Bollywood protests against censorship of Internet

Union telecom minister Kapil Sibal has received a lot criticism from Bollywood celebrities following his actions on the censorship  of social-networking websites.

Minissha Lamba tweeted: 'On 1 hand India is prepping 2b a superpower.On d other myopic 'leaders' parade their state-run-censorship stance.China or USA. Be 1 nt both'

Shekhar Kapur wrote: 'In a democracy Govt has 2 publicly define wht is offensive, n prove it libelous in court before it can b taken off. Technolgy fr google facebook n twitter is so simple now tht thousand sites will replace 1 thats taken down.'

Kunal Kohli didn't sound too happy either. 'India is the greatest democracy. Kapil Sibal wants to curb this freedom of speech/expression.it won't & can't happen.wake up know your people. Instead of attacking rising prices, inflation, corruption, terrorism, unemployment, why is Kapil Sibal attacking Facebook, twitter & google ?! Wasn't content 'screened' in the late 70's too ? What was that dark period called ? Oh ya ... Emergency ! History we don't want to repeat!' he updated.

Sandhya Mridul tweeted: 'Hahhaha Idiot Kapil Sibal trending I just love Twitter at times like this.'

R Madhavan feels he is doing for attention. 'Okey-Mr. Kapil Sibal is seriously trying to get some silly attention by trying to curtail and regulate the net. Seriously. What is the intent? Do we really want to be like China or North Korea. Look at the personality of these govt. They are ruthless and rule with a iron hand.'

Shobhaa De tweeted: 'Sibalsaab,such outrage 2 protect privacy of one 'Madam' in a country of 100million internet users?We like our freedom and we shall have it!'

Vishal Dadlani thinks it will end democracy. 'How long before they make the short hop from censorship to fascism? If we allow this, say goodbye to democracy, + all that India stands for,' he wrote.

Ranvir Shorey tweeted: 'Anyone who would riot over anonymous content on the web is someone who would riot anyway. I think Freedom is without Conditions, but with Consequences.'

No competition with Priyanka: Katrina Kaif

Katrina Kaif wrapped up the shoot of her Agneepath item song Chikni Chameli… on Wednesday, after working on it for 10 days at Film City in Goregaon. News of the actor starring in the song surfaced a few weeks ago. Even though the track is yet to be released, the producers hope it will create the

buzz that songs like Munni Badnaam Hui..., Sheila ki Jawani... and Chammak Challo... did in the past.

“I hope and pray it becomes bigger than any of the previous item songs. As actors, we love doing better than what’s been done in the past. I don’t think there’s anything wrong in expecting that,” says Katrina, who managed to make some time for the remake of the 1990-hit featuring Amitabh Bachchan, from the on-going Ek Tha Tiger schedule in Delhi. She adds, “Now, I’m waiting to see the audience’s reaction. It’s a desi-rustic number. I’m keeping my fingers crossed.”

Produced by Karan Johar and directed by Karan Malhotra of Dharma Productions, Agneepath stars Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra and Sanjay Dutt in the lead roles.

Apart from Ek Tha Tiger with Salman Khan, next year Katrina will also complete the shoot for another Yash Raj film — director Yash Chopra’s comeback venture with Shah Rukh Khan. The yet-to-be titled project is set to go on the floors in January. The first film releases on Eid and the latter on Diwali. This year, Kareena Kapoor had a similar string of releases with Bodyguard and RA.One. And the industry is abuzz with rumours of brewing competition between the leading ladies. But Katrina brushes it aside as a mere coincidence.

“I don’t plan the release dates for my films. And this talk about competition really doesn’t matter. I don’t perceive things like that,” she says, adding, “There’s no competition with Kareena or with anyone else at the box-office. The only thing that matters is that my films should make money because there are a lot of people, including technicians and workers, whose incomes are at stake. Whether my films become bigger hits than anyone else’s or not, is irrelevant.”

‘Priyanka won’t be overshadowed’
Ask Katrina, whether roping her in for the track Chikni Chameli… might take away from Agneepath’s leading lady, Priyanka Chopra, who also has a few song and dance numbers, and she says, “We’re all a team. Why would we compete with each other? Priyanka is as happy as Hrithik and Sanjay. And as a producer, Karan won’t allow this to happen. She won’t be overshadowed. In fact, it didn’t even come to my mind that this is also how my item song could be perceived.

Bollywood divided on capturing 26/11 on reels

A year after the country’s entertainment capital witnessed one of the worst-ever terror attacks, Bollywood is still divided on whether it is the right time to bring alive the 26/11 carnage on the silver screen.Though around 10 film titles revolving around the tragedy have been registered and a couple of low-budget movies are ready for release, mainstream filmmakers have chosen to stay away from the issue after noted director Ram Gopal Varma’s ‘terror tourism’ episode, which got him much flak and cost the then Maharashtra CM Vilasrao Deshmukh his chair. Filmmaker Rensil D’silva, whose debut movie Kurbaan recently hit the screens, feels it is too early to explore the subject as the audience is not ready for it.”Not anytime soon. The wounds are yet to heal. We should wait for at least 3-4 years before embarking on a film on the subject.

Hollywood made films on the 9/11 terror attacks but these films were made just four years ago, a few years after the tragedy,” said D’silva, who directed the Saif Ali Khan- Kareena Kapoor starrer with terror in the backdrop.”Besides whatever details we have is just about 40 per cent of the facts of the attacks, barely enough to portray a tragedy of such magnitude as 26/11,” he said.However, industry’s bad man Gulshan Grover does not subscribe to D’silva’s views and says “there is nothing like a proper time to tell a story. There are many people around the world who are curious to know what happened on 26/11.”"As long as the story is authentic and sincere and the film fraternity is not looking to just commercially exploit the subject, I see no problem why a movie (on the subject) should not be made,” he asserts.

Actor-filmmaker Anant Mahadevan, who is ready with his next release Red alert, with a naxal setting, reasons that the Indian film industry does not have enough means to deal with the subject, which is why it is not willing to take risk.”It is not possible to recreate the Taj Hotel..where would you create the inferno? Where is the budget? Besides, what we have is only a superficial idea of what happened and no one has tried to go down deep into the issue. Inadequacy of research and budget have restrained the industry,” he said.”What we can do is to take one particular human angle.. for instance the case of the fisherwoman (Anita Uddaiya), who claimed to have seen the terrorists landing on the sea shore and was allegedly whisked off by the FBI, and other stories of human courage and give them an investigative touch,” he said.”Did she know too much? Is she hiding something?

Does FBI know something which it is hiding from us? that may be a story I would like to explore,” the director of Dil Vil Pyar Vyar and Dil Mange More said.

Bollywood divided on capturing 26/11 on reels

A year after the country's entertainment capital witnessed one of the worst-ever terror attacks, Bollywood is still divided on whether it is the right time to bring alive the 26/11 carnage on the silver screen.

Though around 10 film titles revolving around the tragedy have been registered and a couple of low-budget movies are ready for release, mainstream filmmakers have chosen to stay away from the issue after noted director Ram Gopal Varma's 'terror tourism' episode, which got him much flak and cost the then Maharashtra CM Vilasrao Deshmukh his chair.

Filmmaker Rensil D'silva, whose debut movie Kurbaan recently hit the screens, feels it is too early to explore the subject as the audience is not ready for it.

"Not anytime soon. The wounds are yet to heal. We should wait for at least 3-4 years before embarking on a film on the subject. Hollywood made films on the 9/11 terror attacks but these films were made just four years ago, a few years after the tragedy," said D'silva, who directed the Saif Ali Khan- Kareena Kapoor starrer with terror in the backdrop.

"Besides whatever details we have is just about 40 per cent of the facts of the attacks, barely enough to portray a tragedy of such magnitude as 26/11," he said.

However, industry's bad man Gulshan Grover does not subscribe to D'silva's views and says "there is nothing like a proper time to tell a story. There are many people around the world who are curious to know what happened on 26/11."

"As long as the story is authentic and sincere and the film fraternity is not looking to just commercially exploit the subject, I see no problem why a movie (on the subject) should not be made," he asserts.

Actor-filmmaker Anant Mahadevan, who is ready with his next release Red alert, with a naxal setting, reasons that the Indian film industry does not have enough means to deal with the subject, which is why it is not willing to take risk.

"It is not possible to recreate the Taj Hotel..where would you create the inferno? Where is the budget? Besides, what we have is only a superficial idea of what happened and no one has tried to go down deep into the issue. Inadequacy of research and budget have restrained the industry," he said.

"What we can do is to take one particular human angle.. for instance the case of the fisherwoman (Anita Uddaiya), who claimed to have seen the terrorists landing on the sea shore and was allegedly whisked off by the FBI, and other stories of human courage and give them an investigative touch," he said.

"Did she know too much? Is she hiding something? Does FBI know something which it is hiding from us? that may be a story I would like to explore," the director of Dil Vil Pyar Vyar and Dil Mange More said.

Who gets Asin in London Dreams?

Vipul Shah’s London Dreams is making all the buzz this weekend with both Ajay Devgn and Salman Khan vying for Asin’s attention in the film. Asin couldn’t believe her stars when Vipul Shah approached her for the role of music enthusiast and dancer Priya in the film opposite Ajay Devgn and Salman Khan. “ I love Vipul’s cinema, he showcases emotions really well and his films always have strong music. So it was actually a no-brainer that I wanted to be a part of this project immediately on hearing its script.” Asin is a part of Ajay Devgn’s rock band London Dreams also consisting of Aditya Roy Kapoor and Rannvijay.

Ajay who secretly loves Priya is shocked when his close friend Salman who he invites to be a part of his band starts developing feelings for her.Asin felt at home while essaying the role of Priya, “I play a South Indian girl, who is emotional but strong willed and ambitious at the same time.And she has two radically different sides to her. At home she’s a traditional girl clad in Indian outfits but the minute she’s out with friends, she’s a fire brand, and that shows in the way she dresses. And she’s also partly responsible for the conflict between Salman and Ajay’s characters.” The conflict leading Ajay on a path of jealousy and pride when he sabotages his best friend Salman’s musical future only to realize the extent of his mistakes later. Asin described her co-stars saying, “Salman has a ‘bad boy’ image.

Many told me that he was very temperamental and erratic! Having worked with him I dispelled all those myths. I got to see a sensitive actor who had an absolute ball on the sets and went out of his way to make everyone comfortable.Both Ajay & Salman are also great offscreen friends and that shows on celluloid.”Vipul Shah was convinced on choosing Asin for his highly anticipated release after the success of Ghajini, ‘I had seen Asin’s work in several south Indian films and felt she was perfect for Priya’s part. After the success of Ghajini, I was convinced that I made the right decision. She’s only been a joy to work with and has excelled more than my expectations from her in the film.” He spoke of his leading lady.

When quizzed whether Asin goes with Salman in the movie, Vipul adds, ‘That would give away the climax of the film entirely which is bound to blow the audience away.” Early reports suggest may the best man win!

Blue to break all Bollywood records

Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Visions Ltd’s Blue is surely adding to the Diwali fireworks this season Directed by Anthony D’Souza, this oceanic spectacle seems to have grabbed everyone’s attention and has everyone waiting queuing up to be a part of the excitement on the first day of release itself. In fact so much so that the theatres have already been booked well in advance and looks like Blue is all set to be the blockbuster of the year.

Cutting across all boundaries, the film has opened to packed houses all over India. Even the morning shows starting 7am onwards which go relatively empty during new releases are houseful all over India.Blue has thrilled not just Indian audiences but has also captured the imagination of audiences abroad.The film has garnered a phenomenal response from overseas markets too and areas like Dubai, US, UK, Fiji Islands, Thailand have opened to packed houses.

B'Day Special,..Rare Childhood Photos of Actress Kajol

Date Of Birth..5th August 1974





Date of Birth
5 August 1974, Mumbai, India

Birth Name
Kajol Mukherjee

Height
5' 2" (1.57 m)

Spouse
Ajay Devgan (24 February 1999 - present) 1 child

Trade Mark

Her uni-brow

Trivia

Daughter of Tanuja and Shomu Mukherjee and niece of Nutan Behl.

Kajol is a fourth-generation actress: her mother Tanuja, maternal aunt Nutan Behl, maternal grandmother Shobhna Samarth and maternal great grandmother Rattan Bai were all movie stars in their day.

Cousin of Rani Mukherjee, Sharbani Mukherji, and Mohnish Bahl. Niece of Joy Mukherjee and Deb Mukherjee. Sister of Tanisha.

Often paired on-screen with actor Shah Rukh Khan. In fact, each of her five movies with him (Baazigar, Karan Arjun, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, and Kabhi Khushie Kabhi Gham) have all gone on to become super-hits and blockbusters.

In 2001, she retired temporarily from Bollywood to spend more time with her family.

Her wedding to Ajay Devgan was a quiet affair where only a few close friends and relatives were invited. The newly wed couple went on a two month honeymoon traveling the world visiting such places as Sydney & Cairo. She will continue to act in select films, maybe in one or two a year.

After Salman, Shah Rukh Slams Emraan for ‘flat’ fiasco

Emraan Hashmi’s publicity stunt has fallen flat. Against his hope that the Khans will come out in his support when he raised his voice over communalism issue in Mumbai on being denied the NOC to purchase a flat in the posh Pali Hill area, he is being slammed instead of being celebrated by Muslim actors in Bollywood. After Salman rebuffed Hashmi’s claim, Shah Rukh brushed aside the issue stating that such incidents should not be given importance.
Shah Rukh, who is a Muslim but prefers to call himself a ‘secular Indian’, said, “I have never been treated differently because of my religion. I am 44 years old now and never in my life have I felt discriminated.”

Shah Rukh further stated that he cannot deny the existence of such incidents but added, “It is a one-off incident and should not be given too much importance. We are a fast growing nation and the reason for our development is the fact that we have overcome the barriers of religion, castes, class in our hearts and minds. We should not let these small incidents affect us.”

The actor was in New Delhi to conduct a quiz show organised by Indian Institute of Planning and Management (IIPM).

Earlier, superstar Salman Khan laughed off Hashmi’s claim in his characteristic drawl, saying, "Emraan Hashmi would not have been Emraan Hashmi if Mumbai was not secular." Salman Khan further said, "If communalism existed then Salman Khan would not have been Salman Khan, Aamir not Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh not Shah Rukh Khan. Injustice may have happened to others, but it has not happened to us. I have always got love and support from all quarters."

Moreover, Nibbana, the Housing Society in the posh Pali Hill area of suburban Bandra in Mumbai, has also rubbished actor Emraan Hashmi`s allegation that he was denied NOC for flat ownership because he is a Muslim and said that proper procedures for acquiring the NOC had not been followed.

Society Secretary Capt J P Chhetry said that the actor with his baseless allegations and minority card rake-up had inflicted lot of damage on the society. "We will not take this lying down," he said adding that the society is taking legal opinion.

He added that the incident was blown out of proportion as the flat has not yet been sold to the actor. "Last week, when the actor`s parents entered the society office when we were discussing this important matter demanding to know about the NOC status, I politely told them that the matter has been deferred and they had not made a formal application," said Chhetry.

Salman is a Sufi fakir kind of a Guy" - Ravi Kishan

He’s known as the Big B of the Bhojpuri film industry; for the only reason that he is everything to Bhojpuri film industry what Big B is to Bollywood. He is none other than the very famous ‘Bigg Boss’ inmate Ravi Kishan. His ‘takiya kalaam’ in ‘Bigg Boss’ which went as ‘Zindagi jhandwaa phir bhi ghamandwa’ made him an overnight star all over!
He recently become not just the talk, but also the toast of the town, courtesy his role in the recently released film Luck. He was recently on Bollywood Hungama’s celeb chat whereby he chatted with his fans all over the globe.

But, for those who couldn’t manage to chat with the actor, Bollywood Hungama brings the excerpts of the chat.

Salman is a Sufi Fakir kind of a guy..Aise Log Kam Paida Hote Hain.- Ravi Kishan

Ravi Kishan: Hi this is Ravi Kishan only on Bollywood Hungama.com

Niraj: Ravi ji, what is the budget of Bhojpuri films generally?
Ravi Kishan: its around 1.5 to 2 crores Niraj.

Samira: HIII, who is ur favourite actor???
Ravi Kishan: Samira from the olden age it would be Motilal to Mr. Bachchan…among the current lot its Aamir Khan, Irfan Khan and Ranbir Kapoor.

Anushree: Hello sir good afternoon, how r u doing?
Ravi Kishan: I am alright Anushree…thank you so much.


Qwe: r u having an affair with Nagma as rumour suggests?
Ravi Kishan: No. we were seeing each other but now I am back to my family with my wife

Niraj: Ravi ji, you were on Rakhi Ka Swayamvar a few days ago, a general feeling is that it’s a stunt rather than a genuine show. What is your opinion?
Ravi Kishan: it’s a genuine show Niraj…

Anushree: Nice to see u in a Hindi film after a long time!
Ravi Kishan: Pray for me

Qwe: r u having an affair with Nagma as rumour suggests?
Ravi Kishan: No. we were seeing each other but now I am back to my family with my wife

Anushree: tell me something about ur character in Luck?
Ravi Kishan: Anushree…i am a psycho, mad and a crazy lover

Niraj: who were your idols from Hindi films in your childhood?
Ravi Kishan: Pran Saab, Dilip Saab and Balraj Sahni.


Niraj: who were your idols from Hindi films in your childhood?
Ravi Kishan: Pran Saab, Dilip Saab and Balraj Sahni.

Samira: How was it filming LUCK?
Ravi Kishan: Mind-blowing…Seen Death, twice very closely…Highly adventurous.

Seny: hello Ravi what’s up who do u think will win Rakhi ka Swayamvar reality show?
Ravi Kishan: Seny…I think a guy called Elish from Canada

Rajesh: Hi Ravi…How do you feel after a long struggle in Bollywood now you are up for “Luck”?
Ravi Kishan: I thank God and just pray for my luck that I am now back in Bollywood after 19 years.


Rajesh: Hi Ravi…How do you feel after a long struggle in Bollywood now you are up for “Luck”?
Ravi Kishan: I thank God and just pray for my luck that I am now back in Bollywood after 19 years.

Samira: if u weren’t an actor what would u be???
Ravi Kishan: Maybe a salesman or farmer

Qwe: why do ppl who flop in Bollywood go to Bhojpuri films?
Ravi Kishan: No…its not like that qwe…..Mr Bachchan who is a superstar in Bollywood has also worked in Bhojpuri cinema

Vicky: so how was it like shooting such action sequences in LUCK?
Ravi Kishan: It was very scary Vicky.

Rajesh: I still have those old photographs from SCREEN weekly where you resembled Mithunda.
Ravi Kishan: Ha Ha Ha Rajesh.


Samira: What are some of your other upcoming movies besides Luck???
Ravi Kishan: Mani Ratnam’s Raavan with Abhishek and Aishwarya, Shyam Benegal film called Well Done Abba.

Aazma_Luck: hey Ravi…u r looking great in Luck promos…good luck for the film
Ravi Kishan: Thank you so much…Pray for me and the movie.

RajeshB: So do you have left Bhojpuri industry for Bollywood…Will u do a film for Bhojpuri audiences?
Ravi Kishan: Yes I am going to do Bhojpuri films too. Earlier I used to do 14 films a year…now I will do around 5 Bhojpuri films a year.

Samira: What are some of your other upcoming movies besides Luck???
Ravi Kishan: Mani Ratnam’s Raavana with Abhishek and Aishwarya, Shyam Benegal film called Well Done Abba.

Aazma_Luck: how was it working with the legendary Mithun Da???
Ravi Kishan: it was great…Mithun Da is a great friend…SIMPLY SUPERB ACTOR

Ravi Kissen

Ali_Kwt: Hey Ravi! How does it feel to work with Imran Khan?
Ravi Kishan: Very nice…Imran is a thorough gentleman…Shows that he is coming from a decent family.

Anushree: Are u still in touch with Carol and Rupali after Big Boss?
Ravi Kishan: I am in touch with Carol.

Niraj: Ravi ji, do you get time to watch films in your busy schedule? Which films do you like seeing hindi/regional/foreign?
Ravi Kishan: Whichever language …the film should have some meaning and i should learn something from the cinema and also get value for my money.


Ali_Kwt: Hey Ravi! How does it feel to work with Imran Khan?
Ravi Kishan: Very nice…Imran is a thorough gentleman…Shows that he is coming from a decent family.

Mann: I’m big fan of your Hindi diction.. it has so much finesse, so much crisp
Ravi Kishan: Thank you Mann I am trying my best

RajeshB: I would like to know your true opinion on Salman (who gave a good role for you in Tere Naam) and the Great Mithunda….?
Ravi Kishan: In true sense…Salman is a Sufi Fakir kind of a guy..Aise Log Kam Paida Hote Hain.

Niraj: Ravi ji, you have worked with Shweta Tiwari in Hamar Saiyan Hindustani, she has a tv background. Did you feel the difference in her acting then other heroines?
Ravi Kishan: She was very sweet and very focused…Acting is acting…Its just a difference of a small camera and a big camera.

Niraj: Ravi ji, is Mumbai your permanent residence?
Ravi Kishan: Yes Niraj

Arun: Hello Raviji how are you? I am a big fan of urs..You are a polite speaker..
Ravi Kishan: Dhanyavaad Dil Se Arun.

Xitij: Hi Ravi, before i ask you anything, I gotta say, u’re baap man. You were killer on the Rakhi Swayamvar show.
Ravi Kishan : This is the way I am Xitij….If you have seen me earlier in Big Boss..you will know this is how I am.


RajeshB: I would like to know your true opinion on Salman (who gave a good role for you in Tere Naam) and the Great Mithunda….?
Ravi Kishan: In true sense…Salman is a Sufi Fakir kind of a guy..Aise Log Kam Paida Hote Hain.

Mann: how are your daughters doing? i hope they r all well.
Ravi Kishan : They are all well…Thank you so much for asking me this question…And yes now I also have a son.

Ali_Kwt: what was your prime reason to work in LUCK?
Ravi Kishan: The script.

Samira: What is your dream role?
Ravi Kishan: Balraj Sahni’s role in Do Bheega Zameen and Dev Anand’s role in Guide

Sam : kya aap luck main trust karti hain?
Ravi Kishan: Yes Sam

Arun : how was it working with the legendary Danny???
Ravi Kishan: Superb Arun…He used to always play the flute when we were not shooting…We also traveled a lot in the mountains after pack up.

Sam: I’ll pray 4 ur movie Luck…but I’m damn sure that it’ll rock. wish u all the best.
Ravi Kishan: Thank you Sam

Niraj: Ravi ji, you have a huge north Indian audience following. Do you meet your fans visiting your house?
Ravi Kishan: Not possible Niraj because I am mostly on outdoor shoots.

Mrsuperkool: hi ravi..Did u work in the serial called Hawayain?
Ravi Kishan: Yes it got me the National Award…my character was Shahid.

Mrsuperkool: hi..How is Soham Shah as a director?
Ravi Kishan: Fantastic…Soham will get back those clapping and ceetis in the cinema halls which have been missing for a while.

RajeshB: So what is your future plan….? Any plan to do Bhojpuri film??
Ravi Kishan: Yes I am doing Devdas in Bhojpuri now.

Kish: i am a big fan of your style. Ur dialogue has become so popular and everybody keeps imitating it. Do u feel bad?
Ravi Kishan: No I feel really great that fans love my style and my dialogue speech.


Arun : how was it working with the legendary Danny???
Ravi Kishan: Superb Arun…He used to always play the flute when we were not shooting…We also traveled a lot in the mountains after pack up.

Niraj: Ravi ji, do you feel that Bhojpuri stories are still 20 years backward compared to Hindi?
Ravi Kishan: Yes Niraj because the Bhojpuri audience don’t want to grow…I am now trying to change their mindset.

Zee: hello Ravi ji….how do u feel to be a brother of Rakhi Sawant?
Ravi Kishan : Great zeee… I know her since a long time…She is a sweet girl.

Raj: hey, how was it working with Abhishek, Aishwarya in Ravan?
Ravi Kishan: Oh superb…its a Mani Ratnam film…what more do I say???

Raj: When is Ravan coming out? You have any idea? Are you done with your part?
Ravi Kishan: No …the climax is still left to be shot…It should be out in 6 months time.

Kish: do you feel bad when your style stand up comedians’ immitate?
Ravi Kishan: No. I feel good Kish

Uday: Ravi ji suna hai aap yashraj ki film bhi karne wale hain?
Ravi Kishan: Yes…even I’ve read it online

Timor: Hi Kishan, what do you think who is good actor Mithun or Sanjay Dutt?
Ravi Kishan: Both of them have got their own style and both are fantabulous actors.

Ravi Kissen

Pakistan: hi Ravi I’m from Pakistan..ppl here likes u very much…u r a gr8 actor.
Ravi Kishan: Aur Assalam Valekum Pakistan.

Uday: any plan to do more reality show in future?
Ravi Kishan: Yes Uday…I will be doing some in the future.

Raj: Do you have a comic or serious role in Ravan?
Ravi Kishan: Serious role Raj…and honest brother.

RajeshB: Are you looking for solo hero projects in Bollywood or multi starers?
Ravi Kishan: No solo hero roles at present.

Timor: Hi Ravi, I have heard that Sanjay Dutt in Luck has only 20 minutes in the movie, is it correct?
Ravi Kishan: Wrong Timor…Sanjay Dutt is there throughout the film and you will love him


Timor: Hi Ravi, I have heard that Sanjay Dutt in Luck has only 20 minutes in the movie, is it correct?
Ravi Kishan: Wrong Timor…Sanjay Dutt is there throughout the film and you will love him

Uday : Ravi ji who is the best in Luck ( Ur Personal Opinion)
Ravi Kishan: Everybody uday…they are all superb and fit for their part

Reema: which is ur fav track in the film?
Ravi Kishan: Aazma Luck and Khudaya Ve.

UMAIR_KHAN: which was that stunt where u almost felt that u are gone?
Ravi Kishan: Action with Imran on the running train.

UMAIR_KHAN: what is ur background?
Ravi Kishan: My father is a priest in Banaras…and I am a village boy.


UMAIR_KHAN: what is ur background?
Ravi Kishan: My father is a priest in Banaras…and I am a village boy.

Jessie: Where would you like to see yourself in the next 10 years?
Ravi Kishan: Taking care of my community people in North.

Timor: Hi Ravi, Are you playing a negative role in the movie? Any plan to do direction in the film?
Ravi Kishan: Watch Luck…you will get all the answers…and No direction for now at least for the next 10 years.

Ravi Kishan : Zindagi Jhands Ba Phir Bhi Ghamand Ba….It was great chatting with all of you…Do watch LUCK on 24th July ….Cheers Ravi.

Katrina is ugly, says Salman Khan

When Katrina Kaif appears on screen, she sets it on fire. Even her languorous smile is enough to set her male fans' hearts beating.

Katrina Kaif's glamorous and stunning look fetched her Indian face of the new Celebrity Barbie beating another beautiful actress Aishwarya Rai. When the world has only words of praise for her beauty, look what her beau Salman Khan has to say about her, "Katrina is not beautiful."

Apparently, Salman who recently discovered his artistic skills captured Katrina's portrait on canvas and the result, it ended up looking very awful prompting Sallu to comment, "It's very ugly."

Though, he might mean the painting but it definitely hinted that he was left miffed after Kat left him all alone and flew away to London to celebrate her birthday with her family.

Salman disagrees with Hashmi over Flat issue

Filmstar Salman Khan on Friday said he did not agree with fellow actor Emraan Hashmi's charge that he was denied an NOC to purchase a flat in the posh Bandra locality because he was a Muslim.

"If religious profiling indeed happened, Emraan Hashmi would not have been what he is today. Similarly, Salman, Aamir and Shah Rukh Khan would not be what they are today," Salman told reporters on the sidelines of a function in Mumbai.

He said such incidents could take place because of individual personality and not because the individual belongs to a particular religion.

However, Salman felt such discrimination on religious grounds could exist in some places.

"I would appeal to the Nibbana Housing society in Bandra to provide the required NOC to Emraan," he said.

Movie Review: Love Aaj Kal (2009)

Love Aaj Kal: Definitely not to be missed

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Starring: Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, debutantes Giselle Monteiro and Florence Brudenell Bruce, Rishi Kapoor and Rahul Khanna (Sp.App)

Director: Imtiaz Ali

Studying in London, Jai (Saif) and Meera (Deepika) are in a relationship for two years but when career beckons, they mutually break off their relationship. Meera prepares to go to India to pursue her career in old historical places restorations whereas Jai waits in London with a hope of getting his dream job in San Fransico’s Golden Gate Co. The couple though broken off decides to keep in touch via net and phone calls and continue to remain friends. Restaurant owner Veer Singh (Rishi Kapoor) is a silent observer to their break up process since it happens in his restaurant. Unable to bear the far too casual approach related to affairs of heart of the couple, he tries to convince a reluctant Jai that he is making a mistake. Sensing that Jai is not taking him seriously, Veer then starts narrating him his own love story with Harleen Kaur (Giselle Monteiro) which took place far back in 1965 in Delhi. From then on begins the unfolding of these two love stories running parallel together which incidentally end up with a similar culmination after many twists and turns which also are similar despite the different period zones.

After making the much loved Jab We Met, Imtiaz Ali succeeds in giving us an extremely different love story that we have never witnessed before on Indian screen. He scores high on his writing and his treatment of the film. In the initial 10 minutes he successfully establishes Saif and Deepika’s relationship and their character quirks. He surprises you then by putting a melancholic song (Ye Dooriyan) as opening credits role showing montages of various important twists of the plot that lie ahead. In fact his screenplay is indeed full of surprises ahead, especially in the second half. As you begin to anticipate a particular thing happening ahead in the plot, almost 9 times out of 10 he proves you wrong. Making the film extremely relatable to everyone who has ever been in love and broken off with his/her partner, Imtiaz takes it notches higher by his dialogues that sound simple but convey a lot. Plenty of scenes stay with you as you come out. Imtiaz has repeated his technical team trio of JWM – Aarti Bajaj (Editing), Teddy Maurya (Art Direction) and Cinematographer (N. Nataraj Subramaniam) and each of them have excelled in their respective departments. Music of the film by Pritam is already ruling the charts and thankfully none of the songs act as speed breakers. The picturisation of Main Kya Hoon in San Francisco showing various changes in Saif is simply fantastic.

Without any doubt, these are career best performances of both Saif and Deepika and it should not be a surprise if they both end up winning most of awards for this year. Saif has always been at ease playing the cool no strings attached dude but in here he also succeeds in playing the brooding romantic Sardar Veer Singh very well and is extremely impressive in the post interval emotional sequences. Deepika wins hearts not just by looking extremely attractive throughout but also with the effortless ease she portrays her complex character. Rishi Kapoor is extremely loveable as the mature Veer Singh and lends tremendous dignity to his character. Debutante Giselle Monteiro manages to speak volumes just through her expressions. Rahul Khanna in a special appearance is good and suits the character perfectly well. Raj Zutshi playing Harleen’s father reminds of Pawan Malhotra’s character of Kareena’s uncle in Jab We Met. Florence Brudenell Bruce playing Saif’s Swiss girlfriend doesn’t have much to do but manages to do a good job.

Love Aaj Kal is a film definitely not to be missed. It offers us something fresh and and is a unique experiment in story telling and direction that works big time. It is one film that Saif, Deepika and Imtiaz shall always be proud of whenever they look back at their career.

Cute and Beautiful Actress Vidya Balan Photo shoot

katrina kaif pics

Kareena is more than a wife: Saif Ali Khan

Saif Ali Khan walks in 10 minutes late. He's looking fresh and surprisingly fit. He gives me a typical filmy hug and announces, "I haven't had a bath yet." I tell him that information would've been appreciated a few seconds earlier. Even though he is in his gym clothes, he's not carrying his workout on him.

Must be the blue blood. He settles down on the other end of the couch and dons his serious glasses, "This is the Bengali in me finally coming out. Very Basu Bhattacharya." Point noted and it's time for some serious business. He orders coffee and me conversation. And then, we talk about his love, aaj and kal. Excerpts....
The last time you did a light romantic film (Hum Tum), you won a National Award. What are you expecting with Love Aaj Kal (LAK)?
I am not in the least interested in awards. It is a kind of celebration that comes much later. I am hoping for a decent opening and a successful run. That's it.

That's it?
I am hoping and expecting that people will like the movie and enough of them will watch it so that the people who have invested in us are not disappointed. I think it is a good movie and it has a good story. I think stories are really important parts of our lives, whether it is reading or watching them or listening to them from an old tailor in Bhopal, sitting at the foot of my bed, when I was a baby. My parents would be on the balcony, talking with adults and this old man would tell me tales of shikar and tigers and how it attacked somebody….

A man with stories! Can I steal him?
Yeah, no! He was about 90 then yaar...

Drat! Okay, hoping LAK does well for you as a producer, or as an actor?
Both. I think it's more important that it does well. I am playing a Sikh character, and also a contemporary character called Jai, which people may or may not connect to, because of his thinking. There was a little bit of that in Salaam Namaste, where he didn't want to get married just because she was pregnant, which people did not like as it isn't the most heroic thing to do. Similarly, Jai doesn't know that he loves this girl, and he certainly doesn't believe in marriage and wants to be practical. But the story is how he changes from that into something else.

Sounds like you.
Err, maybe. Maybe, I suppose. But actually, not really. Jai seems quite clear that he doesn't want to commit to anyone. Maybe I am just making him sound like me. But he's not really so.

Most actors and filmmakers take trips to Shirdi, Vaishnodevi or Tirupati before their release. Have you done any of that?
(Sounds amused) No. but I believe Dino (co-producer Dinesh Vijan) went to Siddhi Vinayak with the print. I definitely believe in God. And I believe in luck. And I understand why people would want to cover all the bases. There is a big question mark as to what would work, so people try anything. I mean ultimately, when there is turbulence on the plane, and my gut clenches, I do start saying the Ayatul Kursi. Let's not laugh at people who do these things but I would like to have the strength to say that mandir and prayer aside, there's a whole lot of other stuff that is in the gray area.

Like numerology? Did you check if you title was 'balanced' for success?
No. I don't believe that much in astrology and numerology even though I think it could be fun sometimes. I find some of these numerologically sound titles attractive. Like Himesh Reshammiya's film, what was the name..?

Karzzzz?
(Grins) No, that was a bad marketing idea. Especially if the film is even slightly boring. Arre, it was his only film that ran. It was called Aap Kaa Surror The Real Love Story and it was spelled with two A's and Kambakkht Ishq had two K's and Singh Is Kinng had two N's. So it is kind of hip. It has an edge to it. But when people do it to their names that is not cool.

For a brief while, Kareena was Kariena...
Oh no! Really? I am happy she has changed it back.

So you will never be Saaif, with an extra A?
No chance. But for my films, maybe I would try it. Maybe Love Aaj Kal would have looked better as Love Aaj Kall. Maybe it would be funky.

Deepika is the youngest actress you've worked with and Kareena is the youngest girl you've been involved with. That's new!
Yes, it is new. Definitely.

And?
(Smirks) And it makes you health conscious. Like on hand, I will say, "I think I should be much fitter and healthier." And on the other, I am really happy being 38.

When you are with these 20-plus women, do you feel older, wiser and smarter or there is some connect?
Oh, I connect with them completely. Why it works is because I am quite juvenile and they are quite mature. (Laughs) So it balances out just fine. But seriously, I do feel very happy for the people I have met, the things I have seen, and experienced. I really think I have matured. I have had a really interesting history, even though I say it myself. So if you ask me, being with Kareena or working with someone younger than me, it is a non-issue for me. I really like being me. And I am very confident in that. I am so lucky that I am doing okay in movies also. Because it is another world.

You've never promoted a film like this before. Do you find it cumbersome?
(Sighs) Incredibly exhausting. If I see another camera.... (rolls his eyes).

...or a journalist?
No, I think there is a charm to the written word. We learnt early in our careers to speak carefully because the printed word reads differently because it doesn't like a tone. It can be cold. So you must word yourself intelligently.

Like a text message.
But a personality can be sensed through an sms. I personally don't like those short forms. I can't say 'pls'; I will type 'please' (dramatically). And I can't bear 'da' for 'the'.

Ok, coming back to promotions....
We sat here as a production house and said, 'Let us make people aware of this film.' Promotion is such an important part of the film for the producer. Otherwise as an actor, you do the film and then you call the producer and interfere, 'Where is the hoarding?', 'Where is the poster?'. Now I know that there are 450 million mobile users and 50 million internet users in India and I want to reach everyone. So you get involved in the whole process. It's better than worrying about what another actor is doing. I see the poster of Kites and think it is phenomenal. I feel, "Wow, Hrithik Roshan is fit, and a good-looking guy. Like an angel sometimes." It's not competitive. I am like – let me work harder; let me learn from other people. I put all my energies into producing this movie rather than worrying about what other people are doing.

But you've never really worried about competition.
True. Earlier I wasn't even worried about myself that much as well.

That's the lazy Leo in you.
Possibly. And it's also a bit like my father. At some level I don't want to lose that. When you are successful, then suddenly people start waking up to you. That's the scary part. I like to put my feet up on ottomans, in Jaipur razais and watch TV and just cut off from everything in the afternoon. But when you are super-successful, then suddenly everyone wants a piece of you. And then they get offended when some top notches of Mumbai society or politician wants to meet you… The challenge is to be successful and yet maintain a balance without offending anybody but keeping your equilibrium.

You've not shown the film to your colleagues as well as the media. Why?
I have known you for so long; I can easily call you and say I am having a trial, watch it and tell me what you think. But you are going to sense that my intention is to seduce you somehow into liking it. At the same time, when I have a press show, as a producer, I will invite people and come say a few words and then bugger off. I am not going to hang around till the end and ask people, "Kaise laga, kaise laga." Because I will be too tense anyway. Even if my friend goes to see the film, forget the press or the industry, somewhere his opinion will start mattering. And I don't want it to matter.

Won't your colleagues be upset that you didn't show them the film?
If you don't show the film to anyone, then there is no stress. And it is important to be consistent in life. I have never had a trial. I have never called another actor or filmmaker and said, "I want to see your movie, organise a trial, yaar." Because I think it is more fun to buy my popcorn and go to the theatre and watch the film. The bottom line of the psychology of the whole thing is: If you pay money to buy a ticket, and make a plan to go see it with your family, friends or girlfriend, it is a different psychology than to be invited by me. I am not interested in THAT audiences' opinion. Someone will be too tense to laugh and the actors would be like, "I would've done this scene better." The producers will say, "Arre, how much money have these guys spent?" The heroines will be, "This girl is rubbish; I am better than her." So you know there is no barometer.

How do you react when people feel that you are still not established as a solo hero?
I don't think that's true. Who can say that now? You are digging out a question from 1992.

No, that is the perception.
What crap! That perception went out with Hum Tum, which was a solo hero film. Then Parineeta was a solo hero.

But you still did Race, with Anil and Akshaye.
Yeah, but if Race had been a flop, it would've been only my flop. Let's get that clear. There are certainly performances that have contributed to the film but I had the most to lose.

Yeah, and even though Race did good business, it was never counted among the big hits. Why?
Dude, I don't know about that, but as far as the distributors go, they were very happy. It was a 1200 print opening. They opened that film much wider than any other movie of mine.

Also, you didn't get due credit for its success.
I got the due credit from Ramesh Taurani, who will be happy to pay me for Race 2 and that is the kind of due I am interested in. And the fact is that the audiences have seen the film, and loved it. About the internal politics, I am not really concerned as long as it doesn't affect my job.

Looking back, do you feel it was a wrong decision to do so many two-hero projects?
No. I have also chosen what I thought were the best roles.

But you've even played second fiddle to Madhavan in Rehna Hain Terre Dil Mein.
Yeah but that was not a particularly great time for me. Like any actor, I've always chosen the best from what I was offered that year. Some years have not been very interesting, while some have been great. Your aspirations change according to your success ratio. In the beginning, you are just happy to be working. That you have a job, and you have been accepted. Your standards are pretty low. And pretty soon, after a while, you want to be the best there is. The best there has ever been (laughs); you know there is no end to that kind of ego shit.

You recently said you and Kareena didn't plan to stay engaged forever. Does that mean you're already engaged?
No. I mean I feel like I am engaged. But I don't believe in engagements as such; they are a bit old-fashioned.

Your mom said in a recent interview that you both have the family's blessings.
I am sure mom wants me to settle down. Parents like to tie up everything and they think it's done. But it is not done even if you are married. Today, marriage is another form of engagement. It is a legal commitment that it is quite easy to get out of. It's not like: It's all over and now we can all go to sleep. And anyway it is very important in a girl's career for her to focus on that. And marriage — let's be honest — alters your image, your marketability and people lose interest in you. I'd much rather people kept asking, "When are you getting married?" The minute you are married, you are yesterday's news. And I am not in any rush to get married. Because I am loving this.

Is it tough to manage being together with your tough schedules?
We are balancing our lives beautifully. We are working hard and Kareena is more than a wife, because she loves me. There are so many wives who don't love their husbands because they are pakaoed after 10 years of being together. Bebo gives me all the time in the world. And when I get done with these two days and the film releases, I will give time. We manage. People laugh at us saying, "Oh you are turning up on the set; she is coming here" but that's how we manage.

Oh, you are aware of people laughing?
Yeah, of course, but what to do? Initially when the relationship is starting, you want to make each other secure, and you want to tell the world that we are serious about each other. We are not a fly-by-night kind of a thing. So we make commitments on paper, and we say things but before you know it, it gets blown out of proportion.

What if Bebo says she wants marriage?
For an actor and for a working person, it must come at the right time. You must do it when you want to do it, or when you want to have children. We've waited for a reason. It is not the 1920s when it was like now we can live together or now we can spend time legally. We can do all that now, without that. People must understand her priorities. She is a film child. She has grown up watching films. She has always wanted this and she has finally achieved it. And I absolutely forbid her to even want to. Tomorrow if she says, "Let's get married", I will tell her, "I think you should work for a few years."

She has been flaunting her ring for a long time.
She can flaunt many rings. I will give her lots of them. Even I wear rings.

What's going on between you and Shahid? He was quoted saying that you and Bebo were using his name to get publicity.
I am really glad you asked me this because enough has been said now. Shahid seems like a really well brought-up guy and I mean no offence to him. And let's stop it now. We are both gentlemen and whenever we have met, we've shook hands, and that's it. So I will not listen to anything anybody says. And it sounds so fake to say I sincerely wish him all the best but I want him to know that I have only heard good things about him. And that too from his ex-girlfriend, which leaves me with a sense of respect for the past and God bless him. He seems like a strong man, and a good kid. That's it.

There were reports that you were offered Kaminey?
I would like to clear once and for all that Vishal Bhardwaj did not offer me Kaminey. We talked about a film about twins. That film might not even have been Kaminey. I hope it is a good film. But right now, I am more interested in my film running. And I am not interested in other people's downfall because it doesn't help me in anyway. When Sanjay Dutt went to jail, it didn't benefit anybody. It just hurt him. So tomorrow, if something happens to an actor, it does not increase your saleability.

All actors say they don't watch other actors' films. What about you?
I genuinely don't watch many Hindi films. But when I do, l like to see what other people are doing and how they perform. Maybe not at a competitive level. Maybe I will learn from them.

Ever considered direction?
Not really. Not at the moment. It is a completely different kind of a ball-game. It is a huge commitment. I like to cut off and stop for a while. But a director is always thinking, writing, then making and then editing – it's never ending. I think it is a single man's job. I don't know how they manage to be in relationships. Is that wrong to say? I think it's like being a cop; then the girl really needs to understand.

Many would say that about an actor's job too.
No, an actor can make time and say, "Ab pack up ho gaya and I can go home."

Kareena Kapoor returns Rs. 1 million to Producer

Just few days back there were reports about Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association aka IMPPA receiving a complaint from M/s PJ Sughand Production Pvt Ltd against Kareena Kapoor. Sughand Production had claimed Kareena had taken Rs. 10 lakhs as a signing amount for their film and had refused to return back the sum after she refused to commit dates for their project. But now it is learnt that Kareena Kapoor has refunded the amount.

The production company was reportedly facing some serious financial trouble after the death of Jhamu Sughandh who had financed films like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Aks among others and was in desperate need of the refund from Kareena. The Kambakkht Ishq actress has settled the amount back in quick time. In fact so happy are IMPPA with her prompt steps that they even sent her a thanking letter for settling the claim in short span of time.

Raavan Film shoot disrupted by Wild elephant to resume Friday

Ashiruvananthapuram, July 30 (IANS) The shooting of Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai starrer “Raavan”, disrupted when an elephant ran amok in the jungle where it is being shot, will resume Friday, cinematographer Santosh Sivan said here Thursday.

“We will resume shooting tomorrow (Friday),” Sivan told IANS.

The tusker, whose name is Kunju, killed 51-year-old mahout Andavan. After the incident, the road at nearby Athirapally forest was blocked and the cast and crew of Mani Ratnam’s film could not return to their hotel.

“We didn’t see much since we were shooting on the other side of the bridge… so we couldn’t cross over… we had to stop shooting, but I didn’t see anything except the confusion. We had to spend a few hours in a guest house in the forest,” said Sivan.

Neither the actors nor any crew member of the film was injured.

Later the elephant was chained and tranquilised by veterinary doctors.

Besides Abhishek and Aishwarya, “Raavan” also stars Vikram, Govinda and Manisha Koirala. It is being made in Hindi and Tamil simultaneously.

Big B remembers Gayatri Devi as picture of grace, Beauty

Bollywood
megastar Amitabh Bachchan remembers Gayatri Devi, the grand queen mother or the 'rajmata' of Jaipur, as a "picture of grace
Gayatri Devi
Gayatri Devi: A picture of grace and beauty. (TOI Photo)
and beauty" and a gracious host.
Amitabh recalls that while he was studying in Delhi University, he used to sneak into the Jaipur Polo Ground to watch polo matches where Gayatri Devi used to come as well.

"The maharaja of Jaipur (Sawai Man Singh), a great proponent of the game, would play there and accompanying him used to be his wife, the Rajmata Gayatri Devi. In her soft and pastel flowered chiffons, she used to be a picture of grace and beauty. I never imagined that one day I would get to meet this lady. But time and circumstances changed that," the actor posted on his blog www.bigb.bigadda.com.

Gayatri Devi died Wednesday at the Jaipur-based Santokba Durlabhji Memorial Hospital (SDMH) where she was admitted Tuesday for breathing problems. She was 90.

When Amitabh learnt of Gayatri Devi's ill health a few days ago, he sent her a bouquet of flowers and a get well card.

"Her son had acknowledged my letter and informed us that she was very pleased to have received my concern and wishes...May she rest in peace."

Amitabh had met her on many occasions.

"After joining the movies, there were many visits to Jaipur for shootings and that is when a formal introduction with the Rajmata took place. I was later asked by Gayatri Deviji to inaugurate one of the functions at the girls school (Maharani Gayatri Devi) that she started, now a flourishing institution.

"Some years ago she had invited me to be the chief guest at a charity she promoted for the underprivileged and cannot forget what a gracious host she was that evening. On another occasion she called me over for a private lunch at her Lily Pond residence, serving me personally with delicious vegetarian delicacies which she had so considerately asked her kitchen to prepare," he said.

However, the last time that the erstwhile maharani of Jaipur sought Amitabh's involvement, he couldn't make it. And that was the last communication he had with her.

I m Hundered Percent Indian...Katrina Kaif

Katrina Kaif feels that while Namaste London was a turning point in her Bollywood career, New York launched her as an actress in her own right. In this interview with The Indian Express Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta on NDTV 24x7’s Walk the Talk, Katrina talks about her forthcoming film, Rajniti and why she considers India her home

My guest this week is Katrina Kaif, the most searched name on Google and a Bollywood Barbie.
Both the things you mentioned are two of the most special things forme. I’ll tell you why. I have six sisters. They live in London and are not so aware of the Hindi film industry. So when they heard about these two things — obviously every girl in the world knows what Barbie is and every teenager in the world knows what Google is — it meant a lot to them. And everybody wants to make their family proud.

So you get along with your sisters?
Oh yes. Sometimes I call them up and say, I’m doing a movie with Akshay Kumar or with Saif Ali Khan. The youngest one, Isabelle, is here, the rest of them don’t know much about our industry. So even though they are happy for me and support me, they don’t have that connect.

Where do you fit in that long order of siblings?
Exactly three before me and three after me. I am right in the middle.

So you have three big sisters and three sisters you can...
...Bully. In London, you don’t have maids or cooks. We have this big family house and there are five rooms. I don’t cook. So, when I go to London, I tell my younger sisters to cook for me.They are fabulous cooks.

That’s the Kashmiri in you...
Yes. Living in Bombay we have become dependent on other people to do our day-to-day work. We get out of the habit of cooking, making our own beds, cleaning utensils. Most foreigners, who come here, find it odd.

Do you consider yourself a foreigner or an Indian?
I am hundred per cent Indian. When I was growing up, I always felt a very strong awareness that I am an Asian. I don’t know whether that’s politically correct or not, but I always felt that I am different and growing up in a country that’s not Asian.

It’s almost an Asian country now.
Now it is. But that sense of belonging was always missing when I was growing up. When I came to India, I felt an instant sense of belonging. My uncle was here, I had a bit of family in Bangalore. My uncle was a civil engineer constructing water systems for the city. I came here with my older sister and she said, “Katrina, this is not for me and I love our house in London and want to go back.” I said I am going to stay here; this is where I want to be. Now, there is no other place that I would ever consider home.

When I came here, I had only Rs 4 lakhs. I told myself that if I can make it with this money, I will stay here. If not, I will go back to London and rejoin college. I was only 17 at that time and was modelling. I bought a small apartment near a cemetery. I fear living alone and fear darkness, so I would stay up all night and wait for the sun to come up and then go to bed at five o’clock in the morning and sleep for five hours.

I did my first photo shoot with a photographer called Farooq. I got very good feedback. I took my portfolio and went from one agency to another. I would go there and say, can I meet your casting director. I showed them my pictures. The casting agents started calling me.

Did you find India or did some Indian film person find you?
I found India.

So the stories of Kaizad Gustad discovering you...
I met Kaizad Gustad in London. He encouraged me. He said, “You must come to India.” At that time I was focussing on modelling. He gave me a lot of contacts, including that of Farooq.

Tell us who you are. Why is there so much mystery? I’ll not go by whatever I have read in film magazines. Tell us about yourself, pre-stardom.
I was born in Hong Kong. My mom was a Harvard graduate, a very successful lawyer who gave it up to join a charitable organisation.

She was working with the organisation as a non-profit lawyer and because of that, we travelled a lot. From Hong Kong, we went to Japan, China, France, Hawaii and then to London.

The Indian in you comes from your father.
Yes. My parents separated when we were very young. We were raised by my mother who did a wonderful job. She raised us with the belief and inspiration to find yourself in the world. Live your dreams and find what is going to make you live life freely.

She made us tough and she wasn’t the kind of mother who told us to go to college and get a degree and become a doctor or a lawyer. She herself had found her fulfillment in things that were off-beat. I have one brother. He is a professional skier and rock climber.

What about your father?
We have grown up without a father. I missed it a great deal. I do feel that sense of loss.

You haven’t been in touch with him?
No. When I see friends who have wonderful fathers who are like pillars of support for their families, I say, if only I had that. But instead of complaining, I should be grateful for all the other things I have.

He hasn’t tried to get in touch with you after you became a star.
No, he is not that kind of a man. He is very decent and comes from a good family and they went their own ways because of issues which are personal. He is an affluent person, so he is not going to come back because his daughter is now famous.

When did the big break come?
I don’t think I’ve had that big break. For me it was ‘Oh Katrina looks nice here’ or ‘That’s a nice ad’ or ‘That’s an okay song’ or ‘That’s a nice movie’. It was all gradual, step-by-step.

May be it happened a little bit with Singh Is Kinng?
Before that there was a film called Namastey London where, for the first time, I had a dominating role and Akshay Kumar allowed me to do that at a stage when not many people believed in me. He’s a huge star. He knew that a lot of the industry was not behind me and he still went ahead. That was a turning-point in my career in the film industry. The film’s script was fabulous and for the first time I got a good response from the industry. After Namastey London, there was Race, where people said, she does this kind of dancing well.Then there was Singh Is Kinng and now NewYork.

I keep hearing from Prakash Jha about the work you are doing in his film, Rajniti. It’s a serious role.
That film has a lot of potential and to me it looks like a great film. I can’t tell you how excited I am about that film.

He tells me that you look the part. He says you will bust the myth that you can’t speak in Hindi. He told me you recorded a speech on the phone.
He recorded the speech for me because he is not only a director and a very intelligent man but also a politician of sorts. He knows how to deliver a speech. The speech was recorded so that I could get the into nations right.

Do you think it is the film that will launch you as an actor in your own right?
I think with NewYork, I have got that to a large extent.

How did Salman Khan happen and when?
We met through his sister at a party. I have always said that I will never get into details about these personal things. You will waste a part of your life answering, denying or clarifying things that don’t matter or are just speculations. I am too much of a sensitive person to have this side of my life debated or to enter and participate in these kinds of debates. He has been a wonderful person for the last six years I have known him. He has got a great soul and he is very fearless. He is not afraid of anything and he is not an insecure person. A lot of people live their lives with so much insecurity - fear of rejection, of losing things. But he doesn’t fear. And he tries to teach me that.

He has made his own mistakes in life. In case of other people, he has a great quality of being able to negate all the bad things and flaws and see their potential. For me, he has been a great teacher and a great guide. He has seen me grow up in the last six years. For 18 to 24 is a journey, especially for a young girl. At times, he says you are changing. And I say, I am changing because I am growing. He says, “Be careful, don’t change into something that is not good.”

That’s not what a successful 24-year-old wants to be told.
Sometimes what you need to be told is not what you want to hear. It’s good to have people in your life who can be like sound boards.

Tell us about your Hindi issue. Have you had to take lessons?
I have had to take a lot of lessons. I still take lessons, especially for Rajniti. I am working on my diction. I read Hindi very well.

If you lost your way in Mumbai, will you be able to find your way back using Hindi?
Oh, yes! My Hindi is pretty good.

Do you watch cricket?
I am a brand ambassador for the Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Do you understand cricket like all Indians?
Yes, I play cricket. My batting is a little better than my bowling. I have to work on my bowling. The ball is just not going the right place.

I think there is nothing better than being an all-rounder. After being the Indian Barbie and the most searched name on Google, all you need is an ace to become an all-rounder.
And I have got an entire team to teach me. After we didn’t win the finals this year, our captain Anil Kumble was standing there as I was about to perform in the finale. I looked at him and said, congratulations. He looked so disheartened because it was so near yet so far. We could have won.

I think all they need now is for you to practise with your bowling so that you can join the team next year.
I can join the team. I keep saying that to Dr Vijay Mallya. I hope Vijay Mallya is not watching this, he might even do it. He is adventurous enough.

And for all you know he might have a winner on his hands. Katrina, keep winning all the time.
Thank you so much.

Ayesha Takia’s sister to Join Bollywood

Bollywood actress Ayesha Takia’s sister is set to join Bollywood now. Ayesha is leading her married life and has no plan for a comeback.


Natasha Takia is waiting for the right script to come her way so that she can also make it big like her sister in Bollywood.

Sources close to Natasha says, “Natasha has lost a lot of weight and is keen to make it in B-Town. Her mom and sis have been telling her the hows and whys of the industry.”

Natasha’s mother Faridah confirms, “Yes, Natasha is keen to be an actress as well. I have no reservations about it. Like Ayesha, I want her too to make a unique mark for herself.”

She adds, “At the moment, she hasn’t signed any project but in the next six months, she will be ready.”

Like Ayesha, Natasha too studied at St Anthony’s School.

Interestingly, she has 18 piercings all over her body.