Akshay turns crowd controller during 'Boss' shoot in Delhi

Akshay Kumar

Actor Akshay Kunar turned crowd controller in Delhi, when the crew of his upcoming film 'Boss' had a tough time keeping onlookers at bay who had gathered in large numbers to catch a glimpse of the action hero.

Recently, some of the action sequences were shot in the bustling Chandni Chowk and Jama Masjid area in the national capital. Since both are very densely populated areas, the chaos created by the crowd during the film shoot threw the security arrangements out of gear.

When Akshay realised this, he decided to do his own bit for controlling the crowd.

"The shootings were happening all day long and thousands had gathered to witness him (Akshay) in action. Even 100-odd private security personnel and several policemen couldn't control the crowd. Akshay then had to wave to the audience and request them to calm down," sources said.

Directed by Anthony D'souza, the film stars Akshay Kumar, Mithun Chakraborty, Shiv Pandit, Aditi Rao Hydari along with Danny Denzongpa, Ronit Roy and Johnny Lever.

The film is set to release this year on October 16.

Popularity of star kids on the rise

Though their first film may be years away, star kids today already have a huge fan following. "There is already curiosity to get the first glimpse of Shah Rukh Khan's son AbRam," says a senior photographer, adding that there has been a rising demand for pictures of star kids.

A browse through social networking sites will throw up more than a dozen groups dedicated to Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan, daughter Suhana, Sridevi's daughter Jhanvi, the newest Bachchan entry, Aaradhya, among others. While some like Jhanvi appear comfortable in front of the cameras, others like Aryan clearly seem uncomfortable at the intrusion as was pretty evident at his father's Eid party. We look at how some actors deal with their children's popularity...

Aamir Khan: While son Azad is often seen on the sets with his mother Kiran Rao, veteran photographer Pradeep Bandekar says that Aamir too is quite comfortable with his son being exposed to the media. "He knows if he resists, no one is going to listen to him, so it is better to pose and make everybody happy," says Bandekar.

Sridevi: The actress is always seen with her daughters Jhanvi and Khushi, be it at personal or work-related functions. Her daughter Jhanvi seems to be grooming herself to be an actor. She's already being touted as the next fashionista after cousin Sonam Kapoor

Suniel Shetty: Ask Suniel Shetty about it and he says that keeping his daughter away from the media glare was not a planned move. "We have brought up Athiya and Aahan as normally as possible, focusing more on their education which is most important. No special treatment was given to them. I am happy my daughter has chosen to act, but a fan following should be based purely on quality of work. It should not be a shortcut to success," he says.

Akshay Kumar: Fiercely private about his family, the actor tries to keep both his kids — son Aarav and daughter Nitara — away from the limelight as much as possible.

Mahesh Bhatt: No one really knew much about Alia Bhatt before her successful debut film, but now she has become hot property in B-Town. "To be honest, Soni (Razdan, her mother) and I were rather staggered by the response she evoked after her debut film. She has been handling her fans rather well. She interacts with them very sincerely, but we never let her forget that she has miles to go," says Bhatt Sr. Alia, who was not launched by her father's production house, adds, "I was always kept away from the media. Growing up, I was in my own world away from everything. I guess my parents kept me away consciously knowing one day this is what my life would be.''

Expert speak
Does early exposure to fame have repercussions in the long run? No, says psychiatrist Dr Harish Shetty, if the childhood has been grounded on firm values. He adds, "Celebrities who allow their children to have a normal childhood will have no issues about the magnitude of fan following later. Those parents who relate to kids as compassionate, normal parents and not as stars, have minimum disturbances." 

I got my belly button pierced in a rebellious mood: Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka Chopra

Self-admittedly, the last few months have been the toughest for Priyanka Chopra. Her biggest loss, that of her dad Dr Ashok Chopra, is something she will never come to terms with. Besides this, she has literally torn herself apart, to manage two careers — one as an actress, the other as a singer. With three back-to-back movie releases — Planes, Zanjeer and Krrish 3 — she has been living out of her designer suitcases. Kabhi Los Angeles, toh kabhi Lucknow. Here are excerpts from an interview with the actress, who is constantly on the move.

Aren't you tired of living out of a suitcase?
Yes and no. Frankly, I'm used to it. From the time I became Miss World till now, I have only done this. But this time around, the travel has been more extensive. With my music album work happening in Los Angeles and the film career in Mumbai, I hardly have time to put my feet on the ground and it's time to board a flight again. In the last month, I promoted Planes. Now, it is Zanjeer and in October, we will gear up for Krrish 3.

Tell us your reason for doing Zanjeer.
I choose films based on my gut feeling. With Zanjeer also, it's the same. Mala, the character played by Jaya Bachchan in the original version, has been modified a bit. Now, she's a Gujarati girl from New York. She is a high-energy character, who, just like Jaya ma'am in the original, talks nineteen to the dozen. She brings relief in a high-octane action flick where the boys do the fighting.

How was the experience of working with Ram Charan in Zanjeer?
Ram is huge in Andhra Pradesh. It was impossible for us to shoot on the streets in AP with him. The film, as you know, has two versions — Zanjeer and Thoofan (in Telugu) — and we had a tough time controlling crowds. Currently, Hindi cinema is in a mood to break stereotypes. It happened with Dhanush in Raanjhanaa. I hope they give Ram an equally rousing welcome.

So, how much Telugu do you actually speak now?
God, it was tough. I had so many lines to speak while shooting...and doing that in a language I didn't know was very difficult.

Your avatar in the songs — be it Pinky or Tu Mera Hero — is piping hot.Is there an effort to look sexy?
One never attempts to look hot, but one is happy to look it. Over the years, I have experimented with my looks, makeup, outfits; I've done everything to enhance my screen personality through trial and error. If you have noticed that I'm looking good, it only means that I have done something right. And it is not a solo effort. My stylist, hairdresser and the entire team has worked towards getting me where I am. Or how I look. Also, when you work on an international album, you tend to go that extra mile to get your look correct.

You've been showing off your belly button piercing on your promotional tours.
There's a secret behind my belly button piercing. Some time ago, I was going through this rebellious phase. And in one moment of madness, I went ahead and got my belly button pierced. I was shi**ing bricks later. So, I got hold of a friend and went over and told my mother about it. I knew she would freak out. But once things cooled down, my father even got me the diamond I wear. And I'm happy to show it off. The piercing has been getting me a lot of compliments.

Next, let's come to the solitaire on your hand...
The idea is not to flash diamonds, but I admit they are a girl's best friend. This ring was given to me by my father. And the reason you have seen me wearing it so much in the last few days is because I've been doing more movie promotions than shootings. I'm scared to wear jewellery to shoots. I have a habit of leaving it on the dressing table when I get into character. So, I usually keep the jewellery locked up. But the promotional tours have given me a chance to air my solitaires.

Have you immersed yourself in work because your personal life has been in a turmoil in the last year?
I have always worked round the clock. In the last 15 years, I cannot remember taking time off for a long break. I love my work and keeping myself immersed in it because it helps me stay sorted in the head. I'm always warning my manager and friend Natasha that she packs my schedule so much; God forbid, if I fall ill, Nat will be jacked. I'm an apocalyptic clairvoyant and I can see the warning signs sometimes.

Zanjeer, also starring Prakash Raj, Mahie Gill, Atul Kulkarni and Sanjay Dutt, releases September 6.

Naseeruddin's character in 'John Day' inspired by film's director

Filmmaker Ahishor Solomon, who is debuting with 'John Day' as a director, says Naseeruddin Shah's character in the film is inspired by his own life. "Naseer saab's character is of a simple guy, who is very loyal and fears God. He believes in his own rules, but the tough time he is going through in life has shattered his beliefs. And I think his character is an inspiration from my own self," Solomon said in a statement. "While I was writing the script, I was going through a very tough time. I had started hating myself and was broken emotionally. I believe every writer gives something of his own personality to the character he is penning down," he added. John Day is co-produced by Anjum Rizvi, Aatef A. Khan and K. Asif and also features Randeep Hooda and Elena Kazan. It is set to release on Sep 13.

Aamir Khan to shoot in Delhi

Aamir Khan and Anushka Sharma will be in Delhi to shoot for their upcoming film P.K. The shooting is likely to commence from September 25.

Presently, the recce of the locations is on. Our source says, "Certain locations like Agrasen Ki Baoli, Red Fort, CP and India Gate have been finalised. They are also looking to shoot some portions in a church, so they are scouting for that at the moment.

It's going to be 20-day schedule in the capital." 

Kalki clears confusion with designers

Kalki Koechlin was shocked when she recently saw a blog post alleging she is 'mentally disturbed'. It all started with a fashion show, where she was the showstopper for a designer duo.

But Kalki couldn't appear on the ramp as the showstopper, due to some confusion. While the actress initially blamed the designers for the negative online post, she later found out the truth.

She says, "The designers have been gracious in backing me on how disorganised everything was. Here's what happened: I danced on the ramp as they had asked. Then the organiser whisked me off to a room for interviews where I spoke only about the designers. Half-way through, someone said I have to go back on ramp. Then they said, 'No, forget it. It's too late, so please continue giving interviews'."

It’s easy to lose your identity in Bollywood: Neha Dhupia

Neha Dhupia believes it's important for an actor to stay practical and live in the real world, despite being constantly under the scanner

How has the industry changed since you joined films?
Today, there is place for everyone in the industry. Box office stars are changing every week. If it's Dolly Ahluwalia this week, it's Divya Dutta the next. It's not as if you don't get a role if you've crossed 34. I don't think marriage affects an actress's career anymore. It's just that when an actress gets married, she feels more responsible towards her husband and her new home, and so she does fewer films. These are conscious decisions an actress take. It is not because her brand value has gone down. Yes, her brand value may change. If earlier she was endorsing potato chips, she may now advertise pressure cookers.

You haven't been doing a lot of films lately. On what basis do you choose a film?
I have just finished shooting Santa Banta and Ungli. Currently, I am in a very interesting phase where I am reading a couple of scripts and deciding what to do next. Clearly, at my level one has to say a lot of nos and fewer yeses. It's because a certain kind of cinema is offered to me. When I am selecting a film, my criterion is that the film should be true to its content. If I am doing a comedy, it should promise to make you laugh.

What was life like while growing up?
I grew up with a brother who is almost like my twin. I am just 10 months younger to him. Nothing's changed. Even today, we fight and squabble about smaller things and when it comes to larger things, we are very supportive of each other. We are serious sports enthusiasts. We have grown up watching a lot of sports, whether it's soccer or cricket. I remember swimming in the pools and rivers of Kerala. I don't come from a family that pampers kids with, 'Baby ke liye khana lao, baby ke liye shoes lao'. It just makes you inefficient. My parents have made me an independent girl. I was 21 when I left home. And when you leave your house at such a young age, you tend to grow up really soon.

How supportive were your parents?
My parents have never questioned my decisions. Since my dad was in the navy, he wanted me to become an IAS officer. He would always say that I'm an educated girl and should do something intellectual. But when he realised I had other dreams, he said, 'Do whatever you want to do in life, but make sure you're out of school and college with good grades. Education matters most'.

Most beauty pageant winners belong to an army or navy background. What gives them an upper hand?
It's the experiences you're having when you're growing up and the confidence that is instilled in you. It is the courage your parents have in letting you go and allowing you to become the person you want to become. We are not brought up with the mindset that as soon as you are 22, you have to get a great job and the minute you get a great job, you need to find a husband. The exposure and opportunities we're provided with are vast. A lot of girls are also blessed with attractive personalities.

Were you always interested in fashion?
Not really. I was a complete tomboy. I don't think I owned a single frock when I was a child. I'd always wear baggy jeans and baggy tees. But when I participated in the Miss India pageant, I realised that under those baggy clothes, I had a body that was sexy. And I should show it off!

What is your personal style like?
Comfortable, radical and androgynous. I like wearing male silhouettes. Simply put, I dress more for the women and less for the men. I always get more compliments from women than men.

How did you land up in acting?
I thought about acting as a profession only after I won the beauty pageant. I didn't have a godfather in the industry but I was lucky to have met some really nice people. I met people like Harry Baweja and Ajay Devgn who thought that I could play the lead in Qayamat. The film did well and I started getting more opportunities since then. To be honest, I've had my share of ups and downs but somehow managed to find my way in the industry. During my every low, I'd think, 'Will I sink, float or succeed in reaching the shore?' But I won't complain at all. People who have been good to me have taught me a lot. Those who haven't, have taught me even more because they've made me question myself. I think it is important to believe in yourself because if you won't, no one else ever will.

Does being under the scanner stress you?
Yes, it does but I don't weigh my reputation based on a lie. I know that if I have a costume malfunction, the whole country will know about it. But that's the price to pay for being in this profession. I don't take myself so seriously. I have a life outside Bollywood. My friends would describe me as practical, big-hearted and, on most days, mad. As an actor, you need to stay in the real world. Since actors are pampered even when they are wrong, it's easy to forget your identity.

What's been your lowest point till date?
I go through high and lows all the time; they do not last more than three weeks. I have a lovely team that works with me. I discuss issues with them. My mom always says, 'Whatever happens, happens for the best'. I have started believing in her philosophy. In my head, I always say, 'This too shall pass. It's not going to last forever'. My box office low may be nothing compared to a person who is not blessed with good health. My friends have taught me gratitude. When people attack me with questions like, why I am not doing as good as Priyanka or Kareena is, I only tell them that there are a lot of people I am doing better than. And I am happy about it.

Where do you find your spirituality?
I find my spirituality in running. Every day, I wake up early and go for a run. In the rains, it's even more beautiful. I head out and just forget all my worries. Running readies me for the day!

If not an actor, what would you be?
I was very keen on becoming an athlete. I had dreams of wearing the India jersey and being a part of the Olympic squad. Even my Twitter bio says: Wannabe athlete and actor by profession. Unfortunately, I didn't pay attention to that side of me.

What kind of a romantic are you?
I am a getaway romantic. I can't be romantic in Mumbai. When you're in love, you need to enjoy the other person which cannot happen if you're caught up with phone calls and work.