Filmfare catches Bobby Deol in an explosive mood 

 With the success of YPD, are you now more comfortable with the idea of being seen and
heard? 

I don’t think so. I still feel uneasy when I attend functions, I can’t walk the ‘red carpet’.  For me, it’s
torture because I don’t know how to react when the press asks me for bytes. But I’m trying. I
sometimes do stop and talk. Also, in an interview, I can only talk about my movies. I can’t answer
questions like, ‘What do you think about this and that?’ That’s why I don’t tweet at all. I was forced to
go on Facebook by my friends but I avoid it as much as I can.

What are you memories as a kid?

I was very quiet and naive. I hated school till the eighth standard. I never understood the theory of
going to school. I was like ‘Why are they so strict?’ But while I didn’t study too hard, I never broke
rules. I used to be out there playing games. I grew up in this house, which is as old as I am. I used to
play cricket every day. For me, growing up was basically about playing sports. Every morning,
dad (Dharmendra) used to play badminton. So I’ve been playing badminton ever since!

How were you as a student?

(Grins) Terrible. I never got great marks. For me, it was always like the last five overs of  a one-day
cricket match where you have to win. So, you have to study during those last five days before the
exam. But today I want my sons, Aryaman (10) and Dharam (6) to study. I don’t want them to view it
as a burden. It’s very important to be educated. 

 How is your equation with your sons different from the one you had with your dad?

Every generation undergoes change. My dad was the sole earner. His main aim in life was to ensure
all of us were comfortable. He used to do three-four shifts a day. He’d return home late at night. I
used to stay up till he’d come back. Because I was the youngest and my dad missed being a part of
our daily lives, I’d hang around him all the time. I used to bunk school only to accompany him for
shoots. I’d tell him, "Papa, I don’t want to go to school. Can I come with you?" He’d take me along.
I’d even go on outdoors with him during my holidays. I loved being with him. 

 What are the things you like doing with your sons?

We play cricket together. We also talk about music. They like dancing to hit songs. So, they keep
entertaining me. My younger son Dharam loves dancing to Munni badnam hui! He even copies
Malaika’s (Arora Khan) moves! Both my sons love Salman Khan because he’s very good with kids.
They love to interact with him. 

You’ve had a stable marriage. What goes into

making a marriage successful?

There is no formula. All I can say is I’m very blessed that I met Tania. I love her, she’s amazing. She
takes all my rubbish and still loves me so much. We are loving and caring but we fight a lot too.

 What is your equation with Abhay?

As he’s the youngest, he was always bullied by us. He was always left out of everything we did.
We’d say, “You can’t be part of this. Tu chota hai (you are too small).” He became a loner. That’s
how Dimpy (Abhay’s pet name) developed a mind of his own. And that’s why he chose the films he
did and that’s why people have liked him

 What makes you angry?

Fake people make me angry. I dislike people who lie. That’s the reason I don’t step out much. I used
to attend parties but not any more. It’s the same conversation. People talk bullshit at parties. I’m not
comfortable or happy being there. 

 What’s the one thing that ails the industry and you’d like to change?

There are so many things, dude! How and where do I start? Our way of thinking is very medieval.
We don’t think about the future. We like to backstab each other.  And we still don’t want to make
things happen for the entire industry. Everyone thinks in individual terms. Look at the South industry,
they are so united. There’s nothing that can affect them. Look at the way they have contained piracy.
Their territory is so small but look at the money they make. There are so many things the
government could help us with but nothing happens
Vivek Oberoi: “Priyanka and me are addicted to each other

Marriage has turned Vivek Oberoi into a compulsive romantic. Filmfare meets the brand new
bridegroom

 Life seems as rose-tinted as the pomegranate seeds he’s chomping on when I meet him. The past
year has been a redeeming one for him, professionally and personally. Prince was a popular hit
while the Rakht Charitra series pleased a cross section of critics. And then there was this big grand
wedding with the pretty Priyanka Alva. Vivek Oberoi is no longer lost or lonely.

  “She’s part of life but not my career,” he explains and adds that
he respects wife Priyanka Alva’s decision not to pose for photo shoots or give interviews. “I respect
her stand. After all, marriage is about being equals,” he asserts.

 He didn’t believe it would be so easy to walk away from bachelorhood. “She makes me believe in
marriage. We’re addicted to each other. Even sharing the mundane is fun, whether it’s having
breakfast, reading poetry or lounging in bed munching popcorn and watching a film.”

 Instead of dwelling on his reinvention as a bad boy on screen, he prefers to dwell on his family man
status, “My wife has made me so happy that I don’t have the angst to play the bad boy. I’m looking
forward to doing comic films,” he smiles. “I’d also like to do a love story.”

 We come to the key spin in his life — his marriage, more so after his hi-profile breakups with model

Gurpreet Gill and Aishwarya Rai. What was it that spurred the
bachelor to forfeit his freedom? “It was her simplicity that took me by surprise. Here was a girl from a
blue blooded family (she’s the daughter of Nandini Alva and the late Janata Dal leader Jeevaraj Alva
of Bangalore), yet she was so real. He continues, “In one of our earlier conversations, I asked her
what she thought of me being an actor and the whole baggage that came along. She replied, ‘I don’t
think about it, it’s just what you do and not who you are’.”

 What was it about him that made her give the nod? “She had her doubts about me being an industry
guy. But when she found out about the projects I’ve been involved with like building homes during
the tsunami, schools in Brindavan for orphans and girls rescued from the begging and prostitution
racket and my work with cancer patients, she came with an open mind. We first met one evening at
6.30 pm. We ended up talking for hours. I knew she was the one for me.”
  The influx of beautiful women around him doesn’t affect her. “She’s
very caring, very giving, but not possessive. What she expects from me is just honesty.” And fidelity
is one thing he swears by. “Fidelity is fundamental to a relationship, whether it’s a friendship,
marriage or a business partnership. It doesn’t have to be only physical; it also has to be mental. If
you’ve the neeyat (intent) to cheat then eventually the relationship will fail. Even in my past
relationships my partners respected me for being faithful. That’s something I take pride in.”

 Though they haven’t yet enjoyed a full-fledged honeymoon, the couple has had their little outings.
“Priyanka’s an environmentalist. So she teaches me eco tourism, that’s staying in resorts that are
eco friendly.” He adds, “We are gypsies in spirit. She’s an expert diver. So she’s going to teach me
scuba diving. I fly planes. And she always wanted to be a pilot. So some days we’ll dive and some
days we’ll fly.”
The peaks and the pits, he’s seen it all. But not without lessons learnt the hard way. “Success is a
fickle friend. Failure is a faithful teacher. And remember, never let anyone write your obituary,” he
cautions. To bring home his state of mind he says, “I’m a very happy man

Rakhi Sawant: "I’ve removed my silicone implants

She will not expose. She will allow only her husband to touch her … Rakhi Sawant shares her
new whacky set of commandments with Filmfare

You seem to be excited about your show Rakhi Ka Insaaf?

God has given me an opportunity to help people and solve their social issues. Where the courts
have failed to help, I have stepped in.
 

Will personal experiences help you in this task?

At 30, I have experienced more in life than even a 100-year-old. There have been numerous ups
and downs in my catastrophic life. And now there is a Holy Spirit in me, which guides me to tackle
people’s problems. I’ve had a very bad life. However, since the past three years I’ve changed a lot.
Jesus has become an inseparable part of my life. My sins have been forgiven and I will go to
heaven.

How would you define the earlier Rakhi?

She was a bitch. She didn’t have any knowledge, she took revenge, and she abused and spoke ill. I
used to curse people. But today, if someone does wrong to me, I forgive. After reading the Bible I
learnt that God will forgive my sins if I forgive others. Earlier, I was taught if someone slaps you, slap
him back. Today Rakhi doesn’t want to speak bad. She wants to do God’s work, good work. Now,
Rakhi doesn’t want to expose.     
     
What do you refrain from now?
The devil tries to tempt me, ‘Smoke, drink, sleep with different men’. But no, I don’t believe in doing
all this. Alcohol is Satan’s mouthwash. I’m a glamorous girl but my heart is pure. I’m not a cheat.

Are you in touch with your estranged mother?

Yes, now we are together. We were on bad terms for long; there was a dispute between us
regarding Abhishek (Awasthi, her ex-boyfriend). But I forgave her. Because he asked me to. I don’t
have the right to speak ill about her now. I can’t upset God for your magazine. Today my mother is a
changed person. She wishes well for me, never asks for money. She’s content with whatever I give
her. She never makes demands like she used to in the past. I was the one who ran the house. I’ve
seen hell in those years.

Are you in touch with Abhishek?

No. He cheated me but I have forgiven him. He’s a good guy though. My body is my temple. I’ll not
allow anyone to touch my body. God says don’t be a prostitute. It’ll be only my husband who’ll touch
me. I’ll wait for him.

What about your swayamvar husband Elesh Parujanwala?

I left him after our second show Pati Patni Aur Woh when I got to know about his habits. He had no
money and was into drugs and booze. Why should I spoil my life? I got to know his true colours
when I began living with him. He was not ready to give up his addictions. I will not allow anyone to
abuse my body with dirty sex after booze and drugs. There is God in me and the devil in him tried to
torture me. Why do they do drugs to please women? Why can’t they use natural methods to make
women happy? Instead of doing all this just pop a Viagra pill!

What about your love life now?

I am madly in love. I am married. Jesus is my husband.

What about the cosmetic surgery you underwent?

I’ve removed my silicone implants. See (displays her asset brazenly).
I had a dream one night where God told me to remove them as I wouldn’t be exposing anymore and
didn’t need them to get work. Now I’m totally natural. It takes a lot of guts to do that even though that
was the only reason I was getting work
Sunidhi Chauhan: "I'm ready to get married

Once bitten twice not shy. Sunidhi Chauhan wants to juggle chartbusters with babies.
Filmfare turns the mike over to the singer

 Years and chart-toppers later, leading ladies can’t stop singing paeans to the singer whose husky
vocals have given them an edge. At shows, Lara Dutta still grooves to the item number Aisa jadoo
dala re (Khakhee). Bipasha Basu thanked Sunidhi for the hot Beedi jalaile (Omkara). Indisputably,
Priyanka Chopra’s seductive act in Aitbaar turned blazing hot when Sunidhi sang I want to make
love to you. “These are my awards,” says the singer who hopes to make more music with her songs
in Tees Maar Khan, Break Ke Baad and Guzaarish. Incidentally, director Sanjay Leela Bhansali has
composed the music for the Aishwarya Rai-Hrithik Roshan starrer Guzaarish. “He’s a fantastic
composer. My love song will show a different side of me. I took a little time to deliver. But he was
happy with it,” says the songster who was rechristened Sunidhi from Nidhi by mentors Kalyandji-
Anandji.

 Stage performances set free the real Sunidhi. “I forget myself on stage. Seeing my enjoyment the
audience gets charged too. Having 50,000 people going mad with you is the biggest nasha for a
performer. It drives you mad too.” She’s had her share of crazy fan experiences. There’s one
enthusiast who has her face tattooed on his arm. “He’s been my fan since Meri Awaaz Suno. He
knows everything about me including the dresses, the lip colour, the bracelet and the watch I wear at
my shows.” Recently, while she was judging a reality show, an admirer in Kolkata brought rosgullas
for her. She put one in her mouth and found a ring inside!  But there are some not-so-sweet
experiences too. “I was performing in Hissar (Haryana). The stadium had the capacity of around
70,000 people. But around 1,75,000 turned up. I had just sung four songs. But the crowd kept asking
for Beedi jalaile. As soon as I sang one mukhda of Beedi..., I saw the audiences heading towards
me like a Tsunami wave. They broke the barricade. We rushed to the car and fled. The show was
called off,” she narrates.

 She seems to be enjoying her single and eligible status, having put her traumatic and short-lived
marriage with choreographer Bobby Khan behind her. “Did it ever happen? It doesn’t exist. I don’t
even remember it,” is her reaction at the mention. In fact she’s keen to get married again. “I am open
to the idea of a companion. I know it’s the right time and it would be nice to have someone in my life.
I am just an ordinary girl who wants to marry and have kids. I am ready for it now. I can continue to
flourish in my career even after marriage. So whoever that person is please show up,” she says
setting the precondition, “But he shouldn’t be very tall!”

 She goes on to spell out other prerequisites a little more seriously. “Firstly, he should never by
mistake or in fun ask ‘Am I important or your career?’ Secondly, more than love, he should respect
me. Love follows if there’s respect. He should understand that my career, my man and my kids all
have their place. There is no comparison. Maybe later when I can’t sing anymore, I will gracefully
retire, open a school and teach him and my kids to sing!” she laughs. “I am a full on romantic. A
white flowing dress, a candle-light dinner and a long walk on the beach after that would make for a
perfect evening,” she says and slips into the mood humming  Tum aaye to hawaaon mein (Phir Bhi
Dil Hai Hindustani). What song would she like him to sing for her? “From this moment on I promise
you (Shania Twain),” she answers instantly.

 There’s nothing she’d like to erase from the soundtrack of her life. “How can I have regrets? I am
the happiest person in the world. What was not so pleasant has made me a super confident and fab
person. I cherish each and every thing that has happened in my life, the good and the not so good.”
Yeah! Life's clearly on song
Emraan hashmi: ‘No man is ever prepared for marriage & fatherhood

Emran Hashmi on kissing bachelorhood goodbye, playing daddy cool and more. Filmfare is
all ears

An interview with Emraan Hashmi that doesn’t talk about kissing? Well, there’s always a first time.
Just that his last 485 interviews have only been about that and maybe it's time we really got over it
and moved on. So instead we talk babies. Like millions of infatuated parents around the world he
proudly shows me his lil’ tot Ayan’s pictures. The moppet is a spitting image of his dad. He tells me
marriage and fatherhood has definitely impacted his life. “It changes your life completely. You want
to be a role model for your kid. You have to be more disciplined, more responsible.” He pauses
before revealing, “I am a very irresponsible person. I am very immature. I don’t think I’ve matured as
much as I’d like to but am getting there. Life teaches you to do that,” he chuckles. 

Taking a deep breath he says, “I don’t think a man is ever prepared

to handle either marriage or fatherhood. You really don’t know what to expect. It’s the fear that your
life is going to change and never be the same again. I had to prepare myself totally, prep myself into
accepting that this is going to be a major change. I couldn’t continue to live my life the way I used to.
And it’s even scarier when you have a child. I am not complaining. It’s just that a lot of people like to
delay these major changes.”

In his latest flick Crook he plays a conman who goes to Australia in a bid to make a quick buck and
gets caught in the racism there. Interestingly, the crew of Crook made news when they were
involved in what was dubbed as an act of racism. Ask Emraan about the incident and he says
strongly, “I don’t want to jump to conclusions that it was racism but we were denied our last three
days of shoot there without any prior notice. It might be a little extreme to call it racial prejudice. But
it was uncalled for and caused a lot of distress. Our media went out and said Australia is a racist
nation. This to me is an irresponsible statement. A handful of people may be racist there but to dub
the entire country racist is a little too much. Racism of its own kind happens in our country too. So
maybe we should take a long, hard look at ourselves before pointing fingers at others.” Touche!

Throughout the photo shoot you notice how low maintenance he is. Stardom rests easily on Emraan
Hashmi. He says, “I don’t get too mesmerised by my success or demoralised by my failures. I don’t
carry it around like a currency. I don’t have an actor's walk or talk. I am myself. Some actors are
acting all the time. I think they imagine that a camera is on all the time. I don’t get it. Isn’t it
exhausting to be like that? I am not being superior here. It’s just heart-wrenching to see someone
completely lose their sense of identity. You are constantly playing the role of the ‘actor’ or
‘superstar’. Isn’t it tiresome to put a mask always? I switch off once I leave the sets,” he remarks with
candour.

Ask Emraan about the industry being a mom and pop store and he opines, “Being a star kid also has
its flip side right? I don’t want to take names but half of them look petrified. Like the world has been
put on their shoulders and they have to carry it around now. I get none of that. I can operate in my
own space. Of course it has its plus side. The media showers them with attention and while their
films may not even be successful they will still declare you the next best thing. I have built myself on
a different niche. I am not your average hero. People didn’t get that in the beginning. Now they do.
Better late than never, don’t you think

Kareena Kapoor: “Saif will be sexy at 60 too

Kareena Kapoor is one star who can rustle up a spicy interview between shots. Filmfare is surprised

 What was the best part about shooting Agent Vinod in Morocco?
The best part was that I was in Morocco with Saif. Earlier I’ve always worked with him as an actor.
For the first time I was working with him as a producer too. I think that’s what made it more special.

 You have been in the industry for 10 years. What keeps you on your toes? Do you feel
insecure about competition?
Just the fact that people who offer me films know that I am going to deliver. I know they are going to
offer me roles which are meaty. Even in a film like 3 Idiots, though some may argue that my role was
not great, it was still a memorable one. It was an all-male film but people still talk about Pia. People
still mouth that line about khakra and faafda. So the fact is that I have the ability to do that and I work
really hard on trying to do different roles. Even in We Are Family, people will see a different Kareena
on screen. That’s what keeps me on my toes. I am not interested in being on my toes because there
is competition. Unfortunately, I am not an insecure girl. I wish sometimes that I were.

 Recently you expressed admiration for Aishwarya Rai. Would you like to emulate her after
marriage?
I would like to be myself. There is a deep respect for Aishwarya because her body of work is so
great. She is the face of India abroad. So I definitely do respect her but as far as emulating her is
concerned I have my own way of looking at things and I know where I stand.

Aren’t you doing Race 2 with Saif?

No. I am only doing Agent Vinod with Saif. Let Saif work with some other actresses too. I wanted to
be in Race 2. Rameshji (Taurani) also wanted to cast me. But because
I am already doing Agent Vinod I cannot be doing another film with Saif back-to-back. It’s something
both Saif and I don’t want. Let the other leading ladies step in.
So when was the last time you met Abhishek or exchanged SMSes?
We met and spoke at Karan’s party. I mean we don’t have to be on SMS with each other, in fact I’m
not on SMS terms with any actor. I have nothing to say on SMS to them.

 Would you SMS Priyanka, Katrina…?

Well, I don’t SMS any actress either. because no actress SMSes me! Let’s put it like that. Why is it
that I have to SMS an actress? Why can’t they ever message me? I mean that’s a possibility. I’m not
on SMS with anyone. 

 Is your relationship with Saif as good as a live-in relationship?

Actually, the truth is that it’s not even like a live-in relationship. It’s more like a live-out relationship!
Because Saif’s like ‘when are you in town?’ I’m in Morocco, then London, then here and there and I
never get to see him. So it’s more like either I’m coming back just to see him for a day or two or he’s
coming to my shoot. In the last three years honestly, it’s literally been like that. I have to take time
out now for my relationship.

As Saif is growing older, he’s looking fitter. Do you agree?

Absolutely. Saif is like red wine. He’s like vintage Saif Ali Khan. As he grows older, he becomes
hotter. He is one actor who’s going to be sexy even when he’s 60. He’ll be like Harrison Ford and
George Clooney because he’s an actor who’s actually been out of the rat race. He’s managed to do
that like Johnny Depp and stay away from everything. He’s so English meets French meets
everything. He’s away from all this, he’s just like, ‘I don’t want to be in this rat race.’

 If Saif were to forget to wish you on your birthday, how upset would you be?
Well, I would be upset because it is important to nurture a relationship no matter how long it has
been

Boney Kapoor: “Our relationship has gone beyond love”

Hits and misses aside, the biggest trophy Boney Kapoor has is wife Sridevi. Filmfare catches the
filmmaker in an indulgent mood

 Apart from the posters of Milenge Milenge, Salman Khan stares at you from every wall in Boney
Kapoor’s office. His production company, BSK Network, which has gone through more troughs than
triumphs, is happy flaunting its Wanted success all over the premises. Hits are what he desperately
desires. “I definitely need a few more hits,” confides the filmmaker who is finally releasing his much-
delayed Milenge Milenge.

 Usually, it’s a love affair between the lead pair that hypes a film. But in the case of Milenge Milenge,
it’s the hi-profile separation between Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor (now dating Saif Ali Khan)
that could conversely trigger curiosity about Boney Kapoor’s overdue project. He says guardedly,
“Yes, perhaps. The title also suggests separation. Our main song, ‘Sab kuch khatam hokar bhi…
kuch baki hai,’ will definitely play its part. The audiences had loved the pair in Jab We Met. This is
their next release together.” He even airs the promotional song for me on his TV screen. The song,
which features the actors, albeit in solo frames, has been created as marketing bait.
 Boney declines to clarify rumours about the ex-lovers refusing to promote his film.
He continues, “I had a problem during the release of my film Sirf Tum too. The heroine Priya Gill was
not a big name. The hero, my brother Sanjay Kapoor, had hit rock bottom. I released it on my own
during the World Cup (1999). But God was kind. It did well. Even today it brings in good revenue due
to the satellite rights. A love story always connects.”

 There are also rumours that the film is based on the Hollywood film Serendipity. “Not at all! After Sirf
Tum (which was about pen pals), the English film You’ve Got Mail got released. It was about two
people who are pals on email. I didn’t say it borrowed my idea,” he debates.
An unexpected softness takes over his face as he continues to talk about superstar wife. “She’s a
perfect wife. She’s like a Rock of Gibraltar. She’s stood by my side, she comforted me. I have been
through a lot of turmoil. Love is the first thing which starts a relationship. But ours has gone beyond
that. The kind of faith, belief and confidence she has in me, one can only dream of,” he says
forgetting all the pressing concerns waiting to be resolved outside his cabin.

 He then goes on to show his son Arjun Kapoor’s (his son from his previous marriage with Mona
Kapoor) photograph also saved in his mobile. “He’s training to be an actor. He has lost 30 kilos. He
exercises and does yoga. He’s a good-looking boy. I will definitely launch him. I am looking for a
good script,” says the dad.
While he admits that he is ‘protective and possessive’ about his daughters he believes in giving them
the freedom to make their choices. “You can caution them of the pitfalls, not more,” he says.
“Anshula (his daughter from ex-wife Mona) is studying at the Manhattan University. She is
academically inclined and so are Jhanvi (14) and Khushi (10). As yet they have not expressed any
desire to be in films.” He reverts to his favorite person Sridevi. “Sri is the best mother that Jhanvi and
Khushi can have. She stopped doing films to be with them. She did the TV show Malini Iyer but
realised that the girls needed her more. So she stopped doing TV too. Her life revolves around them,
she drops them to school, picks them up. She even goes to the market to get fish for them,” he
smiles. “It’s been an eventful life, rich in experience. The good remains good, but I will have to check
the mistakes

At 51, Sanjay Dutt has rediscovered the joys of coming home to a wife and impending fatherhood.
Filmfare cannot miss the makeover

 Sanjay Dutt: Double the Fun

A MOMEMTOUS LAMHAA

  

Rahul Dholakia’s long-delayed Lamhaa, focusing on insurgency-ridden Kashmir, is finally releasing.

The actor plays a military intelligence officer called upon to detect a conspiracy in the valley. “I have
shot in Kashmir after my debut film Rocky a couple of times. We even shot Mission Kashmir there.
But what made it special this time was that I was put up in the Lalit Palace Hotel where I gave my
first shot for Rocky decades ago. It brought back memories of my mother, my father and my sisters
Namrata and Priya watching me give the take.” He continues, “The film will make people think about
Kashmir and the problems its people have undergone over the years. They want peace in the valley
and a normal life.”
While there were reports about co-actor Bipasha Basu once leaving the shooting venue and
returning back to Mumbai fearing unrest, he denies any untoward episode while shooting the film.
“The people supported us.

I want to thank them for their respect and warm welcome. They felt happy that films were being shot
there once again. I also want to thank Farooq Abdullah saab (politician) and Omar Abdullah (Chief
Minister of Jammu and Kashmir) for giving us the opportunity to shoot there. Though there was no
unpleasant incident, one had to move around with security and our movements were restricted.” He
recalls a special moment. “We shot a scene at Makhdoom Sahib (shrine of the saint). It was fantastic
watching a thousand people praying together during Ramzan. I prayed at the shrine too. The people
responded very positively to me, my mother being a Muslim. It was a beautiful feeling.”

MY GIRLS

Where his personal life is concerned, the actor, after two previous marriages (he was earlier married
to Richa Sharma and Rhea Pillai), has found his moorings with third wife Maanyata. What makes her
special? “She’s a grounded girl. She’s honest and humble. She has her own opinions and is strong
in character.
I respect her for that. She’s helpful. She does a lot for women and children,” he says adding, “I see
glimpses of my mother in her in these aspects. Also, whenever mum wasn’t at home we’d miss her
screaming and shouting. We’d wonder awaaz nahin aa rahi hain, shor nahin hain (why is it all
quiet?)’ It’s the same with Maanyata.” After a pause he adds, “It’s good to go home to someone. I
have lived like a gypsy for many years.”  His daughter from his first marriage, Trishala, based in the
US, is in her early 20s. Sure, she must be proud of her father being a popular figure. “Rather, I am
proud of her. She has just completed her degree in criminal law. She has studied forensic science.
She has chosen a tough field and emerged a winner. One day I wish to see her as a top FBI
investigator.

I want to see her serving as a respected officer, making a lot of money, doing good work and helping
the innocent. That’s what she said when she joined the college. She said, ‘I want to help the
innocent’. I pray to God, she reaches there.” He must be looking forward to being a dad once again I
tell him. “Ya, I am!” This proves to be a loaded statement, pregnant with meaning. Because the next
day newspapers splash reports of Maanyata expecting their twins! As a parting shot he says, “I have
got everything. God has been kind

Ranbir Kapoor : It’s a girl thing

He sure is a ladies man. Ranbir Kapoor waxes eloquent on all his on screen damsels. Filmfare
brings you the list.
  Katrina Kaif
Katrina is probably the coolest girl in the industry you could hang out with. You could spend the day
with her at a mall and she won’t demand anything from you. She loves just hanging out. The stuff
that she thinks of, a girl and especially an actress wouldn’t think about. She’s really cool in her head.
She has unique notions about things and the way she reacts to certain situations. Kat’s very normal.

 Priyanka Chopra
Priyanka is actually a wannabe black hip-hop artiste. That’s what she is. She doesn’t need to act
cool, she is cool. She’s influenced by them and she’s got it right. She has a whole cool vibe going
on. And she’s very, very intelligent.

 Minissha Lamba
Minissha is actually more of a guy than I am. She’s into adventure sports and fast cars and the thrill
of danger. When we were shooting for  Bachna Ae Haseeno, we had to  go on top of the mountain,
ride a bike in the middle of the highway and she was totally into it. She’s someone who can jump off
a plane without a parachute and she’ll probably  land on her feet.

 Sonam Kapoor
Sonam is actually a better actress in real life than on screen. She’s very talented on screen. But she
is 500 hundred times better off screen. It’s amazing because she does it with childlike innocence that

you find it really sweet and charming. She’s constantly looking for attention from her parents and
friends. She’s a bit of a drama queen, which is really cute.

Deepika Padukone
I guess Deepika herself doesn’t realise it but she’ll be an exceptional mother. It’s a quality that I’ve
noticed about her. The way she takes to kids. The kind of discipline she has in her life, she’ll instil it
in her kids. She’s very disciplined. She lives alone, she runs her house, she’s extremely busy today,
she does so many movies and endorsements. But she’s still very particular about her house, about
certain responsibilities, about the accounts of the bhaji that comes home, about the driver’s pay.
She’s very meticulous that way. She’ll be a great mother.

Konkona Sen Sharma

She’s not as serious as people think she is. She is someone who loves gossip, she’s someone who
loves having a good time, she loves meeting eclectic people. She’s into real and not artificial
people. 

 Bipasha Basu
Bipasha and  me have been trying to go out for dinner for the last one and a half years. And finally,
we managed it recently. She’s one of the nicest human beings. She’s one of those people who’s
genuinely so fond of people she really likes that she gives all her positive energies to that person.
Because she’s such a giving person she will always be happ

Jackie Shroff : Hard Times

Jackie Shroff comes clean on his marriage and financial status. Filmfare enjoys this
rendezvous with the star who’s a fakir at heart
 His marriage to ex-model Ayesha Dutt has survived over two decades and allegations of affairs and
bankruptcy. “Despite rumours, Ayesha and I are still together. There was so much talk while I
worked with top heroines. But she never uttered a word, never doubted me even once. She’s always
been there for me,” he says. “Ayesha has given me everything. Our friendship has kept us together.
Our roots are deep. When I first met her she was only 13. She’s emotional and helpful. She can
even give her life for someone.” He recalls, “Those days she lived in a 4200 square foot house at
Napean Sea Road and I in a 200 square foot room. I was even contemplating shifting into her house
with my parents. Instead she sold it and bought me a huge flat in Bandra. Of course I paid her
mother back.” He adds, “Ayesha and I are like chalk and cheese. She taught me manners and how
to appreciate art and music.”

 While rumours are rife about him having sold his shares in Sony, following a financial debacle, he
denies them. “Ayesha and I still have stakes in the channel. We’re not allowed to sell them. All seven
partners have to do it together. We’ve kept those for our children. That’s our family wealth. We sold
our Bandra flats and paid off people. We’re now staying in a rented penthouse in Bandra. My
mother-in-law lives with us too,” reveals the actor who has bought properties in Mahabaleshwar,
Khandala and Pune to build farmhouses there.

 He shares an easy bond with his children. In fact, the actor on the wheel, with little Tiger lying close
to his chest, doing the rounds of Bandra streets was once a common sight. Today, Tiger is a
strapping 19-year-old and his blatant mane and muscles have dubbed him the rookie to stardom.
But the father insists there’s still time for that. “He’s studying. He doesn’t want to take a decision for
another two years. He did play the lead in a school play and sang songs. While he enjoys martial
arts, yoga and working out, he wants to play basketball for the Indian team.”

 Interestingly, Tiger received his signing fee when still in the cradle. “Baba (Jackie’s mentor Subhash
Ghai) gave him a signing amount saying he was his son. He’ll do something for him I am sure.” He
states, “I allow him to do what he wishes. Nowadays, children don’t take advice. They give it. I’m an
open book with him.” About daughter Krishna he says, “Chronologically she’s 16 but mentally she’s
40. She’s a good student. But she’s most welcome to join films.”

 He may have celebrated his 50th birthday recently, but his sway over women continues, given the
looks he garners as we chat. What kind of a woman appeals to him? “The realisation of what a
woman is came with my mother. When I stepped out of my nest, I wanted someone who could be as
protective, caring and loving. Someone who could see a child on the street and be moved. Not
someone who would apply lipstick and eyeliner and keep looking at herself. I like a woman who
looks beyond herself. That’s why I fell in love with Ayesha because she thinks more about others,”
he says. “That’s why Dimple (Kapadia) is my pyaari maa. She has a pure heart and love for all. So is
Amrita Singh. She’s so bindaas!” he says of his co-stars.

 Zipping off to his getaways outside the city confines and “watching the stars at night” is what excites
him today. “What I see in my children’s eyes is also beautiful.

I want to be around when they have children. This is the first time I’m desirous of something,” he
shares. As I take his leave and onlookers push for his autograph, the millennium monk hums lines
from a famous qawwali...
“Raste alag alag hai (Our roads are different), Thikana to ek hai (But we have the same end),
Manzil har shaks ko jaana to ek hai (Every one of us is headed towards the same destination)
Raveena Tandon : "My kids are the most exciting things in my life

Raveena Tandon reveals why a loyal husband is more precious than diamonds. Filmfare
finds out why

She is amazed by the actresses of the present generation. “They’re all off the rack, all ready, well-
packaged. We came in just like that. We got our eyebrows plucked and hair permed after entering
the industry. I remember the make-up artist remarking, ‘What is this forest?’ she laughs at the
memory. “Now when I look back at my bushy hair and get-up, I want to hide somewhere.”

Right now, the actress is in the throes of building her new home. It’s almost done and they’ll be
shifting base soon. “I’ve selected each and every tile in the house,” she asserts. Besides the house,
her daughter Rasha and son Ranbir take up most of her time. “My kids are the most exciting things
in my life,” she smiles. “They have made me more compassionate and responsible. My world
revolves around them. The most amazing moments are when we are cuddling and clinging to each
other.”

She adds, “When I was single I didn’t fear anything. But now I fear everything — bomb blasts,
terrorism, fanatics, everything. I want to create a safe world for my kids. I worry for them. I see to it
that I spend enough time with them.

I need them more than they need me. When I was shooting in Kolkata, I went berserk without them
on the first three days. I asked my husband Anil, to send Ranbir there immediately.” There’s no
stopping her when it comes to the topic of her kids. Like every mother, she dotes on them, shares
anecdotes about the mischief they get up to. Happiness spreads over her when she says,  “Both of
them are like me. But Rasha is girly whereas I was a pakka tomboy. She resembles me but is thin
and lanky like her father. I try to keep them grounded and real. The kind of media attention they get,
they could well think they’re special. My daughter has friends from all walks of life, which is great. I
wouldn’t dream of putting them in any ‘snobbish’ school. They are loving and well-mannered. People
have called me up to tell me that.”

 
Talk of her marriage and she lights up like a neon bulb. Clearly the romance in the marriage hasn’t
frayed. It’s very much alive. “I romanced and got married to the same man. In just two months, we
knew we were made for each other. We got engaged and in another two months we were married.
And in the following two months I got pregnant. Actually, Anil and I are enjoying our courtship now
because everything happened so fast then. We’re still discovering each other.” She gushes, “Anil
and I share a relationship completely different from the so-called ‘filmi marriages’. Companionship
forms the crux of any marriage and that is most important for me. I could never marry for money or
name. I couldn’t have been a ‘Mrs so and so’ just because he’d give me pots of money and then go
and sleep with other women. I wanted a real marriage. Anil and I are soul partners. He’s a great son
to his parents and an amazing father too. I would love it if my son becomes the son that my husband
is to his parents.” 

She continues, “My priority was a happy marriage and a true companion. I have made enough
money on my own. And how much money does one need anyway? What will you do with all those
diamond rings when your husband is not yours?” She is shocked by the marriage of convenience
concept. “There are open marriages these days. It’s shocking. I’ve always been a one-man woman.
If I’m in love with someone I can’t even look at anyone else.”

Of course, she’s had her share of heartbreaks. She was once dating Akshay Kumar and was about
to get engaged to him, when they chose to go their separate ways. But that didn’t deter her from
seeking happiness. “I’ve gone through shit but my integrity is intact. It hurts the most when someone
close to you betrays you. At that time the only thing that keeps you going is your conscience and
your values. My dad always told me, ‘When a child learns to walk, he falls down a number of times.
But he doesn’t just sit there. He stands up again and walks’. You do have your setbacks in life but
you must pick yourself up and walk with your head high to reach greater heights.” She continues,
“I’ve enjoyed every phase of my life. There’s a certain path everyone has to follow. It’s destiny. If
something is happening to you there is a reason behind it. If you’re a good person only good will
happen to you. There are times when you’re down and hurt and you think ‘Why is this happening to
me when I have not harmed anyone?’ But you don’t realise it’s actually happening for your good.”

She maintains that she holds no animosity towards Akshay. “Of course, I do bump into Akshay. We
are just fine with each other. Even after we split, we were always friends. He’d tell me who he was
dating and things like that. It was an amicable split and there was no bad blood. It’s okay if two
people decide to go their separate ways. There would have been bad blood if one of us had ended
up discontented. But we both found our true partners and are happy.”

Interestingly, her once arch rival Karisma Kapur is her good friend today. “It was media hyped. Two
top actresses warring have always been the media’s targets, whether it was Smita Patil-Shabana
Azmi or Rekha-Jaya Bachchan. Lolo and I were doing equally well. If she was doing 30 films then I
was doing the other 30. The industry was divided between her and me. There was bound to be
some politics. There were enough people to create trouble between us. But I was always cool-
headed about these things. Today, we share a great rapport.  We sit and laugh over the past. Lolo
says we are bonded by some karmic cycle. We’re always gonna be together. And now our
daughters are constantly together, either Samaira’s over at our house or Rasha goes to theirs. I
have to see her new baby (Kiaan Raj Kapoor), I’m waiting for her to settle in. He’s cute and has light
eyes I hear.” 

 
When she was just 21, Raveena had adopted two girls from her family, Pooja and Chhaya. Today
they are young ladies in charge of their life. They are doing well, working for an event company. One
is also married and settled. Says Raveena, "I believe a lot in karma. What I’ve given is coming back
to me. I am reaping what I sowed. Money comes and goes but you will survive any tide if you have
your family around