Global movie magazine dec 2015 (4)

DEC 2015 Rs.50

01 12 2015

'Bajirao Mastani' not competing with 'Dilwale': Priyanka Chopra

Dev Patel: Learning

the art of putting my foot down Aishwarya- He’s a friend , companion, father, husband but the fact that he’s my best friend pretty much encapsulates it all.

Varun Dhawan: My real life is very interesting

Ranveer Singh: I will always be oversensitive person

I want to create a weekly video where I could present myself to the world.

Shah rukh khan

Kajol's

7

secrets to be a stunning Mom

RANBIR : I am emotional It's just that I don't know how to express myself.

I do feel things but don't know how to express or address it.

DEEPIKA PADUKONE “I don’t want to be a producer because I want to make money,”

Editor

SEEMA PIMPLEY

Co - Editor Faisal Saif

Consulting - Editor Lipika Varma

International Correspondent Carlyta Mouhini

Special Corresspondent Aahana

Web & Graphics Designer Jayaul Hak Khan Nasreen Qazi

Celeb Columnist & Photojournalist Shrisheel

Feature News Writers Sandeep Hattangady Akshita Pawar Mohan Ayyer

Marketing Team

Greta Margreat Tanty Roniec Vats Monish Nawani

Photographer

Indrajeet Aurangabadkar Advertising Sales + 09322993982 + 022 65241705 Corporate Office Media Mag International 1st Floor, 123 Aram Nagar-1 fishery institute Road, 7 Bunglows, Andheri (west), amumbai - 400061,India Phone : +91 (22) 65241705, 26375924 Email : globalmovie@gmail.com Website : www.globalmovie.in Prinyed Published & Owned by Seema Pimpley Printed at Triton Arts 44 -Paras industrial Estate, near Kachpada telepho Exchange, Kachpad, Malad (W), Mumbai - 4400064

Seema Pimpley Editor & Publisher

C OV E R S T O RY

Ranbir Kapoor:

My relationship with Deepika Padukone was turned into a CIRCUS! The Tamasha duo talks about their upcoming film, their relationship and much more…

Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone have maintained a very cordial and sweet friendship even after breaking up. The duo dated for quite a while, before calling it quits.

But since then, Tamashais their second film together and their chemistry is still quite intact. Referred as the next SRK-Kajol of Bollywood, Ranbir and Deepika talk about their upcoming film, their relationship and much more.

Ranbir, you are one of the finest actors in the current generation; there is no doubt about it. All your performances have been appreciated, but when the film doesn’t work at the box office, as an actor, what do you think you could do separately to make it work at the box office? Also do you think destiny has been a bit unkind to you?

And are you banking heavily on Tamasha?

Ranbir Kapoor: As an actor, I can’t do much. The only thing I can do better is my choice of films. The kind of stories that the directors want to tell, I like them and I become a part of, but maybe I should choose wisely.

Coming to your second question, No, I don’t think it has anything to do with destiny. I believe in a man makes his own destiny. It’s about your choices, your hard work, your karma. All of that put together.

And Yes, I am banking heavily on Tamasha, like I also banked on Bombay Velvet, post Besharamand Roy. Every film for an actor is a testing ground. I think in this industry you are only known for your last work, you are not known for what you have done before in life. And if Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Aamir Khan have to constantly prove themselves, who am I? I’ve just started my career. So the constant search and the constant want and desire to do better, is alive and I do understand the pressures that I have. I understand the kind of expectations that were there and are probably not there today and I have to start from scratch and go again.

Is the pressure at the peak now, that you have to deliver a hit?

RK: My first film was such a disaster. There was so much pressure then also. It was such a big launch, but it didn’t work. People were skeptical of Sonam and me. Pressure is good as it drives you and not cracking under pressure is important. Taking pressure in your stride, understanding failures and where you went wrong and then moving ahead is what we should do.

Is chemistry with your actress an important part when you sign a film?

RK: I think chemistry is not something that me and Deepika look at, it’s the kind of parts that we like individually as actors. Like in Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani, Deepika liked Naina’s character and I liked Bunny’s character and we liked the story. When that happens, we can bring our best to the table and the characters and the dynamics between us make the chemistry appear on the screen. Having said that there are films like Gone With The Wind, which is supposed to be the one of the greatest romantic films ever made and there the lead actors never spoke to each other throughout the entire film. They were at logger heads, they were fighting. So it’s not what your personal life is, what your friendship is, or if its someone in a relationship. It doesn’t matters. What matters is what you bring to the table as an actor.

Deepika Padukone: Correct. Absolutely, I think the biggest downfall would be if you come on board thinking that let’s create some chemistry. It’s like saying c’mon let’s make a hit film. It’s stupid you know. In fact chemistry is something for people to see and people to sense and people to judge. The only thing that we can do as actors is to come on board individually because we feel the same kind of passion for a script. And for the director to cast us because he feels we are right for the part and as actors we will do justice to the part. In the process of making that film and being honest in the parts that we are playing, him as Bunny and me as Naina or me as Tara and him as Ved. In this process of being honest, the chemistry should generally happen on its own. You can’t create that. And the day you say c’mon now let’s create some chemistry; that will be your biggest downfall. And I think what adds to the chemistry is what the film gives us as actors to play with or how the characters are written. It’s actually very technically, how the character is and how is it layered. So if you see, 50 per cent is what is on paper and what the director and writer have written. And 50 per cent is what the actors bring and how they make those characters memorable and special.

Deepika your on the top of the ladder now and we hear many actors saying that it’s very lonely at the top. So what’s your take on it?

DP: See, I don’t like to believe that I am at the top of the ladder because if I am at the top then there’s nowhere to go from there. So, I would like to believe that I am still on the way and that there’s lot more to do and lot more to achieve. As far as loneliness is concerned, then it is Yes and No. For example, when people come into my life today, there is a feeling in me that are they friends because they genuinely care or are they wanting to be friends because of who I am of what I have achieved. So that sense is always there, but the flip side and the positive side to that is that I have had a very solid upbringing and I have had a very solid group of friends who have been a part of my life since nursery.

So are you very cautious while making friends these days?

DP: No, I wouldn’t say cautious. I in fact trust anyone very easily. Someone would say something to me and I trust people very easily, whether its people I know or other people who I have met for the first time. There are lots of time when people around me have to help me understand things. Like will finish a conversation and I am like ‘Oh my God, that’s so sweet and all’ and then they will be like ‘relax, they didn’t mean it like that.’ They actually make me realise that someone’s scheming or plotting or whatever. But I am someone who takes everyone at face value. And I believe that I need to develop and build my own equation with people. I do not base it on what other people’s equation with others people. So for me until and unless I personally haven’t had a bad experience with someone, I am usually very forthcoming and I allow people the opportunity to be who they are. And I am also very very trusting unless I have had a bad experience or something. My parents also keep worrying all the time that I trust people very easily.

Does the fear of failure grow with every success? The more you, win the more you stand to lose?

DP: I have experienced it all. Whether it’s in my sporting career or whether it’s in my film career, I have experienced the highs and the lows. And I am where I am today because of my own hard work and maybe that’s why I am so possessive and protective about it because this is the only thing that I can proudly say, my own. So no, I don’t know. I don’t think of success or failure when I am working. I think of passion, hard work and honesty when I am working and everything else follows. And of course I have seen the lows in my career and I have seen the high in my career and I don’t take either of them for granted. People are like you are riding a high now so how does it feel? To me it feels no different for me as I am just working. I am not someone who pays too much attention to the praise or what is being written or what people say about where I am in my career. It’s just a part of life. I wake up every morning and go to work like any other day.

Any kind of fear you have as an actor or individual?

DP: No. I think the only day I will worry is when I stop getting exciting roles. I think that’s my only fear because I feel as an actor, I have so much to give and I feel like I have learned so much. And there is a lot of fire and hunger in me to juice every part I get. So I think that’s the only fear I have that maybe someday some exciting part may not come to me, that’s the only fear, no other fears.

Talking about the roles actors take up and off late the extent to which actors are getting into the skin of their characters. Does that in any way affect the personality of the actor?

DP: I am sure it does. A lot of people give a lot of themselves – physically, mentally and emotionally to become the character. Like if he (Ranbir) is getting into Sanjay Dutt’s character for his biopic, it’s not going to be easy for him and somewhere no matter how much you try he will be affected, even though he has a very solid balance in his personal and professional life. So somewhere its carrying that character home every day. Like its happened to me also. It’s happened during Cocktail and during Bajirao Mastani too. You give so much of yourself to your character that you play and so sometimes there is a residue of the character in you for some time and you can’t get over it. But, the little residue remains for sometime because you can’t say like OK shooting has finished so let’s get out of that zone. Maybe there are actors who can do that but I am not that kind of actor. When I finished Cocktail, it took me a lot of time to come out of Veronica’s mind space, her zone and behaviour. I had to recollect who I am. Similarly with Bajirao Mastani too. So some of the films demand that.

Since you were shooting for Tamasha and Bajirao Mastani at the same time so did you face the same thing? Was it difficult for you?

DP: See for Tamasha it was still slightly easier t get into the character in a sense that at least from a character point of view it’s a slightly more real and relatable character. Tara could be anyone of us today. For me Naina Talvar was just me, I just had to be myself and Tara is also someone similar again. But it’s not Mastani or Veronica, where its completely different from who I am. But there are shades of familiarity. What was difficult in Tamasha was especially the second half bits where there is a lot of breakdown and emotional drama in between both the character. That’s tough on you as an actor because you are manipulating your feelings and emotions on a daily basis. We could have woken up in the morning had a great breakfast and were ready to shoot and then you will be like ‘Oh now I have to get into another scene’.

You are actually manipulating your feelings to suit that scene. I remember the most difficult days for me were all those days in Delhi where the breakdown starts happening and most importantly I think it was that Cafe scene. It went on for three days so you know you have to hold on to that.

Ranbir in the film you act like Dev Anand too. How nervous you were about doing it?

RK: I was very nervous because as an actor to do mimicry is very hard. I am not a mimic artist, so I had to do a lot of work for that. I worked with a mimic artist for a few weeks time, but it was a very small portion in the film.

Ranbir and Deepika, you both were very open about your relationship, but after your split you have made your personal lives very private. Was it a decision based on the experience of your past relationship?

DP: Yes. RK: Yes, it became like a bit of a circus.

DP: TAMASHA. RK: Everything that you did became all about the relationship and related to that. We were really ambitious people and we wanted to make our own identities apart from the relationships we have in our personal lives and I think that was important. With time and age you understand that when you come closer to marriage, when you come closer to seriousness, because it is such a spoken thing and so much is written about it, it is better that way that both the partners protect each other.

DP: Absolutely yes, if there is a certain aspect of our life that you are not comfortable in sharing. Yes, it’s because of our past experiences. What happens is from a journalists point of view, its reporting but from a human being point of view it causes a lot of stress on a relationship and relationships and emotions are very fragile. So yes, it does cause an unnecessary stress every morning especially if negative things are reported or untrue things are reported. There is conflict, unnecessary unrest and more than that at some point what you realize is that you really want to be remembered for your work and for the films you do. And what we experienced in that effort of being honest is there was no end to the speculations.

When are we getting married, when are we having children, is his family ok, is my family ok and I don’t think even we had ever discussed those things but the speculation were already there. So it kind of adds a little bit of pressure on relationships. And I think we have learned that and now it’s important to protect something and keep it to ourselves.

Ranbir had told that he saw you on the sets of Om Shanti Om. When did you see him?

RK: Yeah, she didn’t see me when I saw her DP: Yes, this we discovered much later that he saw me but I didn’t see him. Actually we were on set that day, I was shooting for Om Shanti Om. I know which scene also we were shooting.

RK: Chandelier DP: No, it’s the scene in Om Shanti Om when Arjun Rampal and me are fighting in the room and Shah Rukh Khan hears everything from the vents, just before jag soona soona lage. So it was one of those days in Filmistan when we were shooting for the film and I walked out from a take and was walking towards my vanity. At the same time, he had taken a break from his shoot and he saw me going towards my van, but he didn’t take very long. That evening he got my number and connected with me.

There were reports that the love making and kissing scenes were toned down by the Censor Board. Do you think this will take the flavour away from the scene in the film?

RK: I don’t think it is about the kissing. That is again a wrong report as the chunks that were edited was only for certain language that was used. Imtiaz’s movies are not to titillate the audience. He doesn’t put things which audience re out of character. So that was not the issue. The issue was something else. But coming to censorship, I think they are being a bit radical and strict with things. So creatively, yes we do understand the responsibility they have with the messages and social values that a film should have because cinema is an art, but having said that there is some creativity that is hampered due to it as freedom is curbed by many things. Couple of people sit together and decide what should be cut and what shouldn’t be. It’s an ongoing debate and I don’t know who is right and who is wrong. But as far as Tamasha is concerned, then there were just a few abusive lines like Saala and words like that which they wanted to censor.

How was it working with Pankaj Kapoor in an advertisement?

RK: I have been a big fan of Pankaj Kapoor because of the Karamchand series, so for me working with him I can relate to him as that person whom I as a child used to watch and was really enamored by. He’s a fantastic actor but unfortunately it was just an ad film, so it was just a day’s work but I really look forward to doing an a entire film with him like how she did Finding Fanny with him.

Deepika, you did an advertisement with your parents. How was it?

DP: It was lovely. Actually they are both very camera shy and they did it only because of, first the love for the brand and very few brands, I think manage to bring out the beauty of a family and Tanishq has always done it. They always bring out a beautiful advertisement with a message. Like even for Mother’s day, I did an ad with my mother for them. So actually that was my mother’s first experience and when we had to shoot for the Diwali one, it was the same team the same director. So a night before the shoot, I saw my mother is giving my dad advice saying, “See he doesn’t like overacting and all.” She was busy at the dining table giving my father advice about how he should perform the next day. Be very real and natural and don’t do overacting. I found that very adorable and it was sweet because even on the first day of shoot my parents were there and as a daughter of course you hope they are okay and not inconvenienced. It’s different if your parents are from the industry, then you know that they understand lights, camera, this and that. But they come from a completely different background so.

Deepika, when you were finding your foot hold in Bollywood, you had to stay away from your parents.

Has that relationship grown over these years when you had to stay far away from your parents?

DP: Yes, it’s made us closer than before. Actually we have always been a very close knit family and we are not one of those families that talks everyday on the phone. We are not phone people in that sense. But at least once in two-three days they will call and find out what my schedule is, where I am, what I am doing and they will give me the full report of what’s happening in Bangalore – it’s raining, we did this, we went for a walk, we did that. So, yes we are very very connected. We know who is where and what is happening in each other’s life.

INTERVIEWS

Ranbir Kapoor: What I Don’t Like About Deepika Is That She Is A Flirt Deepika Padukone is on top of her game right now. Ranbir Kapoor’s past few film choices may have come in the way of his superstardom, but there is no doubt that he is the best actor the industry has and it’s just a matter of time that he attains his superstardom.

Ranbir and Deepika have been in a relationship together in the past, but today, they have moved on and are both happy in their respective relationships.

Yes, they share one of the most electric chemistries onscreen together, yes they care for each other, but above all, they are both strong, independent individuals who are ambitious about their career and responsible towards their work. They bring out the best in each other onscreen and make for a commercially exciting film. Excerpts from a conversation with these ex-lovers who have today become mature friends and co-stars.

How difficult was it for the both of you to work with each other, given your relationship in the past?

Deepika: It was not difficult at all. I think we are very fortunate, because given that we are very passionate about our work and given the equation that we have, there has never been any sort of awkwardness as we both know how to separate the two.

Ranbir: I have worked with almost every actress in film industry, but when I work with Deepika, there is a certain sense of respect I have where her work is concerned or her as a person or her journey. There is a sense of admiration and respect but no awkwardness.

I think we both are ambitious and owe it to our work and understand the value we both bring to the movie.

We are examples of breaking that stereotypical syndrome that people who have shared a relationship in the past cannot work together.

Deepika, do you still love Ranbir?

Of course I do. I don’t think that every feeling has to be broken down as I don’t believe that emotions are unidimensional anyway. Feelings and emotions are very layered. He is someone I have always loved and someone I will always be extremely possessive about and very protective about. When I read about him, when I see his work, good bad whatever it is, I have my own monologue that is going on in my head and which I do share with him. I might even pick up the

phone and talk to him immediately. There was a phase he was going through where I felt that his behaviour had changed a bit (I didn’t know it was intentional or had he become that person or it was misinterpreted).

But it bothered me a lot. We are not in each other’s lives to know whether the change was permanent or it was completely fabricated. But the point is the things about him that were being reported, I felt that I had the right to pick up the phone on him and tell him that what was going on was not correct. Similarly with his film, the minute I see his work, I will tell him.

Likewise, he will see my films and tell me what he liked and what he didn’t like. I can pick up the phone on him and say that why did you do Besharam. Of course, we are individual people at the end of the day and will still do what we have to do, but we have that comfort with each other where we can say that to each other.

Ranbir: I remember we were no longer together that time but before she had signed Cocktail,she was still living at her old home and me and Ayan had gone to her house and after everyone left, I had a conversation with her. She was confused and I remember telling her that she had a potential to be a very big animal in this industry. I didn’t think that Cocktail was the right film for her and I even told her that but she was clear about her choice. But the point is that she had given me the leeway to tell her that.

Ranbir, do you love Deepika?

Yes of course. The amount of love I have for Deepika is like family. It’s very warm, it’s about care, about being proud of her. The facet of love, care and respect has changed but changed for the better. It’s not your immature I love her kind of feeling. It’s mature and that’s come with age. Also, we have both positively moved on with our lives.

Ranbir, what qualities of Deepika do you like the most?

Her values that come from her parents. She can many a times say the wrong thing, do the wrong thing, be obnoxious, can be rude, can be sweet but, it’s all coming from a place of organic sense of things, I don’t think she is ever saying something because somebody else has said it. It’s coming from what she thinks and she is very positive. If you are doing an interview or a scene with her there is a lot of care she will take for her co-actor or director. She does not have a herocentric mind and is not a superstar who likes to steal the limelight from others.

What don’t you like about her?

That she is a flirt. That she is working too much and should not burn herself out. She should take more holidays and breaks and should reserve herself, which she has started doing now.

Deepika, what do you like the most about Ranbir?

There are more things I don’t like than like about him.

I like that he is very very respectful towards people.

He is also someone who does not get visibly affected by people and by situations. He is someone who can detach.

Deepika, what don’t you like about Ranbir?

The fact that you can’t pin point what he is feeling or thinking all the time. At least that was my experience at the time when we were together. I couldn’t really figure him out completely. I am not saying that he is not an emotional person or sensitive person. He must be but it doesn’t come out and it’s not visible. I wish he expressed more.

Who is more emotional between the both of you?

Deepika: Me Ranbir: Not necessarily. It’s just that I don’t know how to express myself. I don’t have an outlet yet. I don’t know if there is something wrong in my brain as I have not figured myself out to express myself yet. I am still struggling with that. I don’t know whether it is a mental disease or a handicap. I do feel things but don’t know how to express or address it.

Deepika, over the years of your knowing him, has Ranbir changed in any way?

He has matured a lot. But in that maturity, I feel he has gone even more into his shell. Also, now he has a lot more clarity about his decisions and how he wants to live his life.

Ranbir, has Deepika changed over the years?

Yes, she has changed in terms of her level of confidence and her exuberance. There is a shine and aura that has now developed around her and that is something she deserves as she has earned it.

Amongst the working actors (barring Amitabh Bachchan), who do you rate the best three actors (note actors and not stars)?

Deepika: Ranbir, Irrfan, Ranveer.

Deepika: My equation with Imtiaz is beyond my actordirector relationship. He is in a large way responsible for who I have become today both as an actor and as a person. He was the one who kept knocking and saying that there is more to you as a person than you are being, let yourself go. He figured me out even better than I knew myself or that I knew myself but didn’t want to accept it or come out of that shell.

Ranbir: Deepika, Anushka, Alia.

Tell us about Tamasha?

Tamasha means ‘Spectacle’, the spectacle we make of our lives. In the film, two people go on a holiday, they meet, they decide to have fun at an amazing place, they decide to be different people and decide that they will not spoil it with identities and burden it with pressures of making out, of being together in a relationship or having a sexual relationship. Post the holiday, they both decide to go their own separate ways. After 3 years, the girl realises that she is still in love with him.

While she has dated other people, she realises that there is something special in that guy. She does not know him but finds out that he is in Delhi. She goes to find him but when she sees him, he is a different animal. He has become a robot and has become the worst side of himself. He is doingchamchagiri of his boss in the most idiotic way and there is no passion in him. She hates him and when he proposes to her, she tells him, ‘No, I don’t want to be with you. I was waiting for that guy.’ She leaves him, ruins his life and she disturbs him inside. Now it’s about his metamorphosis and him realising what this girl has said, and how she becomes his inspiration to realise what he does. And it’s a happy ending.

Director Imtiaz Ali is a person very dear to the both of you. Talk about working with him?

Ranbir: Imtiaz is someone who has broken down himself with this film. He is such a successful director and has made both intelligent and entertaining films but he chooses to not become a prototype of his own movies. When he made a Highway, he understands its reach. Rockstar was not a widely accepted film and he accepted and understands all that. For me, to just see that endeavour to be the best version of himself is very inspiring. He is a very big director and can easily make big commercial happy films, but he is still taking risks in the engaging format of cinema and I have a lot of respect for that quality of his.

Given that Tamasha is an expensive film, is there an expectation for you from the box office number?

Deepika: As an actor, the only way I can give back to a big budget film, an Imtiaz Ali film, is to be honest to my performance and then to promote it in the way your producer wants you to. The numbers will follow if it has to, but as an actor, there is only that much you can do.

Ranbir: Box office numbers are very important but I did a film called Rocket Singh — Salesman Of The Year, which makes great sense to me. We all chase numbers but once you make people happy, the numbers will follow.

Will we see you both in a film together in the future?

Ranbir: We both have our identities because of our hard work and don’t want that to be burdened with our history. I don’t want to lose the opportunity to work with her due to headlines about us. I understand the value she brings to a film not just commercially but also to my performance.

AISHWARYA RAI BACHCHAN: I refer to my filming locations as an ‘office’ not ‘shooting’ so Aaradhya understands I am a working mother

Aishwarya rai Bachchan talk about life, love, family and work Aishwarya Rai Bachchan turns 42 last month. And she recently made her return to the big screen post-motherhood and a fiveyear break. In this excerpt of a conversation with her, she lays bare matters close to her heart — personally and professionally.

Here’s what she had to say…

On kitchen matters “After marriage, I remember people were keen to know how much time I spent in the kitchen. I remember after bau-bhaat, when you come to your in-laws’ home for the grihapravesh, I made halwa. Once in a while, I used to make bhindi or parathas.

But the truth is, in our home, we are not in the kitchen all the time cooking. I did spend time in the kitchen more after Aaradhya was born, though — from the time that she started having solids, I was looking into all different foods, slowly and gradually introducing food tastes to her. You learn about nutrition, the combinations you can work out in terms of carbs, proteins and vegetables and create your own little recipes. Now, she eats what we eat, just a lot less spicier.

Luckily, she was very easy with food, with a bit of work on our part. I have seen to it that I’ve introduced everything to her in different ways.”

Hands-on mom “I don’t think it’s fair to compare or gloat about that. I am the mother that I want to be and I keep saying this — being a working mother is immensely challenging because any parent, especially those who have to go to work early in the morning, cannot see their kids for hours. It’s not easy. Nobody wants to leave their kid and go work.

I do admit that if the nature of my job allows for me to be able to have my child along, not feel the lack of my presence, then I am going to make the effort to accomplish that. And at the same time, give her a very normal childhood and be a very normal mother to her daughter. I do refer to my filming locations as an ‘office’ because I want Aaradhya to understand that I am a working mother who goes to office. ‘Shooting’ is a very strange term to her.

Honestly, though, I never thought about it before marriage. Now I think shooting is a really weird term. I’ve become conscious of the words I use around her, how she would interpret them. Like a shot is being taken, but why would you say that to a kid and so on. She is familiar with the visual medium but I have never allowed her to get hooked on to it.”

My best roles: Miss World, actress, wife and mother “Each one has been a learning phase because they were all overnight transitions in my life. The night before Miss World, I was a regular student and overnight, I was given this crown.

My life changed. I wanted to represent my country, but then one takes on the responsibility as well. You don’t just want to be a beauty queen, but also a woman of substance.

You need to learn things almost overnight and then one comes into films…Taking it up as a profession was tough for me because I was academically-oriented and working towards a degree. So if I wanted to take up acting as my career, I’d have to do that with confidence. You realise how quickly things change. It was changing at a certain pace for female leads and then suddenly you try to behave as if it’s already changed and are trying to bring that attitude in here. Marriage? Wow! Suddenly overnight, we went from being dearest of friends to looking at being a couple and starting a family together — you know how quickly that happened — and there was so much going on with me shooting for a period film (Jodhaa Akbar). At that phase, you automatically realise it’s all about your upbringing, your family, the values that you have always cherished. Bringing about that balance on another realm was important to

me. But of course, the absolutely unknown, most beautiful and blessed learning phase has been motherhood! I am eternally grateful to God and Aaradhya that I had and am continuing to have this incredible challenge. I say this often and sometimes, people feel I’m being flowery, but it’s true.

Motherhood is the most beautiful fatigue. It’s relaxing. It’s invigorating. Even if you are tired, you would rather spend that time with your child. You will never hear me complain ing about the loss of sleep. I have done it all on my own.

I kept just one girl with me. I will let her eat and sleep and I will do everything. I have never kept a posse of maids and nannies. Even if it’s hard work, it’s my choice. I am not remotely complaining nor judging. These are the choices I have made and that’s the life I have been leading.”

All About Abhi “He’s a friend, companion, husband and a father, but I think the fact that he’s my best friend pretty much encapsulates it all. We are a very normal couple. Abhishek and I sometimes joke about being second siblings. We both share and talk a lot about what we are feeling. Sometimes, we have so much to say that we want to be the first to share it. While we are both good listeners we are also extremely talkative.”

Varun Dhawan: My real life is very interesting

V

arun Dhawan in an interview with mid-day talk about how he excels in the art of giving shutterbugs the slip while he’s out on dinner dates with various women. Varun Dhawan has had a successful 2015 — Badlapur got the critics’ nod while ‘ABCD 2’ broke into the R100-crore league. And with his upcoming film, ‘Dilwale’, he hopes to make it three triumphs on the trot.

Sporting a white shirt 0and a pair of capris, the young actor met hitlist at costar Shah Rukh Khan’s Khar office for a freewheeling chat. Excerpts: Q. You are just three years old in this industry, but have quite experimental with the choice of films. This year, especially, has been good for you. How do you look at your journey so far?

A. When I started off, it wasn’t all good. I did not receive appreciation from critics for my debut film, ‘Student Of The Year’ (2012). My second film released only a year later and that was not ideal for a newcomer. The perception about me as a good actor developed after people saw ‘Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhaniya’ and ‘Badlapur’. I was unsure if those films would work or not. It took me a while to create a good impression. But I continued doing new and different things with each film. That helped. I will try and continue to offer something new to the audience every time.

Q. So, are you confident about your acting skills now?

A. Doing a film with actors like Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol and freely delivering dialogues alongside them takes a lot of confidence. I think, over the years, my confidence has grown a lot. I have started understanding my roles and behaving according to the demand of characters.

Q. You will be sharing screen space with SRK and Kajol in ‘Dilwale’. While signing a film, what do you give more importance to — star cast or script?

A. Surprisingly, I was the first one to have been signed for the film. I knew Shah Rukh sir would be a part of it, but he had not heard the script then.

When I heard it, I told Rohit that whoever be the hero, the film will be a hit because everyone will connect with the story. Besides, among actors of my generation, I don’t think anyone will get the chance to work with Shah Rukh sir and Kajol. I am really lucky.

Q. People might judge SRK for the success or failure of the film, but don’t you agree you can be a bit relaxed about this outing?

A. I am little relaxed, for I know the responsibility is not completely on me. It’s not that I have to shine in the film. But there is a certain responsibility that it should be a good film.

Q. Does acting come naturally to you, or do you have to struggle to give a shot?

A. A lot of hard work goes behind it. The process of getting into the skin of a character has been different for different films. In ‘ABCD 2’, I concentrated more on dance; I used to rehearse hard before going on set. I invested a year to prep-up for ‘Badlapur’. In ‘Main Tera Hero’, I had to be spontaneous because that’s what the makers wanted. The amount of time I spent on the set of this film is more than any other film I have shot for.

Q. When people say they don’t care about competition in this cut-throat industry, it is a bit difficult to digest that. Do you keep a tab on the work of your contemporaries?

A. I can’t ignore competition, but I get inspired by the good work of people. So, it is good to have

competition. When someone takes action to another level, or if someone dances or acts really well, I think about it and feel like I should also be able to pull off all those things like them. I get into that zone of bettering myself. My contemporaries actually give me a boost.

Q. Do you regret missing out on any project in your three-year career?

A. There have been no big film that was I offered and I didn’t take up. In fact, some of the films that I have rejected have not released yet. So, I think I have made good decisions so far.

Q. You are often spotted with fashion designer Natasha Dalal. When will you confirm your relationship status?

A. I don’t know why going out with Natasha has become the news of the day. I go out on so many dinners with other people too, but the media has not caught me yet. I am good at it (giving them a slip). My real life is very interesting. However, the reason why I hide private matters is because people tend to talk more about that than your work. But, I like going out for dinners (smiles).

Dev Patel: Learning the art of putting my foot down

Dev Patel, the young boy from ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, is all grown up as he plays the mathematics genius ‘S Ramanujan in The Man Who Knew Infinity’. Excerpts from a chat with the affable, goofy actor

Q. Playing Ramanujan must be quite a challenge, considering the age in which he existed and his background, which is completely different from yours.

A. I spent about a month with my coach Raghuveer Joshi working on the accent and the pitch. We couldn’t refer to anything as there is no found footage of the great man, so there was no way I could mimic his voice. What I tried imitating is the resilience that he had, trying to capture the essence of his personality. I never knew this man existed, which is a travesty. When the script landed in my lap, I was blown away. The script has been floating around for 10 years and I am lucky to have finally gotten the role. It is a big challenge because people are quick to judge a book by its cover. It isn’t a documentary; it’s a movie and we are dramatising certain aspects.

kind of work I do. As long as I can keep to myself, it is better for my family and for everyone.

Q. It is admirable in a way that you are not desperate to be part of the crowd.

A. (Laughs) The coolest thing is to be uncool.

Q. After Slumdog Millionaire, your life changed drastically. But after that, some of your films didn’t do well. Also, you maintained that you feel like an outsider.

A. It’s really interesting. Sometimes, box office success doesn’t mean critical success. After Slumdog, I kind of fell into a project that the critics didn’t like.

Even though the films made a lot of money, I had no say in the matter. I don’t think success defines a human being, failures do. It is very humbling and also quite freeing in a way. Slumdog came with the baggage and I never felt I was worthy of the Q. It is surprising that you are not on social media. attention I got. In any other profession you get the A. I am a technophobe. I am more of a face-to-face time to practice. But, for us, it was all so soon. I person. I don’t feel the need to document all that would feel so unworthy when I walked those red I do. I value my privacy very much because of the carpets.

Q. That quick fame could have gone into your head; you didn’t let that happen.

A. I don’t know if it is because I am a grounded person or it is my natural propensity or low selfesteem.

Q. Is it because of some hard lessons you have learnt along the way?

A. Yes. My natural energy is to be goofy and laugh at things. But then people take you for granted if you are a good guy. They don’t take you seriously if you know how to have a good laugh and are down Q. Or, maybe, because of the kind of upbringing to earth. I am slowly learning the art of putting you’ve had? my foot down. I now know how to communicate A. Yes. My parents are rockstars. They are such to people that I am actually an artiste and take my simple people. My father is an accountant. You work seriously. stay normal when you live with your parents. I have never grown up around luxury and I am aware of Q. Is your next film, ‘Lion’? The one where you how lucky I am. Luxury is a wonderful thing but too play Nicole Kidman’s son? much of it is dangerous, especially for an actor. For A. Yes, and that’s been a nourishing experience for an actor, his profession is to project humanity and if me. I had to go to the gym and get bigger and get we lose touch with reality and our feet don’t touch the Australian accent. That’s really tough. the ground, how can we play roles to move the masses? It is a double edged sword. With success Q. Also, the big moment when you were part of comes fame and with fame comes bigger need ‘The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’. for privacy. You have got to stay where you came A. That was the time when I would look around, see from. I am a small fry and I admire people like Shah all these huge stars and keep thinking I am so lucky.

Rukh Khan who manage to not let themselves get We were in Rajasthan and I was feeling proud of my carried away. Fortunately, I have led a simple life. Indian heritage, because they were enjoying it.

I have simple yet talented young men as friends.

My best friend Simon Raghu inspires me with the Q. Why don’t you do some Indian films then? clarity with which he leads his life. What’s that word A. If I get offers, I will. in Hindi? Tehrav. I want to achieve that. I know my hyper-activeness and restlessness wouldn’t go. This Q. After Freida Pinto, have you moved on? Are ants-in-pants attitude helps me, but I would also you seeing anybody? want to achieve that tehrav at some point.

A. No, no. I am just busy working.

Ranveer Singh: I will always be oversensitive person Ranveer Singh opens his heart about how 2015 has been the most difficult year for him on the personal front

Q: You went into a cocoon before starting on 'Bajirao Mastani'. How much did it help you?

Ranveer: Oh, that was valuable. Words can't express what I gained from the experience. Boxing champ Muhammad Ali had said something to the effect of, 'All the work is done before you go under the lights.' I had only three weeks before the shooting commenced and those had to be intensive. I was at a suburban hotel and would take a special elevator to go to the gym so that I could avoid meeting people. I spent hours there to begin my physical transformation, to look like a man with immense strength. I remember reading up and watching everything I could lay my hands on about Bajirao. The thing is Bhansali sir (Sanjay Leela Bhansali) had given me the freedom to present myself as I wanted to. He told me that he trusted my creative choices and what I brought to the table and he would go with that.

Q. Did he? There is a general perception is that he is too controlling.

RS: On the contrary, he is the most collaborative director who knows how to empower his people. He has worked with an elite bunch of actors like Rani Mukerji, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, SRK and Hrithik Roshan and has brought out lasting performances from each of them. So, I hope with this one people say that they couldn't see even a trace of my personality in Bajirao.

Q. It seems like an energy-consuming process for you.

RS: It was. After this, I want to go away somewhere and take a break. Playing Bajirao was an intense experience. I need to chill for a bit after this.

Q. How are you maintaining this mooch?

RS: I take 10 minutes every day. I apply the strongest gel by using a specialised paintbrush and then use a hairdryer. I like it; it's a bit like the one Salvador Dali sported. As I don't consider myself an extraordinarily good looking man, this kind of works for me.

Q. Bajirao was a passionate man who had such tremendous self-belief that he's said to have not lost a single war. Is it difficult for a man of today to replicate that kind of single-minded focus?

RS: Yes, it took some doing. I kept questioning and imagining why he made certain decisions that he did. Their priorities and values were different. Their relationships too were very different because there were no communication technologies. However, I did find a few similarities between his personality and mine.

Just like him I, too, have dream which I want to pursue with single-minded focus. You know I am a crazy history junkie. I love going back to those exciting periods.

Q: Which era do you most want to go back to?

RS: It is really a tough call. There are so many civilisations that I find attractive. I would like to go to the evolved ones; may be the Roman Empire. Yes, I want to witness the grandeur, politics and debauchery during that period. I would want to be there just to check out the hedonism and I find these things really trippy.

There were two things I really wanted to play during my career — a warrior and a gangster. And here's my big chance to play the warrior. You know, Bajirao fought till death to get something he believed in without fearing the consequences. I can relate to that.

Q. You in a way are like that, isn't it?

RS: Yes, but sometimes you need that validation from another person's life to understand that what you are doing is right. A number of times a part of me questions myself if adopting a diplomatic approach towards things and people is a better way of dealing with situations. I see a lot of people around me doing that and I sometimes think maybe there is some merit to that, if that is the wiser way of living. But then I am not diplomatic.

I relate to the way Bajirao lived his life. He was fearless of consequences and was an extremist. It was all or nothing for him and I am like that.

I have evolved a bit since doing this movie. I had a hell of an experience after my shoulder was badly injured. I became emotionally stronger, wiser and little more mature after I came out of that. I have grown up a little more.

Q. You are not as emotionally vulnerable as you were earlier?

RS: No, not as vulnerable. Some things will never change. I will always be oversensitive, over attached person. I have had a tough year personally. Lot of my happiness comes from my physicality. Here I prepared myself to be a killer machine and one mishap shattered my shoulder making me stay at home for two months. For me, that was a big blow. The day I feel physically fit is the happiest for me because I feel I can achieve anything. And when I was at home, not being able to even do the basic things, I went into a strange phase. I needed a professional motivational speaker to come and talk to me to get me out of that phase. This year was dismal also because I lost my best friend under very tragic circumstances and then I lost my grandfather who I was very close to. Furthermore, playing Bajirao was emotionally draining because it tapped into certain emotional areas of my life that I didn't want to revisit and I had to bring out those uncomfortable emotions and splash them out on the screen.

Still sporting his gravity-defying mooch, Ranveer Singh seems reluctant to get out of his Bajirao persona even though the film is up for release soon. This perhaps reflects the actor’s passionate temperament towards his roles, life and relationships. Excerpts from a chat with the actor.

Q. You mean you had to revisit some emotions and situations that you didn't want to?

RS: Yes, again and again. In a way, it kind of works on your mental health.

Q. But going back to an emotion or situation that you are avoiding can be cathartic...

RS: Definitely. But certain things remain unresolved and going back hurts you more. Maybe it is a place you don't want to go to.

I will just say I had to go to those places again and again.

Q. Do you trust people less now?

RS: I will just say that my circle of friends has become very small over a period of time. I was this friendly person who was close to a lot of people. But gradually the circle became smaller and there are very few people I trust. That includes my team. I want it to be like that because I would rather nurture my substantial relationships than just scatter energy. This is not something I planned. It happened organically and I am okay with that.

Shah Rukh Khan Reveals His Insecurities And Triumphs In A Candid Chat

Q. Apart from what’s already being much spoken about, what is your personal reason for picking a film like ‘Dilwale’?

A. I think the storyline is interesting; trailer doesn’t really tell enough of the story. It’s dramatic in the typical Rohit Shetty manner, but what’s more is that he (Rohit) has taken the legacy of Kajol and me as eternal lovers, retained that kind of romance and dignity, and woven a story around it. And it is garnished with his typical madness.

Q. But the trailer doesn’t really highlight that aspect...

A. To be honest, I didn’t want the trailer to divulge too much. It is just a montage rather than really telling the film’s story. I am deliberately holding back with this one because I think that aspect should come as a pleasant surprise. You seldom get commercial films that have something beyond what you expect. But having said that, it is a film by Rohit Shetty, who likes blowing up cars. Each filmmaker has a style — Yash Chopra saree udaate the, Rohit Shetty gadi udaata hai. Karan Johar does movies on society, Imtiaz Ali’s films show darkness in love stories and Anurag Kashyap makes edgy films. They all have their own style.

Q. The trailer received a mixed reaction on social media.

A. I don’t check on that; my office does that for me. But I can say that the feedback we get on ground is very different from what we get on online. Social media is exciting and fun, but you can’t go by that feedback because it can be quite misleading, positively or negatively. Only a minority goes online to check about films. It is definitely not the right way of measuring the real response to anything. I would rather go by what I hear on ground. Like yesterday, I was at Yash Raj Studios and people came up to me to talk about the ‘Gherua’ song. If you hear a song of yours playing in a rickshaw passing by, then you know you are doing well.

Q. You have the wonderful gift of the gab, and that is evident when you tweet, write or give inspirational speeches.

Don’t you think as an icon you could use it for a larger purpose?

A. My reply will be in two parts. Yes, I think I should. I have an idea, but haven’t been able to put it to practice. I want to create a weekly video where I could present myself to the world. I could be talking about everything, not just films. But then, I also think I should speak less. I talk about something and it is misconstrued, and I get into trouble. That’s a nuisance. Like that thing which blew up recently — I never said India is intolerant. When I was asked about it, I said I wouldn’t like talking about it, but when they insisted, I had just said that the youth should concentrate on making this a secular, progressive country.

It is just that people like to believe what they want to believe. Misconstruing my words might or might not suit a particular political agenda, but I am annoyed because I didn’t mean what is being portrayed. I am an actor and make films. This is enough of a job. I am an icon because I can be what I am on screen. I would rather stick to that. I don’t enjoy spending three nights explaining to hairstylists that I didn’t mean to offend anyone by naming my film Barber. These things take away from my source of happiness. I must say I love talking. My experiences in life have been such that I can give away certain nice things. But then you can’t expect everyone to understand your way of thinking or even your sense of humour. That is the reason why I stopped hosting shows... I was offending too many people. One truism in this industry is that you can’t please everyone all the time.

Q. What other life lessons would you say your experience has taught you?

A. Clichéd as it may sound, it is that there is no alternative for hard work. What life has also taught me is that you cannot plan a successful film. You can’t write it in a way or think that this will be a blockbuster.

I still keep it simple. My only criteria is: Am I doing the kind of film for which I am excited to wake up and go on the sets and wear make up? Longevity and freshness in an actor reflects in how he feels about the work he does. You cannot manipulate anything. I watched ‘Golmaal 3’ and really loved it. So I asked Kareena (Kapoor) to get me to meet Rohit. He knows which world he belongs to and doesn’t want to follow a pattern just because it might work. Popular patterns are fads, not classics. When KJo became successful and we made films together, people used to say, ‘Oh, but he only makes pop culture films’. My reply was, ‘If you think it is that easy, why don’t you try making it?’ When you don’t like people’s success, you want to put them in a box. Being true to your form is the most important thing. I tell young guys to find what they are not good at and try improving on that. Only then you can hope for longevity.

Q. Is it more head than heart for you after these many years in the industry?

A. No, if I did anything following my head, I would have reached a different level of material success.

I still do what my heart says; I do films I have some emotional connect with. Even as a producer, Juhi (Chawla) and I started out only to be able to enhance the director’s experience, to let a good director be able to do what he wants to do. I can, at times, afford to tell the director to go ahead with his vision, however big it is. I have suffered in the process, but I am also the only producer who has a nine-storey office and 210 people employed in it. Sometimes, I feel bad that I don’t get to do the films I really want to, because my office people tell me to work on something that brings money too. But within those parameters, I do the best I can. I may have the biggest house or the best cars, but none of that is the extension of my manhood or my stardom. Who needs all that when I have my dimples? (laughs)

Q. But don’t more crores feel like bigger toys for you?

A. Not at all. There is only so much that you can do with money. I have a theatre at home but I have not been able to watch a movie in it for the last year and half. I have a swimming pool, I have not had the time to use it. I practically live in my van for 20 hours a day. I don’t get to spend any money on myself. I am grateful for the amount of money that God and this job has given me, but as they say you can never be too thin or too rich (laughs). Right now, I think I am fat.

Q. Is there any insecurity that lingers on from your struggling days?

A. Let me tell you something: I am the most under-confident, nervous, insecure man who keeps asking himself if he’s got it right. I know it is difficult to believe because I don’t come across like that. I was to watch Fan yesterday and was so nervous. I didn’t want to see it because, honestly, I wouldn’t be able to gauge if we have done a good job. This is my biggest insecurity, but also my biggest asset. In spite of being in the industry for 25 years and not knowing, can work for you.

Q. You mean it stops you from being cocky?

A. In my profession, yes. This confidence that I show is an act. When I have to make a public appearance and speak, I get really nervous. People say, ‘Are you mad? You just have to be present to make people happy’. But I know my just being there would make me the most boring person; doing something to make them happy will make them happy. When I see actors who come out of their own films and say ‘I nailed it’, ‘I killed it’, I get really curious. How do we know we gave a great performance? You get to know when the audience says or accepts it. Also, you can’t get too confident about these things because you never know why someone liked something you did. It could very well be because of some personal thing that made them connect to it.

S

wara Bhaskar: alman Khan is a huge SUPERSTAR with an even bigger heart, while Sonam Kapoor is a pal!

Read on to check out the EXCLUSIVE interview of the talented actress…

Swara Bhaskar is one of those talented actresses who hasn’t received her due yet. However, she has no complaints, as she loves her craft more than anything else. Her role in Raanjhanaa,Aurangzeb and Tanu Weds Manu Returns have been very well received. She is now all set for her next film, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo to release and as she counts the days to the release, we talk to her about the film, her character and her experience with Salman Khan and Sonam Kapoor.

First of all tell us a bit of your character and how does your role take the film forward?

The film is a family drama, you must have understood that from whatever you have seen but what is interesting about it is that it is sort of centred around a sibling rivalry.

In that sense, I play a very pivotal role as I play Salman sir’s younger sister. It is quite a central role and I am quite excited about it. It’s a very different role from what I have played till now. It’s also a different role from what you see in Rajshri films. My role is a multi-layered character than what you see in Rajshri women. It was quite challenging as I have never done this kind of role before. My earlier roles were very girly and down to earth sort of characters, but this girl is not like that, she is a nasty character. It’s been a while since I have played such a role, so it feels nice.

How was your experience working with Salman Khan and playing his sister in the film?

It was amazing. I was very nervous about working with Salman sir but he turned out to be a very nice person. He was very sweet to me and I had a lot fun with him on the sets. He is a really pleasant and jovial person to be on the sets as no one can get bored when he is around. He has great energy and of course he is a huge star, but he has a bigger heart. By meeting him I have realised why people who like him, stand by him. I have understood why people

who love him, love him so much. It was also great to know the person he is behind so much stature and stardom. I am honoured to have worked with him.

Sonam and you were like sisters on the sets. How did you bond with each other?

I love Sonam. Sonam is a pal, she is someone I have worked with in Raanjhanaa and we became friends during that film. There was a gap in between, but I am thankful to Prem Ratan Dhan Payothat has helped our friendship grow.

Sonam is a kind of person that the better you get to know her, the more you love her. She is genuinely a person with a golden heart. She is a great co-actor on the sets, she is not someone who gets insecure, bitchy, competitive in a stupid way, she doesn’t have starry tantrums like going for make-up, costume all the time. She is stunning the way she is. She is a positive person to have on the sets. It’s not good to have a negative person on the sets as it spoils everyone’s mood. But Sonam is not like that. We have a ball every time we meet. Sooraj sir wouldn’t want us to be together as we used to keep talking and chatting all the time. One day he caught us watching item numbers in the middle of an emotional scene. We were watching Madhuri Dixit’s item numbers and we turned around to see him standing behind us and smiling. We were like, “Sorry sir.” He then replied, “Ok. Now can we get back into the mood?” I was like “Yeah, sorry.”

So you have had a bad experience with another actress on the sets of another film?

around younger people. They’ve kind of moved on and understood that times have changed.

Let’s put it like this that I have had different sorts of experiences with different actresses.

When we see the songs and even the trailer, we see some royal and larger than life sets. What do you think about the work that has gone into the film?

People say Sooraj Barjatiya brings the best out of Salman. Do you feel that is true? And did he also get the best out of you?

I hope. I haven’t seen the best, so I don’t know about myself but I wish to do better than my best. But, yeah I definitely feel there is something special between Sooraj sir and Salman sir’s bonding and their being together, them working on a film together. They have such an amazing understanding, such a natural and organic vibe they share that you totally understand that those two are naturally gelled together.

Their intentions are correct. They love each other so much that you know that whatever comes out from this jodi is going to amazing. I think that every actor has a potential to do best in every film and better in every film they do, so I don’t want to comment on what is Salman sir’s best and what is not, but there is no denying the fact that there is something special between them.

Films made by Rajshri are generally familycentric and romantic, but we hear that this film is different and we will see a lot of action in the film too. What do you have to say about this?

Prem Ratan Dhan Payo definitely has what you have loved about Rajshris, but in a new and modern format. The biggest thing is that Babuji is not there, that will give you a sense that there are more younger people in the film. The whole story, conflict and the main part is that it is centred

Yeah. The scale of the film is another level in itself. The sets have been created by Nitin Chandrakant Desai, even when we have shot outdoors, we had selected royal locations in Gondal. A lot of credit of how the film is looking goes to our DOP, V. Mankandan.

The costumes are absolutely stunning. Alvira Agnihotri and Ashley Rebello have styled Salman sir’s look, while Anamika Khanna has mostly styled Sonam. Everyone is looking really amazing. I’ve never worked in a film of such a huge scale, so it has been pretty exciting for me.

Also how does it feel being part of such a huge project that is being termed as the biggest hit of 2015 from now?

Aap ke muh main ghee shakkar (May your words come true), is all I can say. I also hope it becomes a huge hit. I remember I was standing while we were shooting for the title track of PRDPand we all were on the chariot. There were 50 elephants, 100 horses and thousands of extras. I was standing next to Salman and Sonam and thinking that I am living the dream of 95 per cent of the cinema going audience of this country. To be on such a set with one of the country’s biggest superstars and you will realize that you are breaking a million people’s heart as they would want to be in your place too. I guess I have realised some of my dreams.

Your favourite song from the film: The title track One thing you learnt from Salman Khan: However and also the Football song. big a superstar you are, you are never bigger Your favourite scene in the film: The scene which than your craft. I’ve seen him act and get involved leads to the culmination of my track. in his work. I’ve realised from him that you are Tanu Weds Manu Returns or PRDP: I think it would not that big not to try something new. He’s never be PRDP. scared about failure.

Bajirao Mastani or Dilwale: Dilwale ‘coz I am more Your favourite Prem: Salman sir in Hum Aapke Hai of a Shah Rukh Khan fan and Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Kaun and PRDP. Jayenge was one of my favourites.

One gift you would want as a sister from him: If I After PRDP, what are your future plans? was his real sister, then I would want more of his time. I have seen how he is, how busy he is with I have X: Past is Present releasing on November work and how his family wants to spend time with 20. X is an experimental Indie film which has 11 him. So, I would some gift of regular time from chapters and all the chapters have been directed by different directors. It has many genres and I him. feel mine is the most exciting for me. I have also The film shows Salman getting married to Sonam, spoken Tamil dialogues in the film. I have Nil what you would do for Salman if he gets married Battey Sannata which is a beautiful film where I in real life: It’s tough to answer him. I don’t know have a very lovely protagonist part. Nitesh Tiwary, what to gift a man who has everything. I would who has also written Dangal, has written the film. I give a hug and say, “Alright Bro! Good luck.” am also starting a couple of other films soon.

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Priyanka Chopra Might Play Astronaut Kalpana Chawla In A New Biopic Priyanka Chopra has become one bankable actress in Bollywood. So much so that she is even turning a favourite among directors who plan to make biopics. She played Olumpian Mary Kom last year. Next she might end up playing astronaut Kalpana Chawla, the first Indian woman in space.

The industry grapevine is abuzz with reports that the dusky beauty has being approached for the proposed biopic. However, with her maiden American showQuantico and her upcoming mega film Bajirao Mastani keeping her busy, she is yet to give a nod to this one.

“P

riyanka has been offered the lead role, but she is yet to give her approval to the makers. The makers feel Priyanka fits the bill. We have had a discussion with Priyanka about the film and she has shown interest. We are waiting for her to return to India next month to take things forward.”

Kalpana Chawla was the first Indian-American astronaut, and died in February 2003, during her second expedition along with seven other astronauts when their space shuttle exploded. She spent 31 days, 14 hours and 54 minutes in space.

While we wait for Priyanka to sign on the dotted line for this ambitious project, may we remind you that 2016 is already being called the year of biopics. So here’s all the scoop around upcoming biopics, although we still think Kalpana Chawla’s journey from the small town of Karnal to being a part of NASA’s space mission will be one intriguing story.

Sonakshi Sinha Asks Censor Chief Pahlaj Nihalani To Stop Playing Nanny!

High Time Someone Told Him That!

Criticism against Censor Board chief, Pahlaj Nihalani, has intensified following the recent cuts on kissing scenes in Spectre. “Stop playing nanny,” several film personalities have lashed out at Nihalani, who continues to face flak from the industry and his own board members for his unilateral approach in clearing films. Veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal said censorship should be abolished. “... I am concerned about the imposition of censorship here, which has no real purpose except to come in the way of your expression. That’s the kind of censorship I oppose. It doesn’t make sense,” Benegal said on the sidelines of IFFI in Goa. Bajrangi Bhaijaan director Kabir Khan, who is also in Goa, said he found the whole fiasco “ridiculous”.

“We have to be told as adults we can’t see a kiss? And a kiss being reduced from 30 seconds to 8 seconds? Are those 22 seconds going to destroy our morality and the culture of our country? This is absolutely ridiculous that the censor board has to act like a nanny.”

Sonakshi Sinha pointed out that international films never faced such an issue in the country earlier while refraining to take names. “Whoever is playing nanny should first kind of rewind back and see the films that they have been making and then kind of figure out and decide what is to be done,” she said, taking a dig at Nihalani’s filmography.

Top 10 Bollywood Stars Who Died Young You can be a king or a street sweeper, but everybody dances with the Grim Reaper. -Robert Alton Harris

B

ollywood stars; you see them on the silver screen playing larger than life roles. You see them jumping from the tallest of buildings, combating bad guys, rescuing the nation, emerging unhurt from the deadliest of situations. They dance on moving trains; they diffuse the most complex of bombs; they fall into waterfalls but still come out alive; they fly fighter jets; they kill a dozen bad guys all at once; all in all they present to you a life of adventures; a life where imagination is another name for reality. Infact you see them practically as super humans! Their whole life is a mystery to us.

Everything they do is a puzzle. Their day to day lives and activities arouse a strange interest however trifling they might be. So when out of the blue, they meet the inevitable reality of life which is death; undoubtedly the same enigma surrounds that as well. However the curiosity is far greater if the death is premature. Andrew A. Rooney quoted Death is a distant rumor to the young but can we positively say this considering the glut of lives that were lost at the prime of life. This list of top 10 Bollywood stars who died young lists popular acting stalwarts who left this world way ahead of their time.

10. Vinod Mehra

(13 February, 1945 to 30 October, 1990): Another actor of the galaxy of Indian cine stars who died much before his time due to a heart attack at the age of 45 in 1990. This eminent Bollywood star had acted in several successful films as the secondary lead or supporting actor. He was married thrice and was believed to have been married to the timeless beauty Rekha too which however was denied by the latter.

9. Nirmal Pandey

(10 August, 1962 to 18 February, 2010): Remember the actor with the curly locks in Shekhar Kapur’s Bandit Queen, Daayraa, Train to Pakistan and Godmother? Winner of Best Actor Valenti award in France for his portrayal of a cross- dresser in Daayraa and an alumnus of National School of Drama he worked in several theater groups in London before being noticed in Bollywood. Thereafter he acted in several Bollywood films but died at the age of 48 due to heart attack in Mumbai in the year 2010 adding another actor to the list of stars who were victims of untimely deaths.

8. Geeta Bali

(1930 to 21 January, 1965): The actress who married Shammi Kapoor after a whirlwind romance was swallowed by the clutches of death at the age of just 35. In the year 1965, she died of small pox. She was a popular actress of her time and met Shammi Kapoor when he was just starting out. Theirs was a story right out of the celluloid screens, she being older by a year to him, they were doubtful of approval from their families.

After a courtship of four months, they married at a temple and then went on to inform their families. It was perfect, until this Bollywood star was taken away much before her time leading to a tragic end to their saga.

7. Guru Dutt

(9 July, 1925 to 10 October, 1964): Remember The actor, producer and director know for his extraordinary artistic sensitivity; often accredited for steering in the Golden Era of Indian Cinema died in the year 1964 at the age of 39. This Bollywood star is said to have died over an accidental overdose of alcohol and sleeping pills. However, many are of the opinion that it was a suicide, and his third attempt at that. His works to this day have a following unmatched by any artist of the film fraternity. Guru Dutt could have contributed so much more; if only destiny had more years in store for the maestro.

6. Sanjeev Kumar

(9 July, 1938 to 6 November, 1985): If irony ever needed an example; Sanjeev Kumar would definitely feature on the list. He was one of the most prolific and versatile Bollywood star of his generation. Having played a plethora of roles; it was nothing short of mockery by fate when the actor who played the characters of several 50 year olds to perfection never got the chance to set foot on the 50th year of his life.

He died at the age of 47 in the year 1985 due to a major heart attack thus shocking the entire film loving fraternity.

5. Jiah Khan

(20 February, 1988 to 3 June, 2013): Jiah Khan was a Bollywood actress who debuted in the 2007 controversial Ram Gopal Varma film, ‘Nishabd’, opposite Amitabh Bachchan. Since then she starred in only two more films but both were highly successful and Jiah received praise for her acting and sex appeal. With ‘Ghajini’ opposite Aamir Khan and ‘Housefull’ opposite Akshay Kumar, Jiah had achieved a notable success in her career. Jiah Khan allegedly committed suicide at her Juhu residence in Mumbai on 3 June 2013.

4. Meena Kumari

(1 August, 1932 to 31 March, 1972): The tragedy queen of Indian Cinema left us at the age of 39 in the year 1972 due to liver cirrhosis caused due to heavy drinking. Hers was a story of life imitating art. The actress who was sworn by her performances in heartrending and painful roles had if not more but similar upheavals in her personal life. She had taken up drinking heavily after separation from her husband Kamal Amrohi. She then went spiraling down the path of alcoholism never to return. The addiction had engulfed her for good and it was unfortunately too late to hope for a revival after she got back together again with Amrohi after a while.

3. Smita Patil

(17 October, 1955 to 13 December, 1986): One of the finest theater and film actresses to have graced the Indian artistic scene; Smita Patil was the epitome of beauty and talent. Winner of two National Awards and recipient of Padma Shri, this Bollywood star had a promising career ahead of her.

She was actively involved in causes for upliftment of women and her choice of films to act in also advocated the same to a large extent. However, at the age of 31 on 13th December 1986 her life was cut short due to childbirth complications and we lost this star forever.

2. Madhubala

(14 February, 1933 to 23 February, 1969) : The actress with the million dollar smile ruled the hearts of millions in the formative years of Indian Cinema. Likened to Marilyn Monroe; Madhubala is the vintage beauty of Indian Film Industry. The Anarkali of Indian Cinema was born with a complex heart condition, which was difficult to be treated in those days.

This Bollywood star eventually succumbed to her illness at the age of 36 in the year 1969 leaving a void in the Indian Celluloid Industry forever.

1. Divya Bharati

(25 February, 1974 to 7 April, 1993): She was just a teenager when hailed as one of the most vivacious and gifted female stars to watch out for in years to come. Also being touted as the future reigning queen ofBollywood; Divya Bharati; had indeed attained incredible heights of success at a very young age. Unfortunately destiny had other plans and she fell to her death from her fifth floor apartment in a Mumbai suburb on April 5th 1993. She was just nineteen and the cruel shackles of mortality nipped her life in the bud leaving a lot of unanswered questions about her terrible end. Also read 6 Things Most People Do Not Know aboutDivya Bharti’s Death

Sonam Kapoor on

the Paris Attacks: You cannot answer hate with hate, the only way to solve any problem is to love!

The actress reacts to the recent terror attacks that shook the entire world…

S

onam Kapoor is beaming with happiness as her film, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo rocks the box office. But one incident has saddened her. The recent terror attacks that shook Beirut, Baghdad and Paris have deeply affected the actress.

During our EXCLUSIVE chat with Sonam, the fashionista spoke about the ghastly attacks.

Sonam said, “You cannot answer hate with hate, the only way to solve any problem is to love. As Indians, we learnt first from our fight for independence, that things can be solved through peace, love, discussion, communication and education. Going the Gandhian way is the best way to solve all the problems. Using violence is something I completely condemn. I think what happened

was gross. As Indians, we are a good example of solving problems through peace, through communication and by holding talks.”

The actress had earlier taken to Twitter to express her sadness. Sonam had tweeted, “This (Paris attacks) makes me so sad. Je t’aime Paris (I love you Paris). #prayforparis. #prayforhumanity #loveall #tolerance #brotherhood. #prayfortheworld.”

Various Bollywood and international actors, actresses and even political leaders from across the world have condemned the attacks in Beirut, Baghdad and Paris. Sonam’s father, Anil Kapoor had also tweeted, “Horrified at the barbarism at display in the #ParisAttacks!

No ideology can justify destruction of life.

We stand with you #Paris!” Everyone across the world is praying for humanity. Join in and pray for safety, humanity, Paris and the world.

The actress who recently completed 15 years in the industry, talks about her upcoming films…

In the middle of a couple of cameos (Gabbar Is Back and Brothers) and an all-time blockbuster (Bajrangi Bhaijaan), Kareena Kapoor Khan is merrily enjoying her vacations. She has already wrapped up her next film, Ki And Ka and is giving finishing touches to Udta Punjab. Even as we wait to see what she picks as her next project, we can well imagine her taking off on yet another exotic vacation with hubby Saif Ali Khan. We recently caught up with the actress and this is what she had to say about her upcoming films.

newness and freshness. I am glad that a Sardar is working in a Hindi film for the first time. In fact, I want to see his filmSardaarji that released a few weeks back. He was very excited when the film released and kept talking to me about it.”

Talking about another project that she completed recently, Ki and Ka, she said, “We started on August 1 and wrapped up in October. It was a three-and-a-half month extensive schedule. It is an intimate movie, as is the case with all other Balki films and it has a certain vibe to it. It’s a film on relationships and is quite romantic and in a happy space. The thought of the film is far ahead of its time. It is pretty cool and out there.

Moreover, since I have never worked earlier with Arjun Kapoor, our chemistry should interest the audience. We’re both excited about it.”

Kareena Kapoor Khan: My chemistry with Arjun Kapoor in Ki and Ka will interest the audience!

Taking about Udta Punjab, the actress revealed, “The film releases early next year and it is set in the heartland of Punjab. It belongs to a very different genre, it is a drug drama while being in the thriller zone. It has been shot in a real fashion by Abhishek Chaubey (of Ishqiya fame).

Moreover, the characters in the film are more real, yet different than anything you can imagine.”

Udta Punjab will see her pair up with Punjabi superstar, Diljit Dosanjh. Talking about her new costar, she mentioned, “Our track in the film is together and I think he is the film’s surprise package. It is so exciting to be working with him as he is a big superstar in Punjab and people love him. He is a brilliant actor and a lovely person. Our coming together brings in

Even though the actress has got a lot fame and appreciation, she doesn’t feel like competing with anyone to maintain her status. As she revealed, “I am not competing with anyone at this stage. I am married and I am very much content. There isn’t too much that I want to give to a film. I am happy experimenting and films like Udta Punjab and Ki And Ka fall into that space.”

Priyanka Chopra Facebook.

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan's Dilwale and Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Bajirao Mastani are set for a box-office clash in December, but actress Priyanka Chopra feels the two films are not competing with each other as they are different in terms of content.

The Rohit Shetty directed much-awaited film brings back the iconic on-screen pair of Shah Rukh and Kajol.

Bajirao Mastani stars Ranveer Singh as Peshwa Bajirao, Deepika Padukone as Mastani while Priyanka essays the role of Kashi Bai. Both the films are set to release on December 18.

'Bajirao Mastani' not competing with 'Dilwale': Priyanka Chopra Both the films are set to release on December 18.

"I don't think we are competing. I think both are beautiful and different kind of films. The genres of both the films are different, made by two prolific filmmakers. It has been made out as a competition, but it is not," Priyanka told reporters here at a promotional event of Bajirao Mastani. "Being a part of this film, I would try to promote it as much as I can. We have Bajirao and Mastani, Sanjay Sir and I to promote the film. But, this product doesn't need much promotion. When it is played, it speaks for itself," she said.

The 33-year-old Mary Kom actress revealed that she was the first one to be cast for Bajirao Mastani. "I was the first one to be finalised for this film. I knew I was to play Kashi. We were shooting for 'Mary Kom' when Bhansali sir told me about this film. I never knew who would play Bajirao and Mastani," Priyanka said. "For me it was tempting to play a character (Kashi Bai) as it never got voice in history. I have always played strong characters. It was difficult to play a gentle character like this. But I would be open to play Bajirao and Mastani," she said.

Priyanka is busy shooting in the US for her popular TV show "Quantico" and back home in India she is promoting Bajirao Mastani. "My shooting (for 'Bajirao Mastani') got over before I started 'Quantico'. There was little work that was left and for it I used to fly down from the US, come here and complete my part. The film started at Kashi vila and then we finished my major chunk, then shooting of Bajirao and Mastani began," she said.

Filmmaker Prakash Jha, who has teamed up with Priyanka for the sequel of Gangaajal, recently said that he hopes the international fame of the actress will help her films get more love from audiences. "I hope my films benefit from my previous work as an actor," was Priyanka's responde to Jha's statement.

Will Rahman too face backlash over this? Read on to find out…

We all know how Aamir Khan was ridiculed by many for stating how his wife suggested they should leave India, fearing intolerance! The debate is still on where people are literally ready to disown Aamir from our country for making such an obnoxious statement! Now AR Rahman has spoken in agreement to the same issue! Yes! At the ongoing NDFC Film Bazaar, although Rahman refused to comment on Aamir’s opinion by saying “Don’t pull me into trouble. But in addition to that, the ace composer-singer A R Rahman further spoke in lengths about how he relates to the supports Aamir growing intolerance in our country! He said, “ I had gone Khan’s ‘intolerance’ through something similar a couple of months ago. ” Where Rahman was referring to Mumbai-based Raza remark, says he too Academy’s fatwa against him after he composed had gone through the music for Iranian film ‘Muhammad: Messenger of something similar!

God’, which alleged that the title was humiliating to the Prophet. During that time, chief ministers of Delhi and UP had cancelled his concerts at the last minute. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad was also quick to invite the Oscar award singer to “re-convert to Hinduism”, saying it was time for his “ghar wapsi”.

However, Rahman feels the protests that take place in our country is very poetic. He added, “Everything should be done classily and any kind of revolt should be classy. I think it is very poetic what people are doing rather than hitting each other. We should set an example to the whole world because we come from the land of Mahatma Gandhi. He has shown the whole world how the whole revolution can be brought by non-violence.”

TELEVISION

Rithvik Dhanjani:

I would love to romance Kajol!

Actor-anchor Rithvik Dhanjani who recently turned 27 Vibrant, witty and hardworking these are words that best describe Rithvik Dhanjani. The TV hottie has just turned 27 and is raring to go. He will soon be seen on India’s Best Dramebaaz 2 along with good friend Ravi DubeyWhat surprises did you get on your birthday?

Asha (Negi) gifted me this awesomely sexy pair of shoes. I just loved them. Now, I know that I have a shoe fetish. It is a super present. Another huge surprise for me was the presence of my childhood friend. He flew down from Dubai and surprised me on my birthday. Every year, I get quite a few surprises but this one ranks amongst the best. I love surprises.

What is the wildest thing you want to do in life?

Talking about doing a wild thing, I can’t think of anything “wild” but I would love to go sky-diving. My good friend, Karan Wahi recently did it in Dubai and his video bowled me over. It too wants that rush of adrenaline.

What do you love about Asha?

What I love about Asha? Well, it’s her innocence, love for me and her tenderness.

She is all heart. Asha is a pure soul. The two things I dislike is her laziness and the fact that Asha tends to underestimate herself.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Whoa! That’s a great question. I don’t know where I will be five days from now. I hope I will be much closer to achieving my dreams. Then, there is no end to chasing our dreams, it’s an endless pursuit.

Who is the one actress you did like to romance?

There are so many of them (laughs out loud). I hope Asha is not reading this. If I had to name one, it had to be the one and only Kajol.

What does the TV industry mean to you…?

TV industry is home to me. It has made me what I am today. It has given us the kind of popularity that is equivalent to film stars. I feel only the medium is different. A TV star enters your living room every day while you have to buy a ticket to watch a film star. I am very proud of my fraternity.

What do you dislike about the industry?

The fact that it is mass-driven, which means the shows that are truly successful are the ones watched by masses. At times, you can’t connect with what you’re watching onscreen. I believe the change will come but after a period of time.

What do you think about daily soaps?

I am no one to comment on daily soaps. I believe that once people demand different kind of content makers will automatically cater to them.

Would you do a show like Bigg Boss?

No…I like my privacy. I can’t live with the idea of someone watching over me right from the time I wake up. The idea of being confined like that in a house is not very appealing to me.

Whom do you idolize?

I am not a Shah Rukh Khan fan but I really look upto him. His aura, body of work, intelligence makes me respect him immensely.

Sangeeta Ghosh: I Had Considered Quitting Television At One Point!

In a candid mood, the beautiful actress gives her take on the present situation It is tough to imagine Sangeeta Ghosh playing mom to two teenage kids. With her radiant smile and chirpy demeanour, she can put any teenager to shame. Best known as Pammi from Des Main Nikla Hoga Chand, Sangeeta is back on screen after a hiatus of a year with Parvarrish Season 2.

Here are excerpts…

In your last show, Jee Le Zara, you were an unmarried woman in love with a much younger man. Now, you’re mom to two adolescent kids. Is a conscious decision to do unconventional stuff?

(Laughs) I was a single unmarried woman in love with a younger man…Can you imagine that?

Yes, I want to do different stuff. It can be any kind of role but I should be able to visualise myself in the character. It’s like reading a novel, where you see characters as you read further. I should be able to relate to that role. I should not feel stupid doing it nor should viewers find it silly. DJ is known for its sensible shows. I liked the first season of Parvarrish a lot and hence gave my nod.

We are seeing a lot of supernatural stuff on TV nowadays. You were also a part of many family dramas, what’s your take on this?

I did not wish to talk about them but yes looking back, I feel lucky to have a certain repertoire of shows in my kitty. There is viewership for the kind of shows that’s on air now, I can’t negate that at all, but I can’t see myself viewing them. I find it tough to digest that content. The storylines change so much that you feel you’re watching some different show altogether.

Do TRPs bother you?

No, it is not my job to get into that zone. There are people who have the expertise to look into the numbers. As an actor, I never care for TRPs whether they’re sky-high or at the bottom. Yes, I feel bad when a show has to end because you get attached to people, a particular set over a period of time. That is about it.

Have you cut down on work post marriage or are you just selective?

I was always selective. My husband (polo player Shailendra Singh Rajput) has always supported me. He never asked me to quit. In between I thought of calling it quits as I was very tired and felt that the roles offered to me were quite unexciting. I found them monotonous. Then, I wanted to be with my family. I have never taken any decision under pressure.

Your husband comes from a royal family. Was it tough to adjust?

Initially, when I got married I could not understand why certain things were done in a particular way. Nobody forced me to do anything but I could see the etiquette around me. There is nothing wrong or bad about the customs that are part of royalty. I took it in a positive way and thought I am experiencing life like I never did before. My parents-in-law are quite liberal. At home, I am in my pajamas and shorts and they’re cool with it. Now, I am living alone in Mumbai with my mom working on the show. No one has raised any questions. In fact, my mom-in-law is quite excited about the show and wants it to start soon.

What’s your take on finite series?

I think they are a very good idea. When I was young, shows would have 13, 20 or 52 episodes max.

Then, it was like 100 episodes, 400 and now never-ending. Finite shows keep actors fresh and there is a quality to a story as you know you won’t have to drag it. Actors want more work in such a scenario and are always recharged.

What change do we need on TV? I think it is changing. We need good story-lines and shows that maintain a script. Many shows start well but do not stick to the original concept. This is a common complaint from actors and viewers. It was not the case earlier.

You are not a mom in real life. Whom did you take reference from?

There is no preparation as such. I took a lot of reference from my mom, mom-in-law, neighbourhood moms, stories I heard from friends and relatives, etc. Our writers are doing a great job so we don’t need to prepare a lot.

What kind of mom do you aspire to be?

I hope to be a good mother. I wish to be someone whom my kids can have a chat with about any topic under the sun. I should be like a friend to them

H E A LT H & F I T N E S S

Genelia D’Souza Makes it a Point to Eat Every Two Hours So the Need to Snack Doesn’t Arise.

Genelia D’Souza, the petite actress from Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na, makes it a point to eat every two hours so the need to snack doesn’t arise. She likes spicy food and remembers binging on pizzas and burgers during her childhood. Cooking is not her forte though and at best can manage fries and omelettes GENELIA’S FOOD FOR THOUGHT I am a non-vegetarian. My favourite is chicken. I eat fish five times a week because I am a Manglorean and fish is our staple diet. I probably have chicken once a week and mutton once in a blue moon. I try to avoid red meat.

Genelia’s Diet Routine I BEGIN MY DAY WITH: I am a non-vegetarian. My favourite is chicken. I eat fish five times a week because I am a Manglorean and fish is our staple diet.

I probably have chicken once a week and mutton once in a blue moon. I try to avoid red meat.

A glass of warm water. Later, I get really hungry since I don’t have any carbohydrates at night. I like to have a proper breakfast, first thing in the morning.

My breakfast: Two egg whites with a slice of bread. Quite often I have a South Indian breakfast, idli for instance. Half an hour later, I have a cup of coffee.

I keep a gap of half an hour between all my meals. Like for instance, in the morning if I eat an omelette, I have my coffee after half an hour. In the mornings after I have had my glass of water and if I have a very early shoot (5:30 or 6 am) I have only a glass of vegetable juice since I can’t eat breakfast so early in the day.

My lunch: Two rotis, a vegetable, a fish/chicken dish. I follow this every half an hour to 45 minutes diet throughout the day. I am on this high protein diet so I have egg whites throughout the day.

As far as possible, home food. When I am shooting, I try and carry food from home.

My favourite in Manglorean food is: Mommade delicious baangra fish, fish curry and prawns. My mom is convinced that fish is brain food. We have grown up eating a lot of fish.

In vegetables I love Palak. I love mushrooms in gravy, not dry. I need my food to be spicy and tasty. I don’t enjoy bland food at all.

Sunday lunch is: Usually a feast. The varying menu ranges from fish, chicken, rice, roti, salad and meetha.

We don’t have a sweet tooth, really.

Evening snack It is not so essential but I like to have a grilled sandwich or poha once in a while.

My dinner: I avoid carbs but when one is out shooting one has fewer options. In the night, if I am at home, I eat a tandoori chicken. Both nonvegetarian and vegetables are a must in my meal.

Genelia’s Fitness Regime: I am not really a fitness freak. In fact, I hardly work out. I have been an athlete all throughout school and college and that has really helped me stay fit. I eat every half an hour so my metabolic rate is high. But if I have to work out then I might jog and do a few crunches. I don’t go for heavy workouts; I have a trainer who comes to my place. I work out for half an hour at the maximum.

I love to run and I enjoy jogging.

Some of Genelia’s Diet Likes and Dislikes I am in love with: Indian food. I enjoy tandoori stuff and kebabs.

At home, I even eat biryanis and curries because mom makes everything in minimum oil.

I am not fond of sweets: But occasionally I eat a gulab jamun or a Toblerone chocolate.

I am very much of a: Person who likes to dine out. I chill out at Tratorria.

Tetsuma is another favourite place. It has really good Japanese food. I am a regular at Ta j Lands End. I like Masala Bay a lot.

My favourite cuisine: Indian and Chinese food. I do enjoy Thai food once in a while.

The food on the sets: For Mere Baap Pehle Aap we shot in Goa and Kerala. In Goa, I enjoyed the food available in the shacks on the beach. I enjoy eating local food when I am in Goa. While shooting: For Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Naa we would binge on biscuits every half an hour and that became a joke on the sets. I am a ma jor Cream Cracker freak. I eat them when I am not eating egg whites.

While shooting, I always carry: Khakras and dry bhel. I keep eating every half an hour so the need to snack doesn’t really arise.

My best dining friends are: Most of my friends are foodies.

I haven’t really ventured into: Cooking as yet. I have baked a chocolate cake once. It turned out rather well. I can manage French fries and an omelette at best.

My favourite cook in the family: My mom. She is a terrific cook and what’s more, makes very healthy food. She presents her food well. It’s clean and essentially low cal. She makes excellent baked dishes (which is not low cal) and fish curries.

The fruit or vegetable I resemble: A cucumber as I am very cool and patient by nature.

Childhood memories comprise: Binging on pizzas and burgers. Most of the time I would carry dabba to school but would want to eat pizzas.

When I am shooting in the south: My favourite meal is the Hyderabadi biryani.

I forget about the calories when Hyderabadi biryanis comes in front of me.

In foodstuff I dislike: Peas My fridge always contains: Cheese. I am a ma jor cheese lover. I like the smoked cheese and I enjoy camel cheese. I enjoy cheese even though some cheese is bitter in taste. I enjoy eating different kinds of cheese.

My favourite beverage is: Diet coke.

My favourite spice is: Cinnamon.

My favourite kitchen appliance is: Microwave. It’s extremely convenient to warm up food at any time.

My comfort food: I don’t look at food as a comforting factor as I follow this 45 minutes eating regime. I am always munching on something.

My idea of a romantic meal: Haven’t been on one as yet and so I don’t have a clear idea. Maybe a long drive

Genelia’s favourite recipe: Red masala fish curry Ingredients: 1 medium sized pomfret, cut into slices 1/2 tsp turmeric powderA few curry leaves 1-2 green chilies, chopped1 tsp oilA big tamarind, soaked in little waterChopped coriander leaves2 slit green chilliesSalt to taste To be ground: 1/2 coconut, 10 cloves garlic, 1 tsp. cumin seeds, A few pepper corns, 8 Kashmiri chillies, deseeded1-2 cloves, 1 small cinnamon stick.

Method: Clean and wash the fish. Apply turmeric powder and salt. Keep aside for 30 to 40 minutes. Heat oil in a non-stick kadai, add curry leaves and green chillies. When the aroma rises, add the ground masala and a little salt. SautĂŠ lightly. Add water depending on the consistency you need.

It should not be too watery or too thick.

Boil well on a low flame so that the raw smell goes off. Add the fish pieces and the tamarind water. Cook for a few minutes.

Garnish with coriander leaves and slit green chillies. Remove from the gas and cover it for some time, before you serve so that the flavour is retained. Serve hot with steamed rice. During summer, you can use half a raw mango instead of tamarind. It gives a lovely tangy taste.

The easiest way to lose weight: a glass of water.

“D

iet and exercise” – that’s the mantra that most people swear by, when it comes to losing weight the healthy way. But the word “diet” is more than just the food put on a plate. A very important component of a healthy diet is the amount of water a person drinks in a day.

While drinking water is not a magic pill to shed those pounds faster, not being adequately hydrated could make weight loss a little harder.

Why do you need to drink water?

Water helps your body to function correctly. Water is required for a number of chemical reactions and metabolic processes that take place in individual cells, tissues and organs. But if you don’t drink sufficient water, these reactions and processes will not function the way they’re supposed to. And this could affect your overall metabolism.

Let’s look at some of the ways water can help you in your weight loss program.

• You’re not hungry… you’re just thirsty!

Sometimes, the body is not able to differentiate between hunger and thirst. So if you feel hungry and tempted to snack on high-calorie food, have a glass of water first. It could be that you are, in fact, just thirsty and the glass of water would make you feel full and prevent you from consuming the extra calories.

• Water can help you eat less Drinking water some time before a meal has its benefits in overall weight loss, possibly because you feel full and therefore tend to eat smaller portions of food at mealtime.

In one study, people who drank water before a meal ate about 75 calories fewer during the meal. That, in itself, may not seem like much. But 75 x 365 (days in a year) means 27375 calories less in a year, which corresponds to an approximately 4 kilo weight loss, without much effort on your part.

• Water can help you digest your food better Drinking sufficient quantities of water is also important for your kidneys to function correctly and reduce the risk of kidney stones. Water also helps to prevent constipation.

Research seems to confirm the benefits of water during weight loss: There is no place here to discuss all the studies that talk about weight loss and water. But let us look at two studies: In one study, there were 48 overweight and obese middleaged adults who were put on a low-calorie diet. Some of them were asked to drink about 500 ml of water before each of their three meals a day. At the end of three months, those who drank the extra water lost about 2 kgs more than those who didn’t drink water.

Another study looked at how people tend to gain weight as they get older. This study was carried out over 4 years.

Those who had a higher intake of water and those who substituted their sugar-sweetened beverage consumption with water were less likely to put on weight over the years.

To drink or not to drink If you are on a diet to lose weight, you will definitely be keeping an eye on your calories on your plate.

But remember to watch your fluid intake as well!

Here’s a quick list of what you should drink and what you should stay a mile away from, when losing weight.

Keep these at reach: • Water: If you’ve read this article, then you are already aware of how important and healthy it is to drink water and stay hydrated, when trying to lose weight • 100% fruit juice: make sure you check the label first. Fruit juice often comes with added sugars and those can be high in calorie, though high in nutritive value • Vegetable juice: While vegetable juice is often as nutritious as fruit juices, they often come with fewer calories and a lot of fibre • Skimmed or low-fat milk: by giving you the goodness of calcium with far less calories, the low fat milk option is much better than whole milk, when on a diet.

• Black coffee: coffee is a good source of anti-oxidants and largely calorie-free, just as long as it’s black.

• Green tea: another great source of antioxidants, green tea may also aid weight loss Stay away from • Carbonated drinks: high in calories and low in nutrition, it’s best to avoid these – whether you’re on a diet or not • Fruit juices with sugar: some fruit juices have as much sugar added as carbonated drinks. Make sure you check the labels before buying these • Energy drinks: once again, check the label on these products first. While energy drinks provide a boost of much-needed energy, they are often high calorie drinks • Alcohol: alcohol is high in calories, and that is without counting the fried snacks or nuts that usually accompany a glass of alcohol • According to a study, drinking 500 ml of water before every meal could help weight loss • Make sure you drink water from a trusted source

9 HEALTH CARE BENEFITS OF NATURAL ALMONDS YOU MUST KNOW Did you know that Almonds are rich in Vitamin E, Folic acid, iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium? Almonds are a powerhouse of so many vital nutrients that aid overall health in so many ways.

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lmonds have been used by Indians in celebrations and sweets since age old times. The nutrient value of natural almonds allows it to be useful for a number of purposes in treating and preventing diseases and certain conditions. In fact, in olden days, elders used to take two to three almonds every day in the morning as a part of their breakfast. At some point of time, it began to be called a poor man’s elixir. That is because taking even two to three almonds a day helps to maintain general health by helping multiple organ systems including the digestive system, skin, hair, cardiovascular system, and so on.

Here are a few of the top benefits of almonds that you need to know. You will automatically get into the practice of eating almonds every day.

1. Regulates blood pressure

Almonds have high potassium content which is necessary to regulate blood pressure. In people who have higher blood pressure (BP), the sodium concentration in their body is often higher. The presence of adequate amounts of potassium helps to put a check on the sodium concentration. Also, the higher potassium content helps to ensure that blood flow to all organs is proper and that there is proper nutrient absorption in the body.

2. Prevents cardiac problems

The fact that almonds contain monounsaturated fatty acids has a lot to do with their digestion and the regulation of cholesterol levels in the body.Almonds for the most part (more than 50%) are made up of monounsaturated fatty acids that are easily digested and help to lower levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) or bad cholesterol in the body. In addition to this, by working alongside vitamin E, they help to increase the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels or good cholesterol levels in the body. This is very useful for people with cardiac problems since it helps to set right the balance between good and bad cholesterol and thus prevents heart attacks.

3. Aids better digestion

Almonds are rich in fibre content (close to 10 to 20%). This helps in making the digestion process smoother. It also clears the colon of toxins.

4. Strengthens bones

You might not have noted so far, however, Almonds are also rich in calcium content. In olden days, our ancestors used to have a glass of milk and two almonds along with it. This is because almonds contain all essential amino acids and aid proper bone development and maintenance.

5. Ensures muscle flexibility

Almonds are also rich in magnesium content. Magnesium present adequately in the system helps to regulate the muscle contraction and expansion rhythmically in the body. It is especially useful in making the heart muscles work properly in pumping blood through the body. It also helps other muscles such as those in limbs and joints to remain flexible.

6. Boosts memory power and brain function

Studies have shown that taking almonds helps to increase brain function and the function of the entire central nervous system. In addition, it also boosts memory power and is useful to fight diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.

7. Promotes proper foetal development

Almonds work wonders for pregnant women. Pregnancy is a period in which the body’s nutrient demands are much different and higher. Almonds are rich in folic acid content and also have the iron that is required for proper growth of the foetus and formation of new cells.

8. Prevents early aging

Almonds are rich in antioxidant content. This is a boon that helps your body push out free radicals that are created as a result of regular oxidative processes that take place in the body. However, increased oxidative stress causes cells to age quickly and this affects all organ systems including skin and hair.

Taking almonds orally or applying almond oil topically helps to thin fine lines and wrinkles and prevents premature greying of hair.

9. Aids weight loss

This is yet another secret that lies within the powers of natural almonds.Almonds are rich in fibre and fatty acids that aid faster digestion and toxin removal. At the same time, the presence of monounsaturated fatty acids gives you a full feeling when you eat. This inhibits over-eating and could curb binge eating.

This way, you naturally cut down on junk and there is better control on your intake. Naturally, your weight reduces and metabolism is regulated. Try eating two almonds a day and snacking on dry roasted almonds and Pumpkin Seeds instead of oily snacks. You can see the difference yourself!

Kajol Spills: 7 Secrets To Be a Stunning Mom

Kajol secretly knows what it means to be good, better, best in the beauty department.

From being a #1 Bollywood actress to becoming a mom and getting back in shape, Kajol has managed to look prettier with every passing milestone. This got us curious about her beauty secrets and how she manages to multi-task. Here’s dishing out some inspiration from the mommy-on-thego.

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Indulge occasionally: Even though Kajol follows a strict diet routine and aims to eat healthy at all times, she is a foodie by heart and cannot give up on her love for dishes like Aloo ke Parathe, Raan (mutton dish) and Biryani. But the one thing that cheers her up is her Ghee, Roti and Gudd (Jaggery). She excitedly shares, “It is my absolute favourite. For days when I can’t handle dieting and work and feel like it’s the end of the world this is what keeps me alive.”

Believe in yourself: Kajol says, “I started believing that I am beautiful. I also Be motivated: A self motivated person started accepting compliments and taking who has worked hard, Kajol has days care of myself. I think that has worked.” when she is up by 5 AM doing her workouts, getting her kids ready for school, going out Exercise: Like every person striving for work and getting back late in the evening, hard to look pretty, Kajol too does it but she has no complains. She believes, “I all. She shares, “I do my workouts on time. like the fact that I can micromanage my life Gym, weights, eating healthy, drinking eight and spend time with my family, so that they glasses of water and washing my face three don’t feel left out.” times a day, I do it all!”

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Don’t push too hard: But what amazes us is the fact that she does it all given her hectic schedule and two young kids. “I don’t do it every day. I try to follow a daily regime, but if I can’t do it, I don’t. I forgive myself for it. There are good days and then there are bad days which are horrible,” reveals the actress.

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Accept the bad days: She advises everyone to accept a bad day and move on. She adds, “We will have better days. You can’t let anything affect you. Take everything with a pinch of salt.”

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Do what you like: On bad days Kajol spends a lot of time alone. Even after she puts the kids to sleep, she prefers to just sit up and read a good book or watch some TV and do her knitting and just spend time alone. Even a long relaxing bath does the trick. She says, “I like my solitude and enjoy my own company with nobody to talk to or interact with. I think that’s also very necessary. The alone time helps me be a better person because that’s food and time for my soul.”

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TRAVEL

NEW ZEALAND

by Curren Thakkar – Prism Group of Companies

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ew 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 breath-taking, 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 onefourteenth the population. Filling in the gaps are the sublime dense Forests, snowcapped 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.

Best Wildlife Experiences

Isolated at the bottom of the planet, the islands of New Zealand showcase diverse animal species, many unique to the country. A hardy survivor of the mega-continent of Gondwanaland, the Tuatara is an ancient reptile closely related to the Dinosaurs. New Zealand’s native birds include the country’s national symbol, the Kiwi, and the Kea, a curiously intelligent Alpine Parrot. Pelagic birds include the compact Hoiho (yellow-eyed Penguin), one of the planet’s rarest Penguins, and the grand Royal Albatross. Also sharing New Zealand’s cooler southern waters are marine mammals, and opportunities abound to interact with Whales, Dolphins and Fur Seals.

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 filmmakers 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 yearround 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 boatfilled 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, worldclass 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 Snowcapped Mountains and landing with parachute in the lake below its foothills.

Isn’t it mesmerizing?

Adventure activities in Queenstown Air Adventure: Skydive, Paragliding, Bungee Jump-

ing, 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, Helicop-

ter 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