Debarati Sen (BOMBAY TIMES; April 16, 2020)

Jewellery designer Farah Khan Ali and DJ Aqeel Ali are worried after one of their domestic staff members tested positive for Coronavirus on Tuesday. The couple immediately shifted him from their Juhu apartment to a quarantine facility and also underwent tests along with the rest of the family, as a precautionary measure.

Speaking to BT, Farah, who is the daughter of senior actor-filmmaker Sanjay Khan and Sussanne Khan’s sister, said, “He was staying with us since the lockdown began and would step out only to go to the market. A few days ago, he told me that he had a slight fever and headache. He went to a doctor, who told him that he does not have any COVID-19 symptoms and tested him for malaria and dengue. However, I got him tested again.”

Till the results were delivered, Farah kept him quarantined. “I kept giving him vitamin C and zinc supplements, hot water, honey, haldi and also ensured that he was doing steam inhalation at regular intervals. Though he recovered from the initial fever in three-four days, he tested positive for COVID-19. We immediately had him shifted to a quarantine facility in Kandivali,” she shared, adding, “Now, we have got everyone at home tested.”

Farah spoke to the staff member after he reached the quarantine facility. “He told me that he was okay. In fact, they haven’t given him any medication, and are keeping him under observation because he has no symptoms. They will repeat the test and if it turns out negative, they will send him back. It’s important to behave responsibly. I informed everyone in the building and also put it out on Twitter. One should not hide such things. You can prevent the spread of infection if you warn others in time,” she signed off.

As told to Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 8, 2018)

My father had instilled in my brother and I a sense of self-reliance. Even during vacations, we were expected to earn our pocket money doing odd jobs, like cleaning the car or arranging the wardrobe for which we would get paid Rs 10 to Rs 20. So I started working when I was really young and looked forward to growing up and earning some big money.

When I was in the eighth standard, I assisted my dad (Ravi Tandon) on a movie he was making during the school holidays. I was on a threemonth break after my 10th standard board exams before enrolling for college and joined Prahlad Kakkar at his ad agency. Around the same time I got a call from ace photographer Shantanu Sheorey’s office saying he was on the hunt for new models and wanted to click me. I didn’t take that offer seriously because I was plump then, wore glasses and my hair in a long plait, and didn’t think I had the look of a model. So I started working on prep and post-production with Prahlad.

I would take bus No. 231 from Juhu to Santacruz and then a train to Mahalakshmi from where I would walk to Prahlad’s office at Everest building. Even after college started, I continued working with him, attending lectures from 7am to 10.30 am after which I would leave for work and return home only around 11pm because ad shoots can be erratic. If it got extremely late, we called Mohammed bhai, who had a private taxi to drop the girls home. Sometimes I would take a lift with my friend Farah Khan Ali, Sanjay Khan’s daughter, who was also interning with me and had her own car.

At the office I would even sweep floors. There was this huge sign underlining the fact that we were not Prahlad’s workers but his slaves. In today’s day and age it’s a politically incorrect declaration but back then we took it as a joke.

Once, Aftab Shivdasani, who was about 10 then was shooting a chocolate ad at the office. He had to keep eating chocolate and after the 24th or 25th take he got sick. I had just swept the floor and was standing with a clapper board waiting to announce the next shot and give the clap.

Suddenly I saw Aftab gag not once but twice, and realising that if he threw up I would have to wipe the floor clean, I chucked the clapper board and started desperately looking for a bucket but couldn’t find one. Prahlad’s lips were quivering in slow motion, “He is going to puke.” I didn’t know what to do and helplessly spread out my hands. Aftab puked on them and I ran to wash them.

I initially worked for Prahlad for free as it was an internship, then he started paying me a salary of Rs 1,000 a month. He used to keep telling me, ‘You are not meant to be behind the camera, you are wasting your time.' When I got Patthar Ke Phool, Prahlad said ‘Just go ahead and say yes.’ I didn’t even take any acting or dance classes, I just signed the film and next day I was on set shooting.

I’m yet to collect my salary from Prahlad because once I got busy with movies, I forgot all about it. But I do remember I once did an ad for noodles for which I got Rs 500, my first paycheque, and bought a tape recorder for my mother. She used to love listening to the radio and would turn it on when she woke us up for school so a tape recorder was the best gift for her.

When I was 16, I was offered a jeans ad. At Film City I met this young, handsome guy who was modelling with me. He looked at me and exclaimed, “You should be doing movies!” He repeated this to my mom and I snapped, “I don’t want to do movies.” He later admitted that even he was not interested in modelling and wanted to be a designer. That man was Manish Malhotra.

A year later, I was shooting for a magazine cover after signing my debut film Patthar Ke Phool with Salman Khan and Manish was designing my clothes.

Upala KBR (MID-DAY; November 22, 2017)

Veteran actor Sanjay Khan has led a colourful life. That fans of the artiste are eagerly awaiting his much-anticipated biography is fitting, given that he has stayed away from the limelight for several years. “I have written the entire book myself, and have sent the notes to the publishers. They are compiling it. The working title is My Best Mistakes,” Khan tells mid-day.

A source describes Khan’s biography as a “tell-all”, one that will chronicle his journey from his inception in Bollywood to his career highlights. “He debuted as an actor in Chetan Anand’s Haqeeqat (1964) and enjoyed success in TV too. The book will include the important developments in his life over the years,” the source adds.

Fans will also get a peek into the actor’s personal life. “It will highlight his marriage to Zarine, and his relationship with kids, Farah, Simone, Sussanne and Zayed. It may also put the spotlight on Sussanne’s public separation from Hrithik Roshan.”

The source adds that the book will also detail his association with politicians, leaders and industrialists, both in India and overseas.

Along with yoga, Twinkle now practices the workout, thanks to friend Farah Ali
Upala KBR (DNA; January 30, 2017)

Twinkle Khanna, has started doing Pilates training under coach Samir Purohit, after being convinced to do so, by her friend, Farah Khan Ali.

Farah says, “I started learning Pilates with Samir two years ago and he changed my life. Tina (Twinkle) is my childhood friend. One day, when we caught up, I recommended doing Pilates and told her she must try it out. She said she only does yoga, but I asked her to try it out for my sake. She said she’d do it if she could come with me for one class.”

Samir says, “Twinkle came to us with a desire to get her neck issue sorted out and to improve core strength. She’s been training with us for 12 sessions and her neck issue is definitely better and her core is much stronger than when she started.”

Twinkle adds, “I have practised yoga for the last 15 years, but now, I feel the need to build more muscle and develop core strength. So, I practise both — yoga for my brain and Pilates for my joints.”

BOMBAY TIMES (March 2, 2016)

Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 18, 2015)

Recently, Hema Malini received much flak for her tweet blaming the victim’s father for her car accident. Here are some other ridiculous statements made by stars
DNA (July 12, 2015)

The adage ‘Think before you speak’ should be re coined to ‘Think before you tweet’. When it comes to social media, very often celebrities put their foot in the mouth with silly, outrageous, insensitive or even plain stupid remarks. Case in point is Hema Malini who recently came in the news when her car collided with another vehicle in Rajasthan resulting in the death of a two-year-old girl as well as severe injuries to the other members of the family. Hema too was hurt in the incident and rushed to a private hospital while the family received little help. Despite her driver being held for speeding, the Dream Girl later tweeted, “My heart goes out to the child who unnecessarily lost her life and the family members who have been injured in the accident. How I wish the girl’s father had followed the traffic rules — then this accident could have been averted & the lil one’s life safe!” Her post received much criticism for its insensitive and accusatory tone. From Bollywood to Hollywood, a number of celebs have posted all sorts of tweets. Here are a few that stood out...

BOLLYWOOD

Baba Sehgal, Rapper
Gyaani Baba, putting out random tweet
"What is the difference between himami and tsunami? himami is a face wash... tsunami is is total wash.." 

Poonam Pandey, Actress
She needs to know if there are others like her... *Shudder*
"Pleeeasse tell me...I’m not the only one that puts on a regular bra on then a sports bra on just to workout"

Shobhaa De, Columnist
After the release of I Hate Luv Storys
"It is a wonder Karan actually approved the script of such an excruciatingly pointless film which, post-interval, suddenly takes off for New Zealand...one is ready to shake up this bloke called Punit Malhotra (chief villain) and spank him in public."

Punit Malhotra, Director 
In reply to Shbhaa De’s tweet
"Guys pls (sic) don’t take Shobhaa De seriously. She’s a fossil who’s getting no action and going through menopause"

Arbaaz Khan, Actor
Post Shobhaa’s comments on banning Dabangg
"Hey guys what’s your opinion on Shobha De a writer of sleaze and pornographic novels. She writes a lot of sh*# about Salman and Malaika. Her claim to fame is marrying some rich industrialist. I’m not sure if its 3 or 4. Please lemme know."

Bipasha Basu
Along with this tweet, she posted a pic of two young girls tying her shoelaces:
"I need to learn to tie shoe laces ASAP! Embarrassed that I can’t! No patience.. grrrrr! Promise I am not spoilt! Will learn soon."

Farah Khan Ali, Jewellery Designer
On Salman Khan’s accident case verdict
"The govt should be responsible for housing people. If no one was sleeping on the road Salman would not have driven over anybody. It’s like penalising a train driver because someone decided to cross the tracks and got killed in the bargain"

Abhijeet Bhattacharya, Singer
On Salman’s accident case verdict
"Kutta road pe soyega kutte ki maut marega, roads garib ke baap ki nahi hai I was homless for an year never slept on road. Mumbai ke road aur footpath pe sone ka shauk hai? Why not at your village, no vehicles to kill you."

Ram Gopal Varma 
on Amitabh Bachchan
"I honestly think Bachchan looks more handsome than Ganpati, Balaji and Shirdi Baba..Not that looks matter but for me they do matter"

Hrithik Roshan, Actor
On army men killed by Manipur militant groups
"My heartfelt condolences to the families of the 20 jawans killed in a mindless ambush by Manipur tribals"

POLITICS

Nitesh Rane
In reply to the Samajwadi Party chief’s comments on rape
"All potential rapists please contact Samajwadi party female members n family members as its ok to rape them! Green signal mil gaya hai (you’ve got the green signal)! Enjoy!"

Smriti Irani
On a Station Officer (SO) in her district reporting to duty drunk. Note the disregard for punctuation.
SO drunk. Can someone please tag EC.

SPORTS

Suresh Raina
On Pakistan losing in the World Twenty20, later said was put up by his nephew
"Ek do din late gaye ghar!!! Woh bhi besharam ki tarah gaye... bye bye Pakistan - Suresh raina"

Virat Kohli
Not a spelling error. He’s tweeting about his brand
" If it feels right can it be wrogn? /To hell with it, I’m sticking with wrogn / I’m gonna share what I’ve done ‘wrogn’ soon"

HOLLYWOOD

Lindsay Lohan, Actress 
In 2012, when Hurricane Sandy hit the US
"WHY is everyone in SUCH a panic about hurricane (I’m calling it Sally)..?) Stop projecting negativity! Think positive and pray for peace."

Jason Biggs, Actor
Post the Malaysia Airlines crash
"Anyone wanna buy my Malaysian Airlines frequent flier miles?"

Paris Hilton, Actor-DJ 
On her London trip
"No, no, I didn’t go to England; I went to London."

50 Cent, Rapper
On the earthquake and tsunami in Japan in 2011
"Wave will hit 8am them crazy white boys gonna try to go surfing. Look this is very serious people I had to evacuate all my hoe’s from LA, Hawaii and Japan. I had to do it. Lol."

Kanye West, Rapper
Thoughts on abortion
"An abortion can cost a ballin’ n– up to 50 Gs maybe a 100. Gold diggin’ b-----—s be getting pregnant on purpose. #STRAPUP my n—s!"

Justin Bieber, Singer
No explanation needed.
"Because I thought this interviewer in NZ said “Jewman” instead of “German” people think I don’t know what German is?"

Jaden Smith, Singer-Actor
He says these things. Won’t tell us how his theory works out in practice...
"If Everybody In The World Dropped Out Of School We Would Have A Much More Intelligent Society."

Kenneth Cole, Designer
In 2011 during the Egypt revolt
"Millions are in uproar in #Cairo. Rumor is they heard our new spring collection is now available online at http://bit.ly/KCairo -KC."

Ashton Kutcher, Actor
On the 10th anniversary of 9/11 attacks
"This [is] without a doubt the greatest day of the year!"

Kourtney Kardashian, Reality TV star
Random tweet. Because... well... do the Kardashians have brains?
"-- Do ants have d**ks?"

Amanda Bynes, Actress
On her public rants against Rihanna
"-- Chris Brown beat you because you’re not pretty enough."

Kris Humphries, Athlete
On Bruce Jenner’s transformation to Caitlyn
"-- Man, I’m glad I got out when I did. #Gottadoyou"

Gilbert Gottfried, Comedian
On the Japanese earthquake and tsunami victims
"-- I just split up with my girlfriend, but like the Japanese say, ‘They’ll be another one floating by any minute now."
"--  Japan is really advanced. They don’t go to the beaches, the beaches come to them"

Mary J Blige, Singer
Guess we’re better off being dumbos, then!
"Why is that people always try to understand estimate my intelligents?! They should never do that!"

Jessica Biel, Actress
Because you need to rest on Sundays... duh!
"I work out every day -- Monday to Saturday."

Niall Horan, Singer from One Direction 
Tweeting about the band’s final show
"Just had our anal performance!"

Skrillex, DJ & Music Producer
On wishlists... spelling be damned
"I wish I was aloud to use the n word sometimes (in a non racist way of course)"

Bharati Dubey (MID-DAY; May 8, 2014)

Actress Celina Jaitly was in for a shock when the cabin crew of an airline apparently misbehaved with her. The actress was recently travelling to Dubai and then to the US when she bumped into friends, designer Anna Singh and jewellery designer Farah Khan Ali, in the airplane. Soon after, a steward apparently misbehaved with the actress.

Describing in the incident, Anna says, “We were meeting Celina after a long time, so we were busy chatting with her. We were seated in the business class, in the first row between the washroom and the first class. When Celina got up to go to a washroom, a steward stopped her from doing so. Moreover, his tone was extremely rude. The washroom was just four steps away from her seat, but he refused to listen to her. It was really embarrassing because he could have spoken gently instead of being rude to her.”

After the three of them got off from the aircraft, Anna confronted him. She recounts that she made it a point to tell him that this wasn’t the way to speak to a lady. “To this, he turned around and said that we were free to complain against him; he even gave his card to us.” A source close to Celina says that the actress was on her way to New York to promote a UN campaign aimed at creating awareness about the rights of the LGBT ( Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transgenders) community. “This cabin crew attendant insisted on communicating in a disrespectful manner. He was loud for no apparent reason and when Celina asked him to keep it down, his tone and language grew worse,” says this source.

When contacted, Celina, who is currently in the US, said, “It was a strange and unfortunate event. My office has already reported the matter to the airline in keeping with the protocol and we are awaiting an answer from the airline.”

Meena Iyer (BOMBAY TIMES; February 25, 2014)

It is often jested and suggested that in India, we do not marry the man or the woman alone. We end up marrying his/her family as well. That is precisely how it works in Bollywood too.

And, of course, we must start with the latest example. Hrithik Roshan separated from wife Sussanne last December, but he spent his birthday (January 10) in the company of his sister-in-law Farah Khan Ali, her kids, and his own sons Hrehaan and Hridhaan. Over the Valentine’s Day weekend, the light-eyed superstar, who flew to Mumbai to spend time with his sons, apparently also spent quality time bonding with Sussanne’s parents. Sussanne’s mother, Zarine Khan and sister, Farah are both extremely hopeful of a reunion between “Duggu and Suzy”. It is strange, that while Hrithik was spending time with Sussanne’s parents on Valentine’s, she was in New Delhi for a furniture show. Later, over the same weekend, she was reportedly spotted at a nightclub in the capital with some friends. The couple shows no signs of reconciliation; however, Hrithik continues to stay married to his in-laws.

And Duggu is not the only one who propagates this yours-mine-ours theory. By Aamir Khan’s own admission, his second wife Kiran is very friendly with his children, 21-year-old Junaid, and teenage daughter, Ira, from his first marriage. His estranged wife Reena also shares a good equation with Aamir’s mother and his sisters. Kareena Kapoor Khan is happy to spend time with Saif Ali Khan’s children Sara and Ibrahim, from his first marriage to Amrita Singh. There are occasions when the children come to live with Bebo and Saif at their Bandra residence. In fact, Saifeena even invite Karisma Kapoor’s children for a bonding session.

Manyata and Trishala don’t share the friendliest stepmother and stepdaughter equation; but both of them make sincere efforts to keep in touch because of Sanjay Dutt.

And, of course there are still others like Soni Razdan, who has a decent equation with Pooja Bhatt, her husband Mahesh Bhatt’s first born from his previous marriage to Kiran. And, what’s more… they might even take their association a few notches up professionally by doing a project together!

But the nicest stepmother is Shabana Azmi, who thinks of Zoya and Farhan Akhtar as her own offsprings. She never fails to shower praise on them and takes a sense of pride in all their achievements.