Interview : Emraan Hashmi

Emraan Hashmi has a penchant of treading the unconventional route. The roles he chooses or the film’s he does are very different from a typical hero’s take. He doesn’t mind taking risks and this is what sets him apart. Many call it arrogance, but he is not bothered as only he can make a film hit during the IPL season when the others faltered.

Excerpts from an Interview:

You did gamble isn’t it with Jannat releasing it during IPL?

But that was because I was confident about the film. Filmmaking itself is a gamble and there are lots of risks involved. The film was minimised by hit music, a topical issue and a modern-day love story. The timing to release the film was risky no doubt, but it paid off at last.

Your upcoming film is Raaz 2, what is your intuition about the film?

I’m as much confident about the success of the film as Jannat. It’ll be a spooky film and the audience will get a treat watching the horror stuff. The film has to live up to the original and expectations are sky high.

You are pricing yourself up in the market.

My price is nothing unreasonable and it wouldn’t burden the project. I come from a film family and have a running production company, I’ve knowledge about the trade.

But you’ve opted out of Bhatts film because of your price tag.

The actual reason that I did not do the film is because Bhattsahab is making films on the lines I’ve already done before. Murder was in essence a love triangle too with a murder thrown in. I prefer not to repeat myself.

Are you doing Kunal Deshmukh’s next?

It will be a bigger film than Jannat. The script is being processed at the moment.

Are you doing the Metro sequel?

I’d love to be a part pf the film. I’ve told Anurag Basu to approach me if he has a role for me. I’m ready to sign the film without reading the script and might also sign it for free. Also I’m working with Subhash Ghai and we’ve a three-film deal. Waiting for a good script to come through.

You are a loyalist of Vishesh Films?

It’s not that. I’ve worked with outside banners too and delivered hits. But with Vishesh Films, it’s not just a professional relationship. I’ll work with anybody who has a good offer.

Movie Review : 'Haal-e-Dil'

Producer: Kumar Mangat
Director: Anil Devgan
Cast:Nakuul Mehta, Tanuja, Sanjay Mishra, Amita Pathak, Adhyayan Suman, Mukesh Tiwari
Music: Anand Raj Anand, Raghav Sachar, Vishal Bharadwaj

First thing first - the film lacks originality as several sequences are copied from the 1990s hit 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge'. From the rain song to the train scene, it reminds one of the Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol starrer.

Although producer Kumar Mangat made 'Haal-e-Dil' to launch his daughter Amita Pathak, it is TV star Shekhar Suman's son Adhyayan who takes the cream out of the cake in this badly handled love story.

It is also Adhyayan's debut film, but his performance is being appreciated because of his originality. Usually new actors imitate big stars in some or the other way, but Adhyayan seems to be himself throughout the narration.

As a cute chocolate-boy hero, Nakuul might woo the college-goers, especially the girls. Amita's performance is tolerable, but she fails to strike a chemistry with either of her co-stars.

The triangular love story revolves around Sanjana Sharma (Amita Pathak), Rohit (Adhyayan Suman) and Shekhar (Nakuul Mehta). Sanjana and Rohit study in the same college and are in love. Then Shekhar enters Sanjana's life. The two meet on a train and for Shekhar it is love at first sight. He starts following Sanjana and tries to woo her.

The script is weak and it drags. Despite the presence of Ajay Devgan, Kajol and Tanuja, the film fails to hold the viewers' attention.

One wonders why Kumar Mangat and Anil Devgan chose the two guys who look younger than Amita to play her love interest in the film?

Interview: Mika’s Singh

Singer Mika is more popular for his infamous episode with Rakhi Sawant. However things have started looking positive for him, with Mika delivering hits with the Bollywood tracks. This Punjabu nasal singer is creating furore with hit tracks like ‘Aye Ganpat’ and ‘Mauja Hi Mauja’. After his successful stint with chartbusters, he now changes direction to star in a film. Wanna know more about Mika, read on!

Excerpts from an Interview:

Alike Himesh Reshammiya, it seems that the acting bug has also bitten you.

Films are happening and that’s good. I’ve already completed shooting for Loot. The sequel to Tom Dick and Harry is also on the floors. I’m doing Loot for Suniel Shetty as he is a close friend. When he asked me to do the film there was no question of giving a ‘no’ back. Tom Dick and Harry sequel happened quite interesting. I was supposed to render a track for the film. The director offered me a role and I accepted it.

Will that mean that music has taken a backstage in your career?

It’s not that. My top priority as the shows. Even top actors like Akshay Kumar, SRK, Saif Ali Khan do one or two films a year and concentrate on shows. I’m doing the same. For a role I’m offered Rs 30 lakh for for which I need to shoot for at least 20 days. I can make the same money through five shows, which means only five days of work!

You are all over the place with chartbusters and now your track Saawan mein lag gayi aag has got a second life with Woodstock Villa.

That’s great isn’t it? I remember eight years back, Sanjay Gupta called me wanting to use the song in his film. But he met with an accident and things went haywire. So, again when he made a move on that front, I was floored. He approached the company, bought the rights, made Anu Malek do the music and spent the same amount of money that went into making my whole album! Now, what stands out in the flick is my song. Even if it’s not meant to be, my songs end up becoming the title tracks.

Movie Review: 'Mere Baap Pehle Aap'

Producer: Raman Maroo

Director: Priyadarshan

Cast: Akshaye Khanna, Paresh Rawal, Om Puri, Genelia D'souza, Shobhana

Music: Vidyasagar

At last a Priyadarshan comedy that warms the cockles of the heart even as it makes you cackle in glee.

'Mere Baap Pehle Aap' is a deftly-scripted piece of quirky and cryptic concoction on role reversal. And if you take away all the humbug and fringe characters, at the core of this cool comedy is a father-son relationship where the father is often caught behaving like a truant child.

Paresh Rawal's guilt-stricken expressions and Akshaye Khanna's finger-wagging exasperation are simply superb. Hats off to Manisha Korde's wildly witty words that colonize the characters' comic world.

Breathe easy. There are no risque or double-meaning jokes and no vulgar shots of women. Priyadarshan's film is clean and clever in parts and makes you forgive all the excesses of his recent films like 'Bhool Bhulaiya' and 'Malaamal Weekly' where the characters were constantly in a state of distress.

In 'Mere Baap...' we see some restraint and subtlety in the narration and the locales are exquisite and refreshing. Sabu Cyril's art work suggests an endearing link between our cultural heritage and the rituals of laughter. The Kerala sequences are adorably quaint.

Throughout the story of a father and son finding marital bliss at about the same time, we are caught in spaces that are filled but not overbrimming. Like his earlier films, Priyadarshan's people this time go from laughter to a social message with a virile fluency.

Does a middle-aged man have the right to seek a companion when he has a child of marriageable age?

Paresh is at the receiving end of social taboos. After wasting himself in not-so-good comedies in recent times, Paresh comes into his own here as the surly, child-like dad who keeps getting into embarrassing positions for no fault of his.

If Paresh sparkles, it's because he has a screen son who shines with immense confidence. Akshaye's comic timing and his little nuances and gestures bring forceful humour to a film that may otherwise have ended up looking a little limp and unmoored.

The rest of the cast, barring the brazenly over-pitched Genelia, give winsome comic performances. It's a surprise to see the beautiful Shobana show up as the spinster that widower Paresh wants to marry.

The wedding song and dances are almost exquisite. This touch of the quasi-classical, also seen in the closing interlude of 'Bhool Bhulaiya', gives the comedy a touch of refreshing grace.

Interestingly, Mohan Joshi, who's a regular in Priyadarshan films, gives a completely non-comic performance here. And Archana Puransingh, as a brassy lady cop, once again displays a penchant for parody.

Om Puri as a leery, ageing bachelor is appropriately grotesque. But one can't tell whether it's the character or the performance that makes one squirm.

The film works mainly because Paresh and Akshaye look so delightfully compatible as a father and son who have lived so closely together that they don't know which is which.

Another asset is Ranjit Barot's background music, which is surprisingly tender and strong in fits and starts.

Producer: Raman Maroo

Director: Priyadarshan

Cast: Akshaye Khanna, Paresh Rawal, Om Puri, Genelia D'souza, Shobhana

Music: Vidyasagar

At last a Priyadarshan comedy that warms the cockles of the heart even as it makes you cackle in glee.

'Mere Baap Pehle Aap' is a deftly-scripted piece of quirky and cryptic concoction on role reversal. And if you take away all the humbug and fringe characters, at the core of this cool comedy is a father-son relationship where the father is often caught behaving like a truant child.

Paresh Rawal's guilt-stricken expressions and Akshaye Khanna's finger-wagging exasperation are simply superb. Hats off to Manisha Korde's wildly witty words that colonize the characters' comic world.

Breathe easy. There are no risque or double-meaning jokes and no vulgar shots of women. Priyadarshan's film is clean and clever in parts and makes you forgive all the excesses of his recent films like 'Bhool Bhulaiya' and 'Malaamal Weekly' where the characters were constantly in a state of distress.

In 'Mere Baap...' we see some restraint and subtlety in the narration and the locales are exquisite and refreshing. Sabu Cyril's art work suggests an endearing link between our cultural heritage and the rituals of laughter. The Kerala sequences are adorably quaint.

Throughout the story of a father and son finding marital bliss at about the same time, we are caught in spaces that are filled but not overbrimming. Like his earlier films, Priyadarshan's people this time go from laughter to a social message with a virile fluency.

Does a middle-aged man have the right to seek a companion when he has a child of marriageable age?

Paresh is at the receiving end of social taboos. After wasting himself in not-so-good comedies in recent times, Paresh comes into his own here as the surly, child-like dad who keeps getting into embarrassing positions for no fault of his.

If Paresh sparkles, it's because he has a screen son who shines with immense confidence. Akshaye's comic timing and his little nuances and gestures bring forceful humour to a film that may otherwise have ended up looking a little limp and unmoored.

The rest of the cast, barring the brazenly over-pitched Genelia, give winsome comic performances. It's a surprise to see the beautiful Shobana show up as the spinster that widower Paresh wants to marry.

The wedding song and dances are almost exquisite. This touch of the quasi-classical, also seen in the closing interlude of 'Bhool Bhulaiya', gives the comedy a touch of refreshing grace.

Interestingly, Mohan Joshi, who's a regular in Priyadarshan films, gives a completely non-comic performance here. And Archana Puransingh, as a brassy lady cop, once again displays a penchant for parody.

Om Puri as a leery, ageing bachelor is appropriately grotesque. But one can't tell whether it's the character or the performance that makes one squirm.

The film works mainly because Paresh and Akshaye look so delightfully compatible as a father and son who have lived so closely together that they don't know which is which.

Another asset is Ranjit Barot's background music, which is surprisingly tender and strong in fits and starts.

Interview: Amita Pathak

Amita Pathak wanted to be an actress from a very young age. Though her father producer father Kumar Mangat never took her aspirations seriously, she was determined about it. She had to wait for it, but her dream is turning true finally. Her first film, ‘Haal-e-Dil’ with newcomers Adhyayan Suman and Nakuul Mehta will arrive at the theatres soon. She talks about the film and more.

Excerpts from an Interview:

What is the film all about?

The story revolves around three people who tell each other their Haal-e-Dil. It’s about their first love and when they get it and they go ahead to prove it. My character in the film is called Sanjana and she is close to both these guys in her own way. But she loves them differently.

When did you decide that you have to do acting?

I was three years old when I watched Khilaaf, starring Madhuri Dixit and Mithun Chakraborty. Fans were going crazy over them, asking for autographs and pictures and I wanted to undergo the same experience. I tried acting in front of the mirror. My dad saw it and asked what was I doing and I told him that I wanted to act. He did not tale it much seriously at that time. After I turned 18 he understood that I was serious about my aspirations. He has been very supportive and got me scripts and read them to me.

What kind of preparations have you taken for your debut film?

I have done an acting course from Kishore Namit Kapoor Acting Academy. I have also attended a three-month acting workshop with Om Katare and worked on my dance moves with Shiamak Davar. I know Kathak, western dance, salsa and jive. I've assisted in a couple of movies, like Omkara.

With your dad producing this film, how was the experience?

It is not easy to get a breakthrough in the industry and there are many strugglers out there more capable then me. With my father around I consider myself fortunate. But like all other actors I auditioned for the film in front of all the writers and the director. This film wasn’t specially made for me. I wanted to debut in a romantic comedy. But I did not get script of that kind. I decided not to read any script for a while as I got frustrated. I was in Punjab and my das got Haal-e-dil. My dad told director Anil Devgan that I would be apt for the film. Anil uncle was not sure if I would be interested in the role. He hardly recognised me when I met him at the auditions.

Interview : Katrina Kaif

Katrina Kaif is on the roll! She had a great start to the year with the superhit film ‘Race’. She had also joined the league of highest paid actress in the industry. Katrina has also been voted as the sexiest woman by a prominent men's magazine. Her tall and curvy structure with an angel like face definitely makes her the most attractive women of the industry. Certainly she is very happy with the good things happening in her life.

Excerpts from an Interview:

You have been voted as the sexiest women alive. How do you feel about it?

(pause) I feel any poll done by audience or public, is always flattering. If it's a magazine which goes overseas it's certainly significant. Tomorrow when I would be a grandma, in my 60s, it would be great to look back and read I was the sexiest woman once.

What’s your definition of being ‘sexy’?

I think it’s about the whole package. It is has more to do with the fans relating to the person. Someone who is not too intimidating or maybe someone who you are not embarrassed to walk around with.

Do you cherish being in this industry?

Certainly. My career was almost doomed when Kaizad Gustad's Boom flopped and I was planning to pack my bag and return. Now with a string of hits like RGV's Sarkar, Partner, Namastey London, Welcome and Race, I feel this is my second home. There were abundant roles which would begin with the word ‘s' and end at ‘y'. But I cautiously stayed away from such roles. I guess it has paid off well.

How do you manage to look good every time you are on screen?

There's a very thin line between being an attractive woman and overtly sexy. I had always kept my preferences intact. For me it's important to be attractive to the family audience. At the same time, it's crucial to have my young fans too.

What are your forthcoming films?

There will be four biggies releasing in the next 14 months. There is Vipul Shah's Singh is Kinng, Subhash Ghai's Yuvraj and an untitled from the Yashraj banner. There’s a Yash Raj film to be directed by Kabir Khan of Kabul Express fame

Interview : Paresh Rawal

Paresh Rawal is among the best actors one can witness in recent times. He has excelled in the spheres of comedy, emotion, drama and what not. Also he has the fear of getting stereotyped and frequently keeps on experimenting with his roles. He has carved a niche as a comedy actor with films like Hera Pheri, Hulchul, Hungama, Malaamal Weekly and others with Priyadarshan. Once again he is set to work with the director in the new comedy flick ‘Mere Baap Pehle Aap’. In this film releasing this Friday he plays the baap in question while his son Akshaye Khanna, tries to marry him off. About the film and more, let’s find out from him.

Excerpts from an Interview:

The promos of Mere Baap Pehle Aap look interesting. We are eager to learn more about the film.

It is an out and out Priyadarshan film, a complete family entertainer. The film carries a nice story. The shooting was enjoyable as I got to work with Akshaye Khanna after a long time.

You and Priyadarshan seem to have become inseparables!

There is nothing such. He is a very good human being and that’s why I prefer to work with him. He is also successful. He can make films with newcomers. I’m an actor who wants to keep growing with every film. I feel a film is a team effort and one cannot just take away the whole credit. Good script, dialogues, direction, chemistry, everything is important. The audience becomes happy when someone makes them laugh, people feel nice to see me and they smile. That’s why comedy films are so popular. In that way you become popular.

We don’t see you doing much drama now. Why?

There is no category for me as such. My serious roles have earned me respect if comedy has fetched me popularity. I want both. I want commercial success as well as acclaim. Currently I’m doing more comedy because such films are being made. But alongside I also do Yun Hota Toh Kya Hota, remember that. I’m also open to play villain, like I played formerly. People offer me to play Sardar Patel because they know I’m a good actor. I love to work.