We have a special Vishwaroopam (Vishwaroop Hindi) special feature just for you! Pooja Kumar, who stars opposite Kamal Haasan in the epic film, recently sat down with Ashanti Omkar, Bollywood editor for Cineworld Cinemas and we have some highlights from that fabulous interview. Check out what the actress had to say about the unique way she got the role, working with Kamal sir and more!
Here something interesting we bet you didn’t know, Pooja Kumar revealed that it was a chat on Skype that landed her the role in Vishwaroopam, “Gouthami ji, who has also done the styling for the film, saw my work online and recommended me for the project. The production contacted my manager and we set up a Skype call with Kamal sir. We spoke for about five minutes and he said that his team would get back to me. The next day I get a call and I’m on the plane to Chennai to shoot the film! This was what is so amazing about technology today – you can be anywhere in the world and get great work. I am very thankful to them for allowing me to be part of this wonderful project.”
In the film, she plays Nirupama, who is married to Kamal Haasan’s character Viswanath. “I play a nuclear oncologist. We live in New York and I basically married him to get my PhD and green card so that I can pursue my career. My character is working on curing cancer (something spurred on by the death of her father). However, my life is not what I thought it would be and my husband has more to him than meets the eye! Viswanath is a character who is a Kathak teacher and we have a marriage of convenience initially, but our story develops as the narrative goes on.”
Kumar said she really feels that Haasan writes wonderful female characters, “His female roles are filled with sub-texts, fine nuances and so much character.”
The actress admits she was nervous her first day on set, “On the first day I was scared, as I knew no Tamil. I was giving a lot of takes to make it happen, but he said I was on board after I thought I’d be ousted from the project for messing up. He looked beyond that – he wants people to come up, especially newcomers, who don’t get so many opportunities. I realised what a wonderful human being he was, and my nervousness transitioned into confidence.”
So, once the nerves settled how was it to work on Vishwaroopam and Kamal Haasan? “This has been a life changing experience for me. Working with a man of his stature and calibre has been a gift I will cherish forever. I am truly blessed for getting an opportunity to work with a man I admire and respect tremendously. His passion, tenacity, versatility, and humbleness drives you as an artiste and pushes you to achieve excellence. He is the epitome of a great artiste because he pushes the envelope to newer levels. Standing next to him on set was an incredible experience, because his knowledge of filmmaking is extraordinary. I still have to pinch myself and say that I worked with an icon. It’s been a dream come true!”
Now Haasan starred in the film but he also wrote it, produced it and directed the film, which Kumar says was an eye opening experience. “When we were rehearsing the scenes he was my director and then when we were ready to shoot, I shut off the director and switched to the actor who is my co-star. What was so fascinating to see was that he seamlessly transitioned between roles. There was no hesitation or conflict in his mind of what had to be done. This is one of the biggest films to come out of India, so we should all commend him for the effort. His patience and humility was astounding.”
Another amazing thing was that not only did she get to work with Kamal sir, but she also worked with the esteemed Shekhar Kapur, “I was so excited when I heard that I was going to be doing scenes with Shekhar ji. His vision, storytelling, and direction are truly unique and we should celebrate people like him. It was truly an amazing experience for me, being able to listen to two greats; Kamal sir and him share their film stories and projects. Hopefully we will work together soon.”
The film also stars Rahul Bose, “Rahul is a very versatile actor and although we didn’t get to work in any scenes together, I’m happy that he has been a part of this film. I met him briefly during the shoot and I do hope I get a chance to act with him.”
Calling the film an action ride that you are bound to thoroughly enjoy she says, “The audience will be in for a wonderful treat!”
The actress closed with a thank you to her fans, “Thank you for all the love and support! It’s because of your love that I keep on striving for excellence and the want to give you all something new to see every time. Keep watching movies, as we love making them for you!”
Deepika Padukone is on a high after the release of Cocktail, which got her critical acclaim, box office success and audience appreciation. Now, the actress will be seen as Aleena in Abbas-Mustan’s Race 2.
The 27-year-old sultry actress plays a beautiful, strong and passionate girl in this sequel to Race. She is a ruthless mind dwelling in a brilliant beautiful body.
In a candid and very quick chat with BollySpice reporter Sunny Malik, the Race 2 star talks about the film and much more!
How was your experience shooting Race 2 in Turkey? I saw some photos of you shopping there during the filming.
That is the fun part about shooting there. It’s a great place for holidays. We spent about a month there and whenever we had a day off, we would go shopping. The city offers some amazing food. It was a good experience.
That is the fun part about shooting there. It’s a great place for holidays. We spent about a month there and whenever we had a day off, we would go shopping. The city offers some amazing food. It was a good experience.
Saif told me you seemed a bit shell-shocked at times with Abbas-Mustan’s direction e.g. ‘Thoda Aur Sexy Karo’ (Do it sexier). What was going on in your head when you were told something like this?
I don’t think there was ever a point when they precisely told me ‘Thodha Aur Sexy Karo’ but there is definitely a type of acting that was expected from all the actors. It took me a couple of days to figure out what exactly they wanted because I have not done such a film before. Because of the fact that Saif has worked with them, he knew what they expected. He helped me understand that.
I don’t think there was ever a point when they precisely told me ‘Thodha Aur Sexy Karo’ but there is definitely a type of acting that was expected from all the actors. It took me a couple of days to figure out what exactly they wanted because I have not done such a film before. Because of the fact that Saif has worked with them, he knew what they expected. He helped me understand that.
Was it difficult at times to do a scene because there are so many twists in the film?You know, every time we were shooting a scene, we were almost given a narration of the entire script again. The baggage that we are carrying in every single take changes in every scene because the equations between the characters change. This is also true to the Race style as the first film was like that. As the equations keep changing, the performance has to change accordingly too. Every time we were shooting a scene, we would sit down with Shiraz (storywriter) and he would tell us this has happened before the scene and this will happen after this scene, then we would play act the scene accordingly.
Are you disappointed that you don’t have songs in the film which you could perform on stage? Katrina Kaif was given great songs to perform on like ‘Zara Zara Touch Me’ and ‘Khwab Dekhe’.
I think, for some films the music catches on with the audience after the release of the film. I think thatRace 2 is one of those films. Also, I disagree with you because the music has become quite popular. All four songs in fact, ‘Party On My Mind’, ‘Be Intehaan’, ‘Lat Lag Gayee’ and ‘Allah Duhai’ are great songs. I also feel that when the film releases tomorrow, the music will catch on with audiences post that.
I think, for some films the music catches on with the audience after the release of the film. I think thatRace 2 is one of those films. Also, I disagree with you because the music has become quite popular. All four songs in fact, ‘Party On My Mind’, ‘Be Intehaan’, ‘Lat Lag Gayee’ and ‘Allah Duhai’ are great songs. I also feel that when the film releases tomorrow, the music will catch on with audiences post that.
The film has already released in the UAE. Have you been getting feedback?
I believe that it has opened very big. But it is not something I followed up because I have been giving interviews all day. I don’t know what the update is.
I believe that it has opened very big. But it is not something I followed up because I have been giving interviews all day. I don’t know what the update is.
You smashed it with your performance at a recent awards ceremony.Thank you. I did a live performance after a long time and I think Shiamak choreographed it really well.
The first look of Ram Leela was released today. How are you feeling about the film?
I am very excited about the film. We have had very positive response to the poster. I am excited to see how the film shapes up and I am excited for it to release later this year. It is a very passionate and intense love story. It is a Gujrati take on Romeo and Juliet.
I am very excited about the film. We have had very positive response to the poster. I am excited to see how the film shapes up and I am excited for it to release later this year. It is a very passionate and intense love story. It is a Gujrati take on Romeo and Juliet.
What are your expectations from audiences for Race 2?
I hope the film does really well. The film is true to the brand Race. There are a lot of twists and turns and everyone is plotting and betraying the other to get what they want. It is a very entertaining film.
I hope the film does really well. The film is true to the brand Race. There are a lot of twists and turns and everyone is plotting and betraying the other to get what they want. It is a very entertaining film.
Race 2, a Tips Film, releases on 25th January 2013 nationwide in UK and worldwide cinemas through UTV Motion Pictures.
The gorgeous Sonakshi Sinha is back and this time she is opposite the great Ajay Devgn in the masala flick Son of Sardaar. Directed by Ashwini Dhir, the film also stars Sanjay Dutt and Juhi Chawla. Son of Sardaar is a romantic comedy which takes you straight into the heartland of colorful Punjab. It is the story of Jassi (Ajay Devgn), a peace loving, happy-go-lucky Sardar, who lives in London while trying to make a living. While coming to Punjab from London, Jassi meets Meet (Sonakshi Sinha) and love happens! Of course, many twists, turns, action, drama and comedy also happen when he arrives. Will Meet and Jassi’s love story see a happy ending? You can find out tomorrow because SOS hits theaters on November 13th! We got the chance to have a quick chat with Sonakshi about the film. Read on to see what she told us about what made her laugh, about riding that bike, of course working with Ajay and all things Son of Sardaar.
So what made you say yes to the role in this film?
Just the fact that when Ashwin sir, our director, came to me with the script while he was reading it I was really laughing my heart out and I felt that if a film like that can get a reaction like that out of me on paper I’m sure it will be able to do a lot more when it’s finally done and after it’s on screen. I guess I went on instinct. And I really love the character that I’m playing too so I just went ahead and said yes.
Tell us about your character.
My character is of a young, modern Punjabi girl who is well educated, she’s loud, she’s funny, she’s talkative, and she is brought up with really nice strict Punjabi values. That’s pretty much my character in a nutshell. And along with all this I got to do a lot of new things in the film, for instance, riding a bike, doing action for the first time, I’ve done 2 action films in the past but never got a chance to do any action so in this film I’ve done that as well. She’s a very lively character.
Tell us about working with Ajay Devgn.
Fantastic. He’s a very, very professional actor, a very intense actor. When he is working he is very serious on the set. Work is work. When cameras aren’t rolling and the entire team is sitting together he’s a very fun person as well. So it was nice to see both sides to him. It was quite cool actually and it was good fun.
Now he is known as a prankster, did he get you?
Yes he did! He did pull quite a big one on me. He hid chilli paste in gajar ka halwa, which is an Indian sweet delicacy. I took a bite and my mouth was on fire because it was so spicy. That’s one thing I’m going to remember for the rest of my life and make sure that I look at what I’m eating (laughs).
Did you also have scenes with Sanjay Dutt and Juhi Chawla?
Yes I did. Both are wonderful actors to work with. Sanjay is actually being more like an elder brother, he’s seen me when I was really little so it was quite emotional working with him and sharing screen space with him. Juhi-ji is such a wonderful person she’s got such a nice, wonderful positive aura around her and she is always smiling. It’s really nice to be around her and work with her.
The song sequences looked like they were fun to film, tell us about that.
It was definitely fun because Ajay is really not known as a dancing actor but in this film the songs are so catchy, they are so foot taping numbers that he automatically enjoyed himself as well. He’s gone all out. He’s given his best. We know that he doesn’t like to dance (laughs) but he’s gone ahead and done that which is commendable. We really had fun!
What do you think the director brought out in you as an actress?
The director actually was he made it very easy for me because if you meet my director he’s a very typical Punjabi man, the way he speaks, the way he acts, the way he behaves, his everything is so typical Punjabi that if I ever got stuck I’d just have to observe him and see what he’s doing and how he’s doing it and replicate that. Even in terms of the language, I don’t speak Punjabi. I understand it, but I got the opportunity to speak it, lines here and there, he’s really a big help for getting into character.
So as you said you got to do action scenes for the first time. Were you scared?
Yeah, it was a bit scary at first but I’ve always been a very sporty person. In school I used to play a lot of sports, so I enjoy any kind of physical activity. I made sure I had no body double for this. It was something I wanted to do by myself. It seemed something very challenging so I really wanted to take it up. I think I did it well and the result is on screen to see. It was definitely a lot of fun.
What are you happiest about your career so far?
I think that it is that things have really fallen into place for me. People have appreciated a certain way that I looked, certain way that I act, and that’s most important to me. Not only that, the fact that I’ve enjoyed working with each and every one of my films. I’ve always taken something back from it. I’ve learnt something from it. That’s what is really important.
So what have you learned from this film?
From this film, I learned how to ride a bike. (Laughs)
What else do you have coming up?
I have Dabangg 2 at the end of this year in December and after that there is Lootera and there’sOnce Upon a Time in Mumbai the second part.
What do you think audiences are going to love about Son of Sardaar?
This is a film that everyone would like to see it. Just that it’s going to cater to every age group. Everyone is going to appreciate it because it has something for everyone right from kids to adults to seniors. So I think everyone is going to take back home a lot of entertainment, a lot of laughs. It is a complete commercial masala film Bollywood film which has action, romance, drama everything rolled into one. You know Indians like it that way. I think this film has all of that to offer and much more you know. It’s a very, very entertaining film and that’s all that matters. It definitely will be a good Diwali for them.
The last few years we have been witnessing this trend of young talented singers who hope to get noticed by putting up videos on YouTube singing their own version of several current hit songs. Think of Sam Tsui, Nataly Dawn and Esmee Denters, and of course one of the most famous examples, who now has a succesfull singing career, is that of teen idol Justin Bieber, who got noticed by Usher.
It seems that now in India we have found one young talented boy named Armaan Malik. Malik gained a lot of curiosity and a lot of views in the last few months when he released his version of Bruno Mars’ song ‘Just the Way You Are’.
The video went viral on Twitter and Facebook, after actress Priyanka Chopra praised the 16-year old and has since then been viewed more than 60000 times. Armaan is really happy with the response he gets on YouTube and replies personally to all who leave a comment. He assures us we can expect more exciting stuff. “Yes, I am really really happy to know that Priyanka Chopra , Gul Panag and many other people have dearly appreciated my cover. I am planning on some other exciting stuff. They too will come out soon 
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When I heard and saw him singing his version of Bruno Mars’ ‘Just The Way You Are’, I was taken right back to SRGMP Lil Champs. I clearly remember watching this little boy on television singing songs such as ‘Tere Naam’ and ‘Thoda Sa Pyaar Hua Hai’ with such depth. And to think, he was only 10 years old. It has been six years already and here was an all grown-up Armaan Malik, ready to mesmerize India with his voice. Let’s get to know him a little better.
Armaan Malik comes from a musical family. He is the son of composer Dabboo Malik and nephew of composer and Indian Idol judge Anu Malik. Therefore it comes as no surprise that he has always wanted and has been singing. “I have always been interested in singing. Singing is one thing that defines me. Since I hail from a family of musicians, music came naturally to me.”
He started singing at a very young age. “I started singing from the age of 4. As I recall, as a kid I was always inclined to music and singing. My parents still remember the day when I cried in tune! I have learnt singing from Mrs. Rita Kaul and Qadir Mustafa Khan (son of Padmashri and Padmabhushan recipient Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan Sahab). Yes, and I am still taking singing lessons.”
And with this talent in his pocket, he participated in the singing competition SRGMP Lil Champs and also appeared in the Zee TV show Chota Packet Bada Dhamaka. So many reality shows at such a young age. According to Armaan the experience was “amazing”. “Participating gave me immense confidence and taught me what the real world out there is like. At the age of 10, I was competing against contestants of 15 or even 16 years of age. So I felt really great having reached the 7th position in the competition.”
But his singing career had taken off even before he was participating in these shows. Though participating did give him a big break. “I had already started singing for ads and jingles, before I participated in Lil’ Champs. But the competition surely did give me a strong push in my career. My biggest break was when I sang for the musical duo Vishal-Shekhar alongside Mr. Amitabh Bachchan for the song ‘Mere Buddy’. Thereafter I sang for about 15 Bollywood films, the prominent ones beingRakht Charitra, Chillar Party, Taare Zameen Par and Hanuman Returns. I also acted and sang inKachcha Limboo. Besides that, I have also acted in ads like Kurkure and Country Club.”
The young singer also compose his own songs, but admits that he loves singing the most. “I haven’t composed for movies, but I do compose my own songs as a Singer-Songwriter. As a musician I feel that composing is an integral part of your growth as an individual artist. I believe composing a song is as important as singing it. I love both, but singing is and always will be the closest to my heart. And as the trend goes…where composers have started to sing as well, Armaan says that is what he wants to do eventually. I want to sing for films and compose, write and sing my own songs. ”
Armaan enjoys Western songs as much as he loves Indian songs. We asked him about his favourites.
Who are your favourite singers?
Sonu Nigam and Shreya Goshal
Sonu Nigam and Shreya Goshal
And Western artists?
Michael Bublé and Rihanna. I also like Coldplay.
Michael Bublé and Rihanna. I also like Coldplay.
In the future Armaan hopes to release an album and sing for films. “I have already done a short course in Berkley College of Music, for which I had received a full-tuition scholarship and honours at the end of the program. In future, I want to sing for movies, come out with my album and study music production and sound designing.”
Armaan Malik is definitely one talented singer to look out for. I am sure, he will take this industry by storm.
Here is the video!
A nervous Deepika Padukone spoke to BollySpice reporter Sunny Malik ahead of the release of her latest film Cocktail. Directed by Homi Adajania and also starring Saif Ali Khan, Diana Penty, Boman Irani and Dimple Kapadia, Cocktail is a story about three friends living in London.
The 26-year-old actress, last seen in Desi Boyz, which was also extensively filmed in London, is returning to the silver screen after a gap of eight months. In her second Illuminati Films production, Deepika plays the character of Veronica, a sexy Londoner who pretty much likes to go clubbing and get sloshed.
Here the Love Aaj Kal actress opens up about her love for the British capital, her character, co-stars Diana Penty and Saif Ali Khan, director Homi Adajania and much more.
You shot films in London before as well for example, Housefull, Desi Boyz and Love Aaj Kal. Does it not get boring to shoot in almost the same locations again and again?
Absolutely not, in fact, I must tell you that this time I am missing London a lot. Ever since I started my career about three to four years ago, something or the other has always brought me back to London. It started with Om Shanti Om, my first film premiere was in London after which I shot Love Aaj Kal and the following year I shot Housefull in London. Last year, I felt like a resident of the UK because I filmed Desi Boyz and Cocktail back-to-back here. Now we are six months into this year and I have not been to London. I am getting withdrawal symptoms already. I keep telling people that London to me feels like second home.
Absolutely not, in fact, I must tell you that this time I am missing London a lot. Ever since I started my career about three to four years ago, something or the other has always brought me back to London. It started with Om Shanti Om, my first film premiere was in London after which I shot Love Aaj Kal and the following year I shot Housefull in London. Last year, I felt like a resident of the UK because I filmed Desi Boyz and Cocktail back-to-back here. Now we are six months into this year and I have not been to London. I am getting withdrawal symptoms already. I keep telling people that London to me feels like second home.
Can you tell us about the London locations that you shot the film in?You’ll know better than I do (laughs).
I was on set only for two days (Laughs).We shot at The Grand nightclub in Clapham Junction, where I met you last year. We also shot a lot in Hyde Park and Battersea Park. We have also filmed a lot on the streets and in houses. But primarily, we have shot a lot outdoors.
You also shot in Cape Town. Will it be shown as Cape Town in the film or are you cheating locations?No, No. It will be shown as Cape Town in the movie. How can you cheat London in Cape Town? (Laughs)
I don’t know. People sometimes do these things. (Laughs) Also, was it difficult to shoot outdoor in London with fans watching, taking photos and screaming out your name?I actually prefer shooting outdoor than shooting on a set. I am always happier shooting outdoor than shooting on a set. But, yes, sometimes it does get difficult. If you are doing say an intense or an emotional scene, when you are trying to focus on your work and people are sometimes screaming out your name, which is also lovely but sometimes you wish that just for those few moments, you were on your own.
There has been a kind of online war between Deepika Padukone and Diana Penty fans. I am sure you have noticed it.
(Laughs) No, I haven’t actually.
(Laughs) No, I haven’t actually.
Well, Diana fans compare you two and praise her and your admirers do the same vice-versa. How do you feel about this because I know that you got along well on the sets in London?
Yes, we did. We got along on set. But that is actually my only interaction with her, on this film. I think we did one or two shows together while we were both modelling but we did not really interact back then. My real interaction with her started only on this film.
Yes, we did. We got along on set. But that is actually my only interaction with her, on this film. I think we did one or two shows together while we were both modelling but we did not really interact back then. My real interaction with her started only on this film.
Tell us a little bit about your character Veronica. What is she like?
Veronica is a girl who lives life on her own terms. She is fearless, super confident and a very sexy girl. She did not have the most stable upbringing because her parents were divorced. She did not have the love of a family. She has grown up surrounding herself with a lot of friends. She loves going out and enjoys drinking. She likes being out with people and with friends. They sort of fill that void in her life until she meets Gautam (Saif Ali Khan) and Meera (Diana Penty) who are actually much more than that. They give her emotional support that she probably did not have while growing up. She does not live life the way society expects her to be. She has no qualms about that. Veronica is not apologetic about the way she is. She does crave attention once in a while when she goes out. She knows when she walks into a nightclub, she will get all the attention. But deep down inside she is a very loving girl, she wants a normal life. In spite of her living this lifestyle, she is from a really rich family and her father gives her this fat juicy cheque every month, she wants normalcy.
Veronica is a girl who lives life on her own terms. She is fearless, super confident and a very sexy girl. She did not have the most stable upbringing because her parents were divorced. She did not have the love of a family. She has grown up surrounding herself with a lot of friends. She loves going out and enjoys drinking. She likes being out with people and with friends. They sort of fill that void in her life until she meets Gautam (Saif Ali Khan) and Meera (Diana Penty) who are actually much more than that. They give her emotional support that she probably did not have while growing up. She does not live life the way society expects her to be. She has no qualms about that. Veronica is not apologetic about the way she is. She does crave attention once in a while when she goes out. She knows when she walks into a nightclub, she will get all the attention. But deep down inside she is a very loving girl, she wants a normal life. In spite of her living this lifestyle, she is from a really rich family and her father gives her this fat juicy cheque every month, she wants normalcy.
Does Veronica believe in love?There is a part of her that is not completely for it. Maybe she is not very trusting at a certain level because she has seen her parents go through so much that emotionally somewhere it is clear in her mind. But at the same time, when she sees romance and real people around her, she craves that and not just in terms of a relationship. She also craves for family and some form of stability.
I have heard about your adventures in Cape Town with director Homi Adajania. How was it working with him?
We actually keep making fun of him saying that he is only doing Cocktail because Being Cyrus did not do really well and he never tasted success. He finally succumbed to making a so-called commercial film in his head. He is great fun. For me playing Veronica was a lot easier because I had him as the director. He is the male version of Veronica actually. (Laughs)
We actually keep making fun of him saying that he is only doing Cocktail because Being Cyrus did not do really well and he never tasted success. He finally succumbed to making a so-called commercial film in his head. He is great fun. For me playing Veronica was a lot easier because I had him as the director. He is the male version of Veronica actually. (Laughs)
Have you become friendlier now with Saif as he told us that it was slightly awkward between you two during Love Aaj Kal?
I think, I am a lot more comfortable working with him with every film that I do. You know, we both feel that in spite of us having done four films together, it does not feel repetitive. Maybe it is the kind of films that we are doing or maybe it is the characters we are playing. But I don’t feel like I have done four films with him.
I think, I am a lot more comfortable working with him with every film that I do. You know, we both feel that in spite of us having done four films together, it does not feel repetitive. Maybe it is the kind of films that we are doing or maybe it is the characters we are playing. But I don’t feel like I have done four films with him.
You said in an interview that it took you some time to get out of the character of Veronica. What was it about the character that was stuck with you ?
It was the emotional journey Veronica went through and I went through with that character. (Laughs) I got attached to the character very early on in the film and even Homi says that there was a point after a few days of working with each other, he stopped directing me. He had to give me no direction and he believes that only happens when the actor and director are on the same page. I think, it was an emotional roller-coaster for me and that is why it took me so long to get out of it.
It was the emotional journey Veronica went through and I went through with that character. (Laughs) I got attached to the character very early on in the film and even Homi says that there was a point after a few days of working with each other, he stopped directing me. He had to give me no direction and he believes that only happens when the actor and director are on the same page. I think, it was an emotional roller-coaster for me and that is why it took me so long to get out of it.
You said no to quite a lot of fans when they asked you for photographs in London during the shoot. Was that also because you were so attached to your character?Yes, while I respect people wanting to take pictures and autographs this is exactly what I was saying earlier on. When I am on set, especially with this character, it needed a lot of focus and concentration. I think, emotionally it was seriously like a yo-yo for me. There days when it was really, really draining. I needed more than a hundred percent focus on some of my scenes and on certain days.
There is some online negativity that comes your way on Twitter. How do you cope with that?
You know, for all the love, the entire fan following and all the appreciation that I get, a little bit of negativity is okay. I can deal with it. I guess, at the end of the day, I work to hopefully convert all of them my fans as well. (Laughs)
You know, for all the love, the entire fan following and all the appreciation that I get, a little bit of negativity is okay. I can deal with it. I guess, at the end of the day, I work to hopefully convert all of them my fans as well. (Laughs)
What are your expectations from the UK audience for Cocktail?
I hope people relate to the film and I am pretty sure, they will. It is very relatable which is why people feel that it looks fresh. Ever since the first promo came out, there has been a lot of positive reaction towards the film and promos. A lot of that comes from people identifying with situations or characters. With this film, I am going to be a bit selfish and say that I hope when people watch the movie, people feel for the film as much as I do.
I hope people relate to the film and I am pretty sure, they will. It is very relatable which is why people feel that it looks fresh. Ever since the first promo came out, there has been a lot of positive reaction towards the film and promos. A lot of that comes from people identifying with situations or characters. With this film, I am going to be a bit selfish and say that I hope when people watch the movie, people feel for the film as much as I do.
Cocktail releases worldwide on 13th July 2012. Be sure to check out our exclusive with Saif Ali Khan too!
Bollywood actress Raima Sen was in London for the closing event at the London Indian Film Festival on Tuesday 3rd July.
Two of Raima Sen’s Bengali movies, Aboshesheyand Baishey Srabon where screened at the two week film festival, with the actress walking the red carpet for the UK premier of the Bengali thrillerBaishey Srabon.
Held at Cineworld, Haymarket the red carpet event began with the announcement of this year’s winner of the Satyajit Ray Foundation’s Short Film Competition. The prize went to Neeraj Ghaywan, for his film Shor, which tells the tale of a husband and wife living in Mumbai’s ghettos.
Baishey Srabon tells the story of two journalists and two cops chasing a psycho killer who is taking revenge in Kolkata, leaving behind couplets of famous Bengali poets as hints.
After the screening of the thriller, Raima Sen participated in a Q&A conducted by Life Goes On director, Sangeeta Datta. Bollyspice.com attended the Q&A where Raima talked about what attracted her to the script of Baishey Srabon, remaking her Grandmother’s, Suchitra Sen, films and her next Bollywood project.
What attracted you to the script of Baishey Srabon?
The producers called me and said would I want to do this film with the director Srijit Mukherji. I wanted to work with him because his first film was Autograph, which was huge success, and I saw the film, and was actually a fan of his work so I said yes to the film without even listening to the script. He is extremely talented, is new and has great ideas. It was him that made want to do the film more than anything else. Then later came the script, which I thought was very different for Bengali cinema. I was wondering whether a thriller would really work, because they haven’t really but I think this is the first thriller that has worked in Bengal.
The producers called me and said would I want to do this film with the director Srijit Mukherji. I wanted to work with him because his first film was Autograph, which was huge success, and I saw the film, and was actually a fan of his work so I said yes to the film without even listening to the script. He is extremely talented, is new and has great ideas. It was him that made want to do the film more than anything else. Then later came the script, which I thought was very different for Bengali cinema. I was wondering whether a thriller would really work, because they haven’t really but I think this is the first thriller that has worked in Bengal.
Has it set a trend? Are there more thrillers coming?
Yeah I am sure there are. This crossed all expectations I am sure after this there will be many more thrillers.
Yeah I am sure there are. This crossed all expectations I am sure after this there will be many more thrillers.
You tend to work a lot in ensemble films where there are many characters. Is that something you consciously choose? Have you consciously stayed away from the mainstream Bengali films?No I haven’t consciously stayed away but I think because of my first film Godmother, which was an independent film, people just see me in these kinds of films more than they see me in commercial sing and dance films. I just choose the best of what I have got. It’s not a conscious decision; I have done a Bollywood commercial film, which will release this year with John Abraham. I am waiting to see how people will take me in that but I think people associate me more with serious cinema.
How do you prepare for your films?
I would say I am a director’s actress. For me I would say he is the most important person he is the captain of the ship, so before any film I sit with my director for 3 days or 10 days or whatever is required, and we just read and read. That’s how I do my workshops, just with the director, more than my co-actors. So basically with each director I am able to portray what he wants. So every film I am different because of the director, because they are completely different.
I would say I am a director’s actress. For me I would say he is the most important person he is the captain of the ship, so before any film I sit with my director for 3 days or 10 days or whatever is required, and we just read and read. That’s how I do my workshops, just with the director, more than my co-actors. So basically with each director I am able to portray what he wants. So every film I am different because of the director, because they are completely different.
You come from a family where three generations of woman have been in the industry. Does your Grandmother’s work inspire you?
I started watching her films more after I joined films. I loved the films that she did. She talks about her experiences, and she talks about all the funny things. It is great knowing it from her. Now people ask me to do remakes of her films and I am quite scared to do this as everyone watches her films, she is still such a legend in Kolkata, so doing a remake of her’s I am quite scared to do but lets see. I am doing a remake of hers this year called Chandranath.
I started watching her films more after I joined films. I loved the films that she did. She talks about her experiences, and she talks about all the funny things. It is great knowing it from her. Now people ask me to do remakes of her films and I am quite scared to do this as everyone watches her films, she is still such a legend in Kolkata, so doing a remake of her’s I am quite scared to do but lets see. I am doing a remake of hers this year called Chandranath.
Is there a favorite film of your Grandmother’s that you would like to remake?They asked me this year to do a film called Deep Jwele Jaai. I don’t think I could take the pressure of remaking that so I said no to that. But I am doing Chandranath as there is no print so people haven’t seen it so I can afford to do that.
As an industry how have things improved for you as an actress in Kolkata?
Now I think Bengal is going through a golden period. I think now there is more awareness and more money. Films are doing exceptionally well, not only releasing in Bengal but nationally and then at these international festivals, so I think right now it is a great time for Bengal. In Bengal women are given a lot of priority, so films do work when they are woman orientated unlike Bollywood. I think it is great that new directors are coming up and there are new ideas. There are lots for women to do in Bengal.
Now I think Bengal is going through a golden period. I think now there is more awareness and more money. Films are doing exceptionally well, not only releasing in Bengal but nationally and then at these international festivals, so I think right now it is a great time for Bengal. In Bengal women are given a lot of priority, so films do work when they are woman orientated unlike Bollywood. I think it is great that new directors are coming up and there are new ideas. There are lots for women to do in Bengal.
What is the name of film with John Abraham?
I, Me Aur Mein. It is a typical Bollywood commercial film.
I, Me Aur Mein. It is a typical Bollywood commercial film.
Credit : Bollyspice.com
Genelia D’souza has been a delight to watch on screen since her debut movie, Tujhe Meri Kasam. The epitome of cute and bubbly, Genelia has always been the sweet outsider, with consistent hard work and sincerity and a bit low-profile. Having started her career with Riteish Deshmukh, she found a friend, companion and a soul mate in him and we at BollySpice wish her all the happiness for her newly married life. Don’t misjudge her by childlike demeanor. This 24 year old actress has worked in over a dozen movies in 5 languages (Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam). Genelia D’souza in a chitchat with BollySpice about her teen years, her upcoming movie Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya and of course Riteish.Every love story has its USP. Apart from the fact that Riteish and you are coming together, what is the USP of Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya?
Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya is not pretentious. It’s a small film placed in the heart of the interiors. It’s very true to the fact that here, there is a boy – simple innocent - and a girl – brat, mischievous; it is all depicted very clearly in the film and I like the fact that the film was so particular to sticking to the film as it is because generally we do see things happening otherwise. So yes, we shot in the heart of Patiala, Manali…
The promos till now have been very sweet and endearing. It kind of looks like a mix between Jab We Met and Ajab Prem Ki Ghajab Kahani – in fact the promos hint a bit at the latter too. Looks like it’s got the madness and the feel of the two…
It does have the flavor of the genre of Jab We Met – I hope it’s as big a hit as that film (laughs) - but I wouldn’t say there are similarities between the two. Yes, my character is loud, bubbly and mischievous – Riteish’s on the other hand is quiet, innocent. But Geet (Kareena’s character in Jab We Met) was very innocent. Mini on the other hand is an out of town girl, who has seen a bit of life and whose bubbliness comes from the fact that she is very adventurous. Riteish’s character Viren is an extremely hardworking guy; the kind of guy who works hard even for Rs.10. So that’s the difference. I hope it has the beauty of Jab We Met because it is one of my favorite films. So Tere Naal is more of a story of Viren and Mini rather than Riteish and Genelia.
How much of Mini is Genelia?
I started working at the age of 15 and honestly I did not get to be the Minis or the Aditis that I play in the movie so I am very glad that I am an actor and I get to experience all this in my movie. At the age of 15 when you start acting you are expected to be a professional so I grew up being very mature, someone with her head on her shoulder but then the child in me didn’t die. Which is why I am glad that I get to do films which portray this side of me.You did your first movie with Riteish seven years ago (Tujhe Meri Kasam) and now you are working with him in Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya. Has Riteish changed in this timespan? What sort of growth have you seen in him as an actor?
We have known each other for a very long time. Two young kids discovering our life when we started off and for us everything was novelty. For Riteish, he had at least been on film sets. I had no experience. I would just listen to the director and pray for him to say that the shot was okay! I wouldn’t even ask for a retake or suggest him if it could be done in another way. Like it was all rote learning…it was all learning for me. Like in schools where you just follow the teacher and do whatever she asks you to do…it was like that for me. Now it’s different. I have become more responsible and I am hoping that I have grown up as an actor!
Riteish has the gift of the gab, yaar. He comes up with lines on the spot. He changes the scenes in no time. He has really got that talent – the way he gets off with lines. He is one of the actors I have co-starred with who is not a selfish actor. Like, if the girl needs to be there in the scene and be the heart of it, he will just give it to you. You don’t then get insecure, you know, so that’s really nice about Riteish. Speaking of him as an actor, he really makes learning fun. He likes to revise his work, discuss it and go over it with the director. And even improvise. Like, whenever you see him in award shows, you realize that it is a talent, he can just come up with lines.
Are you nervous because this is your first love story after you went public with your relation? And also because real couples don’t usually fare well in the movies…
I have always believed in chemistry being written. If the pair doesn’t work it is usually because the lines written are not right, or the moment is not right…so that chemistry is missing. Of course the physical aspects and compatibility matter too. I don’t have any apprehensions because Riteish and I have not known each other since a long time as actors. We have not been to each other’s sets and been hanging around and wasting each other’s time. We have not intruded into each other’s space as actors ever – like I have always done work which I have believed is right for me and he has always done things which he believes is right for him. I honestly never knew that I would discover Riteish as an actor when I met him. I have not worked with him for seven years. The first experience we had was on a totally different level and secondly, when I see him at award shows and all – I don’t go to the practice sessions – I thought it was all script generated. But today I know that a part of him evolves on screen live. So I was very confident about the two of us. But the good part is till now, the look of the movie has been well received and people have found a freshness though we have been around for 10 years.Does it help that the person you are married to is from the same industry and knows about the work?
I am not sure in which way that helps but being an actor and being from a non-filmi background – I didn’t know anything about the film industry at all, how films work, how relationships work – in that way, being an actor helps me understand Riteish. Having said that I feel it’s a double edged sword. It can work both ways. What is important is that two people don’t lose themselves when they are in a relationship.
Many believe that people need to change after marriage…
I don’t understand why people have to change (after marriage). I am going to be me. I hope I can stay that way. I enjoy being fun and bubbly!
Thanks for talking to Pulse Links
Thanks!
