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Bhagyashree's beauty secrets

Caught actress Bhagyashree recently in Mumbai while chatting with her small screen actress friend Mrinal Kulkarni. They were partying though it was hosted by fashion designer Rachna Darda. When we checked with them, it was revealed that Mrinal was seeking advice from Bhagyashree about the secrets of the latter's beauty. In fact, Mrinal wanted to know how Bhagyashree has been able to maintain her beauty. Alas, they did not disclose the secrets of maintaining beauty to us.

Anil turns director?

Following in the footsteps of his elder brother Boney Kapoor, Anil Kapoor is keen on becoming a producer. He has therefore proceeded to South Africa to look for good locations there for his debt movie as a producer. It is said that he has already named his company as "Anil Kapoor Film Company Private Limited". Though Anil is said to be seeking all help from big bro Boney Kapoor, the latter's response is yet to be known. Incidentally, their another brother actor Sanjay Kapoor could not fulfill his cherished dream of becoming a producer.



[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 12-9-2005 01:28 PM ]

Manooj Ko Bhi Gussa Aata Hai

Manoj Bajpai seems to be worried these days. The reason is simple though that Boney Kapoor has cut his role in his movie 'Bewafa'. Boney had earlier announced that he would cast three heroes in this movie - Anil Kapoor, Akshay Kumar and Manoj Bajpai. However, the promos running on all the television channels show only two faces of Anil and Akshay. Manoj's face is missing. This has angered Manoj, and he is not ready to accept that he doesn't posses a commercial face. He has been arguing that he is a professional actor, after all.

Luck saved Shahid and team

Actor Shahid Kapoor is very much disturbed with tsumani killing lakhs and displacing millions of people in Asia. In a statement, he has said, "We could have been one amongst the thousands killed in the tsunami wave." The crew of 'Milenge Milenge' was scheduled to be held in Phuket on 24th December but the program was called off because Shahid requested to stay back to attend the premiere of 'Dil Maange More'. Shahid's request not only saved him but also Kareena Kapoor, Boney Kapoor, Satish Kaushik and choreographer Ahmed Khan. Shahid adds, "The hotel we had booked on the beach doesn't exist any more and the mere thought of it gives me goose bumps. Life is so fragile and can be wiped away in seconds. Here I am, 23, starting my life and career so enthusiastically. But this tragedy is such an eye opener."



[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 12-9-2005 01:34 PM ]

Amisha's auction for victims

Even Amisha Patel could not remain behind in doing her utmost for the tsunami victims. She was in New Delhi along with her team of the forthcoming movie titled 'Vaada' to raise funds for the victims of tsunami. She chose a multiplex in NOIDA, near Delhi, to auction the dress she had worn during the shoots of 'Vaada' in the presence of a large gathering of her fans. She collected an amount of Rs 1.85 lakh, and apprised the people of the sufferings of those who faced tsunami in affected areas of India.

Aishwarya Rai's advice to aspiring professionals

Aishwarya Rai is the worldwide face of India's film business, and, if no less an authority than the US television show 60 Minutes is to be believed, it's the most beautiful face in the world. Now she's going international -- and bringing Bollywood with her.

Since 1994, when she won the Miss World pageant, she's starred in more than 30 feature films, more than 50 music videos, and, in a country where women still lag men in most aspects of society, she commands the equivalent of more than $15 million per film, according to her agent, making her far and away the highest-paid actress in the country.

First time Aamir-Kajol pair

Aamir Khan and Kajol will be pairing for the first time in the 'Hum-Tum' fame Kunal Kohli directed movie. Yes, she has acted with Aamir Khan in Indra Kumar's 'Ishq', but she paired there with Ajay Devgan. The Aamir-Kajol pair has Tabu too in a very sensitive role and so also Rishi Kapoor playing a significant character.

Aamir Khan


Kajol


[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 14-1-2006 05:09 PM ]

Yana Gupta after Aftaab?

Even after his link up with Kirti Reddy, Mohini Sharma, Esha Deol and Shamita Shetty in the recent past, young and handsome Aftaab Shivdasani is not without one at present. There is a hot news that his latest admirer is Yana Gupta known until now for her famous item song " Babuji Zara Dheere Chalo?" How and what relationship emerges out of the most-talked about affair between the two will be known only later, but it's a reality that Yana Gupta has been desperately looking for someone as her life partner following her break up with painter Satyakam Gupta after four- year-old marriage.

Yana Gupta


Aftab Shivdasani


[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 20-11-2005 03:41 PM ]

Husband contests Karisma's claim

Sanjay Kapur has contested his actor wife Karisma's statement calling him a deserter. In a written statement filed in the Delhi High Court where they are contesting each other's claims over the right of getting a passport for their five-month-old daughter Samaira. Kapur has said that his wife had in a preplanned manner gone to her mother's house in Mumbai for the delivery of their child. Kapur has added that Karisma had then refused to return to her matrimonial home in Delhi. Kapur says that there is no legal proceeding with regard to their separation or divorce pending, so her matrimonial home is in Delhi. He has also claimed to take care of all her expenses, contrary to her claim in the court.



[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 11-9-2005 11:27 PM ]

MANISHA, BROTHER TO PLAY REAL CHARACTERS

Pretty Napalese beauty Manisha Koirala who was launched by Bollywood's showman Subhash Ghai in his 'Saudagar' more than a decade back and has since been charming Hindi movie viewers, hasn't yet reached the top slot in the industry. Meanwhile, she turned a producer too, but didn't succeed here also. She bagged a movie to launch his brother Siddarth in films. Siddarth is yet to get another offer, and this has pained sister Manisha. She has been trying to improve her brother's career in the film industry, but in vain. The directors and the producers are not ready to sign her along with Siddarth. Out of frustration in the Hindi movie world, Manisha has shifted to the south.

According to reliable sources, a filmmaker from the south has already signed her along with her brother in his movie. Neither Manisha nor the filmmaker is ready to disclose the details of the movie. However, one thing is clear that Manisha and Siddarth are destined to play the real characters of a sister and a brother in the movie. This has provided a great relief to both of them and their family. Manisha is in dire need of hit films in her career, and is banking on this south Indian movie to improve her as well as her brother's career. She is determined to concentrate on the new opportunity given to her in the south. This is a question of now or never for her.



[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 2-9-2005 11:22 PM ]

WHO WILL PLAY OPPOSITE AJAY DEVGAN?

Who will be the reel heroine of Ajay Devgan? This is the talk of Bollywood these days. The matter has created a lot of speculation in the industry. We are talking about the directors in white Abbas-Mustan's next to be made under the banner of Shri Ashtvinayak Cinevision. Abbas-Mustan has already finalized the two male actors in Ajay Devgan and Sanjay Dutt for it, but he has yet to choose Ajay's heroine. According to quarters close to director Abbas-Mustan, the choice is between Kajol and Aishwarya Rai. Hopefully, the real wife Kajol will not be the reel life heroine too.

However, this is possible as both Ajay Devgan and his wife Kajol are seen these days in ad films. The selection of a heroine who can carry the proposed movie to the box office is very significant because this banner's recently released movie titled 'Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya' failed miserably though its cast comprised big stars like Salman Khan, Sushmita Sen and Katrina Kaif. Keeping the new movie's box office prospects in view, Abbas- Mustan has a tough task ahead to choose Ajay's reel heroine. He says he will do it as soon as he is free from his current shooting of Subhash Ghai's '36 China Town' is over.



[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 12-9-2005 01:35 PM ]

STAR 2006

The event was honored by the presence of eminent film personalities at the exquisite Le Meridian on Monday 11th July 2005. The logo of Star 2006 was unveiled by Sridevi, other personalities who graced the occasion was Boney Kapoor, Poonam Dhillon, Talat Aziz, Tejaswini Kolapure, Gulshan Grover, Aasavri Joshi and many others. Padmini Kolhapure said that amongst her amibitions in life this is one of them which has just embarked.



[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 21-9-2005 11:11 PM ]

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH SONALI KULKARNI

Sonali Kulkarni has been an old hand in Marathi cinema. She has therefore found no difficulty in successfully entering Hindi films. She succeeded Isha Kopikar in Ram Gopal Verma's movie ---"Dil Chahta Hai". This proved a blessing in disguise for an otherwise Marathi film star. She bagged a National Award and also won the best actress award at the Vallanciences Film Festival (France) for her stirring performance in 'Daayara', which was listed as one of the best 10 films of 1995 by Time magazine.

Do you feel satisfied with your career growth at present?

Yes. I have a positive feeling. Yet I have to learn a lot to soar higher. Though I am not new in industry, as I had started performing nine years ago in a Marathi movie "Mukt" of Jabbar Patel.

Do you find any big difference in your performance since "Mukt" to "Dil Chahta Hai"?

Oh, yes. There is a definite change in my body language and a distinctive delicacy in acting. I have grown mature. I am no longer rigid. I appreciate my role now in "Mission Kashmir", "Pyar Tune Kiya" and "Dil Chahta Hai".

What type of roles you prefer?

No preference as such. I wish to experiment in different roles to become a versatile actress.

Your new films, Sonali?

At present, I am acting in "Agni Varsha" of Arjun Sajnani. I am doing the role of Nihilai, whose land has been affected by drought for the last nine years in the absence of rains. The movie has Amitabh Bachchan, Jackie Shroff, Nagararjun and Raveena Tandon as its cast. I am acting opposite Chandrachud Singh in Sanjay Khan's "Junun", with Shilpa Shetty. Besides, I am in Markand Deshpande's " Danav" in the company of Sayaji Shinde and Aryan Vaid.

Being an "art film personality", don't you feel hesitant in signing commercial films?

No, not now. My performance in three commercial films like "Mission Kashmir", "Dil Chahta Hai" and "Pyar Tune Kiya", has changed my image of an art film actress. These are commercial films. There is hardly any difference between an art and a commercial movie.

Sonali, how come you have achieved such a creditable success in such a short span?

Well, I attribute all my success to my honest and sincere devotion to acting. I concentrate on my acting in all films like a devotee.

Don't you feel lonely? Any plan of leading a married life in the near future?

No, I have yet to look into my inner-self to develop my faculties fully. There is a long road ahead to cross. Moreover, I am very happy with my family and myself. No time to think of anything like marriage.

A HIT IS A HIT: MAHIMA CHAUDHARY

Mahima Chaudhary has made more headlines in the gossip columns of late than in film news. This, despite five films in hand up for release a rather active year ahead at the marquee. Perhaps her outspokenness makes her a natural catch for the gossip press. Moreover the fact that she does not talk much to the press also made her always wrong rather than the wronged one. She told this in an interview:

How was it different working with the debutant Anupam Kher in "Om Jai Jagadish"?

Yes, absolutely. He is the most patient director I have ever worked with. We would sit and crack jokes even before a serious scene was being shot. Whereas, Anil (Kapoor) as a co-actor is extremely serious and needs to work himself up for a role. He would constantly yell at us (Fardeen Khan, Abhishek Bachchan and her) because he thought we were the pranksters. The only person Anil spared was Urmila.

How has Bollywood treated you since you entered as a debutante from Channel V?

I think I am the first person after Danny Denzongpa, who came from so far (I grew up in Darjeeling) and has been in Bollywood. It's far easier for people in Mumbai to have dreamt this dream and achieved it. I had not even dreamt it. Even in those hobby books in school where you write what you want to be, I would write all sorts of professions, like pilot, air hostess? I never wrote 'actress.' I found different worlds since the days when I had auditioned for the Pepsi commercial. But being a VJ was fun - a lot less stressful than being an actress.

A common refrain among actors in these days of flop films is that success at the box-office is not of primary concern to them when they sign up. Does the same apply to you?

A hit is a hit, the number one thing, there is no denying that. But it is better to be part of a good film that flops than a bad film that flops. If the film has to flop anyway, at least the performance should be appreciated so that you don't lose respect in the industry.

But what about 'good performances' turning out to be duds at the box-office as in Lajja, do you analyse, why?

I think the audience will tell you best what went wrong. I don't know really. Everybody has a different reason. I like heroism, triumph? maybe there should have been more of that in Lajja. But the maker wanted to adopt a more realistic approach in the film. Frankly, I don't know and cannot analyse my own films objectively. In my case, knowing that the film is not going to do too well at the box-office, I would still do Lajja just the same way. It's nice to be part of cinema, which is one of its kind.

Have you waged a war against the media?

I am not warring against the media. Maybe (against) one magazine (Cine Blitz) which supplies wrong information to the public for which my lawyers have sued the megazine. If you're a journalist you're supposed to take your job seriously and report facts, not write fiction.

Do you think the legal recourse has benefited anyone?

That is not the point. One should never give up fighting for a right cause. I am not one of those to take things lying down. But I won't do anything wrong. I shall catch goons and get them punished. There is no unity among actors and we have to fight our own individual battles.

Do you have problems with your producers/directors?

I have had no problems on the personal front with any of my directors with whom I have worked. However, I had professional difference with my first director. That's all. I have no differences with any other directors till date.



[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 31-8-2006 05:48 PM ]

SANJAY MEETS SANJAY: SPELLS SUCCESS?

Sanjay Gupta and Sanjay Dutt decided to make films and set up their own company, White Feather Productions. They started with 'Kaante', which speaks for their ambitious outlook. Gupta's next film is titled 'Plan'.

Is 'Kaante' ready for release?

Yes, by the end of this month (July-end).

Is the film complete or the shooting is still on?

No, the film has been completed. I am just doing some tiding up.

Is the film based on 'Reservoir Dogs'?

No, I can't give you the story of the film. This deals with a heist. Everyone is talking about 'Reservoir Dogs' because this is a recent successful film about a heist. 'Reservoir Dogs' itself found inspiration from a film made in Hong Kong called 'City On Fire'.

What prompted you to take newcomer like Kumar Gaurav who has been out of films for quite some time?

Yes, Bunty (Kumar Gaurav) has not acted for so many years. What are these 'new guys' doing here? This has a tremendous curiosity value. The idea was not to take stars, but to take performers. These unconventional faces will give away the character in advance. Why did you take on Lucky Ali for acting while he is a singer? Lucky is a very good actor. I wanted Lucky the actor, not Lucky the singer.

Did Mahesh contribute his bit as director in Kaante?

No, Mahesh has concentrated on acting. He was very conscious of his role. But we did discuss the script with him several times. We are all friends and spend evenings together.

Why did you replace Tabu with Isha Kopikar? Any special reason?

No. Isha is playing a character that was originally supposed to be done by Tabu. But because of the September 11 mishap in America, our work permits were cancelled. So Tabu couldn't make it. Since Isha was already cast in 'Plan', she fit the bill. So we decided to opt for her.

Did Isha's hit 'Khallas' number in 'Company' influence?

Oh, was she in the 'Khallas' number? I didn't know!

How many actresses in your movie and what are their special roles?

The female characters are Isha, Malaika and Rati Agnihotri. There is no special role for any one. There's very little action in the film. It's more of drama.

You have other actors too, how did you manage then on the sets?

Yes, there are three commercial icons like Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt and Sunil. They are hundred percent professionals. They were given their scripts more than a year in advance. They have done their job very well.

Have you any other movie under your company's banner?

Yes, There's a movie titled 'Plan', which is again an'ensemble film'. It's got Sunjay Dutt and Karisma Kapoor besides Dino Morea, Rohit Roy, Sunjay Suri, Bikram Saluja, Isha Kopikar and Cleo Isaacs. It's a comedy, a crime caper-cum-comedy. We have some other projects in mind but nothing has been finalized as yet.

Sanjay Dutt


[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 14-1-2006 05:10 PM ]

PREETI JHANGIANI RARING TO GO AGAIN

'Ms. Chhui Mui' or Preeti Jhangiani first tasted success with a Rajshri album, 'Yeh Hai Prem'. The song picturized on her was such a hit that it fetched her five South films and 'Mohabbatein'. There was a lot of hype around her after 'Mohabbatein' but somehow it was sheer bad luck that things did not look up for her. Preeti maintains in this,however,that she has put her past behind her and is raring to make her mark in Bollywood.

Why haven't we seen much of you after 'Mohabbatein'?

After 'Mohabbatein' I signed no less than 10 films. It was sheer bad luck that many of these didn't work out. There was a Venus film with Aftab, one with Mohan Chhabria, one with Vijay Ghalani, all of which fell through. Besides I fell ill after 'Mohabbatein', so I opted out of the other films too. I had to take medication that caused my face to swell. I had developed some blood infection. It was not serious, but unfortunate all the same.

Your second film, 'Awara Paagal Deewana', has also fared well. How does it feel?

Yes, I've been lucky for the second time. I am excited. But I am not surprised since I knew all along that the film would do well.

But you didn't have a substantial role in the film?

That's true, but the character was significant. In fact, mine was the only character, besides Aftab's, that was positive, since the other characters had shades of grey. Even in 'Mohabbatein', I had only a few scenes, but all of them left an impact on the viewers.

What is your role like in 'Wah Tera Kya Kehna'?

You will see a totally different Preeti in 'Wah Tera Kya Kehna'. You have seen me portraying the typical Indian girl but you will see me in a modern garb this time. I play this really sassy modern Bombay girl. The film is not just another Govinda film. It has got a lot of suspense, thrills and romance. Shammi Kapoor does a dance number in it. There are a lot of funny sequences and I really enjoyed doing these. Working with Govinda has been a tremendous experience. Before the start of the film I was in awe of him since he is among the best when it comes to comedy. But he put me at ease from day one and helped me a lot in understanding the nuances of my character. .

Isn't Raveena the main female lead?

No, she has a very important cameo appearance-that of a qawwal. She comes on the screen only in the second half of the film. I am the leading lady of the film.

What can your fans expect next?

'Awara' was one of the first films I signed after 'Mohabbatein'. There are two more coming up, which adds up to four releases this year. 'Jaano Hoga Kya' is a sci-fi thriller with Aftab in a double role. I play a bubbly young South Indian girl. We have just shot a song for the film. The film got delayed because Aftab was away shooting for other films, but it will definitely release this year. 'Annarth' is another very important film for me. I play the solo lead in the film. It's a woman-oriented subject with plenty of scope for performance. Sunil and Ashutosh Rana, who play my brothers, are part of the underworld in the film. The story is about my struggle to distance myself from crime and make my own life. A newcomer plays the male romantic lead.

In hindsight, do you feel the post-'Mohabbatein' hiatus set your career back by a couple of years?

Yes, it did, but it was better than doing bad work.

How is your health now?

All is great on the health front now.

How close is the shy, demure girl of the screen to the real Preeti?

Well, I have been a quiet girl all along. My PR skills are not great, so I stand to lose in this department. I'm not the kind who chats up producers. I don't know how to do it.



[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 15-1-2006 03:26 PM ]

HRITHIK STILL HAS FAITH IN HIS ABILITIES

Hrithik Roshan, who has had three long years of glory in Bollywood, is amazed to find critics writing him off now. The superstar of 'Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai' and the one who set many hearts throbbing in the past is calm despite his declining box office status. He believes in destiny. If his days are over, so be it. He will fade away. But nobody on earth can decide the destiny of another person (critics included), he feels.

Hrithik how do you maintain your cool despite all the odds?

I still smile and feel happy. I mean what I am saying.

Don't you feel bad after a slide in your career graph?

No, not in the least. 'Kaho Naa Pyar Hai' made me a God, but the later movies didn't turn out to be all that successful. A hero is a hero; he will rise after a fall. I have faced challenges earlier and I am facing them right now.

'Mujhse Dosti Karoge' will be your second film with film critic-turned-director Kunal Kohli.

After working with Kunal I can tell you that he has probably been watching Hindi films since his birth! We completed the film in just 76 days and that too with one shift a day. Despite the hard work, I was never stressed out. I always enjoy working with Kunal.

What about your forthcoming film, 'Mujhse Dosti Karoge'?.

I felt happy working in 'Mujhse Dosti Karoge', especially the Switzerland schedule, which was great fun.

How did you find working with Rani and Kareena?

Rani (Mukherjee) is shy and timid, whereas Kareena is flamboyant. I was working with Rani for the first time and I think we make for a good pair. I enjoyed working with both of them though. Both are very professional in their approach.

Would you say you are a method actor?

If you ask me, I'd rather be spontaneous. There are two kinds of actors---the spontaneous kind and the ones subscribing to the method school. I think I fall somewhere in between the two.

What are the lessons you have learnt so far

One lesson I have learnt is that I cannot afford to repeat myself. Another, that I have to closely examine a script before deciding to do a film.

Have you gone wrong in choosing movies?

Every star has hits and flops. There are ups and downs in everybody's life.

Why have critics been writing you off?

I am really not aware of what the media is writing about me.



[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 31-8-2006 05:50 PM ]

ITC's John Players ropes in Hrithik Roshan
  
Mumbai: ITC'S mass apparel menswear brand - John Players - has signed Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan as its brand ambassador.

At a press conference, ITC's Executive Director, Anup Singh, said, "ITC is committed to achieving a leadership position in the Indian apparel market.

"ITC's brands, Wills Lifestyle and John Players, have, in a short span of time, been able to generate high appeal, recognition and loyalty among consumers, trade partners and within the fashion industry."

John Players is driven by the vision of creating a mega-brand offering the most contemporary fashion to youth at accessible prices, states the company.

With multiple categories such as shirts, trousers, cargos and T-shirts, denims, outerwear, suits and accessories, it is a complete and vibrant wardrobe brand.

As a part of ITC's brand-building initiative, the company is partnering with Hrithik Roshan to make John Players a strong statement in the fashion and lifestyle space.

As a part of this initiative, ITC will be shortly introducing Signature collections that will be crafted by the company's design team working closely with Hrithik, "infusing his personal touch into the brand."

"I look forward to partnering with John Players. I vibe well with the brand's youthful attitude.

"The clothes are really cool and just what today's generation looks for - vibrant colours, playful styling and very comfortable fits," said Roshan in a statement.

Scheduled to be launched in October this year, the John Players fall/winter campaign featuring the actor will bring vividly alive both the personality of the brand and the vibrant new range, the company said.  



[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 12-9-2005 01:46 PM ]

AAMIR IS STILL MY HERO??": GRACY SINGH

Standing up to Aamir Khan in a film is no mean feat and that too for a newcomer. But Gracy managed with a lot of grace. When met her recently, she was all excitement. Happy that 'Lagaan' had gone for the Oscars, the only thing that upset her a little was that she was being henceforth offered only "gaon ki gori" roles.

Is it true that you have recently turned down many "gaon ki gori" like roles ?

I think that I have lost count. I had so many film offers, most of them being an extension of the character I played in Lagaan. But on the positive side, I must say it's good because it means that Lagaan has made such a big impact. People are still suffering from the Lagaan hangover. It feels great. But, yes, to tell you the truth, it's such a herd mentality out there. They tend to slot you. But then I'm an actress and my aim is to do as many different characters as possible.

What is the kind of role that you play in the your next film starring Tusshar Kapoor?

There were two roles offered to me. The one that Amrita Arora is doing and the one I said yes to. I liked my character better because it's very interesting. It has a lot of shades to it. Everything happens because of the girl. I didn't find the other role in the South Indian original, Badri. I felt this character was completely different, very modern. It will stop people from thinking I was born in a village! It's all rubbish that I am being too choosy. If I get good offers I will sign ten films. But I haven't got that many good offers. When I mean good, I mean in comparison to Lagaan. It's very difficult for films to live up to Lagaan. It is very sad. After Lagaan, there wasn't a single offer I liked. I had no other choice but to try a South Indian film. I did a film called Santosham with Nagarjuna and Prabhudeva. It was a great learning experience. These South guys are so professional.

It is being said that you were over-confident during the shooting of Lagaan and that Aamir's indulgence had made you so. Why didn't you sign any films during the making of Lagaan?

I could not and did not want to. I had signed a contract saying that I wouldn't do any films till Lagaan released and that's the way I wanted it to be. I was waiting for Lagaan to release. And in that period, I learnt classical dancing. It was my dream to learn it from Hema Malini. So I contacted her and she put me on to her guruji. This was after I finished shooting for Lagaan.

After the super-success of Lagaan, life must have changed dramatically for a young girl like you. Or do you not feel so ?

Lagaan was the best thing that happened to me. It was such an honor to be part of that film. There was so much to learn. Just watching Aamir act was amazing. I'm a huge fan of his. I still can't believe I did a film with him.

Is there anyone else you want to work with?

I wish I had been born years back. Then I could be paired opposite Mr Bachchan. I'm a big fan of Amitabh's. He's the best. I also like Sunny Deol and Anil Kapoor. In fact, I'm doing Satish Kaushik's next Tum Bhi Khush Hum Bhi Khush with Anil. Acting was not a conscious decision. When I was in college I used to do a bit of modeling on the side. Then I got the offer to do Amanat. For the first one year, I used to take it very lightly. I just did it for a lark. But I realized that I liked it a lot. Then Lagaan happened and I couldn't have asked for more. Initially, of course, my parents were a little apprehensive. They weren't too happy. But they relented later. In fact, when I got Lagaan, it was they who told me, 'Go for it.' They had heard a lot about Aamir. I mean, he has such an amazing reputation. They were like, 'Gracy, he's such a decent guy. You have to do it.' They like Aamir a lot."

Is it true that you were cheesed off with Aamir for not inviting you for the Lagaan match held recently?

Not at all. I was out of town. I would have loved to be part of it and I was just expressing my regret. But it sounded like I was complaining, which was not my intention. Thankfully for me, Aamir was completely cool. But it was very unsettling for me. I was shooting and I couldn't concentrate. I guess everybody goes through it. I'm a newcomer and I'm learning how to handle the media.

What was the controversy over the television serial you were supposed to do after Lagaan?

Can you imagine, they put up hoardings featuring me all over the city saying, 'Watch the Lagaan girl in a television serial'. It was my face on the hoardings of a serial called Manzilein Aur Sahi. I was hopping mad. I had signed for this serial a long time back and I walked out of it after I signed my Lagaan contract. So it was completely unfair of them to use my name to promote their serial. It was damaging for my career, considering that I have a promising film career. When I tell people I don't want to do television anymore, they say, 'Arre, Gracy is acting pricy.' And if I do television then they will say I'm not getting films. Either way I stand to lose. So I have realized the best thing is to do what I want to do. And right now films are my topmost priority.

Anything else left to declare?

Well, if I hadn't got good offers I would have packed my bags and left. After all, I have Lagaan to my credit and I am already part of history. But thankfully, the good offers are pouring in. So you will see a lot of me.

Aamir Khan


Gracy Singh


[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 25-2-2006 01:49 PM ]

TAJ MAHAL : A SECOND COMING FOR MANISHA?

Sitting on the lavish sets of Akbar Khan's Taj Mahal - An Eternal Love Story, Manisha Koirala, who plays Jehanara, dismisses suggestions that Taj Mahal's automatic association with the romance of Shahjahan and Mumtaz would diminish the importance of her character in the ambitious historical. There is a glint in her eye as she says :"The film isn't just about Shahjahan's love life," she points out. "It seeks to explore how the family fell apart after Dara was defeated by Aurangzeb."

Manisha says that the director had given her a choice - she could play either Noorjehan or Jahanara. She chose Jahanara because the role had compassion and depth which was very inspiring. There are layers of emotions within her (Jajanara) as a daughter and an element of strength, says Manisha. Among all of Shahjahan's children, she is the only one who stood by him till the end, even after her brother Aurangzeb had imprisoned him," she says.

She is well aware that comparisons will crop up over her rendition of the role, with the 1964-hit film titled Jahanara. But in her own carefree way she doesn't seem to care. "There isn't much that you can be different on in a film like this when there is already a past portrayal, especially when you are playing a historical figure? and especially as the previous film was a superhit and remains etched in the minds of the audience?" she says.

Not only does the making of this film mark the full-fledged return of the historicals' era, but also indicates a refreshing change. The trend, she says, was already set by Lagaan in moving away from designer family dramas. However, she says, the scale taken up by Akbar Khan is massive and leaves no stones unturned in breathing a fresh lease of life in an otherwise mundane-performing industry.

If the venture is risky, Manisha isn't bothered. "I've had more flops than hits," she laughs. "And despite that, the roles keep coming. In a free-wheeling interview, Manisha speaks also about her much talked about role in the film Escape from Taliban.

Q. What attracted you to play an unconventional role such as the one that you are doing in Escape From Taliban?

It was a really long time since anybody had offered me such a strong role. As most people know already, the story itself is rather unusual, based on the real-life account of a woman. It's a controversial story and I was a bit sceptical initially. However, after a few meetings with the writer and the director, I decided to give it a shot. I was clear from the very start that we needed to have the lady's consent before we went ahead with the film. In the end, not only did Sushmita Bandopadhyaya (on whose life and experiences the film is based) grant permission to have the film made, she was also kind enough to brief me about her story and help me tackle the role. I'd say that a large part of my research for this film came from my interaction with her.

Q. How authentically can you play the role of a common, unknown woman when the public perceives you as a superstar ?

A. I have tried intentionally to downplay my existing image. It is my responsibility to see that my own personality doesn't overshadow the character. Not that I think it will. I may be stretching things a bit when I give you this example, but consider the case of Julia Roberts in Erin Brockovich. I don't think she made the role any less believable because she's the biggest female star in the world.

Q. Why does one see so little of you on screen these days?

A. To be entirely honest, I was bored of acting, so I stayed away. But I've decided now that I want to do some good work before I quit. The reason I'd started to get bored was because I had begun to give more importance to the money aspect of the job rather than choosing the right films. Also, there was a bit of laziness on my part. But all that's in the past now.

Q. How do new film-makers perceive the role of women in society and do you think they are doing justice to womankind ?

A. Occasionally they do, and when such roles come my way, I grab them with both hands. In one film that I've recently signed, I play this neurotic girl who's a victim of society. In another one, I play a 45 year-old woman. I have no problems going against type and doing unusual roles. I just need to be convinced that it's not unusual for the sake of it, that it's pivotal to the plot, and that I can carry it off without being embarrassed.

Q. What scope could you possibly have in Ramgopal Varma's Company, a film about underworld dons' and starring Ajay Devgan and Vivek Oberoi?

A. I'd like to believe that I've performed well in whatever little I've been asked to do. True, my role in Company is second to those of the main actors, but it's not an inconsequential part. I had to cut my hair for the role, and I liked the look so much that I've kept it.

Q. You were once considered amongst the most promising actresses of your generation. But pardon me for saying so, the image changed somewhere down the line?.

A. Yes. I think I performed fairly well in Vidhu Vinod Chopra's 1942: A Love Story, in Mani Ratnam's Bombay, and in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Khamoshi. I don't agree that anything went wrong?I think I am still perceived as one of the many on the top?but of course I cannot stop additions to the list of good actresses ?and why should I ?

Q. Apparently, you've already begun exploring other career options like direction??

A. Yes, I'm keen to try screenplay writing, and someday I would like to try my hand at direction. But I'm very insecure about writing or directing at this point in time, and I don't think I would venture into these areas until I've overcome the apprehension. Meanwhile, I also intend to start a production company sometimes soon, and thought we will probably begin with creating television software, I do have plans to enter film production as well. At heart, however, I will always remain an actress.



[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 9-1-2006 05:32 PM ]