Showing posts with label Jeetendra interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jeetendra interview. Show all posts
I was a bad father, my children are far better parents-Jeetendra
8:24 AM
Juhi Chakraborty (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 31, 2020)
The Coronavirus lockdown has been a bane for many, but for Jeetendra, the past couple of months have been an eye-opener. The veteran actor reveals this period has given him a chance to see his children, both single parents, Ekta and Tusshar Kapoor’s parenting skills up close and realise his failings as a father.
“When my children were young, I was busy shooting in three shifts a day, running here and there, travelling. In our times we used to be very insecure, we used to do a lot of movies all at once, so there was hardly any time for the children which I feel very bad about today. It was a way of life and my family understood,” shares Jeetendra.
The actor, lauding how Tusshar and Ekta are raising their kids — Laksshya (three) and Ravie (one), respectively, says, “Now, especially during the lockdown, when I watch them and how they’re devoting time to their children, I realise they are wonderful parents despite being single parents. I feel I was such a bad father. I am 79 and learning so much from them.”
Jeetendra says he is thankful to his children for giving him the opportunity to spend such a lovely time with their kids. “I’m reliving my childhood through my grandchildren. I don’t remember doing the kind of masti, which I do with my grandchildren, with my kids when they were young,” adds the actor, who returned to the screen with a cameo in a recent web series, Baarish 2.
In fact, Jeetendra says the lockdown has hardly affected his schedule. “I anyway never went to our production office. I am into construction but it is more like a liaison job. But there is one problem I face, and that is the fact that my friends can’t meet me,” he shares.
However, the actor’s family doesn’t let him feel lonely. “That is compensated by my children and grandchildren as they are around all the time. I am enjoying every moment of it,” he says.
J Om Prakash only shot in natural light, considered it lucky-Jeetendra
8:19 AM
Jeetendra, the leading man of several J Om Prakash films, remembers the filmmaker and his endearing quirks
Jeetendra (MID-DAY; August 8, 2019)
I did five movies with Om ji —Apnapan (1977), Aasha (1980), Apna Bana Lo (1982), Arpan (1983) and Aadmi Khilona Hai (1993). I remember him as a dedicated and hard-working man who knew his job well. He started out as a production manager with Mohan Segal, and then went on to produce films with Mohan Kumar as the director. What struck me most about him was that he had an ear for music.The first movie that Om ji directed, Aap Ki Kasam (1974), had such beautiful songs. Every song from that film is hummed even today. Similarly, his first production, Aas Ka Panchi (1961) had so many hit songs. While Om ji was a successful producer, I believe he was also a brave director. Aap Ki Kasam with Rajesh Khanna and Mumtaz was such a different film. Instead of making a formulaic movie, Om ji decided to create an emotional film for his directorial debut. That was a brave choice. Normally, every new director wants to do a commercial film, but he dared to be different.
In the course of our five films, we grew fond of each other. He used to shoot all his films in Kashmir, in the outdoors. Our families too would accompany us on the outdoor shoots. While we would shoot, our wives would play cards. Interestingly, Om ji's wife [Padma Rani Om Prakash] would tell him to shoot only in natural light as she considered it lucky. On some occasions, we would return to the hotel and Om ji would tell his wife that he didn't shoot as there was no light. I would always tease his wife before stepping out for the shoot, saying, "What do you want — light change ya luck change?" And she would reply, "Both." It was our inside joke.
Over the past few years, he had become fragile. He couldn't recognize people during the last stages. Last year, on Ganpati, I went to Rakesh Roshan's house. They told Om ji that I had come and were hoping that he would recognise me. But he didn't say anything. So, I went close to him and said, "Light ya luck?" He promptly said, "Light." Everybody was surprised. I remember this precious moment today as I bid farewell to him.
As told to Upala KBR
My family says Ravie looks just like me-Jeetendra
7:47 AM
Grandpa Jeetendra on Ekta Kapoor turning mother via surrogacy, sharing his name with newborn
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; February 1, 2019)
You can hear the happiness in his voice as he exclaims, "I was a dada earlier. Now, I have become a nana. My life is complete!" The Kapoor family's patriarch, Jeetendra's joy knows no bounds — his daughter Ekta Kapoor turned mother to a baby boy via surrogacy on January 27. The newborn has been named Ravie Kapoor after the veteran actor (his original name is Ravi). The grandfather reveals that the letter 'E' was added on the recommendation of their astrologer. "They wanted an astrologically [favourable] name starting with R, and then Ekta thought why not name him after baba?"
Keen to embrace motherhood, the TV czarina apparently, over the last seven years, tried Intrauterine insemination (IUI) and In vitro fertilisation (IVF) with little success. It was then that Dr Nandita Palshetkar recommended surrogacy. Brother Tusshar Kapoor too had become a proud parent to Laksshya via surrogacy in 2016.
The veteran star says he was overjoyed when Ekta told him of her decision. "Shobha [Kapoor, wife] and I were over the moon when we heard it first. We are looking forward to him coming home." He adds that the family makes daily rounds of the suburban hospital where the baby is currently under supervision. "My family says he [Ravie] looks just like me, but then, a child's looks keep changing every day. It's tough to say who he will resemble in the future. Now, I have Laksshya and Ravie — they are the apple of my eye. I can die peacefully now as both my babies have their own babies."
Both Ekta and Tusshar have chosen to be single parents to their kids. Ask him if he wishes to see his children get married someday, and the senior actor reasons, "I believe one must be happy in life. [It doesn't matter] whether you are married or single. For me, the idea was that Tusshar and Ekta should have someone to come back home to. A baby is the biggest blessing and responsibility to have. With responsibility comes to passion, love, happiness and a purpose in life. There cannot be a bigger responsibility than taking care of a baby."
Ekta, on her part, issued a statement yesterday expressing her joy on the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
Pls send ur love and blessings for lil Ravie. ! JAI MATA DI JAI BALAJI pic.twitter.com/3SnL8iMsv2— Ekta Kapoor (@ektaravikapoor) January 31, 2019
Tragic how Sridevi passed away a day before Himmatwala's 35th anniversary-Jeetendra
10:37 AM
Jeetendra talks exclusively to midday after the sad demise of veteran actress Sridevi
As told to Upala KBR (MID-DAY; February 26, 2018)
I first met Sridevi at the 100th day jubilee function of one of her Tamil films. I walked up to this bright-eyed girl and congratulated her on her performance. Little did I know that we would be working together in a few months' time.
I was going through a low phase after Deedar-E-Yaar (1982) – the film suffered heavy losses, and brought me back to square one as an actor and producer. Sridevi, too, was coming out of Solva Saawan (1979), her debut film as a full-fledged heroine in Bollywood. The film didn't fare well and almost put her out of the Hindi film industry. So Himmatwala, directed by K Raghavendra Rao, was a turning point for both of us.
We all know how it changed both our fortunes. Not many know that Rekha was the original choice for Himmatwala. But I guess Sridevi was destined to do the film – she bagged the role and the film became one of the biggest grossers of the year. And with it, Bollywood woke up to the magic of Sridevi.
Today [February 25] marked the 35th anniversary of the film's release and it's tragic how she passed away just a day before... I was terribly shocked when I heard about her demise.
Sridevi was one of my closest co-stars and we did 15 movies together. She was an actor par excellence. What was even more admirable about her was her dedication to the craft – she would keep rehearsing a scene until she was fully satisfied with it. I had deep admiration for her discipline towards her work.
I remember I used to be nervous whenever I would have to dance with Sridevi. She was a fabulous dancer who would get the steps perfectly, right at the first attempt while I had to keep doing rehearsals to match up to her.
I have so many beautiful memories of Sridevi. It's still so difficult for me to come to terms with the fact that the woman, who ruled over everyone's hearts with her shy smile and bright eyes, is no more.
I haven't earned a single penny in the last 20 years-Jeetendra
8:06 AM
Ahead of his 75th birthday on April 7, to be celebrated over three days, Jeetendra on his insecurities, co-stars Rekha and Sridevi, and being a 'modest businessman'
Meena Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 3, 2017)
Is it true that 200 people
are to fly to Jaipur to ring in your 75th birthday in a three-day
celebration?
This question should be addressed to Shobha (wife). She is the one who is insisting that I celebrate my 75th birthday. I don't believe in birthdays. I think every day of your life should be happy and satisfying. In fact, I hate being reminded of my birthday because I think it says that your 'mandatory overs' are over.
So you are just going along with her wishes?
I told her that I will not participate in any way so she took the complete onus of organising things. I do not even wish to know what she has planned. I told her let us have a regular bash in Mumbai. I can spend one evening with the people I care for and love. However, she wants to do it over three days. So be it. My high is that my nine month-old grandson Laksshya is coming with me. Earlier, Tusshar was supposed to take him to Hyderabad where he is shooting Golmaal Again. Now, he has agreed to let Laksshya accompany Shobha and me to Jaipur. That is my birthday gift. I will get a week-long vacation with my baby. The other high is that four of my childhood friends, with whom I spent my adolescence, are flying in from Denmark and the US. Shobha and I, my friends and their wives were all dating around the same time. So we go as far back as 56 years. How Shobha is going to manage such a large affair beats me.
Is it true that you haven't touched alcohol in 15 years?
I gave up alcoholic drinks, cigarettes and tobacco 15 years ago. In my youth, I did everything possible to ruin my health. But when I turned 60, I gave it all up. When people compliment me for looking fit, I tell them to do the same. I am also genetically blessed. Today, I am inspired by Salman (Khan) and Hrithik (Roshan) who have perfect bodies with six-pack abs. Even my son Tusshar is so fit.
People say you obsess over your looks...
An actor's shop runs on his looks. So, in my opinion, one must obsess. Heroes are the result of so many people's hard work. I always say that if you see the salary line up, the lyricist gets paid the least, the composer a little more, the playback singer gets paid higher than both while the actor who just moves his lips to their songs on screen draws the highest remuneration. We are fortunate and if we do not put our best face forward, it would be foolish.
Why have you quit acting?
As an actor, I had my limitations and I was fully aware of them. There is nothing I miss about acting. Besides I colour my hair black at home. Why, then, should I go to a studio and colour my hair white to play someone commensurate to my age?
But your contemporary Amitabh Bachchan is still at the top of the acting game.
I admire Amit. I don't think the word 'chalega' exists in his dictionary. He is so committed and such a good actor. For that matter my friends, Rakesh Roshan and Rishi Kapoor, who are younger than me are also good at what they do. Rishi was amazing in Agneepath and Kapoor & Sons while Guddu has made some huge box-office hits in the last two decades. I am so proud of them. But that is their calling, mine is different.
Your friends say that you are an astute businessman...
I must tell you that for 20 years, I have not earned a single penny. I am a jobless actor. Shobha and Ekta are the ones running the show. My only contribution is that I have invested the money that they have earned. And touchwood, those investments are bearing fruit.
Do you ever take stock of the empire?
Money is not everything in life. But only someone who is wealthy can make such a statement. For the guy who doesn't have money accumulating wealth is of foremost importance. Our business is speculative in nature. So, one must always have a Plan B. Besides, I am not an Ambani, I'm still a modest businessman.
You did 40 odd movies with Rekha and 15 films with Sridevi. Are they your favourite costars?
I have no favourites. Rekha calls me 'Ravya' instead of Ravi. I may have done around 39 films with her. We share a good relationship. As far as Sridevi is concerned, I admired her when she was a newcomer and I admire her even now. Do you know that she wasn't the original choice for Himmatwala? It was supposed to be Rekha. But somehow Sri landed the role and the rest is history. She's a fabulous dancer. I was a totaram (parrot), I would just parrot my steps and keep doing rehearsals. Sri got her steps down pat the first time around but she'd patiently rehearse with me. Her dedication should be applauded.
They say you did 60 films in five years because you were insecure?
I did 60 films over a period of eight years and I admit to being very insecure at the start of the 1980s. I'm the guy who started out from a chawl in Girgaum. Here, I must add that when we installed a Crompton ceiling fan in our room, the entire chawl came to see it! I was bad at studies and if I had not made it in films, I would have had nowhere to hide. Twice in my 40-year career, I have been jobless and penniless. Once was between 1972-'74 and again after the debacle of my home production Deedar e-Yaar (1982). Having hit these two lows, I worked like a maniac for almost a decade down South doing every remake that was being made. My discipline and modest popularity suited the producers. And completing movies in 40 days straight suited me.
This question should be addressed to Shobha (wife). She is the one who is insisting that I celebrate my 75th birthday. I don't believe in birthdays. I think every day of your life should be happy and satisfying. In fact, I hate being reminded of my birthday because I think it says that your 'mandatory overs' are over.
So you are just going along with her wishes?
I told her that I will not participate in any way so she took the complete onus of organising things. I do not even wish to know what she has planned. I told her let us have a regular bash in Mumbai. I can spend one evening with the people I care for and love. However, she wants to do it over three days. So be it. My high is that my nine month-old grandson Laksshya is coming with me. Earlier, Tusshar was supposed to take him to Hyderabad where he is shooting Golmaal Again. Now, he has agreed to let Laksshya accompany Shobha and me to Jaipur. That is my birthday gift. I will get a week-long vacation with my baby. The other high is that four of my childhood friends, with whom I spent my adolescence, are flying in from Denmark and the US. Shobha and I, my friends and their wives were all dating around the same time. So we go as far back as 56 years. How Shobha is going to manage such a large affair beats me.
Is it true that you haven't touched alcohol in 15 years?
I gave up alcoholic drinks, cigarettes and tobacco 15 years ago. In my youth, I did everything possible to ruin my health. But when I turned 60, I gave it all up. When people compliment me for looking fit, I tell them to do the same. I am also genetically blessed. Today, I am inspired by Salman (Khan) and Hrithik (Roshan) who have perfect bodies with six-pack abs. Even my son Tusshar is so fit.
People say you obsess over your looks...
An actor's shop runs on his looks. So, in my opinion, one must obsess. Heroes are the result of so many people's hard work. I always say that if you see the salary line up, the lyricist gets paid the least, the composer a little more, the playback singer gets paid higher than both while the actor who just moves his lips to their songs on screen draws the highest remuneration. We are fortunate and if we do not put our best face forward, it would be foolish.
Why have you quit acting?
As an actor, I had my limitations and I was fully aware of them. There is nothing I miss about acting. Besides I colour my hair black at home. Why, then, should I go to a studio and colour my hair white to play someone commensurate to my age?
But your contemporary Amitabh Bachchan is still at the top of the acting game.
I admire Amit. I don't think the word 'chalega' exists in his dictionary. He is so committed and such a good actor. For that matter my friends, Rakesh Roshan and Rishi Kapoor, who are younger than me are also good at what they do. Rishi was amazing in Agneepath and Kapoor & Sons while Guddu has made some huge box-office hits in the last two decades. I am so proud of them. But that is their calling, mine is different.
Your friends say that you are an astute businessman...
I must tell you that for 20 years, I have not earned a single penny. I am a jobless actor. Shobha and Ekta are the ones running the show. My only contribution is that I have invested the money that they have earned. And touchwood, those investments are bearing fruit.
Do you ever take stock of the empire?
Money is not everything in life. But only someone who is wealthy can make such a statement. For the guy who doesn't have money accumulating wealth is of foremost importance. Our business is speculative in nature. So, one must always have a Plan B. Besides, I am not an Ambani, I'm still a modest businessman.
You did 40 odd movies with Rekha and 15 films with Sridevi. Are they your favourite costars?
I have no favourites. Rekha calls me 'Ravya' instead of Ravi. I may have done around 39 films with her. We share a good relationship. As far as Sridevi is concerned, I admired her when she was a newcomer and I admire her even now. Do you know that she wasn't the original choice for Himmatwala? It was supposed to be Rekha. But somehow Sri landed the role and the rest is history. She's a fabulous dancer. I was a totaram (parrot), I would just parrot my steps and keep doing rehearsals. Sri got her steps down pat the first time around but she'd patiently rehearse with me. Her dedication should be applauded.
They say you did 60 films in five years because you were insecure?
I did 60 films over a period of eight years and I admit to being very insecure at the start of the 1980s. I'm the guy who started out from a chawl in Girgaum. Here, I must add that when we installed a Crompton ceiling fan in our room, the entire chawl came to see it! I was bad at studies and if I had not made it in films, I would have had nowhere to hide. Twice in my 40-year career, I have been jobless and penniless. Once was between 1972-'74 and again after the debacle of my home production Deedar e-Yaar (1982). Having hit these two lows, I worked like a maniac for almost a decade down South doing every remake that was being made. My discipline and modest popularity suited the producers. And completing movies in 40 days straight suited me.
I am always conscious about my weight-Jeetendra
7:48 AM
Jeetendra on weight loss, staying fit at 70-plus and learning to love oneself
Upala KBR (DNA; September 30, 2016)
At 75, Jeetendra, father of Ekta and Tusshar Kapoor,
doesn’t look his age. And he credits it to a strict workout and diet
regimen and... organic ghee! Thanks to that last ingredient, which he
started eating after 50 long years, he hasn’t put on weight at all.
While he is reluctant to talk about his weight maintenance, he admits, “You must have the willpower to avoid what is bad. It’s simple: If you indulge, you will develop a bulge. Exercise leads to only 15 per cent of weight loss. By diet control, I don’t mean starving, but just eating the right food. When I started out in Caravan, I looked plump, but that looks fine when you are young. But as you age, you put on weight, it looks obnoxious, you slow down and carry a paunch.”
When we quiz him about his new diet, which includes having dollops of ghee in his food every day, parathas included, Jeetu finally opens up...
The ghee guy
He shares, “Let me tell you that for the last 50 years, I have never had ghee or deep-fried food. I always thought that consuming ghee is unhealthy and leads to putting on too much weight, but I was proved wrong. Recently when I was at the Ambaji temple in Gujarat, I met a gentleman from Dubai who told me that he breeds cows, who feed on organic grass. Out of the organic milk, he makes ghee. He asked me to try it and I liked it so much that I had a lot of ghee after 50 years. I didn’t put on weight, but my cholesterol went a bit high. So now, I have to be a bit careful. Also, organic cow’s ghee is very light and not rich like the ghee made from buffalo milk.”
In moderation
Jeetendra says that while earlier he used to have ghee seven days a week, he has now restricted himself to three days. “My basic philosophy in life is: Learn to love yourself and good health will follow. One habit that I have consistently maintained always, before eating, after eating, before exercises, after exercises, while going out, I am on my weighing machine. I am always conscious of my weight. It doesn’t cost you much to do that.”
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