Va october 2014 nz issue

October 2014

Undaunted by challenges

Hrithik Roshan

Finding his feet in Bollywood

Fawad Khan

Time for an image makeover

Aditya Roy Kapur

In experimental mode

Shahid Kapoor

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Few actors have gone through the kind of trying times that Hrithik Roshan has experienced in his life. Though he has undergone upheavals on the personal and health front, he has never let it affect his career. His success story is all about resolve, perseverance and the determination to make it against the biggest of odds. After the stupendous success of his last film, Krrish 3, the superstar is back with adrenaline pumping action in his next film Bang Bang. Vision Asia caught up with the reel and real-life superhero for an interview on his upcoming movie, the challenges he faced while filming it and his personal life.

October brings some exciting viewing to Vision Asia this festive season!

Aamir Khan’s Satyamev Jayate returns to Star Plus with a new season. New dailies launched are Humsafars, Itti Si Khushi and Hum Hai Naa on Sony, Bandhan on Zee TV and Ajeeb Dastan Hai Yeh on Life OK. New weekly shows include Neeli Chhatri Wale on Zee TV & silent comedies Gutur Gu 3 and Chintu & Pintu on SAB. Reality shows are back with a bang starting with Bigg Boss Season 8 with Salman Khan on Colors, Dare 2 Dance with Akshay Kumar on Life OK and Dil Se Naachein Indiawaale with Shah Rukh Khan on Zee TV.

World Television Premieres to watch out for are blockbusters Kick and Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania. Super hit movies in the month are Chak De India, Jai Ho, Dedh Ishqiya, Chennai Express. Classics to enjoy include Satte Pe Satta, Namak Halal, Nayak, Half Ticket. Zee TV is also airing a Sindhi movie Halyo Aa Putt Actor Thiyan.

Tamil viewers can enjoy a new daily drama series Aandaal Azhagar on Vijay International. Premieres on PTC Punjabi include Mr. & Mrs. 420 and Romeo Ranjha.

We wish you a very happy Dusshera, Eid al-Adha and Diwali this October. We would like to hear from you. Do write to us on [email protected]

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CONTENTS

Hrithik Roshan

I prepared myself for the worst in life and the best of things happened to me.

COVER STORY10

Birthday predictions of stars

NumEROSCOpE7

Priyanka Chopra: Fitness is in the mind

FiTNESS18

Aamir Khan for women empowerment

NEwS ExpRESS40

A. R. Rahman: Music that motivates

BEhiNd ThE SCENES44

A peek into B-town’s latest happenings

QuiCk updaTES 8

A Beijing stopoverTRaVEl 22

Films to watch out for this month

pREViEwS4

What are Bollywood celebs upto?

GliTz & GlamOuR 36

4 October 2014 | www.visionasia.co.nz

PREVIEW

Happy New Year

Super Nani

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

Produced by Gauri Khan under the banner Red Chillies Entertainment and directed by Farah Khan, Happy New Year is the ultimate underdog story where a team of ‘losers’ win the love of millions in their quest to pull off the biggest diamond heist ever. Shahrukh Khan plays the role of Charlie, a fearless thief and a mastermind hacker. There is another twist to the story when Charlie and his three friends decide to participate in a world dance championship, despite being total novices in the art of dancing. A dancer in a down-market bar (played by Deepika Padukone) from a far flung Mumbai suburb comes to their rescue and helps the men win the competition. Boman Irani, Abhishek Bachchan and Sonu Sood play the role of Shah Rukh Khan’s buddies in the film. This is the third time Shah Rukh Khan has teamed up with director Farah Khan, the earlier two films being Main Hoon Na (2004) and Om Shanti Om (2007), both of which went on to become huge box-office successes. The film is scheduled to be released on the eve of Diwali on October 24, 2014 and has all the elements characteristic of Farah Khan’s films - song, dance, romance and melodrama. Besides some outstanding music, the movie also has great dance sequences, including one that is for 20-minutes non-stop!

After playing a grandmother in her last film, Krrish, the evergreen Rekha is all set to capture the imagination of the audiences once again in the role of a Super Nani. The actress will be seen undergoing a drastic transformation from a conventional nani to a contemporary and ambitious grandmother, who is ready to take on the world.The film tells the story of a woman who is devoted to her husband and children and sacrifices everything for her family. However her family members tend to take her for granted. She even suffers humiliation at their hands. The turning point of the story happens when her grandson comes to her rescue and encourages her to go for a makeover. She breaks away from all the norms and returns back transformed with a determined and purposeful life. In this avatar, she also agrees to do a commercial for a friend, in which she apes the mannerisms of Amitabh Bachchan. While the film tries to make a point, it is full of hilarious moments, when Super Nani takes potshots at her detractors. If anything, it will be worth watching for Rekha’s nani act and her makeover. The film has been directed by Indra Kumar and it stars Rekha, Randhir Kapoor, Sharman Joshi, Shweta Kumar and Anupam Kher among others.

5www.visionasia.co.nz | October 2014

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His numbersBorn on 11th October 1942, Amitabh Bachchan is a Number 2 (Moon) person in numerology. Being ruled by Number 2, he is automatically ruled by Number 7 (Ketu) as well since the numbers 2 and 7 always go hand in hand. Like all Librans, he is also ruled by Number 6 (Venus). Since his destiny number adds up to Number 1, he is also ruled by the most powerful star in our galaxy, the Sun.

His personality Few people are aware of this, but Mr. Bachchan could well be a soft and extremely gullible person despite his towering persona, all due to being ruled by Number 2 and the Moon. Those who know him well will vouch for the fact that he is a child by heart and way too easy to impress. That is one of the reasons why he trusts people so easily, which is actually not good for him. While his fame has everything to do with Number 6 and being ruled by Number 1 makes him the ‘numero uno’ star in the industry. People who are ruled by Numbers 1, 2, 6 or 7 are most successful in creative fields. Summing up, besides his hard work, honesty and dedication towards his craft, Mr Bachchan’s numbers have also contributed significantly to his super success.

What the year ahead has in store for himMr. Bachchan will now be entering the 73rd year of his life which indicates a not-so-good period ahead of him with a few minor health issues. In 2015, his next release Shamitabh will be appreciated for its novel subject and his earnest performance, but its business will be restricted, states Bhavikk.

Remedies to beat the bluesWearing a Ruby set in gold on his ring finger on a Sunday morning will help him deal better with aggressive situations and reduce palpitations of the heart and irregular heartbeats caused mainly due to over-anxiety. All in all, it is a precautionary period for the legendary actor in the months to come.

Her numbersParineeti was born on 22nd October, 1988 which makes her a Number 4 (Rahu) person in numerology. Being a Libran, she is ruled by Number 6 (Venus) while her destiny number also adds up to Number 4. Since she also has a slight cusp of Scorpio, she is partially ruled by Number 9 (Mars) too.

Her personalityWhile her balanced personality is an outcome of her being a Libran, her great conversation skills and her practicality can be attributed to her being doubly ruled by Number 4. People ruled by Number 4 are also known to be patient, besides being generous and helpful.

What the year ahead has in store for her Parineeti will now enter her 27th year which indicates a mixed bag of results in the days to come. Her next film, Kill Dill, is unlikely to conform to box-office expectations, but no fingers will be pointed at her.On the personal front, she may come across someone interesting but she should not get in to any commitment at this stage in her life. On the health front she needs to exercise caution. She should also take extra precautions when it comes to indulging in outdoor activities or adventures.

Remedies to beat the bluesWearing a Hessonite on her middle finger on a Saturday (two hours after sunset) will help Parineeti find the right person in life. It will also help her take decisions with a much better clarity of mind and steer clear of wrong decision making.

NUMEROSCOPE

Ace astro-numerologist Bhavikk Sangghvi predicts what the future holds in store for superstar Amitabh Bachchan and actress Parineeti Chopra on the eve of their 72nd and 26th birthdays.

and the year ahead

Amitabh Bachchan

Parineeti Chopra

Star birthdays


QUICK UPDATES

After doing bold roles in Jism 2 and Ragini MMS 2, Sunny Leone is trying

to go beyond her sexy siren image and explore diverse roles on screen. After signing her first family entertainer Patel Rap, she will be seen essaying a double role in an upcoming comedy, Mastizaade. The laugh riot will see the actress playing the role of twin sisters, Laila Lele and Lily Lele. The film co-stars Tusshar Kapoor and Vir Das and has already begun shooting in Mumbai.

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan is currently on a world tour with the Happy New

Year team as part of the film’s promotions. Accompanying him in his entourage are Madhuri Dixit, Malaika Arora Khan, singers Yo Yo Honey Singh and Kanika Kapoor. The SLAM tour (Sound, Light, Action, Movie) as it is being called, began on Sep 19 in Houston, with an overwhelming response from SRK’s Asian and American fans, who thronged in huge numbers at his Houston and New Jersey performances. The team has been performing on songs from the film, besides the famous Darde Disco song from Shah Rukh’s earlier production, Om Shanti Om.

The Emraan Hashmi starrer Tigers, which recently premiered at the Toronto

International Film Festival (TIFF), will hit theatres in India in January 2015. The film directed by the Oscar-winning Bosnian filmmaker, Danis Tanovic, marks Emraan’s Hollywood debut. It is based on the true story of a Pakistani salesman, Syed Aamir Raza, who is now a cab driver in Toronto and lives with his family in Mississauga.


QUICK UPDATES

Reports suggest that Arjun Kapoor has been finalized to play the role of Lakhan

in the remake of Ram Lakhan, the classic Jackie Shroff-Anil Kapoor starrer of the late 80’s which had created history at the box-office. Apparently, Arjun Kapoor has been roped in for the iconic character that was played by Anil Kapoor in the blockbuster directed by Subhash Ghai. The film will be directed by Rohit Shetty who has joined hands with film-maker Karan Johar to remake the film in association with Mukta Arts.

Varun Dhawan will be seen playing the role of a waiter in his next film, ABCD

2. The Main Tera Hero star will be seen wooing Shraddha Kapoor, who will play the role of a hair-dresser in the film. Few are aware that Varun and Shraddha have grown-up together as kids and share a great camaraderie with each other. The dance-drama is said to be inspired from a true story of an Indian dance troupe that participated in the world Hip Hop Championships.

After the success of Kick, filmmakers are vying with each other to sign Jacqueline

Fernandez on the dotted line. The latest is that the actress has been confirmed opposite Tiger Shroff to play his love interest for an action film to be produced by Ekta Kapoor and directed by Remo D’Souza. The makers are not dissuaded by the fact that Jacqueline is a few years older than Tiger and find her to be perfect for the action romance.

After producing and directing a short film Touch, based on the relationship

between a four-year old boy and a dog, Kangana Ranaut is contemplating directing a chick flick. The actress, who enrolled at the New York Film Academy for a two-month course in script-writing, has already penned a couple of scripts and is said to be fine-tuning this particular script for a full-fledged Bollywood film. According to sources, Kangana wants to make her directorial debut with a light romantic comedy, which could be an ideal date film. She loves chick flicks like Bridget Jones Diary and The Devil Wears Prada, but she wants to direct an original film which is completely her brainchild.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is all set to return to the arc lights after a four-year

sabbatical with Sanjay Gupta’s Jazbaa. The actress, who was roped in for the film, after extensive discussions and script-readings, gave her nod for the project after both she and Abhishek Bachchan heard the script and her role in the film. Aishwarya will play the role of a lawyer in the supposedly edge-of-the-seat thriller, which will also star Irrfan Khan, Arjun Rampal and John Abraham.

After a long hiatus from films, Govinda is all set to make a dramatic return on

screen in Kil Dill. The actor, who was once known as the comedy king will be seen in a black shirt, neon pink pants and aviators, holding a gun in his hand. The younger breed of actors who saw Govinda in the recent teaser posters of the film, have complimented the actor. In the film, Govinda will be seen playing the role of a villain who is ready to kill for money.


COVER STORY

He has been going through trying times on the health front and in his personal life but Hrithik Roshan has never let it affect his career. After the stupendous success of his last film, Krrish 3, the superstar is back with adrenaline pumping action in his next film, Bang Bang. In a media interaction, Hrithik spoke about his role in the film, the challenges he faced while doing it and the equation he shares his family.

I prepared myself for the

in life



COVER STORY

Bang Bang was a challenging film for you on every front. How did you manage to shoot for the film despite all the limitations? To be honest, all of us went through testing times while shooting for the film. Apart from my brain surgery, we were bogged down by several other problems in the initial stages of the film. We also got caught in a storm while shooting for the film in Thailand. Besides, our Kashmir schedule didn’t take off as planned. Everything went haywire right from the start. Completing the film seemed to be a distant dream at one stage.

How different was the experience shooting for this film in comparison to your last film, Krrish 3?During the making of Krrish 3, I was involved in the film at every stage. It was my father’s film and I handled everything from being the spot boy to the assistant and the hero of the film. I did everything out of fear as I had to get it right. On the other hand, in this film we kept empowering each other. Director Sid kept pushing me and calmed me down all the time. It helped to discover a new side to me.

Weren’t you apprehensive performing the hi-octane stunts in the film, going against the advice of your doctors? We all go through challenges and our success lies in overcoming them and achieving our goals. Once you are clear in your mind and are ready to brave the odds, you invariably end up putting your best foot forward. I prepared myself for the worst in life and the best of things happened to me. Also, shooting for this film was different in the sense that I did zero preparation for my role. Usually, I make it a point to prepare myself thoroughly for a role. So it was more of instinctive thinking.

We are told that you took a keen interest in the making of the film, apart from shooting for it. Apparently, you made it a point to sit at the editing table and watch the rushes to ensure that things were going right. This is the first film I took a keen interest in the making of the film behind the scenes, something that I had not done before. In fact this film really surprised me on every front. While I don’t deny that I have made a great contribution as an actor, you will realize that the film belongs to director Siddharth Anand when you see it. The action in the film wouldn’t have been possible without him. I would say it is one of the best films in my career.

You are said to have paid a tribute to Michael Jackson in the film? Was it your own idea?It was director Siddharth Anand who came


We all go through challenges and

our success lies in overcoming them and achieving our

goals

I wasn’t the slightest bit

sure about how I could match up to the steps of the ultimate pop icon


COVER STORY

up with the idea of doing a number inspired by Michael Jackson. The idea seemed far-fetched and I told him it was crazy. I adore him and it was always a dream to dance like him but I wasn’t the slightest bit sure about how I could match up to the steps of the ultimate pop icon. However, Siddharth was confident that I could do it. He asked me to go ahead. I then decided that I would pay a tribute to him no matter how well I lived up to expectations. It was this thought that helped me overcome all limitations. I think love always sets you free.

While Shah Rukh Khan has achieved eight packs for Happy New Year, you too have stretched your physical limits to achieve eight packs for the film. Do you think it makes a difference to the way you look on screen? Instead of discussing eight packs and six packs, people should talk about the kind of discipline and consistency that goes into building up a body irrespective of age. We actors have to work hard and push our limits to inspire people. The truth is that all of us

have six packs in our body but they are not visible because we have a layer of fat over them. It takes hours of painful workouts and diligence to get a body like that. There are many youngsters who don’t have the resources but dream of a great body. We need to educate them with tools to get a fitter body and help achieve their dreams.

How comfortable were you working with Katrina Kaif after you last worked with her in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara? Katrina and I have now become the best of friends. I can relate to her very well too. The two of us have given the film our best shot and we are looking forward to it.

Have your children watched the film and what is their reaction?My children are far too young to watch films yet but they did see the teaser of the film. They jumped in excitement when they saw the teaser. They also got down to humming the songs in the film after listening to its music. That’s when I told Siddharth that we had a great product there.

I don’t deny that I have made a great contribution as an actor but you will

realize that the film belongs to director Siddharth Anand


COVER STORY

“Hrithik is a strong and courageous boy and he has gone through so much in life but he has never accepted defeat. Hrithik is a true fighter in life. In fact when doctors advised him not to do certain things, he defied them and moved ahead confidently. He has become a self-appointed doctor now as he knows about a lot of cures for ailments. Whenever any of us is unwell, the first thing we do is to call him and ask him for a home-remedy. He is also a great moral support to my daughter Sunaina. She is a fighter too in a silent way. While Hrithik is a great son to me, he is a great actor in his own right. I wouldn’t hesitate to say that he is one of the finest actors we have in the industry. When I have an actor like him at home why do I go about looking for other heroes? When I think of a role for him, the first thought that enters my mind is whether the role will be challenging enough for him as an actor. As an actor too, Hrithik has climbed up the ladder of success, without harming anyone. He has never tried to overshadow anyone in his career. He is not in the numbers race either. I think it is his destiny which got him to where he is.”

Rakesh Roshan on his son Hrithik Roshan

My father has been a friend and

a mentor and has always stood beside me in good

and bad times

Your separation from Suzanne must have been a difficult phase in your life. How have you learnt to cope up with the whole chapter? It has been a trying time for me and my entire family and I need the privacy to handle that. I do not want to upset my fans too. I do believe in the institution of marriage and will always adhere to it. I feel sorry that things did not work out between us. Suzanne is and will continue to be the love of my life. If her smiles are brighter without me, my love for her must accomplish that. If she is happy, I am happy for her and for my children. I will try to give them as much love as I can.

You and your father share a great bonding with each other. Tell us about your relationship with your parents. My father has been a friend and a mentor and has always stood beside me in good and bad times. He is a strong person and has never shown any weakness even in the most difficult of times. He has had a tough life himself and I want to give him all the happiness I can as long as I live. We are two different individuals from different schools of thought. It is said that old is gold and he is one of those golden people whom I truly adore. We argue a lot but we have no egos and that works for our films. Either ways we are both convinced in the end. He never sympathizes with me when I am down. Instead he encourages me to go ahead with life. I want to be that kind of father to my children too.


COVER STORY

The invincible

superhero

14

His success story is all about resolve, perseverance and the determination to make it against the biggest of odds. His Greek God looks and chiseled physique were not achieved overnight either. From overcoming his speech disorder problems as a child to mastering the ropes of film-making as an assistant, and finally attaining superstardom, Hrithik has worked his way to the top. The actor, who recently recovered from a brain surgery and a tumultuous marriage, is determined to take his career to new heights.

It takes hours of painful workouts and diligence to get a body like

that

10th January, 1974: Hrithik Roshan was born to film director Rakesh Roshan and mother Pinky in Mumbai.

1980: Hrithik made his first appearance on screen as a child artist in his maternal grandfather J.Om Prakash’s film, Aasha. The little boy who was dancing spontaneously was unaware that he was being filmed at the time.

1992: After training in Kishore Namit Kapoor’s acting institute, Hrithik joined his father as an assistant. For six long years from Khel to Koyla, he went on to learn the ropes of film-making even as he interacted with some of the biggest stars like Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixt and Kajol.

2000: Hrithik made a smashing debut on screen with his father Rakesh Roshan’s film, Kaho Naa….Pyaar Hai. His electric dancing moves in the chartbuster Ek Pal Ka Jeena made him an overnight sensation. He also won the 2001 Filmfare Best Male Debut Award and the Filmfare Best Actor Award for his double role in the film. His next two films saw him playing the dark role of a terrorist. While Fiza proved to be a flop at the box-office, his


COVER STORY

performance was widely appreciated in Mission Kashmir.

After a long courtship, Hrithik got married to his lady-love, Sussanne Khan. The two dated each other for four years after Hrithik fell in love with Sussanne, an interior designer, when he spotted her at a traffic signal.

2001: Hrithik was paired for the first time with Kareena Kapoor in Subhash Ghai’s romantic drama, Yaadein. The film failed to perform in India, though it became a huge success in the overseas market.

Later that year Hrithik bounced back with producer-director Karan Johar’s mammoth venture Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, in which he co-starred with Big B and superstar Shah Rukh Khan.

2002: Hrithik’s career hit a new low with three consecutive flops at the box-office. There were great expectations from his last release of the year, Mujhse Dosti Karoge from the Yash Raj banner, but the film got a dismal response.

2003: His chemistry with Kareena Kapoor was once again evident in Sooraj Barjatiya’s Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon, which co-starred Abhishek Bachchan but the film did not click at the box-office. Hrithik teamed up with his father for the second time and bounced back with a vengeance with a sci-fi film, Koi Mil Gaya. His performance in the role of a mentally challenged boy got him rave reviews from the critics. The film proved the highest-grossing Hindi movie of the year and also won him his second Filmfare Award for Best Actor.

2006: Hrithik became the proud father of Hrehaan, his first son. His second son, Hridhaan, was born two years later in 2008.

Hrithik attained the status of a superhero with his death-defying stunts in Krrish, a sequel to Koi... Mil Gaya. Directed once again by his father the film saw him playing a triple role for the first time on screen. The film became a major critical and commercial box-office success.

Hrithik stole the show in the role of an enigmatic and sexy master thief in Dhoom-2, the sequel to the highly successful Dhoom from Yash Raj Films. He was featured opposite the beautiful and talented Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. The movie emerged a global blockbuster and also won him his third Filmfare Award.

2008: Hrithik essayed the role of the young Mughal Emperor Akbar the Great, who marries the Hindu princess Jodhabai (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan) in a political alliance. The film also won him his first international award for best actor at the Golden Minbar International Film Festival in Kazan, Russia.

2010: There was a tremendous pre-release curiosity around Hrithik’s next family-production Kites. The actor was paired with Uruguayan-Mexican actress Barbara Mori in the ambitious multi-national romantic thriller. The film underperformed in India but did very good business overseas. It also sparked off rumours about a passionate affair brewing between Hrithik and Barbara.

The year also marked Hrithik’s first collaboration with director Sanjay Leela Bhansali for the bittersweet drama Guzaarish, in which he was paired for the third time with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. The film received excellent reviews for Hrithik’s amazing performance of a quadriplegic pleading for euthanasia.

2011: Hrithik was paired with Katrina Kaif for the first time in Zoya Akhtar’s multi-star comedy Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara about three friends who rediscover their lives and their relationship during a road trip in Spain. The film was widely successful at the box-office.

2012: Hrithik’s subsequent release, Agneepath, the remake of the classic 1990 revenge drama, once again made history at the box-office. The film also won him accolades for re-interpreting one of the iconic characters of Hindi cinema, Vijay

Deenanath Chauhan, originally played by Amitabh Bachchan.

2013: Hrithik stunned the audiences with his performance in his next film, the m e g a - p r o j e c t Krrish 3, in which he was paired with Priyanka Chopra. He obtained the cult status of a super-hero with kids going crazy over his antics.

Hrithik underwent brain surgery after suffering a severe head injury while attempting a stunt for Bang Bang. The brain surgery strengthened his will to fight against all odds and come out unscathed.

Hrithik and his wife Sussanne officially announced their separation. In a statement, Hrithik said that it was Sussanne who had decided to part ways and end their 17 year relationship.

2014: Hrithik Roshan and Sussanne officially filed for a divorce at a family court in Bandra, Mumbai. The hearing of their case is scheduled to take place on October 31.

If Suzanne is happy, I am happy for her and for my

children


OPINION

Most of us celebrate the festival of lights by lighting the traditional diyas, gorging on sweets, wearing new clothes and welcoming friends home. For Bollywood celebrities however it is an opportunity to spend quality time with their families. There’s razzle-dazzle too as stars believe in doing everything in style. Vision Asia caught up with a few Bollywood personalities to find out about their most memorable Diwali and what the festival means to them.

My most memorable

I would say the most memorable Diwali for me was the one when I shifted to Mumbai from U.S. with my husband and two kids. It was like a home-coming after a long time. My in-laws and my family later got together for a huge celebration. This year I am planning to celebrate Diwali with my husband and family members. It is going to be a quiet and a simple celebration. I am against the idea of burning crackers and I have also educated my children about how they affect our surroundings. We all need to believe in celebrating an eco-friendly Diwali. We need to save the environment from getting polluted any further.

Madhuri Dixit

My most memorable Diwali was the one I celebrated for the first time after marriage as it was also my first Diwali outside home. It was special because we had a huge get-together where my parents and Siddharth’s family got together to celebrate the festival. There was a lot of festivity around with the traditional lights and sweets and gifts flowing in. I make it a point to dress up in traditional saris on Diwali days. The festival is also an occasion to go out shopping to buy new saris and jewellery. I like a noise free and pollution free Diwali.

Vidya Balan


For me, my most memorable Diwali was the one I celebrated last year. I had successfully undergone brain surgery and I thanked God profusely for that. Also Krrish 3 proved to be a big hit. I see Diwali as a festival of love, lights and forgiveness. The family usually gets together for the traditional puja. We Roshans are grounded and love to share our happiness with everyone around. Every Diwali is memorable for me and this year it will be memorable too. That’s because Suzanne and I are not together anymore. I am looking forward to meeting my kids who will be coming over to celebrate the festival.

Hrithik Roshan

For me Diwali is all about spending some of the best moments with my family. I started work at the age of 16 and have been travelling ever since. My sister too is away most of the times. So my parents look forward to having us home on this special occasion. I love Diwali sweets and that is one time when I don’t diet, as I gorge on all the delicacies. However I doubt whether I will be able to get home this Diwali as I am busy promoting Happy New Year, which is set for a Diwali release. I plan to visit my parents soon after the film releases.

Deepika Padukone

OPINION

My most memorable Diwali was when I won the Gladrags contest for the first time. I got to know about the news when I was home for Diwali with my parents. We had a grand celebration thereafter. For me, Diwali has always been a special occasion because of the grand Laxmi Puja we have in our house. I am not in favour of bursting crackers though. I think we should ban them as it disturbs small children and old people. It also creates the menace of air and noise pollution. Apart from that, the best part that I love about the festival is skipping my regular diets. I find all the Bengali Sweets irresistible and I make it a point to relish them. It’s also the festival of love which is abundant in the air at that time.Bipasha Basu

The most special Diwali for me was the year my son was born. We were busy welcoming home the cute bundle of joy in our lives. This Diwali I will be going on a holiday with my family. I want to spend some quality time with my son too. I want to enjoy his growing up process and give him all the love of a father. I do not want to deprive him of my share of love, which is why I have cut down on signing films. Diwali this time will be about the whole family coming together.

Vivek Oberoi


For an actress who hated going to the gym, it was a tough challenge for Priyanka Chopra to get into a rigorous fitness routine for the role of the international boxing sensation Mary Kom. It was her grit and determination that helped the actress to achieve the desired level of fitness. She recounts her fitness journey.

weighed down by

I have never been

challenges

FITNESS

All challenges can be overcome if you are determined to go ahead


FITNESS

19

There was a time when Priyanka was wary of snacking on vegetables and fruits and spending long hours training for her role of Mary Kom. The actress had to literally push herself to play the role of the boxer in the film. Even more challenging was the fact that this time her fitness training extended way beyond Bollywood related workouts. The actress had to bear heavy weights and reach the point of exhaustion day after day. But Priyanka was not one to give up easily, “I have never been weighed down by challenges in life. It was tough no doubt but I knew that I was prepared to take it head on and overcome all my apprehensions. I had taken up the role and I was determined to attain the level of fitness required for it,” the actress recalls. Fortunately for Priyanka, her trainers Prashant and Samir Juara supported her in her endeavour and made sure that the actress trained every single day for the role of Mary Kom. “They were the disciplinarians who kept a vigil on my diet and workouts all day long and I owe my success in the role to them,” smiles the actress.

Her dietWhile her exercise routine underwent a total change, Priyanka’s preparation for the role started with a heavy protein diet to build up her muscle mass. “I was put on a diet rich in proteins. I was totally off fried foods and carbohydrates when I was training. I was not allowed to cheat even for a single day. Prashant made sure that I took care of my diet,” says Priyanka Chopra.Her daily diet routine consisted of oatmeal and two egg whites for breakfast followed by a glass of skimmed milk an hour later. Her midday snack consisted of coconut water and a small bowl of nuts comprising of almonds, walnuts, raisins, figs and sunflower seeds. Lunch was two rotis, green veggies, pulses or grilled chicken and salad. That would be followed by a bowl of sprouts or a turkey sandwich in the evening. Dinner had to be wrapped up by eight p.m. and consisted of grilled fish or chicken and sautéed vegetables. There were occasions when she was tempted to have a Punjabi delicacy after a long workout but her trainers would curtly refuse her requests. It was Mary Kom who would occasionally come to her rescue, “I would curse my trainers at times. They would never let me eat anything though Mary Kom was surprisingly known to have rice in her daily diet. She was naturally thin and she had survived on rice all the time. Sometimes she

would get rice for me and I would have it on the sly,” she smiles. Priyanka admits that the last few months were even more challenging, when she was required to shoot for some of the action scenes in the film, “That was a truly grueling period because I could not afford to cheat. I used to have plenty of liquids like juice, coconut water and water. Water is a must as it keeps your skin healthy. I kept having small meals so that I never went hungry or craved for food,” she says.

Her exercise routineIn order to build up her muscle mass, Priyanka was put on a complex training program, which included reverse lunges, bench jumps, crunches, weight training, running and spinning throughout the day; followed by mental training too. “I trained on different parts of the body on different days, followed by a routine of training in boxing” she reveals. The actress trained so hard that a bag filled with weights went everywhere that she was shooting. She had to suffer aches and injuries but there was no respite as she prepared for her look of a boxer in the film. She also had to undergo a lot of functional

training and stretching to improve flexibility and increase her stamina.Her well-toned abs and muscles however began to pose a problem when she had to start shooting for another film, Dil Dhadakne Do. The director was not too happy with her muscled body. Priyanka then switched over to wearing long-sleeved dresses to hide the bulk. However she was delighted when all the hard work paid off and she began to feel the intensity of her character in the film. The most satisfying moment for her was when Mary Kom complimented her on her performance, when she saw the film for the first time, “It gave me a new high. I was also convinced that all challenges can be overcome if you are determined to go ahead,” the actress recalls. According to Priyanka, it is very important to be in the right frame of mind if you have to achieve anything in life, “It is all in the mind. If you are positive and focused in life, the sky is the limit. Besides fitness needs to be inculcated as a way of life”.

It was tough no doubt but I knew that I was prepared to take it on head on and overcome all my apprehensions


SPECIAL FEATURE

Stars congregate at

Jagran Film FestivalThe who's who of the film and television circuit descended at Taj Land’s End in the Mumbai suburb of Bandra to celebrate the fifth edition of the Jagran Film Festival. The star-studded event witnessed several B-town personalities at their fashionable best, even as they exchanged views on the best of cinema. Among the many stars who were spotted at the event were the father son duo of Rakesh and Hrithik Roshan, Vidya Balan who looked resplendent in an electric blue sari, Priyanka Chopra looking cool and casual in a floral knee-length Blumarine outfit, Heropanti debutante Tiger Shroff who looked dashing as ever, the vibrant Sushmita Sen who sizzled in a black outfit, Kangana Ranaut who looked chic in a demure-looking white dress with black boots, Kiran Rao who was seen in a sari, the handsome Vivek Oberoi and Adnan Sami who came with his wife.

The festival, which is held across 16 cities, started with Delhi after which it travelled through several places, before concluding on a grand scale in Mumbai. It included regional, national and international films.

This year’s edition was filled with an exciting and diverse line-up of films from over the world, screened under various sections. The Indian showcase included more than 20 feature films, made in several Indian languages, including Hindi blockbusters.

According to the spokesperson of the Jagran Group, the Jagran Film Festival (JFF) is an initiative of creating a culture of cinema appreciation.



SPECIAL FEATURE



TRAVEL

22 October 2014 | www.visionasia.co.nz Beijing CBD skyline at sunset

Beijing One day in


TRAVEL

Red entrance gate to the Forbidden City

Beijing, China’s bustling capital city, is an astonishing patchwork of emerging skyscrapers, sprawling residential neighborhoods and cultural landmarks. This teeming metropolis holds more attractions than average tourist could witness in a year, much less a brief stopover. With so much to offer, it’s hard to decide which of Beijing’s myriad restaurants, museums and shops merit a spot at the top of the traveler’s itinerary. A few spots are truly must-sees for any traveler, though.

If the Forbidden City is home to China’s historical past, Tiananmen Square hosts the country’s controversial past. You’ll immediately recognize the square as the location of one of the world’s most famous photographs, but you won’t find tanks or demonstrators there today. Instead, the striking thing about Tiananmen Square today is the huge swath of open space in the middle of the dense urban jungle. Even as you buy a tasty local treat from a vendor on the corner, it’s impossible to avoid a slight

Beijing’s “Forbidden City” is the cultural epicenter of China. It was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming dynasty to the end of the Qing dynasty. Ancient Chinese astronomers believed that the Purple Star (Polaris) was the center of heaven and the Heavenly Emperor lived in the Purple Palace. The Palace for the Emperor on earth was therefore called the Purple City. It was forbidden to enter without special permission of the Emperor. Hence its name The Purple Forbidden City or The Forbidden City as it is commonly known. The vast complex contains the Imperial Palace and some of the most importance artifacts of China’s long, storied history. The site is the Asian superpower’s Smithsonian and Metropolitan Museum of Art rolled into one. To adequately explore the entire complex would take weeks, but a state-certified tour guide can show you the highlights. Be sure to snap a photograph at the palace’s iconic entrance.

feeling of tension while standing on the set of one of the world’s most famous political dramas.

After a long day of cultural experiences, you’ll be delighted to find a huge array of delicious cuisine in Beijing. It’s possible to find food from every culture in the world in the capital city, but the local favorite is roast duck. Often called “Peking Duck,” this dish is a Beijing specialty. Available at any upscale restaurant, you’ll find it a delightful mix of crisp, flaky skin and impossibly tender meat. Wash it down with one of China’s many local varieties of beer, some of which are good enough to compete with the finest German lagers.

Beijing has a lot to offer a weary traveler, but like any city, it has its downsides. Traffic is heavy and difficult to navigate, and the city’s reputation for serious air pollution is certainly justified. Despite these concerns, however, Beijing is an exciting destination for a short stopover or a week’s exploration.

Beijing is one of the world’s most important cities and the metropolis attracts more and more tourists each year. Although exploring the whole city would take weeks, here’s what you can do if you have a quick stopover in the city.



Ilea

na

D’c

ruz


STRAIGHT TALK

Known to be the heartthrob for millions of television and film audiences in Pakistan, Fawad Khan recently made his Bollywood film debut with Khoobsurat. In a brief interview, the multifaceted model-turned-singer-turned-actor spoke on his debut film, his career so far and working in Bollywood.

There are certain formalities that need to be followed whenever you go to any country and I completely respect that


intimate scenes on screen

I am not in favour of doing


STRAIGHT TALK

What were your reasons for signing Khoobsurat?The first and foremost reason was I felt it was a great opportunity for me to do something different. The second reason was that the film gave me an excuse to meet Anil Kapoor. I am an ardent fan of the veteran actor. Also, as an artist I am eager to explore my potential and experiment with roles.

Did you see the original film?I like to do my homework. When I was called for the audition, I made sure I saw the original film. It is no doubt a timeless classic. However, when I read the script I realised that the film we were making was completely different from the original. In the original film there is comedy, drama, romance but this is primarily a romantic film. In that context, watching the original did not contribute to my role in the film.

Khoobsurat is a woman-centric film. Did you have second thoughts about signing the film, considering that it’s your debut film in Bollywood?I never looked at it as a risky proposition. On the contrary, I was happy about the fact that I could play safe. I have been part of women centric stuff in Pakistan too. I think it is unfair to divide any form of art as woman or male centric.

Tell us about your meeting with Anil KapoorI was star struck. I kept looking down…I was intimidated.

Which films of Anil Kapoor are your favourites?Among my personal favourites are Mr India, Tezaab, Woh Saat Din, Beta, Trimurti and others.

How did acting happen to you?It happened by chance. When I was in university I met a couple of people who became an important part of my life. I was studying in a computer sciences college at that point of time, even as I got introduced to acting and singing. A few of us got together to form this rock band called Entity Paradigm. We would do tributes to other bands and play at underground nights. Later I was inspired by people like Moin Akhtar, Amitabh Bachchan, Anil Kapoor and others to venture into acting.

Do you think Bollywood has become the hub for Pakistani actors?It is no doubt a big industry with 100 years of experience behind it. As actors, we definitely learn a lot from Hindi films.

Bollywood actors have no qualms about doing bold and intimate scenes in films, something which is unacceptable in Pakistan. What is your stand on this? I am aware of the fact that it is not acceptable to my audiences. Personally too, I am not in favour of doing such scenes on screen. There are some actors who are open to the idea of doing such roles and it is their personal choice.

Whom do you admire among the contemporary actors in India and Pakistan? I have seen Ali Zafar’s films and I admire him. He is an overall package. He has got the looks and the acting talent and he can sing too. I am also a fan of Ranbir Kapoor. I think success and failure depend on the content of a film and the audience preferences as well, apart from the actors and their performances.

Tell us about cinema in Pakistan.Earlier, films in Pakistan were made in regional languages for selective audiences only, but all that has changed now. Today, there is lot of viewership for Hindi films. The volume and output of films has increased much more than what it was a few years ago. The audiences are also going out and watching films. I am told that in the past six months, at least 12 films have released, which is a good number.

Pakistani actors often face a backlash in India from political parties, besides issues with visa extensions and other factors. How do you perceive these problems? As far as visa issues are concerned, the delay in visa extensions is justified from the security point of view, considering the events happening around in the world. Sure, it is time-consuming but I also feel it is important to follow the rules. There are certain formalities that need to be done whenever you go to any country and I completely respect that. Apart from that, there are both positive and negative people in every place you go.

By Srabanti Chakravarthy

I have seen Ali Zafar’s films and I admire him. He is an overall package


It has become a trend to

actors these days

link up

FACE TO FACE



I learnt how to make Roomali Roti though. A cook showed me how to twist the dough and flip it in the air

Unlike his contemporaries, Aditya Roy Kapur has no starry airs. He is in no hurry to make it to the top either. The 28-year old actor is content in his own space, oblivious to the stiff competition in the industry. After playing an alcoholic to the hilt in his last film, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Aditya surprised audiences with his portrayal of a chef in his recently released film, Daawat-E-Ishq. The actor talks about his latest release, his inspiration in life, his equation with his siblings and his current relationship status.

Your character in your latest release, Daawat-E-Ishq is quite a departure from the roles you played in Aashiqui 2 and Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani. What prompted you to sign the film?Post Aashiqui 2 and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, I wanted to see how the industry reacted to my performances. I also wanted to explore a role that was completely different. I came across a few offers but none of them interested me. When Daawat-E-Ishq came along I was fascinated by the story from day one. It had a very realistic feel to it and I immediately decided to go ahead with the film. Habib Faisal is a brilliant director and I have gained a lot as an actor from this film.

How challenging was the experience of playing the character of a chef in the film? The zone that I entered with this film was alien to me. I had never been to Lucknow and I was a total novice in cooking. My culinary skills are limited to making coffee, scrambled eggs and Maggi noodles. Fortunately, I didn’t have to cook in the film. I learnt how to make Roomali Roti though. A cook showed me how to twist the dough and flip it in the air. I leant how to do it in 15 to 20 months. Parineeti would often get annoyed because it would be messy and her nails would tear it up. Also, my father is an excellent cook so I took a few chopping lessons from him which really came in handy during the shoots.

Was your makeover in the film intentional as you seemed to have got trapped in the drunken image in your last two films?I feel it is important for every actor to innovate his or her looks to take the audiences by surprise. My director Habib Faisal wanted me to adapt this look as he felt the audience needed to see a new character on screen. Though I was told that it was too early in my career to experiment with a new look, I am glad that I opted for it.

How much have your brothers helped you with your career?In terms of help from my brothers, we all charted out our own paths in life. We never grew up in a film family. My eldest brother, Siddharth was working with STAR as the Head of Marketing – Hong Kong, before he joined the industry ten years ago. He’s now got tremendous responsibility on hand as the head of a premier production company. My other brother Kunal was into theatre. I was a DJ at one point but I have now become an actor. We are happy that we made it on our own.

You also wrote and had your own band once upon a time?I do write and also play a few English songs. I did have my own band in my college days. Those days, I was inspired by Elton John, rock and hip hop music. I was also a great fan of Jim Morrison. I would love to release my own album some day.

FACE TO FACE


FACE TO FACE

A lot of actors have rendered their voices for the songs in their films. What about you?I did try to sing a song or two in Aashiqui but the director, Mohit Suri wasn’t very impressed. He felt that I was bad enough.

When we will see a home production with all the three brothers and your sister-in-law Vidya Balan?I can’t lie and say that we don’t talk films because we do end up having long discussions on them. Earlier, we wouldn’t talk about films at all, but now my folks tell me to talk about something other than films. However the idea of the whole family coming together for a project seems too far-fetched at this stage.

Do you visit Vidya Balan and does she cook for you?We are all fond of each other and often go out dining. Vidya does not like cooking but yes we have a lot of dinners together and we discuss a lot of things. She is a fantastic human being.

Who has been the greatest influence in your life?My mother has been a great influence in my life. She is like a living encyclopedia on health and has natural remedies for everything. She has drilled some things into my head and I have learnt a lot from her. She is also a very positive person.

Are you religious in real life?I am not a religious person, though I do believe in a higher power. I go to Church with my mom as she is a Jew. I go to the Gurudwara and the synagogue too. We also have Havan in the house on our birthdays. My mother never misses out on the important days in our lives.

Coming to your personal life, there have been reports that you broke up with VJ turned actress Rhea Chakraborty, after you met Shraddha Kapoor with whom you have been in a long and steady relationship. These days it has become a trend to link up actors. If the makers don’t link-up actors to promote a film, someone else does it. Besides Shraddha and I did a love story together, so

it was a foregone conclusion that we would be linked up romantically. As for Rhea, we have always been very close friends and we do meet up. I think we were seen out together very often so it was interpreted as us ‘being together’ in a relationship. It’s unimportant fighting over these things and losing sleep over them as long as you and the person in question know the truth. It is futile worrying about what the world thinks about you because you cannot control it anyway. It is all part and parcel of being an actor. But it is a well-known fact that you and Shraddha became really close during the shooting of Aashiqui 2, after which the relationship progressed. Actually we were not linked during the ‘making’ of Aashiqui 2. Everyone wondered why we weren’t linked when we shared such a great chemistry on screen. It was only later that reports started surfacing about our so-called relationship.

So aren’t you and Shraddha seeing each other?We do keep in touch. We all meet up as a bunch of friends. I don’t think I need to react to these rumours. I don’t take them too seriously either. I have learnt to take all these things in my stride. What’s your current relationship status? Right now, I’m single and happy to be single

By Srabanti Chakravarthy (with inputs from S Bhagat)

I do write and also play a few English songs. I did have my own band in my college days

It is futile worrying about what the world thinks about you because you cannot control it anyway. It is all part and parcel of being an actor


B-BUZZ

Deepika gets the support of the entire film fraternityThe otherwise calm and composed Deepika Padukone is seething with anger these days against an English daily which published a series of her images in bad taste titling it as ‘Deepika’s Cleavage Show’. The video posted by the leading daily on its online portal was from a trailer launch event of her 2013 film Chennai Express.The furious actress later took to Twitter to express her anger, “YES! I am a Woman. I have breasts AND a cleavage! You got a problem!!??” She later posted another tweet, “Don’t talk about Woman’s Empowerment when YOU don’t know how to RESPECT Women!”The Twitter war has intensified ever since with the entire Bollywood community and Deepika’s fans coming out in full support of the actress on the social networking site. Among those who stood by the actress were Priyanka Chopra, Kangana Ranaut, Ranveer Singh, Arjun Kapoor and also superstar Shah Rukh Khan. The huge support that the actress has got is a reflection of her popularity in the industry.


ENCOUNTER

The morethe character, the better will be my


After his makeover as an action hero in his last film, R…Rajkumar, Shahid Kapoor is back with a dark, gritty character in director Vishal Bhardwaj’s Haider, which is an adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet. The actor, who has been lately experimenting with roles, talks about why it is important to take on challenges in his career and why he chose to turn producer with the film.

complex performance


ENCOUNTER

I was so taken up with the intensity of the character that I would often take a long time to get back to normalcy

For an actor who has been doing mainstream commercial films, taking up the role in Haider, must have been a tough challenge. What prompted you to go ahead? Most directors often choose an actor because he looks the part or suits the role but an actor has to go beyond these parameters and look for roles. If he wants to surprise the audiences, he should do something that they don’t expect him to. That’s where the journey of an actor starts. Look at Hollywood stars like Leonardo Di Caprio and Johnny Depp. Leonardo had once revealed in an interview that he never took up a role that he could interpret easily when he read the script for the first time. It was only when he found the character difficult and challenging that he would give his nod. I too would like to take up roles that challenge me as a performer. The more difficult and complex the character the better will be my performance.

What is your perception of Shakespeare’s Hamlet?I had read Hamlet a long time ago. It was a tragic play and one of Shakespeare’s best works. However, this film is an adaptation so I went by Vishal Bhardwaj’s perception. He was clear that Haider was based against the backdrop of India and its sensibilities. The mother-son and the boy-girl relationships in the film are typical of Indian ethos.

It is rumoured that you isolated yourself during the shoot of the film to get into the mood of the gritty character. We were working for hours together so

there was no time for isolation. But I was so taken up with the intensity of the character that I would often take a long time to get back to normalcy. I remember when I came back to Mumbai and was having dinner, I would often be lost. My father would ask me whether I was alright. I didn’t realize it but I was in a different time space. Did you have inhibitions about shaving your head for the role in the film? Initially I did have reservations because the sequences being shot were just for a day but Vishal Bhardwaj prodded me to go ahead. Besides, I didn’t want to cheat by using prosthetics. There is honesty and passion in the character I play and I wanted it to look authentic on screen. I realized that once the shoot was over my hair would grow back. The film also offered you an opportunity of working with several seasoned actors like Tabu and Irrfan Khan. How was the experience? I had watched Tabu in Maqbool earlier and her performance was extraordinary. The film was very scary but it was equally inspiring. I had to watch it four to five times to understand each character. Working with such experienced actors was an inspiration for me. I tried to grasp and learn as much as I could from them.

This is your second film with Vishal Bharadwaj after Kaminey. Do you feel he brings out the best in you? Kaminey was the turning point of my career. Before I did the film, I was getting

all the chocolate hero kind of roles. Vishal Bharadwaj changed that and explored an altogether different side of me which I was totally unaware of. His decision to cast me in the role of Charlie in Kaminey made a big difference to my career. I was convinced then that he was among the few directors who could bring out the best in me.

Vishal Bharadwaj explored an altogether different side of me in Kaminey


ENCOUNTER

You cannot analyse the success of a film just on the basis of its box-office numbers

What made you turn producer with the film?When Vishal decided to make this film we didn’t have the kind of budget that the film needed. So I offered to be a part producer of the film because I believed in it. The idea was to give the film its due and make sure that it did not suffer due to dearth of funds.

Do you feel that the audience is finally opening up to diverse films, which may not necessarily conform to commercial norms? You cannot analyse the success of a film these days just on the basis of its box-office numbers. The audiences are looking for variety. Besides, you can’t categorise films as commercial and art-house. Kaminey was a different kind of a film but it appealed to the masses. Haider is a family revenge drama about a son looking for a father. Revenge is a universal emotion and drama happens in everyone’s life. It’s also a love story set against the backdrop of Kashmir. Above all it is an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, which is a tale beyond boundaries and time.

Your film has been pitted for release against the Hrithik-Katrina starrer, Bang Bang. Aren’t you apprehensive that the film will suffer due to the clash? I saw the Bang Bang promo and loved it. I think any holiday weekend is big enough for two films to sustain. Apart from that, the two films are poles apart. If Haider is black, Bang Bang is white. If people want to see something edgy and different, they will opt for Haider. On the other hand, Bang Bang is an entertaining, fun film. We are confident about our film. It has been made with a modest budget. We have nothing to lose.

Tell us about your next film, Shandaar with Vikas Bahl. I saw Vikas Bahl’s Queen six months before it was released and I felt that it was one of the finest films I had seen in recent times. Vikas narrated to me a brief story about destination weddings and I thought it was a wonderful idea. We are shooting in London for this film. The film also stars Alia Bhatt and I am happy to be working with her for the first time. I am enjoying this experience of working with the newer lot of actors in the industry.

There are a lot of new actors who have lately entered the industry. What do you think of them?I think they are all talented and eager to make their mark. They also seem to be totally focused on their careers. When we started off in our careers, we were not so well informed about technology and our roles, but these actors of today are well-prepared and know where they are heading. Do you have a wish list of directors you want to work with in the future?I had made such a list a long time back but I realized that it was pointless hoping to work with the best people unless they wanted to add you to their list. Sometimes your dreams come true and sometimes they don’t. Right now, I am hoping that they do come true.

By S Bhagat

Most directors often choose an actor because he looks the part or suits the role but an actor has to go beyond these parameters and look for roles



GLITZ & GLAMOUR

Abhay Deol at the launch party of Bare in Black Sonakshi Sinha launches

Swatch Fall Winter 2014 CollectionThe charming Sonakshi Sinha unveiled the new Swatch Fall- Winter Collection 2014, at an event held at the Palladium hotel in Mumbai. The actress looked smart in a steel grey outfit. Her Givenchy heart earrings and gladiator sandals, perfectly complimented her look.

The suave and sophisticated Abhay Deol was spotted at the launch party of ‘Bare in Black’ collection at Taj Lands’ End, Bandra. Abhay was seen with his girl-friend Preeti Desai. ‘Bare in Black’ offers a unique perspective on casual couture with an impeccably edited, all black range of wardrobe essentials.


GLITZ & GLAMOUR

Deepika Padukone at the launch of NDTV and Fortis Healthcare4U campaign in Mumbai

Farhan Akhtar & Kiran Rao at press meet of 16th Mami film festival

John Abraham and Nargis Fakhri launch Reebok Fit-hub store studio

Shahid Kapoor, Shraddha Kapoor at ‘Club Samsung’ App Launch Shahid Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor were seen promoting their movie Haider at the launch of ‘Club Samsung’. Shraddha Kapoor looked gorgeous in an orange Kenneth Cole dress while Shahid was dressed in a black shirt and jeans. The camaraderie between the two was obvious for everyone to see.

Actress Deepika Padukone was spotted at the ‘NDTV Fortis Health4U’ initiative to encourage people for a healthy living. The actress chose to go formal with white Zara separates for the evening. Needless to add, she looked stunning as ever.

Farhan Akhtar and Kiran Rao were seen among the many filmmakers present at the press meet of the 16th Mumbai Film Festival (MFF). The week-long festival, which will be held from October 14, has been organised by Mumbai Academy of Moving Image. The festival is expected to screen over 185 films from approximately 65 countries.

Bollywood actors and brand ambassadors John Abraham and Nargis Fakhri, came together to launch Reebok’s first-ever Fitness studio, an innovative format situated within the Fit-Hub store. John, who is a hard core fitness enthusiast, spoke about his fitness mantra, while Nargis showed off her favourite Zumba moves in the all new studio.


Atta Ka Sheera

Preparation Time: 2 minsCooking Time: 17 minsMakes 4 servings

This is one of the easiest Guajarati sweets to make - with just a few ingredients, which can be found on all kitchen shelves. Just note a few simple points, and success is assured. While sautéing, keep a lookout for when the ghee separates and the atta becomes lighter, as this is the perfect indication that your atta is well cooked. If you have a very sweet tooth, you can add two more tablespoons of sugar. Also remember to serve this dish immediately to avoid lumps.

FOOD

INGREDIENTS

1 cup whole wheat flour (gehun ka atta)1/2 cup melted ghee3/4 cup sugar1 tsp cardamom (elaichi) powder

FOR THE GARNISH

Almond slivers

METHOD

1. Heat the ghee in a non-stick kadhai. Add the whole wheat flour and sauté on a medium flame for 8 to 10 minutes or till it turns brown in colour and the ghee separates.

2. Add the sugar, cardamom powder and ¾ cup of water, mix well and cook on a slow flame for another 5 to 7 minutes or till the sugar dissolves, while stirring continuously.

3. Serve hot garnished with almond slivers.



Chilli Coriander Fried Rice

Preparation Time: 5 minsCooking Time: 2 minsMakes 4 servings

Quick, easy and delightfully oriental, this Chilli Coriander Fried Rice is something you can prepare anytime, any day as it makes use of the most common ingredients in your kitchen. It does not even involve chopping of veggies, making it perfect for those days when you get caught in a traffic jam on your way home. With pungent hints of soya sauce and garlic, fresh hints of coriander and fiery shades of red chillies, this one will send a tingle down your taste buds!

FOOD

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.

INGREDIENTS

1 tbsp finely chopped fresh red chillies1/2 cup finely chopped coriander (dhania)4 cups cooked rice (chawal)1 tbsp finely chopped garlic (lehsun)1 tsp soy sauce1 tbsp oilSalt to taste

METHOD

1. Heat the oil in a broad non-stick pan, add the garlic and red chillies and sauté on a medium flame for a few seconds.

2. Add the soya sauce, rice, coriander and salt, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 1 to 2 minutes, while stirring occasionally.

3. Serve hot.

39


Crusader Aamir Khan is trying his best to create a positive buzz about women empowerment with the new season of his talk show, Satyamev Jayate. The superstar reveals how he is striving to get social justice for women through the show.

women empowerment

Aamir Khan takes up the issue of

Aamir Khan is excited about the great feedback he has been receiving for the latest season of his popular talk show, Satyamev Jayate. The show has raised several important social issues in the past but this time Aamir is trying to focus his attention on women and the kind of problems they face in day-to-day life.

The actor has roped in prominent Bollywood actresses to highlight the issue of women empowerment. Among those who are expected to voice their opinion on the subject are actresses Kangana Ranaut, Parineeti Chopra and Deepika Padukone. The actor who successfully raised awareness on various social problems in the last season of the show feels that celebrities can be very effective in getting across the message to the audiences. “They will add a new dimension to the show. They are here for a cause and not to add glamour,” he says.

Aamir recalls an episode in the previous season which prompted him to take up the issue, “There was an episode which dealt with the case of a girl who was raped and burnt. She gave a dying declaration and some of the pictures were very disturbing.

It affected me emotionally. I feel angry and helpless when I meet such people,” he avers.

The actor says that he has kept four elements in mind while making the show- public health, education, justice and law and order. “Education is very important for every citizen in the country. Public health is important too as children need to be healthy. Justice is extremely important if someone is wronged. It’s the fundamental right of every citizen. On the other hand, law and order is important for every citizen to feel safe and secure for himself and his loved ones.”

Aamir reveals that the audiences and media have been closely following the show and interact with him on a different level these days, “They are curious to know about the issues in the show more than anything else. I remember when I was shooting for PK in Rajasthan, the media there did not ask any questions about Dhoom 3, which was about to release. They did not even ask me why I was in Rajasthan. They were only concerned about Satyamev Jayate.”

According to Aamir, there are several NGOs and social workers who inform him of

burning social issues by posting information on the show’s website. “Every topic shocks me and at the same time surprises me as to how these people overcome their difficulties despite having no financial help. It gives me the strength to go ahead in life,” he says.

Ask the actor about what he has to say about the controversy over his bold PK poster and he simply smiles, “We were looking forward to the strong response. However I’d like to maintain that the poster was in no way vulgar. Vulgarity is not in your clothes, it’s in your mind and the way you talk. I can be vulgar even when I am completely dressed”.

Celebrities will add a new dimension to the show. They are here for a cause and not to add glamour

NEWS ExPRESS


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B-BUZZ

Kalki Koechlin’s new challenge

Ranbir Kapoor wants to make a short film on the Khans

After her last appearance in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Kalki Koechlin had been lying low for a long time, waiting for the right offers to come along. The actress will now be seen playing a young girl suffering from cerebral palsy in Shonali Bose’s Margarita With A Straw. The film, which is about a young romantic rebel in a wheelchair, was recently showcased in the ‘Contemporary World Cinema’ category at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival, where it received a standing ovation.

Incidentally, Margarita With a Straw is the only Indian film other than Mary Kom that premiered at TIFF. The actress recently revealed that she was excited about the film, “It is a small arty and thought-provoking film but I chose to take it up because I found the role very interesting. I did a lot of rehearsals for the film and even trained with a person who helped me relate to a cerebral palsy patient and observe her body language.”

The film also stars Abhay Deol in the lead.

Not so long ago, Ranbir Kapoor had announced his plans to make a short film on the life of his grandfather, Raj Kapoor. But the actor recently dismissed the idea and said that it was a distant possibility, “My grandfather has done so many films and has worked so hard that telling

his story in a short film is next to impossible. It will take me 500 hours to do it,” Ranbir revealed. Instead, the actor is now planning to make a short film on the three Khans of the industry - Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Aamir Khan. “I want to do an eight-minute short film where all the three of them will sit and talk so that the kind of success, fans and the body of work they have behind them can be cherished by generations to come,” he disclosed at a recent event.

However Ranbir chose to be tight-lipped when asked about his personal life. When asked to comment on his relationship status and his rumored wedding plans with beau Katrina Kaif, he curtly replied, “I am an actor and I would only like to comment on my work at this stage,” he said.

0800 RESENE (737 363) www.resene.co.nz


You seem to have cut down on Bollywood music these days with your demanding schedule and many commitments. How do you manage to turn down Mumbai producers politely?(Smiles) It’s tough but at this juncture of my career, I only want to do music that motivates me to work harder. It’s very important for me to not get bored with the work that I’m doing. Otherwise it becomes like an old boring marriage. That’s one of

BEHIND THE SCENES

I only want to do

that motivates me

Music maestro A R Rahman, in spite of maintaining a low-key profile of late, has been very busy behind the scenes. He tells Subhash K Jha about how he straddles two continents, dabbles in diverse cultures and manages to live up to a cornucopia of commitments at the end of the day.

As a child I spent so much time with 40-plus musicians who chewed on paan and discussed classical styles


BEHIND THE SCENES

Quite a few of my good songs in films like Rang De Basanti and Delhi 6 were used as soundtracks in the background

the reasons why I did a song like Khalifa in Lekar Hum Deewana Dil after doing a series of epic/period films. After that I’ve only given my nod to a handful of projects including Shekhar Kapoor’s Paani, Imtiaz Ali’s Tamasha and Rhea Kapoor’s film.

Are you tired of the epic scores?Every epic score is an elaborate experience with the kind of detailing and hard work that goes into it. I love doing them. On a

personal level it is also very enlightening for me to visit a particular era. While doing the music for a period film I discover a whole new culture, but it is also important for me to find an emotional connect with the filmmaker that I work with. Are you happy with the treatment of your songs on screen?Quite a few of my good songs in films like Rang De Basanti and Delhi 6 were used as

soundtracks in the background. They were not used as lip-sync so the reach of those songs was just 30 or 40 percent of what it was meant to be. Songs that are sung by major stars on screen get played in clubs and on radio. They make a psychological impact on the audiences’ mind. One reason why I want to do music in young stories is because these films allow their actors to sing on screen.


BEHIND THE SCENES

That’s one of the advantages of working abroad. You don’t get mobbed on the roads

Knowing that you are out of the country for a long periods of time, how do you manage to strike a balance between your Indian and international commitments? It’s tough. When I’ve an international project on hand, it takes me a month or two to wrap it up. I try to go with the flow of my work and accordingly plan my schedules. Thankfully communication is far easier today than what it was when I started out with my international career. I can stay connected from any part of the world.

What are your recent international assignments? I’ve completed two assignments Million Dollar Arm and The Hundred Foot Journey. Both were very satisfying experiences. The working process abroad is entirely different from that in India. Fortunately, I am given the liberty to do purely international sounds abroad. I don’t have to use Indian instruments.

Do you miss your family when you’re abroad?It is a sacrifice. I am missing out on my children growing up but sometimes I do take them with me. It’s not possible to compel them to give up their activities and ask them to join me all the time.

Do you miss out on relaxation time when you are over-stressed with work? I still find time to relax in my hectic schedule. That’s one of the advantages of working abroad. You don’t get mobbed on the roads. People leave you alone even if they recognize you. I can take long walks without being disturbed. I am able to do all those things abroad that I miss doing at home.

At the age of 47 how do you manage to sound so young in your music?When I was actually young I didn’t get a chance to feel young. As a child I spent so much time with 40-plus musicians who chewed on paan and discussed classical styles. I felt like one of them despite being a child. Today I feel younger in comparison.


B-BUZZ

Sharman makes a short film on mothersSharman Joshi who was last seen in War Chodo Na Yaar has suddenly become the talk of the celebrity circuit after he recently made a short film on mothers. The film has ever since won compliments for Sharman from all actors including the likes of Aamir Khan. The film is a tribute to all the mothers in general who work hard to bring up their families. Says the actor, “I have often seen that people do something for their mothers on Mother’s Day and then forget about it. With this short film, I wanted to make people realize that there should not be a special day to express love to their mothers as every day is Mother’s Day. This film is a tribute to not just my mother, but to all mothers around the world.”

The short film, which also stars Sharman Joshi, revolves around a touching incident wherein Sharman sees an office colleague scolding his mother for calling him up in the middle of work. Following this, Sharman starts telling his colleagues about how some people work throughout the year and even during festivals without a single holiday and without any salary. When his colleagues scoff at this and demand to know the identity of such people, Sharman discloses that he was talking about mothers, who strive continuously for the sake of their families. As realization sinks in, the colleague, who had spoken rudely to his mother, decides to call her back.


20-20

Be calm, kind, honest, loving & you will be very close to having a

Ravi Mehta left a very stable and successful chartered accountancy practice in his home country to begin a new life in New Zealand in 2002. Since then, he has gained qualifications as an Authorised Financial Adviser and CPA Australia and is appreciated for his approach to personalising financial solutions to each of his clients’ unique set of circumstances. With a keen interest in current affairs, politics and the financial market and a personal mantra focused on hard work, integrity, professionalism and honesty; Ravi is enjoying his well-deserved achievement as one of the top 3 mortgage brokers in New Zealand.

good life1. What are your Hobbies/Passions?

Web surfing, reading (business and political material.)

2. What is your idea of perfect happiness? When I can make the people around me happy.

3. What is your success mantra? The key to success is not only hard work but along with that integrity, professionalism, honesty and punctuality are equally important.

4. Who or what is your inspiration? My family

5. What is your most memorable moment? When we were blessed with our son “Shobit”

6. How important is it to fail before you succeed? I do not necessarily think that it is the failure that makes you successful. However you will encounter all sorts of obstacles with every step you take forward. To get past these obstacles you have to stick to your success mantra.

7. What do you value most in life? To be successful and see others happy.

8. Favourite movie and star? All-time great “Sholay” Amitabh Bachchan

9. Favourite food/restaurant? Indian vegetarian food/there are many namely, Dosa Plaza, Bikanerwala, Mumbai Chaat, xotic, Mithai.

10. Favourite Sport & player? Cricket, Virender Sehwag

11. Favourite holiday destination? Queenstown

12. What do you love or admire in New Zealand? Natural beauty

13. What outdoor activities you like / how do you relax? Walking

14. Which talent would you most like to have? I would like to excel more in my profession.

15. The craziest things you’ve ever done? In spite of being well settled in India, moved to a new country, New Zealand (no regrets now)

16. What is your greatest fear? I should not do injustice to anyone even inadvertently

17. What do you think is the secret to a good life? Try your hardest to be calm, kind, honest, loving, you will be very close to having a good life.

18. If your house was on fire & you could only grab 3 things what would they be? First of all, I will ensure that all my family members are safely out and then, I will grab cash, jewellery and passports.

19. What phrase or words do you use the most? Ratan Tata’s famous words- “I do not believe in taking right decisions. I take decisions and make them right.”

20. Name one achievement that you are proud of: To be recognised as one of top three mortgage brokers in New Zealand for financial year 2013-14.


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