Amitabh Bachchan speaks to Subhash K Jha on the success of Paa.

Auro has become a bigger star than Amtabh Bachchan?
Ha ha. There is genuine love being expressed towards him and several have unabashedly desired to take him home !!

Did you expect Auro to have such a far-reaching impact on the nation's psyche? What are some of the most memorable reactions you've had to Auro's character?
No, I never ever imagined that Auro would be picked up, caressed and so warmly embraced. It is miraculous. A description of the reactions would be odious at this moment. I do have them all stored and shall be happy to share them with you at an opportune moment.

There's a feeling of dismay when Auro dies at the end of Paa because people want more of this metaphor of the life- force. How do you plan to take Auro forward?
Yes people want more of Auro, but I think Balki felt his presence was sufficiently enough. How he goes forward is for Balki to decide.

You abhor even a false beard. How did you bear with such elaborate prosthetics day after day?
I bore it with great resolve and fortitude.

So complete is your self-effacement in Auro's makeup that some people are actually saying that's not you, but another actor doing Auro. How do you react to that?
I take that as my greatest compliment and a triumph for the team that worked on my make up. Without them and their contribution Auro would have remained on the drawing board.

The surprises from your repertoire continue to spill out year after year. Auro, you'll agree is a very hard act to follow. What will you do now to satiate your expectant fans?
I shall continue to work to my best. Satiation is most subjective. I do not work with the consideration of those elements in mind. My fans understand that better than anyone else. Even me.

Paa marks the renewal of AB Corp Ltd's production output. What are the other films that ABCL plans to produce?
Please do not keep up this undesired exclamation of the ‘renewal’ of the Company. We were always there and functioning. Maybe you did not follow its activities. Or perhaps there was not much desire in you to do so. At the moment we have not concretised any further project under our banner, but if we were to, we would keep you informed !

As an actor you seem to have reached an unprecedented zenith of self expression. What is that one role you would still like to play?
I have no idea what it would be, all I know is that were someone to come up with a thought I would most certainly want to give it a try. I do hope that there are directors there that will dream up exciting work for me. If they do I shall be more than willing to work along with them.

Shah Rukh Khan is ready with the much awaited My Name is Khan. The Bollywood Badshah breezed in Kolkata for the grand finale of ‘Dadagiri Unlimited’, a quiz show hosted by Sourav Ganguly.

TWF correspondent Sreya Basu catches up with the actor on his friendship with Dada and his new film where he is paired opposite Kajol after several years.?

What was the first thing that came to your mind when you saw Sourav as a quizmaster?
It was really a pleasant surprise. I have seen him play cricket, discuss cricket…this is completely a new avatar of Dada (Sourav Ganguly). But I must say, he is really good at it. As I said on stage-Dada ko pakadna mushkil hi nehin, na mumkin hai. (Smiles)

What brings you to the finale of ‘Dadagiri Unlimited’? Friendship with Sourav?
Sourav and my friendship now go beyond Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Indian Premier League (IPL). To me, he is one of the best cricketers in India. I can never say ‘no’ to him.

Is this a kind of ‘favour returning’ gesture…since Sourav has earlier judged your cheerleader hunt ‘Knights & Angels’?
I never thought about it in this way…really. And as far as ‘Knights & Angels’ go, Sourav was not getting cheerleaders for Shah Rukh, but for the entire KKR team.

You have got Sourav back as KKR captain for IPL 3…
I told you…he is the best (in cricket).

KKR started with much energy, but failed to win the first two seasons of IPL. Do you expect to win this time?
I won’t comment on that. But if KKR wins this time, I will come and dance for all of you in Kolkata.

You are back in a Karan Johar film again?
Yes…I am inseparable from Karan’s films (smiles). On a more serious note, My Name Is Khan is a passion project; somehow I wanted to be part of this important film personally and as a production house.

Your company Red Chillies has tied up with Fox for My Name Is Khan. So with the help of Fox, are you trying to push your film to the Oscars?
I have just written to the Oscar people that they should have given me an award 10 years back; now I am losing interest. Jokes apart, our association with Fox is not award-based. But we believe Fox is one of the few people in the world, who can perhaps take our film to the roads of getting awards and recognition, if it is good enough.

For the first time you are playing a person with Asperger syndrome. How much effort Shah Rukh had to put to play the character?
Rizwan Khan is a special character-because he has a definite beginning and ending, and a bit of realism. He is a person with Asperger. While studying the character, I really had to hold Shah Rukh Khan back. I put together all my years of acting skills, before I could step into Rizwan’s shoes.

Already quite a few films have been made on terrorism. How different is your film from the lot?
Karan wrote the story three years back. At that time I felt it was quite an advanced one. This is not a film on terrorism, but on relationships; as are all Karan Johar films.

First it’s the relationship between two persons, then among many people, then, relationships within a basti, within a city and finally, within the world. Within those relationships, we put aspects of western culture, Islam and Asperger syndrome.

Now-a-days controversies are used as a publicity tool for a film. What do you think?
We (Karan and I) have never tried to create euphoria about the film with the help of controversies….no, never. But sometimes there are mistakes, sometimes it’s not a mistake, but an issue.

Even for My Name Is Khan, everyone of us-right from the producers, directors, actors, to lightman, cameraman, spot boys-has been really careful not to show any bias to any community or hurt people’s sentiments while dealing with Asperger. Even then, if there are reasons for controversies, then please help us out.

You are working with Kajol after a long time…
Yeah! Karan and I discussed at least a thousand times, how my pairing with Kajol will be…if it will be another Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge or Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. But in this film, Karan has not shot any romantic songs in Egypt or Switzerland with us. There is romance…but the treatment is not the same.

The title of the film-My Name Is Khan-is being seen as a Shah Rukh Khan statement…
My name is unimportant. My work is much more important than my name.

All laws of attraction fall short when this ‘Johnny Gaddaar’ shouts ‘Aa Dekhen Zara’ from his ‘Jail’ in ‘New York’. Yet Neil Nitin Mukesh tells India Blooms correspondent Sreya Basu in Kolkata that it is a simple girl he is looking for.

You are four films old now. So how has been your experience in the Hindi film industry so far?
Know what! This is the best time for an actor to enter Bollywood. Filmmakers as well as the audience are now accepting newcomers in films of all genres. I am in the best part of this era. Or else, tell me, where else can a ‘Johnny Gaddaar’ work as a debut film for an actor…a grey character becoming hero! Now-a-days heroes are getting more character-based roles to prove themselves.

But your dad (Nitin Mukesh) was reportedly not happy with your debut film?
(Smiles) True. Since I am Mukesh’s grandson and Nitin Mukesh’s son, my dad was scared a bit with me portraying a grey character in my very first film.

But the day he saw the first screening of the film, he said: ‘I respect you son…you have given me what I couldn’t even give myself.’ That was one of the greatest days of my life. However, at an early age, I had realized that I have a big responsibility…I have two names attached to my name; that’s why I am Neil Nitin Mukesh.

I have to go forward with the burden of all their achievements and goodwill. So I can, in no way, let them down. And thankfully, my parents also have that confidence in me….they know I will never take a wrong decision.

You said you have a ‘burden’ of your grandfather and your dad’s name. But Mukesh’s name surely helped you to get a foot in the industry?
The Mukesh tag really helped me to reach out to people; but after that it’s his and my dad’s reputation that I have to constantly take care of. Or else people will point fingers and say Mukesh’s grandson is like this or like that.

With your latest release ‘Jail’, you somewhat became the first male protagonist of a Madhur Bhandarkar film…
I know. But let me tell you it’s a myth that men are strong…they are not; I can tell you now that I have done ‘Jail’. I was mentally involved with the character of Parag Dixit in the film.

I didn’t bath for 5 days because I felt the moment water will flow down my head I will disconnect with Parag. I was completely cut off from my family and friends for over 40 days. I got myself bashed by my best friends to get myself into the psychology of my character.

Make-up is there to handle appearances but its more about the mental state. Trust me, now I exactly know how a man feels when he is raped…’miserable’ is a small word to describe his state.
Your Full Monty act also grabbed eyeballs…
I was ready to do anything for ‘Jail’. And besides, we didn’t do that scene for publicity…that happens in real jails. Everyone was asking if I was comfortable shooting the scene.

But nobody asked me how relevant and important that scene was for the storyline! By now you know, that scene was the trigger point of all incidents. And I think Indian audience has to get out of this mediocrity.

One of the all time hit films of the world is ‘Titanic’. There is nude scene in that film too. But we remember the film, not for that scene but for the love story.

Most of Madhur’s films are known for grabbing awards for the actors. So are you eyeing some this year?
Award is something that’s an important part of an actor’s life. It’s a moral boost that you have done well and your efforts have been paid. But it’s better not to expect anything …let time decide for me.

Don’t you think men in Bollywood are becoming sex objects with actors like John Abraham, Hrithik Roshan, and now you, of course, showing more skin than the girls?
Men of the Hindi film industry have always been sex objects…in all eras. In fact, Dharamji (Dharmendra) and Amitabh Bachchan are perfect examples of sex objects in Bollywood. But it’s not about how much skin they showed, but their personalities. They were, in fact, are alpha males.

You have sung in ‘Aa Dekhen Zara’ and ‘Jail’. So any plans for more playbacks?
If people like my voice why not! I am extremely passionate about music. I am not a trained singer but I sing with my heart. I also compose; play the piano and the keyboards…so, music is something that I will always be connected with.

How much stardom has changed you?
I know it sounds cliché…but true. I am still the same Neil…simple and grounded; and will remain so.

Do you have a friend in the industry?
Yes there are a few. But my closest friend in the industry is Madhur Bhandarkar. He is my elder brother, my guide.

Do you have a dream role?
I would love to do ‘Catch Me If You Can’.

Is there a dream actor you want to work with?
Amitabh Bachchan…it’s every one’s dream to work with a true star like him.

You are also into endorsements these days…
Yes… I am endorsing Sparx shoes and Morellato watches. There is a third product that is in the pipeline.

Are you brand conscious?
That depends on what I am carrying. I don’t want to be showcased as factory outlets. I prefer Prada and Gucci. Narendra Kumar is the man behind mu looks in all my films…I love him and his designs. I also love Shane and Peacock creations. Generally, I am very happy with a pair of nice blue denims and a white shirt.

What are the two things you can’t do without?
My turquoise rosary beads and watch

Tell us about your diet.
My diet depends on my films. My body keeps fluctuating according to my roles. Like, for ‘New York’, I put on 9 kgs…got 16 inch biceps.

I had to cut that for ‘Jail’ and spot a lean look because, I didn’t want my character to flex muscles inside his cell. Nornally, when I have to put on weight, I eat everything. And when I need to lose weight, I have steamed fish and boiled vegetables. I love to binge on sweets, but only when on holidays.

You have a huge female fan following. What kind of girl are you looking for?
Simple, smart and stylish.

Is she Priyanka Bhatia?
(Smiles)

Shaan has donned the captain's cap now to battle it out at Star Plus' new music reality show - Music Ka Maha Muquabla. In Kolkata to select his fourth 'Striker', the singer tells India Blooms correspondent Sreya Basu why people no longer wants to listen to a particular singer for long

What is this 'Music Ka Maha Muquabla' all about?
'Music ka Maha Muquabla' is going to be the World Cup' of all music reality shows. We -Himesh Reshammiya, Mika Singh, Mohit Chauhan, Shankar Mahadevan, Shreya Ghosal and me-are the captains of six teams who will compete with each other for the ultimate title.

In each team there will be three singers from popular singing talent hunts, along with a fourth 'striker' selected via auditions.

So, who are the Shaan Strikers?
There is Debojit Saha (Sa Re Ga Ma Pa champion), Anwesha Dutta (Chhote Ustaad runner-up) and Harshit Saxena (Voiceof India finalist). We have picked up two contestants-Nandini Dev and Ravi Trivedi-from Kolkata. They are so good that it was difficult to decide on the spot. So we will hear them again in Mumbai…our fourth striker will be one of them.

What are your chances in this reality show?
Honestly speaking, I think our eastern team is the strongest and the most versatile one among the six on the show. So I can confidently say that our chances are really high (smiles).

What kind of singing will the eastern team showcase on the show?
I don't prefer singing that involves a lot of shouting and loud music. My kind of music is something very aesthetic, original and pleasant to the ears.

We are not seeing Shaan doing a lot of playback singing these days. Any particular reason behind this?
Now-a-days, people get bored of same voice easily. They don't want to listen to the same singer playbacking for twenty films at the same time. So I have become very choosy when it comes to doing playback. I have sung for 'Paa', '3 Idiots', and 'Chance Pe Dance'. But I don't want to get myself involved to monotonous singing.

And what about an album?
I am planning to release an album with my sister Sagarika, on selective works of my father (music composer Manas Mukherjee). Besides, my sister and I have two sons each. So, we want to cut an album featuring all four brothers together sometime in near future.

Any plans to join films?
No…never (laughs). The public response on my acting stint in 'Daman' was so bad that my wife Radhika, who was my fiancé at that time, threatened that if I ever act in a film again, she won't marry me. I am happily married now and will never ever tread in that path (acting) again.

With two kids in the houses, are you planning anything special this Christmas?
Yes. My sister Sagarika is coming from America with her two sons. Plus, I have my two heroes at home. So we will have a blast…it will be a fantabulous family get-together.

Slowly but steadily Raima Sen has made her mark as a ‘director’s actor’. TWF correspondent Sreya Basu caught up with the actor in-between shots on the sets of Bengali film ‘Natobar Not Out’ in Kolkata.

While your sister Riya is strictly into Hindi films, we see you more in Bengali films. Why?
I am an actor and my priority is scripts. I only do films where my character has a realistic approach. The script and screenplay have to be really strong…Bollywood, Tollywood (Bengali film industry), I will work wherever my criteria is fulfilled.

Riya is younger to you, but she entered the film industry much before you…
Yes, that’s because I wanted to stay in Kolkata and complete my graduation. And it also took me a longer time to decide on the move. My sister was more spontaneous in her decision.

Your mother (Moonmoon Sen) said you always wanted to be an actor, while Riya was doing fashion designing. So what took you so long to decide?
I never thought of pursuing any other career than acting. But I didn’t want to make a hasty decision. I didn’t want to do brainless roles.

You didn’t go for a formal training in acting?
No. But I believe in getting trained through experience. My directors have always helped me with the nuances of acting. I am much better an actor now than I was in my earlierfilms.

Initially you had problems in speaking Hindi as well?
Yes. I hired a tutor to teach me the right diction and dialogues. The tutor also used to accompany me to the dubbing studios.

While now-a-days heroines mostly go for frivolous roles, we see you more in serious films…
It was not a conscious decision to choose serious films, but a decision to choose the best of the lot. But I love doing the ‘frivolous’ roles you are talking about…it will be fun to try those as well (smiles).

What did your grandmother (Suchitra Sen) say when you and your sister decided to join films? As far as we know, she was not very willing to allow your mother join films.
She (Suchitra Sen) gave us her blessings. I think she was not strict to us as she was with Mummy because we are her granddaughters. She lets us do whatever we like. And also, may be because, she doesn’t care about these things any more.

Suchitra Sen watches your films?
Not really; may be at times when they are on television.

People compare you more with Suchitra than Riya…
Yeah! May be, because I look like Suchitra Sen (smiles). And hence, they expect me to catch up with her acting stature sometime in future.

When do you plan to get married?
Marriage can wait for a long time now. But I will definitely get married in future.

How did London Dreams happen?
I was still shooting for Ghajini but Vipul had seen some of my South Indian films. So I got a call from him and he said he had a role of a headstrong talented girl in his next directorial venture after Namastey London.

Obviously I was excited at the sound of it! (laughs) I love Vipul’s cinema, he showcases emotions really well and his films always have strong music. So it was actually a no-brainer that I wanted to be a part of this project immediately on hearing its script. In a way, this is my first authentic Bollywood film even though Ghajini released first.

That's because I had already played Kalpana in the south version of Ghajini before doing the Hindi remake with Aamir (Khan).

Tell us the experience of working with Vipul Shah!
Fabulous! Vipul is very organized, he does his homework really well so when you reach the sets the shot break downs are done, he knows exactly how he wants the scene done. And I am a complete Director’s actor.

It’s important for me to understand my director’s vision and in that sense Vipul is very giving. I’ve been spoilt by him because now I think I will always want all shoots to be as planned! (Smiles)

Tell us something about your character in London Dreams?
I play a south Indian girl, Priya, who is emotional but strong willed and ambitious at the same time. And she has two radically different sides to her.

At home she’s a traditional girl clad in Indian outfits but the minute she’s out with friends, she’s a fire brand, and that shows in the way she dresses. And she’s also partly responsible for the conflict between Salman and Ajay’s characters. So it was a wholesome character to play.

This is the first time you’re working with big names like Salman Khan & Ajay Devgn. What was that like?
When I came on to the sets of London Dreams I didn’t know them. I knew they were way senior and was anxious just like any newcomer would understandably be.

And then I'd heard so much about them from different people. Salman has a ‘bad boy’ image. Many told me that he was very temperamental and erratic! Having worked with him I dispelled all those myths. I got to see a sensitive actor who had an absolute ball on the sets and went out of his way to make everyone comfortable.

Both Ajay & Salman are also great offscreen friends and that shows on celluloid. Ajay, contrary to popular belief, was not reticent at all. He was very helpful and friendly!

I realised that you find out the truth about people only when you work with them and get to know them better.

Tell us about the music of London Dreams!
Oh! There’s so much that I can say! (smiles) London Dreams has a backdrop of a rock band so it’s only right that the music should be an arterial part of the film. And I think that Shankar, Ehsaan & Loy have done complete justice to the film in that sense.

The music is melodious but remains true to the essence of the film. It’s a very holistic album - there’s the masti of Punjab and the edge of contemporary music. I personally love Man Ko Ati Bhaave and Tapke Masti; they’re fun songs!

Everyone is waiting for London Dreams with bated breath. Tell us why we should watch it?
It's an absolutely stunning looking commercial entertainer with emotions, humour, music and drama! It's a big one for the families!

We had a blast shooting it in the UK and I took back some really fond memories with me. The fantastic time we had on the sets and the chemistry between all of us will show on screen!

How confident are you of All The Best clicking at the box office in a big way?
I have not seen Main Aurr Mrs Khanna and Blue, but since I have seen my film, I am pretty confident about hitting the jackpot at the box office. I am very confident ‘All The Best’ will click at the box-office in a big way. It is a rib-tickling comedy resulting from mistaken identities and hilarious goof-ups.

Is All The Best a rip off from Paritosh Painter’s play Uncle Samjha Karo?
In fact, Uncle Samjha Karo has been ripped from a foreign play. We have bought the rights from the foreign writer of the play. Since the subject is in court, I cannot say more about this.

What according to you is the secret of your success as an actor?
I should confess that I have been very lucky as an actor in the sense that I have always got the right film with the right director or else life would have been very boring.

Do you regret having turned director with a flop like U Me Aur Hum?
My directorial debut U Me Aur Hum may have not clicked at the box office but that does not mean that I regret having made my debut with a sensitive film like that.

If only I had wanted, I could have easily made my debut with a formula film but then I was very particular that I did not want to do a typical film when I set out to make my debut as a director with U, Me Aur Hum

Do you agree that you have played safe as a producer with a film like All The Best?
I knew that I was not taking a risk because I was not playing 100 percent to the galleries. I always knew that making Golmaal or for that matter Golmaal Returns was safe, because if a film makes you laugh, there is absolutely no risk at all for the maker. I have always believed that life is all about risks. All The Best is one such hilarious film.

Was it very difficult to convince Kajol to act in U, Me Aur Hum?
I knew exactly how she would perform and had written the character that she played in the film actually keeping Kajol in my mind. When she listened to the narration, she fell for it and said that she would love to do the role.

I did not force Kajol to act in U, Me Aur Hum, just because it is our home production but cast her because I do not think any other actress could have done justice to her role the way she did.

Was London Dreams delayed because Salman and you did not see eye to eye at all? I have never been an insecure actor. It is wrong to say that Salman and I did not get along with one another when we were working in Vipul Shah’s London Dreams. Salman Khan and I get along very well.

We have had no issues either personally or professionally because we respect each other. Vipul is an organized director and knew what exactly what he wanted from Salman, me or for that matter Asin who is playing the leading lady in his film. Why would a director want to spoil his film?

What is your role in London Dreams?
I do not wish to divulge details about my role in London Dreams. Since Vipul has specifically asked me not to tell the media anything about the film before it’s release, all that I can divulge about the film is that it is about two friends, who are working in a musical band called London Dreams. It is a musical drama which has a lot of humor.

There are rumors about a split with Rajkumar Santoshi after Hulla Bol flopped!
Do not jump to the conclusion that Rajkumar Santoshi and I have sworn not to work with one another in future because Hulla Bol flopped and he did not set out to direct London Dreams as per his earlier plan. I have given my consent to Raj and will do a film with him. Raj is now working on the script and the day it is ready and I like it, I will go ahead and work with him.

What is your criterion for saying yes to a film offer?
Either I like a script or not. The script should excite me. I see whether the producer and the director are both capable of ensuring that the project is completed. I take up a film, if and only if, I am convinced by the vision of the director.

I have always believed in the fact that the director knows the best about any film and the actors only jump in and out of the sets. I make it a point to question my directors, though they always have the answers.

You seem to be the only actor who is extra choosy when it comes to selecting films! It is not that only I am quite choosy as far as films are concerned. Today every actor is choosy. Every one of us is doing just one film at a time. It is only when you do ten films at a time that often you end up realizing that you do not have a choice.

You have surprisingly not jumped into the bait of corporate companies!
I do not want to commit myself for tomorrow. I have been getting a lot of offers from various corporate giants who are now making films. Who knows what is in store tomorrow? Why should I get stuck? When there is no lack of offers, why should I jump into any contract with any corporate and sell my soul to them?

What has been your experience as a distributor?
It was not as bad as people think. You wouldn’t believe it but the fact is that I have not lost any money at all in distribution of films.

Thanks to the proliferation of the multiplexes in the metropolitan cities, distributors do not lose money at all these days. The producers of Black lost money but the distributors made money. In any case, as a distributor I believe in playing safe by undertaking to release the films on a commission basis.

To what extent has marriage earlier and fatherhood now brought about a transformation in you?
I feel that marriage and fatherhood certainly change one for the better. You get more responsible and want to spend more time at home with your kid.

Do Kajol and you have any plans for Nysa?
Nysa is too small now for us to think of what she is going to take up when she grows up. All that I would like to state now is that I want her to be daddy’s girl, because though Kajol is able to spend quality time with her, unfortunately thanks to my preoccupation with my commitments, I am able to spend very less time with her.

Though you had started off as an action hero, strangely enough, you do not have even one action film on hand now! Why?
I am keen now on doing an action film because I feel that I have not done one for such a long time.

Actor Manoj Bajpai is known for his acting histrionics. Two times National Award winner as an actor, Manoj is a very happy man because once again his film ‘1971’ has won another National Award for the best feature film. Acid Factory, a multi starrer is his forthcoming project. We catch up with him on his character in Acid Factory and more...

How did you got the role in Acid Factory and what is your character all about?
I was not working in any film for long time and had taken a break when Acid Factory happened to me. It was post Das Kahaniya, when I had clean shaven my head.

I had met Sanjay Gupta somewhere and he told me that he liked my new look and also told me he wants my same look for his next script. Then he came for dinner at my place and asked me to go through the script.

Once I went through it, I realised that as an actor I had something new to do. I’m playing the character of a police inspector. He is loyal to his people, has few memories, sometimes he is emotional, sometime funny. He is also angry-aggressive. He is unpredictable too; you never know how he is going to react.

Sanjay Gupta is always known as a friend of friends, what is you personal experience with him?
Sanjay Gupta is our family friend who would never need any invite to come to my place. Some time he just calls and says, “I want to eat this. Keep it ready, I’m coming for lunch or dinner.” And yes, he is a friend’s friend and a very good person. We get along very well and enjoy each other’s company.

Tell us something about Acid factory. In promos we see some resemblance to Kaante?
Acid factory is Sanjay Gupta kind of film, characters are fascinating, and techniques used for shoot are very good. Since each maker has a distinct signature style, it is visible in all their films. Same is with Sanjay too.

But the story has it own uniqueness. The whole film is shot in one factory and it has so many stars. For that director Suparn and Sanjay have worked very hard so that each gets their due. And no, it is not Kaante.

Designing of sets and costumes has been quite challenging for them. It’s a very gripping film but no question of resemblance to anything. We have rehearsed for the film. Sahil, the cinematographer, is USP of the film, as his camera work is totally fresh and new, nicely shot.

Every department was interestingly working and involvement of people from director, actor to spot boy was complete. It shows in the film.

Can you share some of your shooting experience with us?
Whole shooting of the movie was done at Ramoojirao film city, and to reach there from Hyderabad city, all 5-6 actors had to daily travel for 2 hours. Sanjay Gupta is friend for all, so every day he used to throw a party.

We would party till 12.30, and then will go for sleep and it was essential for everybody to attend the party. If by chance anyone missed, then he would have to listen to a dressing down from the director. But it was fun.

Aftab, Dino, Irrfan, Fardeen all used to join the party after they were done with gym. But I and director Suparn, we would sit and discuss the next day’s scenes, do additions and deletions before we could join in. and everyday, we were called workaholics and given nasty names for reaching late.

From all of you only Irrfan gets the heroine in the film. Did you ever feel jealous?
We are 5-6 actors but we have only one female with us, that is Dia Mirza and she is starring opposite Irrfan Khan. Naturally all the other guys were damn jealous of him. Why is he only getting the lady?

So we would all pass comments at that. But I got the consolation prize because my wife Shabana is doing special appearance in the film. So I’m quiet happy.

Starting from Satya to Swami how do you see you journey has been? Did you feel that this industry has been able to utilize your acting abilities?
If you look my filmography Satya, Shool, Kaun, Aks all my movies have been very different from one to another and in Acid Factory too, I tried to do the same thing. I have tried to be totally different.

Look wise, performance wise, character wise and good time wise also. Fact is Suparn has given us lots of chance and scope to play our characters and he is also open to ideas and suggestions.

As far as my career is concerned, I find myself blessed because I have had lots of quality and good movies with good directors and it’s going on nicely on personal and professional front. Still as an actor, I am looking for more and more different role, big role, nice production and everything else that any actor would like to have.

What is your dream role?
My dream role is to play Devdas but no such luck as SRK has already done the classic Devdas and latest Abhay Deol has played the contemporary Devdas.

By Joginder Tuteja

His "Love Aaj Kal" has completed 50 days at the box office and has earned more than Rs.65 crores (Rs.650 million) just within India. Now actor-producer Saif Ali Khan is looking forward to "Kurbaan" - a film he admits he is proud of having acted in being a Muslim.

"As a Muslim I feel proud of the fact that I have done this film. This is one of the most socially relevant films today. It is good that it is coming at just the time when our country needs cinema like this, " Saif told in an interview.

Set in the US, "Kurbaan" is a romantic thriller with terrorism as its backdrop.

A Karan Johar production directed by debutant Rensil D'Silva, "Kurbaan" also stars Kareena Kapoor, Vivek Oberoi, Dia Mirza, Kirron Kher and Om Puri. It is slated to release Nov 27.

Saif reveals that he now has a new career plan in place. "I would now be working on two-three films a year and make sure that I cover a wide spectrum. While a couple of them would be big, nice commercial films, another would be a relatively smaller film that can be completed in 30 days flat."

After "Love Aaj Kal", his next production venture is "Agent Vinod". But shooting for the film is still a little distance away.

"Final touches on the script are being given and we have been looking at getting the best technicians on board. I guess by the end of this year, we should begin shooting.

"In any case I am in no tearing hurry to ready my next film. One should space things out, invest good time to publicise things and get the right preparation in place for the making of the film, " said Saif.

He is also careful that his personal life, especially his health, doesn't suffer due to his professional commitments.

"It is of paramount importance that one looks after the body as well as brain. I go to the gym regularly as well as spend some good time with family. As far as work is concerned, I have certainly become even more serious about production after 'Love Aaj Kal'.

"We have learnt quite some lessons after the release of our first film and the idea is to leverage from some mistakes that we may have made. My investment as a producer is bound to increase from here on."

Meanwhile, the success of "Love Aaj Kal" and "Race" (2008) have made it closer for him to the top-five league. While Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Akshay Kumar, Hrithik Roshan and Salman Khan are firmly placed in the top league, Saif too is not that far away.

"I don't know much about that. All such number placements are for other people to state, study and analyse. As for me, I know today that I'm in a position to make the film that I want to make.

I am also confident that the film I would make will carry some meaning to people. My project should now carry certain amount of weight and direction and for that one has to be a bankable star."

He continues to shrug away the entire numbers game.

"This number business is quite fluctuating actually; so one should not be worried about it. What you should worry about more is that now since people have higher expectations from you, you should deliver even better in your next assignments, " Saif said.

By: Shweta Shiware

In an exclusive backstage chat before she walks the ramp at the ongoing Lakme Fashion Week, actress Lara Dutta tells Shweta Shiware it's a waste expecting Indian guys to dress stylish, and why Sush topples Ash in the style chart. Plus a wrap-up of the finale.

The backstage recesses of the show area is simmering with activity just before Raakesh Agarvwal's show, manifesting itself in an unsettling quiet before a stylish storm breaks through. Actress Lara Dutta walks in nonchalantly, and on time.

She seets herself down to get her make-up and hair done, looking comfortable in a worn-out Ed Hardy tee, ripped jeans and animal print wedges. She juggles two phones - an iPhone and a Blackberry - alligning them on the dressing table to match her line of vision.

Fashion has been a familiar playground, she admits, with international supermodels Naomi Campbell and Linda Evangelista, and Indian counterparts Madhu Sapre and Mehr Jesia inspiring the little Lara to preen like a model in family photographs. "I understood couture as early as 10, " she smiles before getting ready to take our volley of questions. "Shoot."

Who is the most stylish beauty pageant winner - Priyanka Chopra, Aishwarya Rai or Sushmita Sen?
Sushmita, of course. I appreciate her personal style. She doesn't believe in sticking to rules.

And what's Lara's personal style?
It depends on my mood. I am inspired by the classic styles of the 1920s, 40s and 50s. But I am not a fashion victim. I invest in pieces that stay relevant irrespective of cyclical trends.

Which designers sit in your wardrobe?
Shahab Durazi, Tarun Tahiliani and Raakesh Agarvwal. Among the international lot, if I am feeling young, it's Dolce & Gabbana and Roberto Cavalli. For classic styles, it's Armani and Valentino.

How long do you take to get ready?
If I am not walking the ramp or a red carpet, not more than 30 minutes. And that includes hair, make-up and dressing up.

Indian designers are taking an active interest in styling Bollywood films. Has style overridden substance?
My experience in modelling has helped me in Bollywood, as far as confidence with clothes is concerned. With Bunty aur Babli, Aki Narula changed the way masses dressed.

In Tashan, each character was individually styled, and the trailers looked fabulous. But the film didn't do well. A huge PR machinery was at work to promote Bebo's shoes in Kambakkht Ishq.

I've worn an expensive Alexander McQueen dress in my next release, Houseful, for all of 30 seconds. Producers understand the needs of global viewers.

They know that the audience won't go, "Kya pehna hai!" after looking at a fashionable outfit. If they (producers) are spending lakhs on outfits and accessories, they will make sure it's all publicised.

Who makes it to the most stylish Bollywood stars list?
Sonam Kapoor makes an effort to look fashionable. I like that about her. Among men, it's Shahrukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan. They have an inherent sense of style.

Do you think Indian men need to make an attempt to dress more stylish?
Men don't really believe in taking chances. They are a boring lot (laughs).

Actors who walk for designers are handsomely paid...
I haven't charged a dime for this show. I have done it because I genuinely like Raakesh's clothes - they are avant-garde and cutting edge. Else, I walk for friends. It takes me back to my modelling days (winks).

Any fashion fetish?
I have one, a really bad shoe fetish. I can't divulge how many pairs I have. Easily over 100. Shoes matter. What sort, doesn't. So, I have everything from Kolhapuri chappals to Louboutins.

A terrific choreographer who has churned out some brilliant films down south is all set with his first ever Bollywood directorial venture. Yes, he is none other than Prabhu Deva.

Wanted, action-thriller marks his debut project in B-Town and he is highly excited about this Salman Khan and Ayesha Takia Azmi film. The film is slated to release on this Friday.

Prabhu Deva in a candid interview gives an insight of his experience working with Salman Khan and film fraternity so far.

A transition from choreography to direction…although direction is not new to you, but how has the new form of art treated you so far in Hindi cinema?
The new form of art has treated me the way film industry has in all these years. It has been overwhelming experience to work both as director and choreographer in the industry so far.

It was sheer pleasure to work with Salman bhai who will be seen in the never seen energetic avatar in this film. I am quite confident about Wanted and sure that it will create magic.

What influenced you to zero on Wanted as your debut directorial venture in Bollywood?
Well, it has a long story behind it. I had decided to begin with romantic-comedy with Boney Kapoor productions, but I was recommended to do an action-thriller by Salman Bhai.

In-fact, I did nothing but kept my promise to Salman Bhai to cast him in my debut venture. I was over-whelmed by his sweet gesture to remind me. I could not refuse and went ahead with Wanted, which is remake of a Tamil film ‘Pokiri’.

How was the first day of the shoot? Were you nervous or excited?
(Laughs), first day was quite relaxing as I choreographed a song featured on Salman Khan. Chorography is something that comes naturally to me, and since I have choreographed Salman bhai before, so things were quite peaceful on the first day.

Hmm, peaceful, but you were heard to be very strict on the sets as a choreographer.... were you the same as a director especially with Salman who is renowned for his independent nature?
Hmm, as far as my temperament as a director is concerned, I think this question should be put to the team of Wanted (laughs). However, yes, to bring a super-energetic performance I had to be little strict with Salman bhai.

I remember (smiles), I would make Salman do loads of difficult steps and he would make me stop in the middle saying, “Oh wait… wait…let me take a break.”

The break was granted for a few minutes and then I would again say, “Salman, few seconds more, we’ll finish and then you take a long break.” We would laugh over our respective smartness to derive work from each other.

Well, considering the dance steps, it was pretty natural on Salman’s part to take a break. In-fact, he would ask me to break his bones. However, to churn-out a top-class performance, it was necessary for me to play those tricks.

Has the film shaped up the way you had envisioned?
See, as I said earlier, Wanted is a remake of hit Tamil film ‘Pokiri’. So, matching up to the standards and considering the Indian audience we had to bring something special.

And I have tried my level best to live up to the expectations and rest depends on junta (audience) figure crossed.

Will you continue direction…if yes, what are the other films in the pipeline?
Yes, of course but right now I am totally engrossed with Wanted and wish it to become Wanted among the audience (smiles).

Salman Khan who is desperately in need of a hit after quite a few films of his have successively proved to be duds at the box office, like Hello, Yuvraj, God Tussi Great Ho etc, is quite confident that his next release Wanted, produced by Boney Kapoor and directed by the ace choreographer cum actor Prabhu Deva will hit the bull’s eye at the box office.

Salman is also banking on his other releases this year- Anil Sharma’s Veer, Prem Soni’s Main Aurr Mrs Khanna in which he has been cast opposite Kareena Kapoor, and last but not the least Vipul Shah’s London Dreams, in which his co-stars are Ajay Devgan and Asin.

When I meet Salman Khan for this interview at the Hotel Leela Kempinski, the actor seems quite excited about the outcome of the film, so much so, that he tells me that though the comedy quotient in Wanted is nowhere nearer to what was there in Boney Kapoor’s No Entry, directed by Anees Bazmee, he hopes that Wanted will turn out to be a hit.

Wanted is the Hindi remake of the Tamil super hit Pokkiri as well as its Telugu remake, which also had turned out to be super hits.

Both the films were directed by Prabhu Deva with Vijay in the lead. Salman confesses that it was quite tough to execute the steps for his dance numbers because he does not have a flexible rubber-like body, like that of Prabhu Deva who has not only directed the film, but also choreographed the dance numbers.

“Yes. I did try to copy the steps of Prabhu Deva Sir but was shocked when I saw the final outcome, because I realized that I had taken an entirely different step.”

Salman elaborates. “I would not say that the steps that I have taken in the film are great, but I would unabashedly state that the steps that I have taken are better than what I tend to do normally.

In that sense, I would admit that it is better than my capacity, thanks to Prabhu Deva, though I would modestly go to the extent of telling you that I am not at all comparing myself with either Sunny Deol or for that matter Sanjubaba, as far as dancing is concerned.” (Laughs)

Salman says that he does not want the audiences to go to watch Wanted expecting it to turn out to be another action packed blockbuster like Aamir Khan’s Ghajini.

“Ghajini belonged to an entirely different genre. It worked not because of the action it had, but because of Aamir and the fact that it was a tender love story. The concentration of the public was not on Aamir’s body or his six packs abs but on Aamir per se in Ghajini”

Salman Khan reiterates that Wanted is a film on heroism. “I liked the script when Boney narrated it to me, because I felt that after a long period of time, a film was being made on heroism and hence ek jazba tha mehnat karne ka. When you go to watch the film, you would want to be in the shoes of Radhe.

This, I feel is the triumph of the film as well as its director, because way back in the 70’s and 80’s, I remember the viewers wanted to be in the shoes of either Amitabh Bachchan or Vinod Khanna when they watched the films in which they starred.”

Salman was also equally impressed by the excellent hospitality accorded to him as well as the entire unit when they were shooting in Greece.

“I was impressed tremendously by Greece and the hospitality of the people there. I should say that it is an amazing place. At an unearthly hour when we landed at a restaurant, which had just closed, we pleaded with the owner to provide us with at least two dishes because we were famished.

To our pleasant surprise, not only did they serve us 40 different dishes, but insisted on being paid only for the two dishes that we had ordered, though Boney offered to pay the bill for all the dishes

Do you ever bank on any film of yours? I ask Salman. “Take it from me. Till date, I have not banked even on a single film of mine, because I am extremely normal contrary to what the media is keen on portraying me as.

Success or failure of any film of mine does not at all rattle me as an individual. The moment my film clicks at the box office, I do not become deliriously happy and if a film flops, I do not lose my head or become upset.

I do not care for success or failure because I am just normal. That is because, at the risk of sounding to be immodest, I want to say that I know my job well.”

What does Salman think of success or failure as an actor? “I am of the opinion that failure has made more successful people than success itself.

Success has made more failures than failure itself. I feel that failure is a better teacher, provided you know how to handle it intelligently. I have seen my father handling his failure successfully and emerging victorious too.

If some one were to push me into water, I would not yell, “Save Me, Save Me’. Instead I will try to come out of water to find out who the hell had pushed me into the water, because I know how to swim. I know my work. I know my craft.”

Salman feels that an actor should only play parts that suit his personality. “You cannot expect me to play Devdas, Mughal-E-Azam, Zanjeer or Deewar kind of roles.

As an actor, I have always tried to be as natural as possible. I cry the way I would, and laugh the way I would in real life, in reel life too. If you try to be what you are not, the strain and the effort will certainly show.

I will always be the way I am, so that the audience expectations will not become too heavy a cross to bear, as far as I am concerned. In any case, I do not want to or have to prove a point to any one, least of all the critics. Otherwise acting could become much too tiresome.”

Salman Khan is happy that he has been loved as well as appreciated as the affable host of the game show Dus Ka Dum on Sony and admits that he is very choosy when it comes to signing on films. “I do not like to go on a spree of signing on films left, right and center.

What you need is the right script to sail you through as an actor. The most important factor, which makes a film run, is the script. Nothing else, no one else.I feel that the script is the real hero of any film, not the actor, not even Salman Khan”.

Salman adds. “I have been repeated by most of my producers till date, much as you people from the media may hate me and bitch about me behind my back. Achche aadmi ki pehchaan yahi hona chahiye ki uski naukar purane hone chahiye, uski dost purane honi chahiye. Aur mere tho donon hai”.

By Subhash K Jha

Reports that Shilpa’s dad has been applying to retrieve his passport from Surat (where the document is kept because of a pending court case) so he can be in London for his daughter’s wedding has Shilpa in splits.

“The passport is certainly not meant for my wedding, please! It’s not happening in October, November, December or any of the dates that have been fixed for my wedding in the media.

Raj and I will announce the date from rooftops and invite the entire press corps to be part of the baraati when it happens. In the meanwhile please leave my father alone.”

Papa Shetty’s passport needed retrieval not for Shilpa’s wedding but for another family gathering altogether.

“It’s Raj Kundra’s birthday on September 9. Our entire collective family will be bringing in the occasion at the Maldives. That’s what my dad needed his passport for.”

On a more sober note Shilpa says, “We all respect the judiciary. But it’s very humiliating for any daughter to have her father rushing to another town for his passport. It’s even more humiliating to have erroneous media reports being put out about one’s father.He had applied for his passport a few month ago.”

As for the wedding, “There’s no reason on earth why Raj I wouldn’t want to get married at the earliest. At the moment we’ve our hands full with many new exciting ventures. We need get the space in our lives to plan and enjoy this wonderful event. Haath peele karne ke liye haath khali to hone chahiye.”

Verve's undisputed power cover girl, India's highest paid, most in-demand actor; international face of the country; recipient of a myriad film awards and the big daddy of them all, a Padma Shri, reminds me of a little girl on a Ferris wheel - spinning ever upwards, almost out of control in the frenzy of her life.

Today, she is closeted in her vanity van at N. D. Studio in Karjat with make-up artist, Ojas. She is busy putting on a face, which to me seems so unnecessary!

Earlier, fresh countenanced, tired-eyed but oh so beautiful, she had made flash decisions on gowns (no saris); colours (out with that dull mauve) and silhouettes. The world's most beautiful woman (so says Julia Roberts!) standing there in black tights and silver-and-white tee, could have slipped into anything and looked like a million bucks.

She is small, slim and graveeyed and I remember reading that these, her most outstanding feature, have been donated already to science.

She was not in the best of moods, struggling to control diva- esque tendencies - probably triggered by yet another unnecessary controversy, this time at Cannes, hanging over her head like a cloud of bad hair.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is ready to shoot but only on her own terms. And, she has too much on her mind as she comes to chat.

"You just know when you are home!"
Abhishek and I have been close throughout our careers. Within a year of our being together, he proposed to me and it was an immediate yes.

In Toronto, we had the premiere of Guru and there was a screening and a press interaction in New York and we were supposed to take the flight back, when he proposed.

And he said he had a reason for that, he said he used to be in New York at that very spot thinking about the possibility of us being together. It was not about the frills but about the personal emotion deep within."

"My marriage was a glorious, fabulous, wonderful, superlative personal experience."
And having said that, the circumstances were unimaginable. I never thought I would get married in the middle of a film. You imagine you would complete your work, indulge yourself. In movies, they show this entire preparation time and the irony was that I was doing that in Jodhaa Akbar.

Ashu (director Ashutosh Gowariker) would keep saying that your craft, your kala, is preparing you for this wonderful real life moment.

So, I was the bride in my work and its wonderful how my life has made me smile so many times and made me wonder at incidents where something is going on in your life and there is an interesting parallel on your work front.

"Abhishek and I have the ability to keep things real."
Which is great and keeps our relationship what it is - an incredible friendship...we are brutally frank with each other, we are brutally frank about our life, we both have an incredible sense of humour and we have the ability to laugh with each other, at ourselves and with life and I think that is special.

"It starts with, I as an actor should want to do what I am doing, otherwise I will be cheating my work."
If I am not comfortable doing what I am doing, the camera picks up every little thing, you cannot lie to the camera.

I have been fairly radical throughout my career in terms of trying to break out of the predictable journey of a leading lady. Early on, I took up mature roles and started working in regional cinema.

It was recognized that I had a dancing prowess and I could have been the next dancing superstar but I chose subjects where the directors wanted to create a slightly different character.

"The truth is, I did not go seeking to make an inroad into Hollywood or move there."
The entire international interest in me started when Devdas went to Cannes. Coincidentally, Gurinder (Chadha) was meeting me with two script ideas at the same time. So naturally she became my first choice. It was suddenly perceived that Aishwarya has made this decision to go to Hollywood.

I said that I am open to cinema, just as I was when I did Iruvar, Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. When I joined films finally, it was after Miss World and films were already coming my way.

I have virtually been invited here and to date scripts come my way and by the grace of God, I am spoilt for choice. That is the same way I choose my English films.

I am sure people have wondered why I have said no to biggies like Will Smith, Michael Douglas, Rush Hour 3 or Troy. But, I had committed my time to Indian films.

"A day off is totally husband time and family time."
When we were in Chennai shooting for Guru, we went with Abhishek's friends from college time, to the theatre and we watched movies back to back, just that one evening we went from one theatre to the next in this multiplex

Abhishek and I love music and I have an incredibly full iPod now thanks to him. I have never been pseudo enough to say I like only English music and popular tracks of the time but also old classics and Hindi music of earlier times.

We also genuinely love watching movies. But most of all, we just love spending time together. Both of us are very talkative and we have to give each other time to speak before piping in.

"Professionally what was wonderful was being bestowed with the Padma Shri."
People from the fraternity said you are the youngest from the industry to have received it thus far. I owe it to my parents and I devote it to them. It was very special when my in-laws said we welcome the fifth Padma Shri into the family.

And I am blessed with the best husband in the world because it reflects on his strength that he can stand by his woman on a public platform at every given opportunity and applaud her.

With a tight film schedule ahead, the actor will face the year with the cylinders that drive her, on full blast. While her achievements have been large, one wonders, what next?

With fresh faces bombarding the movie going public's sensibility; will Aishwarya now appeal to a more mature audience? Not an older audience minds you, just a more mature one.... While the choices she makes today may be more critical than ever before, destiny's child is not worrying any.

By Satish Sundaresan

Quick Factoids
Birthday: 25 June, 1978
Pet Name: Affy
Place of Birth: Mumbai
Parents: Dad's name is Prem and Mom's name is Putli. Has an older sister named Afsana Shivdasani
First Ad: Farex
First Film: Mast (opposite Urmila Matondkar)
School: St. Xavier's, Mumbai
College: HR College of Commerce, Mumbai

'Adorable, Fantabulous, Truthful, And Boyish', 'Always Fun Truthful And Bubbly', 'Articulately Funny Timing And Bold '...well... these could be some of the messages that today's birthday boy must have got in his slam book.

If you are still clueless, then, do yourself a favor by picking up only the initials of the above name and this is what you get: AFTAB! Well, it is indeed the Happy Birthday of the chocolate boy Aftab Shivdasani.

We caught up with this guy for an exclusive interview in which he talks about his childhood, his growing up years, his first claim to fame and life as Bollywood Star.

Aftab, even before we start the interview, please accept our heartiest wishes on your birthday...
Thank you so much. I am really touched.

To start with, what does your name mean?
It means The Sun.

What's your family background like?
My parents are retired, though my Dad is into horse riding these days, while my Mom is a housewife. I have an older sister, who is married and settled.

Well, you are indeed the sunshine of the industry. So, how was your growing up years?
My growing up years were like anybody else. Since we stayed in Churchgate, I did my schooling from St. Xavier's, Mumbai. After which, I went on to do my BCom from H.R. College, Mumbai. I used to love sports and was very distracted from studies.

The only difference in my life was that I was introduced to this whole big world of glamour at a very young age. I was just 7 years old when I did Mr. India. I must say that the whole experience was beautiful because it created a space inside my head; it gave birth to a whole new thought about cinema and acting.

I never knew that I would be very comfortable in front of the camera. But here I was, at absolutely at ease before the camera! And I started enjoying working in films.

How did you first enter into modeling? Did someone discover you?
To be very frank, my parents knew a model coordinator who was casting for the 'Farex' ad. I was only 14 months old when I did this ad!

That was followed by Mr. India. Right?
As a matter of fact, Mr. India happened when I was 7 years old. It so happened that my father had given my photographs to somebody who was casting for Mr. India. That's when I met the director Shekhar Kapoor. I still remember that day when we (Shekhar and I) met at Prithvi Theatre, Juhu.

When we met, there were no camera auditions. Shekhar had a one-on-one interview with me. To me, he came across as a wonderfully delightful person to talk to.

What was so striking about him was the fact that he was personally interviewing all the kids. And luckily, I was one of the selected kids. After that, it was only 'Lights, Camera, Action' for me.

Do you remember your first dialogue that you mouthed for the silver screen?
Yes, very clearly. It was for Mr. India. There was a scene where I had to say, "Arun bhaiyya, mujhe bhook nahi lagi hai" (smiles).

Any moment that will always remain fresh about Mr. India?
There was this climax sequence whereby we were trying to escape from Mogambo's den. And the scene required Anil Kapoor to pick me up along with him and escape.

Till the time he picked me up, I was in tension and nervous as to which kid he will pick up! Even though there were these soft rocks that were falling on us, I really hoped that he should pick me up in that scene (Laughs)! And luckily, he did. I was holding onto his hand, till the time he came out of the den!

Are you in touch with any of the kids from Mr. India?
I am in touch with Ahmed Khan, whom you all know has become a hotshot choreographer and then there is Karan Nath (son of the star-secretary Rikku Rakesh Nath). Besides them, I am not in touch with anyone.

Post the super success of Mr. India, life must have changed dramatically for you...
Yes, it did. But not to the extent that I lost my foot from the ground, I was always grounded as a person then, as I am even now. As a matter of fact, over a certain point of time, I started disliking the attention that I was getting.

This was one of those times when one starts wanting his own space to be his own and not get intruded by anyone else. I was a very shy kid then.

You were also actively involved in sports.
I have played cricket, football, table tennis and badminton in school. I represented in badminton doubles and I represented Maharashtra in junior snooker. While I used to play cricket for my school, college and club.

Did you always wanted to become an actor?
The irony of my career is that although I was not that actively involved in dramatics in school, I started enjoying acting! I never, obviously thought at that point of time that it will become a career. But ads were followed by films.

And one film lead to another and I had seven feature films in hand (Shahenshah, Chaalbaaz, Insaniyat amongst them) as a child actor. That also set the ball rolling for all the commercials etc...

As a kid, I used to admire cinema as much as I do now. I love the concept of acting, of being somebody else for a certain period of time and of standing in front of the camera and mouthing out dialogues in various locations and situations.

And after all this, Mast happened...thus giving Bollywood yet another rising star. What say?
Mast was my debut film as an adult actor. What happened was that Mamta (Urmila's sister) had seen me in the Coca Cola commercial and then she recommended me to Ram Gopal Varma, who was on a lookout for a lead in Mast. And here too, there was no audition. He directly offered me the role.

Lastly, as teenager, did you ever nurture any crush?
Yes... I had a huge crush on Raveena Tandon!

By Robin Bansal

New Delhi, June 21 (IANS) Having already created a buzz with her 'no make up' look in the promos of her forthcoming venture "New York", Katrina Kaif says her character Maya in the movie is a reflection of what she is in real life.

"The first brief that I got from my director (Kabir Khan) was that 'it (the character) is the Katrina whom you have not seen in other films... She is not the one by whom you are intimidated when you see her'. I have just been myself in the film," Katrina told IANS in a telephonic interview from Mumbai.

"I was told 'look at yourself, the personality you have and the things you go through in real life'... Of course, the situations would be different but Maya is what Katrina is off-screen. She is what I'm in real life," she added.

Asked if it was a deliberate effort to have a deglamorised look in the film, she said: "When I hear the word deglamorised, I think of someone who has put mud on the face and is wearing dirty clothes... It's not a deglamorised role... It's a very realistic role where I bring out what I am in reality."

Portraying her real characteristics in the movie was also a "different experience" for the 24-year-old. "It was a kind of a challenge in itself, but it was the most wonderful part too," she said.

Produced and distributed by Yash Raj Films, "New York" is releasing June 26 worldwide.

Apart from Katrina, it stars John Abraham and Neil Nitin Mukesh in male leads with Irrfan Khan in a pivotal role.

Set in New York, the narrative spreads over nine years. It tells the story of three young friends whose lives take an unexpected turn after 9/11.

"My brief was very clear that Maya is not a Muslim and also that 9/11 attacks are only a backdrop to the film, after which their (the three friends') lives change and take a turn... it's about their emotional journey in the film than anything else," she said.

The Britain-born model-turned-actress' career soared to heights after she gave four back-to-back hits in 2007 - "Namastey London", "Apne", "Partner', "Welcome" and the first hit of 2008 "Race" in which Katrina played a character with shades of grey. She continued the winning streak with the comedy "Singh Is Kinng".

Apart from honing her acting skills, Katrina has also begun dubbing her movies on her own with an improved Hindi accent.

"I choose to dub on my own and make the efforts. I try to make it sound correct. Where some other artist might take three days to dub, I take six days, but I am trying very hard," she averred.

Katrina also denied taking Hindi classes.

"I don't think I need to take Hindi lessons."

After predominantly juggling with comedy, Katrina has moved to serious roles with "New York" and Prakash Jha's "Rajneeti".

"I've just arrived at a point where I am being offered diverse films," said Katrina who was last seen in Subhash Ghai's dud "Yuvvraaj".

Her future projects include a bevy of big-budget ventures like "Blue", "De Dana Dan" and "Ajab Prem Ki Ghajab Kahani".

The actress is content with her career.

"Everything is given to us by god. All you can do is work hard towards something. I've always believed in that and have always tried staying professional and given my best. And I love criticism... you have to take it constructively and move ahead in life," she said.