Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 14, 2020)

"I’m a 100% romantic at heart," says Mrunal Thakur. Highly influenced by Bollywood love stories, love was a gossamer dream for the actor. On Valentine’s Day, she says that it’s the small things and gestures that count, her family being the true epitome of the emotion for her and not being a big believer in dating apps. Excerpts:

How would you define romantic love?
Romantic love is about being emotionally involved with someone, getting butterflies in my stomach and going weak on my knees when I see or think about that person. You know you’re in love when you have unconditional love for a person, your world revolves around him and you’ve a special emotional connection with him. When in love, one goes out of their way to do things for the people they love.

Are you a romantic at heart?
I’m an insane and hopeless romantic, who loves doing small things that someone would never expect. For example, I like leaving a note in someone’s wallet, booking a spa, ordering lots and lots of food, taking them out on surprise dinners and having crazy conversations. I love making a person blush harder and smile wider by sending texts where I compliment their smiles.

As a teenager, what was your definition of ideal love?
It was quite simple and sweet. I thought that the first person I would first kiss I’ll fall in love with.

Growing up, how much has Bollywood love stories influenced you personally?
They’ve taught me that love wins in the end. I loved Saathiya (2002) and how it shows a romantic, sweet and simple love story evolving in local trains. I also love Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein (2001) and Hum Tum (2004). Bollywood made me fall in love with Switzerland.

What do you love the most about life?
I love the fact that I come back home to the people I love and who love me unconditionally. My family shows love through support. They understand me really well. They are around me when I need them the most. They inspire and motivate me every day and they make sure that I’ve a good, healthy meal when I’m home no matter how late it is. They are always there to check on me if I’m happy.

Do you remember your first date?
My first date was with my colleague-cum-best friend, Madhu Raja, who was my co-actor in Kumkum Bhagya. She used to play my grandmother in the show. I went on a movie date with her. Thereafter, we went to a lovely restaurant called Soam close to Babulnath in Mumbai. We had a wonderful time.

How much do you think social media and dating apps changed the concept of ‘love’ today?
Love is still the same for everyone. It’s just the way of approaching someone that has changed. Technology, today, helps loved ones to stay connected. And that’s one of the reasons why long-distance relationships work. I, honestly, don’t believe in dating apps, but what I believe in is the fact that technology has helped people find the right partners.

Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; December 14, 2019)

Hollywood couple, Michael Douglas and wife Catherine Zeta-Jones, was in the city on Thursday. The two came over to meet their friend, filmmaker Shailendra Singh, who Michael has known for the past 15 years. While Michael has been to Mumbai before, this was Catherine’s first visit to the city, and the trio made the most of their time together.

The couple, who landed in India around five days ago, also spent some time in Udaipur before heading for Mumbai. Shailendra took them for a quick tour of South Mumbai before treating them to an evening of soulful Sufi music at his home with his family. When asked about the couple’s hush-hush visit to Mumbai, Shailendra told Bombay Times, “Michael and I have been friends for the past 15 years after a common friend introduced us. We were supposed to collaborate on a film called Racing The Monsoon, which was set in India, but that didn’t work out. However, we kept in touch as we are like-minded and there’s this banter that we share. If you hear us talk, you’ll feel there’s going to be a fight anytime (laughs!). They are global artistes and their energy and outlook towards life is inspirational. It’s fascinating to see how unpretentious they are.”

The filmmaker took them around for some Mumbai Darshan. “Michael has been here before, but this was Catherine’s first visit to Mumbai. We went to Gateway Of India, Dhobi Ghat and the highlight was the Babulnath temple. The priests allowed us to do the aarti and because of Michael and Catherine, I got to know about the history of the temple,” he said.

The Hollywood couple went to Shailendra’s home in the evening for some home-cooked food and live Sufi music. “I flew my favourite singer and santoor player from Jaipur to perform for them. We wanted to keep it quiet and personal and that’s how it was. Catherine loves the Bollywood film Om Shanti Om (Farah Khan’s movie), so she spoke about that as well. It was a perfect family time for us.”

Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; November 8, 2018)

Two weeks ago, the makers of Kedarnath, which marks the debut of Sara Ali Khan, released the film’s teaser. Now, we hear, they are all set to unveil the trailer of the love story, which is set against the background of the Uttarakhand floods, on November 12.

A source from the production says, “They are launching the trailer on Monday, which is considered to be Lord Shiva’s day. Director Abhishek Kapoor will seek blessings from the centuries-old Babulnath Temple that is situated on a small hillock near Girgaum before attending the event, which is to be held at Juhu. This will be Sara’s first official public event as a debutante. Also, present at the do will be co-star Sushant Singh Rajput, as well as producers Pragya Kapoor and Ronnie Screwvala.”

So far, Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh’s daughter has been clicked at celebrity parties and outside her gym, but never at a public event.