Showing posts with label Krishna Shroff. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Krishna Shroff. Show all posts
Karan Veer Mehra on Tiger Shroff firing: "I thought it was firecrackers, then people shouted goli chal gayi!"
4:53 PM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; October 20, 2026)
Actor Tiger Shroff escaped gunshot injuries after three motorcycle-borne assailants opened fire at his car near Pushpa Park in Juhu on Sunday evening (October 18). His driver and an autorickshaw driver were injured in the incident. Karan Veer Mehra, who plays football with Tiger every Sunday, was at the venue and was travelling in the car right behind the actor’s when the firing took place.
Recalling the frightening moments and the confusion that followed, Karan shares, “We were playing football, as we do every Sunday. I was right behind Tiger’s car, clicking pictures with some kids, when I heard a loud, sharp sound. Given the festive season, one would imagine it was firecrackers bursting. However, people soon started shouting, ‘Goli chal gayi!’ as Tiger sped away in his car. Someone shouted that Tiger had been shot at. I left my car behind and ran outside to see what had happened. I saw bloodstains on the road.”
Karan says the situation was particularly alarming because he had been standing close to the actor moments earlier, and the people around them were initially unsure about what had happened.
He adds, “Tiger drove off to the Santacruz police station. I followed him, but we had to drop off our friends’ kids, who were attending a birthday party at the venue. On the way back, I spoke to Tiger, who told me, ‘Everything is fine. Don’t come. They have sealed the hospital.’ I drove past Nanavati Hospital and went back home.”
While Karan was relieved that Tiger was safe, the incident left him shaken, especially after he learnt that the actor’s driver had been injured.
He says, “Tiger’s driver was injured and got out of the car. He couldn’t drive, so Tiger took the wheel. Tiger must have been hit by glass shards. I was in touch with him until last night and also spoke to his sister, Krishna. It has been traumatizing for everyone. I was absolutely terrified, to be honest.”
Recalling their regular Sunday football sessions, Karan points out that Tiger often steps out to meet fans and click pictures, making him grateful that the actor did not follow that routine on this occasion.
He says, “Tiger usually goes to the gate to click pictures, and I am glad he didn’t do that yesterday. I have seen videos of those men standing almost at point-blank range and shooting at his car. Thank God, nothing major happened. Luckily, the windows were tinted, so they couldn’t aim at him.”
Karan also expresses disbelief that someone would target the actor, whom he describes as focused on his work and fitness and respectful towards others. “Why would somebody attack this guy jo na lene mein na dene mein, na party mein, na controversy mein? Apna kaam karta hai, fitness mein rehta hai and he is so respectful towards everyone,” he says.
The media would post my pictures and I would read really mean comments-Krishna Shroff
9:26 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; March 14, 2026)
For years, Krishna Shroff stayed away from the camera that followed her famous family. The daughter of Jackie Shroff and sister of Tiger Shroff says growing up under public scrutiny left her battling deep insecurities — something that made the idea of being in the spotlight feel impossible. Today, however, she is embracing it on her own terms. With appearances on reality shows like Khatron Ke Khiladi 14 and Chhoriyan Chali Gaon, Krishna is carving a space for herself in non-fiction television.
The turning point, she says, came when she discovered fitness. “Once I found my love for the gym, everything changed,” Krishna says, explaining how training transformed not just her body but her mindset.
“People don’t realize the gym is not just about physicality. It goes hand in hand with how you feel mentally. It instilled confidence in me and gave me a sense of security I never had growing up,” she adds.
That new confidence pushed her to take risks—especially as an entrepreneur. "Building a business is not an easy feat. It's years of work, but eventually I got there. I always used to say I want to be an entrepreneur because I don't want to work for anyone. But when you have something that's your own, the work never stops. The phone never stops ringing. You give so much more."
Krishna, stepped into the world of Mixed Martial Arts and launched her own fitness brand. She also co-founded Matrix Fight Night (MFN) with Tiger and her mother Ayesha Shroff.
Her childhood, she recalls, was marked by harsh public commentary. As an overweight teenager often photographed alongside her father, Krishna says online criticism shaped her self-image.
“I had a lot of insecurities growing up. The media would post my pictures and I would read really mean comments. At that age, what people say becomes your reality. I was so sure I never wanted to be in front of the camera,” she says.
Away from work, Krishna credits much of her personal growth to her partner, Afghan MMA fighter Abdul Azim Badakhshi. The two have been together for five years. “I don’t like the word boyfriend,” she says. “He’s my partner and a huge motivating factor in my life. I’m very chaotic and he’s calm and grounded, so we balance each other perfectly,” she says.
Tiger Shroff has given a lot to his craft. He works on it thoroughly-Krishna Shroff
11:14 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 16, 2025)
Krishna Shroff has recently found her footing in the reality TV space. The sister of Tiger Shroff and daughter of Jackie Shroff took her time figuring out her true calling. Certain that she did not want to enter films like the rest of her family, she discovered her passion in the world of fitness and MMA.
Talking about how her life unfolded, Krishna says, “It used to make me feel miserable. I come from a family of successful people. I didn’t want to be that privileged, spoiled kid who lives off daddy and mommy’s name, fame and money. Independence is power. I am grateful, but I knew very early on that I needed to break away and be my own person. I have a very alpha thought process and personality, so I’m not okay just being in the background or being a side character. I love having that main-character energy. That phase where I was figuring out what to do in life was hard. But I did find fitness at that time. The gym became my therapy. It gave me discipline and focus, and I channelled all that frustration in a very positive way.”
In an earlier conversation, Krishna had mentioned that she never wanted a career in films because the industry gives a lot but takes away much more. Elaborating on that thought, she says, “My father is a lot more free-spirited than my brother. Success or failure doesn’t really matter to him as much as it matters to my brother. My brother has given a lot to his craft. He works on it thoroughly. He doesn’t have a social life. Even on his days off, he is working on his body. For someone like me, I need balance in life. I’m happy to work hard, but I also need my long vacations. I want to explore cultures, etc.”
Krishna, who was last seen in the reality show Chhoriyan Chali Gaon, recently launched her own fitness brand. Reflecting on her journey into fitness, she says, “My brother got into fitness at a very young age. I got into it much later. I would always look at him doing these things, and it was very inspiring. So he has definitely been the pioneer of fitness in our family.”
If I don’t shake up things and see what is there for me, I will get stuck-Sumukhi Suresh
8:02 AM
Sumukhi Suresh on the need to experiment beyond the comedy circuit with reality show ‘Chhoriyan Chali Gaon’
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; August 12, 2025)
One would never expect stand-up comedian Sumukhi Suresh to sign up for a Hindi reality show. But she did. So, we caught up with her right before she left on this social experiment to know why. After The Royals, the comedian — who also wrote Pushpavalli (2017–2020) and CTRL (2024) — says she was keen to shake up her life. And Chhoriyan Chali Gaon made her “nervous.” In conversation with mid-day, Suresh talks about her daring decision, her plans to catch the heart of a gaon ka chhora, and her next script. Excerpts from the interview.
Your career trajectory is vastly different from your fellow comedians. How did you settle from stand-up to a Hindi reality show?
I’m doing television. Can you believe it? I’m genuinely very excited because it has been so long since I did something new and [something that makes me] nervous. Literally everyone I know has been surprised by my decision. Just a day [before coming on board], I was going through full-blown panic, thinking, what am I doing with my life? While everyone feels I am doing so many things, I don’t register it.
So how long did it take for you to say yes to this?
I said yes instantly. Because honestly, it is time. If I don’t shake up things and see what is there for me, I will get stuck. As stand-up comedians, we are so comfortable bombing and also doing well in our crowd that I don’t know — how can I even reach the next level? A lot of good comedians have done their fair share of things. Like Vir [Das] has done movies, stand-up, then there is Zakir [Khan], who has done his own TV show. Be it Tanmay [Bhat] or [Gursimran] Khamba, they’ve all explored. So, I believe it is time to see what is out there for me to understand what kind of artiste I am.
How do you decide that this is your next move?
This scared me the most. Look at all the contestants, everyone is so comfortable in their skin here and my skin is the only different one here. So, I thought of trying it. Even if I fail, it’s fine. But I want to make sure that I do it well and see if my personality can be something that is interesting to watch.
So are you prepared to give up the comforts of the city and bear the heat?
So yes, I know the bathroom woes are going to be raw, and I am scared. I haven’t carried toilet paper like others — guess I will take someone’s help. I don’t think too much. I will manage with the Indian washroom or whatever there is. I have been doing lots of squats in the gym because I didn’t know anything about the show. All I know is that it is going to be physically gruelling. I have been working out, but nothing like the femme fatales like Krishna [Shroff] and Erika [Packard]. Plus, they all know acting. In front of them, I am like a two on 10, but I’ll at least look good. As for the heat, I am from Nagpur, so it’s fine. All my skincare is sorted. I am carrying my clothes, and most importantly, my coffee. That’s the one thing I am attached to and want. This is going to be intense and insane. If I don’t lean into it completely, then I am not doing it for the right reason. It is going to be like the boot camp that refreshes me. Maybe, I’ll come back as a brand new person.
What was the reaction of your circle? Will Tanmay have a special podcast on it?
Everyone’s really startled. But to be fair, some of them have said they will see it and [are sure] it will be entertaining. The comics have been wishing me luck and adding, ‘This is going to be terrible.’ I feel like Tanmay will avoid this. He avoids triggers.
Any plans to capture the heart of a gaon ka chhora?
I already have plans. As everybody knows, I’m as Hoemonal [her stand-up show] as a fox. And I’m not an elitist at all.
What’s next for you?
Well, I’m done with my Hoemonal tour in India. I’ve closed my India tour, but I’m doing shows in the UK and then the US. I’ve written two interesting movies. One is a revenge comedy, the other is a frothy family comedy. I’ve also written dialogues for a movie that he’s [Vikramaditya Motwane] directed already. It’s too good and fun — it is a lust comedy.
I was an overweight kid, who was thrown into the limelight when I’d go out with my father. People are cruel-Krishna Shroff
9:24 AM
From battling weight issues with fitness to not following in actor-father Jackie’s footsteps, entrepreneur Krishna Shroff talks about travelling the road less taken as she joins Khatron Ke Khiladi 14
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; May 28, 2024)
She could have taken the usual road traversed by star kids—grow up and pursue acting. But Krishna Shroff was clear that it was not her calling. She considers herself the blacksheep of the family, who has defied the expectations people had from her as she was Jackie Shroff’s daughter and Tiger Shroff’s sister. But she would rather be her authentic self than give in to people’s expectations.
After finding her purpose by opening her own mixed martial art studio, she is now set to make her television debut with Khatron Ke Khiladi 14 (KKK 14). In conversation with mid-day, Krishna talks about her journey from an overweight and under-confident teenager to finding her own voice, and her family’s reaction to her decision of joining the show. Edited excerpts from the interview.
Is this the first time that Khatron Ke Khiladi was offered to you?
No, this is the second time the makers came to me. Two years ago, when they first approached me, I wasn’t very confident or secure enough in myself to feel that I could put myself out there. Fast forward to [today], I’m in a different place in terms of how I feel about myself and from within. I’m ready to let the world know who I am.
How did you build your confidence in the two years?
It has to do with age and experiences. I’ve come into my own now. I’m secure with the businesses that I run. [KKK 14] is not something that I need; it’s something I want, and that’s what makes me comfortable going through with it. I’m looking forward to seeing how much more I can push myself, not just physically, but also mentally because it’s a game that [tests your] mental strength. Many contestants in the past have overcome many things with the power of the mind.
A Shroff, an entrepreneur, fitness enthusiast, actor—which role do you identify with most?
An entrepreneur. I’m blessed to wake up and do what I love every single day. Many don’t have that liberty or that pleasure. I love being my own boss and doing things on my own terms. I’m blessed with the platform I have because of my family and the name that they have in the industry. It’s given me the security to do what I feel passionate about. I’m happy with what I’ve been able to do away from the family legacy that I come from. [I am now trying to] create my own identity in the fitness world.
Was there ever any pressure to follow in your father and brother’s footsteps?
People think I’m absolutely crazy for not taking the opportunity [to act]. But there’s a world beyond it. The pressure definitely hit me when I was a teenager. At that age, you’re influenced easily by outside noise and opinions. I felt like that this is something I have to do because people are expecting me to do it. That’s when I got my bachelor’s degree in film production. I came back to India, assisted on a few of my brother’s movies. That is exactly when I realized this is not what I want to do. From there, I was not going to waste any more time giving in to what people expect from me. I found fitness about seven years ago, and it was the most liberating and empowering feeling. Two hours in the gym feel like therapy.
How did fitness help you?
No matter what was going on in my life, I was focused. Seeing how far I was able to push myself week after week had a direct impact on my mind. It gave me a newfound sense of confidence I didn’t necessarily have growing up because I was an overweight kid, who was sometimes thrown into the limelight when I’d go out with my father. People are cruel. Reading criticism at such a young age was a lot. I was able to channelize that in a positive way through fitness. People need to be a little more mindful. While I was able to take it in a positive way, a lot of people won’t and [probably] can’t.
What were the highs and lows of that journey?
There were many days where I didn’t feel like going to the gym or sticking to that diet. But I am so proud of [myself] for sticking with it because no amount of daddy’s fame or money can give this to you. It’s your hard work and it’s you versus you every single day. I was able to overcome that.
To participate in a show like KKK 14, where do you think your strengths lie?
I love challenges. I’ve purposely put myself in uncomfortable positions with my body to see how far I can push my mind to overcome certain things. I believe I’ll be ready for what’s thrown my way. I tend to thrive under pressure and my competitive nature comes out then.
What was your family’s reaction?
My brother got a good laugh out of it. He was like, ‘I can’t believe you’re doing this’. My parents were initially a little hesitant. They asked me if I surely wanted to do it, and I said yes. It wasn’t long until they were 100 per cent on board. I’ve always been the black sheep of the family. I’ve steered away from what everyone expected me to do.
Main joh bolta hoon woh khaneka aur healthy rehneka bhidu-Jackie Shroff
8:27 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; September 28, 2023)
Jaggu dada is loved for his bindaas attitude, swag and charm. But now, people on Insta are lapping up his simple and easy-to-dish-out recipes. A casual video where Jackie Shroff shared his anda-kadi patta recipe (eggs with curry leaves) went viral, post which the actor doled out a few more recipes. Soon, videos of netizens trying their hand at his recipes started doing the rounds. We spoke to Jackie Shroff about the love he’s getting for his culinary skills and the popularity his recipes have garnered.
“Bhai, yeh digital world aisa hi hai, idhar muh khola toh udhar sunayi diya, America mein,” says the actor about the power of social media. Talking about how what’s cooking in his kitchen has been inspiring many, he says, “Did you know that I always wanted to be a chef! And imagine if digital media was there back in the day, then, I would have got a job easily, given how my videos are going viral.”
‘I enter my friends’ kitchens to see what ingredients they use’
Every time he travelled outdoors for shoots, Jackie would cook for his cast members. “I would go to the hotel’s kitchen and see how the food is being made. Not just that, I have a habit of entering my friends’ kitchens to see what ingredients they use, the kind of utensils they use and how they cook. Of course, most of them don’t want me in their kitchen (laughs). When I cook, I ensure that fewer utensils are used, so that less water is utilised to clean them. I enjoy going to Danny (Denzongpa’s kitchen). The food there is nutritious and healthy,” he shares.
‘I follow my mom’s nuskhas to make healthy food’
Shroff’s recipes have become popular as they are easy to make, and he uses a few and simple ingredients. Be it the bhopla (red pumpkin) recipe or the bhindi (okra) dish, those who tried the recipe couldn’t stop raving about it. He credits his mother for his culinary skills.
“From a young age, I have seen my mother cook very closely. I can still smell the aroma of her food. She had her nuskhas to make the food healthy, and I follow those. After all, parents want their kids to be healthy and strong. So, I see to it that the vegetables are not heavily cooked as it destroys all the nutrients. I am happy ki meri recipes dekhke bachchon ko kuch achcha sikhne mil raha hai. I usually do wok fry or steamed recipes... toh main jo bolta hoon woh khaneka aur healthy rehne ka bhidu,” he says.
‘I like making drumstick soup for Tiger and Krishna’
Jackie loves cooking healthy meals for his son Tiger and daughter Krishna. The actor, who finds the process of cooking very calming, says, “I often cook with organic produce from our farmhouse. I like making drumstick soup for my kids, where you boil drumsticks in water using a little ginger and garlic. It is delicious and nutritious. Now, Krishna is learning to cook. Tiger is always on the move and Krishna loves to cook for him. She’s the one who mothers my boy a lot.”
JACKIE’S VIRAL RECIPES
- Kanda Bhindi
- Anda Kadi Patta
- Baigan Ka Bharta
- Bhopla with saunf,jeera and mirchi
Disha Patani is like family to me. We just laugh off these link up stories-Aleksandar Alex
8:23 AM
Model-actor Aleksandar Alex Ilic addresses the rumours linking him to Disha Patani
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; December 11, 2022)
While some called him Disha Patani’s fitness trainer, others believed Aleksandar Alex Ilic to be her security personnel. Recently, there have been rumours claiming that the two are a couple after they were spotted together in Mumbai several times, walking in and out of their favourite restaurants. Talking exclusively to us, Aleksandar, a model and actor, says, “I like how people have been trying to dig deeper and do the guesswork.”
The rumours linking Disha and him started after it was confirmed that the actress had broken up with Tiger Shroff, her boyfriend of many years. Apart from their public appearances, Disha also features in some of Aleksandar’s social media posts, which had people curious about this man being constantly spotted with the Baaghi 2 actress.
‘DISHA AND I WERE FLATMATES’
“We used to live together back in 2015. At that time, she was also with the same agency. Disha, me and a couple of other models were flatmates. We connected really quickly. Fitness is something that we both are passionate about and that helped us bond. So, we started going to the gym together, had lunches and dinners together. Spent a lot of time in the house together. We became close friends,” says Aleksandar, who adds that with time they became each other’s emotional support.
He shares, “Disha has been like family to me. In this competitive field, whenever we felt low, we have been there for each other.”
Aleksandar elaborates, “I am from Serbia and have been living in India for the past seven years. I began as a model and then ventured into acting.” It was during his initial days in Mumbai that he met Disha, who, like him, was new to showbiz.
‘I AM CLOSE TO TIGER AND DISHA’
Talking about Tiger Shroff and his sister Krishna, he says, “We all have practically known each other since the time we all started (in showbiz).” Ask Aleksandar whether the stories linking them have led to any discomfort between them, and he answers with a definite no. When asked about Tiger and Disha’s break-up, he says, “I am no one to comment about anyone else.”
So, who’s he closer to Tiger or Disha? And do they all meet even today? “Well, I am close to both of them, and yes, we do hang out together,” he replies.
Speaking about the way his equation with Disha is being spoken about, he says, “I see how this guessing game has been going on for a few weeks. The thing is that we know the truth. I don’t understand why people need to guess about what is going on? Why can’t they just let other people live their own lives peacefully? We just laugh off these stories.”
‘I STARTED OUT AS A MODEL, BUT I’VE SHIFTED MY FOCUS TO ACTING NOW’
On the work front, Aleksandar began his journey in India as a model, he then veered towards acting. He hopes that, unlike his former career choice, acting does open doors for him. He says, “Seven years ago, things were different in the modelling world here. There was a huge demand for international models for shoots, but now the focus has shifted to Indian models. So, I have shifted my focus to acting now. I did a couple of music videos. My web show released this year. I have shot for a Hindi film, which should come out next year.”
About his experience as an actor, he says, “I had done a TV series in my country before I came here. Of course, acting here is different from what I have done there. I had to watch a lot of movies to pick up the expressions. I love the quintessential Bollywood dramas. I enjoy watching Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s films. I saw Gangubai Kathiawadi twice.”
Aleksandar says that Priyanka Chopra Jonas is his favourite. “Not only can she act well, but also she knows how to hold a conversation well. I enjoyed watching her in Gunday and Fashion,” he shares.
‘IF PEOPLE ACCEPT ME, IT’S GREAT. I AM NOT ADAMANT ABOUT BEING CAST IN LEAD ROLES’
Actresses from other countries have been able to strike a chord with Indian audiences, but the same cannot be said about male actors. Point this out to Aleksandar, and he says, “If they do accept me, it’s great. I am not adamant about getting cast in lead roles. I would like to do interesting and engaging supporting roles too.”
When asked if he has a plan B in mind if his acting career doesn’t pan out the way he desires, he says, “I am passionate about fitness. Disha and I work out together. And that’s why there were speculations that I am her fitness trainer (laughs). She trains like a beast, and I enjoy experimenting with her. I have even finished a course as a trainer, so maybe I can pursue that professionally. But for now, the entire focus is on acting.”
Disha Patani and I are very different from each other but both of us look very good in a bikini-Krishna Shroff
8:01 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; November 11, 2021)
She hails from a film family, yet Krishna Shroff chose to pave a different path for herself, professionally. Unlike her father Jackie and brother Tiger, she is focusing on a career in fitness. In a candid chat Krishna speaks about why she didn’t give acting a shot, side effects of showbiz, her inspiration in fitness, equation with her brother and his rumoured girlfriend Disha Patani. Read on...
You hail from a film family, but you stayed away from films, didn’t you want to pursue a career in acting?
All four of us in the house have such different personalities. As individuals, we are very strong-minded in terms of what we want. We only follow our passion. Acting never attracted me. Even while growing up, when it came to watching content, I have only followed non-fiction. I like watching documentaries, as it expands your knowledge. When people around me expected me to get into films, I went ahead and co-produced a feature-length documentary. In terms of watching movies, I have only seen my dad and my brother’s films. As a kid, I would sneak into my grandmother’s room at night. We would sit up late watching one of my dad’s films every night. I think no one portrays emotions on screen like my father does. I have seen my brother’s film War multiple times. I must say Hrithik Roshan and Tiger really looked great together on screen.
You said people around you expected you to get into movies. Were your parents hoping that you become an actress?
My father, I know, would love it if I became an actress. He doesn’t admit it anymore because he knows the topic irritates me. I feel getting bound to a film is a huge responsibility. It takes up so much of your life. Yes, showbiz gives you so much, but it also takes away a lot more from you. I have seen that with my father and my brother. I feel, it takes away your freedom and you become answerable to a lot of people. Plus, you are bound to a project for months. It works for other people, like my father and my brother are absolutely killing it in the game, but to each their own.
Back in 2017, you worked as an assistant director on the sets of Tiger’s film, Munna Michael, and recently, you were seen in a music video, too.
Well, the music video was just a one-day shoot and the brief was to be myself on camera. Now, don’t even make me remember my days as an AD on Munna Michael! I swear, I will never take up anything like that again. It is good that you get to meet such interesting minds on a film set, but that job is no fun. The only saving grace about that job was that I got to be around Tiger. We created a lot of memories together and when we look back today, it makes us laugh.
How did the fitness bug bite you and inspire you to pursue a career in this field?
The inspiration comes from my brother and my father. Also, the way my parents manage to look even at this age pushes me to focus on my health and body. Since childhood, I was inclined towards being a part of physical activities. At home, sometimes dad and I watch boxing matches on TV together. He is a big believer in yoga. While he follows that, I do more fast-paced activities. When it comes to nutrition, we all turn to dad because he is a stickler for healthy food. He swears by the organic produce. Organic farming is his passion, and he does that at the beautiful piece of land he has near Mumbai where he grows fruits and vegetables.
Off-screen, Tiger comes across as a reserved and shy person. Tell us about your equation with him.
People say that he is a lot like my mother, an introvert, while I am like my father... very bindass and chilled out. If he is comfortable in your company, then he is literally the biggest prankster in the room. At home, we talk a lot. He comes to me for advice on his social media posts, while I discuss my personal life with him. He is not a typical possessive older brother. He is very non-judgemental and understanding. We go to each other before going to anyone else for suggestions or opinions.
How well do you get along with his girlfriend Disha Patani?
At a time where people try to bring each other down, Disha and I always try to lift each other up. It is nice to have such an equation between two women. I feel women don’t like me very much for some reason. So, it is cool to have Disha by my side. I keep telling her that she is like the sister that I never had. Personality-wise, she is more like Tiger. The two of us are quite different from each other apart from the fact that both of us look very good in a bikini (laughs!).
You were open about your last relationship and shared pictures on social media, too. It’s been a year since you have been single. Are you happy in the space that you are in currently?
I am very comfortable right now and believe me, there’s something very empowering about being comfortable. I feel relationships are always tough to handle. You can have the most understanding person in your life, but when there is that level of love and care you get, you are bound to be tested, too. Also, I feel it is hard to find that person who’s 100 per cent supportive of everything you do and is understanding enough because no two people are ever the same.
Social media ka zamaana hai and everybody has an opinion-Jackie Shroff
8:13 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; August 29, 2021)
Today, their image on social media has become as important for actors as their on-screen performances. It allows them to interact directly with the audience and has become a yardstick to gauge their popularity. But, it also exposes them to a lot of negativity, comparisons and judgments.
The situation gets even more distasteful when family members, especially children, are targeted. Recently, we asked Jackie Shroff about how he deals with social media outrage, especially when his children — Tiger and Krishna — are at the receiving end. The actor said that he seldom loses his cool.
He further added, “I take it the way my kids take it. Unki jo feelings hain unko dekhta hoon main bas, aur woh achhi tarah se unn cheezon ko sambhaalte hain. I have always seen Tiger being very respectful, and that’s how it should be. Social media ka zamaana hai and everybody has an opinion. Some people feel happy hurting and pulling down someone, while others use it for constructive criticism, appreciation and spreading positivity. It also reflects on the person... aap kaise hain, aap kisko dard pahunchana chahte hain, kisko giraana chaahte hain ya kisiki tareef karna chahte hain… we can’t stop anyone.”
I was an overweight teenager, and kids are cruel, aren’t they? That stayed with me-Krishna Shroff
8:15 AM
Mixed Martial Arts’ latest champion, Krishna Shroff, says it’s now part of her everyday life after the launch of family’s gym chain coincided with her physical transformation
Aastha Atray Banan (MID-DAY; August 15, 2021)
Krishna Shroff, 28, works out twice a day if she can muster up the energy. “And I always do seem to have the energy,” she quips.
Her day starts at the gym, where she works out for two hours either doing strength training or practising MMA (Mixed Martial Arts). The evenings are reserved for cardio exercises like boxing. It’s no surprise then that she has been looking the way she does, showing off her chiselled abs during heavy lifting in the pictures that populate her Instagram account.
Shroff may not be an actor like her father (’90s hero Jackie Shroff) and brother (action star Tiger Shroff), but she is quite comfortable in the spotlight as she basks in the love of 945k followers.
This, she says, is the result of gruelling discipline. “I was an overweight teenager, and kids are cruel, aren’t they? That stayed with me. At 23, I decided I needed to transform myself. So now, in a way, I am my own inspiration. Once I started off on my fitness journey, it has not just been about a new found confidence in who I am, but also about the focus and calm it has brought to my life. I am now okay with missing out on a boozy brunch or a Saturday night out, just so that I can work out the next day.”
Her fitness ambitions extend beyond herself. Her entrepreneurial venture with Tiger and mother Ayesha, MMA Matrix, a brand of gyms, launched its newest franchise in Lucknow. “We have managed this in the middle of the pandemic, when gyms have been hard hit. I think people believe in our vision. We have believed in my dreams so deeply, that everyone around us can see it’s going to work,” she says.
Shroff’s first brush with MMA was when she saw a fight in Delhi, and admits to getting caught up in the adrenaline. What drew her to the sport was the ability of its practitioners to play with mental strength. “Tiger co-owned a team in a [MMA] league and when I saw the live fight, I was blown away. What a rush! I wondered how the guys in the cage would be feeling. The dream now is to watch an Ultimate Fighting Championship fight internationally.”
When they launched in 2018, Shroff says they grappled with lack of exposure. Across the world, it may be the fastest growing sport, but here in India, awareness was yet to catch up. “People look at it and think it’s a blood sport. The first thing they teach you in MMA is respect. Ever since I started practising, it’s been empowering. As women, it’s so important to be aware of self-defence.”
Shroff has negotiated messages from fans about women losing their oomph value if they lift dead weight. But she thinks, the tide is gradually turning. “I used to get that [reactions] a lot in the beginning. But now, I think most people will agree that being strong is sexy. A lot of my women followers tell me that they are inspired by my transformation, and my body. It’s no longer about being skinny — all kinds of body types are acceptable, and that’s great.”
Having said that, she doesn’t mince words when she admits that it’s tough for a woman to pursue physical strength because of how her body is built biologically. The bloat is real, she laughs. No one seems to ‘see it’. “It’s a mental thing!” she says about how her body transforms during menstruation. “And once fitness becomes part of your lifestyle, you learn to dive into cravings, but with conditions.” You can stop at one cookie, is how she puts it.
Practice what she preaches
- Portion control. Give in to cravings every now and then, but control the quantity of what you eat
- Consistency. Keep going, don’t stop and one day, the results will suddenly show.
- Think positively about your body. Your body feels what you say and think about it. So, be grateful for it. It will blossom.
Comparison with Tiger used to bother me a lot-Krishna Shroff
8:29 AM
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES (July 17, 2021)
Krishna Shroff feels being a star kid is not all glitzy and comes with the burden of constant comparison and the struggle to find one’s individual identity. And with time, she has learnt to take it all in her stride.
Some might know her as the daughter of actor Jackie Shroff, others refer to her as the sister of young action hero Tiger Shroff. She admits at one point that used to bother her, but not anymore. “I’m always the one to look at the silver lining, and who can say they had a brother like Tiger Shroff to grow up with? Or who can say they have that kind of inspiration in their house every day when they wake up?” she says. And she uses that energy to push her limits. “Like they say, ‘You’re as good as the company that you keep’, and I’m blessed to have the company that I have through him”.
Reflecting on her growing up years, Krishna admits, “Being born into this family, you don’t choose to be in the spotlight constantly being judged or spoken about. It is very difficult.”
For a teenager, it’s very easy to get influenced by the starry world of Bollywood. And finding a way to detach is the biggest challenge, but she believes she managed it rather well. “As I grew up and got more comfortable in my own skin, I was able to look past all of that, but I don’t think that’s the case for everyone. It takes a strong individual to block out everything which comes with that life,” says Krishna.
“I’m proud of what my family has accomplished and is still accomplishing. But I didn’t choose that life,” maintains the 28-year-old, who has made her music video debut with Raashi Sood’s song, Kinni Kinni Vaari.
Fitness is something which speaks to her core, and she is leaning on it to find her own identity. “Coming from this family, it’s very hard to get out of that shadow and create anything for yourself. My brother has done a fantastic job. And fitness has given me a little bit of that identity or that individuality. I’ll forever be grateful to it,” she concludes.
I’ve never had an issue being friends with my exes... usually they have a problem with it-Krishna Shroff
8:27 AM
Tushar Joshi | ETimes.in (BOMBAY TIMES; December 24, 2020)
Krishna Shroff, who’s a fitness enthusiast much like her actor brother Tiger Shroff, recently hit headlines when she announced her separation from long-time beau basketball player Eban Hyams. She went on to delete all of their pictures as a couple from her Instagram profile and seems to be moving ahead positively. In an exclusive interaction with ETimes, Krishna opened up for the first time about her break-up.
How is the single life treating you?
It’s actually been amazing. I love the fact that I can focus solely on myself and my businesses now without any distractions or the drama a relationship tends to bring.
Your break-up with Eban got a lot of attention, given that you both were very open about your relationship. Do you want to share what prompted you to go separate ways?
There were many things that eventually led to it, but I’ll keep that private. We both just realised we would be better off as friends as opposed to being in a relationship, so it wasn’t very messy of a break-up at all.
Are you guys in touch, we keep seeing his comments on your Instagram posts...
Yeah, but just not as much anymore. I’ve never had an issue being friends with my exes... usually they have a problem with it.
Are you open to dating again?
I honestly haven’t even thought about that yet since it’s only been a little over a month since my break-up. I’m really enjoying this time to myself and doing the things I love and want to. It’s been refreshing.
What’s your go to break-up song and movie?
I don’t have any. I’m not one to dwell on s**t that happens. I just move on and make the best out of every situation.
What are your three wishes for 2021?
I just want the world to heal up, then we’ll take it from there. I really believe 2021 is going to be my year.
Dad came back home after 45 days looking 10 years younger-Krishna Shroff
8:33 AM
Jackie Shroff spent the first 45 days of the lockdown at his farm; now, daughter Krishna has flown off to Sydney to meet beau Eban
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 31, 2020)
Krishna Shroff’s travel diaries hit a bump when the pandemic forced her to cut short a two-month trip to Dubai and Mizoram, and return home a day before the Coronavirus lockdown was announced, with boyfriend Eban Hyams. After spending some weeks with her family in Mumbai, Eban flew home once travel restrictions were relaxed. On July 15, a lovelorn Krishna air-dashed to Sydney to be with her beau. “I was exempt from the travel ban since I’ve been with Eban, who is an Australian citizen, for over a year,” she shares, adding that Sydney is doing a lot better than Mumbai in terms of getting back to “normal”.“It’s a lot easier to move around here and do things. As their population is a lot less than ours, cases are fewer and under control,” she points out, adding that she is getting to express her love for fitness more freely too. “Not just gyms, Sydney also has a lot of outdoor space for a great workout. One of our most favourite and hardest workouts is to run in the sand dunes. If you think you’re fit, doing this can be a reality check.”
When Krishna was at home with mom Ayesha and brother Tiger Shroff, dad Jackie was stuck in their farmhouse outside of Lonavala. “Dad came back home after 45 days looking 10 years younger,” she asserts, saying the lockdown gave them a chance to revisit their childhood with board games, classic films and dinners together. “Nights were my favourite time of the day, for sure,” she exults.
The supremely fit sibling duo even motivated their parents to join them. “Dad imbibed it naturally while at the farm. Seeing the drastic change in himself motivated him. I found a new workout partner in my mom, who has got back into her fitness routine and is absolutely killing it. Not many are good enough training partners to me but she keeps up,” Krishna applauds. On June 5, Jackie and Ayesha brought in their wedding anniversary and the latter’s birthday with a day-long feast of their favourite food and lots of cake, without the guilt.
Ayesha was chilled out about Krishna’s decision to travel abroad in the present scenario while Jackie was the typical worried dad. “I understand the virus is dangerous, but I wasn’t ready to stop living my life. I’m carrying on with the right precautions,” she maintains.Going by Ayesha’s social media account, the mother was over the moon having her kids together. Krishna, too, enjoyed her time with Tiger considering he has been extremely busy since he entered the industry. “We’ve always been extremely close and this just gave us reason for a million more laughs. Not everyone knows this, but my brother is actually one of the funniest persons. I don’t miss too many people, but he tops the list of the ones I do,” she confides. With Raksha Bandhan around the corner, what are their plans? “I’ve left a rakhi back at home for him, and now I’m looking forward to my present,” she signs off with a chuckle.
It’s difficult to stay at home, but it’s necessary for all of us-Disha Patani
9:31 AM
Disha Patani is utilising her time by pampering her pets, working out, and practising basic dance steps
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 4, 2020)
Actor Disha Patani has been treating her fans to glimpses from her daily life in the Coronavirus lockdown on social media. Be it cuddling with her pets, or sharing nostalgic memories, she is making sure that she doesn’t disconnect altogether.
We ask her how the entire situation has been for her, being holed up inside her house, and she says that this is all too new for her. “I’ve a lot of free time to myself, something that rarely happens because of shooting schedules and travelling around. I’m spending most of the time pampering my pets. And apart from all this, I am also catching up on some movies. I’m also working out at home and practising basic dance routines to keep me occupied,” says Patani.
The 27-year-old had started the year with a successful release — Malang — and was excited for her subsequent biggies. However, due to shoots of all kinds being stopped, her films, too, had to be stalled. “My upcoming film, Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai, with Salman Khan got pushed, and so did the commencement of Ek Villain 2. I am hoping for everything to start soon. It’s difficult to stay at home, but it’s necessary for all of us, so that we can fight the pandemic,” confesses Disha.
Even in this lockdown, her personal life was under the scanner. Reports earlier, did the rounds that Patani is maybe living with her Baaghi 2 co-star Tiger Shroff’s family. And her goofy video on Instagram with Tiger’s sister Krishna added fuel to the fire.
However, Krishna cleared the air and said recently, that Disha isn’t living with them, she just lives close-by. On who else she is in touch with apart from Tiger’s family, all Patani says is, “I’ve been in touch with my family and my team (for work). We do our regular meetings etc., on conference calls.”
Amid the many things she is keeping herself busy with, the actor has also got time to introspect. And here’s the realisation she has come to in the past one-and-a-half months, “Nothing is more important than your and your loved ones’ health. We all need to come out of this pandemic, safely and in good health,” she signs off.
I figured Disha Patani is a cool girl if my brother is spending so much time with her-Krishna Shroff
8:28 AM
Krishna Shroff on bonding with the actress and tiding over lockdown with family but minus dad
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 21, 2020)
Krishna Shroff returned to the city with boyfriend Eban Hyams after a two-month trip to Dubai and Mizoram just before the Coronavirus lockdown started. Even though she misses travelling, Jackie and Ayesha Shroff’s daughter admits home is the best place to be. “As long as we have a roof over our head and food on the table, I can’t complain,” she asserts, adding that Eban is staying with her. “It makes the lockdown easier. I hope he can be with his family when restrictions are relaxed.”Meanwhile, her father is stuck at their farmhouse between Pune and Lonavala. “He went there for the weekend just before the lockdown. It has been tough but we are in touch. He is doing well, the farm isn’t a bad place to be stuck in,” she points out, adding that Jackie has his staff for company.
Being at home has brought Krishna closer to her brother Tiger. “I don’t see him as much as I used to before he joined films. Now, we’re bonding more, having dinner together every day. We hadn’t done that in a while. At night, we play board games,” Krishna exults.
She admits her brother is not introverted, as he may appear to others. “We have a typical sibling relationship, with him teasing me all the time. He has the best sense of humour; it just takes time to understand. We try to help our mother with household chores, but aren’t the best at it,” she chuckles.Recently, Krishna credited Disha Patani for her makeup in a picture. Is the actress living with them? “She isn’t, but she lives close by. We go grocery-shopping sometimes,” Krishna clarifies, saying that they became friends because of Tiger. “He and Disha have been friends for ages. We connected over fitness. Since Tiger is a loner, I figured she is a cool girl if my brother is spending so much time with her,” Krishna signs off.
Eban Hyams didn’t even know Tiger Shroff had a sister-Krishna Shroff
7:58 AM
Actor’s friend and basketball player has found love in Krishna
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 10, 2019)
Krishna Shroff and Eban Hyams have been burning up the social media with their pictures, with him even calling Krishna “wifey” in an Insta story and sending gossip mills into a tizzy. The couple has been dating now for almost four months now, after meeting at Soho House.“I was catching up with a friend of his whom I hadn’t met in a long time, but eventually ended up chatting with Eban,” Krishna reminisces and when prodded on his “wifey” endearments, laughs, “It’s hilarious, just a term. And it’s crazy how there are so many articles saying we were secretly married. Even my mum (Ayesha Shroff) asked me what was going on.”
So, how does her family feel about the relationship? “They don’t interfere much, they trust my judgement. Familes eventually do get involved, but I’d like to take my time and keep it between us for now,” says Krishna, admitting that her mother has met Eban while brother, Tiger has known him for five years. “They have played basketball together a few times, Eban is a pro.”
When asked if Tiger played match-maker, Krishna reveals that Eban didn’t even know Tiger had a sister. Any plans of her beau following her brother into Bollywood? “He’s interested in films, but right now, he’s into sports and makes his own music, including rap, hip hop and R&B. He has worked in projects in LA and Australia,” she informs.
And any plans of taking the plunge and becoming his wifey for good? “It’s only been four months,” she blushes. “We are just living in the moment and enjoying each other’s company.”
After doing 220 films, I’m known as Tiger ka baap-Jackie Shroff
7:58 AM
Jackie Shroff on the best phase of his career, being proud of all that his kids have achieved and reuniting with buddies Sanjay Dutt and Manisha Koirala after 20 years
Hiren Kotwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 4, 2019)
In the Hindi film industry, there are few things as consistent as the unassuming side of Jackie Shroff. When asked how he picks roles today, the 62-year-old actor shrugs, “Pehle dost aate the... A cameraman’s assistant would ask for help, entreating, ‘It’s just two days work, meri life ban jaayegi.’ On occasions, Subhash ji (Ghai) would ask for 10 days and you can’t say ‘no’ to the boss and at times a subject like (Mahesh Bhatt’s) Kaash would come along and I’d do it. So, I did films for friends, for the production house, even for money and that’s still the case today.”He is just as matter-of-fact when taking stock of his career, pointing out that he can fit in anywhere, from the terrorist in Mission Kashmir to the intelligence chief in Romeo Akbar Walter (RAW), from the aiyaash in Devdas to the superstar in Rangeela. “It doesn’t matter if the role is big or small, whether I’m named first in the credits or second. I didn’t care for these things,” he asserts and you recall how often he’s played the hero’s elder brother or best friend. “I never wanted to upstage anyone. Doosre ka pair kaat ke apun lamba banne ka kya matlab hai?”
But wouldn’t things have turned differently if he wasn’t quite so accommodating, you wonder, and he informs that his character in RAW was inspired by the agency’s founder-director RN Kao. “The current RAW chief praised my performance. What more do I want?” Jackie exults, adding with a smile that even South supermo Rajinikanth played his younger brother in Uttar Dakshin. “Sab mere chhote bhai bante the. I’m a Turkish Gujarati, so my bone structure is a little bigger, even Anil’s (Kapoor) face is small.”
In his next, Prassthanam, Jaggu plays Raghu, the royal guard. The film reunites him with the film’s producer and lead actor Sanjay Dutt and actress Manisha Koirala after 20 years. Their last outing was Kartoos. “There was a free flow of energy because for us, it was like picking up from where we had left off. Even though the industry is a small world sometimes it takes years for friends to meet and working together takes even longer. We love each other intensely but don’t need to say it aloud. Ishq ka zyada izhaar karo toh kharaab ho jaata hai,” he maintains.
Over the years, Jackie has acted in around 13 languages, from Bhojpuri, Punjabi, Oriya and Bengali to Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Gujarati and Konkani, and considers the present to be the best phase of his career. “My son (Tiger Shroff) is the youngest action hero in the world and I’m known as Tiger ka baap today. After doing 220 films, I’m known as Tiger ka baap,” the proud father beams, adding, “My daughter Krishna is running her gym, interesting roles are coming my way, what can be better than this?”
Considering that his daughter has assisted on films, why isn’t she pursuing a career in films? “Salman (Khan) wanted to make a film with her, many others also asked, but my daughter is not interested in an acting career,” he signs off.
Yes, I am anti-social because I’m work oriented and obsessed with my goals-Tiger Shroff
7:56 AM
Meena Iyer (DNA; May 2, 2019)
I have observed Tiger Shroff from afar and close. On all occasions, he has been polite but distant. I have often wondered whether one can shake him up a bit, in an attempt to get him to drop his guard. But I let that thought pass. If someone like Karan Johar has failed to make the boy ‘open up’, I’m unlikely to. However, meeting him face-to-face definitely brings me closer to him. At the end of a 15-minute conversation, I know that Tiger will always keep his guard on. He lives with his aspirations, goals and beliefs. And, he honestly doesn’t care whether the media buys into his ideology or not. This baaghi (rebel) knows his cause and no one can come in the way of him and his ultimate goal! Excerpts from a chat with him…
I’m told you don’t bother with competition. You’re rather Zen-like in your approach towards your work.
I am a race horse. I have huge goals and dreams. I do not have time to spend my energy looking left or right. There is no time for detours (read as, see what others are doing) because I have to look straight ahead at the finishing line.
Please share some of your immediate goals...
While growing up, I always looked up to Michael Jackson. Every person in every country, every girl, every boy in the gully knows him. I also admired Jackie Chan, Sylvester Stallone and Bruce Lee. Their stories are so awe-inspiring. These guys have attained great heights in their respective careers. I know until I have reached such heights, I am not going to stop. There has to be an answer, some result to all the work which I put in every single day.
You sound obsessed…
To repeat myself, I have big dreams and big goals to achieve. Since I am constantly living with these thoughts, people may think, ‘Arrey, yeh toh bada introverted ladka hai,’ ‘anti-social hai.’ However, I must tell you that there is a reason behind all this.
Would you say you are anti-social?
Yes, I am anti-social because I’m work-oriented and obsessed with my goals.
How much more can you do with your dancing and fighting?
Well, one can change the environment in which it’s done. There is a trick in the way you approach things. Film on film, you depend on your director’s vision; you always take into consideration what your action-director or choreographer (if it involves dance) has in mind for you.
There are a million things you can do when you physically express yourself. With the help of technology, you can make things appear more dynamic each time. That is the idea. To constantly aspire to do something different.
Will dynamism do it every time?
No, no. You haven’t got what I’m trying to say. There has to be an emotional drive. There has to be incentive for the character to do what he is doing. Like in Student Of The Year 2, my character is initially doing what he is for the love of his life. Later, he ends up doing it for himself and follows his dream.
Anyway, coming back to the initial part of your question, there has to be a story during the course of which I do some action and dancing. It cannot just be — arre, this one is a Tiger Shroff film, so it will be a showreel of action and dance. I have to play the hero with a purpose whether it’s saving the heroine, fighting for my country or taking on the baddies. These are very broad strokes that I am painting, but unless there is purpose, my stunts will not have relevance. There has to be a motivation to everything that I do on screen.
Your contemporaries, Ranveer Singh and Varun Dhawan, have high regard for you. They think you stand out because you have some unique skill sets like your brand of action and dancing style…
Let me start this answer by saying — I hold Varun and Ranveer in the highest regard too. Not in my wildest dreams can I attempt what they do; they are so daring in their experiments. That is what makes them special and unique in their work. They are both super-successful in their own right.
Coming back to me, I am pretty clear about the path I want to take. Some people may even think that I am stereotyped in every role. Honestly, they are missing the bigger picture. I want to be this guy who has this identity, not just here, but across the world for his ability to do a certain thing in the best possible way. Whether it is my action, my dance or whatever else it is, I want to reach world-class standards. Not because I want to be able to brag about it or discuss it with you, but because I genuinely believe in pushing my limits.
So many big filmmakers have sought you out. Do you have a wish list of whom you would like to work with?
No, I have no such wish list. I’m not greedy. I believe in destiny and good energies. Frankly, I am going with the flow because I am enjoying where it is taking me.
How was it serenading two newcomers — Tara Sutaria and Ananya Panday — on screen?
Well, they weren’t newcomers at all. Ananya and Tara were so confident and knew so much about the craft. They were so self-aware that I didn’t feel even once they were debutantes. Both the girls were so well prepared. I must credit Punit (Malhotra) sir and Karan (Johar) sir for the way they presented them on set. They were saying their lines like a conversation and I was like, ‘Wow!’”
However, everyone joked saying you were the biggest diva on set.
Oh, they are just trying to ruin my reputation (laughs).
Tell us more about Alia Bhatt, who has danced with you in the Hook Up Song.
I was expecting something else and something totally different happened. When I was doing the song with Alia, I didn’t even think so much about the dance. I just wanted her and me to look good together as a pair. I wanted both of us to complement each other. There were no attempts to outshine each other. The feedback on the song has been quite positive, so I am happy. It is inspiring to be around Alia. Despite all the success she has had and the accolades she has won, she is so hardworking.
Is there another side to you?
No, I’m one-dimensional.
How come your father’s (Jackie Shroff) ‘naughty’ side didn’t rub off on you?
I am more like momma (Ayesha Shroff). My sister, Krishna is more like my dad. Dad is so bindaas. He doesn’t care about what people think. I am uptight and focussed. My father was born a star. On the other hand, I had to work hard to get out of his shadow and make my own identity. I didn’t want to just be — Jackie Shroff ka beta.
You came into your own quickly enough.
Yes, I am grateful for the opportunities. I am happy to be where I am (touch wood)!
Is Disha Patani the only person who gets to see you unwind? We only see this work-oriented guy.
Disha is a friend who has been a part of my close circle for a long time. So, she interacts more with me.
Tiger Shroff found his first friend who is a girl at 25, till then he never looked around-Jackie Shroff
9:08 AM
Papa Jackie Shroff goes on to describe Salman Khan as a ‘child’ and John Abraham as a ‘nephew of Dolly’ whom he has known since his early days
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 12, 2019)
Jackie Shroff who was last seen in J P Dutta’s war drama, Paltan, now plays an intelligence chief in John Abraham’s upcoming spy-thriller, Romeo Akbar Walter (RAW). “It’s a responsible role and I needed someone like Robbie (Grewal, director) to make me look and sound different after 200 odd films,” says the 62-year-old actor.
Pointing out that he’s worked in some big-budget films about the country, like Karma, Border and Khalnayak, he quips with a smile, “I wear khakee in my heart.” Strolling down memory lane, he goes on to reminisce about JP Dutta’s 1997 film Border based on the Battle of Longewala during the Indo-Pak war in which he played Wing Commander Anand ‘Andy’ Bajwa, saying that when he was crouched double in the Hunter-fighter plane, he realised how India’s Air Force pilots may look like aam aadmi, but in combat situations they become Iron Man. “It’s a crazy feeling, wriggling into a confined cockpit and flying out into a danger zone. Hats off to these real heroes who do this job, day in and out,” he says, the awe evident in his voice.
This is the first time the veteran actor is sharing the screen with John Abraham and Suchitra Krishnamoorthi and he’s already wowed by his co-stars. “Suchitra ji is Saraswati, such a beautiful voice… A single mother and a lovely lady, she has so much love and not a trace of malice for anyone,” he raves.
He met John for the first time on this set but he knows his aunt Dolly from his early days. “I love the family’s genes. John works silently but staggers you with his intensity when you are facing the camera with him,” he says.
Another big release is Ali Abbas Zafar’s period drama Bharat in which Jackie plays father to Salman Khan. They are reuniting after nine years, having worked in films like Bandhan, Kahin Pyaar Na Ho Jaaye, Kyon Ki and Veer. “I met Salman during his growing up years while filming Falak whose dialogue was penned by his father, Salim Khan saab. He was this young kid on the set showing me his workout regime. He still loves me a lot, it’s evident to all, which is why he offered me this emotional role,” Jackie asserts, adding with a smile, “Salman’s still a teenager for me, a child, his eyes shining with his love for me and reflecting his awe. In my eyes he will never grow up.”Moving on to his own son, Tiger, Jackie admits he’s proud to see the way the young actor has worked his way to the top. “God is kind, what else can you expect from your child! Tiger is setting an example for other kids to follow. He sleeps by 10.30 pm and is up by 6 am… He respects people and focuses on his craft… He steers clear of malice and is a man on a mission. Even for a porcupine his child is soft, so I won’t say more,” he chortles.
However, with a little bit of prodding, he points out that his son has a solid fan base. “Children love him and so do mothers, and grandmothers. I hope it always remains that’s way,” he beams with paternal pride.
Tiger recently told Mirror (December 5, 2018) that he has bought an eightbedroom apartment in Khar for the family. Jackie nods and describes it as an “emotional moment”, quick to add that they never wanted it. “But Tiger thought we should have a house and has been slogging to make the dream come true,” he says still moved by the gesture.
Meanwhile buzz is, Tiger has found his ladylove in Baaghi 2 co-star, Disha Patani. The duo is frequently spotted on dinner dates and even attend parties and galas together. “He found his first friend who is a girl at 25, till then he never looked around. They share the same passions, dance and workout together. She comes from a family of army officers, so she understands the value of discipline. Who knows they may get married in future or remain friends for life, for now they are just friends,” he asserts.
The conversation moves to daughter Krishna and Jackie maintains that though many acting offers have come her way, she is not interested in facing the camera. “Krishna learnt filmmaking for two years and made the documentary Black Sheep. Then, she taught kindergarten kids for a year, going on to assist on Tiger’s Munna Michael and teach basketball at a sports academy,” he informs. Right now, the natural born athlete is into Mixed Martial Arts. “She’s the student of the year in sports,” he signs off on a guffaw.
When Salman Khan walks into the set, you know a star has arrived-Disha Patani
8:31 AM
Disha Patani on her inspirations, from the Khan to her sister Khushboo and Tiger Shroff’s sister, Krishna
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 2, 2019)
How was the experience of sharing screen space with Salman Khan for the first time in Bharat?
Salman sir is a kind and down-to-earth man, but everyone is intimidated by him because he has a certain aura. When he walks into the set, you know a star has arrived.
Were you intimidated by him?
No, he was always nice to me and ensured I was comfortable shooting with him. Also, I knew if I got scared, I wouldn’t be able to perform so I became my character. I learnt a lot from Salman sir, he’s so hard-working and also really sweet. He enjoys eating with his team so he gets food from home and invites everyone to dig in.
Since this is a period film, was it difficult getting into the character?
I’ve yet to play a modern character. In the Dhoni biopic, I was a girl-next-door and in Baaghi 2, except for the college portions, I was a married woman desperate to find her lost child. In that sense, Bharat was more contemporary except that my trapeze artiste is from the ’60s and ’70s.
Buzz is, you are opposite Salman in Kick 2?
Nobody has spoken to me about it yet.
Are you doing Mohit Suri’s next?
I can’t talk about it.
There were rumours about you doing the Baaghi sequel as well, but Shraddha Kapoor has stepped into that one now. So, when do we see Tiger Shroff and you together on screen?
(Laughs) When the script is right and makers cast us together.
Besides Tiger, we also see you hanging out with his sister Krishna regularly…
I love Krishna, usually girls don’t support each other, but she has always been so supportive. She is so strong and inspires me to lift heavier weights. I love how good she looks in her Instagram posts. We keep messaging each other. It’s a relationship based on understanding.
Tell us about your own sister, Khushboo?
I’ve looked up to her since childhood. She’s a much better dancer and a great speaker. She was a topper in college and excelled in basketball. I was a shy kid, and didn’t have friends till I was 15. She’d lunch with me because there was no one else and drew me out of my shell. I respect her.She’s in the army now.
Yes, and you can’t be in the army unless you are selfless and ready to serve the country. She’s made so many compromises, lived in remote places for five years before being posted in Jaipur. She’s so happy she can watch a film in a theatre now.
And what keeps you busy when you aren’t shooting?
Dancing, martial arts and the gym. By the time I get home, I’m too tired to do much else except play on a Playstation. I’m still an introvert and don’t go out much.
How does a foodie maintain such a fab figure?
I work out really hard and I am on a protein-heavy diet, but once a week, mostly Sundays, I eat everything I want to. It’s important to balance it out and give the body sugar at least once a week.
Despite not coming from a film family, you are among the most popular actresses now. That must feel good.
I’ve had my struggles like everyone else. It doesn’t matter where you come from, everyone has to work hard for the audience’s acceptance. If you are destined to catch the eye, you will. Yes, it was a little more difficult for me financially because I had to start from scratch. When I arrived, I didn’t know a soul in this city but now I have a few friends.
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