Interviewsss

I have sthttp://bollywoodrulz.ourtoolbar.com/opped playing seco fiddle, says Raima Sen

Kolkata, July 14 (IANS) Gone are the days when Raima Sen would limit herself to playing second lead in films like "Chokher Bali", "Parineeta" or "Eklavya - The Royal Guard".

"I have stopped playing second lead after 'Honeymoon Travels Private Limited'. But of course, I don't have a problem with acting in multi-starrers provided I am given a significant role," Raima told IANS.

The actress, who has played lead roles in Bengali movies like "The Bong Connection", "Nishijapan" and "Anuranan", has grounded herself well in Bollywood.

"I am playing lead roles in Hindi films like 'C Kkompany', 'Mumbai Cutting', 'Mere Khwabon Mein Jo Aaye' and Leena Yadav's 'Teen Patti' with Amitabh Bachchan and R. Madhavan.

"Besides, there is Aparna Sen's Bengali flick 'The Japanese Wife'."

Asked about her role in the Bengali film "Khela", Raima said: "For the first time I am playing a fashion designer. So far, all the roles I played had certain similarities with my character in real life. But Anjali is not Raima from any angle. She loves dressing people but is careless about her own looks. She is sophisticated in her own way, very much unlike me."

"Khela" is her fourth film with director Rituparna Ghosh.

"In my first film with Rituda - 'Chokher Bali' - I played the second lead. He was very strict with me and made me a director's actor. Well, that was a real learning experience for me.

"I had wink-and-miss roles in his films 'Antarmahal' and 'Sunglass'. But in 'Khela' I am playing a full-fledged role and he gave me the liberty to do my own. Of course, he helped me with his inputs from time to time."

Does she have a good rapport with her co-actor and Bengali superstar Prasenjit?

"During the early days of my career I did a commercial with him. I was always in awe of him on the sets of 'Chokher Bali'. But now we are friends and interact like mature people," said Raima.

Celebrity Interview - Riteish Deshmukh

It is not very often that you see Riteish Deshmukh give interviews and not crack a joke, and the reason is that when he gave this one, he was down with a viral infection, cold, and flu. But as promised, he did not turn his back and came to promote his first world tour, 'The Unforgettable Tour', along with his fellow co-stars, the Bachchans and Preity Zinta in Mumbai last Friday. One of the very few bankable stars of today, this actor has a habit of delivering his best even when he is at his worst, be it on the big screen, live on the stage or in this quick chat with Bollywood Hungama's Devansh Patel.

What happened to your voice? It's sounding a bit hoarse?
I'm not well yaar! Down with a viral and shooting, rehearsals and no time to rest.

Anyway, then let's start with the interview. Don't you feel that you are the odd one out from all your colleagues? Will you be providing that added masti in the tour?
Odd one out, I don't know. But it's a good mixture right from the senior stars like Amitabh Bachchan, to younger stars like Abhishek and me and you have immense popularity of Aishwarya Rai all over and Preity Zinta who have been around for a long time now. So you can say I'm the odd one out because I'm the youngest. But overall, it should be fun because the kind of songs I'm going to perform are also the kind of image I have.

Are you going to start the tour by dancing on Bluffmaster's 'Bure Bure Hum Hum Hum Shaitan, Zaara Zaara Bachna Re Humse'?
(Laughs) Wow! That's a good suggestion. But I am sure if I'll be doing this number, I'll put in as much of enthusiasm as I can.

As an actor, you've played more mischief than any of your co-stars have, except Mr. Bachchan, but are we going to see some serious moves this time around?
You know, I'm trying to do different stuff where primarily I'm doing Aladin and the Mystery of the Lamp which is not a comedy. Then I move on to a more romantic side of me after my first film. So trying to venture out in romance after a long time. And comedies will keep on being an integral part of my career. As far as the tour is concerned, I am going to be seriously different. Wait and watch!

From the entire Unforgettable gang, you've only managed to shake a leg with Abhishek Bachchan. Tell us something about this 'Bluffmaster'. How good is he?
He is just fantastic. He has his own style. The Abhishek fan following that started since 'Dus Bahane' and 'Right Here Right Now' was because he brought in that coolness which no other actor got in Hindi films. This good looking, tall guy rapping songs and having great screen presence became a cult. Then he goes mad on the stage and I'm looking forward to that madness.

How difficult was it to train under the perfectionist called Shiamak Davar?
You are right. Shiamak is a perfectionist. The best part about it is that he designs songs for the actors and he knows. He won't give a difficult step but steps that will look good on the actor. You have to see it to believe it. He likes doing different things every time he is on stage with his actors and 'The Unforgettable Tour' will prove exactly that. Are you going to spike your hair? And what sort of different and funny costumes we are going to see you in?
Loads of costumes yaar! My designer for this tour is Shiraz. Stage costumes are very different. There is not going to be a normal shirt. There'll be shine and glitter and you'll not dare to think of wearing such costumes out on the road. As far as my hair is concerned, I'll be spiking my hair definitely and doing all sorts of different hair styles, cutting my hair and coloring it. In addition, for 45 days, I am not committed for any films and thus I'm not bothered about my hairdo.

You were last seen in London at the Zee Cine Awards 2008, which took place at the Excel Docklands. O2 centre is ten times bigger than Excel Docklands. Having said that, only Elton John and Madonna have managed to fill up the arena so far. Will this tour achieve the impossible?
As I said, I'm the new one here. This is my first worldwide tour. I had no idea about how big the arena was and we were not informed about that, how was it going to be filled up, etc. I am sure Wizcraft must have come up with some sort of planning regarding that. I'm just glad to be performing where famous international celebrities have performed before.

Are you going to perform solo on the stage or will it be with other stars?
Of course I am going to perform solo on stage. My entire first act is a solo act with all the songs from the films I've been a part of. There are only portions of me where I share the stage with other actors. So it's a great mix.

Which song would you prefer dancing to alone on stage?
Lots of yaar! There are songs from Cash, Heyy Babyy, songs like 'Dil Mein Bajee Guitar', etc.

Do you feel proud of the fact that you are a part of 'The Unforgettable Tour' or is it like any other tour?
As a child, I never thought that I'd be an actor. Now that was past; I am here in front of you and that is the present. Being an actor and then going on a world tour is another unbelievable thing and then being a part of the tour that is headed by Mr. Amitabh Bachchan and friends like Abhishek, Aishwarya, Preity, and Akshay (with whom I've worked in my last film Heyy Babyy) is another. Then there is Madhuri Dixit. What can I say about her? I have been a huge fan of her since I was a kid and used to have a huge crush on her. So as the title suggests, all this is going to be just 'Unforgettable'. And to answer your question, I do feel proud.

Your female fans will be desperate to see you perform and act on stage. But will you reciprocate to them by singing and dancing to 'Ae Chori, Zara Nachke Dikha' from Cash?
(Laughs) Of course, I'd love to start off by saying that. That's going to be one of the songs I'm performing on. Look out girls!

You've travelled to many cities around the world with your films. Where are you looking forward to perform the most?
I think, London for sure because it's a place where there are not only lots of Indians but even non Indian people in the form of Bangladeshi's and Pakistani's who love our films and songs and give us their undying love and support. I've performed once in London with Salman and Shah Rukh. Obviously, the crowd came to see SRK and Salman but to be a part and feel the response was truly great. That was a few years ago. But as you said that O2 centre is ten times bigger, I hope this show too is ten times bigger than all the shows taken place there.

Any message for all your London fans then?
Well, all I can say is, get ready for full on dhamaal and masti.

The whole world knows me: Celina Jaitley

New Delhi, July 14 (IANS) Actress Celina Jaitely may not have too many hits to her credit, but with two foreign productions in hand the Bollywood beauty says that the "whole world" knows her!

The former Miss India even compares her career with that of the gorgeous Madhuri Dixit.

"Nobody knew Madhuri Dixit before 'Ek Do Teen', though she had done films before she did the song," Celina told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

"But the whole world knows Celina Jaitley, I have a glamorous and sexy image. People recognise me all over the world," the actress remarked.

Asked about her ever-increasing glamour quotient, she said: "I must have done a good job and that is the reason why I'm famous for my glamorous image. I have thousands of fans all over the world. People like the way I act and this image has given me a lot.

"There are many actors who've done multiple roles but still suffer from an identity crisis and, on the contrary, I need bodyguards all the time because of my status," added Celina.

So isn't she afraid of being typecast as a sex symbol?

"My job is to give the audience what they like and I do that. It's been four and a half years in the industry and I have achieved a lot."

Celina has now joined the item song bandwagon too. She is set to sizzle in Balaji Motion Picture's "C Kkompany" opposite Tusshar Kapoor.

"I am doing this item song because I have called the shots here and nobody else has. It is a Punjabi song and I always wanted to do a Punjabi number because my dad is a Punjabi.

"Also Tusshar is a very good friend and I'm very close to Balaji (Productions)," she added.

And is the actress dating anybody? "Celina Jaitley is not in a relationship. She is in a relationship only with her career which is a great love-affair," she quipped.

Celina has been roped in for 15 projects that will keep her busy until next year. Apart from "C Kkompany", she also has two foreign productions by Ken Khan - "Love has no Language" and "The Quest of Sheherzade".

Her Bollywood list also includes "Hello Darling", "Golmaal Returns", "Paying Guest", "Chai Garam", Sunil Darshan's untitled project, two projects with Ashtavinayak productions and a Punjabi film.

"I embarrassed Shahid" - Vidya Balan

The term 'meteoric' and 'kismat' are often used to describe the career paths of film actors. It is usually inaccurate, ignoring a plethora of dodgy TV shows and unwatchable movies made while the subject gradually and painfully learns their craft. With Vidya Balan though, meteoric and kismat are absolutely on the nail. Within a mere three years of her feature debut Parineeta, she has now become one of the most sought-after actresses in Bollywood. More importantly perhaps, she is already one of the most compelling, convincing and adaptable actors around. In this exclusively long chat with Bollywood Hungama's Devansh Patel, Vidya recalls her past with Vidhu Vinod Chopra, her present with Aziz Mirza, her future with Shahid Kapur and of course, lots more about Kismat Konnection.

Out of all the films, you've done so far, your funny role has never been portrayed in any films inspite of you being a part of few. Will Kismat Konnection change that?
I see Kismat Konnection as a love story and not as a comedy. So for me, I think I still haven't got a chance to explore the funny side of me in the films I've done. But as a love story, I still think that it's different for me because it's a very light hearted film and not emotionally high on content. It's a very breezy, young and a vibrant love story and it's still different from what I've done so far.

You're just three years old in Bollywood and you've done - so far so good. Does it seem like thirty years?
(Laughs) Definitely not. I still feel like a newcomer. I've got a good kismat of working with a lot of very experienced and well established people. But I am still wonder struck by a lot of things in the industry. So I still feel like a novice and I have a long way to go before I can feel that I've spent thirty years here.

Your first three films were with Vidhu Vinod Chopra. Anything on the cards with him in the near future?
I'd love to because my first three films, as you mentioned, were with Vinod Chopra Productions and that in sense is like a home ground for me. I know that whenever Mr. Chopra thinks that he has something suitable for me, he'll call me. But there is no expectation from either side that I have to be a part of his every project. I know that when there is something for me, I will get that call.

We've seen your scary side and a scary dance by Monjulika in Bhool Bhulaiyaa. What surprise moves is in-store for us in Kismat Konnection?
(Laughs) The first thing I told myself was that I have to forget that I am going to be dancing with Shahid Kapur because he is such a brilliant dancer. That took the pressure off me. You can't imagine matching steps with the likes of Shahid and Hrithik ever. But it was something new for me to do and I haven't danced like this before. I was actually enjoying myself. I'm hoping it's turned out well.

We haven't seen Vidya Balan wearing too much of western outfits in films except Heyy Babyy. Is Vidya sexy or beautiful?
Both. But as I recently quoted during my Filmfare July launch, sexiness lies in my eyes. The sexiest women have always had their sex appeal in the eyes. It does not matter what you're wearing or how much you are showing.

Tell us something more about Kismat Konnection, which the audiences don't know.
I don't know whether this is something that I've shared or not. But when I initially started with Kismat Konnection, it was a new unit for me like every film unit is. But normally what happens before you go abroad for a shoot, you generally do a short schedule in India and then you go off on a long schedule. But here we were directly thrown into Toronto for two month outdoor and I had no clue about how I was going to get along with the rest of the team. For me, it's very important that I get along well with everyone first. I love listening to music. I had my I-Pod plugged in, in-between shots because I wasn't sure how I would get along. And by second or third day, everyone had their I-Pods out and we started exchanging our I-Pods and sharing the music we were listening to. So music helped all of us bond on the sets.

So tell us your funny experience while taking the autograph of your favourite actor Shahid Kapur.
(Laughs) You know Shahid is a slightly shy person. He is someone who keeps to himself a lot. He was sitting in one corner of the set. It was the first day of our shoot. We had a scene, which needed a certain familiarity between us. So we were just rehearsing it and I realized that in getting the scene right we first had to get a bit familiar with each other which would have eventually helped us in the long two month schedule. When I went to him and asked for his autograph, he was completely taken by surprise. I don't think anyone has done something like this to him before. He kept running away and saying that I was embarrassing him. Next, he went upto Aziz uncle. But I was relentless and I did not give up till he gave me his autograph. Trust me, I'm going to sell his autograph and make fortunes (laugh).

Do you believe in Kismat or do you believe in hardwork?
I believe that we are all given opportunities and we have to make the best out of them. But those opportunities are pre-destined. What we make of them then depends on us. Thus it's a combination of both.

So it's the combination of both which has brought you so far?
Yes. To be at the right place at the right time was really pre-destined for me.

I'm not playing a rank game here, but all the films you've done are with A-list stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Saif Ali Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, etc. Here, all of a sudden comes this vibrant and full of energy Shahid Kapur. Did you at all feel that you should back off because Shahid is a part of it?
Primarily my decision to do or not to do a film depends on the story, my role, and the director. The only reason for me doing the film was Aziz Mirza because I always wanted to work with him. I believe in his kind of films. And besides that it had a Shahid Kapur who we've all known as a good actor. Every actor takes a certain amount of time to come into his own and Shahid is just doing that. Post Jab We Met, he has become quite a rock star from all that I've been hearing from everyone. I didn't think twice because it was Shahid Kapur. So if anything works out in the future with Shahid, I'd love to work with him again.

'Mauja hi Mauja' was one of the best numbers to come out in 2007. Now we've got 'Ai Pappi', a perfect hip-hop and happening number.
'Ai Pappi' is a very very cool song. It's a kind of song that you just groove to so easily which explains why it's on the top of the charts right now. Soon as we heard the song, all of us instantly loved it and believe it or not but I wasn't going to be a part of the song initially. In the song, Shahid actually talks about Kismat Konnection but when we heard the song, we realized that it was probably going to be such a popular song that they would be mad not to have a heroine in the song, which is why you will be seeing glimpses of me in the song. I was an addition to 'Ai Pappi'. After the choreographer heard it, he said that Vidya has to be a part of it. Thanks to Ahmed Khan that I am a part of it, even if it is a glimpse because everything counts. Doesn't it?

In Bollywood, seven in every ten films are love stories. What makes Kismat Konnectionnot a clichéd one?
I wouldn't say that Kismat Konnection is a different film. It's an honest Aziz Mirza film just like his previous films. Love stories will always be clichéd because they are about two people who are in love, there is a certain situation which they have to overcome to be together, etc. That's the structure of any love story and that of course is true of Kismat Konnection. What really makes any film different from another film is the treatment of the moments captured and Aziz Mirza's strength lies in these moments. He makes the real moments special. Even in our lives today we are so caught up with the bigger things that we often over look the small pleasures of life. That's the beauty of Kismat Konnection.

We've also noticed that you are not one of those actors who go on a signing films left, right and centre. You are taking it easy. Is that a deliberate move?
No, not really. I just have to connect with the work I am doing. So tomorrow, if I get four films, which I'm able to do, I'll go for it because as an actor I would want to work in as many films as I can. But it's just that I have to believe in the work I'm doing. If I am able to do that, I am happy to do even six films a year. I can't multi task though, so it has to be one after the other. And you know what...I am a greedy actor.

All the films you've been a part of have won at least one award at major Bollywood award ceremonies. You've touched Kismat Konnection now. More awards to follow in 2009.
Inshallah! If that has any bearing, I hope (laughs) it holds true with Kismat Konnection also. I believe that Kismat Konnection will bring with it its own kismat. I hope people like the film and beyond that, awards are just the perfect icing on the cake.

We saw the first ever-blue ray disc of your film Heyy Babyy which came out a few months ago. Did you give any suggestions to Aziz Mirza to come out with one for his film as well?
I think, releasing Kismat Konnection on a DVD is a far better idea than a blue ray disc because firstly it is very expensive to afford a blue ray and you need to have a HD TV with a blue ray player. Now a days, DVD's are far more accessible and everybody can afford them. So releasing the film on a DVD at this point of time is more economical.

Some sections of the media say that you are sharing a special relationship with Shahid. Is this the real connection or the rumored connection?
I think people are really using their imaginations in a wild way. But now I'm quite used to it. We share a great onscreen rapport but beyond that we just get along really well with each other and that is about it. If people want to read what they want to, they can. I'm here to build a career and not some relationship.

Does that mean you'll let the people and the media know once you come out in the open with your relationship someday with someone?
I'm not the kind of person who will scream from the roof tops. But I'm not someone who will keep a relationship obscure either because I think it is very important for one to be able to acknowledge the other person. I'm not the kind of person to hide any relationship. I don't feel the need to. If I were with someone, I would be celebrating it.

Vidya means education. Anything the viewers will get educated by from the film.
Primarily Kismat Konnection goes beyond a love story. It has an inherent message without being preachy; that in life, the best always comes to you and you are not always able to see that, which is why we keep saying - 'It's destiny'. Whether it's work or personal relationships, when certain things don't work out, it is sometimes for the best and maybe something better is in store for you. Only time can prove that. That's the small message that KK carries.

Any message for your fans in London?
London is a very special city for all us actors in Bollywood because the kind of warmth and love you receive from audiences in London is incomparable to any of the other NRI audiences. Please go and watch Kismat Konnection, as it will put a smile on your face.

We heard that you guys are planning to do a premiere here in London?
We were hoping to come to London during the time of release but for some reason it hasn't worked out. I'd love to come there but India has now become a huge market for promotions with reality shows, music shows, talent shows, etc. So commitments here will be our first priority.

"In Ugly Aur Pagli, Ranvir is a complete loser" - Sachin Khot

If the slogan '99 Slaps and 1 Kiss' is not good enough a reason to hold anybody's attention for the forthcoming 'Rom-Com' film Ugli Aur Pagli, then here's more. The film has Mallika Sherawat pairing opposite the multi-talented Ranvir Shorey. And the one name that has to be applauded with golden hands is that of Sachin Khot, the man who after conquering the tellyland (testimonials include the record breaking 'Shanti' followed by many others), is all set to create the same magic in Bollywood too. With this super-exciting film, Sachin joins the gang of TV Directors turned Bollywood Directors. Bollywood Hungama caught up with this debutante director, to know what exactly happened during the making of Ugly Aur Pagli. Read on to find out …

How did the subject of Ugly Aur Pagli come up?
The concept is an age old syndrome of 'opposites attract'; we just took a realistic take on the same. Today's 21st century girl is more aggressive and dominating in a relationship. In most of the love stories, we see males leading the relationship with lots of mushiness, but in this, I have tried some thing that's really different and interesting. In this story, the girl dominates the relationship and we have removed the mushiness out of the love story.

You have directed television serials before. How was the transition from directing TV serials to directing a film?
Yes, I have directed a few TV serials in the past and it is a huge transition for me from TV to films. I directed a TV serial called 'Shanti' starring Mandira Bedi during its third running year. Besides that, I have also shot several other serials. During the nascent stage, when I was working on serials, it was more about story telling but now it has become more gimmicky. So this transition was great and important for me at the same time.

How was it working with Ranvir, Mallika and others?
Ranvir and Mallika are simply mind blowing. They are very professional and natural actors. As this is a female dominated love story with a dash of aggressiveness to it, Ranvir was supposed to get slapped by Mallika almost 99 times throughout the film. I think no actor in this film industry would have done this role, which Ranvir did. On the sets, Ranvir and Mallika used to sit down and devise different techniques of slapping. I was stunned to see Ranvir sitting with Mallika and teaching her how to slap. It was really funny to hear their conversation when Ranvir told her methods in which a slap would look real etc. They both helped each other really well and their improvisations only helped the scenes get even better. Apart from them we have some interesting cameos done by great actors.

We have seen promos with a lot of cameos.
Well, Zeenat Amanji does the biggest cameo in the film, and I am really excited about that. I won't divulge much detail on this one but apart from her, there is a small but interesting cameo done by VJ Gaurav, VJ Vishal Malhotra and Manish Anand who play Ranvir's friends in the film. They all have small but very well etched roles introduced at crucial times.

PNC's previous film Pyaar Ke Side Effects was a huge success, then how come you selected Ranvir Shorey and not Rahul Bose since the female lead remains the same? How did you think of this unusual pair?
Well, if you really see, then even Rahul Bose and Mallika Sherawat were an unusual pair. It was Mr. Nandy's idea to get Ranvir; he was quite keen on casting him and moreover he just suited the bill. I don't think I could have thought of any actor who could play the lovable loser. And of course, this opposite pole chemistry always works.

Does the film start from where PKSE ended, since the story line is quite similar and the producers are also the same. Was this a conscious effort or just a mere co-incidence?
No, there is no similarity between PKSE and Ugly Aur Pagli, there were no conscious efforts that were taken while penning down the story. The only similarity one will find between the two stories is of course Mallika and the fact that two drastically different people fall in love. In fact, in Pyaar Ke Side Effects, Rahul Bose was an achiever, he had his own job, led his own life, but in Ugly Aur Pagli, Ranvir is a complete loser.

Were you involved in the styling of the cast because the styling is quite different from what we have seen Mallika and Ranvir in their previous films?
Yes. The styling has become a huge point of attraction in the film. Everyone liked the look of it. I was involved in the styling of the cast; we had different styles in our mind which I worked upon but the actual credit goes to Rangita Nandy, the Producer of the film. Our idea was to basically give them a very casual look. We discussed the look with the ace designer Ashley Rebello and designed this wonderful look.

How was the atmosphere on the sets? Any memorable incidents that you would like to share?
The atmosphere on the sets was very friendly. But for me, it was a bit different. I was always a bit nervous and anxious on the sets since it was my first film. Due to the nervousness, I used to keep knocking myself into something or the other on the sets. My entire cast pulled my leg (especially Ranvir), but at the end of the day, it was absolute fun.

Mallika is known to be a bit reserved, so how was she on the sets with everyone?
I don't know why people have tagged her as a very reserved person. I think she was great on the sets, she gelled very well with everyone and above all, she is a thorough professional.

What kind of rapport did Mallika and Ranvir share with each other since their chemistry looks great in the promos?
I think they shared a brilliant connection, they were too natural and trust me, the rapport and the chemistry which you see between the two on screen is exactly how they were on the sets also! I remember while we were shooting, there was this scene where Ranvir was suppose to carry Mallika and walk across the road, while shooting for this scene, Mallika purposely would distract him and do something or the other so that we would re-shoot and so that Ranvir had to carry her all the way again. It was really funny; we all pulled his leg and backed Mallika on this one. As a director, the chemistry between any two actors look good only when they understand each other and help each other in the scenes… and that was exactly the case here.

"I get pocket money every month; but my earnings go in savings" - Hansika

For any seventeen year old, to star as a leading actress in a Hindi film can only be a distant dream today. But for Hansika, it was never going to be difficult. After seeing her on television and in few films as a child artist a few years ago, now, Hansika is barely recognizable. In the past few years, however, she seems to have turned things around, making better personal and professional choices, if getting a bit of weight to put on. Ever since her childhood days, Hansika has lived her whole life in the limelight, be it television or cinema. And now as she sets her sights on some serious acting, and not so serious in Money Hai Toh Honey Hai, Bollywood Hungama's Devansh Patel finds out how this lazy child turned out to be so proactive, sheer professional and not to be messed around with in this exclusive and an interesting chat.

Now that you've grown up from a small cute little girl of small screen to a leading lady of Bollywood films, how would you describe your journey so far?
I'd describe my journey in a very positive way and a lucky manner. As a child artist, I was very lucky that I got to do big small screen serials. But there is always time to move ahead especially when you grow up. I was in the 9th standard when I left television because my 10th board exams needed me to study very hard. In that process, I grew up and while I was in my 11th standard, I got to do my first film with Himesh Reshammiya, Aap Kaa Surroor. So the journey for me has just begun. Wait and watch, there's a long way to go.

Aap Ka Suroor was a very serious film but your second big release Money Hai Toh Honey Hai seems to be a complete transition from a serious role to a funny one. Do you associate at all with the character you're portraying in this film?
Of course yes. This is the closest character I can come to with to my real life because I play a role of Ashima Kapoor who is the best and the top most actress of small screen and how she wants to become even bigger in the world of Bollywood. She finally gets the big break but only gets roles of saas and bahu types because of her small screen success. It's really funny. You will see me at my best in Money Hai Toh Honey Hai.

Why leave the small screen when you could have grown bigger and better in television?
It was never about growing bigger or better. It was about making the right decisions. My mom had already told me to concentrate more on my studies and complete my 10th boards and then again think of pursuing my career. It makes a lot of difference if you are educated. I have no regrets quitting small screen because I cherish every bit of my time I had dedicated to the television for three whole years.

You played a small girl in the film Jaago which also starred Manoj Bajpai. What was his reaction when he saw you all grown up to become a lead actress opposite Govinda?
His mouth was wide open and he was zapped. He said, "Is it you Hansika?". And I said, "Yea Manoj sir, it's the same me." Manoj sir is a brilliant actor and has matured over the years and so have I. But he treated me in the same way and manner as he treats his other co-actors and gave me the same space as others. I was really touched by his gestures. He is simply great and not many know that he can do excellent comedy.

Now let's talk about Govinda. What was it like to work with Indian Film Industry's one of the finest and the best dancers and comic talents?
He is a gem of a person and a complete gentleman. I am very fortunate to have got my second film with such an experienced and a good co-artist. He has actually helped me a lot to grow as an actor too. Chi Chi sir is not like a father figure who gives advices as to this is how you should work and act. He is equal to each and everybody. Whether it's Upen Patel, Celina, Aftab or Manoj sir. He will come up to you and motivate you to do better and will say, "You could have done it better." Such is his persona.

Was there a moment that you forgot your lines opposite the highly experienced Govinda?
I am not bad at forgetting lines (laughs). Actually, if anyone of us would make a mistake or crack a joke or give an expression, we all would just burst out laughing out loud and then tears would come out of our eyes. Infact, we would do the same if there was no reason what so ever. Strange isn't it?

What about Ganesh Acharya, who shares the same story as you do. His first film too was a serious affair called Swami?
I know Ganesh sir since childhood. My first film's song, 'Tera Mera Milna' was choreographed by Ganesh sir. He is a beautiful person. When I saw Swami which was directed by him, I knew that this is not Ganesh sir. But when I heard his second film which he narrated to me in Germany while shooting Aap Kaa Surroor, I knew from the word go that he had made my character by keeping me in mind. Not to forget, both our families are really close to each other. Money Hai to Honey Hai brings out his true personality.

What makes Money Hai Toh Honey Hai different from hundreds of such comic films made in the past?
For me, this is a film which is special and close to my heart because I play someone who I am in real life. Also, it is my second film. For the first time people are going to see my actual talent from a serious one. I've shed weight, my hair, make up, everything has changed to the core. But what's important is that comedy as a subject will never get old, and that's what makes this film differently same.

Have your close friends, family members or teachers ever expressed their grief on you joining the world of glitz and glamour at a tender age of just 17?
I don't think anyone you've mentioned will come up to me and say that. They have been all so supportive towards me and my decision and have said that it's good that I have been an inspiration to many to take up acting or any profession they want before they are in their 20's. If I wouldn't have been in acting, I'd probably be studying and bunking at the same time. I'd just be sitting out at Costa or Barista doing nothing. My best friend has always supported me and she said that I have inspired her to go to New York and study. She gives me credit but I know it's not me, it's just because of her.

How does it feel to be the youngest female lead actor in the Indian Film Industry?
Superb. It's the best feeling for anyone who is my age and have reached so far. That does not put me in a situation where I start thinking that I don't have to be in public. I still go to Costa coffee but very rarely. I go for shopping just like any other person does. I am very fortunate to get all this when I'm only 17 years old.

You mentioned shopping. Where do you like to shop from? And are you a brand person?
I am like all the other girls around me who like the colours green, blue, red, yellow, brown, whichever colour. I love nail polishes and have loads and loads of shoes. In Germany, while shooting, I purchased quite a few shoes because I love walking a lot. As for clothes, I am a bit brand conscious but if I see something in a normal shop which excites me, I'd buy it without reading the label. When it comes to really expensive stuff, I get a little brandy.

Where have you enjoyed shopping the most?
My first expensive shopping began in Dubai. I love to shop there. Now, it's Austria, Singapore and Germany.

Has it ever happened that success has made you over confident?
Not at all. My parents and my brother will throw me down on the ground. I can never ever get over confident. My friends and family are very open to me. They are not biased. They will tell me if I look bad in some scenes or haven't performed well in the film. They know my weak points and good ones. So if stardom comes to me head, my mother, who is my biggest critic, will say enough is enough. It's time to quit this profession.

Which is your all time favourite film?
Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge. Whenever it comes on television, I make sure not to miss it.

Have you recommended some of your co-actors from television with whom you've worked as a child artist to join in films?
It would feel miserable to do such a thing. How can a 17 year old recommend a 40 year old guy who is vastly experienced? Somewhere, a bit of sourness comes in the person who would think - A teenage girl with a few years of experience is recommending me? No way! I am not here to recommend anyone. I am here to entertain the people and I would definitely not be the right person to start recommending others who are far more superior than me.

Do you think the title of your film, Money Hain Toh Honey Hain, stands true in today's time?
(Laughs) I am too small to answer this question. I don't even carry money with me. I mean, I get pocket money every month but whatever I earn goes in the savings. So when I am 18 next year, I can remove as much money I want.

As a teenager, what have you learnt from observing a star like Govinda on and off the sets?
The patience he has in him. He is not like one of those actors who think only their work should get appreciated by the people. He will give out ideas to the director and if they are rejected, he wouldn't mind. But he definitely gives his experienced inputs. Having said that, he is also open to suggestions. Not to forget, he is a cute and a sweet man.

What about your co-stars like Upen Patel, Celina and Aftab?
They are all dignified actors who are true professionals.

That's a very short answer.
Yes, because I don't want to give out the same monotonous answers like I loved working with them, they were so friendly, we all used to sit together and chat after the shot was over, etc, etc. You will get your long answer after you see the film.

Now that you're getting established on the big screen, do you sometimes get bossy?
Not at all. Yes, I used to when I was a kid. In fact, I was a lazy bum who couldn't even get a glass of water for myself. I used to wake up, go to school, come home, eat and then study and go to sleep. That was my lazy life. Now, it's taken a complete turn. I can't afford to wake up late, have to go to the gym everyday and work out for two hours, no matter what time I come back from work. Sleepless nights and eating calorie conscious food. But now it's so much challenging.

Why go and watch Money Hain Toh Honey Hain?
Because it's my second film. Because Kumar Mangat ji and Master ji (Ganesh Acharya) have put in a lot of effort to make a good comedy film. The script who is the actual hero of the film and of course, for all of us, me, Chi Chi sir, Celina, Aftab, Upen and Manoj sir who has given his best shot at acting in a comic film. And last but not the least, take your money and honey and come in the theatres and enjoy the film.

Bollywood is in its golden age now: Anupam Kher

New Delhi, July 10 (IANS) Anupam Kher, who's experimented with different film genres as an actor and director, feels that the quality of scripts, cinematography and screenplays in Hindi films hasn't gone down but actually improved over the years.

"I don't think Bollywood is going through a bad phase. Instead, I think it is in its golden time right now," Anupam told IANS.

"A lot of films are released in India. There are some good and some bad. It is just like a reporter's article. Every article can't be good," the actor said.

Anupam, who has given the industry some landmark films like "Saransh", "Daddy" and "Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara", was in the capital last week to shoot for "Rajdhani Express", in which he plays a politician.

He strongly opposes the notion of judging the quality of a film by its banner.

"Whether a film is launched under a big banner or small, it cannot determine the success of a film. Besides, even the capabilities of a banner cannot be judged if the banner gives a flop or two," Anupam said at the French embassy here when filmmaker Yash Chopra was awarded the Legion d'Honneur July 5.

"The kind of cinema Yash Chopra makes and the amount of contribution that he has made to the Indian film industry, he has every right to be the godfather of Bollywood," said Anupam, who featured in Chopra's "Lamhe" and "Darr".

The actor, who has opened acting schools in India and abroad, is quite happy with the number of youngsters who have entered Bollywood.

"It is really nice that so many people want to enter into films. I hope the best out of them all survives," he said.

Asked about his views on his son Sikander's films "Woodstock Villa" and "Summer 2007", he said: "I am very happy with the way Sikander's career is picking up and I hope he keeps doing well."

Anupam's forthcoming releases include Karan Razdan-directed "Mr. Bhatti on Chutti" and Rumi Jaffrey's "God Tussi Great Ho".

"I've shared 80 days with Vidya on shoot" - Shahid Kapoor

So what if his Kismat did not do well on the personal front. Professionally, Shahid Kapur is having a ball of a time. With his biggest release and his highest grosser Jab We Met behind him, this energetic actor is giving all he can in his next venture titled Kismat Konnection to portray what he calls is his best role till date. All the way from London, Bollywood Hungama's Devansh Patel has a detailed chat with the shy guy who is difficult to catch hold of when it comes to giving interviews. And look at our kismat, we not only got hold of him but also managed to ask him a question which he would have avoided. But we did, and it was about his Kismat, his Konnection with Vidya and wait...Kareena!

Well, after a long one-week wait, I've finally managed to get hold of you. Shall I say it's my Kismat?
(Laughs) Of course, yes. It is your Kismat and mine too for talking to you in London.

You did change your Kismat with Jab We Met. What's going to change with Kismat Konnection?
To begin with, it's a new film, it's a different film and a very new character for me. I think in Jab We Met, my character was very quiet and introvert kinds. Here it is loud, vociferous, and talkative. So I'm hoping that it'll be a change for the audiences to see me doing something different here. Apart from that, my Kismat is in the hands of my fans. If they love the film and my role, I have no complaints. If they don't, I still have no complaints.

It's Aziz Mirza coming back after a long time, its Vidya Balan with you for the first time and above all, Sanjay Chhel who is the scriptwriter of Kismat Konnection. How did the Konnection workout with all of them?
Well. Aziz uncle hasn't made a film since five years. And then he came across a story which he really liked and wanted to make a film with it and contacted me. This is the first time that Aziz uncle is working with someone besides Shahrukh. So, it's a huge compliment. I really liked the subject because it was very different from what I've done in the past. Then he told me that he wanted to cast Vidya. The cast was decided and we started shooting soon. Sanjay Chhel as we all know is a brilliant scriptwriter and his screenplay has always done well. So I hope this film changes a lot of Kismats.

Were you surprised when you first heard that Vidya Balan was going to be paired opposite you?
Not really. As I said that when I met Aziz uncle, he had already told me that he wanted to cast Vidya. He thought that Vidya was just the right actor for the part, and I had full faith in him. Yes, it's Vidya and my first film together so I hope the chemistry works. I think it has worked out really well and we both are looking very nice on screen together. She's a great girl and we had fun working together. A lot of people had certain reservations because people had seen me in boyish roles and Vidya in serious roles. But right now, people are reacting very well to the promos and so I guess it's all good.

Now that we have seen your solo release JWM do really well. Will Kismat Konnection finally establish you as an actor who can carry a film on his own shoulder?
I don't know whether Kismat Konnection will establish that or not. But it's not only Jab We Met which has established me as a solo actor. I've also been a part of two other solo films - Ishq Vishq and Vivah. They both did really well for me. Eventually it's about doing good films and a director coming up to me with a role which I'd like to do regardless whether or not it has another lead actor or not. But I am proud of the fact that few of my solo hero films have done well and it's a good and happy feeling for me. Hoping that Kismat Konnection will also follow on the same track.

Tell us something about your new long hairstyle. Who recommended it to you? Or was it your own decision?
I am trying to do something new in every film. I don't want to sport the same look in every film and I've just started a new film with Vishal Bhardwaj for which I needed a different look. So the long hair style is for that. But I guess after a couple of my new releases, I'll do something drastically different by cutting my hair really short. I'm tired of the long hair already.

Aziz Mirza has always given hit numbers in all his films. We know he loves his music. What strikes a chord here? I mean, we've never seen such groovy tracks in an Aziz Mirza film before?
Aziz uncle was and is very clear about the fact that Kismat Konnection is a very young film and wanted me to dance in the film. He knew that the USP of KK lies with it's connect with the youth. So we roped in Pritam who is going through the best phase of his career right now. That's one of the reasons why the music is very upbeat and also because he is making a film about a character settled in Toronto. So the music should be made keeping in mind the location and should sound like that. Keeping all those things in mind, I think Kismat Konnection's music is going to rock.

You're also working with directors who are debutants for you. Vishal Bhardwaj and your own father Mr. Pankaj Kapur. But keeping in mind the genre which both these celebrities are fond of, are these two films going to be very contemporary, rural or dark? And will it show a new Shahid?
Absolutely, I am really excited about both these films but it's a bit premature to talk about them right now. I've just started shooting for Vishal's film and dad's film is being scripted as of now. But yes, both the films will showcase a new Shahid and a different side to me which the audiences will be surprised to see.

Your father has worked with Vishal Bhardwaj in the film Blue Umbrella, which won a few awards in prestigious film festivals. Any tips or advice you got from your father since you were a part of Vishal's film.
Dad wants me to discover myself as a person and as an actor. He gives me a lot of space. Yeah, both have done great work together in the Blue Umbrella and there have been conversations, which have happened where I've asked him, and he said that he was really happy that I was working with Vishal. I am my own person and I will take as much advice I want to from my dad. But at the same time he is also somebody who wants me to find my own way and to understand what works good for myself.

Which is your favourite track from Kismat Konnection?
I really like the song 'Bakhuda Tumhi Ho' sung by Atif.

In films, you've held too many beautiful ladies in your arms. When are we going to see you hold a gun?
(Laughs) Very soon man! Very soon.

Your biggest success has been with Kareena Kapoor. Professionally, are we going to see both of you together sometime?
It's not really up to me. It depends on my director who approaches me with such a script and if he thinks that Kareena is right for the part opposite me, I'll have no issues about working with her because at the end of the day we are professionals. If my director thinks that Kareena will be a part of the film then I will support my director all the way.

What's cooking between you and Vidya off the sets?
You had to ask this, didn't you? What can I say? She is a good co-actor and a great person with whom I've shared some fantastic 80 days of shoot for the film. Everything else you want to hear can be found in the gossip mills. Do I have to be linked with all my female actors just because we get along very well on and off the sets? (Laughs)

Has Imtiaz approached you with a fresh script?
Let's see. Imtiaz is one of the best talents that we have in our industry right now. He has just started out. We've had great fun working on Jab We Met and if he feels that something comes along which he thinks is right for me, he'll come to me and I'm always looking forward to work with him.

You've said earlier that you've done enough boyish roles. But the promos of Kismat Konnection aren't very different from what you've mentioned earlier.
To say that I won't be doing any boyish roles is not what I have in mind because people have really liked me in a certain space. So I'm not going to lose that. I am 27 years old, I connect with the youngsters, connect with the youth, I am going to do young roles which I feel are my USP. I will never let that go and at the same time, I'd like to discover new areas and try something different as well. It's going to be a healthy balance of both.

Tell us a bit about your Toronto experience while filming for Kismat Konnection.
I loved it. It's a beautiful city. We spent nearly 60 days there and were really lucky to go there in the summer because it's terribly cold in the winters. We shot downtown which reminds you of Manhattan, New York. There are lot of Indians there and time felt pretty much at home because if you wanted an Indian meal, you'd just drive down ten minutes to a restaurant and you'd find nice tasty Indian food.

Did the first time with Vidya make her or you forget your lines, steps taken wrong, etc?
(Laughs) The first day we were shooting, Vidya came up to me because she wanted to break the ice. So she took the paper and pen out and asked me for my autograph and the whole unit started laughing. There was a good atmosphere on the sets generally. Everyone was chilled. Aziz uncle is someone who likes the work to happen not very seriously and likes to have fun on the sets. That's what reflects in his films and that's why his films are so light hearted and easy to watch. Vidya is a very good actor and it is always good to work with somebody who is talented.

Besides giving interviews, have you guys planned any other ways to promote this film? Any merchandising, etc?
Yeah, we will do everything in our capacity to promote the film. I don't think that this film requires merchandising and there are certain subjects which do not justify merchandising. But we will be going out on television shows and do press conferences to make as many people aware about the film as we can because we are all happy with the way the film has turned out. We will be giving our best shot.

Any message for your fans who want you to shoot a film here in London.
I'd love to come to London and shoot my film. I love the city, the weather, and the people. It is one of my favourite cities in the world. If given a choice to spend my holiday in a city, it will definitely have to be London. I hope something comes along the way so we can come to London and shoot. I want to give all my love to my fans and thank them because Jab We Met really did well in U.K and would like to thank each and every one who went and saw the film. Kismat Konnection is the first film I'm doing which is a NRI film. I hope that all the people living abroad will connect to my character, and you know, in Hindi films NRIs are always shown as rich, affluent people. I think there is a huge section of NRIs who are just like regular people, trying to make ends meet, who work hard and live a normal life. That's Raj Malhotra for you in Kismat Konnection. Indians abroad have that kind of life and find a place for themselves with hard work and dedication. I hope my audience will accept me in this new role.

Describe Kismat Konnection in one sentence.
If I had three hours to kill, I'd go and watch this breezy, feel good, you fun and worth-your-time film.

Harry Baweja speaks on 'sabotage' angle and other accusations!

Love Story 2050 is certainly not giving up at the box office. It is indeed trying well to stay afloat at the box office and Harry Baweja insists that he would give the film at least 2 weeks before arriving at any conclusion.

In a freewheeling chat with Joginder Tuteja, he talks about the unexpected media backlash that Love Story 2050 got and how a 'wrong perception' was created about the film. He also reacts to the so-called 'sabotage attempt' statements made by him and ultimately feels elated about the fact that his son Harman Baweja has been widely accepted by one and all!

Over to Harry:

Et Tu Media?
I really can't come to terms with the way media has gone ahead and criticized the film. Of course, one has to respect the opinion of critics out there but in case of Love Story 2050, it is simply unbelievable to see the way they have reacted. 'Unkind' is the best word to describe the way some of them have gone ahead and reviewed the film. This is wrong criticism because neither have they looked at the film subjectively nor objectively. They have just written about the film with a simple motive to run it down.

Was it 'really' sabotage?
Let me make this very clear through this conversation - 'I never ever said that sabotage attempts were made against Love Story 2050. It has been printed completely out of context and let me say this again that I have never made a statement like this and would never ever do that. Yes, what I can certainly see is that there has been a definite attempt to create a 'perception' about a film. The moment first few shows of the film were through, so many went ahead and started talking negative about the film. Some even did that without even seeing the film. It is fishy, otherwise why would people contribute to creating a negative perception?

What happens next?
The film has stabilized though I would have loved had it been the case a couple of days earlier. We started reacting to the backlash after the weekend was almost through. Anyways, the collections have been decent so far. The film has grossed close to 12 crores across the globe in 3 days itself. Any classification for a film makes sense after it has enjoyed a two-week run. People who went with zero expectations from the film are coming out and saying, 'Hello, what's the backlash all about? It is a decent watch after all'. My point is, let Love Story 2050 enter into the third week and we would all see for our self the way it has performed.

Any regrets?
The biggest regret is that so many people out there who are commenting on VFX etc. are hardly cued into what really goes into creating it and what it actually stands for. How can you criticize something if you have zilch clue about the technicalities behind it. The people who have worked on the VFX of the film are Academy Award winners and the best in the business. Still, somehow the point has been missed completely. What I thought to be the USP of the film (futuristic/sci-fi genre) seems to be the bone of contention of so many out there!

What could be the reason?
I think I was way ahead of the current times. Still, what gives me satisfaction is the fact that 5/10/15 years down the line, Love Story 2050 would be looked as a reference point when it comes to special effects in films. Critics would be forced to do the comparison and admit that whatever be the case, the special effects in my film have been unparalleled.

Ek conventional love story?
People now ask me whether a conventional love story would have been an ideal launch pad for Harman. Well, my answer to them is, if only Love Story 2050 would have worked, you would have been calling me a genius (laughs), you would have complimented me to have taken a risk, thought of a really unique launch pad for my son and succeeded in a big way. All these ifs and buts can surface but the fact remains that the film has been completed, released and it is now time to move on.

Honey, how about Money?
Well, the film cost us close to 40 crores including print and publicity cost. DVDs, music and satellite rights have already got us back a big chunk of the moolah. Add to it the theatrical revenue so far and we are on good course towards recovering the investment. No one is worried or panicky about the situation. Moreover, as I said earlier, another positive sign is to see the film continuing to be on stable grounds. We are keeping our fingers crossed.

Aur Harman?
This is the most positive aspect about Love Story 2050. Harman has been accepted all over and the reactions have been great all over. He already has 4-5 big films in hand with no ordinary directors at the helm of affair. After seeing him in the debut film, congratulatory calls haven't stopped flowing from people both within and outside the industry. And it is not just Delhi or Mumbai or Chandigarh or Hyderabad that we are talking about! Even in overseas market, Harman has picked a fan following amongst UK and US audiences.

I had made Love Story 2050 with a two point agenda - a) Make a film that thoroughly entertains the audience and b) Launch my son. While there are clear signs that the latter has certainly worked in a big way, perception is changing soon about the former too!

"I play Rizwan, a Turkish elite commando for whom nothing is impossible" - Vivek

He was once touted as the 'Oberoi' who towers. His debut film Company set his stocks rising so much that it even put the best of scrips to shame! Added to that was the fact he was also carrying the legacy of the illustrious surname of his respected father Suresh Oberoi. We are indeed talking about Vivek Oberoi, who is all set to repeat history, only this time, he wants his work to do the 'talking'. Talk it will, as he is gearing up for Mission Istaanbul amongst others. One may note that Mission Istaanbul shares its initials with the Hollywood blockbuster Mission Impossible. But what remains to be seen is that will Mission Istaanbul create the same impact or maybe more than Mission Impossible? Well, Bollywood Hungama caught up with this actor and came back tad impressed, but, with just one regret that since he was sporting a cap, we couldn't see his new hairstyle that he will be sporting for his next film. Excerpts of the interview:

Vivek, your forthcoming film Mission Istaanbul (MI) has really become the talk of the town. Sunny days are here again…What say brother?
Thank you very much yaar. I just hope that the sunny days retain itself forever! (Smiles)

For starters, what's with your role in the film Mission Istaanbul that people have just not stopped raving about the new and improved Vivek?
Well, I am playing the role of Rizwan Khan, who is a dude with an attitude. At one point in the film, there's a time when Zayed Khan (who plays the role of Vikas Sagar) tells him that "Rizwan, tum toh bilkul bhoot ho. Kabhi bhi kahin bhi aa jaate ho aur kabhi bhi kahin se bhi nikal jaate ho" (Rizwan, you are a ghost, simply because you squeeze in and out anywhere and everywhere). Basically, Rizwan is a person who is one of the best Turkish elite commandos. He gets so deep into the ring of commercial aspects of international terrorism that it eventually leads him being framed into fake circumstances and thus having him suspended from his post. But that doesn't stop him and that he has got the mission to take them down. There's one point in the film when a certain character's life is in danger and he is running through the Grand Bazaar of Istaanbul with six people chasing him with guns, all of a sudden a hand crops in from nowhere (that's Rizwan) and picks him up and pins him to the wall and says "wait a minute here" and he steps out and completely 'dismantles' the six people who are a threat at that point of time. That's the kind of guy Rizwan is and nothing is impossible for him. He is a cool customer who is a main threat to all the villains and he is also a person who inspires the journalist Vikas Sagar.

You are one person who is no stranger to journalists (no pun intended). So, how was it when it came to deal with your co-star playing a journalist?
It is really different I guess. Because in real life, journalists are brave in their own way and they don't crumble due to the threats by the politicians, bigwigs and the industrial figures when they are breaking big story. They come out there and put themselves on the line for the truth. So, I think in that way, it's similar, but, the physicality of this journalist, the physical problem of this journalist that he is going through and how he's constantly running for his life is totally different. The fact also remains that it's not a documentary; hence, it's not so absolutely real. There's no doubt it's a film that's based in the real world of international terrorism but it also has the masala element to it, thus making it a hardcore masala entertaining action flick. So from that prospective, I guess Zayed's character would do little bit of incredulous things in that circumstances. In real life, the journalist would be mentally brave but in this case, this television journalist is not only mentally brave but also physically very brave.

There is news that you have even sung a song in the film. Mission Ustaad….is it?
The answer is, No. I have not sung any song in the film. It's kind of strange, but the fact is that, when my dear friend Mika Mehndi sung the song 'Ae Ganpat Chal Daaru Laa' for me, then people thought it was me who had sung it. And now, he has sung this song which is a follow up to 'Ganpat' that reads as 'Apun Ke Saath Jo Bhi Ladega, Sar Sale Ka Wohi Fatega, Goli Padegi Jo Bheje May, Kaun Maai Ka Laal Rukhega'. He (Mika) has sung the follow of Ganpat with the attitude of Rizwan Khan in the film and this song is the embodiment of that attitude. But the thing with Mika is that whenever he sings anything for me, it sounds like I am singing it myself.

Mission Istaanbul seems like one film which promise to be an out and out action thriller, right from the word 'go'. Action means stunts, and stunts means experiencing some breath taking and breath stopping moments. What kind of action sequences one can look forward to in MI?
The stunts of this film are by Ejaz and Javed, which are simply mind- blowing. They had earlier worked with me in Dum and later Shootout At Lokhandwala. We have done some great stunts and we really had great fun. Apart from blowing up a lot of things, I literally had to jump off the terrace of a building onto a chopper and then the chopper flies onto the ocean and there he jumps off the chopper into the ocean. And as he is jumping down, I had to fire at the chopper to blow it up. My character is someone who is all into doing all these crazy stunts and believe me it was unbelievable to do all the stunts. We have done many underwater shots as well as we also did a lot of explosion! In fact, Zayed and I had one sequence where we are rappelling down from the 44th floor, and here I was giving 4-5 takes of the same shot, even after the shot was Okayed after the first take itself! In fact, the Turkish rappelling expert literally came to me and told me to stop doing so as he did not want to take any chances with me! (Laughs)

Sounds damn interesting Vivek. What were the locations like whereby you have shot?
We have practically shot everywhere, The Bosphorus River, the famous Assk Café, the Blue Mosque and also on some of the tallest buildings. Since I play a Turkish lead commando, we have shot at many places with my character traveling all over the place.

In the climax sequence, I had to run on the tin roof of a very old dilapidated factory that I have to blow up. So I had put all the dynamite sticks everywhere and run on the roof, simply hoping that it doesn't break, because it's like if you stay longer than a few seconds on one patch of roof it felt like you are going to cave in. And by sheer God's grace, I didn't get injured at all. I think I have had more than my fair share of injuries (laughs heartily).

There were also these talks about you getting the six-pack abs. What's the 'status' on that?
It's actually Zayed who is supposed to be getting the six packs as he has to have such a body for the climax. There was a slight confusion about me getting the six packs. But if you see, there's one sequence in the film, whereby Zayed, me and Shweta Bharadwaj take on 30-40 people, who are fully loaded with arms. Shweta was using a baseball bat and Zayed a chain as their weapons. And when I asked Appu (Apoorva Lakhia) about my weapon, he simply smiled and said "Your weapon is your weapon. You are Rizwan Khan. He doesn't need a weapon as he is a weapon in himself!"

Were there any preparations that you underwent while preparing for the role of Rizwan Khan?
There are very few sequences where I have been shown as a part of the Turkish Regiment, which happens to be in a flash back section. But in the scenes where I had to penetrate in the entire ring of the international terrorist operation, we had to be truly authentic. I had picture references even for how a Turkish commando salutes. Even the small things like how their uniform would look like, how they behave, how they load an automatic weapon, all these little things I sat down with and I learnt from the experts. What I did to do this film is that I learnt parts of Arabic and Turkish. But, unfortunately very few have been left in the film because we felt that somewhere it was getting distracting and unfortunately in our films we can't have too much of sub titles.

As you said that Apoorva wrote MI keeping you in mind, it only becomes needless to say that you will be doing his next film too. Right?
Unfortunately no. Due to the date clashes, I had to (with a heavy heart though) let go his film and also Prakash Jha's Rajniti.

Let's talk about your performance at the IIFA. It has really taken the country by storm.
Thanks a lot. I'm really happy because people have loved the song and the 'Ganpat' track is really a big legacy to live upto. I'm happy to the reaction this new song has been getting and to top it all I really enjoyed dancing live on stage.

It's kind of ironical that you play a Turkish commando in reel-life and you have gone underground in real life, only to safeguard your new haircut by Dilshad Pastakia for your new movie with TIPS. So, what was the brief that was given to her?
The only brief was that it had to look completely different from anything that I have done before and believe me, it is looking really different. The problem here is that I have to promote MI so I had to step out. But as per my contract, TIPS requires me to cover my hair all the time. So it's been a difficult process to find new kinds of hats to keep my head covered (laughs).

This film is an action thriller which also marks the directorial debut of Kookie Gulati who has shot some of the famous music videos. What's your role in the film?
All that I can say at this very moment is that this is probably THE biggest film that I have ever done in my career. It also happens to be a solo film and I'm really excited and nervous about it. I have been training for this film since the last eight weeks, under a guy called David from Thailand. It's basically a combination of Muay Thai (Thai kick-boxing) and a combination with that of Aikido and Taekwondo.

Besides that, there is Dean Alexandrou from London, who has trained me in Parkour which is a form of martial art and that's to be performed without cables. So I have lost like roughly around 8 kilos from MI for this film. All in all, I feel like a kid in a candy store!

Lastly, what's new on the menu?
Though I cannot speak much on this, all that I can say is that finally, I'm doing one nice romantic slice of life movie. It's in the same league as Saathiya and we will start shooting early next year. It's been written for me and by someone who is a big fan of Saathiya. This was the script that I was waiting for and I'm happy that I am getting to do this film.

"I wouldn't wish ill for anyone" - Aamir Khan

Aamir Khan is in a joyous mood! JAANE TU… YA JAANE NA is smashing box-office records and at the rate the film is faring, it may turn out to be the biggest grosser of the year, so far. A thrilled Aamir cannot hide his happiness when we discuss the numbers. The fact is, the film has worked big time, not just in India, but also in the international markets [Overseas distributor UTV has yet another Hit to their credit].

"The response is unimaginable. Believe me, I was quite nervous before the release. I was worried about the response. But I have always believed that a sincere effort would always stand out. In this case, I would like to give full credit to Abbas [Tyrewala]. He and his team worked relentlessly to make a genuinely good film," says the soft-spoken actor/producer, who's visiting various cities to promote the film [he's in Nagpur currently].

Has he analyzed, what actually worked? "I've always maintained that the script is the star. JAANE TU… YA JAANE NA was made with utmost honesty and that translated into success," he adds. Tell him that brand 'Aamir Khan' is synonymous with quality cinema and he almost blushes, "No, no… Abbas and his team deserve the credit. I wasn't there as an actor, but Abbas made it happen. Each one, the actors included, worked hard and gave their best."

Amidst all the euphoria, Aamir's name has been dragged into a controversy. Reportedly, the Bawejas -- Harry and Harman -- have cried 'Sabotage', clearly pointing an accusing finger at Aamir. "It's childish," Aamir tells me.

Please elaborate. "I saw Harry and Harman on television. I even read their statements in the media. I've been an actor for 20 years now. I belong to a family that's been making movies for almost five decades. I am well aware of the kind of hard work that goes into making a film. Why would I try to harm anyone? Forget harming, I wouldn't wish ill for anyone, Harry and Harman included."

Aamir continues in the same breath, "I wish them [Bawejas] the best. Har aadmi mehnat karta hain. Ups and downs are part and parcel of this business, but you can't go around town pointing accusing fingers at others. I just don't understand, why am I being dragged into all this?"

The conversation veers towards his next release GHAJINI. Reportedly, the film was slated for release on October 2, but there are reports that it has been postponed to December 12, the same week as Aditya Chopra-SRK's RAB NE BANA DI JODI hits the screens. "I am unaware of their release date, but GHAJINI is not arriving on October 2. We are aiming at November-end release and that's final," he asserts.

I was bored with some of my recent comedies: Paresh Rawal

Mumbai, July 7 (IANS) Bollywood's lovable comic actor Paresh Rawal, who in a way gave a whole new meaning to comedies, now admits that he was actually ashamed of some of the recent films he did.

"See I'm not bored with comedy. But I'm definitely bored with some of the comedies that I have to do. Some of my recent comedies made me die of shame," Paresh told IANS in an interview.

"Last year, I was proud of 'Cheeni Kum'. That was a classy comedy. But the rest of the comedies were an assault on our sensibility. So I can imagine what they did to the audience," said the actor, who gave a new lease of life to comedies with Priyadarshan in "Hera Pheri".

He however added that the spate of comedies churned out by filmmakers was serving the purpose they were made for.

"They're made within a budget and they recover their money."

The actor is now looking forward to Dibakar Bannerjee's next film "Oy Lucky Lucky Oy". He said: "The film will wash away all the sins of excesses in recent times."

Excerpts from an interview:

Q: Tell me honestly, are you getting bored of the comedies?

A: See I'm not bored with comedy. But I'm definitely bored with some of the comedies that I have to do. Some of my recent comedies made me die of shame. I realise I've a responsibility towards the audience. There have been times when I've been tempted to put my foot down about the material given on the sets. But I didn't want to be accused of high-handedness.

Q: Are comedies being over-baked?

A: They're serving their purpose. They're made within a budget and they recover their money. Last year I was proud of "Cheeni Kum". That was a classy comedy. But the rest of the comedies were an assault on our sensibility. So I can imagine what they did to the audience.

It's very frustrating to see intelligent directors indulging in buffoonery. And the dangerous thing is that such comedies work at the box office. So 10 more directors are encouraged to attempt the same. When you as a thinking actor object to such a crude assault on the sensibilities (of people), the producer throws box office figures at you. So then you've to shut up.

Q: Is it a hopeless situation?

A: No, the scenario is changing. New directors with new ideas are coming in. Bound scripts are floating around. Films are completed in three months, so we actors get a chance to remain focused on characters. And today's big players know what to support. So you have producers like Karan Johar or, for that matter Saif Ali Khan who knows exactly which director to patronise. Look at what Aamir Khan has done in "Taare Zameen Par". To say something so profound so simply - it's a big thing.

I salute Aamir Khan. He is illustrative of the new enthusiasm in our cinema. Audiences already get tired of clichés on television. They need to see something new in cinema.

Q: But when Ashwini Dhir, who made a comedy "One Two Three" with you, it was inferior to his sitcom "Office Office".

A: Something somewhere is wrong. That's why I'm excited about my forthcoming "Maharathi". Here I've gone back to my theatrical roots. I play a very different kind of character. It gave me a chance to go back to my roots.

Q: Are you happy with Priyadarshan's comedies?

A: His comedies never go over the top. His Malayali roots will always ensure he makes intelligent films. And look at the man's wide spectrum. Priyan makes a "Kanjeevaram" and "Mere Baap Pehle Aap" side by side. But there's one film I'm specially looking forward to.

Q: And that is?

A: It's a film by Dibakar Bannerjee, the guy who made "Khosla Ka Ghosla". I was supposed to do Anupam Kher's role in that film. Now I've finally done a film with him called "Oy Lucky Lucky Oy". It's a true story about a boy who used to steal cars. This is the film that I enjoyed the most after Ketan Mehta's "Sardar Patel".

I play three different unrelated characters and it's a film that can be taken to a Paresh Rawal festival without a second thought. "Oy Lucky Lucky Oy" is the film that will wash away all the sins of excesses in recent times.

I was happy letting Aamir do the talking: Imran Khan

Mumbai, July 6 (IANS) Imran Khan, touted as the new chocolate boy of Bollywood, says comparisons with uncle Aamir Khan are inevitable. In fact, he is happy to let his illustrious 'maamu' do all the talking for his debut film "Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na".

"I'm not shy but I take time to get comfortable with people...I was happy letting Aamir maamu do all the speaking. I also knew people would start making comparisons between us regardless of whether we were seen together or not. When the comparisons are inevitable, what's the point worrying about it? I really appreciate Aamir's support though," Imran told IANS in an interview.

So how much does Imran depend on Aamir for advice?

"On a personal level we're extremely close. Yes he's my uncle and I'm proud of that. But we don't discuss each other's work besides 'Jaane Tu...'. Our family has always separated the personal from the professional. He's always been a great believer in letting every one he loves find his own path. He always tells me to make my decisions about which films to do," he said.

So why wasn't he talking much before the film's release?

"I wanted the film to speak for me before I did. Now that people know what's in store in "Jaane Tu...", I feel more relaxed talking about the film. Though I'm still uncomfortable talking about myself."

Like Aamir, Imran wanted to be a director to begin with.

"Yes, that's why I can look at my film objectively. I was 22 and immature when I wanted to be a director. Now I feel I'm not ready for direction yet. Thank god 'Jaane Tu..." came into my life."

And again like Aamir, Imran too believes commercial films can be intelligent.

"Where and how did we decide intelligent films can't be commercial? I believe at the end of the day we've to sell tickets in theatres. And for that we need to make audiences feel good about a film. Given those parameters it's our duty to do something innovative."

Imran already has two other films - "Kidnap" and Luck" - on the floors.

"Shibani Bhatija who wrote Karan Johar's 'Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna' wrote 'Kidnap'. It's an exceptional script. My character was so interesting ... and a challenge for me because it's completely different from 'Jaane Tu...". It required me to stretch myself as an actor. It took me very far away from my comfort zone.

"Then there's 'Luck' which takes me to another zone. Though I can identify with the character, it's a very demanding film physically. I'll come out of 'Luck' with a lot of bruises," Imran laughed.

Imran never hid his relationship with girlfriend Avantika Malik and says he's only happy being seen with her in public.

"I feel whoever you are in a relationship with needs to feel like an important part of your life. The soul mate is a very important support system. I'm glad to have her by my side," he said.

The actor also denied the notion that having a girlfriend would affect an actor's career.

"People wrongly feel if a male actor is attached his career suffers. Shah Rukh (Khan), Aamir mamu, Hrithik (Roshan) ...all came into the industry attached. Finally it's only your work that the audience looks at," Imran quipped.

The actor has already won audiences hearts with his first film, but he has his head firmly on his shoulders.

"I wonder if I can live up to all the expectations! I've seen 'Jaane Tu...' dozens of times. I've done whatever I could do. More than my happiness my director Abbas Tyrewala, Mansoor Khan and Aamir mamu are happy. But I can see only the glaring flaws. But Aamir and Abbas are happy. So I'm going by their judgement."

Imran is also against the much talked about competition between him and debutante Harman Baweja, specially since their films released on the same day.

He said: "Filmmaking is not a marathon race where only one person wins. For one film to be a success it isn't necessary for the other to fail. It's all about whether the films are liked by the audience or not. And who says only one film can do well?"

TPTM is entirely a Kunal Kohli Production; there was no one from YRF involved" - Rani Mukherjee

Rumours insist you're marrying Mr Aditya Chopra.
Rumours can insist what they want. To me they're baseless and stupid rumours. I'm waiting for them to die a natural death. These kinds of speculations come with the territory of my work. They're nothing but efforts to pull me down. And I can see every effort is made to downsize me. But fortunately, I know the difference between constructive and destructive criticism.

Have you become wiser now?
Of course. I joined this industry when I was 17. Naturally, I've grown wiser. I can see through people's motives. I'd rather work quietly and wait for my movies to release. But I can't say such rumours don't harm me. What can I do?

There was a death in your family recently?
Yes, my cousin, Kajol's, father. Shomu Kaka was very close to my family. He was very close to my parents. I was one of his favourite nieces. Both families were very close until my dad stopped making films and I started working. Then a little distance came between the two families because I got busy with my own career. But at a time like this that distance gets dissolved. I kept remembering my childhood days with Shomu Kaka.

You play an angel in only one costume throughout Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic?
Actually, it was several dresses looking identical. I couldn't possibly wear the same dress throughout.

You love working with new directors
Oh yes! Karan Johar, Shaad Ali and Kunal Kohli, they all did their first films with me. Now I'm doing a film with another new director Anurag Singh for Yash Raj Films.

You've become a resident Yash Raj heroine.
I resent that observation. I go only by the script. If Yash Raj is doing so many films that I enjoy, why should I avoid them only because people might put two-and-two together and add up to five? It's wrong to say that I'm doing only Yash Raj films, Lately, I did Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, Baabul and Saawariya which are not Yash Raj films. And in fact my latest film Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic is entirely a Kunal Kohli Production. They've just given him their banner's name. There was no one from the Yash Raj team involved at all in either Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic or for that matter Pradeep Sarkar's Laaga Chunari Mein Daag.

What's your criteria for accepting films?
I've to be excited by what I'm offered. In Kunal's film, I play an angel. I've never seen anyone play an angel before. There has to be something new for me to do.

How was it working with Saif?
We may not be close friends. I can't compare my relationship with him to Shah Rukh or Aamir. With them I share a deeper bond. Saif and I share a lovely working relationship. Over the three films that we've done, we've both grown as actors. We both inspire one another to give our best.

How is life treating you?
If you mean my career then unfortunately last year Laaga Chunari Mein Daag, Saawariya and Tara Rum Pum didn't do as well as expected. I'm very proud of Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic.

Desi Lara Croft obsessed with Aishwarya Rai!

Mumbai, July 3 (IANS) Delhi girl Shweta Bhardwaj, who has been tagged as the 'desi Lara Croft' because of her action scenes in "Mission Istanbul", says she is obsessed with Aishwarya Rai.

"I am obsessed with her and was very sad to know that she got married," said the 21-year-old, adding "If I would have been a boy, I would have definitely married her."

"I envy Abhishek because he has married Aishwarya. I would have said the same thing if she would have married anyone else," Shweta, who debuts with "Mission Istanbul", told IANS.

Shweta says she did not have to struggle much to get the role in director Apoorva Lakhia's macho film "Mission Istanbul" that deals with global terrorism.

"My Nivea ad worked for me. Suniel Shetty (who is producing the film) saw me in the ad and called me for audition. I went through the normal audition process and after a few days I came to know through an SMS that I was selected for the role."

Shweta teams up with Vivek Oberoi, Zayed Khan, Suneil and others in the film and says her role is different from others.

"Normally, in a Hindi film a girl is not seen to perform stunts and action, but I have done all that for the film. Besides, I have a bit of romance and a song is also picturised on me. So I got to do everything in the film," said Shweta who plays Lisa Lobo in the action thriller that was shot in Istanbul.

"Lisa Lobo is very interesting character in the film. She plays cross with Zayed and Nikitin Dheer. Zayed is playing a positive role and Nikitin is the bad guy. I am in between the two because of a mission," said Shweta who is all praises for the director.

"Apoorva is the best guy in town. He helped me to understand the character so well. He used to always tell me that I should always have the character of Lara Croft in mind and behave like her. In every scene, he would tell me to think how Lara would behave in such a situation," said Shweta.

She says her favourite Hollywood actress is Angelina Jolie, who played the athletic character of Lara Croft in "Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life".

Shweta had not taken any formal training in martial arts. She was trained on the sets by the action directors Javed-Aejaz. She hopes once the film releases, people start recognising her for her performance.

"Right now, people do not recognise me much, only a few say this is the Nivea girl. But, once 'Mission Istanbul' releases, I hope that people recognise me better," said Shweta who always aspired to be an actor.

Eat right to look good, says Govinda

New Delhi, July 3 (IANS) Looking good and staying fit is important in showbiz and comic actor Govinda, who made a comeback with "Partner", is currently working hard to get into shape and says it is essential to eat right.

"Yes, I am working on my looks. It is important to change over time and one should not stick to one thing (or a look) for very long," Govinda told IANS.

"I don't eat!" he quipped on being asked what makes him so fit. "I eat less for taste and more to stay fit. Basically, I eat for fitness."

Though he is 44, Govinda's flexibility still matches new-age actors when it comes to dancing.

"People dance for various reasons - emotion, health, curing diseases. I dance for entertainment," Govinda, who was here to shoot for David Dhawan's "Do Knot Disturb", told IANS.

The movie also stars Sushmita Sen and Ritiesh Deshmukh.

"The film is a 'mirch masala' family drama," Govinda said, but refused to divulge details about the storyline.

For "Do Knot Disturb", Govinda has teamed up with producer Vashu Bhagnani and director David Dhawan in a bid to revive the magic of their earlier entertainers like "Coolie No.1", "Bade Miyan Chote Miyan" and "Hero No.1".

Govinda will also be seen in "Money Hai To Honey Hai" and in Ravi Chopra's "Banda Yeh Bindaas Hai". And Interestingly, he is part of Jagmohan Mundra's English project titled "Excuse Me, Please" too.

His daughter Narmada is now set to foray into Bollywood and the actor considers her his student. But Govinda believes it is more important to teach her honesty towards work than acting skills.

Anil Ambani and my company have come together for mutual benefit: Amitabh

Mumbai, June 29 (IANS) Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan's AB Corp has inked a Rs.15 billion ($375 million) deal with Anil Ambani's Reliance Big Entertainment for making films and serials. The Big B says this collaboration is the result of a synergy of their professions and that both will benefit from it.

"The synergy of both our professions brought it on. They are in the business of making content and we have been in the business of giving content its creativity. The two have now come together for mutual benefit," Amitabh told IANS in an interview.

The Big B says that AB Corp had been keeping a low profile, but it was making reasonable profit.

"It's not so much AB Corp as we as individuals. AB Corp will also be active in providing creative input and facilitate operations through our presence in the industry. AB Corp has been active since inception, we were in the red, but have long since been out of it and have been making reasonable profit.

They have yet to decide what kind of cinema they will make, said Amitabh.

Excerpts from an interview:

Q: The deal with your friend Anil Ambani has created ripples across the business world. What brought it on?

A: The synergy of both our professions brought it on. They are in the business of making content and we have been in the business of giving content its creativity. The two have now come together for mutual benefit.

Q: You say you will provide the 'creative inputs'. How far is this creativity expected to go?

A: In choosing subjects and giving inputs in its creativity. In acting in the projects, if required.

Q: The collaboration seems a major step ahead for your company, which has been maintaining a relatively low profile of late. Is the deal a part of AB Corp's endeavour to compound on its corporatisation in a big way?

A: It is not so much AB Corp as we as individuals. AB Corp will also be active in providing creative input and facilitate operations through our presence in the industry. AB Corp has been active since inception, we were in the red, but have long since been out of it and have been making reasonable profit.

Q: What other plans does your company have? Besides movies, would it also be making television software?

A: AB Corp has always been open to every entertainment activity. Right from its inception and the popular TV serial "Dekh Bhai Dekh" to films and other concepts.

Q: Please share the initial plans in the Bachchan-Ambani alliance? What kind of cinema do you want to make?

A: Making of films and their execution will be a joint venture. There is neither anything specific on the type of films nor on any particular director or actor. If a particular talent is required for a film, we will endeavour to get them.

Q: You've always said you've a rather poor knowledge of politics, business and money. Do we presume that you've gotten over your misgivings about at least two of those 'dark' areas?

A: I still maintain that and that is why I shall not go back to politics and which is why the strength and acumen of Reliance in matters of business and money.

Q: How much of your personal time would you be able to devote to nurturing this collaboration?

A: As much time as it requires.

`Dus Ka Dum' helps Salman Khan understand people

New Delhi, June 21 (IANS) Bollywood hunk Salman Khan, who is now the host of the reality game show "Dus Ka Dum", feels that the show has helped him to understand people and he believes that the best books of knowledge are human beings.

"'Dus Ka Dum' has given me a platform to increase my understanding of people and appreciation of life," Salman wrote in his blog.

He finds it a little difficult to understand people but his senses help him in the process. He wrote: "Though these human books are a little difficult to read, the heart and eyes alone help to read them."

The contestants, who come on his game show, seem to be the reason behind the actor's new found 'understanding' of people.

"What has really surprised me is that my contestants do not hesitate in revealing their personal things in front of the camera," Salman said.

"Personal fears and dreams are on display with gay abandon," he added.

The actor thinks that the sets of his show have in a way become a place where people come and confess. "In certain respects our set becomes a confession room and I am enjoying the role of a confidante," he stated.

He explains how he is no saint and that personal feelings do come in during these so-called confessions.

He said: "If we extend this metaphor further, the confidante here is no saint and personal feelings are no crime."

"Today I get 4 times than last year" - Riteish Deshmukh

Heyy Babyy, Dhamaal, 'Apna Sapna Money Money, Malamaal Weekly - Riteish Deshmukh has been enjoying a pretty consistent outing at the box office over all these years. Ok, so there may have been occasional Cash but it too took a good opening before fizzling out after a week.

With a series of successful films under his belt, Riteish does feel that he is enjoying a good growth rate in his career. And when this also translates into mega bucks, it only reaffirms his box office standing.

"I guess I am doing quite fine career wise. As of today, I getting 4 times of what I used to get in 2007. My market rate has improved and the best part is that the price is being offered by people on their own", says Riteish who is slowly but steadily graduating to two hero films now, "It feels quite nice when reputed producers sign you for an X amount on their own without you having to go out there and push your case."

How about corporate deals in that case? Though he has been around for 5 years and now reasonably established, why hasn't the corporate 3/4/5 movie deal bug bit him yet? How come he is still content signing stand along films like Aladin And The Mystery Of The Lamp (Sujoy Ghosh), Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai (Mukesh Talreja, Nikhil Advani), Housefull (Sajid Nadiadwala) and Do Not Disturb (Vashu Bhagnani) with standalone producers?

"Yup, I know how the trend has caught up in a big way but somehow I do not feel as excited about being a part of the game as some my colleagues are", says Riteish, "I believe that one gets trapped on being a part of this entire deal business. I may want to do a particular film at a given point of time but may not be able to do it due to my deal being elsewhere. All of this somehow doesn't fit into my scheme of things. I may rather be a part of stand alone projects."

No wonder Riteish is quite confident about his upcoming film De Taali which sees a global release this Friday. Isn't he worried though that the film took close to 2 years to reach the finishing lines?

"Not at all", Riteish replies promptly, "No one has come to me and said that the film looks dated. And the fact remains that De Taali does carry a fresh look to it. It has been shot well, it looks good and the characters out there pretty much belong to today. I am very confident about De Taali clicking in a big way."

"We have their unconditional support" - Vipul Shah

All producers should learn a lesson or two from Vipul Shah and Akshay Kumar. Sometime back, the industry was rife with rumors that the promotion of SINGH IS KINNG was stalled because of the objections raised by the Sikh community. "We had a special screening for the Sikh authorities not because they had objections, but because we didn't want to court controversies or problems at the time of release. We felt, if there are issues that need to be sorted out, they should be done at the very outset," Vipul Shah sets the record straight.

He continues in the same breath, "The committee suggested two changes, which will be carried out immediately. They've been extremely co-operative and supportive and we have their unconditional support." With people within and outside the industry looking at SINGH IS KINNG as the next blockbuster, the makers have only acted with utmost maturity and avoided any last-minute hiccups.

While on Vipul, there's talk that he has signed South actress Asin for LONDON DREAMS, which teams Salman Khan and Ajay Devgan after a hiatus. "Sure, I did meet Asin a couple of times and I admit, I am seriously considering her for my film. However, as of today, nothing is final," he states.