Bhumi Pednekar
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August Rush!
Yes, August Rush, but the headline has more to do with the days just flashing past us in a rush rather than being in reference to the romantic movie that left you reaching out for that box of tissues (Well, IYKYK)! It’s a kind of an exhilarated yet calming wave that washes over you when the Team pulls off yet another banger of an event that will long be remembered, and with the next edition already being much-looked forward to. We are talking about hosting our most recent event - the 3rd Edition of Filmfare Middle East Social Night 2024 – presented by Flormar and copowered by Silicon Central – to honour the region’s biggest influencers on July 23rd, 2024, at Palazzo Versace! The evening – full of glam, glitz and entertainment – celebrated the biggest names in social media across the GCC and honoured their incredible achievements as influencers and content creators.
Led by the three dynamic and esteemed judges Mr Rizwan Sajan - Founder and Chairman Danube Group, Mr Saeed Al Janahi - Director of Operations - Dubai Film and TV Commission, and Ms Zenofar Fathima - Filmmaker / Producer - Zen Film Productions – the 3-month campaign culminated into a grand finale with the winners walking away with the laurels and unforgettable memories. Adding glamour and grandeur to the event was the celebrity guest and our Filmfare Middle East July Cover Star – Taha Shah Badussha, who also unveiled the cover at the event. K-Pop Sensation Aoora had the guests dancing as he set the stage on fire with his enthralling performance churning out his hit tracks. Also in attendance was the internationally celebrated wrestler, actor and motivational speaker Sangram Singh, as well as several other dignitaries.
Pulling off an event of this magnitude is never easy, so a huge shoutout to a team that as always made it seem effortless and shone through it all! Take a bow you guys! Also, a heartfelt thank you to all our judges, sponsors, partners and participants for making this event a huge success. Check out all the razzmatazz of the memorable evening in the pages ahead.
The Cover Star this month is the fiery and very sassy – Bhumi Pednekar – an actress who by the sheer weight of her talent right from her debut Dum Laga Ke Haisha left us in awe! Her socially – conscientious movie choices peppered with the highly entertaining fare and teamed with memorable performances make her a name to reckon with and earn her the well-deserved cover space! Check out our exclusive interview with this talented performer in the Cover Story.
With the much-awaited announcement of spotting of the Suhail Star a few days from now, there has been a collective sigh of relief! Even though it will be weeks before the temperatures actually start to dip, the fact that the star heralds cool climes on the horizon, is a reason good enough to enjoy as we continue to sweat it out in the sweltering summer!
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The weather however has been rather favorable when it comes to the movies! Deadpool & Wolverine are all the rage and with good reason, and if you can’t seem to shake off Deadpool (yes we know, Ryan Reynold’s dance-double) grooving to ‘Bye Bye Bye’ from your head, well then, you are a fan just like the rest of us. The film proved yet again that there just could not have been a more perfect casting - neither for Deadpool nor for Wolverine as Hugh Jackman continues to keep his Adamantium claws dug firmly deep in our hearts – and this screen union was a long coming. Talking about superhero franchise, the biggest surprise and jaw-drop moment for fans came with the grand reveal of Avengers star Robert Downey Jr return to Marvel as Doctor Doom! Meanwhile, on the domestic front, Stree 2 has got our attention and can’t wait to check out this highly-anticipated sequel.
And while we keep you updated with all things movies, entertainment and lifestyle, don’t forget to layer on that sunscreen and stay hydrated!
ALIA BHATT MAKES CUTE REVELATION ABOUT RANBIR KAPOOR AND RAHA
VICKY KAUSHAL AND ALLU ARJUN RELEASES TO CLASH THIS DECEMBER
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STYLIST: NAMITA ALEXANDER
HAIR: SANKALP VILAS SURVE
MAKE-UP: SONIK SARWATE
DRESS: AISHA RAO OFFICIAL
EARRINGS: MISS JO JEWELLERY
B-TOWN BEAUTIES TURN HEADS IN PEARLS
18 19
PAINT THE TOWN SCARLET JUST LIKE THESE DIVAS
JANHVI KAPOOR UPS THE STAKES WITH HER NEW RELEASE
COVER STORY
BHUMI PEDNEKAR GETS CANDID WITH RACHIT GUPTA ABOUT HER CHOICES IN CAREER AND FASHION
NAWAZUDDIN
SIDDIQUI DECODED AS HE GETS CANDID WITH AAKANKSHA NAVAL-SHETYE ABOUT LIFE, LESSONS LEARNT AND HIS JOURNEY
ADITI RAO HYDARI ON WINNING HEARTS AS BIBBOJAAN IN HEERAMANDI
RAASHII KHANNA ASSERTS WOMEN POWER IN CONVERSATION WITH TANZIM PARDIWALLA
CHECK OUT ALL THE RAZZMATAZZ AT THE FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST SOCIAL NIGHT 2024
GET YOUR DOSE OF THE BEST ON SCREEN THIS AUGUST
ON THE GRAM
READERS WRITE AND BITE BACK... WITH LOVE AND AFFECTION
a bird’s-eye view of show town’s happenings
ALIA BHATT REVEALS RANBIR KAPOOR PICKS DAUGHTER RAHA’S OUTFITS
Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor have been receiving a lot of love for their public appearances with their daughter Raha. Recently, Alia Bhatt opened up about what Ranbir is really like as a father. In an interview with a leading news portal, Alia Bhatt revealed that Ranbir Kapoor is very involved with Raha’s wardrobe. She shared that she was surprised he is quite “speci c” about their daughter’s fashion choices. Alia also shared that she often asks Ranbir what Raha should wear for her outings. In the same interview, the actress said that the bond between the father and daughter is full of fun and they have a way of making each other laugh.
KARISMA KAPOOR SAYS SRIDEVI WAS THE ULTIMATE STYLE ICON TO HER
Every Bollywood diva has had several yesteryear actresses as inspiration to face the camera. Karisma Kapoor is no different as she recently spoke about how she was enamoured by the late Sridevi. The actress spoke about how the fashion and lm wardrobes were decided in those days. She shed light on how mostly they were instructed before she started getting involved too. She shared, “I think generally we were inspired by what was happening in the West, old stories of actors, and especially what Sri ji (Sridevi) used to do.” Furthermore, she added how Sridevi moved with thetimes and the changing cycle. Karisma shared how Sridevi’s looks in lms like Sadma, Chaalbaaz, and Lamhe inspired her. truly
ALIA BHATT ON RANBIR KAPOOR & SANJAY LEELA BHANSALI REUNITING IN LOVE & WAR
VICKY KAUSHAL’S CHHAVA TO LOCK HORNS WITH ALLU ARJUN’S PUSHPA
Vicky Kaushal starrer Chhava is all set to release on the same date as Allu Arjun’s Pushpa 2 in December. Earlier Pushpa 2 was slated to release in August this year, the makers of the lm have now pushed the date to December. Vicky Kaushal’s Chhava is based on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. The lm is all set to release on December 6 this year. Rashmika Mandanna will be seen sharing screen space with the actor in the biopic.
The world rejoiced when the announcement of Love & War was made starring Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal in the lead. Commenting on the same, Alia Bhatt told a leading entertainment portal, “There are so many layers to look forward to that I’m not sure which one to pick. First and foremost, the pleasure and honour of working with Sanjay sir once again… I’m, as an audience, so excited to see him and Ranbir collaborate again after so many years. I’m like, ‘Wow, what that’s going to be like!’ Then there’s me and Vicky (Kaushal) coming together again. Ranbir and Vicky again… they created magic with Sanju. Lot of combinations. The lm is slated to release on December 25, 2025.
FARDEEN KHAN REVEALS HE HAS ALWAYS BEEN IN TOUCH WITH SALMAN KHAN
AYUSHMANN AND KAREENA TO STAR IN MEGHNA GULZAR AND JUNGLEE PICTURES’ DAAYRA
Meghna Gulzar’s next directorial, which is titled Daayra, produced by Junglee Pictures will have Ayushmann Khurrana and Kareena Kapoor Khan as the lead actors. Our sources have revealed that both actors have agreed to be part of the project. This move shouldn’t really surprise the fans since Meghna Gulzar is known to come up with fresh pairings for her lms. She got Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal together for Raazi and then Vicky and Sanya Malhotra for Sam Bahadur. All eyes will now be on Daayra to see what magic Meghna creates with her stellar cast of Ayushmann and Kareena.
Fardeen Khan made a be tting comeback with Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar helmed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Ever since he’s been in the news and is being asked about his impressive comeback after so many years. On being asked whether he was in touch with any of his industry friends, he shared, “Salman, I have been in touch with pretty much throughout.” The two had worked together in No Entry which he said he got because of his impressive comedy scenes in Khushi alongside Kareena Kapoor Khan. He further added that he contacted most of his industry friends too as he made his comeback.
Sidharth Malhotra sends
love to Kiara Advani as she completes 10 years
Kiara Advani recently completed 10 successful years in the lm industry. Amongst the many fans and well-wishers who sent her love, her husband Sidharth Malhotra too put up a lovely post. Sharing their stunning Filmfare cover together from their Shershaah days, he penned down, “Cheers to a decade of hardwork, love and passion. Keep Shining!”
DERMAL FILLERS
V/S ANTI-WRINKLE
INJECTIONS
MANY PATIENTS ARE STILL CONFUSED ABOUT VARIOUS TERMS LIKE INJECTABLES, ANTI-WRINKLE INJECTIONS, DERMAL FILLERS, SKIN BOOSTERS AND COLLAGEN STIMULATORS. THE FOLLOWING IS A BRIEF OVERVIEW.
COSMETIC INJECTABLES
These fall into 3 main categories. -Anti-wrinkle injections restrict muscle movement. They smoothen lines by stopping excessive muscle movement.
- Dermal fillers work by filling in and replacing lost volume in the skin that has occurred over time, enhancing features, or correcting asymmetry.
Skin boosters or skin hydrators improve skin quality through superficial injections.
- Collagen stimulators stimulate the body to produce more natural collagen.
ANTI-WRINKLE INJECTIONS
The treatment is very safe and relatively simple but the key is having an experienced practitioner who can achieve natural looking results. A procedure repeated every 4-6 months.
DERMAL FILLERS
Not without potential side effects, this is a medical procedure that should be performed in a medical clinic environment. High movement areas around the mouth may need follow up in 6 months but areas like cheeks and tear troughs can have results for 1-2 years.
SKIN BOOSTERS
They are superficial and add hydration to the surface of the skin for a natural glow and radiance Also called ‘skin conditioning’ to distinguish it from dermal fillers. A popular procedure on the neck, décolletage, and the back of the hands.
DERMAL FILLERS
The product restores facial volume by activating fibroblast cells in the skin to produce new collagen. Unlike dermal fillers there is less chance of bruising or downtime and the results are gradual with improvements lasting around 2 years before a top up treatment is needed.
beautiful was madeconstantly to feel
I’m not
Bhumi Pednekar’s beauty isn’t just skin deep, she has a beautiful mind as well. Rachit Gupta takes notes as she comes clean on career and fashion choices...
Bhumi Pednekar is celebrated for her dynamic and unconventional choices. Starting her career as a casting assistant, she made a striking debut with DumLagaKeHaisha, a role that demanded significant physical transformation. Known for her commitment to diverse and challenging roles, Bhumi’s journey reflects her relentless pursuit of quality over commercial success. Her roles span across genres,
from the heartland stories of India to complex contemporary characters. Bhumi’s approach to acting is deeply rooted in personal growth and the joy of impactful performance, consistently pushing boundaries and refusing to be typecast. Off-screen, she is a vocal advocate for body positivity and fashion, balancing her public persona with an authentic representation of self-love and empowerment. With a decade in the industry, Bhumi continues to leave an
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indelible mark, driven by passion, hard work, and a fearless spirit. During our chat, she came across as affable, brimming over with sunshine and good cheer, and seemed genuinely interested in having an interaction rather than a conventional interview. She didn’t shy away from hard queries and batted away everything with
aplomb, sure of hitting a homerun every time. She loves introspection, joking that interviews give her a chance to sort herself out. And one thing she was most vocal about was feeling grateful to the universe for her bounty. Excerpts from an engaging interview with the witty and talented actor.
Many actors say that it’s difficult to make brave choices and far easier to go with the flow and say yes to commercially lucrative projects. Have you ever been at such crossroads, or have you always had that clarity of vision?
It’s been a journey. I have done parts I wasn’t convinced about and did them competently, but I didn’t have a chance to shine in those parts. With every experience, especially success and failure, you learn. In my gut, if I felt something was not right, it usually didn’t work out. It’s been a learning curve. Whenever I’ve said yes to a script for reasons other than the script itself, it hasn’t worked out for me. So, it’s about personal growth and finding pleasure in the work you do. That feeling of having done great work at the end of the day is something I’m constantly chasing.
When you’re chasing quality, do you have to say ‘no’ to film offers more often than you say ‘yes’?
Yes, absolutely. Saying no is very tough because there are so many factors that tempt you. But now, especially after completing so many years in the industry, I’m clear that I want to be working for multiple decades. To do that, I want to create my own space, and that space is being a great performer. Everything else is secondary. Longevity –that’s my funda of life. It might not be the same for someone else, but I want to be known as a good actor, and I’ve received that love till date. I want to continue stepping out of my comfort zone.
So, there’s no way people can typecast Bhumi Pednekar?
I hope not. When I started, I only had heartland India stories, which I love and miss doing. But as time has passed, I’ve done very diverse roles. I hope I don’t give people an opportunity to think I can’t do something. I want to
do every genre, every type of scene. I want to be an antagonist too. I’m not scared of how many scenes I have in a film. I just want it to be impactful. Like when Govinda Naam Mera released, I got so much love for playing a brash, out-there Marathi woman in a comedy. It was nerve-wracking, but it was rewarding. Unconventional choices give you the courage to keep exploring.
Speaking of unconventional, you’ve done open schooling, started as a casting assistant, and even put on weight for your big screen debut. Where does this streak for the unconventional come from? I’ve always been a seeker. Most of it comes from knowing that I’d have to create opportunities for myself because I don’t come from a background where opportunities in this field are handed out. Growing up, I wasn’t conventionally pretty by the norms then, so I created a space for myself where I felt attractive. When it came to getting into films, coming from a family like mine, it wasn’t acceptable. So, I took decisions that brought me closer to my dreams, whether it was going to open university or becoming a casting director. I’m a hustler. I had one goal, and I took any opportunity that would bring me closer to it. Destiny also played a part, but I kept at it because I had the confidence to keep going despite the norms and standards.
You’ve had releases like Bhakshak, Thank You For Coming, Afwaah, Bheed — each one more complex than the last. Does that complexity fuel your creative spark? Is that what you’re looking for?
Yes. I’ve been very clear about my choices. I wouldn’t say I had
clarity when I got my first film, because honestly, with a first film, you just get lucky. My first film was Dum Laga Ke Haisha, and I had the opportunity to let people know that I’m here to perform. But after that, I was very clear that I want to constantly do characters that make me uncomfortable, that make me question my existence, or that make me question the basic thread of who I am or the world I live in. That excites me a lot. I’ve always wanted to leave behind a legacy of work that can be watched through generations. I want my cinema to be timeless.
You’re shooting for Daldal, right? What’s the most exciting thing about your character in your web series debut? It’s definitely a first for me. I’m playing a police officer. She’s the youngest in our story—a young DCP. What I loved about Daldal is that this isn’t like any other cop show people have seen. This character is complex and complicated. She has her own history, her own past that she’s dealing with, which makes her very unique. For me, that was the most exciting part because, in the past, I’ve had opportunities to play someone in the police force, but I found most of those stories to be the same. Daldal has a lot of psychological drama and thrills. The way this girl is written—she’s so layered and nuanced and internal—that it honestly is a challenge. I haven’t done something like this yet.
Is it the challenge of portraying a complex character or being part of an off-beat film that excites you the most?
Just the experience of working in the longer format—that experience is very different from film. You literally shoot five hours’ worth of content that eventually goes up. As an actor, you get to explore the character a lot because you have that much time. I’m constantly looking for challenges and opportunities where
I can break any notion I had around what’s next. I feel very fortunate as I’ll complete 10 years next year. I feel like all the roles I’ve gotten, and all the filmmakers who have shown such confidence in me, have been incredible because I’ve not done regular, linear films. Most of my films are a little complex, and that gives me a lot of confidence. Filmmakers know that I will deliver, and I want to keep delivering.
When you’re reading a script, what triggers within you? There’s an instinct that triggers within me. Some films might not work at the moment, but I know in longevity, they will be watched. Some films are given so much love even now. For example, Sonchiriya didn’t do well initially, but it’s still one of the films people talk about. After Dum Laga Ke Haisha, it’s the film that I get a lot of love for, specifically for my performance. It feels good because I want to be known as an artist, as an actor. I think I’ve created that space for myself.
Are you ever hard on yourself? Do you expect too much from yourself?
Yeah, I do. I’m learning not to. I think where I am today as a human being is that when I’m hard on myself, I recognize that. And I kind of change the tone with which I’m dealing with myself. It’s very difficult. It comes with a lot of training and self-love. But I kind of keep reminding myself, ‘See where you are’. I come from a humble family. Nobody really in my family was really in the world. My mom had done some kind of… like she indulged with a little cinema when she was young, but there wasn’t a major influence of cinema while I was growing up. I keep reminding myself, ‘You are that girl for whom a monthly salary of 7000 rupees was a lot’. And you know, when I got into acting the first time, I was like, ‘Oh my God! Look where I have reached’. There’s a reason why we all are on our chosen path. If you get to do what you love every
day, you should be full of gratitude. And I have to keep reminding myself that.
Which people make up your support system? Who is your bouncing board for ideas? Who are the people who help you sail through life and make the right decision? It starts with my family. We’re a very close unit. My sister Samiksha is part of every decision that I make except the scripts that I consider. Samiksha doesn’t get involved in my film choices but she gives me her perspective on everything else. My mom reads the scripts that I consider. My mother accompanies me for most of my readings and narrations as well. That’s part of my process. I’ve made sure I have never alienated my mom. And the stray times that I did, and it only happened because there’s so much that I’m doing and I got
distracted. But every time I haven’t consulted my mom on my movies, it has not worked out for me. My mother and my sister are my biggest support system.
Do you have any college friends or other peers who are not from the film industry who give you regular feedback and just end up saying, ‘Bhumi, what on Earth are you doing?’ Yeah, there are a lot of people who look out for me. I’m very close to my friends. I have a large group of friends and I’m so fortunate because they all really love me and I really love them. Not all my friends have much to say about my profession because they just love me irrespective of what I do. But my childhood friends are always talking to me about my career. Like my bestie, Sharmeen, who lives in America, has been friends with me for over 30 years now. There
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are other school and college friends as well. And then I have been lucky to have made friends with the people that I have worked with, too. I’ve made such beautiful relationships with so many of my directors and producers. Rhea Kapoor and I are very good friends. Karan Boolani, who was my director on Thank You For Coming, is a very close friend. These are people I keep going back to. I keep picking Anubhav Sinha sir’s brains. I do the same with Karan Boolani, too. The entire team at YRF, has been so instrumental in everything that I’ve done in my career. Most people that I work with become my friends.
But once you’re a star, does it become difficult to meet and approach people? Is it easier for
an actor to get isolated by virtue of their fame?
In some cases, you get cut off from the outside world. Perhaps one gets that experience if they’re an introvert. To each his own. But for me, there’s a lot that I collect from different people that I meet, from experiences that I have and from stories that I have been told. It’s not a conscious process either. Many times, you don’t even know when you’ve met this person that you are now channelsing in a performance. You don’t pick up any of their character traits or bodily behavioural traits to put them in a character. But you end up doing that later on. If they’ve told you a story that you connect with and you sympathise with that emotion, you end up
channelising that memory. These experiences and memories are my treasure. I can never let them go to waste. I sometimes feel that my life has become very dry, ever since I’ve become an actor. One of the most marked changes has been in my ability to move around. When I was growing up, I used to often visit my grandfather’s house. The world there was very different. I used to meet my extended family a lot. We used to travel around India a lot. Life was very different even when I was working behind the camera as a casting assistant. There was a time when I used to worry about money. There used to be an excitement when I would receive a cheque for
Rs. 7000 every month as my salary as a casting assistant. Today, I am very aware of the fact that God has been kind to me.
Is it very easy to be friends with Bhumi Pednekar? It’s very easy to be friends with me. I generally have a good vibe in life. I’m not a difficult person. I’ve not been told so, yet. But I don’t know what my family thinks of that. (Laughs) I try to create as good a mahaul around me as I can. But then everybody has good days and bad days. But generally, I’m a people’s person.
You’ve been vocal about body positivity through your characters as well as your real-life opinions, but what are your views on the body positivity of women in real
hether it was going to open university or becoming a casting director. I’m a hustler. I had one goal, and I took any opportunity that would bring me closer to it
Corset: That Antique Piece Pants: Ashish | Earrings: Miss Jo Jewellry, Handstack: Simran Chhabra Jewels, Ascend Rohank
life and Indian households? Do the common women have the luxury to take body positivity for granted?
While growing up, I was constantly made to feel like I’m not beautiful. And this wasn’t within my family. I’m very lucky that my family actually constantly kept telling my sister and I that we were beautiful, but the moment I stepped out of my house, I was made to feel that I could be better. It was those experiences that I channelized into my films. To be honest, body positivity is a term that people use very loosely. Most people feel like it’s relevant only to a certain body type. That’s definitely not true. The spectrum of body positivity is very, very large. Body positivity is actually loving yourself in its truest way. Now the truest way is the way that gives you happiness. I have friends who say they want to gain weight. This
friend confessed to me that she was constantly picked on because she was very skinny. And then there was another girl, who wished she had that problem. So many women and people feel they won’t be good enough in any shape or size.
Your efforts with weight loss have always been talked about.
Yes. I’m constantly asked about my weight. In the last few months, people have commented about how I have lost a lot of weight. I’ve done that for a project, for what I’m shooting. People have been appreciative of it and I’ve been telling everyone that the shape I am in is good and I’m enjoying it. But, tomorrow, I might not be like this and I would still want the same love. But if they don’t give me the same love, it’s still okay because I anyway love myself enough. I strongly feel that my success,
’m constantly asked about my weight. In the last few months, people have commented about how I have lost a lot of weight. I’ve done that for a project I’m shooting. People have been appreciative of it
aspirations and work are not dependent on what shape or size I’m in.
Does Bhumi Pednekar hustle to seize opportunities or does she let destiny take its course?
It’s a bit of both. I believe in a higher power and destiny, but I also fight and work hard to create opportunities. I’ll make calls, reach out to directors, and audition for parts. I’m constantly on a learning arc and want to keep growing as a human and a performer. I’m a
pressure junkie; I don’t have any chill in life. I get exhausted, but work gives me joy. So, yes, I’m definitely a hustler, not just professionally but in everything I do.
So you’ve truly been a hustler all throughout. Yes. My sister and I can hustle through anything. I’m a very hopeful person. Because I just know that I’m meant for better things. Whatever situation I’m in, it’s only going to keep getting better.
If somebody pushes you into a corner, you’re always going to fight back.
100 percent. Every time I’m pushed in the corner or pushed behind, I just take longer jumps.
Can there be a sequel to Dum Laga Ke Haisha?
I don’t know. I feel it’s a classic and some stories should be left the way they are. People still love that film and it still amazes me that so many people swear by Dum Laga Ke Haisha. I just want all that love to be frozen in time.
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hen I started, I only had heartland India stories, which I love and miss doing. But as time has passed, I’ve done very diverse roles. I hope I don’t give people an opportunity to think I can’t do something. I want to do every genre, every type of scene
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PEARL SUPREMACY
Pearl elegance
The dramatic pearl blouse trend is here to stay
Actresses including Deepika Padukone, Janhvi Kapoor, and Sonakshi Sinha are donning blouses adorned with delicate pearls and pearl-like jewels. These pearls add a tinge of drama to traditional attire like lehengas and sarees. They add a subtle yet striking detail and enhance the overall appeal of the costume. These blouses are being flaunted on and off-screen to make glamorous style statements without going overboard on accessories. From important red carpet events to personal celebrations, these pearly beauties have become the supreme choice for B-town stars who want to stand out.
Maximalist fashion right on the forefront with the exquisite pearlcore obsession
NORA FATEHI
DEEPIKA PADUKONE
JANHVI KAPOOR
SONAKSHI SINHA
SHARVARI WAGH
SCARLET SENSATION
Red is never going out of style
Look hot and happening in red ensembles that are creating quite the stir in the fashion world
The colour red is currently stealing the spotlight in the vibrant realm of fashion.
Leading actresses are seen donning stunning ensembles in this timeless hue. From traditional lehengas to contemporary gowns, Bollywood divas like Katrina Kaif, Sara Ali Khan, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, and others are setting the trend with their ravishing red looks. Whether it's a bold crimson or a romantic ruby shade, red exudes confidence, elegance, and allure like no other colour. These actresses are making a statement with their fiery fashion choices, cementing red as the reigning colour of B-Town elegance.
OUR HOT PICKS
KAREENA KAPOOR KHAN
KATRINA KAIF
KIARA ADVANI
SONAM KAPOOR AHUJA fashion
SARA ALI KHAN
with a
uncut AND Untamed
JANHVI KAPOOR IS BOTH SMART AND SASSY, AND WISE ENOUGH TO KNOWS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO, FINDS RACHIT GUPTA
Janhvi Kapoor has a fierce new determination and aptitude. She’s taking her craft seriously and leaving no stone unturned to hone her skills. That’s why, in the middle of a seemingly fluid English conversation, she often changes gears to express herself in Hindi. She is a Hindi film actress after all. The conscious recalibration will help her become more fluent with the language that she must command on screen. God is in the details, and there should be no inhibition when it comes to learning and self-growth. That’s a theme that seems to dominate Janhvi’s vision right now, and the same runs through her upcoming release, Ulajh, where she plays an IFS officer accused of conspiracy and nepotism. Janhvi’s character must clear her name and reputation, as her family and country’s image are at stake. The situation is not all that different from where Janhvi stands in her own career. She has successfully managed to step out of the shadow of her illustrious parents—the late Sridevi and doting dad, producer Boney Kapoor. But the journey for young Janhvi has only just begun. She confesses that she continues to learn and imbibe from her directors and her peers on a day-to-day basis. And she’s smart enough to know that she needs to learn from those who know more than her. She’s savvy enough to use her social media sway to create hype for her film releases. Beauty and brains are just two sides of the same coin. And we are convinced that this new version of Janhvi is totally untamed and uncut. Read on…
We know Ulajh means entanglement. In real life, are you the kind of person jo kisi se bhi ulajh jaayegi? Or are you a nonconfrontational person?
I’m usually nonconfrontational. But it also depends on my mood. If someone decides to take up an Ulajh with me on the wrong day, then I’ll take on anyone.
Are there any aspects of your role in Ulajh that you could identify with? Are there any parallels to your real self?
Suhana, as an
IFS officer, as a diplomat, as primarily a woman in a man’s world. She combats male egos a lot. And at every juncture, she has to do her job without hurting anyone’s ego. She must do so without disappointing anyone. These aspects are important when you’re dealing with situations like national security and how your country is represented. So, for a character like Suhana, she has to be cognizant of managing people’s egos much before her own selfrespect. I guess that is something
and the scenes, I realised how much of an everyday challenge this is for women. When you’re in a room full of powerful men and you have something to say that you know, objectively, makes more sense than anything anyone else is saying, you have to be mindful of how you put it across without seeming like a dedh shaani. Do you understand that?
Yes. So, is it difficult to be opinionated or articulate when you’re
Suhana has to be wary of her perception, her country’s perception, and how she is representing her country. She has a legacy to look after, and she’s living up to the pressure. I guess I have dealt with all of these things in my life, too
that I’ve done in life, too. Another aspect is that of perception. Suhana has to be wary of her perception and her country’s perception. She has a legacy to look after, and she’s living up to the pressure. I guess I have dealt with all of these things in my life, too.
When you talk about navigating male egos, is that similar to how a female artiste has to go through the film industry?
I don’t think navigating egos is just an actor thing.
I think it is a female thing. I don’t think you, as a man, have thought about it. I hope I don’t make this girl feel bad with my actions. I know that as a man and a good person, you’re aware that you don’t want that to happen, right? I don’t want to make anyone feel bad, either. But I don’t think you’ve ever had to be cognizant of the fact that if I hurt her ego, there will be repercussions. During the course of my readings for this film, as I was going through the script
a commercial film actress?
There have been so many times where you need to put your opinion across without seeming like you’re too opinionated, without seeming like you’re trying to overstep. These are things that every woman in a workspace has had to deal with. It was something that I was dealing with without even being aware of it. Even to have that confidence, ke shayad jo mai bol rahi ho woh sahi hai. It’s not easy. I’ve learned all of these things through the
Ulajh
Mr & Mrs Mahi
course of shooting this film.
Popular physicist Neil deGrasse Tyson says if you ever find yourself in a room where you’re the most influential or the most intelligent, find a new room. Yes, the sentiment is that you’re in the wrong room. Get out of that room immediately. But honestly, I think this statement is sometimes misconstrued. Sometimes people think of it as surrounding yourself with people who have more than you so you can aspire for more. Maybe that’s a very small aspect of it. What he means is that you need to surround yourself with people you can learn from and grow from. If in a room, you’re the only one who has opinions, who is curious, and everyone else is kind of stagnating in life. Then that room or crowd doesn’t have much to offer you intellectually.
Which individuals have contributed to your personal growth? My parents have contributed to my personal growth. They’ve basically brought me up; they’ve conditioned me. Many of my teachers in school have done that too. I had a teacher called Peter Clinton, who was my TOK (theory of knowledge) teacher. It was a subject that I think only IB schools had, where you discuss the human psyche, philosophy, and things like that. I loved that subject, and I loved the way he taught that class. There was one teacher who hated me as well. He was Mr. Bruce
If in a room, you’re the only one who has opinions, who is curious, and everyone else is kind of stagnating in life. Then that room or crowd doesn’t have much to offer you intellectually
Lewis, but I loved him, and I loved his classes. He was a literature teacher, and he really made me fall in love with literature, writing, and reading. Even Pandit Birju Maharaj had an impact on me. I got to spend time with him only briefly, but just to be in the room with him and his years of experience, his art, and his greatness was enriching. Every time I was around him, I knew I was in the presence of someone special, almost godly, someone who transcends even the greatness of their art.
You’ve often credited your directors for having a positive influence on you. Shashank Khaitan and Nitesh Tiwari sir have had a big influence on me in the way that I approach my craft. Neeraj Ghaywan sir has had a huge influence on my thinking and understanding. We started interacting during the lockdown, and he really opened my eyes to a lot of
I’m very aware of the pressures that producers face. I know how an actor’s behaviour can make a producer’s life easier or infinitely more difficult. And I always try to make it easier
things, like caste and creed in society.
Have you ever had a hard taskmaster whip you into shape?
People around me have told me to whip myself a little less. My friends and colleagues keep telling me you should chill.
Are you often hard on yourself? Yes.
Why?
I don’t know. t’s just my predisposition, I guess.
Do you think you got it from your mom or your dad? Or is it selfinculcated?
I think maybe I got it from my mom.
There’s a reference to nepotism in the Ulajh trailer. Have you re-ignited the ‘nepo kid’ arguments all over again?
No, it’s a part of my character’s situation. It is her truth, like it is mine. And I think that this whole narrative and this whole word have become so popular in society and pop culture that people resonate with them and use them often. There’s also a flip side to that. Before others can say anything about nepotism, humne khud hi bol diya
Being a producer’s
easier or infinitely more difficult. And I always try to make it easier. If a producer has ever asked me to skip on a vanity van or not travel with my entire team on a certain day because of whatever condition, I’ve done that. I think as actors, ultimately what you care about is making the best possible film and alleviating as much of the pressure as you possibly can. But in other situations, if you ask me for my wish list, of course, I’ll want my team. I want all of us to be comfortable, but never at the cost of the movie.
Has your father ever tried to coach you as a producer?
No, unka oolta chalta hai Woh kitni baar bolte hain ki, why are you not taking Viji with you? Viji is like my sister. She’s been working with us for
daughter, have you been sensitised to the fact that you should be a more frugal actor or star? Is the pomp and show an inevitable part of stardom?
I’m very aware of the pressures that producers face. I know how an actor’s behaviour can make a producer’s life
Initially, I was convinced that I wanted to travel by myself. There have been times when I have told my producer that if we’re changing ticket bookings, I will pay for them. But Papa has insisted they need to look after these expenses.
Actors often have a very symbiotic relationship with sets. At times, you’re only as good as your co-star. So on a film set, are you a giver or a receiver? I am whatever the person wants me to be, I guess.
What about actual relationships in real life? Is that giver/ receiver role clearer in a family or romantic relationship? No, it’s always a give-andtake relationship. It can ever be lopsided. You can never function where I’ll only be the provider, the nurturer, and the caretaker, and the other person will just keep taking all that energy and affection. It doesn’t work like that.
Looking back at your fashion choices over the years, is there a particular phase or look that you’re especially fond of? Or, on the contrary, is there anything that you now look back at and cringe at?
I definitely cringe at my postDhadak phase. I think two or three years after my first film came out, I was very lost, even in terms of my fashion and self-expression. I was just trying to be someone I wasn’t, and I wasn’t comfortable in my body.
years. Papa will ask, Why is your manager not travelling with you? Why is Viji not going with you? She needs to be there for you when you come home from shooting. Now I’ve started taking Viji everywhere with me. But, because I realised I really do need her,
We’ve seen your method of dressing, especially during and after Mr. And Mrs. Mahi’s promotions. Does that come out of your love for fashion? Or is it to sort of rule the social media trends and headlines? It comes from my love for fashion. I’m genuinely excited by it. To be very honest, I did it for fun during Mahi’s promotions. There’s always been a good amount of attention paid to how I dress, and I wanted to bring that attention back to the movie, so I really used it as a ploy. And it worked out well. I might repeat it, and hopefully it’ll have the same effect on my future films. But I’ll only do it as long as I have fun with it. n
with sister Khushi, father Boney Kapoor and mother Sridevi
Through the
looking glass
SANJEEDA SHEIKH INFORMS SUMAN SHARMA THAT SHE DOESN’T BELIEVE IN REGRETS, AS SHE REFLECTS ON HER LIFE AND CAREER
What do you do when your happy world suddenly shatters? Sanjeeda Sheikh didn’t let the collapse of her marriage with Aamir Ali deter her. She calmly picked up the pieces, went through the divorce, won over the custody of her daughter Ayra, and continued her growth. She’s not a bitter woman raging about her ex. She doesn’t live in the past, acknowledging that everything she went through was a lesson and she trusts the turns of time. Destiny smiled on her in the form of Fighter, where she played a role meaningful to the narrative and Heeramandi, where her role as Waheeda, Manisha Koirala’s emotionally scarred younger sister was much admired. The role took much from her but she’s glad of the experience. Excerpts from an engaging interview with the actress who understands that tomorrow is another day…
You’ve had quite a journey with your character, Waheeda, in Heeramandi. How did Sanjay Leela Bhansali influence your approach to portray such a complex role?
I am deeply grateful to Sanjay Leela Bhansali for believing in me to portray a character as intricate as Waheeda. He has this incredible ability to see what actors are capable of, often recognising our strengths before we do. His faith in my abilities has been instrumental in my growth as an actor.
Working with him has been a transformative experience. Under his direction, I have learnt to trust my instincts and bring authenticity to my performances. His guidance has helped me tap into emotions and nuances I didn’t realise I could convey. Through this journey, I’ve become more confident and skilled, and I owe a great deal of that to his mentorship.
You mentioned being an instinctive actor. How did
this approach shape your performance in Heeramandi? For me, acting is all about living in the moment and creating magic spontaneously. The process of bringing Waheeda to life was a dynamic and evolving experience, largely shaped by Sanjay Sir’s meticulous guidance. His attention to detail was extraordinary; every aspect of Waheeda, from her movements to her speech, was carefully crafted to ensure she felt authentic. On the sets, Sanjay Sir and I worked closely to refine Waheeda's character. His precise direction allowed us to explore and enhance every nuance of her personality. To fully embody Waheeda, I approached her as if she were my closest confidante. I immersed myself in her world, understanding her thoughts, emotions and motivations deeply. This intimate connection helped me portray her with sincerity and depth, making her character resonate strongly with the audience.
Waheeda has been perceived as a complex character with shades of grey. How did you navigate portraying a negative character, who elicits varied reactions from the audience?
I believe all humans are a mix of good and bad, and it’s this blend that makes us truly human. Waheeda’s complexity resonates deeply with me because she reflects real-life emotions and struggles. Her character is not undimensional; she experiences a range of emotions, from joy, love, sorrow to anger. This multi-faceted nature makes her relatable and realistic. People’s reaction to Waheeda has been fascinating because they see
different facets of themselves mirrored in her journey. Some may empathise with her moments of vulnerability, while others might recognise their own strengths and weaknesses in her actions. Her story encourages viewers to reflect on their own lives, relationships, and choices. It’s this ability to evoke introspection and connection that makes her character so compelling and impactful.
You’ve admired Manisha Koirala’s work, how was your experience working alongside her?
As an actor, I have always admired Manisha’s work. I have always thought she is naturally beautiful, with a face untouched by artificial enhancements. I have seen all her films. Dil Se and Bombay are my all-time favourites. She is professional and hard-working. We often see her playing soft, bubbly characters—the girl next door. For her to take on challenging roles, especially at this stage in her career, is impressive. Watching her perform teaches you a lot. Her success is a testament to her dedication and humility. The key to success is, of course, to keep working hard while staying humble.
I AM DEEPLY GRATEFUL TO SANJAY LEELA BHANSALI FOR BELIEVING IN ME TO PORTRAY A CHARACTER AS INTRICATE AS WAHEEDA. HE HAS THIS INCREDIBLE ABILITY TO SEE WHAT ACTORS ARE CAPABLE OF, OFTEN RECOGNISING OUR STRENGTHS BEFORE WE DO
Heeramandi
FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE EMPOWERS WOMEN TO MAKE THEIR OWN CHOICES AND PURSUE THEIR DREAMS. IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT MONEY; IT’S ABOUT MENTAL EMPOWERMENT AND SELFRELIANCE. THIS BELIEF HAS BEEN CRUCIAL IN SHAPING MY CAREER AND PERSONAL JOURNEY
Moving on to Fighter, where you worked with superstars like Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone. What has that experience been like for you? While I was shooting for Heeramandi, I was called for a meeting about Fighter. I found the character performanceoriented. Though the role wasn’t long, it was strong and impactful. It’s exciting to work with actors like Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone, who are among the biggest superstars in the country. They have a beautiful, humble quality about them. When Deepika comes on set, she brings positive energy with her smile and presence, making you forget she’s a superstar. Their approach creates an atmosphere that enhances everyone’s performance. For instance, there was a scene with Hrithik Roshan at a cremation ground. The scene was well-received and felt very organic and pure. We
You’ve emphasised the importance of financial independence for women. Financial independence empowers women to make their own choices and pursue their dreams. It’s not just about money; it’s about mental empowerment and self-reliance. This belief has been crucial in shaping my career and personal journey. Women should know they are strong enough to take care of themselves and others around them. Many women face pressure to marry when they want to focus on their careers, unable to make their own choices about marriage. If you find a good partner, get married. In a relationship, be understanding, supportive and appreciative but never tolerate dishonesty. Honesty is a beautiful aspect of any relationship, while dishonesty is completely unacceptable.
Reflecting on motherhood, how has it impacted your life and career?
THE BIGGEST SECRET TO MY SUCCESS IS MY DAUGHTER. SHE WANTS ME TO DO GOOD WORK, AND IT’S SUCH A BEAUTIFUL FEELING. WHEN SHE SEES THE POSTER FOR HEERAMANDI OR FIGHTER, SHE PROUDLY TELLS HER FRIENDS, "THAT’S MY MOM." THAT PRIDE SHE HAS IN ME IS A HUGE ACHIEVEMENT.
child?
hadn’t rehearsed it because Siddharth Anand, our director, advised against it, given its emotional intensity. He told us to simply go with our feelings when he called for action. And that’s exactly what we did. The scene turned out beautifully. In acting, it’s crucial to be in the moment and not overthink your performance. You have to live the scene rather than just act it.
You’ve mentioned going through challenging phases in life. How have these experiences shaped your perspective on success and resilience?
My family has been my pillar of strength during tough times. Their unwavering support has taught me resilience and the importance of staying grounded. I’ve learnt that challenges are opportunities for growt. And I’ve emerged stronger from each experience.
Motherhood has been a transformative experience for me. It’s taught me patience, strength and the ability to balance work and my personal life. My daughter, Ayra, is my biggest motivation and inspiration. People say it must be tough being a single mom. It’s not tough. As a mother, your duties are your duties, right? Whatever you can do for your child, nobody else can. I often tell people, “Why are you making a big deal about being a single mother?” As long as you are independent nothing else matters. The biggest secret to my success is my daughter. She wants me to do good work and it’s such a beautiful feeling. When she sees the poster for Heeramandi, or Fighter, she proudly tells her friends, “That’s my mom.” That pride she has in me is a huge achievement. When I receive an award and come home, the smile she gives me is precious. It adds immense value to the award. She also has my family around her, which is a great support system.
Are you a strict or lenient mother? Do you pamper your
We come from a middleclass family. My parents worked hard for us and that’s whatI emphasise to Ayra. I’ve raised her normally. I don’t buy her everything she wants; I teach her that money is hard-earned and we must plan and work for what we want. It’s crucial for children to understand the value of money. I play games with Ayra to help her learn how to manage and spend money wisely. Additionally, I stress the importance of emotional bonding and expressing feelings.
Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring actors or anyone navigating challenges in life?
Trust your instincts, stay true to yourself, and embrace every phase of life as a learning opportunity. There are no mistakes, only learning experiences in life. As humans, we do what feels right at the time. If your mindset changes over time, it doesn’t make your past actions mistakes; they were right for you then. At 20, I made decisions that suited me then. Now, at 40 I’m more mature and self-aware. What matters most is how well you know yourself. Over the years, I’ve come to understand myself better. After enduring many challenges, I’ve discovered my own strength. Success comes from perseverance and staying humble. Focus on continuous improvement and enjoy the journey.
imply the best ! Nawazuddin Siddiqui S
POWERHOUSE PERFORMER NAWAZUDDIN SIDDIQUI TALKS TO AAKANKSHA NAVAL-SHETYE ABOUT HIS LOVE FOR FLAWED CHARACTERS, NOT BEING A SWITCH ON - SWITCH OFF ACTOR AND ALSO REVEALS WHAT PUTS HIM IN THE NEUTRAL ZONE BEFORE HE GEARS UP FOR THE NEXT ROLE ON SCREEN
The first thing that always catches your attention about Nawazuddin Siddiqui is his quiet and almost reticent demeanor bordering on the shy. And yet how the actor powers up in front of the camera and nails each and every character he plays on screen brilliantly is a mystery! Trying to decode the secret of this ‘how’ we settle down for a candid chat! “There’s no secret,” laughs Nawaz, as I ask him about it. “You can call me a simple man or a fool, but I have zero demands and like to live a simple life. So, all the complexities and experiences of my life, I simply like to wring them out into the characters I play,” he says. Having played some of the iconic and versatile roles, it is hard to box him under any tag and harder still to predict what he’ll come up with next. Minus any arrogance, or starry air, the actor never ceases to amaze, both onscreen and even off it, we find out as we get up close and personal with this powerhouse performer in our exclusive interview. Excerpts
Through your journey as an actor, we have seen your evolution when it comes to choosing your roles and films and it’s also been very diverse and versatile right from internationally acclaimed films to the hardcore desi commercial fare. How has the criteria of choosing your films changed over the years? Yes, definitely that evolution has been there, because while you are an actor, you are also experiencing life and somewhere that does tend to reflect in your work and choices. You also make your decisions based on those life experiences. But, the one thing I always try is that my characters should be realistic, be relatable, have some grey shades, bahut hi sapaat character nahi hone chahiye, it should not be onedimensional, because as humans we are not perfect. We have the good, the bad, the flaws, there are issues and those are the kind of characters that inspire me too. I would not like to play someone who is all ‘goody-goody’ because
I have absolutely no demands from life! You ask me to live in a desert, I will! You give me a small hut and ask me to live there for a year, I will… Give me anything to eat, I will not complain! Kuch bhi khila do, kahi bhi rehne ke liye de do, kahi bhi bhej do. I am like that… You may call me foolish or call it my simplicity… But this is how I am. Simple man I would say is a compliment… I’m okay being called a fool.
they are not real. I have absolutely no interest in playing characters who are perfect in their human fabric!
So you mean flawed, not necessarily dark!
Yes, they need not be dark, but flawed, because that’s how we humans are! Like you and me, we make mistakes, we learn, we have our flaws, bahut saari bewakoofiyan bhi hain humare ander, there have been times when someone’s made a fool of us and we have been played by others! Maybe we played others too, so the characters should have these layers.
Have you ever been fooled by a filmmaker?
Arrey! Umpteen times (laughs)
Like you felt you made a wrong choice and committed to a wrong project?
Yes, that has happened! But I feel that these mistakes wisen you up. You need these experiences to grow, you need to make your mistakes to learn.
Have you ever fooled anyone?
Maine koshish to ki banane ki lekin main itna bada bewakoof aadmi hoon ki main bana nahi paaya But I did try for sure (laughs)!
Are you the switch on – switch off kind of an actor?
No, not at all! I can’t ever be like that. That’s a weakness perhaps that I have! I can’t switch on and off easily. Like if the shoot is on for two months then for those two months I would be that character and be in it completely. And I’m not talking about the mood, that I’m thinking like that character, but somewhere in the back of my mind that character is playing in my head! And I enjoy that process, I like it because that’s what my work is! I’m an artiste, I’m an actor, this is all that I know and I like being honest and sincere to my art and craft. Isko main puri apni jad-o-jahad ke saath, poori honesty ke saath nahin nibhaunga to kaunsa kaam hai jo
main kar lunga. This is the only thing I know to do! So I don’t want to leave any point where I feel that I wasn’t loyal or honest and sincere to the character. When I play a character, all my experiences or memories are processed through the mind of that character in the duration. I like to relive the emotions, right from my childhood… I like to relive the happiness and the hurt too. Toh mujhe bahut accha lagta hai taaki main purane zakhmon ko kured saku. You know people don’t get this, but as an actor, I think we have this advantage, where we can bring out old scars, pain, laugh on our stupidities too and finally add all these layers to the characters.
But when you play really dark and intense characters like you did in Haddi or Raman Raghav, does it take a toll on you, like does it weigh heavy and does it become too much even for you? Of course, it does!
INTERVIEW
Bilkul haavi hota hai. At the end of the day, we are humans not computers where you can switch off immediately after use! A human has a brain, has thoughts, feelings, emotions and you can’t just switch them off! So yes, the intensity and the darkness… these things do affect you somewhere or the other. But you have to force yourself to reset the meter to zero to be able to play the next character and build on the next character’s emotions. You have to go into that neutral gear to set the next character in motion. You know as an actor when you take something from the character, the character also takes a lot from your life! At the end of the day, you are like an empty vessel sometimes, ki aapka kuch rehta hi nahin hai. So, yes that feeling lingers, but that’s the profession, more than profession, I would say that’s the passion! For me that’s what this is… a passion more than a profession!
So how do you go into that neutral gear when switching between two characters?
Do-chaar gaaliyan sun leta hu, trolling ho jaati hai. Dubai aa jaata hu (laughs)!
What is the real Nawazuddin like?
You won’t believe this, and I’m not trying to compliment or praise myself, but I’m actually a very simple man. Like I have absolutely no demands from life! You ask me to live in a desert, I will! You give me a small hut and ask me to live there for a year, I will… Give me anything to eat, I will not complain!
Kuch bhi khila do, kahi bhi rehne ke liye de do, kahi bhi bhej
do. I don’t believe in ownership like that. I am like that… You may call me foolish or call it my simplicity… But this is how I am. Simple man I would say is a compliment… I’m okay being called a fool. A lot of people feel how’s that possible, but people who know me, who’ve been with me, know that this is how I am! I really have no demands from life!
You earlier said that as actors there’s something you take away from the characters you play! So, what was your takeaway from your character in your most recent release Rautu Ka Raaz on ZEE5 Global?
The one thing that I most loved about the script of Rautu Ka Raaz and something that still haunts me is that when a mistake is done or a crime is committed out of innocence, and you know that the person is not a criminal but is innocent and whatever wrong he did was due to the situation and if you think that person has something bigger to contribute to the society, then I think the person should be forgiven! This twist in the film is also what makes it interesting! So, the human-ness of the character where he lets go of an innocent who commits a crime, by understanding what led him to do that, that human emotion was a learning-curve for me. Like he’s not a professional killer, and has so much to give to society, so it’s better to give him one more chance!
You and ZEE5 Global have had a great association!
Yes, thanks to this, a film reaches audience right from India to Dubai to even London and everyone can access it at the same time. There are no limitations with the reach unlike with a theatrical release, so there’s a wider audience! So, that’s certainly good!
BEST OF NAWAZUDDIN SIDDIQUI
The one thing I always try is that my characters should be realistic, be relatable, have some grey shades, have complexities, they should not be one-dimensional - sapaat characters nahi hone chahiye, because as humans we are not perfect. We have the good, the bad, the flaws, there are layers, issues and those are the kind of characters that inspire me too. I would not like to play someone who is all ‘goody-goody’ because they are not real. I have absolutely no interest in playing characters who are perfect in their human fabric!
PHOTOGRAPH
SACRED GAMES
GANGS OF WASSEYPUR
BADLAPUR
HADDI
SERIOUS MEN
MANJI – THE MOUNTAIN MAN
RAMAN RAGHAV 2.0
THE LUNCH BOX
BAJRANGI BHAIJAAN
MISS LOVELY
MANTO
…THE INTENSITY AND THE DARKNESS OF CHARACTERS… THESE THINGS DO AFFECT YOU SOMEWHERE OR THE OTHER. BUT YOU HAVE TO FORCE YOURSELF TO RESET THE METER TO ZERO TO BE ABLE TO PLAY THE NEXT CHARACTER AND BUILD ON THE NEXT CHARACTER’S EMOTIONS. YOU HAVE TO GO INTO THAT NEUTRAL GEAR TO SET THE NEXT CHARACTER IN MOTION.
SIDDHARTH IS A HUGE FAN OF SANJAY SIR. HE SAID SOMETHING THAT MADE ME VERY EXCITED. HE SAID, “ABHI HUMARI FAMILY MAIN DO FREEDOM FIGHTERS HONGE. EK TOH BHAGAT SINGH AUR ANOTHER IS BIBBOJAAN
Royaltouch
ADITI RAO HYDARI HAS WOWED THE AUDIENCE AS BIBBOJAAN IN THE HIT SERIES HEERAMANDI . SHE SHARES ANECDOTES WITH SUMAN SHARMA ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE.
Aditi Rao Hydari has long been a captivating presence in Indian cinema, known for her elegance, versatility and the emotive depth she brings to her roles. Recently, her portrayal of Bibbojaan in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi has garnered widespread acclaim, touching the hearts of audiences and critics alike. In an exclusive interview, Aditi opens up about the creative process behind her character, her collaboration with Bhansali and the personal and professional growth she has experienced through her illustrious career. From the challenges of balancing work in both the Hindi and South Indian film industries to the support of her fiancé Siddharth, Aditi shares insights into her journey, her inspirations and the philosophies that keep her grounded amidst the glittering world of showbiz.
Bibbojaan has won the hearts of the audience… I am enjoying it. Heeramandi is being celebrated. All my co-actors are being celebrated. I am taking all of that in. The feedback has been incredible. The fact that from a very vulnerable, kind and sweet girl, her journey
goes into being such a brave hero that changes the whole freedom fighter angle—I think people are moved by it. I am very grateful to Sanjay sir for writing Bibbojaan for me and for creating her the way he has.
How did your fiance Siddharth
PHOTOGRAPHS: TARUN KHIWAL / FEMINA
INTERVIEW
compliment you?
He was very overwhelmed. He is a huge fan of Sanjay sir. But he said something that made me very excited. He said, “Abhi humari family main do freedom fighters honge. Ek toh Bhagat Singh aur another is Bibbojaan.” Hearing that made me very happy. How supportive is Siddharth of your career?
He is a true artist and a multitalented, multidimensional one. He is a cinema enthusiast. He’s been Mani sir’s AD since he was very young, straight out of college. So, he lives, breathes and eats cinema. He is very supportive and I rely on him for feedback a lot. His heart is very genuine. It’s great to have someone like that in life.
Do you think Sanjay Leela Bhansali understands women better than any other director?
There are directors who love to tell women’s stories and treat their women and heroines with a lot of dignity. Sanjay sir is one of them. He is a director everybody dreams of working with. What he creates is beautiful; it’s legacy. But what makes him special is his vision of women. His female characters, are human beings— they are layered
THERE ARE DIRECTORS WHO LOVE TO TELL WOMEN’S STORIES AND TREAT THEIR WOMEN AND HEROINES WITH A LOT OF DIGNITY. SANJAY SIR IS ONE OF THEM
and complex. Wherever they come from, whatever profession they are in, he treats them like queens. In his stories, there is self-respect, fire, purpose and agency. He gives women his life and that’s how he sees them on screen. People talk a lot about beauty, but I think what makes them memorable is the fire and substance in them.
How did the character of Bibbojaan come about?
Honestly, I just listened to Sanjay sir and surrendered completely to his vision. He is the kind of director who gives us the best and gives the best of himself to us. He created Bibbojaan for me—every layer, every nuance. A lot of people have seen me in a very fragile, delicate space, but he said, “Iss ladki ka jo fire hai, I want the world to see that.”
Did you watch old movies like Pakeezah and Mughal-e-Azam to learn the acting style, grace and dialect of the actresses?
Of course, I worked on my diction and my Urdu with Munira ma’am, who was our diction coach, so we all worked with her. It needed to feel like I had been speaking that way since childhood, not something learnt. I practised
so to break that into Kathak and authentic Kathak at that, I needed to work on it. The dancing required a delicate grace because we are telling stories while dancing. Sanjay sir would catch the nuances, guide me and help me through it.
As an actor, what have you explored about yourself while playing this character?
I realised while playing Bibbojaan that her vulnerability makes her fearless and her fearlessness makes her powerful. Bibbojaan showed me that your physicality has nothing to do with it; everything is about the heart, whether it is love or fearlessness.
BIBBOJAAN SHOWED ME THAT YOUR PHYSICALITY HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH IT; EVERYTHING IS ABOUT THE HEART WHETHER IT IS LOVE OR FEARLESSNESS
You’ve worked with Mani Ratnam as well. How are Mani Ratnam and SLB different from each other?
extensively in the Hindi as well as the South film industry. How difficult or easy has it been to find a balance between both industries?
I am an Indian and I am an Indian film heroine. I will do every inspiring film that comes to me from a director I love and respect. I always think that films are about making you feel something. So as an actor, I just want to sit in your heart and go home with you, whether it is Hindi, Malayalam, Kannada or Bengali. I come from a very mixed cultural background, so somewhere that balancing act is fun for me and fuels me.
What do fame and popularity mean to you?
was five, I have been doing Bharatanatyam with Leela Samson,
I don’t think it’s right to compare them. Both are legendary directors. Both are people I look at as my gurus. I love them both. They are my mentors. I am lucky and blessed to say they picked me, and I am literally living the dream. This was the dream I dreamt of when I was growing up and to have it happen is incredible. In a heartbeat, I would wish for it again and again and again.
You work
I don’t think like that. I have four brothers who always keep me grounded and rooted. They don’t watch a lot of films, but they watch them for me. In my home, I am the child of the house and it’s the same. All my friends are friends I have known since I was 2-3 years old, and I am still very close to them. I feel like I am myself. If people see me as a star or larger than life, I am very blessed.
Where do you aspire to see yourself in the next five years?
That’s a secret. I feel dreams have magic; when they are realised, then you can talk about them. Right now, I am thinking about the present. I don’t worry about what I will do in the future. It’s the present and living 100 per cent in the present. I am doing Lioness, an Indo-British production, which is the story of two girls. One is a British actress Paige Sandhu and the other is me. I am looking forward to that. It is directed by Kajri Babbar; it’s her first film. Other than that, I am reading scripts. You have worked with director Imtiaz Ali in Rockstar When can we see you working with him again? I would love to work with him. I love him as a filmmaker. He tells incredible stories. Rockstar is a special film for me. Even today, when I see my scenes with Ranbir, I feel it. It was the beginning of my journey as an actor. Even today, people like to watch it. But I feel that role was so cut down that at the time, I felt very bad. I wanted to be a heroine in one of Imtiaz Ali’s films and live out the full character.
Kathak with Kruti Mahesh. Since I
Filmfare Middle East Social Night 2024 spelt glitz, glam and entertainment as the dazzling event saw the region’s leading influencers and social media stars come together for a grand celebration along with some of the most illustrious names and celebrated personalities in the entertainment industry. Led by the three dynamic and esteemed judges Mr Rizwan Sajan - Founder and Chairman Danube Group, Mr Saeed Al Janahi - Director of Operations - Dubai Film and TV Commission, and Ms Zenofar FathimaFilmmaker / Producer - Zen Film Productions - the campaign culminated into a grand finale with the winners walking away with the laurels. Adding glamour and grandeur to the event was the celebrity guest and our Filmfare Middle East July Cover Star – Taha Shah Badussha, who also unveiled the cover at the event. K-Pop Sensation Aoora had the guests dancing as he set the stage on fire with his performance. Also in attendance was the internationally celebrated wrestler, actor and motivational speaker Sangram Singh. Check out all the razzmatazz of the memorable evening:
Mr. Rizwan Sajan, Founder & Chairman – Danube Group
Mr. Rizwan Sajan and Taha Shah Badussha
Dr. Sana Sajan, Director, American Aesthetics Medical Center, Aoora, Mr. Adel Sajan, Group Managing Director – Danube Group
Mr. Saeed Al Janahi, Director of Operations – Dubai Film & TV Commission MoVlog, Mr. Adel Sajan and Taha Shah Badussha
Mr Sangram Singh – Commonwealth Heavy-Weight Champion, MMA Wrestler, Actor & Motivational Speaker with Mr. Rizwan Sajan
Aoora
Taha Shah Badussha
The Sajan family
Mr. Adel Sajan, Mr. Rizwan Sajan, Mrs Sameera Sajan and Dr. Sana Sajan
Mr. Sahil Sajan, Mr. Adel Sajan, Mr. Anis Sajan and Mr. Azhar Sajan
Team Flormar
Ms. Shabnam Kassam and Taha Shah Badussha
Sikkander Shah Badusha, Mr. Rizwan Sajan and Taha Shah Badussha
Pure Bhangra performing
Team Filmfare Middle East, Mr. Saeed Al Janahi, Mr. Rizwan Sajan, Taha Shah Badussha, with Zenofar Fathima unveiling the cover
Kiko Chan
Team Lovin Dubai
The Walking Lense Sehar Merchant
Mayur Panchal and Mr. Saeed
Al Janahi
Bengs Hyu
Hadiya and Shagufta Ali
Fatima Rezaei
Yalla Mishwar
Aisha Siddiqui
Layal Bathany
Umut Ilkaya
Aazman Bhathela, Divya Bhathela
Rayene Khodja, Leena
Mr. Arif Bhaldar and Mr. Saeed Al Janahi
Zack Chug with guest Shaima Hormillosa
Ms. Maryam & Ms YasminDubai Economy & Tourism
Khyati and Simran Ahuja with guest
Mariam George
Lamar Harb
Priya Jethani
Ms. Harjyot Oberoi Bohra Zahra Abiali Jani
Asmi Ahmad
Bachar Alkayal Hardy Singh
Alisha Taimoor Ali, Amit Dhariwal and Taimoor Ali Khan
Rachita luthra, Maged Elsayeh, Mayar Said and Mahmoud Hassan
Adna Abdiaziz Farah Khan, Saify Naqvi Jac Teixeira & Morando Bhumika Maniyar Shruti Nigam and Javeed Ebrahim
Michael Banua Rania Ali
Priyanka Chadha
Urbasi Chowdhury
Adnan Zafar (Ken Doll) Ekaterina Nazarova
Safia Mansoor
Saim Ali
Weam Abdelseed,
Mrs. Prathna Adnani, Mr. Vinod Adnani
Vinay Shah
Kris Ankem
Aakanksha Naval-Shetye and Taha Shah Badussha
Nikita Cisy and Vidyanath
Hesham Khan
Sufyan Mehmood
Amit and Aoora
Nasir Majeed Arezoo Muslemi Aaliya Lala
Khushi and Sneha
Sahitya Sidhartha
Shayaan, Azhar Sajan, Monis Khan Faizan Patel
Amar & Amrit Dahal Himanshu Pamnani and Paakhi Pamnani
Adhyayan Rane, Shefali Munshi, Taha Shah Badussha and Utkarsh Pavnesh
Ali Sufian Wasif, Farida Irfan Mohamad Chabchoul Joe Mohan Sonia Majeed
Aadharika Gandotra
Friday, Aoora, Rachna Puri
MAHMOUD HASSAN
MICHAEL BANUA
AREZOO MUSLEMI
EKATERINA NAZAROVA
SAFIA MANSOOR
MUNIRA RAHMAN
(MALE)
SAIM ALI
SHAN BAIG
KIKO CHAN SHAIMA
FATIMA REZAEI
MONA
PRESENTED
JOE MOHAN RANIA
PRIYA JETHANI
ZAHRA
HARNIDH KAUR SODHI
VIRDAH
It takes a
village…
JITENDRA KUMAR HAS BECOME A RAGE AMONG THE MASSES, THANKS TO THE POPULARITY OF RURAL SERIES PANCHAYAT HE TAKES SUMAN SHARMA THROUGH HIS JOURNEY
Jitendra Kumar rose to significant fame with his role in the hit web series Panchayat. Known for its rustic charm and relatable storytelling, the show has resonated deeply with audiences, establishing Kumar as a beloved figure in Indian households. Prior to Panchayat, he made his film debut in Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan (2020), just before the lockdown led families to discover and connect with his work. His journey from engineering at IIT Kharagpur to acting is marked by perseverance and passion. His initial struggles in Mumbai, where he joined TVF, eventually led to his success in the digital era. Despite his rising popularity, Kumar remains grounded, valuing the appreciation from his audience over the trappings of celebrity. His work reflects his commitment to authenticity and his connection to India’s heartland. Excerpts from an interview with the talented actor.
YOU'VE GAINED SIGNIFICANT FAME WITH PANCHAYAT. HOW HAS THE AUDIENCE RESPONSE BEEN FOR YOU?
Panchayat has a unique connection with people. In every season, I would be unsure of the audience’s response, but it has always been very good. Before Panchayat, my first film, Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan (2020), was released and then the lockdown happened. Families sitting at home watched Panchayat and connected with me, making it a family show for them. I believe people appreciate the rustic appeal. The audience’s reactions vary over time. Nowadays, projects like Gullak and Laapataa Ladies are being appreciated, all of which are straightforward rustic stories. If someone asks me to do another village story, I will happily do it, as long
as the script is good.
HOW WAS THE EXPERIENCE ON THE SET OF PANCHAYAT ? I bonded well with Neena Guptaji. I had worked with her earlier in Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan and have been an ardent fan of hers. When she appreciates my work, I feel validated. In the evenings, we would all get together for chats. We had informal gatherings on set where Raghubir Yadav ji would narrate fascinating stories in a very entertaining manner.
WHAT WAS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR JOURNEY TO BECOMING AN ACTOR?
The most difficult part is bagging the first project. For people like me from small towns, thinking of being part of the Mumbai crowd and getting work is an uphill task. The stress
of survival was immense. Coming to Mumbai, facing the camera, performing, and having my hoardings put up was a dream. As an outsider, you have no clue how to enter the industry or whom to approach. It is not easy, but I went with the flow.
YOU’VE GAINED SIGNIFICANT FAME WITH PANCHAYAT. HOW HAS THE AUDIENCE RESPONSE BEEN FOR YOU? Panchayat has a unique connection with people. In every season, I would be unsure of the audience’s response, but it has always been very good. Before Panchayat, my first film, Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan (2020), was released and then the lockdown happened. Families sitting at home watched Panchayat and connected with me, making it a family show for them.
It is difficult to survive without hard work in any field, but luck plays a role too. It was luck that brought me to TVF at the right time, giving me opportunities to evolve
I believe people appreciate the rustic appeal. The audience’s reactions vary over time. Nowadays, projects like Gullak and Laapataa Ladies are being appreciated, all of which are straightforward rustic stories. If someone asks me to do another village story, I will happily do it, as long as the script is good.
HOW WAS THE EXPERIENCE ON THE SET OF PANCHAYAT ?
I bonded well with Neena Guptaji. I had worked with her earlier in Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan and have been an ardent fan of hers. When she appreciates my work, I feel validated. In the evenings, we would all get together for chats. We had informal gatherings on set where Raghubir Yadav ji would narrate
PHOTOGRAPH: NIRAV THAKKAR
fascinating stories in a very entertaining manner.
WHAT WAS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR JOURNEY TO BECOMING AN ACTOR?
The most difficult part is bagging the first project. For people like me from small towns, thinking of being part of the Mumbai crowd and getting work is an uphill task. The stress of survival was immense. Coming to Mumbai, facing the camera, performing, and having my hoardings put up was a dream. As an outsider, you have no clue how to enter the industry or whom to approach. It is not easy, but I went with the flow.
HOW DID YOU TRANSITION FROM ENGINEERING TO ACTING?
In 2012, I completed my engineering degree from IIT Kharagpur. During college, we watched a lot of films and plays, which sparked my interest in acting. However, I never thought of it as a career. After college, I landed in Mumbai. A senior wanted to become a writer and told me about TVF in Mumbai where I could work. Initially, I did not get work, which made me question my abilities. I felt I needed to train myself in acting before entering the industry. So, I took a job in Bangalore to buy some time. Later, I applied to the National School of Drama but couldn’t secure admission.
HOW DID THE DIGITAL WORLD HELP IN YOUR CAREER?
I took a break from my job in Bangalore and came to Mumbai, shooting and posting a few videos on social media. Those videos became hits and I started getting work. By then, TVF had evolved. The new digital era allowed content creation with minimal resources, which helped a lot. This gave work to many people, including me, who might have struggled otherwise.
DO YOU ATTRIBUTE YOUR SUCCESS TO LUCK, HARD WORK OR TALENT? It is difficult to survive without hard work in any
field, but luck plays a role too. It was luck that brought me to TVF at the right time, giving me opportunities to evolve. Passion is also important. If you truly want to achieve something, you can do it with dedication.
DO YOU FEEL LIKE A CELEBRITY NOW?
I don’t feel like a star, but I have realised that people like my work. Every artiste wants their work to reach an audience and be appreciated. It feels good when your work is loved. I gauge my success by the audience’s response to my work, not by setting goals. I want to work on good scripts, whether they are web series or films.
HOW DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN REAL LIFE COMPARED TO YOUR ON-SCREEN PERSONA?
I am the same Jitendra in real life as you see on screen. I’m one among the 90 per cent of the middle-class population. I try to be honest with my feelings. Being an introvert sometimes creates misunderstandings, with people thinking I am arrogant. However, those close to me understand me well and that’s enough.
HOW DO YOU HANDLE SUCCESS AND FAILURE?
I remain calm and composed, rarely getting angry. I am forthright but considerate of others’ feelings. I don’t celebrate my success loudly. I keep my happiness to myself and focus on my work. I often reflect on my failures to understand what went wrong and how I can improve. I have got what I wanted through a lot of hardships. So when I gained popularity, I did not let success get into my head. Every person has to experience both success and failure, so I take both in my stride. I do not celebrate my happiness. If something is going right in my life, I keep mum and stay content and happy. I do not scream about it from the rooftops.
I enjoy my work. And I have a confession to make, whenever the spotlight shines on me, I get scared. Failures ko main bahut kareeb rakhta hoon, chahe fir professionally ho ya personally.
ARE YOU CURRENTLY IN A RELATIONSHIP?
I am single. I have been in relationships earlier, but right now, I want to give time to myself. I connect with many people but believe a serious relationship requires time and commitment.
WHAT DOES LOVE MEAN TO YOU?
Being in love means being with someone with whom you can fight and laugh heartily. Someone with whom you can joke around and express your emotions freely. I am a die-hard romantic and believe that friendship is crucial in a relationship. The bond should be
strong enough to share everything and understand each other without needing to apologise.
DO YOU HAVE ANY DATING TIPS?
If you are dating someone and want to know them better, travel with them. Spending time together while travelling reveals different sides of their personality. It’s a great way to explore and understand each other.
WHAT IS ON YOUR WISHLIST?
I want to work with directors like Sriram Raghavan, Zoya Akhtar, Anurag Kashyap, and Imtiaz Ali. My idols include Manoj Bajpayee, Irrfan Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Dilip Kumar, Balraj Sahani, Mohan Lal, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jim Carrey, and Steve Carell.
Kota Factory
Panchayat
PHOTOGRAPH: AKSHAY CHAVAN
THE WHAT, WHERE, WHO IN THE CITY
DUBAI SCOPE
MR. RIZWAN SAJAN, AOORA
K-POP SENSATION AND GLOBAL ENTERTAINER
AOORA MET MR RIZWAN SAJAN - FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN OF DANUBE GROUP, AS HE VISITED THE DANUBE PROPERTIES OFFICE IN DUBAI
SAHIL SAJAN AND CHITRANGDA SINGH
MILANO BY DANUBE, A LEADING LUXURY HOME SOLUTIONS BRAND, CELEBRATED A MOMENTOUS OCCASION AS ANIS SAJAN, VICE CHAIRMAN OF DANUBE GROUP, PROUDLY INTRODUCED HIS 23-YEAR-OLD SON, SAHIL SAJAN, AS THE NEW DIRECTOR OF MILANO BY DANUBE. THE EVENT ALSO HAD IN ATTENDANCE FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN OF DANUBE GROUP, MR RIZWAN SAJAN AND MARKED THE OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT OF RENOWNED ACTOR CHITRANGDA SINGH AS THE BRAND AMBASSADOR OF MILANO, SIGNALLING A NEW ERA FOR THE BRAND.
PHOTOGRAPHY : YASIR ARAFAT, DAWOOD SHAIKH AND ABU SAMUEL | VIDEO - JAFAR VETTIYIL
It took me a long time to grasp the core of Dodo. This guy simply misses his friends. He simply wants to be with them. He is a loner at the end of the day. I found the idea of him being a loner very appealing
FINDING DODO
There’s more to Divyenndu than his pitch perfect comic timing. Srijani Roy Chowdhury charts out his versatility
INTERVIEW
Divyenndu made the audience roll down in the aisles with laughter through his performance in the recently released Madgaon Express. In a candid conversation, the actor reflects on his artistic odyssey. His journey is an enigmatic blend of hardcore theatre and the dynamism of commercial cinema. He’s firmly committed to understanding the nuances of his characters, however absurd or sublime they are. While theatre remains his first love, Divyenndu’s versatility shines through in his seamless transition across mediums. Be it drama or comedy, his confidence and poise has always made him stand out. Whether commanding the stage or captivating audiences on big and small screens, he finds joy in his craft and wants to enhance it with every outing. He understands that cinema is a collaborative process and loves every minute of time on the sets. Excerpts:
Did you draw inspiration from personal experiences or make any special preparations to play Dodo in Madgaon Express? It was an extremely wellwritten character. The credit goes to director Kunal Kemmu. The problem was that it was too much of a character to support. The primary preparation for any actor is an understanding of the character. If you understand that character, half of your work is done. That understanding emerges when you refrain from judging a character. When I read or prepare for my characters, I avoid making any judgements. You must first understand how they are, who they are, and see them as a whole before beginning to build brick by brick. It took me a long time to grasp the core of Dodo. This guy simply misses his friends. He simply wants to be with them. He is a loner at the end of the day. I found the idea of him being a
loner very appealing. I would describe Dodo as someone who is alone and stuck in time.
Your camaraderie with Avinash Tiwary and Pratik Gandhi on screen was unbelievable... We were a mad bunch of people coming together. Everyone was also a thorough professional. We had a lot of fun while filming, but as they say, ‘comedy is a serious business.’ I believe that doing comedy requires you to be constantly on your toes. After the shoot, we would hang out and go to nice restaurants and places. This unwinding also helped us prepare for the following day.
Were there any scenes or moments in the movie that were particularly dif cult to shoot?
The Kombdi gang appearance was one of them. That was difficult because you didn’t want to play a female in a stereotypical way. I wanted to make it both respectful and comical.
What are your top three scenes from the movie?
Yes, there is the Kombdi madness. I would also choose Pratik’s cocaine scene. It’s definitely one of the highlights. Also, don’t forget Kanchan Kombdi and Mendoza’s chemistry. I also enjoyed the scene where they say, “Tasha kehti hain yahan pe aajao, maine sab theek kar liya hai.” And my character goes to hug Tasha. There are these goons in the background, and Dodo is completely unaware of their existence. He is in his own wonderland. I believe the film could have also been titled ‘Dodo in Wonderland’. Furthermore, the train scene in the climax, in which you initially believe that these guys are in trouble, but later realise that this was planned to get the bad guys arrested.
Have you ever encountered
I always believe that when you stop playing a character, you realise how much it affects you in real life. It works like ear pressure
a Dodo-like character in real life? I have gone on several Goa trips with my friends. Fortunately, I’m not the ‘Dodo’ type, but I know someone in my circle who is capable of throwing an oddball. So yes, I am aware that Dodos exist in the real world. He’s not just a fictitious character.
While Madgaon Express was an out and out comedy, Mirzapur was an
intense drama. How was it working with performers like Pankaj Tripathi, Rasika Dugal, and Vikrant Massey? What was the vibe offscreen?
It was simply fantastic. Everyone in Mirzapur was familiar with their jobs. We’d meet and jam. Not only are the actors important in Mirzapur, but so are the direction, camera, and production
Madgaon Express
My first love is theatre. The high you experience there is on a different level. It’s quite different to perform in front of a live audience. The smell of the auditorium, the entrance from the wings, catching the first light on your face, the warmth of that light—all of this is magical
Tripathi in Mirzapur? Because he has such a complex personality, it must have required extensive preparation... I was drawn to the character because, as you mentioned, it was one of the most complex I’d ever seen or encountered. It may sound philosophical or spiritual, but there are some characters who truly speak to you. Munna was one of such characters. He didn’t feel like a dark guy, a wealthy brat, or a man with a lot of power. For me, he was a troubled soul. That attracted me to him. I wanted to figure out why that guy was so troubled. Munna was not enjoying his behaviour or what he was doing, according to my interpretation of the character. I could tell there was a lot of emptiness in his life. Everything he did seemed to be for the sake of appearing to be someone to his father. He wanted to make his dad proud. Hence, the famous dialogue, “Papa, proud feel honge aap.”
teams because everyone was involved. We all had a lot of fun making that show. The show had a lot of drama, action, darkness, and intensity, so you needed people who were on the same page. I am very grateful to the Mirzapur cast and crew for understanding Munna. They used to watch and let me perform the way I wanted to. So, it was a wonderful collaboration between all departments. I would describe it as a very well-thought-out and meticulously planned production.
What drew you to play Munna
Liquid from Pyaar Ka Punchnama too was a dif cult character like Munna… Liquid was emotionally unstable. But with a pure heart. He was a naive guy who attempted to portray himself as a know-it-all. The challenge for me in preparing for Liquid was justifying that character’s emotional graph. It was difficult to explain his emotional range. It required a great deal of preparation. You really have to work on the character’s likeability so that people say Liquid is great no matter what. So that was very important to me as it was my first film.
You’ve already done web series, lms, and short lms. How do you prepare for each of them? I would say the basic preparation is the same. It does not really change. The acting style changes because you use a different gait as an actor. In theatre, you perform for a live audience, whereas in film, you perform for a camera. You must understand the lenses, angle, and magnification. Aside from that, there’s not much difference. When you perform in a theatre, your projection becomes slightly amplified. In terms of camera, it provides the advantage of allowing you to delve deeply into the nuanced aspects of your performance.
Do you have a preferred medium for performing?
mesmerised. Towards the mainstream, I used to watch Dev Anand saab, who had a completely different acting style. Then Dilip Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan struck a delicate balance between the commercial and artistic sides of cinema. I used to admire Farooque Shaikh, Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri, Amrish Puri, and many other great actors. My Hollywood idols are Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, and Sean Penn. Rather than one person, I believe that multiple performances inspire you.
What draws you to a speci c role?
The setting of a story is important. Everything becomes exciting when you get to see a new world. It’s like going to a new location. Following that, the story. I enjoy delving into the kind of story we are telling in that setting. Then comes the character. There are several other factors that contribute to filmmaking’s collaborative nature. It is also crucial to understand who your producers are. The producer is an essential cog in the wheel. It essentially represents a producer’s vision for a project. A director conveys the vision, but it is a producer who brings everyone together.
Which of your characters is the most similar to Divyendu in terms of personality?
Did playing him in uence your behaviour in real life?
Definitely. There were characteristics of it. My wife may have mentioned a few instances in which I began to behave in a particular manner in certain situations. She noticed a change in my trigger points. I was getting triggered in a specific way. That was the first thing. I always believe that when you stop playing a character, you realise how much it affects you in real life. It works like ear pressure. Munna Tripathi’s role had an impact on me. It was special in some ways, but I don’t think it should be overly romanticised.
My first love is theatre. The high you experience there is on a different level. It’s quite different to perform in front of a live audience. The smell of the auditorium, the entrance from the wings, catching the first light on your face, the warmth of that light—all of this is magical. The entire experience is incredibly magical. However, I enjoy performing in films and in front of the camera.
Who do you see as your idols? I looked up to various actors and watched their performances. When I was very young, I saw Balraj Sahni saab perform. I was
I’m still looking for the character who is closer to me. I don’t think I’ve ever played a character who is more like me.
Looking ahead, what’s next for you? Which genre would you like to explore?
I completed a project called Tatkal, which is based on the Bihar Tatkal ticket scam. I’ve also done a psychological thriller. I completed a project for Manish Malhotra as part of his first production. Radhika Apte also stars in it. I’m content moving forward. I really want to do horror next. It is something I haven’t looked into yet. It would be interesting to explore horror.
Mirzapur
LIVIN’ IT UP
One dream at a time!
COMMONWEALTH
HEAVY-WEIGHT CHAMPION, ACTOR, PHILANTHROPIST AND
MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER SANGRAM SINGH IN CONVERSATION WITH AAKANKSHA NAVALSHETYE TALKS ABOUT MAKING HIS MMA DEBUT AND REVEALS WHY HE BELIEVES IN CREATING A LEGACY OVER CHASING STARDOM
An internationally-acclaimed professional wrestler and Commonwealth Heavy-Weight Champion, a tness icon, motivational speaker, an MMA ghter, philanthropist, health expert and an actor - for someone who suffered from rheumatoid arthritis as a child, could barely speak clearly, hailed from a humble family of a small town that many haven’t even heard of - Sangram Singh’s life has been nothing short of a miracle! But this miracle, says the inspiring sports and entertainment personality, comes from being motivated by all the rejection he faced in life! In fact if a lm was to be made on his life, it would bear an uncannily strong resemblance with the spirit of the Tom Hank starrer Forrest Gump. This simple boy from Haryana went on to not only conquer his personal demons to win laurels for his country, but also win hearts globally. “I still have that boy alive in me,” he tells me, as we talk about his inspiring life and journey, believing in dreams, succeeding against all odds and leaving behind a legacy!
Sangram Singh
AGAINST ALL ODDS!
“The biggest motivation in my life has been the rejection I faced,” says Sangram Singh, as he recalls his childhood. That a world-renowned wrestler suffered from rheumatoid arthritis and couldn’t even walk properly as a child, or that a motivational speaker at Harvard or IIM could barely talk clearly, certainly seems unbelievable, but Sangram’s inspiring journey has been a testament of sheer determination and keeping faith in oneself! “Wrestling was a natural draw for me and when I started that was my only focus and aim, but organically one thing kept leading to the next and that’s how my life has been. I never planned anything, but I never stopped working,” shares Sangram, whose life story has also made it to the textbooks as part of academic syllabus. Interestingly, Sangram shares that there was a time when he had failed to clear an exam back as a school student. Point out that today there are scholarships being given under his name and he says, “Life somewhere feels like having come to a full circle, but then my journey is still on and I have a long way to go. So it’s just a happy irony that ek waqt tha jab main fail ho gaya tha, aur ek waqt yeh hai, where I am a topic in the syllabus.”
CREATING A LEGACY!
Sangram is also known to have refused to endorse a soda brand, even though he had a three figure amount in his bank back then! “Yes, I remember I had some 920 odd rupees in my account and I was offered a drink endorsement of a few crores. But I refused, because I don’t believe in endorsing something I don’t believe in or have myself. If it’s not benefitting the youth or the country, then I have no qualms in letting it go. Money has never been a driving factor for me. Money matters, but only when you are putting it to good use. At that time, I feel I should have money so I can help other people. Do something that generations will remember you long after you’re gone. Shaks banke nahi shakshiyat banke jiyo. I believe in leaving behind not wealth, but a legacy!” The actor even refused several film offers including a role in Dangal! “There are children and youth who look up to me, and I don’t want to compromise there. I even refused a big film opposite a very big star as it required me to play a terrorist, now that goes against who I am so I can’t do anything that I don’t believe in. I politely refused them ‘ki bhaisahab, hero paida hue the, hero hi marenge’,” he laughs.
MASTER OF MANY LIVES!
Sangram’s many roles include being a fitness icon, a brand ambassador of Swach Bharat campaign, starring in a movie, music videos, and various reality shows on TV too including Hrithik Roshan’s HRX Heroes and Bigg Boss! As for his own choice of films, Sangram points out that he loved watching 12th Fail, but he can’t watch a movie like Animal. “There’s no takeaway from a film like Animal, nothing to learn. So I prefer a Dangal, or Bajrangi Bhaijaan.”
SUCCESS TALK!
“Happiness is the highest form of success,” says Sangram. And for him, the happiness comes from two things - “Work and work-out. I am a vegetarian, so I have simple food. I travel, I work and I work out. Simple hai life!” The one thing life has taught, says Sangram is to be true and honest to oneself. “At the end of the day, I want to have a peaceful sleep, knowing that I did my work with utmost sincerity and to the best of my ability. And that will only happen when I’m passionate about what I do. Whether a sportsman, or a journalist, entrepreneur or teacher, or actor, it’s important to do it with all your heart.” But what is the one role he enjoys the most? “I enjoy the process of doing what I’m doing in that moment to be honest. But wrestling is something that will always be the closest to my heart. That is my first love.”
AGE NO BAR!
What truly matters, adds Sangram is not how many people know you, but how well you know yourself. “I have a lot of people saying how can I think of debuting in MMA in my 40s at such a late age, but I know I’m doing this because it will inspire so many people out there. So, my reasons are very clear to me.”
INSPIRING!
The other thing that Sangram says matters the most are his values! “I come from a humble background and I don’t fall for the temporary stardom, In the long run I want to be remembered as someone who touched lives, whose work mattered, whose words inspired people. That’s all that remains after we are gone. ‘Mutthi bandhe janm liye, haath pasare jaana hai… Is dhara ka is dhara pe sab dhara reh jaana hai’!”
…ASSERTS RAASHII KHANNA TANZIM PARDIWALLA AGREES WHOLEHEARTEDLY
Raashii Khanna is a girl’s girl. Getting into a conversation with her is like talking to a secure girl pal whose experiences have taught her to meet life’s ups and downs with a monk-like zen that can only be achieved through practice. “I love your name,” she says in response when I tell her that I liked the latest glam shots she has been posting on her social media handle. The exchange of compliments continues as the actress speaks candidly about exploring the expanse of not just the South and Hindi film industries but also switching gears between big-screen releases and OTT projects. She has been riding the pan-India wave for a while now, after all. In an exclusive chat, Raashii reflects on her diverse filmography, making unexpected choices, and more...
Do you think the distinction between regional and panIndian lms and stars has blurred, or are you still seen as a South actor?
I don’t think so anymore. After doing projects like Farzi and Yodha, and with upcoming films like The Sabarmati Report with Vikrant Massey, I believe the lines will blur eventually. Even if some people still consider me a South actor due to my significant following and influence in the South, I see it as an advantage. I can navigate both the North and South industries since I continue to work in the South and haven’t abandoned it. I’ve noticed that more of my South films are being dubbed in Hindi, which helps audiences become familiar with South based actors entering the Hindi arena. It may take some time, but I believe this distinction will diminish soon.
Fandoms are very passionate in the South. Do you notice any cultural differences between there and here?
When I was promoting Yodha, I wasn’t sure if people would recognise me since it was my comeback film in Hindi, and my face might not be as familiar. However, I was pleasantly surprised when we visited numerous colleges, and everyone was calling out my name. That’s when I realised that
they did recognise me. In the South, recognition isn’t an issue because they already know me, but in the North, it was unexpected. I still had my doubts, but then I noticed that even college students knew who I was, which was a great experience. Perhaps they’ve seen Farzi. Any uncertainties I had were dispelled.
Do your fans get upset when their favourite actor gets less screen time?
There are aspects beyond our control, as we can’t always predict how the film will be edited. Scripts often change during filming, so I don’t place blame on anyone. It’s just something that occurs sometimes.
When did you decide to make the move, not just between industries but also from movies to OTT?
After, say, eight to nine years of working in the Telugu and Tamil film industries, I never planned that I would want to go to Bollywood or do Hindi films. Scripts choose you, and then you’re like, okay, let’s go ahead with this one. When Farzi came to me, it was a no-brainer for me because it was Raj & DK and Shahid Kapoor. I don’t have to think twice because I know the content will be great. Even when I did a Rudra: The Edge of Darkness with Ajay Devgn, the kind of character that I played there had a very negative shade, which I have never played
before. I didn’t know how it would be taken. So it’s not like I planned that I would go into a different industry. It was not my decision. I just got pulled into it. I am happy that I’m getting the roles that I’ve always wanted to play—the stronger ones. When you grow as an actor, there is a certain responsibility to the fandom that you have. You feel that responsibility since they expect that you will give them something to watch out for.
Is it important for you to relate to the characters you play?
It’s not really important. But it’s important to understand where they come from. You have to get into the skin of the character. You have to think like them and start realising why they’ll do certain things. So early in my career because I never had any training in acting and I didn’t know how to go about it, I thought a part of me had to be attached to the character I played. But as I’ve grown, I’ve understood that you really don’t need to relate as long as you empathise with them; otherwise, you’ll never be able to play them.
What were some of your conversations like with Karan Johar during the making of Yodha?
We had so many conversations about films. I remember him telling me, “You must have done more films than I have.” I was like, no! And Karan asked, “How many films have you done?” So I said 35. And he said I’ve done 50. It’s 50, but I have directed seven.
He added, “You have nothing to worry about. You’re good.” He also said that he would love to work with me again. And that in itself was great for me because that means a lot coming from him.
What was it like working with Sidharth Malhotra in Yodha? Sidharth and I didn’t really have a lot of scenes together. My character was always on the ground, and he was always in the air. All the scenes that we have are either romantic scenes or intense scenes. I realised that he really puts in a lot of effort into everything that he does. Even in emotional scenes, we would have discussions. There were a lot of discussions before we would go on set,
When Farzi came to me, it was a nobrainer for me because it was Raj & DK and Shahid Kapoor. I don’t have to think twice because I know the content will be great
Farzi
which says a lot in itself because a lot of actors just come and do their thing. We also talked about books. I was so glad I found somebody who’s into books and who’s into spirituality. We bonded over those things, and it was a really nice experience.
What are some of the reactions you got for your on-screen chemistry with Sidharth?
There have been so many people writing about so many things. Apart from my performance, it’s definitely about chemistry. That got established when the songs came out, and I wasn’t expecting that amount of love. This is what you want as an actor—that validation that people are still loving you and are ready to see you more in Hindi films.
Do you think women are getting enough meaty roles in commercial lms?
We are sort of heading there. It’s not like we are not getting those kinds of roles. But it depends on the kind of film it is. I feel commercial films are also as important as something that is very contentdriven because you actually get that audience, which is the actual ticketpaying public. Content is king at the end of the day. As a female actor, I do feel that it’s important to balance both commercials and content. Also, I’ve realised I’m not just a prop in the film. Women are not props anymore.
Do you read reviews and audience reactions?
Reviews are important to see what the media thinks of you. But more than that, it’s the feedback from people. I recently did a theatre visit, and I saw people rooting for some scenes, which I really liked because if the public is liking it, then that’s great.
Public reactions are more important than anything that’s written. I want constructive criticism, so I specifically ask my friends and family to tell me what I could have done better. I don’t want to be blown away by good reviews. Every film I take is like a challenge; otherwise, there’s no point.
What were some of your biggest takeaways from working with Shahid Kapoor and Vijay Sethupathi in Farzi? Farzi got me lot of respect from the audience. I wasn’t just a pretty face in an OTT scene. They genuinely consider me an actor to look out for and to watch out for. People keep asking, when is Farzi 2 coming? They really want to see what Megha will do next. They know me by my character name, which is the biggest takeaway I have from OTT. I’m always asking Shahid, When are you free? When will we start shooting for Farzi 2? I’m literally just waiting for Raj and DK to announce it
How great was it for you to see Vikrant Massey’s 12th Fail success?
I am very happy that he found the limelight because he’s also been working for 20 years. He was telling me, “It’s been 20 years, and now people know who I am.” He’s like a mascot for everybody who’s trying hard and believes that they will make it one day. He’s become that symbol for me.
How do you deal with negative news reports?
I’m very spiritual. So nothing negative affects me. I have always been zen in my life. A film works or doesn’t work; I get something, I don’t get something, and I’m very chill. I live in gratitude. I am grateful for everything—for all the highs and for all the lows. You’ll not see me change in the face of success or failure. That is my achievement as an actor and as an individual.
Yodha
It’s important to understand where they come from. You have to get into the skin of the character. You have to think like them and start realising why they’ll do certain things
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Fashion TAKE
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DUBAI
WATCH LIST
CHECK OUT SOME OF THE MOST-AWAITED MOVIES AND OTT SERIES TO HIT THE SCREENS THIS AUGUST
STREE 2:
SARKATE KA AATANK
Director: Amar Kaushik Cast: Shraddha Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao, Pankaj Tripathi, Abhishek Banerjee, Aparshakti Khurrana
A perfect blend of comedy and horror this much-awaited Stree sequel brings back all the excitement of the small town Chanderi. This time, it is under attack from a headless monster who’s wreaking havoc, but Vicky and team gear up to take on this headless entity with the help of Stree – Shraddha Kapoor! Packed with enough jump-scares and humour, this one will keep you hooked right till the end. This one’s an absolute must-watch!`
Director: Sudhanshu Saria Cast: Janhvi Kapoor, Gulshan Devaiah, Roshan Mathew
An interesting conspiracy-drama that has Janhvi at the centre of all action as a young IFS officer. The twists will keep you on the edge of your seat. Janhvi has nailed this role and its one of her best yet.
GHUDCHADI
VEDAA
Director: Nikkhil Advani
Cast: John Abraham, Sharvari, Kumud Mishra, Abhishek Banerjee
The thriller highlights the grim reality of the casteism and honour killings still prevalent in the society and is inspired by true events. Sharvari plays the resilient titular role supported in her quest by John Abraham’s Major Abhimanyu. Post Munjya, this is yet another film where Sharvari nails her role to perfection and John fits the bill perfectly too.
Director: Binoy Gandhi Cast: Sanjay Dutt, Raveena Tandon, Khushalii Kumar, Parth Samthaan
An entertaining romantic-drama revolving around a loving young couple and their widowed parents who also happen to be former lovers! Unexpected complications crop up as the past lovers reunite
*Disclaimer: The release dates mentioned in the article are subject to change
KHEL KHEL MEIN
Director: Mudassar Aziz
Cast: Akshay Kumar, Taapsee Pannu, Ammy Virk, Vaani Kapoor, Pragya Jaiswal, Fardeen Khan
An adaptation of Perfect Strangers, a group of friends gather for a dinner and ugly dark secrets including cheating and infidelity are spilled among the married couples.
BORDERLANDS
Director: Eli Roth
Cast: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jack Black
The sci-fi action comedy is based on a video game series. A mercenary goes rogue and kidnaps a teenager. A bounty hunter is hired by Atlas to track and find his kidnapped daughter.
PHIR AAYI HASSEEN DILLRUBA
Director: Jayprad Desai
Cast: Taapsee Pannu, Vikrant Massey, Sunny Kaushal, Jimmy Sheirgill, Aditya Srivastav
The sequel to the thriller Haseen Dillruba packs in as many twists as expected and more as two new players are introduced in this game of cat and mouse! While the stakes and risks are still high for Rani and Rishu who had orchestrated a coverup for the death of Neel, they have a new cop hot on their heels who suspects that all is not as it seems and is hellbent on finding what really happened to his nephew! An interesting watch for sure.
ALIEN ROMULUS
Director: Fede Alvarez
Cast: Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson
While scavenging the deep ends of a derelict drifting wreckage of a space station USCSS Nostromo a group of young space colonizers come face to face with the most terrifying life form in the universe – the xenomorph! This is the seventh instalment in the Alien franchise and a standalone interquel between the first Alien (1979) and Aliens (1986) and a mustwatch if you dig the Alien franchise!
STRANGE DARLING
Director: JT Mollner
Cast: Willa Fitzgerald, Kyle Gallner
A horror-thriller as a twisted one-night stand spirals into a serial killer’s vicious murder spree. This one’s not for the faint-hearted!
IT ENDS WITH US
Director: Justin Baldoni
Cast: Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, Brandon Sklenar
Lily who is working on opening her new flower shop meets a neurosurgeon Ryle who lives on the top floor of the same building as her new shop. The two get romantically drawn to each other, and decide to take the plunge when Lily runs into her ex-boyfriend Atlas, who is now the owner and head chef of a popular restaurant. If romance is your flavour, then this one is certainly for you!
16th OCTOBER 2024 | DUBAI, UAE
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