Katrina Kaif's Interview

Katrina Kaif surely has proved her acting caliber on the silver screen. From her first film Boom to Raajneeti, she has experimented with her look, performances and above all she has improved dancing as well as her speech skills too.

Undoubtedly, the directors and the producers have broken the myth that she is just a glam doll. The credit nonetheless goes to Prakash Jha for his film Raajneeti in which Kats has taken the trouble of dubbing the dialogues in pure Hindi.

So how was it working with Prakash Jha, who believes in hard-hitting subjects with purely Hindi dialogues?
Yes! It was not difficult for me. I can mug up ten pages at a stretch. I have an accent problem but I’ve tried to manage it well. In fact, when I sat down to surf some of the real characters from the political arena; I thought that in the quest of getting into some real political character, I was going wrong. Hence I decided to follow my reel character only.

As a modern contemporary youth, I have tried to get the body language of Priyanka Gandhi. But by no means can you compare my reel character to any living political characters. You guys are just comparing me to Sonia Gandhi because I too belong to an English mother, with fair skin and black hair which is not really so.

You came into this industry fresh, who do you give credit to as your Godfather?
Ya! I am not one belonging to the Bollywood industry. Everyone has a Godfather. I have not one but many Godfathers who may have helped me attain the kind of success I have achieved in this short span of my career. Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar have definitely helped me get to the horizon. I would also credit the blessings showered upon me by the almighty God which is why I have been able to achieve success.

It’s the survival of the fittest. And you are on the top of the female lead stars. How do you feel about it?
I feel good to be topping the list. If this comparison brings me on the top of the list why will I not like ranking. Human tendency is such that we love to be number one. Why will I not like the number game? But there ought to be a fair competition. We need not pursue wrong ways to just boost up our career. Our work needs to speak more than our action/words. If you say I’m topping the list in the number one game then I really feel elated.

Is it true that you are essaying Madhubala’s character in the biopic on Kishore Kumar?
I am open to doing good films. Being in the profession I need to know the script, if it is going to work or not. Yes! I do discuss it with my close people but the final decision rests with me. I am in the process of sorting out the details with UTV Productions. Nothing has been finalized as yet. I feel the media is in a bit of a hurry to publish news even before confirming it, which was not the case earlier.

What profession would you have pursued if you weren’t a part of the Bollywood industry?
I have always been a day dreamer. Probably because I had a sense of insecurity as we have been wanderers. We never were stationed in one place. I always loved to be a fire-fighter also performing stunts would always fancy me. I love to live in a castle built world.

You seem to be very excited about working with Hrithik, is it true?
Yes! I’m very excited about working with Hrithik tentatively in a movie titled Zindagi Mile Na Dobara. This film is surely going to be a path-breaking and a youthful film. I am sure it will be a brilliant film. My role is that of a free spirited girl. I'm really looking forward to work with Hrithik Roshan. Although it is a difficult character but I will surely be able to perform to the best of my ability.

How do you manage to stay in such a great shape?
I hate doing regular gym. I feel good exercise twice or thrice a week only. I remember how my trainer of Tees Maar Khan made me do rigorous exercises. But now I just tell him to schedule it only twice a week. I believe in maintaining a proper diet. I maintain myself by following the right kind of lifestyle.

Hrithik Roshan's Interview

21st May 2010 is the date that has been blocked by Hrithik Roshan's fans world over. After all, it's the day when Hrithik's much awaited film Kites opens across cinema halls. Kites is extra-special to Hrithik as for the first time ever, the superstar will be seen or should we say heard crooning a song in the film.

The song in question 'Kites In The Sky' is an English song that will be premiered on TV channels on the 29th of this month. In this interview, Hrithik shares his experience of recording this song. Read on!

What inspired you to sing in the first place?
I did not decide to sing, I was forced to do it. My uncle had tunes and Anurag had this ridiculous foresight that I could sing. Somewhere he had thought that I have all the talents: that I can act, dance and I do know music. So he believed that I can sing too for the film and it would be an extra bonus for it.

I obviously was not very gung-ho about it. But then he caught me very cleverly when he informed that it's going to be a lip synced song. In my head we had decided to make a very very honest film. I could not see myself lip syncing in this film on a song sung by another professional singer. He had me trapped.

When we started making the film, the entire grammar of the film was totally out of the normal world of making Indian films. We had decided from the beginning about the kind of songs we will have. There was no lip-synching song per se in the film. I had told him in casual conversation that if I had to sing in the film then it had to be a song in my voice. Somewhere he had remembered that and used that to get his way. He said we have lip-synching song and it had to have your voice and that was that.
How did you rehearse for it?
Once I said ok fine and I will do it, they gave me 2 weeks to get into the mood of it. And I rehearsed in the most ridiculous manner. Early in the morning, I would start with my sa re ga ma pa dha ni sa. Right from the time I would wake up to brushing my teeth to taking the shower, all the time I was singing with hand movements trying to reach the highest scale and lowest note.

My niece has learnt the piano and she has this little Casio player which I had borrowed. And I have the knack of finding any tune on any instrument. So I practiced on that for a week. Then I realized that it won't work like that and I got a professional trainer. Susan came to help me and she is also the female voice in the song.

I requested them if we can rehearse now and record the song later once we were back in Mumbai. However, the problem was that they were shooting this song at Las Vegas and we were leaving for Las Vegas immediately. So we had no option but to record. We decided to do a scratch and later record the song properly. But they loved the scratch so much that they did not allow me to improve on it.

I didn't consider myself a singer but to be honest to my character, I went along with everybody. I am extremely happy for the kind of honest film that we have made. Even thought it was not professional singing and its not the perfect voice but in the film, it renders honesty on screen.

So how was your experience while recording the song?
I thought I will pull it off. I had gotten myself to the point where I was enjoying singing. I am falling in love with the art of shutting your eyes from the world and going in meditative state where you just sing. It's a beautiful feeling. But when I went to studio it was totally different story.

They put you in this little compartment and you are not allowed to move because the mike is fixed and by moving, your voice will also move away. And while practicing I had been so mobile. I was like you are in training shoot. I was locked up in one place where I can't even move my legs because the breath shifts in different direction and force change on mike is super sensitive. Although I was fixed in one place I was still enjoying it because I was learning a new thing. It's always nice to have new challenge.

Finally I told them to just switch off all the lights of the studio because I wasn't being able to get my best out. So they just blacked out the entire studio and I could not even see my mike because it was so dark. This black out worked and helped me to come out of the inhibitions that were in mind. And that's how I finally worked. That day we had a flight in the night at 3.30. I started off at 9 morning, we packed up from studio at 1 in the night. I had not even packed my suitcase but the song came out very natural.

What was the reaction of your uncle Rajesh Roshan and director Anurag Basu when you were recording it in studio?
I didn't want anyone to be there in studio, so nobody was there in studio. It was just me and the female singer Susan. And I said let me just go with the flow and allow me to enjoy myself. When they heard they liked it a lot. They kept the scratch only as the song but now I am scared because it's going to come out in the audience.

And of course there is the whole pressure of knowing from where I am coming. My grandfather to my uncle and the entire musical family background, I couldn't let them down. So I am happy that it went off just fine. There is always an extra pressure on you to come out with the best in whatever you are doing.

How much did you enjoy singing and will you be singing more for your films?
I think yes, I enjoy singing. But then there are so many people who enjoy singing even though they can't sing. Everyone likes to sing, it's something natural in all of us. I have been singing myself to sleep whenever I am stressed out. I just sing any song like a broken record and keep going till I feel some relief. Then I go to sleep. After listening to this entire story, Anurag Basu has sort of shown in to the world.
What has been the reaction of your wife Sussanne Roshan towards your singing?
In this regard, I think she is obviously and completely biased. She feels I am the best singer in the world. She compares me with Elvis Presley. But I don't believe in that. I just feel it's all her love that comes out for me.

"I'm scared of receiving a call from myself" - Deepika Padukone

I recall the day when Deepika Padukone walked the red carpet for the first time. It was ice cold outside the Empire Leicester Square. Om Shanti Om had its world premiere in London. Padukone was ready to paint the town red, and she did when she arrived in her beautiful red dress. Uff...that ada of hers I tell you! Anyway...to the current day. She is growing taller with every film of hers. Commercially speaking, you can't even get through her now-a-days.

She is keeping so busy that not even the paparazzi can trace her. I mean, we got to give it to the lady...she is fast.Wearing that nine-acre smile all day long and still to not look fake is quite something. So we decided to call her the original babe of Bollywood as she embodies all the elements of originality. We had a quick word or two with the tinsel town's tallest beauty Deepika Padukone on her first thriller, new energies, the Kajra Re step, Farhan Akhtar and why after all the success, she still feels unsatisfied.

How spooky can a thriller like Karthik Calling Karthik get?
Well, the film is a thriller and it can get very spooky, all the more so, because I've never been a part of any thriller so far.

What sort of energy and newness do new comers like you and Farhan bring to the screen?
We both have complimented each other and have learnt from each other so much during the making of Karthik Calling Karthik. We both draw something from each others performances. And that was the same with all my co-stars, whether it was Shah Rukh or Ranbir.

Was your Kajra Re step and the many others you've done impromptu?
Absolutely yes. The steps that I do in the song 'Uff Teri Ada' were completely impromptu. My director Vijay Lalwani said that it does look like a fun song and doesn't look choreographed. He thought that we were having a ball of a time.

Every young actress entering Bollywood wants to become the next Deepika Padukone. You're being touted as the next big thing in the industry.
(Laughs) Yes, it took me just two years to come this far but there was a struggle of almost ten years into it I guess. I'm extremely happy but I am also not completely satisfied with my achievements. I still think I have a lot left to achieve and prove. My hard work has paid off to some extent and I have reached the level that I wanted to and hopefully will continue doing the same kind of work to reach higher levels.

Have you ever received any call from yourself?
Nope! I am quite scared of these things and I hope it doesn't. So sorry. No call from Deepika Padukone will be answered (laughs).

Producers and directors have targeted you as a completely commercial entity because you give hit films.
You know, I don't know about me being a commercial entity. I'm not really planning the kind of films that I want to do. For me, as long as it excites me, I do it. Then when I do it, it becomes a hit at the box office followed by critical acclaim. As long as that is working for me and I am enjoying the kind of roles I'm being offered, I'm not complaining.

What does the media not know about Farhan Akhtar?
That he has a great sense of humour. But I'm sure everyone knows that. So I don't know how well or not well the media knows him. He is meticulous and very proper. Everything has to be in order for Farhan or else he gets upset.

"I am alive and I exist" - Amitabh Bachchan

Bollywood actor recently recorded with the legendary composer Ilayaraja and says it was great experience to have worked with him. He also speaks about his much anticipated movie Paa where he will be playing one of the most challenging roles of his career.

You recorded with the legendary Ilayaraja recently?
Yes I was in his divine presence for just a few moments.

Another birthday recently went by….
Yes it was just another day another year. I am grateful and feel blessed that it means something special for those around me. The Almighty and the prayers of my loved ones and those of the millions that have supported me are to be thanked. It is because of them that I breathe and exist
67 and still going super-strong... Would you say that's a good signature tune for you?
I do not know if I am still going strong, but yes I am alive and I exist. I have never wished for any signature or tune or any fancy recognition or accolade. I am grateful for the jobs that I get and am thankful that I am given opportunity for work.

How do you assess the year that has zipped by?
I really have no recollection of what went by. I know what I am doing now. Age does have this adverse effect on one and I am no different from any other. It may seem power packed for you but for me it is just another day, another job. I endeavor to do what is assigned to me to the best of my ability.

What according to you were the most significant occurrences in your life this year?
That I am still alive!

Significantly you took two months off to be with your friend Amar Singh in Singapore. How rejuvenating and introspective did that time-off prove to be?
Yes I was with Amar Singh ji during the time he was in Singapore under treatment. I was aware that he would be going for treatment and I was aware about the amount of time he would require to recover, so I had planned all my work in a manner where I could be free to be by his side. I finished all my pending work by June and did not take up any assignments after. When his condition had improved I accepted the Colors offer for BB3. I was in Singapore not to rejuvenate or to introspect, I was there for a friend, a member of my family while he recouped. My time there was spent being with him and monitoring his progress.

You seem to be taking time off from your movie assignments at the moment. What are your plans regarding more offers? Is it true you've decided to do only one film per year?
Because I was uncertain of how long Amar Singh ji would take to recover I did not accept any offers for film. I did not want to commit on a project the timings of which I may not have been able to adhere to. Yes, I do wish to do films and yes there are interesting offers, which I shall consider. And no it shall not be one film a year. I am not that big or important to make such decisions. It is a wonder that I am getting any offers at all.

You are back on television after creating history in KBC. How do the home medium and this new experience with Bigg Boss feel?
The experience of Bigg Boss 3 has just begun. I have been with it for too short a time to be able to completely describe its experience. But yes it is different from KBC and it gets more intricate as we move along. All I can say for the moment is that it has been a hugely exciting revelation for me. The medium and those that are attached to it work diligently round the clock and it is a marvel to see the amount of thinking and labor that goes on behind the scenes to create something like Bigg Boss. I am most impressed with that. The co-ordination and the management need all the praise there is for their unfailing effort and commitment. I am merely a tool that follows instructions, but what goes on beyond me is what needs to be recognized and appreciated.

How comfortable are you interacting with the Bigg Boss 3 housemates?
It is good. You would need to ask the channel or the house mates what they felt. I just feel very saddened when I have to announce the person who has been voted out by public and in house processes and then later to spend time with them after their eviction. It’s much like what I used to feel when on KBC I had to inform the participant that his answer was wrong.

You've another release Paa lined up. Would you say Paa and the earlier Aladin are challenging roles?
Yes both have been very challenging. Both have been very demanding physically. At my age it gets tough.

Paa offered you a unique chance to play a child. Did you relive your childhood through this part?
Not so much my childhood, but the childhood of my children and my grandchildren. A lot of my interpretation has been picked up from what I remember of Abhishek when he was that age and from my grandchildren now as I see them grow.

Your thoughts on self and the world around?
I wish, much like all else for there to be peace and harmony. For humans to understand that we are all one and that we all have common characteristics. To understand that all faiths need to be respected, for none of them are different in their beliefs. That we are one nation, united by our independence and our sovereignty. That this world we live in belongs to all of us and we need to protect it for its survival. That a kind word and a smile never did harm anyone. That a fragrant flower decorates our lives more than the vicious odour of hate.

"Our love making scene is done aesthetically"- Kareena Kapoor

She is known as 'Size Zero' of the Indian Film Industry. So we decided, let's just call her 'Half a Bagel'. She is slim, sleek and sexy. Kareena Kapoor is taking Bollywood by storm since a year, and taking the paparazzi by frenzy whenever she is spotted with boyfriend and actor Saif Ali Khan. Off screen, Kareena, popularly known as Bebo in Bollywood, exudes a smaller-than-life, self deprecating persona.

She always looks hopeful about her future, whether it's family, films or Saif Ali Khan. She is unique. She has the sort of untouchable star quality about her. In person, she is quite remarkably beautiful and lean. So lean that she seems almost to be a trick of perspective.

The directors she's worked with routinely comment on her flexibility. The actors comment on her dedication and passion for films and her boyfriend comments, ''She is very adaptable to the different worlds our directors create for her.'' Such is the respect this actress gets delivered. Since her new life with beau Saif has begun, and she is carefully selecting the right scripts coming her way, Kareena Kapoor has blossomed into the most talented and versatile actress of her generation.

She is so real that she doesn't even hesitate to say, ''Why don't journalists ever ask Charlize Theron or Halle Berry, why they do a love making scene in a movie? Why is it always have to be us?'' when asked her about the intense love making scene with Saif Ali Khan in Kurbaan.

Now that's what we respect about this bold Indian woman. But the lady doesn't stop there. ''When a viewer sees Kurbaan, they're not going to go back with just the kiss'', she adds. On her way to the Heathrow airport to catch her flight to Dubai, where both, 'Saifeena' (that's their new combined name) are busy promoting Kurbaan, we get lucky to be talking to the Indian phenomenon at the right place at the right time - the phenomenal princess Kareena Kapoor. By the way, the time I spoke to her was half past midnight.

The promos of Kurbaan reminds us a lot of your elder sister Karisma in Fiza. How intense can you get as an actress?
Well, Kurbaan is an intense film, its cutting edge and gripping too. Kurbaan is a new wave of cinema that's coming along. All our characters are intense; it's not just only me. Yes, my role of Avantika is the most powerful. So, you'll be surprised with our strong cast when the film hits the theatres.

I hope our sweet London journos haven't been asking you the same cliched questions, have they?
You know what? Everybody has been asking me more or less the same questions (laughs). So I hope you ain't going to make this one cliche like your London colleagues.

So how complex is Avantika, the role you play, in the film?
Avantika is a simple girl. She maintains her integrity very well in the film but is being used as a pawn in a huge game being played around by the terrorists. We've tried to keep Avantika real and at the same time, commercial. The role isn't a documentary types because let's not forget, it's a Karan Johar film. Kurbaan is a movie with a lot of repeat value.

Films have a shelf life of three days now. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It's a hit or a flop.
You'll be surprised that a lot of movies are declared a hit on a Friday itself. But sadly those movies are not really a hit. Today's all about perception and a lot about your PR. But some movies are going to do well even post Monday as well. Films like Love Aaj Kal, New York and Wake Up Sid have done well. The real test of films begins on the fourth day of their release that is a Monday. Unfortunately the media doesn't like to believe that. That's the test we all have to pass. Kurbaan falls under a category which has good music, good story, meaning, soul, good production house, good actors, etc. I'm sure and we hope it has a longer shelf life.

You think KJo is drifting away from his usual rom-coms? Would you expect a Kurbaan coming from a Dharma Production?
The whole idea is that when you are in a creative field, be it a producer, be it an actor, etc, we all have to experiment, we all have to discover and we all have to do different stuff. I don't think Karan Johar really wants to be a mediocre producer or a director. He has always pushed the envelope and he has always made great movies. If Karan doesn't do it than who else will?

How did you react on Saif's quote stating that he sees a lot of Sharmila Tagore in you?
That's a great compliment from Saif. Sharmila Tagore was one of the only actresses in Indian cinema to strike a balance between doing parallel cinema and doing a commercial entertainer. She has done Mausam and an Evening in Paris. I'd like to believe that I can also do an Omkara and a Kambakkht Ishq. I have constantly been doing roles in which I don't get type cast and I'm sure that the directors and the filmmakers know that now.

Love making scene cannot get easier than this, can it? An off screen couple getting intimate on screen.
Actually, to be honest with you, I would've done Kurbaan even if Saif wasn't there in the film. I would've stuck to the script which was given to me. I'm sure he would've done the same. So of course, this love making scene is a bit over hyped because we are an off screen couple. But I know one thing. When a viewer sees Kurbaan, they're not going to go back with just the kiss. The kiss isn't important. What's important is our message of the film. What's important are the thrilling moments in our film, etc. Why don't journalists ever ask Charlize Theron or Halle Berry why they do a love making scene in a movie. Why is it always have to be us? Our love making scene is done with aesthetically in a very classy manner.

Let me see if you can get three out of three here in this quick rapid fire.
Ok, let's play. I'm sure it'll be exciting

Saif Ali Khan's first film as an actor?
I think his first film was Parampara.

You got the first one. Now what was Saif's name in Omkara?
That's simple. Langda Tyagi

That's two on two. Here's the big one. Saif's first film with Akshay Kumar?
His first film with Akshay was Keemat

I'm sorry to say but you get 2 out of 3. His first film was Yeh Dillagi
Oh yes! Never mind. Better luck next time.

What is Kurbaan?
Kurbaan is a pain of intense emotions.