Birthday: July 18

Hometown: Mumbai

Place of birth: Jamshedpur

School/college: Army Public School, Bareilly/Jai Hind College, Mumbai

First break: The Hero: Love Story of a Spy

High point of your life: It’s now and it just keeps getting higher and higher

Low point of your life: They are a part of life, one should just keep going on

Currently doing: Promoting my song In my city from my first album and being the brand ambassador for Blender’s Pride Fashion Tour

Are you a born singer or a born actress? Neither. I’ve always been academically inclined. Both of these happened by chance.  

What has been the inspiration behind the album?
My own life. It’s like my diary. Most of the songs have been written by me and are a reflection of my experiences.

Your favourite international singers or bands.
I like quite a few, including The Doors and TLC.

One rock band you wish you were a part of?
No Doubt.

One song you can listen to over and over again.
Can’t pinpoint any one single song as there are too many of them.

How come you never wear any jewellery?
I don’t have anything against jewellery. In fact, I quite like solitaires and have now recently started using accessories also.

The sexiest Bollywood actor?
Undoubtedly, it is Mr Bachchan. What a personality!

One director you are dying to work with.
It was my dream to be directed by Yash Chopra. Unfortunately, this dream will never come true now.

One classic you would have loved to be a part of?
Darr. I have always loved that film.

If you were chosen to be a Bond babe?
I would jump at the offer as it is an honour to be one.

Who was your first crush?
There was this boy who lived on the floor above my house whom I really liked. He was in class 10 when I was in class 6.

What is your fondest memory?
Of my brother being born.

Who are you closest to?
Both my parents. While my dad is my weakness, my mother is my strength.

A rumour you’d like to start? 
That a new law has been passed under which all journalists need to disclose their source before printing any article.

One lesson about fame you want to teach an aspiring singer.
The pressure that comes along with showbiz is very hard to deal with. You should never forget who you are.

Which body part would you get insured?
My lips and I would also want to make it clear that these are my real lips.

Your last meal would be...
It would be a nice hearty one with dishes like butter chicken, good Gujarati food and lots of other goodies.

The biggest risk you’ve ever taken.
To be an actor.

Three cosmetics you can’t do without.
A good moisturiser, mascara and I also love nail art.

A dessert that describes you.
Gulab jamun – crisp from the outside and soft and sweet inside.

You have five minutes to pack, what do you take?
Just a few T-shirts and track pants.

One street food you can’t resist.
Golgappe.

Your dream destination.
Home.

My music
Music on your playlist
It’s a mix of Hindi and English music. Right from David Guetta, Titanium to Honey Singh

Music for a season
Winter - a really nice romantic song for Dilli ki sardi


Music as a pick me up
Songs from Barfi!

What are you listening to right now?
In My City

Birthday: November 15

Sun sign: Scorpio

Place of birth: Mumbai

Hometown: Hyderabad

School/college: NASR School, St. Mary’s College, Hyderabad

High point of your life
Winning the Wimbledon in 2003 (Girl’s Doubles title)

First break
My debut on the International Tennis Federation circuit at age 15

Currently i am...
The brand ambassador for Krrish Delhi Smashers and opening an academy soon


If you weren’t a tennis player, you would have been …

A doctor, definitely.


What’s your fitness regime?

It depends on whether I’m playing or not. If I’m not playing, then I train for nearly 5 to 6 hours.


One dance form you’d like to learn?

Salsa. It’s fascinating.


The hardest thing about being on TV?

When you are doing an interview, you need to be very careful about your body and what you say.


What can’t you get enough of?

Shoes, actually! I just love them and at last count, I had 327 shoes.


The one myth about marriage you’d like to bust.

That just because a couple comes out holding hands, it doesn’t mean they haven’t been fighting.


The most romantic thing Shoaib has done for you?

He replaced my seven-carat diamond ring with a 13.5 carat one recently.


The craziest thing a fan has done for you.

When I was at the Amsterdam Open, a guy not only stalked me but entered my room, got hold of my sister’s phone and called me 20 times. He even left a bundle of my pictures and his college degree in my room.


A song that always lifts your spirits.

Bollywood music is very uplifting. These days I’m hooked on to Tum Hi Ho from Aashiqui 2.


Your favourite sportspersons.

Roger Federer and Sachin Tendulkar.


If you were in a movie, who’d make a dream co-star?

Akshay Kumar.


  Which superhero would you like to be?

Spiderman. I’ve liked him since I was a kid.


One food craving you wish you could indulge.

I love any kind of food. I don’t have a sweet tooth, but I love haleem.


One thing nobody knows about you?

That I’m extremely soft on the inside.


The last line of your autobiography would read…

You will have to wait for that as it is going to come out very soon.


A tennis player you wish you could partner with?

Steffi Graf. Unfortunately, she stopped playing when I started

Travel Wishlist


Your idea of a great weekend?

Going off to the beach, relaxing and getting a nice massage


A place you’d like to be lost in for a month?

The Maldives


Three travel necessities?

My makeup kit (I take the bare minimum), a change for the night and my mobile phone


Your worst holiday?

Thankfully I haven’t had a bad one yet


Your favourite travel movie?

Eat Pray Love

So you thought you knew him? Well, here's stuff you never heard about India's no. 1 Khiladi Akshay Kumar.



The last line of your autobiography would read...

‘Why are you wasting time reading about my life when you should be out there living your own?’ Or, on second thoughts, it would be, ‘No matter how carefully we chose our words, they’ll end up being twisted by others. So read carefully.’



How would you explain Twitter to your grandmother?

Grandma, don’t worry, Twitter has nothing to do with birds.



The one place where you would never get yourself tattooed?

Where the sun doesn’t shine!!!



One song that describes your current state of mind?

Not Afraid by Eminem. The greatest living rapper.



What would we find in your fridge right now?

Crates of Thums Up of course.



If a spaceship landed in your backyard, what would you do?

Obviously, hijack it. After I crash land it, I would sell it on eBay at a knockdown price.



The most clichéd answer you’ve ever given in an interview?Journalists ask me all the time, "Akshay, do you believe in the numbers game?" My standard response: "I can’t count, that’s why I have producers and accountants who calculate for me. As long as I have them in my life, I don’t need to worry about numbers!"



Your most irrational fear?There’s absolutely nothing irrational about me, insane yes, irrational no. But my dumbest fear would be spinning in the magic tea cups. Who the hell wants to pay to spin around like a bent yoyo for laughs?



The one lie you got away with?

I once told someone I could act. They totally bought it. I’ve been getting away with it ever since.






What’s the biggest surprise you’ve given your wife?

A son more beautiful than myself. Or, it could be the Bentley, but I think it’s a handsome son. I am telling you I don’t think I am ever going to be able to figure this one out. How many pairs of blue jeans do you have?
Before or after I became the brand ambassador for blue jeans in India? Maybe, some 25 pairs
Where did you spend last summer?
Dubai and Goa. I know I am lucky but it was a well deserved break
If you were an ice-cream, what flavour would you be?
Mint chocolate chip. Like me, it is fresh on the outside but crunchy once you bite into it

Sun sign
Virgo

Birthday
September 9

Hometown
Delhi

School/college
Schooling from Don Bosco, Delhi and graduation from Khalsa College, Delhi

Place of birth
Delhi

First break
I could break bricks with my hands when I was 12

High point of your life
When my son Aarav said he wanted to fight just like me!

Low point of your life
The day I realised I had to live the rest of my life without my father by my side

Currently doing
Shooting for Rowdy Rathore. Just finished
running a quiz for my fans (on questions that I am sick of being asked by everyone) on Twitter

Birthday: August 23

Place of birth: Bombay

First break: Winning the Miss India International Title (2002)

Sun sign: Leo

Hometown: Pune

School/college: Mount Carmel Convent School, Pune

High point of your life: Jhalak Dhikla Jaa. My life has changed since

Low point of your life: I don’t remember any

Currently doing: Playing Lacchi in the Bollywood musical at Kingdom of Dreams



If you weren’t an actress, what would you have been?
A businesswoman.



The sexiest actors in Bollywood.Hrithik Roshan and Farhan Akhtar. One director you want to work with.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali. He creates a dream world.
Your favourite co-star for a dance show.
Hussain, the gypsy prince, from Zangoora.
The best thing about your sister, Nigar Khan.
She’s not just a great sister, but also my closest friend. She’s always been there for me.
Bollywood’s most romantic pair.
Amitabh (Bachchan) and Rekha. Nothing beats their on-screen chemistry.
Three cosmetics or skincare products you can’t do without.
Mascara, eyebrow filler and a good lip colour.
What is the best thing about working in a musical?
I get to live my dream and entertain a new live audience each time.
An item number you would love to do.
Pyaar do pyaar lo from Jaanbaaz (1986).
A rumour you’d like to start.
I hate rumours.
The street food you love to eat.
Dahi batata puri.
You have five minutes to pack, what will you take?
Clothes, toiletries, lots of money, family pics and my mobile.
The gadget you love to flaunt or want to own.
I’m not a gadget person. I’m technologically challenged.
Your dream destination.
Prague.
Who is your 3am friend?

My best friend, Preeti Simoes. The last three things you do before you go to sleep.
Offer namaaz, watch TV and drink green tea.
The last time you had a bad hair day.
I go through so many bad hair days.
You destress by…
Travelling.
What is your mantra for success?
Happiness leads to success and not vice versa. I try to be happy and content in everything I’m blessed with, and in turn I get positive results in all that I work hard for.
One thing you want to change about yourself.
I need to give myself some time. My life is too hectic right now.
The last line of your autobiography would read…
She lived.
5 movies that moved me
Dil To Pagal Hai (1997)
Andaz Apna Apna (1994)
Hum Aapke Hai Koun..! (1994)
Bombay (1995)
Barfi! (2012)

A dessert that describes you?
Any chocolate pastry. Sinful, yet tempting

Nimrat Kaur

Birthday: March 13
Sun sign: Pisces
Place of Birth: Pilani, Rajasthan
Hometown: Noida
School/college: Delhi Public School, Noida/Sri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi
High point of your life: Going to the Cannes Film Festival twice with my first two films (Peddlers and The Lunchbox) has indeed been very special
Low point of your life: Losing my father
First break: Featured in the video of the song Tera Mera Pyaar by Kumar Sanu and Shreya Ghoshal
Currently doing: Savouring the appreciation for my just released film, The Lunchbox
Your favourite Punjabi slang: Oh rehnn dey!
How was it working with Irrfan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui in your film The Lunchbox?: They are such stalwarts that I felt very fortunate to have them as co-stars. It was much easier getting into my role once I knew I’d be falling in love with
Irrfan.
A tweet of appreciation that you got for The Lunchbox@karanjohar : And finally Nimrat Kaur is the soul of #LUNCHBOX... projecting marital angst...urban depression and longing for love like a legend actor...
What did you have to change about yourself to settle in Bollywood?: Nothing at all. I’m here because of who and how I am.
When did you realise you were good looking?: When people started telling me that I looked a lot like my mother, who I think is very elegant and beautiful.
What’s your fitness regime?: I run on the beach in the mornings. I’ve also immensely enjoyed CrossFit with Dheepesh Bhatt.
Theatre/advertisements/films— which do you prefer?: Tough to choose, they are all fun and rewarding in their own unique ways.
One food craving you wish you could indulge in: Condensed milk
One thing nobody knows about you: That I have eaten five cans of condensed milk in one day! Even my mother doesn’t know that yet.
A Punjabi dish to die for: Saag and makki di roti followed by gajrela made by my mother
What do you love about Punjab?: I lived and studied in Bathinda and Patiala for long. I just love Punjab and its people. I think Yadavindra Public School, Patiala, is the best.
Your strategy in a crisis: Breathe deep and tell myself it could’ve been much worse. It works without fail.
One thing you would like to unlearn: The way I drive
A Punjabi song you can’t stop humming: Main ik shikra yaar banaya by Shiv Kumar Batalvi
A talent you would love to acquire: I want to learn how to boil milk. I somehow manage to over boil and waste it consistently.
A dessert that describes you: A molten lava cake.
The last line of your autobiography would read: I made all the right mistakes.
You de-stress with: Playing with my cats, Kitcat and Karamchand. It’s better than any meditation I know.
If you weren’t an actor, you’d be: Working in a job requiring travelling.
What would you wear to a hot date?: My favourite fragrance, 212 by Carolina Herrera
Which colour dominates your wardrobe?: I’m in a coral phase right now.
A book that acts as a pick-me-up: The Outsider, by JM Coetzee.
A director you’d give anything to work with: I would’ve done anything to work with Satyajit Ray.
If you woke up one day and found you’d turned into a man: I’d vow never to pee in public
A celebrity you look up to: Sean Penn. He’s an incredible human being first and a great actor later

Birthday: July 16

Sun sign: Cancer

Hometown: Hong Kong

First Break: A jewellery campaign in Hawaii! Sounds exotic? It was unexpected but I was young enough not to panic

Place of birth: London

Currently Doing: The Taste Challenge with Slice. I’m also shooting for two equally exciting films, Dhoom 3 and Bang Bang


If you weren’t an actress you would have been...

I don’t know the answer to that. So I guess I am lucky I am an actress! Your favourite fruit.
The Alphonso mango.
One director you want to work with.
There are way too many on my wishlist and too little time.
One thing about London you really miss.
Spending time with my family.
Three cosmetics you can’t do without.
Lip balm, moisturiser and makeup remover!
A dessert that describes you.
Mango soufflé. It’s tangy, sweet, soft and touches a spot in your soul.
The last time you had a bad hair day.
Every day is a bad hair day. That’s why we have so many fantastic hair products.
Little black dress or a black sari?
Either. It depends on the occasion.
Five must-haves in your wardrobe.
1) Comfort clothes. 2) Comfort clothes. 3) Comfort clothes. 4) Comfort clothes. 5) Comfort clothes.

Your idea of a great weekend.
Movies, music and mangoes. With a whole big group of friends. Your favourite junk food.
Pizza. Once a year!
You have five minutes to pack, what do you take?
My phone, charger, credit card and passport. Everything else can be acquired anywhere.
Your fitness fundas.
I drink lots of water, eat balanced, nutritious meals and exercise to stay fit. I believe that eating nutritious food is very important and fruits form an important part of it. I don’t like to eat everything together at mealtime; so fruits act as good snacks in between main meals.
Your dream destination.
Any place that has sun and sand.
You destress with...
Sleep.
The last line of your autobiography would read…
“She was a good human being”.

Playlist - What i like:
I am not fussy, but my music should sound like music, not like noise.

Shortcuts:
Fortunately, there are set playlists, especially for gymming, so I don't need to do much to make my own.
On the road:
I play some songs on loop much to the irritation of my driver.
Right Now:
I’m listening to Shalmali Kholgade’s rendition of Haal Kaisa Hai Janaab Ka.

Master-Chef-Sanjeev-Kapoor

Which character from Sholay do you most resemble and why?

I think Gabbar, as for some strange reason everyone in my office is scared of me.



The last line of your autobiography would read…

...I ate myself!



How would you explain Twitter to your grandmother?

I’ll say ‘Let’s play a game – twitter, twitter.’



The one place where you would never get yourself tattooed?

Nowhere. After having worked with knives all my life, I don’t think I want needles now.



One song that describes your current state of mind?

Tum itna jo muskara rahe ho.



What would we find in your fridge right now?

I have multiple fridges that actually contain the whole world in them.



If you were an ice-cream, what flavour would you be?A mix of rum and raisin and butterscotch.



If a spaceship landed in your backyard, what would you do?I’d ask them if they were carrying some food which would be out of this world.



The most clichéd answer you’ve ever given in an interview?

Instead of an answer, it is the question, "So, who cooks at home?" which I find really clichéd.



Your most irrational fear…

...If tomorrow doesn’t come!



You wouldn’t be caught dead wearing…

A lungi.



The one lie you got away with?

I actually get away with everything because of my smile.



Where did you spend last summer?

In New Zealand and Spain.



How many pairs of blue jeans do you have?

They are in scores, not even dozens.



What’s the biggest surprise you’ve ever given your wife?

Our second daughter! Sun sign: Aries
Birthday: April 10
Hometown: Mumbai
School/college:Changed about 20 schools/Pusa Institute of Hotel Management
Occupation: Celebrity chef, TV host and entrepreneur
First break: The TV show Khana Khazana
High point of your life: The birth of my daughters
Low point of your life: When I lost my dad
What are you doing currently?Just opened Sura Vie – a casual eclectic lounge in New Delhi, also the channel Food Food