I G
Madhuri Dixit and Sridevi
FUN NIGHT Bollywood’s original divas Madhuri Dixit and Sridevi danced together on the same stage or the frst time ever or the fnale o the reality show moment Jhalak Jha lak Dikh Dikhhla hla Jaa. It was a memorable moment indeed. But Mads had quite a blast otherwise as well since she had her hubby Dr Sriram Nene and kids Arin and Ryan or company. We even caught a glimpse o the two kids playing on the sets with their daddy. Sweet, na?
Madhuri with husband Dr Sriram Nene
Dr Nene with kids Arin and Ryan
Spotted otted Paparazzi: Sp
Deepika Padukone
BIRTHDAY BIRTHDA Y BUMPS BUMPS Ranbir Kapoor recently celebrated his 3oth birthday and all his industry friends showed up to wish him. From ex-girlfriend Deepika Padukone to rumoured current girlfriend Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma, they all made their presence felt. And from what we hear, hear, the birthday boy had quite a blast. Here’s wishing the actor a great year ahead!
Ranbir Kapoor
Anushka Sharma
Katrina Kaif
Spotted otted Paparazzi: Sp
Chunky Panday
Hrithik Roshan
CHUNKY CELEBRATION Chunky Panday recently turned a year older and boy, did he celebrate in style. All his B-town friends graced the ocassion. Hrithik Roshan looked as dapper as the birthday boy, both sported crisp white shirts. While Karan Joharr and Joha and Arjun Arjun Rampal Rampal stuc stuckk to black, even Kari Karisma sma Kapoo Kapoorr upped upped the the glam glam quotient in her sexy black number.
Karisma Kapoor
Karan Johar and Arjun Rampal
Spotted otted Paparazzi: Sp
HELPFUL HUBBY We caught a glimpse of Vivek Oberoi and his heavily pregnant wife Priyanka outside a suburban multiplex in Mumbai. The caring husband that he is, Vivek helped her walk to the car and even opened the door for her. We like! Vivek Oberoi with wife Priyanka
Shah Rukh Khan and Yash Chopra Imran Khan
A LEGENDARY EVENING Jab Tak Hai Hai Jaan Jaan Shah Rukh Khan and Yash Chopra started the promotions of Jab th with a bang. On the occassion of the veteran’s 80 birthday birthday,, a special press conference was held where the veteran reminisced about his over 50-year journey jour ney in the the industry industry.. Having Having work worked ed on on sever several al lms lms toget together her,, the dire director ctor seemed absolutely at ease with SRK. Often Often called the simplest man of Bollywood, Chopra Chopra defended the complex nature of his lms saying that he didn’t make lms on love, he made them on human relationships. Truly an evening to remember!
RUN BABY RUN Doesn’t Imran Khan look like he’s doing a sprint here? Known for his jovial nature, we weren’t surprised to catch him in such a happy frame of mind. But if you ask us, you don’t need to run Imran. With the hits you’v you’ve e been churning out, you’re already racing ahead!
Spotted otted Paparazzi: Sp
couple capers Lara Dutta seems totally smitten by husband Mahesh Bhupathi. The besotted look on her face says it all. Whoever says that love fades away after marriage certainly hasn’t met this lovely couple. Adorable, we say. Right? Mahesh Bhupathi with wife Lara Dutta
Sanjay Dutt
the quirky lot Look what we found. Sanjay Dutt sporting a t-shirt with a blue smurf on it. That too with the word ‘grouchy’ ‘grouchy’ written in bold letters. We wonder if that’s an indication of his mood. And as if that wasn’t enough, we even caught Saif Ali Khan wearing a formal shirt on track pants with formal shoes. A rather odd combination. Won’t you agree? Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor
Spotted otted Paparazzi: Sp
Jiah Khan
PEEK-A-BOO Whoopsie! Looks like Jiah Khan realised her fashion faux-pas a tad too late. How else can one explain that funny expression on her face. Next time Jiah, take a look in the mirror before you leave the house...
O M G M O M E N T O F T H E G H T F O R T N I G
Preity Zinta
OUCH! Preity Zinta recently hurt herself. But the promotions of her lm Ishkq In Paris kept her super busy. busy. And though she was in pain, she did all of them with a smile. So out went the heels and in came the ats. Well, the show must go on. And Preity seems to know that.
CANDID CLICK Isn’t this a one in a million kind of picture? Jaya Bachchan’s rather amazed expression at the Chittagong premiere got us smiling. What do you think?
Spotted otted Paparazzi: Sp
Abhishek Bachchan
Hrithik Roshan
AIRPORT DIARIES
Priyanka Chopra
The Mumbai airport was the hub of all frenzy recently. Stars were zooming in and out of the airport with relentless speed. Hrithik Roshan and Priyanka Chopra Chopra made the shutterbugs go crazy. crazy. Also, it was sweet to see Amitabh Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan personally coming to recieve Abhishek who was returning after completeing completeing a schedule of Yash Raj’s Dhoom 3 in Chicago.
Amitabh and Aishwarya Bachchan
Visit us at
Paparazzi: I Spy
Pam wants Ya Y ash to go on It was a rather warm event that took place in Mumbai recently when Shah Rukh Khan interviewed Yash Chopra on his 50 plus years in the flm industry. At the end o the interesting conversation, when Yash ji announced that Jab Tak Hain Jaan would Jaan would be his last flm as director, wie Pam Chopra, who was in the ront row in the audience promptly gave out a surprised, ‘Kyaa?’ Perhaps matching the sentiments o everyone in the audience that day. Clearly, she wants to see Yash ji continue doing what he does best- direct flms.
SALMAN KHAN HAS A FAN WHO’S AS LARGE HEARTED HEAR TED AS HE HE IS. SALMAN SALMAN WAS IN A STA STATE OF SHOCK WHEN THE MAN GIFTED HIM A SUPERBIKE WORTH ` 16 LAKH DURING THE GANP GAN PATI FESTIVAL
KANGNA’S PARENTS TO THE RESCUE Kangna Ranaut is unhappy ater her breakup with her frang boyriend, Nicholas . Even though the split was mutual, the girl is in despair. According to reports, the relationship couldn’t work out because both had dierent expectations. While Nicholas wanted to settle down and have a amily, amily, Kangna isn’t ready to chuck up her career and settle down to domesticity. To cheer her up and provide able sup port, her parents have come rom Himachal Pradesh to stay with her in Mumbai.
Ranbir and Deepika spotted Asin takes a chill pill Ater working non-stop or months, Asin took a well-deserved break in Europe. The weather was just perect and she had a ball sightseeing with her parents and cousins in the cool climes o Greece and Italy.
Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone were recently seen killing it at a nightclub called Live. The two let their hair down and made the most o their time together. Onlookers swear about their reported chemistry on the dance oor. In act, eye witnesses insist the two were so lost in each other that they were oblivious o anyone around.
Paparazzi: I Spy
NEEDLES FOR FarahSonakshi SALMAN rift?
hear, has been taking acupuncture Salman Khan, we hear, treatment for his illness. The doctors have been inserting needles into his forehead and cheeks to help alleviate his pain. We sincerely hope the needles work their magic and relieve him of trauma once and for all.
Tantrum
Queen Mallika Sherawat continues to be a diva. Known to be highly demanding, she reportedly throws regular tantrums on the sets. Here’s the latest. She was required to tour various cities to promote Kismet Love Paisa Mallika’ss demands Delhi . But Mallika’ burnt a huge hole in the producer’s pocket. She insisted that six members of her staff including her personal manager and spot boy would travel business class with her. Tough on the production house but the lady refused to budge.
The fact that Sonakshi Sinha didn’t promote Shirish Kunder’s Joker doesn’t seem to have gone down with the director’s wife Farah Khan. The lady hasn’t taken the slight well and the minute she got the chance, she’s shown Sonakshi the door. Reports say the young actress was on the top of Farah’s list to play the lead opposite Shah Rukh Khan in her Happy New Year but when Sonakshi refused to do the rounds for Joker , Farah briskly crossed her off the list. Now it seems Farah is considering other actresses like Parineeti Chopra whose dates are fully booked. Will things work out for Farah? Wait and watch.
GIDDY LIMIT OF THE DAY: RAVEENA TANDON NOTICING GULSHAN GROVER AND SCREAMING, “MUJHE YEH
BAD MAN SE BACHAO.”
REALLY NOW!
Paparazzi: I Spy
John gets Jo whipped The October sun was scorching hot but the heat on the set o Shootout At Wadala was several degrees more. Much to the distress o the onlookers. Sanjay Gupta was flming a scene in which an actor playing a cop was hitting John Abraham Abraham with a thick leather belt. The sound o the whiplash had everyone squirming in their seats. In act, the girls around shrieked every time the belt hit John’s back. When someone reprimanded the cop, asking him to go easy, John intervened and said he was fne and even asked the cop to keep at it as he wanted the lashing to look real. As the director yelled ‘Cut’, John stood in a torn shirt with black and blue bruises on his body. But there was a smile on his ace, or a job well done.
Amrita’s identity crisis Now Amrita Rao may not be among the A-list stars o B-town but the actress hersel certainly seems to think so. Why else would she hide her ace while entering a coee shop in suburban Mumbai to order a takeaway? Dressed in a pink top and blue jeans, Amrita was was spotted covering her ace with a scar and constantly staring at her toes. Could it be she’s broken out in a rash? Strange behaviour rom someone who’s hardly likely to start a stampede.
KAJOL’S WONDER WON DER GIRL GIRL
Kajol’s daughter, Nysa, is quite the multi-talented kid. She is learning gymnastics. What’s more, the lil’ moppet has joined baking classes or kids. Recently, she even baked a cupcake much to the delight o her riends. Kajol's one helluva proud mom.
Priyanka all for charity The success o Barf! has done wonders or Priyanka Chopra. According to the grapevine, her spectacular perormance in the flm, has encouraged several institutions or the mentally challenged to approach her to be the ace o their organisations. And Priyanka, who is big on charity charity,, is seriously considering their proposals as she believes her participation may encourage people to give more and more charity. charity. Expect an announcement soon.
Paparazzi: I Spy
Imran plays valet While Imran Khan was on a recent visit to London, he played valet to two young ladies. A source close to the actor reveals, “Imran was standing outside a popular club in London late at night, when two girls seemingly drunk were having much trouble parking their car. Being the perfect gentleman that he is, he offered to help them. And though the two girls were of Indian origin, they didn’t recognise him and gave him their car keys. It was only after he’d parked the car that they realised who he was.” Needless to say, they apologised profusely and even clicked pictures with him.
THE GRAPEVINE IS ABUZZ WITH TALK OF A CLANDESTINE LIAISON BETWEEN A MUSIC BARON AND A ST STARL ARLET ET.. SHE’S EVEN BELIEVED TO HAVE STRIPPED IN HIS OFFICE! TUT, TUT, THE LENGTHS SOME PEOPLE GO TO
BIPASHA BLASTS ‘POOR’ ACTORS
Bipasha Basu doesn’t seem in a charitable mood these days. Ater Raaz 3 , Bipasha wants to concentrate on perormance-oriented flms. And the actress seems to have lost patience with poor perormers. She recently told Filmfare , “Some o our top stars are such bad actors. They don’t even show any emotions in their flms. Every star isn’t a great actor. Some people are just stars.” We couldn’t agree more.
Triumphant Esha Prakash Jha had all but signed Huma Qureshi (o Gangs Of Wasseypur ame) Wasseypur ame) or Chakravyuh when Chakravyuh when Arjun Rampal reportedly insisted he take on Esha Gupta. Gupta. An insider says, “The flmmakers were wary o Esha’s bold image and couldn’t see her in the character o a hard-hitting police ofcer. There were many eyebrows raised when she was signed because Arjun believed in her talent and highly recommended her. But scepticism turned to disbelie to awe when ater a ew days into the shoot, her hard work and commitment won everyone over. Ah, all’s well that ends well, we guess.
Paparazzi: I Spy
EMRAAN’S GAME PLAN True, alse or inbetween inbetween?? Seems Mahesh Bhatt has reportedly advised Emraan Hashmi to mention Salman Khan in every interview or interaction that he does with the media. The idea is to create a brand identity just like Salman’s and gain the adulation o the masses. Mahesh Bhatt’s oresightedness is being adopted by Emraan and he is all set to abide by his much experienced uncle’s word.
Parineeti trumps Ya Y ami Finally, it seems Parineeti Chopra has jumped onto the brand endorsement bandwagon and will be endorsing a popular deodorant brand. However, it seems the actress wasn’t the rst choice or the ad. Says our source, “Yami Gautam was the rst choice or the ad since she’s a popular ace on TV and even has a hit lm to her credit.” But the price she quoted was rather high and so she lost the oer. Though Yami now sees reason and has cut her price, this time it’s Parineeti who’s come up a winner.
Angry Oberoi
SRIDEVI-MADS ACT
You gotta hand it to them. Once the cameras were rolling the two were charm personied. Once ‘Cut’ was announced it was a dierent story all together. together. Though the temperature didn’t plunge to the Arctic levels, there was a distinct coolness between Madhuri Dixit and Sridevi on the sets o a dance show. When the two met, there was none o the hugging and fying kisses that are the norm in the industry.. In act, Sri kept to hersel and wasn’t seen in animated industry conversation with Karan Johar or Remo D’Souza either. Guess they aren’t known or their acting prowess or nothing.
Riteish & Genelia
act choosy While Genelia Deshmukh is a popular ace on the brand circuit, Riteish isn’t hot. Now the latest buzz however is that several brands are out to woo Genelia and Riteish to be the ace o their brand. But, but, but, the two have been rejecting every oer let, right and centre. Apparently, they believe that the brand they endorse together should be something special. Playing hard to get can prove detrimental at times. Let’s just hope they know what they’re doing.
Actor Vivek Oberoi is maha upset with reports that he was chucked out o Balaji’s Shootout At Wadala because o unproessional behaviour.. Journalists behaviour writing such slander should rst check their acts as he never signed the lm in the rst place, he umes. “I Ekta thought I was unproessional, why would she oer me another lm?” he combats. Point taken.
Paparazzi: I Spy
Busy bee SRK INVESTS IN A Deepika PARK FOR KIDS Deepika Padukone is in a whirligig with her shooting dates. When she isn’t shooting or Sanjay Bhansali’s Ram Leela , she’s neck-deep into Chennai Express with Express with Shah Rukh Khan and Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hai with Hai with Ranbir Kapoor. Kapoor . Clearly, she’s a girl on a mission. Recently when Filmfare approached her or our online chat, she politely begged o because her dates were ully booked. The much willing and single Deepika also has no time or love or play thanks to her busy, busy schedule.
Imran shows his displeasure Heard that Imran Khan was mied when his dates or the Once Upon A Time … sequel were wasted. Ater shooting or our days or the frst schedule, there was almost a gap o six months. For a while Imran, being a gentleman kept his cool, then he communicated his displeasure to all concerned. No sooner did he do that, than shooting schedules were reorganised and started in a jiy. It’s an interesting casting o sorts, what with Sonakshi Sinha being paired opposite Imran.
We all know kids are close to Shah Rukh Khan’s Kh an’s heart. Now ater entertaining the mites or two decades on the big screen, he’s now ready to give them a dierent type o un experience. experi ence. Reportedly, Reportedly, he is apparently investing as a partner in a children’s amusement park in a mall in the suburbs (R Mall, Ghatkopar). Apart rom entertainment, it will also be an educational experience or the children. The oreign concept and technology will be here soon. Watch this space or more.
Diana Penty acts pricey Merely one flm old, Diana Penty seems to be getting a little too big or her boots. A little early we might add. Playing diva to the hilt, not only is she asking big monies or commercials she’s acting snooty with the media too. At a recent ashion week in Delhi, she avoided the media hordes and made a beeline or her make-up room, perhaps expecting them to ollow her or exclusive one one on ones. ones. But they didn’t much to her dismay.
OUR CONDOLENCES TO ASHA BHOSLE WHO WHO RECENTL RECENTLY LOST HER DAUGHTER VARSHA. PRA PRAYERS YERS AND HEALING FOR THE BEREAVED MANGESHKAR MANGESH KAR FAMIL FAMILY Y
Visit us at
GLAMFARE
RED HOT CHILLI PEPPERS
Deepika Padukone goes sexy in red. Our other glam dolls aren’t far behind. Feast your eyes
What’s hot, what’s not... Pg25
From mullet silhouettess to silhouette peplums and more... presenting 10 hottest fashion fads from B-town COMPILED BY: KARISHMA LOYNMOON, RAEDITA TANDAN
N E G O Y , I
And all that jazz... Pg 26
Thought clinging to your fashion myths was the way to go? Our divas make you think again
H A H S
Pg27
Bipasha Basu swears by her soft curls. Get this natural look in eight simple steps
N A Y A H B L A R I V : S H P A R G O T O H P
Glamfare Fas ashion hion Play
MYTHS BUSTED You can’t mix ashion with ormulas, it just doesn’t work. Don’t believe us? Check our B-town stars bust your perennial myths
NEVE NEV ER MIX A PRI P RINT NT WI WITH TH ANOT AN OTHE HER R PRI RINT NT FACT: I you want to keep up with the times, you ought to do it like Shazahn Padamsee. Print on print is the latest rage. MANTRA: There needs to be some symmetry between the two prints to avoid obvious disconnects.
2
M Y T H
1
M Y T H
SHORT SHO GIRLS AND AN D LO LONG NG LENG LE NGT THS DON’ DO N’T T GET ALON AL ONG G FACT: Doesn’t Kajol shut all the critics up instantly? With the right silhouette and a good pair o heels, you can make the look your own. MANTRA: Don’t let the attire overwhelm your physique. Stay away from bold, dramatic cuts.
3
M Y T H
SEQUI SEQ UINS NS ARE AR E FO FOR R EVE EV ENI NING NG AFF AF FAIRS ONLY! FACT: Chitrangda Singh’s dress is perect or a semiormal aair. Besides this, you can even glam up your look with sequin jackets, skirts and unky trousers. MANTRA: Remember to tone down the bling quotient and go minimalistic in the other pieces of your ensemble.
WACKY CURLS Aren’t poker straight locks so passé? Sot curls are every diva’s hottest rage. Read on to know how to ace the look
SOFT CU SOF CURL RLS S IN JUST JU ST 8 ST STEP EPS: S: Wash and brush your hair thoroughly.. Scraggily scrunch thoroughly your hair when it’s wet or that beachy, wavy look. Divide your tresses into upper, middle and lower layers. Take the lower layer closer to your neckline and make a ew thick strands. The size o the section infuences the crispness o the curl. Spray volumizing serum on every strand individually. Avoid using styling products like hair spray or gels, they make your hair hard and droopy instead o the lively, natural ones. Use a straightening iron near the tip o one strand and roll the iron inwards or outwards. Do not spray hair products while ironing your hair, it could burn your tresses. Complete the rest o the sections similarly. Continue the same procedure in the middle layer with slightly thinner hair strands.
6
Follow the same procedure with the upper layer. Use the help o a tail comb to separate every strand, possibly one inch wide. This section takes longer because you need to ‘tease’ your layers or volume.
7
For teasing hair, rmly hold up the strand with one hand, gently brush against it. Make sure to keep a distance o approximately ve inches rom the scalp. Make sure that you create tangles that oer resistance. Keep on repeating the brushing, till you have attained the desired volume. Ater this, apply serum on the teased section. Let it down gently and nally curl your locks. Brush hair rom middle downwards
8
with your ngers to soten the curls.
The latest entrant in B-town, Alia Al ia Bh Bhat att, t, ke keep epss up with the trend. Ain’ Ai n’tt he herr za zany ny curls looking smokin’ hot?
Other
Celebs Priyanka Chopra opts or the wavy, scrunchy look
Bipasha Basu’s long curls are so lust-worthy
Dia Mirza pins her pins her cur curls ls up cutely
Nargis Fakhri faunts her natural curls or a cocktail party
Glamfare Fas ashion hion Play
RED RAGE Bold. Gorgeous. Sensational. Red is easily the sexiest colour colour.. And an elegant red gown or maxi dress can add oodles o charisma to an appearance. Here’s a gang o B-town girls sporting this latest trend. Take your pick
1 1
2
Sass Sa ssy y gi girl rl
Think red gown, think elegance. And Bipasha Basu is elegance personifed in this Pria Kataria Puri maxi dress. Plus, everything looks great on that enviable body. The golden tassels stand out. A winning look or any occasion.
Bold Bo ld & be beau auti tifu ful l
Red on red hasn’t looked hotter. We’re talking about Deepika Padukone’s sexy red lipstick on her red lace Gaurav Gupta gown. She gets brownie points or that eye-catching hairdo. Want to make a bold statement and grab eyeballs? This is one look you must try!
2
Sexy lady
Malaika Arora Khan sports this stunning red Namrata Joshipura gown with élan. The deep neck and sequins add oodles o glamour. Minimalistic make-up with just a statement ring makes this the perect look or a red carpet event. 3
Simp Si mple le el eleg egan ance ce
Alia Bhatt shows us how one can look demure even while sporting a striking colour like red. She keeps her look simple by choosing to only accessorise her maxi dress with a gold cu bracelet. But we think it's a little too plain or someone so vivacious and young. 3
1
2
WOOING IN WHITE Whether they are making a red carpet appearance or attending an event, white seems to be the colour o the season or many o our B-towners. Check out the ones who stole our hearts 1
Ethnic chic chic
We love Katrina Kaif’s embroidered Indian outft. With barely any make-up and her hair tied in a bun, the actress is a vision in white. You can also glam it up or a sangeet or a mehendi unction with exquisite silver or gold jewellery. 2
Cool & casual
Looking uber cool in a white men’s top on white jeans, Akshay Kumar seems all set to go or a casual brunch. The only dash o colour here are his black loaers, which complement his look perectly. Ain’t he always stylish? 3
3
Alll cl Al clas asss
Rahul Khanna gets it bang on with his black bow-tie. Even those black patent leather shoes and white and black pocket scar have us drooling. I you ask us, a white tuxedo hasn’t looked better. Hope the men out there are listening!
Très mode
The pretty Karisma Kapoor looks classy in this white Paule Ka dress. The black belt, black peep-toes and the black and white Chanel clutch are a perect contrast to her outft. Opt or this look i you want to look your best at a ormal ofce dinner.
Glamfare Fas ashion hion Play
1
2
THE MUSE Once you’ve been bitten by the Sabyasachi bug, there’s no looking back. Tinsel town hotties can’t resist this designer’s creations either. While some take to monotony, some don’t 1
Getting nostalgic
We’re glad that this diva opted or a saree that exudes vintage charm. In act, this silhouette is perect or Sridevi since it gives her slender rame that much needed ullness. Earrings were the only way she could accessorise it. She aces her look with a neat bun. We like!
No mo more re gu gues esse sess
She’s the true blue Sabyasachi torchbearer. Vidya Balan doesn’t seem to mind it though. However, we can’t wait or the day she gets a tad experimental with her tastes. Hopeully, there’ll be some twists in her ashion sensibilities too. Till then, monotony it is. 2
Chaotic daze
Aiyyaa ! Why such a busy attire or someone who isn’t gited in the height department? Adding to Rani Mukerji’s mishap are those heavy-duty neckpieces. She doesn’t score with her look and she even lacks attention to detail, read baby pink nails. 3
Chic mode
Doesn’t she look like that hot airhostess we just can’t take our eyes o? Jacqueline Fernandez gets it right by faunting her midri in a high-waist skirt. What also makes or a trendy change is her ancy hairdo and earrings, ditching that predictable statement neckpiece.
3
Visit us at
Visit us at
FIRST LOO LOOK
H i t parade English Vinglish is charming its way to box-office success
Damian Thomson, Ruth Aguilar, Mehdi Nebbou, Sridevi, Rajeev Ravindranathan, Yu Son and Sumeet Vyas in English Vinglish
A sneak peek into the hottest people and of course movies Pg38
GenNext actors up close and personal. Malvika Raaj and Ali Khan spice up our Hottie pages
Pg37
Our box-office report on Kismet Love Paisa Dilli, Oh My God an and d Kamaal Dhamaal Malamaal gives you the latest buzz from showbiz
First Look: Ho Hottie ttie
SMALL
Wonder Name: Malvika Age: 20 Place of birth:
Raaj
Mumbai
Vital stats: 33-26-36 Qualifcation: Bachelor Of Commerce (Business Studies) Previous projects: Played the kid Kareena Kapoor in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham
Future projects: Still waiting for the right break Dream role: Kajol’s in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
Other interests: Belly dancing Favourite flm: Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham
Favourite directors: Karan Johar and Imtiaz Ali Favourite actors: Ranbir Kapoor and Hrithik Roshan Favourite actresses: Kareena Kapoor and Deepika Padukone
If you would like to be featured as a hottie, send us your bio and pictures
[email protected] wm.co.in Send us your views, opinions o pinions and suggestions to: Email: filmfare.hottie@w Fax: 022 - 22731585 Mail: Hottie, Filmfare, The Times of India Bldg., 4th Floor, Dr D N Road, Mumbai 400 001, India (Please mention your full name and address)
First Look: Ho Hottie ttie
STeP
uP Nam: Ali Ag: 23
Khan
Plac o Birth:
Dbai
Vital stats: Waist 32.5”, Chst 37.5”, Shouldr 19” Qalifcation: Bachlor o Commrc Previos projects: Tlvision commrcials and assisting tlvision and flm dirctors Dream role: Tom Hanks’ in Forrest Gump Other interests: Dancing (popping and locking) Favorite flm: Scarface Favorite director: Brian D Palma Favorite actor: Christian Bal Favorite actress: Madhuri Dixit
If you would like to be featured as a hottie, send us your bio and pictures
[email protected] wm.co.in Send us your views, opinions o pinions and suggestions to: Email: filmfare.hottie@w Fax: 022 - 22731585 Mail: Hottie, Filmfare, The Times of India Bldg., 4th Floor, Dr D N Road, Mumbai 400 001, India (Please mention your full name and address)
Outft:
Manav Gangwani
It’s important for the PM to be on Twitter It’s witter.. But what’s there for me to say? People who have much to share like to be on social networking sites. I’m happy in my circle. I spe pend nd most of my time at ho hom me like someone’s girlfriend, someone’s lover, daughter-in-law, daughter, sister, niece... The audience should feel that this girl belongs to their neighbourhood.
Reportedly, you went shopping for your costumes in Aiy in Aiyyaa yaa.. Was this a first? I’ve done it ever since I worked in Saathiya. Even for Bunty Aur Babli , I went shopping with Akki Narula (costume designer).
How did you react when it was reported that 10 lakhs was spent on your make-up? How would you react to a lie? If I talk about this, I’d only be giving importance to a journalist who doesn’t deserve it.
How was the experience of working with Malayalam actor Prithviraj Sukumaran? It was great! He’s a seasoned actor. He’s cooperative and intelligent.
When you work with a good actor, even your work improves. Prithvi helped me give better shots. The supporting cast of this film is from Marathi theatre and cinema; all of them are great actors. If people appreciate my work in the film, then the credit goes to them. Prithvi told me that he’s been my fan for long and that he had seen Kuch Kuch Hota Hai when he hadn’t even begun acting.
Is it true that you’re helping Prithviraj to bag roles in Hindi films? Really? I didn’t know that! There’s nothing like that. If you ask me about Prithvi today, I’ll only say good things about him. You work with some people, you see a spark in them and you can’t help praising them. But everyone has their own destiny. No one can make anyone. Who reaches where and when, is all written. You shouldn’t give credit to someone else for this.
Talaash is also with a new director - Reema Kagti. What’s the best part about working with new directors? Sachin Kundalkar and Reema both like me as an actor. When an artiste works with a director who’s fond of her, then it’s a completely different rapport. Reema had been approaching me for 10 years. New directors have already seen your films, so their perspective is different. They try to portray you differently in their script. So, half your work is made easy.
Who else would you like to work with? I’d like to work with Zoya Akhtar. Zoya’s been wanting to work with me for years. I’m sure working with her will add to my performance. I also like Imtiaz Ali, Vishal Bhardwaj, Anurag Basu, Anurag Kashyap, Maneesh Sharma and Abhishek Chaubey. I never got a chance to work with Adi (filmmaker Aditya Chopra). I’d love it if he directs me.
Outft:
Amit Aggarwal
I got married to Aditya Chopra eight months ago? Who said so? Some tabloid? What can I do about people who believe lies? It’s a world full of liars.My marriage has become a joke, which is absolutely wrong The directors you named make meaningful films. Are you on such a trip now? No. Imtiaz Ali’s films are highly commercial. Zoya also makes commercial films. I’d also be happy to work with those directors with whom I’ve already worked, like Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Shaad Ali. Then, there is Karan Johar. If Reema and Sachin approach me again, I’d work with them too.
Allegedly, you got married to Aditya Chopra eight months ago... Who said so? Some tabloid? What can I do about people who believe lies? It’s a world full of liars. I only pray that the truthful are able to survive in this world so that people can finally know the truth. My marriage has become a joke, which is absolutely wrong. But when you’re part of the industry, people have a right to write about you. You cannot stop them.
After Salman Khan’s, it’s your marriage which is most speculated about. Why don’t you end these speculations?
life and doing my work. God will give you success. And even if he doesn’t, there’s a lesson to be learnt.
Marriage is not something to be rushed into. While doing Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, I realised that if you marry, it should be for the right reasons. It’s important that you make it work and not take it as a joke.
What’s your relationship with Aditya Chopra?
What’s stopping you from getting married? Haven’t you still found the right guy?
Yet another lie! What can I do about lies? People think only a man can lavish gifts on a woman, a woman can never gift a man. This is cheap mentality. I sometimes feel sorry to hear what people say.
I’ve heard that we come on the earth in pairs, get separated only to meet once again through marriage. So whoever is there on this earth for me, will eventually get paired with me. Till then, I’ll enjoy my singlehood.
Are you aware that you are referred to as ‘the boss’ of Yash Raj Films? I’m not bothered about what people say behind my back. I don’t need to know about it. I believe in living my
He has been my producer. and is a friend.
Reportedly, he gifted you a car worth one and a half crore…
You are working with Kareena Kapoor in Talaash after a decade. Share some special moments with her. During the shooting of Mujhse Dosti Karoge, Kareena and I had great fun. We cherish those memories. We are fond of each other. During the shoot in London, we’d often go to Hyde Park
Visit us at
Visit us at
my friends. But it is not that I am blocking blocki ng love out of my life. Love Love will happen when it has to happen.
shoot, I went then as well.
So you’ve never been in love?
No. I am happy acting. I do get to know a little about it in our daily conversations.
No, it’s not that love has never happened. It has but I am not in love right now.
Like your father, are you interested in politics?
Your dad was in hospital recently. It must have been a difficult period.
Since you have categorically refused to do intimate scenes, won’t it affect your range as an actor?
Yes, it was somewhat difficult. Dad has always been my priority. I was with him in the hospital every day either before or after shooting. If I found time in the middle of the
Right now, I don’t care about it as I am working in films where such scenes are not required. If I have a short-lived career because of this, so be it. We’ll see.
Kareena Kapoor said in a recent interview that being fat is not sexy. What’s your take? Everyone has their individual opinion. What she said was to the effect, ‘Fat is not sexy but fit is sexy’. And she is absolutely right. I believe that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If you don’t find a person beautiful, it’s fine. That’s your opinion.
Apparently, Farah Khan wants to sign you for Happy New Year with Shah Rukh Khan… Has she told you that? (Laughs )
DaD Doesn’t have to reaD the papers or magazines to get news about me. he knows his Daughter very well
Sonakshi with brothers Luv and Kush and parents Poonam and Shatrughan Sinha
I have also read the reports. She has not contacted me yet. I have worked with her in Joker , where she was a choreographer. She’s a good director and I’d like to work with her.
Your brothers Luv and Kush also tried their luck in films. But you raced ahead… They are proud of their sister. There’s no envy between us. Dad has raised us all in the same way. He has never been partial to any of us. Dad told me that I could do whatever I wanted to and that he’d support me. My brother Kush will be directing a film. The script sessions have begun. If there’s a role for me I’d love to do it. But right now I am caught up with my own commitments.
An unknown facet about you...
With Lootera co-star Ranveer Singh
What you see is what you get. I speak whatever comes to my mind. I am courteous to all. I don’t indulge in cat fights and am tired of reading about my cat fights. I finish my work and go home. n
Visit us at
The thing that really binds me to Avantika is her warmth. She’s the most caring person I know
performance till date... IMRAN: If you want to grow
as an artiste, you can never be satis satisfied fied with your work. MANAN3230: Which is the next car you’re going to buy? P.S. I love your Ferrari. IMRAN: Thanks. Maybe a Jag
next. NITHIN: When can we expect you to work with Aamir? IMRAN: We don’t have any
plans for the near future. But it will happen. CHAMELI: Can you reveal something about your character in Punit Malhotra’s next with Kareena? IMRAN: Sorry, we haven’t
even started shooting yet. I can’t talk about it. ANDREA: Which has been the best performance by an actor/ actress this year? IMRAN: Richa Chadda’s in
Gangs Of Wasseypur . And for the male performance, wait for Talaash. SAMIKSHA: Do you wish to become a director some day? IMRAN: I definitely want to
direct some day. But I don’t feel ready yet. SIMI: What is that one thing about your wife that attracts you the most? IMRAN: What binds me to
Avantika is her warmth. She’s the most caring person I know. NEAMA: Can we watch Imran in an evil role? IMRAN: You seem thrilled at
the idea of seeing me in an evil role! As and when I do one, it shall be dedicated to you.
source. It could be a script, a character, a director or just your own desire that inspires you. DIYA: Have you seen the trailer of Jab Tak Hai Jaan ( Jaan (JTHJ )? )? Your expectations? IMRAN: JTHJ is obviously
going to be a classic, a larger-than-life Yash Chopra love story. We’ve all been missing that. FANGAL: How is it working in Once Upon A Time ... ... sequel. Please share your experience working with Askhay Kumar? IMRAN: The big surprise for
me was how chilled out Akshay is. You never get the feeling that he’s a big star. He’s a calm, happy, friendly guy.
SENJUTI: Who is your inspiration? IMRAN: Inspiration doesn’t
RAJ: Have you dyed your hair for Vishal Bhardwaj’s Matroo …? …? IMRAN: Funnily, I haven’t
always come from the same
dyed my hair. But I’ve dyed
my beard! My hair is black but my bear beard d is brow brown, n, which looked weird. So I had to dye it black to match my hair. MURRYCH: You’re stylish. Won’t you introduce your fashion line? IMRAN: Thank you.
I already have a co-created a line of jeans and t-shirts with Denizen, which is Levi’s youth brand. PAWI: Any plans of joining Twitter again? IMRAN: No. I couldn’t
handle the pace!
Salman Khan has an appeal that no one on earth can match... he wins!
I I woke up up as an actress I’d like to be Kareena. She’s very sorted in her lie, personally and proessionally
TUSHAR: One role you wished you’d done? IMRAN: It’s arrogant to look
at another actor’s work and imagine that I could do it better bett er.. Each Each role role is uniqu uniquee and works because of the actor who played it. RIYA: Are you still uncomfortable about dancing on screen? IMRAN: I’m finally chilled
out about dancing on screen. I still don’t do it in real life though. SENJUTI MAITRA: If you were offered an exceptional script for a television role would you accept it? IMRAN: I’m happy to go
wherever there is good work. Unfortunately, I don’t think much of the quality of TV in India. LOHITA: A director you are dying to work with... IMRAN: Right now I’m
working with Vishal Bhardwaj, Milan Luthria and Tigmanshu Dhulia, some of the hottest directors. It would be selfish to ask for more. ANGEL: Your favourite song at the moment? IMRAN: I’m listening
to Traveling Wilburys. Favourite song: End of the line. IMRAANKHANSGIRL: What’s been the best experience so far of your career? IMRAN: Sitting in the back
rows in the theatres and hearing people cheer. It’s the best feeling on earth.
RANJAN: When can we see you in an action role? IMRAN: Wait for Once Upon
IMRAN: Thanks for the
IMRAN: Your question made
suggestion. I’ll check it out!
A Time… there is plenty of action in it.
NUPUR: What kind of music do you enjoy listening to? IMRAN: I’m all about classic
me laugh! I’d like to be Kareena. She’s very sorted in her life, personally and professionally.
TANYA: Do u really have an OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)? IMRAN: I prefer to call it
rock. The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen,, Led Zeppelin... Springsteen
CDO, because that way the letters are alphabetically arranged. That should answer your question! You quit Twitter but you might want to join Tumblr. Even Amitabh Bachchan uses it to blog. Correct grammar is a must there...
PRIBZ: If you wake up one as an actress, who would you like to be?
I’m fnally chilled out about dancing on screen. I still don’t do it in real lie though
JOSH REBERTO: Are you flattered that you have such a large gay fan following? Has a man ever hit on you? IMRAN: Of course I’ve
had a guy hit on me. It’s flattering. But if someone likes me, it doesn’t really matter if they’re male or female or where they’re from. SONARIKA BHADORIA: Are you planning to
Visit us at
it. This quality makes me different from others. But at times I need to be quiet, especially where giving advice is concerned. So I share my opinions only with someone who understands and appreciates them. If you want to live like a lion be fearless. So that when you die you can proudly say yes I lived my life.
I AM...
Which was the most diicult phase in your lie? Difficult phases have come and gone. The first time was when I lost my father at 13. Then it was in 2010 when my team was expelled from the IPL.
What depresses you? Whenever something in life is not on the right track depression automatically sets in. But I don’t brood for long.
I AM a confident person and love everything about myself. The path might seem difficult but I always believe in taking the right one. I can work happily for 25 hours without complaining one bit. I AM not a morning person. Also, I lack patience. After repeating something twice or thrice, I lose patience. I AM a good cook. I can do all girly things like embroidery and stitching. At the same time I’m an outdoor person and love hiking. I AM insecure about my mother; she is the only one I have. I want to see her happy and in good health always. Whenever I’m in a problem, my only concern is that she shouldn’t come to know about my stress. Stupid things also make me insecure. Like what if I get a pimple on my nose the day I have an important meeting!
My husband should be confdent as only a confdent person can handle another confdent person. I am a un person too... I don’t want a nag
What do you do when you are upset? I shut myself in my room, scream loudly and cry it all out. In some time, I’m fine.
Has the deinition o love changed or you? When I was younger I wondered what I wanted in love. Now I definitely know what I don’t want. There should be respect in love otherwise that love is not for real. Only if there is respect will trust develop, which in return fosters understanding. If there’s no respect then there’s no future. Unconditional love exists only between a mother and her child.
What kind o husband would a strong woman like you wish or? Someone who’s intelligent and someone who would be proud of my achievements. He should be confident as only a confident person can handle another confident person. I am a fun person and I’d want my hubby to be same. I don’t want a nag.
What inspired you to write a book on ake stories about celebrities? I got this idea from the book Accountability In Media. I used to write for the BBC. But they wanted accountability for the articles I wrote. I had to check and recheck the article and verify it with my signature. Nowadays people write anything about anyone. A lot of fake stories have been published about me. I ask the media to call me, I’m always available. But don’t give fake information. Once a story appeared that I had beaten a woman and consequently she’d been admitted to the ICU. I announced a reward of a crore if anyone could prove it. I don’t want my kids to read such cheap things about me. That’s why I’ve collected all the fake stories about me and other celebrities too. The book is 50 per cent complete and will be published soon. It has stories related to films, business and the IPL. n
Visit us at
liquor and ice. After a while when I mustered courage and said ‘Sir,’ he roared, ‘What is this Sir? Call me hukum!’ It was scary.” Sanjay continues, “Later we went to a dhaba for dinner. When we returned, it was late. There was dead silence in the village. The doors were shut and the headlights of the jeep created long shadows. Chauhan sahib’s thundering voice echoed in the village. I realised that I needed to quickly wrap up the interview and take back hukum to Gwalior.” Few would know that the Delhi based Sanjay was a journal journalist ist before before he became a writer in films. He even wrote a short script for a TV spot and later a couple of serials. Eventually, he became a full-time scriptwriter
Mahie Gill in Sahib Biwi Aur Gangster
versed with it. I wanted to tell the world that the intellect of a village child is in no way less than that of his city counterpart.” About SBAG he says, “I wondered how a sahib would be in today’s times. His wife definitely wouldn’t be a sati-savitri and that became the concept of the film.” His collaboration with director Tigmanshu Dhulia started with wit h PST but but it was SBAG that released first. “It was Tigmanshu’s Tigmanshu’s idea to make a film on Paan Singh Tomar (a national steeplechase champion who represented India at the 1958 Asian Games in Tokyo). He had read a write-up on him and was inspired. But there wasn’t much information on him except that he was in the army and that circumstances had turned him into a rebel.” Incidentally,, Paan Singh gained Incidentally notoriety as a Chambal Valley dacoit when he resorted to dacoity after a land feud in his village. e continues, “Paan Singh died in a police encounter in 1981. We traced his family. His son Sauram Singh is still alive. We also met the policemen who were involved in the encounter. Through them, we met other dacoits.” Sanjay continues, “In Chambal, there still are dynastic animosities. When we went to meet the dacoits, they thought we were from the rival groups. It took us a while to win their trust. We
Anupam Kher in Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara
I had major arguments with Anupam. He wanted to change the scene without keeping in mind the framework... But it’s his greatness that he later understood my point of view roamed around in the sensitive areas of Gwalior, Bhind and Morena as though it was Andheri in Mumbai.” Sanjay’s meeting these dacoits was one of the most thrilling experiences of his life. “Once I went with a driver to meet Chauhan sahib (the inspector who was involved in the encounter of Paan Singh and his gang) in Chambal. He said that we would talk while driving around. We sat in the jeep which had two men holding guns. They loaded the jeep with
Sunny Deol and Eesha Koppikar in Right Ya Wrong
and came to Mumbai from Delhi. He then made a transition to films and wrote the dialogue for Ashwini Chaudhary’s Dhoop. He also wrote the screenplay for Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara, Karam, Big Brother, Tere Sang and Right Ya Wrong . He recalls an incident on the sets of Jahnu Barua’s Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara, “I had major arguments with Anupam Kher. I was angry that he wanted to change the scene without keeping in mind the framework of the story and how these alterations would affect its flow. But it is Anupam’s greatness that he later understood my point of view. He said, ‘I’ll make the changes only if Sanjay is convinced.’ We then had a detailed discussion.” He continues, “Similarly, there was a scene in Right Ya Wrong
Visit us at
Relative Values Values
NO POWER ON EARTH CAN DENY YOU WHAT YOU RIGHTFULLY DESERVE! WE STOOD ON THE EDGE. AT TIMES IT WAS ISOLATING BUT OUR WORST DETRACTORS CONCEDED THAT WE HAD CREATED A SMALL SKY FOR OURSELVES – MAHESH BHATT
Mahesh and Mukesh Bhatt
RIGHT
BROTHERS
and d Mukesh Bhatt celebrate 25 years in showbiz. Kathika Kandpal Mahesh an catches up with the ‘peddlers of dreams’ dreams’
WE ARE SIAMESE TWINS. LONG BACK I TOLD SOMEONE, I COULD DO WITHOUT MY WIFE BUT NOT WITHOUT BHATT SAAB . I SAID IT INNOCENTLY BUT I MEANT IT. MY WIFE GOT UPSET – MUKESH BHATT
PHOTOGRAPHS: FARZAN RANDELIA
One is a great storyteller, the other a wizard with numbers. One is instinctive, the other calculative. One is poetic, the other pragmatic. They are as dierent as fork and spoon, yet they come alive only in tandem. Brothers Mahesh and Mukesh Bhatt have been making lms for two and a half decades (from Daddy Daddy to to Raaz 3) but to their credit, they’re still making lms lapped up by GenNext. Together they helm one of the most fortuitous and prolic lm companies— Vishesh Films. “We’re probably one of the oldest lm families. Our father (producer Nanabhai Bhatt) joined the lm industry in 1928,” says Mukesh pointing to a framed photograph of their father and mother (Shireen Mohammed Ali). What hallmarks their silver jubilee year is the arrival of the next generation of the Bhatts on the lm scene – Mahesh’s daughters Shaheen and Aalia and Mukesh’s son Vishesh are all geared to make a splash. Over to the two who’ve managed to grab ‘a bit of their sky’... Vishesh Films completes 25 years. What was the journey like? Mahesh Bhatt: Though we come from a family of filmmakers, we realised we had to get our act together to kick away the wolf at the door. My father had made over a 100 films but this business is erratic. There are highs and lows. Raj Khosla ji gave me a job as a production manager. I was charismatic and could convince people that I could make films. Later, when I took to direction Mukesh, who is five years younger to me, became bec ame my assis assistant tant.. In my 20s 20s I gav gavee my first four disastrous films (Sakat, Manzilein Aur Bhi Hain, Vishwasghaat and Naya ). As I entered my 30s, I made Arth Daur ). (1982) and then my career took off. After the success of Naam (1986), Mukesh became secretary to Vinod Khanna and Smita Patil. But after Smita’s demise, Mukesh wanted
to make a film. Soon we launched Vishesh Films and made Kabzaa in 1986 (Vishesh is incidentally Mukesh’s son’s name who’s debuting as a director with Murder 3). And we haven’t looked back ever since. Mukesh Bhatt: I have nothing poetic to say about our journey. As a producer one has to deal with only one thing – crisis! For me it’s just been about coming out of one crisis and getting into another. But I have no regrets whatsoever. It’s not the bank balance but the number of lives you have changed which eventually matters. Mahesh: We have no finishing point. Hence there’s no sense of fatigue. Also, it’s not the man who invented the wheel who’s a genius, but the one who invented the other three wheels. I stirred a fire in Mukesh. But he had the ability to take it forward. He had the eye for money and optimising core
THE NEW GENERATION OF BHATTS HAVE TO BLOW DOWN THESE TWO TWIN TOWERS (POINTING TO THEMSELVES) TO MAKE A MARK FOR THEMSELVES. THEY HAVE TO HAVE THE MILITANT IN THEM – MUKESH BHATT
strengths. It was his vision to give birth birt h to a produc production tion hou house. se. Left to myself, I’m incapable of fending for myself. I can’t read contracts; I hit a blank blan k if I see see figure figures. s. Mukesh: Fortunately! (Laughs) Shekhar Kapur and JP Dutta say that they are envious of Mahesh (Bhatt saab) because he has me.
How do you view your relationship? Mukesh: We are stitched together. We are Siamese twins. Long back I told someone, I could do without my wife but not without Bhatt saab. I said it innocently but I meant it. My wife got upset. But I was being honest. We are four sisters and two brothers and are closely bonded. Yet we are different. Like he’s an atheist but I am a firm believe beli everr in God bec because ause my mother prayed all the time. Like I have inherited asthma from her but he Shaheen escaped it because he has our father’s genes. What would you consider the turning point in your careers? Mahesh: We made a new beginning in the new century. When I hung up my boots boo ts as as a dire director ctor (199 (1999), 9), I deci decided ded not to make films with stars. I see my delinking as a director as the end of one phase and the beginning of a new one. Only by realising that you’re dated, you have sung your song and you need to make way for new talent,
will you keep yourself in fashion. In the early 2000s we came up with Raaz and Murder without top stars. Yes, we changed the product profile and we did what Hollywood greats did and made erotic thrillers. The world’s a fair place. No power on this earth can deny you what you rightfully deserve! We stood on the edge. At times it was isolating but our worst detractors conceded that we had created a small sky for ourselves. Mukesh: Initially, when Bhatt saab told me that we’d be working with newcomers only, I was worried. Firstly, because he had given up direction and secondly there would
Alia
Vishesh
be no no stars stars to sell sell our our films films.. Had Had he continued to direct, it wouldn’t have been a problem—we had made Aashiqui (1990) with newcomers. But today I thank him. I tell my son Vishesh that success is nothing but living life on your own terms. I no longer have to go through the agony of standing outside a star’s vanity van. Nothing can be more elevating. What we have earned is self-esteem, credibility and our identity.
Money is Mukesh’s space. I trust my directors and try to whip up whatever is there in them. Murder 3 is completely Vishesh’s child. I insist he must resist my shadow because bec ause the past is dange dangerou rouss for for the the present. If you want to double the rate of success, double your rate of failure. Failure gives you perspective. For me there is no winning post, you have to keep running. A full house at Gaiety which includes the masses and the classes is like a dip in the Ganga. Mahesh:
Don’t you miss direction Mahesh? Mahesh: The joy of helping people create is more stimulating than just creating a film. All I can do is provide my insights. But it is the young who have kept us ‘current’. They don’t even have to turn around and say thank you. We happen to be co-travellers in the journey to our individual destinations. Mukesh: We’re the only company that doesn’t make newcomers sign multiple film contracts. Normally a newcomer is bound boun d by stri stringe ngent, nt, bond bonded ed labou labourr like contracts. They’re bound to that company for X number of years or films and have to give a cut to the company even from their endorsements. That’s obnoxious! We’re not here to make money out of youngsters. Once the film is over they can fly out. Use us or misuse us,
I AM 63 AND BLAZING LIKE A VOLCANO. SO IS MUKESH. WE’VE SET HIGH STANDARDS AND ACHIEVING THOSE WON’T BE EASY. BUT OUR CHILDREN WILL ONLY BECOME SUCCESSFUL IF THEY MAKE US OBSOLETE – MAHESH BHATT
we’ve no problem because we don’t see ourselves going bankrupt. Those who are bankrupt might want to cling to people because they are insecure. We have the talent to spot talent, not many people have that.
Why the obsession with franchises? Mahesh: It’s not an obsession. It’s a busines bus inesss strate strategy gy and and it’ it’ss globa global. l. Mukesh: Franchises have a 30-40 per cent recall. That’s a lot. We are reviving Aashiqui 2 (director Mohit Suri) after 21 years. Writer Shagufta Rafique came up with a heartwrenching subject with music as its base. bas e. Murder 3 would be niche. The earlier one was single screen, massy and gory. My son Vishesh comes from a different mindset because he has lived abroad. Any advice for the next gen Bhatts? Mahesh: I’m 63 and blazing like a volcano. So is Mukesh. We’ve set high standards and achieving those won’t be easy. But our children will only become successful if they make us obsolete. But they don’t have to grovel at our feet. Mukesh: They have to blow down these two twin towers (pointing to themselves) to make a mark for themselves. They have to have the militant in them. How much of the work pressure do you take home? Mahesh: We’re not making the Sistine Chapel; we’re making a Hindi movie!
There are no great political insights or spiritual messages which are being distilled and served to the people. It’s an audiovisual drug which is served to an audience clamouring for pleasure. We are pleasure peddlers. We are not giving any solutions to the problems of the human race. We are just numbing their pain for two and a half hours. They give us their money and their time. We respect that and give them a fairy tale.
Do you have arguments? Mukesh: Highs and lows are a part of life. Mahesh: Life would be such a bore without them. Just imagine your magazine with only happy articles. That would be a boring read. Your nephew Vikram Bhatt has mended his bridges once again with Vishesh Films... Mahesh: Vikram chose to go away. Just bec because ause he was was given given a break break by us, that doesn’t mean he’s a bonded labourer. He came back happier, like someone who has understood the value of his home. We didn’t point a finger and say, ‘Oh we told you so!’ Mukesh: What took him away was his own need. When he returned it was his need again. Pooja Bhatt is very much on her own... Mahesh: Pooja (Bhatt) is selfsufficient, she is on her own, producing and directing films. She does consult Mukesh and I give my
creative inputs. I am proud of my eldest daughter. Mukesh: I’m happy that Pooja has managed to stand tall and not under the shadow of her uncle or her father. I’d like Vishesh to move out too as also my nephew Mohit (Suri). We are here to give them strength not to handicap them.
Mahesh, couldn’t you have launched your daughter Aalia (Bhatt)? Mahesh: I’m not committed to create vehicles for my children. If they suit the story and cater to the economic well-being of the company, then we take them. Pooja was taken in Daddy (1989) because the story was about a 16-year-old helping her alcoholic father, not because she was my daughter. She wasn’t there in but we did did take take her her in in Dil Aashiqui but Hai Ki Maanta Nahin (1991). Mukesh: We are not making the kind of films that would cater to Aalia in terms of the genre. Mahesh: She’s lucky to get a break with Karan Johar’s Student Of The Year . It’s a young film that suits her age. I am not a conduit through which my children will make an entry into the world of films. I never worked with my father. What about Shaheen? Mahesh: Shaheen is yet deciding whether she wants to direct or write. She may first begin to write. I don’t think she wants to be an actress, unless she has some hidden fantasy. n
Visit us at
Visit us at
Visit us at
YOUR FILMFAR ARE E
RIDING HIGH Viewers have found much to cheer about in Oh My God! Pg110
From Ekta Kapoor to Amitabh Bachchan, our readers love both young and old show stealers
Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal in Oh My God!
Pg112
Pg114
Viewers like Kareena Kapoor more than Heroine
Shatrughan Sinha’s racy rejoinders
You Y ourr Fil ilmf mfar are e Letters unique. Her choice of subjects for movies like Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai or The Dirty Picture shows her foresight. Some call her dominating but it is this quality which helps her take bold decisions. She is the woman on top.
Just one Ju point
Santosh Mohan Joshi, Sangli
Love Kareena, hate Madhur Being a diehard Kareena Kapoor fan, I was bubbling with excitement when I took my seat in the theatre. By the time we got done with the commercials and previews, I just couldn’t wait anymore. And then finally,
Barf!
Silence please
Filmfare should
The silent but loudly clear theme of Bari! reminds me of a film that released 25 years ago. Pushpak was ably directed by veteran Singeetham Srinivas Rao and with excellent performances by Kamal Haasan, Tinnu Anand and Amala. It was a film that eschewed dialogue in toto and marked a bold attempt in filmmaking. Today’s films have loud and cacophonous dialogue, at times bordering on the obscene and full of double entendre . We can do better than dish out such an onslaught of sight and sound. Films like Pushpak and Bari! are a testament.
I think Filmare is wasting its precious cover space for movie promotions. If you are promoting Ajab Ghazabb Love just because the hero, Jackky Bhagnani is the son of a money making producer, then I demand that you should also give covers to all those films that stand to win awards abroad. Films like Chittagong should be a priority. Talented actors like Manoj Bajpayee, Kay Kay Menon, Atul Kulkarni and Pawan Malthora are never featured on the Filmare cover. If you promote one, you should be fair and promote all.
Vijayalakshmi Aravind, Bangalore
Constructive criticism I used to look forward to r eading reviews, because it made my choice of whether to watch a film or not easier. It is indeed a well established fact that box-office collections are in no way related to the acerbic criticism or the cloying encomiums showered on a film. The decision, therefore, lies with the audience. My grouse is why nowadays such appreciation / abuses are written longer and more voluminous than the film script itself. Do the reviewers think that the readers are waiting to read a thesis or antithesis on the movies they watch? Reviewing a creative product can never escape the bane of subjectivity. But, what we expect from the present day critics is balanced presentation without bias, fear or favour.
G Swaminathan, Chennai
Send Your Letters to
do better
Pretty KT Mirchandani, Mumbai
Ekta on top Ekta Kapoor is a bold businesswoman. Not many could have survived in the man’s world which is Bollywood. She knows what sells and how to sell it. In contrast to her run-of-the-mill daily soaps, the movies she makes are ultra forward and
Rekha
Kareena Kapoor the movie started and I realised something had gone horribly wrong. At first, I couldn’t put my finger on it but then, after a few more scenes, I realised watching something decidedly pedestrian. It pains me to say this because I love Kareena so much, but she deserved better. The beginning of Heroine had me excited for a while, but when the reason for it was explained a little into the movie, it seemed unnecessarily intense. Kareena’s character graph was just dead straight, no growth, no layers, no depth. Madhur Bhandarkar needs to come up with a new structural skeleton for his movies. Page 3, Fashion and Corporate all follow the same template and frankly, it’s getting a little blah.
Priyanka Gupta via email
Rah rahs for Runa
Ekta Kapoor
I loved the article Beyond Borders with Runa Laila (Oct 10, 2012). Thanks a ton. I remember the MNS claiming that they would not let the show air
Send us your views, opinions and suggestions to: Email:
[email protected] Fax: 022 - 22731585 Mail: We’ve Got Mail, Filmfare, The Times of India Bldg., 4th Floor, Dr D N Road, Mumbai 400 001, India (Please mention your full name and address)
OR
It’s the 10th month of 2012 and Filmare has still not published a photo shoot with Rekha. It’s been more than two years since the diva has been featured in your magazine. Please feature her celebrating her recent birthday in October. Please don’t disappoint me and millions of her fans.
Rishabh Sharma via email “May I extend my heartfelt thanks to Filmfare and its editor Jitesh Pillaai for a gorgeous tribute to me in the latest issue dated October 10th... so overwhelmed by it and all that was written, thank you Jitesh.”
Amitabh Bachchan on his blog dated Sept 30, 2012 because it had the participation of an artiste from Pakistan. Even after so many years both the sides hold such hatred. But politicians just want to gain free publicity and they always butt their noses in irrelevant issues. I feel art has no religion. The interview touched upon a similar aspect where Runa Laila clarified that it was the media that made up the rivalry between Lata Mangeshkar and her.
Siddharth K Mirchandani, Mumbai SMS: FI
CCBB to
53636
You Y ourr Fil ilmf mfar are e: Reviews
Twiviews Fans and readers tweet their mini reviews to @filmfare @sachin_dictator: An eye-opener for those who believe too much in God. @shankhayan100: Oh My God! is the best film of the year, terrific acts and a message with humour. Just awesom awesome. e.
Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal in OMG!
OMG! Oh My God! An average affair Based on the Gujarati play Kanji Viruddh Kanji , OMG! OMG! has has a strong storyline. Paresh Rawal plays Kanjibhai, an atheist Gujarati businessman who loses his livelihood because o an earthquake and decides to sue God or his nancial ruin. And that’s how the God v/s Kanjibhai Kanjibhai subject comes in. The movie is good in parts and makes you chuckle occasionally. The Paresh Rawal-Akshay Kumar chemistry seen in earlier lms is completely lacking here. Akshay Kumar’s role seems to be like an extended cameo as Krishna and his introduction scene on a bike alls fat thanks to the tacky graphics. The dozen godmen make you grin at times and among all, the only amiliar ace is Mithun Chakraborty. It is Paresh Rawal who carries the entire lm on his shoulders and
Post your reviews to Terms & conditions:
makes it watchable with his wit and humour in place. The lm seems to veer away rom the original topic and becomes more about ake godmen than about the existence o God. Though the lm brings out its divine message it lacks nesse. Vidya Prakash, Thane
In a country like India where rituals and religious practices are blindly ollowed, OMG! OMG! will will surely oend people ollowing it rigorously as were we at some point. Bradley Fernandes, Panjim
@skiwave: Oh My God! has a strong message. Brilliant performance by Paresh Rawal @iRMaddy: Oh My God! has a beautiful message for the people. It shows that if you believe in God he will believe in you.
Divine tunes
Satire at its best Oh my Seldom do we get to watch goodness an entertaining satire in Hindi
Unlike the other so called comedy lms, this one doesn’t expect you to leave your brains behind. This adaptation o a Gujarati play chooses the right cast. Paresh Rawal as Kanjibhai Kanji bhai is is superb and leaves his Baburao act behind. The debate against idol worship, blind superstitions, money mismanagement in religious charitable trusts in the lm acts as an eye opener. Akshay Kumar shocks us with his perormance and his last dud Joker is Joker is orgiven. The best part was the parallel drawn to the Mahabharata towards Mahabharata towards the end, with Krishna (Akshay) replaying his role as the legendary charioteer-advisor or the warrior - Arjun then, Kanji now.
cinema. The lm is set on Kanjibhai Kanji bhai v/s v/s God premise. There are neither caked up actresses nor any unwanted songs or toilet humour. The commercialisation o estivals is rightly brought out. As ar as the perormances are concerned, it is Paresh Rawal’s best perormance till date in the comedy genre. Kanjilal aka Paresh Rawal’s arguments and counter-questions are well thought out. Akshay pulls up a great God act and no one can miss the showstealer Mithun Chakraborty as the godman. Govind Namdeo is another aggressive godman but he overdoes his part. Truly a divine comedy comedy.. Shekhar Rajput, Jaipur
I never thought I’d come across something like this in a cinema hall. OMG! OMG! lives lives up to its title. The lm acts as an eye-opener and brings out the naked truth about the business o religion in our country. Kanjibha Kanjibha i v/s God in a rollercoaster o court cases brings out thought provoking questions. The director Umesh Shukla does justice to the script. Mithun plays the godman with ease. Prabhu Deva and Sonakshi Sinha set the eet tapping wildly with their ‘Go ‘ Go Govinda ’ number. To sum up, OMG! is OMG! is a worthy watch or the atheists as well as the believers. At the end o the lm, it will surely leave you exclaiming ‘Oh my goodness!’ Shikha Shruti, Delhi
Send us your views, opinions and suggestions to: Email: [email protected] Fax: 022 - 22731585 Mail: Pasand Apni Apni, Filmfare, The Times of India Bldg., 4th Floor, Dr D N Road, Mumbai 400 001, India (Please mention your full name and address)
OR
SMS: FI PAA to
53636
Any letter addressed to Filmfare will be the property of Filmfare and all copyrights for the same shall be vested with us . Filmfare reserves the right to use s uch letter/ material/jokes for any purpose including commercial in the magazine or otherwise.
Last word By By Ji Jite tesh sh Pi Pill llaa aaii
Once mo more re with love 80
years! His wit, his energy, belie his his age. One can’t think of Yash Chopra as an octogenarian. He’s so much clued into the times that he seemingly belongs to the current era and not to some bygone age. He’s peerless as a director. His contribution to the annals of Hindi cinema is immense. There would be a yawning gap the size of the Grand Canyon in the history of Indian cinema if you take Yash Chopra’s name out of it. He’s always been a rebel, with a distinct style and vision that broke away from the constraints of prevailing trends. It also empowered him to carve his own niche away from the giant shadow of his brotherr BR Chopra. brothe Chopra. Dhool Ka Phool (1959), Phool (1959), his first film itself, dealt with the taboo subject of unwed motherhood, something he touched upon again in Kabhi Kabhie (1976) and Silsila (1981) too. Yash ji ji knows knows that life can’t be clinically divided into black and white and his fascination with the intermingling greys has given us poignant, enigmatic films showcasing the complexity of human relationships. Daag Daag (1973), (1973),
Yash Chopra
his breakaway film, with which he established his own banner, the iconic Yash Raj Films, talked of bigamy and its repercussions in a humane way. Silsila brought out the hidden truth that love outside marriage does exist and that you do have to pay a price for it. Lamhe
(1991), perhaps his most radical film, championed the fact that love has no age limits and showcased the bond between a teenager and a man who ideally should have been her father figure. In Darr (1993), he told us what happens when love crosses the bounds of sanity.
The director has been credited with starting the trend of multi-starrers with Waqt Waqt (1965). (1965). Apart from directing films for his brother BR Chopra’s BR Films and his own banner, banne r, Yash Yash Chopra Chopra also also successfully directed films like Deewaar Deewaar (1975) (1975) and Trishul (1978) Trishul (1978) – two of the most iconic Amitabh Bachchan films – for producer Gulshan Rai, thus establishing the fact that he wasn’t just a sultan of romance. It can be argued that the filmmaker was instrumental in bringing bringin g to light light different different aspects of Bachchan. In Deewaar , he was the anti-hero who loved his mother, in Kabhi Kabhie, Kabhie, the romantic who’s disillusioned by love, in Silsila,, as a man who flirts Silsila with an extra marital affair, in Kala Patthar (1979), Patthar (1979), as a coward who gets a second chance at finding courage. After a hiatus of eight years, the legend has returned to form once more with Jab with Jab Tak Tak Hai Jaan.. The promos have Jaan quickened our appetite for this grand romance. While we are happy, nay, delirious that he’s made a film again, we are also sad that it’s going to be his last directorial effort. We want him to go on and on and on... Jab on... Jab tak hai jaan... jaan... n
