Showing posts with label Alvira Khan Agnihotri. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alvira Khan Agnihotri. Show all posts
Salman Khan, sister Alvira Khan Agnihotri summoned in Rs. 3 cr fraud case
4:29 PM
HINDUSTAN TIMES (August 7, 2026)
A Chandigarh district court has issued summons to actor Salman Khan, his sister Alvira Khan Agnihotri, and directors of Style and Content Jewellery Pvt Ltd in connection with a cheating complaint related to a Being Human jewellery showroom in Manimajra, Chandigarh. The court has directed all the accused to appear on October 5.
The complaint was filed by Chandigarh-based businessman Arun Gupta, who alleged that he was persuaded to invest in the showroom based on false assurances of strong business prospects. He accused six persons associated with the company of misrepresenting the business deal and claimed that he invested nearly Rs. 3 crore. Arun alleged that he suffered losses amounting to several crores after the company failed to provide the promised business support following the showroom’s launch.
One of the key issues raised by Arun is that the store responsible for supplying Being Human jewellery remained closed from February 2020 onwards. He claimed that this resulted in irregular jewellery supply and significant losses to his business.
Arun also alleged that he was assured Salman would inaugurate the showroom, but the ceremony was instead conducted by Salman’s brother-in-law, actor Aayush Sharma.
As per the clarification issued by the company, Salman Khan Foundation had licensed Being Human brand name to Style and Content Jewellery Pvt Ltd way back in 2015. It had claimed that managing and selling the jewellery business was solely the responsibility of the company.
Salman Khan runs his own Bigg Boss in Panvel
8:54 AM
Salman Khan seems to have a mini-lockdown with almost 22 people, including Jacqueline Fernandez and Iulia Vantur, holed up in his farmhouse; coterie spends days horse-riding and swimming
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; April 17, 2020)
Every December, the gates of Salman Khan's Panvel farmhouse are thrown open as the rich and the famous throng the venue to celebrate the superstar's birthday. We may be months away from December, but a section of Bollywood is cocooned at Arpita Farms. Over the past few weeks, Khan has been playing host to 20-odd people, including Jacqueline Fernandez, Iulia Vantur, director Abhiraj Minawala and wife, and Waluscha De Sousa, who have inadvertently found themselves stuck on the outskirts of Mumbai during the Coronavirus lockdown.
The actor had travelled to Panvel in mid-March with director Minawala to discuss their next, the Mulshi Pattern remake. "Salman's brother-in-law Aayush Sharma joined them along with wife Arpita and their kids. At the same time, Atul Agnihotri, wife Alvira and her friend Waluscha had gone to the farmhouse to spend a fun weekend. They were in for a surprise when the state government issued a stay-at-home order, followed by the nationwide lockdown," says a source. Apparently, Fernandez had headed to Panvel at the same time to discuss her single, Genda Phool. "Now, there are about 22 people holed up in the estate, including Sohail's son Nirvaan, his three friends and the staff. Fortunately, the bungalow is massive with nine bedrooms and two pools. So, social distancing is not a problem."There is never a dull moment in the house, adds the source. "People spend their days swimming, playing pool and practising organic farming. When Salman is not working on his next, Iulia and he goes horse-riding. He also creates awareness videos about the prevailing situation, which are shot by Saajan Singh. Salman's afternoons are dedicated to mother Salma."
I am comfortable with the idea of being uncomfortable-Katrina Kaif
8:14 AM
Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; July 21, 2019)
In the last eight months, Katrina Kaif’s life has been through a sea change. From being a pretty face in the frame, she’s now winning praise for being a promising actor, and one who is willing to dive deep into her well of emotions to deliver a fine performance. The actress, who celebrated her birthday on July 16, is currently in the midst of a well-deserved break in Mexico. Katrina spoke to BT about all that has changed in the last year in her life, in the personal and professional space. Excerpts:
Looking at your social media profile, it would be fair to say that you’re living the title of one of your films, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara…
(Laughs!) Yeah, and I hope I am doing Zoya (Akhtar) proud with the way I am living it up.
On a serious note, what do you think has changed for you in the last one year, personally and professionally?
The most prominent change that I notice in my life is that I feel a deeper sense of gratitude and fulfilment with my work. There’s a different kind of joy that I experience when I hear good things about my performance in Zero and Bharat, which gave me so much creative satisfaction. Making these films was such a wonderful experience. Both the films taught me a lot. These films propelled the actor in me and had a lot to contribute in helping me grow, both as a person and a professional.
There was a noticeable difference in the way you approached these characters — Babita Kumari in Zero and Kumud Raina in Bharat. Both won you praise in the reviews. What has changed in the way you look at your roles now?
In the last one-and-a-half years, I’ve begun to find more joy in the creative process of making a film and playing a role. I’ve changed the way I work and live. It’s difficult to put a finger on the exact reason or the turning point, but I’ve begun to give a lot more of myself to work. I’ve started understanding the process of making a film more deeply. As an actor, this means that you have to push your boundaries and work with directors who can make you do that. Working with Ali Abbas Zafar and Aanand L Rai helped me in a big way. In the last year or so, I’ve also found a lot more comfort and a still place within me that allows me to focus on what I am trying to do. The positive comments for Bharat and Zero made me feel wonderful because it was an incredibly happy experience working on these films. Now, I want to continue with the momentum.
While playing these parts, did you dive deep into your emotions and borrow from your own experiences?
That’s what I have been trying to do lately, and I’ve been enjoying it. Discovering characters has become so much more enriching. And then, you meet teachers, who can guide you to further your craft.
Post Zero and Bharat, has your criteria for giving a nod to a film changed?Striking a balance is important. Also, you shouldn’t take yourself too seriously. I’d still like to be a part of some fun, entertaining summer releases. It’s important to enjoy what you create. I relish lighter and easier films, while I also enjoy a role that challenges me. I’m just trying to take on films that can help me keep that balance.
In the last few months, in several interviews, you’ve made statements like, ‘My life is an open book, I got nothing to hide’. That frankness is refreshing, but it also makes one wonder why you have suddenly let your guard down...
I wasn’t even 18 when I started out in the industry. I’ve been in the public eye since then. The other day, when I was thinking about it, I realised that we are two different people in our teens and in our 30s. Experiences change you. We’re all over the place in our teens, discovering ourselves in our 20s, while finding our feet and experiencing things that mould us and help us understand who we really are. The 30s are when we accept what feels real. I know that a lot of people tend to shy away from the media and be on their guard all the time. I have also done that at certain times in my life, when I felt unstable or I didn’t know what’s really going on. This new me didn’t happen overnight or with any one decision. I felt that this is the industry, this is the work I do and I am here for everyone to see. So, whoever engages with me should get to see the most honest version of who I am and that’s what I am doing.
How did you get rid of your insecurities and become so accepting of everything around you, which is evident in the way you express yourself now?
I feel the biggest change in the Katrina of then and now is that, today, I am comfortable with the idea of being uncomfortable. Everyone in their 20s goes through bouts of uncertainty; I did, too. But today, I’m okay not knowing everything or having an air of doubt. When you are just starting out, you are bound to feel shaky, while trying to find your feet when the avenues are just about opening up. With these years of being here, and with success and acceptance, you also gain a sense of confidence. It holds true for everyone. It’s not like I don’t get insecure thoughts, or I don’t feel weak or doubtful now, but I’ve stopped running away from it, which is working for me. Also, I think I was quite guarded as a person, especially when it came to my personal life. That was an overwhelming factor, which people felt about me. I always wanted to keep my guard up and that has changed. How do people perceive it? I don’t know, but we have to be who we are. Perception is something that no one can control.
Who are the people who keep you together when you’re in the thick of uncertainty or in an uncomfortable situation?
I have six wonderful sisters who’re all so different from each other. One sister is a mathematician, another is into social sciences and my brother is into deep-sea diving. Their uniqueness adds a lot of beauty to my life. My mom is devoted to helping others, and to me, she is a wonder woman who has never had a bad word to say about anyone. I’ve always seen her with a smile, and she’s imparted her virtues to all of us. I’ve also got a fantastic set of friends, and they all love me unconditionally. Nitya Mehra and her husband Karan, Alvira Khan Agnihotri, Ali Abbas Zafar, Kabir Khan and his wife Mini, are some of my closest friends. Kabir has played a big part in me finding my voice. Our first interaction was while working on the film, New York. He was full of belief, which instilled the confidence in me that I could really do anything. Aditya Chopra has been such a constant in my life. Alvira is an incredible friend. I am privileged to have so many people in my life who love and care for me.
And Salman Khan?We have such a wonderful friendship. He’s an incredible guy and the kind of dynamics we shared while working on Bharat was wonderful. Working with him has helped me grow as an actor and as an individual. And how can I ever forget Karan Johar? He keeps every single person around him happy.
Considering the fact that an actor’s life plays out in the public domain, does it get difficult to find the right person, maintain a relationship or go through an emotionally-draining phase like a break-up while being under the spotlight constantly?
Not at all! We don’t need to give this any thought. I have no preconceived ideas and thoughts regarding relationships. I just know that it has to happen organically, and you need to follow what feels right to you.
There’s nothing like it’s hard or easy. A relationship should feel right to you and you should take it one day at a time. To answer the other part of your question, I think every experience has only enriched me; I don’t think relationships can drain or empty you emotionally. Right now, I’m not even thinking of a relationship, we’ll cross the bridge when we get to it.
Lastly, while it’s common for people to feel or look awkward in the presence of exes or people they have a shared past with, it hasn’t quite been the case with you. You have dealt with all of that with a lot of grace and dignity…
I just don’t feel awkward and I don’t carry any heavy thoughts about it. As I said, all my experiences have only given me something. Also, why do we have to make everything so complex and heavy? It’s a personal thing and may not work for everyone, but if I had two options, I would always choose the simple one over the heavy and complex. Why would I want to feel awkward in anyone’s presence? I would rather smile, laugh, have a good chat and keep it easy, instead of keeping a sad face. Simple!
Salman Khan walks free as court grants him bail
8:29 AM
Judge,
who was transferred the night before, decides to hear the bail plea and
grants conditional bail. Actor can’t leave the country and has to
report to the court on May 7
Prakash Bhandari (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 8, 2018)
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, who was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment in the 1998 blackbuck poaching case, got respite on Saturday after a sessions court in Jodhpur granted him conditional bail.
Salman will have to report to the court exactly a month later on May 7. He will not be allowed to leave the country without the approval of the court in future. After spending two nights in Jodhpur Central Jail, the actor left after completing all legal formalities and headed back to Mumbai in a chartered flight.
However, the Bishnoi community, which had lodged the complaint against Salman, said that they would challenge the bail order in the High Court. If the High Court suspends the bail granted to Salman, he will have to go behind the bars once again.
Earlier in the day, the actor and his family had their nervous moments amid speculations that his bail hearing might not be taken up as the judge had been transferred. Justice Ravindra Kumar Joshi, who heard the case, was transferred as a routine judicial reshuffle on Friday night. As he was transferred from Jodhpur to Sirohi on Saturday morning, it was not sure whether he would hear the bail application.
Some reports said that the new judge would hear the bail application when he would take charge a week later. This meant that Salman would have had to stay in jail for a week. However, judge Joshi decided that he was empowered to hear the case and eventually granted Salman conditional bail post lunch at 3 pm.
Salman’s sisters Alvira and Arpita were inside the court when the bail application was heard. Arpita took ill as the prosecution strongly opposed the bail and she had to be taken out of the court room.
Salman’s lawyers Hastimal Saraswat and Mahesh Bora stressed for bail on the grounds that the lower court’s order handing him five years’ simple imprisonment and a fine of Rs 10,000 was based entirely on the witnesses’ statements, which were not reliable. Saraswat argued that the other co-accused in the case — actors Saif Ali Khan, Sonali Bendre, Tabu and Neelam besides a local, Dushyant Singh — were acquitted in the case as the witnesses’ accounts were not reliable.
Countering these arguments, the prosecution hinged the case on the post-mortem report that said that the two black bucks died of gunshot wounds.
But Salman’s lawyers insisted that the post-mortem report was based on the bones of the animal and the skin, which is very crucial in such tests, was not examined.
Salman killed the black bucks in Kankani village near Jodhpur on October 1, 1998, during the shoot of film Hum Saath Saath Hain. Black bucks are endangered animals and are included in Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The actor has also been accused of killing two chinkaras and a black buck in September 1998. In all, three cases of poaching and one case under the Arms Act were registered against Salman in 1998. He was convicted in these cases, only to be later acquitted by the Rajasthan High Court.
The actor and his lawyers had always insisted that he was being framed. Reports that the animals died of “overeating” or were killed by dogs were also submitted in the courts to prove his innocence.
After Salman’s bail, his friends and well-wishers from the film industry expressed their happiness.
Director of his upcoming film Race 3 Remo D’Souza said, “I am happy that he has got bail. After working with him so closely I have become a huge fan of him not only as an actor but also as a human being.”
“Almost 90 per cent of the shoot for Race 3 is over and the remaining portions will mostly be shot in India,” he said.
Producer of Race 3 Ramesh Taurani said he is “happy” that the actor has come out of the jail. Khan’s Dabangg co-actor Sonu Sood tweeted, “A Good deed is the best Prayer. Welcome brother Salman Khan.”
Singer Adnan Sami, who composed the music of Khan’s “Lucky: No Time for Love”, said, “So happy for the bail of my dear brother Salman Khan . Relieved. Come home. JAI HO!”
Bollywood analysts say around Rs 400 crore could be riding on Salman, who has seen phenomenal box office success since the release of Dabangg.
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, who was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment in the 1998 blackbuck poaching case, got respite on Saturday after a sessions court in Jodhpur granted him conditional bail.
Salman will have to report to the court exactly a month later on May 7. He will not be allowed to leave the country without the approval of the court in future. After spending two nights in Jodhpur Central Jail, the actor left after completing all legal formalities and headed back to Mumbai in a chartered flight.
However, the Bishnoi community, which had lodged the complaint against Salman, said that they would challenge the bail order in the High Court. If the High Court suspends the bail granted to Salman, he will have to go behind the bars once again.
Earlier in the day, the actor and his family had their nervous moments amid speculations that his bail hearing might not be taken up as the judge had been transferred. Justice Ravindra Kumar Joshi, who heard the case, was transferred as a routine judicial reshuffle on Friday night. As he was transferred from Jodhpur to Sirohi on Saturday morning, it was not sure whether he would hear the bail application.
Some reports said that the new judge would hear the bail application when he would take charge a week later. This meant that Salman would have had to stay in jail for a week. However, judge Joshi decided that he was empowered to hear the case and eventually granted Salman conditional bail post lunch at 3 pm.
Salman’s sisters Alvira and Arpita were inside the court when the bail application was heard. Arpita took ill as the prosecution strongly opposed the bail and she had to be taken out of the court room.
Salman’s lawyers Hastimal Saraswat and Mahesh Bora stressed for bail on the grounds that the lower court’s order handing him five years’ simple imprisonment and a fine of Rs 10,000 was based entirely on the witnesses’ statements, which were not reliable. Saraswat argued that the other co-accused in the case — actors Saif Ali Khan, Sonali Bendre, Tabu and Neelam besides a local, Dushyant Singh — were acquitted in the case as the witnesses’ accounts were not reliable.
Countering these arguments, the prosecution hinged the case on the post-mortem report that said that the two black bucks died of gunshot wounds.
But Salman’s lawyers insisted that the post-mortem report was based on the bones of the animal and the skin, which is very crucial in such tests, was not examined.
Salman killed the black bucks in Kankani village near Jodhpur on October 1, 1998, during the shoot of film Hum Saath Saath Hain. Black bucks are endangered animals and are included in Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The actor has also been accused of killing two chinkaras and a black buck in September 1998. In all, three cases of poaching and one case under the Arms Act were registered against Salman in 1998. He was convicted in these cases, only to be later acquitted by the Rajasthan High Court.
The actor and his lawyers had always insisted that he was being framed. Reports that the animals died of “overeating” or were killed by dogs were also submitted in the courts to prove his innocence.
After Salman’s bail, his friends and well-wishers from the film industry expressed their happiness.
Director of his upcoming film Race 3 Remo D’Souza said, “I am happy that he has got bail. After working with him so closely I have become a huge fan of him not only as an actor but also as a human being.”
“Almost 90 per cent of the shoot for Race 3 is over and the remaining portions will mostly be shot in India,” he said.
Producer of Race 3 Ramesh Taurani said he is “happy” that the actor has come out of the jail. Khan’s Dabangg co-actor Sonu Sood tweeted, “A Good deed is the best Prayer. Welcome brother Salman Khan.”
Singer Adnan Sami, who composed the music of Khan’s “Lucky: No Time for Love”, said, “So happy for the bail of my dear brother Salman Khan . Relieved. Come home. JAI HO!”
Bollywood analysts say around Rs 400 crore could be riding on Salman, who has seen phenomenal box office success since the release of Dabangg.
Tiger Caged For Wild Life; Salman Khan sentenced to 5 years in prison
8:23 AM
20 Years Later, Superstar Salman Given 5 Years’ Jail For Shooting Blackbucks; Co-Stars Saif, Sonali, Neelam And Tabu Let Off
Bhanupratap Singh (THE TIMES OF INDIA; April 6, 2018)
Jodhpur: Nearly 20 years after his infamous blackbuck hunts made national headlines, the law finally caught up with Bollywood megastar Salman Khan on Thursday. A trial court sentenced the actor to five years in prison for poaching two of the protected antelopes at Kankani village in 1998.
Salman, who was present in court with his sisters Alvira and Arpita, spent the night in Jodhpur central jail, where he was taken soon after the verdict was pronounced.
Salman’s co-stars Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Neelam and Sonali Bendre, who allegedly accompanied him during the hunt on the night of October 1-2, 1998, were given the benefit of doubt and acquitted. All of them were camping in Jodhpur at that time for the shooting of ‘Hum Saath Saath Hain’.
“Khan is a film star whose actions are followed by the common man and still he shot dead two innocent and mute blackbucks, a Schedule-I animal under the Wildlife Protection Act, so he cannot be granted benefit under the Probation of Offenders Act as sought by the defence,” chief judicial magistrate (Jodhpur rural) Dev Kumar Khatri wrote in the 201-page judgment.
Salman’s lawyer H M Saraswat swiftly filed a bail application for the star in the sessions court which is on the same premises. The plea will be heard on Friday. Saraswat said an appeal against the conviction too would be filed soon after going through the trial court’s verdict.
The defence lawyer had pleaded for leniency for Salman under the Probation of Offenders Act. But the judge said the benefit was being denied also because incidents of illegal hunting were on the rise. The court found Khan guilty under Section 9/51 of the Wildlife Protection Act and also imposed a penalty of Rs 10,000. This was the third poaching case against Salman during the shooting of ‘Hum Saath Saath Hain’. Lower courts convicted him in two other cases but he was subsequently acquitted by the HC.
The Rajasthan government had appealed against Salman’s previous acquittals and two cases are pending in the Supreme Court since October 2016.
Apart from Salman’s four co-stars, another co-accused, Dushyant Singh, a local travel and transport agent who was allegedly with them when the crime was committed, was also acquitted in the Kankani case.
Anand Desai, another lawyer of the Bollywood star, said in a statement: “It (the verdict) just came as a surprise, as the entire investigation and facts were the same as those for which Salman had been acquitted by the high court of Rajasthan in two cases and even by the trial court in an Arms Act case concerning the same night.”
While acquitting Salman’s co-accused, the judge said though their presence at the crime scene has been shown in the statements of witnesses, their involvement in the crime has not been established beyond doubt. The prosecution said it would appeal against all acquittals.
Youths from the Bishnoi community and wildlife lovers who had gathered outside the court burst crackers as soon as they learnt about Salman’s conviction. Mahipal Bishnoi, lawyer for the Bishnoi Tiger Force, an organisation known for protecting blackbucks even at the cost of their lives, said: “We are happy that Khan has been sentenced, but we will ask the government to appeal against those who have been acquitted in this case.”
Public prosecutor Bhawani Singh Bhati said the statements of witness Chhogaram, DNA fingerprinting and the postmortem reports of the blackbucks helped in nailing Salman. “We were able to establish that the two blackbucks died from gunshots and that these were fired by Salman,” said Bhati, who had demanded maximum punishment of six years in jail for the actor.
Salman Khan comes to the aid of his ailing co-star Pooja Dadwal
8:20 AM
Actor will foot Pooja Dadwal’s medical bills; the actress, suffering from TB, has been abandoned by her father, husband but has got assistance from CINTAA, Ravi Kishan
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 26, 2018)
After dialogue and screenplay writer K K Sinha swept all the awards for his Nana Patekar-starrer, Krantiveer, he decided to turn director with another powerful script. Veergati co-produced by his writer-friend Babubhai Latiwala, had Salman Khan in the lead, playing a cynical, vengeful gambler Ajay. Keeping him company were Divya Dutta, Himani Shivpuri, Farida Jalal and Rohini Hattangadi. Atul Agnihotri, who married Salman’s sister, Alvira, around the film’s release in 1995, played second lead. Sinha launched a new face, 21-year-old Pooja Dadwal, opposite Atul’s Sulokh.
“Twenty-three years later, the once chulbuli and confident Pooja is unrecognisable. She has lost almost 25 kgs as she lies bed-ridden at a tuberculosis hospital in Sewri, abandoned by her father and her husband. When I connected with her through mutual friends, she was penniless and distraught,” Veergati’s chief assistant director, Arshad Siddiqui, tells Mirror.
Pooja, 44, was diagnosed with tuberculosis and other lung ailments six months ago. She still finds it difficult to speak clearly and no longer uses a mobile phone. “Some of my friends have pulled me out of my misery and are urging me to bounce back up. Everybody knows how expensive medical treatment is. I could not afford a private hospital and government hospitals are so over-crowded. Through some friends, I sent out a video message to several industry personalities requesting them for help to pay for my treatment. I don’t want the money for myself, I know once I’m able to work, I will be able to fend for myself,” she says with difficulty.
Arshad recalls that three years after she debuted in Veergati, he had bumped into Pooja at a Mumbai studio and she had complained that she wasn’t getting good roles despite the film celebrating a 100-day run. “The two releases that followed didn’t do well and Pooja always rued that while Veergati made her a popular face, it did not get her any mileage,” he says.
Financially stressed, the actress ended up accepting smaller roles in TV
serials and occasionally worked at a casino in Goa. After a few years,
even the TV jobs faded away, but always resilient, Pooja bounced back in
2001 with Aslam Azmi’s Inteqam. But roles were few and far between.
Then, she fell ill, was left at the hospital and is in bad shape today.Wondering how to settle her bills, Pooja recalls to her friends, how during the shooting of Veergati Salman was told that an old woman had been waiting outside since he had arrived, wanting to meet him.The actor immediately invited her inside and after hearing her out, asked his chauffeur to bring a bag of clothes and money from his car which he handed to her and sent her home happy. This was decades before he became known for his charitable causes.
With that incident playing on her mind, Pooja wrote to Atul and Alvira, and sent many messages to Salman begging for help. The actor was in Pune on his Da-Bangg The Tour over the weekend when he learnt about Pooja’s plight and immediately asked his team to arrange for funds and a care package. She received two bags of clothes and other gifts from Salman, along with the assurance that he would be footing all her medical bills henceforth.
Financial help has also come from the Cine and Television Artistes’ Association (CINTAA), which will be sending her monthly cheques, as well as from Bhojpuri and Hindi film actor Ravi Kishan.
“Finally, I will be moving to a private hospital and I hope that I will get back on my feet soon. At least now, after weeks I will be able to afford a cup of tea thanks to all these good people,” she said.
Veergati actress Pooja Dadwal at Sewri’s tuberculosis hospital
Salman Khan spends time with the bachcha party at Bhushan Kumar's Diwali bash
8:01 AM
Other grown-ups take to the dance floor as Guru Randhawa croons
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 19, 2017)
T-Series head honcho Bhushan Kumar, with uncle Krishan Kumar, hosted a Diwali bash on Tuesday which kicked off at 9.30 pm and continued till 5 am. Guests included Salman Khan, who arrived with siblings Sohail Khan, Alvira Khan-Agnihotri and Arpita Khan-Sharma with husband Aayush. Sonakshi Sinha, Bipasha Basu who’s rarely seen without ‘better half’, Karan Singh Grover, and Kriti Sanon brought in the glam while Sajid Nadiadwala with wife Warda, Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Subhash Ghai were the showmen. The music industry was represented by singer-composers Adnan Sami, Sukhwinder Singh and Salim- Sulaiman, among others.
A guest informed Mirror that Bhushan was the first to be pulled to the dance floor by Krishan Kumar’s wife, Tanya.
Salman Khan chose to spend the evening with the bachcha party that included Bhushan’s son Ruhaan.
Punjabi singer Guru Randhawa entertained the guests with his Hindi Medium hit, “Suit Suit Karda” and a song from the upcoming Tumhari Sullu, “Banja Rani.”
T-Series head honcho Bhushan Kumar, with uncle Krishan Kumar, hosted a Diwali bash on Tuesday which kicked off at 9.30 pm and continued till 5 am. Guests included Salman Khan, who arrived with siblings Sohail Khan, Alvira Khan-Agnihotri and Arpita Khan-Sharma with husband Aayush. Sonakshi Sinha, Bipasha Basu who’s rarely seen without ‘better half’, Karan Singh Grover, and Kriti Sanon brought in the glam while Sajid Nadiadwala with wife Warda, Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Subhash Ghai were the showmen. The music industry was represented by singer-composers Adnan Sami, Sukhwinder Singh and Salim- Sulaiman, among others.
A guest informed Mirror that Bhushan was the first to be pulled to the dance floor by Krishan Kumar’s wife, Tanya.
Salman Khan chose to spend the evening with the bachcha party that included Bhushan’s son Ruhaan.
Punjabi singer Guru Randhawa entertained the guests with his Hindi Medium hit, “Suit Suit Karda” and a song from the upcoming Tumhari Sullu, “Banja Rani.”
Salman Khan unveils Asha Parekh's biography The Hit Girl in a highly memorable event
8:05 AM
On Asha's hit list are her forever friends Waheeda Rehman, Helen and Shammi, yesteryear co-stars Dharmendra and Jeetendra, Salman and the Khan-daan
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 11, 2017)
On Monday evening, Asha Parekh sat in the front row flanked by her forever friends, yesteryear screen legends Helen, Waheeda Rehman and Shammi, all colour coordinated in black. They were at a suburban five-star hotel for the launch of Asha’s autobiography, The Hit Girl, with film criticwriter Khalid Mohamed.
The Khan patriarch Salim, was the first to arrive at 7pm, with daughter Alvira Khan Agnihotri. He congratulated Asha, greeted Waheeda who’s his neighbour and left because “its time for my evening walk”.
However,
Asha’s Caravan co-star Jeetendra who has recently returned from a
three-day birthday celebration to mark his 75th in Jaipur, stayed on, as
did Aruna Irani who had featured in the film too. Also present were
composers Anandji and Pyarelal who had tuned many of the hit girl’s
chartbusters, the latter making everyone smile as he walked in clutching
wife Sunila’s hand. Imran Khan, who’d arrived with mum Nuzhat obliged
gathered fans with selfies. Jackie Shroff was a knight in shining
armour, rescuing a bemused Asha from a crowd of fans and chatting with
her in Gujarati escorted her to where she was expected to sign copies.
While the hotel’s patrons queued up in the lobby to get a glimpse of the star attendees, proceedings at the do gained momentum with the arrival of Salman Khan which was punctuated by the shutterbugs scrambling for a good shot. Waheeda Rehman, seated next to Helen, murmured, “Aa gaya.” Helen who while greeting guests had been requesting them to repeat their names, saying, “As I am getting younger, my hearing is getting worse”, heard her well enough.
Salman noted
in his speech that today’s girls need to learn from these aunties. “We
make friends but they (longtime besties the late Sadhana and Nanda,
Asha, Waheeda, Shammi, Helen) have stayed close throughout. Our
generation has lost that quality while they have supported each other.
Their generation lived the cleanest life possible; professionally and
personally,” he pointed out.
The hit girl’s Aaya Sawan Jhoom Ke
and Shikar co-star Dharmendra made a quiet entry in the middle of the
launch, taking a corner seat in the front row. Within minutes, Salman
walked off the stage to greet the senior actor with a warm hug, touched
his feet for his blessings. Later, he admitted that it takes guts to
write an autobiography and he can never do it. This was met with peals
of laughter from Dharmendra and Jeetendra.Asha Parekh thanked her besties and Salman “dil se”, revealing that she’s known him since he was in a cradle and signed off with a catchy, “Book leke dekho,” playing on the title of her Shammi Kapoor starrer, Dil Deke Dekho, Nasir Husain’s second directorial.
Image: Salman Khan and Iulia Vantur holiday with the Khan-daan in Maldives
8:20 AM
The Khandaan pulls out all stops to ring in Arpita Khan’s and Ayush Sharma’s son Ahil’s first birthday
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 1, 2017)
Salman Khan, who had been away in Austria for the last couple of weeks filming high-voltage action sequences for his upcoming thriller, took a flight to Maldives, where he was joined by his Romanian girlfriend Iulia Vantur.
The entire Khandaan, along with a few friends, was in attendance to bring in Arpita Khan and Ayush Sharma’s son, Ahil’s first birthday.
Grandparents Salim, Salma and Helen, uncles Arbaaz and Sohail, aunts Malaika and Seema, cousins Arhaan, Nirvaan, Yohan and Ayaan, bua Alvira with husband Atul Agnihotri are at the island resort.
Aayush’s parents, Anil and Sunita, his brother Aashray, Malaika’s sister Amrita with er husband Shakeel Ladak and sons Rayaan and Azaan have also checked into Amilla Fushi, entirely booked for the group for the next five days. Close friends Sharan Satguru, Suraj Samat, Sanjay Singh joined the celebration with their families too. The group of 35 arrived on a private airplane at the luxurious five-star property at the Baa Atoll beach. It is one of Maldive’s finest with private cottages nestled in tree-tops, each cottage with its own spa, pool and ocean view.
Arbaaz and Malaika spent quality time as a family. Malaika, with former sister-in-law Seema and Amrita, got cornrows while Arbaaz flaunted his ‘Love each other or perish’ arm tattoo.
On Thursday, the group went sailing in the Mediterranean, enjoyed a barbecue dinner, music, dancing and watched the sun go down. On Friday, they set off on a jungle trail and went fishing. Javvu Spa, where couples can retreat into canopies in the trees, is a big hit. Afternoons are for herbal tea, but in the evening, the ladies popped the bubbly at the resort’s “beauty bar”. They are expected to take an outdoor yoga and meditation class too.
Sallu has chosen to spend most of his time in the infinity pool and lounge. Iulia and he would have remained inseparable.
Mamujaan Salman Khan off to Maldives to attend nephew Ahil’s first birthday
7:17 AM
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; March 31, 2017)
The Salman Khan-daan has flown to Maldives for the first birthday of Arpita Khan’s son, Ahil. While the party crew mostly includes family — the star’s parents, Salim Khan, Salma, Helen, sister Alvira, brothers Arbaaz, Sohail and their kids — Sallu’s rumoured girlfriend, Iulia Vantur is also part of the overseas revelry. The superstar, who has wrapped up the shoot of Ali Abbas Zafar’s Tiger Zinda Hai in Austria, hopped on a long flight to be by his littlest nephew’s side on his big day.
The actor often shares photographs with Ahil on social media and there have also been days when the little one accompanied him to film sets. Surely, the tot’s first birthday party would have been incomplete without his doting mamujaan.
We have a strange, unspoken love-Shah Rukh Khan on his dosti with Salman Khan
8:21 AM
Salman Khan turns 51 today and Shah Rukh Khan looks back at their friendship and what has made it work
Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; December 27, 2016)
During a long conversation with Shah Rukh Khan a month ago, I told him that I’d like to talk to him for a piece I wanted to do for Salman Khan’s birthday. SRK agreed to do it right away, without a moment’s hesitation. Here, SRK talks about the Galaxy star. And explains why, despite all the lows, their friendship will never fade. Read on....
“Before I talk about Salman, I have to thank his entire family for always being so supportive right from the time I set foot in this city. I know his family for the longest time. I knew Arbaaz and Baby (Alvira) a lot more and Sohail a bit, back then. Because of common friends, we would mostly hang out together.”
The beginning
“I didn’t know Salman at all back then. I can’t even remember when we became friends. I don’t have an idea now that you are asking me about him, and I’m trying to remember how we became friends. I think that’s what friendship is about. You don’t know where, when and how it starts. And if you don’t know when it starts, it means it will never end. (Smiles)
Now that you’ve asked me, I can tell you one thing. Karan Arjun was the time when we started spending a lot of time together. We were with each other the whole day and spent time together. We kind of hit it off from the very beginning. It also stems from the fact that, for me, he has always been someone who I would respect because I have been, in a way, brought up by his family when I was new to this city. So, I can never think of him as a colleague. He is a friend, a very dear friend.
Salman, the star
I don’t think he’d be able to remember how our friendship began either. Before our time together on the sets of Karan Arjun, I’d go to his house because I knew his brother and sister. I knew he was a big star. We hardly hung around back then. Whenever I would be at his house, he would hardly be around because he was really busy with his film shoots. He would say a customary ‘Hi’ and hang out with us for some time.
Those mad days
I got to know him better during Karan Arjun. Because we were both mad enough to do a lot of mad things during that time. We would just drive away from shooting, run away, come back to Mumbai and nobody would even know about it. Then we would go back the next morning, without sleeping, go a little...(Laughs) unrested in the morning, finish work that would normally happen over two days, just because we felt like working really hard that day.
Humara culture...
Yes, we’ve gotten into rifts and have had issues. We might still have another one someday, we may not. But it’s always been strangely nice between the two of us, even during fights. We both like each other a lot and it’s very strange for most people who see us. Even a few nights ago, we were together. He came out to see me off, and I said, ‘Tu baith ja aram se. Main jaata hoon.’ He was like, ‘Culture hai na hum logon ka.’ So I said, ‘Hum dono ke beech mein thode hi na hota hai culture.’ But he said, ‘Koi dekh lega toh humara culture toh rahega na. I drop you, you drop me.’ That’s a very dignified and decent way to be, even for friends.
No fuel for this fire
Salman told me that when we were at loggerheads, people would come and bitch among each other. He said, “I never said anything in front of them. When they used to leave, the first thing I would tell the family was, ‘What losers, yaar! Poor guys! They are hoping that they will add more fuel to the fight. But that’s never going to happen. These idiots don’t understand that.’
There for each other
I think we have a strange, unspoken love. When we became friends, I didn’t know this. But I know now that should — God forbid — either of us be in trouble, we know we will be there for each other always. I know that for a fact. It could be very personal or professional. But he is the one guy I can call upon to do the strangest of things for me if I need it, and so can he.
What we talk about
As a matter of fact, we have done things too for each other. We just don’t talk about it. Our friendship also stems from the fact that we don’t indulge in one-upmanship, trying to prove our personal feelings to anyone. We just hang out and actually for the last two nights, I have been hanging out with him. I have been alone, so I just go there and we sit and chat. And we chat till early in the morning and I don’t even know what we talk about. We have not talked about any logical things at all in the last few times we have met. There’s nothing of essence that we sit down and talk about.
Just do it
I think it’s because of this ease, this respect and a strange trust in both of us that we are there for each other. We don’t need each other for small things. He tweeted my next movie’s look (The Ring, directed by Imtiaz Ali). He himself would offer to do it. ‘Main kar doon! Chal main kar deta hoon!’ he would tell me. It’s not something we plan. We are quite ‘yahoo’ which means we are completely off-the-cuff. We just do things for each other because we feel them. We don’t plan, we don’t plot, we don’t design, we don’t figure out, we just do it. That’s what our friendship is more about than anything else. That’s the most personal thing he or I can tell you about us.
No advice exchanged
We have no design in the way we or our friendship functions, both of us never wanted to outdo the other during the films we did together. Most of the things we do, is what we feel. We don’t plan, we don’t plot, we don’t design, we don’t figure out, we just do it. That’s what our friendship is more about than anything else. He’s just got his own identity and I have my own and we are both comfortable in that space. He would not come and tell me ‘Tu aisa kar’. Not acting-wise, personally! I am absolutely alright the way he is. I think he is shining like that and he thinks we are both awesome the way we are. That’s why we get along. There’s no advice exchanged. The best thing about our friendship is that we both don’t take advice from anyone... including each other!”
Salim Khan brings in his 81st birthday with a screening of Sholay and a party
8:01 AM
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 26, 2016)
Salim Khan turned 81 on Thursday and the Khandaan scripted a memorable birthday for him. The celebrations begun with a private screening of the 1975 release Sholay at a suburban theatre. Salim and his erstwhile partner Javed Akhtar had penned the curry Western. Only the veteran’s close friends were invited. Later in the day, the family turned up in full force.Besides his three sons—Salman, Arbaaz and Sohail—and two daughters, Alvira (who came with husband Atul Agnihotri) and Arpita (who was accompanied by husband Aayush and son Ahil), there was Sangeeta Bijlani, Sajid Nadiadwala and Salman’s rumoured ladylove Iulia.
After the party, Salman left for Lonavala to shoot an episode of his reality show, Bigg Boss, with Vidya Balan.Salim when contacted said, “I wanted to spend the day with family and friends with whom I go for walks at night.”
Check out Salman Khan celebrating Diwali with family in Goa
8:07 AM
Salman Khan spent Diwali chilling with his family in Goa; 'hero' Sooraj Pancholi joined in the festivities
MUMBAI MIRROR (November 2, 2016)
Salman Khan landed in Goa
last week to bring in Diwali with his family, including sister Arpita,
hubby Aayush Sharma and baby Ahil, his other sister Alvira and
brother-in-law Atul Agnihotri, brother Sohail Khan, his wife Seema and
kids Nirvaan and Yohan and Arbaaz Khan with son Arhaan. However, Malaika
Arora Khan chose to stay back in the Bay to celebrate the festival of
lights with sister Amrita Arora and her parents. She later even attended
the Diwali bash hosted by the Bachchans.
The rest of the Khan-daan settled into a luxury resort on Vagator Beach
and spent the days chilling on the sun-kissed beaches, chatting with
each other and clicking pictures. They also went to another beach resort
at Baga Beach to dine.
Leading man of the Hero remake, Sooraj Pancholi joined the Khans on Saturday for Diwali. A DJ played their favourite English tracks. Salman has been busy since the last few months filming Kabir Khan's Tubelight and hosting the 10th season of Bigg Boss. So, it was a much-needed break for Bhai.
Leading man of the Hero remake, Sooraj Pancholi joined the Khans on Saturday for Diwali. A DJ played their favourite English tracks. Salman has been busy since the last few months filming Kabir Khan's Tubelight and hosting the 10th season of Bigg Boss. So, it was a much-needed break for Bhai.
Kabir Khan replaces Rajkumar Santoshi as director of Salman Khan's next with Atul Agnihotri?
8:30 AM
Upala KBR (DNA; September 19, 2016)
Judging by the number of films Salman Khan is doing
with Kabir Khan, once can safely assume that he is the actor’s favourite
director. After Ek Tha Tiger, Bajrangi Bhaijaan and the
under-production Tubelight, this pair will come together for Atul and
Alvira Agnihotri’s next home production starring Salman.
Says a source, “Salman has immense faith in Kabir as a filmmaker and after two blockbuster hits in ETT and BB, the comfort level has only grown stronger with Tubelight. And when Atul and Alvira were looking out for a director to helm their next project, Salman suggested Kabir’s name. He has become like a family member to the Khans. Another director Salman has worked with that often is Sooraj Barjatya, who gave Salman his first hit Maine Pyaar Kiya. They also worked together in Hum Aapke Hain... Koun, Hum Saath-Saath Hain and Prem Ratan Dhan Payo.”
Rajkumar Santoshi was to direct Atul and Alvira’s next production, but that didn’t work out. Salman is happy that Kabir is now at the helm and the director comes on board after the completion of Tubelight and another film based on the 1983 World Cup victory, which goes on the floors later this year.
Iulia Vantur celebrates her 36th birthday with Salman Khan & family
8:31 AM
It was a quiet affair with a select few friends and family for the Romanian beauty on Saturday
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 25, 2016)
Salman Khan's steady date Iulia Vantur rang in her 36th birthday with an intimate party with the 50-year-old actor's family and her friends at his residence on Saturday. Salman's sisters Arpita and Alvira were in attendance along with Arpita's hubby, Aayush Sharma, sister-in-law Malaika's sister, Amrita Arora Ladak, Sohail's wife, Seema Khan, designer Ashley Rebello, Pulkit Samrat's estranged wife Shweta Rohira (his rakhi sister) along with actor Nikhil Dwivedi. Salman's Jai Ho co-star, Daisy Shah, also made an appearance, putting to rest rumours of a rift between her and the Romanian birthday girl.
A guest at the party revealed to Mirror that it was a low-key affair with a select guest list. "Iulia had personally sent out the invites and was a gracious host. Everyone was catching up with everyone, chatting and clicking selfies," added the source. While many pictures from the party did the social media rounds, revellers were careful enough to make sure that no pictures of Bhai surfaced.
The birthday cake reflected the homely affair as did the biryani and chicken which have the place of pride at all Khan dos. Buzz is, Salman plans to marry Iulia in October but the actor had refuted the reports (Mirror, May 23), saying, "These are just rumours as you said yourself. If I had got engaged or was getting married, I wouldn't wait for the news to leak out. I would announce it myself, it would be a proud moment for me, thode hi main chup rahoonga like those yesteryear stars who hid their wives thinking that it would lessen their fan following. I know the whole country would be happy for me."
Ranbir Kapoor can’t do all his films with me-Katrina Kaif
8:01 AM
Upala KBR (DNA; November 12, 2015)
Katrina Kaif has been in the industry for 12 years.
She is known to be the reserved sort. Perhaps it springs from her London
upbringing or maybe she is just an introvert. But these are just
guesses and that’s because Kat chooses not to talk about her friends.
But this once, she makes an exception. The actress holds forth on
buddy-buddy baatein. Read on to find out why she gets upset when they
don’t cast her in their films, her special connection with Salman Khan’s
family and what she thinks of working with Ranbir Kapoor...
Who would you say are your friends in Mumbai?
Today, I would say, Kabir Khan and his wife Mini Mathur, his assistant director Karishma Kohli, directors Ali Abbas Zafar and Ayan Mukerji, Reshma Shetty (her manager) and Alvira Agnihotri. I would also say Karan Johar and Aditya Chopra, too, but in different ways. Adi is not my bosom buddy. I can’t call him on a Friday and tell him ‘Let’s go watch a film together.’ He’s not a pal, but he’s definitely someone whose opinion and advice matters. And if I need it, I would go to him for advice or help.
Alvira and you have remained friends despite your break-up with her brother Salman.
I have that relationship with the whole family because what I shared with them was genuine and will always be genuine. They are a very gracious family. I have known them for so long and we will always be that way. What is genuine and pure will always remain so.
When friends like Karan Johar don’t cast you in their films does that bother you?
I did the song Chikni Chameli in Karan’s Agneepath and now I am finally doing Dharma and Excel’s co-production opposite Sidharth Malhotra. I’d noticed that Karan and I never worked together. There were talks, but it would never materialise. I would feel irritated when they didn’t, but then what to do?
Your best friend Ayan didn’t sign you opposite Ranbir Kapoor in his next.
But that has to happen, ya. Ranbir can’t do all his films with me! You want him to do back-to-back films or what? Everyone needs to balance their work with other actors. These things are the law of nature and filmmaking. We have done some really great films together and now, are working on a third, very interesting one, Jagga Jasoos by Anurag Basu, who is one of my most favourite directors. I couldn’t have asked for a better film.
Every girl in India has grown having a crush on Salman Khan-Sonnalli Seygall
8:03 AM
Priya Gupta (BOMBAY TIMES; October 14, 2015)
Sonnalli Seygall won the Miss India International title in 2006. She debuted in Luv Ranjan's popular 2011 romantic comedy Pyaar Ka Punchnama and will once again be seen in its sequel Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 that releases on the coming Friday. She's ambitious, hardworking, polite and spiritual but loves to party as much as she likes to work. She prides herself on being a good human being and loves animals. Over a cup of coffee, she talks to Bombay Times about her childhood dream of being a Miss India, the sensitivity of Salman Khan and why she misses the presence of a strong male member in her life. Excerpts:
Salman Khan recently tweeted for your film Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2. Talk about your friendship with him.
I first met him in 2013 when I did a Thums Up commercial with him. I was so excited when I came to know that I was going to do a commercial with him. I was the second runner-up in the Miss India pageant in 2006 and was chosen to represent India at the Miss International pageant. Post Miss India, the three winners were trained in yoga by Salman's sister Alvira and we would thus go to her house for training. I went for my pageant and lost touch with her till that day when she walked in for the Thums Up shoot along with Salman's entourage. She is very sweet. She immediately recognised me and introduced me to Salman and I got invited to sit with him outside his van in between shoots. I had heard stories of him having a feast in between his shoots and I actually saw it that day. He made me feast on thandai and muffins. A few months later, I met him at the Bombay Times party where we actually exchanged numbers. From then on, I kept in touch with Salman over SMS and phone and he invited me for his birthday parties and Ganpati visarjan. I have always taken his advice and I told him about Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2, which is when he saw the trailer and tweeted about it. Every girl in India has grown up watching his films, having a crush on him. I too had a crush on him. But while he may come late on set, when he comes, he finishes his work in no time. I was very impressed with the amount and way he works. He has been very helpful personally and even at the cost of repeating, I would say that he is a very good human being. I connect with people like that. He is a mentor. Working hard is something he always keeps telling me. Anyways, while there are people who get lucky, for me, it's always only through hard work that I get anything. A lot of people in the industry give you very faltu advice like manage your PR properly, but Salman is one person who will only advise you to do hard work. I got into fitness because of him. I got trained during the Miss India pageant but then left it as I thought that girls really don't need to work out. But two years back Salman told me, 'Girls too need to work out.' And he would take the trouble of SMSing me to guide me on which body parts and how I should work out. And I have been very regular. While shooting Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2, if we had to start shooting at 6am, I would anyways have to get up at 4am to do my hair and makeup, but I would make it a point to get up at 2am so that I could finish my workout before I started shooting every single day.
What qualities of Salman do you like the most?
I don't know the details but he always says that his journey has not been easy. He has also struggled a lot and worked really hard. He is very good and helps every one and actually sees the pain in people without the person actually saying it. He is very observing and empathetic about others. For instance, a year ago when I was staying in Bandra, in a casual conversation I told him how my mother had moved in with me and how she was working in Breach Candy in town. Cut to a month back, I told him how I had shifted to Andheri. One of his friends sitting there said, 'Good na. Andheri will be good for you and your work.' But Salman immediately said, 'Aur ma ka koi matlab nahi hai. It will be more far for her as she works in town.' To remember that for a Salman Khan and to feel that for someone else's mother is a big deal. My friends would not have remembered it. But that's Salman.
Why did you think of Miss India?
Right from the age of seven, I always wanted to be only a Miss India. While growing up, if anyone asked me what I wanted to become, I would say, 'Miss India.' One of the most amazing experiences for me was to be addressed as 'India' during the month when I participated at the Miss International pageant. After returning to India, I modelled and did a lot of advertising assignments till I got my first Bollywood break with Pyaar Ka Punchnama. That's when I realised that I loved acting.
Who do you love the most in the world?
My mom. She has gone through a lot in her life and is a very strong woman. First, her own father remarried, so she was brought up without a male figure in her life. And then all through my growing up years, my parents were always fighting. After I moved to Mumbai, I couldn't see what my mom was going through. I feel a lot of women in India are taking that. And when they say divorce rate is so less in India, it's not that there are happy marriages. Women are just not able to come out of it. I wanted my mom to move out and live with me. She is now with me in Mumbai and is working and is independent.
Did you feel emotionally divided between your parents?
No, as I was always on my mother's side and am attached only to her. I am not attached to my father given what he has done. I never felt that I have a strong male support of a father. It's nice to see people around me whose fathers or brothers support them. These last few years were tough for me. There were times when I felt helpless that I could not bring my mom here earlier. I came very close to signing films that finally didn't happen. I used to have long hair and chopped it really short for a role that finally didn't happen. I have also had to work really hard but I am like a bull, a taurian who keeps slogging my ass off.
Who do you depend on emotionally?
Myself, my mum and my two dogs Bounty and Candy. One of my dogs I saved from a shelter.
Are you dating someone?
I have not dated anyone in a long time.
Have you lost faith in men?
No. I have seen some really good men around. It's just that they are not mine.
Check out Salman Khan chilling in Galaxy lawns after returning from Kashmir
8:10 AM
MUMBAI MIRROR (May 21, 2015)
For Salman Khan home is where the heart is. The actor, back from the Bajrangi Bhaijaan shoot in Kashmir, looked happy to be back on the lawns of Galaxy Apartments, surrounded by his family. Mirror lensman Himanshu Shinde captured the moment.
The topic of discussion was the financial status of his home banner and brothers Sohail and Arbaaz, along with sister Alvira Agnihotri, were all ears as they discussed money matters over coffee and cookies.
The actor took a break from the brainstorming, when his four-year-old nephew, Yohan, Sohail's younger son, came running into the garden. He was followed by a young blonde who sat down next to Sallu. When Shinde tried to take a closer look at the actor's companion, who interestingly is not his steady date, Romanian model Iulia Vantur, the actor's bodyguards quickly intervened and put an end to the peek-a-boo session.
I care a lot for Ranbir Kapoor and feel protective about him-Katrina Kaif
8:13 AM
Priya Gupta (BOMBAY TIMES; September 23, 2014)
Katrina Kaif, 31, is intelligent, incredibly sensitive and self-made. She is not just one
of our most beautiful actresses, but she is absolutely honest and can
be loyal to a fault when it comes to her family and friends.She is
deeply spiritual and very funny. Over an hour-long conversation with
Bombay Times, ahead of her upcoming action entertainer Bang Bang, she
talks about her love for her family, her spiritual connection with
Alvira Khan and what makes her care for Ranbir Kapoor the way she does.
Excerpts:
How did you come into films?
I was born in Hong Kong. My mom is British, while my father, Indian and they separated when I was very young. I have six sisters and a brother and have three of my siblings younger to me. My mother always worked for non-profit charitable organisations. She first came to India at the time of tsunami and has been here for the past 6-7 years in Madurai, doing charity work and building a school for children that is now almost complete. Due to her charitable work, as kids, we travelled across various countries with her. We never had an elaborate life and so I wouldn't say that we would go shopping, until I started earning for myself or going to the mall or driving around in luxurious cars. Our life was very frugal, just how it is for the life of all non-profit organisation workers' kids. We were not financially secure. I was doing home school and little bits of modelling post school in London, when I first came to India at 17 to shoot for a magazine. So, I spent the last three years before coming to India in London. One of the first people I met in Mumbai was Anaita Shroff Adajania. I walked into her office in a ganji and shorts. And she asked me, 'You came walking on the streets like this? You will have to do a little bit of adapting.' And I then met Atul Kasbekar and Reshma Shetty as they were working together at that time. I had always been adventurous and fearless, but the difference was that this time, I had come alone to India. I somehow sensed a huge amount of warmth in everybody and felt that Mumbai is this one big cuddly city, where everybody is so nice. I was here for about two months and spoke to photographer Farrokh Chothia and told him, 'I am not really getting booked.' He asked me how long have you been here? I said, 'Two months.' He said, 'You are young and really impatient. Persist. People need to know that you are here. Take your cards with your picture and drop it at all the model coordinators and agents for ad films.' So, I would go to Famous Studios every day and stand in the long line, holding the placard with my name and number and audition for all kinds of ads. Very quickly, I started getting selected for a lot of my auditions. The only one I didn't get selected was where, in one of them, I was required to play kabaddi, as I didn't know what was kabaddi. I started modelling and after a few years of doing that, I got my first Hindi small but apt role in Sarkar. My first big break was in Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya with Salman.
Did Salman Khan have a role in casting you?
At that time, for almost all the films that I was a part of, a lot of the actors had a say in it and of course, Salman was very supportive of me.
What are you like?
I still have a lot to discover about myself, but I know that I am intelligent. I have invested a lot of time from a very young age in actively pursuing work and wanting to establish myself in the world. Financial security was important to me and it was important for me to become something. I wanted to find my identity in whatever field it may be and finally found my identity in films. I worked with so much focus and passion, that maybe it not only helped consume a lot of my head space from a very young age, but also made me discover who I am. I know that there are things that life will throw at you, which will shake you up. God has helped me achieve a lot of my dreams and ambitions that I had set myself out to do. I wanted to achieve this against what people thought I could achieve, given my limitations. I learnt that with hardwork, you can always get and achieve what you want, but there are times when no matter how hard you work and what you do, how much you want something, there will be things you cannot change and you have to accept that. And the great thing of getting through that time of your life is that you know that things are not as bad as they may seem at times and you can go through a lot and still be happy. And still survive and still be strong and still come out.
Which was your lowest period?
I am very emotional and incredibly sensitive. I am actually very sensitive, shy and emotional, but closed to people who I don't know. So people who don't know me may feel that I am not a warm, friendly person, but I just have to know you and if I like you, then 99% I will love you till the end of my life and it would be very unusual if anything can change that. In my equations with people yes situations may change, the presence in their lives may change, but I believe I am loyal to my emotions and I don't think they are fickle. That has its plus sides and downsides. The downside is that a lot of people may take you to be cold as I may not say a hi beyond to two people, but they don't realise that even when I didn't know anybody I would still do that. It's a part of my nature I think. I am half the time daydreaming and my mind is somewhere else and that's a bad habit that I need to try and change. I also have high expectations from people that I like and thus can get deeply disappointed if I am hurt by them. And my emotional reactions are quite dramatic. Being emotional, while you may be career-focused and ambitious but your most strong emotions are evoked by love, so your lowest point turns out to be connected with heart breaks, as that's when you feel the most pain.
Barring Ranbir Kapoor, who are the people you care for the most in the world?
I love my mother the most and love all my sisters equally. In my head I think am a boy and feel responsible for my family and sometimes I am uncomfortable with my weaker feminist side as I am usually so adjusted to being the stronger one. I am equally close to each of my sisters and when it comes to the normal things and the boy problems, we are all equal and we sob, there is full judgment that happens and we all become just girls. I count it as a huge blessing in my life that I can look after any financial difficulty in my family and those are the moments you feel proud of yourself. In India the three women I am closest to are Reshma Shetty, Alvira Khan and Karishma who has been an AD on many of my films and is now my friend. With Reshma, I truly believe that she cares about me and I have seen her put herself in discomfort to try and help me with what I want.When I came here, I was very young, I would go stay at her house and would cry and she would fight for me and stand up for me. A lot of people can say that it is about work, but I don't believe that to be the connection. Alvira is very spiritual and I met her when I was very young. She would take me to so many religious places and people. I believe it gave me a lot of stability and peace in my life. Her spiritual beliefs and her conviction in it and her support in me, her love for me also gives me peace as I am deeply religious and a big believer in God.I may not get to see her as much, but I have almost the same feeling for her that I have for my sisters. I love her and I know that she loves me.
To your credit, you are one of the few actresses who has never talked about films you were offered but did not do, or about bringing down other actresses.
Yes, as you have to have some principles in life and I just feel that it is not dignified. Also, I feel that the only way you can maintain and achieve and sustain success is when you deliver. The only time I get emotional when it comes to work is when you become friends with a director and feel hurt if he doesn't take you in his film.
Which are the directors you are emotionally close to?
Ali Abbas Zafar (Mere Brother Ki Dulhan), Kabir Khan (Ek Tha Tiger) and earlier when I was worked with Vipul Shah on Singh Is Kinng and Namastey London. I am also very fond of Zoya Akhtar, Karan Johar and Ayan Mukerji. I will feel missed out if in the future they will cast others, but so far such a situation has not presented itself to me.
What is Ranbir Kapoor like?
In the time that I have known Ranbir since Saawariya released, I have seen a lot of change in him as a person. Not only from the proximity that I have known from, but also as an outsider, given how much he has matured and evolved as a person. The film industry is where he belonged and was immediately accepted, but I have seen him hugely grow even as an actor. Ranbir is like me, in the way that he is very loyal and emotional to the peo ple he really cares about in his inner circle, which is very small. He can come out very detached to people outside of that. The only difference between his behaviour and my behaviour, let's say on a film set, is that while he is incredibly charming and polite with everyone that he comes in con tact with, I don't think he yet realises what an important and amazing trait that is, I will get tired after saying a good morn ing to just three people. He is incredibly polite at all times and makes that extra effort to come out of that circle of intro spection and make that other person feel good. I see in him a lot of depth and he has so much in him that probably even he has yet to discover. I think he has the capacity to help people even more than he does and as time goes by , he will find even more strength and satisfaction in giving strength to other people. He can be detached, but I can't be. He is incredibly funny and charming. I guess to con nect with a person at such a deep level, our souls must be connected.
What does he like the most about you?
Maybe the way I think, my mind.
Who is brighter between the both of you?
Out of the two of us, let's pretend that both of us were scientists, then I think it would be me who would make the bigger discovery.
Who is more emotional?
I would say me, but then, every one gives themselves more marks.
He had told me last year that he can give his life for you. How special is he for you?
I care a lot for him and feel protective about him. He has the capacity to be an extremely talented actor and a deeply evolved, highly intellectual and sensitive human being at the same time. He has the capacity and I can see the height of his potential.
How did you come into films?
I was born in Hong Kong. My mom is British, while my father, Indian and they separated when I was very young. I have six sisters and a brother and have three of my siblings younger to me. My mother always worked for non-profit charitable organisations. She first came to India at the time of tsunami and has been here for the past 6-7 years in Madurai, doing charity work and building a school for children that is now almost complete. Due to her charitable work, as kids, we travelled across various countries with her. We never had an elaborate life and so I wouldn't say that we would go shopping, until I started earning for myself or going to the mall or driving around in luxurious cars. Our life was very frugal, just how it is for the life of all non-profit organisation workers' kids. We were not financially secure. I was doing home school and little bits of modelling post school in London, when I first came to India at 17 to shoot for a magazine. So, I spent the last three years before coming to India in London. One of the first people I met in Mumbai was Anaita Shroff Adajania. I walked into her office in a ganji and shorts. And she asked me, 'You came walking on the streets like this? You will have to do a little bit of adapting.' And I then met Atul Kasbekar and Reshma Shetty as they were working together at that time. I had always been adventurous and fearless, but the difference was that this time, I had come alone to India. I somehow sensed a huge amount of warmth in everybody and felt that Mumbai is this one big cuddly city, where everybody is so nice. I was here for about two months and spoke to photographer Farrokh Chothia and told him, 'I am not really getting booked.' He asked me how long have you been here? I said, 'Two months.' He said, 'You are young and really impatient. Persist. People need to know that you are here. Take your cards with your picture and drop it at all the model coordinators and agents for ad films.' So, I would go to Famous Studios every day and stand in the long line, holding the placard with my name and number and audition for all kinds of ads. Very quickly, I started getting selected for a lot of my auditions. The only one I didn't get selected was where, in one of them, I was required to play kabaddi, as I didn't know what was kabaddi. I started modelling and after a few years of doing that, I got my first Hindi small but apt role in Sarkar. My first big break was in Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya with Salman.
Did Salman Khan have a role in casting you?
At that time, for almost all the films that I was a part of, a lot of the actors had a say in it and of course, Salman was very supportive of me.
What are you like?
I still have a lot to discover about myself, but I know that I am intelligent. I have invested a lot of time from a very young age in actively pursuing work and wanting to establish myself in the world. Financial security was important to me and it was important for me to become something. I wanted to find my identity in whatever field it may be and finally found my identity in films. I worked with so much focus and passion, that maybe it not only helped consume a lot of my head space from a very young age, but also made me discover who I am. I know that there are things that life will throw at you, which will shake you up. God has helped me achieve a lot of my dreams and ambitions that I had set myself out to do. I wanted to achieve this against what people thought I could achieve, given my limitations. I learnt that with hardwork, you can always get and achieve what you want, but there are times when no matter how hard you work and what you do, how much you want something, there will be things you cannot change and you have to accept that. And the great thing of getting through that time of your life is that you know that things are not as bad as they may seem at times and you can go through a lot and still be happy. And still survive and still be strong and still come out.
Which was your lowest period?
I am very emotional and incredibly sensitive. I am actually very sensitive, shy and emotional, but closed to people who I don't know. So people who don't know me may feel that I am not a warm, friendly person, but I just have to know you and if I like you, then 99% I will love you till the end of my life and it would be very unusual if anything can change that. In my equations with people yes situations may change, the presence in their lives may change, but I believe I am loyal to my emotions and I don't think they are fickle. That has its plus sides and downsides. The downside is that a lot of people may take you to be cold as I may not say a hi beyond to two people, but they don't realise that even when I didn't know anybody I would still do that. It's a part of my nature I think. I am half the time daydreaming and my mind is somewhere else and that's a bad habit that I need to try and change. I also have high expectations from people that I like and thus can get deeply disappointed if I am hurt by them. And my emotional reactions are quite dramatic. Being emotional, while you may be career-focused and ambitious but your most strong emotions are evoked by love, so your lowest point turns out to be connected with heart breaks, as that's when you feel the most pain.
Barring Ranbir Kapoor, who are the people you care for the most in the world?
I love my mother the most and love all my sisters equally. In my head I think am a boy and feel responsible for my family and sometimes I am uncomfortable with my weaker feminist side as I am usually so adjusted to being the stronger one. I am equally close to each of my sisters and when it comes to the normal things and the boy problems, we are all equal and we sob, there is full judgment that happens and we all become just girls. I count it as a huge blessing in my life that I can look after any financial difficulty in my family and those are the moments you feel proud of yourself. In India the three women I am closest to are Reshma Shetty, Alvira Khan and Karishma who has been an AD on many of my films and is now my friend. With Reshma, I truly believe that she cares about me and I have seen her put herself in discomfort to try and help me with what I want.When I came here, I was very young, I would go stay at her house and would cry and she would fight for me and stand up for me. A lot of people can say that it is about work, but I don't believe that to be the connection. Alvira is very spiritual and I met her when I was very young. She would take me to so many religious places and people. I believe it gave me a lot of stability and peace in my life. Her spiritual beliefs and her conviction in it and her support in me, her love for me also gives me peace as I am deeply religious and a big believer in God.I may not get to see her as much, but I have almost the same feeling for her that I have for my sisters. I love her and I know that she loves me.
To your credit, you are one of the few actresses who has never talked about films you were offered but did not do, or about bringing down other actresses.
Yes, as you have to have some principles in life and I just feel that it is not dignified. Also, I feel that the only way you can maintain and achieve and sustain success is when you deliver. The only time I get emotional when it comes to work is when you become friends with a director and feel hurt if he doesn't take you in his film.
Which are the directors you are emotionally close to?
Ali Abbas Zafar (Mere Brother Ki Dulhan), Kabir Khan (Ek Tha Tiger) and earlier when I was worked with Vipul Shah on Singh Is Kinng and Namastey London. I am also very fond of Zoya Akhtar, Karan Johar and Ayan Mukerji. I will feel missed out if in the future they will cast others, but so far such a situation has not presented itself to me.
What is Ranbir Kapoor like?
In the time that I have known Ranbir since Saawariya released, I have seen a lot of change in him as a person. Not only from the proximity that I have known from, but also as an outsider, given how much he has matured and evolved as a person. The film industry is where he belonged and was immediately accepted, but I have seen him hugely grow even as an actor. Ranbir is like me, in the way that he is very loyal and emotional to the peo ple he really cares about in his inner circle, which is very small. He can come out very detached to people outside of that. The only difference between his behaviour and my behaviour, let's say on a film set, is that while he is incredibly charming and polite with everyone that he comes in con tact with, I don't think he yet realises what an important and amazing trait that is, I will get tired after saying a good morn ing to just three people. He is incredibly polite at all times and makes that extra effort to come out of that circle of intro spection and make that other person feel good. I see in him a lot of depth and he has so much in him that probably even he has yet to discover. I think he has the capacity to help people even more than he does and as time goes by , he will find even more strength and satisfaction in giving strength to other people. He can be detached, but I can't be. He is incredibly funny and charming. I guess to con nect with a person at such a deep level, our souls must be connected.
What does he like the most about you?
Maybe the way I think, my mind.
Who is brighter between the both of you?
Out of the two of us, let's pretend that both of us were scientists, then I think it would be me who would make the bigger discovery.
Who is more emotional?
I would say me, but then, every one gives themselves more marks.
He had told me last year that he can give his life for you. How special is he for you?
I care a lot for him and feel protective about him. He has the capacity to be an extremely talented actor and a deeply evolved, highly intellectual and sensitive human being at the same time. He has the capacity and I can see the height of his potential.
Everything that Salman Khan does is for somebody else-Atul Agnihotri
8:11 AM
Priya Gupta (BOMBAY TIMES; March 12, 2014)
Atul Agnihotri, 45, is a family man whose wife Alvira is his best friend. He not only looks up to his father-in-law Salim Khan as his father, but also respects him for setting the right hierarchy in his house where there are no favourites and every decision is taken collectively. Ahead of his upcoming production O Teri, the actor, producer and director spoke to Bombay Times about the selfless Salman Khan, his spiritual wife Alvira and his regret of not having a backing when he started. Excerpts:
How did you become an actor?
We are Brahmins from Punjab. I was born in Delhi and brought up in Mumbai as my dad Rohit Agnihotri came to Mumbai to become an actor. He did a few films, none of which did well, so, he got into outdoor hoardings and was among the first few to start making cardboard corrugated boxes. We were just okay, but not well off. It so happened that my first cousin Rati Agnihotri, who debuted with South movies, shifted to Mumbai and lived with us for two years. I did a role as a child actor with her and started doing theatre in college. It was at that time that my dad fell ill and I needed to pick up a job, which was very difficult. Fortunately for me, Pankaj Parashar was looking for an assistant to replace his assistant Sanjay Gupta, who had moved on to direct his own film. I started assisting Pankaj. I was in first year junior college at that time and have worked ever since, without taking even a day off. I assisted Pankaj for four years and debuted as Sanjay Dutt’s younger brother in Sanjay Gupta’s Aatish. I also got a role in Mahesh Bhatt sahab’s Sir. I was just 23 and at that time, for me, it was only about being able to pay my bills and it seemed great then. In hindsight, I realise that I went in without any preparation. My dad had passed away so my debut was never really a debut. I was a brother in one film and was a boy singing a song in the other. I had no backing and the only reason for choosing a film was that I needed the money.
Do you regret not having had that backing?
I was fairly popular and not that I would have been a superstar, but yes, I do feel that I could have had a better career had I been told certain things. I am launching Bilal Amrohi in O Teri. Bilal’s parents are friends of Alvira’s entire family for the longest time and Bilal has been with me from the time I started producing and directing my first film. His mother and Salman’s are like sisters and he has always been a part of all Salim uncle’s family functions. There is a Chinese saying that even if you lose the race, don’t lose the lessons. So, with Bilal, I consciously try to tell things that nobody really tells you, even though, it’s so easy to actually do that. I had friends in the industry, but no one really stops you when you are doing the wrong things. And in that sense, I missed the guidance. I was very attached to my dad, but lost him all of a sudden to a heart attack. A father is someone you can confess to, someone you can complain to, someone who forgives you. I missed having my father. We would get paid just 2-3 lakh to do a movie. Today’s actors get paid so well that the money they make in one movie may be more than what we may have made in our lifetime, as a result of which they make more sound decisions. We would be working multiple shifts to just keep our life going. Apart from being the producer on O Teri, it’s my passion to get it right for both the boys Pulkit and Bilal.
How has your journey been as a producer-director?
Pankaj Parashar was an ace ad filmmaker and under him, I learnt both production and direction. Once I started getting lesser roles in Hindi films, I did a Gujarati and a Bengali film and then TV, till I felt I should direct, which is when I directed Dil Ne Jise Apna Kahaa and Hello. I had encashed too many favours in Dil Ne Jise Apna Kahaa and was not able to reciprocate and felt emotionally miserable till I produced Bodyguard when I redeemed myself and made money. But whatever money I made in Bodyguard I have put back in O Teri and so, in that sense, nothing has changed really for me. My father-in-law (Salim Khan) so beautifully said to me, ‘There are no marks for good handwriting, only the content matters.’ I have tried to apply that. From the age of 16, it’s always been about paying for putting the chicken on the table and it still is. I am still not thinking about myself and I want O Teri to work for these two boys.
How did you meet your wife Alvira?
I was modelling for a paint commercial for Kailash Surendranath and met her there as she was assisting him on that commercial. We became friends and remained friends meeting at the RG’s and 1900 as there were no mobile phones at that time. When I got into the movies, we started talking a lot more. Ours was a friendship that grew so much that you wanted it to be a permanent relationship. And since the last 18 years of our marriage, it has always felt like a great companionship.
What is she like?
She is damn honest in her approach to life. I like that side of her. Her being able to be principled, having no vices whatsoever and still being able to be the life of a party. Her relationship with God most importantly. She is a good person and is my only emotional anchor. I admire her progress as a human being. Her ability to be able to hold on to her faith. Because of her, I also pursued spirituality. It is true that today things are better. And what you need, you get. But looking back at my life, it has not been glorious at all. But still I don’t have that many complaints. That is something I learnt, but it is something she always knew. And that is the difference between us. She is also a good mother and meditates a lot.
Who in Alvira’s family do you value the most?
Salim uncle. First time, I remember when I met him, there was this great pressure, given who he is. He was sitting in his balcony, reading the newspaper. Alvira told him, ‘Dad, this is the boy I like.’ That was the first time she had told him about me. He looked up and just said, ‘I like him too.’ That was it. For me, he replaced my father.
Talk about Salman?
Apart from the fact that he is Alvira’s older brother, I have also acted with him in two films. It’s a vast relationship with him and our relationship is very thick. It’s many things. I think he is selfless. He is not in the movies because he is ambitious or he has a goal. Everything he does, he does for somebody else. He did the title song of O Teri for me or Alvira or for Bilal or Pulkit or for all of us. But his reasons are always larger. The beautiful part of Salim uncle’s family is that there are no favourites there. Salman loves each of his siblings equally. Because of my father-in-law, the hierarchy is correct. Sohail is more babylike, Arbaaz is more mature, Salman has always been most responsible, Arpita is the baby and Alvira having grown up with the boys, is really one of them. Their family takes collective decisions and I admire that and preach that.
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