Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 1, 2015)

IRRFAN KHAN
When I was growing up I wasn't allowed to watch too many films and the ones I did were very contrived... Crafted. Dilip saab's (Dilip Kumar) Naya Daur held my attention because it brought a refreshing flavour of life into our cinema. Then Naseer saab (Naseeruddin Shah) opened a Pandora's box. Every film of his was drawn from the world around us, his characters were real and identifiable, and slowly, cinema began to work its magic.


KAREENA KAPOOR
Chaalbaaz was the film for me. I'm a huge fan of Sridevi, the original diva who rose above hits and flops, who worked with the biggest stars but held her own. She was one woman who never had to do heroine-oriented films to prove her talent. She worked in entertaining masala movies whose songs are iconic. I have learned all my expressions from Chaalbaaz. Sridevi showcased her histrionics not in a defeated, no make-up avatar, but as a glamorous diva... Long eyelashes, complete eye makeup, full lips... The reason I love being called glamorous, the reason I promised myself that I'd be a proud commercial film heroine is Chaalbaaz.


AMITABH BACHCHAN
Films did not inspire me to become an actor, circumstances did. I liked being on stage and films were an extension of that interest. Yes, some films like Kaagaz Ke Phool and Pyaasa made a deep impression, the former for the elegance of Guru Dutt's direction, its heart-wrenching story, music, cinematograph and its portrayal of the inevitable cycle of life. Pyaasa for the same reasons, besides the writing and one ethereal close up of Waheedaji (Rehman). I couldn't sleep for weeks after watching Limelight. I was moved by the tragicomedy and its haunting theme tune, composed by Charlie Chaplin himself. Another film which left an impact was Gunga Jumna, for Dilip saab's (Kumar) incredible performance. For me, it's his best!


SHABANA AZMI
I was still in my mother's womb when it was decided that I'd become an actor. When I was three months old my mother (Shaukat Kaifi) would strap me on her back and take me to Opera House for rehearsals of the Prithvi Theatre plays. I first performed on the stage when I was three and then all through school and college. I don't remember any film making an indelible impression on me but yes, while still at St.Xavier's College, I saw a diploma film with Jaya Bhaduri, in and as Suman. I was struck by her natural performance and felicity and that inspired me to join the Film and Television Institute (FTII) in Pune.

VIDYA BALAN
Arth has had the strongest influence on me. The scenes, dialogue, performances, songs are all exceptional. I know the film by rote and would constantly enact scenes from it, imagining what Bhattsaab (director Mahesh Bhatt) must have said to his actors to get them to bare their soul. If I had to pick my all-time favourite scene, it would be the telephone conversation between Pooja (Shabana Azmi) and Kavita (Smita Patil). The insecurity, inadequacy, vulnerability and fear that Shabana expressed in the scene are so raw and real.