Tamannaah Bhatia

There is a new ‘Naino Mein Sapna‘ girl in the town. Making Bollywood as her home and pretty much in the thick of affairs, Tamannaah Bhatia has entered the ‘masala entertainer‘ zone with ‘Himmatwala‘. A top heroine down South and now re-entering the Bollywood arena, Tamannaah is already making her presence count with another film already signed with Akshay Kumar. While there is still some time before that film goes on floors, Tamannaah is keeping herself overtly occupied with the promotional drive of the Ajay Devgn starrer which is all set to hit the screens this Friday.

Fun, masti, dhamaal – Is there all of this and more that one should expect from ‘Himmatwala’?
Yeah, this is Sajid Khan’s ‘Himmatwala‘ so you can just imagine what kind of made fun would be in there. Comedy is an extremely hard genre to crack and this is something which is Sajid’s forte. The films that he has made in the past have been out and out comedies. Now with ‘Himmatwala’, he is adding drama into the narrative. Outcome is a good family entertainer which is very interesting. If he has said on the posters that the film is a ‘Sajid Khan entertainer’, he means it because the film has been made from the audience perspective and what they would enjoy.

You seem to be pretty thrilled with the fact that Sajid was at the helm of affairs. Guess his conviction rubbed upon you?
See, every film is a calculated gamble but when the team is strong, your confidence level goes up. I know that it is so difficult to be consistent in this industry. However, Sajid has been consistent as a director. In fact once I came on board, I checked out the original ‘Himmatwala’ for the first time. I wanted to see what excited Sajid to make it. He is someone so obsessed with the film; he has seen it 36 times in theatres. Somehow his conviction really made me believe in the film.

‘Himmatwala’ is one story where other than the central protagonist, even a girl has an important role to play in the scheme of things. Has that turned out to be the case in the remake as well?
Absolutely. There is a proper character graph maintained for me in the film. In fact the moment my introduction takes place on screen, there is a clear indication to audience around what I would be up to. Sajid has done everything in the film’s structure to portray me in the right light by bringing in the right nuances. I am happy with the way the film has shaped up.

While one waits to see that, at least the song and dance routine has pretty much signified the arrival of yet another quintessentially Bollywood leading lady.
Well, down there in South, dance is considered as a very important part of a girl’s profile. Why just a heroine, even for heroes there is a lot of dancing involved there. Moreover, the steps are really difficult too. Since I don’t have any formal experience in acting and dance, South was a great place to learn a lot.

Based on what has been unveiled so far, I am sure that feelers from Bollywood must have already started coming in/
I am happy with the way people have responded on screen so far and I hope people do enjoy. Other than the film with Akshay Kumar though, I have not spoken about any other film. I should be doing more films though but let ‘Himmatwala’ release first, announcements will follow (smiles).

Joginder Tuteja tweets @tutejajoginder

Sara Loren

Edgy, classy and superhot, that’s Sara Loren for you. The sexy supermodel who has awed the audience at large with her scintillating maneuvers in the Murder 3 trailer has set temperatures soaring nationwide. For more, we caught up with the bombshell for a lively chat.

Originally starting off as a supermodel, getting into films must have been the clichéd way of the entry into tinsel town. But was the metamorphosis easy for you?
I love the camera, I feel like I was born to do this even though I never planned any of it. Everything happened by chance, but I have enjoyed every minute of it and I work very hard. Moving from modeling to films might be clichéd, but it works, so why not.

You debuted in Bollwood with Kajrare back in 2010. What took you three long years to be a part of another Bollywood film?
There was a lot that was keeping me busy, film that I was working on in Pakistan, theater etc. Plus it was important for me do something that challenged me, that excited me and that would be memorable- Murder 3 did all of that.

You convinced the Bhatts in the very first meeting that you can well be a part of Murder 3. What was the first meeting like?
It was really very interesting! Their confidence in me blew me away. Most people said that being sexy, confident and outspoken didn’t fit in the normal framework of the Bollywood Heroines, but the Bhatts liked that about me. They didn’t want to change me or package me neither did they want me to be apologetic about who I am. They saw me for who I was and told me that this is what will work for me. They then offered Murder 3 to me, so clearly I am doing something right. I just needed the right guidance and platform, and that is what the Bhatt family gave me.

What made you say yes to Murder 3?
Who wouldn’t say yes To Murder 3? It’s a part of a blockbuster franchise, it’s a Bhatt film, and Randeep Hooda is a phenomenal actor and my role was fantastic. I loved Nisha when they told me about her. She has this edge to her that is special. She is not your usual bubbly sunshine girl. She is beautiful, passionate, dark and mysterious. She works hard, gets what she wants, and is all heart

What are your expectations from the film, as an actress?
We all worked really hard, but now it is up to the audience. It’s a typical Bhatt film- sexy, entertaining and thrilling. This entire experience has helped me grow as an actress

Taking over from Mallika and Jacqueline, what new traits have you tried to put in your character to make it look different from what your previous actors did for the Murder franchise? Or did you imbibe anything from any of your contemporaries?
Well it’s not a continuation of the previous stories. It a new plot, new characters but I knew comparisons would be made. Mallika and Jacky both brought their distinct styles to the film, I brought mine. It had to be bigger, better and hotter.

How were your equations with your costars from the film, Randeep and Aditi?
Aditi Rao Hydari is a lovely girl, we didn’t have many scenes together but my interaction with her has always been pleasant. Randeep  Hooda is a friend. From day 1 he was warm, and helpful. We have great chemistry which shows on screen. He is a phenomenal actor

After Murder 3, what is keeping you busy?
The response has been great so far, the film is just about releasing and just with the first look the buzz has been great. I now have a team that is already looking into endorsement inquiries , and scripts . The next film I sign has to be even better than Murder 3 so I am going to be very patient and careful with that decision.

Vivek Oberoi

From the gangster in Company to the loverboy gangster in Jayantabhai Ki Luv Story, Vivek Oberoi has come a real long way. With a flurry of releases awaiting him this year, we got in touch with Vivek for a short tête-à-tête.

Doing a romantic film after such a long time, you must have become all mushy. How does it feel now?
It’s not at all a conscious decision but yes strangely people keep appreciating me in that bhai space. This is probably the best combination of putting together a gangster from Company with a loverboy kind of a person. So ultimately, what we get from the film is not a loverboy but a loverbhai! The film has a simple lucid storyline and it’s a sweet film revolving around two people, their conversations, their romance and their fights. Its about two unlikely people from two different worlds falling in love and diverging into one single being.

You are all set to have two back to back releases with Zila Ghaziabad also releasing next week. So are you nerve wrecked at the moment?
This is really exciting for me and this week has been a kind of a blessing with the arrival of my prince into the family. So just post that I am having the release of my romantic film Jayantabhai this Friday and then I have this highly dramatic, action packed Zila Ghaziabad. Both are completely from each other in terms of space. I am just trying to be as different as I can be each time people see me on screen. So Zila Ghaziabad is something I am really looking forward to after the appreciation I received for my performance in Shootout At Lokhandwala.

Vivek Oberoi as the gangster has always worked wonders, be it with Shootout at Lokhandwala or with Company. Sow ith both your films on release being on similar lines, what are you expecting out of them?
(Laughs) I am very hopeful about both the films. I have worked really hard for all these films. Be it my failures or my successful films, I have always given more than 100 percent to every film. I have always tried to experiment with my films and be a little different. And yes, both Jayantabhai and Zila Ghaziabad are two extremely different films. In Jayantabhai, I do play a gangster but here the gangster who beats up people, bustles up shops and doesn’t give a rethink to anything coming his way gets completely numb when he meets this girl he loves. He does not know how to speak to her. She is agirl from a polished background, highly educated and well mannered and he is a rasta chhap, tapori complete roadside romeo luchha lafanga kind of a guy. When both of them meet, two totally different worlds collide. So yes along with the gangster thing, there’s obviously this romantic element that comes along with the film.

The chemistry you share with Neha is crackling and there is also a lovemaking scene featuring the two of you. How has equations with Neha been on screen and off screen as well?
I absolutely love Neha Sharma. She is a complete sweetheart. I had such a good time working with her and of course we got along like crazy. I carried on a lot of pranks on her but she is so hardworking, sincere and such a joy to work with. She has surprised a lot of people with the performance in the film. Everyone who has watched her in the film during the screening has said she was so good in the film. It is just a matter of time that she would become a superstar.

So post the two films, what is keeping you on your toes?
Well, there are as many as six more films lined up after Zila Ghaziabad and people should expect nothing short of the best in me. But yes, coming to the projects that are already announced, I jump on to comedy with the mad team of Masti in Inder Kumar’s Grand Masti, which is a sequel to the precursor. There, we have this team of me, Aftab and Ritesh back together, monkeying around and trying to have too much fun out of the marital lines that we are trapped in. Post that, I have the biggest film of the year, Krishh 3 which everyone is so anticipated about. There I play the role of Kaal, the super villain whch is a role of a lifetime. Even Hrithik told me that he would have wanted to play Kaal but I just told him, Bad luck buddy, you have to be Krishh as always! (Laughs) So the best from me is yet to come and I am just trying to give it all out to belt each beautiful project of mine with all passion and love, for the love that you all have showered on me always!

Aditi Rao Hydari

Aditi Rao Hydari is as excited as a heroine can be in a Bhatt film which centres on a man-woman relationship. While Mahesh Bhatt has gone ahead and made references to everyone from Shabana Azmi to Nutan, Aditi is happy collecting all the compliments and waiting for audience to announce its verdict.

When it comes to a film coming from the house of Bhatts, a girl is expected to be as uninhibited as she can get. Looks like that is pretty much going to be the case with you as well in ‘Murder 3′?
In my personal life I am very well behaved. But then when in front of the camera, inhibitions don’t matter to me (smiles). This question has been popped in front of me multiple times that am I comfortable doing bold scenes despite being cute and all. The answer is, ‘Yes, I am proud to have done that’. The camera makes me completely free and at ease; I enjoy performing in front of it, whether it is for a scene or a song.

Meanwhile from the performance perspective too, seems like you would be exploring an altogether different territory this time around, isn’t it?
Absolutely. I have done love stories in the past. London Paris New York was breezy, Yeh Saali Zindagi was passionate and now Murder 3 has a lot of layers. It is about a relationship where there is celebration, joy and at the same time natural fears that a woman carries. What you get to see are natural banters between the two characters. A lot of people would be able to connect with the core story since there is always this question in every girl’s mind that whether my guy is telling the truth or not. The thriller aspect only adds on to it. I had to live with the story in it’s every moment, whether love, joy, celebration or pathos.

You just mentioned about the natural fears as well as the suspicion that a girl carries while being in love. Do you wish to elaborate on that?
Of course I can’t get into details as yet else the mystery element would go away (smiles). I can tell you though that this film deals with the question around trust in a relationship and how we learn to deal with each other. That is what Roshni’s (name of her character) journey is all about. Of course she can make her own choices and has a mind of her own. Still, at one point in the film there is this question that arrives that ‘This person whom I love, can he do anything for me?’

While one waits to get answer to that, can one say that it is going to be a killing Valentines?
Yes, it is going to be a murderous Vanetines (laughs). When Bhatt saab made Arth, it questioned the institution of marriage. Today times have changed and the kind of gigantic proportion that a relationship can take is to be seen to be believed. Of course blood will be shed!

Directed by first timer Vishesh Bhatt, ‘Murder 3’ releases this Friday.

Joginder Tuteja tweets @tutejajoginder

Akshay Kumar

In a matter of 10 months, Akshay Kumar would be seeing his sixth film (Special Chabbis (26)) releasing in theatres. For any current superstar in the industry, this is a huge record by all margins. However the man is not slowing down. On the contrary, he is looking at surpassing this record as well and score even higher in months to come.

You have made quite a few appearances during last 10 odd months. Starting from ‘Housefull 2′ last year, ‘Special 26′ would be your sixth straight release over the months. You seem to be on a records spree, isn’t it?
I know (smiles)! One would think that I was given some ‘Do or Die’ news or something like that where I have to fit a decade of living into two years. Actually though, I just think I have an addiction! Most men of my age take up casual drinking or gambling, or buy a ‘Top of the range’ sports car. As for me, I just can’t get enough of my work.

That indeed is the case. What else explains the fact that you have at least three (Special 26, Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai 2, Boss), if not four more movies (including ‘Thuppakki’ remake) lined up this year?
See, most people who go home and think about their work are restless. I go home so that I can eat, sleep, dream, talk, walk, train and crave for my work; all of that and more so that I can go back to all of it in the morning. I love what I do and the thought of doing multiple films in a short span of time is absolutely fulfilling.

Guess you are not looking at slowing down at all.
Not for now anyways. Reason being that it’s still not enough. There are so many ideas and so many great people who want to make films. I wish I had time to do them all and give everyone an opportunity (winks).

Well, you seem to have done that with Neeraj Pandey. By the look of things, it is apparent that Neeraj has brought the storyteller aspect of him out once again and that too in a major commercial set up.
This is by far ‘not’ a major commercial set up. In fact if it was ‘that’ commercial the how could it be ‘that’ different from the other movies I make? ‘Special 26′ is a one of a kind set up. The dry humour is classically entertaining but not all people across India will be able to enjoy it to the maximum for it’s not their kind of ‘funny’. The cerebral action is something that I have never really committed to as I am more of a raw action kinda guy; so that’s a refreshing touch for all. The fact that it’s a periodic film based on a real life story automatically stops it from being commercial and it instantly becomes an ‘Epic Drama’!

Featuring Anupam Kher, Manoj Bajpai and Jimmy Shergill along with Kajal Agarwal, this ‘epic drama’ releases all over this Friday.

Joginder Tuteja tweets @tutejajoginder

Ayushmann Khurrana

The dust seems to have finally settled down on the Kunal Kohli-Ayushmann Khurrana imbroglio and the director as well as the actor seems to have moved on. Ayushmann has clarified his stance on letting go of Kunal’s film (due to date conflict with Nautanki Saala) while the filmmaker too is expected to be looking at other prospective male leads. With the thought of letting bygones be bygones, Ayushmann sincerely hopes that the industry in general understands his point of view and the issue is buried for good.

After the news broke around Kunal’s anger for you, did you go and try talking it out with him?

I did not call him. He said something, I gave my official statement and that’s about it; I guess all of that is enough. I would definitely want to work with Kunal Kohli. I liked his Hum Tum and Fanaa. Now it is his prerogative if he would like to rope me in for another film.

What really went wrong though?

I don’t know really (sighs). The worst part of the whole affair is that I was living out of the suitcase for all these weeks. In fact after Vicky Donor, there has not been a single day when I have been free. May be it was a miscommunication on Management’s part also.

You seemed to have set your eyes on working only on A-listers…

See, nobody can say anything like this in such a definite manner. Casting and all is entirely a filmmaker’s call. I was busy with the shooting of Nautanki Saala shoot and was a little confused that whether I could start work on some other film in the meanwhile. I just said to Kunal that let’s not do this film and plan something else. Yes, the whole process took three long months and may he felt that I was delaying things. Still, frankly speaking I have no clue why he has so much of venom against me.

Are you finding yourself in the ‘fall guy’ space?

Not really because over a period of time, perceptions do change. I consider Twitter as a great barometer of how people perceive you and today, nine of ten people seem to have no issues with me dropping out. However, the kind of person that I am, even that one person who is telling me that ‘Hey Ayushmann, I thought you are a sweet person but you should not have done something like this’ is hurting me. Lekin ab main kis kis ko jaake bolon ki main achcha banda hoon?

Joginder Tuteja tweets  @tutejajoginder

Reema Kagti at PVR Cinemas

Is Aamir Khan under promoting ‘Talaash’? That’s the cry being heard from all over, what with the usual buzz associated with Aamir Khan starrers not really being heard even though the film is merely 10 days away from release.

“In a way one should credit Aamir for the kind of weight that he carries. The very fact that he is not being seen much is noticed in such a big way that it is news in itself and hence generating good buzz. Imagine what would happen if and when he gets into the quintessential Aamir Khan mode and bombards ‘Talaash’ all over next 10 days? Sky would be the limit”, a seasoned filmmaker adds.

Moreover, the makers are pretty confident about the manner in which ‘Talaash’ is being brought before the audience and feel that the promotion is just apt considering the genre that it belongs to.

Says director Reema Kagti, “We are going about the film’s promotion in just the right way. Given how aggressive other films are when it comes to being visible, it is a smart thing not to go to over the top. We promise people a great story with great performances. I guess in today’s situation the very fact that a story sustains itself from middle to the end is a novelty in itself.”

Moreover she says that she along with Aamir and her producers (Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani) are on the same page vis-à-vis the quantum of film’s promotion.

“I don’t believe we are under promoting. It’s just that all of us are really guarding the film’s content. ‘Talaash’ is a suspense drama and to safeguard everyone’s enjoyment of the film, it makes sense for us to talk minimally”, she reasons.

With the film all set for 30th November release, the mystery is all set to unfold soon.

Shah Rukh Khan at an Event

An actor who has probably robbed millions of their hearts, made all his contemporaries reckon him with an air of respect and redefined the face of Romance in Bollywood returns back to the arena that was always under his possession. Yes, Shah Rukh Khan, returning to screen after almost a year with Yash Chopra’s last directorial venture Jab Tak Hai Jaan might be known to most people, but what is concealed even till the eve of the film’s release is the film’s plot.

Shah Rukh, the entertainer was in full swing on his recent trip to Kolkata for the Kolkata Film Festival inauguration event and his film promotion. While he blatantly crooned lines from his poem to ladylove Katrina and sang a song for the effervescent Anushka on the dais at the press conference, what we could say to him was: ‘Rahenge sirf aap hi ke fan, Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Jab Tak Hai Jaan’!

You started off as Abhimayu Rai from ‘Fauji’ where you set the temperatures soaring with your attitude and now playing Samar Anand in your latest film, ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’. How was it getting back to a sphere which brought you so much of love and recognition?

To be honest, I did reminisce those beautiful Fauji days when I was shooting for this film. But those days we were not that rich to afford new clothes everyday and I used to stink a lot in my army attire. These days things are much different. We get new clothes everyday and I smell good too!

The entire plot has been kept under wraps since the time the film was announced. All we know are the characters and the fact that ‘JTHJ’ is a love story. Tell us something about your character.

In the film, I play the character of Samar Anand, an aggressive and unforgiving bomb defusal guy. And they are the two bombs, (pointing to Katrina and Anushka) that I diffuse in the film. Well, on a serious note, Samar Anand is arrogant, stout and very very unforgiving. He believes in love and life and his search for the same is relentless. And as far as my knowledge says, this is the first time that any actor has played the role of a bomb defusal guy from the industry!

Yashji was like a father figure to you. You have gone on records to say that more than films, you and Yashji used to talk and discuss about Life and zindagi. Now that he is no more, who are you going to discuss them with?

Its true, while most of you would feel Yashji made films with me and I did films with him, we must have spoken about films and films all the time. But it was never that way. More than films, we spoke about zindagi. He taught me how to respect women. And yes now that he is no more, I would turn to Katrina because she seems to be a genius of Love, life and all the other intricacies of human relationships. Anushka ke saath love ke bare mein baatein hongi, and Katrina ke saath Life ke bare mein! But then again, I feel I have a learnt a lot about human emotions and relationships from Mr. Yash Chopra already!

Getting back to a genre which you have been the undisputed King of, a territory that was conquered by your dimpled smile, how does it feel?

I seriously have no idea why people are talking so much about me doing romantic films. I myself am getting aware of it now. I am such an anti romantic person. You would not believe I used to ask Yashji ki kuchh toh action scenes dal dijiye. That is why he put me as a bomb disposal guy! (Laughs).

Shah Rukh Khan in an action sequence from Jab Tak Hai Jaan

Technically your last romantic film was ‘Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi’ but recently in an interview you said you considered Kuch Kuch Hota Hai as your last romantic film. Why do you feel so? 

Well, Rab Ne… is a very special film but it was not a classic love story. Jab Tak Hai Jaan is definitely a classic love story told in a contemporary language. I don’t even consider Veer Zaara as a romantic film because the hurdles I and Priety face in that film too is purely external. In ‘Jab Tak’ all the three characters go through internal obstacles and difficulties. When you watch the film, you maybe feel it’s a little similar to ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’. A pure love story is when the forces are within the characters and not exterior. Jab Tak Hai Jaan will make you feel in love, no matter whichever stage of life you belong to. With all due respect to ‘Rab ne Bana di Jodi’ and ‘Veer Zaara’, two films that I have loved making, but yes those are the films that makes you fall in love with the situations, circumstances and characters. This is somehow an overall feeling of love. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai happened about 14 years ago. This is what I feel. In ‘Jab Tak’, I hug Katrina and hold Anushka’s hand like that scene from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai! I could flirt a bit more with the two girls here. In Rab ne, I was besotted by her and in ‘Veer Zaara’, I was waiting for 25 years!

‘Son of Sardar’ releases on the same day and there has been a lot of talks regarding the legal case issued and all. What do you have to say?

Well I wish them all the best for the film. Everyone loves their own creations, everyone loves their own film. They love their film, we love our film. As far as the legal things are concerned, I am not the right one to make any comment. I know their film would do equally well and I seriously don’t want to be a part of this tug of war game. ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’ is special to all of us, more to me, because it is Yashji’s last film. I am not being pompous or arrogant but this is a special film, not because this is a film we are a part of but we worked with Yashji and it is his last film. So everything will be good, inshallah!

Even Salman Khan has pledged his support to the film, both by giving an appearance in a song and on Twitter. Your take on that.

Sometimes since we are public figures, our statements get misconstrued as if it’s a highly volatile comment. But its not. And well everyone is welcome to have opinions. To us, Jab Tak Hai Jaan is special and that can never be deemed by anything.

You have been a part of numerous love stories where you have had to romance two ladies on screen, be it Dil toh Pagal Hai, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, or Jab Tak Hai Jaan. You also had films like ‘DDLJ’, ‘Veer Zaara’ and ‘Rab ne Bana Di Jodi’ where you had a single heroine. Personally which one do you love doing more?

I do not intend to objectify the ladies but more the merrier, as far as personally I am concerned. But having said that, the story telling part is more important than saying one lady or two ladies or three heroes or two actors! Each one has its own specialty. Dilwale, of course has been time tested and is considered a classic love story.  I would say it again and again, not because my film is on release, working with Katrina and Anushka has been the most exuberating and exhilarating experience in my whole life. I have worked with Anushka before in her first film, I worked with Katrina on numerous stage shows but this is the first time we paired up for a full length film. The entire experience has been extremely satisfying and I really feel from the core of my heart that ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’ is the most special film that I have ever been a part of, as an actor. It will always be so and I won’t compare it with Dilwale and others to say whether romancing one girl or two girls is better! I say it from the bottom of my heart that as the film is releasing and perhaps I do realize that we wont be getting to spend much time together after the film is released, I will miss them. ‘Jab Tak’ is a good film, it’s a nice and its not a typical love triangle that way. When you watch the film, you will know it too.

Anushka Sharma in Jab Tak Hai Jaan Movie Stills

She is vivacious, she is spunky, and she is just Anushka Sharma. A firebrand of sorts, Anushka drove her way to unexpected glory with her superlative performance in her debut film, ‘Rab ne Bana di Jodi’. But with all the Band, baajas and baraat, Anushka has zoomed into the league of A-listed actresses sharing dais with the likes of Kajol and others. With a film so close to her heart, she delves into the nitty-gritties of working in a Yash Chopra film, sharing an exuberating friendship with Katrina Kaif and playing second lead to Shah Rukh Khan, yet another time post ‘RNBDJ’. Time for the bubbly girl from Bengaluru to spread happiness all over with her un-assumed effervescence!

On her recent trip to Kolkata to promote ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’, we caught up with the lively diva at the press conference.

Getting to be a Yash Chopra heroine at such an early stage of your career, does that really make you feel proud?

Well, not proud and boastful but I am extremely happy that I got to do this role. Every girl wants to be ina Yash Chopra film and when I got the opportunity I just jumped into it. People have been asking why I opted for the film, even though it is of the second lead, but I just have one thing to say it is after all a Yash Chopra film. I can even be a showpiece in any of the frames and still be happy, leave aside an entire role!

Not just fun, shooting the film was quite a difficult task to. Your take on that.

Well, when you do a film with Yash Chopra, it is indeed a lot of fun. But yes, for ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’ we had to shoot in some extremely challenging terrains like Kashmir and Ladakh where shooting conditions aren’t quite stable. Plus Ladakh is at such a high altitude that it becomes very uneasy and there is a shortness of breath. But yes. None of it could affect the legend Yash Chopra who walked around and cut jokes and encouraged us to face all obstacles and come out as winners, just the way he did. 

Sharing screen space with Katrina Kaif and Shah Rukh Khan, how was the experience of working with the two super stars?

Well, Katrina is a really sweet, hard working friend of mine. Initially we never really met except at some social gatherings but it would have just been a ‘Hi or Hello’ but here we did an entire film together. People might feel that two actresses don’t get along well but we did hit it off really well from day one. I feel all that matters to get along with a person is the mentality. You might not get along with a person who has a different personality than yours. But with Katrina, that is not the case. She is extremely friendly and it was lovely working with her. With Shah Rukh, the thing was completely different. Initially when I was doing Rab Ne…, I never thought I would be doing another film with him. He is witty, selfless and special because he was my first co-actor. Shah Rukh takes real care of his co-actors and he is the only person I can talk to and share my problems, my happiness with. So ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’ was all in all a wonderful experience!

What according to you is the main USP of ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’?

‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’ is in itself a classic love story with a contemporary language. That in itself makes it unique and different from all other love triangles.

As we can see, Akira is spunky and vivacious with oodles of attitude. How much of Anushka have you fit into Akira?

Well, Akira is young, she is from Delhi and she is a documentary film maker with the Discovery Channel. She is very spunky, talkative, and restless and wants to achieve a lot in her life. Her ambitions are her passion. Well for me, I guess I am almost a lot like Akira and that is what helped me perceive the character really well. The only difference between me and Akira would be that she is a little too practical while I am not.

What is Anushka the actress expecting out of Jab Tak Hai Jaan?

Well, Jab Tak Hai Jaan is definitely the most special film that I have been a part of. It is a really soulful, lovely romantic film that is laced with some great performances and lovely music. All in all, it is Yashji’s last film and we all hope that people like us in the film and I am expecting firecrackers this Diwali!

Anjali Patil at an event

Trodding the alleys of B-town for quite some time now, this girl from the theatre world is a firebrand of sorts. Playing a dark character in an otherwise abstract plot that in itself symbolizes elusory, Anjali Patil has come a long way, up from Nashik!

Call her a small town girl and she will drive you nuts, but shower her with some lovely comments and the excited baby in her spills the beans of her underlying innocence and vitality. With an astounding debut with Prakash Jha’s Chakravyuh, Anjali decodes the minute details behind her Juhi, her ambitions and desires to rule the Bollywood kingdom someday!

Up all the way from Nashik, it seems to be a catapulted journey to the roads of Bollywood. How has the entire journey been for this small town girl?
Actually, I don’t like this word: this entire ‘small town girl’ thing! We have been in such a globalization streak today, so I feel this term is really insulting at times! Even though it would be good to have myself tagged as a small town girl making it big in Bollywood, I would not prefer doing it. I love my town very much. And the journey has been great! In terms of confidence, yes the girls and boys from the metropolitan cities are of a different level. But in terms of dreams, I don’t think there can be any comparison and dreams have always been the biggest motivations for me. It could just be anybody in place of me!

You have been a really bright student in college, getting a gold medal in Dramatics. So did you always have a plan to be an actress?
I never had a really strong plan. I just wanted to travel, and considering plans, I guess the first one was to be a nomad. That is the reason why I chose theatre. From there onwards, I went to Pune University, did my graduations there. While I got to meet so many people, acting happened eventually. I discovered ki yaar, there is nothing else that I can do!

Your father did not support you when you decided to opt for theatre and dramatics. Were you bogged down then?
The only reason he did not support me was because like every other father, he wanted his child to have a safe and secure life. He believes in the notion of monthly payments and earnings. That was his only concern and that made him think that the performing industry is very risky. But the moment he saw me performing lead roles in my university dramas, he realized that I am happy doing that and that is the only thing I can excel in!

But then how did Chakravyuh happen?
After my stint in ‘Delhi in a Day’, I received a lot of offers from Hindi films, Konkan films and I did a couple of them. I did a Telegu-Malayalam film and an Indo-Sri Lankan film which was an international project. I was also doing some other films and I remember finishing my shoots for a Telegu film in Hyderabad when I received a call from the casting director. Then I met Prakash sir and through the auditions, I bagged the film.

Playing lead roles in your theatre plays and opting for a supporting role in your debut Hindi film, do you think this was a wise decision on your part? Don’t you feel the pressure of being stereotyped?
I would have been wise about taking that decision if it was some other director. But it was Prakahs Jha, I have seen his films and I know how nicely he crafts a film. I know the way he treats the actors, the characters and even his one-day actors! Even a one minute screen space in a Prakash Jha film would be as important and that’s what Prakashji shines at. So I never had the tension of being overshadowed by the three male characters. I have my character which has her own life, her own graph and is very strong. My character really stands out in the film and that is what makes me happy.

Anjali Patil in a still from Chakravyuh Movie

How were your equations with your director, Prakash Jha?
I look at him as somebody who guides me and teaches me like a father. I feel he knows me very well and coming to tuning, I would like to just say that we share some very similar traits. The passion for work, bhook-pyaas bhulke jo kaam karne ka jazba hota hai, that is there in both of us.

You also feature in a tentative item song for the film. How was the experience?
Item song? No, that’s not an item song at all! It is rather a song of celebration, where the tribal gang is enjoying themselves. It is just me and Abhay Deol having some fun moves; it is not at all an item song. It is a happy celebration wala enjoyable song!

After Chakravyuh, what is keeping you busy?
Now, I would be really busy in the promotions for the film and I am reading some scripts too. I am meeting new people, directors each day. That is something which is happening a lot these days. I am getting some better scripts too. Now, I want to do something different from what I did in Chakravyuh. I am trying to do something romantic, something comic, probably something very fragile where people get to see a different side of me altogether, and one that they haven’t seen before.

So, being associated to both theatre and Bollywood now, if you had to choose between the two, which one would you opt for and why?
Well, I have a very strong education of six-seven years in theatre. So if I say Bollyood films now, it would be a straight forward betrayal. But then again, I will try my best to not betray any of the mediums; both of them have provided me with something as a human being. They have become a part of my character now and groomed me in certain ways with experiences. And one day, I hope to rule Bollywood! For now, I won’t choose any, coz you cant really choose between your mom and dad!

Alia Bhatt in still from Student Of The Year Movie

Student Of The Year is less than 48 hours away from release and newbie Alia Bhatt understands that quite a few reputations are at stake with her, Varun Dhawan and Sidharth Malhotra being the three newcomers on whom Karan Johar has placed his bets.

“Just look at him, he has worked with the best in the industry while neither of us had ever faced the camera before. I have to ensure that he is not let down. Ditto for Varun who is Mr. David Dhawan’s son and just can’t slip. Same holds good for Sidharth too who dropped modelling to enter films. There is a pressure of different kind but when some people choose to see just one side of affairs, it upsets me sometimes. All my concentration though is on pleasing audience more than anyone else. Once they accept you, all noises go down”, smiles Alia.

However one wonders whether there was any noise whatsoever during the making of ‘Student of the Year’. Though Karan Johar is known for being quite mild mannered even during the shoot of his films, the fact remains that he has worked only with superstars before with Shah Rukh Khan leading from the front. With a trio of completely inexperienced bunch of newcomers, could he maintain similar composure?

“Honestly, I was very nervous working with Karan. I couldn’t ever imagine that he would be so patient with us. I mean come on, he has worked with the best of the best. On the other hand we used to give so many takes. Guess what, at times he would actually imitate an entire scene and tell us how to go about doing it”, smiles Alia, “He understood that we were newcomers and had to be guided. He gave us that kind of time and explained everything to us for as many number of times as we wanted. He would explain what happened before a scene and what is expected after that. He has been a fabulous teacher.”

Hope the students pay back well now. ‘Student of the Year’ with music by Vishal and Shekhar releases all over this Friday.

Shah Rukh Khan and Katrina Kaif from Jab Tak Hai Jaan and Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif from Ek Tha Tiger Movie

Comments an insider, “Despite enjoying the best strike rate in Bollywood as far as delivering hits was concerned, she was missing that one weapon in her armour – a 100 crore hit. Call it a necessarily evil but this club has pretty much turned out the talking point for the best and the biggest of film personalities out there. Katrina Kaif came precariously close to that in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and Raajneeti but had to bow down in the 90s. Now that she has ended up scoring a near double century with Ek Tha Tiger, one would expect her to be all smiles. After all the monkey is off her back.”

However question Katrina and she refuses to term it as a ‘huge monkey’ off her back. On the contrary she adds that as an actress, what counts for her is the fact that there are successful films of varied degree being delivered with existing superstars and the ones who would be one tomorrow.

“I disagree with such talks about figures and clubs. There are certain films that merit your growth as an actor and allow you to show a different facet of your talent. I may not have a Shah Rukh or a Salman as your co-star in every film. Yes, such a pairing does promise a success but then you have to deliver with others as well who may not have a huge medium to succeed today. You have to look at your career in totality. So when a Mere Brother Ki Dulhan does so well with Imran Khan, who is relatively newer, you have reasons to be elated as well. All these things give me good enough satisfaction”, concludes Katrina.

Rani Mukerji

Now that’s what you term as a real naughty affair! It is the time of leading ladies to take the centre-stage and while Bipasha Basu chose horror (Raaz 3), Kareena Kapoor opted for drama (Heroine), Sridevi believed in making everyone moist eyed (English Vinglish), Manisha Koirala is getting all scared (Bhoot Returns) and Preity Zinta is in mood to get mushy (Ishkq In Paris), Rani Mukerji is ensuring that being sexy comes across as rather cute-n-naughty. Her ‘Aiyyaa‘ is in news, and how!

Rani, audience hasn’t seen this side of yours ever and trust me, it’s working big time.
(Smiles) Well, when Anurag Kashyap came to me with this film, the story was of just one line. It said that ‘yeh ek aisi ladki ki kahaani hai jo ek aadmi ki khushboo se attract hoti hai’. That’s it. I felt that this characterisation had a lot of potential and I would have fun doing it. Anurag told me that if I liked this one line, he would ask the director to return with a narration of full two hours film. Of course it was a go ahead for me.

That was during the time when you were shooting for ‘No One Killed Jessica’. It must have been a blessing in disguise for you to work in something as light-hearted as this, isn’t it?
Yes, however the start wasn’t immediate and I did take some time before locking my dates and all. I wanted to be sure if we were going in the right direction beyond the one line story. After I and director Sachin Kundalkar met, he further worked on the script for one year before getting the draft in place. It was only after that when I eventually confirmed doing the film. (Smiles) In fact Sachin was pleasantly surprised when I gave him dates just 20 days after he had read the final script to me.

Sachin Kundalkar is someone who is making a Hindi film for the first time. Did you have to guide him right through the making of the film?
See, I have always behaved like a team player. Yes, I do contribute but then people who are working on a film are also talented and know their job well. So, I didn’t have to tell anyone what to do. Of course, there was some good experience that I brought with me and that had to be utilised. However eventually it all turned out to be a team effort. Poori picture hans-khel kar ban gayi.

Guess Prithviraj joined you in all this fun and frolic as well. He seems to be thoroughly enjoying his stint as your ‘dream man’!
(Laughs) According to Prithvi, he has been a fan of mine for years and stays on to be so. On the contrary I didn’t know much about him though when I saw his video on the internet, I was amazed to see that he is such a big star out there in Malayalam films and quite a heart throb. Now that I have worked with him, I know for sure that why he is on the top. He deserves that since he is such a good actor. In fact he is one of the finest that I have worked with.

Sidharth Malhotra from Student Of The Year Movie

A model, struggler, assistant director and now a lead actor, Sidharth Malhotra has seen it all in last five years. Though it is a norm amongst star kids to turn assistant directors (ADs) for big filmmakers, rarely does one hear an absolute outsider planning this route towards stardom. In a tell tale mood, Sidharth, who would now be making his debut in Karan Johar’s Student Of The Year spills the beans.

You too must be ecstatic with all the recognition coming your way during promotional tours, isn’t it?
(Smiles) Yes, when I go on stage and one of those girls out there screams my name, it is a very exciting feeling. Achcha lagta hai ki waah yaar, isse mera naam pata hai. Of course on stage you can’t show that you are flattered and hence have to be starry and all. However when back in car, Varun (Dhawan) and I do keep count on who amongst us got the maximum number of flowers. All of this is new to us because before this film kisko pata tha ki kaun Sidharth hai aur kaun Varun.

Well, Karan has indeed made you a household name.
Yes, but the biggest struggle starts from here. After working with someone as big as Karan Johar, the tension is that ab aap ksike saath kaam karoge? There are so many actors who try their luck with him once in 4-5 years. Now that I have got a film with him in my debut itself, it would be difficult to find someone bigger.

Did you really think that being an assistant director would make you a good actor?
The idea was always to turn actor. The way I thought about it was that if I had to be in Hindi films, I had to first learn how to make them. This is the reason why I took on the role of an AD for My Name Is Khan. It wasn’t an easy choice though. I was doing well as a model and knew that as an AD, you could well be treated like a servant. You are required to do all odd jobs, including even wiping the floors. I wasn’t even a chief assistant director, I was just one of those many ADs out there.

Guess all of that paid off though?
(Laughs) Yes, that decision did land me SOTY. Otherwise I had so many model friends who didn’t want to learn about films but just become overnight stars. Looking at my example though, there are models who are saying that ham bhi AD banenge. Aise itna aasaan nahi hota hai. Sirf koyi ek hota hai jo aage nikal jaata hai. Even TV mein bhi ek hi Shahrukh tha aur woh aage nikal gaya.

Debuting Bollywood with “From Sydney with Love”, releasing 31^stAugust, Evelyn sparks up a conversation with KoiMoi.

Evelyn Sharma

From English flick “Turn Left” in 2006 to B-Town with “From Sydney with Love”, how has the transit been?
The journey from small town Germany around the whole world to Bollywood has been like a roller coaster! Ups and downs, lots of adrenaline and fun!

You are the first foreign actress who is just a year old in the Industry and has, before the first official debut film hitting the screens, bagged several projects well in advance and began shooting. How does the taste of success make you feel?
My friend told me once that I’m this successful because I enjoy the ride and take the good things that come my way without questioning too much. So it tastes fantastic!

Please elucidate about your character in the movie “From Sydney with Love”.
“Lubaina” is a very lovable character. It was great playing this role. She’s cool, life loving and a little nerdy, quite a wacky dancer too. She’s similar to my own character so I’m very happy to have had “From Sydney with Love” as my first film.

What projects you currently have in your kitty?
“From Sydney With Love” is releasing on 31 August! Followed by Issaq with Prateik Babbar,  Nautanki Saala with Ayushmann Khurrana and Kunal Roy Kapoor,  Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani with Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone.  We’re getting ready to start shooting for Divya Kumar’s Yaariyan now too!

Perked-Up:

If your house was on fire and you could only grab 3 things before leaving, what would you fetch?
“My passport, my teddy bear, and my diamonds hehe

Languages in which you can articulate:
German, English, French, Dutch, Hindi, Russian… I speak many languages so sometimes I get confused with words. I try to speak with my eyes only

Three styling tips that always work for you:
Include a personal touch in your outfits.

Feel amazing in what you wear and everyone will think you look fabulous!

Wear comfortable shoes!

What’s on your current playlist?
All my songs for my current movies. I’m so addicted to the songs already. And lots of girly music like Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez. I’m a girly girl.

Place you shop the most at:

Street markets all over the world

If not shooting, you spend time __________?

With friends, watching movies, doing girly things.

Saif Ali Khan in Cocktail Movie Stills

Cocktail has managed to tickle the taste buds and the spirits are flowing uninhibitedly. Pun intended. Saif Ali Khan has managed not just the biggest opening ever of his career; be it at as a solo lead or in a multistarrer affair, in the process he has also firmly established the fortunes of his production house Illuminati Films that he floated with much fanfare in collaboration with Dinesh Vijan.

Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone in Love Aaj Kal Movie Stills

“When Love Aaj Kal (2009) released, it was the biggest grossing romantic comedy and had netted close to 70 crores just in India. In a way it was a game changer for the multiplex visiting urban audience. Now Cocktail, which has the same team – Saif, Dinesh, Deepika Padukone, Pritam and Irshad Kamil – has repeated the feat”, says an insider.

While the lifetime collections of Love Aaj Kal would be comfortably surpassed by Cocktail now, what has impressed most is the fact that Saif has turned out to be only actor from his generation to fetch such an opening in the role of a lover boy.

Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone in Cocktail Movie Stills

“Perhaps that’s reflective of my image over the years”, chuckles Saif who is keeping his calm despite such success, “The kind of numbers that the film is fetching is of course a sort of redemption. Yes, there are actors whose films will take a bigger opening than mine and vice versa. However the way Cocktail has performed suits me just fine. Anything less than what it has done would have defied the perception that audience has for me and my films. Anything greater from this point with sustained momentum should be a good enough reason to celebrate.”

You would deserve that for sure!

Neha Sharma

‘Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum’ is a franchise with Riteish and Tusshar as the male leads. Did you ever wonder that as a leading lady, you may have to work extra hard to make your presence felt?
I never felt like that. Actually, it was very easy because none of them ever projected themselves as seniors. The kind of atmosphere made us all feel that we were in a college. From the very first day of the shooting there were absolutely no hangs ups, tantrums or anything distracting. Everyone was in synch with each other since as a group, we were pretty much aware of each other’s characteristics, both on as well as off the screen.

From being paired opposite a rather serious and intense Emraan Hashmi your debut film, you are now rubbing shoulders with these two men who are known for their comic timings. That must have been some experience.
Of course. Tusshar has done really well as this rather dumb character who is just not aware of anything. He has approached the character really nicely and our pairing has worked out well too. On the other hand even though Riteish and I are not romantically paired, there are sequences where we come together. It was quite easy to work with him since he doesn’t not throw any ‘I know it all’ attitude. That further enhanced the comfort factor.

How comfortable were you with the naughty content of the film? Since the film is a sex comedy, is there an element of skin show also involved which would see you shedding your inhibitions further?
Well, let me be very clear about one thing. For starters, ‘Kya Super Kool Hai Hum’ is not a sensual or an erotic movie like ‘Jism 2’ or ‘Murder 2’. Yes, it is a sex comedy but then it is content, not sex based. Of course there are double meaning dialogues but then they are funny than being offensive. In any case, sex is integral to filmmaking today and if your genre itself is sex comedy then it is very difficult to make a film without lending a hint of that at least. I am sure youth will enjoy the film and college students would bunk their classes to catch us in action.

Chitrangda Singh in Kaafirana Item Song in Joker Movie Stills

Smiles Chitrangda, “‘Kaafirana’ is going to be special. It is a ‘lavani’ track and I had so much fun getting into a typical Maharashtrian dress up. Moreover the song is quite rustic, raw, sensual, something that I have never done before. Moreover with Farah Khan as the choreographer, the song has turned out to be really deadly. Just wait and watch for it.”

With an item number, a relatively serious film on sexual harassment (Inkaar) and a romcom (I, Me Aur Main), it seems like Chitrangda is really playing her cards well by shifting across genres instead of sticking to the so-called serious image that she had gained post ‘Hazaaron Khwaishen Aisi‘.

“I guess as an actor I was doing similar kind of work over and over again. However after a while I wasn’t getting too excited to be doing another one of those films again. I wanted a change and do something different. Now my upcoming films are exploring different territories as well”, she says.

Well Chitrangda, we too would love to see the change for sure.

Ayushmann Khurana

Vicky Donor: the film created huge euphoria among the masses prior to its release. Being a low budgeted film, it went on to create wonders at the box office and brought all the performances into notice. How was the feeling having hit a jackpot with the very first film?
Of course, the feeling was great. I waited for four years for the right kind of film, the right kind of director. But then as the saying goes, if you plan something, it might just go completely wrong. But I was quite fortunate to work with a film maker like Shoojit Sircar and fortunately the film clicked with the audience. Before its release, I was expecting the film to receive a decent critical review and a decent amount of collection at the box office. But Vicky Donor went beyond all expectations. The film’s success has also put pressure on me to make the right choices in future because the real challenge begins now.

Much has spoken about the film, its theme and everything. But the inside stories of the film is still a secret. Tell us how you landed with the role of Vicky.
You would be surprised to know that I did not audition for the role. Shoojit Sircar had this vision; he wanted a Punjabi who had an instant youth connect, given the core theme of the film. Since I was connected to a youth channel all my life and a Punjabi, I was by default, fulfilling all the pre requisites of the director. Then again, he had seen my work on television, so he thought that I would be the perfect Vicky. He felt I fit the bill perfectly and he did not even audition me for that. Initially when I was trying for the films, it did not happen then. There were times when I did not like the script. There were times when the director did not like me. But Vicky Donor was just the perfect match.

In 2004, you had to perform the task of sperm donation in the first season of Roadies and eventually Destiny played its role and your first film is about sperm donation. That’s strangely mystical.
It is definitely like a chain reaction. Sometimes we never realize that certain things that you do at certain point of time would lead to some other thing. In 2004, frankly I was hesitant about going for Roadies. I thought maybe its okay, lets do it for the fun of traveling and meeting new people. But that step led to so many realities later in Life: I became a VJ, I became an actor, my first film was on sperm donation and I was a sperm donor at 19, everything was just unbelievably true.

You have already signed in your second film, yet another time with the same producer-director duo of Vicky Donor fame. The film is a John Abraham production titled Humaara Bajaj and directed by Shoojit. Tell us something about that.
The shoot for the film would start around February 2013. It’s the story of a small town tourist guide in Agra; a guide of the Taj Mahal who aspires to be a film star. The character I play is of Sanjay Bajaj which is why the film is titled ‘Humaara Bajaj’.

Besides that you are also doing Rohan Sippy’s next untitled project too. That must be exciting.
Yes, that is the film I am doing right now. The workshop is on for 20 days and today is the second day of my workshop. It is a very unusual, quirky buddy film. I can’t just describe the film, it is so unconventional. I am just waiting for Rohan’s explanations because it would be interesting to see how he describes the film to the people. It is a film which is both in the youth space as well as the mass space. Kunal Roy Kapoor of Delhi Belly fame is also playing the lead along with me and we are now reading the script. I really respect Rohan as a director; he comes from a film lineage. I met him for the first time in the same room where the narrations for Sholay used to happen with all the actors especially Mr. Amitabh Bachchan. So that was quite a historical moment for me.

Ayushmann Khurana

‘Paani Da Rang’ is one song that has gone viral with the mass from day one. The buzz around it is high even today. An original composition by you in your college days, the song must have been inspirational. What was the inspiration behind writing and composing the soulful melody?
No, it was just a creative thought and not at all inspirational. In fact I composed this song with my friend and there were other guys too who used to compose songs. It was for our own theatre production. It was like a random thought. If you are a lyricist or a composer, you don’t need to gather inspiration for doing anything you want to. That’s what we also did in our college days. We used to compose our own songs for the theatre group.

How did your college time creation ultimately become the Vicky Donor charm enhancer? How did it work out with Shoojit?
Shoojit and I were sitting together and we were discussing about the music. I was carrying my guitar. I always carry it in my car. I love music and I love playing the guitar. So then when we were chatting, I just told Shoojit about Paani Da Rang, that I and a bunch of my friends had composed the song in college. Then he asked me to go for it. After I sang the song, he quite liked it and felt it was going with the theme too. I was with the guitar and it was a Punjabi song which suited Vicky’s character in the film. He loved the song and finally he used it in the film. Then the audience reaction to the song has been overwhelming. It just happened.

Ayushmann Khurana

The Personal Diary:

The most embarrassing moment of your life would be: Post Vicky Donor, I had this rather embarrassing experience when I was at a mall with my mom and there was a girl who screamed, ‘Ayushmann I want your sperms’.

Your favourite holiday destination: There is a place called Madhumalai Sanctuary on the border of Kerala. It is very peaceful.

Dream date: I am married, so it has to be my wife.

Your heart dances to the thought of: Holding my own concert someday!

Ayushmann in a sentence: Earthy Cool – A mix of earthiness and coolness.

If you had to turn gay for someone, you would do it for: John Abraham because he is the producer and I might just get paid for this answer! (Laughs)

If you could wish for three things, you would ask for: I would love to have Classical vocal training. Secondly I would love to produce a film where I will be a superhero called Ayush-man! The Third would be to increase the number of hours in a day so that I can try and spend more time with my family.

It was perhaps destined that a doctor-turned-musician will score the music and write the songs of a film named after the human body – Jism 2. From medicine to music, from the city of joy to the city of dreams, Arko Pravo Mukherjee has come a long way… and how!

Arko Pravo Mukherjee Music Director Jism 2

After passing out from Don Bosco School in Park Circus, Kolkata, in 2001, Arko went on to study medicine at the Burdwan Medical College – about 100 km north of Kolkata. Arko received his MBBS degree in 2007 but music was what was running in this doctor’s veins, which lured him to Bollywood. Today, after many years of quest, 29-year-old Arko is over the moon with the release of his songs in Pooja Bhatt’s Jism 2. Never did he think that one day he would be credited with the title of lyricist and composer of the songs of such a big banner mainstream movie. From Tagore songs and Bangla bands to Bollywood music — Arko is overjoyed to see his dreams unfold before his own eyes — finally.

You are a doctor by qualification. How did you land up in Bollywood?
Yes, I am not a trained musician. I can’t read music, I just write and sing. The only thing in music that I have seriously learned is Rabindra Sangeet, i.e., Tagore Songs just as any other Bengali kid. Then, when in school I sang for a few small rock bands in Kolkata. I came to Mumbai in 2008 with my musician friend Dev to pursue our dreams in music. Universal Music Publishing signed us up as the songwriter duo for our first album Mira on Silk Road Records. Then nothing much happened for a long time … Dev and I parted ways. I became an independent singer, songwriter and musician … looking for the right break.

How did Jism 2 happen to you?
In November 2011, I met Mr. Mahesh Bhatt through a friend of mine – the talented actor Prashant Narayan, who acted in Murder 2. We have been friends for a long time, Prashant being a songwriter besides being an actor. So, he referred me to Mr. Bhatt, and I went to see him alone — just me and my guitar. He gave me just 10 minutes – an awesome first meeting that eventually went on for one-and-half hours. Mr. Bhatt listened to me, loved my music and put me on to Pooja. I met Pooja Bhatt and she too loved my music. I saw hope. By January 2012 the script for Jism 2 was done and my work began. They called me and I met Dino Morea, who co-produced the film along the Pooja, and they signed me up.

You speak Bengali and write in English. How come you wrote Hindi songs for Jism 2?
Yes, I am primarily a songwriter and I had written only in English before. I always loved to read Hindi and Urdu poetry. Here in Mumbai, I taught myself to write in Hindi. My spoken Hindi may not be ‘rocking’ but I am much better when it comes to writing Hindi songs. So, I have written three songs for Jism 2 – of course with a lot of support and encouragement from Munish Makhija. Munna is a real rockstar and he sat with me for all the numbers, and not only produced the songs but also helped the songs reach where they are now. The advantage of collaborating with Munna on the lyrics is that he has a brilliant sense of music having done the background scores of a number of films – from ‘Rog’ to ‘Paap’. We’re glad they came out great!

Arko Pravo Mukherjee

How was it working with the Bhatts?
It was just fantastic! To come in as a fresher and work in such a big film is unbelievable. And to try and fill such big shoes as MM Kreem’s was a massive task and indeed a great opportunity for me. The fact that they trusted me and gave me the freedom to do it the way I wanted from my heart, says how much trust they can lay on even in a newcomer like me. They really like my music, and I loved working with them. I would like to thank Mahesh Bhatt, Pooja and Dino – from the bottom of my heart – for believing in me.

Tell us more about the three songs you composed for Jism 2
‘Maula’ – I really like the composition. From the title, you may expect a run-of-the-mill Sufi film track, but it isn’t that. In fact, this very song got me the big break. ‘Maula’ is about surrendering to a greater power and the fact that we are forever stuck in the cycle of desire that can never be fulfilled. I think, contemporary films from the Bhatts have dominant themes that border on desire and desirelessness, and they need a kind of haunting sound track that we have been able to produce with both ‘Maula’ and ‘Yeh Jism.’

‘Yeh Jism’ – The title track is an instantly likable song that starts with a rather generic piece of Western melody. The magic happens with the solo violin piece by the greatest violinist of the country, Suresh Lalwani. It is his graceful bowing that weaves in magic into the song. And for both these songs, we decided to bring back Ali Azmat, the lead singer of the Pakistani band Junoon, who sang ‘Garaj Baras’ for Paap.

‘Abhi Abhi’ is my personal favorite. KK is my favorite playback singer and he has totally rocked in this composition. If you listen to it carefully, this song has a very unusual chord structure. It’s not the usual mukhda-antara song that has a catchy hook, but more of a buildup. We got Shreya Ghoshal and Akriti Kakar to sing the duet version of ‘Abhi Abhi’ with KK, which is a bonus track – just for the music album.

What about the other songs in Jism?
I like all the other songs as well – ‘Yeh Kasoor’ by Mithoon, ‘Darta Hoon’ by RUShk, the band from Karachi, and ‘Hey Walla’ by Unoosha, the young RNB singer from Maldives. They have all done a great job!

So, what’s next? Any more films or music projects in the pipeline?
Yes, I am already working on the music of two Bollywood movies. I am also recording my first Bengali album as a singer, which will be out by September 2012, well before the Durga Puja festivities in Bengal. My next Hindi film is Mastan for which I have composed and sang three songs. I have also composed the background scores of Suryaveer Singh’s Tamanchey. More to come… wish me luck!