Va august 2014 nz issue

www.visionasia.co.nz

August 2014

Amitabh Bachchan Reinventing the game

Jacqueline Fernandez On a new high

Rani Mukerji

Unleashing woman power

Anupam Kher

A unique success mantra

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Speaking Frankly

Amitabh Bachchan has seen his share of death-defying moments, odds and huge setbacks in his long career. From being a non-entity to a struggling actor to becoming one of the biggest cinematic icons of the country, Amitabh Bachchan’s success story is the kind that dreams are made of. At 71, his zest for life and passion for cinema remain unchanged, much like his timeless charisma. Today he continues to give the younger stars a run for their money with his enthusiasm, energy, and his utter sense of professionalism. The ageless superstar is now set to return as the host of Kaun Banega Crorepati and take his television audiences on an all-new journey with his first-ever daily soap, Yudh. Vision Asia caught up with the mega star for an exclusive interview on his experiences working in television and his future plans.

Stay tuned to Vision Asia for a host of exciting new shows this August.

CREDITS Editor Sandra Noronha Associate Editor Manishaa Rajender Mandlecha Writers Subhash Jha, Tarla Dalal, Manishaa Rajender Mandlecha Designer Dharmendra Jangid Images Image Clicker

Kaun Banega Crorepati returns for the eighth season with Amitabh Bachchan as host. Tu Mere Agal Bagal Hai, a fictional comedy show shot in the presence of live audience on the sets, debuts on Sab TV. Life OK premieres a new mystery thriller show, Laut Aao Trisha, featuring former Bollywood actress Bhagyashree in the lead. Zee TV brings back the popular India’s Best Cinestars Ki Khoj after a 10 year hiatus, featuring the likes of Ayushman Khurrana and Parineeti Chopra appearing as celebrity judges in the hunt for the next acting star.

CONTACT US Vision Asia NZ Ltd 44 Roma Road, Mount Roskill Auckland 1041, New Zealand

World Television Premieres include Humshakals, Bhoothnath Returns, Total Siyappa and Bewakoofiyan. Super hit movies to watch out for are Queen, Darr @ the Mall, Kahaani, Yaariyan, Barfi, Lootera, R Rajkumar, Bullett Raja. Set Max will be showing two specials this month - an Aamir Khan special with movies like Fanaa, Talaash, Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, 3 Idiots and a Dhoom special showcasing all three movies of the franchise. Classics to enjoy include Tridev, Chashme Baddoor, Gambler, Namak Haram.

Auckland Help Desk Tel (ALL NZ): 0508 933 546 Tel (AUCKLAND): 09 621 0520 Fax: 09 629 4852

The excitement continues on Jodi No. 1 Season 7 on Vijay International, with a unique twist on eliminations as individual performers get voted out rather than pairs.

We wish you a very happy Raksha Bandhan, Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi and Parsi New Year this August. We would like to hear from you. Do write to us on feedback@visionasia.co.nz Team Vision Asia

ADVERTISING LIAISON Bhavin Ladani bhavin@visionasia.co.nz Tel: 021 733 636

www.visionasia.co.nz feedback@visionasia.co.nz

MPA Associate Member (NZ) MPA Associate Member

CONTENTS

12

COVER STORY As a performer, television gives me a wider band width in getting more involved in the character Amitabh Bachchan

4

Previews

8

Numeroscope

10

Quick Updates

20

Telly Tattle

22

Travel

26

Fitness

36

Glitz & Glamour

Films to watch out for

Birthday predictions of stars

A peek into B-town’s latest happenings

The latest from the world of TV stars

Spring time in Portugal

Sonakshi Sinha stresses the importance of exercise

What are Bollywood celebs upto?

PREVIEW

Vision Asia previews films to watch out for in the months ahead.

IT’S ENTERTAINMENT Produced by Tips Industries Ltd and directed by debutant director duo, Sajid-Farhad (best known for their dialogues in Golmaal and Bol Bachchan) It’s Entertainment is a slapstick comedy revolving around a young man Akhil Lokhande (Akshay), who makes devious plans to kill a canine in order to inherit a fortune but later ends up sharing a bond with the animal.

While the plot may seem devoid of all logic, the makers claim that the film is replete with fun and entertainment, coupled with the right amount of action, comedy, drama and a dose of romance. All in all a complete Bollywood entertainer!

The film stars Akshay Kumar, Tamannaah Bhatia and Mithun Chakraborty in the lead roles, besides Johnny Lever, Prakash Raj, Krushna Abhishek and Sonu Sood. However the hero of the film is undoubtedly Akshay’s four-legged co-star, the golden retriever. The film is scheduled for an 8th August release.

SINGHAM RETURNS Co-produced by Ajay Devgn Films, Rohit Shetty Productions and Reliance Entertainment, Singham Returns, is the sequel to the 2011 action film, Singham. Ajay Devgn, who reprises the role of cop Bajirao Singham from the previous film, is expected to deliver an even more power-packed performance this time. Kareena Kapoor Khan will be seen playing his love interest in the role of a spunky middle class Maharashtrian girl.

The first installment of Singham, which revolved around an honest cop’s fight against the system, had created history at the box-office. The film was also a huge hit with the cops, who connected with the character of Ajay Devgn.

The team of Ajay Devgn and Rohit Shetty has delivered super-hit entertainers in both the comedy and action genre from the Golmaal series to All the Best, Bol Bachchan and Singham.

On the other hand, the Ajay-Kareena chemistry has also been widely appreciated in the past.

Expectations are running high on the film with the makers scheduling it for an Independence Day release on August 15.

4 August 2014 | www.visionasia.co.nz

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B-BUZZ

Haider has been a challenging experience for Shahid Shahid Kapoor is quite excited about his role in Haider, which is Vishal Bhardwaj’s dark and intense take on Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

The actor will be seen playing a grey character in the film, which has been extensively shot in Kashmir. “It’s interesting to play roles that are not black and white. They can be quite challenging,” Shahid revealed in a recent media interaction.

The actor said that he considered himself lucky to have been chosen for the coveted role, “I am fortunate to be playing the complex role of Hamlet in a film like Haider. Few actors get such opportunities in life,” he said. He added that it took him a long time to be convinced that he was indeed cut out to play the role. According to the actor, every time he did a scene, he would have doubts whether he had managed to live up to its intensity. “It was difficult. There were times when I would run to my co-stars Tabu and Kay Kay, who would convince me that I was on the right track. Every day I had this feeling that I was not good enough for the role.” the actor recently confessed.

No more adult comedies for Riteish Deshmukh At one point of time, he seemed to be a game for adult comedies like Grand Masti and Kya Kool Hai Hum but Riteish Deshmukh does not seem to be in the mood to be branded as an adult comedy star. The actor, who recently won critical acclaim for his performance in Ek Villain, is said to be giving the cold shoulder to producer Ekta Kapoor, who is keen on signing him for the third installment of Kya Kool Hai Hum. Sources reveal that Ekta Kapoor wanted to sign the actor for the project since he is a bankable comedy star and has also delivered on the earlier installment of the film. However, Riteish just doesn’t seem inclined to commit to the project. Presently, Riteish is said to have allotted bulk dates for Yash Chopra’s Bank Chor, in which he replaced Kapil Sharma. Sources reveal that Riteish is now choosing roles that can help him to grow as an actor, whether it is a comedy or a negative role. He doesn’t want to be saddled only with frivolous comedies. | August 2014 7 0800 RESENE (737www.visionasia.co.nz 363) www.resene.co.nz

NUMEROSCOPE

Star birthdays and the year ahead Ace astro-numerologist Bhavikk Sangghvi predicts what the future holds in store for actors Saif Ali Khan and Jacqueline Fernandez on the eve of their 44th and 29th birthdays.

Saif Ali Khan

Jacqueline Fernandez

His numbers Saif was born on 16th August, 1970 which makes him a Number 7 (Ketu) person in numerology. On the other hand his destiny adds up to Number 5 (Mercury). Being a Leo (ruler Sun) he is also ruled by Number 1. Being ruled by Number 7, he is also ruled by Number 2 (Moon) since the two numbers always go hand in hand.

Her numbers Jacqueline was born on 11th August, 1985 which makes her a Number 2 (Moon) person in numerology. Since she is ruled by Number 2, she is also influenced by the Number 7 (Ketu). Being a Leo she is also ruled

by Number 1 (Sun) while her destiny number adds up to Number 6 (Venus).

His personality Saif’s numbers indicate that he is very loving, caring and emotional, but also moody. He is firm about his plans but often ends up taking decisions from the heart. As a result he often invites trouble and gives the wrong impression to others.

Her personality Being ruled by Number 2, Jacqueline is extremely emotional and moody at the same time. The effect of the Sun makes her a firm decision maker and one who sticks to her opinions. The natural beauty that she possesses especially the glow on her face can be attributed to Venus which makes her a charmer and the center of attraction wherever she goes.

What the year ahead has in store for him Saif will now enter his 45th year which indicates a decent phase ahead in the months to come.

His next two releases as a producer Lekar Hum Deewana Dil and Finding Fanny Fernandes will do reasonably well at the box-office.

His second film will also get a lot of critical acclaim.

On the home turf, his bonding with Begum Kareena Kapoor will grow stronger and there could be ‘good news’ on the anvil.

Remedies to beat the blues Wearing a red coral in gold on his ring finger on a Tuesday morning (one hour after sunrise) will ensure that Saif does not face health-related issues in the future. This will also help in putting an end to any delays in his life.

8 August 2014 | www.visionasia.co.nz

What the year ahead has in store for her Jacqueline will now be entering her 30th year which indicates a positive phase in the days to come. Her next release, Kick opposite none other than Salman Khan, will put her in the top league of actresses.

On the personal front, after her alleged break up with director Sajid Khan, she is likely to meet an interesting person towards the end of this year, with whom she can think of a better future.

Remedies to beat the blues Wearing a yellow Sapphire on her right hand index finger on a Thursday evening (exactly one hour before sunset) will help her to focus and concentrate on her career. It will also help her to take the right decisions in life.

B-BUZZ

Shah Rukh begins work on Fan He has more than a million fans all over the world but the King Khan will now be seen playing the role of the biggest fan in a forthcoming YRF movie, Fan. The shooting of the film commenced recently and going by reports, Shah Rukh Khan will have a unique look in the film, different from any of his looks in his previous films. So much so that in order to maintain secrecy, producer Aditya Chopra has banned cell phones on the sets so that Shah Rukh’s look will not be revealed beforehand.

Sources reveal that Aditya Chopra has hired the services of renowned special effects make-up maestro and Oscar Awards winner Greg Cannom to develop Shahrukh’s look for the film. Besides director Maneesh Sharma and Aditya Chopra, Cannom is said to have spent considerable time at the studio with the superstar finalizing the look for the film.

TRAVEL 2000

www.visionasia.co.nz | August 2014

9

Quick Updates

I

f reports are to be believed, Hrithik Roshan may acquire the reputation of being the highest paid actor in the country with his next film, Mohenjo Daro. The superstar is said to have been offered an unprecedented price of Rs 50 crores for the period romance to be produced and directed by Ashutosh Gowariker. While the filmmaker is currently in talks with a top studio to back the project, Hrithik’s reported price is said to be unrealistic considering that the fate of his soon-to-be released action thriller, Bang Bang is not known yet.

10 August 2014 | www.visionasia.co.nz

T

he slim and slender Anushka Sharma recently had a tough time donning a gown weighing 35 kgs for the role of a jazz singer in her upcoming film, Bombay Velvet. Anushka will be seen wearing the heavily sequined green and gold gown in the opening song of the period drama.

The actress apparently took almost two and a half hours to get ready for the song.

Incidentally, Anushka will be seen in 144 different outfits in the film, all of which have been designed by Niharika.

F

ormer Miss Asia Pacific and actress turned producer, Dia Mirza is all set to tie the knot with her businessman partner Sahil Sangha at a quiet ceremony in Delhi.

Sahil, who hails from a Punjabi family living in Delhi, is keen on having the ceremony in his hometown. The wedding date has been finalized for October this year. Dia and Sahil met each other about five years ago when Sahil was assisting Nikhil Advani during the making of Salaam-E-Ishq. The two are currently celebrating the success of their second joint production, Bobby Jasoos.

Quick Updates

A

A

T

A

ctress Shraddha Kapoor has lately been working hard on her physique to develop a lean and muscular look for ABCD-2. Shraddha recently admitted that she was on a strict protein diet in order to build up muscle mass. The actress is also trying to work on her dancing skills in order to match steps with Varun, who is known to be a skilled dancer. ABCD-2 is the sequel to Remo D’Souza’s Anybody Can Dance and it will feature Varun Dhawan and Shraddha Kapoor in the lead.

he latest news doing the rounds is that Akshay Kumar has been approached to host the next season of the hit reality show, Bigg Boss 8. While Akshay has not confirmed the news, sources reveal that the actor is unlikely to find time for the show as his dates are blocked until next year for his upcoming home-production.

Meanwhile, Salman Khan is yet to take a call on the show and whether he intends to continue with it. Recently Salman had revealed in a section of the press that Shah Rukh Khan would be the best option to take over as host if he decided to opt out.

fter losing out on YRF’s Bank Chor, with which he was to make his film debut, it looked like Kapil Sharma’s film career was unlikely to happen. However, there is news that the popular stand-up comedian has now been signed by the producer duo of Abbas-Mastan for a comic film. According to sources, the film will be a comedy of errors starring five heroines opposite Kapil.

Abbas-Mustan, who are best known for their fast-paced action thrillers like Baazigar, Ajnabee, Aitraaz and Race, are now keen on exploring the comedy genre.

ctors Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone will train in Kalaripayattu, an ancient martial arts form, for Sanjay Bhansali’s period romance, Bajirao Mastani.

Bhansali has already hired a leading trainer, Daksha Sheth, who has been training in the area of dance and Kalaripayattu for the past many years. In addition, Deepika will also learn Kathak for the elaborate dance numbers in the film. Bajirao Mastani, which has been planned on an epic scale by Bhansali, will have several war sequences.

Bhansali has also finalized the locations for the intense action scenes.

A

amir Khan is likely to team up with south superstar Rajnikanth in the sequel to Robot, which had won commercial and critical success at the box-office. Sources reveal that director Shankar is in talks with Aamir Khan to play the baddie in the sequel.

Robot, the 2010 sci-fi film, budgeted at an incredible Rs 132 crores starred Rajnikanth and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in the lead. This is the second time Shankar has approached Aamir Khan to star in his franchise. The director had earlier approached Aamir to play the lead role in the film, after Shah Rukh Khan had opted out of it due to creative differences. However Aamir was later said to have turned down the role.

A

ctress Chitrangada Singh, who has been missing from the scene for some time, will be seen setting the screen on fire with an item number in the Akshay Kumar starrer, Gabbar. The actress, who was once a permanent fixture in most Sudhir Mishra films, will be performing on a track that has been recorded by Yo Yo Honey Singh.

Chitrangada, who was going through a troubled phase in her personal life with her divorce from husband Jyoti Randhawa, had not signed any films for some time now. www.visionasia.co.nz | August 2014 11

Cover Story

mission

On a new

12 August 2014 | www.visionasia.co.nz

With due respect to all artists, let me state that a larger screen does not necessarily validate a larger performance.

Cover Story

At 71, Amitabh Bachchan continues to be one of the busiest actors on the scene. His sense of utter professionalism, absolute commitment to work and the constant need to reinvent himself hasn’t changed over the years much like his timeless charisma. The ageless superstar, who reclaimed his superstardom 14 years ago as the host of television’s most popular game show Kaun Banega Croreparti, is now set to take his television audiences on an all-new journey with his first-ever daily soap, Yudh.

Subhash K Jha caught up with the superstar to find out about the show and his expectations from it.

Your first fiction serial Yudh has just begun telecast amidst great expectations.

How was the experience of shooting for television and how different was it from shooting for feature films?

Apart from the fact that this is not the first time I am shooting for television, I would say that the technique and the creativity relate entirely to film. The only difference is that we are well-aware from the outset that Yudh is a show that is finite in nature, with the story progressing from one stage to other. It is comfortable to know that we are heading in a definite direction, apart from the fact that we are making no attempt to keep the serial alive endlessly.

Between shooting for a film and a television serial, which one would you say is more creatively satisfying?

Cinema is restricted to three hours. Shooting

for a serial gives you the liberty of time in compiling a story or a scene. As a performer this gave me a wider band width in getting more involved in the character and having the convenience of time to execute it. Of course, in the end it all depends on the channel broadcast decisions on the time and duration they want to allocate for the show.

You have been paired with actress Sarika in Yudh. You had earlier done a film with her that never got released. How has the experience been working with her?

The film that I did with Sarika was with UTV and there is no indication about its likely date of release. This is not the only film in which we have worked together. To the best of my knowledge, we have worked in at least three films. Sarika is an accomplished artist, a national award winner and a joy to work with. www.visionasia.co.nz | August 2014 13

Cover Story

What about the rest of the Yudh cast? Do you feel that the acting talent on television equals its large-screen counterpart?

You seem to be indicating that artists performing on the television screen are lesser in talent. With due respect to all artists, let me state that a larger screen does not necessarily validate a larger performance. Television may have been sized down technically, but the performers should never be looked upon as being less talented. Let’s not forget that several television performers have gone on do films with their talent and excelled in their careers. Apart from that, the artists in Yudh - hand-picked by the creative team of Anurag Kashyap, are all exceptionally talented. It has been a learning experience for me to be in their company.

How would you describe your role in Yudh?

Yudh is the short form for Yudhistir. He is a real-estate and construction company head, who faces a stiff competition from his business counterparts. There is also a complicated family situation that he has to deal with. His problems are further compounded by the fact that he is dealing with a debilitating disease which could turn out to be terminal. How he deals with these situations is what the serial is about.

There are several interesting turns to the story, which will hopefully leave a lasting impression on the audience.

Do you think the serial has the potential to stretch itself out for another season? If so, where would you find the time to accommodate it?

Whether the serial has the potential to stretch itself out, is for the makers to decide.

If there is potential, we shall certainly give it due consideration. Time will definitely not be a constraint if such a situation happens.

Cinema is restricted to three hours.

Shooting for a serial gives you the liberty of time in compiling a story or a scene.

14 August 2014 | www.visionasia.co.nz

Cover Story

We are wellaware from the outset that Yudh is a show that is finite in nature.

Do you watch Indian television? What are the shows that you enjoy?

I do make it a point to watch news, sports and some of the reality shows and serials.

All of them find an audience in me.

You are also getting ready for another season of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC). How would the new season be different from the earlier seasons?

KBC starts in August and preparations are on for that as well. It would not be prudent of me to disclose the changes yet, but suffice to say that the basic format will remain the same.

Do you enjoy the role of crusader-anchor on KBC? I certainly do. There are many contestants who come to the show with great aspirations and expectations. When we try to give them an opportunity to become a game-changer in their lives, it gives us great satisfaction.

Kyunki yahan sirf paise hi nahin ... Dil bhi jeete jaate hain (because it is not just about winning money…..it is about winning hearts too.)

You have been busy shooting in Europe for Balki’s film, Shamitabh. The film is very close to your own good name. Is that a coincidence?

I do not have the liberty or the permission to reveal much about the film yet.

How different is the experience working with Balki this time in comparison to your last two films, Cheeni Kum and Paa? Every experience of working with Balki has been novel, out of the ordinary and challenging. Shamitabh is no different.

Which are the other films that are in the offing?

There is Shoojit Sircar’s Piku, Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s production directed by Bijoy Nambiar, and a few others that have been green lighted. Once I get closer to their schedules I shall be in a better position to talk of them.

When we try to give the contestants an opportunity to become a game-changer in their lives, it gives us great satisfaction.

www.visionasia.co.nz | August 2014 15

Cover Story

The

highs

& lows career Amitabh Bachchan’s

From being a non-entity and a struggling actor to becoming one of the biggest cinematic icons of the country, Amitabh Bachchan’s success story is the kind that dreams are made of. The superstar has had his share of death-defying moments, odds and huge setbacks in his career, but he did not let it affect his zest for life. While he successfully battled all the challenges set before him, Bachchan is an institution by himself with his huge canvas of work.

Today he continues to give the younger stars a run for their money with his enthusiasm, energy, and his utter sense of professionalism. Vision Asia tracks the defining moments of Bachchan’s career that changed the course of his life.

October 11, 1942

Inquilab Rai Bachchan a.k.a Amitabh Bachchan was born at Allahabad, India, to renowned Hindi poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan and wife, Teji Bachchan.

1967

The tall and lanky young man quit his job as a freight broker for the shipping firm Bird and Co, and boarded a train to the city of dreams and opportunities - Mumbai, in search of a career in films.

1968 His deep baritone voice, considered to be one of

his biggest assets, failed to impress the bosses at All India Radio, who rejected him after an audition test.

1969

Bachchan made an insignificant film debut as a voice narrator in Mrinal Sen’s National Award winning film, Bhuvan Shome.

Bachchan made his acting debut as one of the seven protagonists in Saat Hindustani. The film tanked at the box office, but it won him the National Film Award for Best Newcomer, the first award in his film career.

1971

Bachchan won the Film-

16 August 2014 | www.visionasia.co.nz

Fare Best supporting Actor award for his role of a doctor in the emotionally stirring film, Anand. The lead role was played by Rajesh Khanna, the biggest star of those times.

That was the phase when Bachchan had no qualms accepting the roles offered to him. He played his first negative role as an infatuated lover-turned-murderer in Parwaana (1971). This was followed by several

other films like Reshma Aur Shera and the roadaction comedy, Bombay To Goa. The romance between Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bhaduri, also a reigning actress at that time, blossomed on the sets of Guddi, in which Bachchan made a guest appearance.

than one. He got married to Jaya Bhaduri before the two left for London to celebrate the success of Zanjeer.

1973

1976

Amitabh Bachchan was relaunched as the angry young man of Bollywood with Prakash Mehra’s Zanjeer. The film proved to be a smash hit at the box-office, catapulting him to fame.

The year was eventful for Bachchan in more ways

Three years after his marriage to Jaya Bhaduri, Amitabh Bachchan met Rekha on the sets of Do Anjaane.

It was the beginning of one of the most talked about relationships even as they went on to co-star in several other

Cover Story

films like Khoon Pasina, Ganga Ki Saugandh, Suhaag, Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, Mr. Natwarlal and Silsila. However they never admitted to their relationship publicly.

1975

Bachchan achieved new heights of superstardom with two landmark films in his career- the Yash Chopra directed film, Deewaar and Sholay, which became the highest grossing film of the year.

BBC India later declared it as the ‘Film of the Millennium’.

1977

Bachchan won his first Filmfare Best Actor Award for his performance in Amar Akbar Anthony where he played the third lead opposite Vinod Khanna and Rishi Kapoor. The film was the highest grossing film of the year.

1978

The year marked the release of Don, another landmark film, in which Bachchan played a double role. His performance won him his second Filmfare Best Actor Award. The film was later remade by Farhan Akhtar featuring Shah Rukh Khan.

1981

1982

Amitabh Bachchan suffered a serious accident on the sets of Manmohan Desai’s Coolie while performing a fight scene. The superstar battled with life and death, even as fans frantically prayed for his recovery. Later, he was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis. His illness prompted him to reconsider his career in acting.

1984

Bachchan was honored by the Indian government with the Padma Shri for his outstanding contribution to the Hindi film industry.

He decided to venture into politics and was elected to parliament with a huge majority from his home city, Allahabad, but his political career came to abrupt end in 1987, when his name figured in the infamous “Bofors” case.

1988

Bachchan returned to films with the title role in Shahenshah, which was a box office success.

1989

It was the beginning of one of the worst phases in his career with all his films flopping miserably at the box-office from Jaadugar, Toofan, Main Azaad Hoon and others.

1990

While his string of flops continued, Agneepath

Bachchan starred in Yash Chopra’s controversial melodrama, Silsila, where he starred alongside his wife Jaya and girlfriend, Rekha. That was also his last film with Rekha.

presented a silver lining in the dark clouds. The film won him his first National Award for his performance of a mafia don.

1992

After the release of Khuda Gawah, Bachchan went into oblivion and abstained from signing any new films. He had no release to his credit for five years, apart from the exception of Insaniyat (1994) which was also a box office failure.

1996

Amidst his dwindling fan-following, Bachchan decided to start his own entertainment production company, Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Limited, of which he became the CEO. The banner’s first film was Tere Mere Sapne.

1997

Bachchan returned to the silver screen after a five-year hiatus, with the unsuccessful Mrityudaata, produced by ABCL. ABCL’s sinking fortunes began to show with the company incurring a debt of over Rs 90 crores. The company was the main sponsor of the 1996 Miss World beauty pageant in Bangalore but lost millions. The company was at its lowest ebb.

1998

Bachchan’s next release Bade Miyan Chote Miyan did work at the box-office but that was followed by a series of flops including Lal Badshah, Hindustan Ki Kasam, Kohram and Sooryavansham, though the last film received positive reviews.

2000

It was time for

resurrection. Bachchan accepted an offer to host the Indian version of the television game show, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? The show later went on to garner the highest TRP television ratings, even as it gave him a huge fan-following.

Amitabh Bachchan appeared in Yash Chopra’s box-office hit, Mohabbatein, directed by Aditya Chopra. His role won him his third Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award.

The highs of the year continued with Bachchan becoming the first living Asian to have been modelled in wax at London’s Madame Tussauds Wax Museum.

2003

It seemed to be the revival of a promising phase with Bachchan playing a range of characters which won him critical and commercial appreciation, from Ek Rishtaa: The Bond of Love (2001) to Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001) and Baghban (2003).

2005

Ghosh’s The Last Lear, his first English-language film. The film premiered at the 2007 Toronto International Film Festival on 9 September, 2007 and critics hailed his performance in the film.

2009

Bachchan gave another acclaimed performance in the film Paa, which saw him playing his own

son, Abhishek’s Progeriaaffected 13-year-old son. It also won him his third National Film Award for Best Actor and fifth Filmfare Best Actor Award.

2013

Bachchan made his Hollywood debut in The Great Gatsby in a cameo appearance, playing the role of Meyer Wolfsheim opposite Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire.

2014

While he continues to attempt newer roles in films, Bachchan has recently made his debut on television in a fiction show, Yudh.

Bachchan gave one of his best ever performances in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s critically acclaimed film, Black. The film starred him as an ageing teacher of a deaf-blind girl. His performance won him his second National Film Award for Best Actor.

2007

Bachchan made his appearance in Rituparno www.visionasia.co.nz | August 2014 17

News Express

Aditi Rao discovers

new pastures in Bollywood It has taken the very beautiful Aditi Rao Hydari quite a while to find her bearings in the film industry. The latest on the actress’ front is an exciting line-up of films besides a prized role in a Farhan Akhtar film. Subhash K Jha caught up with the actress to find out about her happening career.

18 August 2014 | www.visionasia.co.nz

Aditi Rao Hydari is on a high these days.

The actress, who was lying low and abstained from signing inconsequential roles, has given her nod to Subhash Kapoor’s Guddu Rangeela and Manish Jha’s The Legend of Michael Mishra. “In Guddu Rangeela I am cast as a deaf and mute girl from Chandigarh. It’s a very unusual role. I love the way Subhash Kapoor has written my character. In The Legend Of Michael Mishra I am an aspiring actress from Patna who believes she speaks very good English.”

However the big leap in her career which has her all excited is an untitled Bejoy Nambiar film for which she has been finalized opposite Farhan Akhtar. “It is a one of a kind role and I am really looking forward to it,” smiles the actress.

More recently, Aditi performed a Kathak dance number in the Marathi film Rama Madav that fetched her tremendous attention. The number was initially meant to be performed by Madhuri Dixit but due to Madhuri’s unavailability, she got the rare chance to perform the Indian classical dance number on screen.

No producer would give me a role just because my great granduncle was the governor of Assam or my great grandfather was royalty.

Says the excited Aditi, “I don’t think anyone in Bollywood apart from Saroj Khan knows I’m a trained dancer.

Working with Saroj-ji was a dream come true for me. People who’ve seen the dance say it reminds them of my dancing in my Tamil film Sringaram. It feels good.”

All this time, Aditi waited patiently for the right roles to come along while other newer actresses raced past her. But she is not complaining. “It all happens when

News Express

it is meant to happen. I didn’t have any guidance when I did Rakyesh Omprakash Mehra’s Delhi 6 and Sudhir Mishra’s Yeh Saali Zindagi. I got noticed in both the films.

In fact my proudest moment as a newcomer was when Mr. Bachchan praised me for my performance in Delhi 6.”

The girl who hails from a very distinguished family of aristocrats says she lacked the experience, the required lineage and the diplomatic skills to make her way through the film industry. “I may come from a very distinguished background but that meant zilch to my career in Mumbai. No producer would give me a role just because my great grand-uncle was the governor of Assam or my great grandfather was royalty. I was a rank newcomer without any connections in the film industry. I could not hold a drink in my hand and mouth pleasantries at parties either.”

However she confesses that it hasn’t been an easy journey for her, “I didn’t know how to play the game. In the absence of a support system I just did whatever I thought right.

I don’t regret any of my career decisions though I do feel that there are two distinct types of career opportunities - one for girls from the film families and another for girls who come to the industry with no connections.”

Aditi remembers the intervening phase when she faced rejection despite giving scene-stealing performances in Delhi 6 and Yeh Saali Zindagi, “I was told it was a problem slotting me. I’d hear filmmakers stating that I was a complete package and they were not sure how they wanted to use me in their films.”

Ask her whether she has any regrets doing the multiple smooches with Arunoday Singh in Yeh Saali Zindagi and the bikini sequence in Boss and Aditi retorts defiantly, “I am very proud of my bikini sequence in Boss.

I think I had the physique to carry off the swimsuit. Besides, no one can force me to wear what I don’t want to. I wore a bikini in Boss because I was comfortable in that scene. If I am not convinced then no power on earth can change my mind.”

As for Yeh Saali Zindagi Aditi feels things went out of hand. “About the kisses, I’ll have to admit we went over-board. I realized only later that image is very important for Hindi film actress. It doesn’t matter how many times a male actor kisses on screen. If a female actor is seen smooching repeatedly, she acquires a reputation.

Ours is a very conservative audience and film industry. Here smoking, drinking and wearing short dresses are equivalent to being liberated. For me these external trappings of emancipation are secondary.

To me freedom means the freedom to say yes or no as I want,” she smiles.

I don’t think anyone in Bollywood apart from Saroj Khan knows I’m a trained dancer.

www.visionasia.co.nz | August 2014 19

TELLY TATTLE

Sreesanth is bowled out in the second innings

Former cricketer turned actor, Sreesanth has been trying to make all the right moves to further his career in the world of showbiz.

But it seems like his adamant nature is coming in his way. Recently, Sreesanth came under heavy criticism when he stormed out of the sets of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa during the elimination round, when the judges Remo Fernandez, Madhuri Dixit and Karan Johar offered their views on his performance. Ever since, Sreesanth has been trying to argue and justify that his walking out of the sets was not intentional.

He recently revealed that he was in excruciating pain and that led him to take the extreme step of walking out. Apparently, Sreesanth was performing with a nunchaku (a martial arts weapon), which hit him hard when he swung it during the performance. “It was the pain that prevented him from taking the judges’ comments sportingly,” a source revealed. The former cricketer who was looking at Jhalak…, as the “second innings of his life”, is still hoping that he may just come back on the show after his elimination.

20 August 2014 | www.visionasia.co.nz

Archana Puran Singh on the Pagalpanti Express

Archana Puran Singh has been having a gala time on the sets of Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega. The lady, synonymous with her boisterous laughter, has become a hot favourite with the contestants of the show after she filled in for Farah Khan’s absenteeism. Farah has been working round the clock on her ambitious film, Happy New Year, and the channel decided to zero on Archana to take her place.

Sources from the sets reveal that Archana was more than excited to be a part of the show with judge Anu Malik and hosts Krushna and Mona. The enthusiastic actress even managed to break a tile with her bare hand, inspired by a young girl’s performance on the show.

An excited Archana recently expressed her feelings on the incident, “In this stunt, my physical competitiveness really came in handy. The moment I looked at the tiles, I said to myself “izzat ka sawal hai” and put my full effort into the chop! Also, I was completely blown away by the acts and the energy on the sets,” she says.

TELLY TATTLE

Neil Bhatt keeps his co-stars guessing Neil Bhatt’s recent look has caused quite a rage on the sets of Diya Aur Baati Hum, where he plays the role of Cadet Zakir. We hear that Neil’s co-stars were unable to recognize him when he recently landed on the sets in his new look. The actor had a great time confusing the entire unit and playing pranks on his co-stars. Recalls Neil, “When I went on the sets with the new look, my crew didn’t even realize who I was.

They kept staring at me. One of the spot boys questioned me about my identity to which I replied that I was a fan of the lead protagonist Deepika and had specially come from Italy to meet her.”

Neil was later led to Deepika, who plays the lead role of Sandhya in the show, who had no clue about his identity and kept looking at him. “I told her in an Italian accent that I was her ardent fan who had come to meet her. At first she looked at me in disbelief but then I couldn’t stop myself from laughing which is when she caught me.

I guess my disguise was successful.”

Mohit has a difficult time playing the abusive husband

Enacting the role of an abusive husband who physically hurts his wife is a deeply disturbing proposition for any man who respects women. This is especially true for someone like Mohit Mallik, who is known to be extremely warm and respectful towards women.

Over the past few weeks, the actor has been having a tough time portraying the chauvinistic, wife-beating Samrat in Doli Armaanon Ki. Mohit’s most difficult moment however came when he was required to enact the scene where he was seen viciously whipping his wife Urmi, played by Neha Marda, with a belt. Says Mohit, “It was the thing I couldn’t imagine myself doing. The scene required me to be violent and I kept thinking how I would be able to pull it off. The shoot was so disturbing that I had to take sleeping pills. It’s my wife Additie who helped me through the crisis.”

So tensed was the actor about the sequence that he decided to isolate himself from his team members, who usually got together for lunch. Asking his crew to keep everybody at bay, Mohit kept rehearsing his lines and dialogues in his head so that he could finish the scene in a single take and leave the sets as soon as possible.

When the football fever gripped Shabbir

If there is one actor who had a great time watching the 2014 FIFA World Cup tournament, it is Shabbir Alhuwalia. The actor, who essays the character of Rockstar Abhi in Kumkum Bhagya, made it a point to catch up on all the matches in spite his busy schedule.

While Shabbir ensured that he watched all the late-night matches, he also ensured that he was at his professional best for the show and did not turn up looking sleep deprived for the shoots. There were times when he was also required to be on the sets at odd hours but instead of complaining about it or asking to leave early, Shabbir would record the matches and watch them later at his leisure. However, the actor was disappointed when his favourite team, Netherlands, was eliminated from the World Cup at the semifinals stage, “I was also supporting Germany but I liked the Netherlands players better, especially Robin Van Persie – he was phenomenal,” Shabbir says.

www.visionasia.co.nz | August 2014 21

travel

Portugal in spring Explore the possibilities of taking an early holiday in beautiful Portugal. Due to its position on the western edge of the Iberian Peninsula, the spring season can be an ideal time to plan a visit.

The days are warm and the off-season tariffs are highly attractive for the budgetwise traveller.

Quinta da Regaleira, the Portuguese Royal Family weekend refuge, Sintra.

22 August 2014 | www.visionasia.co.nz

Panoramic view of Lisbon from Sao Pedro de Alcantara Gardens travel

If your idea of the perfect holiday is crowdfree beaches, pleasantly warm weather and bargain prices on accommodation, then Portugal is well worth investigation.

In the height of summer temperatures in the Alentejo area can hit 400C, far too hot do anything other than retreat to your hotel room for a post-lunch siesta. In the spring however, the countryside glows with delicate shades of pink from blossoming almond orchards and the roads are blissfully free of traffic. The Alentejo is the largest producer of cork in Europe and in spring the rural landscape, with its cork oaks, almond trees and olive groves provides great opportunities for photography and painting.

The sparsely populated countryside is the perfect escape from the dankness of a more northern February.

The Algarve on the southern coast of Portugal is the most popular destination for all-year-round visitors but for those tourists who long for tranquillity, this region is best avoided in the high season. However, in the spring or autumn it can be a charming area for walking and sight-seeing. March and April are wonderful months, when the spring flowers are at their best and the

temperatures are a balmy 20-250C. Earlier visitors can enjoy the Shrove Tuesday celebrations in the Algarve, in particular the Brazilian - style Mardi Gras carnival in Loulé.

For those with children under school age, the beaches are warm enough for building sand castles and paddling. Although the sea will be rather chilly for swimming, low season flights and accommodation will be much cheaper and represent good value for a family holiday.

For a feeling of real isolation, drive out to the western-most tip of the province, Cape St Vincent. Standing on the rocky promontory two hundred feet above the crashing waves visitors are made very aware that there is nothing between Europe and America except the Atlantic Ocean. In the summer, the cape becomes far more commercial, with stalls selling knitwear and crafts to the coach loads of tourists that arrive every day. But in the spring it is just man and nature.

Further north the gardens of Sintra and Lisbon are a delight for keen horticulturists in March and April.

Sintra’s parks have been recognised as World Heritage sites and the palaces and

parks of Pena, Monserrat and the Capuchos Convent are ablaze with camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons in the spring, and still virtually crowd-free. Just outside Sintra is the splendid Quinta da Regaleira. It is one of Sintra’s lesser-known attractions but the gardens are have been described as a magical experience with surprises around every corner. They have also been described as a ‘Dantesque subterranean world’, an effect that will be heightened by a spring visit.

Although the spring days can be blissfully warm, evenings in Portugal can be chilly so it’s wise to pack a warm sweater for after dark. This is a small price to pay for uncrowded restaurants and public spaces, not to mention low season deals on travel and accommodation.

www.visionasia.co.nz | August 2014 23

24 August 2014 | www.visionasia.co.nz

Shraddha Kapoor www.visionasia.co.nz | August 2014 25

Fitness

I don’t miss out on a single day of

exercise

From being fat to fab, Sonakshi Sinha has indeed come a long way. The actress lost 30 kgs before making her big Bollywood debut with Dabangg.

More recently, the actress stunned everyone with her hourglass figure after she lost considerable weight.

The actress reveals the secret of her fitness and her weight loss.

26 August 2014 | www.visionasia.co.nz

Fitness

Sonakshi Sinha has no hesitation flaunting her figure these days. The actress has been giving her contemporaries a run for their money with her newly acquired slim and svelte look. Sonakshi is happy about the compliments that are coming her way but admits that it was a formidable task trying to get into shape. “A lot of hard work has gone into what I have achieved today. But yes the hard work was worth it,” says the beaming actress.

Sonakshi gives the credit for her slim and trim look to her fitness trainer Abbas, with whom she has been training for some time now. “He has a gruelling fitness routine and it was exhausting at times.” The actress initially had a tough time because she was not very comfortable with the idea of working out at the gym every day. “I am not a typical gym person and I hate going to the gym,” she says. But it was her firm resolve that helped her overcome the inertia. “I was determined to shed all the weight and I decided to go through with it,” the actress reveals.

Her daily fitness regime: Despite already losing considerable weight, Sonakshi has been adhering to her exercise schedule to maintain her figure. Her training sessions are a combination of exercises like kick boxing, hot yoga, cardio training and a game of tennis.

The actress reveals that she trains six days in the week, “I don’t miss out on a single day of my exercise. My weight loss training begins early in the morning. I start my day with a lot of stretching exercises followed by cardio exercises, spinning and cycling, after which I do weight training using light weights.”

When she is shooting outdoors and unable to go to the gym, she compensates for her workouts by going out jogging and playing lawn tennis.

While the workouts have helped her tone her body, Sonakshi attributes her perfect figure and glowing skin to the new version of hot yoga that she has been practicing for some time now, “I have been practicing hot yoga in a temperature controlled room with different postures. I think that has made a big difference to the way I look and feel,” she says.

Her diet Being a great foodie, Sonakshi initially had a difficult time resisting all the rich delicacies that she used to indulge in.

However the actress gradually switched over to a balanced diet prescribed by her trainer Abbas. To start with, she was asked to cut down on carbohydrates and substitute it with a lot of protein. Also, she makes it a point to have something every two hours so that she never goes hungry. Sonakshi says that it helped her get over the habit of binging on fast food. The actress is allowed to gorge on her favourite snacks and sweets once in a while. “I can never be a size zero even if I wanted,” she smiles.

Her breakfast consists of cereal and milk or a whole wheat toast, followed by dry fruits and a cup of green tea a few hours later. Lunch is usually all about homemade rotis, vegetables, salads and fish. In the evening, she once again has a bowl of fruit followed by green tea.

According to Sonakshi, green tea aids in weight loss and is excellent for detoxifying the body. “In addition, I drink at least 8-10 glasses of water every day. It is good for the skin and also helps you curb your appetite,” she says. She has an early dinner consisting of chicken, fish and dal with a lot of vegetables.

The actress says that she has realized that there is no short-cut to losing weight. “Being disciplined is at the core of losing weight, be it with food or exercises.

It’s about looking good too. Once you fit into good clothes there’s no looking back,” she quips.

I have been practicing hot yoga in a temperature controlled room with different postures. I think that has made a big difference to the way I look and feel www.visionasia.co.nz | August 2014 27

Face To Face

Working with Salman is a

dream

come true

I am single and ready to focus on work, but not ready to mingle 28 August 2014 | www.visionasia.co.nz

Face To Face

Jacqueline Fernandez has come a long way since her first film, Aladdin, with director Sujoy Ghosh. The actress, who was mired in controversies over her personal life and her recent break-up with director Sajid Khan, has moved on in life. She is back in the news for her latest release Kick, in which she has been teamed up with superstar Salman Khan. The Sri Lankan beauty spoke to Vision Asia on her interaction with Salman, her career, her friends in the industry and her future plans.

What was your first reaction when you were offered the role opposite Salman Khan in Kick?

Initially I couldn’t believe it that I had been signed for the film. I was called for a meeting with Sajid Nadiawala in his office, after which he offered me the film on the same day. I was even more surprised after I learnt about the many actresses who had been considered for the role. I kept asking Salman why I was chosen for the role when they could have very well opted for any other actress in my place. Salman always maintained that I deserved to be there as I had worked hard in my career. I guess my luck was with me and I was at the right place at the right time. I am grateful to the people who made this possible. I personally believe that your luck only works when you have lots of dedication and hard work to put in.

You have known Sajid Nadiadwala as a producer how was it shooting with him as a director?

Sajid is someone who is fascinated about cinema. I am glad that he has explored the director in him. I remember he would come on the sets of Housefull and give us interesting ideas. He was also open to feedback from us. Even on the sets of Kick, he was always open to suggestions. Only an experienced director can do it.

What was the experience like working with Salman Khan?

Salman Khan is a superstar in the true sense of the word (Smiles). Working with him is a dream come true. Many people have asked me about Salman’s temperament but I would like to clarify that he is completely different from the way he is made out to be.

He charges the atmosphere on the sets with his warmth and energy. There were days when he used to be reserved, but then we

are all human beings and we have our good and bad days.

Has your rapport with Salman grown over a period of time?

I shot with Salman for seven months and I felt that he has some amazing qualities.

Once he takes you under his wings, he is very generous with his love and attention.

I remember he would push me to go to the gym and also ensure that I was well-fed on the sets. He is a very good hearted person.

His love for giving has no boundaries.

You are said to have had a difficult time dubbing for the film in Hindi. How good is your Hindi diction now?

It is much better now than it was a few years ago. One thing that has helped me in my Hindi language skills is my love for Hindi songs, especially the classics from the 70s. Listening to Hindi songs is the best way to master the language and diction. I can understand Hindi much better now and after dubbing in my own voice for Kick, I feel much more confident about the language.

Did your lack of Hindi language pose an impediment in your career in the initial stages?

I had to face major problems initially because of my inability to speak fluently in Hindi. The biggest one was when my scenes were cut drastically because of my dialogue delivery not being right. Some of my important scenes were simply deleted because the makers did not have the confidence that I could deliver the dialogues in Hindi. Now after spending a few years in the industry, I have finally managed to polish my Hindi language skills. In Kick, I was required to mouth long dialogues but I managed to live up to the expectations of director Sajid Nadiadwala, though it took me extra time to prepare for the scenes.

A lot of people have told me not to make friends inside the industry because friendships don’t last for a long time here

Jacqueline’s Australia connection Few are aware that the former Miss Universe Sri Lanka, Jacqueline Fernandez, was into television and broadcasting before she participated in the beauty pageant. The actress graduated from the Murrey University in Australia with a degree in mass media studies, following which she started modeling in Australia, Singapore, Dubai and Sri Lanka. According to Jacqueline, she had a great time while living in Australia. www.visionasia.co.nz | August 2014 29

Face To Face

One thing that has helped me in my Hindi language skills is my love for Hindi songs, especially the classics from the 70s Did you face rejection in the industry as an actress any point?

I did face rejection on several occasions, when I initially started with my career five years back. I would go for auditions and convey to the producer that I was very keen on doing the role. There were times when I did not get any feedback from the producers, sometimes for a big film and at other times for a small film. It was Murder 2 which changed things for me, besides my presence in Race. Post these films, I never had to go for auditions. I got the opportunity to choose films when offers started coming my way.

When was the first time you realised that there was an actress in you?

I guess it was at the age of seven. When you are young you tend to idolize your favourite stars. My exposure to films was limited to Hollywood all the way. I was never introduced to Hindi films in my growing years. In fact, it was only in 2002 that I saw my first Hindi film, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Devdas. When an outsider like me watches a film like Devdas, the experience is just out of this world. I liked all the detailing in the movie. That’s how my fascination with Hindi films began.

Which actresses do you find inspiring in your career?

I am inspired by all the contemporary actresses, though my all-time favourite is Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. She is an epitome of beauty and has great acting skills. Then there’s Katrina Kaif, the girl from London who made a success of her career with her hard work. I adore Katrina for the way she has handled her career. Today she speaks impeccable Hindi and does her own dubbing. I also find Deepika very inspiring. From her debut in Om Shanti Om to her recent successes, Deepika has worked her way up to the top. There’s also Sonam Kapoor who has built her own brand in the industry with her style statement.

What is your take on the friendship in the industry?

A lot of people have told me not to make friends inside the industry because friendships don’t last for a long time here.

The general opinion about Bollywood is that the people who pose as friends today may backstab and turn into arch rivals the next day. But I don’t agree with this contention.

I have friends like Sujoy Ghosh who is also the director of my first film. Then there is Riteish Deshmukh with whom I have done a couple of films. Sonam Kapoor is also a very dear friend of mine and now Salman Khan and Sajid Nadiawala have also been added to the list. These are the people who are more like family to me. They are the kind who will stand by me when I need them the most.

How do you see your career a few years down the line?

Right now I am happy with the way my career is going. I am glad that the audiences have accepted me, but I feel I need to explore more interesting roles. I am eagerly looking forward to my next project Roy, which stars Ranbir Kapoor and Arjun Rampal. I have a double role in the movie. I am really keen on doing some international projects. Actresses have a very short period of time to prove themselves in Bollywood, which is why I want to broaden my reach as an actress.

You have often been linked to your costars in the past. How do you react to it?

I guess it is because I am single. It’s strange that people take the on-screen pairing a little too far. I am not the only one, this has happened to every other actor and actress in the industry.

Have you found love again?

I am single and ready to focus on work, but not ready to mingle. I am happy that I am giving my hard work and full attention to my work more than anything else.

By Srabanti Chakravarthy (with inputs from S Bhagat)

30 August 2014 | www.visionasia.co.nz

B-BUZZ

Alia has no plans to move out of her house Contrary to the free-spirited and bold image that she has come to acquire, Alia Bhatt is very much a family girl, who dotes on her parents and likes to spend time with them. Recently there were rumours that the actress was planning to move out of her parental home into an independent apartment, but Alia has denied this. The actress confessed that she was often asked whether she wanted to live life on her own but she there was no way she could think of it as she could not do without her parents. The 21-year old, who has become a hot bet in the industry after delivering four successes, said that she felt more comfortable and secure with her parents. She also admitted that she was scared of the dark, which was one reason why she couldn’t ever think of staying alone.

Talking of her relationship with her parents, Alia said that she adored her father’s sense of hard work and professionalism. On the other hand, she tried to spend time with her mother whenever possible. Recently when she had to go to Manali for an endorsement, the actress chose to take her mother along and the two spent some quality time together.

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Encounter

Marriage has not changed anything

After her hush-hush wedding to beau Aditya Chopra in Italy this April, actress Rani Mukerji is readying for Mardaani, her first film post marriage. The actress who had been keeping a low profile for several months before finally taking the plunge, recently opened up to the media about her marriage, her career and her forthcoming film, which will see her in an altogether new avatar.

32 August 2014 | www.visionasia.co.nz

Encounter

As a person Adi has made a conscious choice to be known for his work more than anything else.

Your quiet and discreet marriage at a private ceremony in Italy surprised everyone since you had said not so long ago that you would publicly announce your wedding date and have a grand ceremony. What was the reason for the change?

I didn’t have any choice. My husband had already made his decision and took me to Italy. I merely followed him like a docile girl (smiles).

Your husband, filmmaker Aditya Chopra, is known to be reclusive and has always shied away from the media. Will we see you posing together at social events now that he has married an actress?

Marriage has changed nothing; it’s just an extension of our lives. Just because he has married me, it doesn’t mean that Adi (Aditya Chopra) will make his presence felt at events. As a person Adi has made a conscious choice to be known for his work more than anything else. He has his right to privacy and there is nothing wrong about it if he does not appear at social dos. It doesn’t matter to me if he is invisible to others as long as he is visible to me (giggles).

How would you like to be addressed now? Will the Chopra tag change all that?

I don’t intend to change my name as people know me by the name of Rani Mukerji.

When I admit my children in school they will definitely carry the Chopra surname, but for my fans I will always be Rani Mukerji.

Jhansi when I first heard the story of the film.

When I was young my father would often take me for morning walks to the Jhansi Fort, where he would narrate stories of the queen. She was a strong woman in spirit.

Women have an inherent power in them and we want to show that spirit in women so that no one takes undue advantage of them.

Tell us about your upcoming film Mardaani.

Mardaani explores the issue of child and women trafficking. It talks about the manly spirit in women which is aroused when a woman is challenged. I play the role of police officer Shivani Shivaji Roy, who takes on the perpetrators of crime singlehandedly. I would like to awaken that spirit in every young girl’s heart with my role in the film. I was reminded of the Queen of

This is your second film with director Pradeep Sarkar, with whom you had last worked in the forgettable Lagaa Chunari Mein Daag. How confident are you about the prospects of this film?

I am happy and excited to have collaborated with Pradeep Sarkar on this film. Hopefully we will be able to wash away the blotch we had created with our last film together.

Apparently you did extensive research for your role in the film.

I met several women police officers, some of whom have made significant contributions to society. Most of them are often taken for granted, which comes in the way of their profession. I also learnt of some disturbing facts about the life of the women police force. The truth is that female officers are not only as good as male officers but they are better than most of the men in the field.

The Mumbai Police Joint Commissioner Himanshu Roy himself told me that these women officers were far better than some of the male officers they had in their teams.

It is high time we changed the perspective towards lady police officers and this film is the first step in that direction. www.visionasia.co.nz | August 2014 33

Encounter

Women have an inherent power in them and we want to show that spirit in women so that no one takes undue advantage of them.

We are told that you have performed some daredevil stunts in the film too, for which you went through a long training schedule.

I learnt the art of Krav Maga for the role, which is an Israeli form of self-defense. I took extensive training during which the instructors guided me through an entire series of workshops. Krav Maga teaches you the technique of self-defense through any difficult situation, however strong your opponent is. It’s a great form of self-defense for women. I was actually intrigued by the art and this film gave me an opportunity to learn it.

Since you learnt the art of self-defense, are you planning to do something for the girl child as there are so many crimes happening against women in the country?

I think it’s important for every girl to learn the art of self-defense. I am planning to talk to schools, be it government-run or private schools, to introduce self-defense classes for all boys and girls. I think we should have compulsory training in martial arts, where self-defense should be taught. It is the need of the hour. Women need to take it up and protect themselves.

You have performed several womenoriented roles in your career. Was it by choice?

I have always been drawn towards womenoriented roles be it my debut film Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat or my latest film Mardaani. I believe that I was born with the powers of the Goddess. I am glad I got the title in the form of my film now.

Have you thought of what kind of roles you would like to do post marriage?

We actors are like beggars. We never get to choose roles; it is the directors, producers and creative people who decide our fate.

Given an opportunity, I would definitely be interested in doing women-centric roles.

Now that you are married to the Chopra scion, what kind of powers will you command in the YRF banner?

When you become a wife there is a lot of power in the household. I do have my powers in the kitchen but when it comes to the production house, we have capable people to take care of things. Also, with Adi being the one at the helm, everything is under control. I am happy being a part of his household as of now.

34 August 2014 | www.visionasia.co.nz

Will you have a creative say in the production house?

As a creative person attached to the industry, there are a lot of friends who are not working with Yash Raj and seek a creative opinion. I will be ready to give it.

I am always there to listen to scripts and recommend them. Other than that, I am happy being in front of the camera.

Who is the one woman who has inspired you in your life?

I have always been inspired by my mother Krishna Mukerji. She is like a tigress. The women in our family have always been strong. I had a reputation of being the boldest among my friends when it came to voicing my views on anything.

Your friend and co-star Preity Zinta is going through tough times. What do you have to say about her?

She is a strong woman. Her case is under investigation. It’s a personal thing and she has taken a stand against a person she has known so well in the past. I don’t want to comment on somebody else’s situation. I don’t think we have the right to comment.

Preity is a great person and we have done four films together, during which we shared a great rapport with each other.

Vidya recently said she doesn’t need the Khans in the industry to prove her mettle as an actress. Since you have worked with all of them, what do you have to say to that?

I have always worked with the Khans. My first film was with a Khan, so I can’t be complaining. They are the loves of my life and they are all fabulous.

By S Bhagat

When I admit my children in school they will definitely carry the Chopra surname but for my fans I will always be Rani Mukerji.

www.visionasia.co.nz | August 2014 35

Glitz & Glamour

Jacqueline Fernandez and Sharman Joshi unveil ‘The Great Indian Wedding Book’ Bollywood diva Jacqueline Fernandez and actor Sharman Joshi unveiled the second edition of ‘The Great Indian Wedding Book’ at the Grand Hyatt in Mumbai recently. The all-encompassing book is a treasure trove for all brides and grooms-to-be before they plan their dream weddings.

36 August 2014 | www.visionasia.co.nz

Sunny Leone walks the ramp for Rohit Verma Collection The gorgeous Sunny Leone was at her stunning best when she recently turned showstopper for designer Rohit Verma’s collection. The bridal show which was held at Sheesha Lounge in Mumbai saw Sunny flaunting a golden gown, which complimented her perfect figure.

Glitz & Glamour

Armaan Jain and Deeksha Seth support Dog Adoption at PVR Andheri The lead pair of the recently released film, Lekar Hum Deewana Dil, Armaan Jain and Deeksha Seth, initiated a campaign called ‘Adopt A Dog, Be A Hero’, to raise awareness about animal welfare. The campaign, which also included an app allowing users to upload pictures of their pets, was said to be a great success.

Deepika Padukone at Gionee FHM 100 Sexiest Women in the World 2014 Party The glamourous Deepika Padukone was among the many beauties who were present at the ‘Gionee FHM 100 Sexiest Women in the World 2014’ bash in Mumbai. The actress, who has been voted the sexiest woman in the world in a poll conducted by the FHM magazine, was perfectly dressed for the evening in an attractive Stella McCartney gown.

John Abraham and Bhaichung Bhutia at Football Hangout

Shruti Haasan at the launch of Dr Rashmi Shetty’s book Age Erase

Actor John Abraham and Indian footballer Bhaichung Bhutia were seen posing at India’s Biggest Football Hangout in Mumbai using a unique Google light box technology. John, who is also an ardent football player, had a great time at the event.

Shruti Haasan was spotted at the launch of Dr. Rashmi Shetty’s new book ‘Age Erase’. The actress, who was elegantly dressed in a black and white ensemble, seemed to be totally impressed with the book on lifestyle and beauty tips.

www.visionasia.co.nz | August 2014 37

food

Quick Rice Panki Quick Rice Panki, steamed in between banana leaves, is a favourite Gujarati snack. Urad dal flour helps to bind the panki batter and make very thin pankis. Serve them hot from the pan and let your guests peel off the banana leaves and enjoy the steaming hot pankis with spicy green chutney.

Preparation Time: 5 mins Cooking Time: 8 mins Makes 10 servings

Ingredients 5 tbsp rice flour (chawal ka atta) 1 tbsp urad dal (split black lentil) flour 1 tsp curd (dahi) 1/2 tsp green chilli paste 1/2 tsp roasted and coarsely crushed cumin seeds (jeera) 1 tsp oil Salt to taste Other Ingredients 2 banana leaves (kele ka patta) Oil for greasing Other Ingredients Green chutney

Method 1. Combine the rice flour, urad dal flour, curd, green chilli paste, cumin seeds, oil, salt and ž cup of water and mix well. Keep aside.

2. Cut the banana leaves into a 75 mm. (3�) diameter circle using a cookie cutter or with help of scissors.

3. Grease the banana leaves with a little oil and keep aside.

4. Place 2 greased banana leaves on a flat surface with the greased side facing upwards.

5. Put 1 tbsp of the batter on each banana leaf and cover each roundel with a greased banana leaf facing downwards.

6. Press it gently to spread the batter evenly to make a thin layer.

7. Heat a non-stick tava (griddle) and cook the panki on both sides till light brown spots appear on the banana leaves and the pancake in-between peels off the banana leaf easily.

8. Repeat steps 4 to 7 to make 9 more pankis.

9. Serve immediately with green chutney.

Handy tip If you do not have a cookie cutter for cutting the banana leaves into circles, cut them in squares and proceed as per the recipe.

38 August 2014 | www.visionasia.co.nz

food

Shahi Dal The richness of any “shahi” dish usually comes from the abundance of cream. Here, I have substituted cream with low-fat milk mixed with corn flour, which tastes equally creamy and delicious. Urad dal gives a healthy fillip to this dish, as it is high in folic acid and zinc. Folic acid aids in brain development as well as boosting haemoglobin levels; whereas zinc is required for life long mental strength.

Ingredients 1 cup urad dal (split black lentils) 2 tsp finely chopped ginger (adrak) 2 tsp finely chopped green chillies 1 tsp cumin seeds (jeera) 1/2 cup finely chopped onions 1 tsp garam masala 1/2 tsp corn flour dissolved in 1/2 cup low-fat milk (99.7% fat-free) Salt to taste

For The Garnish 2 tbsp finely chopped coriander (dhania)

Preparation Time: 10 mins Cooking Time: 15 mins Makes 4 servings

Method 1. Clean, wash and soak the urad dal in water for 3 to 4 hours. Drain.

2. Combine the urad dal, ginger, green chillies, salt and 2 cups of water in a pressure cooker, mix well and pressure cook for 2 whistles.

3. Allow the steam to escape before opening the lid. Remove the lid, whisk the dal well and keep aside.

4. Heat a deep non-stick pan on a medium flame and when hot, add the cumin seeds and dry roast for 30 seconds.

5. Lower the flame, add the onions and dry roast for 1 to 2 minutes. Sprinkle a little water if they start burning.

6. Add the cooked urad dal, garam masala and ¾ cup of water, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 2 to 3 minutes, while stirring occasionally.

7. Add the corn flour-milk mixture and a little salt, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 1 minute, while stirring continuously.

8. Serve hot garnished with coriander.

Tarla Dalal Noted Indian food writer, chef, best-selling cookbook author, Padma Shri awardee and host of cooking shows like “Tarla Dalal Show” and “Cook It Up With Tarla Dalal”. She has written over 170 titles, several of which have been translated into various languages and sold around the world. www.visionasia.co.nz | August 2014 39

FEATURE

Director, Heal Thy Self

David Dhawan, known to be one of the longest-lasting directors of Hindi cinema, recently commented that the secret of his survival was that he was constantly learning and reinventing himself, imbibing the preferences of the new generation. It is a fact that stagnancy is tantamount to death for a creative artiste. Subhash K Jha analyses the works of some directors who made it big and now need to reinvent themselves in order to keep going.

The Showman is now facing rejection from mass audiences. Ghai once made Hero, Saudagar and Ram Lakhan. His script sense did have its flaws, but what carried his tales to box-office glory, was the towering actors and the wonderful dialogues.

Now with Kissna and Kanchi, he needs to work with a young dynamic team the way Yash Chopra did till he passed away.

Subhash Ghai

Ram Gopal Varma

He changed the face of horror and underworld violence in Indian cinema with Raat and Satya.

However there came a point when his horror films became horrific and his films on the underworld began to threaten all aesthetic considerations. His subsequent series of flops made no difference to Ramu. He continued to plunder the fertile fields of filmmaking that he had so confidently ploughed.

Finally good sense has prevailed and Ramu has taken a break. He has gone back to his home town Hyderabad to rediscover his roots.

We will wait for his recovery and return.

He was once considered the wizard of raj-tantra. In his attempt to explore the political scene in India in films like Gangajal, Apaharan and Raajneeti, Jha managed to get commercial endorsement. However the filmmaker has to his discredit three films that were expected to be game changers. Alas Aarakshan, Chakravyuha and Satyagraha were bitterly disappointing. Jha is now writing a gritty cop drama, hopefully without his signature stamp of mobs rushing for revenge and fleets of government cars speeding down at rushhour. The Ambassador car is dead. So are the governmental conclaves on the roads.

Prakash Jha

40 August 2014 | www.visionasia.co.nz

FEATURE

How could the director who gave Lagaan and JodhaaAkbar be responsible for Khelenge Hum Jee Jaan Se and What’s Your Raashee? This brilliant storyteller needs to cut down on the length of his films and introduce a certain amount of emotions in his storytelling. Hopefully his next, Mohenjo-Daro, will revive the lost glory of Gowariker.

Sudhir Mishra

Ashutosh Gowariker

Vishal Bhardwaj

Madhur Bhandarkar

When Vishal made Omkara and Kaminey, his style was stunningly original and fearless. However his recent films show a smug over-confidence bordering on self-indulgence. This trendsetting director’s last two films Saat Khoon Maaf and Matru Ki Bijli Ka Mandola were damp squibs.

Bharadwaj probably needs to look within himself to see where the guttural storytelling needs to be updated.

He made a disastrous start with a formulistic farce called Trishakti.

He found his métier with Chandni Bar and went on to re-write the language of commercial Hindi cinema for an adult audience with Page 3 and Fashion. But then Bhandarkar got stuck in a single groove. Heroine made little impact except as Fashion relocated from the modeling to the movie world. His attempt to do a sex comedy in Dil Toh Bachcha Hai Jee fell flat and his next film Calendar Girls apparently has 12 hot newcomers revealing their story of exploitation and redemption. Errrr...Fashion 3?

He has made 11 films so far, all of which deal with the politics and crime of the Indian middleclass.

Of these only three of his films have managed to make money.

His dark brooding cynical style of storytelling has not changed over the years. His last film Inkaar about sexual harassment at work places was found to be shaky by many critics. Sudhir needs to do some soul-searching. The raw realism in his cinema needs serious upgrading.

Sajid’s forte was farcical laughter aimed at everyday quirks. His comedy is broad but it has lately become stubbornly rigid and repetitive.

After Himmatwala and Humshakals, this exuberant and over-confident teller of comic stories, needs to know that audiences are no longer tickled by the funny-broom that he uses to sweep all logic under the table.

Sajid Khan

MANI RATNAM

He could be called the most dismaying creative menopause in the history of Indian cinema. After bathing the screen in brilliancy with one masterpiece after another, Mani Ratnam has inexcusably delivered two back-to-back duds in Raavan and Kadhalan. Wisely he has decided to postpone his next project for some serious introspection. Mani seriously needs to get out of his comfort zone and work with Alia Bhatt instead of Aishwarya Rai.

www.visionasia.co.nz | August 2014 41

faq

I would like to see Vision Asia in other rooms; will the technician do it for us at the time of installation?

A standard Installation with a single subscription includes a single outlet if a customer wishes to subscribe for another decoder and smart card, there is an attractive scheme available now, contact our sales team. Maintenance of equipment and service will be done by Vision Asia.

Any work beyond the scope of Standard installation will be treated as a direct job between the Installer and the customer, so the charges should be negotiated and paid direct to the Installer. Vision Asia takes no responsibility for these direct jobs. Vision Asia equipment cannot be used for TVNZ/ Free to Air or any other channels.

I would like to have facility to record the programmers as we may not be home when our favourite programmes come?

The new HD decoders installed at your home facilitates recording through the USB provided by us and the recordings can be viewed on the same decoders only. The USB has been provided complimentary and is not under warranty.

Kindly note the USB provided by Vision Asia should not be used with any other device than Vision Asia decoder where you have recorded the programmes. The USB may get corrupted and will not play or record in future in case its used on any other device.

What are the common errors I may get in case of a technical problem?

Blank screen/No signal/ Searching for signal / services crumbled. For these errors a complete reboot of the system is required.

A complete reboot involves switching the decoder box off and unplugging the decoder box from the electricity socket.

Once the box has been disconnected from its power supply, it should remain so for at least 15 minutes. Once the reboot is complete and the decoder box is on again, the service should resume. If not, there are a few other things that need to be checked: 1. All of the cables behind the decoder box should be plugged in firmly. There is either an HDMI or an RCA cable connecting the box to the television, a satellite cable connecting the box to the 42 August 2014 | www.visionasia.co.nz

Satellite dish and a power cable that plugs into a power point.

2. Make sure that the box is switched on. Try the button on the decoder box itself and also the power button on the remote control.

In some cases, still images that are displayed on your Television Screen for an extended period of time may cause a permanent residual image (screen burn) to be left on the television screen. You should take care not to leave still images displayed for extended periods. Plasma, rear projection and LCD televisions are at a higher risk of screen burn. VISION ASIA is not liable for any loss you may suffer as a result.

What happens if the problem still continues?

Our technical help desk will assist you on phone initially, please note if the connection is an indirect connection done either through VCR, DVD, Home Theatre, Sky de­ coder etc., we will not be able to rectify the error because of the variety of models in the market. If we need to retune your decoder, there should be a “Direct” connection to the TV. What happens if this does not help and a technician has to come to check?

If we feel the technician has to attend to the problem we will arrange for a service call. Service calls will be attended in 2 to 3 working days in Auckland & 4 to 5 working days outside Auckland; please note charges apply for a service call for an "Indirect" connection. For any other technical assistance, please contact on 0508 933 546 or 09-6210520 (Auckland subscribers). Please note service calls on phone or through technician is only for direct connection from de­coder to TV. How do I change credit card or bank details?

In case your credit card gets lost, stolen or misplaced, or if you need to change your billing details for any other reason, just fill in Direct Debit form and send it to us. These forms can be downloaded from www.visionasia.co.nz or can be requested via fax, email or post by calling 0508 933 546.

Please note if any payment is dishonored $15 charge will be applicable.

What happens when I move house?

Please notify us of your change of address so that we can redirect your Vision Asia correspondence. If you relocate your Vision Asia equipment independently, Vision Asia will not be responsible for any service difficulties that may occur after that. We can easily get you relocated to any Metro region within New Zealand. Please contact us for Relocation offers. For subscribers migrating to Australia & wish to join Vision Asia, please note terms and conditions apply.

Will I still be charged the full subscription if I am travelling or I am on a holiday?

Temporary suspension is a value added service for subscribers who are going away on holiday, or who need their service suspended for any other reason. We need a written notice of 7 days, so your monthly subscription will be amended to $15 per month. Please note: the minimum period of suspension is 1 month and the maximum is 4 months and the normal charges are applicable thereafter. Please email us on support@visionasia.co.nz or fax us on 09-6294852. Please do call us once you are ready to view channels so we will reactivate the channels. Your account will be adjusted on pro-rata basis from the activation date.

Do not switch off the decoder from the power source. The Decoder should always be switched off by the 'STB Power' button on the VA remote.

What do I have to do If I want to disconnect Vision Asia services?

A written notice is required for disconnection.

Disconnection will happen after 30 days from the next billing date. You can email us on support@visionasia.co.nz or fax on 09-6294852. Installation charges are non-refundable. For disconnections within contract term, early termination fee applies.

All equipment needs to be returned to Vision Asia after disconnection. A refundable amount of $200 will be charged for nonreceipt of equipments

B-BUZZ

Aditya Roy Kapur wants to get out of the ‘drunken’ slot After playing the role of an alcoholic in his last two films, Aashiqui 2 and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Aditya Roy Kapur is glad that he is playing a different role in his forthcoming film, Daawat-E-Ishq. The actor recently revealed that his role in the film is a far cry from his past characters, “After drinking so much you will now see me eating in the film, as I play a chef from Lucknow,” he said, adding that he was excited about his new look in the film.

The actor added that he did not intend to play drunken characters anymore and was planning to make it as a part of his contracts, “I guess I was cast in those roles because I played the role of a drunkard perfectly but I don’t want to get slotted in those roles,” he said.

While his previous roles had a serious brooding look, the actor will be seen in a happy-go-lucky avatar in his upcoming film. Since he plays a chef, he had to learn a few nuances of how a chef works in the kitchen. However Aditya admits he is not a good cook, “I did learn how to chop vegetables like a chef for the film but I am not a great cook. I can’t make anything beyond an omelet and tea,” he said.

Salman Khan’s box-office analysis

Being a box-office king and getting your act right every time is certainly not an easy task and Salman Khan understands this perfectly well. The superstar, who believes in keeping a close tab on the screenplay and dialogues of all his films, has also lately been analyzing the release strategy of all his films. Salman, who is said to have also been involved with the marketing strategy and release of his latest film Kick, recently spoke about the reasons why his earlier film Jai Ho failed to create a box-office impact. The actor believed that the low admission rates proposed for the mass-oriented film actually had a reverse impact on the perception of the film. He said that the admission rates were specially reduced on week-days for his fans, but it worked against the film. He also felt that January was a wrong time to release the film. Salman has mostly been in favour of releasing his films on the eve of Eid. It may be recalled that his films like Wanted and Ek Tha Tiger were selectively released on the eve of Eid and they all worked wonders at the box-office.

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TELECHAT

I have always

laughed at my own failures

44 August 2014 | www.visionasia.co.nz

TELECHAT

Think of Anupam Kher and the first thing that comes to your mind is films like Saaransh, Daddy, Karma, Lamhe, Dil, Dilwale Duhaniya Le Jayenge and Hum Apke Hai Koun. Of late Kher has been doing select films like A Wednesday and Special Chabbis, which have won him critical acclaim.

The versatile actor, who has dabbled on the television scene with shows like Say Na Something to Anupam Uncle and Sawaal Dus Crore Ka, is back on the television scene as an anchor-host with Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai. In a media interaction, Kher spoke about the inspiration behind the show and what makes his show special.

I found Shah Rukh Khan’s story to be the most inspiring.

Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai has generated considerable curiosity in the celebrity circuit and television circles in the industry. How did the idea of the show come about?

The show is an extension of my renowned autobiographical play, Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai, which is about my failures, setbacks and eventual success in life. The play has been staged for the last 10 years and has inspired many. Success for me is one dimensional while failure has many dimensions to it. I have always laughed at my own failures.

Can you recall two incidents in your life that aptly define the phrase ‘Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai’?

One incident that has been permanently embedded in my memory happened during the time when Saaransh was being made.

The film was all set to go on the floors but just ten days prior to that, I packed my bags and landed up at Mahesh Bhatt’s place to fight with him. For a moment, it seemed as if things had come to a standstill but I went ahead and did the film, which later changed my life. The second incident was during Sooraj Barjatia’s Hum Aapke Hai Koun. I was passing through a very bad stage of my career. One fine day I realised that I had facial paralysis. My face was disfigured and I was not sure how I would continue with the shoot. I had two options in front of me, either to quit acting and sit back at home or continue to do my job as an actor. I chose the latter. If you remember the scene in Hum Aapke Hai Koun when the entire family was shown passing the pillows in a game, there were no close-ups of mine.

Few people are aware that I was actually suffering from a facial paralysis at the time.

How would you define the experience of hosting Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai? It has been a unique experience so far. All the celebrity guests who have come on the show have been interesting and everyone had a story to tell. Moreover, none of my guests asked me for a brief. That speaks of their implicit faith in me.

Which one of the stories did you find the most inspiring?

They all had some very interesting aspects to their lives but I think it is Shah Rukh Khan’s story that touched me the most. From being a television actor in Fauji to becoming the second richest actor in the world, his is one of the most inspirational stories. I have been in the industry for 30 years and I have had the opportunity of working with Shah Rukh so many times. But I got to know only recently that his real name is Abdul Rehman.

A lot of young stars also come to your show. What was your observation about them?

There is so much to learn from the young stars of today. They are so focused. I also like their straight forwardness. Though I was born post-independence, I have always been taught by my parents to be diplomatic.

Today’s children have a different mindset.

They make mistakes and they don’t hesitate to talk about it. We all tend to make mistakes whether we belong to the age bracket of 58 or 18 years. Actors like Arjun Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Parineeti Chopra, and Sonam Kapoor have spoken so much in my show.

The whole idea of the show is to inspire the country by telling them these stories. Even if 10 percent of the audiences get inspired, the show will serve its purpose.

www.visionasia.co.nz | August 2014 45

TELECHAT

I can be brutally honest in front of the camera.

We are told that you have already started preparing for the second season of the show too. How far is it true?

The first season will feature 12 episodes, and plans are already on for Season-2. I have spoken to Narayan Murthy (Infosys).

I would also like to have our former president APJ Abdul Kalam and cricketer Sachin Tendulkar on board. We tried to get Amitabh Bachchan in this season but due to his unavailability, he may appear in the next season. I also wanted to have Narendra Modi on this season and he had agreed. But post the elections, he got busy with his new role of a Prime Minister. When he learnt of the show’s name, he felt that it should be called Sab Kuch Ho Sakta Hai instead.

Narendra-ji has assured me that he would definitely take time out for our next season.

Did you face any difficulties at any point of time while shooting?

I am a people’s person. I love to observe people and interact with them. I made it a point not to ask any controversial questions which would be uncomfortable for my guests. I don’t have any kind of interest in their personal life. That’s exactly the manner in which I would like to be interviewed in my life.

You said that would want to be interviewed in a similar fashion, so who do you think would be the right person to take your interview?

I can play the role of an interviewer as well. I know myself the best. I have all the questions ready in my mind which I want to ask one day. Also, I can prove to people how I can be brutally honest in front of the camera. Maybe my wife, Kirron, can do a great job in interviewing me as she knows me better than anyone else.

You seem to have a tremendous positive energy. From where do you get all this?

It comes from life and from the people I meet every day. I only see the positive side of people. Sometime Kirron gets upset with me when I overlook the negative traits of people. If my driver is upset, I ask him to take a break, change his mood and then 46 August 2014 | www.visionasia.co.nz

come back. I have never ever judged people, which is why most people connect with me as a friend. You will never see me in a reality show where I judge people. I feel people do everything for happiness. I am no one to judge them.

Are you happy with the way your career has progressed over the years?

I have no reasons to complain. In a city like Mumbai where hundreds of people travel everyday in the hope of becoming actors, only a few get an opportunity to act in front of camera. I am one of them. My father was a clerk in Shimla. It comes as a surprise to many that despite hailing from an ordinary family, I went on to do more than 400 films, run an acting school, write books and am still going strong. After 30 years in the industry, I am very much contented with life.

I still have a sense of wonder in my life. I never tell people that I am at the peak of my career because then you stop growing in life.

Do you give suggestions to your son Sikander?

Whenever I am required to offer him my advice, I try to be like my father. He was always a friend to me. As a parent you have to come out from your clichéd mentality.

When you interact with your children as friends, the end result is always very positive because you surprise your kid that way.

At this stage how do you choose your roles in films?

I look at a bit of everything - the role, the director and the script. Sometimes the money matters too. The most important part is to get entertained even while doing the role. I love to work with new people because they are serious and try to give their level best to their work. As an artist that excites me even more. I have worked with many directors like Aditya Chopra, Karan Johar, Ayan Mukherjee, and Neeraj Pandey when they were new. I always got satisfaction after working with them.

I have never ever judged people, which is why most people connect with me as a friend.

b-buzz

Priyanka Chopra to turn playback singer with Mary Kom She is one actress who has never hesitated from stepping out of familiar terrain and pursuing her dreams. After rendering singles like ‘In My City’, ‘Exotic’ and the more recent ‘I Can’t Make You Love Me’, Priyanka Chopra is now set to take her singing career one step further, by becoming a playback singer for Mary Kom. The actress recently revealed that she had been longing to sing a song in her earlier films but the opportunity never came along. When the makers of Mary Kom approached her to lend her voice for a number in the film, she was more than willing. This is the first time Priyanka will be rendering a fullfledged number for a Bollywood film. Prior to this, she had sung a line from her Bluffmaster number ‘Ek Main Aur Ek Tu Hai’. Recently on the eve of her birthday, Priyanka had mentioned that she believed she could achieve everything she wanted in life with her sheer determination and will to succeed. Priyanka is the third actress who has lent her voice for a film recently. Prior to this, Shraddha Kapoor’s rendition of ‘Galiyan’ in Ek Villain had won her a lot of appreciation after which Alia Bhatt had sung the unplugged version of ‘Samjhawan’ from Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania.

www.visionasia.co.nz | August 2014 47

20-20

Make a

positive difference whatever you do Dr Surinder Tandon, who migrated to NZ from Delhi nearly 26 years ago, is a senior scientist at AgResearch. As a Rotarian and President of the Christchurch Multicultural Council, he is working to strengthen the ethnic communities, meet their aspirations & promote their diverse cultures. He recently received the Queen’s Birthday Honour, Member of the NZ Order of Merit (MNZM), for his services to the community & textile science. Among his other awards are Royal Chartered Textile Institute Medal, Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow Medal & Hind Rattan ‘Jewel of India’.

1. Full Name Surinder Kumar Tandon

13. Favourite sport & player Cricket. Sachin Tendulkar

2. Hobbies / passions?

Bollywood music, cricket, textile research, community service, spirituality.

14. What do you love or admire in New Zealand?

Landscape & natural beauty

3. What is your success mantra?

Good thoughtful planning, dedicated effort & never give up until you are successful 4. What is your inspiration?

Make a positive difference whatever you do 5. Your most memorable moment: When I first met my wife, Archna 6. How important is it to fail before you succeed.

Only if I learn from failure how to succeed 7. Name 3 important things in your life you can’t live without: God, family & friends 8. What do you value most in life?

Respect for humanity 9. Favourite movie & star Hindi film: Amar Prem. Rajesh Khanna 10. Favourite food Sambhar, idli, uthpam & masala dosa 11. Favourite holiday destination (short & long) Queenstown & Delhi 12. Favourite restaurant York’s Restaurant, Connaught Place, New Delhi 48 August 2014 | www.visionasia.co.nz

15. What outdoor activities you like / how do you relax / what are your recreation techniques / methods?

Walking, Beaches, National forests.

Bollywood & devotional music. Cooking, Gardening, occasional singing.

Meditation 16. The craziest things you’ve ever done Recharging my car battery while its terminals were connected to the car. The car & garage nearly burnt down. Silly me!

17. You wouldn’t be caught dead If I am having good time with my family & friends.

18. If your house was on fire & you could only grab 3 things what would they be?

Run out with my family, car keys & mobile phone.

19. What do you think is the secret to a good life?

Feel contentment & thank the Almighty for everything.

20. Name one achievement that you are proud of This god-gifted human birth for service.

MISS INDIANZ 2014

TRAVEL PARTNER

TRAVEL 2000

A RESHABH D. PARIKH PRODUCTIONS EVENT

www.visionasia.co.nz | August 2014 49