Whenever there is a series about the entertainment industry, an award show sequence is almost always woven into it. It seems to be true of Aryan Khan’s debut series, Stardom, as well. mid-day has learnt that the first-time writer-director began shooting an award function scene in Mehboob Studios in Bandra yesterday. Sources tell us that as many as 18 stars have been lined up for the sequence.

On Friday, Rajkummar Rao, Arjun Kapoor, Siddhant Chaturvedi, and Shanaya Kapoor filmed their portions. A source reveals further, “On Saturday, Aryan will shoot with his superstar-father Shah Rukh Khan, Sara Ali Khan, and social media influencer Orhan Awatramani aka Orry. Seasoned actors Karisma Kapoor and Neelam, as well as personalities from Bollywood’s inner circle, including Seema Khan, Bhavana Pandey, and Maheep Kapoor, are expected to join. With so many industry figures making cameos, it will be an exhaustive affair. The director plans to wrap up filming by Sunday.” The sequence, we are told, serves as a crucial plot point in the show.

For his maiden directorial venture that is led by Mona Singh and Lakshya, Aryan has chosen to take an intimate look at the world that he knows best—showbiz. Stardom, slated to drop on Netflix next year, has been described as the story of “an ambitious outsider navigating the glitzy yet tricky world of Bollywood.”

Jewellery designer Maheep Kapoor gained fame for her sass and style in the first two seasons of Fabulous Lives Of Bollywood Wives. However, in the third season, audiences were introduced to a more intense and emotional side of her. Reflecting on this shift, Maheep, who is married to actor Sanjay Kapoor — the younger brother of Bollywood stalwarts Anil Kapoor and Boney Kapoor — shares, “There is a very vulnerable side to me, and I think it’s about the circumstances.”

In this season, the 42-year-old opened up about her health struggles, including a stint in the ICU and her diagnosis of type 1 diabetes: “It’s a reality show, so whatever you’re going through in that moment is the vibe and feeling you’ll convey on screen. You can’t always be jumping around happy and excited — that’s just not realistic. It came out very organically and I didn’t overthink it.”

She continues: “I’m not playing a character, I’m just being myself. Every woman can relate to each one of us in different ways, which is incredibly gratifying. It’s difficult to put your life out there, especially in an era of social media where judgments are fast and harsh. People are quick to judge but not quick enough to understand. But the love is overwhelming, and I’m grateful that people get us.”

Maheep, whose daughter Shanaya is set to make her acting debut, speaks with pride about the connection she’s fostered with her audience. “There’s a great sense of pride,” she says, adding, “I’m a middle-aged woman, and I’ve said many times that I was very complacent and comfortable. Then Karan (Johar, filmmaker) came along, shook me up, and offered me the show.”

Neelam Kothari Soni’s honesty has a way of shining on the screen. As she pursued her acting career in the ’80s and early ’90s, she was the quintessential girl-next-door, whose one smile was enough to break hearts. However, she quit acting early to focus on her family. Decades later, as she returned to the screen with Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives, it was her charm and her vulnerability that endeared her to audiences again. As the reality show’s third season streams on Netflix, the actor opens about how it has brought her closer to her three friends—Maheep Kapoor, Bhavana Panday, and Seema Sajdeh—her reaction to the new entrants on the show, and putting up her life for public scrutiny. Edited excerpts from the interview. 

I’m absolutely enjoying it. Doing a reality show is not easy. We’ve reached season three and are diving deeper into a person’s life and their personality. There are days where I have felt uncomfortable, but by and large, it’s a blast because I’m with my besties.

During season one, I found it very difficult. But then in the consecutive seasons, I felt that the more vulnerable you are, and the more you show your true personality, you win hearts. I think the show has done so well because each one of us has come out and spoken about our life that normally people wouldn’t talk about [as it would make them] uncomfortable. In the first season, I did my fillers. I don’t think anyone in India has ever come on a show and said, ‘I do fillers’.

In the first season, the actual action happened after the cameras stopped rolling. It was the first fight. These things happen between friends. We just didn’t anticipate it happening [so soon]. Maheep and I were wondering, ‘What the hell just happened?’ But that’s the nature of this show. You never know what’s coming because it’s not scripted. We don’t know what the other person is going to say or what I’m going to say. That makes it a little challenging because you don’t know what’s coming your way.

Before we started rolling for season one, I was scared because earlier, the only way people got to know anything about a star was through letters. There were hardly any interviews that happened. So, I was apprehensive because for the first time, people would see the real me, my equation with my family and my friends. But after the show dropped, I was pleasantly surprised that we all got so much love, especially me because I’ve been part of the industry.

I don’t think it has [revived] my acting career, but it has definitely put me back in the spotlight.

That’s me as a person. Even in real life, I’m careful and cautious. That is my personality. But in season three, I’ve cut loose a little bit.

Some people will love us, some people will hate us, but they definitely can’t ignore us.

I felt like that in the beginning. The four of us felt like this is our show, but having new people on board [leads to] different conversations and different scenarios. But we take this very personally. We four are the OGs.

In every season, when I’m on holiday with the girls, I cut loose. I’m just a different person. The holidays are definitely my favourite part. We went to Mauritius this season. The best thing about the four of us is that there is no competition. There is a certain comfort that only comes from being friends for so many years.

For Maheep Kapoor, jewellery designer and former model, celebrating Karwa Chauth is all about “small things that count”. “The one rule Sanjay follows is that he doesn’t shoot around this time. And while he and I don’t have a personal ritual per say, he is always on time on Karwa Chauth, usually being the first husband to reach the venue, and I feel touched by that,” the 42-year-old shares, adding that the day is a reminder of “how important we are to each other.”

When it comes to her outfit for the occasion, Maheep loves going all out. “I love dressing up for Karwa Chauth, it’s very special. Everyone’s finery comes out on this day — the jewellery, sindoor, bangles, bindis. I just need an excuse to get ready. This year, I am going for a saree as I love sarees and find them so beautiful,” shares Maheep, who has been married to Sanjay for almost 27 years.

Her favourite part of the festival? The joyful gathering of family and friends, she reveals: “I love it when all of us dress up with our puja ki thalis. Over the years, it has become that one day when all of us ladies get together, even if we haven’t met the whole year. Meanwhile, Sanjay constantly keeps checking his phone to give updates about when the moon will be up.”

Sharing an unforgettable memory of the festival, Maheep recalls her early married days. “Sanjay and I had gone to London during the festival, and I spent the whole day shopping and giving myself presents. At night, we had to go out for dinner, and we took a black cab. We drove around the whole of London city trying to find the moon,” she reminisces.

“Unfortunately, it was very cloudy, and the driver was frustrated with our adventure. We told him we wanted to find the moon, and he thought we were crazy. Sanjay also thought we should forget about finding the moon in London since it was already out in India. But I said no, I won’t eat without seeing it. Finally, we spotted the moon, I opened my fast, and later, we went for dinner,” she signs off.

Her arguments on her web series with her husband Samir Soni has the audience realised that it’s quite an ‘opposite attracts’ jodi. While Neelam comes across as a social person, Samir is rather anti-social. And the actress tells us that it takes efforts to make him do things for the show.

Talking about how she convinces him every time he has to come on camera for their show Fabulous Lives Of Bollywood Wives, Neelam shares, “The first day we shot with him he walked in with his boxers and ganji. I objected and he said well, it's a reality show and this is how I am at home. I said at least wear pyjamas and a t-shirt. And he refused saying, ‘You guys want me on the show? You want to shoot with me? This is the way I am!’ Finally, somehow, I convinced him, and he at least wore track pants and a t-shirt. But then the next challenge was to make him sit up as she was lying down on the couch and wanted to talk like that on camera. He just wanted it to be real.”

At home, the other thing Neelam worries about Samir is that “he has no filter”! She elaborates saying, “Sometimes I get scared talking in front of him about anything thinking what if he spills the beans by mistake. If I'm gossiping with my friends, I make sure that he's not around because nothing stays in his stomach. He doesn't realize there's just no filter. Overall, he's just a clean soul so he doesn't realize it.”

The actress is now gearing up for the third season of her reality show – Fabulous Lives Vs Bollywood Wives. This time around there’s an addition to the cast with a bunch of new protagonists. And this change makes Neelam jealous!

In a fun way she reiterates saying, “My first reaction to the new season was, ‘Oh, we have to share screen space with other wives?; But anyway, as we started shooting it was a lot of fun. It definitely added to the track. We needed that little twist because the four (Neelam Kothari, Maheep Kapoor, Bhavna Pandey, Seema Khan) of us became very comfortable on the show so this has definitely helped.”

Her family is made up of superstars, from her late father Rishi Kapoor, to mother Neetu Kapoor and brother Ranbir. But Riddhima Kapoor Sahni was always certain about not foraying into showbiz, instead establishing herself as a fashion designer and among the top jewellery designers. Now, Bollywood has come calling. We hear Sahni will star in a prominent role in the third season of Karan Johar’s reality web series, The Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives. The Netflix series gives us a peek into B-Town’s inner circle as Neelam Kothari, Maheep Kapoor, Bhavna Pandey and Seema Sajdeh juggle careers, crises, family and friendships.

While the opening season was a binge-fest, thanks to the protagonists’ colourful personalities, the second edition received a lukewarm response due to its bland storytelling. Insiders say that producer Johar took note of the criticism, and decided to feature three powerful women entrepreneurs in the upcoming instalment. Enter Delhi’s glitterati Sahni, Kalyani Saha Chawla and Shalini Passi. 

A source says, “Fabulous Lives is travelling from Mumbai to Delhi. The creative team realised that they needed to introduce new faces into the mix. All three are well-known celebrities based in Delhi, but connected to Bollywood in one way or the other. Shalini Passi is an art and design collector, art advisor and the creative director of Pasco group of companies. She is a long-time friend of Shah Rukh and Gauri Khan. Kalyani Saha Chawla is the founder and chief executive of a silver luxury home decor brand and consultant for an international luxury label. The three women are Karan’s good friends and were happy to feature in his show. The story will move forward as Maheep, Bhavna, Seema and Neelam meet the trio in Delhi.”

Sahni isn’t the only addition we’re excited about. The source adds, “Neetu-ji will make a friendly appearance. The series will offer a glimpse of her deep bond with daughter Riddhima.”

Last week, the team kicked off filming in the capital. After a few days of shooting, they will return to Mumbai, where the second schedule will commence from the first week of November. This time too, the four protagonists will travel to different locations in India and overseas, before calling it a wrap by December.

The cast shot with entrepreneur Kalyani Saha (left) in Delhi yesterday

They came, they saw, and what we didn’t think, happened—they conquered us with their glitz and glamour. The Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives is gearing up for another season, albeit with new additions. The producers of the Netflix reality series are on a hunt to discover two interesting socialites from Delhi to join Bhavna Pandey, Maheep Kapoor, Neelam Soni, and Seema Sajdeh.

The upcoming third season is set to focus on the age-old rivalry between Delhi and Mumbai, and the pursuit to sign on the capital’s most fabulous and influential women is in full swing. A source informs, “Casting calls, high-profile events, and elite social gatherings have become hotspots for scouting potential stars who will grace the screen and bring their own brand of glitz and drama to the show.”

Makers are keen to cast women who embody the essence of Delhi’s high society, its opulent lifestyle, and its unique cultural nuances. While the producers have remained tight-lipped about the potential candidates, insiders suggest that two prominent figures “who have their finger on the pulse of the city, with connections to Bollywood, business moguls, and the elite social circles that define Delhi’s social landscape” will be locked by month’s end.

Maheep Kapoor and Seema Kiran Sajdeh. Pics/Instagram

Maheep Kapoor speaks passionately about adopting healthy habits to serve as a role model for her kids. Pointing out that her actor-husband Sanjay Kapoor has been “eating the same meals for years”, she says as parents, they attempt to help their kids learn healthy habits. “I never wanted them to fear food. Considering the environment that we live in, the pollution, and the viruses we now encounter, it is more important now, than ever, to stay fit. At home, we look at food as medicine on the table. We always think about whether or not we are getting the required amount of protein and carbs,” says Kapoor, adding that her parents played a vital role in encouraging her to adopt healthy habits.

Certain that her wealth of knowledge on the subject will benefit women across ages, Kapoor says she’s eager to launch a YouTube channel dedicated to the subject. “Women need to know that the foods that growing kids need is different from what they need in their 20s, and subsequently, a woman in her 40s needs to completely change her [diet chart]. At a time when you are in pre-menopause, [metabolism] slows down. I am learning to minimize sugar, because it is poison, and am also learning to eat in the correct manner — greens first, and then protein.”

Pointing out that Sanjay and she have had a “love affair with food”, Kapoor says she owes her good health to the fact that she ate wholesome meals while growing up. Physical fitness, she says, has played an integral role in her journey.

“All of us at home exercise. In the lockdown, I bought a cycle, and would use it to [channel] my energy. Any routine doesn’t have to be strenuous. I love pilates, and walking. It also boosts my mental health. I enjoy the time I get to push my body.”

 

Her circle of friends, she admits, keeps her motivated. “My friends are healthy and conscious about the need to stay active. We are all in our mid-40s and early-50s. [We have] great skin, and it’s all due to good nutrition.”

1. Water is vital. Hydrate yourself as soon as you wake up.

2. Focus on eating fruits and vegetables. There’s a reason behind certain fruits and vegetables being available at certain times. It is nature’s way of telling you that you need it. 

3. Stay away from sugar.  As a challenge for yourself, eliminate sugar for a month and see the benefits. 

4. Do a blood test to learn about your vitamin deficiencies. Indians are deficient in vitamin D, and it’s a very important vitamin. I realised I was allergic to chicken, and I eliminated it. If you tend to react to something, it can show up in simple ways, like lethargy.

5. Do not touch anything processed, or anything that comes in a package.

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An overweight child, Seema Kiran Sajdeh was rather bribed by her father when she expressed her desire to bring home a puppy — he told her he’d gift her the dog when she managed to lose weight. Sajdeh, whose fashion and fitness choices have won praise from watchers of an ongoing web show featuring her, recalls that her first tryst with physical fitness happened at the behest of her aunt.

“I’d spend my holidays with her, and she was the one who encouraged me to exercise and eat correctly, and helped me shave off 20 kilos,” she recalls.

It was after the pandemic — and the subsequent weight gain that followed — that she began to truly turn her attention to nutrition. “The extra weight wouldn’t budge. I went to a nutritionist and began to understand my body, and what was and wasn’t suiting me. For example, I do always watch what is on my plate, but I am also a binge-eater. I especially cannot do portion control — things like having only two biscuits or one bowl of something, I can’t do that. I had to find what was making me happy because I cannot eat things that don’t taste good. If you tell me to eat 90 per cent dark chocolate, I feel that’s like eating cardboard. So, I was encouraged to eat the chocolate with almonds, which satiates my [sweet tooth], and provides protein too. The longest that I have gone without sugar is 22 hours. It is always about the connection you can build with what you put in the mouth. At the same time, you have to think about the value that each food that you put into your mouth, provides. It affects your health, skin, and mood.”

At 44, Sajdeh’s fitness routine is not for the faint-hearted. Her social media posts are brimming with snapshots of her routine that comprise a mix of plyometric and strength training exercises. Admitting that she harbours a love-hate relationship with her fitness routine, she says she is often uncomfortable when she hasn’t packed in her sweat session.

“If I miss my routine, I don’t feel energetic. Initially, it was all about cardio. When you are young, you easily see results with cardio. But as you grow older, you need to develop strength too. I am a strong chick. While travelling, lifting bags and handling luggage, I can see the difference between me and someone else my age, and I owe it all to my strength training routine. People who exercise, can combat a lot. Also, rest is important. If you feel like you’re exercising a lot but aren’t losing weight, I’d say give your body rest, and you’ll see the results.”

Prod her on how she adheres to her routine when she’s on social visits or on holiday, and she encourages women by stating, “While travelling, walk a lot. Don’t take the cab or tube, and enjoy the time in the city by walking. I may go for a class, if there is one. I also have a yoga app that I may use. Also, I don’t have carbs at night.”

1.  Don’t underestimate the need to hydrate yourself.

2. Women need protein. When you are ageing, less protein can lead to skin laxity. 

3. Find alternatives for sugar. Sugar is poison. Opt for dark chocolates, which have anti-oxidants as well. 

4. Load up on vitamins, especially vitamin D3. If you can’t knock off your weight, do check this level.

It isn’t easy to get the reticent Gauri Khan to make an appearance on a show. Ask Karan Johar, who has convinced her to return to Koffee With Karan 17 years since her last appearance. This time around, the producer-interior designer is joined by friends Maheep Kapoor and Bhavana Pandey.

The conversation, laced with wit and humour, sees the ladies discuss it all — from Shah Rukh Khan’s epic parties to stars’ airport looks, and Gauri’s dating advice to daughter Suhana Khan.

In a segment of the Disney+ Hotstar offering, Gauri opens up on how having a superstar husband also comes with its baggage. The entrepreneur, who has a successful interior designing business and hit Hindi movie productions to her name, says, “When [working on] a new project, there are some people who consider me a designer. But there are also times when it does not work out that way because people do not want to get attached to the baggage of working with Shah Rukh Khan’s wife. It works against me 50 per cent of the time.”

Mumbai: Two days after actor Kareena Kapoor tested positive for Coronavirus, her house help has got a positive report. Meanwhile, after actor Sanjay Kapoor’s wife Maheep, her daughter Shanaya too has tested positive. Shanaya took to social media on Wednesday to post her symptoms are mild.

Kareena Kapoor, Maheep Kapoor and a few others had attended a gathering at filmmaker Karan Johar’s residence last week. Meanwhile, civic officials who had collected more than 100 swabs from residents of the buildings where Kareena Kapoor, Johar, actor Amrita Arora and actor Sohail Khan’s wife Seema Khan live, unsealed the societies on Wednesday after all the samples tested negative.

A senior civic official said they received the positive report of Kareena Kapoor’s house help on Wednesday. “We will be checking on their health till the time they are in isolation. Apart from these high-risk contacts, we also tested 108 people from four buildings of actor Kareena Kapoor, Amrita Arora, filmmaker Karan Johar and Seema Khan and all tested negative,” said the official, adding actors Alia Bhatt and Malaika Arora who were at Johar’s home tested negative. Officials are trying to reach designer Manish Malhotra who was at Johar’s home too for his health status.

When contacted, Vinayak Vispute, BMC assistant municipal commissioner, H-West Ward, confirmed the BMC has unsealed the buildings.

Johar took to social media on Wednesday where he put out a note which read: “My family and I and everyone at home have done their RTPCR tests and with the grace of God we are all negative. In fact, I tested twice just to be safe and am negative. I truly appreciate the grandest efforts of the BMC to ensure the safety of our city. Salute to them. To some members of the media, I would like to clarify that an 8 person intimate gathering is not a ‘party.’ And my home which we maintain strict protocols in is certainly no ‘hotspot’ of covid. All of us are responsible and masked at all times and no one would treat this pandemic lightly. My request to certain members of the media is to exercise some restraint in their extreme reportage without the assessment of facts! Lots of love and safety to all. Karan Johar.”

“Shanaya and her mother are in home quarantine at a building in JVPD,” said Prithviraj Chavan, assistant BMC commissioner, K-West Ward.

After BMC officials confirmed actors Kareena Kapoor Khan and Amrita Arora tested positive for Covid-19 and that they flouted norms by attending parties, Khan’s spokesperson told IndiaToday.in they contracted the virus at a private dinner. “Among that group, there was one person who seemed unwell. This person should have been responsible enough to not attend the dinner and put others at risk…It is not fair to put the blame on Kareena,” said the spokesperson. Her father, Randhir Kapoor, shared her health update, saying she had fever and body ache. Khan is currently on home quarantine. Meanwhile, actor Sanjay Kapoor’s wife, Maheep Kapoor, and actor Sohail Khan’s wife, Seema Khan, have also tested Covid-19 positive.

Her introduction on the show Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives might have been as the relative of some famous film people, but Maheep Kapoor could very well have been an actor herself. But she decided to instead focus on building a life with husband Sanjay Kapoor and being a jewellery designer.

“I wasn’t acting at all, otherwise I wouldn’t have signed (the show). I’m glad the film I was supposed to do and even shot halfway, never released. I’m a bad actor, it would’ve never worked,” she admits.

On the show, Maheep talked freely about a lot of things. She even mentioned that she knows how it feels to be the “supposedly unsuccessful” part of a big family. Anil Kapoor and Boney Kapoor are her brothers-in-law, while the late Sridevi was her sister-in-law.

The candidness with which she said it, took many by surprise. “Sanjay has had good times, he’s had bad times. But he never brought it back home to us. Yes, it’s not been easy but success is relative, everyone cannot be a Shah Rukh Khan,” she says. Instead, Maheep adds, “I got what I wanted. I had the best of friends, my children (Shanaya and Jahaan) have got the best of everything...God blessed us a lot.”

She is all praise for the film industry too, which she’s been associated with for over 30 years. “It’s not easy to put yourself out there, with the trolling. There’s no other place like the industry,” ends Maheep.

Along with an attack on our health, this year saw an assault of another kind, equally discussed. The attack on Bollywood royalty. Superstars were "shown their place", say critics, especially on social media, as the aam junta questioned their entitlement, the power of privilege that comes with being someone important's someone.

Ironically, a new digital show that's been at the centre of much chatter, discusses and celebrates this very privilege, as it puts four wives of Bollywood stars—Neelam Kothari (married to Samir Soni), Seema Khan (Sohail Khan), Maheep Kapoor (Sanjay Kapoor) and Bhavana Pandey (Chunky Pandey; is mother to Ananya Panday)—in the spotlight. The Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives promises to offer entry into filmi families, which have been at the vortex of the nepotism debate recently. "People will finally know that our lives aren't glamorous 24/7. And, that we are not perfect!" says Khan, wife to Sohail Khan, brother to Bollywood's biggest superstar Salman Khan and daughter-in-law to veteran scriptwriter Salim Khan. Kothari argues that they may look perfect, but that doesn't mean, "they don't have their insecurities".

Whatever the protagonists may say, the audiences are going to watch for a glimpse of the perfection and glamour that defines, even if erroneously, Bollywood. What is going to come as a surprise though, is the candidness with which the show is presented. Khan confesses that she is obsessed with the Kardashians, while actor Samir Soni discusses Neelam's fear of facing audience judgment with a return to screen after years. And Pandey laughs about her love of "water bras". And they all have real jobs. Kothari and Kapoor are jewellery designers; Pandey runs a fashion brand called Love Gen; Khan is a fashion designer. But as Kapoor says, their kids come before career. Pandey adds, "We will be in super important meetings, but when your child calls, it means you have to put them before anything and everything."

The show, produced by Karan Johar, is full of real, and some hilarious moments. Some of it is over the top, yes, but all of it, entertaining.

When we get on a Zoom call with the four, they seem to be a bunch not too concerned about challenging any odd perceptions you may have. Pandey, who comes across as the most grounded, says, "Honestly, this show was not intended to challenge misconceptions. We are not trying to prove anything. We are behaving the way we would ordinarily—we are women who multitask, like every woman out there." Kapoor says they are an emotional bunch. They've known each other for 20-odd years, and that's what people will see. "That's close to 25 years of relationships and friendship. I am hoping women will connect with us."

Interestingly, the four weren't very keen to put themselves out there when the idea was presented to them. Kothari says different triggers set each of them off, and all of them lost their cool at some point while shooting. But it was the kids who got them to see its relevance in perspective. As Kapoor says, "It was very nerve-racking to put ourselves out there. But our kids made us see the light—life is short, who says no to Dharmatic [Johar's Dharma Productions] and Netflix! Tell your stories. And suddenly, we all said, 'why not, we must!'"

Kothari: That's the misconception in any field. You have to work hard to get where you are. You will never see success if you don't work hard.

Pandey: We are privileged, and we are blessed. But, there is everything else that comes with it. We experience the emotions you do—we are happy and sad. Ours is like any other family.

Kapoor: Very! Neelam was like 'hell, no!' Seema said yes, and Bhavna was thinking about it. Did we want people to judge us, and give so much access? No.

Pandey: I had been planning—okay, I will be controlled, and I will say this, and do that. But after a while, we went back to who we were. How long can you pretend?

Khan: I was fine till the shoot started. Then, when the cameras were in our house, we panicked a bit.

Kothari: I think what helped was that we had known each other for 25 years.

Kapoor: We are very possessive mothers. That will resonate for sure.

Pandey: We all multistask like everyone else, especially like everyone has during the pandemic!

Khan: Maheep is obviously Samantha, and Neelam is very much like Charlotte. I think Bhavana and I oscillate, and have a bit of both Miranda and Carrie in us.

Neelam Kothari, Bhavana Pandey, Maheep Kapoor and Seema Khan

Sonakshi Sinha, who recently returned from a work trip in New York, ushered in her 29th birthday with gal pals Seema Khan, Maheep Kapoor, Bhavana Pandey and designer Laila Motwane at a private bash on Wednesday night. While Sona and Seema turned up in colour-coordinated whites, the girl gang danced the night away on some of their fave tracks. The group was later joined by Sona's close friend, Bunty Sajdeh. On Thursday, Seema sent birthday greetings to Sona on the social media with snapshots from the bash. 

Meanwhile, the actress kicked off the day by sharing a teaser of her next, the coming-of-age drama Noor which is based on Pakistani journalist-writer Saba Imtiaz's 2014 novel, Karachi You're Killing Me!, in which she plays the titular character. The film rolls in Mumbai, this July. “I can't wait to begin this journey. It's already on such a positive note. Thank you all for the overwhelming response. That's been the best birthday gift so far,“ Sona posted online.

Here's wishing Shotgun Jr many more gloriously happy returns of the day.

Sanjay Kapoor, 52, is the only one in his family who is a graduate. When Boney Kapoor got remarried to Sridevi, Sanjay looked after Arjun just as a father would have. Even when Arjun's mother Mona cut off her communication with Boney's family and moved out with her two children, Arjun and Anshula, she shared a special bond with Sanjay. In continuation of his interview with the Bombay Times, Sanjay talks about his empathy for Arjun, his unspoken bond with Mona and why he is happier than both his brothers. Excerpts:

Let's talk about Boney Kapoor?
Boney should have been a hero. He is a spender. Be it his holidays or any other thing. That's his personality. When me and Anil first went abroad when I was 22, he told us, 'Main tumhare jaise bheekmango ki tarah nahi jaoonga. When I can afford it, I will go.' That time also, he would make shirts from Kachins.

You have been closest to Arjun amongst the kids in your family. Let's talk about him.
Obviously, I could not take Boney's position in his life as Boney is his father, but there was this phase of 10 years where I was the closest to what a father figure can be. When Boney got remarried to Sri, my parents told him, 'You have got remarried. But Mona and kids will continue to live here.' So, Boney shifted out, whereas they stayed back. That time, I was the only one left in the house who could have corrected Arjun. Boney had his own issues that time. I was very close to Mona also, in fact, the only one in the family who was. While we did not communicate as much, we shared a bond. Maybe it was due to how she saw me with Arjun. She had been very attached to my father till a certain time, probably till when Boney had got remarried. When she shifted out, we came to know from outside that she had cancer and that she did not want Arjun to tell us. So when my father passed away, she entered our house after 5 years. I went down to get her. When she was entering the house, I knew that she was also unwell. I held her hand and shoulder and took her up, as she had come after a long time. We didn't share too much in words, but she knew that I was there.

Between Arjun and Boney, who did you empathise with more?
With Arjun. I understand that it's not the first time that a man was getting remarried. And it was not about taking sides or anything, but I was still living with Arjun and therefore, felt for him. He was just 10 and Anshula too young, but I knew that we were there for them. We ensured that Arjun and Anshula continued to enjoy the same lifestyle. That ten years that I spent with Arjun, is what he would have normally spent with Boney. Boney would come home and everything, but it was different. Arjun was very sensitive and most lovable. I used to fire him the most for being fat. When he was older, he was not good at his studies and I took that responsibility. Boney was as it is so guilty, so he could not be strict with him. He was spending those 45 minutes with him and in that, he could not have scolded him. So there were a lot of things he couldn't do which I did. I would take him with me if I went for my shows or for holidays. Boney used to provide for him by spending on him too much and I would fire him for that, as I didn't want Arjun to get spoilt as I knew that Boney was spending that money on him out of guilt. I was the balancing factor and even now I remain so. Even during Tevar, sometimes if there was something Arjun would do wrong, I would tell Boney, 'You are not the only man to have got remarried. If you have to tell Arjun some thing, you should say it to him.' But I know that Boney still holds back. I think it was destined that my first film had to be with Arjun, as I have a special bonding with him. I was so emotional that I always wanted to make my first film with a family member. I had such a social circle, but never asked anybody. I felt that what will people say. He has a hero in the house, so why is he approaching us? I am not calculative at all. I am sensitive and smart enough to not embarrass any one and ask them to do my film.

How did you meet your wife Maheep?
I had met her in Delhi at the premiere of Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja. She is from Australia, but she used to come to Delhi for her holidays to her grandparents. She was planning to do modelling. When I started seeing her, I thought it would be a fling till we started seeing each other seriously, till we got married 5 years later.

What do you like most about her?
That besides being a hot looking girl, she is not materialistic at all. Also, her family is great. I value my parents a lot and when I met her family, I liked them a lot too.

Both your brothers have been more successful than you. Did that make you envious?
No, I used to see Boney and I would feel he has so many problems, be it financial, personal and everything, I would rather be born as Sanjay Kapoor again. In Anil's case, while he has been very successful, he was always busy with work and hardly had any friends. The best time I had with Anil was in 1997, when I had gone on a world tour with him. That was the best bond we shared for that one month and he was superb. He has been the flagship brand within our family and he became the first star to have given us the standing when we moved from Chembur. Today whatever we are, it is to do with Anil's initial success. Anil and Boney were a lethal combination and were solid together. Success is a very relative term. I feel that I live in a great house, have great children, have great parents and am happy. In fact, I feel that I am happier than both of them and I would rather be me.

Who were your parents most attached to?
They were most attached to Boney, may be because he was the oldest or due to his nature, but my dad (Surinder Kapoor), till his last, was very proud of all four of his children. He was a very content and a positive man. Amongst his grandchildren, he was most attached to Arjun. Whenever we see old pictures I see he was always holding Arjun. Even Arjun was very close to him. Mom never goes for trials. But the day dad died, she had gone to the trial of Mausam at Yash Raj. Dad was going for a walk and had gone to drop her. He came to know that Arjun too was there for some work, so he called for Arjun who said that he would take 5 more minutes to come down. Dad told the driver, 'I am getting late for my walk, I can't wait for Arjun. Let's go.' He went away and he went for a walk and felt uneasy after which he died. When Arjun returned home, he felt very guilty about missing to see his dadu. He was shattered. When I saw him, I didn't know whether I should weep over my father's death or control Arjun. Mom till today feels that had she been at home that day, she may have been able to save him. But dad lived a full life and went very peacefully.