I am the glam doll of T wood ! September 18, 2010 12:00
Already, she has been touted as the most happening heroine in Telugu cinema. And this before the release of her first Telugu film, Jhumandi Naadam, directed by none other than K Raghavendra Rao.She also has finished a Tamil film, Aadukalam, a film directed by Vettrimaran in which she'll star alongside Dhanush.Born and brought up in Delhi, Taapsee is a qualified engineer in computer science who has entered acting through modelling. A Miss India winner for Best Skin, Taapsee has a number of modelling assignments, both print and television, under her belt. Tall and beautiful, Taapsee seems to have won over the film industry from the start, and already she's signed films opposite Vishnu Babu and Ravi Theja.Her Telugu debut Jhumandi Naadam features Manoj Manchu as her co-star, and is produced by Lakshmi Manchu under the Lakshmi Prasanna banner.Here's what she has to say about her role and more. How did you decide to enter films? Was it a natural corollary of modelling?Initially, I wanted to be a full-time model and never thought I could act. As time went by, modelling became not that exciting or enjoyable, as posing in front of the camera became monotonous.Also, I felt my name was not being highlighted. The name gets highlighted only in films. One gets to do something new, meet new people every day and travel while doing films. Every day is a challenge and something new happens too. So I wanted to act.You chose to enter cinema with a Telugu film? Why?There was no choosing on the basis of language. It was only on the basis of the role and the technicians.What was appealing about Jhumandi Naadam? The fact that it was being directed by K Raghavendra Rao?When I came for the audition, I didn't know Raghavendra Rao uncle was a big name in Telugu. Only when I was about to sign the film did I realise how big he is and also the magnitude of the banner.How different was acting in a film from modelling?I was happy I shifted to movies. The first day was different:We were shooting in Araku Valley. I joined the unit after they had started the shoot. Raghavendra Rao uncle and the unit people made it special. In fact I was made to sit down and Manoj stood behind me and they did the dhristi removal (nazar utarna) with the pumpkin and kapur (camphor). This was also included in the song we shot. So that was special too.Could you talk about your role?I play a soft-natured girl who's chirpy and sentimental. She's an NRI but brought up in the traditional way and has not faced hardships in life. She falls in love with the boy and then the twists and turns occur.Surmounting the language barrier must have been tough...Yes, it was initially tough. The South Indian and North Indian languages are different; the sound is different, the meaning is different. Whenever people spoke, I wondered if they were talking about me. But I was mentally prepared for it. Instead of cribbing, I started to catch words to use in my daily conversation.I had a special AD (assistant director) and she used to write the lines in Hindi. Lakshmi (Manchu) said the lip sync should be perfect. She is my mentor. The dialogue sheet would come a day before, but at times it would be changed and then I did fumble and felt I wasted time.You are not a trained actor. So how was it being on the sets?Though I am not trained in acting, I have been a stage performer before. I am trained in Kathak from the age of four. I learned it for eight years under Kanika Ghosh Singh (a disciple of Birju Maharaj). After schooling, I was with Shiamak Davar's dance institute and was training to be an instructor there. I didn't want to be one though. I completed my engineering in Computer Science from Indraprastha University. My dad wanted me to study. I got placement in Infosys and was scheduled to join in August last year, but I signed my first film in the same month.So you juggled modelling with engineering?Modelling was possible with studies.Did you walk the ramp?I got so much print work that there was no time for walking the ramp. Also, I was not keen on doing it. The only time I did it was during the Miss India pageant.How was it acting with Manoj?Manoj is full of energy. Even on a bad day, he is on top. His energy level is tremendous. People used to talk of my high energy. So we clicked. Besides energy levels, our thought processes were also similar. His experience and professionalism is different. I learned how he changes in front of the camera. Manoj helped me a lot. He made me carry off the long emotional scenes well. Also since I was a newcomer, I was open to learning from day oneHow was it being directed by K Raghavendra Rao?Raghavendra Rao uncle is a man with a Midas touch. I am lucky to have worked with him. He has made me look beautiful and people appreciated me in the song. He is quite chilled out. Having made 105 movies, he knows the pluses and minuses of his artists. He never caused me stress. Once while I was preparing to tackle a three-page dialogue he asked me, 'Why are you stressing yourself? We'll shoot and pack up when you want to.'Could tell us something about the experience of working on Jhumandi Naadam?I was treated like a star from day one. Since the technical crew was experienced, they had a good rapport and they made me feel like one of them. They were encouraging and complimented and appreciated my performance.On the third day while shooting a song, Raghavendra Rao uncle gave me and Manoj a complimentary Rs 1000 note with 'Best Wishes' signed on it. He also said 'You'll go a long way in your career'.Many compliments followed, which were a major source of encouragement. Whenever I got ready, he used to give me a look of approval. He would say 'You don't have to put on makeup to look good. You are one of the most beautiful heroines I have worked with.' That was a huge compliment.You are being talked about as one of the happening heroines even before the filmTill a week ago I was happy and excited. Film offers are pouring in. Media is writing good things about me. There is good talk about me in the industry, and this shows in the offers too.I have finalised my third film with Ravi Theja. I have three films before I am launched. It's just about dawning on me and now I am having panic/anxiety attacks as expectations are high. People have taken a risk by signing me as a lead heroine. I am scared of the hype as one shouldn't fall below expectations.Success and failure are part of this industry. How are you equipped to face this?I can't expect all my films to be super hits. I'll give each shot my best. I don't know what the audience will like. I will make sure I get noticed and appreciated, even if the film doesn't do well.Was convincing your parents tough when you wanted to enter films?My mom wanted me to enter films. My dad wanted me to do engineering, and I ended up passing with distinction. So I told him, 'I always did what you wanted me to do. I want one year to do what I want to do. If it doesn't work, I'll get back to what you wanted'.Do you think winning the Miss Beautiful Skin title at the Miss India pageant was your passport to fame, modelling and now movies?Not at all. Lakshmi didn't know about my winning the title. Many others didn't have any clue of my background. I had to tell them.Are you doing a film with Prabhas directed by Dasarath?Yes, I have a film with Prabhas produced by Dil Raju where I play a tomboy character. I am doing one with Vishnu produced by Mohan Babu uncle and directed by Hemanth Madhukar (his directorial debut), where I play a simple girl, and a film with Ravi Theja directed by Ramesh Varma.Are you open to doing films in other languages?Yes, I have shot a Tamil film Aadukalam back-to-back with Jhumandi Naadam. Aadukalam has Madurai backdrop and I play an Anglo-Indian girl. The character is from the middle class and faces an identity crisis. Her parents are troubling her to settle in Australia. Vettrimaran (director of Polladhavan) directs it and I act with Dhanush.How did you manage with Tamil?It was more difficult because I had to learn the Madurai dialect. Also one was going back and forth between Telugu and Tamil. The characters are different. I am a glam doll in the Telugu one, while in Tamil I hardly wear makeup.How do you take care of your skin? And what's your fitness and beauty regimen like?I am blessed with good skin. I fear makeup and don't wear it during public appearances. I have no fixed plan as far as skin is concerned. I make sure I eat a balanced diet -- fruits and vegetables. I eat only when I'm hungry.One shouldn't restrict oneself by overeating or eating less. I have a dancing background, so my fitness is taken care of. Even now as and when I get time, I dance.
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Pooja in Shakti movie March 25, 2011 13:25
Pooja told reporters “I`ve just finished a Telugu film with Junior NTR. It`s called ‘Shakti`. It is one of the biggest budget Telugu films, and I play anEgyptian princess with supernatural powers in it.” The film will be “high on sci-fi and special effects”. The film has Ileana D’Cruz as the lead lady and has other Bollywood stars such as Jackie Shroff, Sonu Mood and Manjari Phadnis. She shared her feelings with reporters… It’s been almost 20 years since you did your last movie. What made you take up a Telugu movie now? After my divorce I decided not to do films. The reason was simple. All the roles offered to me were similar. I took up many television offers and started writing for newspapers. When I got this role in the movie Shakthi, it was too difficult to resist. I was intrigued, fascinated and at the same time felt that the role was intense and dramatic. I am playing an Egyptian princess and Sonu Sood is my husband. I have never played such a character before. You do not speak Telugu. Was language a barrier? Well, it did become a barrier, but then you need a very good director to make you understand the situation. The director of the film helped me tremendously to get into the right situations. How different is the work in South when compared to Bollywood? Way back when I was in Bollywood, things were not as organised. We would have two or three shifts of shooting. Things are very organised and professional down South. But I am hoping Bollywood has become disciplined with time. You have been part of many reality shows. Your recent stint was with Maa Exchange. What’s your take on reality shows? Reality shows are something through which you get to know your true potential and also it gives one a chance to connect with the audience. Before doing Nach Baliye and Jhalak, I did not realise my potential as a dancer. Then I did Katron Ke Khiladi, which tested my mental strength and physical endurance through the stunts I had to perform. When Maa Exchange happened, people saw my life. There was no glam quotient. There was a situation where another lady was talking ill about me and my daughter stood up for me. It is sad that my daughter had to face that situation but at the same time you also learn that there are people with such negativities. It is a huge learning experience. Is it all staged? There are two sides to it. There are some that are scripted and others that are not, but have situations that provoke the protagonist. In such situations the production does tell you to react in a particular way but it is up to you whether or not to react. As far as my experience goes I have reacted as per my choice. You were about to get engaged. What happened then? Yes, I was about to get engaged, but then the boy’s parents did not seem to agree to our relationship. I do feel bad about it and was upset for a really long time, but I guess you need to move on. But whatever happened between us were all good memories. Has your perspective towards relationships changed post divorce and the relationships you have been through? Yes it has. I don’t want to be in a string of relationships. I do not want my children to see me with different men. Though I would not deny the fact that I have been in relationships in the past, I am now looking forward to settling down in life and with someone who will take care of my kids. Aliya (your daughter) has been getting many offers to host shows. Would you encourage her? I am against that right now. I think she needs to focus on her studies. I am open to product advertising because you finish shooting in one day. She is very keen on doing shows. I think I will let her do them only when I think the time is right. Would you be willing to work in a Kannada movie?I work because I want to work and not because I have to work. If there is some role, it has to be juicy and over-the-top. If there is something like that I will go ahead with it.
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Amrita Rao August 13, 2010 17:56
Beginning her career as a model, Rao made her acting debut with Ab Ke Baras (2002), which went unnoticed. However, she grew into prominence when she starred in Ken Ghosh's love-story, Ishq Vishk (2003) and earned her first Filmfare nomination in the Best Female Debut category. Delivering acclaimed performances and commercial success with films like Main Hoon Na (2004) and Vivah (2006), her biggest commercial success so far, she has established herself as one of the most promising actresses of Bollywood.Awards * 2004: Sansui Awards, Best Debut - Female - Ishq Vishk* 2007: GR8 Women Awards, Young Achiever* 2007: Anandalok Puroshkar Awards, Most Promising New Talent - Vivah* 2007: Sports World Awards, Jodi of the Year along with Shahid Kapoor - Vivah* 2007: Dadasaheb Phalke Academy Award - VivahAccording to u what is u r Philosophy ? Philosophy of life: Life is short and sweet, so make others happy and never let anyone down. If you had to date a historical character, who would he be and why?I guess it must be Bhagat Singh. I have worked in the movie The Legend of Bhagat Singh and was very much inspired by him.At the young age of 23, he was hanged for the sacrifices he made for our country. It's not easy to make yourself be heard like that.What if the guy you like turns out to be a gay?He would still be a good friend of mine.If you are going out on a date and someone makes a pass at you, would you want your guy to fight with that man?I have seen that happening in movies and have always been inspired when Shah Rukh Khan does something like that in Baazigar and Darr.Among the current crop of Bollywood stars, who do you think is the hottest?Aamir is my favorite. I think Hrithik is also perfect in terms of looks, height and body.Your first crush?During my school days, I used to like a cricketer. But now I feel too embarrassed to even take his name. He is out of the team now.Which zodiac-sign man do you go around well with?I'm not much into zodiac signs. I certainly have many friends who are guys, but I haven't really asked them about their zodiac signs!What qualities would you like your man to possess?I would want him to have a lot of patience. I would want him to calm me down when I get flustered about something. I would want him to really support me and tell me whenever he feels I'm wrong. Above all, he should respect his parents and be a thorough gentleman.This guy would be from Bollywood?Not necessarily.Is sense of humor a must?I think, yes. The first thing which attracts me to a person is his sense of humor.
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Shriya Saran August 13, 2010 17:37
Shriya Saran, who is called the Madhuri Dixit of the South, talks about her career in southern cinema, female-oriented roles and much more.Tell us about your family, hobbies and favorites.Basically, I hail from Dehradun, born on September 11th 1982, so you now my age too. My dad’s name is Pushpendra and my mom’s name is Neeraj. I’ve completed by B.A from Lady Shriram college, Hyderabad. I love to dance and I have been formally trained in Kathak. I like to swim, read books, listening to music. I also like to speak and interact with the public. I like Paulo Coelho’s novels. Amongst food, I like daal-roti. I prefer home-made food over eating outside.Now, tell us about your favorite stars.In Hindi its Amitabh Bachchan and Madhubala. And in the South, its none other than Megastar Chiranjeevi.What’s your preference when it comes to dressing up?I’d prefer getting ready in a saree. But, I am told I look good in westernized clothing. So, I end up wearing them most of the times.Its been five years since you’ve come to the industry, how come you don’t speak to Telugu at all?I know telugu in tid-bits, but when I talk people end up laughing and making fun of me. So, I am happy communicating in Hindi and English itself.Tell us about your character in Don Seenu.Ahem. Nope, I cannot talk about it right now. It would be fun only if you watch it on screen. Wait for the movie.Why do you think Shankar selected you and how was it working with the Tamil Superstar?I think I got it purely by luck. I have seen all of Shankar’s movies before. They were all very good movies. I am very happy to have the got the chance to work with him. I am feeling very proud of myself having done a Shankar film. Its every artiste’s dream to work with Chiranjeevi, Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan. Luckily, I got to work with two of the three superstars in India.How come you have distanced yourself from the Telugu industry?I have not distanced myself. I got an offer to do a Shankar-Rajinikanth film and a few other Tamil offers. That’s why I did a few Tamil films in between. Now, I got a few roles in Telugu again – so I’m back. It’s the telugu industry that made me the actor I am today, I will never forget that or distance myself from it.Why are you exposing so much these days?What to do? Earlier I got very good characters. Now, I am offered roles that demand me to expose. So I can't let go of those few good offers I get. Moreover, I also have been doing good, meaningful roles along the way too.
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I decide to marry.. August 29, 2010 13:34
Discussing her marriage plans, Preity says everything happens in its own times and she is sick of the speculations. "It's a stressful topic," Preity told IANS in an interview.Are you as excited as during your childhood?Yes,I used to be crazy like other children to celebrate my birthday. But not so after the death of my dad. My dad used to give me the best of gifts, especially those things that I needed then. I am not crazy any more though. How's it working with Karan?Ah! After a long time a role I can completely connect with, and yet remain detached. I think Karan is really gifted as a writer. I can't believe how progressive his and Niranjan Iyenger's lines are. We were constantly bouncing ideas. Karan is someone I have always looked up to. But to work with him as a director for the first time, and that too in a project very different from his style, is a unique experience. The vibes on the sets with Amit-ji, Abhishek, Shah Rukh and Rani were amazing.What makes this birthday special?It's another year to look forward to. I don't want to sound philosophical. But I am just happy to be financially and emotionally independent. I can do what I want. But I am sad because my mom is in America with my brother. We are an absolutely global family. One of us is always travelling. What are your final birthday thoughts... marriage?I don't know where these marriage rumours came from. The people who spread these rumours got very excited with the thought. But they have finally given up. Marriage is a personal decision. I'll take the plunge when the time is right. As of now, there's nothing on the cards.And what gifts did you get?I can buy myself anything. So my best gift from friends is that they love me for who I am. I hope they continue to support me although I don't have too much time for them. My closest friend is Shagun in Delhi. She is always there for me. I don't need birthdays for my friends to make me feel special.Isn't the time right now? No. Everything happens in its own time. Right now I am working on my career. There's too much interest in my marriage. It is a stressful topic. I am a frank person. When there's something happening I'll announce it. Right now I am sick of these speculations. You have a fine-tuning with both Shah Rukh and Hrithik Roshan. Your comment?Though I have good relations with all the stars, but I have a nice friendship with Hrithik. However, Shah Rukh is more than a friend. I have a lot of respect for him as I have learnt many things from him. When do you intend to marry?At present, I am fully devoted to my career. When I decide to marry you would come to know about it.
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I want to be known for my ACT and Not for my Body August 12, 2010 13:25
Gracy Singh is the leading actress, Gracy Singh talking about her future goals. she tells JYOTHI VENKATESH that she is not in a tearing hurry to settle down in life.What is your role in Ramdev ?What I like best about the film is that my role has grey shades. All the characters in the film are very realistic and not at all larger than life; like the characters one generally sees in hardcore Hindi commercial films these days, though the film is an out and out entertainer.To what extent was the role challenging for you as an actress?It is quite a challenging role for me as an actress because of the situation turns in the film, which makes the protagonist’s world topsy-turvy.What made you say yes to the project?I agreed to be a part of the project after I heard the script from director. To tell you the truth, initially I was quite skeptical when I heard the script but was convinced because the story is very unique.How did you prepare for the role as an actor?I did not have to do much preparation for the role. All that I had to do; to get into the skin of the character was to learn to chalo a cycle tyre like street-urchins, when the shoot was going on.How was your experience of having acted with Mammootty?It was a pleasure to work in a Malayalam film opposite a veteran actor like Mammootty. I learnt a lot by just observing him in action, though I could not understand a word of Malayalam when I shot for the film.After a long time you are back on the silver screen?You can say that... DESH DROHI was quite some time back. Why is that we don't see more of you on screen? I don't want to do mindless roles. I prefer to be an actor than a heroine. Do you think the audience will appreciate this kind of a film? Definitely, the film will be appreciated by the audience because it shows a beautiful love story.You seem to be stuck with a staid image as an actress?I am quite possessive about the clean image with which I have been saddled as an actress after I did Lagaan. I do not want to sully the image by getting into a bikini or doing ultra glamorous roles by wearing itsy-bitsy see through costumes.What is your approach as an actor?I am a director’s actress and prefer to be like clay in the hands of the director so that he can mould me the way the character demands. I do not take anything seriously because I am of the opinion that nothing is permanent in life.Do newcomers pose a threat to you?Why should I get threatened by the influx of younger and newer actresses today on the scene? Every day is different. You just cannot prevent new people from making their mark in the film industry. It has been happening from times immemorial. Today, I want to see an actress like Vyjayanthimala on the screen but I know that it is only a wishful thinking.What are your next projects?I am reading scripts right now. As I told you, I am very particular about the kind of films I want to do. Like in 'ASEEMA', I loved the script; my character was quite challenging for me. My character portrays all three stages of woman's life and I was lucky to play such a character as it's a bold character. Is marriage on the cards?My younger sister Lisa got married. Though there is a lot of pressure from my parents and all the relatives at home to settle down, I am not in a hurry.
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He is everything to me. He is someone I can August 11, 2010 11:51
Deepika Padukone, 'Om Shanti Om' fame has fallen head over heals in love with the charming and amazing Kapoor scion Ranbir Kapoor. Deepika Padukone was voted as one of the hottest Maxim girls in the world by the readers of the Magazine. In this interview she merrily tells us about how it feels being in love and about her Mr, Ranbir Kapoor.Deepika, a die-hard Rishi Kapoor fan, was just so happy and excited to meet her childhood hero Rishi Kapoor not as a fan but as his son’s girlfriend.Here’s Deepika’s take on her lover boy Ranbir and his family. How did your romance with Ranbir begin?We met while we were shooting for our respective debut films (Om Shanti Om and Saawariya). At that point of time it was very different because he hadn’t been in the limelight at all. It was a completely new thing for him whereas I was used to it, having been a model. We were both very involved with our films then. So we didn’t really get too much time to spend with each other. We went our separate ways after our movies were released and we just disconnected. Then we got together again when we were doing Siddharth’s (Anand, director) movie (Yash Raj Films). We were together for a month and that’s when it started.Was there any attraction even when you two had met earlier?Yes, we got along well even then. But we didn’t get too much time to be in a relationship. We thought ‘let’s not rush into anything’. We are young and we both have our careers to pursue. We also knew that at some point we would be working together and there would be enough time to get to know each other.How does it feel being in love?It’s a fantastic feeling. He is very caring. I am glad that I am finally in a relationship where my man loves me so much and for what I am. Also, when we met again, so much had already happened in our respective lives. We came from two different spaces. But we connected. The fact that both our families are also happy about this relationship makes it easier.What do you think of his parents?They are wonderful. His mum (Neetu Kapoor) is very sweet. Kapoors are loving people. They are all foodies. It’s another thing common between us. He loves to see me eating the way I do, because the other women he knows are always picking on ghas phoos.Since he comes from a filmi background, do you seek his advice?He is everything to me. He is someone I can talk to about everything and that’s the beauty of our relationship. Actually, I prefer not to discuss work with him as after a long day it would get too much. We enjoy doing a lot of other things and spend as much time with each other as we can. Yeah, I can ask him for suggestions because he would know better about this industry.Did you like the towel dropping scene in Saawariya?(Blushes) I have seen the movie. In fact, I watched the movie with him in Sydney. I saw the song and I think it’s cool. I keep teasing him that he’s become a gay icon.
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It actually brought tears to her eyes August 11, 2010 10:56
There is a marvelous quality about actor Ranbir Kapoor. It is a quality he adjusts for films of different mood and is extremely convincing in any role he does whether it's a young spoilt brat or a hardworking salesman. He has a consistency about him, which enables him to find something of himself in every role without histrionic striving.Only four films old, he has become immensely popular. Not only has he charmed his fans but has also been crowned by many as the next superstar.Yesteryear actor and father of the Bollywood hunk Ranbir Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor is renovating his Mumbai’s Pali Hill bungalow called Krishna Raj. There’s a reason to it. Kapoor says that as soon as he will get his perfect match, he would settle down. He badly wants to start a family.Rishi Kapoor has decided to transform his bungalow into a 14-storeyed building since he is sure that his son would get married one day. Ranbir confirms it and says that a bigger family would obviously require a bigger house. In an exclusive chat, promising Kapoor lad talks about his film, perspective on certain things in life and his forthcoming films.In your film Rocket Singh - Salesman of The Year, you play a Sikh and you actually grew a beard. Why did you decide to do so and how was the experience?Yes it's the first film I actually had a physical appearance change and I learnt a lot from it. I learnt how important it is to feel the character and since I am playing a Sikh in the film we wanted my character to look real so I decided to grow a beard. I could have stuck a beard every morning but that would have been really uncomfortable.It's not easy to keep a beard and tie a pagdi in warm countries but they still maintain it and I really respect them for that because they do it for a religious purpose.Since your mother is a Sardarni, how much did she appreciate your get-up in the film?My mother was extremely thrilled but more than her, my maternal grandmother who passed away a couple of months back, was very happy that I was playing a Sardar. It was her dream to see me as a Sardar. In fact, the night she passed away was the first time I went home in the Sardar get-up and it actually brought tears to her eyes and joy to her face.You played a salesman in the film, how many salesmen do you actually entertain in real life? Did this film change your outlook towards salesmen?I don't think anyone entertains salesmen. We normally get irritated with them, but after doing this film, I feel they deserve more respect. They sit in their little cubicles everyday making around thousand calls a day, which is not easy and we are so rude to them. At times we just bang the phone when they call. I realized that we need to be more polite to them because every profession needs to be respected.You are the fourth generation actor from one of the industry's most famous and successful families. Do you feel the pressure to excel or to keep up the family name?No I don't feel any pressure as such because I work as an individual. I don't believe in genes and I don't believe in living on what my great grandfather, my grandfather or my parents have achieved. I am here as an individual and not as somebody's son or grandson. If my films are doing well I would like to take some credit for it. Sometimes my films will do well, sometimes they wouldn't. All I want to do is go to work every day.Does your father - Rishi Kapoor - make it a point to watch your films?Yes he does. He's very interested in what I do and he's my biggest critic. He always calls a spade a spade. He doesn't shy away from saying what he feels is right because he feels it's his right and more than being a part of cinema he is also an audience.Also if he doesn't tell me the truth, who will? He cannot be a hypocrite to his own son. He's got this reputation in the industry that he always speaks the truth and speaks his mind. My mother is my biggest fan whereas my father is my biggest critic. Most of the criticism that he gives me is constructive and most of the time in the right spirit but sometimes I can debate it. It's not that his word is the last word.How much of influence have your parents had on you as far as choosing your films and the kind of roles you do?My parents have never sat me down before I started doing films and said - "Ok now you are becoming an actor and these are the things that you have to do." They have let me make my own mistakes and let me take my own decisions and I think that's great because I can take credit for my success as well as brickbats for my failure. That"s how you learn and grow as an actor. That"s what my parents have done for me and I respect them for that.How much do you relate to the movies that your father does and how much influence have your grandfather and your father's films had on you?I am not shy about saying that my father is my favorite actor. When my sister and I were little we would eat dinner watching his film. So for me a lot of my influence has been from my father and my grandfather's work at the same time also from Mr. Bachchan's work or the other great actors of that time.How do you define a strange love?If it is to do with the film, I'd call it an ajab angle. Love is strange because it makes you do strange things. Do you think Katrina is cast in films because of her beauty and charm or is she really talented?I think Katrina is cast in her films only for the kind of talent she is, the kind of hard work she brings in to her films, the kind of positivity she brings in too is infectious.That is commendable and we shouldn't belittle her by saying that she only gets work because of her looks. Who is the better actor – Amitabh Bachchan or Rishi Kapoor?Rishi Kapoor.Who is the bigger Khan – Shah Rukh or Salman?Salman Khan.The face to look out for – Sonam Kapoor or Deepika Padukone?Sonam Kapoor.
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I became a choreographer by accident August 07, 2010 17:16
Farah Khan she is yet another woman joining the brigade of female filmmakers in India and pat comes the reply: "I am very different from them all. Women directors in India have mostly made niche films. Naturally, those films have a limited market."The Outer Critics Circle in New York had nominated her (along with Anthony Van Laast) for choreographing Bombay Dreams. She became the first Indian to be nominated for a major award for behind-the-scenes work. Broadway is an entirely different world, she knows.Was it always your dream to be a director?I confess that I had joined the industry as Mansoor Khan’s assistant in direction on the sets of his film Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander only to learn the ropes of the trade as a director, almost a decade ago. However every evening, I used to ask all the dancers to practice the steps that I had devised, to know in what way the dances were different from the ones choreographed by Saroj Khan. One evening, director Mansoor noticed the session.How did you bag your first assignment?I shot to fame as a choreographer with the slow motion number Pehla Nasha thanks to Saroj Khan by default. It so happened, that Saroj had left Mansoor’s unit high and dry one day and flown down South to do choreography for a South Indian film, leaving Mansoor Khan with no other alternative but to ask me to step in and rescue him by taking up the choreography for his film. A choreographer was born that day.Is it true that your mother had acted as Salman Khan’s father Salim Khan’s heroine?Yes. Not many are aware of the fact that my mother had actually acted as the heroine opposite Salman Khan’s father Salim Khan four decades ago. In fact I, Sajid Khan and Salman Khan had almost grown up together during our childhood and our families have known each other for donkey’s years.Why do you say that it would be tough for you to direct a film for any other producer after working with King Khan?I feel that Shahrukh is the best. After working with an actor like Shahrukh Khan, it is very difficult for me to work with any other actor. Just imagine I had to take a three second shot and I had told Shahrukh Khan that I’d require 98 cameras for it. Shahrukh spent 20 lakhs and got those 90 cameras flown in from London. Though I had told him not to splurge unnecessarily as we could easily do away with it, Shahrukh told me that he did not believe in compromising on quality.What do you think about the actresses of today?Frankly I feel that the actresses of today do not have the poise and the dignity which the girls in 70’s have had. In Om Shanti Om, Deepika fitted the role well, like Hemaji in the 70’s. To prepare Deepika for the role, we gave her voice training and dance classes, besides the three month training in acting course with Anupam Kher.What do you like the best about being a director?I enjoy being a director the most because as a director, I get to decide each and everything connected with the film, including recording only the songs which I want. I feel that direction is the most fulfilling job. The worst job is writing for the simple reason that it does not come easy to me.Which episode of Tere Mere Beach Mein touched you the most?The best thing about Tere Mere Beach Mein was that nothing in the show was actually scripted. After we decided on the theme of each episode, I asked questions randomlyI was touched by the episode on Hrithik. There is this comfort factor with each of my guests which I think will not come if they do not have a personal equation with you. Trust factor works a lot in a talk show like this. If they feel that they are uncomfortable answering any particular question, I readily offer to edit it out, because the idea is that the audiences should identify with what the stars had gone through in their lives and have a connect.Tell me about your kids!I have two daughters and one son. I have named my son Czar. Czar means an emperor. I have named my two daughters Diva and Anya. Diva is an Italian word for prima Donna, the main singer in the opera. Anya means inexhaustible in Sanskrit and graceful in Russian. Diva and Czar are similar looking but not identical. Its is said that one in two million triples are identical My daughters are maa ki laadlis and are chipkoos whereas my son is dad‘s laadla. He is elder by two minutes.
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Getting married to Prakash on August 24 in Mumbai August 07, 2010 14:57
Pony Varma, the versatile choreographer of Hindi cinema has been in the news for her alleged ‘affair’ with Prakash Raj. A big name in Bollywood, Pony has to thank Prakash and his Duet Films for making her presence felt in Kollywood through films like Poi, Mozhi, Vellithirai, Inidhu Inidhu . Now she is making headlines with the news of her getting married to Prakash on August 24 in Mumbai. In an exclusive to sify.com, Pony Varma opens up.How is it working with Prakash Raj the producer?He makes opportunities happen for new faces and encourages people with talent. As a producer he is a wonderful person.How would you describe your personal relationship with him?(Smiles) Beautiful. The best till date….Are you getting married to Prakash Raj?You better ask that question to Mr. Prakash Raj. I refuse to further comment on the matter.You are often seen in Priyadarshan films…Yes Priyan sir is like a godfather to me. I have done more than a dozen films with him.You have worked in both Bollywood and Kollywood. How different are the working stylesThey are two very different worlds. In Kollywood they value songs a lot. And a lot of attention is paid to detailing of the song right down to the timing of it in the film. I get a lot of satisfaction working this way here. Another aspect I really appreciate is the way they stick to deadlines in Kollywood. This adherence to timing is lacking in Bollywood and things can take forever.What are some of the films you have done recently in Bollywood?I did Chandni Chowk to China, De Dhana Dhan, Khatta Meeta, Guzarish amongst others.What is the USP of Pony Verma in this very competitive field?I follow the story of the film and fit the song accordingly. I can say that versatility is my strong point.Tell us about your work in Inidhu Inidhu which is to release this month?The story is about college kids and it goes in one straight line so there are no weird time frames to co-ordinate. There’s are lots of songs and many characters and it’s a youth based subject with new faces so we went with a lot of candid, free movements. It was really a chilled out atmosphere for us and it wasn’t like a master and students kind of thing at all. It was more like a college outing and we were all buddies.You are going to be present for the promotions of the film’s audio, which is not the norm usually for choreographers…Well it’s done in Mumbai and we are present there for the audio launches. I’ m, here only to promote the film in Chennai. I won’t be traveling down south with the team which is visiting Coimbatore and other places.
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Ala Modalaindi Hero Nani Interview January 21, 2011 17:47
Nani this lad is obsessed with Mani Sharma movies. He might have watched his movies a hundreds of times. Some of his friends even made fun of him for that. Some even said that he is nuts. No matter what others think, he never stopped watching Mani Sharma’s movies until the DVDs got worsened. The boy kept Mani’s photograph in his wallet and searched for stories. Finally his fortune took him to film industry and made him an actor. And that lucky boy is “Ashta Chamma” fame Nani. Nani has done a couple of films and got noteworthy identity in very short span. Ashta Chamma, Ride, Bheemili Kabaddi Jattu and now S.S.Rajamouli’s “Eega”. His latest movie “Ala Modalandi” is ready to hit the silver screens. So this young lad has had a brief chat with a leading newspaper that says…How is your filmy journey?It is going extremely good and I am here getting more than I deserve. I am extremely happy with my filmy journey.It looks like that the reason for your extreme happiness is Eega of Rajamouli?Ofcourse. It is one lucky that i have never expected. I have never even dreamed that I would be a part of S.S.Rajamouli’s movie. And now my latest movie “Ala Modalaindi” is also a very good one, I hope youth loves it.How does “Ala Modalaindi” movie happened?Director Nandini Reddy and myself are good friends. I know her since i used to work as an assistant director. She has told me about "Ala Modalaindi" then itself. I was able to predict the movie, when Nandini prepared this script. It is not a regular love story, but a more simple and realistic one. She has made it according to the taste of today’s generation.Viewers are expecting freshness in movies rite?Freshness doesn’t mean something that is not happening anywhere across the globe. Our movie has freshness, but it is the collection of real life incidents one probably have witnessed in one’s own life. While watching the movie you would feel that you done something like the character does. In fact you do not see any characters there. So it is new and fresh according to me.You have entered this industry as an assistant director, and director Nandini Reddy is your friend. Did youadvice her anything while making the movie?I believe it is the weird thing one can do. One can advice the director if one doesn’t believe in director’s capability. Nandini Reddy is an experienced director. And a director inside me can be used only to understand the story, I am just an actor while acting.All the young heroes are striving hard to acquire mass image. Are you looking forward for the same?Mass hero need to fight a lot and beat bad people black and blue. Do you think I can do that? Well it is upto viewer to feel the need to fight.So what kind of roles suit you?I do not want to limit myself to particular kind of roles. I want to do everything and anything. I got several offers similar to my role in “Ashta Chamma” after that movie, but I denied them because I wanted to do different kind of roles. So I took up Ride, Bheemili, Ala Modalaindi. They are very different from one another.what are your upcoming projects?Currently I am working in “Pilla Jamindaru”. And a Tamil movie “Veppam” under Gautham Menon’s direction. The movie is ready to release.
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'Mass Raja' Ravi Teja Interview January 17, 2011 15:31
You emerged winner for this Sankranthi with your release ‘Mirapakaay. How are you enjoying the success?Excellent. I am enjoying this Sankranthi with complete satisfaction. Though we are confident of hit, none of our unit members had expected such a huge success. We did not except such massive revenue for my film and I not even dreamt that the flick would remain my career best and is getting record collections. My director had good relationship with almost all the distributors. Whenever they call him up and reveal the collections’ record, Harish Shankar in turn is calling me and giving me those details. It is a marvelous experience. Let me tell you one thing. In some centers, there were mild lathi-charges at the theatre as the audiences are vying with each other for tickets, which is really great. Literally, I learnt the sweetness of success with ‘Mirapakaay. Not only me, our entire unit is enjoying this Sankranthi on a grand scale.Whom do you name for the success of “Mirapakaay”?The success credit would totally goes to the director of the film Harish Shankar. Because, he involved in the shooting from the day one to the till finish of the movie. He used to think twice for betterment of each and every scene, even when he was asleep. We just followed his instructions and performed before the camera. We did not intentionally contribute anything for the success of the movie in any angle.Can you please tell us about the technicians who worked for your movie?When I talk about technicians I should first talk about my editor Mr. Gautam Raju. This is the 200th movie for him and he has done extremely great job. When I look at the film now, I wonder if this is my movie. He was involved in every bit of post production and I should say I’m honored of working with a great technician like Mr. Gautam Raju. Mr. Ramprasad is my DOP and he has earlier worked with V V Vinayak, Surender Reddy and Raja Mouli. I was bit tensed how would it be working with a DOP who worked with such senior director but all tension went away after shooting 5-6 scenes. He is extremely professional and work oriented. For directors who want to do their movies quickly, ram Prasad is the best DOP. My Art Director Brahma is very devoted and worked round the clock. He is always there discussing with everyone how to improvise. He has done extremely good job in provided whatever shoot demanded. Raju Sundaram and Ganesh Master did choreography. What more can we say about Rajusundaram? Ganesh master designed adhigora choodu song very well matching RaviTeja’s style. Ram lakshman did fights for the movie and I’m very happy with the action sequences.Can you please tell us about other artists?Brahmaji played a very important role in the movie. He has a very different character. Thanks to Sunil who acted on my request even after becoming hero. Dharmavarapu Subramanyam, Ali did very good job. Each character will have a purpose in the movie.What are the highlights behind the success of this movie? Tell us your opinion…Raviteja did a one man army show to this cinema and almost he covered 96% of the movie with his presence.His energy levels is simply superb and we can enjoy with his dialogues where he used commonly punch dialogues on others.Mass raja turns in to sankranthi raja became a winner to this season.How far,Thaman’s music helped for the success of the movie? Thaman is concentrated more for Raviteja.”Viashali…” and “Mirapkaay….” songs become a good musical numbers and remaining are like drum sounds.How did you feel working with Deeksha & Richa? Are they cooperative? They are very cooperative girls. They did not trouble anyone in the unit and had never showed any ego during shooting, though they are the upcoming heroines of Tollywood these days. They really did well.What are your future projects? Who will be the producers?You will hear about my next project very soon.
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