The singer on starting early, his debut English single and appearing on a billboard in Times Square
Anuka Roy (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 19, 2020)

Armaan Malik is no stranger to the music industry. His grandfather Sardar Malik was a music composer, and his father Daboo Malik and uncle Anu Malik are well known music directors. So, no one was surprised when Armaan decided to become a playback singer. And while he has already made his mark in Bollywood, it’s only now that a special dream of his has come true.

Armaan’s debut original English song “Control” released last month under Arista Records, a label that has been associated with musicians like Whitney Houston and Jennifer Hudson. The high-tempo song was recorded by music producer Wayne Wilkins, who has worked with Beyoncé and Natasha Bedingfield. What’s more, Armaan was also featured on the Times Square billboard last month for the English single.

“The journey began in 2018 when I started meeting writers and music producers during my trips to Los Angeles,” says the 24-year-old. David Massey of Arista Records heard one his yet-to-be released English songs and signed him for the label. It was the realisation of an ambition that Armaan had harboured since he was 15. But he worked hard to earn recognition in Bollywood first.

The trained Hindustani classical musician’s journey began quite early. At the age of eight, he participated in a ghazal show. “I came second in that competition and it gave me a lot of confidence,” Armaan recalls. A year later, he participated in another popular kids’ singing reality show, and started his playback career as a child singer for movies such as Taare Zameen Par and Bhootnath. At 18, he released his debut album Armaan as well as the hit “Tumko To Aana Hi Tha” for the 2014 Salman Khan-starrer Jai Ho — his first song as an adult playback singer.

He considers the soft romantic number “Naina” from the movie Khoobsurat, starring Sonam Kapoor and Fawad Khan, as one of the turning points in his career. “It is a Sona Mohapatra song and I sang only four or five lines,” he says. “But it brought me a lot of recognition and I realised that people liked my voice.” Since 2014, he has delivered a hit song almost every year and sung in various regional languages such as Tamil, Telugu and Gujarati.

The success, however, hasn’t spared him the nepotism jibe. “I have never used my family contacts to get work. I built my career on my talent,” insists the singer, who lists Bruno Mars, Sonu Nigam and Arijit Singh as his inspirations.

Like most millennial artists, Armaan has a huge online presence with more than eight million followers on Instagram. His fans, who call themselves ‘Armaanians’, got a rude shock last month when he deleted all his Instagram photos and left just one cryptic image that read ‘I can’t take it anymore’. As it turned out, they were actually the lyrics of “Control”. “The intention was not to scare people. I was starting a new journey, so it was time for the old one to come to an end,” he says.

Having a huge fan following also means sometimes encountering bizarre situations. One such incident took place nearly four years ago in Delhi when, at a college event, the crowd literally lost control. To ensure Armaan’s safety, the police had to handcuff him and escort him out. “I even asked them, ‘Mujhe accha gaane ki wajah se arrest kar rahe ho kya?’(Are you arresting me for singing well?),” he says with a laugh.

Even though the Covid-19 pandemic marred the grand launch plans of his English single, the singer has been busy doing live sessions and promoting the song virtually. “My focus will be on independent songs for both India and the global market. I want to be a global artist,” he says. “Once the situation is better, I’ll be releasing follow-up songs to “Control”. That’s the goal as of now.”

Filmmakers Sanjay Gupta and Rakesh Roshan reminisce working with actor-writer Ranjit Chowdhry
MID-DAY (April 17, 2020)

Actor-director-writer Ranjit Chowdhry, 65, passed away in Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital on Thursday morning. Survived by his wife and 16-year-old son, Chowdhry was in Mumbai for a dental treatment since December. He was expected to fly back on April 8. "He ruptured an ulcer in the intestine on April 14 and was taken to the hospital. They operated on him but he died yesterday at four in the morning," informs socialite Dolly Thakore.

Director Sanjay Gupta, who last worked with him in Kaante (2002), told mid-day, "As an actor, I was extremely fond of him. He flew down from New York to Los Angeles to work with us in Kaante. We needed an actor who could translate scenes effortlessly. I remember discussing Khatta Meetha (1978) with him. That is one of my favourite movies of his and I loved his performance. He is a thoroughly professional actor with a great command over comic timing. Only an actor like him could shine in a brief role in an ensemble film like Kaante. I always remember him as this jovial man, full of energy and life."

Rahul Khanna, his co-star from Bollywood/Hollywood helmed by Deepa Mehta, tweeted, "Despite his diminutive frame, he was a towering icon of Indian diaspora cinema and a master of his craft. By far, one of the most endearingly quirky and acerbically witty people I've had the pleasure of knowing!" Rakesh Roshan who worked with Chowdhry in Khoobsurat (1980) told mid-day, "I remember Ranjit as a loveable young boy who was adored by all. He was a natural actor. I was immensely sad to hear about him."

Chowdhry's half-sister Raell Padamsee wrote on Instagram, on Wednesday, "For all those who knew Ranjit, the funeral will be held tomorrow and a gathering to celebrate his life n share his stories May 5."

His Best Works
Khatta Meetha (1978)
Baton Baton Mein (1979)
Khubsoorat (1980)
Kaalia (1981)
Bandit Queen (1994)
Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love (1996)
Bollywood/Hollywood (2002)
Kaante (2002)
American Blend (2006)
Prison Break (2006)
Breakaway (2011)

Shashanka Ghosh talks about reuniting with his muse Sonam Kapoor and directing three films in 2019
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 21, 2018)

Writer-director Shashanka Ghosh, who’s made five films in 15 years — he debuted with Waise Bhi Hota Hai Part II in 2003 and his last directorial, Veere Di Wedding, released earlier this month — now wants to direct three films a year. His stock has clearly risen after the success of his last film, which features Sonam Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, Swara Bhaskar and Shikha Talsania, and revolves around female bonding. “I’ve been taking four years to make each film as people have said ‘no’ to me all the time. But now, I’m game. I’m too old to take it easy,” says Shashanka.

The filmmaker plans to reunite with Sonam again. “Eight years ago, I had wanted to meet Sonam for a gangster drama with an Alice In Wonderland vibe which would be shot at Ramoji Rao Film City in Hyderabad. It would have showcased her in a never-seen-before femme fatale avatar but the project was put on the backburner. I plan to revive it,” Shashanka says. “I see Sonam as the perfect Alice!”

Shashanka first directed Sonam in the 2014 romcom Khoobsurat, which marked the Bollywood debut of Pakistani actor Fawad Khan. “Veere Di Wedding was supposed to happen after Khoobsurat but Kareena got pregnant and the project was delayed. I was the badmaash in the crew, yelling at Rhea, asking her to make this film,” he says.

The film finally got made but Shashanka stayed away from the limelight during the promotions. “I was editing the film right until two days before the release. I fell sick immediately afterwards and I am still catching my breath. The last two months were really hectic. Now, I finally have time to work on my ideas,” he asserts.

The actress-filmmaker duo has also discussed a Hindi remake of Tom Tykwer’s German thriller, Run Lola Run, with Sonam stepping into the titular character originally played by Franka Potente in the 1998 blockbuster. “Sonam always says that she is my muse and she is right. She is an intelligent woman who understands screenplay well. So, I have to give her a role she can’t turn down. Sonam doesn’t get enough credit as an actor because she has an equally gigantic fashion image,” Shashanka reasons, recounting the time Sonam set the tone for shooting on Veere Di Wedding. “On the first day with Kareena, I was on the ninth take, when Sonam explained something to Kareena. I don’t know what it was but from then on every scene was canned in one or two takes. Sonam just gets me.”


Shashanka hopes to kick off ideation on the screen adaptation of ‘The Calcutta Chromosome’, a 1995 novel by Amitav Ghosh. The medical thriller is set in 1990s Calcutta and New York City at an unspecified time in the future and dramatises the adventures of protagonists brought together by a mysterious turn of events. The book is loosely based on the life of Sir Ronald Ross, the Nobel Prize– winning scientist who achieved a breakthrough in malaria research in 1898. “Interestingly, the hero of the book is also a guy called Murugan (Shashanka has directed Quick Gun Murugan), who calls himself Morgan at times. I’d love to adapt this book into a film,” Shashanka informs.The filmmaker admits that Kiran Nagarkar’s Cuckold will also make for a great film adaptation. The historical novel is set in 16th century Mewar and follows Maharaj Kumar, a fictional character based on the real life Prince Bhoj Raj. “Many filmmakers and writers, including me, have tried to make the book into a film but it’s never worked out as the premise is too expansive,” he trails off.

Sonam Kapoor on why her co-star couldn’t shoot during her pregnancy, kicking off work on her next with Dulquer Salmaan, and scouting for someplace warm for her honeymoon
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 30, 2018)

While almost everyone who has been at the centre of a big fat Indian wedding will rate it as one of the most overwhelming and physically draining experiences of all time, Sonam Kapoor, who wed businessman-beau Anand Ahuja in a three-day celebration earlier this month, has already moved on to regular programming.

While she has a new film — Veere Di Wedding — coming up, all everyone wants to know is where she is going for her honeymoon. “I don’t blame anybody and try to keep it as classy as possible. During film promotions, it’s just a lot to take in. It’s stressful to face all the media at once. Otherwise, I am oblivious to everything,” the 32-year-old actress says, dismissing rumours that she and Anand are headed to Greece. “We will go on our honeymoon by October-end or November. We want to go someplace warm, but haven’t finalised the destination yet.”

After Veere Di Wedding hits screens on June 1, she has 15 days of work pending on Shelly Chopra Dhar’s Ek Ladki Ko Dekha To Aisa Laga, in which she shares screen space with father Anil Kapoor for the first time. Then, she kicks off Abhishek Sharma’s The Zoya Factor, which is based on Anuja Chauhan’s eponymous bestseller. “I really have a lot of work coming up. The Zoya Factor will be filmed for three months straight, from August to October,” she informs.

Chauhan’s 2008 novel follows a Rajput girl named Zoya Singh Solanki who meets the Indian cricket team through her job as an executive in an advertising agency and ends up becoming a lucky charm for them for the 2011 World Cup. “I love the sport, but now, there is too much to follow with the Premier League and I’ve lost touch over the years,” she says. When she wondered if she should brush up her knowledge for the film, she was asked not to. “Zoya doesn’t like cricket. She has a different perspective on it and sage advice to give to the team,” the actress notes, adding that she will focus on learning more about being an “addy” (slang for an advertising executive) instead.

Sonam goes on to reveal that she was offered the Hindi remake of Mani Ratnam’s Tamil romance, OK Kanmani, which was directed by his protégé Shaad Ali. Coincidentally, the original had featured Dulquer Salmaan, who is now paired opposite Zoya as Nikhil Khoda, captain of the cricket team and her biggest detractor.

In Veere Di Wedding, Sonam takes centrestage alongside Swara Bhaskar, Shikha Talsania and Kareena Kapoor. The film notably sees its female protagonists drinking, smoking, cussing and asking each another if they “want some boom boom”. Sonam is not surprised that women of all age groups have loved the teasers and says that her 61-year-old father is the biggest cheerleader of the film. “And mind you, he didn’t have as many nice things to say about Khoobsurat (her last home production),” Sonam chuckles, adding, “Most women will enjoy the film because it depicts most women or what they want to be. Most of them want to see themselves having fun.” The Shashanka Ghosh directorial is also different in that it is the first film to feature two A-list, married actresses. Sonam recalls that her younger sister Rhea Kapoor, who has produced the film alongside Ekta Kapoor, was willing to shoot right through Kareena’s pregnancy as well. “There was never a question about doing the film with any other actress,” Sonam asserts.

The film was expected to go on the floors in early 2016, when Kareena announced that she was expecting. After welcoming Taimur Ali Khan in December, she began prepping for the part, which involved a four-month-long weight loss regime. Shooting commenced nearly 18 months later than originally planned. “We were very open to shooting with Kareena even when she was pregnant. Unfortunately, you cannot get insurance if you’re pregnant and making a film without insurance is impossible. We did not know about this before,” Sonam reveals. “As women, we need to stand by each other in every way possible. After Kareena said ‘yes’ to Veere Di Wedding, there were other actresses who wanted to do the role and we could have gone ahead with anybody else. But she was the best fit for the role, the first choice, and an irreplaceable part of the film. Someone as committed and talented as she is, deserves a team that waits for her,” Sonam says.

What was it like being directed by a man on a film that is about women and produced by women? “It was Shashanka who came up with the idea with Rhea and they conceptualised it together. He has directed me in Khoobsurat, but first and foremost, he’s the creator of one of my all-time favourite films, Quick Gun Murugan. He’s a master of dramedies. You’ll know when you see our new film,” Sonam says.

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; December 16, 2017)

It’s one-and-a-half years since we last met Sonam Kapoor. But nothing has changed, except that she has more films lined up for release. We recently caught up with the glamorous actress while she was getting her hair and make-up done before walking the runway for Blenders Pride Fashion Tour. What followed was a candid chat on life, movies and her choices. Known to be unabashedly honest, Sonam reveals why she doesn’t like being called a fashionista and how A-list heroes supporting a woman-centric production is the need of the hour. Over to her...

People call you a trendsetter and a fashionista whereas you don’t like being called one...
(Laughs) Yes, I don’t like that term. I feel it’s more important to be stylish than to be a fashionista. I find that term a little arbid as it doesn’t make sense. To have a sense of style is completely different from following fashion blindly. That's the difference. As soon as you are authentic and an individual, you don't need to project an image. I am just being myself, which is why it's easy. Everybody curses me for dressing up (laughs). I always tell them that if they want to do it or not, it's up to them.

What's your take on this whole revolution of airport looks and gym looks that have taken over social media today?
I just do what I feel like doing. It’s important to be original and authentic. I have never aspired to get a look and I’ve always been like this. You can see at any time, any point, I will be dressed the way I want to be dressed like. It’s never going to be for other people but for myself.

All your forthcoming films such as Pad Man, the Sanjay Dutt biopic, Veere Di Wedding and Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga are from different genres. Is it a conscious move?
It’s not a planned move. When I sign something, I don’t look back and think I can’t sign something similar. I just believe in doing the right thing. Everybody thinks I’m really smart, but I’m not. (Smiles)

Veere Di Wedding, much like Aisha, is a chick flick...
(Cuts in) Don’t call it that! It’s so bad. There’s no such thing as chick flicks. Do you call a hero’s film a stud film? No, right? It’s so tacky.

How different will Veere... be from Aisha?
Veere... is very different from Aisha. It has been eight years since that film happened. Then, there was Khoobsurat as well. Veere… is not just about one girl. There are four girls in the film. It’s about coming-of-age of women at large. In Aisha, it was just me as the lead. Over here, there are four leads.

But there's hardly any A-list hero doing a film led by a heroine...
I hope that changes very soon. Because if it's a female-driven film, like Khoobsurat, we need to ask Fawad (Khan) to come and do it. Unfortunately, that is the scenario right now. I guess women need to stop saying yes to films where they don't have anything to do. Having said that, it is definitely hard to cast an A-list actor in films that have women in lead roles.

There have been few exceptions though, in case of Dear Zindagi and Secret Superstar...
Shah Rukh (Khan) had the guts to do Dear Zindagi. And I think it's pretty amazing because he was fabulous in the film and got so much acclaim for it. Fawad became such a huge star after Khoobsurat. A lot of the boys don't understand that when you become a woman's favourite, you are on the right way. When women understand that you're like a Colin Firth or a Hugh Grant, you become a huge star. When women like you and want you, that loyalty doesn't go away.

But for a film that has four heroines, how important is it for you to have an equation with each other? Would you ever do a film with an actress whom you don't like?
It's important for you to get along with any co-star, regardless of it being a man or woman. It's all about the chemistry and being on the right page with your co-star. After all, acting is all about reacting. Sometimes to improvise, you need to understand each other. If you don't, then it's extremely difficult because you need to be a fantastic actor to pretend to like somebody. I can't. And fortunately, the Veere cast loves each other, so it hasn’t been an issue at all. Otherwise, it would have been a huge disaster.

Your role in the Sanjay Dutt biopic is more of a cameo. Does screen time matter at all?
Screen time makes no difference to me, as long as I have something to do in that much time. I won't play just a hot girl in a song. I won't be doing such a role because it will be a waste of my time. But if I'm playing a Biro or Bittu, I would rather do that because there's an arc to the character and it makes a difference to the story. It's not about the screen time but what you do in that screen time. I'd rather do that than three songs and two scenes in a film.

Sonam Kapoor talks about the misconception that female-driven films can’t be fun
Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; January 30, 2017)

Sonam Kapoor has not been on a film set for over a year now. She is probably missing it, but that’s an actor’s life. Her closest rival Deepika Padukone didn’t even have a release in 2016. Sonam was to start work on her home production Veere Di Wedding, which was pushed to this year. The film kicks off now in May. Meanwhile, the actress has been basking in the glory of her last performance (and awards) for Neerja. Here, she talks about her upcoming films, insecurities, rivalry and equal pay for women. Read on....

Losing to Alia at Screen
If I haven’t won it, then I believe that it was what they thought was the best. That’s up to Star Screen. I was not offended. I am just excited to be nominated, it makes me feel really good. I don’t know if it’s important, but it does make you feel good about yourself. If the audience thinks I deserve to win, I am thrilled. Getting the audience’s love is all an actor craves for. So when they feel I deserve it, it means the world to me. But how can I force someone to give me an award? Maybe other actors can, but that’s not my personality. I don’t think I would change who I am to just win an award. I am really glad that the audiences think I should win, but I also believe it shouldn’t be about winning. It takes away from Neerja and it makes me feel uncomfortable after a point.

Constant reinvention is key
I am very excited about my line-up of films. I wanted to do interesting projects which are different. It’s important to keep changing the tracks and finding new ways to reach out to your audiences. What’s important is to keep reinventing yourself. The fact that there are four women in a project is amazing and I am super-excited about it. Bebo, Swara, Shikha and I are all excited about Veere Di Wedding. We are working very hard to make Veere a fun, successful film which everybody can watch.

Why so serious?
I don’t like the term ‘women-centric’ films at all. I don’t understand why people think that strong female characters can’t be fun. Why is it not commercial? It is important to realise that we can also do that. With Aisha and Khoobsurat, that’s what we were trying to do. Just because it’s helmed by a girl, it doesn’t have to be a serious film or it has to be a film that is not beautiful-looking or isn’t glossy. Khoobsurat encouraged us in the way that it made us realise that we can have great films with great directors and great songs. But it can also be a happy film at the end of it all and it can have women who are commercially viable actors.

Enough insecurities
See, there are a lot of insecurities that people go through. We are not competing with each other. Rather, we are just competing with ourselves trying to better our previous work. It’s important for women to support other women, especially in a patriarchal society like ours. That’s the only way we can go forward, not by being stupidly competitive with each other and pulling each other down. For Veere..., Kareena and I hope that we can change that perception.

Kapoor-Kapoor connect
Our families have been friends for three generations now. That’s reason enough for us to be as close. I am so glad that we bond so famously well. Her dadi and my dadi are best friends. Raj (Kapoor) sir and my grandfather used to work together. Our families have been very, very close and I don’t think that should ever change. The way Bebo and I think, there’s no negativity. The way we live our lives or even our perspective towards life in general, is very similar. We like to have fun and at the same time, bring in some integrity to our work or a film we are a part of. And above all, we are very straightforward.

Not on equal footing
Definitely, in this industry, there is a pay disparity. Women, no matter how successful they have been, in the past one year or more, are still not given the same respect and the monetary compensation they deserve.”

Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; January 3, 2017)

Given that he commenced his decade-old musical journey with Punjabi tracks, Badshah grew to fame up North rather quickly. But it was only after delivering the hit track 'Saturday Saturday' from 'Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania' (2014) that the rapper established his name across the country. In three years, he has already graduated to judging a musical reality show ('Dil Hai Hindustani'). In a candid chat with hitlist, Badshah talks about finding his place in the industry and choosing his words correctly.

Is Bollywood difficult to fit into?
It's extremely difficult. The pressure is immense. People get bored easily. You won't even know that you are out of the industry if you are living in a bubble.

Tell us something about your struggling days.
I never thought my life was a struggle; it has been a journey. It becomes a struggle when you stop enjoying it. I only wanted to sing. But people try to take advantage of you when you are new.

You have survived a phase of depression. How did you overcome that?
Mostly through medicines. I think a lot of people in India get depressed because they are forced to do things against their will. In fact, Shaheen (Bhatt) and I were discussing it during the Dream Team Tour that we need to come up with a platform where people can freely talk about this.

Was anyone from your family associated with the entertainment industry?
My father had run away from home to become a hero. He struggled for two weeks before returning. I came to know about this recently, and I ragged him endlessly about it.

Have you ever been forced to do music that you didn't like personally?
Yes, a couple of times. I give them my opinion but they take it at their risk. Some people want to follow a formula. People wanted me to make songs like Abhi Toh Party Shuru Huyi Hai (Khoobsurat, 2014) since that did well. For the longest time, I gave into it. But I've decided against doing a track I don't like. Initially, I did compromise, but no artiste should have to do so.

Several rap songs tend to sexualise women. Do you have any restrictions in doing them?
My raps don't have that and if they're doing well then they must be hitting the right chord. My aim is never to hurt sentiments, knowingly or unknowingly. There is a fine line between vulgarity and wit. It's difficult being a lyricist in today's time.

Lakshmi V (BOMBAY TIMES; October 21, 2016)

A road trip/chick flick with the three actresses is on Mirzya debutante Saiyami Kher’s wishlist
Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; August 20, 2016)

Mirzya debutante Saiyami Kher has her head firmly on her shoulders. She’s acutely aware of what it means to be a newcomer in a young industry and already has someone she looks up to among the Gen-Y actresses: Alia Bhatt.

She says, “I am a newcomer about to take the first step. At this point, I don’t think there’s anyone like Alia. She’s a terrific performer. Then again, she was lucky enough to have had Karan Johar and Imtiaz Ali for mentors. The director is always the main pillar of a film because it’s his vision. I couldn’t have asked for anyone better than Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra.”

She admits to loving chick flicks, but rues that we don’t have much to show for in the genre here. “But I think Sonam did a fab job with Khoobsurat,” she feels.

Given a chance, would she take up a chick flick next? “Why not, I would love to do it, if offered one,” she affirms. Ask her to pick the gang of girls she wants to star with and pat comes the response. “I would love to work with Alia, Shraddha Kapoor and Parineeti Chopra. A cool road trip film with Zoya Akhtar directing it would be super awesome,” she signs off.

Fawad Khan talks about dealing with his fans, movies and life beyond it
Harshada Rege (DNA; March 17, 2016)


A two-year break after Khoobsurat? Why too choosy?
There were some very interesting things that came my way, but I just felt that I wanted to try something that was in the space of Kapoor & Sons. It just fell in my lap one day. I immediately knew that this is what I was looking for. With Khoobsurat, I was just testing the waters, with Kapoor & Sons, I have exercised more freedom as an actor that has helped me get more comfortable and confident. This will help me for the roles I choose henceforth. I am more at ease now.

You agreed to act in a movie with Dharma protégés Sidharth Malhotra and Alia Bhatt. Not insecure?
I think you are insecure when you don’t know your job well. And I think I know mine pretty well. I am not saying that I have never been insecure at any point. Actors are insecure creatures. But I chose to ignore that feeling, because if I let it get on my nerves too much, I’ll not focus on the work at hand and that will make my work suffer. With insecurity comes paranoia and with paranoia comes irritation.

You guys were stationed in Coonoor to shoot for a long time, is that a good way for an actor to shoot?
Outdoor shoots are amazing. That’s where you get to bond with one another as actors. That is essential for the kind of camaraderie that you expect for a movie like this. That’s the kind of education I crave. Staying at one place with the entire crew allows you to understand the workings and that’s the kind of exposure every human being should have.

Is it necessary for you to get along with your co-stars?
It’s absolutely necessary to have some amount of comfort level with your co-actor. If you don’t have that comfort level, it’ll take you time to get to the same point. It’s best to break the ice and get to know the person.

What kind of a role do you play in your family? Are you the crisis handler or the black sheep?
I am the one who panics. And the person I turn to, is my wife. She is the one who handles everything. She says, ‘I have two children, one is our eight-year-old son and the other is you.’

A lot of actors started out with a no-kissing clause, but they changed their mind over the years. Will you ever be open to it?
I don’t see that happening in the near future, but again, there’s an interesting thing that I learnt from Sonam (Kapoor). She said, ‘Never say never.’ So I’ll follow that, but I don’t foresee it happening anytime soon.

You get a lot of female attention, are you now used to it?
I am still shy about it. It still makes me blush, but I chose to be a little unaware of it. That’s because the more you become aware of it, the more you start craving it. And I feel that my craving won’t help my career. It’ll just take away my concentration and I’ll constantly be thinking about how to please these people more. Then that kind of corrupts your craft. I prefer to be slightly unaware, so that ek toh sar pe na chadh jaaye aur doosri baat yeh ke kaam mein dhyaan laga rahe. I am thankful to them; it’s not that I am not aware of my fans. But the amount of adulation and adoration that I get, I like to give it only that much thought.

How does your wife Sadaf deal with all the female attention coming your way?
She is fine with it. She is a very sensible woman and a lady in the true sense of the word. She only gets uncomfortable when someone tries to intrude our space... that’s the thing she gets irritated with. Otherwise, she’s completely fine with it.

Does she get to travel with you when you are shooting here?
My wife accompanies me whenever she can, and I would rather have her with me all the time, but because I have an eight-year-old son who is in school, it’s not possible. I end up missing out on a lot of time with them and that’s probably the saddest part of this whole process.

Are long-distance relationships difficult to handle?
Ab toh shaadi ho gayi hai. Ab toh long time relationship ho gaya hai, long-distance ya jo bhi marzi keh lo. Wahan se rassi aayegi aur pakad ke le jaayegi mujhe.

You have your own clothing brand, how involved are you with it?
It’s completely my wife’s brainchild. She is the entrepreneur and brains behind it. She is the one who gets all the work done. From setting up the ada, the tailor. Bas logo designing ke waqt main thoda baitha tha, but apart from that it’s her baby.

You are being directed by Karan Johar in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. How was that experience?
He’s amazing as a director. He keeps the energy high on the sets and takes care of everyone’s needs. He gives a lot of individual attention to his actors, which I think is great. He is a terrific director, but more than that what matters the most to me is that he is such a great person.

Considering the unstable equation between India-Pakistan, have you ever felt that you lose out on good roles?
Even if I do, I can’t do anything about it. This is where I become a bit of a believer in destiny. What is destined for you, nobody can take it away from you, and what is not for you, you can run after it all your life, but you’ll never get it. That is my approach. Milna tha toh mil jaata. I am not saying you should not make an effort to get what you need. But the effort should be upto a sane extent, don’t become insane pursuing something...it’s not worth it.

You are a singer too...
I don’t sing anymore. I used to sing in a metal band, many years ago...

Will you be getting back to singing anytime soon?
I am thinking of getting back to it soon. Probably by the end of this year, once I get free from some commitments. I am putting my home studio back together — which I had taken apart — to bring out compositions that I had parked away. But I want to do it in my time. That’s something I’d like to explore, but like I said it will be a very personal space. It will be for people obviously, but it will be something I’ll do in my own time.

One biopic that you’d want to see made?
I would like to see a biopic on the life of Richard Pryor. He is an American comedian who is often called the father of stand-up comedy. If I am not mistaken, he is the reason of the 30-second delay rule in satellite broadcast because his kind of comedy was such that it sometimes offends some people. Saturday Night Live wanted him so bad that they decided to put in a 30-second delay so that they could cut out any offensive stuff. He was born in a brothel and went on to become one of the most successful stars in comedy.

There are lot of movies being made based on sports or sports personalities. What sport biopic do you see yourself in?
Myself? Not really... I am not a sporty person. I used to be in my youth. I used to play a lot of games, but ever since I turned diabetic, I have sort of taken it easy. I need to go to the gym to get into shape. Given an option, I won’t even go to the gym...I am a very unhealthy person.

Most actors and even some actresses are producing their own movies or are producing them, would you consider getting into production?
I have been developing content. If I get a bit free, I would think about it, but right now I have just too much on my plate.

Do you remember a time when you were star-struck? Tell me about that.
It was when I met Amitabh saab while shooting for Khoobsurat. I was star stuck when I met Rishi Kapoor too, but at KBC... uss waqt mauhaul aisa tha... The lights come on, then he walks on the stage... It’s just that whole aura that is built in that moment.

In Khoobsurat, you didn’t have too much dancing to do, will we see you shaking a leg in this one?
Dancing is something I need to work on. I need to get my feet surgically removed and replaced (laughs). Maybe, I need to join a dancing school.

Being a gay icon...
(Cuts in)... Am I? Really? I didn’t know that... That’s flattering...

Being a gay icon, will you be open to doing Dostana 2?
Yes, why not? What’s wrong with that? See we are telling a story, as a person, playing a character and these people live in the world. Let’s accept the fact that they live in this world. I remember there was this friend of mine who had told me this that when this very famous Pakistani actor Zia Mohyeddin...when he played the role of a eunuch at that point of time someone asked aren’t you afraid of playing such a character. He said, ‘I am telling a story of a person who has lived that life and faced those hardships’. It’s not a matter of endorsement. He said, ‘It’s not that I have become one. I am not going to cut my genitals off. And even if I do how does that make me different from any other human being?’ Do they not have a right to live?’ People used to make certain gestures to tease them, but that has changed... Thoda waqt lagega, but log theek ho jaayenge.

Aren’t you playing a gay character in this movie?
You know what they say, ‘Everybody’s gay...’ (laughs)

What was the most challenging part about this role?
I kind of fell in love with this character. In all honesty, if and when there are some aspects like that associated with being gay... to capture those nuances would be very challenging. If that were the case, but over all it’s been pretty easy.

After Kapoor & Sons and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil Hai what’s next?
I am in talks for a few movies, let’s see what shapes up.

Have you signed Reema Kagti’s Mr Chaalu?
No, I haven’t signed that film, that’s at a much later stage. But yes, we did talk about it. The female lead actor that they wanted wasn’t available at that time, so they decided to wait.

Your Humsafar co-star Mahira Khan is making her debut in Raees, considering how popular your pair was, if given an opportunity what kind of a film would you want to do with her in Bollywood?
If I was to do a second project with her now I would like us to be antagonists to one another. There’s this movie about a blind woman. Three men enter her house and try to locate some diamonds. One of the guys starts harassing her. She ends up killing him. End mein jeet aurat ki hi hoti hai, but I’d like to play a villain in that kind of a story. Something like that would completely surprise people.

The fashionista gets candid about awards and contemporaries
Subhash K Jha (DNA; February 26, 2015)


She says, “The fact that I was nominated was more than enough for me. Kangana Ranaut gave a far more mature performance in Queen. Her role was far more resonant than mine. If I was a jury member, I’d give her the award.”

She is all love and praise for her contemporaries calling Priyanka Chopra’s act in Mary Kom the year’s other stellar performance. “Kangana in Queen and Priyanka in Mary Kom were the two best performances in any Best Acting (Male or Female) category, hands down,” she notes.

She reserves special praise for Tabu, who won awards in the Best Supporting Actress category. She insists, “By no means was she the supporting actress in Haider. According to me, the part played by Shraddha Kapoor was the supporting role. Tabu was the film’s lead.”

Calling her part in Khoobsurat a “comic role”, she expressed disappointment that “comedy is not looked on as a serious genre.” She adds, “The fact that I was nominated was more than enough for me. And while I was given an award for Best Performance in a Romantic Comedy, I wonder why only dramas are taken seriously at awards. If I was still noticed and recognised for Khoobsurat, I am happy with that.”

The Kapoor girl on award picks, performances, career choices and challenging roles
Srishti Dixit (DNA; January 21, 2015)


How important is winning an award?
Any kind of recognition is nice. Honestly, to be awarded for a comic and romantic role is really sweet. I don’t know if I believe in it or not, just that it feels nice to be recognised for what you do.

Aamir Khan and Kangana Ranaut boycott awards. Think good actors skipping awards is becoming a new statement?
Even Salman Khan has steered clear of awards shows for quite a few years now, Everybody wants to do what they feel is right. I believe that as long as you stand for something, that’s great. It’s important, to have one’s own opinion.

Who do you feel delivered the best performances this year?
I felt Kangana’s and Tabu’s performances in Queen and Haider respectively, were amazing. But one of my favourite performances this year has to be Anushka Sharma in PK. It’s not the easiest performance, but she did it so effortlessly. Some people don’t recognise that. Anushka deserves awards this year.

Alia Bhatt, Shraddha Kapoor and other younger actresses attained popularity far quicker than you did. Regret any choices you made?
No, I don’t regret anything. Everything is a learning experience and I am in a very happy place right now. I feel like I have made amazing career choices this past year and made some of the greatest friends in the industry and I’ve got some great work happening for me.

Ever feel you’re not being offered challenging roles?
No, I don’t think so. Everything from Khoobsurat to Dolly Ki Doli to Prem Ratan Dhan Payo is quite challenging.

The Dolly Ki Doli actress on similarities with her latest role, her co-stars, her film choices and working with the Khans
Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; January 16, 2015)

Looking pretty as a peach in an off-shoulder dress, Sonam Kapoor is all charged up to take on the world with her upcoming film Dolly Ki Doli. The actress has had a good run at the box office with Raanjhanaa, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and Khoobsurat. Raanjhanaa became the first of her films to reach the Rs 100 crore mark followed by Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. Sonam considers Raanjhanaa to be the turning point in her career as people started taking her seriously after that. But no, being a Rs 100 crore heroine is not what the leggy actress is aiming for. She would rather do a small budget film that romps home comfortably. The bottom line, as she says, is the film should make profits. And having a home production, Sonam can rattle off figures easily to make her point. Over to the spunky actress who tells it like it is...

You’ve worn bridal outfits in a couple of films earlier, but this film revolves around you as a bride. Does it feel surreal?
No, it’s a role. I have changed eight bridal outfits in a day for Dolly Ki Doli! Eventually, they are all costumes and I play a fake bride, a con bride (smiles). It’s not like I am actually getting married! I think it’s only when you are really getting married that you feel stressed.

How much of Sonam is there in Dolly?
I am not from North India and I am not conning people! But the one thing similar to Sonam and Dolly is both of them are unapologetically themselves. They are not afraid of being who they are.

How was it working with Rajkummar Rao and the relative newcomers Pulkit Samrat and Varun Sharma?
Pulkit is the kind who pampers you a lot. He will force you to cheat on your diet chart with this wonderful platter of food laid on his table. He won’t leave you until you try them. He’s got me those chocolate candies which I love. He’s a very chilled out guy. Varun is like a kid. He is my brother’s age. So, I mostly feel like pulling his cheeks. Rajkummar is very intense and a little more serious than these two. But he’s an immensely talented actor.

You have a great sense of humour, would you be a part of AIB’s Roast?
I am sorry, I have never heard of it. I have been working, and not been in town. I have to see it to comment on it. As for being a part of it, it depends on how intelligently it is done.

You are hailed as a fashionista. Does it take away from you as a performer?
I don’t think so. On the contrary, it just adds to my image. Especially after I give good performances and when people appreciate my work, like after Raanjhanaa, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and Khoobsurat.

You were quoted saying that you will never publicise it if you start doing social service. It was reportedly a dig at Deepika Padukone who tweeted that she will be supporting the cause of mental health awareness in 2015..
(Cuts in) I never said that.

What is your equation with Deepika?
Deepika is a colleague who I respect a lot.

Though you have briefly worked with Salman Khan in Saawariya, you are now cast as the romantic lead opposite him in Prem Ratan Dhan Payo. Do you consider working with the Khan trio a benchmark?
For me the benchmark would be doing any film which is made by an amazing director with amazing co-stars. A Sooraj Barjatya film opposite Salman Khan is definitely a high point in my life.

What kind of roles are you looking at?
I have consciously decided to choose roles that do not have me as a pretty face dancing in four songs without any meat in it. I would rather do meaningful roles. The length does not matter. I had a 25-minute role in Delhi 6, but still Bittoo’s character had a huge impact in the film. I want to try out different genres. Let’s see how it shapes up.

How important is the Rs 100-crore mark to you?
Raanjhanaa had Dhanush and me in it. The budget of the film was different from Khoobsurat. The number of screens it released was much higher. Khoobsurat released in 900 screens as opposed to 3000 screens. So, even if it went houseful for three weeks, it would only make so much as opposed to if it would have released in 5000 screens. It is mathematics. How much you spend on a film also counts. Raanjhanaa was a Rs 35 crore film, Khoobsurat was a Rs 12 crore film. Ranjhanaa is a multiplex film as well as a single screen film. Khoobsurat is only a multiplex film for youth. Dolly Ki Doli is a little different from Khoobsurat because maybe we are releasing it in 200 more screens. It has got a different audience appeal. So technically, it’s not whether you make Rs 100 crore or Rs 20 crore with your film, the bottom line is whether your film manages to make huge profits. It does not matter to me as long as it’s a hit film.

Amaal Mallik talks about composing Sooraj Dooba for Roy
Kasmin Fernandes (BOMBAY TIMES; January 9, 2015)

Singer Armaan Malik is enjoying the reactions to Naina from Khoobsurat
Kasmin Fernandes (BOMBAY TIMES; January 2, 2015)

Ankur Pathak (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 26, 2014)

Fawad Khan, who wooed Indian audiences with his turn as a royal in Shashanka Ghosh's Sonam Kapoor-starrer Khoobsurat, will be playing a similar role in his next, an adaptation of Anuja Chauhan's book Battle For Bittora.

A source told Mirror, "The film was initially offered to Abhinay Deo, but it didn't work out with him. It's now fallen in Shashanka's lap and he is currently working on the script. He's writing it with Sonam and Fawad in mind. The team has also spoken to a studio and they intend to put the film on floors early next year."

The source added that Fawad will essay the role of Zain Altaf Khan, the scion of a North Indian royal family who mixes good-looks with idealism and ambition for a political career.

When contacted, Shashanka said, "We're currently working on the screenplay and should start the film next year." When we asked him how true the film will be to the book, he said, "The source material is pretty great in itself so we are retaining most portions of it. The film will be set in the Northern hinterland and will show an interesting conflict between two very different characters."

Although Shashanka refused to give any more details, our source said, "Fawad had a two-film contract with Rhea Kapoor. With Shashanka on board, it is the same Khoobsurat team all over again."