What is your role in Mission Istanbul?
I play the interesting role of Rizwan Khan, a dude with an attitude in Mission Istanbul. No mission is impossible for Rizwan who can reach anywhere. It is for the first time that I am playing a Muslim character in the film since the time I had made my debut with Company as Chandu.

How did you prepare yourself for the role?
I had to put on a lot of muscles to look tough. I should say it was a pretty easy role to enact once I got into the skin of the character

To what extent do you think you suit the role of Rizwan?
Even before the shooting of 'Shootout At Lokhandwala' was completed, Apoorva Lakhia had told me that he was writing the character of Rizwan keeping me in mind.

Did Apoorva give you a lot of scope to improvise as actor?
Mission Istanbul is such a solid action film that there is absolutely no scope for an actor to improvise even if he wanted to, because the pace of the film is so fast. It is a film which has duration of just two hours. The film has 9000 cuts.

What kind of relationship do you share with Apoorva?
I call Apoorva Appu. I have an interesting and intriguing relationship with Appu. You would not believe that I was actually reluctant to do Shootout At Lokhandwala when Appu had narrated the role to me but was inspired to take up the offer when Appu told me that I was his Maya Dolas.

How did you build a trust with Apoorva as an actor?
Mid-way through the shooting of Shootout At Lokhandwala, Appu and I were able to build tremendous trust in each other. Once we started gelling with one another as director-actor, both of us had 100% trust in each other so much so that I never sat behind the video assist till Appu called me to watch it.

How tough was it to shoot in Istanbul?
The weather was very cold. We shot in the docks when it was freezing cold and also raining. At times I had no other alternative but to do warm ups to make the blood rush again.

Can you share any memorable incident while shooting for Mission Istanbul?
I had tied the wrappling rope around my waist for a stunt sequence when I had to come down from the terrace to the ground. When I looked down from what I was told was the 44th floor, people looked literally like ants. Nothing can prepare you for moments like this in mission Istanbul.

Did you enjoy the stunts which you performed?
Zayed and I enjoyed the stunts that we did so much that we even asked for five retakes though Apoorva had Okayed the first take itself. It was only when the stunt expert who was supervising the scene said that the role had burnt out that we went on for the next shot.

Is dancing a new facet of yours?
Not many are aware of the fact that I had at one time actually assisted Farah Khan before I embarked upon a career as an actor; on her stage shows. Since people have not seen me in my 18 films released till date as a dancer feel that dancing is a new facet to my personality.

You floored every one at an awards function abroad recently with your dance!
To tell you the truth, I had pre conceived notions about performing at stage shows. Though strangely enough I have never done a dance number in a film with Akshay Kumar till date, it was he who advised me to do stage shows. Akki is a dear friend.

In what way has Akshay been a friend?
Akki was there when I was going through a very bad phase.

When I told him on the phone that I was depressed because I had four flops as an actor one after the other, he immediately offered to come home to be with me for some time to help me get over my depression.

He told me to keep my chin up since he has had not just four but seventeen flops consecutively before he hit big time. He is one actor who I really look up to, as an elder brother to guide me.

Which are your forthcoming films?
I have cut down on my work, because I want to do quality work, like I used to do when I had started my career with Company. Today I feel like I am a new comer. Nowadays I am being offered roles which I actually want to do.

Frankly there was a phase in my career when I did roles which were not good for production houses which were not so good.

What kind of roles do you seek as an actor now?
I want to be challenged a lot more as an actor. I think having established myself as a decent actor pretty early in my career, the passion within me got diluted somewhere on the way compared to what it was earlier since I was caught in the trappings of stardom

Can you explain?
I confess I did some bad and terrible work when I stopped being myself and tried to step into some one else's shoes since I felt people expected that out of me. I realized I was wrong. It was a process of self discovery. When I was not getting the kind of work that that I wanted, I realized that I was actually hungry for good work.

What did you learn from that phase of yours?
I was fortunate enough to get a lot too soon which takes others many more years to get. May be I did not value and respect it.

I realized that art does not belong to you alone. It belongs to a higher power which controls you, whether you like it or not. If you do bad work, it leaves you. I am happy that phase of my life is over and I am thankful now for the new lease of life that I have managed to get post Shootout At Lokhandwala.

In what way have you changed tracks?
I have changed all my routes. Since I acted in Omkara, I have made it a point never to be late. If I am delayed, I make it a point to call up and say that there is a reason for my being late. I make it a point to recharge my soul like you recharge your cell phone.

Was trying to make amends with Salman Khan a part of your recharging process?
Yes. You can say that. At the end of the day, the entire film industry is like a large family.

Today I have no ill will for any one, though I was like a rebel earlier. May I did not even expect called me up and told me that I had done a good job in Shootout At Lokhandwala.

In retrospect I feel it was wrong on my part to have called for a press conference to lambast Salman Khan. When I went to the sets of Sujoy's Alladin, I made it a point to pay my respects to Amitji too.

more

Ashutosh Gowariker opens up on Jodhaa-Akbar...

Is Jodhaa-Akbar the most difficult you've made?
It is. But the process has been so enjoyable I didn't mind the toil. My crew made the process of creation very interesting. Just working hard isn't a virtue. Otherwise I should not make a film. And I definitely shouldn't make a historical.

Aishwarya Rai and Hrithik Roshan have very contemporary personalities?
That won't be a problem. The audience will come in and forget everything about Hrithik and Aishwarya. I've no fear of that. The two are brilliant Ultimately the audience will be watching not the stars but the two characters that they play.

Perhaps audiences would want to see Abhishek playing Akbar?
Hrithik-Aishwarya's pairing is incredible. They're extremely charismatic and good-looking. They were a huge success in the contemporary Dhoom 2. That can only help my film, not harm it.

What audiences will see in my film are Jodha and Akbar. At least that's what I've tried to ensure through their looks, body language and behaviour. I wanted to make my historical as believable as I'd like to see it being.

You've paid extreme attention to period details?
Every element big or small, from the texture of the clothes to the sets, décor, dialogues and the protocol, even the incidental sounds of birds and animals, they all had to be just right for me.

I'm tired of filmmakers wondering where those good old days have gone. I wanted to reclaim those days. It took me two years of pre- production before I got into my first shot..

Are you happy with the end-product?
Oh it has been tremendously enriching. So far the Mughal period was part of textbooks. I always wondered about the battles and the durbar intrigue.

The mughal period was known for its lavishness, so much so that studio bosses in Hollywood from the golden period were not called movie czars or movie nawabs. They were called movie moghuls.

more

Vidya Balan is one of the busiest actors in Bollywood. She takes a breather for a heart-to-heart with Subhash K Jha...

Life looks good to you?
Yeah. I've just completed Raj Kumar Santoshi's Halla Bol. He's a wonderful director, so much to learn. Ummmmm….And what an experience Guru was.

IIt's every actor's dream to work with Mani. I'm blessed to have worked with him so early in my career. No matter how busy I'm, I take time off every day to say thanks to God for making so many dreams come true.

The more he gives the more I wish to thank him. You and John Abraham seemed like a strange combination in Salaam-e-Ishq?
That's what makes it so exciting. Nikhil's entire team was within the same age group as me. I had a blast on the shoot. It was like being at a party. Touchwood, so far I've been comfortable with every unit I've worked with.

I'd rather remain non-controversial and focus on my work. From Pradeep Sarkar to Mani Rathnam… I've learnt so much ! It may be a cliché to say so, but I'm growing every day.

And such a wide spectrum of actors, from Mr Bachchan to Madhavan.
Ha, I can't call Mr Bachchan my co-star. That's a little too much. As for Madhavan, I was supposed to have worked with him in a couple of Tamil films some time ago. Those didn't work out.

Now we finally did Guru. My equation with Maddy is completely coloured by my affection for his son Vedaant. He's an adorable child with big blue eyes.

One keeps hearing of you being in this and that project?
I think I've been very honest with every producer who has approached me. What I need to do is learn more tact while saying I don't have dates. I've had a very big producer telling me I had no business to turn down his assignment because I'm a newcomer. But as an individual it's my right to say no rather than be evasive.

One keeps seeing you doing glamorous photo shoots. Trying to move away from the Parineeta image?
Yes, I've been doing different photo-shoots. They want the other side of me. I'm only doing what I 'm comfortable with. There was one picture where the outfit was much too revealing for me.

I went around hiding the magazine from my father. I don't think glamour is about taking off clothes. If it was Madhubala, Rekha or Sridevi wouldn't have been glamorous. Rekha in all her finery and jewellery is so glamorous!

And Aishwarya Rai… she's the epitome of grace. We hardly had scenes together in Guru. But on many occasions I felt she was my sister. I truly admire the way she conducts herself. Even her sneeze is written about. That can't beeasy.

And Sanjay Dutt?
(bursts into laughter) I heard about my affair with him. Wonder where that came from! I think we were linked because he's the only hero with whom I've done three films. I don't think anyone took it seriously.

Whether it's John, Saif or Sanju, I'm not in touch with them outside the sets. People take my link-ups with Dada (Parineeta director Pradeep Sarkar) more seriously. I've come to terms with the rumours about us. I guess I'll just have to live with that.

Who're your friends in the industry?
None except Raima Sen. We click because we're like chalk and cheese. I pamper her to no end. We don't meet that often these days. She's one madcap. I restrain her quite often.

more

Katrina kaif gets candid with TOS


You ended 2007 on a high note with 3 big hits this year.
“Oh, yes, I had Namaste London, Apne, Partner . And all the 3 films did well. It’s been an extremely fulfilling year professionally for me. My career is moving towards the right direction. I have taken the leap in the right direction and hopefully next year will be even better. But trust me my best is yet to come,”

And what about your personal front?
“What about it?”

Your love life?
(Raising her eyebrows) “C’mon don’t start it all over again. I’m not answering this.”

But you are known outside as Salman Khan’s girlfriend?
“Oh really? That’s weird; no one has ever told me that.”

Ok got the message loud and clear. How has your family reacted to your new found stardom in Bollywood?
“My family is a little disconnected with the film industry. They have no proper knowledge about Bollywood. Whatever little they know about Bollywood is through me. But I’m glad that I have been able to give them financial security. It gives me immense pleasure to see my family financially secure because of me. It’s a different high and satisfaction; I can’t even explain it in words.”

You started off with movies like Boom and now you have films with big stars like Salman, Akshay and Saif. How does it feel?
“It’s a wonderful feeling. Everyone wanted to be on the top, but hailing from a non filmi background the success is sweet. I just wanted to prove it to myself.”

Were you upset when critics called you just another pretty young thing who can’t act?
“It was harsh. They should have understood where I came from. I had no formal training. I was very raw when I came in, I’m learning and improving with each day and still I have miles to go.”

You seem to be an expert in comedies these days?
“You are right; actually I did quite a lot this year and also learnt a lot. Comedy is difficult, but once you get a grasp of it, you have a blast. Thanks to all the comedies that I did this year, I’m here today talking to you.
You have another comedy Welcome coming up?
“I would call it a commercial entertainer. It’s not mindless and slapstick comedy, it’s witty. . What makes it special is the unusual element of cast, Feroz Khan, Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar and Akshay Kumar coming together. It makes it irreplaceable and special. The audiences will simply love to see them together. I had a blast shooting with them. I enjoyed it and the film is witty and the audience will love to see us together. Nana is great, so is Anil and Feroz Khan saab is coming back after a long time and all the combination makes it so interesting.”

And your chemistry with Akshay Kumar?
“I think we look good on screen. I love working with Akshay. He is a non -judgmental kind of person. You don’t feel shy while working with him. He makes me very comfortable.”

You remember any incident with Akshay?
“Oh yes. I don’t know whether I should speak about it or not. I’m sure he will get mad at me for telling it to you.”

Please go ahead
“You know what? I slapped Akshay while shooting for Welcome . I was required to slap Akshay for a scene. I did that, but somehow it was not looking real and the director called for a re-take, I did the shoot again, still I was not getting it. Akshay got fed up and scream at me c’mon slap me hard. I got carried away and landed one tight slap, everyone just froze on the sets, and there was a pin drop silence. I realized what I did, and I’m like; I’m so sorry Akshay I know you are so upset. But Akshay took it sportingly. Now I’m practicing how to slap people without actually slapping them.”

What was your first impression when you met Salman Khan?
“When I did my first film with Salman, it was like “oh my god”, I’m going to do a film with Salman Khan. I had virtually butterflies in my stomach.”

What’s for 2008?
“Plenty, my diary is full. There’s Abbas Mastan’s Race , Subhash Ghai’s Yuvraj , Yash Raj’s film, Vipul Shah’s Singh is Kinng . Phew! I’m already tried,” (smiles)

Any New Year resolutions?
“Just to go ahead, don’t want to get stagnant. Keep walking.

more

She got great fame after 'Main Hoon Na' but she was recognized as a ‘real’ actress only after the success of 'Vivah'. Her role of a simple girl was not only appreciated in North India but the audiences in Gujarat and abroad also appreciated her.

After 'Vivah' Amrita will be seen in director E.Niwas’s film ‘My name is Anthony Gonsalves". We catch up with her as she eagerly awaits the release of her next film.

Q. Tell us something about your character in the film ‘My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves’?
A. I am playing a Catholic girl named Riya who works as an assistant director under the biggest woman film maker of the industry.

In this film I am playing a today's girl who decides what’s good and what’s bad for her, herself. In spite of being in film industry she is a simple girl and her clothes are traditional rather than glamorous.

My character is not imaginary but inspired from the assistants whom I see at work. I really hope I won't let them down.

Q. For the homework involved in this role, which assistant director inspired you the most?
A. I studied many assistant directors of this film. Along with their expressions; I also noticed how they take care of all our little needs. I remember an incident which happened during "Main Hoon Na".

I had gone to audition for the role at Shahrukh Khan's office and Farah Khan had given me the scene where I had to say to Shahrukh Khan with tears in my eyes that I hate my father because he wanted a son.

Farah left after giving the scene. I was so excited that before she came I asked the assistant director Jagrit to explain the scene to me.

It was his first experience at explaining a scene to someone and he explained the scene so beautifully and nicely that when Farah came she didn't have to do it and I did the scene in one take.

She asked me to do the scene again and I was immediately selected. I think an assistant director plays an important role in making any scene easy.

Q. What do you have to say about Nikhil as an actor?
A. According to me Nikhil's second name is self confidence. He is very dedicated towards his work. It was his childhood dream to be on the silver screen.I am very happy his dream is coming true. I have done many films but this is Nikhil's first film, so I wish that this film proves to be a perfect launch for him.

Q. This film also has Mithun Chakraborty. How was it working with him?
A. I am very happy that he is back into acting. Our film industry needs actors who can act with maturity and understand the seriousness of acting. After Amitabh ji, Mithun ji has all these qualities. Mithun ji is can be called the life of this film. In this film, Mithun ji is playing the role of a church Father.

Q. This film is a thriller. How much space is there for you as an actress in the film to perform?
A. This film has two plots. In one Anthony wants to be a film star and is in love with Riya which I play and the other plot is about the people related to Anthony. I think this film is best to launch a new actor.

Q. It is being said that the promos of this film matches that of 'Johnny Gaddar'.
A. I have seen the promos of 'Johnny Gaddar' which is about guns and murders and the background is also very dark. On the other hand, our film is about the common dreams of a common man.

Q. What is the reason behind you becoming choosy after ‘Vivah’?
A. I always sign any film with care and a lot of thought because taking a risk in this industry can get quite costly.

Q. Your name was linked with Shahid first and now it’s been done with Nikhil. How do you feel about it?
A. (Laughs) Everybody had forgotten that but you made me remember it. I feel rumours come and go always and I don't bother about them.

For Nikhil it was a new thing, so, at first he got worried thinking what his parents will think about him. I told him that this is the first phase of stardom. Few things will be in your favour and few won't. You will have to make the things which are not, favourable.

Q. Tell us something about your forthcoming films?
A. My next releases will be Anil Kapoor's 'Shortcut' and Shyam Benegal's 'Mahadev'.

Q. We have heard that Shayam Benegal's 'Mahadev' will now be called 'Aur Mahadev'.
A. (Laughs) I don’t have any knowledge regarding this.

Q. Tell us something about David Dhawan's 'Hook Ya Crook' and 'Victory'?
A. As of now the set up of David ji's film 'Hook Ya Crook's is not ready, so this film is on hold. And yes, I had been contacted regarding 'Victory'. Harman Baweja is the hero of the film.

Q. You were recently being given the Dada Sahab Phalke award. How do you feel about that?
A. Yes, I got a letter from Dada Sahab Phalke Academy that they want to felicitate me for my performance in 'Vivah'. In fact people are confused about this award. Dada Sahab Phalke Award is divided into two categories, one for Life time Achievement and the other is the normal Dada Sahab Phalke Award.

This award comes under the category of National Award. I am very happy that I got this award at such an early age. I am indebted towards all of them who chose me for the award.

Q. Are you happy with your simple girl image?
A. According to me simplicity has different meanings for every person. According to some a simple girl means someone who is non glamorous but is the life of every party, special for her neighbors and with a good sense of humor.

If people see me as a simple girl with all these qualities then I will be happy to remain with this image all my life.

Q. What are your future plans?
A. I want to attain my goals slowly. If I say today that I have attained all my goals then I will have nothing to work for and if you have no desire then your growth stops. I really don't want my growth to stop.

more

'I've never played a glamorous leading lady before'
She came into the film industry as Sharmila Tagore and Nawab Pataudi's daughter. Initially known only as Saif Ali's Khan's younger sister, Soha Ali Khan finally came into her own with her critically-acclaimed performance in Rang De Basanti.

Now, with Sudhir Mishra's Khoya Khoya Chand, she hopes to establish herself as one of Bollywood's leading ladies. Excerpts from a tete-a-tete with the young, beautiful actress:

Tell us about Khoya Khoya Chand?

It is a romantic film set in the 1950s with Bollywood as a backdrop. It spans 13 years during which the two protagonists Nikhat and Zafar (Shiney Ahuja) achieve their potential in their respective lives and careers.

You play Nikhat. What is the role like?

The movie opens with her as an aspiring actress struggling to find a foothold in the industry. During the course of the movie, she forges different relationships like a friendship with Prem Kumar (Rajat Kapur), a famous movie star of the time. She falls in love with Zafar, a writer-director.

This is my biggest role so far in content and scope; I've never played a glamorous leading lady before. It's the best show any actress could ask for. I'm doing things I never imagined doing -- performing a mujra, cabaret, doing horse-back riding -- all in one film.

Text: Ameeta Gupta


'I'm not sure Nikhat and Zafar are based on Guru Dutt and Waheedaji.'
Being an actress yourself, could you relate to Nikhat?

I'm an actress and a Muslim, but that's where the similarity ends. In essence, we are completely different. Nikhat has had to struggle her whole life, she has family to support -- her father depends on her. She's gone through great turmoil in her life and career, while I've had a protected life.

I'm nowhere near her emotional maturity. On the other hand, I've had much exposure -- education, travelling -- Nikhat never had.

Would say the relationship between Nikhat and Zafar is inspired by Guru Dutt and Waheeda Rehman?

There are many incidents and relationships that inspired Sudhir. The era of the 50s itself was an inspiration for him. The way movies were made then were so different. Movies with actresses like Waheedaji and Madhubala would get great openings solely because of their star power.

I don't know any actress who now commands such a following. Sudhir meticulously researched films from the 50s for the script and he is a big fan of Guru Dutt's films. But I'm not sure Nikhat and Zafar are based on Guru Datt and Waheedaji.



'I'm supposed to be very sexy and sleazy'
Being an actress yourself, could you relate to Nikhat?

I'm an actress and a Muslim but that's where the similarity ends. In essence we are completely different. Nikhat has had to struggle her whole life, she has family to support -- her father depends on her. She's gone through great turmoil in her life and career where as I've had a protected life.

I'm nowhere near her emotional maturity. On the other, I've had so much exposure -- education, travelling, Nikhat never had these privileges.

Would say that the relationship between Nikhat and Zafar is somewhat inspired by that of Guru Dutt and Waheeda Rehman?

There are many incidents and relationships that inspired Sudhir. The era of the 50's itself was an inspiration for him. The way movies were made then were so different. I mean, movies with actresses like Waheedaji and Madhubala would get great openings solely because of their star power.

I don't know any actress now that commands such a following. Sudhir meticulously researched the films from the 50's for this script and he's a big fan of Guru Dutt's films. But I'm not sure if Nikhat and Zafar are based on Guru Datt and Waheedaji.

I've done a lot of crazy things in this film'
Any incident or scene that simply cracked you up?

One of the roles Nikhat plays is in a film within this film, where she is supposed to commit suicide. She runs up a hill, says her goodbyes and jump off. I thought the scene would be easy. I ran up the hill huffing and puffing, ready to take the plunge. But as I reached the cliff, I simply froze. Sudhir was yelling out, "Jump, it's not high!" but I couldn't. I'm short, so perhaps the hill seemed a bit taller than it actually was (laughs). So, yes, this intense scene took me a few takes to conquer.

I've done a lot of crazy things in this film; I've done sword fighting. I've driven around the streets of Mumbai in an Impala at night.

You played a modern girl in Rang De Basanti. Was the transformation from Sonia to Nikhat difficult?

In Rang De, I was myself. In the scene where Sonia loses her fiance, for instance, I imagined how it would feel like to lose someone I loved. But with Nikhat, I consciously decided to not let my personality seep into my performance. I wanted her to react differently, to be completely different from my past performances.

Tell us about your new look in the film.

Sudhir had Nikhat's look completely fleshed out in his mind. Ashima Belapurkar and Niharika Khan did a great job. My look keeps transforming during the course of the movie.


'Shiney brings a touch of masculinity'
What was working with Shiney like?

We didn't talk much for the first two weeks. Gradually, we got comfortable with each other. He has a great sense of humour. I think his style of acting is very different from that of other Indian heroes. He brings a touch of masculinity to the role, in a subtle but effective manner.

What was it like working under Sudhir's direction?

Incredible! I love his earlier work -- Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi and Dharavai. It's a joy working with someone who's so meticulous about his work.

I love that his heroines are as detailed and have as much depth as his heroes. Sudhir is surrounded by strong women in his life and they would kick his a** if he portrayed his leading ladies in any other way (laughs). I enjoy his witty and intelligently written scripts.

What after Khoya Khoya Chand?

I have a movie with UTV called Mumbai Meri Jaan directed by Nishikanth Kamath. It is about the 2006 train blasts that occurred in Mumbai. I am also doing another film with Sudhir -- about the underbelly of Mumbai. It is again a very intense role, which I am very excited about.

more

Q.Tell us about your movie, 'Strangers'.
A. It is a beautiful, yet strange, movie. The story is about two strangers who meet, about two people falling in love in a strange land.

The plot is complex – it has suspense, it is a thriller, although not in the true sense of the word, actually it is a combination of all genres. It is a deeply emotional film.

Q. And what about the character that you are playing?
A. I play Preity, a girl from London, who is looking for love. She is successful and passionate, and she falls deeply in love. She is a very real character, and you cannot categorise her, because she has elements of different personality traits.

She is consistent, tough to handle, and beautiful. She is confident, carefree, successful, and sarcastic, and not a doll. She has a lot of warmth.

Q. We have heard that you have done one very bold scene. Were you comfortable doing it?
A. I have no qualms doing bold scenes. If the character and the script requires such a scene, and it is relevant to the story, then why should I refuse? After all, I am an actor.

Q. How original is this film?
A. It is an extraordinary script. A lot of people think it is inspired by 'Strangers on a Train'. It is different in the real sense of the word, although it is, in a way, a tribute to that great movie.

Q. What was it like, acting with Jimmy Shergill and Kay Kay Menon for the first time?
A. It was wonderful. Jimmy is a great guy. Sharing screen space with him was great, and he was very easy to work with. He has given a wonderful performance.

I adore Jimmy, because he is really sweet, friendly, and generous. He is also a great singer. Kay Kay is a wonderful and disciplined actor.

Q. And what was it like, working with debutant director, Anand L Rai?
A. He is a fantastic director, as well as a great guy. He gave me the chance to improvise my character. He is talented, sensitive, emotional, and he has a generous vision of the world and human nature, as well as of cinema.

Since he is a television director, he is very comfortable with actors. He was a stranger before the movie, but now he is like family.

Q. What about the music of the film?
A. Sometimes, the music in a movie can be an obstacle if it is not used in the right manner. The music in this movie, however, plays a critical part, and manages to evoke emotions.

Q. What next? Do you have a strategy for your career?
A. I don't actually. I do whatever interests me, and I enjoy myself while doing it. My only strategy is not to get typecast. It is important to do a different type of movie every time. This, I think, will help me as an actor.

Q. What are the other projects you are working on?
A. Right now, I am doing 'Colours of Passion', a film based on the love story of painter Raja Ravi Sharma. I play Shantabai in the movie. It is an historical character, and is a mix of Shakuntala, Sita, Laxmi and Draupadi.

I have done my share of research on the film, and gone through books and paintings, to understand it better. I also have 'Forest' lined up.

It is an international film, and I play Radha, a tough girl in a love triangle. It is the story of a one-night stand in the forest. It was great playing that role.

Q. What do you do with your free time?
A. I love to read and write poems. I listen to a lot of Rabindra music, as well as to old Hindi film music, and jazz. I also love collecting old Hindi film CDs. I make it a point to practise yoga thrice a week. I am trained in ballet, Manipuri dance, and modern dancing. I love dancing.

Q. How would you define your movie in one line?
A. I would say 'Strangers' beautifully walks in between the good and bad lines.

more

Shahid Kapoor considers his next film 'Jab We Met' directed by Imtiaz Ali to be his 'best film'. In this free-wheeling interview with Taran Adarsh, Shahid, why as a 26 year old he is excited about JWM, a film that is a 'road' film in a way, his 'chemistry' with Kareena Kapoor, the actor's look in the film and lots more. It's a Must Watch Video!

more

Just few months ago, everything was fine between hot babe Kim sharma and cricketer Yuvraj singh, and suddenly all went wrong.There were many rumours going around as why they parted ways, but the real reason was believed to be Yuvraj singh's mom not liking the way Kim sharma wearing all those revealing outfits

Here is Kim sharma talking to Midday journalist about her alleged break up and life ahead
What went wrong between you and Yuvraj Singh?
Well, obviously things went wrong, and you don't break up in a relationship when everything is hunky dory. Right now, while talking with you, I feel that the general information that I can share with you is that we are not together. There are certain details I do not want to share.

It's not that I want to hide something; it's like wearing a revealing outfit. You are fine when it's decent, but you tend to cover it up when it looks a bit obscene.

I don't want to reveal facts that would make me look obscene. I mean I will be exposing a bit too much, if I talk beyond this. I have given explanations to people whom it was owed to, and I don't think that I need to talk about it any further. I love gossip, but I don't want to be the feeder for gossip-starved people.

Who is the most eligible person in the current Indian cricket team worthy of being your date?
Oh… I would rather keep myself away from Indian cricket team. I think Rahul Gandhi is too hot… wouldn't mind dating him though!

If you met your ex-boyfriend at a social gathering, would you make it obvious that you are not interested in him anymore?
I don't understand the idea of behaving like a school kid. I mean my mother has inculcated some culture in me, so I would be courteous enough to say 'hi' to him. But yes, I would certainly not stand with him and talk about global warming. I would move on and continue my evening with my friends.

Do you think that parental consent is important?
It depends from person to person. I can talk about my parents: they have given us the freedom of being adults. But there are times when they need to intervene and make us aware if we are going wrong. I mean for me my family comes first.

Often girls go against their parents' wish, so what happens when the relationship fails?
You don't disown your parents because of a failure in the relationship. In fact, in last six months I have realised that it's the best time to re-bond with your family and friends.

What is the major negative aspect you have noticed in men?
When you're in love, you don't really see the negative aspects of the person. But when you are out of a relationship, you try and judge the person. I am not saying this about any specific person, but I generally feel that men are threatened by stronger women. And I would never judge a person because I am not saint to judge a sinner!

Do you feel that people still have prejudices about film actresses and that families don't want their bahus to be actresses?
One must not judge a person by his/her profession; it's the prerogative of the family as to who they want to add in their family. In some families, the happiness of an individual matters, and in some families, it's a collective decision. I don't stand by any of them, neither do I point out my finger.

When you are in a relationship, you share every minute detail of your daily life with your boyfriend. What happens when you break up?
Well, if this question is directed towards me personally, then I would say that it's great to be in love. I am a huge romantic person at heart. This has been the longest time that I have been single, and I want to extend this period a bit more because I am not ready for another relationship. Missing the other person is limited to a superficial extent.

I mean when I am out with my couple friends, I do miss my companion, but beyond that I really don't miss anyone.

My mother is my biggest confidant, my dad pampers me the most in this world, my girlfriends have more b***s than any guys in this country, my sister is my best friend and when I feel like cuddling someone, I have my puppy and he doesn't even snore when he is sleeping with me. (Laughs) I mean where is the space for a man? (Laughs) Yes, they are an added bonus, but certainly not be all and end all…

Would you be scared to fall in love again?
This is not the first time that I was in love, and thankfully this is not the last either. I am waiting for Mr. Right and I am sure that I will get one.

more

She is one of the hottest discoveries of this century as far as Hindi films are concerned. And she is making a big debut opposite Shahrukh Khan in his lavish home production Om Shanti Om. Deepika Padukone stuns you with her simplicity and innocence in this IndiaFM exclusive interview. Find out what she has to say about SRK, her director Farah Khan, her seventies look in the film and lots more. You don't wish to miss this one! Do you....



Its not easy to get access to king. But when we did manage to get up-close-n-personal with Baadshah Shahrukh Khan we made the most of this opportunity. SRK in this IndiaFM exclusive interview Talks about his forthcoming home production Om Shanti Om, the success of Chak De India, how he manages to make all his leading ladies look so good and more.Its a Must Watch!

more

An IndiaFM Exclusive with Salman Khan where he talks about Sanjay Leela Bhansali being the one who gets the best out of everyone, his equation with everyone around, Saawariya being the biggest film of his career and lots more. It's a Must Watch! Don't miss it for anything! You won't get this anywhere else!

more

Watch an exclusive interview with the hot n sexy 'Red Swastik' actress Sherlyn Chopra. Find out if you fit into her list of preferences

more

more