Zareen Khan, during a recent Ask Me Anything session on Reddit, spoke about doing the erotic thriller Hate Story 3 (2015), which was one of her biggest hits. She said she did it only because she needed the money.

The 36-year-old, who didn’t have a “filmy father” in the industry, tells us, “I would’ve been okay if I came from generational wealth, but I had to fend for myself and take care of my family. Thank God, I got the song Character Dheela in Ready (2011) and later a role in Housefull 2 (2012), which got me bits here and there. But [those movies] still didn’t do for me what Hate Story 3 did [in terms of] success and appreciation. I did bold scenes [onscreen], but at least I wasn’t doing something off-screen or selling my body. I wouldn’t have had a peaceful sleep at night if I did that.”

Coming from an “orthodox Muslim background”, Khan did have a lot of reservations about going ahead with Hate Story 3. “I had many thoughts and questions, but at the end of the day, I had to fend for my family. But the kind of things (bold scenes) we are now seeing on screen, what I did in the film was nothing [in comparison]! I got a lot of appreciation for my role, but many people in the industry said, ‘She doesn’t know how to act, so she’s shedding her clothes’,” says Khan, adding, “To all those bigwigs and makers, I want to say, ‘Today, you are making actors and actresses do much more than what I did at that time’. I am very confused how this industry works.”

Sharman Joshi is quiet and unassuming. Despite giving some incredible performances in films like Golmaal: Fun Unlimited, Life In A Metro, 3 Idiots and Rang De Basanti, the actor is nonchalant about his talent and dedication. He is secure and levelheaded enough to own his failures and the risks that didn't pay off. Fiercely unapologetic about mak ing a foray into erotic films (Hate Story 3 and Wajah Tum Ho), he takes pride in choosing movies that position themselves clearly, as opposed to those that are sneaky about the content. Excerpts...

Most erotic films revolve around women...
As actors, we don't approach a role thinking whether women have an edge over men. Wajah Tum Ho (WTH) has an ensemble cast. Likewise, Hate Story 3 belonged to all three of us - Zareen Khan, Karan Singh Grover and me. Besides, nobody puts a gun to your head and forces you to do a film; you know what you are getting into. If you are talking about WTH's promotions, since I don't feature in any of the songs that are being promoted at the moment, obviously you won't see me much.

This is the first time you are playing a cop...
Yes. I play a passive aggressive police officer, who has a great sense of humour. Director Vishal Pandya dared to tread a path that no one else was willing to walk with me. I was always open to doing such roles, but because of the characters I'd played earlier, a certain perception was formed.

As a father, do you worry about your children's reaction if they watch WTH's trailer?
Well, there are several things online that can't be controlled. I am sure my kids will watch the movie when they grow up and I will have no qualms about it. If I have done a good job, they will be proud of me.

What about your wife?
Prerana understands this profession. Yes, there are kissing scenes in this film, but all major production houses have them in their movies. Films that don't project themselves as erotica also have plenty of it. They just position themselves differently. We have chosen to say that WTH is an erotica and maybe that's why it seems so in-your-face. In fact, ours is a plain and clear approach as opposed to misleading the audience.

Adult comedies, desi horror films and erotic thrillers are considered lowbrow by many. Your thoughts?
I want to try, at least once, what is perceived as lowbrow because I find that also challenging. For instance, my film Style may be lowbrow for those who admire Rang De Basanti. But there are people who liked Style, too. I am not here to please a particular type of audience. You will like some roles, you won't like some. I don't analyse whether I am doing something right or wrong. I am happy if I am able to break the mould and recreate myself as an actor. Otherwise, it gets very mundane. Agar aap wohi karte raho jo logon ko achcha lagta hai, then that's herd mentality. Achche achche logon ne mujhe different roles nahin diye.

After doing an array of socially relevant movies, what convinced you to star in erotic films?
Beauty lies in variety. When I hang my acting boots, which I hope I never do, I want people to realise that I played an exciting and interesting range of characters throughout my career. You do some roles for yourself, it is a selfish journey.

Does it bother you that it's been awhile since you delivered a major hit (the last was 3 Idiots in 2009)?
If you are talking about commercial success, a Rs 13-crore film (Hate Story 3) collected almost Rs 55 crore at the BO. In terms of commerce, that was a huge hit. Numbers are important because huge money is at stake.

Why don't you believe in idolising anyone?
People might find me cocky or egoistic, but I choose not to have a godfather because my father taught me to be my own man. I may get inspired by someone's work, but idolising means allowing myself to get influenced. I respect a lot of people, but I don't want to be like them; I want to carve my own path.

Films or theatre - what do you prefer?
Theatre because it's an actor's medium. You have to be on your toes every time you step on the stage. The thrill of being in front of a live audience and getting their instant response is true happiness.

She is spunky and out spoken, but extremely emotional, too. Sana Khaan doesn't mince her words when talking about the dark side of the industry, but her eyes well up while recalling her struggle in Bollywood. The actress, who is equally anxious and excited about her lead role in the erotic thriller, Wajah Tum Ho, gets candid about Salman Khan, sex scenes and surviving in the industry with out a godfather. Excerpts:

How did you bag Wajah Tum Ho?
I knocked on T-Series' door asking for a role. I had previously been considered for Hate Story 3, but back then, I wasn't ready for a bold film. When I met them for Wajah Tum Ho, they said they didn't approach me because they thought that I would turn down the offer. I told them that I had changed my mind  -everyone is doing bold roles and I can't be so selective. Also, this is not a film that's being made by a D-grade director, which will release in nondescript theatres. So, after the narration, I agreed to work.

You debuted with Jai Ho, which was a big project. Didn't that help you get more roles?
Jai Ho gave me a platform, but I was barely visible in it. There was a joke that my presence in the film was as good as India's in the FIFA World Cup. I still laugh at the thought. How creative! But it's a downer, right?

Did that professional lull disillusion you?
This industry can disillusion any newcomer who doesn't have anyone to endorse her. Why just me? I know so many actors who get films only because an influential 'friend' is constantly recommending their name to everyone who matters. When I am asked which camp I belong to, I say that I am my own camp because there is no one to promote me. After a spell of being disheartened, I feel proud that I stood my ground and came this far.

That phase must have been a learning experience...
I've learnt that in this industry, you have to be emotionally strong, because people will always try to break you. On many occasions, I was told that I can't be cast because I am not a star. But, weren't the stars newcomers at some point? I look decent and I can act and dance well. I used to wonder why I can't get a big project. Then I realised that you need bundles of luck. The day I'm a star, even the b****t I dish out will be appreciated. Before I bagged Jai Ho, I was on the verge of hitting depression with thoughts like, 'Will I ever get something here?' and 'Should I look at another profession?' No naming people here, but I knew that even after Jai Ho, I was being unceremoniously replaced in several projects.I had no standing and no one in the power corridors. It happened so often that I sometimes wished I had someone to endorse me.

Didn't Salman Khan recommend you for roles?
Nope. Salman only recommended me for Jai Ho. And, I don't take his name to become popular or get work. I don't even bring him up in my conversations unless asked specifically. Look, no one chooses to struggle, everyone likes to be endorsed. But if the latter doesn't happen, you have to work your way up the ladder.

Okay, so cut to the trailer launch of Wajah Tum Ho. Why were you crying there?
When I saw the trailer in the morning, it had garnered only 25,000 hits. Eventually, it shot up to 10 million. Even a lot of known names don't get such hits. Thankfully, people loved the content and those 30 seconds of love making didn't overshadow it. It's an illusion that sex scenes can fetch great numbers online - people can watch porn if they want that. Also, it was an overwhelming feeling to see myself on the big screen.

The film's bold content has drawn a lot of reactions. Do you think you have outdone Zareen Khan and Surveen Chawla from Parched and the Hate Story series?
I don't think my scenes have gone past what you saw of Surveen in Parched. As a beginner, I keep tabs. And there is no comparison with Zareen's scene either because they are different. Vishal had given me a freehand to decide how I'd do the scene. I was particular that my expressions in the scene should be subtle. The make-up was subdued. I also opted for white inners, because they make a woman look angelic. Some women have actually asked me about the brand I wore for the scene because they're getting married (laughs). Frankly, I don't want to enter a zone where people only remember me for my lovemaking scenes.

Sometimes, bold scenes and exposure on screen can get you typecast...
I am aware of that. But I often tell Vishal (Pandya, director) that many actresses wear cholis that are the size of hairbands, which can be passed off as underclothes. And no one makes a noise. Just because my bra popped out of my shirt, eyebrows are raised. How can such people then judge others?

Given a choice, would you have really done the intimate scenes?
No. I don't even like being skimpily clothed. Sometimes, when I look back, I just want to hide somewhere because I didn't want to do intimate scenes.It takes a lot of mental preparation.

Do you think the Censor Board will pass them?
I don't know what will happen on the CBFC table, but while shooting, I had asked everyone, including assistants, to stay away from the set. It was just the director, the DoP and the guy pushing the (camera) trolley. And, those who were on the set treated me with a lot of respect.

How did your family react?
I don't know if it will eventually pay off, but I had to take this risk. My mother is very upset with me - I don't discuss these things with her since they can affect her health. I hope she comes around.

You were toying with another film while taking up Wajah Tum Ho. What happened to that?
Thankfully, it didn't work out. I was considering it only because it didn't have a lovemaking scene. But thanks to this film, I have found a friend in Vishal. He is unlike the directors, or the men we meet socially. He rebooted the actress in me, taught me to be a better person and made me understand what respect is. I hope we work together again. I don't want to lose him as a friend.

Are you nervous?
Yes, but I am also confident and proud. After long, I'm the heroine in a film, so I am obviously anxious. I have been the lead actress in the films down South too, but I had a language barrier there and I couldn't do anything beyond what was told. Here, I can bring so much more to the table.

Do you think it's necessary to play to the gallery in Bollywood, considering you became popular after Style rather than your acclaimed debut film Godmother?
Not at all! The world of cinema is made up of all kinds of films. Also, it is not easy to do commercial cinema and I have tremendous respect for it. And commercial cinema gives you the strength to eventually do the kind of cinema you want to do.

It took some time for you to shake off the 'funny guy' tag...
I am glad that a strong perception was created and people believed that this (comedy) is where I belonged. That's because the work was accepted so well.

Two of your films, Rang De Basanti and 3 Idiots, rate among the most important films made in Bollywood in the last decade. Comment.
They are landmark films of Indian cinema and I'm extremely fortunate to be a part of these two films. I believe these happened due to the hand of God. I don't want to take away from the fine filmmakers but even they would agree that sometimes, some things are just meant to be and however hard you may try to not get it right, you will still get it right.

Hate Story 3 is easily your most hated work, critically, albeit a hit.
That's what I like about it. I am carving my own path and I wanted to do an erotic thriller at some point of time. I wanted to see if I could pull it off as an actor. There might be some who ask why walk down that path, but I say, why not? Also, many erotic films come, but not all work. So obviously, we got it right.

How will you feel if your kids want to watch Hate Story 3?
Now, they are too young. Once they are slightly older and start surfing the net on their own, I will tell them that this is one film, I don't want them to watch before they are 18!

You got back to theatre with Raj Raja Ram Aur Main, in which you play multiple characters.
In the grand rehearsals, I had kind of given up and told my director Kedar Shinde that I can't do it. I don't have time to breathe, let alone change clothes and walk in as the next character. If I don't get my foot into a pant leg in that designated second, I miss the entry at that right time! So, we had to rehearse a lot to get it right. Out of the 70 odd shows, we have messed up on two or three occasions. I had done the Gujarati version of this play 10 years ago and I had sense of what I was required to do.

So, you continue to do theatre.
I have now promised myself that I am never going to give it up. In my head, I was highly insecure that as a film personality, I should not go back to theatre. But, theatre allows you to hone your skills. A month after I started this play, I felt that my sense of timing has become better and sharper.

Kanika Kapoor has been singing in the industry for barely 18 months and already has a roster of hits to her credit, starting with Baby Doll to Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan. Her latest song for Hate Story 3 is a departure from her style. Excerpts:

How did Neendein Khul Jaati Hain happen?
It was one of many songs that I am doing with Meet Brothers. It is one of my favourite songs. I loved singing it for Hate Story 3. It is quite an edgy song written by Shabbir Ahmed, the way Nachan Farrate is in terms of singing. Singing with Mika Singh was fun as usual. I have sung it edgy and he hasn't so it's a good mix.

What is your equation with the Meet Brothers?
They have always looked out for me and have been bringing me great numbers. For some reason, the Meet Brothers, Kumaar, Shabbir Ahmed and my chemistry works together. Whatever we do, whenever we sit and jam together, something amazing comes out. It's magic. They are one of the most talented music directors I have worked with. There's something special about them. My first song with them was Baby Doll (Ragini MMS 2). But I have known them since we were kids. They were in school with my brother in Gwalior. I have known them since I was 12 years old. They are family to me. I know their wives and friends.

Which musicians do you listen to?
I listen to all kinds of music depending on the mood. I love more soulful Sufi music. My favourites are Shubha Mudgal and a load of Pakistani singers. When I was a kid, I used to listen to Mariah Carey's Hero in a different way. Now I listen to musicians in a different way to understand the technique. There has been a lot of learning from these singers.

Would you sing a Sufi song for a movie?
I did Chhil Gaye Naina (NH10) and Jugni Ji with Dr Zeus. I am trying to do more and more as much as I can. I am quite new right now - I have been singing in Bollywood for 18 months - so I am trying to go with the flow and sing what I can.

Would you act too?
If Shah Rukh Khan tells me that he wants me to act with him, I will jump on it.

You've been doing a lot of live shows lately.
I have been doing a lot of live shows all over the world. I am going to Bangkok this week, and then heading to Paris and Dubai. Last week, I did a show in Lucknow. When you have people screaming for you and they love you, it's amazing to see what music to do to someone.

How important is it for a singer to look good?
It's very important for anyone from any field to dress well and look appropriate. As for me, I love dressing up. The kind of singer that I am, it suits my style. I like to be comfortable yet young and quirky in dressing.

What's in the pipeline?
I am doing a song for a Hollywood film set to release next year. I just launched a single with Sunny Leone called Super Girl From China. We are both in the video. It was fun shooting with Sunny again. I have a song in Kya Kool Hain Hum 3. There's something coming out from Ekta Kapoor's stable with Sunny again. We have Mastizaade and the song Love Letter in the film The Legend of Michael Mishra. Then, there's Udta Punjab which I have sung for Alia Bhatt with Amit Trivedi. I have sung it in a completely new avatar. The sound is very earthy.

After her mega Bollywood launch opposite a superstar, Daisy Shah struggled to get a foothold in the industry .But it has been worth her while as she awaits the release of her next flick, the erotic thriller Hate Story 3. The girl has shed her inhibitions along with some kilos and has upped her glamour quotient and confidence to come into her own. By the actress' own admission, she was initially apprehensive about “kissing a stranger on screen“, but she effortlessly slipped into her new avatar. Excerpts:

You seem to have shed weight. We hear that Salman Khan lent you his trainer...
On the weighing scale, I have hardly lost four to five kilos, but I have lost a lot of inches. I have been working with Salman's trainer Rakesh since two years now, but this time around, he pushed me harder in terms of diet and workout.

How do you define your equation with Salman? Is he your 2 am friend?
I am fortunate enough to have that kind of access to him, but I won't take advantage of this fact. Salman can be a mentor, friend and Hitler, depending on the situation. He dons different roles for those he likes. But if I know he is sleeping at 2 am, I won't call him (laughs).

Was it difficult to portray a bold character in this film?
Anyone can pull off the girl-next-door role, but characters like these test your abilities. I was skeptical because I felt that I was not mentally ready and even my body wasn't ready to pull this off. To add to that, I had to kiss a stranger on screen. I convinced myself after seeking advice from my trusted ones. My cast and crew made me comfortable while enacting the bold scenes in the song. It was shot towards the end of the schedule, and it helped as my co-stars and I had bonded well by then. I was so engrossed in my character that I wasn't Daisy anymore.

So, are you more comfortable with your body now?
I was comfortable with it even in Jai Ho, as the role didn't require me to look svelte with toned abs and arms. Having said that, if I had that kind of a figure, it would have looked good. But it's never too late. I am a foodie and had to give up on junk food for five months and the results are showing. I second that abs are made in the kitchen and not at the gym.

How did your family react to your intimate scenes?
I hail from a progressive Gujarati family. In fact, my mother and I catch up on Hollywood films together. When I showed her the trailer of my movie, she felt that it was aesthetically shot. She said, 'We are all adults. And what else do you wear other than bra while dancing? So, where is the problem?'

Have you set any boundaries when it comes to boldness?
As seen in the trailer, Zareen (Khan) and I have gone all out. This is the zero point for me and one can't show anything beyond this. Bollywood has its own limitations. The era of drawing two flowers closer as a reference to lovemaking is passé. Today, you can't fake it and people keep it more real. We get to see such scenes in several other movies, but it's just that our film is termed an erotic thriller.

Jai Ho did not do well at box office. When you look back, what do you think went wrong?
I completely disagree. The movie, which was made on a budget of Rs 60 crore, did a business of Rs 126 crore solely in India. If we had hiked the ticket rate, the collection would have doubled. A film with the tagline 'People's man' can't burn a hole in the common man's pocket. But people, including critics, don't want to acknowledge certain things and get caught in the number game. It was my debut movie and I am proud of the fact that it crossed the Rs 100 cr mark. If Jai Ho is a flop, I want Hate Story 3 to do similar business and would like the critics to declare it a flop, too. If one movie of Salman is criticised, it won't affect his stature. But if newcomers are criticised, they get affected. They are ruining others' careers, which isn't right. They had to pinpoint at someone and unfortunately, I became an easy target. But they failed to understand that audiences didn't go to watch me, they went to see Salman Khan.

With your second film Hate Story 3 up for release, do you think your struggles are behind you now?
After Jai Ho, it was tough and I was struggling. I wasn't getting great offers. They thought I was fat in Jai Ho, but then the role didn't require me to be stick thin. However, if that was their assessment, then maybe I didn't work too hard and wasn't ready for a debut. I started my career as an assistant choreographer. In this industry, you get slotted in a particular category and people still have a mental block against me because I was an assistant choreographer. There are many actresses who think that the one who taught them dancing can't be competing with them. There is a fear of competition, which I think is required as long as it's healthy. But it's difficult to fight this stereotype mentality.

Do you relate with the movie's tagline 'Open Love Hidden Hate'?
I believe in open love and open hate. Pyaar karo, khule dil se karo, nafrat bhi karo toh khule dil se karo. Peeth peeche kuchh bhi na karo.

Persuasive and confident, Karan Singh Grover, a popular face on TV has made foray into films lately, who doesn't mince his words when it comes to voicing his opinion. Contrary to his casanova image, he has no qualms about admitting that intimate scenes scare him. In a candid chat, he talks about Hate Story 3, his love for Bipasha Basu and his unshakable belief in the institution of marriage, despite two failed attempts.

What drew you to Hate Story 3?
I've never played a negative character before, so when Vikram Bhatt narrated the script to me, I figured this was unlike what I had ever done. I feel an actor can only grow only if he experiments with different roles. My character Saurabh Singhania is a rich, bad guy, who is driven by revenge, so much that you feel like scratching his face or throwing stones at him.

The intimate scenes in the trailer are creating quite a buzz...
I wish they had shown more of the story, instead of the sizzling scenes. The film is not about boldness or intimacy. Even Alone was not really only about me being presented in a certain way, because eventually the story fizzles out and this is what remains with the audience. In this one, the plot is so strong that other things will take a backseat. I guess, since the franchise is like that, it's being promoted a certain way.

Are you apprehensive about doing bold scenes?
I feel it's scary and uncomfortable as I am a reserved guy. It is not the favourite part of my work. But as professionals, we follow the director's vision and do what he wants. We have to be extra careful while shooting these scenes because we cannot do it over and over again. Thankfully, my next is a funny film that is within my comfort zone.

Does it help if you are friendly with your co-star?
Not really. It's not about your friendship with the co-star but your equation with the director and the whole team. As actors, we need to do our parts exactly the way they have visualised it, because if we don't, we have to keep doing it many times over.

Have you had a hate story in your real life as well?
Hate is a very strong and heavy emotion, probably as strong as love. I don't think I can live with hatred. If something bad happens, you feel bad about it, you forgive and move on. There's no hatred.

So you are the kind who forgives and forgets?
I never forget anything and that's the problem. I wish I could. I am not vindictive. I forgive but I don't forget, ever. Hatred bogs you down. There is more to life than that.

What is the one thing you hate about yourself?
I trust people easily and I am a bad judge of character. I see good in others even when it's not there and sometimes I feel let down. But I don't know if I should change that about myself and become more practical. I have to see something good in every thing.

What annoys you about other people?
I don't like pretentious, two faced people. Everyone has a right to say or behave the way they want to, but I can't fathom how people can pretend to be somebody else.

What's your relationship status with Bipasha Basu?
She is very dear, very close to me. We spend a lot of time together.

Are you in a serious relationship with her?
Let's just say that she is really dear to me and I feel a lot of love for her. She is lovely. (smiles)

What is it about her that you like the most?
She is a child at heart. What you see is what you get. She's a simple girl. I think some people are born with an aura and energy that is so pure. Everything about her is like that.

What binds you together...
We both are very emotional. She is relatively more practical but we have a lot in common. We both like to travel, work out and eat. Trust me, we both are foodies.

After two failed marriages, do you still believe in the institution?
I have not lost faith. I believe in the institution of marriage. It's a beautiful thing, but I have been unlucky. That doesn't mean there's something wrong with it. Sometimes you make wrong decisions in life.

Hate Story 3's promo bears an uncanny resemblance to Hollywood film Indecent Proposal. Are the two similar?
There's no similarity except for the line really. That's a small part of it. The resemblance is just about the line, where he (Robert Redford) wants to sleep with the other person's (Woody Harrelson's) wife (Demi Moore). Apart from that, why my character does what he does is different.

How different is this film from the previous two installments?
Hate Story as a franchise is about revenge and the genre is erotic thriller. This story is different from the previous two films. While the first two were about revenge from the female perspective, this is from the man's perspective. There are so many twists in the film that it keeps you guessing.





For cinematographer Ravi Varman, it has been a year-long crash course in “being a light chaser“ on the sets of Imtiaz Ali's Tamasha. Shot in several picturesque locations in Corsica, Delhi, Mumbai and Shimla, the film features a few serendipitous scenes accentuated by beautiful natural light.

The most magical one was when the unit was filming in Corsica last year in July. Ranbir and Deepika had to shoot in the Calanques de Piana, in the gulf of Porto, popularly known as the red hills. Just when they were about to roll, a sudden burst of orange light exploded in the sky. “It was something we had never seen before or even imagined. Everyone fell silent while we reeled off six shots in five minutes before the light disappeared,“ Ravi reminisces.

Then, there was a sequence with Ranbir in which the actor in his “storyteller avatar“ had to run through the streets of Shimla. “There was a clap of thunder, followed by rain and snow. Within two minutes, everything was covered in snow but Ranbir continued to run,“ Ravi marvels.

The cinematographer had started out intending to outdo Woody Allen's Midnight In Paris, the most beautifully shot romance-fantasy. “And we have,“ he asserts. “Every shot is like a painting, in particular the ones in which Ranbir and Deepika dive into lakes, cross roads with suitcases in hand, live in a French home with low ceilings, the golden light bouncing off the walls and shining on their faces,“ says Ravi, who bagged the prestigious EME France Film Festival Best Cinematographer Award for his 2000-film Santham Malayalam.

The cinematographer who has earlier worked with Ranbir in Barfi! says he reminds him of Kamal Haasan who gets into character completely. “In some shots, he also reminded me of Al Pacino because of his restrained acting.“

The Delhi schedule was shot in tech savvy areas of the capital. “An extremely expensive residence was rented and we made sure there was no damage to the interiors,“ he remembers, adding that the second most expensive set was a grand theatre built in Mumbai's Film City.

Ravi, who has grown up on a steady diet of French filmmaker Roman Polanski's films, says that he drew inspiration from the auteur's style of combining fantasy and art when he envisioned filming inside the magnificent theatre set that was erected in Mumbai.

Having worked in 28 films in his 14-year career, Ravi believes the chemistry the lead pair brings to screen is unparalleled. “I would sometimes get so carried away watching them that I'd forget I had to wield the camera. Their body language, when they're together is fascinating. Their timing is spot on and yet so natural. They are equally brilliant when they are restrained,“ he says, awe-struck.

Ravi, who has worked with Deepika earlier in Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela believes the actress has evolved in the last two years. “She gradually transported herself into the world of Tamasha. She is nothing like the Deepika I saw on the first day of the Ram-Leela shoot. For me too this film has been a soul-searching experience. Deep down, I guess we were all just hoping to find ourselves through the course of this journey,“ the cinematographer concludes.

Zareen Khan and Daisy Shah, who played girl-next-door characters in their earlier movies, are oozing sensuality and firing audiences' imagination in the erotic thriller, Hate Story 3 directed by Vishal Pandya. Since the first promo of the film released, their jaw-dropping transformation has become an instant hit with the audience.

While the twists and turns in the film are bound to hook viewers, what has left them shocked is seeing the good girls turn bad with a vengeance. And it's not just the girls; also shedding his chocolate hero image is Sharman Joshi who is seen giving a serious takkar to Karan Singh Grover in the shirtless hot hunks department! Like the earlier two installments, Hate Story 3 also talks about revenge and vendetta. But the third installment takes deceit to a whole new level. The sizzling chemistry between the leads and the dangerous liaisons on screen, as love and sex become weapons in the revenge film, have the moviegoers excited about its release on December 4, 2015.

When contacted, director Vishal Pandya agrees that the film is indeed the boldest of the lot. “Yes, the film is bold and we are unapologetic about it. It's the demand of the storyline. The scenes shot with the leads are quite bold. But the movie is not just about that, at the heart it is still a revenge story that will resonate with the viewer,“ he says. The filmmaker adds, “There is a lot of pressure as the franchise comes with expectations, but the kind of positive response the trailer and music has got is encouraging.“

You've recreated Tumhe Apna Banane from 1991 film Sadak for Hate Story 3.
Armaan (Malik) and Neeti Mohan have sung the song and Zareen Khan really held the video. The song is such a legendary one for me and Armaan, it's really funny to be associated with it because when Sadak was made, we were not even born. I was born the same year. I have given a different take on it. I have made it a little Buddha Bar, a little saxophone, guitars. I changed the whole arrangement. I added my own parts to it. The old antara was, 'Mohabbat kya hai main sab ko bata doongi...' I made it 'Rokna nahi mujhko Zidd pe aa gayi hoon main Iss qadar deewanapan chadha' which is more sensual, more in line with the film. Even in the lyrics, we changed 'Tumhe apna banane ki kasam khayi hai' to 'Tumhe apna banane ka junoon sar pe hai'. Lyricist Rashmi Virag and I reworked it to make it work for the film and give something new because I don't think anyone of my age gives any kasam to anyone that main tumse pyaar karta hoon. Love in today's time has also changed. No one is really going gung to kill themselves for love unless they are psychotic. Relationships have become chilled. This song is about the obsession to make you mine, so that's why we made it 'Junoon sar pe hai, kab se hai'.

Whenever you've covered a song, you've reworked it like you did with Tere Bin Nahi Laage (Ek Paheli Leela).
That's been my focus. After I did Tere Bin Nahi Laage, lots of people came to me and said, 'Let's recreate 10 songs.' I said I don't want to recreate unless I can do justice. Even this song, I was very wary of doing. I told Bhushan (Kumar) sir that it's been such a legendary song that your father and Nadeem Shravan had done, I cannot do it if it's not good. 'If I make something shit, please don't accept it,' I told him. It was a tradition they followed. They covered Aaj Phir Tum Pe from Dayavan in Hate Story 2, so they felt Hate Story 3 should also have one song which is a classic recreated.

How did the song happen?
Bhushan sir called me one night from Spain and told me about it. I had never even heard the song. I grew up with songs like Tujhe Dekha Toh (Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge) and then started hearing RD Burman but I missed out the early 90s - Deewana, Darr and Baazigar. He said that it was the biggest song of that era. don't listen to it for more than two minutes otherwise you will make it dated. He wanted my approach on this. So I made new verses and that's how we made Tumhe Apna. Even Neeti Mohan is someone I have collaborated with for the first time through this song. She has done a fabulous job. She was also hesitant. She was like, 'I have sung happy songs.' On Tumhe Apna Banane, I made her sing completely baritone. I made her sing like a sensuous goddess. She evoked a voice she never knew she had.

What do you think of this trend of recreating songs?
If I don't get my angle to the song even in a recreation, there's no point in recreating. You should just make a remix. I am loving the originals I am doing but if there's a song I am told to recreate and I can't newness to it, then what's the point? Then, it's better to use the original. One song in this genre I really loved is Chirantan Bhatt's Har Kisi Ko Nahi Milta (Boss), that's a real recreation.

How important is social media for composers these days?
I have got quite a decent following since my first film. For that, I have to credit Salman (Khan) sir because when I was announced as his music director (for Jai Ho), immediately his fans and people my age started following me. Slowly, with my music coming out - Sooraj Dooba Hain (Roy), Saiyaan Superstar and Tere Bin Nahi Laage (Ek Paheli Leela), Naina (Khoobsurat), Chaar Shanivaar (All Is Well) and the single Chal Wahan Jaate Hain sung by Arijit Singh, every song started winning its own kind of audience.

What are you looking forward to?
I am composing six songs for the biopic on M S Dhoni and four songs for Akshay Kumar-starrer Airlift. There are also songs in Baaghi, Kapoor & Sons, Sanam Re, Mastizaade, Junooniyat, Rocky Handsome and Tum Bin 2.

Daisy Shah, who will soon be seen in a rather sexy avatar in Hate Story 3, has been getting a lot of compliments for her svelte figure. The actress has lost over three kilos and insiders reveal that none other than mentor Salman Khan (SK) is helping her look her hottest best. “She has been training with Salman's trainer at his gym to be able to sport a perfectly sculpted hot bod in Hate Story 3,“ says the insider. When contacted, Daisy shares, “I am working out with Salman's trainer. SK is like the master of fitness. There is no other person who I can even think of asking any fitness-related question, so I often take tips from him.“ 

Zareen Khan and Karan Singh Grover are leaving no machine untouched in their gyms to make sure that they look their hottest best in Vishal Pandya's Hate Story 3. An insider reveals that the two are gearing up to shoot some steamy scenes in the erotic thriller that requires them to show off their perfectly-toned bodies. And for it, the duo has taken to the gym with a vengeance. While Karan is already quite super fit with his well-toned abs, Zareen, who has always been under the scanner for her extra pounds, too has lost oodles of weight and is looking sexier than ever. What's more, the two actors have even gone on a special diet to complement their workouts in a healthier way. Well, looks like the hot jodi is set to send Bollywood's temperature soaring.