Tanishaa Mukerji, who was recently seen in Luv You Shankar, seems to be in a happy phase of her life because “a lot is happening” and feels like she’s “on a roll”. The reason? “I am at peace and I’m enjoying the work I’m doing. Luv You Shankar got a pan-India theatrical release and we loved the response we earned,” says the actor, adding,“It has been a journey of different shades and I am an artiste who never fears taking risks in my career.”

Talking about her personal life, the 46-year-old shares that while there is no pressure from her family, she does want to get married someday. “But meri mummy (Tanuja, actor) bolti hai abhi shaadi mat karo,” she reveals, continuing, “On a serious note, I don’t want to marry for the sake of it. In fact, it should be about finding the right partner who understands me. I believe that marriage is an institution. One should not get hitched under pressure. In the long run, such marriages don’t sustain. For me, it is to take a leap in life and make a happy family. Ek baar shaadi ho gayi toh bas ho gayi. If I find someone with the same vibe, then main bhi shaadi karungi,” she asserts.

Talking about her recent projects, Mukerji shares, “People think twice about watching reality TV, but for me, it was more like a challenge that I accepted. This is the way I have lived my life and will continue to do so. I was busy with a dance reality show, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 11, which turned out to be like professional dance training for me. Pehle bas thoda bahut I knew about dancing but during the course [of the show] I learnt that it’s an art that changes you on the inside and outside.”

The actor is also busy shooting for her first Marathi film, the historical epic, Veer Murarbaji. She tells us, “Being a Marathi mulgi, I always wanted to do a film in this region.”

In the city for professional reasons, actress Tanishaa Mukerji said she was in love with Lucknow and its “relaxed” vibes. Tanishaa, who recently participated in the dance reality Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, shared about the dancing journey, her mom Tanuja, her “Tom & Jerry” relationship with sis Kajol, and more...

Excerpts...

I have been to Lucknow before too. I shot for a film titled Rosy in Lucknow during the pandemic which was supposed to be Palak Tiwari’s debut film. I was in Lucknow then for quite a lot of days. I love the people of Lucknow. There is not only warmth in them but also a certain laidback calmness, I mean the city has a very relaxed energy. I wish today more cities could become like that as there is a lot of anxiousness in other cities. I hope this never changes. And yes, people here are also very chalaak. When I had come here at that time and gone for some chikan shopping, being a celebrity, they had charged me an exorbitant amount. Mera khoob bakra bana tha uss time since I didn’t know much about the fabric and the prices.

In Jhalak... I did a lot of lifts and tricks. I wasn’t quite athletic during my childhood. I was a very ladylike child. All the opposite stuff was done by Kajol.

So coming back to Jhalak..., when I first went for the rehearsals, I couldn’t rehearse for more than four hours. My whole body was in pain and I couldn’t sleep. Then later, I also did a lot of Iyengar Yoga which helped me in my journey on the show. I said yes to the show as I wanted to break certain barriers in my life. When I first did Bigg Boss I was told by Salman (Khan) that isko toh yahan aane ki zaroorat nahi hai. That’s not true. We all have that need of money and identity. I went as a kid to Bigg Boss and came back as a grownup. I was always in a very protective environment and wanted to learn to deal with different kinds of people.

Mom is amazing now! But yes, of course, it makes me insecure. I was inside the Bigg Boss house when she got this disease called diverticulitis. But now it is over after her operation in 2018. But there have been other issues because of age. In fact, when I was doing an act for my dad on Jhalak..., my mom was in the hospital. It was the worst feeling. I have lost my dad and that is the reason why I am more insecure about my mom. As far as dealing with it is concerned, my spiritual side helps me, especially my Buddhist chants. Plus, my mom has always taught me to live in the moment and not worry about the future. I enjoy every moment with her - partying, even the drama and the fighting.

Firstly, the Durga Puja’s our private affair and we are like a family in that space. Kajol and I have been like Tom and Jerry ever since we were kids. My dad used to call us that where I was Jerry and she was Tom. Over the years, Kajol and I are like mature Tom and Jerry (laughs) But on a serious note, Kajol is like a mother figure to me. Even Ajay (Devgn) is like a father figure to me, who has taught me to be considerate and kind to everyone while my sis has taught me to be strong and stand up for the people we love. It takes a village to raise a child and I had a beautiful village.

Yes, it is important for me to get married! It is a different kind of evolution with a partner as it teaches you a lot of tolerance. I see such a beautiful relationship between my sisters, their husbands, and their children; why would somebody not want that? And I still also want to be a mother and create my family, why else would I freeze my eggs?

While Arshad Warsi was a known name even before the ‘Munna Bhai’ series, it was his role as Circuit that went on to become one of the most lovable characters in the history of Bollywood’s funny men, and thus, it’s not surprising that people can’t stop asking him about the next instalment of the franchise. Sanjay Dutt and Arshad first came together as Munna bhai and Circuit in ‘Munna Bhai MBBS’ (2003) and followed it up with ‘Lage Raho Munna Bhai’ (2006).

So, when asked if the third film is happening, the actor said, “Vidhu Vinod Chopra wants to make it, Raju (Hirani) wants to make it, Sanju (Dutt) wants to do it, I would do it, and the whole country wants to see it, but it’s not being made as of now.”

Arshad added, “Raju has three brilliant scripts for the sequel, with just a few things missing here and there, but I don’t think it is happening. Maybe, too much time has passed by. I told Raju that whatever begins has to end. Aisa lagta hai ki humne interval par chhod di hai. Everyone is impatient because it’s not over yet. The ‘Munna Bhai’ series needs to find closure.”

The actor was last seen as a judge on the 11th season of ‘Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa’. The dance reality show marked his comeback on the small screen after six years.

Speaking about his decision to agree to be a part of ‘Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa’, he had told us in a previous interview, “It’s a no-brainer. ‘Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa’ offers two things I am extremely passionate about -- dancing and acting. I would jump at an opportunity like that as I am cut out for it. I would like to see a little more than just dancing. Dancing is not just about physical movements; it should touch the soul, and only then will the audience be able to enjoy it.”

“I am very happy with the emergence of OTT because actors are getting opportunities to show their craft, especially those who haven’t had a chance to feature on the big screen, mainly because looks play an important role there.”

Arshad Warsi, who has several memorable characters to his credit, including the iconic Circuit from the Munnabhai series, talks about his transition from playing a hero to strong character roles, how OTT has given a new lease of life to talented actors, and his return to TV as a judge on Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. Excerpts…

Last seen as a judge on the talent show Sabse Bada Kalakar, Arshad is returning to the small screen after six years. Ask him about the factor that made him green-light the show marking his comeback to the tube, and he replies, “It’s a no-brainer. Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa offers two things I am extremely passionate about -- dancing and acting. I would jump at an opportunity like that as I am cut out for it.” 

The actor, who began his journey in showbiz as a dance choreographer, has already set his expectations as a judge. He says, “I would like to see little more than just dancing. Dancing is not just about physical movements; it should touch the soul, and only then will the audience be able to enjoy it.”

Films, TV, and OTT – Arshad has explored different mediums as an actor over time. Ask him to pick a favourite among them, and he says, “I am happy every time I am in front of the camera, irrespective of the medium. If there is anything that gives me a kick, it is the appreciation I get for my work.” 

However, revealing the one thing he is particular about, he shares, “What matters to me most is the quality. I forayed into fiction on television but did not enjoy the process as the emphasis was on quantity.”

The actor, who has featured in two seasons of Asur on OTT, is keen to do more projects on digital platforms. He says, “I am very happy with the emergence of OTT because actors are getting opportunities to show their craft, especially those who haven’t had a chance to feature on the big screen, mainly because looks play an important role there.”

With the actor touching upon ‘looks’ playing an important role in films, the discussion veers into having a system based on merit in the film industry. Arshad is quick to defend the need to project good looks over talent in films.

He elaborates, “There are a lot of expectations from actors seen on the big screen, as they cater to a 130-plus crore audience. While one can make the body, there are a few things you are gifted with and lucky to have – talent or mastery over your craft as an actor and your looks for which your parents need to be thanked. Actors like Hrithik Roshan, Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, and Alia Bhatt fall into that category; they are a complete package. The younger crop is ferociously talented and so good at what they do. So, it’s unfair to point fingers at them. They know they have to be perfect as there is a line behind them, waiting to take their place if they goof up. They can’t take life lightly.”

The actor, who has garnered praise for his performances, is often described as one of the all-round actors but underutilized. Ask him if he feels the same and he does not deny it, “Yes, I feel I am an underutilized actor, but I also believe I am to be blamed for it. In this profession, you are expected to be out there, be seen, attend parties and functions, meet people, and hobnob with the press. I am a lazy fellow and don’t like to do all of this. I wish I could, but I prefer to sit in the little hole of my office or run away from the city. My problem is that I am a cowboy at heart or maybe a monk on a bike (laughs!).”

The actor has also drawn a line over working on projects that make him uncomfortable. “The time I spend with people while shooting for a project matters more than the praise and money. For me, it’s peace of mind over everything else. I let go of opportunities, no matter how tempting, if I know I am entering an uncomfortable place,” he says.

Arshad started his journey as an actor by playing one of the leading men in Tere Mere Sapne (1996). Somewhere along the way, he shifted gears to play strong characters in films like Munna Bhai MBBS (2003), Golmaal (2006), and Ishqiya (2010), among others.

Talking about the transition, he shares, “I felt that it was time to gracefully accept the fact that I was not a young boy anymore. I have been around for almost 27 years and have done all that is expected of heroes. If I still try to become a hero at this age and start jumping around, I will look stupid. Now, it’s time to move on and act mature on screen. The least I can do is play my age and not embarrass my kids with the work I do. I don’t want them to wonder what the hell I am doing and ask me to grow up. I want to play age-appropriate roles.”

Malaika Arora shot to fame as the Chaiyya Chaiyya girl, after which, she showed her dancing talent in several chartbusters like Munni Badnaam Hui, Maahi Ve, Hoth Rasiley, Kaal Dhamaal and Anarkali Disco Chali.

Ask her if there has ever been a point where she felt that her acting talent has not been tapped for the big screen, and Malaika says, “I’ve never seen myself as an actor, and I’ve never wanted to be one. I have also never said that I wanted to do a particular role. But having said that, never say never. If I get any opportunity where I feel that I can do justice to a role, I will do it.”

Malaika says, “In today’s times, with OTT coming in, things are exciting, and there is good content out there. I never wanted to act on the big screen acting, I am very happy doing the song-and-dance routine, and I love that to date.”

Meanwhile, Malaika is set to return as a judge on the dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa after many years. “I love TV and I feel I was born for it. I have been on this medium since the start and all my transitions have happened on television - from being a VJ to a judge. I miss it and crave to be on this medium. I also feel that I have been able to make that connection with people through TV.”

Malaika’s personal life has been in the spotlight, talking about how she deals with it, she says, “Well, I have chosen to be in the public eye, so I know what goes with it. Unfortunately, these are the trials of being in the spotlight. I believe that if you are not able to deal with the good and bad, then you are in the wrong profession. Just as I enjoy the good, I have to be able to handle the bad as well. I have made peace with all of this.”

When asked about the rumours of her break-up with Arjun Kapoor, Malaika says, “I don’t want to discuss my personal space as of now, and I am at that stage where I have spoken when I had to speak. I don’t need to clarify anything because whatever has to be said has already been said.”

While her counterparts are busy creating content for digital platforms, Farah Khan Kunder, who’s been away from directing movies for nearly a decade, says that she wants to focus only on directing for the big screen. In a chat with BT, she talks about her break from direction, future plans and how tricky it is to judge dance reality shows. Read on...

Farah last directed Happy New Year in 2014. Before that, she helmed Main Hoon Na (2004) and Om Shanti Om (2007). Ask her about her long hiatus, and she says, “Now my kids are in the tenth grade. They study on their own, so I don’t have to look into it much. So, I can step back into my director’s boots. I think the time for it has come.”

Currently, many filmmakers have taken to directing web shows and films. But Farah has a different plan. She says, “I have been offered web shows. I am not averse to making them, but it’s just that if I have to make a comeback, then I would rather do it with a big-screen movie. If I am doing something after so many years, it has to be for the big screen.”

Currently, Farah is enjoying every bit of the one thing she loves doing – being a judge on a reality show. She will be seen sharing the dias with co-judges Malaika Arora and Arshad Warsi in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Season 11. The show features celebrity contestants from different walks of life, so when it comes to judging them and giving feedback, does she have to be a little more careful?

Farah replies, “It is quite tricky when you are judging a celebrity-based dance show. You have to be careful with your words because everybody is a master in their own field. When youngsters come on the show, they are fresh and are more accepting of criticism. Overall, criticism is hard for anyone to accept, but yes, celebrities can’t take criticism. I know they can’t! Why only them, even I can’t take it. The first reaction is anger and hurt. So, there’s a way of telling them and motivating them to do better. And over the years, I have learnt that. After all, everybody is coming here to win. I always believe in giving advice and not being too harsh or critical of anything.”

Looking back at her own journey as a dancer and choreographer, Farah gets nostalgic. She shares, “We never had such platforms back then, but we used to have this huge dance competition every year held at a five-star hotel. We used to practise throughout the year for that one performance. We had our own dance groups. If someone needed a breakdance group, then we used to go and dance in movies. Arshad (Warsi) and I used to dance together for shows. We would also compete against each other in competitions. And now, we are judging this show together... it makes me nostalgic.”