HOLLYWOOD FILM ON GREEK DEMIGODS FINDS BOLLYWOOD SUPPORT

HOLLYWOOD FILM ON GREEK DEMIGODS FINDS BOLLYWOOD SUPPORT



    Close to the release of the second instalment in the Percy Jackson And The Olympians series, we find quite a few fans of the franchise in Bollywood.
    Based on a bestselling book, Percy Jackson: Sea Of Monsters continues a young demigod’s epic journey to fulfill his destiny, something audiences got familiar with, in the first film, The Lightning Thief.

A still from the film


AMEESHA PATEL: This film is a fun-filled fantasy adventure and is surely on my mustwatch list for this week.


RAJEEV KHANDELWAL: The first part was a thrill ride with great effects and an intriguing storyline. I’m definitely looking forward to Sea Of Monsters for more exciting adventures of the demigods.


MAHIE GILL: Greek mythology has always fascinated me. I am eagerly waiting to see Percy’s modern-day adventures with my favourite mythical characters in 3D.


NIKITAN DHEER: This production house is known for visual effects in 3D, right from Avatar to Wolverine. I’m definitely looking forward to the VFX in the film.


Percy Jackson: Sea Of Monsters, produced by Fox Star Studios, releases in 3D today.

Betis take the prime time lead over bahus

Betis take the prime time lead over bahus

   Saas-bahus might continue to rule tellydom, but creating screen space for themselves amid the tearjerking bahus and manipulative mothers-in-law are a bunch of girls next door. Members of telly’s refreshing beti brigade are also playing significant roles in grabbing viewership in the primetime slot. While Qubool Hai, Uttaran, and Balika Vadhu — Kacchi Umar Ke Pakke Rishte are channel leaders when it comes to viewership, notching up impressive ratings are new launches Do Dil Bandhe Ek Dori Se, Kehta Hai Dil... Jee Le Zara, Do Dil... Ek Jaan and Mrs Pammi Pyarelal. The interesting part? The female protagonist of all the shows are single, independent young women.
So, how has the beti emerged as a favourite in a space hitherto dominated by kitchen politics? Producer Sunjoy Wadhwa of Balika Vadhu says, “One has to grow beyond saas-bahu relationships in TV shows. Though the focus is now on daughters, it’s high time we showed
different emotional aspects of human beings in our shows.”
In urban India, as young independent women emerge as key decision makers when it comes to career and marriage, even producers seem keen to give them more prominence in their dramas. “A lot of the female protagonists in Hindi soaps are financially stable and take responsibility of their homes, and audiences con
nect to them instantly. May be that’s why these shows work,” says Nikita Sharma who’s essaying the role of a single working woman in Do Dil... Ek Jaan.
    Producer Hemal Thakkar of Mrs. Pammi Pyarelal says, “There is a huge connect with daughters who are the pillar of the family and take on a prominent role in their families. It’s said when you want a good wife, look for a girl who is a good daughter.” A huge chunk of telly’s prime time viewership comprises the 16-25 age group, and having a young woman protagonist ensures the show’s immediate connect with the younger audience. Smriti Kalra of V Suvreen Guggal says, “Saas-bahu shows are done to death. With the viewership of soaps growing younger, there’s a demand for younger women protagonists.”
    For Hindi GECs, though, striking an emotional connect with the target audience is the icing on the cake, if a young spirited female protagonist has the ability to rake in the numbers, then more power to them!

Sangeeta Ghosh in Kehta Hai Dil... Jee Le Zara


Sreejita De in
Uttaran


Mansi Srivastav in Do Dil Bandhe Ek Dori Se


Smriti Kalra in
Suvreen Guggal - Topper of The Year


Roop Durgapal in Balika Vadhu


Nikita Sharma in Do Dil... Ek Jaan

I LOVE BOLLYWOOD BUT IT DOESN’T DRAW ME Shefali Alvares

I LOVE BOLLYWOOD BUT IT DOESN’T DRAW ME

Shefali Alvares on listening to her ‘badtameez dil’, about how it isn’t just ‘party on my mind’ and going ‘bananas’ about music

    Her playback career in Bollywood paints her as quite the party child. The real Shefali Alvares is anything but. “I sleep at 11 pm, I’m up at 7 am and head out for a swim at 9 on most days,” she insists. Well, even if you buy the truth in that schedule, there’s no denying the effervescence in her nature. She’s someone who has been singing forever now, a band butterfly, featuring in several over the years. Here, she talks about her constant in the Bollywood scene (Pritam), her career in Bollywood (so far), and the way ahead. 

Pritam’s gone out and given you yet another party song in Hey Mr DJ. (Laughs). Like most of our songs together, I had no idea what Hey Mr DJ was about when I went into recording. But with Pritam, it just works. 

Just works? Like Badtameez Dil did? Now, that’s one nautanki song. I was asked to sing over, under and around Benny (Dayal), who I’m also singing with in Phata Poster Nikhla Hero’s Hey Mr DJ. There was a lot of layering happening and I was to contribute to the choral tracks as well. And a lot of changes happened before the final track was put out. It was something of a tongue-twister. I was surprised. All I was told was that I had to sing a duet with Benny. What can I say, it works! 

Subah Hone Na De (Tu Mera Hero), Party On My Mind, and now these two songs. What do you think Pritam (or any other composer, for that matter), goes looking for, when he wants you on board? I remember Pritam telling me they were looking at new voices. A Western element is what they called it. All the others here are classically trained in Hindustani/Carnatic music. I think they want me to sound like... me, I guess. 

You’ve worked with Pritam for what seems like forever! I have Pritam’s sound engineer Sunny to thank for that. I met Pritam through Sunny. This was around four-five years ago. One thing led to another... 

And you’ve worked with Amit Trivedi and Vishal-Shekhar. Speaking of the latter, it’s surprising that your track Gulabi Aankhein (The Girl's Got Everything) didn’t make it to the finished OST of Student Of The Year. 

But it did make it to the film! It’s just that we didn’t get the audio release rights [the song is a reworking of the Mohd Rafi classic from The Train]. Vishal (Dadlani) was quite upset, too. 

There are some in the indie community who would
compare singing in Bollywood to selling one’s soul. You've been on both sides of the fence. What’s your take on that? I find it strange that they’re calling it that. I mean, to see how it works, you have to be a part of it. The industry is all about choices. While it may seem like a competition at times, it shouldn’t be that. How do I put this? As of now, I enjoy, I love Bollywood but it doesn’t draw me. I completely dig it, though, that people love it. 

Bollywood lends visibility to a singer. But what about the credibility of work that comes your way? When you're visible, there’s more work. And this country is going through something of a Bollywood frenzy. So there is visibility and there is work. Credibility, I’m a bit confused about. It’s not necessarily credible if you consider that sometimes, people who don't sound good also do get work. 

I know you first as a jazz singer. Speaking of jazz, how do you balance the two genres? For me, Bollywood is high-energy and pulsating, jazz is for the soul. But singing, in general, releases my energy. Tomorrow, even if I were to only sing in the bathroom and not in a film, I’d be cool with that. It’s the feeling in the heart that counts. 

Your father, Joe Alvares is one of jazz’s leading lights in this city. How supportive is he of your career? I do get criticism. He gets really frazzled by the lyrics of the songs I sing. So instead of making him listen to scratches, I now play it back to him only after I’m completely done with the track. But he’s super supportive. He’s proud that I crossed over and have not changed and that I want to be the same Shefali he has always known. 

What’s up next? Dhating Naach from Phata Poster Nikhla Hero. The Dhoom 3 title track, I think? An item number in Joe B Carvalho composed by Amartya Rahut who also composed for Aurangzeb earlier this year. I’m also working with Amit Trivedi later this year on a number in Bombay Velvet, but I can’t say for sure. 

You recently got engaged and are getting married soon. Congratulations. What direction do you see your career taking post marriage? Thanks. (Laughs) For one, I expect to get less work. Let’s face it. I’ll be moving out of Mumbai to a place that’s three hours outside Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh. It’s too early. So, I’m just going with the flow. Haven’t given it much thought yet. It’s a definite change of direction... a new googly, if you will. But I’m looking forward to this new phase in my life.

Shefali Alvares

Orange, tangerine, greens in refreshing limes and yellows are rocking it in the beauty world today

This season, go orange!

   Orange, tangerine, greens in refreshing limes and yellows are rocking it in the beauty world today. Citrus make-up is not only popular with young girls, but older women too have been experimenting with this bold new trend. The key is to wear bright colours and light textures according to your skin tone and age. Says make-up expert Amyn Manji, “When you choose citrus make-up, make sure that you highlight just one feature — for example your lips or eyes — and keep rest of it minimal.” 

EYES: Adding bursts of orange or green is an easy way to lighten your eyes to get that youthful look. Apply a bright or a subtle shade of orange on your
lids. If you wish to go bold, gently smudge a contrasting colour like a coffee brown or an emerald green along your lower lash line. Complete the look by adding lots of mascara.

CHEEKS: Don’t restrict this tangy colour to your eyes and lips alone; apply it as a blush as well.
Choose an orange-pink blush or an orange blush paired with a bronzer if you have a fair complexion and go neutral with your lips and eyes. While choosing one for your face, remember that coral or tangerine shades of orange will look good on those with a light skin tone, while those with a darker skin tone can opt for orange in shades of red, rust or earthy ones.

LIPS: Says Manji, “Most women prefer opting for orange lips. This is because it is easier to play with orange on your lips than any other feature.” You can either opt for a glossy orange or a matte one depending on the occasion and the look you want to achieve. Since the orange lip shade tends to make a strong statement and draw attention, keep the rest of your makeup minimal.

NAILS: If you are not up for citrus make-up, you can always wear it on your nails. It is a favourite hue these days. You can see models and celebrities at parties sporting tangerine nails.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND
    
Kohl rimmed eyes or thinly etched eye liner is a great way to complement your citrus make-up.
    Instead of colouring your entire lip with a single shade of orange, you can probably include hints of fuchsia or green along with it.
    If you wish to make your tangerine lips look subtle, line lips with a nude pink lip liner.











The Glamour Style Walk 2013

A star-studded show



    The Glamour Style Walk 2013, a Times Group Initiative, along with Bulbeer Gandhi of Asian Business Exhibition & Conferences Ltd, was an evening of style and fashion. Attended by popular faces from showbiz, it aims to celebrate the craftsmanship in jewellery manufacturing in India.
    The event saw many faces including Nagma, Bruna Abdullah, Nikhil Dwivedi, Pria Kataaria Puri, Chhaya Momaya and Preeti Hiranandani. Bulbeer played the perfect host for the evening. Amy Billimoria showcased an ornate flow from Indian bridal to form-fitted fluid western drapes complemented
by Ghana Singh Exquiste Jewellery. Tulip Joshi, Hrishitaa Bhatt, Tia Bajpai and Sonalee walked the ramp. Vasant Savla of Arena Jewels with designer Swapnil Shinde presented a classic fashion show. Kavitta Verma looked stunning as the show stopper.
    Khyati Dham of Eekani Jewels excellently portrayed the victory of angels over the demon through their collection, designed by Nidhi Munim. Kalki Koechlin walked for DP Designs donning designs by Riddhi & Siddhi Mapxencar. Nakshatra Mehta of Mehta Emporium with designers Riddhi & Siddhi Mapxencar re-created a Christian wed
ding on the ramp. A live Miss Glamour contest took place on the ramp whilst Manish Shah of The Cappuccino Collection presented a show, designed by Swapnil Shinde. Juhi Chawla donned jewellery by Dipti Amisha while wearing a Shouger Merchant Doshi outfit.

Hrishitaa Bhat


Juhi Chawla


Tulip Joshi


Kalki Koechlin


Amar Ghana Singh


Vasant Savla


Bulbeer Gandhi and Amy Billimoria


Jyothi and Manish Shah with a model

Indian beauties head to international pageants

Indian beauties head to international pageants


PANELISTS Alesia Raut — Ramp Walk
Samir Purohit & John Gloster — Official Fitness Partner Sabeera Merchant — Diction Expert
Mahendra Gupta & Ozzy — Makeup & Hair Trainers Appurva Shah — Official Photographer Label Ritu Kumar — Designer Western Casual Wear Marc Robinson — Creative Director, Miss India Organization

PURVA RANA
has been crowned as Miss India Continentes Unidos 2013, will be representing India at Miss Continentes Unidos 2013 at Guayaquil, Ecuador on September 14.

Swapnil Shinde — Finale Gown Designer Aesha Merchant — Official Stylist JJ Valaya, Swapnil Shinde, Stylemark, Dimple & Harpreet Narula, Sanchita Ajjampur — Wardrobe design team Color Café — Salon Partner Aarya 24kt — Gifting Partner


VIJAYA SHARMA
has been crowned as Miss India Supranational 2013. She represents India at the Miss Supranational 2013 being held in Belarus on September 6.

Shiamak Davar — Choreographer (Shiamak has trained Vijaya for the pageant's talent round, where she will dance to Radha On The Dance Floor and a few other songs) Mahima Shukla — Official Stylist Cue by Rahul Khanna and Rohit Gandhi, Amit GT, Gauri Nainika, Bhumika Grover, Soranam by Sonia Malhotra, Zariin — Wardrobe design team Color Café — Salon Partner Aarya 24kt — Gifting Partner
Help her win Miss Supranational Internet Title that will help fastrack her to the final round of Miss Supranational 2013 Click on http://misssupranational.com/india and vote now

Fashion goes funky

Fashion goes funky



    Ritika Mirchandani transported her to a world of cubism and tradition which she gracefully intertwined with multimedia design in every creation at the Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2013. Inspired by ethnic prints such as the lotus flower, she transformed them into cylindrical designs keeping the essence intact.
    Spotted eyeing the new collection from the front row were Anusha Dandekar, Laila Mallya, Sravanya Rao and Surily Goel, while Amrita
Puri and Ira Dubey sported Ritika's creations in support. Even though this was Ritika's debut show, the show gathered a lot of applause for the clothes.
    The collection ranged from anarkalis to lehengas and elaborate jackets. Ritika stuck a perfect balance between honouring the 20s cubism period and the 40s silhouettes. With a colour palette of whites, ice blues, oranges and blacks, her inspiration was spiralled through the colours that activate moods.

Ritika Mirachandani with models sporting her creations


Now that’s a stylish soiree

Now that’s a stylish soiree


The designers, models and other fashionistas got to unwind in style during the Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2013. Yauatcha Mumbai hosted the most sought-after fashion show after party, which saw everyone, who had an otherwise hectic schedule, shuttling between the shows. The event saw most of the models and designers show up dressed in the most chic clothing as they got to have a Michelinstarred experience.

Reetu


Ranjhan Chakrabhorty and Samiya


Nishka Lulla


Amrita Puri


Nikhil Thampi

Virat and Anushka’s new confidence mantra

Virat and Anushka’s new confidence mantra



    Young heartthrobs, cricketer Virat Kohli and actress Anushka Sharma are setting the stage for a Nothing to Hide challenge with the launch of an all new range of Clear anti-dandruff shampoo. Challenging each other, they race to prove they have complete confidence on camera, that comes with a well-nourished scalp and dandruff-free hair. This is sync with the brand’s new campaign ‘Nothing to Hide, Lots to Show’. Virat and Anushka are constantly under the scrutiny of the paparazzi and fans. It’s an even bigger thrill for fans to watch them off screen where they cannot hide, free from visual effects. The shampoo gives them the confidence of Nothing to Hide, making them the perfect ambassadors.
    Anushka says “When bright lights, flashing cameras and a million eyes constantly follow my every move, I can’t afford to have the smallest flaw. Not even dandruff. This is the only anti-dandruff shampoo with the scalp nourishment of Nutrium oil complex.” Also stepping up to this challenge, Virat added, “Just like a sportsperson is required to perform to the best of his abilities, this gives the best hair care solution to win with dandruff-free healthy hair. So you too can have the NTH confidence.”
    Nutrium oil complex, a dual gender scalp nourishment formula, gives one the chance to have dandrufffree hair that feels well-nourished. Developed by the experts at the Clear Paris Institute, it has been endorsed and recognized by International Academy of Dermatology (IACD).

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma

Designer Archana Kochhar’s collection ‘Chokhi’ recreated the beauty of Rajasthan

Designer Archana Kochhar’s collection ‘Chokhi’ recreated the beauty of Rajasthan with a contemporary twist at the recently concluded Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2013. Seen here is Archana with models Krithika Babu and Dipti Gujral

VAN DAMME TO VISIT THE TAJ MAHAL

VAN DAMME TO VISIT THE TAJ MAHAL

    While Matt Damon was in India for humanitarian work, September will see another Hollywood actor visiting the country. Jean Claude Van Damme, best known for films like Universal Soldier and Hard Target will be in Delhi with producer Ashok Amritraj. If things work out well, the Belgian martial artist will make a quick visit to the Taj Mahal. Ashok told Bombay Times over the phone from the US, “It’s exciting that he is coming to India for the first time. He won’t be here for long as he is in the middle of editing his forthcoming film in Brussels. He has a release date to meet, but has taken some time off at my request. He is planning a trip to the Taj Mahal for sure.”

Jean Claude Van Damme

Satyagraha is a story of today’s India

Satyagraha is a story of today’s India



    Satyagraha, directed by Prakash Jha, is a socially relevant political thriller. Here are excerpts of a conversation with the leading men from the movie.
AMITABH BACHCHAN: Satyagraha to me comprises the combination of two words — ‘satya’ and ‘agraha’ — which means ‘truth’ and ‘request’. When you shall ask for something riding on the basics of truth, it shall be granted. The principles of truth, incorporated in the
mass movements of one is ready to accept just any-Gandhiji, are living examples thing the government says. of victory. That is the learn- People are ready to stand up to ing of a lifetime, indeed sev- the authorities. They are willeral lifetimes! ing to do anything and not sit AJAY DEVGN: I decided to do quietly. That’s what this film because it connects Satyagraha is all about.
with the masses, the classes ARJUN RAMPAL: and today’s youth. Today, no Satyagraha reflects the cur
rent mood of our nation. Reflecting the sentiment of every Indian, this film is inspired by the actions of young Indians. I do hope it gives them direction and a lot of positivity.
MANOJ BAJPAYEE: It has entertainment value, but at the same time, does not compromise on integrity or the storytelling.
    Satyagraha, produced by UTV Motion Pictures and Prakash Jha Productions, releases today.

Ajay Devgn, Arjun Rampal, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Prakash Jha, Amitabh Bachchan, Amrita Rao and Manoj Bajpayee

I felt guilty about not being a good brother Suriya

I felt guilty about not being a good brother

    Suriya, 38, is a thinking person, deeply sensitive, but holds back expressing his emotions. While he may not have been the good and talented boy and has learnt it the hard way, he knows that he has made his parents proud today. He is aware that he needs to live up to his dad’s clean image and is a complete family man with his wife Jyothika being his emotional anchor. He is extremely simple and would have happily continued to stay in a flat in spite of his superstar status, had his mother not insisted on him buying a house with a garden for himself. He has not only bought a house next to his parents, but has also named it after his mother Lakshmi. He opens up to Bombay Times about his emotional insecurities, his guilt as an older brother and why he respects his wife Jyothika. Excerpts: 

Let’s talk about your father Sivakumar, who is so respected? My father came to Chennai at the age of 16 from a village in Coimbatore. He was an artist and was clear he wanted to do something, so he came to Chennai and joined an art course for eight years before he came into films. He was not a superstar, but was known to be a character actor and had a clean image. He was finally married off to my mother, who was from a neighbouring village. He had, by that time, already been rejected by 25 girls since he was from the film industry and people had reservations giving their daughter to an actor. My dad never had a bank balance of more than three lakh and was always extremely compassionate towards his producers. We did not go to a fivestar hotel till I was in Class XII. 

Let’s talk about your childhood? Even though my dad was an actor, I was never exposed to the industry and never visited a set. We watched films as a common man. I had this inferiority complex as a child, as I was not good at speaking. I was also not good in studies or sports and would often flunk in four-five subjects.
My brother, Karthi, who is two years younger to me, was in contrast, good in studies and smart and could entertain 50 people at a time. If I went to an ice-cream parlour, I would not know how to order and would ask Karthi to do it for me. Like my father, he was also good at painting. As kids, we hardly spoke and fought a lot. I would often make fun of him as he was plump. I would bully him as he was scared of darkness. We both went to the same school and once I remember, I was given a role to just stand on one side of the stage and bless like a prop with no dialogue or movement. Whereas, he was playing Balram and had the vibrant role on stage, dancing and singing. Just before he went on stage, I pulled his necklace on purpose. I was so bad to him. He cried, put on another necklace but still performed very well and I felt, ‘Shit, he still did it.’ Even when he was in LKG, girls would find him cute and would come pulling his cheek while nobody bothered about me. We went to the same computer class, he would get the marks, whereas I would fail. It was not that every time I was against him, but we had once gone to an exhibition when I was six and this computer horoscope thing told us that we had enemy grahas and that we would always fight. Even though it was totally illogical, it stuck in my head. I also feel guilty that I was not a good brother to him and did not support him or guide him and always grudged him his attention. My parents too knew that he was smarter, but my mother also knew that I was the weaker child and would not ask for anything myself, so had a softer corner for me. 

Was films the obvious choice for you? Post tenth, I got an offer from a neighbour, who was a director, who told me he would also convince my dad. But I knew, given my looks and height, I could not be an actor and went on to doing my graduation in Commerce. Being in Loyola College exposed me to other options and gave me confidence, apart from the freedom to bunk classes. I became a merchandiser and then a garment manufacturer and interacting with foreign buyers and manufacturing foreign brands in India, gave me a high. I did that for three years and came to know at that time that my dad was not doing as well and that my mother had borrowed 50,000 from a neighbour, which we were not able to return for five months. To start my own business, I would have required at least one crore which, obviously, I could not ask my dad for. Coincidentally, my dad was returning with director Vasanth from a Singapore function when Vasanth saw me at the airport and offered me a film, which was being produced by Mani Ratnam sir with
Vijay in it. Ajith was to play the other hero, but he backed out, so I was offered the role. The next day, his offer stayed in my head while I was riding my bike to work. I mentioned the same to my friends and they laughed it off and I took that seriously as I felt challenged and said to myself, ‘Why not? Let me prove it to them.’ Also given that my dad was not going through the best phase of his life, I felt the need to take responsibility and agreed to do the film. When Mani sir saw me and said 200% he can be a good actor, it gave me confidence. I learnt everything in front of the camera and for the first five years, I was a beggar who took whatever roles I got and none of the films did well till Kaakha Kaakha happened later. 

What attracted you to your wife Jyothika? I met her in 1999, when she was shooting her first film Poovellam Kettuppar, which happened to be my fifth film. Even though my career was not successful at that time, she became a big star post the film. I was attracted to her for her sincerity. Even though she was a Mumbai girl, who did not know Tamil, she learnt the language and would not fumble with her lines being the only woman amongst men on the set. She had no ego and I liked the way she would treat her assistants and I saw her grow as an actor. But we did not share
mobile numbers till three years later, when I was passing her set, trying to avoid her which she saw and asked her assistant to call me. She said, ‘Why are you not saying a hi to me?’ She was a big star, while I was still struggling and was doing a film Nandha with Bala at that time. We started talking and I also invited her to open a snooker joint for one of my friends. My actual big break also came through her for Gautham Menon’s Kaakha Kaakha, in which she had already been cast. She could not sit in the audience, watched Nandha from the projector room and recommended me to Gautham that made him cast me. We got married in 2006 post which Jo stopped working. I like the fact that she has always been clear-headed about her opinions and people, is humble and takes good decisions. Also unlike her, I was not as close to my family and she taught me how to become a good father and disconnect from work at home. She makes me give my kids a bath, take them for a drive, put them to sleep and spend time with them. We are good friends and I don’t hide anything from her. Unlike me, who is boring, she is fun and speaks a lot. Apart from my director Bala, who always made me realise my potential, she instilled confidence in me. I think Jo likes me being this simple and shy guy in spite of the family I belong to. 

Now that you are a superstar, have you learnt to communicate more? I am still a rebel at times and don’t talk nicely to my parents and still want them to understand. Even though they were always there for me, when I was not successful, I would always go into this shell and say, ‘Don’t ask me questions.’ When I wanted something, I could not ask them, including my wedding with Jyothika, which took some time in convincing them. I really got close to my brother when he left for the USA and felt that he had to take the hard route and struggle, as I was not successful in the industry. My dad had said, ‘Let him stand on his feet and do his M.S. there.’ He studied and became the best student there. He came back and wanted to be an actor, but started assisting Mani sir instead. I did not know he wanted to become an actor, till my cousin told me. I went to him and said, ‘Karthi, I am sorry, I have never supported you.’ He still said, ‘No. I have always looked up to you and am proud of you. It is a challenge for me how I should live up to you.’ He put it that way and I became closer to him. Even today, while my father has more confidence in Karthi and he knows he can handle any script or director and make everyone his fan and while I may still be short-tempered and may not show my emotions, I know I have made my parents proud.

Suriya

Suriya

Deepika shops for AbRam Khan

Deepika shops for AbRam Khan

    During her last trip to Milan, Deepika Padukone is said to have shopped for the cutest Khan in town — AbRam Khan. The actress apparently picked up baby clothes from an international brand that doesn’t have too much presence in India.
After she handed over the gift to the Khans, Deepika was curious to know how the baby would look in the outfits. Gauri Khan then promised Deepika that before her next visit to Mannat, she would
try and coax her husband Shah Rukh and their other two children — Aryan, Suhana — to pose for family pictures along with AbRam. The plan is to get the youngest Khan dressed up for the photos in the clothes bought for him by Deepika.

Deepika Padukone


Shah Rukh and Gauri Khan

BOX OFFICE: CHENNAI EXPRESS BREAKS 3 IDIOTS’ RECORD

BOX OFFICE: CHENNAI EXPRESS BREAKS 3 IDIOTS’ RECORD


    Kudos, Shah Rukh Khan’s Chennai Express has done it. In 21 days — plus paid previews — his latest release, which is still running, has broken the four-year-old record held by Aamir Khan’s 3 Idiots.
    The film has crossed the coveted 202.57-crore mark, which was the highest Indian theatrical revenue for a Bollywood film after deduction of tax.
    Trade sources say that CE continues like an unbridled horse and will set
new benchmarks. (See page 4 for Bollywood’s highest earners in India.)
    Once Upon A Time In Mumbai Dobaara, which released a week later, found it hard to hold up to the pace of CE after the first three days. The film, with Akshay Kumar and Imran Khan, has collected around 57.5 crore in the last 14 days, with a limited release on day one (August 15).
    It is ironical, but true, that the first part of the film, starring Ajay Devgn and Emraan Hashmi, had ended its box-office run at around 58 crore, but
that was three years ago. So, in today’s context, OUATIMD’s collections don’t augur well for it.
    Shoojit Sircar’s Madras Cafe has found its voice among the audience and with critics. The film has collected around 33 crore. Made on a modest budget of around 35 crore (inclusive of prints and advertising), its first week collections are promising. The satellite rights of the film are likely to net around 10 crore, but the returns from other ancillary rights like music and home video are negligible.

Revenue earned from India theatrical after deducting tax


1 CHENNAI EXPRESS Total 203 cr (Till the time of going to Press)


ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAI DOBAARA Total 57.50 cr (14 days + limited release on Day One)


MADRAS CAFE Total 33 cr (First Week)

Akhay Kumar starrer Boss, directed by Anthony D’souza, will also have actors Shiv Pandit and Aditi Rao Hydari

Aditi and Shiv are the newest pair in town!

    Akhay Kumar starrer Boss, directed by Anthony D’souza, will also have actors Shiv Pandit and Aditi Rao Hydari playing pivotal roles. The first trailer of the action-comedy set in the North has been generating a lot of buzz since its release. Akshay will be back in action as he plays the title role in this story of the good guy taking on the baddies.
    Shiv Pandit, who was last seen in Shaitan, says, “Working with Akshay has been fantastic. He is such a lovely actor, who made me feel absolutely at peace. My role also gave me the opportunity to do some kick-ass stunts. I am sure the movie is going to be a joyride."
    Shiv, who plays Akshay's brother, is paired with Aditi. The petite actress, last seen in
Murder 3, seems equally excited to be paired with Shiv. “The good thing about working with younger actors is that you get along really well. There was no ice to break with him. He is a fun guy and I had a great time working with him. Also, we brought some freshness to the movie with our new pairing.”
    Aditi will be seen sporting a bikini in the film, something, she says, she was extremely comfortable with. “I’ve always been comfortable with my body. As long as I’m shot aesthetically, I’ve no problem shedding all my inhibitions in front of the camera.”
    BOSS, produced by Viacom 18 Motion Pictures, Cape Of Good Films and Ashwin Varde Productions, releases October 16.

Aditi Rao Hydari and Shiv Pandit

Nimrat Kaur on her debut film Lunchbox and the actresses who inspire her

I am a fan of both Madhuri and Sridevi

Nimrat Kaur on her debut film Lunchbox and the actresses who inspire her


Lunchbox has been getting rave reviews everywhere, including Cannes. Do you think it will be India’s official entry to the Oscars this year? Everyone wants their film to have the best kind of journey from its conception. Right now, I’m looking forward to the film’s release here. An Oscar entry would be the cherry on the cake. 

How much of yourself reflects in your character in the film? I love being around food, so I connected with the story instantly. As far as
the physical aspect is concerned, my character Ila is a neglected, loveless, middle-class housewife. I had to let go of myself a bit. But cooking, day dreaming and being a romantic are strong connects with Ila. 

Were you disappointed you didn’t have any scenes with Irrfan in the film? Definitely! He is such a remarkable actor. I look forward to working with him some day. In fact, I sometimes joke with Ritesh Batra (Lunchbox director) that he should make a sequel so I get to act with Irrfan at least this time. 
 
Are you now focusing completely on films? Have you given up theatre? Films are a whole new world that I’m excited to explore. But being on stage is very close to my heart; it has given me a sense of belonging. I will always try to find a way to balance both. 

Who have been your inspirations? We hear you are a Madhuri Dixit fan… Yes, I am a big fan of both Madhuri and Sridevi. They have such magic. I remember imitating Madhuri in one of her ads and memorising all her dance steps. Such grace and beauty — a true heroine.

Nimrat Kaur

IS PRATEIK DATING AMYRA?

IS PRATEIK DATING AMYRA?


    Prateik and his Issaq co-star Amyra Dastur seem to be more than just ‘good friends’. The two actors, who walked the ramp at the fashion week, were seen hanging out together at the venue quite often. One thing that was very
evident was the chemistry between the two. And, unlike other friendly co-stars, the duo was seen posing willingly for pictures together. Has Prateik moved on from his previous heroine, Amy, we wonder?

Prateik and Amyra Dastur