Showing posts with label Lara Dutta interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lara Dutta interview. Show all posts
I was a 16-year-old who looked at my own contract. I had no lawyers-Lara Dutta
10:36 AM
Vinay MR Mishra (BOMBAY TIMES; May 8, 2026)
Three decades after she first entered the spotlight as a model, Lara Dutta is now raising necessary questions about India’s modelling industry. Reflecting on her own journey — from signing contracts alone at 16 to building a career across fashion, films and entrepreneurship — she says models still lack protection, structure and representation. Calling the industry “the wild wild west” in her early years, she believes models today need stronger voices, better safeguards, and even a union to protect their interests.
‘I was a 16-year-old who looked at my own contract. I had no lawyers’
Lara Dutta hails from an era of modelling, when supermodels were a rage. However, the sector, she thought was disorganized.
“For us, it was a lot more disorganised. We never had agencies and agents. We never had anyone looking out for us or watching our backs. It was literally like you were in the wild, wild west,” she recalls, adding, “I was a 16-year-old who looked at my own contract that came to me by a multi-million dollar conglomerate across the globe. I had no lawyers or agents reading the fine print for me. And I think we learned how to navigate our way through this industry on our own. It just made us tougher and savvier.”
‘Models need more voice, they need to be their own person’
She feels the industry now has more structure, but also more pressure, while she raises a pertinent question.
“Today, a lot of times, the models are at the mercy of agencies. If you want this job, this is what you’re getting paid, and this is what the environment is going to be. It’s up to you whether you want to do it or not. You are, in a way, thrown off the deep end,” she says.
She further explains, “There are no unions. There never were. Even the film industry has a union. At least you have a place to go where there are laws that monitor the functioning of things. In modelling, that doesn’t exist. We have multiple fashion weeks, through the year, a massive industry, but no real structure, guidelines, or real respect for what the profession is about. Models need more voice, they need to be their own person.”
‘I’ve had the opportunity of working with one of the most talented ensemble casts’
At 47, Dutta, who is known for movies like Bhaagam Bhaag, Partner, and Andaaz, is working on two big projects – Ramayana and Welcome To The Jungle. “I’ve always said that in my 40s, I am having the best time as an actor because I’m finally doing the kind of work that I want to do,” she says.
On her next big film, she adds, “I’ve got Ramayana coming out next year. It’s going to be possibly the most massive thing that’s ever come out of India. I’ve had the opportunity of working with one of the most talented ensemble casts and it was an incredible experience. This is not an easy film to make, and the characters are not easy to play.”
‘I never wanted to be boxed into one industry’
Looking back at her own 30-year trajectory, Lara says time feels unreal. “When I look back now, it feels like it’s gone in the blink of an eye. But I think the one thing that remained constant is the focus and the hard work. From the age of 16, I knew what I wanted, and I went after it. I never wanted to be boxed into one industry. I constantly moved and reinvented myself as I went through life. I refused to stay just an actress for all my life as there’s so much more that I want to do,” she reminisces.
I was joking with my co-star Akshay Kumar that I felt like I was part of Airlift 2-Lara Dutta
10:30 AM
Actor Lara Dutta Bhupathi, who has safely returned to India, opens up about how she made her journey back home
Sonal Kalra (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 13, 2026)
Among many Indians stranded in the UAE during the bombings in the midst of the ongoing US Israel Iran war was actor Lara Dutta Bhupathi. After posting an emotional video on social media about the situation she was facing in Dubai, the actor is now safely back in India. Excerpts from her conversation on The Right Angle with Sonal Kalra:
What was going through your mind when you decided to speak about the incident in that video?
I normally don’t put out videos like that, as you don’t want to create panic. But I was undertaking a dangerous journey back with my daughter (Saira, 14), and we didn’t know what was awaiting us. I had this 1% thought that this could possibly be the last thing that ever goes out.
My daughter has been playing tennis since she was seven, and three years ago, we made a choice to move to Dubai to allow her to train with an elite coach who’s based there. Saira and I were on our own because (husband) Mahesh (Bhupathi, tennis player) was away in London for work when this war broke out. Until the time you actually have bombs being intercepted overhead, it doesn’t feel like it’s a close reality. However, the UAE government is doing an incredible job of keeping everybody safe.
How did you eventually manage to come out?
So we chose to take a flight from Fujairah. We hadn’t left the house until then. The only instructions we were given were to stay indoors. We lived just about 10 kms away from the Jebel Ali Port, which was being bombed every day. So we decided to take a chance, as I wanted to be with my husband and my family. We drove two hours to Fujairah, and just a day earlier, Fujairah port and the oil refinery had been bombed. It was scary. I was joking with my co-star Akshay Kumar that I felt like I was part of Airlift 2.
Even at the airport, you could hear these booms, and you were just hoping that nothing was struck. Hats off to the airlines, as well. I am very sure my daughter is going to have some amount of trauma after this experience.
What’s been going through Saira’s mind? How has she reacted to this?
I come from a fauji family, and we’ve lived through a couple of wars. The first thing that I did was ask my staff to stock up immediately. I packed a bag as I felt that if at some point of time, the government asks us to evacuate, I had to have a bag ready. Saira created a little space for herself underneath the staircase in the house. She had a sleeping bag, pillows and other essentials under there, and every time the alerts went off, that’s where we were going until it was safe to step out again.
You were quite emotional in your video. Was it an overall sadness about how things have turned out?
The sadness wasn’t about what was going on because we definitely felt protected and safe. But for me, it was the futility of what war is. We might feel that in India, we are very protected, but people are going to feel the repercussions come what may. I could see people who didn’t have the opportunities that I do. For me, it was the helplessness that there’s not really much that I can do. But in times like this, there’s no right or wrong way to move.
What is that one thing that you’d want to say to the people still stuck in the Middle East?
I do believe that the government is doing everything in their power, so I would just say follow the instructions. It is the best thing that you can do to keep yourself safe.
When we were in Dubai, I had another friend with two kids whose husband was away. They lived in a high-rise, so the first day when the Fairmont hotel was hit in Jumeirah, I asked her to get out. She came and stayed with us. So, while the flights were very few and expensive, I refused to leave without them. I even brought my house staff back, whom I had taken from India with me. It’s mentally very hard, so all that we can do is pray and hope that some sanity returns to the world really quickly.
Motherhood has been a great leveller for me-Lara Dutta
3:01 PM
Vinay MR Mishra (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 18, 2026)
Lara Dutta says motherhood didn’t add layers to her identity; instead, it reshaped it entirely. Speaking to Mirror, the actor shared how becoming a mother brought a profound shift in perspective. “Motherhood, for me honestly, was a great leveller because in the initial years it takes away your entire sense of self. It stops being about you. It stopped being about me, and it was constantly about this other little person in my life — and that priority doesn’t change,” she said.
Now a mother to a 13-year-old daughter Saira Bhupathi, Lara says the experience has evolved dramatically. “I’ve got a teenager on my hands now, and it’s completely different. It’s an absolutely different ball game. Today we have a very different relationship from when she was a child,” she added.
Reflecting on her role as a parent today, Lara said, “I feel like I’m learning so much more from her than what I’m able to teach her. My role now is more of a guide and a mentor because I want to raise an incredible human being. My daughter teaches me things every single day.”
Beyond motherhood, Dutta says her entrepreneurial journey has been driven by lived experience rather than trends. “For me it was a lifestyle vision really born honestly from the belief that I think beauty, fashion, lifestyle and wellness are all interconnected expressions of oneself. So over the last three years with Arias, I've kind of thoughtfully tried to build out products that will empower women to embrace every facet of themselves, to feel confident, to feel inspired and beautiful. My prime sort of focus is women in their 30s and 40s who are really embracing possibly a new chapter of life. They're a bit more thoughtful, they're independent, they're intentional. I don't think these women follow trends blindly. They sort of seek out authenticity and meaning in whatever they do today," she said.
On what entrepreneurship means to her, she says it isn’t about selling — it’s about adding value. “For me, as an entrepreneur, I'm not trying to sell. I'm not trying to be a businesswoman who just wants to create a product and sell it to somebody. The idea is to add value to someone's life. I've had the opportunity of working with women through every decade. Your requirements, your outlook, your thought process changes with every decade that you go into. As you mature, you start looking beyond just a trend or beyond just what a product is — you start looking for value in something," she ended.
It made the men very uncomfortable to have any financial and money led chats with me-Lara Dutta
7:58 AM
Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; November 5, 2022)
In a career spanning 26 years, the last five years have been the busiest for Lara Dutta Bhupathi. The actress, who began a new inning in recent years with web shows and movies, believes that age has given her more freedom to play every character that appeals to her. In a chat with Bombay Times, she spoke about juggling different roles as an entrepreneur, a mother, a wife and an artiste without sacrificing one for the other. Excerpts:
The entertainment business has changed a lot in the last two-three years, with the digital medium seeing massive growth. What’s your take on it?
I think it’s fantastic! The OTT platforms have changed the landscape for the better. As an artiste, I find the writing varied, in-depth, and experimental, and there’s definitely a lot for women to do. I think I am possibly doing the best work of my career right now. The last decade has been busier than the one before that. The amount and quality of work have been really good over the last two to three years. I am enjoying this new phase of my professional journey. Among the films and shows that I’m doing, I’ve picked exciting and challenging roles to play.
Do you think that the recent content trend that we are seeing is breaking the age barrier for actors who are still raring to go?
Growing older has liberated me as an actor. I don’t need to fit into any box anymore. Being a leading lady and a former Miss Universe, I was always viewed from a glamorous lens. Age has liberated me in terms of playing characters and roles. The acting muscles existed, but they were not utilised until a few years ago. Everyone is trying to strike a fine balance between all their roles at home and work. In all of this, it’s important to find a partner who supports you with everything. I was fortunate to find that in Mahesh (Bhupathi) and we make it work together.
You took a break when you had your child. Now that you’re back in the thick of things, how is your daughter Saira reacting to it?
Saira has always seen me as a working mom. Yes, there was a little phase when I had taken a bit of a sabbatical when she was really young, but I have been on the go, and I would travel with her during Mahesh Bhupathi’s tours. She has grown up seeing me as a busy, working mother. I need to let her know that I’m passionate about my work, I enjoy it and the financial stability and independence that come with it.I hope she imbibes these thoughts, too.
Today, we see several actresses venturing into other businesses, be it film production or launching their brands in the beauty or fashion space. Is it difficult for women in show business to make headway as entrepreneurs?
It was a good thing that I had produced a film back in the day before I became an entrepreneur. Any kind of prejudice that I had to face here, was far greater and harder for me in the film business. It made me thick-skinned. In the film business, they all wanted to have creative discussions with me, but it made the men very uncomfortable to have any financial and money-led chats with me. It’s far easier to be a businesswoman in another space altogether. Gradually, people are seeing that actors bring value to a business and also insight. They’re investing in companies and being smart about their money.
You produced your first film, the comedy Chalo Dilli, in 2011. Is it true that you are all set to revisit that space now?
I never left that space. I’ve been a producer since then, and we have done a lot of content in the advertising and digital content verticals. The production house is functional, but I am not a producer who makes formula, big-budget films, one after the other. At the moment, I’m active as an artiste, and I need to balance things out. I don’t intend to burn out. Striking a balance between my roles as a mother and wife, an entrepreneur and an artiste, is essential to me. When things are right, and the timing is perfect, and the universe conspires, I will make another film, but for now, my plate is full.
I asked Bade Miyan Chote Miyan makers if there is a female villain in the story-Lara Dutta
8:38 AM
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 16, 2022)
What do actors Alia Bhatt, Lara Dutta Bhupathi, Deepika Padukone and Kangana Ranaut have in common? They are all making their mark behind the camera, and venturing into filmmaking. But Bhupathi feels there is a need for more women to get associated with the business side of showbiz.
“My 20s and 30s were spent in building relationships. Because at the end of the day, everybody knows that the film industry functions on the personal relationships that you build,” Bhupathi shares, adding, “I was very fortunate to have worked with some of the best people... Now, the industry knows me not just as an actor, but as a producer as well.”
The Hundred actor feels it is fantastic to see more women behind the camera, making it a level-playing field. “Today, you have Deepika, Alia and Kangana as producers. Now, the industry is accustomed seeing women [actors] wanting to take more challenging roles, not just from a creative point of view but also from a business point of view,” stresses the 43-year-old.
And that’s one of the things she wants to witness more in the industry. “I want to see more acceptance. I want to see more women succeed within the business, making successful projects. Because that’s when you will also see a change in content. And you will see things become less formula-driven,” opines the BellBottom (2021) actor.
But for this change to take place, the Chalo Dilli (2011) producer hopes filmmakers take more chances with scripts. “Sometime back, I was having a conversation with the makers of Bade Miyan Chote Miyan if there is a female villain in the story; and told them they should really explore it soon because it has never been done on screen yet. These are the things we look forward to do,” she signs off.
I can’t oscillate between being a mother and best friend-Lara Dutta
9:53 PM
Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 23, 2022)
As a child grows, so does the mother-child equation. Ask actor Lara Dutta Bhupathi, whose daughter recently turned 10, what their relationship is like, and she says, “Would I want to be a friend to my daughter? Yes! But I don’t want to be the parent who says, ‘My daughter and I are best friends’.”
Bhupathi emphasises the importance of walking the fine line between both roles. She explains, “I think it’s essential to have a relationship where you can be open and discuss everything with a mother figure, but I don’t want to confuse her because I can’t oscillate between being a mother and best friend.”
The 43-year-old, who is married to former tennis player Mahesh Bhupathi, had to clarify a few months ago that she is not on any dating apps after her fake dating profile went viral. She quips that she’s glad she didn’t have to “navigate the dating field” back in the day.
The actor says, “I’m still a little old-school as I think you need to go on at least three dates before deciding whether you want to get into a relationship with someone. Today, it’s like a revolving door. You just can’t keep up (laughs).”
So, how would she react if Saira signed up for a dating app in the future? The BellBottom (2021) actor shares, “You’ve got to move ahead with time.” But quickly adds that it also has a flip side: “It’s just that I’ve an issue with the majority of the intentions behind those meet-ups.”
Less than 10 years ago, female actors didn’t have the opportunities that we do today-Lara Dutta
8:19 AM
Ahead of her third web outing, a family drama starring Naseeruddin Shah, Lara on playing age-appropriate roles distanced from “typical brooding wife or helpless mother”
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; January 6, 2022)
Appropriately highlighting how actors of her age were relegated to the fringes in cinema, Lara Dutta counts her stars to be a working actor in this day and age. “OTT platforms have liberated an actor like me, who is turning 40. Less than 10 years ago, female actors didn’t have the opportunities that we do today. The writing is more layered,” says the actor, pointing to how filmmakers are exploring age-appropriate roles for women in cinema.
“The segment of viewers between the ages of 35 and 50 were rarely addressed. There was little relatable content for them to watch. [A woman was either shown as] the 60-plus mother, or the hero’s wife. [The heroes] could get away with infidelity, but the women couldn’t do anything. That has changed. Women between 35 and 55 are finding more characters that they can relate to.”
In her third web outing, the Naseeruddin Shah starrer Kaun Banegi Shikharwati, a Zee5 family drama that touches upon dispute, Dutta plays the role of a royal, Rajkumari Devyani. She says it was Shah’s association with the project that lured her. “We’ve heard stories of Naseer saab ‘not having patience anymore’, or expecting co-stars to learn the lines correctly. But, working with him was an incredible opportunity. The man is a genius. The pauses he takes, the presence he has in scenes are such that his co-actors can forget their lines. When I’d watch him with my mouth wide open, he’d say, ‘Young lady, it is your line’. That’s the effect he has on you.” Her solo scene with Shah, she says, will remain a career highlight. “For me, to [have] matched him in the scene is something I am proud of.”
Eccentric as the script is, Dutta says the unit had a delightful time filming the dramedy. “I have never done anything related to a dystopian world. A lot of royal families exist today. They live cosmopolitan lives, but when they return to their principalities, they become different [people] — wearing ghoonghats and being addressed as ‘baisa’. I know a lot of royals who live ordinary lives. You only learn of their [status] when you spend time with them in their principalities. To step into that world was a treat.”
It also takes an actor like Akshay Kumar who believes that we cannot stop functioning, ever-Lara Dutta
8:14 AM
Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; August 18, 2021)
Lara Dutta Bhupathi turned out to be the surprise element in the trailer of Ranjit Tiwari’s spy-thriller BellBottom, set in the 1980s. The actress plays former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. In the last few years, Lara has directed her attention towards characters, largely in the content created for the OTT platform. In a chat with BT, the actress spoke about the transition she sees in storytelling, being offered worthwhile characters and more. Excerpts:
A common reaction to the trailer of BellBottom is that you went unnoticed in it, in the first instance. No one expected you to play Mrs Indira Gandhi, our former Prime Minister.
Well, the reactions have been overwhelming, and a common feedback is that people could not easily place me in the trailer. Honestly, even I was overwhelmed when I saw myself in the mirror for the first time in the get-up, with prosthetics and the wig in place. I could not find Lara anywhere in the mirror. As an actor, it means something to me to be able to convincingly pull that off. It’s an honour to play Mrs Indira Gandhi.
Tell us about what went into the process — physically and mentally — to play her part?
When Akshay (Kumar, her co-star in the film) called me and told me they were casting for BellBottom and they wanted me to play Mrs Gandhi, I took it as a joke. Of course, I realised he is serious. I was concerned as we had nothing in common, not one feature that made me look like her. There was no resemblance whatsoever. But he was convinced because the producers and he wanted an actress who had a certain poise and presence. When you get such a part, as an artiste, you don’t pass it on. I had to be immensely responsible while portraying Mrs Gandhi on screen, it had to be done appropriately. A lot of prep went into it. Right from watching a lot of her videos pulled out from archives, footage of her speeches, which helped me study her mannerisms, and also what she stresses on when she speaks. My father (L K Dutta, Retd Wing Commander) has served as her personal pilot. I had heard stories about her from him, about how she would be around different sets of people and how she was as a person. I was a child then, and I used to be fascinated by her.
But all that my father had told me back then, has helped me to play the character now. An essential aspect of playing the role was to understand her as a person; go beyond adapting her mannerisms and style of wearing clothes. There was a certain environment that she was inhabiting at that time. The 1980s had a certain kind of political and social environment. One had to imagine how Mrs Gandhi would have acted and reacted in those situations. BellBottom is set around a set of highly dramatic events, but she was not thrown into the dramatics at all. She shared a rapport with R N Kao, the founding father of R&AW. She would turn to him in a crisis. It’s depicted very well in the film. I am excited for people to see what we have created as a film.
At a time when good parts are being written for women, we don’t see you doing too many movies. Are you consciously doing less to balance between work, family and your other areas of interest?
Unless something is challenging, I don’t want to slip my foot into it. I have more or less tried everything from the songs and dances to the comedies and serious films. I have also produced a film in the past. So, something should really push me out of my comfort zone for me to do it. This film did that. I am not just an actor — I am a mother to a nine-year-old child, I have a business running, I have a whole lot of other things taking away my time. If I have to make room for an acting assignment, it will have to be worth the ride. The good part is that the writers are now, more consciously, writing a lot of good roles for women my age. There’s a lot for us to do. They are real characters, with nothing atypical about them. It’s a departure from the suffering woman or the perfect mother. I love the fact that writers are doing such a great job with characters. When there is a chance to imbibe a beautiful character like Indira Gandhi’s, you step forth and embrace it.
So, what sort of boxes should a project tick for you?
The number one role I have on hand is that of a mother. Everything I do today is kind of designed around Saira. I’m very clear that as an actor I have certain limitations. I have a system in place that allows me to use my abilities well and balance my role at home at the same time. So, for me, it all boils down to what the role is, what I am stepping into and why I am being chosen to play the role. I want to know what value one thinks I can bring to a project, if something was envisioned with me and why. Of course, it also matters who I work with. Once that is in place, things move smoothly.
When the producers decided to shoot BellBottom , most parts of the world were in lockdown. The decision to travel abroad must have been tough given the scenario in 2020.
It was a tough time and uncertainty was looming large. There was no vaccine, there were all kinds of truths and myths floating around and everyone was stressed. I have to give credit to Vashu Bhagnani and his children, Jackky and Honey, for ensuring that everyone was safe. I think it’s important for the show to go on. The world had already changed a great deal by the time we started shooting. The morale was low when Vashu ji stepped forward and decided to take the film on floors and reboot work in the industry. It also takes an actor like Akshay Kumar who believes that we cannot stop functioning, ever, and that we have to find a way to survive this. We went ahead and all of us did mandatory quarantine before the shoot. The normal sightseeing and shopping routines didn’t happen on this outdoor schedule, but no one complained. We stayed within a bubble, with our families around. It just boosted everyone’s morale. We as a team bonded better. This shoot became special on more than one level.
Thanks to my father, I had this ready-made vault of knowledge on Indira Gandhi-Lara Dutta
8:13 AM
With her father having served as Indira Gandhi’s pilot, Lara Dutta discusses relying on his experiences and intense prep to play late PM in 'Bellbottom'
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; August 16, 2021)
Most viewers did a double-take when the trailer of Bell Bottom was launched. Reason — Lara Dutta was almost unrecognisable as she slipped into the role of late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi for the Akshay Kumar-starrer. “For any actor, playing Mrs Gandhi is a huge honour,” begins Dutta.
When the offer came her way, she was initially unsure of taking up the part. “When Akshay called, I asked him if he was sure [about casting me in the role]. Once I said yes, the magnitude of the responsibility dawned on me. Vikram Gaikwad did a great job on the prosthetics, creating wrinkles and pigmentation because I played her in her 60s. Once the look came together, I was more convinced I could pull it off.”
It was then time for Dutta to imbibe the traits of India’s Iron Lady. With director Ranjit M Tewari, she watched archival footage of Gandhi, studying her body language and interactions. She also fell back on father L K Dutta’s experiences with the former prime minister. “He was Mrs Gandhi’s pilot, and has flown her on innumerable occasions, including election rallies. We grew up hearing first-hand stories of his interactions with her. I had this ready-made vault of knowledge on her."
“She believed in straight talk. This film is centred on a dramatic incident. We have taken some cinematic liberty, but retained the authenticity of how she would have reacted to the incident. As an actor, I feel content with what I have done. My father felt it was a job well done.”
While most have praised her transformation, some detractors have nitpicked on her look, including Sapna Bhavnani who called it a bad wig. Dutta is unfazed as she says, “You can’t please everyone. There will be people who will find flaws, and everyone is entitled to their opinion.”
The actor will soon be seen in Lionsgate’s new series that is an adaptation of American show Casual. Describing the current phase as “the best time” of her career, she says, “As a woman in her early 40s, it’s liberating that the roles are not restricted to playing someone’s wife or the hero’s mother. There are more female writers who are writing better parts for women.”
When I saw myself in the mirror, I was blown away, I couldn’t recognize myself-Lara Dutta
8:26 AM
Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 8, 2021)
Lara Dutta Bhupathi’s resemblance to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, in the trailer of Bellbottom, has been creating ripples on social media. The actor says she too was shocked to see her transformation. “Once we did the look test and I saw myself in the mirror, I was blown away, I couldn’t recognize myself. I had to look hard to find any semblance of Lara in the mirror looking back at me. My jawline looked so different!” she shares.
To play the iconic leader, Bhupathi had two options – either play a character loosely based on Gandhi or go full out and resemble her as closely as possible. What also made the transformation process challenging for the role was ageing her skin. “Vikram Gaikwad and his team who did the prosthetics went through a long process. I was playing a character who was two decades older than me for the time frame we’re portraying her in,” she says.
Her father, retired Wing Comander L K Dutta, who was Gandhi’s personal pilot, gave her valuable inputs. “When I was offered this film, I knew my dad would be a source of information for me to be able to build on Mrs Gandhi’s psyche and body language. The biggest compliment is hearing from him that I’m convincing enough and he’s proud of me,” Bhupathi ends.
It was a surreal shoot, hope this isn’t the new normal-Lara Dutta
8:16 AM
Kavita Awaasthi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 17, 2020)
Shooting in a global pandemic sounds daunting, but actor Lara Dutta Bhupathi reveals the challenges during this unusual time were dealt with professionalism and personal attention on the sets of the film Bellbottom.
She says, “Initially, it was normal to feel a little anxious considering Coronavirus cases are rising rapidly in India. But I was reassured to see all protocols in place. Ours was the first film to be shot after the lockdown, but despite the nervousness we were all eager to get back to work. We took a chartered fight to Scotland.” Directed by Ranjit M Tewari, the spy thriller was shot extensively in Scotland. Producers Vashu Bhagnani, Jackky Bhagnani and Deepshikha Deshmukh ensured the cast and crew felt safe, on and off the sets.
Talking about the efforts of the producers, the actor adds, “The entire unit was tested in Mumbai and after landing, we were tested again and sent to a two-week quarantine. As we were all together, it did not feel we were imprisoned. Akshay (Kumar) and Deepshikha brought their kids and so had I. So, we all spent time together, kept the circle tight and safe for each other and the children. It gave me a sense of security.”
Thrilled about returning to work, the actor admits that to be a part of the first film to be shot after the lockdown felt “hugely gratifying”. She says, “When shooting finally began, I was the first actor on the sets. I felt grateful to be on a set where every single precaution possible was taken, sanitisation was meticulous and the cast and crew were checked every day. Everything was secure, right from the food delivery on sets to the drivers who took us to and fro.”
While she calls it a “surreal experience”, she also hopes “this is not going to be the new normal”.
There were so many aspects to my character's persona in Hundred that intrigued me-Lara Dutta
8:24 AM
Talking about the emotional turmoil of a cop in Hundred, Lara Dutta on why she picked the web show for her comeback
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; May 3, 2020)
Last seen in Welcome To New York (2018), Lara Dutta Bhupathi is back on the scene with the web series, Hundred, which marks her digital debut. "It just fell into place. I wasn't actively looking for anything. I thought it would be interesting to be part of the web culture."
The offer landed in her lap rather suddenly. "Though I have known Ruchi [director Narain] for years, we never spoke about working together. I always wanted to be directed by a woman. I like her work, so, I thought I'd give it a shot when she made the offer."
At odds with the roles she has played in Bollywood till date, her character in Hundred was age-appropriate. Dutta's Soumya Shukla is a cop, a part she has never played before. "The experience was educational. I needed to get the body language and nuances on point. I even met a couple of women DCPs to get a better insight."
Digging deep into her character, Dutta says she hasn't explored a role that is as layered as this one. "[She is] ambitious, unapologetic and frustrated, and also faces issues in her marital life. There were so many aspects to her persona that intrigued me."
What also drew her to the show was co-star Rinku Rajguru, best remembered for Sairaat (2016). "We are generations apart. I thought we would make for an interesting combo. We come from different worlds."
Shooting for the Hotstar web series in different locations of Mumbai was an eye-opener. "Despite living in Mumbai for 25 years, I didn't realise how much more there is to the city. I got to see the gritty underbelly as we shot in real locations."
Despite hubby, tennis champ Mahesh Bhupathi, being her sounding board, she refers to daughter Saira as her biggest critic. "She is excited to see me on screen, but also keeps critiquing."
I’ve gone back to studying-Lara Dutta
8:29 AM
Lara Dutta is using the extra time provided by the Coronavirus lockdown to enroll in two courses
Sonil Dedhia (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 26, 2020)
“My husband (Mahesh Bhupathi) says I had locked him down even before our Prime Minister Narendra Modi did,” quips Lara Dutta who is practising self quarantine by spending quality time with her family.
Lara is also keeping herself busy by enrolling in online courses. “I have gone back to studying, something I wanted to do for a long time. I have signed up with Harvard University for two courses (Ancient Egypt and Pryamids of Giza, and Christianity Through its Scriptures). These were subjects that I always found fascinating but never had the time. I have an eight-year-old daughter and a husband working from home and also the entire house to look after so it’s been quite hectic,” she shares.
The actor adds she has no complaints: “It isn’t as bad as it seems. We have been in lockdown for over a month. I feel life has just slowed down which is a great thing as it has given us time to indulge in things which we otherwise don’t have the time for. Like, Mahesh had never entered the kitchen but our daughter (Saira) made him do it and cook her lunch. He also planted a few saplings earlier this week with her. We also exercise together, so it’s like spending quality time together. I can’t say that I have been bored or have an urge to do anything.”
Lara marks her digital debut in the series Hundred where she will be seen playing a cop. Talking about exploring the new medium she says, “I have always been fascinated by the digital medium because of the variety of content that is available. The writing is far superior to the film medium. I wasn’t actively looking for a role but when this came to me, it was an extremely layered and complex character which I haven’t been able to explore in my career so far. It was a great opportunity for me to do something new.”
I was expected to wear my crown and sash whenever I attended public events, but I found it bizarre-Lara Dutta
8:20 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; March 19, 2020)
As an actress, film producer and entrepreneur, Lara Dutta has been juggling multiple hats with ease. However, the one role that’s close to her heart is that of a mentor. A former title holder (Miss Universe 2000), she has been guiding the contestants of the Miss Diva pageant for the past few years. This year is quite special for Lara, as it marks the 20th anniversary of her winning the Miss Universe crown. In a conversation with BT, she remembers the day she made India proud, the evolution of contestants over the years and her take on a question that she is often asked — when will India win the next Miss Universe title? Excerpts...
Miss Diva 2020 concluded recently, with Adline Castelino winning the title. You have mentored her for the upcoming Miss Universe beauty pageant. Does it bring back a lot of memories, as 20 years ago, you had won the international pageant?
I can’t believe that it all happened 20 years ago, it feels like I was crowned Miss Universe just yesterday. Winning the title introduced me to some amazing opportunities in life. It’s been a lifetime of an experience.
What’s the one memory from that day that you will always cherish?
I have a very silly memory from that day. I was just 21 years old when I won the title. The event was held in Cyprus that year. It was a prime time, live show being telecast in the US. The event rolled at 4 am in Cyprus and I was crowned at 6 am. Post the ceremony, we had a press conference where I was introduced as the Miss Universe 2000.
A journalist asked me what was the first thing I wanted to do after being crowned as the new Miss Universe, and I replied, ‘I want to have breakfast’ (laughs!). Later on, I felt that I could have said something profound, but at that point, I was starving. Anyway, the press loved my honesty. I also remember my rebelliousness when I was living in the US as Miss Universe. I was expected to wear my crown and sash whenever I attended public events, but I found it bizarre. I felt that we were so much more than just the girls displaying our beauty, adorned with the sash and the crown. I wanted people to see us as strong and intelligent women. My actions had strong repercussions. So much so, from 2001, the organisers of Miss Universe started mentioning in their contract that wearing sashes and crowns at public events was a must. After long, when I wore that crown again at the grand finale of Miss Diva this year, it filled me with a sense of contentment of having done something for our country.
Back then, most contestants were raw and didn’t enjoy the kind of exposure today’s aspirants do. In this digital age, even amateurs are posting glamourous images on social media. Most of them already know how to face the camera, how to look their best and so on. As a mentor, you must have noticed a stark difference over the years…
Honestly, that’s the sad part of today. Even before they have achieved anything, they have thousands of followers. So, in their eyes, they are already stars. I am glad that we never had to deal with social media. Every photograph that these girls put up on social media has multiple filters. So much so, they look nothing like the person who finally shows up as a contestant. There’s nothing refreshing or natural about them. Where do you find that breath of fresh air? It is all about deconstructing your ego, so that you come to terms with who you are, really. I think social media puts tremendous pressure on today’s girls to gather followers and prove their popularity. It doesn’t give them an opportunity to develop real, natural confidence. Now, their confidence is based on how many likes they have received for their post. There is no concept of self-worth anymore. Over the last seven years as a mentor to these girls, my job has been to make the contestants identify their self-worth. I help them gain a sense of self-identity.
How is the training you received different from the one being imparted to today’s contestants?
They enjoy far more exposure than what we had. When we began this journey, only a few were from the modelling background. So, it all started from scratch for most of us. Our training happened behind closed doors. Today, even the training programme is televised at times. How will you learn if you are constantly performing for the camera? We were given time to hone our skills before facing the spotlight. Today, the training period is very short and almost everything is on camera. When the finalists were selected, the first thing I asked them to do was read. Whatever is the medium, one should just read. You need to cultivate love for books, it doesn’t come to everyone naturally. No amount of money can buy you the kind of intellect or information that you are armed with. I encourage a lot of young women to read. I tell them that it will change their lives.
It’s been 20 years since India won the Miss Universe title. As a mentor, does it put a lot of pressure on you?
No, it doesn’t put pressure on me. Every year, many girls come with dreams of winning the crown. While some succeed, others don’t. However, every single contestant returns home as a more evolved, self-aware person. Now, that is victory for me. It is very easy to sit at home and wonder why our girls aren’t winning the title.
You have been busy mentoring the Miss Diva contestants over the past few months. Now that the event has wrapped up, what are you planning to focus on next?
I am focusing on my production venture, which is in collaboration with an international company. I will also be acting in two web shows this year. That apart, I am focusing on my skincare brand, Arias. As a woman, it is so tough to grow your business. People are ready to hear all your creative inputs, but the minute you start talking about numbers and statistics, they look over your shoulder to see whether you have a man backing you up or not.
I’ve never dealt with the ugly side of Bollywood-Lara Dutta
8:03 AM
Lara Dutta Bhupathi talks about the reasons for her hiatus from Bollywood and why with the web boom, the role of female characters have become more interesting
Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 28, 2020)
Lara Dutta Bhupathi is looking forward to a new innings in her professional life. The actor, who decided to put her career “on the back burner” after the birth of her daughter Saira, is all set to foray into the digital space soon. Ask Lara about it and she says that meatier and layered female characters are the reason why the web fascinates her. “I love the fact that because of the boom in the digital space, more women are finally getting the opportunity to be writers and directors. Women-centric stories and layered characters for women are being conceived. All this while, invariably, female actors played the girlfriend, the wife or the romantic interest of the male lead and hardly had anything else to do. It’s incredible to see such fresh kind of writing and the projects that are now being made on the digital space,” says Lara.
The Housefull (2010) actor, who was crowned Miss Universe in 2000, marked her film debut with Andaaz in 2003. She feels “really fortunate” to not have been exposed to the dark underbelly of the Hindi film industry. “We’ve witnessed some incredible conversations that took place in the industry in the last few years, such as #MeToo and pay disparity. Being in the industry comes with its own share of challenges but apart from the regular challenges that I faced as an actor such as a film not doing well or missing out on a film, I don’t think I’ve ever really dealt with the ugly side of Bollywood,” says the 41-year-old.
She explains that the main reason of slowing down professionally was the dearth of quality scripts and characters. She says that good roles stop coming to female actors after they reach a certain age. “When I’m in my mid-thirties and I’m getting the same stereotypical roles that I got when I was in my twenties and early thirties, then there’s no challenge involved and that’s when there was dearth of work. That’s the time when you need to weigh the pros and cons and figure out what you want to really do. I thought that if I kept working, paychecks would keep coming in but that would take me away from my home and my kid. So, I didn’t want to do that. It isn’t just about working but also about the quality of work that you want to do,” she elaborates.
Giving a glimpse into a chock-a-block year ahead, Lara shares, “There are two big projects that my production house is working on. They’re being handled internationally. It has been two years of writing and putting the entire team together. This year suddenly looks very eventful.”
Chalo China is like Chalo Dilli on steroids-Lara Dutta
8:13 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (March 31, 2019)
Lara Dutta has always lived life on her own terms. “From the day that I entered the industry, I’ve hated being labelled. So, all my efforts have always been about doing something new,” she tells us. The actress, who forayed into production a while ago, has now turned entrepreneur with a beauty range that she soon plans to expand. Excerpts from an interview with BT on her plans...
Of late, you have been very selective about your acting assignments. Are you planning to turn full-time producer?
Life has changed over the last few years; my priorities have changed and things have been different on the professional front as well. I have moved from being just an actor to being a producer, and it’s not your usual ‘actress-producer’ tag. I didn’t want to make films in which I was acting. The move to be a producer was triggered by the fact that there was so much incredible material available. I’ve loved reading all my life — I have vociferously read books, newspapers and magazines and in the process, I came across these incredible stories that I felt strongly about. That’s why, in the past two years, I have curated material in an attempt to find the right medium for every story. I won’t say that I am just a producer; once an actress, always an actress and even at the age of 60, if you put me in front of the camera, I would be happy.
As an actress, is the transition also happening in terms of the platform where you perform? You have worked on Gurinder Chadha’s international TV show Beecham House...
That opportunity came out of the blue, when Gurinder asked me if I would be interested in playing Begum Samru. It’s a character I have followed and loved for many years. I shot for the show in Jaipur last year and we will premiere internationally on April 7. It’s the first time I’ve done something in English. Though most people thought that my orientation was there rather than in Hindi cinema, it took me 14 years to get there (laughs!). Working in a medium and set-up that’s different from films has been very interesting.
Does that mean that you will not act in Hindi movies now?
Of course, I will. In fact, we had planned a sequel to Chalo Dilli, titled Chalo China. Eros and I owned the IP on that project equally, and we had completed a lot of work on that film, but because of some unavoidable reasons, it got buried for a while. But now, the project has been revived. I hadn’t thought of starring in a movie this year, but Chalo China is happening and it's a fun film, especially for the loyal fans of Chalo Dilli. To put it simply, Chalo China is like Chalo Dilli on steroids (laughs!). Both Vinay (Pathak) and I are reprising our roles and it’ll be a bigger and more entertaining experience.
Are you also looking at platforms like TV and the digital space as a producer?
I was lucky enough to step into production even before the digital revolution began, so my company already had content that could be formatted for different platforms. Currently, we have a fantastic series that we are doing internationally, in collaboration with a big production company in the US. Its subject is sensitive and also relevant to the current global scenario. We’ve got the rights to the book, The Meadow, written by two award-winning journalists, Adrian Levy and Cathy Scott-Clark. The series has been a huge learning experience for us as small independent producers from India. It’s been a whole new world, the way they work in the West. In Bollywood, work relationships are very personal, and everyone adjusts, but overseas, everything is done by the book. Timelines are sacrosanct, and you have to have your paperwork in place before you begin shooting. Apart from production, I am also doing a series of interviews with new-generation, pathbreaking and influential young entrepreneurs for a UAE-based network. The shoot for that chat show will kick-start this month.
Apart from the Chalo Dilli sequel, is there any other film that you’re looking to produce? There was news last year that you are producing a film on the women’s basketball team from Chhattisgarh…
Yes, we have the rights to that project and we’re attempting it as an international film, the same way Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire was made. Basically, it’s stories that originate from India, but are meant to reach a wider audience around the world. We also have another film, Kahin Door, which is being directed by Sushil Rajpal, who is a National Award-winning filmmaker. It was meant to be a smaller film, but it’s become bigger now. We now have a bigger actor attached to the project.
Women are constantly working towards breaking the glass ceiling, especially in cinema. As a producer, what is your career aim?
In Bollywood, everybody waits for an announcement of actors signing films with top production houses. So, my focus is to make a production house that slowly builds itself and becomes that big. At some point of time, it won’t be about who I am working with or signing on for a movie, but about our production house creating acclaimed content and building that kind of prestige in the industry. That’s what I want to build my way towards. Also, maybe be it’s a little premature, but I know from within that I want to be a director. I feel that’s going to happen sooner or later.
Are you on a quest to reinvent yourself?
The quest isn’t about reinvention as much as it is about growth. Every new decade in your life will bring you new goals. I don’t see myself as reinventing the old Lara. I just never looked back. I have never rested on the laurel that 19 years ago, I won the Miss Universe title. For the last five years, I’ve been mentoring beauty pageant contestants with the Times of India, to help them achieve their dreams and goals, but I’ve never rested on past glory. What I like about myself the most is that I’ve changed considerably in the last 19 years as a person. Today, when I look back, it feels like that was somebody else’s life. From the day that I entered the industry, I’ve hated being labelled. So, all my efforts have always been about doing something new. I may be articulate, but if my opinion doesn’t add value to a situation, I see no point in opening my mouth. I would rather focus on things that make a difference to me and my life. That is why I spent the last few years creating my own brand, Arias. It’s part of something I am doing with Mahesh (Bhupathi, husband) and it’s part of a larger plan. Arias Skin Care is something that I’ve worked on for the last few years, making sure that we formulate the best products that we can give the Indian market. The idea essentially stems from the fact that international cosmetic and skin-care brands don’t create anything specific for Indian skin types or climatic conditions. I have used products from around the world and I know that there’s nothing tailormade for us. Arias is going to be launched at the beauty world trade fair in Dubai, in mid-April, corresponding with my birthday. But that’s just the beginning of the brand. In the consequent months, Arias will encompass other products like clothing, furniture and more. It’s a bit scary because there is massive amount of input that goes into creating something like this.
You recently posted about your eighth marriage anniversary on social media. Does personal life take a backseat when you dedicate time to your entrepreneurial dreams?
It doesn’t feel like eight years at all. Actually, it’s been eight years of marriage and two years of knowing Mahesh before that, so it’s been 10 years in total. I think it was a shock for both of us that we’ve been together for a decade. Time has flown by and it’s been good fun being by Mahesh's side. Our little kid, Saira, takes up all our energy that’s left... Life’s busy and it’s all good as both Mahesh and I try to be good parents.
How valuable is the support of your husband and family, especially when you’re out there pursuing your ambitions?
I come from humble beginnings. I didn’t have a dad who had bags of money and the disposition that, ‘Jao beta, jo tumhe karna hai karo. I'll finance whatever you want to do in life’. Not having that creates a hunger within you to succeed at all cost. I also married a man who was self-made and came from a similar background. Mahesh has always pushed me hard to achieve more. He sees my potential and what I am capable of doing. I always tell him and myself that I never want to sit at home doing nothing, because I would drive him and myself mad. I love challenging myself and putting myself in situations which seem to be beyond my capabilities. I never saw myself being an entrepreneur; in fact, I wanted to be a journalist. I wanted to be a war correspondent just like my idol, Christiane Amanpour. That’s the kind of stories that I wanted to tell and now, that’s what I am doing.
Last year, when the #MeToo movement took Bollywood by storm, you and Mahesh were vocal in your support of the campaign...
Last year saw some great conversations in the film industry. The #MeToo movement and the discussions on gender disparity, in terms of remuneration and opportunities, have brought many truths out in the open. Talking about these things also brings a lot of backlash, because at the end of the day, the film industry operates on personal equations. So, taking a stand on such subjects can fetch some amount of backlash, but when Mahesh and I took a stand on the #MeToo movement, we were supported by most quarters. When it comes to pay parity between men and women, there are girls in the industry who can initiate conversations and make a difference, but they don’t do so. My only request to all the women in the film industry is that when you take up a cause, whether it’s #MeToo or pay parity, we should follow it regardless of where the stick falls, on our side or the other. It’s important to support the cause regardless of the outcome.
I want a girl with gumption who has a backbone of steel-Lara Dutta
7:05 AM
Roshni Olivera (BOMBAY TIMES; August 12, 2016)
Actress and Miss Universe
2000 Lara Dutta has a lot lined up for the third season of Yamaha
Fascino Miss Diva 2016 reality TV series. It's going to be an exciting
journey with the 16 finalists, as they go through gruelling training
sessions and innovative challenges. The winner of the pageant will
represent India at Miss Universe 2016. Excerpts from an interview with
the charming mentor host Lara:
This year, you've added newer elements to the TV series...
Yes. We have tried to bring about changes based on what the international requirements are for the contestant who will represent India. This time, the concepts are different from your typical beauty pageant criteria. We want the girl to not just be a beauty queen, but one who can hold her own on the international fashion scene. We are also partnering with a new channel.
Is there a change in your role as well?
This year, I had the opportunity to pick the 16 finalists. I was probably like this shadow that they followed during their growing up years. Now when they see me standing in front of them, they are gobsmacked and nervous.It's humbling to be in their presence because I'm transported to the time when I started out. That also brings the responsibility to try and give them as much as I can. I'm also a bit of a life coach to them. They literally become my babies.
Are you a task master?
I remember years ago when I was shooting on a bridge in London and the crew said, 'change' and I asked, 'where?' It was a rude awakening when I was told, 'when we say change, you just change regardless of where you are.' This business is extremely tough and it's got even harder. You have to turn up the fire because you want to see grace under fire. I want a girl with gumption because I truly believe that's the only girl who's going to make it. You need to have a backbone of steel. I have to be taskmaster, but I am a bit of a softie too.
What's the toughest part of your job?
It's tough to bid goodbye to a girl. Unfortunately, you are trying to pick the best of the best. But we have a lot of girls who have participated and then come back a year or two later, far more confident, well-groomed, and with better body language.
Do you see a winner already?
It's too early and you have dark horses. You always have girls who surprise you. I remember I was a dark horse at Miss Universe. No one saw Miss India coming from a mile and suddenly there she was!
Watch the series telecast on Colors Infinity, starting August 27, every Saturday and Sunday at 7 pm.
This year, you've added newer elements to the TV series...
Yes. We have tried to bring about changes based on what the international requirements are for the contestant who will represent India. This time, the concepts are different from your typical beauty pageant criteria. We want the girl to not just be a beauty queen, but one who can hold her own on the international fashion scene. We are also partnering with a new channel.
Is there a change in your role as well?
This year, I had the opportunity to pick the 16 finalists. I was probably like this shadow that they followed during their growing up years. Now when they see me standing in front of them, they are gobsmacked and nervous.It's humbling to be in their presence because I'm transported to the time when I started out. That also brings the responsibility to try and give them as much as I can. I'm also a bit of a life coach to them. They literally become my babies.
Are you a task master?
I remember years ago when I was shooting on a bridge in London and the crew said, 'change' and I asked, 'where?' It was a rude awakening when I was told, 'when we say change, you just change regardless of where you are.' This business is extremely tough and it's got even harder. You have to turn up the fire because you want to see grace under fire. I want a girl with gumption because I truly believe that's the only girl who's going to make it. You need to have a backbone of steel. I have to be taskmaster, but I am a bit of a softie too.
What's the toughest part of your job?
It's tough to bid goodbye to a girl. Unfortunately, you are trying to pick the best of the best. But we have a lot of girls who have participated and then come back a year or two later, far more confident, well-groomed, and with better body language.
Do you see a winner already?
It's too early and you have dark horses. You always have girls who surprise you. I remember I was a dark horse at Miss Universe. No one saw Miss India coming from a mile and suddenly there she was!
Watch the series telecast on Colors Infinity, starting August 27, every Saturday and Sunday at 7 pm.
It was nice to break away from my glamorous image in Singh Is Bliing-Lara Dutta
8:19 AM
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; October 11, 2015)
With Singh is Bliing Lara
(SIB), Dutta Bhupathi ended her three-year hiatus from films. The
actress' strikingly different avatar in the comic caper has people
breaking into bouts of laughter. Here she speaks about Emily, her crazy
onscreen character and what went into playing it.
As a nerdy Emily, you've been quite a revelation in SIB. People have liked your performance.
I'm overwhelmed by the reaction, I hadn't expected it. When Akshay (Kumar) spoke to me about this role, I wondered what I could possibly be doing in a film like SIB (laughs). The moment I heard the character of Emily (the translator), who is crazy, geeky and frumpy, I told myself this shouldn't be done in half measure. If I throw myself under the bus, I might as well enjoy being run over! I had to go all out and shoot the film with a broken foot. I just surrendered myself to Prabhu Dheva.
The character didn't entail you to look attractive.
It's nice to break away from the glamorous image. I've been working for 13 years and it's good to get an opportunity to act as opposed to be just another pretty face. I had the freedom to make that character look believable, instead of a caricature.
You debuted in Andaaz with Akshay Kumar. Your chemistry with him has evolved over the years.
He was already a superstar back then and had an aura around him but it went away immediately as we found this natural connect with each other. We share an easy kind of friendship, which is hard to find, especially in the film industry. He is the only man who gets away with calling me Laaru.
As a nerdy Emily, you've been quite a revelation in SIB. People have liked your performance.
I'm overwhelmed by the reaction, I hadn't expected it. When Akshay (Kumar) spoke to me about this role, I wondered what I could possibly be doing in a film like SIB (laughs). The moment I heard the character of Emily (the translator), who is crazy, geeky and frumpy, I told myself this shouldn't be done in half measure. If I throw myself under the bus, I might as well enjoy being run over! I had to go all out and shoot the film with a broken foot. I just surrendered myself to Prabhu Dheva.
The character didn't entail you to look attractive.
It's nice to break away from the glamorous image. I've been working for 13 years and it's good to get an opportunity to act as opposed to be just another pretty face. I had the freedom to make that character look believable, instead of a caricature.
You debuted in Andaaz with Akshay Kumar. Your chemistry with him has evolved over the years.
He was already a superstar back then and had an aura around him but it went away immediately as we found this natural connect with each other. We share an easy kind of friendship, which is hard to find, especially in the film industry. He is the only man who gets away with calling me Laaru.
You have to be unique and not carbon copies of each other-Lara Dutta
7:38 AM
That's host-mentor Lara Dutta's advice to the 16 finalists of Yamaha Fascino Miss Diva 2015 pageant
Roshni K Olivera (BOMBAY TIMES; October 9, 2015)
Actress and Miss Universe
2000 Lara Dutta is all set to host the second season of Yamaha Fascino
Miss Diva 2015 reality TV series. Each nail-biting episode will see the
16 finalists prove their mettle in tasks set by celebrity judges. The
many twists and turns along with innovative challenges are bound to make
the series even more exciting. The winner of the pageant will represent
India at Miss Universe 2015. Excerpts from an interview with the
beautiful Lara...
How different is this season going to be?
Last year, we were sort of finding our way through, narrowing down on a programme that was television-friendly, but at the same time, benefitting the girls. This year, we are a lot more organised. We know what the girls need, therefore the challenges are also fashioned around that.
You seem to be enjoying your television stint.
I love it. I have been offered television a lot of times but I have turned it down. I think it's finding something you identify with and you feel at home doing it. This comes naturally to me because I know exactly what I need to tell the girls. We prepare a script and come, but 90% of everything that happens, happens very organically on the set. I am not just playing the part of a host, I'm also playing mentor to them simultaneously. I have just that much time to impart whatever I need to and in a capsule which is intensive enough for them to be able to absorb.
What's the best part of your job? And the most difficult?
I get to relive what I did 15 years ago. And the hardest part is definitely the eliminations. Nobody has reached this far just on a whim or by chance. They have really worked on themselves, their families have put in so much. I tell them one thing - to be able to succeed or to survive in showbiz, you need a backbone of steel. You need to learn to pick yourself up, dust things off and just move forward. You have to learn to get on with it.
In terms of the participants, do you see a huge change today compared to when you were one?
Tremendously. The girls today are far more prepared than we were. In fact, some of them are already doing films in the South or Bollywood.
The one advice you give the girls...
You need to stand out, whether it's here or at Miss Universe. That can happen only if you have a strong sense of individuality. Otherwise, the girls come so prepared now that they all look like carbon copies of each other. One has to be unique. But I am happier with the lot this year; as soon as I met them, they actually created their own impressions.
Who's the winner for you?
I need somebody who is well prepared. Apart from the physical aspects, I need somebody with confidence, but a quiet confidence. I don't want an in your-face confidence because sometimes, that comes off as arrogance.
Catch the finalists in an exciting seven-episode televi sion series with Lara Dutta on Romedy Now, with repeats on Zoom. The finale will also be aired on Fox Life. Watch all the action, intrigue and behind-the scene preparation for the series starting October 12.
The pageant's title sponsor is Yamaha Fascino. Yamaha Fascino's partnership reflects the spirit of freedom and aims to fascinate youth by fulfilling their lives with products and services under the concept Fascino. Gemfields has come on board as the Crown & Gems Partner for the pageant. For more information, log on to http:www.missdiva.com.
How different is this season going to be?
Last year, we were sort of finding our way through, narrowing down on a programme that was television-friendly, but at the same time, benefitting the girls. This year, we are a lot more organised. We know what the girls need, therefore the challenges are also fashioned around that.
You seem to be enjoying your television stint.
I love it. I have been offered television a lot of times but I have turned it down. I think it's finding something you identify with and you feel at home doing it. This comes naturally to me because I know exactly what I need to tell the girls. We prepare a script and come, but 90% of everything that happens, happens very organically on the set. I am not just playing the part of a host, I'm also playing mentor to them simultaneously. I have just that much time to impart whatever I need to and in a capsule which is intensive enough for them to be able to absorb.
What's the best part of your job? And the most difficult?
I get to relive what I did 15 years ago. And the hardest part is definitely the eliminations. Nobody has reached this far just on a whim or by chance. They have really worked on themselves, their families have put in so much. I tell them one thing - to be able to succeed or to survive in showbiz, you need a backbone of steel. You need to learn to pick yourself up, dust things off and just move forward. You have to learn to get on with it.
In terms of the participants, do you see a huge change today compared to when you were one?
Tremendously. The girls today are far more prepared than we were. In fact, some of them are already doing films in the South or Bollywood.
The one advice you give the girls...
You need to stand out, whether it's here or at Miss Universe. That can happen only if you have a strong sense of individuality. Otherwise, the girls come so prepared now that they all look like carbon copies of each other. One has to be unique. But I am happier with the lot this year; as soon as I met them, they actually created their own impressions.
Who's the winner for you?
I need somebody who is well prepared. Apart from the physical aspects, I need somebody with confidence, but a quiet confidence. I don't want an in your-face confidence because sometimes, that comes off as arrogance.
Catch the finalists in an exciting seven-episode televi sion series with Lara Dutta on Romedy Now, with repeats on Zoom. The finale will also be aired on Fox Life. Watch all the action, intrigue and behind-the scene preparation for the series starting October 12.
The pageant's title sponsor is Yamaha Fascino. Yamaha Fascino's partnership reflects the spirit of freedom and aims to fascinate youth by fulfilling their lives with products and services under the concept Fascino. Gemfields has come on board as the Crown & Gems Partner for the pageant. For more information, log on to http:www.missdiva.com.
I would love to direct a film-Lara Dutta
7:48 AM
Lara Dutta produced Chalo Dilli four years ago. Now, she is ready to helm a project...
Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; October 6, 2015)
Now that Lara Dutta has made her comeback to films
with Singh is Bliing, she is all set to revive her hitherto dormant
production banner Bheegi Basanti Entertainment.
It’s been four years since she produced her first film, Chalo Dilli, starring her and Vinay Pathak. A sequel, Chalo China, was announced in March 2014, but there was no progress on that. Ask Lara about the delay and she says, “That film is locked and loaded. We have had some issues in the past, there have been blockages with the previous setup. Once we get past that, we will see.”
About why there hasn’t been any other film from her banner, she says, “I am not a huge production house like UTV or Eros with 15 directors on board. I want to make films that are high on content and not huge blockbusters. Such stories won’t come by everyday — it’s not like you go shopping and get it in the chana market (laughs). But now I have got two lovely scripts, and I will talk more about that when the time is right. You will see more of me (she has a small role in Fitoor and plays a lawyer in Azhar) and my production ventures next year,” she says enthusiastically. And, no, she won’t be acting in either of the two films that she is producing.
Besides returning to acting and producing, Lara is also planning to take up direction in the near future. She says, “I would love to direct, but technically I am not prepared for it. My energies are focussed on producing my two films. Mahesh and I have been thinking about me going back and studying direction and I want to do that.”
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