Global Movie Jan 2015

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If you don’t like PK don’t watch it: “Aamir Khan”

Less than a week after its release, PK, the movie, has a competitor in PK, the hashtag. Even as the war on Twitter shows no signs of abating, Aamir Khantakes questions on playing an alien, being a socially responsible superstar and more.

Aamir Khan’s films have a special place among children . Azad (his three-year-old son) is said to have loved PK and even copied his dance moves. Asked if it has been the best compliment yet, the superstar said: “Azad loves film music. When he was about one-year-old, he went crazy over Ayan (Mukerji)’s film, Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani.

Every morning he would want to dance to the film’s songs and I had to dance with him. Some days Kiran (Aamir’s wife) would join in. While I was doing Dhoom 3, Azad would watch me practising tap dance and he would do the same. I am happy he loved this one too.”

Certainly, movies run in the family. We ask him if rumours of his daughter wanting to get into films are true. Aamir says he would be happy if she does so, but he doesn’t know if that’s the case now. Instead, he talks about the staggering mental preparations he needed to play the role of PK, the alien . “The challenge was to really clear my head off everything that I know about human beings, everything I approached I had to just try and grasp as if I have never had any previous knowledge about this planet.

To get to the mind space where I don’t understand how this planet works was the big challenge. Trying to grapple with what PK is coming across. Raju’s script is very funny.

Language was yet another big challenge.”

From a man without memory to a man from outside the planet, Aamir has done it all. Now with biopics having become the flavour of the season, would he want to be part of one too? Believe it or balk, there are some fans of Narendra Modi on Twitter who think this socially conscientious Bollywood perfectionist would be in fact perfect to essay the role of our current prime minister! Aamir doesn’t junk the idea of playing Narendra Modi altogether, but puts the onus on the scriptwriter. “It really depends on whether such a film is offered to me. I don’t like to plan ahead.

That is not an organic way of doing things. A film is born after a writer finishes the script, I would only come in when the film is ready to be made. I really don’t want to plan what I would like to do,” he said.

Yet this man without a plan is the brain behind the TV show Satyamev Jayate that tells billion-plus Indians what not to do. So how does it work with his films? Does he consciously pick films that have some sort of a social

message? “No, I do not consciously do that. But I do get attracted to stuff based on what kind of person I am. Other actors might not have gotten attracted to Taare Zameen Par the way I did. It was not really a mainstream film. But it worked for me. Some films appeal to me when they match my thoughts. Otherwise, I don’t go out looking for films with social messages,” said Aamir. “It is the writer and director who want to say something and I join them. My primary concern is: am I entertaining? If there is a social message then well and good.

Some of the films that I did like Ghajini, Delhi Belly, Dhoom 3 didn’t have any social message.” Returning to PK, Aamir talks about the critical and commercial reception of his latest. He seems chirpy. But the ticket pricing of the film has been a bit of a concern. Commenting on the scenario, Aamir explained: “Ticket pricing is not the reason why the film has not released in certain single screen theatres. I don’t want to name any theatre but some of them want to earn more money by indulging in black marketing. They claim to sell it at a lower price, open the ticket window for about 10 minutes and then put up the houseful board. They later sell tickets at much higher price through touts. That’s a practice we don’t want to support.

SINGLE SCREEN “Our film has released in a lot of single screen theatres across the country. For instance, there is this theatre in Bandra called Nandi which is selling tickets for Rs60. So our film is running there. So we don’t really have any issues with lower price. Our purpose is to reach each and every person in this country. In fact, I think the prices should be lesser than that also. Since the last six years, I have been telling the exhibitors that there should be a provision for some people to watch movies for as low as Rs25. In any case, distribution and exhibition is not in my hands but as a creative person, I feel the need to reach out to everyone in this country.” But isn’t this the ongoing trend? Even multiplexes hike rates when a superstar’s film releases. In Delhi on Friday the PVR chain had ticket cost as high as Rs1,600! Aamir didn’t agree. “You are talking about the Director’s Cut segment, which has always been high. But even in multiplexes, you can get a ticket for Rs120. It all depends on when you want to watch a film. Weekdays, morning shows etc. it is quite affordable. Why is this question about high ticket price not asked to every one? The last five films that released before this had the same kind of ticket pricing. Why are only we singled out to ask such questions?” Aamir asked. The tone gets serious. “This controversy is created to spread negativity . It is being deliberately done. All the big films released before this, we all fall under the same industry conventions. So why not ask them too?” Some religious groups have raised objection saying the film is promoting “Love Jehad”. Even on Twitter, there is a virtual war over PK’s message. Aamir is unmoved . “For every film there will be a group that will protest. This is a democracy and if they have an opinion, so be it. They should not watch the film if they don’t like it,” he said. So does making films with social messages mean that it will take a toll on the box office collections? One expects high opening figures from all his films, but this was not as big as Dhoom 3. Aamir differs. “We collected Rs26 crores on the first day and that’s a very high figure. It’s actually higher than Dhoom 3. Some films came out on holidays and this came out on a regular Friday. On Sunday it was Rs38.4 crores, which is again higher than Dhoom 3.” On his reluctance to market PK, we ask him if this is a method to create more intrigue surrounding the film star.

Marketing: Aamir brushes off the charge. “I think each film is unique and has its own requirement in terms of marketing. If I tell you in Dhoom 3 I am playing a double role, it would have been a big spoiler. I try to pretty much protect the entertainment value of the film by not revealing certain key points. I think quality is more important than quantity . It is not about more or less, it is about how appropriate it is. Your first day draw reflects the kind of marketing you have done. Anyway, the initial collection of PK is higher than Kick . I don’t know how we could do better than that.” So how does he unwind when the job’s done? “I have seen an unreleased film. It’s called Margarita with a straw. Beautiful film and I think the Hindi version is Chhoone Chali Aasmaan. I really loved it. I loved watching Queen too,” he said.

I wouldn’t have gone nude three years ago!

Mr Perfectionist grabbed headlines when the first poster of his much-awaited film PK came out. The superstar shocked many with his nude avatar but the actor says he wouldn’t have done the same two or three years back…

The most-awaited film of this year PK is just around the corner.

Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, the film is slated to release on December 19 and stars Aamir Khan, Anushka Sharma, Sanjay Dutt, Boman Irani and Sushant Singh Rajput. Since its coming together of Hirani and Khan after 3 Idiots, expectations are sky high from PK. While the film has managed to create good buzz, it has had its owns share of controversies as well courtesy the nude poster which got leaked not too long ago and went viral on the internet. So when we caught up Aamir to chat about PK, we directly got down to business and started our conversation by asking him about the infamous nude poster….

Were you apprehensive about doing the nude poster for PK because people haven’t seen you doing such a thing before?

First of all that poster is a moment from the film. It’s an extremely important moment of the film. When you see the film you will connect immediately with that so it’s a key art from the film. Was I apprehensive? No, I wasn’t. But if you had asked me this question two or three years ago before I had heard the script and if you had asked me would you do a nude shot in a film, I would have said no. I would not have imagined myself doing that and I would quite naturally feel uncomfortable because we are not use to being without clothes. But when I read the script it was most natural to me and come to think of us it then all of us are born without clothes on and that’s how nature probably intended us to be. As human beings, we have created clothes so I was not uncomfortable.

Are we prepared for such bold content?

I think that we have to be honest to our work. That’s very important to us and we hope that when people see the film they will understand better. I don’t think Raju or Abhijaat or me or Vinod are kind of people who would do something like shedding our clothes to just be sensational. That’s certainly not our intention. And nor would we use it just to market the film. I don’t think any of us needs to do that. But we need to be honest to our material and that is what we have been. Now if that has an adverse response, so be it. We have to be honest as creative people. During 3 Idiots we didn’t use the kissing scene which is there in the end for publicity. So if we were the kind of people

who thought ki thoda masala daalte hain publicity mein then we would have used that kissing shot. But we didn’t even mention it. Here the scene is extremely relevant to the plot of the film which is why we have used.

In one of the interviews you said that your role in PK has been the toughest one of your career. So if you had refused the film, would it have been made?

Of course because I find the role extremely challenging maybe other actors would have found it easier to do. For me, the strength behind PK and the hero behind PK is not me but it’s Raju Hirani. If you replace me, you would do fine with the film but if you replace him then you don’t have a film. So PK is essentially his film and according me he is the number one director today in the industry and his track record shows that.

Would you take the onus for a flop because Rajkumar Hirani said he would take the onus if at all something went wrong?

If a film of mine doesn’t do well then of course I will take the responsibility. I have a certain responsibility towards the audience, my producers, distributors, market and the film industry because they have faith and trust in me so I wouldn’t like to disappoint my audience or the investors.

Your son Junaid has assisted on this film. So how was it working with him and did he get any special treatment?

It was great fun but he didn’t get any special treatment.

He was one of the junior assistants and he stayed with the unit. He didn’t stay with me. He ate with them and also travelled with them.

Any plans to launch him as an actor?

That really depends on him. He is still very young and is still learning. So ultimately when he feels he is ready to take the next step and if I feel the step he wants to take is the one that I can back then I would. But there is lot of time for that I guess…

You are originally the Rs 100 crore club hero. So how do you see this trending growing in the industry?

It’s a very unfortunate trend because the moment creative people start thinking of the numbers than the shadow of that number influences the kind of films they choose. And the moment I start picking films which only have the potential to do 100 crore or more than my choice becomes very limited. Then I can only do a film like Avengers or Spiderman and that kills the creativity to an alarming extent. So I have always selected films on the basis of what I feel towards them. A film like Taare Zameen Par went on to do a good business but on the face at that time I had no idea. I selected it because I loved the story. I did Lagaan when the entire industry was thinking it was a

disaster. So I picked all these films without thinking about the box office. I did these films because I loved them.

That they went on to do big box office business is great. It actually shows that even audience is changing and wants different stuff. Their taste is broadening. What was earlier considered mainstream, today it is actually not mainstream.

Also, we are in a story telling business so if I sell you the same story each time, you don’t want to consume it because we have consumed it once. Each time you want a new story so films have to be new each time as oppose to identical each time.

Recently there were reports about you coming together with Deepika Padukone for a film but apparently you backed off from the project. Can you tell us what happened?

You know, I don’t discuss about projects which I am not in…

But you were offered the film?

I am offered many films…there are lot of offers even now (smiles). I just don’t talk about films which I am not doing.

Any plans of directing a film again in the near future?

Not right now. I am looking for a script that I want to act in.

I find absolutely no dignity in the way we are promoting our movies “Anushka Sharma�

Anushka Sharma ponders about the side effects of celebrity; including keeping her relationship under covers

Twenty six-year-old Anusha Sharma says, “I don’t want everyone to know everything about me. I get uncomfortable even when strangers see a part of my house.” In an interview to GQ India, the actress talks about why she may be perceived as boring, but she doesn’t have interesting stories to share like, “I really wish I had something to say, like I used to be fat and then I lost weight, or a producer just walked into a café once and gave me a card or like, you know, I was somebody’s daughter.” However, she does talk about endorsements, growing old, films and Virat. Read on…

She reveals that she allows herself to be choosy about the movies she does. With endorsements, she doesn’t have to say yes to a shitty script to pay the bills. “Endorsements are how I bought this house. Our world is only about consumerism. Look at anything and you can trace it back to a product. There’s nothing that’s happening without advertising. That’s the world we live in.”

“From the time we’re children we start having this herd mentality. It disturbs me.” Anushka adds, “Like when I read that a journalist wrote something about a famous actor smoking a cigarette. He wasn’t asking anyone else to smoke, that’s just a life choice… People find it easier to let others make decisions for them. So if tomorrow I love Shahid Kapoor as a fan and I want to stay away from smoking, what does it matter if he smokes or not? I mean, why can’t people be intelligent enough to make their own choices? I’m reading Naseeruddin Shah’s book right now, and he’s so honest” – this book is also on the coffee table – “he’s talking about prostitution and drugs and everything. He’s just talking about his journey.

We’re not so stupid that we’ll just follow someone’s life blindly.”

Anushka doesn’t hesitate to expound, on record, about what she thinks is wrong in the compound. When I jokingly equate film promotion with prostitution, she ticks off things like shopping mall appearances.

“I don’t like the way we’re promoting our movies. I find absolutely no dignity in it.” Then, from her other self, she tries to rationalise: “Yesterday some person told me he was worried about me because I don’t know how to market myself as an actress and I said, ‘Market myself? What does that even mean?” she asks.

The PK actress wasn’t always a celebrity and can remember when going out for dinner didn’t mean everyone in the restaurant wanting to take your picture. “You can ask me and I’ll take a picture with you, but if you’re just going to take your camera out and treat me like a monument or something… I don’t feel like a human being That’s what pisses me off. I’m always looking around. I know when someone’s taken their camera out.”

Just like she knows she cannot escape being asked about beau Virat Kohli. “Listen,” she says, “someone picking someone up, someone dating someone and kissing them, these are normal things. But such a huge deal is made out of it and the media make it seem wrong, you know? Almost dirty. That’s the problem. I don’t think the people who write in this manner have the right to question why I’m not talking about my relationship, or why someone else is not talking about their relationship… This is why actors clam up completely. I have a problem with moralistic people. What the hell? Who are you? I do my work well, I’m good to people. Why am I judged by who I’m with, whether I’m married or not married to them? I will continue to live my life with whoever I’m with normally. I will not talk about it because the minute I put myself out there, the way that information is treated is just horrible.

I am not an ordinary star, Everything I do is sort of unique “Priyanka Chopra�

The Bajirao Mastani actress talks about female centric films and her own ahiyan

At the peak of her career, Bollywood’s marquee actress Priyanka Chopra changed track to explore the world of music – only to emerge as a winner. And now she has ventured into film production. Describing her activities as “unique”, she said she doesn’t follow a path but creates her own.

“I am not an ordinary star.

Everything I do is sort of unique and I hate being clubbed as ‘oh celebrities’,” Priyanka told IANS in an interview. ”I have a very unique personality. I like to do things which I want to do and I don’t know whether these things will turn out to be good or bad. But everything that I have done has been very unique to me. I don’t follow a path, I create my own,” Priyanka added, looking chic in a white dress.

Her showbiz journey started with being crowned Miss India and going on to win theMiss World title at the age of 17, followed by her Bollywood debut in 2003 with The Hero: Love Story of a Spy. After that, there was no looking back as she mastered the art of delivering the unexpected. However, planning for the future is not Priyanka’s style. ”I never knew I will become an actor or a singer or a producer. Things just happened as I evolved. So, I can’t say when I will do what,” said the 32-year-old.

For Priyanka, 2014 was good largely due to the success of her sport-based film Mary Kom. ”It’s been a great year. I started off with Gunday and then Mary Kom. The business that Mary Kom, a female-led film, did is huge. For me, the biggest victory with Mary Kom was it’s numbers on the opening weekend. ”Female films start with small numbers and make Rs.50 or Rs.60 crore in two months, but that was not the case for Mary Kom. It’s a huge step,” the actress said. The actress is now prepping up for her Zoya Akhtar’s Dil Dhadakne Do and Bajirao Mastani.

Priyanka, who was recently in the capital to support the Girl Rising campaign, says women empowerment is seeping into the film industry, but slowly. ”We live in an extremely male-dominated world and slowly it’s changing. For instance, actresses used to get roles with three songs and 12 scenes. I personally have tried to move away from such films, but every girl doesn’t get such an opportunity. ”Female actors are even afraid to do that because it is easier to do a film with a boy and share the credit,” she said.

The success of women-centric films like Mardaani, Queen and Mary Kom proves that a wave of change has set its foot in Bollywood. ”It is so great to see actresses now coming and taking those steps and saying, ‘Okay the film will be on my shoulders’ . When I did Fashion everybody thought I was mad, but it proved a point that female-led films, if are good films, will be seen. ”We might not make Rs.200 or 300 crore but it is a beginning. It will take some time but we will get there,” the actress said.

Priyanka doesn’t just exude optimism but is working towards it. She says along with the Clean India campaign, she is working on her own abhiyan (campaign). ”I hope to do more such (women-centric) films so that the generation after me is not afraid to take films which are on their shoulders and girls get parts that make them as relevant as boys. So it’s my own abhiyan,” the actress said.

Ranveer and I will get married when the law changes!

Arjun Kapoor on pressures about being an actor, dressing, acting in his first home production and his bonding with his co-stars Arjun Kapoor loves all things related to Bollywood. As a kid, he used to eat his dinner while watching Bollywood potboilers like Ram Lakhan. Having been in the industry for two years, the actor obviously enjoys being in the business.

Though he is pleasantly surprised with the way things have fallen into place, he expected it to take longer. Not all his films have been successful at the box-office but he has moved ahead with each film. His first movie with his home banner — Tevar — is ready for release, he talks about family, films, fashion and friendships in B-Town. Read on…

Usually, industry kids make their debut with a home production, but you are already pretty established. Is the pressure different from what it would have been if this was your debut film?

When you do a film, you don’t think like that. When you’re shooting, it’s only about getting the work done that day. You are going day-by-day, and not thinking of the bigger picture. You are only trying to make the work happen, and that goes for every film, even if it isn’t a home production. I would consider YRF as much my home production, so I put in the same amount of effort. The excitement, the nervousness… all those emotions are the same, but now that I sit down and talk to people there’s that realisation that there is certain perception that comes with working in a home production, and I am very okay with that baggage. I am very proud of my home production, I am very proud of my father and I want the film to do very well.

Was it easier then to work in a home production?

No, because there are a lot more emotions off-camera. You feel lots of things… I had my father on the sets for the very first time. I mean, he has always seen my films before they release, but that’s the final product. He got to see my process as an actor for the very first time and that’s a different feeling. Waking up on an outdoor and knowing your dad’s staying in the next room, you can meet him before you go… I have not had that all my life… I mean for as long as I can remember. It’s always been that you meet him at some point in the day or talk to him over the phone, but to wake up in the morning and share a meal with him or to meet him on the set for lunch, those are things I have not experienced before. So there were those emotions.

Looking back, any regrets it wasn’t your first film?

I didn’t do my first film with the home banner because I wanted to be worth something so that my dad could make his kind of film. But on the sets, I like to be his reality check, his mirror. When we were shooting for the Superman song. We’d wake up early in the morning and wait for the fog to clear. Then we would keep shooting till we could. The song was scheduled for five days, but we finished it in four, so on the fifth day we didn’t know what to do. I told Remo (D’Souza), let’s just shoot the song everywhere once again. In the trailer, you see so many places because we were pushing the unit and we got better output. But there was no pressure, ki yaar kya hoga, because nobody can control the fate of the film. But I am happy that I have worked with dad at this point. Maybe if it was my first film, I wouldn’t have been able to handle it.

Having this little experience of two years keeps me sane and calm and doesn’t let me feel the burden of pressure.

You’ve always been close to Salman Khan. The Superman song’s an ode to him…

I was quite surprised when I heard the song because I never thought Amit, our director, will get such a commercial hook line for the song. I thought he would have that montage kind of a song, establishing Agra ka character.

Remember that song, Dhakka Laga Buka in Yuva? This song was supposed to be like that…a journey in the alleys of Agra. But suddenly they found this hook and they realised that it works very well with my character Pintu.

He genuinely believes he is a superhero because he helps people all the time, and he is a fan of Salman in the film, so it made sense. I told him to be prepared because it will never be Pintu’s song, it will be Arjun’s song for Salman.

Hum kitne baar bhi bol de key eh Pintu ke liye likha hai, but people are going to say nahi yeh Arjun ne Salman ke liye kiya hai. It came from an organic-ness in the film and then you realise it fits with the film’s perception too, and the fact that I am doing it. So, two plus two became four in a very nice way. It wasn’t manipulated. I loved it and I was looking forward to doing a song where I get to dance after Chokra Jawaan.

Yes, that was the first time you showcased your dancing skills.

Chokra jawaan was an acid test to prove to Aditya Chopra that I coul dance. He thought I had two left feet — Everyone at Yash Raj ¬¬because of my body structure and by body language — thought I was a very laidback, lazy guy with two left feet. For Chokra jawaan, I rehearsed for five

days then I performed for Adi in the studio in the rehearsal hall for five-and-a-half minutes like a stage show. And then Adi said, ‘Okay you can do it’. He had said that if I hadnt proved to him then they would have shot the song differently. With Gauhar dancing and me just watching it.

But I refused to accept it, and wanted to prove myself.

2 States had little dancing, Gunday was more free styling and less dancing. But with the Tevar song, I can say people haven’t seen me dancing like this.

Do you enjoy dancing or is it something you do like a job?

I love dancing. I know that I am not the best dancer, but I enjoy dancing. I think it shows on your face when you like dancing. We have grown up seeing people like Govinda and Madhuri Dixit who love dancing. We loved them not just because of the way they dance, but also because they could make you want to dance. I am that kind of person, when I see someone dancing well I feel like dancing. But when someone complicates it, I get scared. As long as I am comfortable with it, I enjoy it. Superman was me finding my comfort level again. There’s another song which

you will see later in which I have danced again…kyunki producer papa hain toh maine pura advantage liya hai (laughs).

Tevar is a solo hero film. Apart from Gunday, most of your movies have been solo hero projects. Is it a conscious thing?

I have never perceived it that way. I think from my generation, I am one of the few actors to have done so many ensemble movies. Finding Fanny, I knew was truly one and I really enjoyed it. In Aurangzeb, Prithvi had an amazing role. 2 States is also an ensemble, without Amrita Singh and Ronit Roy that film is nothing. I have never seen it that way. In Tevar too, both Sonakshi Sinha and Manoj Bajpayee have important roles. But yes, I love doing ensemble movies. Finding Fanny was selfishly a wholesome experience for me because I got to work with Naseer, Pankaj, Dimple m’am and Deepika, and all in the same frame at the same time. It was really good fun. I would love to do a two hero-three hero film as long as it gives me something to bite into like Fanny did. In Gunday, I knew both the roles are equally fleshed out. We could’ve switched our roles and still got equal credit for it. I would love to do a movie like Ocean’s 11, but nobody is going to make it here. If I was to do that movie, I would love to do Matt Damon’s role. I would love to see more cooler, senior actors play George Clooney and Brad Pitt. In Matt Damon’s role I would observe them and blend in.

Not many upcoming actors would want to blend in; wouldn’t you want to stand out?

It’s about balancing. If I do three Tevar’s in a year, it’s great to do an Ocean’s 11. I chose to do a Finding Fanny because I knew I was going to be doing an Okkadu remake after it. That much sensibility you have to garner, ke okay you want to do this and that also for yourself. It might change in one year, you might meet me and I might say ‘Mujhe toh sirf solo hero hi karni hai’, but at this point I am open to anything.

You haven’t really done any bubble gum romance…

I’d love to do an urban romcom, but I think jab tak main daadhi shave nahi karungga tab tak mujhe koi aisa offer nahi dega.

Your female fan following sure increased after 2 States…

I sensed that change in women after 2 States, especially the younger generation. Also children, who were scared

of me. I remember I was travelling for an ad shoot and a lady came up to me in hotel lobby, and said that her seven-eight year old son watches Gunday every night while eating his dinner. And I was really excited because I have done stuff like that. I used to watch Ram Lakhan while having dinner. So I went to meet him. When he saw me, he kept saying ‘Bala, Bala’. His expressions went from being taken aback to wailing loudly. He spent more than hour in the lobby of that hotel hiding from me. That’s when I thought ki yeh badlana padega.

The audience accepted you…

One thing I’ve realised is that you can’t plan all these things. I didn’t know where I was going to be after two years when Ishqzaade released. Too many factors are at play — luck, destiny, circumstances, a good director and most importantly, acceptance from the audience. You can’t plan that. You can work really hard, look your best, but if they don’t want to see you, then they don’t want to see you. And sometimes they want to see you no matter what. There’s something the audience catches and latches on to. I always wonder how it happened so quickly with Ishaqzaade. I always thought I will have to work slow and steady to get to a scenario where I can do a movie like

Tevar. It’s a full-on commercial, entertaining film, which nobody from my generation has really attempted. People have done it in probably a two-hero set up like Gunday, but nobody from my generation has done a solo, typical Hindi film. If I can do it in two years, and create some buzz that will have people intrigued to go and see the film after the trailer then that’s a good sign. It means that there’s some level of acceptance from the audience.

You said that Aditya Chopra asked you to concentrate on your acting rather than your looks, but today you are constantly under the scanner for how you dress or look. Comment.

Kabhi Kabhi lagta ki log itna kyun notice karte hain. Rhea (Kapoor) is doing my styling now. But in my personal life, I can’t think so much about these things. If I had it my way, I’d wear my favourite yellow shorts and any shirt that was lying around while stepping out. But now you realise that there’s an excitement among people to know how you are, what you are, and about your personal life. That has happened due to the success of the films. But I still can’t be dressing up and think so much. If I am growing out my hair now, I am going to be have a month of bad hair days. But I’m okay with it. You should realise that people may notice now and comment on it, but when you look fine after a month they will forget that. During Gunday, I had a quiff, which can look strange with a suit. People would say iske paas baal katne ke paise nahi hai. But how many people can I explain it to that I am doing it for a movie? Something looks good on camera, but it may not be appealing off it. Like in Tevar, I knew I wanted to look broad, because if I am beating up 10 people, I should look like someone who can pull it off. I am anyway broad, I am a kabbadi player, so I thought let me use that to my advantage and play it to the gallery. But if I am looking like that while promoting 2 States obviously I don’t look like I did in that film because I am shooting this one. I can’t help it. You can’t be worried and bogged down by who is saying what about you all the time.

You were linked to Sonakshi during Tevar and to Alia in 2 States. Why does that keep happening with you?

It’s not something that I want. It just happens. Just yesterday, I was telling someone that 22 is now 36, it’s not even 22 now. Sonakshi is my neighbour. I have known her since school days, we are acquaintances and friendly for many years. We have always met at parties and would hang around. This is the first time I’ve worked with her. And when you work with someone you get to know them better. Either you get along with them or you realise that this person cannot become a friend. In her case, I really got along with her and that just made it easy for us to be more than just social friends because we know each other’s friends too. We have stepped out for 10 films, but it’s just we have been snapped

two-three times. And you can’t explain it to everyone that we had eight other people with us. It’s okay, it’s a small price to pay. The link-ups cannot be changed.

Does that make things awkward?

Not between her and me. The one thing I don’t appreciate is that sometimes people jump to the conclusion that these people are doing it for the film’s publicity.

Don’t you have people telling you to ignore it because it will benefit the movie?

Yes, I have been told that also. But I don’t agree with it. I don’t think that audiences are that stupid to go watch a movie because of a link-up story.

Maybe people would come out of curiousity about the actors for the first day, but after that it’s about the film and how good it is. At least, I don’t come from that school of thought that believes you need to do all this to make your movie work. That’s the only thing that irks me a little… people shouldn’t assume that we are doing it for publicity.

There was a lot of speculation about your absence at Arpita’s wedding considering you are very close to Salman.

That’s my equation with Salman and the family…there’s nothing to speculate. I think there were far more interesting things happening like Shah Rukh and Salman bhai meeting.

Do you keep a tab on your competitors?

I am aware of the goings-on because I’ve grown up in the industry. The way people discuss things at their dinner table, this is normal conversation for us. We’d probably know if a movie is being made before many people would because we are a part of this profession. It’s not that we are dying to know, it’s just a part of our lives.

It’s very matter-of-fact. I don’t need to keep a track because it automatically comes to me.

Ranveer and you…

Hum shaadi karne wale hain jis din rules badal jaayenge.

What happens to Deepika?

Deepika who? There’s only Ranveer and me (laughs).

The camaraderie obviously goes beyond just movies, how does that work when you are both competitors?

There’s something nice Akshay Kumar once said, “We are not horses who are in a race. We are not pitting against one another.” The media does that so that they can compare who they like better. But liking someone is completely subjective. There’s enough work for all of us to do…. If these factors start affecting your personal life, you’ll never be happy. You have to look beyond them.

One hasn’t seen this kind of bonding in the older generation right at the beginning of their career. You guys hang out together, party together…that’s very unique to your generation….

Maybe that’s because we all know each other before we joined the industry. Ranveer and I knew each other before we’ve became what we have become today. I know Varun (Dhawan). I knew Sid before his Student Of The Year and my Ishaqzaade released. But just because we’ve started doing well, doesn’t mean we start behaving differently with each other. Why would you change your friendships? I am genuinely very fond of the guy (Ranveer).

I can be very honest with him about his films and he is equally honest about my work. He saw 2 States and he called me, I spoke to him about Ram-Leela. After watching Finding Fanny, he kept telling me, you are going to Hollywood. I told him that I can’t go to Hollywood, Anil Kapoor is already there.

Dilip Kumar to celebrate his birthday at home The Veteran actor’s wife is eagerly planning to have dinner with him at their residence Veteran actor Dilip Kumar, who is being treated at Lilavati Hospital for pneumonia, is doing fine now and will be discharged Thursday so he can celebrate his birthday at his residence, says his close family friend Udaya Tara Nayar.

“I met him and he is fine now. He has been responding to the treatment very well,” Udaya Tara Nayar, who is also the compiler of the 91-year-old actor’s autobiography titled The Substance and the Shadow, told IANS. The Bollywood’s thespian will turn an year old Thursday and it is said that his wife and veteran actress Saira Banu has planned a small dinner for the special day.

“We do have plans to get him back home before his birthday.

Doctor will do his check-up tomorrow (Thursday) morning and he will be discharged by tomorrow afternoon. He should be back home by 1 p.m. or 2 p.m,” said Nayar. She added: “As far his birthday plans are concerned, it will be a quiet celebration only with his close friends.”

I was more intimidated

by Aamir than my first co-star Shah Rukh!

That’s what the Band Baaja Baaraat actress said when we met her recently. But apart from these two superstars, Anushka also spoke about Ranveer, Sushant and Virat. Read on to know what all she said…

Anushka Sharma was last seen in Vishal Bhardwaj’s Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandolawhich hit the screens in January last year. Since then the leggy beauty has stayed away from the limelight but only because she was busy wrapping up her other projects including Rajkumar Hirani’s much-awaited film PK. Co-starring Aamir Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Sushant Singh Rajput and Boman Irani, the film is slated to release on December 19. So we caught up with Ms Sharma to chat about PK but we ended up talking about lot more. From Shah Rukh Khan to Aamir to Ranveer Singh, Anushka got candid about everything including her personal life….

Were you in disbelief when Rajkumar Hirani offered you PK?

Not like I couldn’t believe but I was very happy. I felt the kind of happiness which I did when I had got Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. I have a lot of respect and love for Raju Hirani as a director. I think he raises that bar with his films. He is not just making films but is contributing to the society with it. So that’s what I felt about him and then when he called me and narrated the script to me, I heard the role and I agreed, I was very thrilled.

So did it compensate for 3 Idiots?

The thing is everybody is getting confused. They are thinking I auditioned for 3 Idiots after becoming an actress. But I auditioned for the film before that. Basically, I had no idea what film I was auditioning for. I just remember coming to his (Rajkumar Hirani) office so when I came again for PK, I was like ‘Kuch dekha dekha sa lag raha.’ So I must have auditioned for 3 Idiots pehle and baad mein I auditioned for Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. So people are getting confused thinking I auditioned for 3 Idiots after doing my first film. That didn’t happen.

Would you say it is one of your unusual roles?

Unfortunately I am not even allowed to talk about my character so I don’t know what to say. I will be able to clarify something after the film releases. I was very excited to play the role, let’s just say that.

Did you attend any workshop to prepare for your role in PK?

When you’re playing real characters, they seem very effortless and easy but it takes a lot to make it look effortless and easy. If you have a peculiar look or a speech problem or if you’re speaking a different language that Aamir is in the film then you have do something else. A role like this or Shruti Kakad from Band Baaja Baaraat it looks easy onscreen but is difficult because you have get into the thought process of that person. Personally, I might not react in some way but the onscreen character will so you have to think a lot. In this case, when I was promoting Matru, I use to observe journalists especially the Hindi journalists. I use to see how they talk and behave. So throughout the promotions that was going on in my head.

So you start to become aware of your surroundings with respect to what you might need for your characterisation.

And then when you don’t have your own thoughts but the character’s thought, things starts flowing smoothly.

Aamir is very meticulous and you are very spontaneous. So how was it when two different kinds of actors were brought together? Was it testing your patience because Aamir maybe taking four retakes but you maybe finishing it in one?

As actors your methods might be different but ultimately you’re getting to the same thing that is you become the person you’re meant to play. I actually did not give too many takes and it never happened. If at all Aamir felt anything wrong, he would feel about his own take. If Raju sir told me its fine, I am a bit anal also so I would be like, ‘Are you sure…yeh aisa toh nahi lag raha…ye wasia toh nahi dikh raha.’ So even I can get into that zone. I remember when I was shooting for Matru, I did the same thing. So Vishal Bhardwaj told me, ‘Nahi mujhe to gande take ko haan bolne ki adaat hai. Main toh gandi film bana na chahta hoon. Meri maa main bol raha hoon yeh bahut superb hai.’ So I am also like that and I think most actors are so you understand.

So are you critical about your own work?

Yes… I am very critical about my work. I am very harsh on myself and I am trying little bit to not be so harsh.

How would you compare your first co-star Shah Rukh Khan to PK co-star Aamir Khan?

You all know Shah Rukh has this tremendous energy in him. I would say Aamir is bit more methodical towards his approach and his work. I don’t Aamir talks without a reason at all. He won’t make like small talks with you. So I was very intimidated by him in beginning actually. Because

he wouldn’t talk much and since I come from an army background, there is always a sense of hierarchy which has been established in our heads since our childhood. So I can’t be like, ‘So Aamir tell me what’s happening in your life these days.’ I can’t do that. So in the beginning I use to feel a bit intimidated by him but then he started pulling my leg and slowly I got comfortable.

Who made you more nervous Shah Rukh or Aamir?

The former being your first co-star and the latter being Mr Perfectionist as we all know…

I wasn’t scared but I was slightly intimidated more by Aamir than by Shah Rukh. You know he is a very sharp and intelligent in person. So automatically I started observing him. I use to find it very interesting as to how he would look at a scene and how he would say certain things.

Having the ability to not just do the scene but to see ki audience ko kaisa lagega. So I noticed all these interesting things.

You have worked with Aditya Chopra, Yash Chopra and now Rajkumar Hirani. How would you describe each of them because they are amongst the finest filmmakers in Bollywood?

Adi was like my guru…my teacher. He was my first director and he very nice to me and encouraging. I didn’t even realise the extent of positivity he gave me because that was my first film and you can be on your own but only after a while. Yash ji, I would say he was like a child on the sets.

It was amazing to work with him. He is a director whose stories are mostly from the point of view of a woman.

That’s the reason why women are so empowered in his films. It’s everybody’s dream to work with Yash ji and I have heard that and I think it’s true that after Shah Rukh, it’s only me who has worked with both of them. So I feel very fortunate I could experience that. Raju sir is a genius of a director. Secondly, he knows his audience very well.

He does what he knows; he doesn’t get fazed by anything.

His confidence in his writing is so fantastic and I think that’s where his films come from. Even on the day of the shoot, he would keep tweaking the scene. He is so good that even if makes an okay film it would be a great film.

Did at any point you thought of co-producing the film since you were thinking to venture into production?

No. I didn’t even discuss money with Raju sir and all. I was just so happy to do the film. When you do a Raju

Hirani film, money and everything else is beyond that.

Because you are not just doing a film, you are becoming a part of a thought process which is going to affect the minds of so many people.

Most actresses stay away from multi-heroine films but you have done Jab Tak Hai Jaanand now you’re doing Dil Dhadakne Do and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil as well…

I would say that it’s the way in which you are looking at things. For me, I am doing a film. I am telling you right now, in terms of length, Priyanka has a bigger role than me in the film. But that is not important because the role that I am doing is so kickass and amazing. Zoya was scared to approach me as she thought I would say no. Farhan and Ritesh told her at least try. I was in Sri-Lanka, I came back and she narrated the film to me and I said, ‘babe why were you so scared, I am going to do this film.’ So I don’t see things like. ‘Priyanka ka kitna role hai, wo kaisi lagegi.’

It’s a headache and I can’t do all that (smiles). I have the choice and means to direct my career and I choose to create it this way. I want to do films. In Karan’s film, I am the lead but it’s not a triangle story but even if it was like that the film is good so I would do it.

Do you get uncomfortable working with people you get linked with? Or with someone you have had a fight with as per the press? For example Ranveer Singh and Sushant Singh Rajput..

I have a very good working relationship with everyone I have worked with. But I am not going to sit and justify that to people by taking pictures or doing something about it. To me it’s very cheap so I can’t do it. I can’t be clarifying. Ranveer and I have shared a lovely equation and we have done two films together. I was also worried in the beginning that how would it be because we haven’t known each other for a while. But when we went and started shooting for the film it was like we were right there. We work very well together and the same is with Sushant also. With him, there was a misunderstanding because something was written in a way that it seemed wrong. So that is something I and Sushant have clarified and we had great time shooting in Belgium. In fact, I would love to do another full-fledged film with him and he thinks the same so someone should cast us together… (laughs).

Being a celebrity, your private life has always been under public scrutiny. Has it affected it you?

I think it’s very exciting for people to see two (me and Virat Kohli) of us together. It’s a matter of excitement. To us, it’s our personal life and it’s our relationship. And to speak about in public is like me making an entertainment piece out of my life. I am not a reality star and I can’t do these things. I am very personal like that. There is a lot you take as an actor willingly because you love your job. But this is something I am completely against. I am not going to talk about my personal life. I will lead my life very openly as you have seen. If people choose to come and take pictures, I am not going to get pissed about it. I have my blinders on, I am just going.

The ‘100 crore club’ is an unfortunate trend “Aamir Khan”

The PK actor talks about films, figures and more Aamir Khan is keeping his cards close to his heart, at least as far as PK goes.

And while he doesn’t share much about the film and his character, he’s game to talk about almost anything else.

So, we talked figures, risks and creative pursuits and finding a fine

balance between the two…

As the ‘founder’ of the ’100 crore club’, how do you see this trend going forward?

It’s not me who makes films with such an agenda!

(Laughs) But it is a very unfortunate trend because the moment creative people start thinking of numbers, the shadow of the number influences the kind of films they choose or pick.

The moment I start doing films which have the potential to only do `100 crore business, my choice becomes very limited. Then, I can only do an Avengers or a Spider-Man, which would bring in that kind of money. That really kills creativity to a very alarming extent.

Do you follow your gut instinct?

I have always selected films based on what I feel about them. A film like Taare Zameen Par went on to do huge business. But at the time I was making it, I had no idea how it would fare. I selected that because I loved the story. I selected Rang De Basanti because I loved the story, despite it being the fifth remake of Bhagat Singh and Azad! I did Lagaan when the entire industry considered it a disaster. Then you also have films like Sarfarosh. I have not picked these films thinking about box office numbers.

But they did do big business…

That they went on to do big box office business is great but that too shows us that the audience is changing, they want different stuff and their tastes are broadening. In movies, I am selling you stories so I cannot sell you the same story more than once. Each time you want a

different story. I would prefer breaking the formula rather than following it.

The suspense behind Talaash was out the first day itself. Don’t you think not revealing much about PK has you running the same risk?

I don’t think that would be the case with PK. In my mind when I signed Talaash, I knew it would not bring in huge numbers because it is not such a film. If I had to work in films which will give me numbers only, I would have never picked a film like Talaash.

When I read the script, I loved it and I wanted to do it.

When we sat down to discuss the potential of Talaash, my judgment was that it would do a net box office of `60-70 crores India-wide, with a star like me in it who’s currently successful. We made the film appropriately within a limited budget and then overseas we fetched around Rs 40-45 crore. The film went on to do 95 crores. Whatever happened on the net, I have no idea but it did 40% higher than what I expected it to do. For me, it was a happy situation to be. So if the similar thing happens with PK, I would still be happy! Whatever our judgment is for PK, if people give us 40% higher this time as well, then why would I not be happy?

So how do you decide how much to spend on a movie?

After I get on with the project, the practical side kicks in and we feel that this film has a certain potential so we make sure we spend less than that. The people investing in the film should not lose their money

Arjun Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor were overweight because they didn’t take care of themselves earlier “Anil Kapoor” The Welcome back actor, who turned a year older on December 24, shares some beauty tips with his fans and admirers and also his future plans Anil Kapoor, who celebrated his birthday with his family in Dubai, turned 58 yesterday. The versatile actor is one of the most well maintained actors of Bollywood. We got in touch with him to know how he manages to look ageless and what his plans for the coming years are. Read excerpts from our interaction with the actor…

Anil, aapke khubsoorati ka kya raaz hai?

I don’t think I’ve done anything special to look the way I do. It’s just self-discipline. When I was younger, my co-stars would make fun of me for not having enough fun after shooting. But I don’t think it’s important to party till the wee hours to be happy in life. I was very happy shooting and spending time with my family, I still am. I guess that inner peace shows on my face. I never compromise on my work.

So you never let your hair down?

Of course, I set aside days when I just throw all caution to the wind, take a holiday, eat forbidden food — with my wife’s permission — just chill. But there have been times when during a party at home, I am suddenly found missing because I’ve an early-morning shoot.

You sound like a health freak?

I am not fanatical about my health. Somewhere, I also feel I am blessed because I come from healthy stock. My dad and my grandfather were not actors and yet, they looked after themselves and lived a full life.

But Boney and his son Arjun were overweight and so was Sonam…

That was because they (Arjun Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor, Boney Kapoor) didn’t look after themselves earlier. I always believe that one has to look one’s best if one is an actor because audiences pay money to watch one’s movies. But I was never into muscle-building. Only fitness. If you’re fit, you feel good about yourself. Also, it’s important to maintain a positivity in your mindset. Never get into a negative line of thinking. And you must always have something to look forward to, every morning. In my 35-year career, I’ve always had something to look forward to. Motivation is life, frustration is death.

Why so coy about your birthday?

Not coy. But I still cringe when I think of all those birthday parties on the sets where everyone would stand around

singing. It was so embarrassing (laughs).

You were recently seen having a great time on Kapil Sharma’s show…

The reaction was terrific. I’d gone just to have fun. We also released the DVD of the 24 series and announced plans to adapt another American serial. I had no plans of announcing Modern Family on Kapil’s show. It was not a 100 per cent pucca then. But because of my long relationship with LA and 20th Century Fox, I could informally announce that I was doing Modern Family. The official announcement will happen soon.

Will you be acting in Modern Family?

To be honest with you, I haven’t given this a serious thought. Right now, my entire focus is on the second season of 24.

I don’t know if I will be in it. But I’ll always be there for anyone who needs me on the sets.

You were absent from films in 2014?

That’s because I was shooting for my serial 24 in 2013. The films were on hold. 2014 is the year when I got down to shooting two films, Anees Bazmee’s Welcome Back and Zoya Akhtar’s Dil Dhadkne Do. So the fruits of my labour in 2014 will be apparent in 2015.

You will see me in these two films. And in the second season of 24.

How’s season 2 coming along?

Around seven episodes have already been written.

Actor, producer, singer….When are you turning director?

To be honest, the thought does cross my mind. Maybe soon.

Your thoughts on the year?

2014 was hectic. 2015 will be one of the most exciting years of my life.

I’ve great plans for 2016 and 2017. Yes, I’ve already planned many things for the next three years.

Here’s how Jacqueline Fernandez will ring in her Christmas and New Year…

The Kick actress reveals her holiday plans; says she’s in the mood to celebrate It’s the season to be jolly, to have fun and to help Santa spread cheer all around. Actress Jacqueline Fernandez, who moved to Mumbai from Sri Lanka, is flying off to Bahrain to spend the holidays with her family. Here, she talks about her plans and memories from Christmases past…

A special memory associated with Christmas?

When I was growing up, I was a firm believer in Santa Claus. I remember this one Christmas… I saw a Barbie doll on Christmas eve. I was sad as I knew I would have to wait till next year for it. Imagine my surprise when I opened my presents on Christmas Day and found that Barbie doll. In my head I kept saying, “Santa is so amazing.”

What’s Christmas Day like for you?

Generally, it’s midnight mass and then Christmas lunch with family. If I can’t make it for Christmas, I make sure to spend New Year’s with my family.

What are your plans this year?

I am flying down to Bahrain to be with my mum and dad for Christmas. My sister is also flying down from the States with her husband and her baby. So, I’m looking forward to meeting all of them.

You must miss family more around this time…

I miss them so much everyday. You don’t realise when you live away from home how difficult life can be. And how amazing mothers and fathers are… they never let you do anything when you are with them. So, when I do go back to Bahrain, I spend time with them or when they come here, I get so pampered that I never want them to leave. At the same time, staying away from them has taught me to be more responsible. It has taught me so many things about myself, about priorities and time management. These are important things that you have to learn as an individual. You have to grow up. It’s tough sometimes.There are times you want to be comforted by them and you don’t have that because they are far away, but then I thank God for good friends and great people around me.

Christmas time always leads to ‘holiday weight’. Do you stick to your diet?

I have put my make-up artist Shaan on a diet with me and he has lost a lot of weight. But there are days, when he can’t resist his junk food and chocolates. I do join him. He also keeps a check on me. However, for the most part I do stick to eating clean, organic and healthy food. There was a time when I would cheat on diets. As time went by, I realised that there is so much importance given to dieting, cheating, cheat days and food. I have become more simple in my approach. I make sure to exercise every day for an hour. I think my body deserves that. Most of the time, there’s junk food around me but I am really not in the mood to have it. I would rather eat healthy, and eat well, and keep fit.

Any New Year plans?

I always spend New Year with my family or am working. This year, I really want to go do something different for a change. Maybe explore a new place with my friends, something I have not done in so many years. I am in the mood to celebrate.

WINTER WARMING FOODS

Winter is a time to get into warm snuggle clothes. Though it is colder outside and we need extra calories to stay warm. Amazingly, the body engine works better in winter and food is better digested. Every one tends to feel hungry.

Any vegetable that takes time to grow, and in which the edible part grows beneath the surface is warming and a good vegetable to grow in winters.

Root vegetables make excellent winter choices. It is the best time to improve ones immunity.

Dates are warm in nature and are highly recommended in the winter months.

I would suggest having at least 2 dates everyday during winter season. They are good source of fiber, iron, magnesium, calcium and B vitamins. Since they are sweet in nature, they are also a good source of energy. Among spices mustard, ajwain (carom seeds) are valuable remedy for winter coughs and flu, stimulating appetite and digestion and increasing blood circulation. Methi (fenugreek seeds) dry or sprouted is beneficial in bone and joint problems that surface more in winters.

All animal foods fall into the warming category, including lean dairy, meat, fish and poultry. The most warming vegetables that are good for your body are root vegetables like carrot, potato, onions, garlic, radish, yams, sweet potato, beet root and winter greens like palak (spinach), methi, sarson (mustard green), radish leaves, pudina (mint) etc.

During evening hours in winter our dinner table is full of exciting colorful fruits and vegetable salad, which are mouth watering and increases one’s appetite and also promotes with over all wellness. In this months column, I would like to share few salad recipes with their calorie count to be eaten for lunch or dinner time or even as a appetizer before dinner to curb your hunger pangs so that one does not munch too much into junk food.

CHICKPEA SALAD

It has been researched that chick-pea diet can significantly slash bad LDL cholesterol levels. Reap the benefits of this refreshing salad.

PREP TIME :15 minutes TOTAL TIME : 25 minutes Serving : 8 1 can chick peas, rinsed and drained or chickpeas soaked over night and steamed in pressure cooker ½ small red onion, quartered and thinly sliced ½ cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped

1 roasted red pepper, chopped 3 plum tomatoes, chopped 2 Tbsp chopped parsley 2 clove garlic, chopped 3 tbsp lemon juice 2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil ¼ tsp salt Combine all ingredients in large bowl. Toss to mix. Allow it to stand at room temperature for 10 minutes for flavors to blend.

2.

TO PREPARE THE DRESSING: Combine vinegar, mustard, 1 tbsp of water and remaining 2 tsp of oil and 1/8 tsp salt in glass jar. Shake well.

3.

TOSS spinach with2 tablespoon of the dressing in large bowl. Arrange chicken, avocado, tomatoes and cheese over spinach. Drizzle remaining dressing over salad and season with black pepper to taste.

Nutrition (per serving) 270 Calorie, 34 gm protein, 10 gm carbs, 5 gms fiber, 13.4 g fat

NUTRITION GRAPEFRUIT AVOCADO SALAD WITH SHERRY DRESS(per servings) 80 Cal, 3 gms protein, 14 gms carbs, 3 gms ING fiber, 1.8 gms fat, 0.2 gms saturated fat, 213 mg sodium.

PREP TIME : 20 mins TOTAL TIME : 20 mins CHICKEN AVOCADO SALAD This salad makes healthy meat lovers delight.

Ingredients PREP Time : 8 mins TOTAL TIME : 15 mins SERVINGS : 4

1 lb chicken breast cutlets 1 Tbsp olive oil ¼ tsp salt 2 tbsp cider vinegar 1 tsp Dijon miustard 8 cups baby spinach leaves ½ ripe avocado, cut into ½” cubes 4 cherry tomatoes, halved 1.

PREHEAT grill pan on medium high heat for 2 minutes. Brush chicken with 1 tsp of the oil and sprinkle with half of the salt. Grill chicken 4 minutes, flip and continue cooking until centers are opaque and juices run clear, about 3 minutes longer. Cut into chunks.

SERVING : 4 INGREDIENTS 1 Tbsp olive oil 1 Tbsp medium dry sherry or sherry vinegar 1 ½ tsp red wine vinegar ¼ tsp salt 1/8 tsp freshly ground pepper 1 pink grapefruit 4 cup colorful mixed baby greens 1 cup ripe avocaods 2 Tbsp chopped onions 1.

Mix the oil, sherry or sherry vinegar, red wine vinegar, salt and pepper in a salad bowl with a fork.

2.

Use a serrated knife to peel the grapefruit, cutting off most, but not all, of the white pith. Working over bowl, cut out the fruit from between the membranes. Add 1 ½ tbsp. of grapefruit juice to the dressing and mix well.

3.

Add the greens avocado, red onions, and grapefruit sections to the dressing and toss gently to mix. Serve

immediately.

NUTRITION (PER SERVING) 154 Cal, 2 gm protein, 19 gms carbs, 6 gm fiber, 9.2 gm sat fat SALMON SALAD

stick spray. Set over high heat. Lightly coat the salmon with non stick spray. Sprinkle with the Italian seasoning.

Add the salmon to the skillet. Cook for 3 minutes on each side, or until the fish flakes away easily.

5.

Add the mushrooms and onion to the reserved bowl. Toss to mix. Spoon the salad onto 4 plates. Top each with a salmon fillet NUTRITION (PER SERVING) 236 Cal, 21 gm protein, 12 gms fiber, 12.1 gm fat, 2.3 gms sat fat.

TOASTED ALMOND CHICKEN SALAD Chives from your garden and crunchy almonds lend spice and crunch to this delicious dinner salad

A tangy mix of balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard and sun dried tomatoes pair nicely with salmon for this omega3-filled delight.

PREP TIME: 15 minutes TOTAL TIME : 26 minutes SERVINGS: 4 3 Tbsp chopped dry-pack sun-dried tomatoes 3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil 1 ½ tsp dried basil 1 tsp Dijon mustard 1/8 tsp salt 1 roasted red pepper, cut into small strips 4 oz button mushrooms sliced 1 small onions, minced 4 salmon fillet (3 oz each), skin removed 1 tsp Italian dressing 1.

Place the sun dried tomatoes in a small bowl.

Cover with boiling water. Allow to soak for 10 minutes or until soft. Drain and discard the liquid.

2.

Whisk the vinegar, oil, basil, mustard and salt in a large bowl until smooth. Place the pepper and sun dried tomatoes and greens in the bowl but do not toss. Set aside.

3.

Coat a medium non stick skillet lightly with non stick spray. Add the mushrooms and onion. Coat lightly with non stick spray. Cook over medium high heat for 5-7 minutes, or until soft. Remove to a plate to cool.

4.

Wipe the skillet with a paper towel. Coat with non

PREP TIME: 20 minutes TOTAL TIME: 1 hr, 20 minutes SERVINGS: 4 3 sm chicken breast halves 3 ribs celery, sliced 1 bunch chives, finely chopped ½ cup low fat plain yogurt ¼ cup light sour cream 2 tbsp silvered almonds, toasted salt to taste Ground black pepper 1 bag mixed greens 1.

Coat a nonstick skillet with cooking spray and place over medium high heat. When it is hot, add the chicken and cook for 4 minutes per side, or until the juices run clear. Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. When they are cool, chop the chicken breast into pieces.

2.

Combine the chicken, celery, yogurt, sour cream in a large bowl. Mix lightly 3.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Add the almonds and salt and pepper to taste. Serve on a bed of greens.

NUTRITION (PER SERVING) 177 Cal, 25 gms protein, 8 gms carbs, 3 gms fiber, 5 gms fat, 1.7 gms sat fat.

For any health related query, e-mail the writer at info@gulneerurwellnessconsultant.com Website: gulneerurwellnessconsultant.com She can also be contacted at 08427162181

How to Power Nap in 4 Simple Steps Your friends are annoying you. You can’t remember what you learned in math yesterday. And now you can’t find your cell phone.

No, you’re not having a brain lapse. You’re probably just tired -- and that’s making you feel grumpy and forget things.

Don’t grab a bag of chips or an energy drink to perk up. Energy drinks can have way too much unhealthy sugar, and some have dangerous amounts of caffeine and other supplements. And chips have empty calories that don’t give your body what it needs to stay healthy.

Instead, take a power nap! Yes, naps aren’t just for babies. A midafternoon snooze can refresh you. When you’re tired it can really make making healthy choices hard. A nap may help you focus and make healthy decisions (like saying no to those chips).

Four Steps to Power Nap Like a Pro:

Find a good spot. Put your head down on a quiet table in the student lounge. Cozy up in a chair when you get home, before you do homework. You can power nap almost anywhere -- in the library or on the bus on the way to a game.

Keep it short. Shoot for a 20- to 30-minute nap. Set your alarm, so you don’t oversleep. A longer nap can make you groggy and feel worse.

Do it in the afternoon. That’s usually the best siesta time. Just make sure you finish your nap by 4 p.m. or 5 p.m. Nap later and you may have a hard time falling asleep at night.

Turn on some soothing sounds. If you have trouble dozing off, listen to relaxing music or a boring podcast.

10 home remedies for acidity that really work!

All of us have suffered from acidity at some point in our lives. Either it is that extra gulab jamun at a family function or that spicy samosa during tea break. Whatever the reason may be, acidity can be quite an uncomfortable experience, and sometimes we are left with no option but to reach out for that bottle of antacid. But, did you know that there are alternative, natural remedies that work just as well and don’t leave you with the ill-effects of too much medication?

Here are 10 things to treat acidity and its recurrence at bay:

Bananas Are high in potassium which is an alkalizing mineral that has a high pH value. The higher the pH value, the lower the acidity, which is why the banana is a formidable antidote for acidity. They also have a component that makes the stomach lining produce more mucous. This mucous protects the inner lining of the stomach, reducing the damage caused due to acidity. It is high in fibre content, which helps speed along digestion thus reducing the further recurrence of acidity. To make this remedy even more effective try and eat overripe bananas during an attack of acidity. They have higher amounts of potassium making it even more effective.

Tulsi

Has compounds that make it an effective digestive agent.

It stimulates the stomach to produce more mucous and has potent anti-ulcer properties. It also reduces the effect of peptic acids in the stomach thereby preventing excessive acidity. They also reduce gas formation. Eat five to six basil leaves after your meal to get instant relief. Read about the 9 reasons tulsi or basil leaves are good for your health.

Cold milk Milk has a high amount of calcium that helps it prevent acid build up and absorbs the excess acid produced thereby reducing the symptoms; the fact that it is cold also provides instant relief from the burning sensation one feels during acid reflux. It is essential that one has this cold and without any additives like sugar. Mix it with a spoon of ghee to make the remedy even more effective.

Saunf

Called fennel in English and popularly used as a mouth freshener, saunf has many hidden benefits.

Among them are aiding digestion reliving constipation. Rich in volatile oils containing flavanoids, plamitic acid and many others, it is known to have very potent anti-ulcer properties . Apart from thatsaunf acts as a coolant for the lining of the stomach helping it heal faster. In fact, this is why saunf is served after meals at restaurants. In case you’ve a sudden bout of acidity, boil a few seeds in water and leave overnight, drink this water when you feel uneasy.

Jeera It has properties that stimulate the production of saliva which helps in better digestion, improvesmetabolism and relieves gas and other gastric troubles. In Ayurvedic traditions, it’s believed to have a calming effect on irritated stomach nerves and helps in healing ulcers formed due to acid secretion. One can either chew on it to relieve acidity or a better method is to boil it in water and drink the water when it has cooled down.

Clove

It is a natural carmitive and helps improve peristalisis (the movement of food down the stomach) and also increase the production of saliva. It has a pungent taste when bitten into, and the taste buds react to this taste and secrete excess saliva, which in turn aids digestion. In case you’re suffering from acidity, bite a clove once so that the juice is released and then keep it in the mouth. The slowly escaping juice will immediately lower acid reflux and give you some relief. Read more about Have cloves dipped in honey to relieve a sore throat

Elaichi In Ayurvedic traditions, cardamom is believed to be one food that balances all three doshas – kapha, pitta and vata. It is known to stimulate digestion and relieve people of stomach spasms. It soothes the mucous lining of the stomach helping it ward off the effects of excess acid produced in the stomach. Due to its sweet taste and slight cooling effect it also relieves the burning sensation associated with acidity. To relieve acidity crush two pods of cardamom (with or without the skin), boil the powder in water and drink the cooled juice for instant relief.

Mint leaves or pudina These leaves have been used for ages as a mouth freshener and also for garnishing for various foods. This humble leaf has amazing properties that make it just the medicine to treat acidity. It also lowers the acid content of the stomach and improves digestion. Plus its cool effect helps to reduce the pain and burning associated with acid reflux. If you feel an attack coming on chop some mint leaves, add them to a pot of boiling water and drink this water after it cools

Ginger A regular ingredient in most Indian households, ginger improves absorption and assimilation of essential nutrients and aids in digestion. It also helps break down the proteins in your food.

Ginger protects your stomach against ulcers by promoting mucus secretion thereby reducing the effect of the acid on the stomach. You can chew a piece of ginger for relief. If you find that too pungent, you can try boiling it in water and drinking the decoction. Another remedy is to crush ginger, mix it with a small piece of jaggery and keeping sucking on it allowing the juice to slowly reach the stomach.

Amla Is a kapha and pitta pacifier apart from having high amounts of vitamin C that helps in healing the injured stomach lining and oesophagus.

Have one teaspoon ofamla powder twice a day to help keep acidity way.

7 Bollywood Actors Whose Fitness Secrets You Absolutely Must Know However, there exist those actors who don’t shy away from going above and beyond the call of duty in their quest for absolute fitness. Here’s a look at seven of Bollywood’s biggest fitness enthusiasts:

John Abraham

Hrithik Roshan That incredible face may be God given, but the hunky body that goes with it definitely owes all credit to the extra hours Hrithik clocks in at the gym. As proved by the recent photo the actor posted on Twitter with the caption, “Nite trainin. Swet n rain. Nevr let ur mood or d clock get in d way of ur work or workouts. Discipline wil set u free.”

A decade in the industry and John is better known for his brawn than his brains, which is just as well because the actor has got a serious thing for fitness – Apart from a rigorous regime, the actor has also mercilessly bid oil adieu from his already vegetarian diet in order to keep his biceps the way they are. You don’t need meat to look like a lean cut!

Salman Khan

Ranveer Singh Not only did were his acting skills honed in the handful of years he spent in Bollywood, the actor debuted his razor sharp body as well with last year’s hit Ramleela which witnessed him hitting the gym in a big way.

His big secret lies in weight training and portion control.

Varun Dhawan The actor is today recognized for his bulging biceps and is said to take great care to keep his moneymaker safe – At the recent launch of his own fitness DVD, Varun firmly stated his belief about fitness going well beyond muscles and is known to spend a good portion of his day in the gym pumping iron coupled with a variety of exercises that focus on heavy weight lifting.

There’s a reason why the actor is unanimously recognized as the fitness guru of Bollywood, and it has a lot to do with the trademark body building and fitness regime that he has been following for decades together. Salman has also, recently, given up alcohol.

(Big fitness points there)

Aamir Khan He may be advancing in terms of his age, but his dedication to perfection ceases to die - From playing the rogue lover in Ghajini in all eight-pack glory to posing for the poster of his upcoming comedy P.K. without a stitch, Aamir appears to be growing younger & fitter by the day!

Akshay Kumar While some have noted that his commitment to his fitness regime rivals that of his dedication to wife Twinkle, there remains no denying that this Bollywood hunk has got all the monopoly on a disciplined regime which combines a mix of martial arts and healthy dietary choices, which includes complete abhorrence of alcohol & cigarettes.

Workout Routine and Diet Plan Chocolate boy of Bollywood, Shahid Kapoor inevitably has been residing in the hearts of zillions of girls from a long time.

However, with his six pack abs and perfectly chiseled body, now the dashing guy has also become a source of fitness inspiration for guys. Let’s have a look at the diet and workout secrets of Shahid Kapoor which are accountable for his molded physique.

Vegan Diet

Shahid is one of the hardcore vegan dieters of Bollywood. He admits that it’s hard to get ripped body without animal protein because protein peps up the formation and repair of lean muscles.

Despite being sentient of the fact, the handsome actor steers clear from meat and other animal foods. That being said, he does not make his body devoid of nutrition. With the help of his nutrition expert, the actor has figured out wholesome and protein opulent plant based foods which can render adequate nourishment to his worked up body. He incorporates bountiful nutrient laden foods such as beans, spinach, rice, dairy, fruits, veggies etc. in his diet.

part consists of days like Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, other part consists of Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. His days beingdivided on the basis of his body parts has him focus on them entirely. His workouts are proportionate mix of cardio and strength training. He also practiced martial training and other vigorous exercises for his role in the 2013 movie, R… Rajkumar where his body looked incredibly ripped and fab. Aside from doing sweaty workouts under the guidance of his fitness instructor, Abbas Ali, he body, your body gets unable to also executes moderate workouts deal with the loss of muscles. such as yoga, swimming etc. And So, it’s critical for you to at times when he falls short of time, consume minimum thirty grams he makes sure that he doesn’t let of protein in a day. the day pass without practicing any workout. Here’s one sample workout routine of Kapoor.

The actor has his fitness goal very vivid in his mind. He sel- Monday, Wednesday, and Friday dom targeted to acquire six or Routine Warm up – 15 minutes on treadmill eightpack abs with workouts; Set One his objective rather was to build Flat Bench Press – 5 sets, 8 reps up his strength, stamina, and Chin ups – 5 sets, 8 reps endurance. His muscular body Dead Lifts – 5 sets, 8 reps can only be seen as one of the Lateral Raise – 5 sets, 8 reps positive side effects of grueling Set Two Incline Dumbbell Press – 5 sets, 8 reps workouts meant to strengthen Bent over barbell rows – 5 sets, 8 reps his body.

Vivid Goal

Five Small Meals in a day

Shahid consumes five to six small meals in a day. Since number of meals is directly proportional to the intensity of workouts, five or six small meals are critical to fuel his body. Shahid renounces theconsumption of foods dense in fats or foods high in carbs, he rather inculcates healthy fats, and complex carbs in his diet. Along with the ratio of macronutrients, he also stays vigilant about the timing of his meals and thus doesn’t forget to fuel his body with pre workout, post workout, and other vital snacks.

Reliance on Supplements

The flamboyant actor banks on protein supplements such as whey protein and creatine to fulfill the requirement of protein in his body.

Since plant based foods are incapable to meet soaring protein requirement of his body, he relies on supplements to help his body enhance muscle mass. Intenseweight training causes tear of muscles and if you don’t feed protein to your

Six Days Workouts

Shahid has divided his workout regime in two parts. While one

Overhead press – 5 sets, 12 reps Set Three Seated row – 5 sets, 8-12 reps Machine fly – 5 sets, 8-12 reps High Pull – 5 sets, 8-12 reps Rear Delt fly – 5 sets, 8-12 reps Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday Routine Set One Leg Extensions – 4 sets, 15 reps Squats – 4 sets, 12 reps Leg Curls – 4 sets, 12 reps Standing Calf Raise – 4 sets, 15 reps Set Two Leg Press – 4 sets, 12 reps Stiff Leg Deadlift – 4 sets, 12 reps Step up – 4 sets, 12 reps Sealed Calf Raise – 4 sets, 12 reps

Deepika Padukone, Katrina Kaif or Priyanka Chopra who is Bollywood’s sexy Santa? Vote!

With Christmas around the corner, Bollywoodlife has picked some of the hottest Santas from B-town. Read on to vote your favorite!

Christmas celebrations are incomplete without Santa and gifts. So with 2014 turning out to be a great year, here’s exciting it even more by heating up our winters with these sexy Santas of Bollywood.Yes! Reigning queens like Deepika Padukone, Katrina Kaif, Priyanka Chopra and Jacqueline Fernandez top our list and here’s how!

Jacqueline Fernandez’ geeky Kick The Sri Lankan chic took beauty with brains to a striking new level with her look in Salman Khan starrer, Kick. The black rimmed specs, framed her identity and there she was, pretty, hot and geeky!

Nargis Fakhri’s sexy pout

And last but not the least, its Nargis with her effortless pout.

Her fuller lips do the pouting and have grabbed major eyeballs for all that you know. We sure are smitten over her pout.

Who among these stunning divas tops our list can be concluded only after you cast your votes. So BollywoodLifers, pick your Sexy Santa right now and cast your vote in the box below! We are waiting….!

Deepika Padukone’s midriff madness

Ms Padukone definitely has one of the sexiest midriffs from B-town. Being lean and sensuous, her sizzling side was put to boundless display in the Lovely song from Happy New Year. So a Santa this sexy is sure a treat this Christmas!

Katrina Kaif’s Barbie doll image Cute is the new sexy and Katrina personifies this mantra on various parameters. Be it with her smiling doll face or by sporting short frilly dresses on most of her public outings, Kat indeed races hot on this sexy Santa poll!

Priyanka Chopra’s hot bikini bod PC owns a body to flaunt and when in bikini, there’s no one who can beat our exotic babe. Long legs, packed abs, dusky skin and well, she’s all set to bring summers back in winters!

Karan Singh Grover, Harman Baweja, Saif Ali Khan – a look at Bipasha Basu’s love affairs!

Bipasha Basu has always been open about her affairs and never really played the hide and seek game with the media when it comes to her boyfriends. But surprisingly, this time she is not ready to come out in open about her alleged affair with Karan Singh Grover, who will be seen opposite her in their upcoming film,Alone.

A lot of stories and scoops have linked Bipasha with KSG. Though the two maintain that they are good friends, gossip mills suggest otherwise.

Although Bipasha might be keeping mum on her recent affair, she has had her share of tears, laughter and happiness.

Take a look!

Dino Morea - Bipasha and Dino acted together in many films like Raaz, Gunaah, Ishq Hai Tumse and Rakht. Their onscreen chemistry slowly blossomed into off screen chemistry. After dating for about five years, the two drifted apart.

Though they are not together as a couple anymore, the actors claim that they are still great friends even today.

I am ready to strip onscreen since I have a good body

The dishy actor reveals why he really quit Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon, his upcoming movie Main Aur Mr Right, his real life story and more.....

Ever since Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon ended, I’ve been trying to get in touch withBarun Sobti – the charming, suave, intense actor that almost every girl I know drools over. He sat waiting patiently for me as I finally found the location and settled down to start my long series of questions. Dressed in beige pants and brown t-shirt, Barun looked cute as ever.

Read excerpts of the interview…

Ever since you decided to quit television, your fans have been begging and some had even sent threatening letters to the channel to bring you back. Did you personally face any of this?

OMG! People threatening… that’s new. I think everyone should get the liberty of picking their own career. I understand that people want to see me back on TV but it’s only because of the kind of content I have been doing that people want to see me more. If I have someone else making that choice for me, the result would not have been the same.

Were you approached by anyone to change your mind regarding quitting the Star Plus show?

No. Whenever people meet me, they are usually excited to share their experiences and what they love about the character with me. They are happy to greet and pose for pictures with me.

Were you surprised to hear that Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon went off air after you announced your resignation?

I was in UK when I heard that they had decided to end the show. In fact, it was my mom who told me about it. According to my knowledge, they had roped in Viraf Patel to play a completely new lead in the show, he was not going to replace me; but guess that did not happen. I was on a vacation with my wife that’s when I came to know that the show ended.

It’s been two years since you left, what have you been doing all this while, besides shooting for Main Aur Mr Right, 22 Yards and Satra Ko Shaadi Hai? Various things, but it is kinda personal.

Is it true that while you were waiting for the release of your films, you were offered television shows? Why did you refuse?

Yes I did get a lot of offers but I can’t take any names. A lot of people wanted me to do TV shows before the trailer came out. Offers never stopped pouring, a lot of people thought, ‘ki kuch nahi kar raha hai toh TV offer karte hai’.

I do not remember what all scripts I received but I did get quite a few of them.

How did Main Aur Mr Riight happen to you?

Main Aur Mr Riight happened during Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon itself. These guys called me for the role, I met them, read the script and I liked it. I enacted a few part and they were happy with it. There was no deliberate shift from television to movies as people often keep saying.

When I left the show, I didn’t even have any movies in my hand. I had shot for a few sequences, post which I was working for three months on television. I did not leave TV for films.

Several interviews post IPKKND suggest that you had health issues, what was that all about?

See firstly, I had a mental block ‘coz I was doing the same thing for two years every day for 12 hours. I had experienced that even during my previous show – Baat Hamari Pakki Hai where I worked a lot. There have been times when I’ve even worked every day for a month for an average of 17-18 hours a day. Whenever I took a show, I promised to only do it for one year but once you get into the routine it is hard to let go. With time I realised I was not growing anymore. Besides all this I had started losing a lot of weight, I lost my appetite and my health was not good. Plus I never got any time to spend with my wife.

But things in television have changed, right? According to the new regime actors are not allowed to work more than 12 hours in any show.

That depends on your star stature. There are people who would come and work for four hours and no one would tell them anything but poor actors like me, we’ve worked for 17-18 hours a day. For my first show Shraddha, I shot for 52 hours with a two hour break in between. I have done crazy amount of work when I was required to, but it got a little too much after my last show. All you are is your character, there’s no life beyond it.

Your film Main Aur Mr Right has been delayed over two

years, would you know why?

The usual, it takes time to make a film, and if one thing does not go right changes a made, it’s re-shot, dubbed and sent for post production again.

But we heard that the film was delayed due to lack of distributors.

I have no idea about all that.

While I am sure all the three projects are very close to your heart, which one would you rate as your best work?

Main Aur Mr Right is a youth oriented film, Satra ko Shaadi Hai is a real life wedding scenario of a middle class family without any bling, and 22 Yards is a human story of a cricket agent. They are all very different and I can’t upset any producers by picking one, but I will answer your question. I was doing two characters at that time when Main Aur Mr Right came to me. It required me to put in enormous amount of energy but it was difficult

‘coz I had no energy left but I still had to do scenes , which in my head when I did them it was great, but my director would come back and tell me ‘Barun this is not close to how over the top I want you to be’. So in that terms it was difficult, I hope people like it. Comedy is a very difficult genre to do. When you are crying its okay if people don’t get emotional with you, but when you crack a joke it’s not fun when people don’t laugh. Satra Ko Shaadi Hai was difficult ‘coz I was playing a simple guy. It’s important to know when to perform and when not to. It was a delicate character who could get lost in the crowd also and it can stand out too. 22 Yards is an intense story inspired from real life events. So among the three of them Main Aur Mr Right was my best work.

What about Main Aur Mr Right drew you to it?

When I was deciding to do this movie, a lot of people asked me the same question. According to me, if you are good enough you do not need alibis to pick and choose something. I read the script and that was enough for me to pick the movie. I think we have committed with the promo that we are not making a thought provoking sci-fi movie. It is a very simple and light-hearted movie and that is the commitment in the promo. When you come out of the theatre you may not be smarter but you’ll be a happier person.

How would you rate your chemistry with Shenaz Tresurywala and Sapna Pabbi?

Shenaz and me we hit it off really well. She is a very chilled out person. The chemistry is fun rather than intense. There is a conflict of interest which is cute. As for Sapna Pabbi, I don’t have anything bad to say about her. Satra Ko Shaadi Hai is an ensemble of 53 people. She listens to me I listen to her, we are nice to each other. Sometimes I feel she is a little lost. She has been abroad for the longest time so she takes a while to get in the Indian way. I’ll rate my chemistry with Shenaz a 7.5 and with Sapna it is about 7, there’s not much of a difference. Just that Shenaz and I spent more time together.

We know about all your characters, but now we want to know about the real Barun Sobti.

How do you describe yourself? You should ask my wife this, I think she will be able to answer this better. I believe I am kiddish, but only with my wife. No one’s really comes across that side of me, people really think I am intense, sincere and arrogant basically because I don’t talk much. Yes, sometimes I have to be told things, but that would not be my family’s opinion. According to them I have to be told everything. But when it comes to work only I make those decisions.

Do you consult your wife and family before picking a role?

It’s a mutual thing. All kinds of opinions and viewpoints are exchanged, but ultimately I make my own mind.

Among all the kind of roles that exist, what do you personally prefer – the romantic dude, the angry brooding man or something else?

I like playing the intense character, ‘coz they are deep. I love characters with a subtext especially if they don’t talk much; that gives me an easier job to do. (laughs) What are your expectations from Main Aur Mr Right?

I am anxious, but it’s difficult to spell out what I expect. It will be interesting to see how it is received. It will be exciting to see how much we pull in and how people react to it. If it doesn’t succeed then I would not know whom to blame. I don’t know the fandom that you are talking about really still exists or not. I know there are a lot who like me so I believe they will be generous enough to go and take a look at my work.

Who is your target audience?

We are trying to target all kinds of people. We believe all the younger crowd would watch this film and hope they take their families with them.

If Pashmeen Manchanda (wife) had to change you to become her Mr Right four years back, would you agree?

All of us change in our own sense. Change is the only constant thing in the world.

Let’s talk about your real life love story – how did you and Pashmeen meet, fall in love and get married?

It will be four years since we got married on the release date of Main Aur Mr Right. We met in school.

She was going to drink water from the tap and I was staring at her. No one proposed actually, we graduated into love and then marriage. We’ve been together for the longest time; there was no scope of proposing. We studied together, and then she went to Australia for further studies for five years.

If you go through a long distance relationship and survive it, then you can survive even death. When she came back everyone knew we were going to get married.

Has she ever stopped you from romancing women onscreen or told you not to get too close?

She will laugh if she hears this. Pashmeen has never had a problem with my work or the women I romance onscreen. Even if you show her my photograph with another woman, she will not believe it.

What’s the one thing you will never do in a Bollywood film – strip, sex sequences or suicide?

The only thing I will refrain from doing is something that doesn’t play well in my mind. I am ready to strip onscreen since I have a good body.

You’ve finished three films, the fate of which will decide your future in Bollywood. But in the meanwhile, will you consider coming back to TV? Of course I would like to do TV. There are brilliant shows coming up. I don’t know if it’s the right time to do a show or not but I would love to be associated with a respectable TV show irrespective of how my films fare in the box office. I am ready to even put in my own money and do a show. I’d like to do something that comes out every year and be part of a series like that would be interesting enough. Look at American television, it is so big. I am crazy for American television – The Good Wife, Suits, Homeland and The Newsroom.

Are you worried about competition at all – from co-actors, other B-town celebs or anyone?

I am only worried about myself and my performance; nothing else matters.

In an interview the telly heart-throb talks about his Bollywood debut and how he hasn’t turned his back on TV

With his very first serial Ramayan, Gurmeet Choudhary became a popular name.His next Geet Hui Sabse Parayi had the girls swooning over his stubbled look and ripped body. Punar Vivah established him as the silent romantic hero. Three serials, three hits. Not to mention reality shows like Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa in which he emerged the winner and Khatron ke Khiladi 5 that saw him at his adventurous best. Clearly, Gurmeet who came to Mumbai as a 19-year-old boy with dreams of becoming a film actor, had moulded himself into the perfect Bolly hero. And, now having signed a three-film deal with Vishesh Films, Gurmeet is ready with his debut filmKhamoshiyan. Here the actor talks about his journey and his dream coming true.

Did you always want to be a film actor?

Of course. I hail from an army background and I came to Mumbai with the dream of becoming a film actor. But since I had nobody from films in my family, I was a bit lost. One day I managed to meet Yash Chopra. It was he who guided me to do TV. I was 18-19-years-old then and Yashji gave me the example of Shah Rukh Khan. He said, ‘SRK se bada example kya hai. He has come from TV. Why don’t you also do TV and make a name for yourself there first’. That’s how I started doing serials.

You have done three serials and all have been hits..

Yes. I was determined to approach every role that I did with sincerity and put 200 per cent efforts into it. I worked on my look, body, body language, character, etc. My motto was no matter how many shows I do, I should look different in each one of them. People should be able to identify the serial just by my look. When I played Ram, I worked on my physique to make it a little bulky because he was a king. I grew my hair long, and as Ram is antaryami, he is always calm and composed. I worked on getting a serene smile, that was a part

TV is home, I am not closed to it!

of Ram. For my role as Maan in Geet Huyi Sabse Parayi, I grew a stubble, and got a lean look. Maan was an arrogant business tycoon and my body language projected that. As Yash in Punarvivah I changed my look again. Every serial I dealt with as though I am doing a film.

That a film producer or director may be watching the show was always at the back of my mind.

Is that how you finally got the film offer?

Yes, and I am grateful to Mukeshji’s (Bhatt) wife for that. She had watched me in serials and had been telling Mukeshji that I deserve to be in films.

She was suggesting that he give me a break! I met them once at an award function and said hello. That’s when Mukeshji actually saw me. At another event in South Africa, I won the Best Actor award in TV, while Ranbir Kapoor was chosen the Best Actor in films.

Mohit Suri gave me my trophy and Mukeshji congratulated me. Within a week, I got an offer from them. I was on cloud nine!

Every actor wants to make a film debut with a love story. Didn’t you have apprehensions about starting with a supernatural thriller like Khamoshiyan?

Even when I was doing TV everybody would tell me that I should make my debut with Vishesh Films because they are known for their songs as well as story. They would say, ‘Gaana hit hona chahiye then the actor lip-syncing to it also becomes a hit!’ That apart, Khamoshiyan has romance, drama and performance. My character Jaidev Dharajgir is charming and as powerful as his name. And, I think like Aashiqui 2 the music of Khamoshiyan will be a hit. People are already raving about the title track. For years, I was lip-syncing to others’ songs and I would wonder mujhe mera gaana kab milega? When I had to lip-sync for my first song in the film, it gave me a different kind of high and happiness.

You have proved yourself as a dancer with Jhalak Dikhhla Ja. Were you always good at it?

I used to get prizes in school and at events. I was inspired

by Shah Rukh Khan’s energy and Govinda’s style of dancing. But it was only after I did Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa that

I learned different forms, Zumba, Rumba, Hiphop, etc.

This is going to help me in my film career.

We heard that your wife Debina Bonnerjee has a cameo in Khamoshiyan. Is it true?

You will have to see the film for that. But yes, I have promised her that she will be a part of all the films that I do.

Is she also looking at doing films?

Yes, and I support her completely. Right now she has taken a break from TV, but something is in the offing.

Will you stop doing TV now that you have made the transition to films?

No. TV is home, I am not closed to it. Even today I attend TV events and perform on shows. I won’t be able to do daily soaps because of time constraints, but if there is a finite series and I have an interesting role, why not? TV is a huge medium. Even Amitji despite being so busy did a TV serial.

Several TV actors have made the transition to films but very few have succeeded…

I believe one has to make smart moves. I had got several offers when I was doing serials, but I always wanted to debut with a big banner. That is very important. I have got a positive feedback for the trailer, and soon will start the promotions. I am excited.

Whatever I do, I’ll maintain the dignity of my part as Mahadev

As Mahadev comes to an end, the actor talks about his future plans post the show Though Mohit Raina, whose stint as Lord Shiva has ended, says it is time for him reinvent and adds that he is not looking at any mythological show but he will make sure his new roles befit the dignity of Mahadev‘s character.

Excerpts: Devon Ke Dev Mahadev is over. What is the first thing you intend to do now?

Visit my hometown in Kashmir. I haven’t been there for five years. I’ll spend some time there and then have a family vacation.

Not having to constantly live up to the image of a super god, does it not give you a feeling of liberation?

It does! Oh yes, it does. I feel relaxed and happy, Being the face of the show was a huge responsibility. But whatever responsibility I was given I fulfilled to the best of my abilities. Today, when people come to me and say I’ve touched their lives and that their perspective and vision on life has changed, it feels good. In comparison with their happiness, my discomfort seems negligible. The show has changed lives. I am happy about that. But I am also relieved.

What was the atmosphere like on the sets during the closing weeks?

Everyone was mentally prepared for the end. I am not the only one who is proud to be associated with the show. Each and every person, even those doing the smallest of jobs, proudly declared they worked for the Mahadev series.

You became the brand ambassador for Lord Shiva?

Yes I did. I took Mahadev’s message across the world. The experience has made me a better human being. I now value life more. I understand the cycle of nature…Everything in life is connected. Every person is equal. All the things that I’ve learnt while playing Mahadev will really be beneficial to my life. This wasn’t just a serial for me. It was a learning experience. I hope the people’s love and respect for me remains even when they stop thinking of me as Mahadev.

Unless you suddenly go wild and start dancing on bar counters?

I don’t see the possibility of that happening. I’ve never done it. Why would I do it now? I see myself as having a huge responsibility. For me, the art is important.

What next?

I don’t know. But whatever I do, I’ll maintain the dignity of my part as Mahadev. I don’t know what lies in store in future.

Whatever I do won’t be contradicting what I’ve done so far. But first, I am taking a break. I need to completely reinvent myself.

So another mythology is ruled out?

Yes, absolutely. There have been rumours regarding this. But no, I am not looking at any mythology.

Any movies?

I am a meeting a lot of filmmakers. They are keen to sign me. I thought they might not be interested. It’s every actor’s dream to cinema. Again, I have to choose something that befits the dignity of Mahadev’s character. So I guess the real struggle begins now.

What about your personal life. Would you finally admit to being in a relationship?

So far I’ve not focused on a personal life. Now I will.

You’ve been constantly linked with your co-star Mouli Singh.

Whatever the truth, it will be out in the open soon. I am a very private person.

What do you think of Maha Kumbh, the show that replaces Devon Ke Dev Mahadev?

I’ve seen the promos. It looks fantastic. The same people are the brains behind the two shows. I think Maha Kumbh is a worthy successor to Devon Ke Dev Mahadev.

Hope to see the fun side of you after the show?

There is that side. But it is buried too deep inside

11 GIFT IDEAS FOR STUDENTS STUDYING ABROAD

With the holiday season not too far away, you’re bound to be looking for unique and useful gift ideas for friends and family. Our Traveler Gift Guide series will help you find the perfect gift, no matter what type of traveler they may be.

Pick up one of these gifts for a future study abroad-er and you’ll be getting them something that they need and will definitely use!

1. Carry-on sized luggage Study abroaders travel a ton during the semester so a good piece of luggage that is small enough to carry onto budget airline flights such as RyanAir will definitely be appreciated. Try the colorful option above or check out our post on choosing between suitcases and backpacks for more options.

2. Travel-sized refillable bottles It can often be tough to find travel sizes of toiletries in foreign countries, so by having their own refillable travel-sized bottles, your traveler will be able to just fill them up as needed without getting their much-needed shampoo taken away at airport security check. Go Toobs are a new favorite of ours as they’re easier to refill than other options.

study abroaders who love to take videos— with a portable charger, they can do so without worrying about being phone-less.

This chargeroption on Amazon is highly rated and a great value.

5. Kindle

3. Space Bags Especially good for overpackers, Space Bags will help your future study abroader pack more in less space. This pack has an array of different sizes and doesn’t need a vacuum to use.

4. Portable phone charger Perfect for those long travel days where listening to their favorite music brings their phone battery to zero percent. Also great for

6. Journal A must-have for anyone traveling. Pick up this universal one and they’ll never be stuck without power. Adapters come in many different ways for specific countries, but more and more, they are compact and have all adaptors so you don’t have to worry. If you do want to just get one for where they’re going, make sure to research where they’ll be traveling as well so you know their adapter will be easy to use everywhere they go!

7. Power Adapter A must-have for anyone traveling. Pick up this universal one and they’ll never be stuck without power. Adapters come in many different ways for specific countries, but more and more, they are compact and have all adaptors so you don’t have to worry. If you do want to just get one for where they’re going, make sure to research where they’ll be traveling as well so you know their adapter will be easy to use everywhere they go!

8. Travel neck pillow

Give them a travel pillow. You can thank us later.

9. Camera Every student going abroad wants and needs a camera. Memories fade, but pictures don’t. A great camera for study abroad that is of good value is Canon PowerShot ELPH135, but we’ve got more suggestions for great study abroad cameras if you’re looking to give your traveler something a bit more advanced.

10. Travel guide for their study abroad destination Student travelers spend the most time in their study abroad destination, but they can sometimes find it hard to discover bits and pieces due to trying to balance schoolwork, traveling and a social life. Gift a travel guide for their city and it will help them take the guesswork out of exploring their new home. LonelyPlanet books or e-books are some of our favorites, or check out this post for more travel guides that we approve of.

11. Something sentimental Don’t forget that sentimental gifts can go a long way. Give your traveler a photo collage of you together, or something that will remind them of home. Just remember to keep it small and light as there’s only so much room in a suitcase!

NEW ZEALAND by Curren Thakkar

New Zealand - Youngest Country and Adventure Capital on this planet Earth has to offer you exactly what you want from it. From Leisure and Relaxation to Breathtaking Scenic Beauty and Hardcore Adventure, it has all to offer.

There aren’t many places on this lovely planet where travellers are so well catered for – in terms of both man-made enticements and splendours of the natural realm.

There’s no chance of ever getting tired of the scenery in New Zealand. No other nation in the world packs so much jaw-dropping diversity into such a small space.

The country’s coastline conceals many beaches, from the lazy days coves of the Abel Tasman National Park to the windswept and rugged stretches of the Catlins and the West

Coast. Volcanoes rise from the central plateau of the North Island, and further south the alpine grandeur incorporates glaciers, snowcapped peaks, and misty fiords. From Queenstown, the meandering drive through the Kawarau river valley quickly transforms the landscape from indigo mountains and expansive lakes to the barren and rugged beauty of Central Otago.

Weather in New Zealand Winter in New Zealand Being a Southern Hemisphere country, winters in New Zealand are from June to August/ September. If you want to avoid the summer crowds, but still experience New Zealand at its most breathtaking, winter road trips are great options. Areas of the North Island are sub-tropical - meaning the winter months are still mild and easy for travel. The average winter temperature in the Bay of Islands is a balmy 16 degrees Celsius and can reach the mid-20s occasionally. In the South Island you’ll find cool sub-zero temperatures overnight and crisp sunny days. When travelling from Christchurch to Queenstown there is an abundance of snow-capped scenery to admire. This fetches more European, American and Indian tourists during these months when it’s scorchy heat in these locations during this time of the year.

Winter is also a wonderful time to travel to New Zealand if alpine sports are your passion. In the North Island you will find Mt Ruapehu (and its two ski areas Whakapapa and Turoa), and in the South Island there are dozens of ski areas stretching from Rainbow Ski Area in the Nelson region, to The Remarkables and Coronet Peak near Queenstown. Winters also host Poker festival in the country and tourists from all over the globe come and are its part. So it’s Skiing in the day time and poker at night with a lovely scotch or a glass of locally brewed wine.

Walk On The Wild Side There are just 4.5 million New Zealanders, scattered across 270,534 sq km: bigger than the UK with one-fourteenth the population. Filling in the gaps are the sublime dense Forests, snow-capped Mountains, clear Lakes, virgin Beaches and Fiords that have made NZ one of the best hiking (locals call it ‘tramping’) destinations on Earth. Tackle one of nine epic ‘Great Walks’ – you’ve probably heard of the Heaphy and Milford Tracks – or just spend a few dreamy hours wandering through some easily accessible wilderness.

The New ‘Big Easy’ Forget New Orleans, NZ can rightly claim the ‘Big Easy’ crown for the sheer ease of travel here. This isn’t a place where you encounter many on-the-road frustrations: buses and trains run on time; roads are in good nick; ATMs proliferate; pickpockets, scam merchants and bedbug-ridden hostels are negligible and far between; and the food is unlikely to send you running for the nearest public toilets (usually clean and stocked with the requisite paper). And there are no snakes, and only one poisonous spider – the rare Katipo – sightings of which are considered lucky. This beautiful nation is a place where you can relax and enjoy (rather than endure) your holiday. Drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy features in top 5 driving destinations of the world. Its Right handed driving and Indians can drive in New Zealand with their valid Indian license.

If you are a romantic and an adventure freak person, then New Zealand surely is the place you want to be in. On summer nights – Moon, Stars and its constellations are so clear that you won’t have seen it as close and bright as ever before. Even the Milky Way can be captured in your high definition cameras.

If you’re even remotely interested in rugby, you’ll have heard of NZ’s all-conquering All Blacks, who would never have become world-beaters without their formidable Maori players. But this is just one example of how Maori culture impresses itself on contemporary Kiwi life: across NZ you can hear Maori language, watch Maori TV, see main-street marae (meeting houses), join in a Hangi (Maori feast) or catch a cultural performance with traditional Maori song, dance and usually a blood-curdling haka (war dance). You might draw the line at contemplating ta moko, traditional Maori tattooing (often applied to the face).

Maori Culture

Food, Wine & Beer

Kiwi food was once a bland echo of a British Sunday dinner, but these days NZ chefs find inspiration in new-world culinary oceans, especially the Pacific with its abundant seafood and encircling cuisines. And don’t go home without trying some Maori faves: Paua (abalone), Kina (sea urchin) and Kumara (sweet potato) make regular menu appearances. There is some good news for Indian vegetarian travellers, in cities like Queenstown, Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington and Christchurch have some exotic Indian Restaurants managed by the local Indian Entrepreneurs and chefs that offers authentic and desi Indian taste.

Thirsty? NZ’s cool-climate wineries have been collecting wine-award trophies for decades now, and the country’s craft-beer is booming. I, being a Beer lover, found one of the best locally brewed Beer to give me company and cool down in the NZ Summers. Contemporary coffee culture is also firmly entrenched with good coffee shops by the lake in Queenstown and by the harbour in Auckland.

Filming in New Zealand

Other countries may boast of cinematic scenery, but in New Zealand it’s a statement of movie-making fact. Across both the North Island and the South Island, many stunning locations were showcased by Sir Peter Jackson in his Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies. Even getting to the locations is often an adventure, with tour operators harnessing 4WD vehicles, helicopters and horses to reach the destinations brought to life

as Edoras or the Plains of Rohan. On a smaller, but equally fascinating scale, Hobbit buffs can sup on a pint of beer at the Green Dragon Inn in Hobbiton (aka Matamata), or go behind the scenes of the magic at the Weta Cave in Wellington The international film industry’s New Zealand love affair is well documented with picture perfect landscapes capturing the imagination and hearts of film stars, producers and movie-goers the world over. And, with New Zealand featuring in a list of top foreign places to shoot Bollywood movies, it seems that Indian film-makers and their audiences are in agreement.

The diversity of New Zealand culture and landscapes first caught the attention of Bollywood film makers with the 2008 movie, Love Has No Language. The romantic comedy, starring Bollywood actress and former Miss India Universe (2001) Celina Jaitley alongside Kiwi actor Ben Mitchell, featured the urban landscapes of Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, and the year-round alpine resort of Queenstown. The striking landscapes, snow-capped mountains and crystal clear lakes of Queenstown took center-stage once again with the Bollywood smash hit I Hate Luv Storys, filmed in New Zealand and released to instant box office success in 2010.

But it wasn’t just movie-goers who fell in love with the untouched landscapes, Producers and Directors, who came to New Zealand looking for “picture perfect postcard locations” were also bitten by the New Zealand love-bug. As a film maker, you don’t have to hunt for good locations. The place itself is one giant exquisite locale.

Queenstown’s famous Kawarau Bridge to experiencing the thrills and spills of the iconic Shotover Jet and taking a leap of faith with a skydive above Queenstown’s towering snow-capped mountains and glistening Lake Wakatipu.

Wellington’s urban terrain, steep streets, dramatic coastline and stunning harbour showcased the capital city to the world, as well as a thrilling high-speed car chase along the runway at Wellington International Airport.

Filming also takes place in Auckland - New Zealand’s largest and most culturally diverse city with sweeping aerial shots of the Auckland Harbour Bridge, the boat-filled Waitemata Harbour and the 328-metre-high Sky Tower making the city look like a movie star in its own right. With a large Indian population, Auckland is the city of choice for high-profile Bollywood stars wanting to experience New Zealand’s breath-taking, adventure-filled landscapes in the heart of a flourishing, world-class urbanized city.

Along with yacht-filled harbours, designer boutiques and celebrity-chef restaurants, Auckland is only a short drive or cruise away from uncrowded beaches, wildlife, and ancient volcanic craters.

The latest internationally recognised Bollywood star to enjoy Auckland was Indian superstar Shahrukh Khan. Hailed as ‘the world’s biggest movie star’, SRK brought his colourful Bollywood-inspired show Temptation Reloaded along with some of Bollywood’s most-loved and famous actresses Madhuri Dixit, Rani Mukerji and Jacqueline to Auckland’s premier events complex Vector Area in 2013.

But it’s not just the stars of Bollywood who’ve fallen for New Zealand’s bountiful beauty, some of India’s highprofile and much-loved cricket stars have also been swayed by its charm and versatile adventures. In 2012 Indian cricket’s most famous son, Sachin Tendulkar and team-mates enjoyed panoramic views of Auckland and its expansive harbour from 192 metres above ground while enjoying the Auckland Sky Tower’s thrilling SkyWalk adventure. The team including Harbhajan Singh, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman and Laxmipathy Balaji also enjoyed some time away from the game with a spot of sailing on board an America’s Cup yacht - on the sparkling harbour filled with so many boats it has earned Auckland the title of ‘City of Sails’.

If you personally ask me, a Bollywood film maker has not even touched the tip of New Zealand’s scenic ice burg and has infinite yet to explore. Other virgin filming locations yet to explore could be Swim with Dolphins, Cape Reinga and 90 Mile Beach in Bay of Islands; Helicopter landing on an active volcano crater or a mountain peak, Thermal Springs, Polynesian Spa and Mud bath in Rotorua; Skyline Gondola, Shotover Jet, Glenorchy drive in Queenstown; Lake Tekapo on foothills of Mt Cook etc.

Heaven on Planet Earth Queenstown

If I have to pick one city in New Zealand, then it surely and unanimously is Queenstown - Heaven and top 3 honeymoon destinations on Planet Earth. Don’t be surprised if you don’t find any signals while driving on Queenstown streets as it’s a signal-less city. It is also considered as the best adventure site in New Zealand and the World. Imagine an 8 seater aircraft takes you high above 15,000 ft and have a sky dive. Enroute your free fall you can witness being surrounded on all sides with

Snow-capped Mountains and landing with parachute in the lake below its foothills. Isn’t it mesmerizing?

Adventure activities in Queenstown

Air Adventure: Skydive, Paragliding, Bungee Jumping, Canyon Swing & Raft, Gliding, Hot Air Balloons, Nevis Swing Land Adventure: Skiing, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking, Quad Biking, Rock Climbing & Abseiling, Segway, Snowshoeing Water Adventure: Jet Boat, Canoeing, Fishing, Kayaking, Rafting, Riversurfing

Sightseeing

Air Sightseeing: Milford Flight and Cruises, Helicopter Flight landing on the peak of your choice, Glacier Landing, Sunrise, Cornet Peak, Skyline etc.

Land Sightseeing: Hot Pools, Safaris, Wilderness Guided Walks, Wineries, Breweries, Day Spa, Flow Worm Caves, Golfcourse, Walter Peak, Mount Cook, Fox Glacier, Franz Josef Glacier.

Indian Restaurants

If you are missing some Indian food then you shouldn’t be upset as there are ample Indian restaurants in this city - Elaichi, Freiya’s Indian Resturant, Tandoori Palace, Bombay Palace Indian Restaurant, India Once Upon a Time, Mantra Restaurant, Shagun Indian Café.

Don’t Miss in Queenstown

Jumbo Burgers of Fergburger Pizza of Fat Badgers Pizza Bar Ice Creams of Patagonia Aggys Shack – Fish & Chips Trek to the Queenstown Hill All Adventure Activities Candle lit Hot Pools at Onsen Hot Pools (night session) Drive to Glenorchy Lake Cruise and Earnslaw Skyline Gondola + Luge rides + Skyline Restaurant Dinner Wine yard tours Casino

Although the coffee shops and bars may be staffed by thousands of actresses waiting for their ‘big break’, for those who make it big in Hollywood there’s some serious money to be made. Once actresses have made a name for themselves and won over both the public and the critics, the promise of pay checks in the millions beckons as long as they keep picking the right roles.

As many on this list have demonstrated, critical acclaim and Academy Awards are highly beneficial to building a sustainable acting career. Awards draw the attention of not only the public – who want to see more of their favourite actresses – but crucially that of casting directors.

By picking a wide variety of roles, actresses can demonstrate their versatility and ensure a long career.

lywood, the men are making more – so for many on this list, it is their involvement in franchises which really swells the pay-packet.

After a look at the eye-watering figures these women are being paid, many may cry foul that such extortionate amounts of money are doled out when other professions might be far more deserving: a Hollywood actress can easily earn a Nurse’s annual salary with one fashion campaign. However, these actresses drive ticket-sales at the box-office and film companies know that they can earn back their salaries several times over once the movie is released. While these 10 actresses are getting paid big, they’re also making big money for Hollywood.

World’s Top 10 Highest-Paid Actresses

However, high-profile parts in well-respected films are not enough to ensure high earnings. It’s a sad fact that in Hol-

These are the top-10 highest-paid actresses in the world today, based on their most recent annual earnings.

10. Julia Roberts, $11million This Pretty Woman’s eclectic mix of films has garnered her a reputation for critical and commercial success. Roberts’ recent boxoffice successes (including Mirror, Mirror and August: Osage County) have earned her an impressive annual salary, each year increasing her estimated $140 million fortune. Roberts’ CV is not filled with shallow Hollywood cashcows: Her most well-known role (as Vivian Ward in Pretty Woman) led to her first Golden Globe and a nomination for an Academy award and she took home the Best Actress Oscar in 2001 for her hard-hitting role in Erin Brockovich. Julie Roberts continues to light up the silver screen with her dazzlingly wide smile, and this year she will feature in ‘The Normal Heart’ alongside Mark Ruffalo and Matt Bomer.

9. Mila Kunis, $11 million Kunis started on the small-screen at the tender age of 14 when she got her break on ‘That 70s Show’. Since then Kunis has transitioned from TV to film with a role in the hit film ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’, additionally receiving critical acclaim and a Golden Globe for her performance in ‘Black Swan’. Through this combination of roles, the 30 year old now has $1 million for every year of her age. Mila appeared in three successful films last year, and is hoping to repeat the winning formula with three more silver screen performances lined up for release in 2014.

8. Natalie Portman, $14 million Like her Black Swan co-star Kunis, Portman has built a solid career from a young age. Known by some for her role as Padmé Amidala in ‘Star Wars’, and by others as Jane Foster in ‘Thor’, Portman has been involved in several highly successful franchises. Portman will soon make her directorial feature debut with an adaption of ‘A Tale of Love and Darkness’, after co-writing the script.

Like Kunis, Portman can now match her age with the millions in her bank account - $32 million to be precise.

7. Sandra Bullock, $14 million Recently acclaimed for carrying the Oscar-winning ‘Gravity’ through her powerful performance, Bullock has had a run of successful movies throughout her career. From ‘Miss Congeniality to ‘Speed’ she picked her roles well and now has a net worth of $135 million. She may have been unsuccessful this year at the Oscars, but in 2010 Bullock gained a golden statue for Best Actress for her role in ‘The Blind Side’. Classically beautiful, dramatically gifted and with impeccable comic timing, it’s perhaps no wonder that Bullock continues winning Hollywood’s most competitive - and well-paid - lead roles.

6. Charlize Theron, $15 million

This South African actress rose to fame in the late 90s and has become a mainstay on our screens from then on. Theron is known to many as a stunning blonde, so her portrayal of Aileen Wuornos in ‘Monster’ surprised many (she gained weight and shaved her eyebrows to transform her image). The gamble paid off, proving to everyone that she was more than a pretty face and making her the first South African to win the Academy Award for best Actress. Now approaching 40, Theron’s career shows no sign of slowing down; with two films due for release this year and another in 2015, her $85 million fortune looks set only to increase.

5. Emma Stone, $16 million This 25 year old beauty now demands a hefty salary for her performances, following commercial success and a plethora of awards. After a selection of supporting roles, it was to be Stone’s bubbly portrayal of Olive Penderghast in ‘Easy A’ (her first leading role) which marked her out as one to watch among young Hollywood. Emma’s roles range from thought provoking (in ‘The Help’) to tongue in cheek (in ‘Zombieland’) and her impressive salary is now partially due to her role in ‘The Amazing Spider Man’ franchise, as Gwen Stacy; a role she is set to repeat later this year in the next instalment.

4. Jennifer Aniston, $20 million She may still be known for her iconic role as Rachel in the hit series ‘Friends’ but this small-screen queen is now a key contributor to the film industry (as a director and producer, in addition to her continued acting credits). Aniston’s work shows a preference for light comedy, as the foil to comedy greats such as Jim Carrey (in ‘Bruce Almighty’) and Vince Vaughn (in ‘The BreakUp’). With her undeniable likeability she is many director’s first choice to balance crude or silly humour in a film. Now worth $150 million Aniston is the richest of the women on this list, proving that there is money in being funny.

3. Kristen Stewart, $22 million

Alongside Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner, Kristen is now the face of the multimillion dollar ‘Twilight’ franchise. Although she has been criticised for her wooden performances, this hasn’t prevented her from raking in the big bucks. It was reported last year that a Middle-Eastern Prince was such a fan that he paid $500,000 to spend 15 minutes with her at Madison Square Garden (although the money was donated to the Hurricane Sandy relief fund). Now that the Twilight Saga has finished, Stewart has added modelling to her resume and this year will become the face of Chanel as well as continuing her relationship with Balenciaga.

2. Jennifer Lawrence, $26 million

Although she’s only a couple of years over the legal drinking age, Lawrence is already one of most sought-after actresses in Hollywood. She has three Oscar nominations and one win under her belt and plays the lead role in the latest blockbuster franchise ‘The Hunger Games’. Famous in the media for her awkward interview style and quirky personality, Jennifer is not known to take herself too seriously. This is in spite of the hard-hitting themes she tackles in her performances, including mental health in ‘Silver Linings Playbook’ and poverty in ‘Winter’s Bone’. This year she will star in no less than four films, including the wildly successful ‘XMen’ franchise as Mystique and the penultimate instalment of ‘The Hunger Games’.

1. Angelina Jolie, $33 million

Known for her seductive beauty and impressive acting skills, it is no wonder that Angelina demands such a hefty salary.

Since becoming a mother Jolie’s roles have moved towards more family-friendly viewing (including her voice-work in ‘Kung-Fu Panda’), however her most recognisable roles (including Lara Croft) draw upon her undeniable sex appeal. In spite of her wildly successful Hollywood career and impressive net worth ($145 million) Jolie’s most significant work is in the field of humanitarianism for her involvement with the United Nations.

Using her considerable fame and wealth to draw attention to global issues, Angelina has proved to Hollywood that the celebrity culture can be manipulated for good.