The Mahima Kiss story
March 25, 2008
The most beautiful reply in a Q & A session with Mahima Chaudhry came when she was asked, “What gives you hope?” This was in London recently, after the screening of her new film, Hope and a Little Sugar at the BAFTA theatre. She smiled benignly and said, “My little daughter. She has brought back my innocence!” The audience burst into appreciative laughter, as Mahima and Tanuja Chandra, who has directed the film, soaked in the warmth of a successful screening.
“We had a packed house, much of which surprisingly, was non-Indian,” says Tanuja, thrilled by the applause her film evoked at the end of the show. “And it was great to have Meera Syal in the audience! I am a fan of her work, so it felt really good that she loved the film, and afterwards kept throwing flying kisses to Mahima for her performance!” Which reminds us of the other time Mahima had everyone giggling away as she related the kissa of a kiss! “I was in a relationship with someone when I was approached for this film, so I was uncomfortable kissing on screen.
Tanuja was in talks with other actresses as well, who incidentally did not have problems with the kiss. However, her producers changed and things didn’t work out with those actresses. And coincidentally, my relationship too broke off ! So upon finding out that Tanuja hadn’t finalised a heroine, I called her and announced, I am ready to kiss! And so, I sit in front of you today, gathering accolades — all because of a little kiss!” The audience clapped at Mahima’s candid wit, which has only become sharper with marriage and motherhood. This is the first English-language film for both these feisty ladies, and also stars Anupam Kher in a searing role. The all-India release is expected very soon.
Ajay Devgan gets angry with Anjana Sukhani
March 25, 2008
Actor Ajay Devgan got peeved on the sets of Golmaal Returns with co-actor Anjana Sukhani.
Apparently, a scene was being shot and Anjana found the dialogues so funny that she just couldn’t stop giggling. And every time she began to voice her dialogue, she would burst into laughter. After several takes, Rohit Shetty asked her to get serious, and when it didn’t work, Ajay told her to get on with the shot rather sternly. The next take, we hear, was simply perfect! So, Ajay is taken rather seriously, eh!
Pamela Anderson injured by a magician
March 25, 2008
Pamela Anderson has learned that serving as an illusionist’s assistant is a risky business after a recent show with pal Hans Klok left her burned and injured. The actress-cummodel has just returned from Berlin, Germany, where she performed with Klok, which left her more than a little bumped and bruised. She says, “I got scorched and I think I may have thrown a rib out. There’s one trick… where the spikes go through the box and it got really close and I ended up going backstage and going, ‘Woo, that was close’.” Anderson spent much of 2007 playing assistant to Klok in Las Vegas. Anderson is currently hoping to annul her brief marriage to poker player Rick Salomon. Instead of divorcing Paris Hilton’s ex-boyfriend, the former Baywatch babe has cited ‘fraud’ in court papers, filed in Los Angeles recently.
Meet Anokhi Srivastava
March 25, 2008
She plays the bubbly, naughty girl Bindiya in the show Banoo main teri… Dulhann and is finding the role quite challenging. Meet Anokhee Srivastava who started her acting career with TV serials like Kahin Toh Hoga and later Main Aisi Kyon Hoon. At first she auditioned for another role in Dulhaan… but soon she was taken for Bindiya’s role. “I feel so blessed to get that role considering that the show is so popular. The rebirth concept has worked wonders for the track. I feel very comfortable working with all my co-actors and it’s really a pleasant atmosphere out there,” says Anokhee who has done around 65 commercials and has also worked in a music remix video titled Aap jaisa koi to be released soon.
“I have a very versatile face, and coupled with my acting I can carry off any look from a beggar to a glam model very well,” she says. Anokhee received a lot of support from her parents in the initial stages and it was her mother in fact who told her to try acting. “She told me that I am very photogenic and that I can emote very well, and that’s how it all started,” says the actress. “I feel my work should speak for me rather than the other way round. I’ve never been to any acting school nor have I had time to join theatre but I feel life is the greatest acting school as you can learn so much from life. And real actors are those that pick up emotions from life,” she says philosophically. Anokhee, who has done business management, says she was quite an intelligent student in school. “But I was very shy! I used to hide inside if anybody came to our house and even keep a distance from guys. I never in my wildest dreams thought I would take up acting. I still can’t believe how I could ever face the camera. I also used to take a lot of time to open up. But now I’m become more confident,” she signs off.
I would have been a teacher
March 25, 2008
He’s the reigning Badshah of Bollywood, so it’s difficult to imagine Shah Rukh Khan as being anything else but the glam superstar. Little wonder, then, that the actor’s revelation — “Agar main actor nahin hota, toh teacher hota” — comes as a surprise. For SRK, who is all set to host the kids’ quiz show Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hai on television, has admitted that teaching has always been a secret passion with him. “The show allows me to fulfill my childhood dream,” reveals the actor who’s more of a moderator than a teacher on air. But then, this is the closest he can get to playing a mentor to kids, for now at least.
SRK’s pranks as a student himself, are legendary. “School was fun, I was very naughty, but I was very studious as well,” says the prankster, “I used to force my teachers to dance with me. I also remember blowing up something in the chemistry lab once.” He still retains his sense of mischief and the kid in him surfaces when the star is in his favourite role — that of doting dad to Suhana and Aryan. Kids need their parents to be both — responsible as well as friends they can trust and have fun with, believes SRK. And it’s the confidence he has garnered as a parent that he hopes will help him face kids on his show now. Armed with this experience, the actor’s ready for the barrage of ‘childish’ questions he’s expecting. “I don’t find any question that a kid asks childish, and no childish questions are stupid. When my own children ask me questions, the answers are on the tip of my tongue, but I often can’t answer at that point of time. It’s not that I don’t know; it sometimes is hard to recollect at the right moment, you know,” says SRK. Ji masterji!
Sharmila Tagore is worried about Soha
March 25, 2008
Sharmila Tagore is a proud and happy mother these days. Not only is son Saif Ali Khan going great guns in his career, but her daughter is also finding her groove in “films that compliment her sensibilities”.
About Saif, she is no longer worried. “He has seen life closely and handled it so far. But I am getting old and I want Soha to get married and settle down,” smiled the still gorgeous Begum Pataudi. She is busy herself, shuffling between Delhi and Mumbai, not between her children but for the shoots of a reality show she is doing on TV. Besides Saif’s upswinging career, Sharmila is also happy that her son has found an anchor in Kareena Kapoor. Especially since the last couple of years haven’t gone well for him personally. His health concerns and his failed relationships took a toll on the Chhote Nawab.
“Saif looks much fitter and happier now. Inshaallah, I hope he remains like this,” said the proud mother. Sharmila has apparently taken a liking to the vivacious Kareena who, unlike Rosa — Saif’s former Italian girlfriend — is happy to join the family fold. “Kareena is a lovely girl and a fantastic actress. I have known her from before and she has always met me with great respect and love. Now I have met her again through Saif and I like her,” said Sharmila. There is another bond she shares with Saif’s new lady love. Kareena is the grand-niece of Shammi Kapoor, Sharmila’s co-star from her debut film Kashmir Ki Kali.
Sharmila said she and Tiger Pataudi had always supported Saif’s choices. Even when they disapproved of them. “Saif has always taken his own decisions. At the end, he has to live with his choices. But we will always be with him through thick and thin. He is our son and we love him,” admitted Sharmila.
Has Bollywood’s new ‘It’ couple got the Nawab and Begum of Pataudi’s blessings for marriage? “I am more concerned about Soha settling down than Saif. He will make his own decision. His children also are involved in this. Happily Sarah and Ibrahim are fond of Kareena,” Sharmila said.
Did rumours of a secret nikah between Saif and Kareena upset her? “Not really. Without telling us he did that once in the past by marrying Amrita. This time, he won’t do anything like that without telling us,” she said.
Sharmila, who herself married the man she loved, is of the opinion that a relationship should not be stretched for too long. “Especially if you have found that special someone who you want to grow old with. Either the relationship loses its charm or fizzles out,” she said. “Saif and Kareena are two responsible people and they know what’s good for them.”
Vivek comes between Saif and Kareena
March 24, 2008
Finally Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor’s fans will get to see the golden couple together on the screen. The film is Karan Johar’s next, but… there’s a twist to it.
Giving them company will be Vivek Oberoi (now, why does everyone hate him?). Anyway guys; love him or hate him, but you can’t ignore the Oberoi boy. Maybe that’s why Karan has roped him along with Saif and Kareena to play the third important angle in the film. But Vivek bhai, why play kabab mein haddi between Saifoo and Bebo?
Interview with Morgan Freeman
March 24, 2008
Noted for his reserved demeanour and authoritative speaking voice, Academy award winner Morgan Freeman is one of Hollywood’s most popular and respected actors. After several decades of powerful performances, Morgan once again proves his mettle as an actor in The Bucket List, where he stars with another Oscarwinner Jack Nicholson. In this Rob Reiner-directed movie, the two play terminally-ill patients who hit the road with a list of to-do’s before they die. Here Morgan talks about The Bucket List and tells what’s on his wish-list!
The Bucket List talks about how important it is to find joy in your life. Can you tell us how you went about finding the personal joy in your life and what it was?
• I think that finding joy is probably tantamount to finding yourself and being comfortable in your own skin. I think that’s a joyful place because once you get there, it’s like ice cream. I think that whoever comes into your orbit gets a part of that reflection that is the joy of you.
Your son also appears in the film as your son. How was it working with him?
• It was fun. Being my son, he had a lot of trepidation — not so much about how well he would do, but more about how well I would think of him. I’d have to constantly reassure him that he was doing it for the director. So if he liked what you do then go home and have a drink.
If you had to make a list of three things you’d like to do before you die, what would be on it?
• I’ve just recently taken up golf so most of the things on my list have to do with golf (laughs). I’m also very fond of a light business jet, so I’d like to get it before it’s too late.
And is there a favourite lady you’d like to see before you depart?
• Um, I don’t know that there’s anybody left that I didn’t meet. Princess Diana is someone I really wanted to meet. I really wanted to get to know her. I like her.
Do you agree that comedy is one of the hardest things to do?
• I don’t do comedy. I think if a situation is funny you just play it for real and if it’s funny, it’s funny.
What is your favourite comedy and why?
• No, I can’t say any one, because I don’t remember what my favourite comedy film is — truthfully! I saw Borat and I thought I was not going to be able to get out of the theatre, because I was in so much pain from the laughter. So, was that my favourite comedy film? It may be the funniest, but I’m not sure it’s my favourite. I remember some Abbott and Costello films that left me weak.
If you had the choice between hanging up your golf clubs and winning another couple of Oscars, which would you choose?
• Why do you ask a question like that? Well, I just took up golf so I’m not so married to it… (laughs). I don’t think so, no! Did I answer the question?
Mariah Carey’s an icon for outcasts
March 24, 2008
Mariah Carey is glad she suffered hardships in her youth, because her turbulent childhood has made her an icon for social outcasts. The Heartbreaker diva claims her mixed-race heritage meant she wasn’t accepted by her peers as white or black, but hopes her meteoric rise to fame will allow bi-racial fans to see their own potential.
She says, “I felt very much like an outcast when I was younger. No matter where I went, there was always this sense of not really falling into place or into one category. I moved around a lot when I was growing up, so nobody knew me and I was never one thing or the other.” And the singing sensation claims she will never grow up, so as to never forget the struggles she went through to become successful.
“A lot of kids have said that to me, ‘Until you put your first record out, I didn’t feel like there was anybody that was the same as me.’ People who don’t feel like they fit in can identify with me. I promised myself when I was a little girl that I would never forget what it felt like to be a kid. I never wanted to grow up and be out of touch with what that feels like.”
Rakhi Tandon is back in new avatar
March 24, 2008
We best remember her for her unforgettable role as Sweety in Hum Paanch. Then, Rakhi Tandon was in the news for her not-so-amicable divorce with Raveena Tandon’s brother Rajiv. And then the talented actress who made comedy seem so easy, simply vanished, both from the big screen and from television. But she’s back now, with a new serial, a new role, a new look and a renewed zest for life.
Admitting she hasn’t been in the limelight since a while now, Rakhi goes on to say that it was a deliberate move to give up work for personal reasons. “But now I’m back with a bang, not just on the small screen but in films too,” smiles Rakhi, as she proceeds to relate her numerous upcoming film projects which include Golmaal Returns and Money Hain Toh Honey Hain. “I’m doing a lot of comedies with some fantastic characters!”
But doesn’t she feel her talent is being limited, that she is being typecast? “I look at it in a positive way. I’m more comfortable doing comedy, and honestly, I take it as a huge compliment that I’m categorised in the comic bracket. It’s very easy to make people cry, but it’s very, very difficult to make them laugh!” says Rakhi, on a serious note.
Yet, her role in her comeback serial Jiya Jale on 9X sees her in a different avatar. “She’s not a negative character, but she’s not all good either. She’s a very grey character, someone who always reacts according to the situation. It’s an integral character in the storyline, in essence, she unveils the story,” is what Rakhi is willing to reveal. All she promises is that she will be seen in a never-before avatar in terms of her role and her styling — her character will don a sari.
Professionally, she’s doing fine, but on the personal front, does she still believe it’s better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all? “Of course, love is the most beautiful thing, it should happen to everybody. I still completely believe in love and marriage; my failed marriage hasn’t affected me.”
As we promised, the new-and-zesty Rakhi’s back!
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